RALLY DAY AGAINST TRACK CLOSURES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[yota]

Why dont we have one?A bloody huge one,every year more and more and more tracks are being shut off to us all,why?!!!!!Frankly I'm sick and tired of hearing the reasons as to why tracks are being closed!!This is our country,a country to be enjoyed by all,not a country to be shut off to us by people justifying their jobs!I work,I pay taxes and i would like when i have my days off to be able to explore this country without being greeted by a bloody 'track closed' sign at every turn!
We are told to,'join a club',without being at all rude to the clubs some people will not join a club,simple.Some people don't feel comfortable joining a club.Some people have that many friends,neighbours,family who all go out 4wding together why would they join a club!We shouldn't have to join a club to access closed tracks or to have our opinions voiced through them either.The tracks should never have been allowed to be closed in the first place!
I rallied hard and so did my family with many others against Mr Scully's decision to close off Sydney Harbour to jet skiers.
Sea-Doo,Polaris,Tigershark,Yamaha etc all had a team of lawyers fighting the decision, but today it is closed to jet skiers.Trail bikers went through the same thing.
Look what happened to Porters!!!The clubs got together with volunteers,helped the council remove dumped cars,fridges etc from the area for the track only to be closed not long after BY the council!what a CROCK!
I here the CREB track may be closed off shortly to the 4wd fraternity aswell!I wonder when the Telegraph Track will be closed off to the public?I would not be surprised if it were the way tracks are being closed off all over the place.
Before long we will all be able to tour this lovely country of ours(tour only where we are allowed to)in a rear wheel drive holden or ford.
It would be great to see 4wd monthly organise a friendly rally where the four wheel drive fraternity came together and rallied against coninued track closures in this so called free country of ours.I'm sure if something like this were organised we would see a huge gathering!Families could make a day of it.For anyone to think the tracks they are enjoying at the moment will not close think again,it's only a matter of time before your enjoyed track is closed.
I am living 1000 miles north of Perth at the moment but eventually will return to Sydney,when I do I would like to still enjoy the same tracks I once used to in and around the Sydney area.If there were a rally to be held irrespective of the location, I would make sure I would be there to support it.I'm sure many people would make an effort too because if we don't it will be too late.
It will be interesting to see the number of times this topic is viewed.

[Patrolman Pat]

I sympathise with your points but the only people who damage tracks are 4by drivers (along with bikes). Until we asd a group address this there will be more track closures. The best way around this IMO is to join a club, NPWS, landowners etc are happier dealing with regulated groups than individuals, then there are insurance issues etc. Unfortunatelty we've no one to blame but ourselves.

[yota]

G'day navaraman,I do believe its the minority that are to blame and i am not going to blame myself for their behaviour,no its not our fault.The majority do the right thing and tread lightly,for those who don't tread lightly we should all start taking their number plates or photos and send them in to 4wd monthly.
A prime example of not treading lightly was a family who decided to literally wash themselves and brush their teeth,all 4-5 of them in the cox's river.This area of the cox's river had not been open long to the 4wd fraternity,the area i am talking about is the cox's river on the six foot track,between Katoomba and Janolan Caves.Prior to the NPWS opening the trail up (black range road)the only way in to this particular area(the quickest) was a 4 hour walk from the Magalong Valley to the camp ground(I have done this).This family all used soap,shampoo and toothpaste in the cox's river.They were not too impressed when we had a chat with them.We took photos of them all in the river foaming it up with the soap,shampoo and toothpaste and were going to send the photos in to 4wd monthly but the damn photos didn't turn out!
We notified the NPWS officer about it aswell.
I don't like the way tracks are closed and then heavily patrolled once closed to find trespassers.Why weren't the bloody tracks patrolled in the first place!Maybe if they were the @#$#heads who caused the track closure may have been dealt with before the closure of more tracks!
It was the same with the jet skiers,once the law came in to force regarding the ban on Sydney Harbour a letter was sent out to us all stating that there was going to be more police and waterway officers on the water enforcing the new ban along with harsh penalties for those who did not comply!If they had bothered to enforce the law prior to this decision then we would have been able to kick a heap of idiots off the water for good,the laws at the time allowed for this,but no,the waters were hardly policed,idiots left to cause a disturbance,then,bang,waterways closed off and then the authorities start patrolling for trespassers...these guys aren't for real!VOTES were also a contributing factor to this law being brought in.
I'm sure the NPWS don't mind dealing with the clubs,why would they.
If they had to deal constantly with a few hundred or more unhappy 4wdrivers rallying against track closures i'm sure their tune would change.A lot of us think,'she'll be right mate,it won't happen',it will happen!It's happening now and will keep on happening until there are no tracks to enjoy with our fourbies.A lot of people bag out greenies and even though they are the cause of perhaps some track closures in certain areas,these guys rally for their beliefs,they don't sit back and say she'll be right,they get out and voice their opinion in large numbers to be heard by all,to be listened to,good on em',there are many people who make up this world of ours and we're always gonna have greenies,the difference between greenies and us is that they will get out and be heard by all,and they ARE heard.
In regards to clubs i might tell you about a club we encountered at the sunnyside lookout 12 months ago.My dad,friend and I were having a nice bbq breakfast at the sunnyside lookout when a group of about 8 or so trucks came down and parked next to us.A nice fellow came accross and asked us did he know where we were and if so how would they get onto the actual sunnyside track that runs down into the valley!We replied we new and he said great,'I'll just get our tour leader'.As my father brought out his topo maps to show this tour leader where he was and where he wanted to go i had a chat with the other bloke.
I found out all these people were on a club day out and were lost!The bloke I was talking to(who came up to us originally)was discusted,the group leader didn't even have detailed maps of the area,this bloke said he would be better off gettin his barbie out,enjoyin breakfast with us and taggin along with us for the day!Mind you the leader was not very popular.I won't mention the club name of course,and i know that this is by no means an example of the many fine clubs out there who show people this great country of ours,but,these people I would guess were not members for long with this particular club.

