Outback travellers' guide aims to save lives

14/9/06
A new guide for people visiting outback Western Australia will be released in Carnarvon tonight as part of the 2006 Gascoyne Muster - The Next Generation.
'Travelling in Outback Western Australia' is a handy 24-page booklet, listing the most important things to do to make outback visits safe and memorable.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the new guide would help the growing number of people who were travelling 'beyond the bitumen' to explore WA's vast pastoral regions safely.
"Pastoral leases cover almost 40 per cent, or 90 million hectares of WA, stretching from the Nullarbor, through the Goldfields, Murchison, Gascoyne and Pilbara regions to the Kimberley," Ms MacTiernan said.
"This area can be as unforgiving as it is beautiful and sadly, some travellers have met with misfortune or perished, simply because they were ill-prepared.
"The booklet also reminds visitors that access to the State's 470 pastoral stations is a privilege, not a right, and that tourists must seek permission from pastoralists.
"There are plenty of practical tips on getting the right maps and communication equipment such as satellite phones, a must for intrepid explorers.
"The key message in the booklet is to be self-sufficient and thoroughly prepared.
"I encourage anyone planning outback travel to pick up a free copy from visitor centres throughout WA."
Copies of 'Travelling in Outback Western Australia' are also available at http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral
Minister's office - 9213 6400