Proposed Road & Track closures submission (South West Area)

[andrew_wale]

G'day.

Not sure if people have access to the FWDV Association Forum.
This may interest to some people in the club.

It affects some areas our club members frequently visit.
i.e
Wambat State Forest
Paddy's Swamp
And there are others I have not even heard of before.

Here is the link to the discussion thread on the FWDV forum as I can not upload the PDF Document.
http://forums.fwdvictoria.org.au/viewto ... f=17&t=125

[Mock]

You need to be a member of the forum to view the thread, can you copy and paste it.

Mick

[andrew_wale]

Mock.

I tried to copy paste the PDF but it does not let me.
He is the text, not as good as the original but at least it gives you the idea.

Proposed Road and Single-Track Closure – South West Area
SUBMISSION
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA
2nd March 2009
1
Table of Contents
Four Wheel Drive Victoria........................................................................................3
The Consultation Period............................................................................................4
Documenting the Tracks............................................................................................5
Four Wheel Drive Victoria’s Submission..................................................................5
Herberts..................................................................................................................6
Painkalac Reservoir...............................................................................................6
Breakfast Creek......................................................................................................6
Tanners...................................................................................................................6
Paddy’s Swamp North...........................................................................................7
Paddy’s Swamp West............................................................................................7
Wombat State Forest..............................................................................................7
Fire Safety Issues in these track closures...................................................................8
Addressing the Real Issues........................................................................................8
DSE’s Road Register.................................................................................................9
Request for Meeting regarding Proposed Track Closures.........................................9
Supporting Materials................................................................................................10
2
Four Wheel Drive Victoria
Four Wheel Drive Victoria is the peak motoring body that represents the interests of four wheel drive clubs and drivers in Victoria.
The Victorian Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs was formed over 30 years ago in response to a push by clubs that saw a need for a coordinated state based approach to Four Wheel Drive issues and a need to promote four-wheel driving as a legitimate recreational activity. A considerable part of its energy is devoted to ensuring four wheel drive tracks remain open for use by both our own and other recreational groups who share a love of the bush, and the need for a four wheel drive vehicle to enjoy their recreation.
Adopting the mantra of “Driving in a sustainable environment” our Association has established itself in the modern four wheel drive environment having regard to the interest of protecting the land in which we tour, supporting the communities in which we travel and contributing to the State’s economic health to the extent of over $100 million dollars annually.
Victoria contains some of the best four wheel driving in the country, and is the only state that can offer a diversity of four wheel drive tracks that encompass experiences ranging from desert to snow. It is no coincidence that Four Wheel Drive Victoria also maintains excellent and ongoing relations with the state's land managers and plays an active part in ensuring that tracks are used in a way that minimises any impact from four wheel drive use.
The Association is the umbrella body for all affiliated four wheel drive clubs in Victoria, and represents the interests of all recreational four wheel drivers in Victoria. It is presently made up of some 77 clubs who in turn have a membership totalling many thousands of four-wheel drive enthusiasts. Each affiliated club is invited to have a say in how the Association operates, through regular meetings, contact with the elected committee, or assistance in the various supporting sub committees. Operating from a staffed office in North Balwyn, the Association represents almost every active four wheel drive club in Victoria, and the number of clubs is growing.
The Associations mission is:
• To promote and advance four wheel drive touring as a responsible recreation.
• To promote vehicle based dispersed bush camping.
• To encourage and foster the development of Four Wheel Drive Clubs.
• To promote an active interest in conservation and the protection of the environment.
• To co-ordinate and promote the activities of affiliated clubs, members, and associated bodies, and sporting activities.
• To acquire, preserve and disseminate information relating to the recreation of four wheel driving.
There are a number of sub committees, and activities undertaken within the organisation include:
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• The Driver Training Unit which trains the trainers for club training and trains the public at large in 4WD driver training.
