Big Red vehicle ban?
Submitted: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 16:03
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brushmarx
In the
Birdsville Hotel last month, I overheard a small group of people discussing the possible closure of Big Red to vehicles, possibly from both ways, but maybe only from the West.
I didn't want to butt into their talk, but have not seen anything in the press about this.
Has anyone else seen or heard about this proposal?
Cheers
Reply By: Member - Ruth D (QLD) - Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 21:50
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 21:50
Hello everyone - sorry was out at a 'do' at the Hall and if Colin hadn't emailed me then I may not have checked in tonight - been a bit busy what with Bronco Branding, Rodeo, parties, fishing and haven't had time to
check in.
Now, I wasn't in the bar last month so didn't hear what was said and definitely hadn't heard any rumours BUT.........
Big Red (and
Little Red) are on PRIVATE property. Some years ago and I don't remember which year but about the time insurance and public liability became big issues the owner of the property became concerned about being liable should an accident occur causing death or serious injury. Negotiations were made with the Shire and the road from town which ended at the eastern side of Big Red was graded and the part of the dune known (now) as
Little Red was also graded, up and over both sides, and became a road, thus, hopefully relieving the pressure of litigation. A lot of people don't realise that when travelling west you are in private property until you come to the boundary and that the private property is a working cattle station.
The western side of Big Red
places an enormous stress on the majority of people travelling - before anyone jumps in to bite my head off - the majority of people travelling do not have the big confidence that some of us have about the desert/camping/travelling in general. The western side causes major vehicle breaks/damages and it seems that no amount of education can make people understand the simplest and best way to get over Big Red safely. So,
Little Red was graded to be the 'easy way'. Of course it hasn't always been the easiest way - always depends on the weather and winds during the summer.
I can't offer anymore really - maybe this will assist. Technically, Big Red is not supposed to be promoted simply for the reasons stated above. If you've only driven over
Little Red, don't worry about it because after all
AnswerID:
303680
Follow Up By: Member - Ruth D (QLD) - Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 21:52
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 21:52
because after all - Big Red is all the one
sand dune no matter where you cross it.
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569800
Follow Up By: Waynepd (NSW) - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10:28
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10:28
SO Ruth are you bringing your Bronco Branding Iron to
Innamincka, too?
I'm sure there'll be a certain butt just waiting there to be dealt with....sorry Gone Bush this is just priceless ROFLMAO
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Follow Up By: Member - Ruth D (QLD) - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 14:09
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 14:09
Well Waynepd - funny you should mention that but in between doing jobs today I have been thinking up punishment - imagine saying I drink Chardonnay - everyone knows I drink Champagne or red wine (as for the peroxide, no-one uses that anymore - I'm more ash blonde) and I will be waving the arms around because I will be brandishing the branding irons (real ones because they only use paint in bronco branding) - I'm sure we can organise a fire!
Handcuffs would be good - tie him to a tree - yep I think we can make him pay.
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Follow Up By: Waynepd (NSW) - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 19:17
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 19:17
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA Stop now you are killing me LOL
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Follow Up By: deserter - Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 13:19
Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 13:19
Ruth - you talk about education to get over safely from the western side. I would be interested to know what you mean?
BTW - I got over from the west in the 90's but it was a struggle. Just wondering if I was doing something wrong.
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