Alex Tucker Tracks & Access Officer

This long awaited document was issued in March and, in my opinion was well worth the waiting. In 1995 Confederation appointed Dave Noble as its representative to the workshops conducted by TASPARKS Their next move is to organise a further workshop to finalise the details of a permit system which will allow for some regulation of the numbers of walkers and canoeists using the various tracks and camping sites. Dave does not want to continue as our Rep, so I have asked his alternate, Roger Lembit, to attend on our behalf. I expect the April Confederation meeting will endorse this appointment and I will advise TASPARKS.

After three meetings, Standards Committee CS/29 has produced document DR 98208 as a draft for Public comment. The full title is Walking Tracks Part 1: Classification and Signage, and the closing date for comment is 30th June next. Anyone wishing to read and comment on this 16 page document can read a copy at Standards Australia 1 The Crescent HOMEBUSH Phone (02) 9746 4748. Convenient pedestrian access is from Strathfield station via Albert Rd and Elva St. (UBD Map 233 E 11 ) A Reference Copy should be available at Standards offices, 51 King St. NEWCASTLE Phone 02 4929 4977. and Shop 5 Gallery Level The Boulevard City Walk CANBERRA Copies may be bought for $ 9.50. I regret that because of copyright I cannot photocopy any more than the official form for submission of comments. Please contact me by phone or fax on (02) 9451 4028 if you would like to be part of the sub committee preparing Confederation’s comments. I expect to call a meeting in Sydney, about the end of May. Written comments would also help, from those unable to attend a meeting.

The NPWS is establishing a 1300 number for calling their Information Centre and as an alternative to their web site. Unfortunately there are no plans for the Information Centre to be advised of temporary closures of parks , canyons or tracks. I am advised that the best contact for such information is the District Offices since decisions on closures and reopenings are made by the District Manager. The NPWS publishes a Visitor Guide to National Parks, Historic Sites and some Nature Reserves, which includes phone numbers. Because of staff restraints, some sub district offices may not be manned throughout the week ends and callers may be redirected to District Offices. Some large parks such as Wollemi or Yengo are in two or three districts for more convenient management access.

Confederation and the equivalent orgnanisations in other states have received a letter from the Secretariat for the Environment of the City of Rio de Janiero asking for information to assist in setting up this system which will have a main trail of 140 km connecting with 500 km of side trails. Carioca is the generic term for the citizens of Rio, a city of over 5 million people. Rio has cultural and historical links with NSW (in particular) even before Peter Allen. The First Fleet and many other sailing vessels made it a port of call for fresh food and water. In my response I will be emphasising the contribution of our Wilderness Rescue Service