tracks closed in Vic till 01 Nov
Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 13:54
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lux
Does anyone know the real reason why a large majority of the 4wd tracks in Victorian
State Forest will remain closed until 1st November after the summer bush fires. Before everyone says it because a fire damage a bit of first hand knowledge that I have seen myself and have been told. Large numbers of tracks around
Mansfield were cleared, graded, dangerous trees felled and tracks repaired weeks ago a some over a month. Most of these tracks have also been rechecked on quite a few occasions. I know various people that worked for the government in doing this work and know that these tracks have already been checked. These tracks now are scheduled to be opened 1st November after seasonal road closures. The local communities are doing it really tough with low visitor’s numbers and having large numbers of tracks closed at
Easter is really going to hurt seeing the tracks have already been cleared.
My suspicious would be the crazy legal system we now live with, worried about being sued.
Reply By: Andrew from Vivid Adventures - Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 14:26
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 14:26
situation normal.
THey are usually closed seasonally above some level (I think 800m but maybe higher). Some tracks are closed earlier than others - perhaps above 1100m?
It probably makes sense because of:
1. track condition - fallen trees, snow, ice, washaways
2. track damage - of avoidance thereof
3. high rivers
Unfortunately they don't have resources to be more targeted about it.
Tour operators are already familiar with the limitations.
AnswerID:
230027
Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 14:59
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 14:59
Its not really hard to figure out, there are still trees and branches falling everywhere that was burnt.
We cleared tracks round our club property weeks ago, then come back 3-4weeks later, there are heaps of fresh fallen trees/branches.. one theory is that with a bit of rain, the trees absorb the water, and the branches are too weak to hold the weight (not my theory!)..
I dont see a problem with it, who wants to go see/
camp round dead burnt branches and trees?
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: lux - Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 15:36
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 15:36
The thing is, there aren’t that many trees and branches fallen in the fire areas and any different to normal conditions in the bush. As I said I know guys who work
clearing roads and such, after the initial
clearing and road works i.e. dozers, graders and ground crews cutting etc, they have only cleared around 20 trees (in there area) after that and I'm talking a large area. Allot of the areas also only had cool burns and had no effect on the large trees.
Who wants to see/
camp round dead burnt branches and trees? The bush is regenerating fast and looks amazing at the moment and is
well worth the look.
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Member - Tim - Stratford (VIC) - Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 16:10
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 16:10
Lux,
I'm not sure where you are getting your info from with regards to what is closed etc. I've been following the below link and have found it changed three times in about 5 weeks.
They (DSE) seem to be erring on the side of caution but slowly are openeing more tracks. Some Ttacks previously listed as closed until Nov '07 are now to be opened by
Easter.
Don't lose hope - and keep checking this site as it has/may change again.
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources/mresources/fire/2007-fire-reopen.pdf
AnswerID:
230049
Reply By: Robin - Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 16:38
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 16:38
Usual Lowest common denominator stuff
Step 1 - I need a job
Step 2 - Something needs to be controlled
Step 3 - Thats my Job opportunity !
Step 4 - Lock it in by promising that they will all be better off
Step 5 - My mate needs a job
Step 6 - Underfund first job to pay for him
Step 7 - Need a reason to explain why nothing gets done , can't use underfunding
Step 8 - I know , the public doesn't realize it needs to be protected from itself
Step 9 - Danger, the public is waking up and knows it could fix things itself
Step 10- Solution, create a new requirement that must be meet first!
Step 11- Wow , that was close but we have them now !
Step 12 - They don't meet requirements so obviously we must -> Close it down !
From the "Political Guide Book"
The above senario can be used in democracies in almost any situation where the
affected group is a minority.
Just substitute your own issue / reason / requirements as appropriate.
Robin Miller
(it is friday isn't it ?)
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Tim - Stratford (VIC) - Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 19:23
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 19:23
Robin,
Yep that's perfect, describes it to a "T" - Do you work for a Government Department???
:-)
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Reply By: Robin - Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 20:27
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 20:27
Hi Tim
No , but I've been involved in a lot of goverment projects from private industry side.
Actually I meant to include something about "apathy of the population" in the last line - but only had 10 minutes to write above
Robin Miller
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Robnicko - Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 at 14:28
Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 at 14:28
Lux,
I've found the best way to find out what's going on with particular areas is to ring the local copper or DSE branch in the area. The web updates are constantly changing and you could travel up there based on todays info and possibly find it gets closed by the time you arrive.
One copper i've spoken to says one of the main reasons ithat tracks are closed is that they have been graded and recently lots of rain has fallen up there making them pretty hairy.
Yes the legal system is crazy because it's crazies that make the law.
November 1 seems like an eternity from now but before you know it, it will be here. I'm p'd off too but we live in a Police state now......how long till they E-Tag the high-country?
Rob
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: lux - Thursday, Mar 29, 2007 at 08:57
Thursday, Mar 29, 2007 at 08:57
Ringing the local DSE can help but most of the time they change what they say to you depending on what day you ring. I have records from 3 different days during a week and 3 different replies. All they do is come up with excuses, the tracks that were cleared had the graders run over then weeks ago and all the rain does is wash the duct from the tracks. The money has been spent and most of the tracks are clear, most should be open now!! I feel sorry for the poor
shop owners that rely on tourist dollars, bad luck for most of them this
Easter then.
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