MEDIARELEASE
4WDDRIVERS UPSET AT PERMIT CHANGE ON CANNING STOCK ROUTE
From 30 September 2012 the AustralianNational Four Wheel Drive Council (4 Wheel Drive Australia), will no longerissue travel permits for the Canning Stock Route (CSR), one of Australia’siconic and most challenging four wheel drive route.
“In future travellers will need toapply for permits through Kuju Wangka which represents native title areas alongthe CSR,” said Council President Eric Morey.
The Council regrets the change whichends a successful collaboration with the Western Desert Lands AboriginalCorporation.
Since 2007 the Council has helped theMartu people with a permit system to help manage access across their traditionallands. Permit funds were originally targeted for community improvements andpotentially to employ Indigenous rangers responsible for preserving significantareas while educating travellers.
“We are disappointed with KujuWangka’s change and think permit fees could rise in future.”
“Weare concerned the new managers have ignored our efforts to develop culturallysensitive information about travelling the CSR and co-opted our materialswithout acknowledgement.”
TheCSR is a major tourist attraction for all Australian citizens. In recent times many four wheel drive clubs and other groups have put alot of effort into preserving significant areas and facilities along the CSR.
“Wehope they are not treated in a similarly dismissive manner.”
Mr Morey said that in the past fiveyears the Council has returned more than $56,000 in CSR permit fees to NativeTitle Holders but received no feedback on how the money was spent.
The not for profit Council representsincorporated four wheel drive clubs throughout Australia. It covered the costs of developing and managing the CSR permit system andprovided an around the clock online service for travellers including after-hourscontacts.
Formore information visit
www.anfwdc.asn.au
