NomadicLife.com.au

Live Life on the Road.........

News - Bits and Pieces of items which are relevant to Nomadic Travelers.

Newsletter - March 2010

Parks_bustling_on_special_-_Kangaroo_Island_SA
Queensland_hopes_outback_will_fade_to_grey.
A_silver_lining_for_tourism_
Council_flip-flops_on_RV_plan
Showground_camp_ban_across_NSW
Amusing_one-liners

Older Stories, which remain here for those who are new to the site

Parks bustling on special - Kangaroo Island SA.

Kangaroo Island’s three caravan parks are enjoying a surge in bookings thanks to a four-month Sealink special.
The special, until the end of June, offers free transport for caravans and camper trailers and 50 per cent discounts for campervans.

Nepean Bay Tourist Park manager Helen Belios said the 15 per cent increase in bookings since the special started in late February had been a significant boost for the park.

“This is fantastic for the island, people are staying longer and therefore spending more money at island businesses,” Ms Belios said.

On their first trip to the island, Ian and Dianne Knight and Ian and Anne Meiklejohn, of Albury, said they might have visited the island anyway but the special meant they could spend more on dinners out and touring.

Nicola Purvis of KI Shores, at Penneshaw, said she had never seen so many vans coming off the ferry and she had five walk-ins on one day last week – people who had come over but not yet booked into a park.

Sealink’s Julie-Anne Briscoe said the special was trialled for the first time last year but extended and promoted more this year through other caravan parks in SA and Victoria.

She said Tourism KI had promoted it at the recent Caravan and Camping Show in Adelaide, conscious that the island had been missing out on a significant demographic of “grey nomads”. Shauna Black

http://www.theislanderonline.com.au/news/local/news/general/parks-bustling-on-special/1786661.aspx
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Queensland hopes outback will fade to grey. April, 2010
The Queensland government is hoping the state's outback could soon be turning shades of grey.  An inquiry has been launched into ways of attracting more `grey nomads' to the highways and caravan parks of outback Queensland.

These older travellers often hit the road in off-peak periods and in rural and regional areas not always popular with other tourists, according to chair of the Queensland parliamentary Economic Development committee Evan Moorhead. Mr Moorhead says the committee will investigate the role of grey nomads in Queensland's economy.

"This will involve issues relating to grey nomad infrastructure requirements, the commercial camping and caravan park industry, and ways to market Queensland to this valued group of tourists," he said in a statement.

"This committee is seeking information on how we can make Queensland a more attractive and comfortable place for grey nomads to come, travel and relax. "Grey nomad tourism provides a great potential for job creation, particularly in areas off the beaten track."

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-hopes-outback-will-fade-to-grey-20100415-sgr5.html
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Various local Councils are facing this issue, and they will have to decide which way they will go. People who want to stay at a Caravan Park that offers all the latest and greatest amenities, will continue to do that, but not every traveller wants all those facilities. It may also affect their budget, so they need to decide how they will spend their money. Why are Caravan Travellers going to this town or that? Is it to swim in a luxury pool, or to visit the local sites etc? The difference is like people who like to travel through Europe in air-conditioned coaches looking at the sites as they drive through, or the back-packer traveller who wants to “experience” it. We are all different, so our needs are different, and it would seem that both options are required. We hope both are available. The following two stories are a representation of the numerous stories on the same subject. There is an active debate raging, but who will be the "winners or losers"?

A silver lining for tourism - Minister for Main Roads, The Honourable Craig Wallace March 2010

Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said regional Queensland could expect a bumper tourist season after the big wet, with grey nomads and other travellers out and about on the state's road network.

Mr Wallace said grey nomads would soon be a welcome sight on the state's highways and the Bligh Government was doing its bit to encourage more of them to hit the road. "Today, I can announce we're going to spend $50,000 a year over the next three years to roll out more 'dump points' for our road travellers," Mr Wallace said.

Dump points are special disposal spots for travellers to empty toilet waste from their motor homes, caravans and boats. "With dump points, grey nomads are able to visit more places off the beaten track, knowing they've got somewhere safe and secure to dispose of their waste," Mr Wallace said. "More dump points mean more dollars for regional Queensland, with tourists spending money at take-away shops, corner stores, newsagents and petrol stations in small towns and communities.

"Every cloud has a silver lining. After the big wet, we can brace ourselves for another deluge - grey nomads and other travellers heading north, south, east and particularly out west to see the wildlife and wildflowers." Mr Wallace said that over the past two years, the State Government had installed 22 dump points across Queensland.

"We've put them in Charleville, Coen, Duaringa, Rockhampton, Tambo and Yeppoon. We're about to roll them out in Aramac, Atherton, Augathella, Betoota, Chillagoe, Einasleigh, Jundah, Morven and Muttaburra. "All up, we're going to install an extra 34 dump points around Queensland," he said.

Minister Wallace said the State Government would work closely with the Campervan and Motor Home Club and local councils to identify the best places for dump points. Ken Kipping from the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia welcomed the announcement.

"Queensland has led the way with this initiative. Dump points are great for grey nomads and other road travellers," Mr Kipping said. "There are close to 500,000 road travellers in Australia and our numbers are growing. Dump points are of great economic benefit to the state, especially to small towns and regions throughout Queensland.

"I'm getting really positive feedback from fellow travellers. They tell me they're able to head out off the beaten track without worrying about how to dispose of their waste. "It's good news for the environment and good news for grey nomads," Mr Kipping said.

http://www.mysunshinecoast.com.au/articles/article-display/a-silver-lining-for-tourism,16563
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Council flip-flops on RV plan. Julian Luke And Jeremy Sollars - April 2010

SOUTHERN Downs Regional Councillors yesterday decided there needs to be further investigation before they can rubber stamp making towns in our region “RV Friendly”. Despite just passing a recommendation to apply for RV Friendly Status for a number of towns four votes to three at committee level last week, after a story the Daily News ran on the front page councillors have been bombarded with phone calls and emails.

At the general meeting yesterday councillors unanimously voted to defer the decision to investigate the potential economic impacts. Cr Denise Ingram admitted the decision at the Community Services committee meeting, had sparked “a lot of concern in the community”.

