Three Capes Walk Proposal

[Liamy77]

they do give health care card holders a discount - if your on Austudy as a full time student then you qualify for one...
ie : they do give students a discount

[johnw]

$60 for an eight week pass equates to $390 for a full year access (if you bought 6.5 of these passes)

Every time I've visited I've bought one of these, or occasionally the $30 backpacker pass if flying down for multiday walks. In hindsight I'd have been better off with one or two year passes, since we've returned quite often over the last 5 or 6 years.

For comparison annual passes in NSW are a little cheaper. I currently pay $65 for an annual pass ($115 for 2 years), excluding Kosciuszko NP. I guess you could draw a parallel with Cradle Mtn in some respects for KNP. Passes including KNP are $190 annual ($335 for 2 years). Only about 10% of our parks have entry fees, just the most popular locations due to extra infrastructure costs.

[Liamy77]

then you have to pay the overland track fee on top of the parks pass though!! - if in "peak" times

[Greybeard]

Seems to me they have the wrong model. I really can't see how a bunch of expensive lodges on the track is financially viable. The Great Ocean Walk in Victoria shows how you can stimulate existing private accommodation and related services near a multi-day track to establish a 'drop off and pick up' culture, so that those who want a more comfortable experience can tackle a long walk as a series of day walks. On-track development can be kept to the minimum necessary to handle the increased numbers sustainably. The more traditional walkers who are prepared to rough it benefit from improved track maintenance and the occasional composting toilet. Establishment costs are low, impacts minimal, local enterprise is supported, and the area develops its own flavour through local investment and cooperation between small businesses. Check out http://www.greatoceanwalk.com.au
It obviously needs the right geography and vehicle access to make it work, but the Tasman Peninsula seems to have the necessary framework in place already.

[Liamy77]

so we should accept a role for professional operators and the necessary commercial facts that accompany this but this does not mean five star hotel and helipad. I am with Nuts on the private versus public huts simply because building multiple huts for each operator is stupid and one appropriately sized hut for general use gives by definition greater capacity. Ok we will have idiots that will make life miserable for operators and others but the idea of seeing a village of huts with each for a different operator does not make much sense and as for restricting operators by tenders reeks of over the top charges.

I also think that the argument against huts and the supposed removal of them from maps is the dark green approach to public land management as a hut would have less impact than an equivalent number of people in tents. For better or worst greater number of people are heading bush so unless you are proposing quotas for the select few then infrastructure is required. I am however concerned that locals are being priced out of walks. In the EU there is often three prices, one for citizens of the country/state, one for EU citizens and one for others. This is done to respect the locals.

Cheers Brett

I think one facility per camp is reasonable -we don't need small towns springing up and community is part of the experience. -pitch your tent if you want it "solo" the tent pads could be a bit more privately placed... and a 1 square meter loo at a camp is better than un usable water and mess around.
I completely agree that there should be a local discount - to walk fees as well as park fees!
I think discounts should be applied - especially for track / park volunteers donating their time and resorces!!! -It currently cost $25 just to give help??!!
As for guided walk companies - we cant realistically stop people "goingBush" but at least with proper groups and supervision/education they shouldn't be the walkers responsible for leaving loo paper mess and out-of-proportion damage and crap behind!
In fact they hopefully lead by example and encourage good practice - even if it is just to ensure their own job security!

[whynotwalk]

Some interesting points from Liam, Brett and others. A couple of responses:

1) Liam suggested "there should be a local discount - to walk fees as well as park fees!" and Brett mentions that "in the EU there is often three prices, one for citizens of the country/state, one for EU citizens and one for others." My understanding is that the Australian Constitution requires freedom of trade across all states, and a "local discount" from a state agency would be counter to this cross-border trade guarantee. It would also be hard to police. Would authorities have to ask to see the scar that proved you were Tasmanian?!? But having a cheaper "off-season" annual pass allows locals, or hardy souls willing to be here in winter, to effectively gain a discount.

2) Liam also reckons that "discounts should be applied - especially for track / park volunteers donating their time and resorces!!! -It currently cost $25 just to give help??!!" Again, I could be wrong here, but my understanding is that Wildcare volunteers and others DON'T have to pay park entry fees when on volunteer projects in parks.

cheers

Peter

[Liamy77]

Some interesting points from Liam, Brett and others. A couple of responses:


2) Liam also reckons that "discounts should be applied - especially for track / park volunteers donating their time and resorces!!! -It currently cost $25 just to give help??!!" Again, I could be wrong here, but my understanding is that Wildcare volunteers and others DON'T have to pay park entry fees when on volunteer projects in parks.

cheers

Peter

Yup...Nor should they be expected to! - but to enjoy the walks when your not shovelling or lugging like a mule? etc??? after all thats what all the tracks and parks are about in the end. and it costs $25 just to join wildcare so you CAN donate your time and effort!
I feel it is a bit rude if you are giving your time and effort - maybe if you could earn "brownie points" for the time you give that could be redeemed for discounts off the track prices it might encourage more people to help... if you dont help then by all means pay the $25 as a donation or "inactive membership fee" or something. Maybe this should be put to wildcare?
Other not-for-profit organisations dont make their volunteers be out of pocket or pay fees (St Johns Ambulance for example - the Bibbulmun track in WA does charge a $25 for its members/volunteers but then it has NO track fees for all walkers and maintains a 950km track with huts)
When i was a uni student and keen walker it was easier for me to give em a week or twos work and time than find cash. More volunteers means more help and word of mouth etc - in the end more revenue.
Anyhoo enough of my soapbox... what do you think? Aanyone from wildcare around here to enlighten this?

