Extra risks for campers this summer season

"This summer will be different" is the message Park Victoria is sending to campers and visitors to state's parks and forests.
With above average rainfall expected to continue, at least in the earlier part of summer, people are urged to be extra prepared.
Flooding and storms are predicted to continue for many months and, in some areas where vegetation growth is drying out, there is an increasing risk of grass fires.
Parks Victoria warns park conditions could change quickly and many campsites and access roads were likely to be closed or partially closed.
It warns against camping, picnicking and parking under trees due to wet ground conditions that may cause them to fall without warning.
Authorised officers from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and the Conservation Regulator will patrol forests, parks and reserves targeting illegal off-road activity, littering and campfires.
Many vehicle, bike and walking tracks are still closed or partially closed and up-to-date information can be found by visiting ffm.vic.gov.au/forest-and-road-closures for flood and storm affected parks.
The Country Fire Authority is also warning travellers not to become complacent about the increasing fire risk this summer.
It urged those hitting the road to check the conditions and VicEmergency app before making tracks, echoing Parks Victoria's concerns of significant grass growth and potential grassfires.