Ben Boyd Light to Light restrictions and Privatisation pendi

[johnrs]

Folks
here is another one.
A plan to reduce backpack accessible camping in favour of private facilities.
There does not seem to have been much consultation,
From our colleagues in recreational fishing who are also affected.

Ben Boyd National Park – Light to Light walking Track Proposal affects rec fishing access

Following a recent meeting with NPWS, advice was received that there will be restrictions on the current ‘back pack” camping areas that currently apply in our most southern NSW National Park, Ben Boyd.

NPWS have a plan or strategy on their website and submissions close at the end of the month.

In a nut shell, the NPWS budget has been reduced over a number of years and I understand staff numbers are down – clearly this creates on-ground supervision and management issues. It would seem to assist with this problem “back pack” camping will be removed from sections of the National Park thus reducing workload for rangers.

It has been reported that rubbish is being left around at some camping sites, there are too many fire scars and unpleasant droppings are not being buried, so access for camping will not continue in some areas.

There is no proposal to solve these issues simply by restricting fires to provided fire pits or the provision of compost toilets. HOWEVER there is a plan to provide a helipad and up-market cabins which could be quite acceptable to those who can afford it and don’t like camping.

But why restrict historic public access and prevent the wilderness or “back pack” camping to some areas of the park? The answer to that is, as usual, connected to money and protecting those who will make a profit from the plans.

It seems the operation of up-market cabins will be outsourced and managed by private organisations. An alternative proposal is needed and needs community discussion. The last thing that should happen is the local business goes out backwards because of the loss of regular visiting campers!

The two locations currently used for caravans and camper trailers will remain but will be restricted to smallish vans. The camping preference is very popular, especially in warmer months when recreational fishers (and other community groups) go camping under the stars, away from the TV, with mate or family members.

A common activity is walking for some distance, finding a good ledge/fishing spot and camping close to that spot overnight. Then moving on and repeating the same healthy activity for a number of days.

NPWS confirmed they did not consult DPI Fisheries to discuss the impacts of the proposed strategy would have on recreational fishing. Communication between the two agencies has been pathetic for decades even though the Advisory Council and DPI Fisheries have tried on a number of occasions to develop a Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies.

NPWS confirmed they only spoke to two groups – Council and the Aboriginal Land Council. That does not sound like good public consultation.This Facebook page is worth following to understand other issues.

So in summary we see “Access” again being the number one problem with NPWS in regard to fishing. And on this occasion it has an impact on numerous other community groups who visit the park for their own interests, whether it be bird watching, photography, examining wild flowers, etc.

There is no indication of a review of the proposal after comments have been received from the community.

Deadline for submissions is 26 August. Submissions by groups/organisations/clubs/social clubs and the like should indicate how many people your organisation represents. Please get you submissions in on time. There are another eight

[north-north-west]

So the people who least need infrastructure will be restricted while the heavy resource users are welcomed in, complete with red carpet and champagne. Whatever happened to the "National Parks are for all" mantra?

[johnw]

So the people who least need infrastructure will be restricted while the heavy resource users are welcomed in, complete with red carpet and champagne. Whatever happened to the "National Parks are for all" mantra?

As we all know this crap is now happening Australia-wide and with ever increasing frequency due to several out of control feral state governments. And a national disgrace in the view of most of us who value the concept of keeping wild places wild, and the amenity of passive, low impact, self-reliant recreation.

[Max Winning]

I have drafted the following submission, but I would appreciate hearing the opinion of other concerned people, before I finalise the wording. (Apologies for the long read!)


The National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Draft Light to Light Walk Strategy, should raise concern among Eden’s tourist industry and lovers of nature, because it diverts tourist dollars out of town and risks damaging the unspoilt charm of the National Park, which is the reason for undertaking the Walk and why the walk has the potential to be among the best in Australia.

The NSW Government’s $7.9 million funding for regional growth is a fantastic opportunity to capitalise on the value of the National Park and boost the local tourism industry.

However, the strategy makes a key assumption that should be questioned; that the best way to deliver regional economic benefit from the Walk, is by providing accommodation services on-site, at the National Park, thereby ignoring the option of providing accommodation off-site in under-utilised infrastructure in Eden.

This strategy expects a visitor will spend four days undertaking the Light to Light Walk, accommodated in the National Park, in huts with food provided. It suggests tourists might spend a night in Eden pre and post walk, but that may not occur, because tour operators may take visitors straight to the accommodation in the Park. In any case, Eden will lose many valuable ‘visitor nights’ whilst NPWS takes the profit.

