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Forest roads and tracks re-opened to the public

30 October 2009

Hundreds of roads and tracks across Victoria will be re-opened tomorrow part of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria’s seasonal road closure program.

“These roads and tracks were closed over winter and spring for public safety and to protect track surfaces as well as water quality and the forest environment” DSE Statewide Roading Manager Peter McHugh said.

“Most of the closed roads and tracks which we are re-opening tomorrow are part of the regular seasonal closures but many of them are also in areas affected by the devastating 2009 bushfires.

"Most roads closed since the destructive fires in the Marysville and Murrindindi areas will re-open tomorrow following significant on-ground works by DSE crews, including tracks in the fire affected area known as ‘The Triangle’ (an area of forest between Marysville, Buxton and Narbethong).

“Significant further works are still required to re-open all tracks in fire affected areas, particularly the removal of dangerous trees and replacement of bridges and river crossings.” (For detailed information on which roads and tracks remain closed due to fires, please refer to the websites below.)

Parks Victoria Four Wheel Drive Program Manager Gail Wright said: “It is important that motorists drive safely when re-entering areas of State Forest and parks following the closures.

“Some of our parks and forests have had significant rainfall over recent weeks and we urge Victorians to use these tracks and roads safely and responsibly,” Ms Wright said.

“This includes sticking to designated roads and tracks, taking your rubbish home with you and taking particular care with campfires.

“Victorians love their parks and forests. Each year we re-open most tracks after the winter closures in time for the Melbourne Cup weekend.

"We'd also like to thank the volunteers from Four Wheel Drive Victoria for their help in re-opening tracks across East Gippsland."

See recreational areas affected by fire and view our interactive map or bushfire information and road/track closures & access for further details.

If you require further informaion about road closures contact the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or Parks Victoria on 131 963.

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