nsw national parks

In the 1980's I worked for the Central Mapping Authority (part of the Lands Department of NSW). In particular one of the tasks I did was what we referred to as Field Completion. This was using aerial photos and a map printed on a clear nylon sheet. What we did was drive every road, laneway and track on the map sheet to identify features that couldn't be identified from the photos. One of the main tasks was to categorise tracks - multi lane roads,down to single lane 4wd tracks.

We legally had the right to enter land for the purposes of Surveying. But to be polite when entering a property or farm, we would approach the owner - usually knocked on the front door or went searching for the farmer. When we found a farmer that didn't want us on his property, we would very often say "Ok, we'll just show all of your tracks as 4wd tracks and you will have every 4wd club for miles around coming." Worked a treat about 95% of the time. So it isn't only NPWS that aren't keen of Four Wheel drivers. It only takes a few idiots to spoil it for all and some of those idiots are unbelievable. Bear that in mind when you deal with NPWS in future.


Tom.

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Originally Posted by Bushie

And now this

Deua National Park | NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
They don't seem to put much effort into things, I bet the creeks/rivers dropped quite a while ago now (heavy rain was at the start of Dec)
Moruya, NSW - December 2014 - Daily Weather Observations

If they had their way nobody would be allowed into a national park, they seem the forget they are managing the land on behalf of the people of Australia.


Martyn

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I am not one to defend NPWS, I live in Moruya and we have had rain almost every afternoon and night for the last month or so, only last month 10 Campers at Bendethra had to be helicoptered out. Just imagine what that cost, 3 trips I understand.
Just because the Weather Station at Moruya Heads doesn't register rain doesn't mean that it is not raining up in the mountains.
VNX-205, Booger and myself, a few years back went down to Bendethra after rain (similar to now) to find the first crossing about 2 metres deep.
We camped for 5 days waiting for it to be crossable, but went home without getting into Bendethra proper.
I was going to take a run down to Bendethra, but with the amount of rain I knew without checking that the river would be up and cancelled my plans.
With the tracks wet and greasy the mug/mud brigade would be in there screwing the tracks and doing do-nuts on the grass, so IT IS the 4wd'ers that are ****ting on their own doorstep, if it's wet stay away or we will lose it all, Regards Frank.

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Originally Posted by BathurstTom

In the 1980's I worked for the Central Mapping Authority (part of the Lands Department of NSW). In particular one of the tasks I did was what we referred to as Field Completion. This was using aerial photos and a map printed on a clear nylon sheet. What we did was drive every road, laneway and track on the map sheet to identify features that couldn't be identified from the photos. One of the main tasks was to categorise tracks - multi lane roads,down to single lane 4wd tracks.

We legally had the right to enter land for the purposes of Surveying. But to be polite when entering a property or farm, we would approach the owner - usually knocked on the front door or went searching for the farmer. When we found a farmer that didn't want us on his property, we would very often say "Ok, we'll just show all of your tracks as 4wd tracks and you will have every 4wd club for miles around coming." Worked a treat about 95% of the time. So it isn't only NPWS that aren't keen of Four Wheel drivers. It only takes a few idiots to spoil it for all and some of those idiots are unbelievable. Bear that in mind when you deal with NPWS in future.

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Agree a friend of mine did a lot mapping of the high country in vic he new a lot of tracks. It was interesting in WA when we were introducing our selves to local station owners some times the reaction was if you come back I will shoot you. Sorry you lease this land, you don't own it. After that discussion mostly all good.

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Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

When I did my Science degree, I did lectures/tutes with some of the ecology program students. They would think nothing of and didn't care less of the starving millions and African babies living in abject poverty, so long as the long nosed, short legged, hairy tailed whatsit fish-lizard were protected. They hated 4WD with a passion, but were happy to have a ride in my Rangy when going out on field trips or paleontological digs and were glad I was along because I had all my regular camping gear and the things that make for some comfort in the bush (particularly the fridge).

