The Conservation Regulator is asking visitors to the Broadford area to exercise caution as more than 350 adventure bike and trail bike riders are expected to participate in the social riding event from Friday, March 1, until Monday, March 4.
Forest roads will remain open to the public during the event, and other vehicles will likely encounter rally riders.
All road users are urged to be mindful of cars and trail bikes in the area, to stick to their lane and to be especially careful on corners.
With event organisers encouraging participation from various skill levels, ranging from beginner to advanced, all riders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with vehicle use rules on Victorian public land.
Trail bike riders must be correctly licensed, have vehicles registered, obey road rules and speed limits, and ride only on formed roads and tracks in forests to protect the environment and other visitors.
Trail Bike Program senior investigator - recreation Joe Wright has reminders for rally event-goers and other road users.
“Whether riding in the rally event, camping nearby, or just visiting the area this weekend, it’s important for everyone to be cautious on roads and follow all public land rules to protect the environment and share the forest safely with others,” he said.
Many rally attendees are also expected to camp locally in Tallarook State Forest and must follow all other public land rules, including those related to campfires and littering.
Campers are responsible for building and maintaining safe campfires, including using a designated fireplace or 30cm deep trench, keeping all firewood under 1m long and never leaving it unattended, even for a short while.
Campers must extinguish campfires with water, not soil, and the ashes should be cool to the touch before leaving.
Visitors are also responsible for cleaning up after themselves, and all rubbish must be collected and taken home, not dumped or burned.
Conservation Regulator authorised officers will be patrolling the area, and anyone caught illegally taking their vehicle off-road, littering or breaching campfire safety rules can face fines ranging from $240 to $19,231.
Anyone who witnesses illegal vehicle use, littering, or unsafe or unattended campfires on public land is encouraged to report what they know to 136 186. Bushfires should be reported to 000.
For more information about rules in state forests, visit www.vic.gov.au/rules-in-state-forests.