• The Track committee which reviews the state of Victoria’s tracks assists in the maintenance and development of track policies together with the code of conduct for bush and outback travel and liaise with government on these issues.
• The Enviro-technical Committee establishing an environmental management plan with respect to the four wheel drive environment.
• The Publications division which disseminates information through Trackwatch, the Association’s prime magazine, Monthly newsletters and the Association’s involvement with Talking Four Wheel Drive every Saturday at 10:00am on the Community Radio: Stereo 97.4 FM.
• The Board of Management which creates the policies of the Association including Land Management, Vehicle Control regulations, Four Wheel Drive Environmental Levy, Memorandum of Understanding with Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment and deals with issues with Government and Land Management agencies.
The Association actively supports four wheel drive and camping shows and has a number of affiliations with other organisations having similar interests. The Association is also part of the Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council which deals with four wheel drive issues nationally including a national four wheel drive motor vehicle insurance scheme.
We encourage everyone to join a four-wheel drive club. Not only to gain further driver education, but to experience and learn from the many club members about their experiences and more. Four Wheel Drive Victoria is supporting four wheel driving in a sustainable environment today and for the future.
The Consultation Period
Late last year at the Great Otway National Park 4WD Liaison Committee meeting on Tuesday 11th November our 4WD regional representatives for the Otway region were notified by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) that track closures would be proposed in the area in relation to a trail bike project currently underway.
We consequently had regional representatives attend the Trail Bike Project – East Otways – Community Reference Group on Thursday 11th December 2008 where the topic of proposed track closures was on the agenda. No details of the proposed track closures were provided to our regional representatives at any of these meetings. However, our regional representatives were advised that further detail was to be provided in Mid January.
On the 16th of January, an email was sent to our regional representatives with a notification that the Proposed Road and Single-Track Closures - South West Area 4
plan would be made available to the public on the DSE website on 19th January. This plan provided limited information about which tracks of the rehabilitation areas 2009 were affected by this plan. The initial plan includes maps, where only the tracks that are not included in the plan were highlighted. As a result of this limited transparency, FWDV requested further information from DSE on the 28th January 2009.
On Friday 30th January our affiliated clubs were provided with reasonably detailed maps of these proposed track closures. These maps were further discussed at the Great Otway National Park 4WD Liaison Committee meeting on 10 February 2009 and it was agreed that our affiliated club members would document the tracks that were proposed to be closed.
Documenting the Tracks
On the weekend 14th to 16th February, members of Geelong Four Wheel Drive Club Inc and Bellarine 4X4 Club Inc (FWDV affiliated clubs) covered all tracks that are proposed to be closed, as under the Proposed Road and Single-Track Closures - South West Area plan. The data gathered during this weekend form the basis of our submission.
Recommendations regarding the proposed track closures in the Wombat State Forest have been received by the President of Melton & District 4WD Club, who is another FWDV regional representative and this information will also be included in this submission.
FWDV provide you with the following information and would like to discuss our submission with you at a designated meeting related to these proposed track closures in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Parks Victoria (PV), DSE and FWDV (4(g) Track use and closures).
Four Wheel Drive Victoria’s Submission
The Proposed Road and Single-Track Closures - South West Area plan suggested track closures in the following six areas of the Otway Forest District (Otway Forest Park and Great Otway National Park):
• Herberts
• Painkalac Reservoir
• Breakfast Creek
• Tanners
• Paddy’s Swamp North
• Paddy’s Swamp West
The following information has been based on recommendations provided by our regional representatives and forms the basis of our submission. To make our comments and recommendations more comprehensible, they have been divided into the six areas mentioned above. Another two track closures were proposed in the Wombat State Forest and these will be addressed under a separate heading: Wombat State Forest. 5
Herberts
We fully understand and support the Reference Area in the Herbert’s area, and as long as the existing 4WD tracks are maintained as 4WD tracks, we have no objections to any of the track closures proposed in this area.
Painkalac Reservoir
As Painkalac Reservoir is an area of concern to water catchment, we do not believe that this is an area of key importance to 4WDers. We understand that water these days is a precious commodity and needs to be preserved. However, we are also of the opinion that there at least should be room for discussion on Duck Ponds Track and Iron Bark Spur Track.
Action:
Duck Ponds Track and Iron Bark Spur Track to be included in the MVO Access document
