REPORT 2013-2014

OVERLAND TRACK

Looking forward on the

In 2004 a new vision was announced for the Overland Track to address concerns about degradation and overcrowding. The changes included an online booking system and associated track fee, one-way walking during the peak season and a daily cap of 60 walker departures. A vision for the Overland Track guided the changes that were introduced in 2005. The Overland Track will be ’s premier walking track, known worldwide for showcasing the values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and an appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage, demonstrating best practice environmental and management standards, and providing a sustainable quality experience for a range of users. Walkers at the new departure point for the Overland Track. Photo: Frank and Sue Wall With the 10th anniversary of the these changes approaching, - we’ve stopped the increasing damage Having a reliable annual income means we parks and reserves manager that was occurring on the walking track can confidently plan for future operations Nic Deka and his team undertook a itself, so we have started to return and improvements.” comprehensive review of the Overland to a situation where the track is now The review also highlighted the fact that Track experience. Consultants were environmentally sustainable. despite many improvements such as engaged to review the Overland Track “Socially, we’ve had big gains as well. upgrades to the track, additional facilities experience, produce a community Ten or 12 years ago, the experiences such as and platforms and engagement plan, and prepare an people were having on the track was, enhanced interpretation, the Parks and economic impact assessment, the first to at times, far from a wilderness encounter Wildlife Service recognises that visitor quantify the contribution of the Overland in a World Heritage Area due to expectations continue to increase along Track to the north-west region. overcrowding. Now, because of the with competition from other multi-day “The biggest achievements have been regulation of daily walker departures walking experiences. in three areas: environmental, social and and one-way travel, people are having “It’s really important that we strengthen economic,” Nic said. an experience that properly showcases the Overland Track experience so it the World Heritage Area and its “We’ve arrested and in fact turned remains competitive and retains its wilderness values. around the environmental degradation international reputation,” Nic said. that was occurring. Our campsite “Finally, we’ve made some real gains “We see the big opportunities as easier condition reports indicate that on the economic front. We have a and more afordable access to the degradation has been stopped and sustainable funding model that enables us track, better gateway and departure campsites are now stable. As a result to operate the track on an annual basis. experiences, improved services at Lake of the introduction of the one-way For example, in the 2013/14 season, the St Clair, and streamlined administrative system and capped daily departures, track enterprise generated $1.2 million. processes, particularly for groups.”

Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment upgrade, bridges replaced Income generated by the Overland Track fee helps to maintain the infrastructure that supports walkers, including huts of varying ages, toilets and helipads. Cradle Mountain’s iconic , Kitchen Hut, is set to provide a snug and safe emergency for visitors to the Cradle Mountain Plateau for decades to come following a major restoration project earlier this year. Works included reconstruction of the front wall, removal of internal Restoration work in progress at Kitchen Hut plywood panelling, reinstatement of the cobblestone floor and replacement of historical association with Old Pelion, departure for walkers and photographic doors and windows to make the hut including photographs or items of opportunity. This will be complemented more weatherproof. New stairs and an interest, is encouraged to contact the by a similar sign at the Lake St Clair upper level landing have replaced the Cradle Mountain ofce. Visitors Centre. original upper level floor, giving access Other key infrastructure projects already At Frog Flats in the Valley a to the hut in times of high snow levels. completed include replacement of the new bridge has replaced the old No 1 New benches provide improved comfort helipad at Waterfall Valley. A new helipad crossing – and not before time, as the log for visitors. with a fibre-reinforced plastic deck is bearers had degraded badly. Cephissus PWS is liaising with a community located further from the hut to meet civil Creek in Pine Valley has a new bridge. workgroup established to plan aviation guidelines. The old log crossing did not meet current conservation works for the Old Pelion A gateway trail head sign at Ronny safety standards and in late May a 12m Hut centenary in 2016. Anyone with an Creek will provide an improved sense of long steel truss was flown into location.

