The relentless restrictions continue OLT

[Ent]

Moderator edit - added to first sentence for context.

Just read the latest restriction applied to the overland track under the euphemism of "acceptable use". Once again traditional Tassie walkers are finding incremental regulations that restrict their access to an area and imposed unnecessary rules. I for one struggle that it is unacceptable to walk in a particular direction? I assume it is so the commercial users can give the impression "false" to their clients that they own Tassie so will not strike a mere peasant coming the wrong way on "their" track destroying "their" experience. A glaring oversight designed to frustrate and disadvantage users is the one night section restriction. Take a loop from the Walls area that then uses the OLT from Hartnett Falls back to the Lees Paddock track. Taking a strict bureaucratic look (and that is what Parks did) you will come in before Kiora Hut so have violated the restriction of walking more than one section, that being Kiora to New Pelion Hut as you are walking part of another section. Adding to this restrictive policy is is the lengthening of the commercial season.

Some may be happy with the rules but since my first serious bushwalk the restrictions continue to pile one upon another and it is a fair assumption that Park's ultimate plan is to push Tasmanians off their own traditional uses through increasing fees, restrictive regulation, and quotas. This must be the much claimed result of going to a tourism economy. We are to wait on tables and view areas that are now too expensive or restrictive to access.

Parks has made no attempt in this and any other past rule changes to accommodate Tasmanian people or families instead one price suits all. For the privilege we have to pay the shortfall in their operational cost from our taxes and/or reduced services such as health.

Parks is especially discriminating against people that live near this area as this is the only National Park subject to such a regime of fees and nonsensical restrictions (I am not talking about ones designed to avoid spread of fungus).

I have mentioned before the growth in restrictions and been told, this is it, well we now know it is not. Regardless if you find this latest round oppressive, or not, it is clear that the restrictions are continue to grow. Very disappointed and believe that the debate will continue but at the political level as we have a bureaucracy that has made no attempt to moderate the impact of its regulations on the local people.

Regards

[ILUVSWTAS]

It's only the OLT. And it brings alot of money into our state (debate on where it goes sure, but it does come) At the end of the day it's just the boring OT they have these restrictions on, why not walk elsewhere if your not happy about it Brett??

I know there's talk of similar things being done in the WOJ, and given the increasing numbers to the area, it's probably a smart move.

[Nuts]

I don't think it really has much to do with commercial operators. Not us anyhow, I have never made any comment or have any opinion outside those measures that advantage the environment. Social engineering is of no consequence, can't speak for the used car sales people of the industry... I do hope that the staff at the coal face are to be given more tools to police new measures than a new set of frowns? The usual hard-on -anyone- that- will -take -it approach. That said . There's not much new here. I did support the moanings on here for the rules to be made clear, I guess this is the result.

Nothing 'boring' in the bush other than what's in the head one takes with them.

[ollster]

Seems not too unreasonable. There are enough concessions in there to still allow access to well known routes whilst using the OLT facilities.

[Ent]

ILUVSWTAS

The issue is not so much the OLT but the various side trips and routes that criss/cross it. Take for example a walk that I have been toying with. I have an interest in the "original" path to the West Coast that uses the OLT to Lake Will and then heads from there following a route that I am not completely sure off. Such a wander would be a good summer experience to explore. This is now off the books. Surely we are not be expected to walk 10 metres parallel to the OLT for the first day an half? I have not great issues with giving space in the huts to fee paying punters but will not accept having to finish a Never Never loop at Lake St Clair. What next, required to take a bus to Hobart because some Parks bureaucrat decided this is a good thing?

The OLT is a major area and blocking it to access through relentless push for restrictions will close off large areas that the madding crowd never visit but locals do. It is the continuous restrictions that worry me and luckily you yet to have experience such things near where you live, but the OLT is my backyard. And as for boring. Some of the best Myrtle forest, waterfall, etc are in that area. Might pay to head a bit off track and stop following the mud, you might even find the highest peaks in Tassie to bag

Nuts

So if it is not the commercial operators pushing for this then who is? Is it just yet another power game played by Parks? The language of the statement is interesting as I agree what is an "experience" highly subjective. I enjoy meeting people on the track providing that are not trashing the place, but yes other get upset that after ten days if they even see in the distance a single soul. It appears that the anti social have written this latest series of regulations.