[tastrax]

I do some work for Wildcare (unpaid) and the thing to remember is that the $25 annual sub actually gets ploughed back into projects. Many people "join" wildcare when they get a park pass and never do any volunteering - in effect they are donating $25 to the cause. In return they get newsletters with updates about projects etc.

Personally I don't have a problem with the $25.00 - its one of many organisations to whom I donate (Kiva, Thin Green Line, .....).

In some cases the area getting the volunteer assistance will pay the $25 for the volunteer to get them easy access to tools, insurance AND project money etc

[corvus]

I am happy to donate $25.00 from my All Parks pass fee to Wildcare and other than the "season" I can access the OLT both ways and other Reserves/Walks as wanted on the all parks pass,also some of us do get discount with our Seniors Card
corvus

[Liamy77]

I dont have a problem with making a voluntary donation ... but if i am short cash but want to donate time then i think this fee should be optional... it would be ethically just as fair to charge wildcare for your firat hours work! i dont think it is in the spirit of volunteering to charge if you are being given a volunteers time- if you join and dont work then fair enough. If you do work and want to donate cash as well then fair enough too.
Please dont mis-understand me i support wildcare and the work it does - i will volunteer when i'm in tassie next year and currently volunteer for similar organisations here in WA.(who incidently don't allow costs to be charged for their volunteers but do accept donations- they only charge the membership fee once you start doing training courses etc)
I just think they are being a bit cheeky with the up front charge - on the web i couldn't even find out what activities they are arranging without paying the fee!
ps
Must admit i wasn't aware of this scheme: When i buy my parks pass i will happily opt to join wildcare aswell...great idea of theirs! but with a young family they may have to be happy with a week or so's work instead ofmore cash from me!

pps
actually the itenerary has been pointed out to me - i was just internet blind for a moment or two there and couldn't see the obvious link!!! duh
thanks tastrax! ("Taggunnah" - ie: man who sees with one eye!)

[wayno1007]

This got off topic a bit didn't it? Current Annual Fees are nothing compared to what you will have to pay!

Looks like parks are funded to go ahead with the locking out of the general public (us) in favour of an appointed private guided walking company. That will make it illegal to enter this park unless you are paying a bucket load of money to the private company to allow them to take you in, feed you, accommodate you and keep you in sight at all times. It will only be possible to walk in the Tasman Peninsula NATIONAL PARK in the off season Through late Autumn to early Spring as I was told by a representative from Parks.

So that will be the model for this (OUR) NATIONAL PARK and unless you have plenty of disposable income, you will not get a chance in the warmer months to walk to Cape Huay, Cape Pillar or Cape Raoul as a day walk or overnight! Climbers may be locked out too.

So what NATIONAL PARK will they shut us out of next should this be successful in keeping the riff raff (those not able to afford the TOLL). Wouldn't the Walls would be a wonderful National Park for the governments next tourism venture?

This isn't political, this is just freedom of speech which is enshrined in our constitution isn't it?

[ollster]

So that will be the model for this (OUR) NATIONAL PARK and unless you have plenty of disposable income, you will not get a chance in the warmer months to walk to Cape Huay, Cape Pillar or Cape Raoul as a day walk or overnight! Climbers may be locked out too.

Well, this is an interesting thread. I'd like to see them try this. It would mean war. The OLT peak/off peak season concept was required due to the heavy influx of punters, but artificially doing this to the peninsual capes walks seems a bit... stupid.

[flatfoot]

I heard a mention of the Three Capes Walk on Tony Delroy's late night program on ABC radio tonight. Didn't quite catch it but I think they said work is to start soon.

Did some googling and found these job listings in google's cache:
Track and Building Construction Supervisor (Three Capes Track)

Track and Building Construction Supervisor (Three Capes Track) (706639)
Apply Now
Company: Tasmaniangovernment
Location: Tasmania
Date Posted: January 27, 2011
Manage and oversee the day to day work performed by contractors to ensure that work carried out on the Three Capes Track project conforms to contract specifications and meets the prescribed quality, environmental, historic/cultural heritage and safety standards and requirements. - A current motor vehicle driver?s licence. Experience working with helicopters and in particular the use of helicopters to provide materials and labour into remote locations. Demonstrable experience in managing track and hut construction in remote areas. Building Trade Diploma and proven project and construction management experience or qualifications in a related discipline.Enquiries to Colin Shepherd, phone (03) 6233 2856, email [email protected]ations to Manager, Human Resources...

