Four Wheel Drive Victoria have been reminded by Forest Fire Management Victoria that Labour Day long weekend travellers heading for Victoria’s great outdoors have been urged to stay safe and keep public land clean.
The Conservation Regulator, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and Parks Victoria are urging visitors to spend their time on public land responsibly, particularly when extinguishing their campfires and cleaning up at the end of their stay.
Authorised officers from all three agencies will be patrolling forests, parks and reserves targeting littering and unsafe campfires.
Whether staying for a day or the whole weekend, visitors to Victoria’s parks and forests are reminded not to leave rubbish behind at the end of their stay.
Disappointingly, authorised officers have detected 219 cases of illegal rubbish dumping on Victorian public land over the recent summer period.
Dumping of rubbish on public land is illegal and can have significant impacts on the environment and human health. All rubbish must be taken home, not dumped or burned.
On a positive note, there was a reduction in the number of unattended campfires reported over the summer period. However, it is important that campers continue to build and keep safe campfires.
This means considering where and how to build a campfire and never leaving it unattended, even for a short time. Campfires should be put out with water, not soil, and be cool to the touch before leaving.
Anyone who witnesses illegal vehicle use or rubbish dumping on public land is encouraged to report it on 136 186.
For more information about rules in state forests, including campfires and vehicle use, visit www.vic.gov.au/rules-in-state-forests
Quote attributable to Chris Hardman, Chief Fire Officer
“If you are taking the opportunity to get away this long weekend, remember to play by the rules in our state forests and parks.”
Quote attributable to Kate Gavens, Chief Conservation Regulator
“We ask visitors to take any rubbish home with them and to take extra care with campfires. They can check the official weather forecasts and warnings at bom.gov.au and VicEmergency.”
Quote attributable to David Nugent, Director Fire, Emergency and Enforcement, Parks Victoria
“Remember to check the Parks Victoria website for the latest updates before you head into nature this long weekend. There is a wealth of information about camping and hiking safely and respectfully, firewood regulations and fire safety.”
Photo by the True Grit 4WD Club
