TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015

Minutes of the Tourist Attraction Signposting Assessment Committee Western Region meeting

Wednesday 18 November 2015 at Gilgandra Shire Hall, Gilgandra Shire Council Warren Road, Gilgandra Members TASAC David Douglas Regional Coordinator TASAC and Drive, Destination NSW Phil Oliver Guidance and Delineation Manager, RMS Maria Zannetides TASAC Secretariat

Also present Sharon Grierson RMS Western Region

Members of the Central Destination Management Working Group

Graham Perry Chief Executive Officer, Inland NSW Tourism & Chair Central Destination Management Working Group Andrew Sargent Inland NSW Tourism Candace Torres Zone Manager Inland NSW, Destination NSW Libby Kermond-Carr Manager, Cooee Heritage Centre, Gilgandra Shire Council Randall Medd Economic Development Manager, Gilgandra Shire Council Natasha Comber Dubbo City Council Aimee Croxon Dubbo City Council Kristie Hallford Dubbo City Council Aileen Bell Warrumbungle Shire Council Sarah Derrett Warren Shire Council Danielle Kirkwood Coonamble Shire Council

Apologies Marty Cassell RMS Western Region

AGENDA ITEMS

1. DELEGATIONS / PRESENTATIONS & REGIONAL SIGNPOSTING ISSUES

Note: Following correspondence and an invitation to TASAC, the first part of the meeting was held in conjunction with the Central Destination Management Working Group to discuss aspects of NSW tourist signposting policy raised with TASAC by the working group.

1.1 Discussion regarding NSW tourist signposting policy including:

Members of the Central Destination Management Working Group provided background information about their role and raised a number of concerns in relation to tourist signposting policy as follows:

 Inland NSW Tourism covers 45% of NSW and includes 35 local government areas. It comprises eight communities whose representatives meet at least four times each year. In accordance with NSW Government policy, the RTO aims to double overnight visitor

Final 30 November 2015 1 of 16 TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015

expenditure by 2020. It recognises that a consumer focus is important to the development and implementation of strategies to achieve this objective.

 Inland NSW has received consistent feedback that signage is a major issue in its area, particularly in the Great Western Plains community, which is represented by the Central Destination Management Working Group who regularly interface with customers and operators about problems relating to accessing tourist attractions. Therefore, the working group wishes to better understand:

o TASAC guidelines, their basis and purpose. o How TASAC interfaces with the consumer. o Whether visitors understand that TASAC signs denote attractions that meet minimum opening hour and day requirements. o Whether there is scope to vary the guidelines so that different requirements apply to different areas. o Options to assist visitors in locating high quality destinations that do not meet TASAC guidelines regarding opening hours / days (e.g. are closed on Sunday or which only accept visitors by appointment).

TASAC members provided the following comments:

i. TASAC, which has operated since the early 1990s, manages NSW Government policy relating to the signposting of major tourist attractions on and from State roads. Tourist signage on local and regional roads are matters for local councils.

ii. TASAC is a partnership between Destination NSW, which sets minimum standards for quality tourist attractions in 15 different categories and RMS, which is responsible for determining sign design and locations. Eligibility for TASAC signage remains current for five years and the cost of installing signs on State roads is met by the operator.

iii. Like all road signs, tourist signs have road safety and traffic management implications and the demand for tourist signs exceeds the ability to provide them in a safe and equitable manner. RMS is authorised to remove signs for attractions that no longer meet TASAC requirements.

iv. Tourist signs (white text on a brown background) are one of three types of guide signs on State roads. The other sign types are “white on green” destination signs that guide motorists to towns and localities and “white on blue” service signs that guide motorists to major services such as hospitals and airports. The three sign types integrate to guide motorists around the State road network. However, if space is limited in a roadway, the provision of destination and service signs receives a higher priority than tourist signs. While destination and service signs are the responsibility of RMS, not TASAC, concerns about them are often discussed at TASAC meetings and some visitor issues can be solved by improving green or blue signs.

v. Tourist signs in the reserve of State roads are provided to serve visitors and eligibility for such signs is subject to TASAC’s assessment process that is designed to gauge both the quality of the experience as well as its availability, i.e. whether visitors have a reasonable chance of following tourist signs to find a destination open and accessible to them without the need to make prior arrangements. Advertising signs, which are not permissible in roads reserves, are located on land adjacent to major roads to promote businesses and are subject to a separate development application process managed by councils.

