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Climate Friendly Recreation Guide
The main threat to the health, abundance and diversity of plant, animal and marine life in NSW is the destruction of their habitat and unfortunately many recreational pursuits can contribute to this.
However, if we take care to tread softly when we are out and about then our environment's beauty can be enjoyed by future generations. So remember to follow these simple steps:
Bushwalking and camping
- When bushwalking, keep to designated trails. Avoid sensitive vegetation such as dunes and wetlands.
- When camping, make a fire only in constructed fireplaces using your own wood or stove. Using fallen or standing timber interferes with the natural habitat for wildlife.
- When camping, minimise use of fires, particularly in high conservation areas. Obey all fire bans and restrictions.
- Dogs are not allowed in national parks. Dogs might chase and kill wildlife, but also their faeces can carry diseases that can be harmful to wildlife.
- When staying in national parks or state forests, do not feed native wildlife and secure all food in wildlife-proof containers. The wrong food can make animals ill and in some cases can turn them into pests if they come to rely on being fed.
- Be 'bush-friendly' when camping. Use tents that are self-supporting or use tent pegs. Don't tie tents to trees as this can ringbark and damage them.
- Avoid camping on low or poorly drained areas where soil or vegetation may be easily damaged. Seek harder ground or sandier soils.
- If taking a vehicle into the bush, check the vehicle tyres and undercarriage are free of weeds or other environmental contaminants.
- When picnicking, make sure you and your children take your rubbish away with you or use the bins provided in order to keep our parks, waterways and beaches clean.
- Use existing toilet facilities – where there are none, bury waste at least 100 metres away from a watercourse, at a depth of at least 15 centimetres.
Fishing and boating
- 1. Ensure your boat and engine is in good working order to minimise water, noise and air pollution.
- Travel at speeds that avoid excessive wash and minimise noise.
- Use onboard holding tanks for human waste and stow all loose items.
- Keep your rubbish onboard and dispose of it properly ashore.
- Keep your bilges clean to prevent pollutants being discharged overboard.
- Reduce your use of toxic cleaning and painting products.
- Avoid injuring wildlife.
- Fish responsibly and abide by NSW Fisheries licence conditions, observing fish sizes and bag limits. See their website for more information: www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au.
Waste
Planning a day out with friends or family, or organising an outdoor event? Add ‘recycling facilities’ to your list of venue requirements. Thousands of tonnes of waste are sent to landfill from public places in NSW every year, even though around 60 per cent of this is recyclable. So remember the following:
- Take everything with you and carry it out again.
- If you're a smoker, bin your butts by using rubbish bins or carry a pocket ashtray. Discarded butts can smoulder and cause bush fires.
- Take special care with plastic bags when you're outdoors — make sure they're firmly inside an outdoor bin or take them home with you.
- Don't forget about recycling drink cans or bottles just because you're not at home — find a public recycling bin or take them home to your household recycling bins.
- Remember all streets lead to Australia's largest swimming pool: stormwater drains flow to rivers, harbours and oceans. The drain is just for rain.
- Be 'waste wise' at events and outdoor activities — if you're organising an outdoor event provide and promote facilities for waste and recycling.
Next: Tourism, Dining and Recreation Local Directory
