Best watch channel 7 news at 6.

[Goneforgood]

Ok just saw a highlight for tonights news on channel 7.

"uproar over 4wd's tearing up sydney fire trails"

Video has been posted on you tube of someone in a 4wd going up a fairly rutted track and news have obviously taken it on board to make some shit story up about it.

also claiming firey's are going to be charging drivers ect.

[lovemewrangler]

the firetrails would be overgrown bush with tree's fallen all over it if it wasnt for 4wd's what are they talking about..

[AJ]

I haven't seen the add but just read about something very similar on the SJC website. Hopefully they aren't the same thing because the last thing we want is more BAD publicity especially when it concerns APPIN coz it's already on shaky ground!!

http://www.macarthurchronicle.com.au/article/2007/10/16/3867_campbelltown.html

[sir_camel]

I saqw that on OuterLimits about Appin. I believe it will be the same thing. Was on the cover of the local paper down Appin way. BAD NEWS i reckon.

[Ozzy]

What the tree huggers need to realize is that we help to maintain these trails, also we try our best to "Tread Lightly" which has been adopted in the States. As a firefighter I would never allow someone from a 4wd club be charged for travelling on a fire trail unless there was imminent threat of being enveloped by a fire (wrong place wrong time scenario).

Allow me for a second to perch onto my soapbox: ahem ahem...

This is the time where we as a 4wd group need to look at putting aside some of our differences and work to band together as a common interest group. We need to start looking at focusing on the side that family shared interest, group education, trail maintenance, pathfinding etc... is looked at by us and as a group we hold more on ground knoweldge than the local authorities (except rangers of course). We need to look at speaking with politicans to let them realize that we are a driving force in the economy etc... Without 4wd folks here in Australia nowadays (true 4x4 owners not the RAV 4 types) we would find more tracks unmaintained and impassable. They also need to realize that we can see the trails and understand if a tanker or search vehicle could make it down that track that we know like the back of our hand. I'm sick of this problem and I hope that others are sick of this as well, let's do something about it...

[hemijeepy]

here here !!!!

[sir_camel]

I agree Ozzy. But goodluck getting the message through to the general mindless public.

We have to REALLY consider our behaviour offroad and stay away from posting any videos naming tracks.

I am furious after that story but i really don't know what we can do about it. :(

[Wooders]

Can we send a new report to Channel nine reporting how Channel 7 are wasting our valuable oxygen supplies talking about this shyte....

[jsjeep]

here here wooders

[MR EXTREME JEEP]

There are heaps of 4wd hoons. There a probably more of them then there are responsible 4wd'ers. Every time I go out I see a bunch of them carelessley tearing up the trax and making a fuss. No different from the hoons on the black top with there race cars doing donuts and dragging each other down the local streets for fun. We have to distance ourselves from this other group of 4wd'ers by being proactive. An advertising campaign from our 4wd associaton would help show people what we actually do. if you took a snippet from every 4wd commercial on tv and compiled it into one add you would soon get the picture of what 4wd 'ing is about.
if I tell someone I am a recreational 4wd'er they automaticly think I am a bush basher. This is what has to change. And advertising is the only way.
It costs money but fight fire with fire. prime time news is hard to beat viewer wise but I am discusted with the lack of response from our 4wd association representatives. Where the hell are the old land cruiser simpson desert crossing old retirees. Not giving a sh*t about our local tracks thats for sure. Wankkers.......

[ARB87U]

these issues at least for us in sydney belong with the nsw act 4wd association..... the lack of action from this association makes me think they are all ex council workers or something.......

main stream media have no clue, they know it will get ratings, the problem is all the 4wd's getting in the way of the 80k+ imports you see........

[toyo tom]

I,m a firey and our biggest problems are greenies and national parks (who keep closing trails -they just put the bulldozer on a few and ripped them up )and the dick heads who dont give a shit.

[Cj's TJ]

I agree with all of the above. Especially the thought that there will always be a minority who mess it up for the rest of us.

I live in SA, and pretty much every track is closed by tree hugging community, and mostly to protect "endangered wildlife" Its getting to the point where the shoulder of the road is about as offroad as one can go in SA (local to adelaide anyway)

Having said that, if I join the local country fire service, does that mean I can use the fire tracks in the name of "assessing their condition" :rolleyes:

[MR EXTREME JEEP]

Having said that, if I join the local country fire service, does that mean I can use the fire tracks in the name of "assessing their condition" :rolleyes:

You should be able to do that through your 4wd club..

