Parks Victoria Meeting - Gembrook August 08

[sierrajim]

Well i've just come back from a meeting with Parks Vic at Gembrook with Bill (Zook Club) While there's still a large amount of red tape to get around we've made some head way.

To keep this short and sweet i'll give a run down in point form:

-Chainsaw training / first aid training is being looked into. The user would pay, Parks are working out if we can get a discounted rate for this. 4WD Vic will also be contacted to see if they can help.

-Signage, additional directional signage will be worked on to better direct people around the pre set circuts in the Parks Maps.

More sturdy signs will also be assessed for "No go zones"

SP Ausnet are to be spoken to about instaling large signs/banners on the towers that support the power lines.

No Off road access signs to be placed further north along the power lines (close to the bottom of little bunyip) to ensure that a clear message of do not drive under the power lines is put forward.

-Keys for mamagement vehicle tracks will soon become available on a Club permit system.

-4WD Vic signs will be placed with any signs we put up as well as any camp grounds that we work on.

-Parks are now looking at putting a blog on their site with more up to date track ratings/reports. This way we can email in up to date reports on conditions. Included in this will be information on "no go zones"

-We will be introduced to rangers in surrounding areas to spread the work out.

-We are also being put in contact with more senior Parks staff to hopefully get a little further.

-Dates to be set for Clean Up day #3 by weeks end

-Discussions as to the sustainibility of more challenging sections of tracks to be maintained by Clubs with Management Vehicle/Easy bypasses. The aim to keep people entertained on tracks that are open instead of destroying other areas.

[cj!]

Thank James for the good work. Thought about standing for the FWDV Board? With people like you and Bill on there maybe a little more headway might be made.

[sierrajim]

Thank James for the good work. Thought about standing for the FWDV Board? With people like you and Bill on there maybe a little more headway might be made.

Sorry, don't have the time to sit on the board. I'm struggling with the rest of what i have to do already.

There is however a longer term plan tht involves handing Gembrook over to a couple of others (looking for volunteers here) so that i can help get Tollangi, Mt Dissa, Cobow, lerderderg etc up and going.