Thursday, Oct 05, 2006 at 19:07
Actually damnit, I will give my point of view here. It is off topic to the original thread, so I would be happy to start a new thread if this one gets out of hand.
Scott Crawford wrote to QLD 4WD clubs asking that all members copy his letter and send to ministers and federal members. There are afew items raised that are in my view valid, such as restricted access for campervans and the limitations of an online booking system, but the rest of it reads like a personal fight between Scott and the
park rangers, and in my view is a misuse of position as President of FWDQLD.
The gist of it is he wants National parks to provide more
services and charge less. He wants rubbish
services and firewood. This is in dirct contracts to the Code of Ethics of FWDQLD, and in my opinion burdening QPWS with such
services will result in less opportunities for 4wders especially clubs.
My response is
"that we feel that you have produced a highly personal and emotive letter. Importantly, we do not feel that it is appropriate for you to use your position as the President of Four Wheel Drive Queensland to pursue what appears to us to be a personal agenda. Furthermore, we do not feel that your letter represents the philosophies and ethics of Four Wheel Drive Queensland and those of the members"
"I would like to address some points in your sample letter. We disagree that it is the responsibility of QPWS to provide firewood and to collect rubbish. The belief that National Parks should collect our rubbish would seem to contradict our code of ethics, “Keep the environment clean. Carry your own and any other rubbish out”. It is our opinion that funds used by QPWS to collect and dispose of rubbish would be better spent providing improved and increased access and tracks for the general 4WDriving public. "
"Another point I wish to raise is that you failed to provide any positive suggestions to improve the system. While we do agree with your statements about the inadequacy of the online and phone booking system and see problems with the restricted access for camper trailers and caravans due to the use of bollards, we would prefer to campaign for real solutions and useful dialogue with our politicians and the QPWS. "
"One example of the result of a cooperative relationship between 4WDrivers and a government agency is the document entitled “Recreational vehicles and protected areas of South Australia – a handbook for managers and recreational users” (ISBN: 1 921018 32 1) developed by the Department of Environment and
Heritage (SA) and the South Australian Association of 4WD Clubs who have established a formal partnership allowing both parties to benefit from the wealth of knowledge within each group. Their collaborative initiative focuses on the “management of protected areas to meet the desires of a rapidly expanding group of recreational vehicle users seeking challenging and rewarding environmental experiences with minimal facilities” (Department of Environment and
Heritage, 2005, p. 3) Additionally, their goal is “sustainable use of protected areas by recreational vehicles through the implementation of legislation, policy and minimal impact practices based on a sound knowledge of the resource, requiring a proactive, consultative and cooperative approach” (p. 7). There are some relevant and interesting points in that handbook that are in contrast to some of the points you raise in your sample letter, according to the National Parks code outlined in that document. For example, “Take your rubbish with you” and “use liquid fuel or gas stoves” (p. 8). Furthermore they encourage the voluntary involvement of 4WD club members to preserve the natural environment."
"We would support the implementation of this kind of relationship between individuals and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and would prefer to encourage correspondence that will enrich our opportunities to access and enjoy our state’s parklands"
FollowupID:
456549