Buchan Caves Reserve is jointly managed by Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) and Parks Victoria. The caves reserve area was, and continues to be, an important meeting place for Gunaikurnai. Buchan Caves Reserve is also noted for aesthetic, scientific, and historical significance and is included on the Victorian Heritage Register. The reserve was damaged in the 2019/20 fires, destroying park assets including accommodation and visitor facilities, and impacting biodiversity and cultural values.

As part of the Buchan Caves Reserve fire recovery project, Parks Victoria is seeking to engage a supplier to deliver the reconstruction of key assets which were lost to bushfire, namely:

• Buchan Caves Reserve Guide Hut

Construction of a replacement guide hut for use as a restroom for guides leading cave tours, inclusive of kitchen and bathroom facilities and covered veranda.

• Fairy Caves Entrance

Construction of a replacement timber and steel heritage-listed roof structure above the entry to Fairy Cave

Draft detailed designs of both structures are complete, and a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) is underway with an expected completion date of August 2023. A Heritage Victoria permit has been granted for the construction of the Guide Hut and a permit exemption has been received for the construction of Fairy Caves Entrance.

Parks Victoria will be seeking proposals from suitably qualified and experienced contractors to carry out the works proposed above. A public (single stage) tender will be made available on the Buying for Victoria website in mid 2023.

Tenderers should note that the project is registered with the Industry Capability Network (ICN), and tenderers will be required to submit a Local Industry Development Plan (LIDP) as part of their tender submission.