A concerning series of injured and lost people taking on unfamiliar bushland has prompted NSW Police to issue warnings of preparation when it comes to outdoor enthusiasts. 

Despite flooding across the state, this summer is tipped to be a busy season for adventuring across regional NSW, but authorities are pushing people to put their safety first. 

Planning ahead, carrying essential items and staying up to date with weather warnings are the best ways to be prepared. 



Minister for Police Paul Toole said that the recent unforgiving weather should be warning enough of what could go wrong. 

“With extreme recent rainfall across much of the State in recent weeks, trails and tracks are likely to be damaged or susceptible to landslips, so please take care. This is not only about keeping you safe, but also the emergency services crews tasked with responding to these types of incidents,” Mr Toole said. 

“The reality is that often people will get lost despite their best efforts. It only takes a few simple steps to ensure you are ready for the bush, and it can be the difference between life and death,” Mr Toole said. 

This year alone, Fire and Rescue NSW have carried out 7,903 rescues to assist people to safety.  

With SES and other rescue crews kept busy across the region tending to keeping the Western Plains residents safe and supplied, the capacity of rescue crews has been pushed to the limit. 

The new Think Before You Trek campaign is designed to encourage people to head into bush and national parks having taken responsible steps to get there:

T – Take enough food, water, equipment, navigation and first aid supplies. 

R – Register your trip on the National Parks and Wildlife Service website by completing a Trip Intention Form and tell friends and family when you expect to return. 

E – Emergency Personal Locator Beacons (PLB)! Install the Emergency Plus app and take a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), or other satellite communication device, to use as a last resort. 

K – Keep to your planned route and follow the map and walking trails. 

The campaign follows the rescuing of a man from the Pilliga Forest in the last week, and 110 rescues of hikers in the Blue Mountains regions alone after becoming lost or injured.