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Email Campaign

We are the only indigenous corporation actively defending and advancing the interests of the environment, advocating for the restoration of the Allodial rights of tribal communities, while at the same time, speaking up for the rights and freedoms of responsible bush users and recognising their contribution to protecting the environment and working with community.

Our email campaign targets one aspect of the law regarding what we can and can’t carry into national parks. The campaign will notify the bureaucracy that these rules are unacceptable to community citizens.

Below are the two letter templates and recipient email addresses that reference legislative provisions for each of the states.
If you reside in other states, you can still participate in the email campaign. These issues concern you as a visitor, but also when changes to the legislation in your state are influenced by the provisions of NSW and QLD.

You are welcome to add to or amend the letter templates with your thoughts and concerns, please be professional and respectful with your correspondence. 

NSW Letter Template

Instructions:

  1. Copy the template below.
  2. Open a new email.
  3. Paste the template.
  4. Copy or select the recipient email below.
    npws.parkspolicy@environment.nsw.gov.au
  5. Copy the below and input into the ‘Subject’ field.
    Reform rules and access in National Parks: My Concerns as a bush User
  6. Send.

Att: Mr Ray Fowke
Manager Parks Policy
NSW NPWS
npws.parkspolicy@environment.nsw.gov.au

Dear Mr Fowke,

As a concerned bush user, I am writing to you to advocate for urgent reforms to the NSW NPWS Regulations 2019 Division 3, specifically regarding the restrictions on carrying and using ‘‘cutting equipment’’ such as chainsaws, axes, and handsaws within NPWS-administered estates.

The current ‘blanket’ restriction under Division 3 13(1)(j) is impractical and poses significant safety risks. This provision is only one of a magnitude of restrictions that impede on our rights to access public land. It fails to effectively protect our environment in national parks.

Here is a summary of my concerns:

  1. Safety Risks: The prohibition on essential tools like chainsaws and handsaws leaves bush users vulnerable when encountering fallen trees and obstructions on roads and trails. This can delay emergency responses and create life-threatening situations.
  2. Poor Communication: These regulations have not been effectively communicated to the community leading to confusion among responsible bush users. Many responsible bush users are unaware of these rules and unintentionally carry ‘‘cutting equipment,’’ believing they are acting in the best interest of safety, accountability and accessibility.
  3. Inadequate Response: The suggestion to contact rangers is not a feasible solution. Ranger offices are often closed on weekends and public holidays, the very times when park visitation is highest. Moreover, many areas within NPWS estates are remote and do not have phone service, making it difficult to contact help when needed.
  4. Delay in Clearing Obstructions: Even when rangers are contactable, they may not attend to obstructions for days or even weeks. This is a commonly reported issue by bush users and volunteer firefighters who encounter tracks that have not been maintained for extended periods, compromising safety and access.
  5. Malicious Use vs. Responsible Use: Those who intend to misuse ‘cutting equipment’ will continue to do so regardless of the regulations. Meanwhile, responsible users, who aim to clear obstructions and ensure safe passage, are penalised. I understand that having laws is important and that they serve as a deterrent, even if not everyone follows them. Even though laws cannot eliminate all instances of a particular behaviour, only certain laws grounded by human morality and decency serve as a strong deterrent. This provision does not and the malicious use of ‘‘cutting equipment’’ continues systematically regardless of this law.
  6. Self-regulation and Reporting: It is essential to allow responsible self-regulation and reporting of misuse as it is currently in force in significantly more dangerous situations in NSW State Forests with respect to illegal hunting.
  7. Inconsistent Regulations: The inconsistency across different types of public lands undermines the rationale for these stringent rules on NPWS estates.

Proposed Solution:

Propose an exception to the current regulation that allows qualified individuals to carry and use ‘‘cutting equipment’’ responsibly within NPWS estates. Specifically:

  • Permit citizens with chainsaw qualifications or tickets to carry and use ‘‘cutting equipment,’’ and allow them to register this under the National Parks Pass program when they purchase or renew their annual pass.
  • As is the current regime, there will continue to be a liability waiver for these qualified individuals who choose to clear the obstruction.
  • Encourage a system of responsible self-regulation and reporting to address misuse effectively.