Final 30 November 2015 2 of 16 TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015

vi. TASAC assesses the quality of a tourist attraction by considering its compliance with eligibility criteria relating to how a product is presented and interpreted to visitors. Availability is gauged by requirements relating to opening hours and days (i.e. a minimum of six hours per day for five days per week including both weekend days for 11 months of the year). vii. TASAC guidelines were most recently updated in 2012 and prior to that the guidelines underwent major reviews in 2001 and 2007. These reviews were undertaken in consultation with industry stakeholders and tourism experts. Requirements regarding opening hours / days were upheld at each of these reviews, including that signposted attractions must be open on both weekend days when the majority of recreational trips are undertaken. Opening hour requirements were relaxed from seven hours to six hours per day in 2007 as a result of consultation with stakeholders. viii. When visitors see and respond to a tourist sign they have a legitimate expectation that the attraction will be open. Visitor dissatisfaction reflects badly not only on the credibility of the particular attraction but also on the tourism industry generally and the credibility of the NSW tourist signposting system as a whole.

ix. Attractions that are eligible for signage on State roads are expected to operate to a scale and standard that enables them to cater for unbooked visitors. This aims to avoid visitor inconvenience and disappointment. Eligible attractions may require pre-booking for large groups, such as coach tours but not for individuals or small groups travelling independently in private vehicles.

x. In accordance with the Visitor Economy Industry Action Plan, Destination NSW commissioned consumer and stakeholder research about visitor expectations in relation to tourist signs. The research, completed in 2015, will be used to guide future Tourist Signposting Policy. Graham’s request for the release of the research report was noted.

xi. While councils are encouraged to adopt TASAC guidelines, they are not obliged to do so. In response to a question, it was noted that TASAC is aware of a number of councils that have adopted tourist signage guidelines that mirror TASAC’s (e.g. Blue Mountains, - Hastings and Greater ). TASAC is not aware of examples of Councils adopting local signage guidelines where signs are provided on Council roads for attractions that are closed on weekends. xii. Unfortunately, some tourist signs on State roads are unauthorised and therefore do not relate to attractions that meet TASAC standards. TASAC meets in regional locations 10 times per year and the day prior to meetings, members inspect the road network in the area being visited, enabling unauthorised signs to be identified and followed up. xiii. Measures that Councils and RTOs could to consider to promote tourist attractions that do not meet TASAC signage guidelines include:

o Installing road signs on local or regional roads.

o Installing advertising signs on private land adjacent to road reserves.

o Encouraging operators to install better business identification signage at their property boundary.

Final 30 November 2015 3 of 16 TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015

o Encouraging operators to provide consistent and easily accessible information about opening hours / days on all promotional material, including digital material. Not including this information prominently and consistently on promotional material is unhelpful and tends to discourage visitors.

o Encouraging operators to include location information on all promotional material in the form of a street address; a locality map (preferably a Google map on digital material); and advice in text form about how to access the attraction. Some people respond well to maps whereas others find descriptive access information more helpful and it is therefore important to provide both types of locational information.

o Use of information panels installed in off-road bays to promote attractions in a local area.

Action: Secretariat to provide the meeting minutes to Graham as a record of the discussion and in response to the working group’s correspondence to TASAC.

1.2 Members’ report on site inspections

David and Phil made the following observations arising from their site inspections in the Gilgandra area and environs the day before the meeting:

i. Gilgandra and Coonabarabran visitor radio services were not operating on 17 November.

ii. It is unclear what a sign on the Newell Highway near the Gilgandra Visitor Information Centre with a legend “Tourist Route Start” refers to. There are no “tourist routes” eligible for signage on the highway in this location and the sign would therefore appear to be unauthorised.

Actions: (a) Maria to provide a photo of the sign to Sharon and Marty at RMS Western Region. (b) RMS Western Region to work with Gilgandra Council to remove the sign.

iii. Two signs in the form of a “5” in a five sided shield are incorrect and need to be removed. One sign is on the Castlereagh Highway (Warren Road) and the other is on a local road.

Action: RMS Western Region to remove the sign on the Castlereagh Highway and work with Gilgandra Council with a view to removing the second sign.

iv. Gilgandra Flora Reserve is not well signposted on the Newell Highway. It is understood that the 8.5 ha bushland reserve is open daily during all months, offers bushwalking, picnicking, BBQ facilities and interpretive information.

Action: Secretariat to request Gilgandra Council to submit an application to TASAC so that signage for the reserve can be reviewed.

v. Tourist signs were observed on the Mitchell Highway for Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden. These are consistent with TASAC’s support in December 2014 of an application lodged by Dubbo Council to reflect the garden’s new name. However, signs with the former name (Shoyoen Japanese Garden) were observed on local roads.

Action: RMS Western Region to work with Dubbo Council to ensure that signs with the correct name are installed on all roads leading to the attraction.

Final 30 November 2015 4 of 16 TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015

2. NEW TOURIST SIGNPOSTING APPLICATIONS

2.1 Bents Basin State Conservation Area, Greendale

Bents Basin State Conservation Area (SCA) in Western has had tourist signposting for many years. RMS is upgrading the intersection of Bringelly and the Northern Roads, which will affect the SCA’s existing signage and an application has been submitted by NPWS, which manages the SCA, at TASAC’s request to enable its eligibility to be reviewed and, if appropriate, signage upgraded.

