THE Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) has reminded drivers Mount Clay State Forest has seasonal road closures in place.
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DEPI, Parks Victoria and Four Wheel Drive Victoria work closely together to assess and close vehicles during the winter months in the interests of visitor safety.
DEPI far south west district fire manager Michael Davies said driving on the closed roads was illegal, unsafe and caused significant damage to the environment.
“The seasonal road closures have been in place since June and will remain in place until early November,” Mr Davies said.
“Through our regular forest patrols we have been noticing several breaches to the closures and vandalised gates to give vehicles access to closed tracks.
"DEPI authorised officers have increased patrols of the roads and tracks within Mount Clay State Forest to ensure compliance with these roads closures.
“We have also installed motion sensing cameras throughout the forest to provide information on illegal activities and assist with processing infringement notices.
“Driving off forest roads on verges and through table drains (culvert run-offs) is also illegal.
"DEPI and Parks Victoria encourage Victorians to visit the state's parks and forests, and manage them for the benefit of the community but it's critical that visitors adhere to changing local conditions.
"Seasonal road closures are designed to ensure the forests can be enjoyed now and well into the future.”
Anyone with information on these incidents can contact DEPI on 136 186.
For more information about road closures visit www.depi.vic.gov.au.