Breakfast Creek
Our affiliated club members have found during their documentation weekend that tracks have already been closed off in the Breakfast Creek area a couple of years back without the consultation of Four Wheel Drive Victoria. This is not acceptable to us. As mentioned in our previous letter dated 28th January, the Memorandum of Understanding between PV, DSE and FWDV states that proposals for permanent vehicle track closures by DSE and Parks Victoria will include timely and appropriate consultation with Four Wheel Drive Victoria. We do hope that DSE will not breach our Memorandum of Understanding in the future.
Nevertheless, whilst the remainder of Breakfast Creek area is already blocked off in most areas this area may remain as it is, with the exception of one track, which should be reinstated for fire safety reasons. We believe that there is a great potential for a fire hazard at the Sokel Camp Grounds, which suffered from the Ash Wednesday Fires and of recent times. Our immediate advice to prevent any mishap would be to reinstate a 4WD track from Sokel to Gum Flat Road, as the current situation presents a major safety issue to the general public!
Action:
We submit that the track from Sokel to Gum Flat be re-instated to address the current fire hazards in the area. To be determined as soon as possible – at the next 4WD Liaison Committee meeting Tuesday 10th of March 2009
Tanners
The track on the boundary of the Ford Proving Ground starting at Gum Flat Road and finishing at Tanners Road is a track of utmost importance for Fire Trail access and as a way of exiting the Park Area. It has been a track for numerous years and is being used as part of the 4WD training that our affiliated clubs undertake in this area. FWDV acknowledges that this track has not been proposed closed, but we would like to take the opportunity to emphasise the importance that this track has for fire safety as well as for the 4WD Community.
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The other tracks in the area are not of great importance to the 4WD community, as they have more character of single-tracks. Consequently, these tracks will be of higher importance to the Trail Bike Community than the 4WD Community. As a result of this, we have no issue with the tracks besides the one track mentioned above being closed in the Tanners area, as long as a consultation process between the Trail Bike Community and DSE is undertaken.
Action:
Maintain access to the track on the boundary of the Ford Proving Ground starting at Gum Flat Road and finishing at Tanners Road, as it is of great importance to 4WD Driver Training and as access to the Fire Trail.
Paddy’s Swamp North
FWDV and our affiliated clubs are opposed to the proposed track closures taking place in the Paddy’s Swamp North area, as these tracks are of great importance to the 4WD Community. We acknowledge that there may be a need to limit the noise or damages made by trail bikes in this area, but there is no need to close the area off for 4WD use.
If there is a need to address issues relating to creek crossings and erosion, our affiliated four wheel drive clubs make an excellent working force and will be keen to assist DSE in addressing these issues in other ways to ensure that we can continue to drive in a sustainable environment.
Action:
Tracks to remain open – education program on noise reduction with appropriate signposting to be developed and implemented.
Paddy’s Swamp West
FWDV and our affiliated clubs are opposed to the proposed track closures taking place in the Paddy’s Swamp West area, as these tracks are of great importance to the 4WD Community. We acknowledge that there may be a need to limit the noise or damages made by trail bikes in this area, but there is no need to close the area off for 4WD use.
If there is a need to address issues relating to creek crossings and erosion, our affiliated four wheel drive clubs make an excellent working force and will be keen to assist DSE in addressing these issues in other ways to ensure that we can continue to drive in a sustainable environment.
Action:
Tracks to remain open – education program on noise reduction with appropriate signposting to be developed and implemented.
Wombat State Forest
There were two proposed track closures for the Wombat State Forest. The Railway Track is proposed to be seasonally closed and the Stockyard Track is proposed to be permanently closed.
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FWDV objects to the proposed seasonal closure of the Railway Track. In the event of an emergency, the track can easily be closed under the legislation for that short term period.
FWDV objects to the permanent closure of the Stockyard Track. FWDV submits there is nothing wrong with this track, unless one does not have the ability to drive a 4WD. This issue can be managed by signage in accordance with the track classification program. It may have bog holes, which can be avoided and a clay uphill to the North West end with ruts, but the track is traversable to those with 4WD skills. The Stockyard Track is a through track and a classic wet track, which offers a great track for 4WD driver training and skills practice. Furthermore, it allows a good look at the closed-in canopy foliage of the vegetation and access to the highest point in the Wombat State Forest.