Mayor Ron Bellingham said he found it “extremely disappointing” there seemed to be a culture of division within the tourism industry after local caravan park owners claimed they would be disadvantaged. “We’re all Australian, we’re all travellers ... I’m concerned by the guidelines we have to rigidly conform to (to get the RV Friendly Status).” (a large section of the story has been cut here, but there is link at the bottom if you want to read the full story)

Meanwhile, the Daily News has been inundated with calls, letters and emails from furious motorhome owners hitting back at accusations of freeloading levelled at them by local caravan park operators. Incensed grey nomad Barry Powell, who criss-crosses Australia in a fully self-contained motorhome, sent in a copy of a submission he made to a government study on the importance of travellers like himself to the economy.

Mr Powell said he went to the extent of marking RV “un-friendly” towns on a map and told other travellers he met to shun them.“I have a disposable income of more than a thousand dollars a week but will only spend it where I am made welcome and most definitely only where I choose to spend it,” Mr Powell wrote. “Under no circumstances will I be bullied into spending where I choose not to.

“The most relevant statistic I have found is the one which shows how much the income increase of caravan parks has exceeded the CPI in the last decade. I promise not to aid this in the future.”

Equally angry was Ian “Mitch” Miller, who along with better half Jackie, enjoys life on the road in their RV ‘Jamit’ and who took an exception to being told he was after “freebies”. “We personally pay rates in three jurisdictions – two in Queensland and one in Tasmania,” Mr Miller said.

“All travellers in said jurisdictions are using ‘public’ facilities that our rates are providing to them free (such as) public toilets, dump points, parks, gardens, rest areas, water fountains and barbecues.

“How would you feel if my jurisdictions legislated that you could no longer use the public barbecues as that ‘competed’ with the local takeaway, bakery, pie-shop, cafe, restaurant or pub?”

Mr Miller also lashed out at council regulations banning RV owners from “camping” overnight in public rest areas with the threat of fines, pointing out that most travellers like himself spent between $500 and $1000 a week in the communities they passed though.

“Don’t deter them from your jurisdiction or businesses or influence them to bypass you and spend in a more “enlightened” area,” Mr Miller said. “The ‘grey nomads’ are just hitting the roads – thousands to come.”

Numerous other grey nomads contacted the Daily News, with several pointing out that research had shown caravan parks were not losing out despite the growing popularity of fully self-contained homes on wheels. Local tourism campaigner Graham Buchner said there would be “no change” to caravan parks’ business as a result of adopting the “RV Friendly” status and warned grey nomads would “boycott” the Southern Downs if we were perceived as being unwelcoming.

The Daily News also caught up with grey nomads Kevin and Lyn Eaves from Tasmania, in the Rose City on a 12 month trip around Australia, who had spent money on groceries and other essentials during their fortnight stay in the region. “If we get to a little town we usually stay at the caravan parks because they are usually cheap,” Mr Eaves said.

“(Council) should work in with the caravan parks to make the town RV Friendly – if you are not happy with somewhere you tell everyone,” Mrs Eaves added. The debate follows a visit to Warwick and Stanthorpe by the Campervan and Motorhomes Club of Australia (CMCA) which is on the scout for a venue for its national rally in 2012, potentially worth more than $2 million to the host town.

Warwick Chamber of Commerce president John Randall said the chamber would meet with key stakeholders in the next week to try and determine a position. “Personally, my phone rang hot over the weekend from both sides of the argument, it’s important that chamber does have a position on it,” Mr Randall said.

RV Friendly requirements...For a town to be considered “RV (Recreational Vehicle) Friendly” a town must provide:
1. Access to 24 hour medical and pharmacy services
2. Parking within close proximity to the general shopping area with groceries & fresh produce
3. Service centre for basic vehicle repairs
4. A Visitor Information Centre and town map with essential services
5. Access to potable water
6. Access to a dump point for toilet waste (Warwick would need to install one, most towns charge a small fee for this)
7. Provision of short term (24/48/72+ hour) parking
8. Provision of longer term parking within 5-20km of town centre, at a reasonable rate
9. ‘RV Friendly Town’ signs erected within the town

http://www.warwickdailynews.com.au/story/2010/04/28/council-motorhome-bid-further-investigation-rv/
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This story is also a worrying trend, especially if other States follow. Some small towns might only have the showgrounds available for use as a campsite. Without this land being made available, the town loses much needed revenue, and leaves the land more vulnerable to vandalism. The revenue is not always in the form of a fee charged, but that there are visitors to the town who need to buy food, visit a museum, or have the car serviced etc. If there are people staying over-night, rather than the land left vacant, vandalism might not be an issue.

Showground camp ban across NSW Peter Caton - Tweed News

SHOWGROUNDS across NSW are set to suffer because a ban on tourist camping in the Murwillumbah Showground is to be applied state-wide. The government-imposed ban follows pressure from operators of private caravan parks as well as a government department which is involved in running profit-making tourist parks on other Crown land.

The ban of camping in the Murwillumbah showground last week incensed the town’s business people, who said it discouraged tourists.

Following a Tweed Daily News investigation, which tracked the ban to a new policy of the former NSW Department of Lands, now the Land and Property Management Authority, the NSW Government has been accused of a conflict of interest, acting like Ned Kelly and disregarding the needs of tourists with large vehicles or those travelling with horses or dogs.

The policy follows a “working group” set up by the state Labor government which took advice from lobbyists including the Caravan and Camping Industry Association (CCIA) which argued showgrounds did not pay the same rents or meet the same standards as private caravan parks.

Tweed mayor Warren Polglase, a former owner of caravan parks at Chinderah and former board member of the CCIA, says the arguments are nonsense. “They are taking a Ned Kelly-approach to the showgrounds. Those funds go towards the maintenance of showgrounds,” said Cr Polglase.

“To take this cavalier approach is totally inappropriate to regional New South Wales. The government has its own caravan parks on Crown land and I would say they have a severe conflict of interest. “This is just so wrong.” Cr Polglase pointed out the ban affected people travelling with large horse floats with caravan accommodation, often on their way to horse events, and even people with dogs. “There may be one caravan park on the Tweed that takes animals,” he said.

