Simpson Desert closed

Read 4 threads down

At least the reason is a lot more plausible than the weak excuses dished up sometimes for shutting Ayers Rock.

Alan

Will other places get closed due to high temps, such as Birdsville? What legislation confers the power for such a closure, and is it in response to rescue incidents? I pity the international tourists who will miss out on a living on the edge experience in Australia during the northern hemisphere winter, they will have to watch tv instead - how boring. We are over-regulated.

I agree with closing it over the summer season. I wouldnt want to be the ranger, police and recovery vehicles out there helping some two year old idiot that was advised not to go then. Move on we cant go to the snow in Dec and no one winges.

Closing the Simpson at this time of year makes sense because there are a small number of idiots (or ill informed overseas visitors who don't know better) who want to do the desert at this time. As someone has already mentioned it's for masochists or big noters.

I've done the Simpson and the thought of trundling along at less than 20 kph in 40 - 50 temperatures with a standard radiator and expecting the engine to stay cool is expecting rather a lot - especially after you crest dune after dune at high revs in the softest sand you'll find all year. Whats the fun in that? And as someone else mentioned, if you do get stuck and do manage to call for help then your rescuers are also putting themselves at risk.

The liberals will say this is prohibitive legislation and that it's 'your choice' but let's face it, some people just have to be saved from themselves.

The response from Ruth at Birdsville is on the first Exploroz thread about this closure: Thread No 60478 from August.

Its worth copying here:

Member - Ruth D (QLD) replied:
Andrew, I thought long and hard before I entered into this reply, not sure that I want to cop the flack which will no doubt be fired my way. Whilst I totally agree with the fact that we seem to be having enormous numbers of rules and regulations in every part of our lives - in this respect I am in total agreement.
There was a trial closure last year - you may not have been aware of it but we certainly were here in Birdsville. You must remember that whilst there are those of us who are experienced desert travellers no matter what time of the year you must think about those who have no experience. Please remember that our summer time is winter time in Europe - and that in Europe those people who don't have children are encouraged to have their holidays in their wintertime, our summertime which means that a lot of Europeans hire Britz/Maui fourbies and head out - air conditioner going full bore, etc. Unfortunately, it's not just Europeans - plenty of Australians as well.
What happens if there is a breakdown/accident/illness out in the desert - breakdown only means vehicle and trailer plus two people. Accident means breakdown car/trailer and two people, one vehicle with Police, ambulance with driver and Sister from Clinic plus maybe others (that's a minimum of 5 people).
It comes down to whether people at this end of the desert, as well as the Mt Dare end of the desert need to put their lives at risk to assist someone in trouble who really should not be out there. As well, it also means Rangers/Police frequently have to go from both sides to a middle meet on search.
I'm sorry to have to mention the above but it happens - and whislt there is probably not a person in this town who would not agree to go on a rescue - why should they have to, also remembering that from third week of December until the end of January the Shire is in shutdown as are the properties and the town is very short on people because they are away on annual holidays.
I absolutely love the Simpson Desert, but I'm one of the ambulance drivers and I am not happy having to take it over the dunes but if there has been an accident the RFDS can't get out into the SD so the Birdsville Clinic staff and the ambulance have to go out, stabilise, bring back to town so the RFDS can come and get the patient/s. Sorry to sound as though I'm delivering a lecture - but it's just being practical really.

Here here, I totally agree with the closure at that time of the year.

I also agree to beach closures when the lifesavers deem it to be too high risk for people to swim...

For what it's worth my vote goes to the disagree side (having read all the threads on the subject).

I'm am quite surprised actually that you eastern staters who disagree let the government get away with it. What a violation of personal choice!! This is a matter of principle. Fair enough, it's your desert, not mine, though thanks for letting me cross it once :))

God help the government if they tried something like that over here in Western Australia.

My opinion only.

Cheers
Alan

Yep i think the Cotton-Wool Coalition Party is alive and well !


Cheers