Melbourne Water has asked me to advise birders of the road conditions at the WTP and the problems they are causing. The message is as follows:
“With the recent rains, conditions at the WTP have been particularly boggy. Melbourne Water Operations people have been frustrated by the number of calls for help by people bogged on tracks and also by the damage done to tracks by vehicles driving on clay, ‘dry weather only’ tracks when these are wet.
Melbourne Water acknowledge their signage could be improved, but have asked would it be possible to advise your members who have birdwatching permits for the WTP not to drive on clay tracks when these are wet, even if they have 4WD vehicles and are experienced off-road drivers?
The damage done to the tracks has been extensive, and expensive to repair. Drivers should stick to tracks that have a covering of gravel/scoria when conditions are damp”.
I hope birders accept this is reasonable and avoid these roads.
John Barkla
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And hope Melbourne Water doesn’t apply the fines applying in outback SA and similar parts of $(lots) per wheel – including the spare – for traveling on roads officially closed by wet weather.
Brian Fleming Melbourne ===============================
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