Changes to CSR permit application system

Hi everyone,

Changes to the CSR permit application system come in effect 30 Sept 2012. Below is a newsletter from the Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council.

My source is
http://www.westprint.com.au/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/Friday_Five/20120727145836/

regards to all

Canning Stock Route Permits

MEDIA RELEASE

4WD DRIVERS UPSET AT PERMIT CHANGE ON CANNING STOCK ROUTE

From 30 September 2012 the Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council (4 Wheel Drive Australia), will no longer issue travel permits for the Canning Stock Route (CSR), one of Australia’s iconic and most challenging four wheel drive route.

“In future travellers will need to apply for permits through Kuju Wangka which represents native title areas along the CSR,” said Council President Eric Morey.

The Council regrets the change which ends a successful collaboration with the Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Corporation.

Since 2007 the Council has helped the Martu people with a permit system to help manage access across their traditional lands. Permit funds were originally targeted for community improvements and potentially to employ Indigenous rangers responsible for preserving significant areas while educating travellers.

“We are disappointed with Kuju Wangka’s change and think permit fees could rise in future.”

“We are concerned the new managers have ignored our efforts to develop culturally sensitive information about travelling the CSR and co-opted our materials without acknowledgement.”

The CSR is a major tourist attraction for all Australian citizens. In recent times many four wheel drive clubs and other groups have put a lot of effort into preserving significant areas and facilities along the CSR.

“We hope they are not treated in a similarly dismissive manner.”

Mr Morey said that in the past five years the Council has returned more than $56,000 in CSR permit fees to Native Title Holders but received no feedback on how the money was spent.

The not for profit Council represents incorporated four wheel drive clubs throughout Australia. It covered the costs of developing and managing the CSR permit system and provided an around the clock online service for travellers including after-hours contacts.

For more information visit www.anfwdc.asn.au