The temporary closures are part of a Parks and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning seasonal road closure program.

The department’s Wimmera planned burning team leader Glenn Rudolph said closing tracks and roads aimed to ensure driver safety, and protect forest and park roads from damage during cold and wet weather.

“Some forest roads and tracks in the Wimmera are closed early because the roads and tracks in our parks and forests have the potential to become wet,” she said.

“The closures are important because our forest roads and tracks become much more difficult for drivers to use safely in this period.

“Tracks in the Wimmera that will be closed from June include some within the Meereek, Durong and Youngs State Forest and also some sections of Mackenzie Creek.” 

Mr Rudolph said some tracks would be significantly damage if they were open year-round.

“We assess them each year and, after consultation with stakeholders including Four Wheel Drive Victoria, close any that require it,” he said.

“By protecting park roads and tracks we can reduce erosion and cut the amount of silt that is washed into rivers, creeks and reservoirs.” 

Mr Rudolph said most of the roads and tracks would be re-opened in time for the weekend before the Melbourne Cup, on October 29 and 30.

He said people could visit www.depi.vic.gov.au/forestry-and-land-use/visiting-parks-and-forests/visiting-state-forests/public-access-map and click on the ‘visiting parks and forests’ section to see Wimmera road and track closures.

He said people could also visit www.parks.vic.gov.au or call 136 186 for more information.