The basin is a deep waterhole that forms part of a gorge on the Nepean River between Camden and Penrith. It is popular for water-based activities such as swimming, fishing and canoeing. There are fireplaces, barbecue and bushwalks through Gulguer Nature Reserve to Caley's Lookout. Car based and caravan camping are available (bookings essential, fees apply).

Bents Basin State Conservation Area is open from 9 am to 7 pm daily during daylight saving months and from 9 am to 4.30 pm daily during other months. The opening hours and days are shown on a sign near the entry and on the digital brochure at http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a- park/parks/Bents-Basin-State-Conservation-Area/Visitor-Info. However, the SCA’s visitor guide does not state the SCA’s hours. Instead, it gives the hours of the NPWS office at the site (weekdays 9.30 am to 4.30 pm) and advises visitors to contact the office for opening and closing times of the SCA. The guide also includes a location map, details of visitor activities (picnicking, swimming and fishing), information about the SCA’s landscape, cultural connections, plants and animals and includes a detailed map.

The visitor guide also shows toilets at four locations, i.e. at the camping area; the Richard Venables Education Centre; at point near the western end of the carping area and about half way between the Centre and the Durrawi Picnic Area; and north of the parking area for the Bents Basin Picnic Area.

Three images have been provided of information panels with the SCA. One is at the camp ground and appears to include content relating more to visitor orientation (campground rules, hours and facilities) than interpretation. Another panel for the SCA is similarly more relevant to visitor orientation than interpretation. A third panel includes wayfinding information.

In response to a request for more details regarding interpretive information, NPWS advised that it is in the process of upgrading interpretive and information signage within the SCA but at present, it is not known when new material will be finalised and installed.

Decision: Bents Basin State Conservation Area is eligible for tourist signposting in the National Parks, State Conservation Areas, State Forests and Water Storages category subject to the provision of additional information to demonstrate that adequate interpretive information is available at the site.

Action: Secretariat to advise the applicant as above and finalise the application if appropriate when additional advice about interpretive information has been received.

2.2 , near Broken Hill

Mutawintji National Park is in the far western part of the State about 130 km north east of Broken Hill. RMS is undertaking road works on the Silver City Highway at the Mutawintji Road intersection, which will affect the park’s existing signage. An application has been lodged at TASAC’s request to allow the park’s eligibility for signage to be reviewed.

Final 30 November 2015 5 of 16 TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015

Mutawintji National Park is one of the major attractions in this part of the State. The park is open daily during all hours. Features of the park of interest to visitors include Aboriginal rock art, walking trails and sedimentary sandstone landscape outcrops. Facilities include:

i. A visitor centre, approx. 5 km from the park’s entry, which has picnic tables with shelters; flush toilets with disabled access; gas BBQ; telephone; and interpretive information and serves as a meeting place for tours. It is currently unstaffed but visitors are able to access it at all times as it is a large covered area without fully enclosing walls. Negotiations are currently taking place with the Mutawintji Land Council to utilise the space as an office and retail area in 2016.

ii. Homestead Creek Camping Ground has 50 camp sites for car based camping, caravans, and camper trailers; picnic tables with shelters, gas BBQ; flush toilets with disabled access; showers and water.

iii. Parking for cars and coaches is available at a number of key locations within the park such as the visitor centre and the camping ground.

iv. Seven walking tracks including the Thaakalatjika Mingkana Walk along which Wiimpatja and European paintings, stencils and engravings may be viewed. The track includes a number of boardwalks to provide visitors with easy access to the artworks without causing any further damage. Three of the other walks take visitors further along Homestead Creek Gorge with an option to visit rock holes or take a return loop along the Byngnano Range. The Mutawintji Gorge Walk has picnic tables with shelters; and interpretive information.

v. Lookouts.

vi. Day use area at Homestead Creek day use area (picnic tables with shelters, gas BBQ). vii. Remote wilderness area suitable for walkers (no car access).

Additionally, if prior arrangements are made, visitors can experience a guided tour to the Mutawintji Historic Site within the park to view one of the best collections of Aboriginal art in . Interpretive information about the site is provided face-to-face during tours by Aboriginal guides.

The most commonly used access to the park is via the Silver City Highway to the north of Broken Hill, turning along the Broken Hill-White Cliffs Road, then into Mutawintji Road. All three roads are managed by RMS. This route covers 130 km with approximately 30 km of it sealed. Another commonly used route gains access from the Barrier Highway, travelling east from Broken Hill for 75 km on sealed road and turning north for 74 km along the unsealed Waterbag Road, which brings visitors directly to the park entrance. These roads are also managed by RMS. Mutawintji can also be accessed via White Cliffs. This route is unsealed with the Central Darling Shire Council managing the section to the Broken Hill Road and RMS managing the remainder. In dry weather the park is accessible to visitors in either 2WD or 4WD vehicles. All unsealed roads in the area can be closed during wet weather. Links on www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au advise visitors to seek road information prior to travel.

