Riders urged to stick to formed roads and tracks in state forests

Officers observed two people riding trail bikes at Cubby’s Camp on the Great South West Walk, north-west of Portland, in late August.

While the riders quickly departed when officers arrived, further investigations identified a series of illegally formed tracks around the camp area and native vegetation damage.

Trail bikes are only permitted on legally formed roads and vehicle tracks on public land. Trail bikes must be registered, and riders need to hold a current motorbike endorsed licence.

A legal nearby alternative is the enduro track in the Cobboboonee Forest Park on the Portland-Nelson Road, which is designed for trail bike activity.

As the first campsite on the Great South West Walk, Cubby’s Camp is a popular site for overnight campers and day-tripping walkers, horse riders and public vehicles.

Trail bike activity is prohibited in the area to ensure the safety of other camp users and reduce the risk of people being injured.

Riding on illegally formed roads and trails causes erosion and also damages vegetation and contributes to the spread of pest plants that put pressure on native vegetation.

On the spot fines of $182 can apply to those caught riding off-road or $909 for operating on closed roads in a National Park.

Anyone with information on illegal trail bike activity can report it to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Customer Contact Centre on 136 186.

COVID-19 restrictions are in place. Visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covidsafe-settings for up-to-date information about COVIDSafe settings.

Quotes attributable to Conservation Regulator Manager Regulatory Operations, Barwon South West, Glenn Sharp:

The Great South West Walk is a popular attraction for the south-west, so it’s disappointing to see people incorrectly using and damaging recreational sites which are so important for our community.

The nearby enduro track in the Cobboboonee Forest Park offers a fantastic track designed with trail bike riders in mind, as well as facilities including picnic shelters and fire pits.

We urge the community to stick to the formed roads and vehicle tracks when riding in the forest for their safety, the safety of other forest users and to minimise impacts to the natural environment.