Urging Responsible Recreation Amidst Holiday Season in Victoria
As the holiday season approaches, locals are being reminded by the Conservation Regulator, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Parks Victoria to engage in responsible recreational activities in the state’s forests and parks. Activities such as trail bike-riding, four-wheel driving, and camping are popular during the summer, but certain rules are in place to ensure the safety of all.
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Patrolling officers will be on the lookout for illegal off-road activity, littering, and unsafe campfires, emphasizing the importance of following the rules and signage to protect oneself, others, and the environment. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Andrew Morrow stated, “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.”
Before setting out, it is recommended to check for any local closures on the Parks Victoria website or mapshare.vic.gov.au/mapsharevic/. Trail bike-riders and four-wheel drivers are required to be licensed, with vehicles registered, and they are only permitted to use formed roads and tracks. This is critical to protect the environment and other forest users.
Violators of these rules may face on-the-spot fines of $185 or up to $500 if the matter is taken to court. Additionally, damaging, disturbing, or destroying wildlife habitat can result in a fine of more than $9000.
Visitors are also urged to be responsible when building and maintaining campfires. Campfires should never be left unattended and should be put out with water, not soil. They should be cool to the touch before being left. Furthermore, all rubbish must be taken home and not dumped or burned.
Any illegal vehicle use or rubbish dumping witnessed on public land can be reported on 136 186. For more information about the rules in state forests, including those regarding campfires and vehicle use, visit vic.gov.au/rules-in-state-forests.
