Forest groups urging for a safe summer

THE State’s national park, reserve and forest authorities are encouraging everyone to be responsible when visiting public land over the holidays.

Parks Victoria, the Conservation Regulator and Forest Fire Management Victoria are urging everyone to practice safe behaviour when camping, trail bike-riding and four-wheel driving.

With the summer season underway, officers from each group will be out on patrol looking for illegal driving, littering and unsafe campfires.

Grampians acting deputy chief fire officer David Sayce urged everyone to follow the rules when visiting state parks.

“If you are taking the opportunity to get away these holidays and enjoy our state forests and parks, please obey all rules and signage to protect yourselves, others and the environment and have a wonderful time,” he said.

Some sites will also be closed over the holidays including Firth Park and roads such as Mount Lonarch Road and Chettle Road, while flood recovery works are ongoing at the Wail State Forest and Rocklands Reservoir.

Heavy machinery will also be in use throughout forest roads while some dirt roads and tracks will also be closed to allow for repairs due to flood damages.

Road closures can be viewed at Parks Victoria’s website.

Trail bike and four-wheel drive users must be licensed with registered vehicles and are only permitted to drive on formed roads.

Illegal riding or driving activity can result in fines of up to $500 while harming wildlife habitats can mean penalties of more than $9000.

Those building campfires are encouraged to build it in a safe spot, to not leave it unattended and to ensure it’s put out with water and cool to the touch before leaving it.

All rubbish must be taken home.

Witnesses are encouraged to report any unsafe illegal activity by calling 136 186.