Off track walking banned
Posted: Mon 19 Sep, 2022 7:55 am
https://www.news.com.au/technology/envi ... 3f55933405
Daniel Andrews has been accused of trying to install “nanny state” rules across his state’s city and regional parks.
Walkers and riders caught not using government-sanctioned trails could face heavy fines, while swimmers could be barred from some waterways without a permit. The new rules, which will affect more than 50 city and regional parks across Victoria, were outlined in the government’s proposed Metropolitan and Regional Parks Regulations.
Changes include a fine of up to $924 for walking off a park trail.
Victorians conducting “intrusive research” – interfering with “wildlife, soil, rocks, vegetation or visitors or that contravenes any regulation applying to the park” – could be hit with a $1,472 fine.
Those wanting to swim in a body of water at a park will require a permit unless that waterway has been clearly designated for swimming.
Rock climbers, abseilers, hang gliders and paragliders will also need to get a permit unless an area has been designated for it.
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Gosh. This is madness! It will mean the end of all off track walking, no more new climbing cliffs. What about XC skiers and snow shoe people? What if the track is impassible, such as a swamp, bridge down or a fallen tree? What about leaving the track to go to the toilet? What about wild swimming?
Daniel Andrews has been accused of trying to install “nanny state” rules across his state’s city and regional parks.
Walkers and riders caught not using government-sanctioned trails could face heavy fines, while swimmers could be barred from some waterways without a permit. The new rules, which will affect more than 50 city and regional parks across Victoria, were outlined in the government’s proposed Metropolitan and Regional Parks Regulations.
Changes include a fine of up to $924 for walking off a park trail.
Victorians conducting “intrusive research” – interfering with “wildlife, soil, rocks, vegetation or visitors or that contravenes any regulation applying to the park” – could be hit with a $1,472 fine.
Those wanting to swim in a body of water at a park will require a permit unless that waterway has been clearly designated for swimming.
Rock climbers, abseilers, hang gliders and paragliders will also need to get a permit unless an area has been designated for it.
***
Gosh. This is madness! It will mean the end of all off track walking, no more new climbing cliffs. What about XC skiers and snow shoe people? What if the track is impassible, such as a swamp, bridge down or a fallen tree? What about leaving the track to go to the toilet? What about wild swimming?