The Visitor Guide gives information about flora, fauna, tours, cultural significance and access and contains a map of the park with eight of its features highlighted (including Link Walk, Rockholes Loop Walk, Mutawintji Historic Site and Old Coach Road Drive). The map also shows the locations of the park’s visitor centre, day use and camping ground areas.

Images were provided of interpretive information within and adjacent to the visitor centre and associated with the Homestead Creek Walks, Homestead Creek Gorge Camping Area, Mutawintji Gorge Walk and Western Ridge Walk.

Final 30 November 2015 6 of 16 TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015

The application demonstrates that the park meets the relevant eligibility requirements.

Decision: Mutawintji National Park is eligible for tourist signposting in the National Parks, State Conservation Areas, State Forests and Water Storages category.

Action: Secretariat to advise the applicant as above and inform RMS Western Region.

2.3 Historic Wingham

Wingham has been signposted as an Historic Town for many years (it appears on the list of historic towns worthy of tourist signposting prepared in consultation with the NSW Government Heritage Office that was used to determine eligibility for signposting in this category until 2003). An application by Greater Taree City Council has been lodged at TASAC’s request to allow Wingham’s eligibility for signposting to be reviewed and updated in order to enable storm damaged signage on the Pacific Motorway to be replaced.

The application, submitted by Donna Hudson, Council’s Team Leader Tourism, Events and Communications, identifies a number of historic themes as being relevant to the town including Aboriginal; Government and Administration; Pastoralism; Agriculture; Transport; Environment; Migration; Transport; and Technology. Information was provided in relation to each of the nominated themes describing how the theme is presented in the town, e.g. Wingham Court House and its association with bushranger Jimmy Governor are mentioned in connection with the Government and Administration theme and Wingham Brush, which is a remnant rainforest area with remains of cedar saw-pits and local timber dwellings, is cited as evidence of the Environment theme.

The town includes many historic buildings e.g. the Memorial Town Hall, which was constructed with timber donated by the architect from his own mill just outside Wingham an Killabakh, and is the only memorial town hall in NSW. Wingham has 53 environmental heritage listings in Greater Taree Local Environment Plan (LEP) 2010. Fifty two of these are of local significance and one item (the post office) is recognised as being of national heritage significance. The Manning Valley Historical Museum, located in a heritage listed building within the Wingham town centre, plays an important role in understanding the heritage of the town and area.

Wingham has a traditional shopping precinct along Isabell and Bent Streets with many examples of traditional commercial buildings that have central entrances, large glass shopfronts and footpath awnings. There is also a public building precinct along Farquhar and Wynter Streets where many of the community’s local services are housed e.g. library, post office, police station, schools and churches, many of which are recognised as heritage items.

Systems used to promote the town’s heritage to visitors include:

 Self-guided Wingham heritage walk where visitors can learn about the town’s history and historic buildings  Brochures about historical themes  A DVD  Signage and interpretive information in the town

Copies of the LEP / DCP were not enclosed with the application. However, as noted above, Wingham contains a large number of items that are listed in the heritage schedule of Greater Taree LEP 2010 including numerous buildings, two archaeological sites (sawpits in Wingham Brush Reserve and Wingham wharf and surrounds) and a Heritage Conservation Area applies to a

Final 30 November 2015 7 of 16 TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015 substantial portion of the town centre. Clause 5.10 of the LEP includes a variety of standard sub- clauses aimed at protecting the town’s heritage items and its conservation area.

The Council has stated that the Wingham Museum and Manning Valley Historical Society, Wingham Advancement Group, Chamber of Commerce, Country Women’s Association, the Greater Taree City Council Strategic Heritage Advisory Committee and the local business community support the town’s signposting as a heritage tourist attraction. While letters of support from these groups were not submitted, the Council’s statement is reasonable given that Wingham has been signposted as a heritage town for many years.

Copies of the following promotional materials were provided:

 The Wingham Self-Guided Heritage Walk includes 21 stops, each with a photo and a descriptive caption.

 Wingham Museum brochure, which promotes a folk museum in a heritage building that has a large collection of artefacts from the Manning Valley. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.

 Wingham Brush Nature Reserve brochure, which promotes the NPWS managed heritage listed reserve. The reserve has some 195 species of native plants, including 76 tree species and 32 different vines and comprises an endangered rainforest community representing 90% of the remaining subtropical lowland rainforest in the Manning Valley and 10% of this type in NSW.