[Hekta]

There are two threads running on Outerlimits about it. Wayne from ABUG's (Appin Bush Users Group) phone has been running hot and he has spoken to numerous media outlets about this. Everyone is encouraged to write to the paper and TV stations and express your concern at these types of stories.

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=122843

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=122955

Oh and if anyone is in, or knows someone in the Wollondilly, Macarthur or High Rollin' 4WD clubs, read this one http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=123019

[Cj's TJ]

You should be able to do that through your 4wd club..

It will only get you so far in SA - I want to get into the Dept Forrestry track etc . . . need a key for that ;)

[hemijeepy]

Clearly this all goes back to terrorist and the War in Iraq............. **)




Na seriouse, this is an issue that will never totally be cleared up, like stated by someone the simple minded public get feed B.S from the media and thats all they go by... I get the same thing in my Job ( car dealer ) and also my other hobbie Drag racing.. You tell someone you have a drag car and they all of a sudden assume that your the guy doing snakeys up the streets and 2am in your V6 commodore!!!!


Grrrrrrrr it makes me mad... And now 4wding.. What about the real reason why we own them. To camp and enjoy the beautiful sites this stunning country has to offer.. the sites that you can't get to in a sdn!

More immportantly and yes this is a stereo type but its not far off the mark, when do you see a load of rubbish lying round a camp site on the beach or in a park somewhere!! very seldomly We are the ones that try our hardest to keep this place a beautiful clean country to live in!

More positive media is need in many areas of life however i am not holding my breath as it seems that the public can't think outside there troubled little bubble!!!

[hemijeepy]

It will only get you so far in SA - I want to get into the Dept Forrestry track etc . . . need a key for that ;)



Bolt cutter's ;)

[Cj's TJ]

Bolt cutter's ;)

pmsl, Oh how many times does that has cross my mind. . . :)` :idea:

I currently think that a socket set 15 - 19mm hex heads would work best, take the hinges off the other end of the gate and "leave no footprint" (see I am environmentally conscious!!!!!) :cool:

But yeah, wanted some lame "official" reason for being in there . . like I am from the CFS assessing track status . . :rolleyes:

[JEEPCHIK]

We have the same probs up here.Only recently in the last month or so 2 of the best camping areas in fnq have been closed due to boofheads who should not own 4wd's.If you know where Mount Mulligan is or have been there before, the beautiful camping area on the lake has been closed to the public.Only the Cairns 4wd club will have access in May when we do our annual cemetary clean up.:-( This is mainly to do with the mining lease being bought again and mining is about to start again.But they have had trouble with hoons in the past.The other place is Buggery Bend on the Walsh:?: river out towards Mount Garnet.This has been a very popular camping/swimming spot for many people in the past.It's on private property and recently a bunch of hoons have ripped the place up and now the owners are charging $50 per vehicle.:wall: :wall: Not happy jan:wall:

Currently the 4wd club is helping out with Cassowary research and we are hoping this will help open more doors and get us (4wdrivers) more supporters to keep what is rightfully ours open to everyone:) This is a big problem (access) and we need to keep working on it.I know I don't like driving on bitumen all the time:-(

[Hekta]

It will only get you so far in SA - I want to get into the Dept Forrestry track etc . . . need a key for that ;)

I attended the last Hunter Region 4WD association meeting. They were talking about getting 4WD clubs to approach NPWS under a Memorandum of Understanding that is being drafted, to assist them in cleaning up tracks or areas where they don't physically have the manpower or the time to do themselves. There were examples given of it working in the Blue Mountains area and clubs had been granted access to closed areas under the guise of them keeping the tracks maintained.

[XJweaver]

I've only been on this website for a few weeks so I don't know how well my next comment will be recieved. (I may be considered the enemy)

My time "in the bush" is spent more on a bike than in the jeep. I ride a registered, insured, legal dirt bike. (KTM 450 EXC)
I share the forestry with 4X4's, mountain bikers, campers and trampers in a respectful manner and beleive we all face the following problem:
Over zealous greenies who run screaming to the media everytime they see people enjoying the outdoors in an attempt to give themselves some politcal clout.

