Anti 4WD Stuff - what can I do?

Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 01, 2005 at 23:20
ThreadID: 27736 Views:3662 Replies:9 FollowUps:18
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I am getting a bit sick of emailing politicians, and Uncy Harry is now ignoring my emails. There must be something I, as an avid 4WDer can do.

I have tried joining a 4WD club, but the one I went to thought a fire trail was hard core, and seemed to be run by a pack of old Nazis. We went on one trip, and swore to never do that again. Besides, they didn't seem to care too much about track closures or any of the current media issues.

I live in Sydney, not tooo far from Hairy Screwloose

What I was thinking was:

Nothing illegal mind you... we just keep 30 or 40 vehicles parked out the front of his house all the time, just sitting...watching...with cameras....we could have barbeques, set up our tents, it would be great! Every time we see him, we could wave, and say hi.

We aren't media savvy, but there are enough of us to get a point accross. You never know, he may complain and get some of him media buddies around, and we could read out some prepared statements, burn an effigy or two...

Get him so freaked out, he either gives up, or goes bonkers, and we film it.

lol....i kid, i kid Mr Officer..... or do I....?....

hmmmmmm

Seriously, I am getting extremely frustrated, and seeing no visible response. No-one is standing up to these morons in any effective way. Dr Jenkins's work is great to quote from, and he appears to be doing a hell of a lot of behind the scenes work, but the regular Joes just don't see it.

I would rather be seeing two sides clashing in the media (as would the media, no doubt) than just one side sprouting shyte, and having polls for the next week.

With a little effort from all of us, we can start doing something. Instead of being very vocal on the internet, we should be writing letters and emails to specific people and papers. If just 100 of us had our own mailing list or something, we could decide on a publication, and bombard it with support letters, or call in on radio stations, or what ever we had to do.

Am I way off the mark here, or would any one be interested in joining me?

Chump
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Reply By: warthog - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 01:25

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 01:25
I don't understand why such an irrelavant organisation as the pedestrian council has any say at all on the use of 4wds. Surely they should be educating pedestrians on how to cross the road safely,parental supervision of children around traffic, traffic awareness etc. Not influencing policy that affects what sort of vehicle we choose to drive.
AnswerID: 137376

Follow Up By: chump_boy - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 08:02

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 08:02
It has a say because there is noone there to stop them! We need a rational group of people to be able to turn around and say "No, thats not right. Here are the facts you are looking for..."

We need a group to have a media strategy, to try and stop this type of shyte proliferating. A bad article gets written? This group should bombard the paper with well written facts, both to the editor, and to the feedback pages. It would not take long for the group to become so called experts, then people would start to listen.

If anyone is interested, my email address is chumpion at tpg dot com dot au. It is a darn site better than what we are doing now......

Chump
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Reply By: Member - Davoe (Widgiemooltha) - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 02:48

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 02:48
Regarding 4wd clubs if you havnt been put off there must be heeeps around Sydney so check them out till you find one you feel comfortable with
AnswerID: 137377

Follow Up By: chump_boy - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 07:55

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 07:55
Does anyone know of any near Parramatta where the trips are not run by a bunch of old guys on a power trip, and actually understand that a 4WD can do a bit more than a fire trail?

I have 2 small kids, and an expensive 105 series, so not looking for anything too extreme. Just some decent people that like to get out and have a bit of fun...
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Follow Up By: vitara - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 14:09

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 14:09
Hi there chump_boy try misty mountain tours Run by Ken and Olga up at meadlow bath Were from Glenmore Park near penrith. I know what you mean by either total rat bags and give us 4wds a bad name or the old ones which they call 4wding and I could take my vx commodore down it with a 2 inch lowering kit not lifted by 2 inch's. They run some great day tours and weekend ones plus even monthly tours around oz. Regards Vitara
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Follow Up By: chump_boy - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 14:46

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 14:46
Thanks for that, but not really what we are looking for. I'm sure the tours are good, but we are after a club.

There must be one somewhere that suits us, it's just a matter of finding it. I guess I'll have to do the leg work...

lol

Chump
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Follow Up By: vitara - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 15:03

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 15:03
Fair enough chump_boy there is an actual 4wd club it's called blue mountains 4wd club if that's of any help Regards Vitara
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Follow Up By: chump_boy - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 15:07

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 15:07
Cheers,

I'll look them up.

CHump
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Reply By: Eric from Cape York Connections - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 06:17

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 06:17
Chump if you go to post 27663 and read that post a lot of the 4wd comunity are fed up with the way we are portrayed by our peirs.if you know what I mean.