 An excerpt of the Manning Valley visitor guide, which is being updated for publication by the end of February 2016, features a double page spread about the valley’s history and which refers to Wingham, among other places of heritage interest.

The above promotional material is available from the Manning Centre Visitor Information Centre. There is also information on the Manning Valley website, at the Wingham Historical Museum, Manning Valley libraries, the Taree Highway Service Centre and in local businesses. A new Manning Valley website is being launched within the next three months and brochures will be updated to reflect this. The historical museum and the heritage walk are also individually promoted on visitnsw. Replacing these entries with a new entry for “Historic Wingham” that provides comprehensive information about the town’s heritage would enhance the information available to visitors about the town’s overall heritage experience.

The application demonstrates that Wingham is potentially eligible for signage in the Historic Towns, Villages and Precincts category subject to the views of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. The application was referred to the Heritage office for comment on 12 November.

Decision: Wingham is eligible for tourist signposting in the Historic Towns, Villages and Precincts category subject to the views of the Heritage office.

Action: Secretariat to advise the applicant as above and finalise the application if appropriate after the views of the Heritage office have been received.

Note: The heritage office advised of its support for the application on 23 November and the matter will be finalised accordingly.

Final 30 November 2015 8 of 16 TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015

3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF 14 OCTOBER 2015

The minutes of TASAC’s meeting of Wednesday 14 October 2015 at Grafton in the Northern Region were confirmed. The Committee members and Secretariat advised that they had completed all the actions attributed to them from the meeting.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS

4.1 Cowra War Museum

The Committee noted that, in response to a request from Cowra Council, the Secretariat wrote to the operator of Cowra War Museum asking him to submit a signposting application by 8 December 2015. It is understood that there are three unauthorised signs for the museum on State roads.

4.2 Cowra signage review

A report prepared by Marty Cassell RMS Western Region regarding existing tourist and other signposting in Cowra was tabled. The report was prepared following Cowra Council’s signage audit undertaken earlier in the year and a meeting in October between Marty and Donna Wilson of Council. It was noted that RMS will follow up issues relating to destination and service signs. With respect to tourist signs, TASAC will contact the operators of the following businesses to request that they submit signposting applications so that eligibility for tourist signage can be reviewed:

i. Cowra War Museum (see item 4.1 above) ii. Steam Museum / Lachlan Valley Railway Museum iii. The Mill / Windowrie Winery iv. War Cemeteries v. POW Campsite vi. St Johns Anglican Church vii. Kalari Wines viii. Hermes Wines ix. Darby Falls Observatory x. Conimbla National Park,

Action: Secretariat to write to the operators of the destinations as above.

4.3 Signage for Milparinka

In response to inquiries from a local business operator, RMS has investigated options to improve signposting to the village of Milparinka, which is about 300 km north of Broken Hill off the Silver City Highway in the State’s unincorporated area. The village is about 3 km south west of the highway. It is understood that a former police station and courthouse now houses local history and research material and is known as the Milparinka Heritage Precinct. However, details of the experience and its opening hours are uncertain. It is also understood that the road between the highway and Milparinka is partly unsealed and not passable during wet weather.

Action: Secretariat to contact Joe Sulicich at RMS Western Region to determine the operator of the heritage precinct with a view to requesting that a tourist signposting application be submitted to TASAC.

Final 30 November 2015 9 of 16 TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015

4.4 Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Bobs Farm – additional information

In response to concerns that visitors would be disappointed not to find Irukandji (a small, venomous box jellyfish) displayed at the destination after following tourist signs with “Irukandji” in the legend, the operator of Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters has provided additional information to demonstrate that while Irukandji are not displayed at the venue, information about them is available to visitors.

The additional information comprises:

 Images of five information panels at the centre relating to Irukandji, e.g. identification of Irukandji, Barrier Reef jellyfish species, jellyfish management, and Irukandji fact and fiction.

 Dot points summarising information about Irukandji provided to visitors during tours of the centre, including details regarding Irukandji population growth, traits, behaviours, impacts on the food chain and biodiversity. (Entry is by guided tour only and tours operate every 15 minutes to every hour, depending on the season.)

A site inspection report was requested from Janelle Gardner of Destination Port Stephens.

Decision: Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is potentially eligible for tourist signposting in the Zoos and Wildlife Parks section of the Outdoor / Nature Based Attractions category subject to the receipt of a site inspection report.

Actions: (a) Secretariat to contact Destination Port Stephens to inquire about progress with the inspection report. (b) Secretariat to advise the operator as above and finalise the application if appropriate after receipt of the inspection report.

4.5 Barramundi Farm, Bobs Farm – additional information

In response to a request from TASAC, the operator of a Barramundi Farm in Port Stephens LGA has provided additional material to support his application for tourist signposting. Members reviewed the information and determined that the additional material relating to the following matters was satisfactory:

 Interpretive information about the life cycle of barramundi.  Details imparted to visitors during guided tours about barramundi farming.  Evidence that tours do not require prior booking.

