Fraser Tragedy's

[disorderly]

the green groups look for any angle they can find to do so including exploitation of a sad accident like this.

cheers steve

And why the hell shouldn't they ...I personally don't think this kind of tourism(ie carload after carload of up to 12 people careering around an environmentally sensitive area with often total disregard to the environment,laws,personal safety or the safety of other holidaymakers) is a good thing at all.....

Its indicative of a growing trend of the downside of tourism...

[Lucky_Phill]

I don't think I missed the point either Seahorse.

My point of this thread is the politics behind the reporting of this tragedy. I just hate seeing politicians gaining media advantage at the expense of tragic events like this. I also hate the media's sensationalism in their reporting of these events and more-so the mis-information that abounds in our print media. I am afraid Australia is becoming very " British " like and why let the truth get in the way of a good story.

I am saddened by the loss of life, no doubt.

I am aware of the ' tourism industries ' that suck big dollars from Fraser Island, while showing no respect and place no financial assistance to the maintainence of this wonderful place.

Certainly do not want to play the blame game, but there is a fault somewhere, somehow, and that fault has to be rectified.

The thing is, those of us that visit Fraser Island regularly see the " Hire Vehicle " situation far too often and always someone in our group will say over the UHF or in the vehicle... " there's an accident waiting to happen ".

Could we have done something to make this tragedy avoidable ????

I / we could have approached the hire company and passed on our concerns:-

I / we could have approached the Eurong Police and passed on our concerns:-

I / we could have approached the driver of hire vehicle and given advice ( which I have done and I am sure many others have ):-

We all have a responsibility to assist our fellow man ( gender non-specific ) should we see a situation where we feel we could offer assistance. Unfortunately, most times we will be fobbed off, being told to mind our own business. Further, in todays ( infuriating ) political correctness environment, should we offer assistance and tragedy or similar occurs as a result, we are then liable. Again, this environment was brought about by a ' Green ' bias media and it's thirst for readership.

I feel comfortable knowing that I have offered words of encouragement and specific advice to novice Fraser Island visitors and that advice has enabled them to have a safer and more enjoyable adventure to our World Heritage Listed Island.

While I will condemn the reporting, the political footballing and unsafe practices by hire companies, I also acknowledge the unfair and untimely deaths of innocent young lives.

phill
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[Getout]

If these people had been travelling in a normal station wagon with forward-facing seats and lap/sash belts, they would probably all be still alive today.
It is criminal to hire out troop carriers, to inexperienced drivers on the beach. The lap belts on a troop carrier seat are ineffective, to say the least.
Its not the beach at fault. Its not the speed limit at fault.
It is inadequate equipment and inexperienced driving that is the major contributing cause to these unfortunate deaths.

[finga]

I don't think it matters whether the hirer is a backpacker, an inexperienced woman, a young driver or an old fart.

I reckon the issue is the deliberate hiring of a vehicle which is known to be loaded and driven beyond its ADR approval.

Facts on the Landcruiser 11 Seat Troopcarrier below:
Kerb Weight (kg) 2308
Tare Mass (kg) 2163
Gross Vehicle Mass (kg) 3200
Pay Load (kg) 892

PAYLOAD 892KG!!!

If you add up the weight of the racks and the bar work, add in all the supplied camping and cooking gear there wouldn't be much payload at all left for passengers and their backpacks.

Examples of the overload here: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1...54099770vNAFqC

Any wonder they go over!!

- Darren

Good point there.
You could also go the other way.
Payload of 892kgs then with 5 fatso's like me then no more legal room for anything else, let alone another 9 people, I'm afraid.
What's the weight of the average person...80kg??
11X80=880kg.
They can all take a toothbrush with them.

[castlemaine]

I don't think it matters whether the hirer is a backpacker, an inexperienced woman, a young driver or an old fart.

- Darren

M8, you just upset my wife. No offence taken though. She's driven heaps of times on Fraser and our kids may as well have been born and bred on Fraser, dingos and all, with no problems.

It pi$$e$ me off to no end when they put grids to stop dingos when anyone who's had a kelpie, let along a dingo, knows where there is a will there's a way.
No bins at tourist stops (ie Lake MacKensie) ... theory ... 'take your rubbish to designated area' ... reality ... lazy morons leave it at the carpark for the goannas to rip through and scatter it all over the place.

We love the island so much, I'd hate to see this tragedy politically driven to restrict/ban 4WDs.

Phill and Tim have a (very good) point.

