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Watch out for seasonal road closures this winter

Plan ahead before you travel to forests and state parks this winter. Photo: Parks Victoria

To help protect parks and forests during the wet and snow seasons, there will be temporary road and track closures across Victoria.

Starting on June 11, these closures will be enforced by Parks Victoria, the Conservation Regulator and Forest Fire Management Victoria, and will last until November.

The seasonal closures aim to safeguard sensitive environments, including waterways and cultural heritage sites, and protect critical road infrastructure used by firefighters during summer emergencies.

They also help prevent accidents on remote roads dampened by heavy rain or snow.

Autorised officers will educate visitors about the changes during the King’s Birthday long weekend, with increased patrols throughout the closures.

“Ignorance is no excuse. We ask drivers and riders to take the time to understand and respect seasonal road closures across Victoria,” senior manager for enforcement at Parks Victoria Mark Breguet said.

Offenders can face penalties of up to $3846 if prosecuted. Visitors are encouraged to check road closures and weather forecasts before travelling, and report any illegal vehicle use on public land to 136 186.

You can find closure information for state and national parks at https://tinyurl.com/3pfzhwnv and closures for state forests at https://tinyurl.com/bdd73pvu