Stay Safe This Weekend

Media release – Parks and Wildlife Service, 10 June 2022

Staying safe in our parks and reserves

Tasmanians and visitors are being encouraged to carefully consider plans to visit Tasmania’s parks and reserves this weekend due to forecast bad weather.

Visitor safety in Tasmania’s national parks and reserves is a priority for the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS).

“We know people like to head out on weekends to spend time in nature, and that seeing the snow can be appealing, but we do encourage people to reconsider their plans when conditions are dangerous,” Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Acting Deputy Secretary Stuart Fletcher said.

“Whether a walk is for an hour or for several days, people should be aware that conditions can change very quickly, especially in alpine areas.

“At this time of year, snow chains are required to visit Ben Lomond National Park beyond the lower car park.

“Severe weather can also affect services such as the Maria Island ferry, which will not operate this weekend, and may cause track and park closures.

“People should check the PWS Facebook page before heading out for information on any changes or closures over the weekend.

“Those people who do intend to head to our parks and reserves this weekend should make sure they are well prepared.”

PWS has a range of Walk Safely tips to help walkers prepare for venturing into parks and reserves, at any time of year.

These include:

Plan to walk safely. Know your way and walk within your capabilities. Choose walks suited to your experience and fitness. Seek advice from experienced walkers or ask local PWS staff about tracks and conditions.

Be prepared. Take clothing and equipment to suit changeable weather and track conditions. Ensure you have suitable warm and waterproof clothing, and the equipment necessary for overnight walks including a tent. Recommended equipment can be found by visiting the PWS website. Experienced walkers, PWS staff or outdoor equipment stores can also offer advice.

Avoid walking alone. It is strongly recommended that people don’t walk alone. If you choose to walk alone, consider taking a PLB.

Let a reliable person know your plans, before you go. And, be sure to advise them of your safe return. They can be your safety net and raise the alarm if you fail to return as planned.

Record your trip intentions in the logbooks. These are located close to most trailheads. Logbook entries can help searchers locate you if you are reported overdue or missing.

Be flexible. Be prepared to turn back or change plans if severe weather is forecast or eventuates during the walk. People have died making the decision to push on when they should have turned back or stayed put.

More information on safety in parks is at www.parks.tas.gov.au.

Media release – Road Safety Advisory Council (RSAC), 10 June 2022

Drive safely and to the conditions this long weekend

The Road Safety Advisory Council (RSAC) is asking everyone to drive safely and to the conditions this long weekend with 28 people having already lost their lives on Tasmanian roads this year.

“Driver fatigue is one of the ‘fatal five’ contributors to serious casualty crashes in Tasmania,” RSAC Chair Scott Tilyard said.

“If you’re going away this weekend, remember to get at least seven hours’ sleep the night before you leave and at the first sign of tiredness – momentary loss of concentration, frequent blinking or yawning – stop and rest. If you’re travelling with someone else, ask them to drive.

“At this time of year, roads can be slippery from rain, ice or snow, and visibility may be reduced in heavy rain, or fog, making driving even more risky.

“Make sure you drive to the conditions to keep you and other road users safe. Driving to the conditions often means slowing down so that you’re driving under the speed limit. Allow more time for your journey and plan to drive in the middle of the day or daylight hours when visibility is better, and ice and snow are less likely to be on the road.

“Make sure there is more than the usual distance between you and the vehicle in front to allow plenty of time to stop and avoid braking suddenly or making quick turning movements that could cause you to skid.

If you need to take a break, SES volunteers are offering free tea and coffee at Driver reviver sites throughout the state on Monday:
Paramatta Creek – Bass Highway, between Latrobe and Deloraine
St Peters Pass – Midland Highway near Oatlands
Sideling Lookout – Tasman Highway between Launceston and Scottsdale