Usage Guidelines Track rangers Last year the guidelines were developed The Overland Track rangers are a key bases. Along the way they tackle track to guide walkers intending to walk parts cog in the well-oiled Overland Track and hut maintenance, clean toilets and of the Overland Track during the booking machine. Five seasonal track rangers are huts, check walking passes, provide first season of 1 October to 31 May. out on the track in all weathers during the aid and answer any and all questions walking season of 1 October to 31 May. that come their way. They assist with Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair parks and This season experienced rangers Paul helicopter operations delivering materials reserves manager Nic Deka said that Challen, Rob Lawrence, Alan Hillier, and and flying out toilet waste and they help everyone has a part to play in looking Stuart Braid returned for yet another rangers and track work contractors with after the Overland Track. season and welcomed newcomer construction. The guidelines encourage walkers to walk Rhys Wilson to the team. Feedback from walkers consistently in a north to south direction from Cradle The track rangers begin their shift by highlights the invaluable contribution the Mountain to Lake St Clair. Exceptions to reporting on duty at either Ronny Creek track rangers make to walkers’ Overland this are the sections of the track from at Cradle or catching the Lake St Clair Track experience. They are said to be Waterfall Valley to Cradle, Cynthia Bay to ferry to Narcissus. And then they start helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, laid back the Pine Valley turn-of, Pelion to Pelion walking and use the various huts as their and even ‘wonderful’! Gap and Pelion to West Pelion. Bushwalkers intending to use part of the track, and who do not pay the Overland Track fee, should not walk more than one overnight segment. The exceptions are entry onto the Overland Track from the Never, Never, Traveller Range and . The guidelines are available on the Overland Track web pages http://www. parks.tas.gov.au/file.aspx?id=30021. For further info contact the Cradle Mountain ranger in charge on 6492 1133. Overland Track rangers (from left): Rhys Wilson, Eddie Firth, Eric Tierney, Rob Lawrence, Paul Challen and Allan Hillier.

Page 2 Overland Track Report 2013-2014 | www.parks.tas.gov.au Positive impacts of the Overland Track The Overland Track has been a significant “The track has a direct benefit to the A message from part of the Tasmanian tourism brand many businesses that are associated Minister Groom for many years, but it’s also making an with it through providing guided walks Minister Matthew Groom, important contribution to regional or transport for walkers to and from Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage economic development and the broader the track. Other businesses supply PWS Tasmanian economy. with materials and/or services including Our Government track materials, products and services for has a goal of A recent report, The Socio-economic the huts and toilets, energy supplies and increasing visitors Impact of the Overland Track, identified helicopter services. to Tasmania by the value of direct and indirect tourism 50 per cent in expenditure from the track for 2012- “In 2012-13, PWS spent $905,000 on 2020 with our national parks and 2013 at $16.36 million and estimated the track in staf costs, helicopter services World Heritage areas set to make a the business supports the equivalent of and track and facilities maintenance, to major contribution. 85 full-time jobs. provide a quality experience for walkers and maintain the very values that attract In the recent State Budget, we’ve made Parks and Reserves manager Central walkers to that experience.” a major investment in national park West, Nic Deka, said the report confirms Regional employment was identified as walking tracks which will help grow that the track is not only an Australian Tasmania’s international reputation as walking icon, but that the flow-on efects a significant benefit of the track, with PWS employing 10 staf (4.5 full time a bushwalking destination and support of the 8,000 people who walk the track this vision. each year to the Tasmanian economy, equivalent) on the Overland Track and are considerable. a total of 42.8 full-time equivalent staf We are also stimulating interest in in Tasmania. When the total economic sensitive and appropriate tourism “The report highlights that the local impact, including the supply chain that development in the Tasmanian businesses use the track as part of their supports the tourism industry, is taken Wilderness World Heritage Area and identity and it provides an important into account, it’s conservatively estimated national parks, to further improve training ground for staf in the adventure that the Overland Track supports and diversify the opportunities and tourism industry,” Mr Deka said. 85 full-time equivalent jobs in the state. experiences for all visitors. The Overland Track is a shining Walker quotes example of how Government and private tourism operators can balance A truly astounding walk! We enjoyed silent forests, chattering birds, cheeky pademelons…and are happy to report we got to use EVERY LAST BIT of our cold and the integrity of natural areas with “ a quality wilderness experience. wet-weather gear! Almost ate all our food, too! We really enjoyed the quality of the huts and the track maintenance – well-done OLT Rangers! The Overland Track is a world (Ruby & Daniel, , 26 Oct 2013) renowned walk through a remarkable alpine wilderness. Our major partner …Fantastic father-son bonding event. 4 seasons in each day, sights, sounds on the Overland Track, the Tasmanian and personal victories.” (Andy Stuart, Narcissus Hut, 13 Oct 2013) Walking Company’s Cradle Mountain …Walking in fresh, unblemished snow; the sense of achievement scaling Mt Ossa; Huts Walk, has been operating for sleeping under the stars in Kia Ora and breathing in the views from the Pelion Hut more than 25 years. Their walk helipad. Thanks Overland Track! We will be back soon!” experience, together with the public (Kat, Em, Peter, Narcissus Hut, 8 Nov 2013) facilities provided by the Parks and Wildlife Service, has seen the walk Volunteers – the unsung heroes ” consistently rank very highly in reviews of ’s great walks and For the past 16 years, Wildcare Inc reassurance that the first day is one of the Overland Track is a key part of volunteer hut wardens have signed on the toughest, and that it does get easier. Tasmania’s tourism appeal. to spend a day walking 10 kilometres Pack fitting is a very popular service, as into Waterfall Valley, to begin a 10 day first time walkers have little experience in We know that tourism experiences shift as an Overland Track hut warden. this crucial skill and are very appreciative such as this contribute to regional Volunteers are based at Waterfall of advice that can make a huge diference economies and now we see the Valley, the first overnight stop on in comfort on the track. direct value of the Overland Track the track. They provide information has been estimated at $16 million The Wildcare Inc volunteer interpretation to walkers about what to expect on for 2012-2013, with this economic ofcer program begun three years the track, safety and minimal impact activity supporting the equivalent of ago, is going from strength to strength. bushwalking practices. They also make 85 full-time jobs. The volunteers are based at the Cradle sure the huts, campground and toilet Mountain Visitor Centre during the peak It is satisfying to see a strong are kept tidy. six to eight weeks of the summer holidays commitment by the PWS to continual At Waterfall Valley the wardens welcome and provide invaluable support to the improvement of this experience so the walkers, congratulate them on their visitor centre staf. The knowledgeable that it remains competitive and retains achievement, and provide emotional and and enthusiastic volunteers add great its international reputation. physical support to walkers. They provide value to the visitor experience.

