Forests NSW new harvesting signs help protect visitors

In an effort to protect State forest visitors and forest industry staff, Forests NSW has erected numerous new signs indicating areas closing off to the public due to harvesting operations in its Macquarie Region around Bathurst, Orange, Lithgow and Oberon.

Forests NSW 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 regions household income and 800 jobs. 

“Unauthorised persons within these areas not only risk their safety, but also risk being fined up to $2200,” he said.

Mr Anderson 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.

He said visitors should take notice of all forest signs and if they had any further questions they could contact Forests NSW regional office at Bathurst on
(02) 6331 2044.

“When using forest roads the public should drive with caution as they are used by the timber industry to transport logs to the mills,” Mr Anderson said.

Photo available from sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au