Liam McNally
Bacchus March State Emergency Service (SES) unit is warning hikers that trekking through Lerderderg Gorge is “no walk in the park”.
The SES issued the warning after being called to four rescues in gorge between December 29 and January 8.
The first incident on December 29 involved an injured hiker.
SES crews and paramedics were required to hike for just over an hour until they were able to locate the injured hiker, who had fallen on a steep and isolated section of track.
An air ambulance was called to assist in the safe removal of the patient from the site, via a winch.
The following evening, SES Bacchus Marsh unit volunteers once again returned to Lerderderg Gorge to assist police and Parks Victoria in locating a lost hiker.
The crews found the lost man within 90 minutes and were able to escort him back to the car park.
On January 8, SES responded to two incidents. The first call was to support Gisborne SES unit with a two-vehicle crash on Obriens Road.
SES crews winched a vehicle to safely extricate a patient and assisted Ambulance Victoria crews with the treatment of several patients.
The second call was for an unwell hiker.
The SES said the group had underestimated the intensity of the gorge on a hot day and had no water left. One female was treated for heat related injuries and the remainder of the hiking group escorted to safety.
In a Facebook post, SES Bacchus Marsh said the Lerderderg Gorge is “no walk in the park”.
“It is difficult terrain. Be prepared, take sufficient supplies, consider the weather forecast, use a reliable map.”
SES Bacchus Marsh unit controller Bill Robson said there are presently heightened terrain risks in Lerderderg, with trees down in certain areas and washed-out tracks following recent rain.
“Our volunteers are always committed to the safety of our community and are ready to respond 24-7, but we’d love people to be well prepared and take appropriate precautions,” he said.
