THE region’s State Forests are progressively reopening following the floods and severe weather of May but the Forestry Corporation is urging users to check the status of trails and campgrounds in advance, and to exercise extreme caution.
“We would especially like to reiterate to the public that closures remain in place at two popular visitor sites – Barrington Tops State Forest, which remains closed, and Chichester State Forest, which is partially closed,” a spokesperson said.
“Staff are continuing to undertake work and assessments to clear roads and make areas safe for visitation.
“There may also be active road closures within some State Forests that are open or partially closed, so we would ask that visitors please obey any signage direction or notifications.”
Forestry also advises that Hastings Forest Way is not a diversion for the Oxley Highway (despite Google Maps suggestions).
Other current closures include the following:
— Camping/Picnic Area Closures: The Bluff and Wild Bull Camping Areas, Mount Boss State Forest; Fire Tower No.1 Picnic Area, Mount Boss State Forest; Old Bottlebutt Picnic Area, Burrawan State Forest.
— Road Closures: Blackbutt Road (22km marker), Kerewong State Forest; Jimmy’s Scrub Road (Bottlebutt), Burrawan State Forest; Knodingbul Road (Mt George end), Knorrit and Dingo State Forests; Break Neck Road, Deans Creek Road and Peters Road, Kiwarrak State Forest.
State forest permit holders may access forests to check on cattle and bees while residents needing access may use forest roads only for travel to homes or towns.
Locals can stay up to date with these closures by checking the Hazards Near Me app.
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