Can you see the fine print…right down the bottom Rob…“Two of us are goin’ in, but only one of us is comin’ out”....and that other bit…“This way to the Mt Field chicken pie factory”.....

In today’s litigious society I’d say that what you’re quoting Rob is basic bureaucratic CYA.  Other than that; It’s a forest containing trees.  Branches regularly fall and occassionally so do trees.  Some people out there fail to realise that people, or an authority, organisation don’t have control over mother nature. 

They get fried because they sheltered under a tree during a storm and what do the do?  Sue the Council because they left the tree there.  A couple camp under a tree in a windstorm and during the night while they’re sleeping in their tent a branch falls causing vaurious contusions and a broken bone.  Do they say “lesson learnt” or do they say “someone (other than me) is responsible, I’m going to sue.”?  I’ll let you guess the answers to those questions.

So all in all what is your problem with respect to the signs?  Are you angry that the majority of humanity act the complete twit with monotonous regularity or are you angry that authorities have to highlight that by pointing out the bleedingly friggin’ obvious?

Gums drop limbs more frequently than other trees. Are you saying lets clear fell national parks?

Trevor No 3… Gunns and FT are already trying to do just that, don’t give them the excuse.

Stephan, I’m not in the least angry about the sign. I just find it amusing that a.) people need to be told and b.)that we live in a society where it is even considered necessary to tell people that walking under trees, you may have a branch falling on you.

I do appreciate that these things may be necessary in a litigious society, but I was also under the impression that an organisation cannot abdicate its responsibilities by just putting up signs. Perhaps a lawyer/reader of TT could enlighten me. And of course, the sign only being in English, the Japanese tourists I encountered along the trail were probably unaware of the danger.

It is a shame that we live in such a litigous world.
It is time to adopt a personal version of Caveat Emptor. Since when has personal responsibility been anyone elses job.
The sign should just have to say, welcome to the National Park. Beware branches or trees may fall at any time! Take Care and Enjoy yourselves.

Something we can thank the US of A for.  Not!!!

Sue the government with millions to pay for legal advice. If you survive it will be a long case and possibly very expensive if you loose.

I always though that if you mentioned a problem as you had admitted you recognized it your liability increased.

Further, as an entry fee is charged I would have thought the provision of a safe expereince went beyong simple warning signs.

I agree with #2 in that it is a dangerous world out there, think before you act.

I am sure some people appreciate the warning - but is each sign a replacement for a position that has been lost? Even with the funding increase, Parks staff are nowhere near their previous numbers.

“Do not use when sleeping”  - one of the many warnings on an electric hot hair curling wand bought in the USA in May 1998.