The Track Classification Project may be able to address the issues that DSE sees in relation to this track, as the track can be correctly signed to keep novices away. FWDV submits that it is not correct to close this track due to the proposed evidence of illegal use by motorised vehicles during the seasonally closed period, as this is not addressing the real issue. FWDV strongly opposes any drivers vandalising the environment. However, their stupid and inconsiderate behaviour should not have a negative effect on all other drivers. In addition to this, FWDV is concerned that the drivers that have unfortunately driven this track illegally will seek a challenge elsewhere and again cause mass track closures to sustainable drivers.
Action:
FWDV requires that the Railway Track remains open to the General Public and that it is classified under the normal process of the Track Classification Project. In the event of an emergency, the track can easily be closed under the legislation for that short term period.
FWDV requires that the Stockyard Track remains open to the General Public and that it is classified under the normal process of the Track Classification Project.
Fire Safety Issues in these track closures
It is vital to have more than one entry/exit point to an area for the safety of the general public, especially in recent times when bushfires seems to be more regular and fiercer in their destruction. With more than 30 tracks proposed to be closed there is an increased risk for fire hazards in the area. How will DSE address these? How will these track closures affect DSE’s fuel reduction burns in the future? How will these track closures affect the emergency response time in relation to bushfires? FWDV requests that DSE re-consider many of these track closures, while keeping in mind the safety of the general public.
Addressing the Real Issues
All the tracks in this Proposed Road and Single-Track Closures - South West Area plan are drivable 4WD tracks and have been in the area for more than 20 years. Our affiliated clubs uses these areas as a training ground, as well as for social activities 8
and recreational driving. If all of these tracks are to be closed, drivers will have to go greater distances.
It is mentioned in this plan that the majority of the tracks have been created illegally. FWDV does not approve of this type of behaviour, but since the majority of these tracks were created 20 or so years ago, this consultation process is essential and we look forward to your positive response to these recommendations.
FWDV does believe that mass track closures are not addressing the issues caused by people driving illegally in these areas, only law enforcement, education and awareness campaigns will. If these track closures go ahead, it makes you wonder if the people that created the tracks in the first place will not just go elsewhere and create new illegal tracks and, consequently, more environmental damage. It seems that by proposing mass track closures, DSE is not properly addressing the issue, but just pushing it aside until DSE or even PV will have to deal with illegal tracks in other geographical locations.
FWDV has adopted the mantra ‘Driving in a Sustainable Environment’ and we do not support anyone vandalising the environment. We have consequently created a ‘Dob in a Hoon’ form that our affiliated members can download, so they can report back to the Association if they see people doing the wrong thing. This seems to work and convictions have already taken place, where our ‘Dob in a Hoon’ form instigated the investigation.
FWDV and our affiliated club members also help DSE and PV in a variety of other areas during working bees. Our members are vital in keeping tracks clear for the safety of the general public, providing information during camp host programs and re-building and conserving huts and other structures in need of maintenance. Our affiliated members form an effective working group and are pleased to be able to help land managers address issues of concern throughout the year. Perhaps, we can help DSE address these issues as well, instead of mass-closing tracks in this area.
DSE’s Road Register
FWDV would like to see the following tracks included in DSE’s Road Register:
• Herbert – any 4WD tracks that may not be recognised as legal tracks in DSE’s Road Register
• Breakfast Creek – 4WD track from Sokel to Gum Flat
• Tanners – track starting at Gum Flat Road and finishing at Tanners Road
• All tracks in the Paddy’s Swamp West and North areas
• Painkalac Reservoir - Duck Ponds Track and Iron Bark Spur Track.
Request for Meeting regarding Proposed Track Closures
FWDV looks forward to the implementation of the track classification program together with education and appropriate signage being implemented, as we see cooperation with forest park users and education is the way forward for our sustainable environmental recreation.
FWDV acknowledges that the development of partnerships and effective
9
communication is a key to achieving a more sustainable environment. As a result of a less successful communication process, FWDV would like to further support our submission at a designated meeting between the regional representatives and decision makers within DSE and FWDV and if needed PV.
This meeting will allow us to further discuss the information we have provided face to face and with a decent size map to refer to as well as discuss the reasons for the individual track closures. It will allow staff members of DSE to provide their reasoning to the individual track closures and our regional representatives to further provide their point of view. Such a meeting we believe will allow us to come to agreement, even though this may mean compromise on both parts.
Supporting Materials
The following pages will provide supporting materials in form of a map with recorded log and waypoints and photos documenting each track traveled during the weekend 14th to 16th February.