Regards

[ollster]

The issue is not so much the OLT but the various side trips and routes that criss/cross it. Take for example a walk that I have been toying with. I have an interest in the "original" path to the West Coast that uses the OLT to Lake Will and then heads from there following a route that I am not completely sure off. Such a wander would be a good summer experience to explore. This is now off the books.

Not really. Before you get your panties in a twist, consider:

"However, in order to further clarify what is permissible regarding overnight bushwalks that intersect with the OLT, the following examples of acceptable walks are provided:"

Taking the examples as, well, examples, then I don't see why OLT > Will would be a problem. And if you're unsure, why don't you just contact them?

"advice is available by contacting the Ranger-in-Charge for the Overland Track on 03 64921133 or email:
[email protected]"

And if all else fails, just raise the middle finger and do it anyway. (and obviously bypass WFV hut, it's not like it's a big day to get to Lk Will either way)

[doogs]

I can't really see any problem at all. If anything this forum has contributed more than anything to these measures being put in place as there is more and more discussion on here each year of dodging the fees by entering via the Arm River Track and exiting via Narcissus. I really don't think these measures are being put in place to impede walks such as yours Ent, sounds like a nice walk
PAY YOUR FEES YOU TIGHT *&^%$#@! MAINLANDERS

[sthughes]

Err um what are we talking about? Has Parks issued a new set of rules??

just raise the middle finger and do it anyway.

Frankly that sounds like the best idea IF they are saying I can't even walk part of it now.

Anyone got a link?

[doogs]

Err um what are we talking about? Has Parks issued a new set of rules??

In the open your eyes section
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=10864

[ollster]

dodging the fees by entering via the Arm River Track and exiting via Narcissus.

Do people actually do this? I mean, I have come in this way as a preference to get to the middle section on more than a few occasions, but who's actually doing all the dodging?

[doogs]

dodging the fees by entering via the Arm River Track and exiting via Narcissus.

Do people actually do this? I mean, I have come in this way as a preference to get to the middle section on more than a few occasions, but who's actually doing all the dodging?

It has been mentioned on here often enough for Parks to want to close the loop hole. I have never seen a Cradle to Arm River or Arm River to Cynthia Bay report but I am sure it happens. Surely it would have been easier to only allow Tasmanian residents to use the Arm River Track rather than this amendment

[Son of a Beach]

Err um what are we talking about? Has Parks issued a new set of rules??

In the open your eyes section
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=10864

I've added a link in the original post to make this clearer.

The topic with the actual information from Parks has been locked (and made a sticky) by request of the author so that it can remain as purely reference, with other topics (such as this one) to be used for discussion.

[sthughes]

Thanks Nik and Doogs, how silly of me to go looking on the PWS website for PWS announcements

[Ent]

Hi ollster

Probably only a few use the Arm River track as I only know one person that has done that and this was only so they could link up with their mates for a walk into Frenchmans rather than drive back from a wander up Ossa. I think it is pedantic Parks wanting to make extra regulations to stop a largely non existent problem. The simple fact it is this regulation creep will lock locals out. As for the time you take, I read it as the sections you traverse, so major hut to major hut is a section rather than time taken else the ultra-runner would pay no fees.

My take on it Parks want nice simple rules like, "If you are in Cradle Park and do not have the OLT pass then you are a criminal, and if a local a punishable criminal". They appear yet again to have given no thought to the locals. When the permit system was implemented Parks made assurances that other walks in the Park will not be affected. Under these ill-considered regulations it will stuff up many walks.

Oh, and where was the public consultation process for this?

The past system largely worked and the few fee dodgers give no excuse for this approach. It is a simple attempt to force locals out and burden them with petty unnecessary conditions so the privileged few do not need to the see the beggars trudging along. The wording of the statement suggests such peasant are compromising the "experience" of the elite.

As for asking Parks for advice? Have you tried this? I have and the responses are amazing.

Regards

[ollster]

As noted if it does get that bad I guess I'll just take the middle finger approach. It's not unusual for government departments to get uppity and forget they work for us, not the other way around.

As for asking Parks for advice? Have you tried this? I have and the responses are amazing.

Now that you mention it, last time I contacted them was about that frikken dog incident on the Southern Range and I got nowhere.

