Forests NSW concerned about visitor safety during holiday period

With the Christmas holiday period fast approaching, Forests NSW is appealing to motorcycle and motor vehicle drivers to drive sensibly in and around forests in the Tumut, Tumbarumba and Batlow area.

Forests NSW Operations and Protection manager, Charlie Taylor, said drivers should be aware that timber harvesting as well as recreation takes place in State forests.

“Timber trucks, bushwalkers, cyclists and native animals may also be sharing your chosen road or trail,” he said.

“Other heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers and graders can be encountered in the forest at any time, so always drive at a sensible speed, which will allow you to slow down or stop when you meet other vehicles.”

Mr Taylor said harvesting signs indicate where harvesting is taking place, and drivers should not enter these areas, as they will be putting themselves at risk of being hit by trees being felled or by large machinery.

It is an offence to drive an unregistered vehicle in a State forest, and this applies to motorcycles as well as cars.

“Parents often seem unaware that it is illegal for a child to ride a motorbike within a State forest.

People should also be aware that quad bikes can not be registered for use on public roads and that includes State forests.

“The same laws apply to State forest roads and tracks as apply to highways. As well, drivers must wear safety equipment as required by law,” Mr Taylor said.

He said forest visitors should also be aware of the high risk of wildfire in the region this summer.

“People visiting the forests should be very careful with fires.

A Solid Fuel Fire Ban is in place in the forests during the hotter months, and high fuel loads and persistent winds are making conditions especially challenging this year.

“Through a commonsense and lawful approach, a safe and enjoyable forest experience can be achieved for the general public and other forest users,” he said.

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