Parks Victoria, Forest Fire Management Victoria and the Conservation Regulator are urging Victorians to be extra prepared before visiting parks and forests this summer.
This summer will be different – flooding is ongoing in some areas, and above-average rainfall is expected to continue into the first part of summer. In some areas vegetation growth stimulated by the wet spring has started to dry out, increasing the risk of grass fires.
“Safety is our top priority and we’re asking people to plan ahead, be mindful of the situation and prepared for changing conditions,” Parks Victoria Executive Director Visitor Experience Lisa Patroni said.
“It will take time for flood waters to recede and to reopen our campsites, visitor areas and access roads. We will work with Traditional Owners, communities and the wider Victorian Government to ensure this happens.”
Even where the rain has stopped, the impacts of floods and storms will continue for months ahead. Things might not be as expected, and forecasts and park conditions may change rapidly.
“As a result of the floods, many of our state forest vehicle, bike, walking tracks and recreation sites are still temporarily closed or partially closed with access restrictions,” Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said.
“I encourage anyone thinking of getting out into the great outdoors to take care, take note of signage and closures, keep an eye on weather conditions and be prepared to change plans if necessary.”
Many campsites and access roads, particularly near rivers in northern Victoria, such as along the Murray River, are closed or partially closed and will remain so until they are safe to access.
Visitor safety is a key priority for public land managers. With many parks and campsites badly affected, we’re asking people to be prepared for changing conditions.
In areas where public land has been heavily impacted by flood and storm closures and restrictions, consider alternative activities that support surrounding communities.
When visiting parks and forests:
Before you leave home
Check if the park or forest is open and its conditions at parks.vic.gov.au or ffm.vic.gov.au/forest-and-road-closures
Check if roads are open and their conditions
Pay attention to all signage and barriers, they are in place for your safety
Avoid camping, picnicking and parking under trees as wet, loose ground is causing them to fall without warning
Take care when using roads and tracks, they are likely to be slippery, have surface damage and soft edges
Reconsider the type of activities you will undertake in flood-affected areas
More safety advice is available on the Parks Victoria website.
For up-to-date information on park closures and impacts on Parks Victoria estate, visit Flood and Storm Affected Parks. For information on road and forest closures on DELWP-managed land, visit ffm.vic.gov.au/forest-and-road-closures. For public safety, Authorised Officers from DELWP, Parks Victoria and the Conservation Regulator will also be patrolling forests, parks and reserves targeting illegal off-road activity, littering and unsafe campfires. It is an offence to use closed roads and areas.
Where safe to do so, crews have begun assessment and recovery work across the state, but it will take time to reopen roads, campsites and visitor areas, particularly in hard-hit areas like northern Victoria.