[norts]

I tried to get some clarification on the rules for the OLT at the beginning of the year and they admitted then they didn't have a single document that defined the rules but they would have one by Sep this year.
If people remember there has been confusion on this forum on what could and couldn't be done. People seemed to be given different advise by different people in Parks. At least now people can be directed to the document and not just go on peoples hearsay.

Roger

[wayno]

strange about those restrictions, in nz on the great walks you cant camp within 500 m of the track if you dont have a prebooked ticket in summer, but you can still walk the length of the tracks in any direction. although the milford hut stayers are fixed to walking in one direction....

[Ent]

Hi Norts

No disagreement that there has been confusion but Parks has not even done the most basic work to talk to the local community. Instead we get the usual Parks' approach of making a decree and then feigning shock when citizens see them as an uncaring dictatorial lot. I had hope that they might have change but looks like Parks will always be the immutable bureaucratic monolith that is anti Tasmanian families.

I am so deeply annoyed by Parks as they stuffed up an OLT walk by shorting the season for Taswegians with a typical arrogant last minute decree. Well actually found out from a Park Volunteer. Even when I offered to pay the fees for the other parties they would not accept as that is not right, nor Tasmanian, to take charity from your mates. So a remake of a quarter of century walk failed thanks to Parks.

About six months a group started the planning of a major walk that depending on terrain and timing might use two to none huts plus track on the OLT. Now I find Parks has made this decree. It is their total arrogance and contempt Parks demonstrates to Taswegains that upsets me to use rather emotive language. We have a uncaring, directorial edifice in Parks that fails even the most basic test of consulting with its citizens or giving any warning nor period of grace. Here we have no sensible warning and they have now potentially stuff up another walk. Why not a phase in season or two? Why not talk to the locals?

As for Parks' promises and assurances they have very little meaning to people that have dealt with them over many years have found out. The OLT pass system was intended to "improve" the infrastructure and not impinge upon local access. So we have huts in the middle of winter with no heating and in the middle of summer with heating. Well Parks has cobbled together at the last minute ill-considered regulations just before the season has open in yet another attempt to chuck those pesky Taswegians off Parks' World Class Park. Can not have these peasant diminishing the World Class Experience of the elite tourist. But by all means charge the peasants park fees anyway even though they now can not use the park as they planned.

People wonder why I struggle to respect Parks and the above is why as we have yet another example of Parks' approach. I detest bureaucratic bullying and fortunately this I find has been declining but sadly we see it has not with Parks.

A simple question that Parks well likely never answer is, "has Parks successfully prosecuted significant numbers of overseas and interstate tourist dodging fees"? These regulations are firmly aimed at Taswegians not fee dodgers is my feeling.

Regards

[stepbystep]

Personally I can't see the problem, the rules appear to be much as they always have been just with an extended season which was mooted and much talked about months ago.

When I do my Du Cane traverse in November I will be walking in the wrong direction to Du Cane Gap and commencing my off track walk from there. If a PWS ranger or anyone attempt to stop me I will politely tell them what I am doing and bid them good day. I suggest you do the same and take a great big chill pill.

PWS have some great people both in the office and in the field and I have had mixed experiences with their public service mindset but hey it's the same at DHHS, DOJ the ABC etc etc.

Perhaps you should go and write some letters to your local member or something?

[nq111]

When I do my Du Cane traverse in November I will be walking in the wrong direction to Du Cane Gap and commencing my off track walk from there. If a PWS ranger or anyone attempt to stop me I will politely tell them what I am doing and bid them good day. I suggest you do the same and take a great big chill pill.

Okydokey . I'm doing the traverse next month, weather permitting, and will follow your instructions closely

[stepbystep]

When I do my Du Cane traverse in November I will be walking in the wrong direction to Du Cane Gap and commencing my off track walk from there. If a PWS ranger or anyone attempt to stop me I will politely tell them what I am doing and bid them good day. I suggest you do the same and take a great big chill pill.

Okydokey . I'm doing the traverse next month, weather permitting, and will follow your instructions closely

Yeah nice! Make sure you share some pics.

[MrWalker]

It would be nice to know how they interpret "must not walk more than one overnight segment".

Does it mean I can still do day walks from Ronny Creek to Windermere Hut and back or are they going to insist that anywhere past Waterfall Hut is an overnight walk even on a day walk.

