Eagle Bay bushfire: Meelup Regional Park remains closed in aftermath of devastating blaze

As police continue to investigate the suspicious bushfire that burnt through more than 200ha of property in the South West, parts of an idyllic tourist destination remains closed to the public. City of Busselton announced on Friday certain areas of the Meelup Regional Park would remain closed for an extended period of time while crews worked to make the area safe again. Members of the public have been encouraged to observe reduced speed signage and not stop in the fire-affected areas, along with adhering to any road or trail closures. City of Busselton Lord Mayor Grant Henley said the City was working in partnership with the Meelup Regional Park Committee, the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, FAWNA and other stakeholders to ensure the burn area’s best possible recovery. “We will continue to keep the community informed of post-burn planning works and when the park can be reopened to members of the public,” he said. “I implore the community to adhere to signage and not be tempted to remove barriers, tape or fencing put in place. “This is in an effort to minimise the current safety risk and further damage to the park.” It comes just days after an out-of-control bushfire ravaged through Meelup Regional Park and Eagle Bay, turning a paradise playground into a nightmare for up to 1000 holiday-makers and residents and trapping hundreds before they were able to escape. The massive blaze took hold at 8pm on Monday, ripping through Meelup Regional Park and tourist haven Eagle Bay at such speed that firefighters were unable to gain a footing until Tuesday morning. The fire destroyed 225ha of land, only briefly bypassing the destruction of home and buildings while more than 150 firefighters from stations as far as Perth worked to successfully secure containment lines. Mayor Henley also expressed gratitude for emergency service volunteers and agencies, as well as the general community for the “incredible effort” in defending lives, homes and properties. “I thank everyone for their patience and co-operation during what was an extremely tough time.” Meelup Regional Park contains 11.5km of coastline between Dunsborough and Bunker Bay, featuring Meelup Beach and Eagle Bay, with other points of interest being Gannett Rock, Rocky Point, Castle Bay, Curtis Bay and Point Picquet.