Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Sustainability and Environment

Dse Promotes Safe And Responsible Motorbike Riding In State Forests

Riding a motorbike through State forests is a popular pursuit and there are many areas of State forest where riders can enjoy Victoria’s great outdoors.

By Department of Sustainability & Environment - 16th June 2004 - Back to News

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) would like to remind riders of their responsibilities, especially heading into holiday season.

Riders are welcome to use the marked roads and tracks in State forest open to the public, provided they follow the guidelines set out below. Roads open to the public in Victoria’s National Parks and reserves are also available for use by motorbikes.

Legal requirements:

Riders must be fully licensed and their motorbike must be registered and roadworthy.

Drive only on roads open to the public (it is illegal to drive off formed roads). Roads open to vehicles are public roads, so all normal road rules apply.

Motorbikes and other vehicles may only use roads constructed for the passage of vehicles with four wheels. Walking tracks or tracks created informally by vehicles are NOT roads.

Some roads may be closed seasonally for reasons of safety, weather, or to minimise erosion. These roads may not be used while they are closed. They are usually signposted or enforced by barriers.

In State forests, permits may be required for competitive or commercial motorbike events and for some club or group activities.

For further information and to apply for a permit, please contact your local Department of Sustainability and Environment office.

Tread lightly – be a responsible rider

Respect the rights of other visitors. Remember many people head to the bush for peace and quiet. Avoid riding noisy vehicles in popular areas. If you choose to unload your vehicle in a formal carpark or picnic spot, don't warm up your bike where you might upset others. Should you meet people horse riding, walking or cycling – slow down and drive well clear of them.

Stay on the road. Do not ride "off road", or on closed roads. Pioneering a new road or track, or riding cross-country is not only illegal, it also damages the environment you have come to enjoy.

When driving, be prepared for the unexpected. Timber trucks, 4WDs, horse riders, hikers, cyclists and native animals may also be using your chosen track.

Before leaving on any trip, check road conditions. Do not use any roads or tracks when they are wet or likely to be damaged.

Be safety conscious – plan your trip carefully, maintain your vehicle and be fully equipped. Leave details of your proposed trip with a responsible person.

Report fallen trees or limbs across the roads to the nearest DSE office (for State forests) or Parks Victoria office (for parks and reserves).

Leave no trace. Take all rubbish home.

Take care with fire – observe all fire regulations and Total Fire Ban days. Don’t let your exhaust emit sparks.

Join a club and support responsible motorbike riding.

When you ride, you are an ambassador for your sport so be aware that your behaviour can leave lasting impressions with other forest visitors.

DSE is currently reviewing the use of trailbikes in State Forest through the Central Highlands Trailbike Project. This program aims to address issues of noise and environmental impacts that are the direct result of trailbike use. Through a community consultation and involvement process, the project aims to outline changes and control measures that need to be implemented in order to protect the environment and the interests of residents, trailbike riders and other forest users.

The findings of this project will be presented to the Minister for the Environment in the form of a Discussion Paper with recommendations for considerations and response. If you would like to know more about the project or the community workshops and how you or your club can be involved, please contact the Project Manager, Kate Hill at DSE Noojee on 5624 8100.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
• Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
  Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
• Cape Paterson Traffic Plan adopted to improve safety through community-driven road and pedestrian upgrades
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Cape Paterson Traffic Management Plan, developed with strong community input to improve safety through speed reductions, traffic calming, better intersections, and pedestrian-cyclist connectivity.
• Martin Cameron says Yallourn job cuts devastate workers and mark first blow in Power Station closure
  Up to 40 Yallourn Power Station jobs will be cut by 2025, sparking concern from Martin Cameron over Labor's failure to support the Latrobe Valley through the energy transition.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote safety, welfare, responsible ownership
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed the 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, ensure community safety, and guide strategic animal management over the next four years.
• Danny O'Brien congratulates Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds receiving state funding to enhance community facilities
  Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds have received over $43,000 in state funding to upgrade facilities, recognising their vital role in supporting men's wellbeing and community connection.
• Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals.
• East Gippsland Council warns pets aren’t presents, urges thoughtful, responsible lifelong commitment this Christmas season
  East Gippsland Council urges residents to avoid gifting pets impulsively this Christmas, emphasizing lifelong commitment, care, and responsibility, suggesting adoption vouchers or sponsorships as thoughtful alternatives.
• Darren Chester urges federal support for forest scientists making Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry
  Darren Chester has urged the Albanese government to support credible forest scientists backing Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry, criticising activist influence and government bans harming regional jobs and communities.
• Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
  Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades.
• Peri Urban Councils advocate for housing, infrastructure, and policy recognition with state government
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria met government leaders at Spring Street, advocating for housing solutions, essential infrastructure funding, and policy recognition to support rapidly growing peri urban communities sustainably.
• Join Omeo's visitor economy through tourism mapping and justice precinct masterplan vision sessions on 14 September 2025
  Omeo visitor economy's future will be shaped through community sessions presenting the Tourism Ecosystem Mapping Report and Draft Justice Precinct Masterplan, highlighting heritage, recreation, and opportunities to attract investment.
• Australia to celebrate inaugural Red and Yellow Day honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting water safety initiatives
  Australia will celebrate its first Red & Yellow Day on March 4, 2026, honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting lifesaving clubs through community participation and fundraising for vital water safety initiatives.