Trail bike crackdown

AUTHORITIES are cracking down on illegal offtrack trail bike riding and fourwheeldrive activity at Bunyip State Park.
Parks Victoria, Four Wheel Drive Victoria and the Australian Motorcycle Trail Riders Association (AMTRA) are working together in a bid to minimise what has been said to be a major problem in the park.
An enforcement and education program is being implemented by Parks Victoria to target trail bike and fourwheeldrive offences on seasonally closed tracks throughout the park.
The program, supported by both Four Wheel Drive Victoria and AMTRA, is part of an integrated strategy to minimise noise impacts for nearby residents and other park users, while reducing environmental degradation caused by vehicles illegally utilising the seasonally closed tracks.
“Rangers are working closely with Victoria Police to undertake regular patrols and enforce park regulations, issuing offenders with onthespot fines or notices to appear in court when required,” said Parks Victoria chief ranger Siobhan Rogan.
“Park regulations exist to both protect the natural environment and ensure that all park users have an enjoyable experience when they visit. Visitors enjoy coming to Bunyip for a variety of reasons from bushwalking and nature appreciation to motorised recreation.
“To ensure the longterm environmental care of the park and its recreational opportunities, Parks Victoria must manage a balance between all of its users,” Ms Rogan said.
Four Wheel Drive Victoria vicepresident Tom Hona said it was important for all fourwheel drivers to respect seasonally closed tracks.
“We are calling on all fourwheeldrivers to follow park regulations and refrain from using seasonally closed areas of the park for the future benefit of this recreational opportunity and the park itself. We look forward to working with Parks Victoria to tackle vehicle management issues such as this,” Mr Hona said.
“Trail bike riders are encouraged to act responsibly and always abide by park regulations to ensure the best outcome for all park users,” said AMTRA spokesperson, Peter Ellard.
AMTRA and Four Wheel Drive Victoria have been working with Parks Victoria on site over scheduled weekends in a partnered approach to increasing awareness of seasonally closed areas in the park.
Seasonal closures south of Burgess Road will be extended to 2 December.
Seasonally closed tracks in the south of the park have been extended for one month to minimise impact on visitors before finalisation of the Bunyip Recreation Framework.