I often post and read on www.dirtbikeworld.net and recently we found out that the website was being "monitored" to gather evidence of unlawful activity in the forest. (i.e. riding in groups of more than 5, unregistered bikes, riding on single track)

We have taken to "masking" our ride reports by not naming the areas and avoiding photo's with licence plates.

I think it's sad. Law abiding citizens are being turned into criminals by enjoying an outdoors lifestyle. I love riding, camping, fishing, fourbying e.t.c. I hope I can continue to do so.

[Wooders]

I haven't seen the add but just read about something very similar on the SJC website. Hopefully they aren't the same thing because the last thing we want is more BAD publicity especially when it concerns APPIN coz it's already on shaky ground!!

http://www.macarthurchronicle.com.au/article/2007/10/16/3867_campbelltown.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ADwzvtqMdo
What wombats???
Mate if I was one of the guys in that video I;d be threatening the paper with legal action.
Mind you it does go to should how dual lockers reduce the impact on the track.

[Cj's TJ]

What I love is the statement "Acting Inspector Dean Johnstone of Campbelltown police said anyone seeing vehicles 4WDs or trail bikes entering bushland should immediately phone the police" :-(

It is sad that we are turning into a country of dibber dobbers! How can you take a fair chance of being a lil norty, if someone's gonna dob on you before you get the chance? :wall:

[Cj's TJ]

We have taken to "masking" our ride reports by not naming the areas and avoiding photo's with licence plates.

Another trick, is to only take pictures / videos while everyone is naked.

That'll either put off the prime time "there's no real news,so I'll make something up" news services OR it'll get you a whole load of interested (and slightly weird) new members :rolleyes:

[Hekta]

Here's a form letter that Brendan from 4WDAction wrote. Feel free to copy & email to appropriate media outlets.

A few suggestions.

The paper - editor@macarthurchronicle.com.au

and advertisers:-
aussieinfo@aussiehomeloans.com.au
wspa@wspa.org.au
customerrelations@stgeorge.com.au

To Whom It May Concern:

I write to you regarding the article entitled 'HoonTube', which appeared on the MacArthur Chronicle's website on October 16th.

As a member of the greater Australian 4WD community, I must take exception to a number of points raised in the article. The article in question only serves to highlight the fact that your publication does not have the credibility to report on the news to local community that is required. It is a perfect example of tabloid journalism; devoid of any real content, and packed full of emotive language in an effort to sway fence-sitting readers to a certain viewpoint. The fact that the author neglected to include a byline on the story speaks volumes about his or her own doubts as to its credibility.

The first erroneous point made in the story is that the videos portray 4WDs traversing fire trails. A simple check of relevant maps would reveal this is indeed not the case. These trails are naturally too hazardous for fire vehicles to use, as the land is naturally very steep. These tracks are legally accessible to any person who chooses to use them, regardless of their mode of transportation.

I also take exception to the fact that the term 'wombat holes' is offered with no explanation, and is taken out of context. The average reader will not recognise the fact that the term is colloquial slang for a rutted track, and indeed is not an actual home for a wombat. This serves to make 4WDers look like environmental vandals, when in fact 4WDers are the biggest allies the environment has.

The 4WD community directly pumps funds into the township of Appin, purchasing fuel from its service station, food and drink from its pub and supplies from its stores. To suggest that 4WDers have no place in Appin is to shoot the small township in the foot.

Please note that this is a form letter being circulated within the Australian 4WD fraternity. It will be appearing in your inbox soon from the desks of doctors, lawyers, business owners, police and ambulance officers, plumbers, carpenters, concreters and everyone in between. This should be taken as notice that 4WD owners will not lay down and accept these slanderous accusations.

To the advertisers on The MacArthur Chronicle's website:

I have included you in this email to let you know that due to the utter disdain shown to me, and my recreation by the paper, I am pro-actively choosing to boycott your businesses and websites. By advertising with this disreputable tabloid, you bring your own business into disrepute. I sincerely hope you reconsider the damage being done to your businesses reputation by being associated with The MacArthur Chronicle and choose to sever ties with it.