All the best
Eric
AnswerID: 137381

Follow Up By: chump_boy - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 08:08

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 08:08
I agree totally. We need a group of 4WDers to start writing to these magazines, and start letting the press know what normal 4WDers think about the image they portray.

I can imagine some guy looking at buying a 4WD, buying a magazine, then deciding not to because they look like a pack of waynkers!

There are a couple of us that are going to start emailing, writing, and calling up radio stations, but in an organised way. Email me at chumpion at tpg dot com dot au if you want to give it a try.

It's better than whats happening now.....
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Reply By: Lone Wolf - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 06:59

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 06:59
You need to start an anti pedestrian lobby.

Pedestrians have too much say, for no little return.

We pay taxes and excises to have roads built, whereby pedestrians have footpaths built for free.
We have to put up with crap roads, whereby the local councils will go around, and cut out, and reform offending pieces of footpath so the precious souls don't trip over, and sue the bloody council. Do we sue the council when we damage our vehicles?... no...

We contribute to the economy buy buying vehicles, fuel, aftermarket gear, and taxes.
Pedestrians just buy shoes.

We contribute to the local economies of Australia by the way of tourism.
Pedestrians don't.

So, this is what you have to do. Show the mighty and unjust imbalance that these wankers are receiving in the way of media attention, and let the population know that it is really only a squeaking door that's getting the oil.

Wolfie
AnswerID: 137383

Follow Up By: chump_boy - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 08:14

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 08:14
Mabey part of the campaign could be to continually ask Horny Screwboy where in the pedestrian council charter it says anything about 4WD's?

Keep asking him pedestrian questions, like what safety measures has he devised in the last 12 months for pedestrians, and what his education plan has been, and how successful has it been.

See, not only is he saying what he wants about us, there is noone following up on what he is supposed to be doing in the Pedestrian Council. Lets turn the tables a bit.

Part of a letters to the editor campaign could be to start asking tricky questions in public forums about Pedestrian safety. Harry would have to answer them if enough questions were asked in different papers, and it would keep him away from us for a while.

Kinda like fighting fire with fire. It will only take a little organisation, and only about 10 minutes of peoples time.....
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Reply By: Member - Steve (ACT) - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 07:06

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 07:06
Perhaps offer to take a reporter from ACA on a 4wd/camping trip with lots of kids and show what a great lifestyle we provide them.

No TV's, video games, getting out there and active.

Then again would they edit and spin everything to look bad

Sandy
AnswerID: 137384

Follow Up By: glenno(qld) - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 07:46

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 07:46
ACA , you cannot be serious.
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Follow Up By: Member - Steve (ACT) - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 07:52

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 07:52
Only as far as while we all think they are crap, the rest of Australia seems to listen to them. Was thinking of the viewer size of the show, not the quality.

Any show would do but between ACA and today tonight they have the constant ad's and seem to be trusted by many as a reliable news source.

I hate the show they stitched up my Uncle even after they had received legal papers proving their infomation was wrong!

It was just a suggestion

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Follow Up By: Member - Steve (ACT) - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 08:06

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 08:06
Actually seeing the two shows are in comptetition with each other would be good to get one one our side. If they can make us look so bad, surely they could also edit and spin to show us in a good light.

Sandy
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Follow Up By: Member - Pesty (SA) - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 09:27

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 09:27
Waste of time , shows like ACA are full of crap, giving Harold Wanker air time then getting into there 4wd company cars and going to the next story

Cheers
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Reply By: stevesub - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 08:27

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 08:27
There are heaps of 4WD clubs out there catering for all tastes. We went to 3 clubs before we found a club we were comfortable with and had trips that suited us. The first club was a bunch of cowboys like you describe, the second had too many kids for our liking but was still OK trip wise and then we joined the Rangerover Club that is perfect for us even though we use the Troopy on their trips, they don't mind.

Stevesub
AnswerID: 137388

Reply By: Willem - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 08:56

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 08:56
My advice is to forget about it.

Life is too short to get stressed over what other people may be doing.

Insecurity in life leads to the perception that 'other' people or instances are out to GET you or any person owning as four wheel drive.

But if you feel so strongly about this matter then I suggest you form an Association, become Incorporated, go on a membership drive. Once you have done that then you can set about creating a mailing list. Every time something derogatory appears on TV which your group is interested in then you can email your counter views. You can set up a website and find more like minded people and so increase your membership.

Go for it. It is your call.

