ENVIRONMENT

How we can look after our environment

The Club is a social organisation established to bring together people who are interested in recreational four wheel driving.     Recreational driving can have an impact on soil erosion, air and water pollution, destruction of natural habitat, the loss of vegetation, and therefore the reduction of native and exotic fauna.

The Club is therefore committed to minimising and reducing its environmental impact and pollution, with the establishment of a policy of minimisation, and by incorporating environmentally friendly practices for off-road driving.    The practices will be reviewed and revised on a regular basis by the Club Committee and followed by its members, where-ever possible, with a view to continually reduce environmental damage.

The practices implemented will be in line with Local, State and Federal regulations or legislation.

We will meet the commitment by the following guidelines:

GUIDELINES:

  • Provide education and information to our members of environmentally friendly practices, covering good camping codes on private and public land.

  • Provide driver education for not only the correct and safe way to drive their 4WD, but also how to drive off-road in an environmentally safe manner.

  • Instil an attitude of good vehicle maintenance. A well maintained vehicle is a more environmentally friendly vehicle.

  • Provide information, through the Club’s library, of National Parks and other areas of interest and beauty to provide incentive for members to look after their environment.

  • Provide updated information, as it becomes available, of environmentally friendly practices and publish them in the Club’s monthly magazine (CatChat).

This policy is to be available to all Club members and associates for their input and review as necessary.

Click HERE to Download Policy Text

Some specific guidelines (expanding on the 4WDSA Code of Ethics) recommended by the Club to preserve the Environment and enhance the outdoor experience for all, include:

WHEN DRIVING:

  • Use only designated vehicle tracks. Observe all advisory and regulatory signage with regard to track / road closures and restrictions. Where necessary, obtain permission / permits for access /  track use / camping on public, indigenous and private lands.

  • If conditions are such that there is cause to consider road / track damage, question the need to proceed immediately or to wait until conditions improve.

  • When in potentially hazardous terrain, select and remain in four-wheel drive, avoid wheel-spin as much as possible as this damages the track surface through rutting, which in turn causes erosion in times of heavy rainfall.

  • Use only designated vehicle tracks. Observe all advisory and regulatory signage with regard to track / road closures and restrictions. Where necessary, obtain permission / permits for access /  track use / camping on public, indigenous and private lands.

  • If conditions are such that there is cause to consider road / track damage, question the need to proceed immediately or to wait until conditions improve.

  • When in potentially hazardous terrain, select and remain in four-wheel drive, avoid wheel-spin as much as possible as this damages the track surface through rutting, which in turn causes erosion in times of heavy rainfall.

WHEN CAMPING:

  • Plan Ahead and Prepare thoroughly, particularly with regard to Food and Water security and Emergency Communication contingency measures.

  • Camp only in designated areas / durable surfaces.

  • Respect geological and heritage sites.

  • Preserve our wildlife wild – do not feed or disturb animals, or remove native plants.

  • Observe fire restrictions – usually 1 November to 30 April. (Check CFS Hotline 1300 362 361) and Minimise campfire impacts.

  • Take ALL your rubbish with you.

  • Be considerate of other campers.

OUR CLUB IS FOR ALL MAKES OF 4WD VEHICLES

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