Parks Victoria, the Conservation Regulator and Forest Fire Management Victoria enforce seasonal closures between June and November every year when sensitive environments including waterways, cultural heritage and public access tracks are most vulnerable to damage.
FFMV Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said these measures also safeguarded critical road infrastructure used by firefighters during summer emergencies and protected motorists from accidents on remote roads softened by heavy rain or snow.
“We want you to enjoy your visit to our forests over winter, but please respect road closures,” Mr Hardman said.
“They are closed to protect the environment or because winter conditions make them unsafe for you or emergency services should you fall or have an accident.”
Authorised officers will be educating visitors about the upcoming changes in busy parks and forests during the King’s Birthday long weekend, followed by increased patrols and surveillance over the 2024 closure period.
In 2023, public land authorities recorded more than 380 breaches of gates or closed roads and 800 instances of illegal vehicle use across Victoria’s parks and forests.
Authorised officers issued 181 infringements totalling more than $60,000 to people caught driving cars or riding trail bikes illegally off-road or in restricted areas.
Offenders caught driving or riding on a closed road in Victoria’s parks and forests face a maximum penalty of up to $3846 if prosecuted in court.
Local conditions and weather can affect the timing and locations of road closures. If you are heading out for a drive or trail bike ride on public land, please take care by planning your trip and seeing which roads are open and suitable for your vehicle before leaving home. You can find closures information for state and national parks at this link www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/safety-in-nature/seasonal-road-closures/ and state forests here ffm.vic.gov.au/forest-and-road-closures/
The public is also encouraged to check the weather forecast before any trips and to download the VicEmergency app for emergency information, including severe weather alerts and warnings.
The public can help protect sensitive environments by reporting any illegal vehicle use on public land to 136 186.