I would rather go travelling in the outback or go camping in the high country than to worry about these trivial matters.
AnswerID: 137390

Follow Up By: chump_boy - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 09:09

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 09:09
So in 10 years time when the high country is all closed off because some greenie group decided it was too fragile, you won't complain?

Or when they put tar roads along all the 4WD tracks, so everyone can see this fine country without doing any damage, you'll just say oh well, I always had a soft spot for small cars anyway.....

I just think something needs to be done now, so I'm not telling my kids about how it used to be in years to come.

The trouble with not worrying about these other people is that these other people are getting listened to, and we are not. It is hardly insecurity, more concern for my way of life.
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Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 09:45

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 09:45
>So in 10 years time when the high country is all closed off because some greenie group decided it was too fragile, you won't complain? <

So greenies are the target now? They must not have an input into society but your group can?

Negativity gets you nowhere. There are that many 'What if's' in life. Complaining just streses you out

This argument about access started in the mid 1970's resulting in a "Think Tank' in Canberra in 1979. This was about access for everyone not just 4x4 recreationalists. Some areas have been closed off to the public over the ensuing years normally for valid reasons such as fragile eco systems etc. On the whole there are many places in this vast country to visit without a problem. Just see how the sales of 4x4's and Camper Trailers and Caravans has exploded over the past 10 years putting pressure on the environment in the whole.

Life is an ever changing journey and nothing will stay the same. Maybe in 10 years time the concept of going places with your 4x4 will have given way to another mode of transport. Remember horse and the carriage? They are gone.

Australia is the most overgoverned country(apart from India) in the world with 3 different tiers of government all vying for their own slice of the cake. Laws and rules are being passed all the time some of which are draconian, especially if you read the fine print. No one can compete with these ever changing laws or know what they stand for until such time you get involved directly or indirectly. But if you want to have a say against any impending laws and rule changes then you must put your hand up and do something!

Now I have suggested what you should do. An alternative to my sugestion would be to stand as an independant at your next state or federal elections. But I would go the association way.

You feel strongly about it? THEN DO IT!!!!!

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Follow Up By: robak (QLD) - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 09:48

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 09:48
"see this fine country without doing any damage"

There's a thought.
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Follow Up By: Eric from Cape York Connections - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 18:43

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 18:43
Robak i agree with you but when mags and the like adveritise go hard or go home what chance have we got.

all the best
Eric
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Reply By: Bitsumishin - Mike (WA) - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 09:31

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 09:31
Chump, The Banks are picked on all the time and in most (not all) cases, the story is very skewed to make the banks look like criminals, thieves & uncaring bas tards. Being an employee for nearly 30 years, I can guarantee you these stories are usually blown out of all proportion. I have often asked the Bank why they don't respond & tell the true side of the story. there answer is that ACA & the like would not give it air time because their show is always based around the poor man in the street being picked on by the bullies (be it Banks or 4x4s or conmen). Its better just to ignore it and if anyone complains to you about it, then give them your side of the story. For example when people complain about Banks ripping people off, I always ask "Do you personally know of anyone who has been ripped off by the banks. I don't mean have they agreed to operate a Bank Account and would like to receive all the services for free, I mean where the Bank has actually made a mistake or deliberately done something wrong. Very few people have personal experience of this & that proves my point.
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Follow Up By: chump_boy - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 09:46

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 09:46
Thats a good call, and I agree with the bank analogy.

The trouble is banks are here to stay - everybody needs them. Everyone does not NEED a 4WD, so little regulations here and track there will eventually take their toll.

It will get to a stage soon where enough tracks will be closed, they will justfy further track closures. The argument will be track x and y have closed, so I will now close track z.

When that happens, it is too late...
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Reply By: ev700 - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 12:08

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 12:08
Hi Chump

It is tempting but never, ever, step into the ring with the media. They are bottom feeders first and last.

You have to be subtle and indirect to be effective. The best approach is to have the occasional fun run with some proceeds to charity.

Publicise through a small local newspaper. Have fourbys and big signs in photos whne handing over cheque. Any cheque is well regarded by local reps of charities and by local newspapers, because they know fundraising is hard to do.

Many lovcal members will come along to help hand over the cheque. That is good publicity too. The impact of publicity through local newspapers is always underestimated and the editors usually are not as cynical.

YOU will become the victim if you go near ACA and theit ilk.
AnswerID: 137406

Follow Up By: Sky Pilot - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 14:45

Wednesday, Nov 02, 2005 at 14:45
I agree with that. The media will put the spin on the story that is the most spectacular from their point of view. As they say, "Never let the facts stand in the way of a good story."
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