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The Four Wheel Drive Association QLD is the peak body representing 4WD Member Clubs (QLD) and their respective members. By advocating on behalf of our members, we aim to improve recreational 4WDing, protect the environment, encourage education and knowled

Code of Conduct

 

Code of Behaviour

  1. All clubs and their members agree to abide by the 4wd Qld Code of Behaviour
  2. All members agree to live in harmony with respect to other club members, the general public and not behave in a way that brings the association and its members into disrepute.
  3. Aggressive behaviour, bullying towards members, office bearers of clubs or the association will not be tolerated.
  4. Any dispute between members needs to be addressed through the clubs and/or association's management committee dispute resolution process.

 

Off Road Drive – Code of Conduct (Code of Ethics)

  1. Obey the laws and regulations for Recreational Vehicles that apply to public lands.
  2. Respect the cultural, heritage and environmental values of public/private land, by obeying restrictions that may apply.
  3. Respect our flora and fauna. Stop and look, but never disturb.
  4. Keep to formed vehicle tracks.
  5. Keep the environment clean. Carry your own, and any other, rubbish out.
  6. Keep your vehicle mechanically sound and clean to reduce the environmental impact.
  7. Adopt minimal impact camping and driving practices.
  8. Seek permission before driving on private land. Do not disturb livestock or watering points, leave gates as found.
  9. Take adequate water, food, fuel, basic spares and a first aid kit on trips. In remote areas travel with another vehicle and have Royal Flying Doctor Service, or equivalent emergency contact by radio or satellite.
  10. Plan ahead and lodge trip details with a responsible person.
  11. Enjoy your recreation and respect the rights of others.
  12. Support four-wheel drive touring as a legitimate family activity.
  13. Consider joining an affiliated four-wheel drive club.

On Road Drive – Code of Conduct (Code of Ethics)

  1. Obey all the laws and regulations that apply to vehicles on public and private roads.
  2. Respect the rights of others to use and share the road space – acknowledge that your vehicle may be wider and higher than others, so keep as far left of the road as possible so as to allow a following driver some oncoming line of sight before fully committing his vehicle to the opposite side of the road.
  3. Keep a safe distance between vehicles – acknowledge that increased weight and tyre choice can affect braking distance.
  4. When following a smaller vehicle, increase the distance so that its mirrors have adequate vision beyond the larger vehicle.
  5. Leave overtaking space between groups – be aware of overtaking vehicles and their requirements when moving through the group.
  6. Take care when cornering – acknowledge that increased weight combined with a raised centre of gravity can affect vehicle handling.
  7. Take care when reversing – check blind spots and ensure that no one has walked behind your vehicle before you reverse. If necessary get out of the vehicle to make sure the area behind is clear.
  8. Be aware of vision limitations and be particularly observant near children to avoid accidents.
  9. Ensure your vehicle complies with relevant State legislation in relation to roadworthiness and modifications.
  10. Keep your vehicle clean and in good mechanical condition to reduce the environmental impact.
  11. Make others aware that your four-wheel drive is a legitimate choice of lifestyle or family vehicle.
  12. Consider joining an affiliated four-wheel drive Club.

Camping – Code of Conduct (Code of Ethics)

Four Wheel Drive Queensland supports dispersed vehicle based camping. Campers stopping in unspoiled areas are responsible for the next camper’s enjoyable stay. This is achieved by those who have been there before you, having left nothing but footprints when they have departed.

Upon departure, leave the area as if no one had been there and in the same or better condition than previously.

Ensure that the area you are visiting is not so sensitive that your presence will leave a permanent impact.

Camping

  1. Dispersed camping is recommended so as not to compact the ground surface and inhibit vegetation growth or regrowth.
  2. Use huts where provided only under the advertised conditions of use – many are for emergency shelter only. Use established campsites. When on a camping trip campers must be self reliant and carry your own tent or swag.
  3. Do not dig trenches or gutters around tents or swags.
  4. Locate your camp out from the drop zone of suspect trees and in particular keep clear of eucalyptus which may shed branches at any time.
  5. Camp on elevated land and avoid at all times dry river beds, which are extremely dangerous as flash flooding can and does occur.
  6. Camp at least 30m from any natural waterhole, creek or river in such a way that you do not prevent native fauna and station stock from gaining access to water.
  7. Do not camp within a 500m radius of a dam or constructed stock watering point.
  8. Do not camp within a 100m of any building unless specific permission has been granted.

Washing

  1. Don’t wash anything using soaps or detergents in streams and lakes.
  2. Wash points should not be located within 50m of any creek, stream, river or waterhole to prevent contamination of such waters.
  3. Care must also be taken to ensure that a wash point is not located over a watercourse that feeds into the water supply.
  4. When disposing of waste water spread it across the ground to enable natural filtration.
  5. Do not use waste water to feed the root systems of native flora as the residue contained within the water could be harmful.

Rubbish

  1. Adopt the practice of “leave no trace” camping.
  2. Take out what you bring in and dispose of rubbish in designated rubbish bins or dumps.
  3. Carry suitable containers in which to store rubbish and re-use where possible.
  4. Avoid carrying high rubbish potential items such as bottles, cans and plastics, and remove unnecessary packaging prior to departure on trips.
  5. Do not bury rubbish as it may be dug up and scattered by native animals.
  6. Dispose of plastics in disposal facilities provided or take it home with you for approved disposal.
  7. Nappies and sanitary napkins must not be disposed of in composting or deep pit toilets but should be packed safely and taken out to an approved disposal point.

Toilets

  1. Use properly constructed toilets where provided.
  2. Chemical toilets should be used in those areas where the ground surface prevents digging adequate toilet holes or the soil is of a type that is not suited to such a purpose. They should also be used in those areas which have a sensitive environment and ecology which is easily disrupted. Waste from chemical toilets should be disposed of at authorised sewerage points.