Reforming this regulation will not only enhance safety and enjoyment in our national parks but also support responsible stewardship and environmental protection. Contrary to the assertion that there is no systematic concern, we are a growing voice among bush users advocating for these necessary reforms. We urge you to consider these practical solutions to address my concerns and that of our fellow citizens.

Regards,

QLD Letter Template

Instructions:

  1. Copy the template below.
  2. Open a new email.
  3. Paste the template.
  4. Copy or select the recipient email below.
    directorgeneral@des.qld.gov.au
  5. Copy the below and input into the ‘Subject’ field.
    Reform rules and access in National Parks: My Concerns as a bush User
  6. Send.

Att: Mr Jamie Merrick
Director-General
Department of Environment, Science and Innovation
directorgeneral@des.qld.gov.au

 

Dear Mr Merrick,

As a concerned bush user, I am writing to you to advocate for urgent reforms to the QLD Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld), specifically regarding the definition of an ‘appliance’ under the act and other policies with respect to the restrictions when carrying and using said ‘appliances’ such as chainsaws, axes, handsaw and even shovels and knives within estates administered by the QLD National Parks Service.

The current ‘blanket’ restriction under the act is impractical and poses significant safety risks. This provision is only one of a magnitude of restrictions that impede on our rights to access public land. It fails to effectively protect our environment in national parks.

Here is a summary of my concerns:

  1. Safety Risks: The prohibition on essential tools like chainsaws and handsaws leaves bush users vulnerable when encountering fallen trees and obstructions on roads and trails. This can delay emergency responses and create life-threatening situations.
  2. Poor Communication: These regulations have not been effectively communicated to the community. Many responsible bush users are unaware of these rules and unintentionally carry said ‘appliances’, believing they are acting in the best interest of safety, accountability and accessibility.
  3. Inadequate Response: The suggestion to contact rangers is not a feasible solution. Ranger offices are often closed on weekends and public holidays, the very times when park visitation is highest. Moreover, many areas within QLD NP estates are remote and do not have phone service, making it difficult to contact help when needed.
  4. Delay in Clearing Obstructions: Even when rangers are contactable, they may not attend to obstructions for days or even weeks. This is a commonly reported issue by bush users and volunteer firefighters who encounter tracks that have not been maintained for extended periods, compromising safety and access.
  5. Malicious Use vs. Responsible Use: Those who intend to misuse ‘appliances’ will continue to do so regardless of the regulations. Meanwhile, responsible users, who aim to clear obstructions and ensure safe passage, are penalised. I understand that having laws is important and that they serve as a deterrent, even if not everyone follows them. Even though laws cannot eliminate all instances of a particular behaviour, only certain laws grounded by human morality and decency serve as a strong deterrent. This provision does not and the malicious use of ‘appliances’ continues systematically regardless of this law.
  6. Self-regulation and Reporting: It is essential to allow responsible self-regulation and reporting of misuse as it is currently in force in significantly more dangerous situations in NSW State Forests with respect to illegal hunting.
  7. Inconsistent Regulations: The inconsistency across different types of public lands undermines the rationale for these stringent rules on QLD NP estates.

Proposed Solution:

Propose an exception to the current regulation that allows qualified individuals to carry and use ‘appliances’ responsibly within QLD NP estates. Specifically:

  • Permit citizens with chainsaw qualifications or tickets to carry and use ‘appliances’ and allow them to register this under the National Parks Pass program when they purchase or renew their annual pass.
  • As is the current regime, there will continue to be a liability waiver for these qualified individuals who choose to clear the obstruction.
  • Encourage a system of responsible self-regulation and reporting to address misuse effectively.

Reforming this regulation will not only enhance safety and enjoyment in our national parks but also support responsible stewardship and environmental protection. Contrary to the assertion that there is no systematic concern, we are a growing voice among bush users advocating for these necessary reforms. We urge you to consider these practical solutions to address my concerns and that of our fellow citizens.

Regards,