Code of Conduct 4WD NSW & ACT Inc
As four-wheel drivers, we have the opportunity to travel the length and breadth of this great land and to experience its rich and diverse landscape, history, as well as involvement in community activities across the social spectrum.
4WD NSW & ACT hereby acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
4WD NSW & ACT further recognises that the laws of the States and Territories of Australia take precedence and govern all activities undertaken by associated clubs under this Code of Conduct.
Four-wheel drivers have an obligation to ensure that our impact on the environment is minimal and that our activities are in line with community standards such that we are always welcome on the road, in remote communities and in sensitive environments.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of items to be practised in our Code of Conduct.
- Keep to the laws and regulations for four-wheel drive vehicles (they may change from State to State). Ensure that your vehicle complies with relevant State legislation in relation to road worthiness and any modifications.
- Respect the cultural, heritage and environmental values of public/private land by obeying restrictions that may apply. Seek permission before driving on private land.
- Obey all fire restrictions and directions by landowners/managers, and State Emergency Services offices (or the local equivalent) as may be required.
- Respect our flora and fauna. Stop and look but never disturb.
- Keep to formed vehicle tracks. Do not drive “off road”. Drive with minimal impact on 4WD tracks.
- Respect the rights of others to use and share the roads, tracks and campgrounds.
- Undertake safe driving practices such as:
- Maintain a safe driving distance between vehicles, subject to terrain and the size and weight of vehicles in a convoy. Heavy/larger vehicles take longer to stop.
- Large touring groups should be broken into smaller convoys of 6 or so cars, allowing for passing traffic between and within each convoy group.
- Heavier vehicles with higher ground clearance require more care when cornering
- Before reversing, check blind spots to ensure that no person or object is behind your vehicle with the assistance of a guide or by getting out of the vehicle and physically checking.
- Keep your vehicle clean and in good mechanical condition to reduce its environmental impact.
- Prepare yourself and your vehicle for any trips and the terrain that you may encounter.
- Adopt minimal impact camping practices, which could include:
- Carry all your rubbish out, and other’s if required.
- Extinguish any campfires before leaving.
- Do not let your vehicle start a fire, avoid long grass.
- Do not camp over vegetation so that it will be impacted.
- Do not locate your camp under dead or rotted trees and keep clear of trees, such as some species of eucalyptus, which shed their branches.
- Do not camp in a creek bed or watercourse as flash flooding could occur from rain up stream.
- Do not disturb the ground by digging trenches or gutters around tents/swags as this will cause erosion and effect vegetation.
- Do not camp near any dam, stock water point, natural waterhole, creek, or river where you might prevent native fauna or livestock accessing water.
- Obtain permission if camping close to a inhabited building.
- Do not disturb livestock or watering points. Leave gates as found.
- In remote areas travel with another vehicle and have effective communications in place for support services.
- Plan ahead and lodge trip details with a responsible person. Do not travel alone. Take adequate water, food, fuel, basic spares and a first aid kit with you.
- Complete a 4WD driving course
- Respect fellow recreationalists’ right to peace and solitude in the bush.
- Support four-wheel drive touring as a responsible and legitimate family recreational activity.
Further References
National Parks & Wildlife Service (NSW)
Forestry Corporation – NSW
https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/activities/four-wheel-driving-and-trail-bike-riding
https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/important
V1 24.08.20 RP