Project Manager, Three Capes Track (706469)

Project Manager, Three Capes Track (706469) - view or apply
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Tasmania - 7000 - Hobart TAS
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Parks and Wildlife Service Strategy and Sustainable Use Applications Close Friday, 17 September 2010. Salary $110,455 - $127,024 p.a. Tasmanian State Service Award, General Stream Band 9. Position Type Fixed-Term full-time for a period of 3 years.. Location Hobart. Commencing salary within the above range will be determined in accordance with qualifications and previous relevant experience. Duties - The Parks and Wildlife Service is

[Liamy77]

if it is tax funds paying for it then i don't see how they can stop folks comming in - we paid for it!... if it is the company paying for ALL of the huts then the huts could be off limits i guess but not for tents.... - but good luck to anyone trying to stop people otherwise i think

[Singe]

More news - looks as though this is going ahead despite the budget cuts? I guess if it leads to an Overland-style fee it'll end up a net positive in future budgets...

[walkinTas]

Will OLT fees be enough? With a budget in excess of $32 million, they'll need more than 200,000 walkers just to break even. Averaging 60 walkers a day year round, they'd be looking at 9+ years and that's without on costs and maintenance. There is a sizable private investment so you can expect commercial fees and commercial interests to be given high priority with a much more realistic ROI. This has all the signs of being a straight-out commercial venture using State/Federal funds with the hope there will be a flow on effect in the broader Tourism sector.

[ollster]

This has all the signs of being a straight-out commercial venture using State/Federal funds with the hope there will be a flow on effect in the broader Tourism sector.

I was thinking it had all the hallmarks of being a *&%$#! unmitigated balls up, and will alienate the local populace to boot. I feel alien already.

[ILUVSWTAS]

This has all the signs of being a straight-out commercial venture using State/Federal funds with the hope there will be a flow on effect in the broader Tourism sector.

I was thinking it had all the hallmarks of being a *&%$#! unmitigated balls up, and will alienate the local populace to boot. I feel alien already.

+1

A guy I know in the HWC had quite a nice report on why it shouldnt go ahead, and if so why locals should not be excluded from entering the "zones"

I think it got tossed straight in the bin.

[tastrax]

http://www.tenders.tas.gov.au/domino/tenders.nsf/searchAll-v?SearchView&Query=cape+AND+hauy&SearchOrder=1&SearchMax=0&SearchWV=FALSE&SearchFuzzy=FALSE&Start=1&Count=0&SearchOrder=1

tenders for various services on the Cape Hauy sections

[stepbystep]

http://www.tenders.tas.gov.au/domino/tenders.nsf/searchAll-v?SearchView&Query=cape+AND+hauy&SearchOrder=1&SearchMax=0&SearchWV=FALSE&SearchFuzzy=FALSE&Start=1&Count=0&SearchOrder=1

tenders for various services on the Cape Hauy sections

Can I tender to leave it as it is for free???

[ollster]

Can I tender to leave it as it is for free???

You'll win! Those govt agencies always go for the lowest price yeah?

[stepbystep]

Can I tender to leave it as it is for free???

You'll win! Those govt agencies always go for the lowest price yeah?

From my experience they go for the highest price from one of their mates or some mob from the mainland that can provide a funky 3D animation.

[tastrax]

Can I tender to leave it as it is for free???

Now there is a thought! ....depends on the penalty clauses I suppose.

[Son of a Beach]

There's also a related ABC Story talking about how some people are worried that the full proposal might not go ahead.

[ILUVSWTAS]

There's also a related ABC Story talking about how some people are worried that the full proposal might not go ahead.

I have it on fairly good authority that this will be one (maybe the only) gov. program that will NOT be axed. The state is fairly gung-ho on this going ahead.

[Son of a Beach]

hmmm... from the look of that story, they're convinced it will bring in big money to the local economy. Nothing has a more persuasive voice in the ear of governments than big money.

[flyfisher]

Their figure of $90m/year would be hard to believe.
Thet's 10,000 people @ $9,000 each ---
What do others think??

[ILUVSWTAS]

If people can charge $4000 to do the Western Arthurs, and around $2000 to do the Overland track (which a blind muppet could walk solo)
Then $9000 for the 3 capes isnt out of the question.....

[taswegian]

there's nothing new in calling for tenders.
It can be a way of showing the stakeholders how serious they are and then down the track when something doesn't happen or gets unduly delayed it is due to an over run in cost etc.
It's also 'proof' of the works starting and will be used in political circles to get political brownie points when/ if needed.

As to the economice benefit: Thats always a moot point as to the true financial returns (Cable car up Mt Roland is similar), and WHO actually gets the (any) return.

I am bemused by the way these sort of 'adventures' are just the thing in this age of economic downturn. If its good to get out and walk and enjoy the great natural (and free) attributes of our wonderful Island then where's all the support in the good times?

[stepbystep]

If you are interested in other proposals, this group have a more subtle development proposal http://keepthecapeswild.org.au/