Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01818:front:0:p91
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01818
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 261407–264406

the form of bushwalking as well as accessing popular scenic and recreational locations. Walking tracks in the park total approximately 30 kilometres and pass through a variety of landscape and vegetation types.

Walking track maintenance uses a significant proportion of park resources. During the life of the first plan walking tracks were upgraded to meet Australian Standards, and maintenance standards and regimes were improved, with regular maintenance schedules incorporated into maintenance contracts. Extensive work to repair damaged walking tracks was undertaken following the 2003 Windermere fires. A major review and upgrade of walking track signs was also completed.

The closure and rehabilitation of some walking tracks during the life of the first plan generated some adverse public comment concerning access restrictions, particularly near cliffs where safety is an issue.

As part of a regional integrated management project, a 'round the Bay' walking track has been proposed but has not been implemented due to concerns about public access to Defence facilities. The walking track as proposed could include a route or routes through Booderee if it were to proceed in the future.

Under the EPBC Regulations (r.12.55), park visitors may only walk on a vehicle access road or vehicle access track or a track for walking provided by the Director. Under the Regulations (r.12.23) the Director may prohibit or restrict a person walking on a vehicle access road, vehicle access track or track normally for walking or riding (see Section 9.2, Access and Roads).

The Regulations (r.12.23A) enable the Director to prohibit or restrict an activity or a class of activities.

Issues
    * Walking tracks need to be maintained to an acceptable standard.

    * There is a need to ensure that walking tracks to cliff-top viewing points are safe.

Prescriptions

Policies

    7.6.1        A range of walking tracks will continue to be provided to a wide variety of destinations in the park.

    7.6.2        New walking tracks may be developed with the Board's approval.

    7.6.3        Tracks will be maintained to the relevant Australian Standard, taking into consideration issues of visitor safety and environmental impact.

    7.6.4        The Director may prohibit or restrict access to tracks for walking and riding for public safety and management purposes, particularly those that are located in dangerous or sensitive areas.

    7.6.5        Where consistent with the fire management program (see Section 6.7, Fire), unused vehicle management tracks remaining from previous land use will be closed to public access and rehabilitated.

    7.6.6        For the purposes of r.12.55 of the EPBC Regulations, tracks and open areas within the Booderee designated camping areas, public beaches and associated rock platforms are considered to be tracks for walking subject to Policy 6.6.4.

    7.6.7        Access to rock platforms which are considered a public safety risk will