This year,I have been involved in several meetings about walking tracks. The most significant for Confederation have been about a Blue Mountains Crossing Walk in which we may have a leading role. The concept was brought to Confederation by the Scripture Union Club and inspired three longtime walkers to submit alternatives which they had been developing for some years. A marked up map and a spread sheet will be on display at the AGM, and I can send a copy of the latter to any club which is not represented there . Hand copying of the map is more time consuming.

I represent Confederation on a committee of Standards Australia which is reviewing AS 2156 -1977- Signs for Walking Tracks. This was a very brief document and the Victorian Federation and some Government land managers requested a revision. The first meeting discussed a number of changes including International Symbols for the nature of tracks and a standard for design and construction. It is proposed to set up a Design subcommittee and Confederation can nominate one of our members with an interest and preferably an engineering background. In February I attended a workshop on the preparation of a Management Stategy for the Australian Alpine Walking Track,(AAWT) which extends from Walhalla in Victoria to Namagji N.P in the ACT.The draft document has just been issued.

Most recently I attended a meeting convened by the Northern Rivers Regional Economic Development Organisation (NOREDO) to promote a Great Eastern Centennial Trail (GECT) to extend from Mt.Mistake near Toowoomba to Hawk's Nest, the later to connect with the Great North Walk, Hume & Hovell Walk and the AAWT. The most useful result for me was an overview of existing or proposed long distance tracks ; The Appalachian Trail in U S ,Bibbelmun Track in W A, The Federation Walk and Pacific Peace Trail. The latter two and CEGT will be competing for Government funding with the Blue Mountains Crossing. This has an advantage, I think, because, of its smaller scale and lower costs.

Denied Access

Four instances of Denied Access for bushwalkers have been brought to my attention. This sort of problem can only be resolved if landholderswho are neighbours of National Parks accept Confederations assurances that we have adequate insurance Protection for our members and the public and that we have a Code of Ethics. Then the actions of every walking party must be evidence that our Code is being observed. If reelected at the AGM I will continue to seek resolution, and would welcome notification of new problems.

There has been a partial resolution of the problem with the road to Baalbone Gap , Pantoney's Crown NP and the south eastern section of Gardens of Stone N.P. Baalbone Colliery has closed the direct road from the Mudgee Road at Cullen Bullen where It enters their mining reserve. The reason is said to be that continuing blasting work could endanger the public. The NPWS ranger advises that there is alternative access from the Capertee Glen Davis Road. This route is said to include some steep sections but be negotiable by two wheel drive vehicles. I have some doubt about this after wet weather and I would appreciate road reports from walks leaders.

My attempt to initiate discussion of a track construction group must be regarded as a failure. Further, I have been unable to find an affordable short training course which might certify our abilities and committment. Some clubs have over many Years worked with the local rangers and earned their confidence. I hope that other clubs will consider adopting a park and scheduling regular track maintenance