The strategy skips over an option to gain accreditation as a ‘Great Walk of Australia,’ by providing off-park accommodation. Accreditation could be achieved now if NPWS partnered with a private tour operator that can provide a luxury experience, including guides and high-quality accommodation.

Alternatively, the Light to Light Walk could be offered as day walks with accommodation in Eden, transported to the walks daily, provided by Eden based operators with food and guides laid on, then come back to town to get a bed and food, with flow on economic benefits to Eden that the proposed strategy can’t offer. There are already at least two operators providing this option.

The far south coast tourist industry suffers from low visitor numbers out of season, despite there being an abundance of natural beauty on offer. The shortage is in demand. Funding to improve options for tourists to book a trip and to provide basic infrastructure and support for pleasant tourist transfers, would make it easier.

The strategy turns the NPWS into a developer with a financial incentive to damage the natural beauty and environment. Yet it will retain little risk because the development is funded by tax payers and if the operation fails, NPWS can sell a licence to a private operator or leave it empty. The strategy doesn’t provide a business case to support the proposed management model and there is no discussion about the risks that would flow from a potential business failure, although the strategy assumes an optimistic 36 persons per night and high running costs, that include three on-site managers.

The Walk is a great experience that could be enhanced and capitalised, but that should be done without damaging the National Park. This strategy provides very little guidance about how the conservation values of the National Park are being prioritised and omits any reference to the environmental impacts. The increased development will damage the National Park and the Walk experience.

The National Park has existing access facilities at Bittangabee Bay and Saltwater Creek. These locations are nicely spaced to facilitate a variety of easy to medium difficulty walks, with opportunities to transform the way visitors interact with the Walk, by improving access for people who are less able or time poor and interactive learning opportunities. Some of the funding could be invested directly to the Light-to-Light Walk, especially to undertake the proposed track upgrades and to improve the amenity, sustainability and increase access options to beaches and points of interest.

The strategy proposes significant clearing and development of pristine parts of the National Park for new hut sites, in two of the most unique and beautiful sections of coast line, but there is no argument for why these are required to meet either the funding objectives, the Park’s objectives or demand.

The strategy proposes development of huts around Hegartys Bay, which will also require a substantial upgrade to access tracks, that aren’t mentioned. The area has qualities that make it so unique that it should never be disturbed, including aboriginal heritage, a bay with spectacular rock colours and forms, a steady fresh water stream, wet land and forest.

The strategy also proposes huts for Mowarry Point, which would convert an unspoilt beach with heritage values into a beach side camping resort.

The current use of Hegartys Bay and Mowarry Point with uncontrolled camping is not sustainable so diverting human activity to improved facilities at other, existing facilities at Bittangabee Bay and Saltwater Creek is a better option.

It is also proposed to develop outside the existing Light House Keeper’s compound, but there is no reason given for risking the heritage values of the site.

The strategy proposes restricted access to the new huts, by booking the complete walk experience and excludes other users to remain at the existing camp sites. This would establish an ‘us and them’ divide between park users and would attract criticism that ‘glamping’ was being commercialised by NPWS, to advantage the privileged few.

An alternative is to use the funding to develop options for off-site accommodation and improve existing National Park facilities, especially aimed at boosting access options and controlling human impact. Easy day walks without packs can be managed from existing access points, especially if a drop-off and pick-up service is provided out of Eden. This would provide greater economic opportunity for Eden and surrounds and protect the environment.

This strategy fails to meet the interests of the people of Eden, is a poor response to the funding objectives and will damage the environment, so I recommend it be rejected.

[johnw]

I have drafted the following submission, but I would appreciate hearing the opinion of other concerned people, before I finalise the wording. (Apologies for the long read!)

It's a very well crafted and compelling submission. I probably wouldn't tweak it too much. Maybe just further highlight the inherent unfairness to independent (not wealthy) walkers who simply want a self reliant experience without restrictions or fees. They are our National Parks after all. I've yet to do this walk, but I put it on my bucket list on a visit to Boyds Tower when in Eden several years ago. I will aim to do it in the near future in case the worst happens and this crap proposal gets up.

[Max Winning]

Thanks for the feedback John. I will take your advice and add a note in support of independent walkers. Its worth the trip anytime you can get there!

[Ms_Mudd]

Will write a submission also.
Just sad more than outraged.
I walk because on a whim, regardless of how much money I have left after paying bills, I can head on off and have the most wonderful time. National Parks are for enjoying, not commercial enterprise

[Max Winning]

There is a good chance to prevent this now, if the community response is a loud and resounding NO! Please spread the word and encourage others to make submissions

[FatCanyoner]

Afternoon all,

In the latest attempt to replace self-sufficient bushwalkers with money generating operations in national parks, the NSW NPWS is currently looking to amend the plan of management for Ben Boyd National Park and Bell Bird Creek Nature Reserve. The motivation is a review of the management of the Light to Light Walk in Ben Boyd National Park which will move to a "booked, fee-paying, hut to hut format".