Overland Track Report 2013-2014 | www.parks.tas.gov.au Page 3 Overland Track Annual Report

As a Parks and Wildlife Service Business Enterprise, the Overland Track generates its own income through charging walkers a track Permanent staf fee (currently $200+ Parks Pass) 25.6% and selling merchandise. In 2013/14 Five seasonal Staf that manage the booking booking season 7403 visitors walked track rangers system and undertake project planning and implementation. the track. Some of these walkers 21.8% Rangers who are out on Includes Ranger in Charge, purchased an information package track during the booking Assistant Ranger, Business (including guidebook and map) or just season undertaking hut and Enterprise Coordinator, and a map. From these sales, the business track maintenance, visitor Interpretation Ofcer. enterprise generated $1,247,551 of interpretation, assisting in frst income. This income was reinvested in aid emergencies, and ensuring compliance with the the management of the Overland Track booking system. through the employment of staf and contractors to undertake maintenance and project work, and the purchase Operation & business Cleaning supplies of materials and tools to support this enterprise projects 16.9% and toilet waste removal work. The chart at right provides Includes renovations to Kitchen Hut, new 11.4% a basic breakdown of how funds Waterfall Valley helipad, construction of Helicopter to fy out of were utilised. Cephissus Creek Bridge, replacement Track works 23,000ltrs of efuent and hut heating at Bert Nichols and Kia 16.3% 10 cubic metres of Ora, costs to fy in materials, Including the purchase of composted black Major projects planned for and an external review of the construction materials and tools, waste. business enterprise. contracting two track workers, the 2014-15 season and helicopter hire to fy in • Track works – finish works on Pelion materials. Plains before starting works between and Kia Ora. • Narcissus Hut Node – Renovation 2.1 % Booking system and of existing hut with new front administration costs verandah and construction of camping 1.9 % Hut heating using a helicopter to fy in platforms. gas and coal briquettes. 1.7% Staf transport including vehicle lease. • Narcissus Jetty – Structural repair and 1.4% Production of Overland Track re-decking. Information Packs for sale to walkers. 0.6% Communication and IT • – Conservation works. infrastructure and support 0.3% Visitor Interpretation Signage • Pinestone Valley Bridge – replacement. • Waterfall Valley, Pelion, and Kia Ora Toilets – essential building Overland Track walker numbers maintenance. 10 000

8000

6000

4000

2000 2013 1971/72 1973/74 1975/76 1977/78 1979/80 1981/82 1983/84 1985/86 1987/88 1989/90 1991/92 1993/94 1995/96 1997/98 1999/2000 2001/2002 2003/2004 2005/2006 2007/2008 2009/2010 2011/2012

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