Mid-north coast State forests from the Taree to Macksville area are now closed due to damage from flooding and safety risks to forest visitors.

Visitors should avoid these areas until further notice, said Forestry Corporation of NSW Protection Supervisor Mick Wilson.

“There is significant storm and flood damage to mid-north coast State forest roads, and are they now closed until we are can assess, and repair or barricade damaged areas,” Mr Wilson said.

“We have seen incidents where bridges and pipes have been washed out, roads have been undermined and people bogged with vehicles stuck in the forest, as well as trees down over roads, so it is vital everyone avoids closed areas.

“The only exception is people currently camping within the now closed State forest visitor areas, who are permitted to stay until the roads are dry enough to leave on.”

Closed forests are Bellangry, Bril Bril, Broken Bago, Bulga, Bulls Ground, Burrawan, Cairncross, Comboyne, Coopernook, Cowarra, Dingo, Doyles River, Ingalba, Johns River, Kalateenee, Kendall, Kerewong, Kew, Kiwarrak, Knorrit, Lansdowne, Lorne, Maria River, Middle Brother, Mount Boss, North Branch, Queens Lake, Styx River, Tamban, Upsalls Creek, Way Way and Yarratt.

State Forest closures and updated are available at www.forestrycorporation.com.au

Media contact: Rod Campbell