Stockton Beach to Reopen for School Holidays Stockton Beach in the Worimi Conservation Lands (WCL), north of Newcastle, is expected to be open for the school holidays starting the 30 June for beach front driving only. National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Hunter Region Manager Robert Quirk said that NPWS is keen to reopen the WCL as soon as possible, however the beach and dunes have not recovered from the severe erosion and flooding caused by a recent storm and remain closed over this weekend (23-24 June). “There are still large areas where wave action has eroded away the beach and fore dunes leaving steep ledges and expanding areas of very soft sand. “In addition, deep pools of water behind the fore dune remain a concern, causing large areas of quick sand, making access to the area extremely dangerous. “Licenced four-wheel drive, sand boarding, horse riding and quad bike riding tour companies have been permitted restricted access to the park, allowing them to continue limited operations. The unusual combination of a very high tide, a significant storm surge and the southerly swell direction resulted in a high level of damage. Long term occupants of Tin City, which were surrounded by seawater coming through the foredunes, describe it as the worst they have seen since the Sygna storm of 1974. “In addition, in many areas the storm has exposed the remnant soil profile containing Aboriginal cultural material. “Worimi Aboriginal Owners are currently working with NPWS staff and consultant Archeaologists to identify and record these sites, and provide for their protection. “People planning to visit the Worimi Conservation Lands including Stockton Beach during the school holidays are advised that vehicle access will be permitted the beach front only, via the Lavis Lane entrance at Williamtown, or the Gan Gan road entrance at Anna Bay. “At this stage, due to safety concerns and the presence of significant Aboriginal cultural material which has become unearthed following the storm, camping and access to the dunes will not be permitted. “NPWS are continually monitoring the condition of the recreational vehicle area, however at this stage it is not yet know if this will be available for the holidays. For further information visit www.nationalpark.nsw.gov.au or call NPWS Hunter Region on 02 4984 8200. Images & video of storm damage: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48646673@N07/sets/72157630166635980/
Easter Show Trip Report - 18th April 2012 Easter Show - 4WD Association Display Trip leader: Rory McArdle (4WDNSW / Out and About 4WD) Attendees: Steve Arman, Craig Thomas, Warren Allan, Richard Windeyer, Jadey Kirk, Darren Perkins, Garry Smith, Darren Calleia and Venga crew...... Arriving right on the death knock of 7.30am at gate 10 with the weather not only looking ominous but putting on a good show of it, we proceed past several security barriers led in by Rory McArdle from the association. Triple Diamond was privileged to take up eight of a total twelve positions on offer this year on the 4WD association stand so that we could field any questions that the public might have on our recreational activity. We fielded all questions - and even an enquiry or two on the Venga-Bus! (All occupants gained free entry to the show so that the cars could be on the stand.) We were all set up on the stand with a good idea what the day had in store for us by 8.15 and all of the children were itching to get out and look around between showers and were eventually let out of the starting blocks at 8.45am. All of the grounds were wet, and we weren’t sure whether the rides would be open. We headed over to the Showbag Hall first, to get the purchases out of the way. We spent the amount of money allotted for the bags, and bought the coupons that would allow us on the rides. Being the last day of the show, it was kids day and so the deal was, if two people went on any ride, the second person rode free. We had dropped our purchases off at the cars and buddied up for the rides. The first ride we went on was called the Hard Rock, and there were many other thrilling rides that followed. A standout was when Amy and Jake Arman decided to go on the “Pirates Revenge”..... By the end of this ride, they were soaked to the bone! Another highlight was a Channel 7 News crew which approached to interview us on what the Easter Show was like on such a dreary day and whether it spoiled our fun. We were pleased to tell them that the rain made only a minor impact on our fun, and there were still many more rides to go on. The keen observer would have spotted us on the channel 7 news in the evening. The state of rain was very variable all day. It went from no rain at all at times, to drizzling, to absolutely heavy downpours. We visited the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome to get out of the rain when it was at its hardest. We enjoyed all of the food tasting areas, and saw all of the displays. One of the most exciting displays for us was Samsung stand, where artists drew us a caricature portrait each with amazing likeness. This was done on a Samsung device with a stylist. They emailed the finished result to us as well as printing a copy for us to stick on the fridge. As the weather did not improve as the day went on, and the cars were all scheduled to be escorted off the stand by 4.30pm, we all rolled out – but were welcome to return on foot. With the weather as it was, we continued home and did not stay for the rodeo and fireworks....... hopefully next year! Rachael Calleia and father Darren Calleia
Desert Parks Bulletin - May 2012 Important information regarding future temporary change to Wabma Kadarbu Conservation Park access (see section). Simpson Desert now open but no access/exit via the Warburton Crossing. Outback temperatures are cooling down. If you decide to travel in the Outback, you should ensure your vehicles are properly prepared and equipped for outback travel and any emergencies or delays. The use of trailers in the Simpson Desert is strongly discouraged, plus motor homes and caravans should never attempt this crossing. Serious damage can be caused to vehicles and the environment, and difficulties are likely to result. Take extra water, food and fuel supplies. Ensure good communications equipment, either HF Radio or Satellite Phone. Ensure you notify a responsible person, such as a family member, of your plans prior to travelling into remote areas, and seek local advice. If you attempt driving in sandy conditions and get bogged, do not attempt to get the vehicle out without ensuring 4WD and hubs are engaged, tyre pressures are decreased and sand is removed from the path of the tyres. If you become stuck, do not leave your vehicles to walk for assistance as this can have fatal consequences.Check road and weather bulletins and local conditions before travelling into the Outback. Speed limits of 40km per hour apply within all Parks. For up to date public road information outside of National Parks, please call the Transport SA Road Condition Hotline on 1300 361 033 or visit the Transport SA web site on http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/quicklinks/northern_roads/northern.asp.Be aware that entry to Desert Parks requires a permit or a Desert Parks Pass that must be displayed on the vehicle windscreen. {phocadownload view=file|id=50}
