Four Wheel Drive NSW & ACT, INC
ABN: 51 879 448 402
PO Box 1371, Parramatta, NSW, 2124
Phone: 1800 646 630
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Track Classification Newsletter - April 2012

There have been a few things happening over the last couple of months and there will be more things happening quite soon. A lot of training and some deadlines on assessing some tracks in the Blue Mountains – a busy time coming up.

Communication with Land managers

At the recent 4wd consultative committee which includes Parks, Forests and Lands, there was a positive response to what we are trying achieve in terms of track classification for reasons of safety, management and tourism. This was built on the work over the last couple of years by the association’s participation at such meetings. Nothing happens quickly, so thank the previous committee members for their work.

Now that we have a total of 32 assessors we are in a position to carry out some track assessment projects and put them into a format that can be used by the land managers. The idea is to really show by example how the land managers could benefit from the program.

This interest is a really positive development.

Track assessment

I will be proposing to the Sydney based track classifiers that we carry out a assess a couple of classic tourist 4wd routes in the Blue Mountains – probably Zig Zag to Baal bone and Baal Bone to Cullen Bullen through the Gardens of Stone NP. This would be the example that we can use to highlight capabilities.

Possible date June 16-17 to be confirmed

Track Classification Training

• Sydney region - A training course was carried out in the Blue Mountains earlier in the year which brings the total of assessors to 32 between ACT and NSW. More are needed.
• Hunter region - a training course scheduled for May 26/27 to be held in the Wattagans.
• ACT second training weekend has been delayed due to wet weather impacting on the availability of the ACT Parks rangers who were going to participate
• Training for another region and some clubs is being organised within the context of other activities going on at the same time.

Track assessment qualifications

One important point that is starting to stand out is the need for Track assessment teams to have a range of certified skills in the team that can be recognised by land managers.

The feedback we are getting is that because many of our members have the certified qualifications for 4wding, training and assessment, first aid and the association has a culture of social responsibility many of the land managers have become quite confident with association clubs and members.

It is important that as many as possible make the effort to achieve the 4wd qualifications offered by the Driver Training Unit. This gives us great credibility.

Regards

Chris Keys
Chair Track classification committee
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Ph: 0411-725-393