Bushwalkers who are unwilling or unable to pay to access the walk will be excluded from undertaking anything more than day walks in the area, with the document specifically stating that: "Pack camping and other informal camping, i.e. camping at sites where there are no facilities, will no longer be permitted on the Light to Light Walk."

Full copies of the proposal for an 'upgraded' Light to Light Walk, along with the amendments to the plan of management, are available via the following links:
- Light to Light Walk draft strategy: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rese ... t-strategy
- Amendment to Plan of Management: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topi ... management

I'd encourage bushwalkers and bushwalking clubs -- particularly those who have spent time in Ben Boyd NP -- to make their own submission to NPWS opposing the proposal. They can be sent to the Manager, Planning Evaluation and Assessment, via: [email protected].

I have attached a copy of the objection that has been made by the Colong Foundation. It provides more details of the changes, including the impact on the environment and park users. It provides very useful information for anyone making their own submission.

T2

[Nuts]

It's not particularly encouraging to see Bob attempting to defend against or bring these land grabs to public attention. Effectively silence from the Greens (?), not seen as an opportunity for some upcoming party hopeful? Discretionary Ignorance by major parties.

The comments nation-wide, in the main, always seem to be initial outrage locally and then acceptance that another place is now 'out of bounds', 'off the list', or the experience will be significantly altered. There's always somewhere else!! (?)

And every acceptance undermines the localised core groups in all these places from being heard. Meanwhile the business collective march has already diminished what we expect of managers and, in some places, what we now accept as 'wilderness'.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... xlW0GEgXMo

PS. Walked overnight north from Green Cape long ago, still memorable but don't know the 'Light to Light' walk, will try with some research/a submission.
A bit unclear on the call for submissions and the deadline (26th Aug)? (still worth a say).

[Moondog55]

Social disobedience followed by overt civil action.

[climberman]

Afternoon all,

In the latest attempt to replace self-sufficient bushwalkers with money generating operations in national parks, the NSW NPWS is currently looking to amend the plan of management for Ben Boyd National Park and Bell Bird Creek Nature Reserve. The motivation is a review of the management of the Light to Light Walk in Ben Boyd National Park which will move to a "booked, fee-paying, hut to hut format".

Bushwalkers who are unwilling or unable to pay to access the walk will be excluded from undertaking anything more than day walks in the area, with the document specifically stating that: "Pack camping and other informal camping, i.e. camping at sites where there are no facilities, will no longer be permitted on the Light to Light Walk."

Full copies of the proposal for an 'upgraded' Light to Light Walk, along with the amendments to the plan of management, are available via the following links:
- Light to Light Walk draft strategy: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rese ... t-strategy
- Amendment to Plan of Management: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topi ... management

I'd encourage bushwalkers and bushwalking clubs -- particularly those who have spent time in Ben Boyd NP -- to make their own submission to NPWS opposing the proposal. They can be sent to the Manager, Planning Evaluation and Assessment, via: [email protected].

I have attached a copy of the objection that has been made by the Colong Foundation. It provides more details of the changes, including the impact on the environment and park users. It provides very useful information for anyone making their own submission.

T2

Hi FC - my read of the proposed changes is that tent-based camping will be catered for, albeit at designated spots and with a booking/fee proposal (as with many other walks in Oz).

[Nuts]

Social disobedience followed by overt civil action.

Unfortunately we are overwhelmed by the masses who would participate in such a thing without a second thought. A friend posted on The Overland Track facebook page that she would rather stay home if, from injury, it actually came to needing private huts etc. to enable going for a walk. She was asked to 'consider her place' on that forum if posting such things.. Incredible. Did AWC gobble up all the useful f/b addresses..

Anyway.. on first reading, I found it best to skip to the objectives. They have a few familiar words but otherwise speak a foreign language. The objectives do help to frame the vague detail.

They mention 'The Tasmanian Model'.. but which one? (there are several).. and why not just say?
It's either incompetence or a master stroke to infer they'll allow tent based camping. Nothing there to suggest those (2?) spots wont be standing/ paid camps and there will be no pack carry/ camping at all, as with the wild camping they appear to have shut down from the rest of the coast?

And even if it is altered to calm discontent, keep in mind those objectives. By the Tasmanian model, that woeful economist view wins.

[michael_p]

This has come up already on this forum: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=30148&p=379937 . The first post by johnrs has some good information on impacts, on not just walkers but fishers as well, of this proposal.