However, the applicant’s advice about the following matters does not satisfactorily resolve TASAC’s concerns:

i. Opening hours / days: Consistent information about opening hours and days needs to be provided on all promotional material (printed, digital and on a sign at property boundary).

ii. Entry sign: To be eligible for signposting attractions must have a business identification sign on the property line near the public entry point that includes the name of the tourist attraction (in this case “Barramundi Farm”) and gives the opening hours and days for unbooked visitors. Where guided tours are offered as in this case, it is desirable for the sign to give the daily tour

Final 30 November 2015 10 of 16 TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015

times. Other relevant information for entry signs includes landline or mobile phone details and a website address.

iii. Self-guided tours: A system needs to be put in place so that self-guided visitors are reassured that they can access the production facility on demand. This is necessary because the facility’s doors are not always open. Preferably, a bell should be installed along with a notice inviting self-guided visitors to ring the bell to gain entry to the facility.

The experience at the production facility for self-guided visitors also needs to be clarified. It is understood that visitors taking a guided tour are able to walk around inside the facility but it is not clear if self-guided visitors are also able to do so. Advice is therefore needed about whether, after entering the facility, self-guided visitors are permitted to walk inside and around the facility or whether they only able to view it from just inside the door. If the latter is the case, how does this provide a quality tourism experience to self-guided visitors?

iv. Product sampling: Produce grown at the farm such as barramundi, lettuces and herbs should be made available for taste testing by self-guided visitors at a convenient location such as the “tourism centre”. It is understood that barramundi products might not be able to be offered for tasting until a processing centre, which is currently under construction, has been completed in spring 2016. Therefore, assurances should be provided that taste testing of barramundi products will be offered to all visitors after the production facility opens.

Action: Secretariat to request further information to address points “i” to “iv” above.

4.6 Draft brochure for Eden Lookout

TASAC found Eden Lookout to be potentially eligible for tourist signposting in September 2013 subject to the provision of appropriate promotional material for the lookout. Subsequently, responsibility for securing the signage passed from the Eden Chamber of Commerce to Shannon Woloshyn, Manager of the Eden Visitor Information Centre. Maria tabled a draft brochure for Eden Lookout submitted by Shannon and the following improvements were suggested:

i. The lookout’s opening times should be stated on the brochure. ii. The layout of the material would be improved if fewer, larger photos were used. iii. The location map is too small and should be enlarged to make it easier for visitors to read and interpret. iv. The lookout should be clearly labelled on the map with the text “Eden Lookout” prominently shown.

Action: Secretariat to advise Shannon as above.

4.7 Signage for Opal Centre, Korora

Following comments by Ian Shanahan of RMS Northern in October about the existing signposting for the Opal Centre, the operator was contacted and has provided the following advice:

 An opening hours and days sign has been installed at the property boundary which indicates that it is “Open 9 – 5 7 days”

Final 30 November 2015 11 of 16 TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015

 A notice stating “Opal Cutting Demonstrations Available on Request” has been placed inside the centre against a window behind opal cutting equipment.

The business identification sign refers to “Opals, Gemstones Jewellery” and does not refer to the business as an Opal Centre. TASAC members were concerned that the legend presents the premises as a retail experience rather than a tourism one.

This matter has been outstanding since 2012. The Committee determined that it would be desirable to update the 2012 site inspection report before completing its assessment of the Centre’s eligibility for signposting.

Action: Secretariat to request a site inspection report from Council and list the matter for consideration at the December meeting.

4.8 TreeTops Adventure Park, Abbotsbury

Following TASAC’s October decision that TreeTops Adventure Park at Abbotsbury is eligible for tourist signposting in the Theme Parks category, the applicant has written to request that the text on signs refer to “TreeTops”, “TreeTops Sydney”, or “TreeTop Adventure Park”. Members noted that while the operating company refers to itself as “TreeTops” and this phrase appears on its website and promotional material, the name of the tourism product is “TreeTop Adventure Park.”

TASAC determined that signs for the destination may refer to TreeTop Adventure Park.

Action: Secretariat to advise the applicant as above and inform RMS Sydney Region.

4.9 Improvements to the tourism experience at Bodalla Cheese Factory

TASAC determined that Bodalla Cheese Factory was eligible for tourist signposting in June 2015. However, some concerns were raised with the operator after a visit to the factory by David and Maria on 16 September. Members noted the following improvements, which have been undertaken since the visit:

i. The former museum room has been renovated and is now known as the “Show and Tell Room”. It has new displays about the sources and types of bush tucker used to make some of the factory’s cheeses, including a number of murals painted on the walls.

ii. Two new films are screened in the “Show and Tell Room”. One film (9 mins 8 secs) describes various uses for the factory’s cheeses and the milk bottling process. It also has short segments on the head cheesemaker, the factory’s founder and team, the dairy farm and cattle herd. A second film (3 mins 27 secs) includes images of dairy farm management, milking, bottling, pasteurisation and instructions about how to make a simple cheese at home.

iii. New, improved text has been prepared for use on the viewing windows looking into the factory area.

iv. Six recipes cards featuring the factory’s cheeses have been designed and printed for distribution to visitors.