Regards,

<<<insert name>>>

[hemijeepy]

pmsl, Oh how many times does that has cross my mind. . . :)` :idea:

I currently think that a socket set 15 - 19mm hex heads would work best, take the hinges off the other end of the gate and "leave no footprint" (see I am environmentally conscious!!!!!) :cool:

But yeah, wanted some lame "official" reason for being in there . . like I am from the CFS assessing track status . . :rolleyes:

Hahah I had to do that one night!!! Got my car locked in at a TAB that closed at 9pm while i was next door having dinner!!!!!! They would of been laughing there heads off thinking they are so smart that some guy got his car locked in un-till.... they arive the next day to see not a trace of my Car and there Gate pad locked and bolted just as it was when they locked it that night!!!

God bless a socket set in the car ;) I saw it as secure parking while i had my meal ... No one was gonna drive off with my wheels hahaha **)

[hemijeepy]

I've only been on this website for a few weeks so I don't know how well my next comment will be recieved. (I may be considered the enemy)

My time "in the bush" is spent more on a bike than in the jeep. I ride a registered, insured, legal dirt bike. (KTM 450 EXC)
I share the forestry with 4X4's, mountain bikers, campers and trampers in a respectful manner and beleive we all face the following problem:
Over zealous greenies who run screaming to the media everytime they see people enjoying the outdoors in an attempt to give themselves some politcal clout.

I often post and read on www.dirtbikeworld.net and recently we found out that the website was being "monitored" to gather evidence of unlawful activity in the forest. (i.e. riding in groups of more than 5, unregistered bikes, riding on single track)

We have taken to "masking" our ride reports by not naming the areas and avoiding photo's with licence plates.

I think it's sad. Law abiding citizens are being turned into criminals by enjoying an outdoors lifestyle. I love riding, camping, fishing, fourbying e.t.c. I hope I can continue to do so.




Enemy........... NO F Way your a Brother From a differnt mother....


And they wounder why Drugs and crime is on the rise...... You can't do any out door activity these days with out being put in the same basket as a crook!!! And whats all that bull shit about! Phone the cops if you see a 4WD off road Are You F________ For real!!

Might as well call the Army if Airplanes are flying over a day care center at nap time!!!!! God Damn Protesting no life oxygen stealing mongrels!! Ahhhhh :wall: :wall: :wall: :evil: :evil: :evil:

[Cj's TJ]

God Damn Protesting no life oxygen stealing mongrels!! Ahhhhh :wall: :wall: :wall: :evil: :evil: :evil:

Not getting a little over excited again are we?

I prefer "God damned sons of a motherless dead goat" myself . . .

[xflow]

watching the video begs the question as to why this track wasn't re-graded if it's going to impede fire trucks from putting out bush fires the DSE should be all over it. Most of that track erosion has naturally occured by the looks of it.

[sir_camel]

Great letter that Hekta. The thing that has me livid is the mindless statement which has been said in such a broad way. "Anyone who sees a 4WD enter the bush should call the police immediatly." OOOOO MAD

[hemijeepy]

Not getting a little over excited again are we?

. . .

Me over excited.... na no ways!


watching the video begs the question as to why this track wasn't re-graded if it's going to impede fire trucks from putting out bush fires the DSE should be all over it. Most of that track erosion has naturally occured by the looks of it.


Yea I may of missed something but to me that Wombat video just looked like some sweet water eroded ruts?????

[Jeeptheone]

If the fire crews cant negotiate the chicken track to the left in that video then there is no hope when the fires go though the bush. If 4wding is so bad why is the government have such a large fleet of 4x4's, 6x6's, tanks and the like, these are bad for the environment!
Hey lets disband the mobile armoured forces as well as they might tear up a track in the bush under fire - thats a big no no.

IMHO what a load of crap, happy to take my tax and other levies for 4x4ing but at the same time try to black ban us!
I park my Grand in the carpark in front of Kevin Rudd's office everytime I go to Blockbuster and he has said hello to me as well. Time will tell!
JTO

[Cj's TJ]

I park my Grand in the carpark in front of Kevin Rudd's office everytime I go to Blockbuster and he has said hello to me as well.

WOW you are famous :p Not wanting to get political here, but I dont think it matters which liar is in office.

