Forestry Corporation of NSW is pleased to reopen Koondrook, Perricoota and Campbells Island State Forests to visitors from Thursday 23 March.

The closure was in place for the safety of visitors following recent flooding, however drier conditions have meant the forests will soon be welcoming visitors again, said Acting Senior Manager, Andrew McCurdy.

“The safety of forest visitors and our staff is paramount, so we are pleased to again reopen the forest,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Visitors will still need to drive to conditions, as some roads are still impacted by flood water and some still have trees across them.”

Visitors should also note the current ban on campfires and barbecues using wood, charcoal or other solid fuels in Riverina and southern cypress State forests.

The solid fuel fire ban applies to Koondrook, Perricoota and Campbells Island State Forests along the Murray, as well as the Gillenbah, Buckingbong, Matong and Binya State forests in the Murrumbidgee catchment and smaller cypress forests in the region.

With warmer days coming across the state, the ban will stay in place until the threat of bushfire eases.

“This ban applies every day, not just on days when total fire bans are declared, so we are asking people who are planning to camp in the forests over the summer to bring gas appliances,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Visitors should also be prepared for days when total fire bans are declared, as all fires including gas fires will be prohibited on those days.”

Failure to comply with solid fuel fire ban restrictions carries a maximum penalty of $2200.

For more information about the fire ban, contact Forestry Corporation of NSW’s Western Region on (02) 6841 4288.

Media contact: Rod Campbell