Cheers

[cameron walker]

Hello everyone , I am a guide on fraser and moreton and i drive a troopy.. You all have made valid points about this tragedy. These kids are over here trying to see the best places in AUS in the time they have,they have little money and little time.For this reason they fall into a market in which are some very seedy dealers.If you research the small print off 4x4 hire (troopy backpakers) you would be shocked.There are many rules these guys must obey , and it is all governed by the thing they have least MONEY and TIME. Penaltys 4 driving through salt water may have been a factor in this tragedy.If your driving the car and everyone else has money involved and they see a wave surge up the beach are they going to screem ( just go through the water we are going to fast to get around it.) Or ( Dont hit the water).Split second stuff that can only be delt with by a seasoned driver.Anyway next time your on the beach and see a troopy coming your way , always be ready 4 anything. If they are not hugging the wet sand or doing something you think is wrong, dont try to point it out by holding your ground . You may be involved in one of those accidents ,you are on holls you have time and money be patient . Backpackers are a factor you must consider just like the beach conditions always unpredictable.My thoughts go to the parents of all involved ,it turns my stomach.If you see an unmarked troopy behind you dont be afraid to let him go past and give him a wave as he may be working , it might even be me . CHEERS CAM

[chisel]

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/qld-...0427-aklz.html
So I've now seen this 100kph limit numerous times - perhaps it really was 100kph on some parts of the island??????? Anyway, I'm more than happy with 80kph because that's what I was always using as a limit anyway (and obviously only 80kph where safe).

[BenDover]

Yeah, thats all BS. I have never been caught speeding on fraser. If I had Id be appealing it forsure. Even if I have already paid it. Next thing you know they will bring in and enforce drink driving .05 on the beach.

[castlemaine]

If your driving the car and everyone else has money involved and they see a wave surge up the beach are they going to screem ( just go through the water we are going to fast to get around it.) Or ( Dont hit the water).Split second stuff that can only be delt with by a seasoned driver.

Cam, that's makes a lot of sense and perhaps can explain the roll-over.
Cheers

[BenDover]

Did you hear the OFFICIAL EXPLENATION on the news about fraser islands speed limit. The head of police for that area claimed tonight they have been inforcing an 80kph speed zone there for a while ALTHOUGH IT HADNT MADE IT THROUGH LEGISLATION. Exactly why I hate cops... And reason why I dont listen any of their BS.

I even had a lovely surprise at straddie on the weekend. They had closed all roads to the key holes. And had a new law they let the greens bring in. Your not allowed to drive 1 hour either side of high tide or a $500 fine. Screw them, I do what I want.

[FNQCairns]

Did you hear the OFFICIAL EXPLENATION on the news about fraser islands speed limit. The head of police for that area claimed tonight they have been inforcing an 80kph speed zone there for a while ALTHOUGH IT HADNT MADE IT THROUGH LEGISLATION. Exactly why I hate cops... And reason why I dont listen any of their BS.

I even had a lovely surprise at straddie on the weekend. They had closed all roads to the key holes. And had a new law they let the greens bring in. Your not allowed to drive 1 hour either side of high tide or a $500 fine. Screw them, I do what I want.

Ha! the sheeple deserve everything they get, cowerd without a peep they are, there never will be outright bans on all outdoor activities when little by little they can take the amenity away and ban by the resultant attrition inflicted over time.

cheers fnq

[chisel]

I even had a lovely surprise at straddie on the weekend. They had closed all roads to the key holes. And had a new law they let the greens bring in. Your not allowed to drive 1 hour either side of high tide or a $500 fine. Screw them, I do what I want.

I think the straddie rule may have been brought it primarily by the locals who were annoyed with the damage to dunes done by people driving all over them at high tide. At least that's what I heard.

[BenDover]

chisel - I spoke to all the locals. The locals HATE it. It wasnt brought in by them at all. Do gooder greens on the mainland brought it in. And they are trying to get it overturned. Its just stupidity. Its impossible to get down main beach at full high anyway. There is a 3 metre sand cliff that the water laps, thanks to the big storms. Storms do 50 times more damage than a 4x4. And noone would drive soley across the dunes unless they had to. By it apply's to all beachs on strad. Even flinders.

[Horse]

I even had a lovely surprise at straddie on the weekend. They had closed all roads to the key holes. And had a new law they let the greens bring in. Your not allowed to drive 1 hour either side of high tide or a $500 fine. Screw them, I do what I want.

What ignorant cr@p is this . Driving around high tide on full or new moon is very damaging but what about on neaps. Thats a very big variaton

[Lucky_Phill]

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/qld-...0427-aklz.html
So I've now seen this 100kph limit numerous times - perhaps it really was 100kph on some parts of the island??????? Anyway, I'm more than happy with 80kph because that's what I was always using as a limit anyway (and obviously only 80kph where safe).

..


I have no idea what these ferets are talking about.

Has always been 80kph. never known it other wise.

Speed limits on the island:

• 40km/hr shared zones on the eastern beach
• 80km/hr on the eastern beach
• 50km/hr on Hook Point inland road
• 35km/hr on all other inland roads.

Is there something I am missing ?

I have contacted Capt Bligh and her Transport 2IC about this,,,, still waiting response.


BTW, Cam, if ya see any 4 x 4's on Fraser with a AF sticker on, feel free to pull them up and introduce yourself.


Phill
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