President's Report

Here’s a quick report, written hastily before I dash off for my annual sojourn in the Tasmanian wilderness.
Blanket consents
There has been no further word from the NPWS on the ‘blanket consent’ shemozzle reported in previous issues of The Bushwalker. I hope this is because the Service has found a way to change the offending regulations.
Access to prohibted catchments
I have been to several meetings at Sydney Water Corporation on the subject of access to lands now jointly controlled by Sydney Water and the NPWS. Sydney Water is going to great lengths to ensure all interested parties have a chance to put their cases.
A series of seminars involving various stake-holders (including bushwalkers) will be held early this year. Confederation will be involved and I aim to ensure that our arguments for improved access are strongly presented. I will report in more detail as events unfold. At this stage it is all talk and no action.
It is too early to say signs look hopeful. But they don’t look bad either. From what I’ve heard so far, I feel optimistic that access to places currently ‘off limits’ may be permitted in future.
Return of lost sheep
I have had a couple of conservations recently with the President of the Catholic Bushwalking Club. There are signs that this club, once a strong supporter of Confederation, is considering re-joining. I’m sure many members would be pleased to see this long-established Sydney club back in the fold.
ORCA
Confederation continues to keep a wary eye on the introduction of standards for outdoor professionals. Recently, we learnt that our involvement had been misrepresented and had to ask that Confederation not be shown as an official supporter of these proposals.
We are firmly of the belief that if any organisation is going to specify bushwalking leadership standards, it should be this Confederation and not any professional body. We expressed our extreme displeasure at having the pastime of bushwalking described as part of the ‘outdoor recreation industry.’
Draft Code of Ethics
A revised Code of Ethics is included in this issue of The Bushwalker. Please let me have your comments, suggestions, amendments as soon as possible. The final draft will be presented for consideration soon, possibly at the next general meeting in February.
I’ll catch up in the next issue with anything I’ve forgotten to mention. In the meantime, don’t forget: communication is a two-way flow. The management committee needs your input. With phone, fax or E-mail, it’s never been easier to contact the key office bearers. So let’s have your comments, suggestions, recommendations.
Happy New Year and Good Walking in 1967