This submission is dated 2nd March 2009
Signed,
Louise Munk Klint
Research & Strategy Officer
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[Mock]

Thought it may have been a fire related thing to do with the current situation.

Thanks Andrew.

Mick

[andrew_wale]

Hey Mock.
I think this is the list you are after. These are the tracks closed due to the fires.

Road Closures
*All of Road/Track closed to the public, unless otherwise states.
Burnyip State Park Tarago State Forest
Gentle Annie Tk Limberlost Rd
Forest Rd Phasmid Tk
LabertoucheSouthern Park to Tea Tree Rd Phasmid Ridge Rd
Tea Tree Rd (Sect 1) Spion Kopje Creek Tk
Tea Tree Rd (Sect 2) Spion Kopje
Tea Tree Tk Limberlost Rd
Tin Mine Track Silvertop Ridge Rd
Western Tk Davis Rd
Quartz Creek tk BT Divide Tk
Bullock Link Tk Bellbird Creek Tk
Rocky Tk Spencer Rd
Robertson Ck Tk
Black Snake Ck Rd Proposch Rd
Bunyip River Rd North Hells Gate
Burgess Rd East of Steering Wheel Track Massa Track
Hakea Tk Quartz Creek Rd
Reids Tk Bullock Link Track
Towts Rd South Hells Gate
Watsons Track Dugout Track
Channel Track Robertson Creek Fireline
Anderson Tk Last Creek Track
Ash Landing Rd Stolls Road
Blue Range Rd Forbidden Rd
Blue Range Rd Ext. Eltons Road
Bunyip Ridge Tk BT Divide Track
Little Bunyip Tk
Nash Creek Loop Tk

Bunyip State Forest
East BeenakPowerlines to Bunyip Road
Bunyip Valley Road
Robbies Track
Mt Beenak RFryers Hill Track to Fire Tower
Fifth Dam Track
Settlement Creek Road
Gilderoy Road
Fishers Track
Chancellors Spur Track
Bunyip Ridge Road
Adam Track
Worrley Hill Track
Head Creek Track
Learmonths Turners Road to Bunyip Road
Dick Hill Track
Kobiolke Road
Pioneer Cre Pioneer fireline to Kobiolkes Road
Walker Track

These are available on the http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/
http://forums.fwdvictoria.org.au/viewto ... f=17&t=109

[gwagensteve]

We drove Stockyard track (Wombat) today.

I can understand the reasoning for closure - there are bogholes close to the creek and in some cases it looks like silt from them will wash directly into the creek.

It's certainly not a difficult track though. Drove it without wheelspin in 2WD high range. It's in probably the nicest piece of forest in the park though. It's a lovely cool, wet gully.

Steve.

[andrew_wale]

G'day.

As the club has a trip to Paddy's swamp this weekend.
I think a number of members would be interested in the letter from FWDVA.
The original letter is in PDF, but I can not upload it to this forum.. Forgive me for the formating of it.

Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc ABN 40 891 301 368
trading as Four Wheel Drive Victoria
RSL Hall, Centreway Greythorn Vic
PO Box 1015G BALWYN NORTH, VIC 3104
Tel: (03) 9857 5209 Fax: (03) 9857 5260
1
2nd April 2009
Helen Vaughan
Forest Planning Manager
South West Area
Department of Sustainability & Environment
PO Box 103
Geelong VIC 3220
Dear Helen,
Proposed DSE Road and Single-Track Closures – South West Area: Recommendations
First of all, I would like to thank you, Simon White and Richard Wadsworth for taking the time on Saturday 28th March to discuss the proposed DSE Road and Single-Track Closures in the South West Area onsite with our regional representatives.
We now feel that we have a clearer understanding of the individual issues relating to the proposed track closures and although we did not achieve what we would have liked, we did feel that we were at least consulted. You dealt with us, provided us with the individual issues relating to the tracks and we came to some mutual understanding on the day, albeit not completely a middle ground.
The purpose of this letter is to summarise our recommendations relating to the individual proposed track closures. Some of these were mentioned at our meeting on 28th March, whereas others we have thought of since.
Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc ABN 40 891 301 368
trading as Four Wheel Drive Victoria
RSL Hall, Centreway Greythorn Vic
PO Box 1015G BALWYN NORTH, VIC 3104
Tel: (03) 9857 5209 Fax: (03) 9857 5260
2
As previously stated our main concern is the North Paddy’s Swamp area, which provides our members with a challenging terrain. The following recommendations will be related to the North Paddy’s Swamp Area:
Dupe’s Hill
We understand that noise pollution and environmental degradation are two important issues related to the Dupe’s Hill. We are willing to give up access to this hill, as we acknowledge that both noise and in particular environmental degradation are issues relating to this hill. However, as suggested by Nigel Lloyd, we would like to see that DSE explores the possibility of making a track around the hill and allow access to 4WDs only, which would eliminate the environmental degradation and reduce the noise pollution significantly.
If this proposed track development is an issue in relation to the net-gain policy described under the Victoria's Native Vegetation Management: A Framework for Action on the DSE website. Many of our members are part of Landcare Groups and help plant native vegetation in a variety of areas, which would offset the vegetation cleared as part of this part. Thus, this is not an impossible compromise to the environmental issue of Dupe’s Hill.
Boundary Track
As stated on numerous occasions FWDV feel that it is only fair that all stakeholders make some form of compromise and this includes the local residents that are complaining about the noise caused by the trail bikes. Therefore, we would like to suggest a trial period, where Dupe’s Hill is closed, but the boundary track remained open for a period of 12 months.
FWDV and our affiliated members do not believe that the boundary track is creating much noise pollution, once Dupe’s Hill is closed, and request that this recommendation is taken into consideration. It would be highly beneficial to include signage at both entries to the track, which states:
Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc ABN 40 891 301 368
trading as Four Wheel Drive Victoria
RSL Hall, Centreway Greythorn Vic
PO Box 1015G BALWYN NORTH, VIC 3104
Tel: (03) 9857 5209 Fax: (03) 9857 5260
3
“Drafted for closure – if we cannot keep noise levels down to a minimum, we will have to close this track on dd/mm/yy. Please respect our local residents and help keep the track open: Reduce noise!”
Any issue related to the creek or swamp area, we believe could be solved by making the track a seasonal closure track. In addition to this, we request any studies confirming environmental issues relating to this creek and swamp area.
Chainsaw Track Hill
We only stopped briefly in front of the Chainsaw Hill track, where there is an issue of environmental degradation. This would be easily dealt with by developing a zig-zag track up the hill and a new entrance to the track. We are more than happy to sit down with DSE staff and map out the design of the track, which would result in the track being kept open and the environmental degradation issue addressed.
Land Conservation (Vehicle Control) Act
FWDV is of the understanding that it is possible for DSE to prohibit or regulate traffic or any class or classes of traffic on public land as well as prohibit or regulate the use of vehicles on public land (see Land Conservation (Vehicle Control) Act 1972, No. 8379 of 1972, clauses 3.1 a and b). It should therefore be possible for DSE to ban motorbikes and trail bikes from the tracks with noise pollution issues, such as the tracks surrounding Dupe’s Hill, as well as the Boundary Track, while allowing access to 4WD’ers.
Track Closure Transparency
In closing our recommendations section, we would like to see that DSE provide transparency in relating to track closures and that relevant signage in form of maps and information are placed onsite as soon as possible to explain which tracks will stay open and which will be closed. This should also state why the individual tracks have been closed, so that the message of noise pollution in the area stands loud and clear.
Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc ABN 40 891 301 368
trading as Four Wheel Drive Victoria
RSL Hall, Centreway Greythorn Vic
PO Box 1015G BALWYN NORTH, VIC 3104
Tel: (03) 9857 5209 Fax: (03) 9857 5260
4
As you know, 4WDs are not very noisy compared to trail bikes and we find it extremely sad and frustrating that our members continue to loose track access due to noise pollution caused by trail bikes. There must be a time when enough is enough and a solution can be found to the noise pollution, which does not result in track closures for 4WD’ers.
Wombat Track Closure Policy
As a reminder, please note that under no circumstances are tracks to be closed in the Wombat State Forest, as part of this program.
Loop Track
On the Saturday 28th March we did drive down to Dupe’s Hill and then back another way which was suggested most likely was the loop track that DSE would keep open. Our members were not happy with the multiple proposed track closures, but felt that with the slightly challenging loop track remaining open that they had a least gained something from the consultation process.
On April 1st 2009, Helen Vaughn notified the FWDV office that the loop track we drove on the Saturday was in fact not the loop track proposed to remain open. We surely hope that this was an Aprils Fools Day statement and that we will gain access to this slightly challenging loop track.
If you don’t allow us to access to this loop track, which we drove on the Saturday 28th March, our members are extremely concerned that they have not gained anything from this consultation process and this will create stir in the 4WD fraternity.
As we state time after time, 4WDs do not create the high levels of noise, as compared to trail bikes and should not be dragged into trail bike issues! The loop track is not a difficult hill like Dupe’s Hill and will not cause the levels of noise pollution that is created on Dupe’s Hill that we believe is the main cause of the local residents’ concern.
Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc ABN 40 891 301 368
trading as Four Wheel Drive Victoria
RSL Hall, Centreway Greythorn Vic
PO Box 1015G BALWYN NORTH, VIC 3104
Tel: (03) 9857 5209 Fax: (03) 9857 5260
5
Demand and Tourism Contribution
Please be aware that we do feel that multiple track closures are not solving the issues of increasing demand for challenging 4WD terrain and 4WD tracks close to Melbourne. We are concerned that multiple track closures will affect the tourism contribution. We believe that multiple track closures will have an effect on the direct, indirect and perhaps even induced impacts of tourism in the area. Has any research been undertaken to deal with the increased demand or the effects on the tourism contribution?
We are also concerned that trail bike riders with no respect for the environment will take no notice of the rehabilitation area and will create new single tracks. We hope that the Trail Bike Initiative’s education and awareness campaign is implemented alongside the track closures and not after a longer period after the track closures. In fact, we believe that the education and awareness campaign should be implemented long before any track closures.
5E Track Standard
Many of our members are extremely concerned about track upgrades and the 5E Track Standard. They enjoy a challenging track and would like to be in consultation when tracks need to upgraded. We have club members that do road work as part of their professional career and have the expertise to provide relevant advice on how to address certain issues, while allowing the track to be challenging.
The 5E road classification is not relevant to these tracks, as they are not used for logging and it is, therefore, irrelevant to these tracks. Nevertheless, with any “upgrading” of tracks regardless of classification; please consult with our relevant regional representatives.
The track classification scheme will also provide an awareness of the different levels of difficulty and will in the majority of cases prevent non trained 4WD’ers to attempt a black or double-black classified track.
FWDV is of the opinion that in dealing with both 5E road classes and the track classification there needs to be a consultation process between DSE and FWDV and our relevant regional representatives.
In addition to this, we look forward to our FWDV regional representatives taking part in the design of the track access along the southern boundary, so that we can ensure that our members are provided with a challenging track.
If you have any questions relating to the above comments, please feel free to contact Louise Munk Klint – Four Wheel Drive Victoria’s Research & Strategy Officer on 9857 5209 or email research@fwdvictoria.org.au
Yours sincerely,
Louise Munk Klint
Research & Strategy Officer
Cc: Simon White
Richard Wadsworth
Ben Hart
Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc ABN 40 891 301 368
trading as Four Wheel Drive Victoria
RSL Hall, Centreway Greythorn Vic
PO Box 1015G BALWYN NORTH, VIC 3104
Tel: (03) 9857 5209 Fax: (03) 9857 5260
6

