National Parks and Four-Wheel Drive Access
A number of threads on the Victorian fire situation have had a common theme – what can we do to assist. Longer-term there are some things that are ‘big picture’ that could have a large impact.
As the tragedy of the fires in Victoria unfolds, the loss of life and the devastation of small rural communities will hopefully galvanise authorities into rethinking some of the strategies and policies surrounding the management of our forests and, more importantly, our National Parks.
It is evident that those who manage State
Forrest areas have a good understanding of what needs to be done in terms of control and management of these areas, including fire
hazard reduction.
In sharp contrast are the National Park authorities, which are largely managed on a State by State basis. Over time we have seen large areas of land sliced off and gazetted as National Parks. The green element has often, in the case of National Parks administration, hijacked the debate for proper control and management of these parks, especially with respect to
hazard management. Essentially there is often a do nothing approach from the ‘don’t touch the bush brigade’.
This has also seen access to these areas severely curtailed to the four-wheel drive fraternity on the basis of the ‘perceived’ destruction caused – this has lead to access tracks becoming overgrown and impassable, at times, and severely limiting access when needed. With appropriate access to the four-wheel drive fraternity this would not happen. Many of us know the arguments….
No doubting, in the aftermath of this national tragedy there will (should) be a full review of all aspects of National Parks management and
hazard reduction. This will be a great opportunity for the four-wheel drive fraternity to argue the role we can play in the management of these areas brought about through greater access.
For those involved in four-wheel drive clubs perhaps this is something that can be raised and advanced to the relevant State associations with a view to having a single voice to argue the four-wheel drive case.
Hopefully, food for thought!