Some Otways tracks closed for the winter

SOME roads and tracks in Victoria’s forests and parks located in the Barwon South West region have been temporarily closed during winter and spring.

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and Parks Victoria run the Seasonal Road Closure program to ensure driver safety and to protect forest and park roads from damage during the cooler months.

FFMVic regional manager for forest and fire planning Tim Gazzard said the second and main round of the road closures for 2018 came into effect from June 14.

“This follows the initial round of closures, which came into effect from May 1.

“The seasonal road closure program is an important procedure during winter and spring.

“It helps limit the damage done to forest roads and tracks during the wetter seasons and in doing so, ensures dangerous and difficult to negotiate sections of road are closed to ensure motorist safety.

“These measures also help maintain water quality in rivers, creeks and reservoirs by reducing the amount of erosion and silt washed away from roads and tracks.

“We encourage the social and recreational use of Victoria’s beautiful natural resources, including four-wheel driving, but some sections of the forest road network would rapidly disintegrate if opened for the entire year.

“Parks and reserves in the Barwon South West region that will have road closures include:
• Dergholm State Park
• Great Otway National Park
• Narrawong Flora Reserve
• Port Campbell National Park, and
• Otway Forest Park.

“Together FFMVic and Parks Victoria consult with a range of stakeholders, including Four Wheel Drive Victoria, to identify sections of the road network which require closures.

“Most of the roads and tracks are re-opened in time for the Melbourne Cup Weekend, but the closure period can be extended if the conditions demand it.”

To plan a trip and check road closures, head to ffm.vic.gov.au/visiting-state-forests/forestand- road-closures.

For information on seasonal closures in parks, including opening and closing dates, head to parkweb.vic.gov.au/safety/closures/seasonalroad- closures2.

You can also contact your local DELWP office by phoning 13 61 86 or Parks Victoria on 13 19 63.