Forestry Corporation of NSW is advising that Pilliga West and Merriwindi State Forest are closed until further notice due to damage from heavy rain.

The damage is a safety risk to visitors said Forestry Corporation’s Northern Cypress District manager, Conan Rossler.

“We had over 100mm of rain on Saturday night, causing significant damage to roads in Pilliga West and Merriwindi State Forests,” Mr Rossler said.

“Some of the damage is very obvious to the eye, but in other cases all that is visible is a narrow crack in the road, despite large sub surface movements of material taking place.

“This damage presents many risks to road users, including the potential for vehicles breaking through an intact road surface and falling into an underground space where the ground has washed away.

Forestry Corporation staff are currently assessing the damage. Members of the public should not use roads in these forests until they have been fully repaired.

Forestry Corporation will advise forest users when the work has been completed.

To see all current State forest closures, please visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/closures

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428058549