MEMBER TRIP REPORT
One very disturbing thing we found on the recce ’ s was damage to Park furniture , particularly gates . Hoons had ripped out gates and gate posts to gain access to otherwise closed tracks . One padlock was found cut by bolt cutters and the posts also ripped out . There was also one gate by-passed by a very clear and well used track . This begs the questions : Should the gates be replaced and the track closed , or , are the gates needed any longer and if not should the old gates be removed to discourage wanton acts of vandalism ? This is an issue worth further consultation and investigation if we are to protect access to 4WD tracks .
In conclusion , Sue and I would like to say thanks to all the trip members for your participation and your friendship , and we enjoyed your company very much . We thank you all for your tolerance and your understanding of the problems that were created by key road and track closures , and your acceptance of our solutions . We greatly appreciated your sound and logical suggestions and have already taken measures to include them in future trips .
After most people had gone home on the Friday , I set out to explore areas of the Park I hadn ’ t been to before . While I was away the five day lockdown was announced . I got back to camp about 3pm only to have to pack up in a hurry to get home before the lockdown in case it went longer than five days . We got home at 8pm that evening , just before it got dark . It still didn ’ t take the edge off the trip , we both enjoyed it immensely .
Brian and Sue Hay . 1497