Queensland and Western Australia governments are relaxing coronavirus restrictions which is good news for dirt bike riders.
Western Australia
Western Australia today eased its restrictions after Premier Mark McGowan said the state is successfully flattening the curve. The two-person rule has been dropped and people can now gather in small groups of up to 10, but social distancing must still be observed, so keep 1.5 metres apart from each other.
What we care about though is that non-contact recreational activities are now permitted in compliance with current travel restrictions. We take this to mean dirt bike riding is now permitted, provided you comply with all the other restrictions still in place. Those travel restrictions state you cannot enter Western Australia unless an exemption has been granted and travel outside of your regional boundary is restricted.
For a better understanding of what your regional boundary is, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-regional-travel-restrictions
For an update on the latest restrictions in WA – Click HERE: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-community-advice#social-distancing
Queensland
Eased Coronavirus restrictions coming into effect Saturday, May 2 will allow Queenslanders to travel up to 50 kilometres from their home. You will also be allowed to leave your house for recreational purposes.
Examples of this given by the Queensland government are;
– Go for a drive
– Ride a motorbike, jetski or boat for pleasure
– Have a picnic
– Visit a national park
– Shop for non-essential items
Queensland’s Manar Park has announced it will open on Saturday and remain open on weekends for day visitors only. No camping will be allowed.
ADB spoke to HQ Plantations, which manages 330,000 ha of forest in Queensland including the Glass House Mountains who told us motorised recreational activities such as trail bike riding will be allowed in its state forests for May 2. As always required, riders must be licenced and riding a registered bike.
Restrictions on gatherings have not changed. Outings are limited to members of the same household or an individual and one friend so no big trail rides yet.
For more info head to https://www.health.qld.gov.au/
NSW
In an interview with 2GB, New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said motorcycle riding had the green light and was considered exercise under COVID-19 guidelines. However, travel restrictions are still in place and you must adhere to social distancing guidelines.
For more info head to https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
Victoria
Victoria has confirmed they will consider relaxing restrictions, with the State Government announcing stay at home orders could be lifted as early as May 11, when the state emergency is lifted.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning in Victoria unleashed KTM-mounted rangers to patrol its forests earlier in the month. When dirtbike riders inundated its Facebook page with questions, the department responded with “To slow the spread of coronavirus, there are only four reasons for Victorians to leave their home: food and supplies, medical care and care giving, exercise, and work or education. All recreational activities beyond exercise are not allowed. Exercise includes a walk around the block or a bike ride to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has asked that people stop looking for loopholes and just do the right thing.”
You can still ride on private land but if you’re driving around with a dirtbike in the back of your ute prepare to be pulled over and questioned by police. The fines are substantial.
For more info head to https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/
Northern Territory
Northern Territory parks and reserves will start to reopen from 12:00pm on Friday. The Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta national parks will stay closed to visitors and other non-essential travellers until June 19. Travel to regional parts of NT is still restricted and the state borders will remain shut.
For more info head to https://health.nt.gov.au/
South Australia
South Australia is considering easing restrictions with outdoor activities being the first item on the agenda.
For more info head to www.sahealth.sa.gov.au
Tasmania
Lockdown restrictions in Tasmania remain unchanged. Premier Peter Gutwein said he would consider winding back state restrictions after May 15.
For more info head to https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/
ACT
The nation’s capital is still under the existing lockdown measures. In the ACT everyone should stay home unless for:
– shopping for what you need – food and necessary supplies
– medical or health care needs, including compassionate requirements
– exercise in compliance with the public gathering requirements
– work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely.
For more info head to https://health.act.gov.au/
Most importantly though, at a time like this don’t ride over your head and keep it rubber side down. As dirt bike riders we want to avoid taking up a hospital bed when medical resources are already stretched thin.