The Blue Mountains Gazette 13 December 1989 reports that “the Minister for Environment Mr Tim Moore and local member Mr Barry Morris together launched a new bush safety program for the Mountains on Monday (11/12/1989). The new program aims to cut down on the expensive and labour intensive bush-related search and rescues that number around 80 per annum. “Many of these expensive operations could be avoided if people were more aware of the need to take care and to be well prepared for bush recreation activities,” Mr Morris said. The new program features a 10 minute bush safety video, supported by information signs, displays, posters, a leaflet and bumper stickers. “This innovative program addresses the need to raise community awareness of the need for bush safety. It also emphasises ways of minimising the impact on the environment of recreational activities,” Mr Moore said.
In the last financial year, there were 188 rescue operations, including 53 for lost persons, but Christmas is the peak time for rescues. You can avoid being one of these statistics by following the simple procedures outlined on the NSW National Parks TREK page https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety/bushwalking-safety/think-before-you-trek