Final 30 November 2015 12 of 16 TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015

4.10 Update on signage for West Wyalong Visitor Radio

TASAC has requested Ian Munro of Western Visitor Radio to submit an application in connection with the continued signposting of the West Wyalong Visitor Radio service on the Newell Highway. It was noted that Ian has written to Bland Shire Council requesting a letter in support of the service and it is understood that Council will consider the matter at its meeting of 18 December.

Action: Secretariat to list the matter for consideration at the January 2016 meeting.

4.11 Additional signage for

Phil advised that Simone Carmichael, a ranger with NPWS, has been in touch with Zoe Eldridge at RMS South West Region regarding signage for Regatta Beach. TASAC found this precinct of Yanga National Park to be eligible for tourist signposting in January 2014. The ranger also inquired about additional “reassurance signs” from the Swan Hill Road (Yanga Way) / Sturt Highway intersection.

Action: Phil to follow up with RMS South West region to clarify the request.

5. INQUIRIES RECEIVED SINCE LAST MEETING 5.1 Yaraandoo Environment Centre, Armidale (RMS) 5.2 WWII Flying Boat Base and Memorial, Rathmines (RMS) 5.3 Toonumbar Dam, Kyogle 5.4 Estuary Restaurant, Brooklyn 5.5 Bodalla Cheese Factory 5.6 National Park, near Holbrook 5.7 Yarrangobilly Precinct () 5.8 Blackheath Golf Course 5.9 Kandos Museum

During the discussion about the above inquiries it was noted that:

i. The destination at item 5.4 above is a restaurant at Brooklyn accessed from the Pacific Highway (a State road) at its intersection with an unnamed road. As part of her inquiry, the restaurant operator submitted an image of an existing white on brown tourist sign on the Pacific Highway with the legend “Kangaroo Pt Cruise Terminal”. The Committee reiterated that restaurants are not eligible for tourist signposting (or service signposting) on and from State roads. It is understood that the restaurant is co-located with the cruise terminal. Unfortunately, cruise terminals are not eligible for tourist signs and the Committee therefore determined that RMS should review the terminal’s signage with a view to removing the tourist signage and replacing it with white on blue service signage if appropriate.

Action: (a) Secretariat to advise the restaurant operator and Hornsby Council as above. (b) RMS Sydney Region to review signage for the cruise terminal and advise Maria of the outcome.

6. POLICY ISSUES

6.1 Signage for Recreational Vehicles

Final 30 November 2015 13 of 16 TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015

Phil tabled an image of a white on brown tourist sign that features symbols of vehicles towing caravans and the legend “Community Welcomes Recreational Vehicles”. It also has the name and logo of the Caravan Industry Association of Western Australia in the lower right hand corner. RMS understands that the Association has informed authorities in Queensland that NSW and Victoria have endorsed the sign for use on State roads.

Decision: It was affirmed that the sign has not been endorsed by TASAC (or RMS) for use on NSW State roads.

Action: RMS to note the above decision and take action as appropriate.

6.2 Advice from Great Lakes Council about Tourist Drives 6 and 2

Shortly after the October meeting Sharon Bultitude, Tourism and Marketing Coordinator at Great Lakes Tourism, advised that Great Lakes Council has audited and upgraded signs on Tourist Drives 2 and 6 in its LGA. Council’s audit document was referred to RMS Hunter for review. Now that the drives’ signage has been upgraded it remains to determine what promotional material is in place for them.

Actions: (a) Secretariat to follow up Great Lakes and Greater Taree Councils, which share the drives, regarding promotional material. (b) RMS to review Great Lakes Council’s signage audit and advise Council and TASAC about any concerns.

6.3 Future of Tourist Drive 8 (Albion Park to North Nowra via Macquarie Pass and Kangaroo Valley)

Shoalhaven Council advised TASAC prior to the October meeting that it did not intend to keep any of its remaining three tourist drives (Nos 4, 7 and 8). Tourist Drives 4 and 7 are wholly within Shoalhaven Council’s area and they have been removed from the list of authorised numbered tourist drives and RMS has been asked to remove any signage for them from State roads.

Tourist Drive 8 is shared between Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee and Shellharbour Councils. Therefore, the Secretariat consulted Wingecarribee and Shellharbour about Shoalhaven’s intention to withdraw support for the drive. Representatives of Wingecarribee and Shellharbour (which recently completed an upgrade of most signs along the drive in its area and published new promotional material about the drive on its website) expressed disappointment at the possible loss of the drive.

