Monday, Jun 30, 2003 at 13:08
My view is that the reason for the price rise is to reduce visitor numbers by pricing it out of reach of most people. If its too much, I urge people not to plan a Simpson trip and accept it. I urge eveyrone not to become anarchists - this is simply vandalism and may encourage the authorities to close access if we don't look after it.
I really love the
Simpson Desert and have got to know and appreciate the concerns of the local people and as a DPP agent, understand the concerns of the Dept Environment and
Heritage who issue the permits. Some travellers do some dumb stuff. What ever happened to all the
track markers? In 1999 most were in place and the Desert Parks Handbook had a guide to each one. The system was very good, but is totally useless now that theifs have souvenired them all. In 2002 I don't think I found even one remaining. I asked the District
Ranger what was to become of the
Track Marker replacements and even offered to re-survey and position them. It's a costly replacement project, not sure if its been done for this season or not. Never heard.
The DEH have observed that the impact of increased tourism is changing the place. Travellers can argue all they like that their trailers don't impact, and that they are responsible drivers but the fact remains that it is changing out there. DEH have had to massively manage
Dalhousie Springs - firstly bringing the
camping area back from
the Springs in 1998/99 and then building the big new
toilet block in 2001. We all want to go to these remote
places but don't appreciate our own impact.
Rather than reject the system that currently allows us to visit, I support the permit cost and do my bit to encourage others to do the right thing (no trailer, minimal firewood use, carry out all rubbish, do the right thing with your toileting waste etc). Please respect the management wishes of the DEH and look after our fantastic desert.ExplorOz
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