These people only get jobs in conservation groups, the public service and national parks, they have no qualifications for anything else.

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Maybe in your day... However I know a lot of the kind of people you are talking about. Almost all of them own 4x4s and use them offroad. Those that don't still have to use 4x4s for work.

The powers that be in WA are primarily concerned with the amenity of parks fof public recreation at present apparently.

I hate to say it, but after our last trip I think I understand their attitude.

We have just spent a couple of days camping in the northern part of Kosciuszko National Park, at an isolated site on the Gungarlin River.

We arrived on Sunday to find the place a mess - broken glass, cigarette butts, plastic bags and toilet rolls all over the place. The only couple that we there apologised for the mess, saying that a couple of groups of teenagers had just left after spending a drunken weekend there.

It broke my heart to see it. Its a beautiful site, very well maintained by NP&WS - even had firewood, all ruined by a few drunken yobbos. No wonder they want to lock us out. Unfortunately the many who do the right thing have to suffer as well.

Cheers,
Jon

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Originally Posted by BathurstTom

In the 1980's I worked for the Central Mapping Authority (part of the Lands Department of NSW). In particular one of the tasks I did was what we referred to as Field Completion. This was using aerial photos and a map printed on a clear nylon sheet. What we did was drive every road, laneway and track on the map sheet to identify features that couldn't be identified from the photos. One of the main tasks was to categorise tracks - multi lane roads,down to single lane 4wd tracks.

Tom.

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It's a shame that they don't do 'ground truthing' anymore, or at least don't appear to from my experience.

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Originally Posted by jon3950

I hate to say it, but after our last trip I think I understand their attitude.

We arrived on Sunday to find the place a mess - broken glass, cigarette butts, plastic bags and toilet rolls all over the place. The only couple that we there apologised for the mess, saying that a couple of groups of teenagers had just left after spending a drunken weekend there.

Cheers,
Jon

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Don't get me wrong it ****es me off no end to see the crap and mess that is left behind by what could only be fellow 4WDers, and statistically we would have some of them on this forum driving Landies.
Part of the problem though I think stems from the ever increasing closure/restrictions that are forcing more and more people into less and less land.

It used to be said that a Labor government would increase the land for national parks but with no increase in budget, and then a Liberal government would come in and cut the budget/staffing. A lose/lose situation.

Having said all that I know that the easy way out is often taken, close or restrict being the easy options.
As for Bendethra, it has certainly changed over the last 30 odd years since I started going in and out of the place.



Martyn

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Originally Posted by Bushie

Part of the problem though I think stems from the ever increasing closure/restrictions that are forcing more and more people into less and less land.

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I agree. I do sympathise with NP&WS having to manage increasing areas on reducing budgets. However, while locking areas up may work in the short term, I can't see being a long term solution. If people can't get out and enjoy these areas they will stop caring about them.

There needs to be a sensible balance between conservation and access. To me the Alpine National Park is a good example of this.

Cheers,
Jon

Jon

All is not lost, there is some movement on the previous intransigence on NP&WS by allowing some limited access to 4WD clubs associated with the 4WD Association. The club books with the local ranger and the key is made available. Numbers are limited and it seems to be only some NP&WS offices mainly in the Central West.

It seems that these offices recognise they are unable to manage the entirety of their responsibility. By allowing access to small numbers of identified groups the competing interests can be managed and the roads/tracks kept open for times when they are needed for other purposes, particularly fire fighting.

It doesn't yet mean that the areas will be opened to everyone ad hoc or that all areas will be opened for even limited access.

It does give us hope and another reason to join a responsible 4WD club.

Won't be able to turn back the clock though, areas that were declared wilderness, or had trails fully closed, will never be reopened.
The environmental hoops to reopen a long closed trail will never be jumped through.


Martyn

Bushie,
I see you have done a major trip every two years, may I ask how, on your lonesome, mates or a club event?