[Zapruda]

Fatcanyoners thread has been merged with this one.

[Nuts]

missed it. They may only inform a few..and not make the nicest reading.. but maybe admin could look at merging all these topics that basically involve the same push for privatising parks? A 'parks watch' sub-forum or suchlike?

[Max Winning]

Thank you to the Colong Foundation for making a submission. My research suggests the broad community is united against this proposal, for a wide range of valid reasons. It will be interesting to see the results from this consultation, but the published material about the process from hereon is not clear about what feedback will be provided to the community, before a decision is made.

Is there anyone in the community who can shed some light on what we can expect next?

[paidal_chalne_vala]

Privatization by incremental step is insidious esp. in our national parks. Oh Brave new world !

[crollsurf]

Just got back from walking the Light to Light, mainly in part due to the possible restrictions. Mate had to pick up a new yearly pass so I asked about it while at the NP office.

What I was told is that Hegartys Bay and Mowarry camp grounds are and will be closed to public camping and turned into private Ecotourism lodges, Saltwater and Bittangabee campgrounds will remain open to the public for camping.

After walking the track, I'm not so concerned now. There are a heap of better wild camping spots along the route compared to Hegartys and Mowarry. Some in idyllic locations with well established fire pits. Also Saltwater and Bittangabee are very popular, so if you want to camp along with the hoards of other campers, you need to book well in advance.

My only real concern is that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Greed has no bounds.

[JulianS]

Just got back from walking the Light to Light, mainly in part due to the possible restrictions. Mate had to pick up a new yearly pass so I asked about it while at the NP office.

What I was told is that Hegartys Bay and Mowarry camp grounds are and will be closed to public camping and turned into private Ecotourism lodges, Saltwater and Bittangabee campgrounds will remain open to the public for camping.

After walking the track, I'm not so concerned now. There are a heap of better wild camping spots along the route compared to Hegartys and Mowarry. Some in idyllic locations with well established fire pits. Also Saltwater and Bittangabee are very popular, so if you want to camp along with the hoards of other campers, you need to book well in advance.

My only real concern is that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Greed has no bounds.

Hi Crollsurf - of course happy to hear any opinion about the Light-to-Light proposal, but I'm a bit worried your post will lead to some misconceptions. You are apparently not so worried because there are plenty of other places to camp. However, the draft plan for the Light-to-Light walk states this: "Pack camping and other informal camping, i.e. camping at sites where there are no facilities, will no longer be permitted on the Light to Light Walk." (https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/me ... 190224.pdf)

Of course, this is only the draft plan and subject to change, but nevertheless - people need to appreciate the very real risks that the Light to Light walk experience will change dramatically (does a multi-day walk where you can only camp with car-campers appeal to anyone?) and that very special places like Mowarry Point are essentially being stolen from the non-high-fee-paying public.

[crollsurf]

Thanks JulianS, page 15, not good. Should have read the previous posts a bit better.

These parks are the peoples parks and what annoys me most is that we, the tax payer, pay for all the maintenance and infrastructure of the Park and then have our freedoms restricted, so private enterprises can cash in on our tax payer investment.

Something similar is happening in the Snowy mountains, where a loop track is being built that goes out of its way to visit the resorts. Most notably, millions of dollars for a track down to Crackenback Resort. What's the bet stage 2 is to ban camping.

[rcaffin]

What's the bet stage 2 is to ban camping.
They would have to catch me first.

Cheers
Roger

[JulianS]

Thanks JulianS, page 15, not good. Should have read the previous posts a bit better.

These parks are the peoples parks and what annoys me most is that we, the tax payer, pay for all the maintenance and infrastructure of the Park and then have our freedoms restricted, so private enterprises can cash in on our tax payer investment.

Something similar is happening in the Snowy mountains, where a loop track is being built that goes out of its way to visit the resorts. Most notably, millions of dollars for a track down to Crackenback Resort. What's the bet stage 2 is to ban camping.

All agreed. As posted in other threads on this site, there's an excellent piece articulating the scale of this problem nationwide in Wild: https://wild.com.au/conservation/luxury ... ness-lost/

Regarding the Light-to-Light project specifically, some may also be interested in joining the community action group on FB ('Ben Boyd - Light to Light Walk - Community Action Group'). It's a bit more active than this forum.

[crollsurf]

What's the bet stage 2 is to ban camping.
They would have to catch me first.

Cheers
Roger

The ex CEO of QANTAS, Geoff Dixon is a part owner of one of these companies. He'll have a good go at catching you and probably use your tax dollars to do it.

[crollsurf]

There is a petition at Change.org for anyone who wants to express there objections to development in our National Parks
http://chng.it/hwBwd5SWrs