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Police warn that some local tracks too dangerous
POLICE are cautioning trail bike riders to play it safe following recent rains.
Leading Senior Constable Ken Dwight of Woods Point police warned that Black River Track is a bit of a mess and difficult to navigate.
"Charles Road near the Point has a few old trees across at the top near Matlock Track, but Ryan’s is good, as is Pages Track, Moonlight," he said.
"Donald Track from Mt Terrible is an abomination and is not recommended, while the Department of Sustainability and Environment is still conferring with stakeholders about Abbott’s Creek Track, which remains closed.
"The Jamieson Licola Road can be used at the moment, but will be subject to closure by Mansfield Shire after autumn."
Lead Sen Const Dwight said Mansfield Shire and DSE have been asked to signpost all the smaller tributary tracks off this road to advise visitors not to use this road when closed in winter, as breaches carry very stiff fines.
He said two more motorbike riders have died in the area in the past couple of months - both were on road bikes on well-maintained roads.
"Our statistics for serious injury collisions in the Mansfield PSA are higher than for the same time last year, with trail bike riders figuring in the most accidents," he said.
"It appears people are not reporting collisions to the nearest police station, but wait until after attending for medical treatment nearer home, leaving themselves open to a charge for failing to report an accident, which must be done if anyone is injured.
"Of course when you are in the back of the chopper being airlifted this may be difficult, but in these cases Ambulance Victoria will take care of it.
"The time may come when police will not accept such excuses unless an attempt is made to get them to attend the accident in the first instance.
"And if you do get into trouble use channels 7, 8 or 5 on your CB radio - someone will hear you.
"Have a safe and enjoyable Easter – we’ll see you up in the mountains."
For a tool to plan your trip go to www.police.vic.gov.au.
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