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| Caring for the Outdoors: A Minimum Impact Code | |
The places we all choose to go outdoors to camp, to walk, to ride, to climb, to paddle, to fly and to sail, are very special. The uniqueness of the place adds to the outdoor activity experience. As more people discover the pleasures of recreating in the outdoors, it becomes more apparent that our bush, beaches and waterways need care and protection to ensure that they are around for many more generations to enjoy.
It is the responsibility of everyone participating in outdoor recreation, to follow a minimal impact code of practice. By observing a few simple rules, we can all make a difference and the special places we go will remain special.
You will also find below some example Codes of Conduct that have been developed by other outdoor organisations.
Leave No Trace
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 | Know the regulations that apply to the area you'll visit | |
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies | |
Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use | |
Repackage food to minimize waste |
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| Some areas have limits on the number of people that can visit or be accommodated there at any one time. Find out before you go and comply with the management protocols. | |
Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into smaller groups. Recommended group sizes may be 8 or less. |
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| Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not touch, follow or approach native animals | |
Never feed wild animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviours, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. | |
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and rubbish securely. | |
Avoid disturbing wildlife during sensitive times such as mating, nesting, or when they are raising their young. |
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| Prevent plant and trail destruction and erosion by walking, riding and driving single file and staying on formed tracks even if it's muddy. | |
Protect our past - examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artefacts. | |
Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. | |
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species into the natural bush | |
Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches. |
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| Protect the waterways and lakes | |
| Protect riparian areas by camping at least 50 metres from lakes and streams. | |
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater over the grass well away from waterways. | |
Toileting should be done at least 100 metres away from lakes and waterways. | |
Avoid polluting waterways with any sort of chemicals such as soaps, detergents, petrol, oils, insect repellents and sunscreens. |
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| Domestic pets disturb and displace native animals. | |
Before you travel to an area, check that pets are allowed and what rules apply. | |
Control pets at all times. |
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| Check the camping regulations and conditions for the area you are visiting. You may need to book ahead and obtain a camping permit. Some areas have limits placed on group sizes. Some campsites may be closed at certain times of year or for regeneration. | |
Plan to camp at an existing designated campsite, rather than having to create a new site. Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary. | |
Choose a durable surface at an established campsite to pitch your tent. Avoid placing your tent on sensitive grasses or habitat that will take a long time to recover. |
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| Pack it in, pack it out | |
Before you leave, inspect your campsite and activity areas for rubbish or spilled foods. Take out all rubbish, leftover food, and litter, even if it isn't yours. Leave your site better than you found it. | |
If toilets are not provided, bury human waste 15 centimetres deep and at least 100 metres away from lakes and waterways. | |
Take out hygiene products. |
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| Check the fire regulations and conditions for the area you are visiting before your trip. | |
Use a lightweight fuel or gas stove for cooking as an alternative to using an open fire. | |
Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings or fire pits if provided. As campfires scar the earth, avoid creating a new scar. | |
Keep fires small and clear of surrounding vegetation and tents. | |
Avoid collecting dead wood around campsites as this removes vital habitat. | |
Escaped campfires can become devastating bushfires. Put out campfires completely before you leave. | |
Do not light fires in times of severe fire danger. |
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| Respect the rights of other visitors to enjoy the outdoors as much as you and protect the quality of their experience. | |
Be courteous to other users of the outdoors. | |
Camp away from tracks and other visitors. | |
Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises. |
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Travel discreetly and leave no trace of your passing. Stay as quiet as possible and enjoy the peace and beauty of the bush. Learn to enjoy the Australian bush for what it is, not what you bring into it. Treat the wilderness and nature with the utmost dignity and respect.
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| Other Organisations Codes of Conduct | |
A number of organisations/activity groups have developed their own minimum impact codes of practice. These activity specific codes are available for perusal below:
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