I had considered taking the ferry up Lake St Clair and walking (the wrong way obviously) to Pelion Hut and out through Arm River. If I don't make any overnight stops is that still OK. It can't be done as a day walk in the other direction due to the ferry timetable (or at least not as easily done).

There must be plenty of Tasmanians who have done the OLT and want some variety by using side trips, not to avoid fees but just to go somewhere different. Forcing them to walk in a particular direction is just perverse.

[doogs]

"has Parks successfully prosecuted significant numbers of overseas and interstate tourist dogging fees"?
Regards

I think you misread my comment, I said 'dodging'....
http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictio ... sh/dogging

[Ent]

Hi Doogs

Pretty well much that Parks is doing to Tassie folk but in National rather than Carparks.

Cheers

[doogs]

[ollster]

Pretty well much that Parks is doing to Tassie folk but in National rather than Carparks.

That's funny, I kept blaming my walking buddies!

[steveh72]

Like my numerous posts on this issue, why can't parks show a more flexiable fee structure - this approach would possiably provide additional revenue to maintain said park.

1) pay a part usage fee - I have no problems with fees for nothing comes for free, just excessive fees I take issue with. Like Ent I feel that the OLT is becoming the domain of the paying tourist at the expense of the local tax paying resident (me) . Reading this if I plan a two night stay at Pellion (say over easter for example) after coming in via arm river my options are now to stay at Pellion for one night & then hike back up the ART and find a nice spot there rather than 2 nights in the hut. Why not charge a part fee for a couple of nights use of the track.

Another option is to charge for hut use for non OLT hikers and a reduced nomial fee for track access & tent based camping for greater than one day use during the season.

2) family passes - the current structure discourages families to do the OLT (or this family at least)

Just my two cents worth

Steve

[stepbystep]

Like my numerous posts on this issue, why can't parks show a more flexiable fee structure - this approach would possiably provide additional revenue to maintain said park.

1) pay a part usage fee - I have no problems with fees for nothing comes for free, just excessive fees I take issue with. Like Ent I feel that the OLT is becoming the domain of the paying tourist at the expense of the local tax paying resident (me) . Reading this if I plan a two night stay at Pellion (say over easter for example) after coming in via arm river my options are now to stay at Pellion for one night & then hike back up the ART and find a nice spot there rather than 2 nights in the hut. Why not charge a part fee for a couple of nights use of the track.

Another option is to charge for hut use for non OLT hikers and a reduced nomial fee for track access & tent based camping for greater than one day use during the season.

2) family passes - the current structure discourages families to do the OLT (or this family at least)

Just my two cents worth

Steve

Not a bad 2c Steve, at least it's constructive!

I'm pretty sure from my experience with PWS staff on the ground that semantics won't be an issue. But an area like Pelion which is pretty much the heart of the park needs careful management. Some 'locals' seem to think they have the right(in whatever numbers!) to charge in there and use the facilities, yet they whinge if they are not up to scratch. Your suggestions would also have potential for areas like The Walls, Lake Rhona, the Anne Circuit and The Arthurs(East and West).

Discuss...

Cheers, Dan.

[MrWalker]

Another option is to charge for hut use for non OLT hikers and a reduced nomial fee for track access & tent based camping for greater than one day use during the season.

It could be argued that once a hut is in place there is less damage to the environment if people use the hut rather than camp. So maybe the fees should be the same.
A problem with paying a special fee to use the huts is that anyone might need to use them in an emergency so it would be better if those camping were able to use the huts without paying extra.

The trouble is they set of the fee for "walking the OLT" regardless of how or when you stop overnight. If the standard fee was seen to cover say 5+ nights staying anywhere in the area, then you could pay a reduced fee for staying anywhere in the designated area for less than 5 nights. Then the same fee system could be used in other areas.

[ILUVSWTAS]

When I do my Du Cane traverse in November I will be walking in the wrong direction to Du Cane Gap and commencing my off track walk from there. If a PWS ranger or anyone attempt to stop me I will politely tell them what I am doing and bid them good day. I suggest you do the same and take a great big chill pill.

Well be ready! Get a t-shirt made up even. "NO, IM NOT DOING THE OT" Because EVERY person you pass will ask (tell) you if your aware your not allowed to walk that way... it gets very tiresome.

One day i'd like to start at Cradle, walk to Pine valley, over Gould, and out via Cuvier Valley. In my eyes that's not doing the OT.