Thread: Otways sure is muddy

Ok Guys we get the point!! Let it go don't turn this in to something it's not!

So what you are really saying is the Landy's should have been able to drive down the track (cause they made it ok) while the Toyota's should stick to their job of taking the kids to school.

I think we need to put this thread in the Overlander forum!!

It's amazing what interpretations can be attached to a set of photo's.

It is also amazing the comments that are made by those completely IGNORANT of the facts.

The Geelong 4WD club is at the forefront of establishing an AGREEMENT between National Parks, Department of Sustainability and Environment, and the 4WD Association Of Victoria. I should know since I am the Association Representative for the Club. The whole principle of an agreement is that there is not a 'blanket' closure of all tracks (as some 'greenies' might like) but rather an agreed system of track identification (Green, Blue, Black, Black Diamond) so that people can make informed choices about what tracks they would like to travel on. It is a system that has been implemented in the Bunyip forest, Wombat State Forest area and will soon be rolled out in the Otways National Park.
Part of that agreement is that some tracks be left as they are (ie, not be graded, maintained etc) so that those who want to attempt a 'double black diamond' track can. It's about allowing people to make informed choices and the freedom to enjoy our parks.

The 4WD Association is also well ahead in the process of an agreement with National Parks that will allow access by 4WD Club Members to 'Management Vehicle Only' tracks.

The Geelong Club has also taken park rangers on tracks in some of our most aggressive/capable vehicles and one of the most remarkable outcomes was that the Rangers aknowledged that the simex/silverstone type tyres actually did LESS track damage than Mud Terrain type tyres (there was one such vehicle in the convoy).

No one is arguing the seasonal closure principle. BUT what is offensive is the 'seasonal closure' method of felling large trees across the track at regular intervals so that in effect it becomes a permanent closure. This HAS happened by supposedly 'authorised' people.

Tread Lightly - the club has a very strict policy of '2 attempts then get assistance'. There were 9 vehicles in that convoy - only two needed assistance. No one left the track. There was no scrub bashing, creek wrecking or any other sort of reckless activity ( I suppose some would suggest just attempting the track is wreckless .....)

I'm ranting because there has been a LOT of work put in by various groups/people to acheive an acceptable 'Mutlipurpose Land Use Management Plan' for ALL interested users. If we just sit back and do nothing then the absolute assured outcome will be complete closure of all hard/difficult 4wd tracks and the only LEGAL access will be on blue-metal graded roads.

Dave110 - your comments are based on ignorance. I would have given you more credit had you actually attended the weekend and seen for yourself the 'driver briefings' and observed the activities.

Many thanks, Ralph, for the explaination re track grading and management plan. Those of us living in areas with less enlightened NPWS were thinking "a lot of fun for today and a permanent track closure tomorrow" - and I think you would agree that this would be so EXCEPT for the excellent work you have clearly done beforehand in having the management plan in place.

Congratulations on a fun day, and on making sure the opportunity would be there for you and others in the future.

'but rather an agreed system of track identification (Green, Blue, Black, Black Diamond) so that people can make informed choices about what tracks they would like to travel on'

And the track identification nomination for that track?

and what would be the clubs comments if that track was closed due to track damage? which was the comment that I made in the first place

'this sort of damage to public access tracks does nothing for 4wd access to public land!' and I still stand by this statement

'I'm ranting because there has been a LOT of work put in by various groups/people to acheive an acceptable 'Mutlipurpose Land Use Management Plan' for ALL interested users. If we just sit back and do nothing then the absolute assured outcome will be complete closure of all hard/difficult 4wd tracks and the only LEGAL access will be on blue-metal graded roads.'

and I agree but until a system is accepted by Parks Vic and implemented that identifies track grading and what damage acceptability is appropriate for that grading we need to abide by the current system which as the 4wd association ethics guidelines state

Obey the laws and regulations for Recreational Vehicles that apply to public lands.

Adopt minimal impact camping and driving practices.

and lets call this quits as its just going to go around in circles

Good on you Ralph, at least YOUR doing something productive about keeding tracks open for everyone and not just creating arguments.

By the way Dave, Parks Vic owns a crap load of D9 dozers that would clean up that track in 1 pass so there is really no point in complaining.

Originally Posted by Dave110

'So are you saying a responsible 4wd owner would not drive down a track because it is muddy and therefore liable to be damaged? The problem with the damage being that National Parks will not wish to repair it but instead close the track thus preventing 4wd owners from driving down it? Sounds like Catch-22 to me.
Given that track damage is a cumulative process you could argue that there is a failure on the part of Nat Parks to manage the track properly - they should already have closed it (temporarily).'

you've hit it right on the head DiscDave I'm not saying don't drive down tracks just because they are muddy and your right mcrover

'If the track is open then it is open to be driven on and if you have a vehical that is capable of driving it'

the toyota being recovered is despite everyones slagging is a capable 4wd it couldn't make it, my standard Defender also probably would not make it neither would of most standard 4wds make it without recovery of some sort after a number of vehicles had attempted to drive though the mire

'If your not into that sort of thing then dont do it, thats what I do, If I dont think I could make it then I dont go wrecking tracks and my vehical trying but we go 4wding to have fun and not to swim through endless whinging about what other peoples opinions on what we do.'

and this is not endless whinging It's a comment and thats all! and I thought that is what this forum was for? brag photos were shown for people to view and comment on thats simply what I've done

mickrangie & rangieman

'Got to love that Otways mud!! You could bury a greenie under that stuff and no one would know!!! '

yes I probably do fall in your catagory for being a greenie but the last thing I want to see is denied access to tracks in National Parks

I didnt call anyone a greenie or did i name anyone or point the finger as mick has said get off your and let it go maybe find somewhere else that likes that stuff

Everyone has their points and stand by them and we all have open minds and are entitled to our own opinions but some us do not force our opinions on others

There is two sides to every story it might pay to pm someone and get the facts befor you get on your and preach the all mighty which would save a harmless post turning into kaos in the future

Ok,,,who is a folder and who is a scruncher