“A Countryside Code” suggests behaviour for people when in the country—whether you live there or are just visiting. The guidelines are simple: they are merely a combination of commonsense, respect for other people’s feelings and property, and consideration for the land in which we live.
And yet by following them, you will be making a significant contribution towards the preservation of a better environment for your children, your children’s children and the future generation of Australians for whom we hold this magnificent land in trust.
- Quarantine and transport restrictions on plants and fruit which operate in various parts of the State should be observed.
- Seek permission from owners to enter properties for any purpose.
- Leave gates on properties as they are found—open or closed.
- Respect other people’s property—fences should not be cut, broken or stretched by climbing over them.
- “Souveniring” is another name for stealing. Don’t remove anything from a property without the owner’s permission. It is stealing to remove sand, soil, gravel or rock from a property, the bush or seashore.
- Never abandon dogs or cats in the bush—they will kill and eat stock and wildlife to survive
- Dogs must never be allowed to disturb stock
- Names and initials should not not be placed on natural features or Aboriginal carvings—these are part of the national estate.
- Leave fishing spots free of scales, gut and unused bait.
- A Fossicker’s Licence is necessary for gold or gemstone fossicking. Holes must be filled in.
- Bags for rubbish should be kept in vehicles or boats for proper disposal. Don’t throw rubbish from vehicles or boats or leave it by the roadside or at natural picnic spots.
- Clean water is scarce—salt or fresh, it should not be polluted with soap, detergents or litter.
- Drive slowly over dusty roads and when approaching stock.
- Never throw live matches or cigarettes from moving or stationary vehicles.
- Don’t smoke near standing crops or stubble.
- Fire can kill—extreme care must be taken when lighting fires, and they must be extinguished. Be aware of fire bans and precautions before lighting fires.
- Almost all native birds, animals and plants are protected by law and should not be disturbed.
- Trailbikes and other off-road vehicles should be used with consideration for the landscape—they can scar it permanently and cause erosion.
- Do not remove live shells and other marine life from foreshores— they will die.
- Take proper precautions before bushwalking or driving into rough country. Lives can be lost in rescue operations.
- Slow down when driving on gravel roads and avoid windscreen damage.
- Radios should be tuned to reasonable listening level.
- Shooter’s Licences are essential, and the provisions of the Firearms and Dangerous Weapons Act must be observed.
- Prescribed speed-limits should be observed by powerboats to prevent bank erosion and to avoid noise pollution.
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