Forest and park track closures in Victoria’s north-east

TO ensure track surfaces are protected from damage during the wetter months, select tracks in Victoria’s forests and parks’ north-east region have been temporarily closed.

The first official changes came into effect at the start of this month, with the closure of the remaining tracks taking place today.

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and Parks Victoria implemented the closures chiefly to protect the tracks, but also for driver safety.

“The program assists to mitigate damage to forest roads and tracks during the wetter months,” said Hume’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Gill Metz. “It also ensures dangerous and difficult sections of road are closed for driver 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.

Some of the tracks closed in Alpine National Park include McCready Track, Davies Plain Track and King Plain Track.

“Some roads and tracks will also be closed east of Jamieson, in the Toombullup State Forest and Mt Stirling,” Metz added. “There will also be track, road and bridge closures in the Strathbogie, Toolangi, Tallarook and Rubicon State Forests.”

2

Access tracks to recreational areas in the region may also be closed, so before taking off on an adventure, tourers are advised to visit the Forest Fire Management Victoria website here.

The tracks are expected to re-open in time for the Melbourne Cup long weekend, on November 3-6.