“And they definitely would not take horses” CCIA chief executive Barry Baillie defended the ban, saying a working group involving his organisation, the Departments of Planning and Tourism, the Local Government and Shires Association of NSW and the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia had “agreed on the outcome”.

“It looked at all the issues of what we called illegal camping,” Mr Bailie said. “A showground must comply with the same regulations that a caravan park in the same area complies with. They should not be undercutting commercial business in the same town.”

“There can only be one resolution and that is compliance with the law.” National Party MP for the state seat of Lismore Thomas George said some large camper vehicles would not even fit in caravan parks. “Some councils also don’t want them pulling up on the side of roads, you need the likes of showgrounds,” he said. “Not only is this taking income from the showgrounds, but it is indirectly taking income away from the community.”

http://www.tweednews.com.au/story/2010/03/29/showground-camping-ban-nsw-tourist/
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Amusing one-liners

Technology one-liners (for the tech savvy among you, who can understand these, or at least relate to them)
• C program run. C program crash. C programmer quit.
• Daddy, why doesn't this magnet pick up this floppy disk?
• Double your drive space. Delete Windows!
• Error, no keyboard. Press F1 to continue. (Mmmmm)
• Ever notice how fast Windows runs? Neither did I.
• Oops. My brain just hit a bad sector.
• Pentiums melt in your PC, not in your hand.
• Smith & Wesson: The original point and click interface.
• Who is General Failure, and why is he reading my hard disk?

For the Tech, and non Tech Savvy among you
• Boycott shampoo! Demand the REAL poo!
• Could you drive any better if I shoved that cell phone up your ass?
• Death is hereditary.
• Despite the cost of living, have you noticed how popular it remains?
• Diplomacy is the art of saying good doggie, while looking for a bigger stick.
• For every action there is an equal and opposite criticism.
• For Sale: Parachute. Only used once, never opened, small stain.
• Forget world peace. Visualize using your turn signal.
• Friends help you move. Real friends help you move bodies.
• Friends may come and go, but enemies tend to accumulate.
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Older Stories, which remain here for those who are new to the site

Caravan_Towing_Hints
Caravaning_booms_as_stamp_duty_axed:_NSW
Sat_nav_apps_could_be_heading_for_a_dead_end: (new rules for Vic & maybe NSW)
Car_restraints_to_be_mandatory_for_child_passengers_in_Qld
SA_mobile_phone_ban_for_young_drivers
There_are_traps_for_drivers_in_our_more_obscure_road_rules This article is written in an amusing vain, so worth reading for the humour plus you may learn something about the rules you might inadvertently be breaking.
Tax_and_Pension_Information:
Update_on_a_previous_Story_about_4x4_radical_Conversion_-_Project_TONI
Are_your_Tyres_Killing_You?
Outback_Helpers_Wanted
Rising_Fuel_Prices_-_dont_let_it_stop_you_going_on_that_trip_of_a_lifetime
The_Road_Safety_Council’s_driving_tips_for_the_holidays_(and_all_year_round)
New_NSW_Caravan_&_Camping_Guide
Household_emergency_plan_-_every_home_should_have_one
Interstate_transport_concessions
Do_you_carry_ID_with_you_all_the_time
Can_you_afford_to_be_a_grey_nomad
Changes_to_Call_Signs:
Centrelink_-_Temporary_Employment_Information
Pet-friendly_holidays

Caravan Towing (from Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW or CCIA newsletter)

With spring ahead of us, there has never been a better time to jump in the caravan or camper trailer for a touring holiday. But, before you head off, there are some things you should consider before you start to tow.

Some things to consider are:
- Checking oil, water, brake fluid, and the battery
- Inspection of all tyres
- Checking the vehicle's wheel nuts have been tightened
- Checking the safety chains are correctly connected
- Limiting the load in the boot of the tow vehicle

These are just some of the initial checks that should be done. For a more comprehensive checklist to help you on your next towing journey, visit www.caravan-camping.com.au.

You can also request a copy of the National Caravan & Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide for more specific towing tips and hints. For more information, visit www.towingguide.com.au

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Porta Potty Chemical, and the use of alternatives:
The use of the good old Porta Potty is a delicate subject for some, but it is an important one to everyone using this option, especially if you get it wrong. It seems more people are saying the chemicals, which are on the market expressly for this purpose, are expensive and strong smelling.

Some campers have turned to alternatives in the form of Nappy soakers. The generic and therefore cheaper ones, are actually better it seems. The reason being they are higher in the active ingredient needed, which is sodium percarbonate. This is the one required to breakdown the solids.

This ingredient is benign in the natural environment, and in septic tanks etc. because it breaks down to hydrogen peroxide as the main disinfecting agent, which works by releasing oxygen into the solution, which in turn kills off the bacteria.

Those using this option have found a cap full (which equates to 1/2 a cup) in about 500ml of hot water works well, the water must be HOT (but not boiling) for it to work well, and dissolved properly. People who have found they were not pleased with the home brand nappy soaker have been using it in cold water, or just straight into the cassette. So if mixed in hot water and dissolved well, it works far better.

Apparently a huge number of RV users are changing over to this low impact and low cost product with considerable success. Why not try it out on your next trip.
The above was written using information from:
http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/Topic/66307/Chemical_toilet_chemicals.aspx
and this one http://caravanersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4524&start=0

Well it looks like the cutting of the tax had the desired effect, lets hope they don't try and put it back once the economy picks up again.

