Jamieson and Walhalla Local Police supportive of Victorian 4WD clubs and ExplorO

I just wanted to pass on the latest update from Snr Constable Kennith Dwight at Walhalla on the Road Conditions and access changes happening in his district.

He sends me updates on local conditions when possible, I thought many people would be interested in proposed changes for access through Mt Skene during the winter months. (and why they are proposed).

Just as important I think, is his demonstrated advocacy for the 4WD community.

He has always been very supportive of ExplorOz and responsible 4WD Organizations and individuals who take their adventures in the region seriously.

I'd like to think when anybody sees the police patrolling this area they will be more inclined to stop for a chat after reading this.


Here is his latest message.

Reference: Licola Road and other matters.

Hello to all, sorry I haven’t written for awhile, I just wanted to disseminate a bit if information regarding tracks and roads in the Woods Point and surrounding areas. I believe that all seasonal closures are still in place at this time and with only 1 month of winter to go it won’t be long before they are all open again.

At time of writing all other tracks are open excepting Abbotts Link and Abbots Creek Tracks and the Jamieson Licola Road (which is a new closure), however you must be prepared at this time of year for the worst weather, downed trees, rockslides, lots of mud and water, Mt. Selma Road is atrocious at the moment very slippery so beware. The rivers are running hard and high at the moment and there is a bit of snow up on Mt. Skene making it very difficult to pass without the appropriate equipment.

The seasonal closing of Jamieson Licola Road to all traffic from the 1200 mtr mark, from Mt Sunday Road to the southern boundary of the Mansfield Shire near Connors Plain Camp, this closure will stay in force until 30 Sept. 2009. The shire has good reason for this closure and further information is obtainable from the Engineering and Works Manager, Mansfield Shire Council, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield 3722.
For more information: David Roff, Chief Executive Officer on (03) 57758555.

The closure isn’t to penalise experienced 4WD proponents or curtail their driving experience I know most of you are perfectly capable and safe in these conditions a message I have passed onto my superiors. My local Inspector has indeed had a meeting last week with Shire representatives and executive members of 4WD Victoria to discuss this matter.

I understand from this meeting an agreement was made to keep the road closure but not put any physical barrier in place on the road. They considered joint badged signs warning of the closure and dangers of the road as well addressing the issue of possible permits to be issued to approved clubs and organisations, to have a permit to use this road so they are not breaching the law but allow competent groups to enjoy their recreational pursuits.

As you can understand these negotiations may take time and only be in place for next season, my colleague from Jamieson and myself will patrol this road occasionally however it is mainly up to you the users, to police this matter until a permit system is in place and to show that as a group you have the discipline and expertise to travel these roads safely. It is always going to be difficult to stop the loners and the inexperienced from using this route and getting into trouble but we will deal with each instance as it comes, hopefully this will help save someone from grief.

Two weeks ago I was patrolling this area; there was substantial snow from the Snake Edward Track south to the Barkley Jeep track. I came across an elderly gentleman on the north side of Skene stuck in the snow, he was in his middle 70’s driving a little Holden Van, and it was front wheel drive with about 6 inches of clearance off the ground. He told me he was just out driving from Jamieson and thought it might be a good idea to go this way to Dandenong, he didn’t have a map, a compass/GPS, no recovery gear, no tools no radio and his mobile phone strangely would not work. His little car was sitting up on the hard snow with his little wheels spinning in the air, he was going nowhere without help. It was late afternoon and if I hadn’t come along he would have at least done an overnighter up there without food, water or any warm clothes. I managed to turn him around and get him down to the snowline.

Please stay safe and enjoy your driving and trail bike riding up here, there are still plenty of tracks you can use, contrary to rumours there are still limited fuel supplies at Woods Point still if required.

K.J. DWIGHT
Leading Senior Constable 26884




;-)

Kerry W (QLD)
Road Conditions Co-Ordinator.