NP&WS takeover of the Common at Hill End

[Radz]

To advise members whom visit Hill End in N.S.W that there is a proposal for the NP&WS to take over the common land.

Currently the NP&WS manage the old historic gold mining town but now are attempting to take over all of the current common land. Hill End common is popular with gold fossickers, fishing, 4WD camping and horse riders. As is usual with NP&WS policy these activities will be banned or else so restricted as to be useless.

There are even proposals to permit lifestyle developments in historic gold mining areas.

There is much discussion on the Gold detecting and prospecting forum.

A public meeting is to be held on Saturday 14th April 2 to 5pm at the Royal Hall, Hill End.

Suggest that anyone whom values their freedom of going to Hill End for say gold detecting or other activity that attending this meeting may be your only chance of putting your view forward.

[Tikirocker]

Radz,

Thanks for the heads up, are you local to the area? I'm in the central west and have enjoyed many trips to Hill End over the years and it would be a great shame to have the open access cut off but not sure I can make it out there due to commitments. Is there any information on who to contact to voice dissent outside of this meeting?

Cheers, Simon.

[KarlB]

This was canvased in the Hill End Historic Site Master Plan more than 8 years ago (see http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/re...nHillEndHS.pdf ). Hardly a surreptitious take over by the NPWS! I think people should have a read of the plan before they get too excited.

Cheers
KarlB

[THE BOOGER]

The date for the report is 2004 so its been around for a while. I camp at hill end and have been happy with NPWS so far just wish the council would reopen the bridle track I can see where the report is heading though more housing at Tamboora which probably wont hurt Hill end may even keep the general store open and contracting out things like rubbish collection and water supply which are now done by NPSW people The part which says Hill end and NPSW should be run as a bussiness probably means rents and camping fees will go up thought

[Radz]

The Hill End master plan has certainly been around since 2004.

Having seen restrictions on access and activities such as gold fossicking and 4WD'ing/camping I wish I could be so confident in these activities being allowed to continue.

[Redback]

As far as I know or remember, you have never been able to pan for gold in the Historic area of Hill End, which is where the Common is, Tambarooral creek at Tambaroora is the only place you can pan for gold without permission.

EDIT

PS, NPWS only manage Hill End for the Historical Sociaty, they determin what happens there.

Baz.

[Drover]

Not to familiar with the Hill End storey, although we did own an acreage between Illford and Hillend, back in the day.

But a General comment on NPWS.

They really need to take a good look at them selves, they are a Government Dept and as such should be acting to the benefit of us.

I have watched them close tracks, bollard off areas, ban fires, dogs, horses, 4x4 and dirt bikes. Charge fees for camping for areas that have been available for the use of the public for many years without any problems.

They continue to put in place claims for many areas of State Forrest and many other area’s that are unfortunately, in most cases are successful, leaving the areas useless for many recreational activities.

It is pure empire building and they (NPWS) need to be reined in before it is too late.

[Redback]

Not to familiar with the Hill End storey, although we did own an acreage between Illford and Hillend, back in the day.

But a General comment on NPWS.

They really need to take a good look at them selves, they are a Government Dept and as such should be acting to the benefit of us.

I have watched them close tracks, bollard off areas, ban fires, dogs, horses, 4x4 and dirt bikes. Charge fees for camping for areas that have been available for the use of the public for many years without any problems.

They continue to put in place claims for many areas of State Forrest and many other area’s that are unfortunately, in most cases are successful, leaving the areas useless for many recreational activities.

It is pure empire building and they (NPWS) need to be reined in before it is too late.

One point is wrong, they don't ask for areas, they are handed over or donated too them, NSW Forestry are the ones that hand over land to NPWS the most.

The onnly areas that are asked for is when an area is nominated for wilderness status, this is usually where certain species of flora or fauna are in danger.

Baz.

[Lucy]

But a General comment on NPWS.

They really need to take a good look at them selves, they are a Government Dept and as such should be acting to the benefit of us.

I have watched them close tracks, bollard off areas, ban fires, dogs, horses, 4x4 and dirt bikes. Charge fees for camping for areas that have been available for the use of the public for many years without any problems.

They continue to put in place claims for many areas of State Forrest and many other area’s that are unfortunately, in most cases are successful, leaving the areas useless for many recreational activities.

It is pure empire building and they (NPWS) need to be reined in before it is too late.

Parks and Wildlife act for the benefit of the environment, and if not for us, for future generations. There are many good reasons for the decisions they make. Just because you don't like it, doesn't mean that it is not necessary. The damage that fires, dogs, horses 4x4 and dirt bikes do to sometimes very fragile and rare environments has to be seen to be believed, BUT, to really understand, you need to see the places that have recovered from these impacts - it is often absoutly astounding that what you may have thought was successful wasn't even close!

Also, parks have many of these activities freely available in many more locations than you would think (except for the dogs bit), they just don't advertise the fact and you need to take a look yourself.

Parks often has land formerly managed as State Forest and Crown Lands thrust upon them with NO extra budget to manage it, they certainly don't go looking for it. These lands have often been logged or otherwise seriously degraded, NPWS' track record with respect to rehabilitation of these lands is actually quite good.

[Beckford]

just wish the council would reopen the bridle track

You can still drive in from both ends to where the rock fall is, and drive around the long way to Hill End or back to Bathurst. I agree to fix the rock fall using today's methods would not be cheap, but preserving history is priceless.

The campsites along the Turon look really good and have new drop toilets.

The campground at Hill end run by NPWS is one of the best I have stayed at. I do not mind paying NPWS camp fees when hot showers are available.