[andrew_wale]

Here is another post regarding the Otways track closures. Found this on the VFWDA forum.
This may be of interest to some people.

http://forums.fwdvictoria.org.au/viewto ... 9&start=10

Dear All

My apologies for the lack of contact, I have been off work and all other staff have been focusing on prescribed burning activities. All that said I have received the following advice regarding road closures in the Eastern Otway’s.

1. DSE are continuing works on Wye River Road within the Great Otway National Park. Therefore, as previous these closures include:

Wye River Road – from Mt Sabine Road down to the Wye River Road Camp Ground.
Curtis Track – from Mt Sabine Road to Wye River Road.
Wye Track – from Wye River Road to Wye River.
Jamieson Track – where it meets Wye River Road. A “Road Closed Ahead” sign will be placed at the intersection of Jamieson and Godfrey’s Track.

These closures will remain in place through this weekend and into next week.

2. Initial works on Grey River Road have been completed and this is now OPEN. This also means Coopers No. 2 is OPEN.

Also for information:

There has been extensive media coverage regarding prescribed burning operations in the local area. There are a number of fuel reduction burns currently underway and more planned for the Otway’s during the next couple of weeks. Can I remind stakeholders that for safety reasons fire grounds are closed areas until the declared safe from vehicles and personnel, plant, falling trees and (without saying) fire. Depending on the size of the burn t is possible to take a number of days, even in excess of a week, to have an area deemed safe.

Prescribed fuel reduction burns are conducted when weather conditions fall within prescription and as a result are a (sometimes very) short notice, 7 day a week program, often with a number of burns being conducted at the same time across the landscape.

I have spoken with the Fire Operations regarding today’s burn and it is advised to avoid following tracks for the next few days and across the weekend:
Thompsons Track
Hayden Road
Goat Track
Mahers Road

I will endeavour to keep you all informed and as up to date as possible. I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your co-operation.

Once again, please feel free to contact me if you wish to discuss.

Regards

Dave Jenson

Ranger Team Leader Lorne

East Otways



Ph: 5284 4100

Mob: 0428 339 344

[andrew_wale]

Dear All

An update on the road closures in the East Otways. After discussion with DSE they have informed me that works on Wye River Road have completed. Good conditions were taken advantage of and essentially the road dug up and re-formed. However unseasonal, unexpected rains followed and the track surface remains very soft and slippery. In order to ensure public safety and have the track settle, DSE have requested it remain closed until the end of the "Seasonal Road Closure" period, 31 October 2009. Once again this closure will include the following:
Wye River Road – from Mt Sabine Road down to the Wye River Road Camp Ground.
Curtis Track – from Mt Sabine Road to Wye River Road.
Wye Track – from Wye River Road to Wye River.
Jamieson Track – where it meets Wye River Road. A “Road Closed Ahead” sign will be placed at the intersection of Jamieson and Godfrey’s Track.

I understand this closure may impact upcoming events and I apologise for any inconvenience however as outlined the closure is necessary to ensure public safety and to ensure a good result for the works invested. I would be happy to discuss alternatives tour routes with groups if required.

With regards to Fire Operations the following tracks should be avoided until declared safe:

Thompsons Track
Hayden Road
Cowley Track


Once again, thank you for your co-operation and please feel free to contact me if you wish to discuss.


Dave Jenson

Ranger Team Leader Lorne

Eastern Otways



' (03) 5289 4100

È 0428 339 344

7 (03) 9678 9559

; djenson@parks.vic.gov.au



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