Caravaning booms as stamp duty axed: NSW 29Aug  2009
The NSW government says its decision to axe stamp duty on caravans has resulted in a boom for the local tourism industry.
Treasurer Eric Roozendaal said caravan registrations jumped 33 per cent since stamp duty on the vehicles was abolished on July 1, leading to a new trend in caravaning holidays.
The economy had experienced a healthy boost as people turned their backs on overseas trips, but families and small businesses were the biggest winners, Mr Roozendaal said.
RTA figures show that $887,053 has been waived since the stamp duty was axed, with 1,574 new and transferred caravan registrations in July 2009, compared with 1,182 at the same time last year.
"NSW families have saved almost $1 million because of this decision - in just one month alone," Mr Roozendaal said.
"Small businesses in cities and towns across NSW will reap the benefit as more people holiday locally, and that has a significant flow-on effect for the state's economy.
"It was a commonsense initiative - which saved NSW families money and, just as importantly, will support jobs in the caravan retail and servicing industries."
The caravan and camping industry is the fastest growing domestic tourism sector, with an average of 2,600 caravans sold each year in NSW.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/855793/caravaning-booms-as-stamp-duty-axed-nsw

New laws in Victoria (9th Nov) and NSW could follow soon after, which means it could be Australia wide, sooner rather than later.

The following story has been abbreviated, see link below for full version.
Sat nav apps could be heading for a dead end: Stephen Hutcheon September 21, 2009

Strict new road rules relating to the use of mobile phones by drivers are threatening to kill the burgeoning market in apps and services that enable smartphones to be used as satellite navigation systems.

The legal changes will affect any service or software that enables a mobile phone to be used as an in-car navigation device. Victoria will roll out the new rules, which will limit drivers' use of mobile phones and satellite navigation devices, on November 9 .

A spokesperson for VicRoads, the Victorian Government's roads and traffic authority, said that under the laws - as applied in Victoria - it would be illegal for drivers to navigate using a mobile that doubles as a satellite navigation device. "A phone will only be allowed to be used for its primary purpose," the spokeswoman said in a telephone interview. "If it's a phone, it's a phone."

The rules are part of the Australian Road Rule 8th Amendment Package, a set of road and traffic laws that were approved by all state and territory Road Ministers in February.

A marketing Manger for one company said, "What we are seeing just reinforces our safety message around [the fact that] you must use a mounted device [the car kit] in a car and not interact with the device whilst you are driving," he said. "Essentially, it's about using the device in a correct manner."

The new laws prohibit a driver from even holding a mobile phone, cradling one on their shoulder or resting it on their laps - even if the phone is not in use. Drivers will only be able to use mobile phones if they are placed in purpose-made cradles and operation is entirely hands-free.

Those caught breaking the new Victorian laws face a $234 fine and the loss of three demerit points. VicRoads says research has shown that a driver is four times more likely to crash while using a mobile phone.

In Victoria, the act of driving while using a mobile ranks among the state's top three driving offences. A spokeswoman for the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority said the RTA was "still working through practical issues" and was unable to say when the harmonised laws would come into effect in NSW.

"NSW road rules are based on the Australian Road Rules to ensure uniformity with road rules elsewhere in Australia," she said in an emailed statement. "States and territories are not compelled to implement Australian Road Rules."
http://www.watoday.com.au/digital-life/cartech/sat-nav-apps-could-be-heading-for-a-dead-end-20090918-fv1v.html    Source: smh.com.au

This law may not affect older travellers, but if you are travelling with children or grandchildren you should have been doing this already. It is not just because it is LAW, it is for their safety at risk.

Car restraints to be mandatory for child passengers in Qld 10 September, 2009

Children up to the age of seven will have to sit in an approved car restraint under new Queensland laws.
Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the new national child restraint laws followed a safety review.
A study by the Medical Journal of Australia found the risk of injury or death was greatly increased where children used adult seatbelts too early, she said.
"There is clear evidence that a properly-fitted restraint can improve your child's chances of surviving a serious crash by up to 50 per cent," Ms Nolan said.
The laws, which start in March in Queensland, require all children up to seven to be appropriately seated in an Australian Safety Standard approved child restraint or capsule, according to their age and size.
Travelling with an unrestrained or incorrectly restrained child will attract a fine of $300 and three demerit points.
The RACQ, which helped develop the new laws, said it had long been an area of concern for the club.
RACQ traffic and safety executive manager John Wikman said 2006 research showed almost half of Queensland's four- to seven-year-olds were not being properly restrained.
"Our study found 45 per cent of that vulnerable age group were using improperly fitted restraints, the incorrect type of child seat or, in the worst cases, no child restraint at all," Mr Wikman said.
"As well as stipulating that all children up to age seven are appropriately restrained, the new regulations will guide parents and carers in the selection of the best type of seat or capsule for their child."
Other road rules from the national package being rolled out across all states will come into effect in Queensland from October 12.
These include a $300 fine and three demerit points for a driver carrying a passenger of any age without a seatbelt, where previously a driver was only liable when the passenger was under 16 years of age.
A driver doing a U-turn over a single continuous centre line will risk a $180 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and driving with front fog lights in clear weather will risk a $40 fine.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/car-restraints-to-be-mandatory-for-child-passengers-20090910-fjav.html

This one should apply to everyone. How many times have you been caught behind a vehicle doing silly things like lane wandering, then you realise the driver is chatting away on the phone (even hands-free ones). They endanger the lives of everyone around them.

SA mobile phone ban 30August , 2009

Young drivers in South Australia will be banned from using hands-free mobile phones from tomorrow.
Acting road safety minister Paul Caica says the only time a mobile phone can be used in a car being driven by a Learner or P1 licence holder is once they've pulled over and parked safely.
He says similar bans are already in place in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales and anyone caught breaking it will face a fine of 218 dollars and three demerit points.
Mr Caica says talking or texting on a mobile phone increases a driver's risk of being involved in a crash by up to four times.
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/National-Regional/2009/08/30/SA_mobile_phone_ban_367744.html

The following story is written in an amusing vein and worth a read, but it may also highlight some areas of the law you were unaware of, but need to know about.

There are traps for drivers in our more obscure road rules.

Road rules – there's a million of them.
Or, to put it another way, if you print out the current NSW Road Rules on A4 paper, your printer will spit out 337 pages.

There are so many rules, regulations and special clauses that even with a Rain Man-like memory for facts and figures you'll struggle to take them in. Just the ones solely relating to driving next to trams are far too numerous to cover in this article.

