Parks Victoria crews have completed extensive flood recovery work to support the influx of visitors to the Murray for the Southern 80 this weekend. For public safety and ongoing recovery efforts, some areas will remain closed.

The region was heavily impacted by the recent flood event. Riverbanks have been eroded by flood waters and may be unstable. Holes may have opened in the ground and should be avoided. Trees along the riverbanks could be unstable, and there is always a risk of trees dropping limbs.

Visitors may see smaller areas fenced off, or areas blocked by bollards. These closures have been put in place for public safety and must not be entered, fixtures removed, or driven beyond.

Parks Victoria is working with Traditional Owners and other government agencies to manage Echuca’s temporary levee. It is illegal to interfere with the levee.

If visitors are planning to set up their swags, tents or caravans in nearby parks and forests, it is important they understand how to camp safely and responsibly.

Campfires must be constructed in a fireplace or 30cm pit, only use sticks and logs under one metre long, extinguish campfires with water, not soil, and never leave them unattended. For more information on campfire regulations, visit https://www.vic.gov.au/unattended-campfires.

Parks Victoria rangers, Victoria Police and Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers will patrol the river and riverside area during the event. They will be available to offer advice and assistance to visitors as well as carry out compliance operations.

Southern 80 spectators are encouraged to use maps developed by Parks Victoria which show open areas for this section of the Murray River (www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/safety-in-nature/visitor-safety-tips-in-parks/get-prepared-for-southern-80).

For weather and emergency warnings, download and check the VicEmergency app.

Quotes attributable to Chris Corbell, Regional Director Northern Victoria, Parks Victoria

"Parks Victoria has worked hard to ensure that the Murray River area near Echuca is safe and accessible for visitors to enjoy themselves this weekend. We urge visitors to take necessary safety precautions and to follow our guidelines to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of others."

Quotes attributable to Brady Childs, Loddon Mallee Manager Regulatory Operations, Conservation Regulator

“We want all visitors and campers attending the Southern 80 to have an enjoyable and safe weekend by ensuring they have compliant and safe campfires, keep their campsites rubbish-free and only drive on open and formed roads and tracks.”

Quotes attributable to Paul Bates, Regional Manager, Forest Fire Management Victoria

“We want people to enjoy our forests and parks and make campfire safety a priority by knowing what they can and can’t do.”

“Before campers head out, check the long-range weather forecast. If in doubt on a hot day, don't light a campfire.”

Double Duty during the Southern 80. Credit: Southern 80