Am getting off the point but how about we start exposing the idiots on our tracks by sending their ugly photos into 4wdmonthly,its the digital age and would be easy to do.
Maybe the mag could have an idiot section donated to those who are successfully aiding in the track closures!
Of course we need a rally day aswell
Thanks navaraman for your reply....

[Patrolman Pat]

Good points, well made Yota. You are right that the greenies, and any other anti 4by group will be organise while we adopt the "she'll be right attitude". Like you I'll chat to people doing the wrong thing and hopefully they'll realise the error of their ways, and tread lightly next time. Years of trying to access private properties for fresh water angling in SA through my fishing club has taught me that one person doing the wrong thing will stuff it up for the majority.

[Mental MU]

Regarding publishing idiots in the mag, these pics might give more fuel to the greenies?? 4wders doing bad things etc..

Why do I love doing things beuracrats hate? 4wding, Jetskiing, shooting.........

If only they got out of their precious offices!

We do need to shout louder than others.

[yota]

good point mental mu but unless it states where the photo is taken then who would know unless they're familiar with the territory,it's all about exposing these idiots,4wd monthly printed a photo a while back that an unhappy reader sent in which showed a donut someone decided to do on a patch of virgin soil.
If people know their picture may end up in a magazine after being photographed while doing stupid things to the environment then perhaps they may think twice!
Still need a rally mental mu,would you be in it mate?....You could shout really loud!

I signed up today with my club to help the NPWS with the wild dog baiting program.... which means we get to use tracks that are now closed, to monitor and place dog baits in national parks....... we do some work by maintaining the tracks, and saving the National Spark & Wildfire Service quite a bit of money. It's unfortunate that you have to do this in order to get into these closed tracks....... but it does mean that we as club members are helping to boost the profile of fourby owners and maybe this will result in the long term in some tracks being opened again for all fourby owners and not just clubs. I think it's a benefitial thing to join a club, not just to go driving with others, but for the social atmosphere at meetings and club trips. Getting into some tracks because you are a club memeber is only one of the bonuses.
While a rally could be a good idea....... we need to be careful that it isn't used against us by the people who hate us most.

[FaTMaX]

All I have to say is short and sweet. Im sick of the minority ruling the majority just because they whinge and get heard. We need rally's for a lot of things and this is one of them. I'm with Yota.

[yota]

A rally day could be as simple as organising a gathering on a sporting field.A day everyone can come together and be heard.We cannot be criticized by any group,most of us tread lightly and who the hell has the right to criticize us for just enjoying the bush while treading lightly at the same time,crikey even greenies go bush,whats the difference between them treading lightly and enjoying the bush to ourselves?Nothing.The day could involve talks from the NPWS,clubs,state forestry and who ever else wanted to have their say on the matter.
I think it could be a very informative day to be had by all.Bring all the issues surrounding reasons as to why tracks are being closed,what can be done about it,who decides on closing the tracks,what can be done about re-opening the tracks and the list goes on and on and on.At least this way it's not only club members who are informed as to what the hell is going on at the moment,everyone will know.
A rally doesn't have to be all signs and shouting,it could be a well organised event and a day where something good may be achieved in the fight against track closures.
What do you all think?

[yota]

I would like to hear Roothy's or Pat's view on the matter,
would it be possible to organise a day where everyone can come together to be heard and informed on whats going on at the moment?

[Patrolman Pat]

All I have to say is short and sweet. Im sick of the minority ruling the majority just because they whinge and get heard. We need rally's for a lot of things and this is one of them. I'm with Yota.


People who actually use their 4bys off road are probably the minority in this case.

[FaTMaX]

I think that was sarcasm, navraman, a shot at those who own 4x's and it never even enters their mind to use the vehicle for the purpose it was designed but just in case it wasnt I should make the quote more clear.

