Kokerbin Rock-closure of camping area

Rowdy6032

Why not tell them that your family has been going there for years and it is part of your culture and family heritage it works for some people in this country so give it a go good luck

Ya didn't mention that it's also the third largest monolith in Australia.

sorry bout the long C and P

Background
Much has been said about the future of Kokerbin Rock especially as a tourist destination over
many years for the following reasons.
• Great bush experience
• Bush Walking
• Views of surrounding areas
• Closures to Metro area.
• Accessibility
• Free
Visitors have increased in alarming numbers and unfortunately this is unsuitable.
The tenure of the area at the Rock (is as per attached), the major area including the Rock is
vested in Department of Environment and Conservation for the purpose of protecting Flora &
Fauna (nature reserve).
The picnic/parking area (where the BBQs are) on the east side of the Rock is vested in
Council for camping. Over the last three years dialogue has been had with DEC as to the
development of the area. Items discussed have been
• Improvement of Picnic Grounds
• Access to Rock
• Walk Trails
• Tidy up especially around the well.
• Central visitors to the area especially in regards to camping
Over the last year DEC have started to do some work in the area, this has not been to the
delight of most visitors.
The reason for this have been DEC through a risk management process and community
consultation process made decisions to
1. Protect the area (remembering that land has been vested in DEC to protect and preserve
the Flora & Fauna of the area).
2. After consultation with Indigenous groups (there are two groups being involved, these are
the Beladong (from Quairading & Kellerberrin) and Njaki Njaki (people from Merredin).
On the rock there sensitive areas where the indigenous would prefer white people didn’t go
and the fact that it is insensitive to drive on the Rock. (There has also been vandalism from
4x4 vehicles on top of the Rock.)
Shire of Bruce Rock - Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Council – 17th September 2009
6
The vehicle track to the top of the rock has been blocked off.
Also with the rare Black Flanked Wallaby present a road to the north has been closed. This
will be converted into a walk frail. This item will discuss the future development of the area.
Statutory Implications
Council only has a vesting order over the small picnic area of Kokerbin. The rest of the land is
vested in DCE.
The land in Kwolyin is being investigated and appears to be mainly unallocated Crown land
Financial Implications
No money has been allowed in this year’s budget.
Strategic Implications
Nil.
Comment
Council has been keen to develop Kokerbin Rock as a major tourist site with its interesting
walk trails, rock formation , flora & fauna, culture heritage and amazing scenery.
As mentioned, the growing impact on the site with increasing visitors’ numbers is causing
damage to the area.
It is proposed that the Kokerbin Rock camping ground be closed to campers and be use only
for day trippers, to help cater for camping, other sites have been investigated to provide this
outcome. The site that seems best suited is the old Kwolyin townsite, the reasons for this are
• Closeness to Kokerbin
• Ability to provide a bush camping experience
• Good walk trails
• Close proximity to Caorin Rock.
• History of the old town
Attached are proposed plans for the development of both the Kokerbin picnic site and Kwolyin
camping site.
Map 1. Context & Tenure- this shows the relation of Kokerbin to Kwolyin.
Map 2. Showing Kokerbin Rock.
Map 3. Showing existing features.
Map 4. Showing intended development including walk trails, day area etc.
Map 5. Day use area / Site analysis.
Map 6. Day use area concept options.
Map 7. Kwolyin town site concept option A.
Map 8. Kwolyin town site concept option B.
As can be seen from these plans, the areas that concern Council are the day area at
Kokerbin.
Shire of Bruce Rock - Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Council – 17th September 2009
7
Map 6 has some concept options (as designed by DEC landscape architects.) This option
allows for small to larger (bus) vehicles to enter the site. It is also intended to develop the site
with improved signage and picnic facilities. The Signage will be provided by DEC, erected by
Council to be funded by Avon Catchment Council (ACC), BBQ, this will be gas to preserve the
natural vegetation. This will be funded by ACC. Maintenance of gas BBQ and Rubbish pick up
to be conducted by Council and funded by the ACC. A decision on which option hasn’t been
made as yet, the options preferred are option A and option C. If option C is to be considered,
land would have to be acquired from the land owners.
With the camping site at Kwolyin the preferred option is B. This is because of issues with
indigenous graves in the area. DEC architects are redrawing option B to enlarge the Caravan
camping site.
This area will consist of an entry stations with interpretative signage (funded by DEC & ACC)
a day use area which will consist of picnic tables and possibility of composting toilet (funding
to be sourced). Camping area and walk ways to be constructed in conjunction with DEC and
constructed in such a way to have the least effect on the natural vegetation and give campers
a bush experience.
This has been a project of great partnerships parties involved being DEC, ACC, Aboriginals,
Land holders, Council and Country Arts Network WA.
This is also seen as an important part of the intended Granite Way also involving Councils of
Quairading & Kellerberrin. The camping facilities at Kwolyin being the pivot area for day trips
along the granite way.
The challenge will be in closing the camping at Kokerbin and convincing campers to move to
Kwolyin. But if this is not preceded with major damage will occur at Kokerbin.
For Council’s information and adoption of the concept in principal, so further work can
continue.
Moved Cr Coakley seconded Cr Gmeiner that Council go adopt this concept in
principal and staff continue to work with the agencies and report back to Council
Carried 11/

"On the rock there are sensitive areas where the indigenous would prefer white people didn’t go"....


hmmmmm.....

I thought there were laws against rascism in this country.

Hi Rowdy, hope the satellite TV stuff is sorted out.

This stuff makes me angry. First.... authorities seem to have a policy of "management by exclusion". Rather than allow access and manage this, they simply exclude. Its simple, cheap and politically correct. (Just keep 'em out and there are no problems.)

Secondly, my family have lived here for more than five generations.... if I lived that long in Holland I think I would be considered Dutch.....ergo I consider myself indigenous! Do I get a say?

Cheers

Steve

This is interesting. My in-law's have a farm nearby and I have been going to the area for a long time.

30 years ago the locals always drove to the top to have a look or a picnic but I've not noticed any damage to the rock.

There was no vegetation back then, probably because it was managed from a fire risk perspective. Any "damage" to flora and fauna being discussed now is not historically accurate.

Maybe the locals don't take kindly to bollards and other arbitary restrictions.