What is happening?
The Victorian Government is harvesting pine plantation at the Delatite Arm Reserve as part of a long-running program to restore native forest along Lake Eildon.
The Delatite Arm Reforestation Project has been underway since 2001 and has already converted more than 1,400 hectares of pine to native forest.
This season's works will harvest six coupes across the reserve between October 2026 and May 2027, the first year of a three-year program covering the remaining 440 hectares of pine plantation.
Harvesting is expected to be completed by May 2029, with the site progressively revegetated with endemic native species following each coupe.
Why is this happening?
- To restore native forest and habitat for local wildlife on land that has been pine plantation for more than 60 years.
- To protect Lake Eildon's water quality and strengthens catchment health in the Hume Region.
- To contribute to Victoria's Biodiversity 2037 strategy and the broader program to return softwood plantation areas to permanent native forest.
Current campground closures
The table below lists current campground status. If your preferred campground is listed as open you can visit as normal.
If it is listed as closed it is not open for use, but all other designated campgrounds in the reserve remain available on a first-come, first-served basis. The table is updated as operations progress.
Check back before planning your visit or use the More to Explore app for real-time closure information.
| Campground | Status | Closed from | Expected reopening |
|---|
| Parkers Flat | Closing soon | 4 November 2026 | 18 December 2026 |
| The Island | Closing soon | 1 February 2027 | 5 March 2027 |
| Wentworths | Closing soon | 1 February 2027 | 28 May 2027 |
| Ewarts | Closing soon | 1 February 2027 | 28 May 2027 |
| Taylors | Closing soon | 1 February 2027 | 28 May 2027 |
| All other campgrounds | Open | - | - |
Roads and access
Walsh's Road will remain open throughout the project. Traffic management will be in place when harvesting is active near the road, including reduced speed limits and strictly managed operating hours. As part of the project, 1.8 kilometres of Walsh's Road will be sealed, improving conditions for visitors and reducing dust and noise for residents.
Some tracks and informal recreation trails may be temporarily closed when works are active nearby. Public Safety Zones declared under the Safety on Public Land Act 2004 restrict access to active harvest areas. Signs will be in place at all entry points to any closed areas.
Public safety zones (PSZ)
Public access is not allowed while either a sign is displayed or DEECA staff, equipment, machinery or vehicles are present.
For residents
Residents using state forest roads as the most practical access to their private property retain access within a declared PSZ.
To see current PSZ declarations visit Forest and road closures.
What to expect during works
- Truck traffic: Increased log truck movements on Walsh's Road when harvesting is active. Trucks operate within set daytime hours only.
- Noise and dust: Operations are restricted to agreed daytime hours. Dust suppression measures are applied. Residents are notified before higher-impact periods.
- Works scheduling: Works will be adjusted during winter and during peak holiday periods and the table of closures will be updated to reflect any changes.