For instance, while you probably know it's illegal to exceed 60km/h in a 60km/h zone, did you know it's against the rules to spray mud on people waiting at a bus stop? Talk about a nanny state.
Before we explore some of the other obscure ones, let's check a few definitions. If you visit the Roads and Traffic Authority website and follow the link to NSW Road Rules, you'll discover that, logically, an animal being ridden is defined as "a vehicle" and a person in a wheeled toy is defined as "a pedestrian".

Some rules depend on available light and the Government helpfully provides an official definition of "darkness". In case you are wondering, this occurs at "(a) any time during the night [and] (b) any other time when there is insufficient daylight to render a person dressed in dark clothing discernible at a distance of 100 metres". Interesting. But how do you work out at what distance that person wearing dark clothing is standing? Particularly if you can't see him/her.

Of course, everyone knows wearing a seatbelt is compulsory. Ah-ha, but did you know you don't need to wear a belt under certain circumstances when driving at less than 25km/h. Nor while reversing. Or if you've come a cropper with the law.

There's a thoughtful exemption in the following circumstance: "If the vehicle is a police vehicle and has a caged, or other secured, area designed for the carriage of passengers." In other words, the people in the back can't be further booked for not wearing a seatbelt. That might, of course, be the least of their problems.

In normal circumstances, an unbelted driver with two unbelted passengers will blow nine demerit points. They'll lose their licence in one fell swoop if they do it in a special double demerit bonus period.

Downright inexplicable, though, is the provision that: "Taxi drivers are not required to wear seatbelts." Even less explicable is that so many of them, in Sydney at least, choose to take advantage of this bizarre privilege, deliberately forgoing use of the greatest life-saving device of the age. Still, we should have some sympathy for our taxi drivers – how would you like to be stuck in a city you didn't know, in a vehicle you couldn't drive properly?

Smoking in cars containing children is now a $250 on-the-spot fine offence, though this is under the Public Health Act. (That's right, there are myriad rules that aren't even listed in the official road rules.)
No doubt this latest law came in after careful consideration was given to which would benefit the public coffers more: letting you smoke, or fining you to stop. If a passenger lights up, the driver still cops the fine. If, however, one of the kids lights up, the situation is less clear.

Minutiae is legion in the rules. Riding in a boot, cargo tray or trailer is outlawed. A motorcyclist must ride a motorcycle with at least one hand on the handlebars. You cannot tether an animal to a vehicle that is moving "unless the driver is permitted to do so under another law of this jurisdiction".

A person must not get on, or into, a moving vehicle unless (a) the person is engaged in the door-to-door delivery or collection of goods, or in the collection of waste or garbage [or] (b) the vehicle is not travelling at a speed over 5km/h.

The rules describing every possible scenario at every type of roundabout are complicated enough to make you realise why "who dares wins" is so often the accepted practice.

There's even a suggestion that many of the road rules apply to people on bicycles. As if. A person must not start a vehicle, or drive a vehicle, in a way that makes unnecessary noise or smoke, though this seems to be universally waived in the case of Harley-Davidsons.

Rule 299 prohibits a television receiver or visual display unit in (or on) the vehicle "operating while the vehicle is moving, or is stationary but not parked, if any part of the image on the screen is visible to the driver from the normal driving position". Such a screen isn't allowed to distract other drivers, either. Putting it on Channel Nine should guarantee that.

A hand-held phone is too dangerous for you to use while driving, though the danger apparently disappears in the hands of the driver of a police or emergency vehicle.

A hands-free phone is equally illegal "if it causes you to lose proper control of your vehicle". Losing proper control of your vehicle is also an offence when not using a hands-free phone. Go figure.

The use of lights is governed by many of the laws. They include this curious provision: "If the driver is overtaking a vehicle, the driver may briefly switch the headlights from low beam to high beam immediately before the driver begins to overtake the vehicle."

Rule 291-2 would appear to target drivers of English cars of a certain age. "The driver ... must not drive the vehicle without adequate precautions being taken to prevent waste oil or grease from the machinery ... from dropping on the roadway."

A recent change to the NSW Road Rules makes it an offence to drive a wheeled recreational vehicle such as a tricycle, pedal car or set of rollerblades on a road with a dividing line, a median strip or a speed limit that is more than 50km/h.

If fining children in billycarts $54 is what it takes to keep this great land safe, it's a price we must pay.
Speaking of hits to the hip pocket, the contravening of most road rules in NSW involves a fine and the allocation of demerit points.

Driving with an animal in your lap is an offence worth $324 and three demerit points, unless you do it in a school zone. In that case your fluffy Pomeranian has cost you $405 and four points. A similar penalty is applied if you ride a motorcycle with Fido on the fuel tank.

An exception is provided for the purposes of farming, so it's always worth arguing the nearby presence of sheep and your fluffy Pomeranian's ability to round them up.

The most exotic penalties are reserved for "street racing and burnout offences" under the Road Transport Legislation Amendment (Car Hoons) Act of 2008.

These include the possibility of an $1100 fine for a burnout, or three times that for an "aggravated burnout". That's for your first.

Do it a second time – or engage in street racing – and nine months' imprisonment is on the cards.
These laws extend to "a hoon driver's mate who willingly participates in, urge[s] others to participate in, photograph[s] or film[s] to promote or organise hoon activity".

And police can go beyond just clamping, impounding and confiscating some offending vehicles.
Certain confiscated vehicles can now be released to the RTA for crash testing "to investigate the potential effects of certain modifications on overall crashworthiness".

The announcement of this provision added that the "wrecks of these vehicles will be displayed". So stand by for beaten-up WRXs and Supras strung up like captured partisans in occupied Europe.
What's the most bizarre road rule you know? Have your say at: drive.com.au/blogs

The reasons for the rules
While some of our road rules are laughable, there is a serious side to them. One can debate the cynical way our speeding and parking laws are enforced but laws in general are no bad thing. Having a comprehensive set of rules for drivers, pedestrians, car-makers and road builders (and the firepower to make sure they are adhered to) has a dramatic effect on saving lives. Wherever people drive unsafe cars badly and neglect to wear seatbelts or helmets through ignorance or misplaced machismo (the latter very much the case in southern Europe), the road toll skyrockets.