They'll ban it because some wowsers who don'ty get it complain thats its not fair . . . even more so if its fun :-(

[Hekta]

If the fire crews cant negotiate the chicken track to the left in that video then there is no hope when the fires go though the bush. If 4wding is so bad why is the government have such a large fleet of 4x4's, 6x6's, tanks and the like, these are bad for the environment!
Hey lets disband the mobile armoured forces as well as they might tear up a track in the bush under fire - thats a big no no.

IMHO what a load of crap, happy to take my tax and other levies for 4x4ing but at the same time try to black ban us!
I park my Grand in the carpark in front of Kevin Rudd's office everytime I go to Blockbuster and he has said hello to me as well. Time will tell!
JTO

The tracks shown in the video are not fire trails. They're not suitable for fire fighting because of their location, and because of the natural terrain. Here's a bit of insight from some guys who know the deal.


ive done several seasons with National Parks here in SA working for their fire prevention crews over summer.

I wouldnt take my landcruiser unit into those tracks- NOT because of their condition- because theyre surrounded by heavy bushland and are in pretty horrible topography.

Its called the dead man zone- and those tracks on those videos are definately them.

Not to mention i'd be driving those ruts in the fire truck on patrol anyway!

from my experience and knowing the area, if a fire started in the area we use a perimeter would be set up around the area as a whole and back burning would commence, if the fire was to sever it would be property protection only from the roads and if a fire started in the tharawal area a line would be put in from the main road from the airport to BHP.

None of the tracks we use would be any good for fire fighting due to location NOT state of the track.

[Ozzy]

Most firefighters would consider that "murder alley" if a fire came running through that area and you were trapped on the trail...DEAD! A very eloquent letter written to the paper, written by someone that has more intelligence than myself and is tactful enough to punch someone in the head and still the person would smile.

Remember these people look for ratings and their mindless drivel either written form or verbal diahorrea has an ability to slang some smelly brown stuff at us and eventually it will stick. Soon they will try to show ads with a little finger curled at us 4x4 owners... I'm honest this garbage needs to stop, if we enjoy and outdoors lifestyle we should enjoy it without being harassed by idiots with no idea of what we do or how we do it. We pump a boatload of money into the economy either rego wise, modification wise etc... If there was a flood and they asked for 4wd assistance from the community, how many of you would show up to help drive nurses to hospitals etc... We all know we would help at the drop of a hat, yet beaurocrats are sitting in the background being swayed by voters who are being led by the genitals from the media. I'm no conspiracy theorist, but these retards, for a $$ mind you, are sullying alot of our names for ratings and again $$.

Folks there has to be someone out there with the same eloquence of the cheshire cat, or a smiling assasin. But anyone who has a way of dealing with the situation and making them look like the clowns they are is the best way to do this I think. My humble opinion as I am scathing about this whole thing...

[Hekta]

Some good news. A photo shoot and interview was set up with the Mac Advertiser (I believe a rival newpaper to the Macarthur Chronicle) Here's how it went.

Photo shoot went well
Thanks to:
Miss Forby
Overit
Dia-Hard
Mrs J-top
and charlie.b

While we were meeting on the road side I received a call from the Macarthur Chronicle seeking permission to publish our letter from ABUG rebutting the inaccuracies within their news report. Even better it was the reporter of the original article.

In no uncertain terms she was told where and what she done wrong.
Did not help when it was pointed out to her that the 4wd community nationally was up in arms.
Would not (could not) tell me which 4wd club she contacted :Rolling Eyes:
I got the impression they are on the back foot and will try to undo some of the misinformation in next weeks issue
It is likely several letters will be published

They have offered positive publicity in future, so if you’re a local club who is doing good out at Appin or surrounds let me know. We can make sure everybody will know
:Wink:

It's been a hectic week and I want everybody to understand exactly what you all have achieved.
Well done guys, looks like you have all made them realise that the 4wd community has had enough
Solidarity is what done it
This is what needs to be done in the future, don’t take it any more.

And guys believe me the Association knows what has happened this week. This is being raised at the Nation Conference which is underway right now. They have asked for a ‘tour of Outers’ after seeing what you guys can do when you set your minds to it.

Be proud because each and everyone of you done it

Appin is not lost...............yet
ABUG still has some work to do but we think this has actually helps us

Thanks heaps guys
Wayne