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Safety in our forests

Enjoying Our Forests Image Resized2

While we want you to enjoy our forests, we also want you to be safe. Because forests are workplaces, there is an element of risk for all visitors. As such we have the following arrangements in place for public access:

  1. All forest access is subject to you completing our online forest induction.
  2. On completion of our online forest induction, permit access requirements will be provided.
    Note: In some circumstances entry without a permit is allowed. This will be restricted to access on foot for recreational purposes (e.g.: walking and running). Walkers and runners must always obey forest warning signage.
Online forest induction

General hazard advice

Forest Roads

  • Road use and our forest driving requirements are covered as a part of your induction. The forest is a dynamic environment and things change. If you are using our roads, please adhere to the requirements covered in your induction and please adjust your driving behaviour to changing road conditions.
  • Terms and conditions for forest entry and road use are provided with your permit.
  • Additional information may be provided on gate or road signs.
  • Please obey all road signage and temporary traffic control instructions in our forests.
  • Do not block entry by parking in front of gates.

Operational Activity

  • Follow advice provided on all warning signs.
  • Never enter an active work site (i.e., harvesting operations including tree felling) unless this has been pre-arranged by authorised personnel.
  • Never approach a working machine unless you have made eye contact with the operator of the machine and they have acknowledged your presence, have stopped working and have clearly signaled that it is safe for you to approach.

Poisoning Operations

  • Do not enter any area sign posted as having poison on site.
  • Never touch any pellets or paste/flour on the ground or in plant containers.

Hazardous Trees

  • Watch out for hung up trees (partially fallen trees) branches and overhead hazards. Avoid entering areas where trees have been blown over and uprooted. These trees are unstable and as such could move at any time.
  • Stay out of the forest on windy days. Suspend your activity when weather conditions change. Plan your activity based on the latest weather forecast for the area that you are visiting.

Communication

  • Take a means of communication in case of emergency i.e., cell phone or personal location beacon. Cell phone reception in our forests can be inconsistent.
  • Advise family/friends of your plans - give them a location and estimated time of return.

Forest closure

High fire danger, adverse weather and operational requirements do require us to close our forests from time to time. When this occurs all public entry (permitted or otherwise) will be suspended. Your cooperation with these safety measures is appreciated.