Local authorities are reminding campers and day visitors to take their rubbish with them and dispose of it correctly or face big penalties.
Authorities are reminding campers and day-trippers visiting forests and parks over the festive season to protect themselves and the environment by following important public land rules.
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Anyone spending their Christmas and New Year break in the Victorian bush is responsible for knowing the rules around campfires, rubbish, four-wheel driving and trail bike riding.
Around 10 per cent of bushfires in Victoria are caused by illegal campfires, including unattended campfires.
The Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria have reported 726 unattended campfires and barbecues on public land during the 2023-24 financial year.
As the busy summer season approaches, the authorities will be increasing patrols in Victorian parks, reserves and forests.
“Campfires are a cause of bushfires that are 100 per cent preventable,” chief conservation regulator Kate Gavens said.
“Ensure you know the rules and are up-to-date on weather conditions before you light any fire.
“Your fire is your responsibility.”
Never leave a campfire unattended and use water, not soil, to completely extinguish the campfire before leaving.
Check weather conditions and warnings on the Vic Emergency website or app before lighting a campfire and never light a campfire on a day of Total Fire Ban.
Bring a bucket, and if there is no water available, make sure to bring enough with you, as it can take at least three full buckets of water to extinguish a campfire.
In state forests, use a purpose-built fireplace or light a campfire in a trench at least 30cm deep. Branches and logs on a campfire must be less than one metre long. Never leave a campfire unattended and use water, not soil, to completely extinguish the campfire before leaving.
Visitors to state forests must also take out anything they bring in, including rubbish.
For four-wheel drivers and trail-bike-riders, there is an extensive network of roads and tracks in parks, forests and reserves open to the public.
Sticking to these will prevent soil erosion and native vegetation destruction and keep drivers and riders on the right side of the law.
Track updates can be found at https://mapshare.vic.gov.au/mapsharevic/ or on the More to Explore app.
Authorised Officers will be patrolling across the state, ensuring everyone enjoys their outdoor and recreational experiences responsibly. Penalties will apply to anyone caught breaking the rules.
Local authorities and councils are also reminding campers and day visitors to take their rubbish with them and dispose of it correctly at local council tips (transfer stations).
The Yarrawonga Transfer station is open every day except for Christmas Day.
For more other transfer stations opening hours visit www.moira.vic.gov.au and www.federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au
More information about campfire safety is available on the FFMVic and CFA websites.
For state forest rules visit www.vic.gov.au/rules-in-state-forests\.
Residents are encouraged to report any illegal dumping.
To do so:
•Contact the EPA litter 24hr hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC)
•Visit EPA Report Litter and see the Roadside litter laws.
