18 September 2009
Existing public access to State Plantation Forest lands will continue after the sale of the state’s plantation forest manager Forestry Plantations Queensland.
In its statements regarding the sale, the Queensland Government has reiterated a guarantee that current public access rights to these lands will remain.
Forestry Plantations Queensland currently manages recreation in State Plantation Forests for activities including walking, cycling, horse riding, motorcycling, car rallies, photography and filming, sled racing and military training exercises.
Members of the public are required to obtain a permit if involved in a commercial activity, an organised group activity, or a competitive event.
Visitors to the forests not involved in these activities may enter a State Plantation Forest without obtaining a permit.
However, entry is contingent on a number of conditions, including that the public at all times:
• Act safely and responsibly
• Comply with all signage and road rules
• Drive and ride cautiously
• Be aware that forest roads are often unsealed, narrow and winding
• Drive to prevailing road conditions.
Lighting fires is strictly prohibited.
Motor vehicle operators must also hold a valid driver’s licence and their motor vehicle must be registered. State Plantation Forest roads are subject to the same road rules and regulations as public roads and are often patrolled by police.
Visitors to State Plantation Forests should be aware that they are entering a natural environment, with all the hazards that this entails. They should have contingency plans for breakdowns and other emergencies and be mindful that mobile phone coverage may be unavailable.
Recreation access to State Plantation Forest lands will continue after the sale of Forestry Plantations Queensland as the sale includes only the standing timber and not the land on which the trees are planted.
