Mt Separation rock closure. Forrest Vandalism.

Following on from Post ID: 46597 I had a phone call from the Forrest Management Officer for the Strathbogie Ranges (DSE) reguarding the closure of access onto the popular Mt Separation rock & subsequant demolision of the track including the falling of numerous trees to make a barrier.
The key reasons given were that the granite rock was not a defined track therefore anyone driving on it was breaking the law by going "Offroad". Damage to the rock & habitat was another main concern. Following accidents on the steep rock face it was seen as a Public hazard/safety issue & access closed initially by a barrier & sign, followed by heavy cables & trees felled. After these were illeagally removed the recent closure took place with authorization from the Melbourne office. The severe bulldozer work with many trees being uprooted to form the barrier is seen by DSE as a last resort & the only permanent way to close off access as gates & earth mounds have failed to deter in the past. After the initial work has settled, DSE's intention is to reseed the area with trees & minimise weeds followed by the installation of a walking track & signage.
He said that in the Benalla region alone in the past two weeks over $30,000 of damage has been caused to camp grounds, tracks, signage, seasonal barriers & toilets & as their annual mantenance budget was only $15,000 had little if any way of repairing it this year. End result is they will close these area's if they are unsafe.
He went on to say that the stakes have now risen to the point where anyone going into the bush with intent to cause this type of damage will be persued to the full extent of the law. A court case from the Strathbogie Forrest area is currently pending after 4 wheel drivers were found cutting open a road closure barrier by hidden cameras.
Talk about shooting ourselves in the foot, if Victorian 4wheel drivers dont stop wrecking the bush it will end up looking like NSW.

Craig..........