The latest Global Status Report on Road Safety, released by the World Health Organisation in June, reports 1.2 million people die on the roads each year. The survey gives India the dubious honour of having the world's highest annual road toll, with 106,000 traffic deaths, compared with about 89,000 in China. Other reports have drawn a direct link between the extent of corruption and road fatalities. The more of the first, the more of the second. Wealthy countries, such as Australia, came out of the WHO survey well. Although every fatality is one too many, our 1616 deaths in 2007 (the report used 2006 and 2007 figures) is more than two-thirds down on our 1970 figure, when measured per capita.
The WHO report found 90 per cent of road deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, despite these having less than half the world's vehicles. The reason? A lack of "road safety laws relating to key risk factors that are sufficiently comprehensive in scope".
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.smh.com.au/

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Tax and Pension Information:

The new new financial year brings changes to tax and Pensions. The following information is from a Financial advisor belonging to one of the larger organisations. It is not intended to be Personal Financial advice, and you should consult your own Financial Advisor for information about your own circumstances.





 # This only affects you if you are assessed under the Income Test

Update on a previous Story about 4x4 radical Conversion - Project TONI

For those members who are aware of the radical conversion of TONI the Nissan/Toyota done by the member in the above story. He has just returned from a trip from NSW to Victoria, which gave TONI the workout it really needed to prove itself.

It seems the conversion has exceeded expectation, and the trial was a resounding success. Rather than put the update on this page, it is near the bottom of the page which describes the technical details.

So for the mechanically minded who want the full story please follow this link

Are your Tyres Killing You?

Tyre Age - Before you do anything else check your Tyres.
Be sure to check more than just the "appearance" of the tyres, you should include the manufactured date as well. If you are buying the vehicle, then check the tyre age even if it is a new van. When buying "new" tyres check their age as well. In a News story from the US, it was discovered that many companies were selling tyres as "New", even though they were already more than 6 years old. Do not accept them, because rubber deteriorates and it is essential that tyres are in prime condition, especially on Australian roads.
How do I tell the age of a tyre?
Tyres carry a DOT number on the sidewall that gives a production date (the DOT might be on the inside wall of the tyre). Since the year 2000 the numbers consist of 4 digits instead of 3. The first two digits indicate the calendar week of production, and the next two the year of production.

In this illustration, the "3502" the 35 is the 35th week and the 02 = 2002 (if there are only 3 last numbers, then the tyre was made between 1990 to 1999 and is already far too old).

See full story on the Towing page

Rising Fuel Prices - don't let it stop you going on that trip of a lifetime

This information is about spending patterns: the cost of your fuel Vs the cost of the Trip in general. What they are saying is that even with rising Fuel prices, there is only about 2% more cost per day. The costs are assuming that two people are travelling, and they are driving a 24ft diesel  motorhome.

If you are driving less, or more than that, then it will change the outcome. Site fees, food and beverages make up 75% of your cost, but it does not say how are those figures arrived at. If they are costed at dining-out prices, so by eating home prepared meals and drinks, the cost will be considerably less.

Keep in mind that home cooked meals and drinks are what you are spend money on already, so they are already forming part of your budget while at home. The cost on the road may be a bit more, because prices in remote areas can be higher, and spoilage could be more of an issues while travelling.

To get an idea of how much it might cost this site has a calculator you use
http://www.caravan-camping.com.au/tips-guides-publications/fuel-calculator

For the full story on this information in a booklet issued by www.caravan-camping.com.au Fuel Guide Booklet

The Road Safety Council’s driving tips for the holidays (and all year round):

Don’t drive tired.
Make sure you are well rested before leaving for your destination. Take planned rest stops throughout your trip and be well aware of any early signs of fatigue, including wandering thoughts, missing a gear, road sign or exit and slowing or speeding unintentionally. If you feel tired you should not be driving.

Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained.
Check your tyres, windscreen wipers, oil and water. Car safety features such side and curtain airbags, seatbelt reminder systems and active head restraints will all help lessen the impact should you become involved in a crash. Features such as Electronic Stability Control will help prevent a crash from occurring in the first place. If you are buying a new or used vehicle these holidays, be sure to check out the ANCAP star safety ratings at www.rac.com.au.

If you are going to drink, plan not to drive.
Arrange a skipper, ask someone to collect you, call a cab, take public transport or stay overnight. With a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 the risk of being involved in a crash doubles, with a BAC of 0.08, you are seven times more likely to crash and 25 times more likely with a BAC of 0.15. Plan ahead – it’s not worth the risk.

Always ensure you and your passengers wear a seatbelt.
It doesn't matter if you are only travelling a few kilometers because most road crashes happen close to home and it does not make any difference if you sticking to the posted speed limits or travelling very fast because a crash at 40 kilometers is like falling from a two storey building onto concrete.

Allow a little extra time
there is more traffic out on the roads so allow extra time to get to your destination. It is better to take a little longer to arrive than to take unnecessary risks, such as speeding and not arrive at all. Inappropriate or excessive speed was a factor in nearly 30 per cent of all road deaths last year. It is simple physics - the faster you travel the harder you hit and the more severe your injuries will be.

Take the opportunity to help your children become safer drivers
Allow learner drivers to drive on short trips. Research shows that 120 hours of supervised driving experience across a variety of conditions, is the ideal amount to ensure the upmost safety of young drivers once they start driving solo. Use the spare time you have over these holidays to help the new driver in your family become a safe driver.

Limit your distractions
Turn off your mobile phone, have your route planned prior to leaving so you limit the use of your GPS or street directory, secure items in your car so they don’t roll around/fall off the seat or dash and stop for meal breaks rather than trying to drive and eat.

Use your headlights
Use your headlights at times when it is harder to see oncoming traffic, such as when it is raining, at dusk and at dawn, on shadowy roads and at night.

If a large animal such as a kangaroo suddenly appears on the road in front of you, brake firmly and sound your horn.
Do not try to swerve around the animal as you are likely to run onto the gravel verge and lose control or roll over or hit oncoming traffic.