Im sick of the few stuffing it up for the many. People will always do the wrong thing in any and every aspect of life imaginable but does that mean we stop doing everything?
Maybe no one should own a car because people do the wrong thing and people die. Thats a human life, not a possum chocking on a plastic bag from a 4X4 traveller ( by the way thats not a specific example but just a comment to help put things into perspective) and yet we still drive. maybe we need to start towing our vehicles to the tracks to avoid hitting a pedestrian with our bull bars. Hey forget the river crossings, if our exhaust pipe goes under the water then forget, it, it might pollute the water, "Whats that a large company pumping untreated acidic water into the Lance Cove River every night under NPWS' nose, bugger. We'll get to it, we are busy closing 4WD tracks".

The whole point is that all of us including the clubs and the bushwalkers and anyone who enjoys nature is going to move a bit of dirt squash a couple of insects and perhaps change the eating habit for the lone possum ( and yes, I do know the importance of protecting the enviroment I have just never seen any real damage caused to it by 4wding). Can anyone enlighten me to the real damage that we cause the enviroment by driving on designated tracks and for those of you who are reaching for the keyboards see above for the people who do the wrong thing speel. I know people do the wrong thing but is the damage they do so disastrous to the enviroment that they need to shut down the tracks.

4WDing, I beleive, is the largest offroad sport there is. So in the offroad community we are the 'majority'. But beacuse of the few who do the wrong thing and the few who whinge about us loud enough for people who hear and listen, the 'minority', they shut down tracks. Therefore we are letting ourselves the 'majority' get ruled by the 'minorities'.

Back to the point a rally day is an excellent idea. We can make our presence felt, I can be become more educated on the dangers to the enviroment and change any my behaviour accordingly if need be. We can take our families and show that this is also a sport that promotes family values and above all on this topic, give our children fond memories of our 4WD adventures as well as teach them a multitude of fading skills. We can all gain something from a rally day. We can say that we care and we will work with the NPWS to do what we need to do to get these tracks open again for all to enjoy.

[Patrolman Pat]

Great points fatmax. There are numerous tracks in Cox Scrub in SA closed due to dirt bike and 4WDers and the Border track in many places is a disgrace.

I would argue that the offenders are in the minority of 4wders but until we promote the good side of our chosen recreation/sport the general public won't give a toss. Promoting good 4wding is as important as just protesting against track closures.

[nice_surf]

If there was a rally held what about doing one in each state

Travis

P.S: Good points made by all as I know how you feel

[yota]

G'day nice surf,great idea,the more the better.If we could organise at least one it would a great start.Quite a few people are viewing the topic but not posting a reply.
What do you think peoples?Are we wasting our time organising a rally day for the good of what we all love doing?If you view the topic and would support the day let everyone know,takes two seconds,we have to start somewhere.

...and fatmax,great points!I really do wonder if my kids will be able to 4wd the great Cape York,the high country,Tasmania and the rest?My point exactly,the way things are going I honestly don't think so.

If there was a rally held what about doing one in each state

Travis

P.S: Good points made by all as I know how you feel



Not just one in each state,

One in each locality.

More likely that more ppl will show if they don't have to drive for hours to get there....

Organize with papers and radio, Local and National
It pays to advertise.

Use a catchphrase...." PLEASE EXPLAIN" Track closures.

[PRADODUFF]

Here! ;) Here! ;)

I'm in just tel me when and where and I'll be there. ;D ;D

DUFF

[gidget]

I agree,we need something, posts are long here & I'm not a big reader.
But it would only take 1 dickhead at a bash like that & the whole thing would be a media frenzy for the wrong reasons.
This is a good idea but it could go wrong.

MY OPINION ONLY

[Benno]

They had one up here in Townsville last Saturday organized by a trail bike association. 4x4s were invited to join in aswell. They had the rally and then a drive thru the town. Dont know how it went by the time I found out about it, it was over.

[FREAK]

They had one up here in Townsville last Saturday organized by a trail bike association. 4x4s were invited to join in aswell. They had the rally and then a drive thru the town. Dont know how it went by the time I found out about it, it was over.


Yeah Toos i was in the same boat as you mate, first i heard of it was when i read about it in mondays paper, although i couldn't have been there anyway. At that time i was somewhere between Yeppoon and Bowen.

Good roll up though over 60 bikes and only a few 4b's, the bike club should have spread the word a little better casue i'm sure the 4wd community up here would have supported it alot better.

The only way we are going to get anywhere with this is on a united front.

[Uggs]

I would definantly support a get together in Vic and may travel to Sydney if need be. I feel it would need to be a rally to promote responsible 4by habits as well as questioning track closures. I think that having 1000 trucks to turn up to protest closures and then leaving lunch rubbish everywhere would do more damage than good.
P.S. Sorry I didnt reply sooner

[SAHARAMAN]

So, shall we set a date?


Maybe organise stickers from somewhere...


I'm a recreational 4wheel driver
and an active conservationist...

[freezy11]

if there is one in sydney, newcastle, wolllongong, or bluemoutains - penrith area i will be there in force