Forestry Corporation advises forest visitors to be wary of forest flooding in Millewa, Gulpa Island, Moira and Werai State forests

Forestry Corporation advises visitors to the Millewa, Gulpa Island, Moira and Werai State Forests to be wary of forest flooding due to recent heavy rain.

“The increased volume of water cannot be held in storage and must be diverted into the Millewa Forest areas under the operating rules of the Barmah-Millewa Forum,” Forestry Corporation Riverina operations manager Mr Larry Carey said.

The Murray Darling Basin Commission has advised that around 35 000 megalitres will be reaching the Millewa and Werai groups of forests within four to six days.

Following consultation between Forestry Corporation, the Victorian Department of Sustainability and the Environment (DSE) and Murray Darling Basin Commission, it is planned that all regulators on the NSW side of the Murray River, will be opened from today Monday 13 September.

Mr Carey said the opening of the regulators on the Murray and Edward Rivers and the resultant increased flows downstream of Stevens Weir will result in areas of Moira, Werai, Millewa and Gulpa Island forests being flooded and he advised forest users to exercise extreme care.

Forest access during the Victorian and NSW school holiday period will be significantly affected. All persons planning to visit these forests during the holiday period should contact Forestry Corporation at Deniliquin on (03) 5881 2266 beforehand.

Camping opportunities will continue to be available in the Millewa Forest along the Murray River near Picnic Point, along the Edward River near the Tocumwal Bridge , and along Gulpa Creek. However, Werai forest is likely to remain inaccessible for the next two weeks at least.

Media contacts: Larry Carey or Tom Halliday on (03) 5881 2266.