Flooding has led to the closure of three state forests in the Murray Valley.

Forestry Corporation advises that the Koondrook, Perricoota and Campbells Island state forests are closed until further notice.

The state forest closures come as the Murray River has reached a height of 5.5-metres at Barham with further rain forecast for the region.

Acting Senior Manager – Western Andrew McCurdy said this action has been taken to ensure public safety and to protect infrastructure assets.

“Due to those rising floodwaters, which are currently spreading across parts of Perricoota, Koondrook and Campbells Island State Forests, a number of roads are flooded and boggy,” Mr McCurdy said.

“For public safety reasons and to maintain road infrastructure in those forests we have been forced to close those state forests to the public.

“We will have to wait for the floodwaters to recede before a determination can be made on reopening the state forests.

“The timing is unfortunate in the middle of winter when people want to collect firewood or may be visiting on school holidays, but there have been times in the past where we have seen vehicles stuck in floodwaters and that’s a situation we want to avoid,” he said.

Public notification will be made when the state forests reopen.

For more information about Forestry Corporation of NSW, visit forestrycorporation.com.au

Media contact: Matt Deans 0429 621 845