Always be alert for other road users
Always be alert for other road users, particularly vulnerable road users that are often harder to see including motorcyclists, bike riders and pedestrians.

We can all do our bit to make our roads safer these holidays….......
from the office of road safety http://www.officeofroadsafety.wa.gov.au/index.cfm?event=news#tips

Outback Helpers Wanted
The letter (above and on the left) spells out what has been said on these pages before, Australia needs helpers. You may be older, and your paid skills might not be required any more, but you will be welcome especially in SA and WA it seems. This letter was in The Islander - News from Kangaroo Island SA.

How about answering their plea for help?
Contact Jean Winterfield 08 8725 4463 Email: jeane@icisp.net.au  in SA,
or 
Jenny Watters 08 9981 2943  Email: g.jwatters@bigpond.com in WA 
Website http://www.outbackhelpersscheme.com/

New NSW Caravan & Camping Guide and the National Caravan and Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide will help you to tour, buy and tow

The latest editions of the popular NSW Caravan & Camping Holiday & Touring Guide and the National Caravan and Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide are now available. The 2009 edition of the NSW Caravan, Camping & RV Products & Services Buyer's Guide is due in February 2009.

The NSW Caravan & Camping Holiday & Touring Guide features 18 regions across New South Wales with detailed listings of caravan and holiday parks along with facilities and location attractions and events in the region. It also includes listings of caravan and camping product and touring service suppliers.

The Holiday Guide is available for FREE at Visitor Information Centers across New South Wales and at caravan and camping shows nationally. The Holiday Guide is also available by calling 02 9615 9999 or via www.tournsw.com.au with a $5 postage and handling fee.

The National Caravan and Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide includes information regarding the legal requirements of towing, as well as associated technical and mechanical considerations. And for the first time, this edition of the Towing Guide includes reference to fifth wheeler and motorhome A-frame towing.

The Towing Guide is available for FREE by logging onto www.towingguide.com.au.

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Australian Red Cross - The Power Of Humanity Consider making a donation of money, or Blood

Household emergency plan - every home should have one

The Red Cross have downloadable household emergency plans which will help you be better prepared for an emergency. Use the documents to record evacuation routes from your home and important numbers and contacts. There are many useful tips and ideas to help save you and your valuables, e.g Mortgage or Deed documents, photographs and other portable information, which could be stored off-site. Visit the site before the problem occurs in your area and be ready to leave your home if you have to.
http://www.redcross.org.au/ourservices_acrossaustralia_emergencyservices_resources.htm

Concessional travel: which is almost Australia wide, at last. It is not in All States yet, but it may be in the future it seems.

Interstate transport concessions - this was sent to NSW card holders Feb 09
NSW Seniors Card holders can now access public transport concessions when travelling interstate as part of a new scheme funded by the Australian Government. For example, a NSW Seniors Card holder travelling to Melbourne is entitled to purchase public transport fares at the same concessional price as Victorian Seniors Card holders.
Seniors visiting NSW from other states or territories will also be able to get concession fares on NSW public transport. Holders of Seniors Cards from other Australian States and Territories can purchase either half fare concession tickets or a $2.50 Pensioner Excursion Ticket (PET) for all day, multi-modal (bus, train and ferry) travel in the Sydney Metropolitan Area and Outer Metropolitan Areas.

The new scheme commenced on 1 January in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
In Queensland interstate Seniors Card holders can access a 50% concession on metropolitan bus, rail and ferry services and a 25% discount on long-distance Travel train services. Discussions with the Western Australian Government are continuing.

A uniform system across Australia will help seniors travel interstate to see family and friends and makes domestic travel more affordable.

For more information on concession fares click here or contact the Transport Infoline directly on 131500 or visit www.131500.com.au

Do you carry ID with you all the time?

If not, why not? Our ID is important to us, but it is essential if we fall ill, involved in an accident, or a disaster such as those experienced in Queensland and Victoria recently If you are not able to speak for yourself, who will speak for you? Have you considered wearing some form of ID all the time? You may have an allergy, or a medical condition which could mean vital information is required for your treatment. If you are not able to let people know, then treatment may be delayed, or worse, the wrong treatment given. It is vital that life threatening information should be with you at all times.

This new Australian Company may have the answers. There are various options to choose from, so there will be an option perfect to your circumstances. The site is owned an operated by a mother of a child with a disability, so is aware or the need for identity. One of her sales pitches when talking to mothers of young children is "you label your child's lunchbox but fail to label you most precious possession, your child." 

She is right, and as an adult we should also have that information with us all the time. If jogging, swimming or just walking the dog and we are taken ill, what information have you got with you? So for your own safety and that of your loved ones, why not visit this new site.

id4u.com.au

The following news items reinforce what has been said on this Website before, which is that planning is extremely important.

Can you afford to be a grey nomad? -By Tony Rigby June 29, 2008 12:00am News.com.au

THEY roam the highways in motorhomes and caravans with names like "Lingerlonger'' and "Goneroamin'' in search of that endless holiday lifestyle.

They are the famous (or infamous) grey nomads -- retirees living out the fantasy that sustains workers through their toughest days -- living an easy and economical life on the road touring this great country.

There is no end in sight for this interesting social phenomenon, with an estimated 17,000 caravans to be sold around Australia in the next 12 months -- and 80 per cent of those will be bought by people aged over 50.

So what can the next generation of grey nomads do to make sure they are financially fit for the
long road ahead?

Here are five simple tips to help make this dream a reality.
Know the costs before you go - First, a word of warning. Potential nomads are advised to rent a van for a week or two and see whether the dream actually fits reality and whether they are physically capable of unhitching, hitching, reversing and parking.

In other words, you must try before you buy. First on the shopping list is the caravan or campervan, known on the road as a "rig''. This can cost anything from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand. A lot of retirees buy new, live the dream, don't like it or don't want to do it a second time. So it may pay to research the used van and RV market and compare. Depreciation has to be factored in. Buying a near new or relatively new van can save you quite a bit by avoiding the GST and dealer profit. But remember to have it inspected.