Subsequently, Shoalhaven Council wrote to the Secretariat to advise that it was happy to maintain Tourist Drive 8 because it passed through other LGAs and apologised for any confusion.

Action: (a) Secretariat to formally advise Shellharbour and Wingecarribee about Shoalhaven’s changed intentions regarding TD 8. (b) Secretariat to request advice from Wingecarribee and Shoalhaven about when signs along the drive in their areas will be audited and updated and when promotional information will be prepared.

6.4 Update from Greater Taree Council re Tourist Drive 8 (Pacific Hwy-Taree-Wingham- Ellenborough Falls-Wauchope-Pacific Hwy)

Final 30 November 2015 14 of 16 TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015

Donna Hudson, Team Leader Tourism Events & Communications at Greater Taree Council, submitted a revised signage audit for Tourist Drive 8 (Pacific Hwy-Taree-Wingham-Ellenborough Falls-Wauchope-Pacific Hwy) to the Secretariat on 3 November 2015. Donna also indicated that Council will begin to replace the smaller signs along the drive that are in need of upgrading before Christmas, with the remainder to be replaced next year.

Council has also been working on a new Manning Valley Visitor Guide. Donna provided a draft of the guide’s centre spread lift-out, which highlights the drives by means of a colour coded map and descriptive text. Council is also planning to present information about its tourist drives, including brochures for them, in a new Manning Valley website to be completed before the end of the year.

TASAC members were pleased to note the above progress and looked forward to the completion of the upgrades of signs and promotional material for Tourist Drive 8, as well as Council’s other drives, in 2016.

Action: Secretariat to respond to Council in the above terms.

6.5 Signage for Yarrangobilly Precinct (Kosciuszko National Park)

Patricia Wilkinson of NPWS recently inquired about the possibility of altering existing tourist signage for Yarrangobilly Precinct (item 5.7 above), which is in the northern part of Kosciuszko National Park, in order to include a bed symbol on the signage. Other enhancements to the signage might also be desired.

Accommodation at the precinct is available at Yarrangobilly Caves House, which can be accessed via the Monaro or Hume Highways. The NPWS website describes the house as “self-contained heritage accommodation set in a secluded section of Kosciuszko National Park”, with nine bedrooms that can accommodate up to 14 guests. It appears that prior bookings need to be made to stay at Caves House.

The Committee advised that RMS could consider adding a bed symbol on tourist signage for the park if pre-booking for the accommodation is not essential. However, as Kosciuszko National Park has not been considered by TASAC for more than five years, its eligibility for signage has lapsed and a new application would need to be submitted in connection any signage changes.

Action: Secretariat to advise Patricia as above.

6.6 Brochure for Tourist Drive 1 (Tooraweenah to Coonabarabran)

Aileen Bell, Warrumbungle Council’s Manager Economic Development and Tourism, tabled a revised promotional brochure for Tourist Drive 1 (Tooraweenah to Coonabarabran) which is shared by her Council and Gilgandra Council. The new brochure includes a map of the route, which was missing from the previous version. The new brochure satisfies TASAC’s requirements for the promotion of numbered tourist drives.

It was also noted that Gilgandra Council’s promotional material needs to be improved so that it includes a description of the drive and a map. Both the description and the map should highlight features of interest along the drive.

Final 30 November 2015 15 of 16 TASAC Minutes 18 November 2015

It was considered that Warrumbungle and Gilgandra Councils might benefit from working together to jointly revise existing promotional material with a view to producing one brochure for the drive that could be made available to visitors by both Councils. Alternatively, Gilgandra Council could opt to prepare its own freestanding brochure with an annotated map and text to describe the overall drive and its features of interest.

Action: Secretariat to advise both Councils as above.

7. OTHER BUSINESS

7.1 TASAC Meeting Schedule

The next Western Region meeting will be held on 17 February 2016 in Cowra. Please refer to Attachment 1 for the schedule of meetings for the next six months.

It was also noted that there has been a change of date for the next Southern Region meeting, which will now be held on Thursday 17 March 2016 at the offices of Bega Valley Council. The date was altered to avoid conflicting with Council’s ordinary meeting to be held the previous day.

8. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on 16 December 2016 in Sydney at the offices of Destination NSW.

The meeting concluded at 12.50 pm

Attachment 1 – TASAC Meeting Schedule

Region Location Date 2015 N /A Sydney 16 December 2015 2016 N / A Parramatta 20 January 2016 Western Cowra 17 February 2016 Southern Bega Thursday 17 March 2016 Northern Mullumbimby 20 April 2016 Sydney Blue Mountains 18 May 2016

Final 30 November 2015 16 of 16