New safety signs in central west forests
From the Spring 2007 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
Forester Trent Froud with one of the
new safety signs.
Photo by Russell Riepsamen
In an effort to protect State forest visitors and forest industry staff, Forests NSW has placed a number of new signs indicating areas closed to the public due to harvesting operations around Bathurst, Orange, Lithgow and Oberon.
Forests NSW Macquarie regional manager, Dean Anderson, said areas where pine harvesting was taking place were potentially dangerous and should only be accessible to trained operators who have received a safety induction for the site.
“These closed areas are clearly marked in the forest using signs and high visibility mesh.
“The signs include a map marking the closed areas and a notice indicating the time the area will be closed.
“Safety is paramount to the central tablelands timber industry, which contributes 6.9 per cent of the Gross Regional Product, 5.4 per cent of the region’s household income and 800 jobs.
“Unauthorised people within these areas not only risk their safety, but also risk being fined up to $2200,” he said.
Dean said less than one per cent of the State forests in the Macquarie Region were closed at any one time, leaving the majority of areas still available for a wide range of activities enjoyed by visitors.
“When using forest roads the public should take notice of all safety signs and drive with caution as they are used by the timber industry to transport logs to the mills,” he said.
Public Affairs & Media, Albury