The next biggest expenses are accommodation, food and fuel. Food is fairly constant and comes in at about a $100 a week for a couple. Accommodation for a caravan park is generally $20-$30 a night but can vary depending on the facilities offered.  Accommodation costs can also be reduced by staying in National Parks or by camping in the bush for free.

It stands to reason that petrol costs are totally variable, depending on how far and how quickly you travel. There is also variation in fuel prices across states, and the further nomads get from the big cities the more expensive the fuel will generally be. In the bush, be prepared to pay 30-40 per cent more for fuel than in the city. The size of your campervan or trailer should also be factored in -- do rough calculations based on the known fuel consumption of towing your rig.

Budgeting - The next question is how to fund the new lifestyle? Once the traveller has costed out their rig for the next three months to five years, how's the budget looking?

A tip here is to speak with some grey nomads who have actually done some touring and get an indication of what it really costs.

It may pay to rent out the empty home and use some of the income to fund the tour. The rent will obviously need to be declared as income but rates, insurance and other related expenses can then be claimed as tax deductions for the period the property is rented.

A smart budget should also include a reasonable allowance for making the most of the time away.

Inevitably, travellers will want to do extra activities such as day cruises, but these can end up costing quite a lot of money unless the nomads remain very disciplined in their spending.

A budget should also allow for maintaining the vehicle on the road. If the van breaks down, it will more than likely happen somewhere where the costs of getting it fixed are horrendous, so plans need to be made for regular servicing and maintenance.

Working holiday - Research commissioned by the Department of Education and Training on the "potential'' for grey nomads to close the skills gap found nearly 60 per cent of those surveyed were interested in taking up paid work while on tour.

While the big trip is often taken in the early years of retirement, more baby boomers are looking at it as part of scaling down their involvement in the workforce.

With more older Australians wanting to maintain some type of working life, people are naturally asking what can they do while on the road and if they can easily re-enter the workforce after such an extended break.

Insurance - A big trip is also as good a reason as any to review insurance.

Is the potential nomad's life, trauma and health insurance up to date and appropriate for their needs? Do they have interstate ambulance cover? Is their home adequately insured -- and will the cover still apply if they are leaving the property unoccupied?

Some insurance policies have conditions where the insurance is voided if the house is uninhabited for an extended period.

Hit the road - Older travellers are encouraged to take precautions. They should plan well, take their time and be prepared. Even if the nomad has a set-and-forget investment portfolio, it's a good idea to leave some contact details with their investment adviser and make time to review their investments before they go.

The review should focus on whether there is anything on the horizon that may affect their investments and, if so, what actions or plans can be put in place to deal with them.

Once the new nomad has covered all these bases, then it's time to hit the road and start experiencing all that this great lifestyle has to offer. 

http://www.news.com.au/business/money/story/0,25479,23941086-5013954,00.html

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Changes to Call Signs: For those of you who are 4x4 drivers and who may not have heard about changes to Call signs which come into effect next year. For more information check out this document Important Changes to VKS737 call signs  also see more on our site about Mobile Communications

For more about VKS737's go to their site to get all the information.

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Centrelink - Temporary Employment Information National Media Release Friday, 11 August 2006 (as but you may not have seen it at that time it is repeated here) 
Mr Jongen said 'Grey Nomads' – Age Pensioners who were travelling around Australia – often see opportunities to take advantage of these flexible rules to enhance their holiday.

"If a customer has employment income that is variable to predict, Centrelink may use an average amount projected over 12 months," Mr Jongen explained.

"If the period of employment is short but the income earnings are generous, a customer can decide to suspend their Age Pension altogether. It's possible to suspend a payment for up to three months, and then restore it when employment ends without having to restart the whole pension claim process.

"This is especially useful for seasonal work that retirees might pick up while travelling around regional and rural Australia."The Income Test includes all income, not just income from earnings. It's important you understand how any income earned from superannuation, deemed income from financial investments, foreign pensions and income from real estate might also affect your payment."

Mr Jongen urged Age Pensioners to discuss their individual circumstances with Centrelink if in doubt by calling on Ph: 13 2300

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Pet-friendly holidays 3:28p.m. 10 December 2007

Taking a holiday? Chances are if you are a baby boomer, you just may be taking the family pet along for the ride.

Research from Tourism Australia shows the number of mature-aged Australians travelling increased at a faster rate than younger travellers between 2000 and 2004, and a Newspoll report showed older travellers were more likely to take their pet with them.

Self confessed “grey nomads” Joe and Anne Moharich of Taringa, often take their cocker spaniel with them when they travel to Peregian Beach.

“He really helps us fit in wherever we are and our travels would feel incomplete without him,” they said.

The Petcare Information and Advisory Service (PIAS) agrees it can be beneficial for both pets and people to enjoy a holiday together – particularly if it is for a longer period.

“Pets are very much a part of the Australian family, with over 53% of households having a dog and or a cat,” Susie Chaseling from PIAS said. “Pets provide companionship and are a way of getting to meet other people so – for older people – it is particularly important to maintain these benefits.”

Our advice is to do your research before you leave home. There are many websites that have information on pet-friendly accommodation, with everything from caravan parks to luxury hotels.”

PIAS recommends that before taking to the road with your pet, you should consider these tips:

1. Make sure your pet is wearing identification that will allow you to be contacted wherever you are. A mobile number on your pet’s tag is a good option.

2. Remember to pack for your pet. It’s a good idea to bring a portable bowl, your pet’s favourite toys or blankets for familiarity and a supply of special treats.

3. Many places welcome pets and you can research the options on websites before you embark on your journey.

4. Take a harness or carrier box as there may be times on your travels when you need to secure your pet within the vehicle. Some cats enjoy travel but they should be confined whenever travelling to avoid any mishaps.

5. Dogs love the open air from a moving car’s window but it can be unsafe. It is better to keep the dog inside the car and let it enjoy the fresh air when you get to your destination.

6. Take a simple pet first-aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic cream, tweezers (to remove foreign objects from fur) and pet travel medication.

NO RESPONSIBILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR ACTIONS TAKEN AS A RESULT OF INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS PAGE OR THIS WEBSITE