TASAC Minutes 20 August 2014

Minutes of the Tourist Attraction Signposting Assessment Committee Western Meeting

Wednesday 20 August 2014 at the Stables, Market Street, Mudgee

Members 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 Marty Cassell RMS Western Region Andrew Kearins Works Engineer, Mid-Western Regional Council Virginia Craney Interim Tourism Manager, Mudgee Region Tourism Inc David Bennett Treasurer, Mudgee Wine Grape Growers Association Inc

Apologies Andrew Stein Mudgee Wine Grape Growers Association Lucy White Central NSW Tourism Jacki Parish Tourism Manager, Dubbo City Council

AGENDA ITEMS

1. DELEGATIONS / PRESENTATIONS & REGIONAL SIGNPOSTING ISSUES

1.1 Mudgee Wine Tourism Region signage

Issues relating to the completion of a signage scheme for the Mudgee Wine Tourism Region were discussed and the following points were noted:

a) Signs for wineries in the Mudgee area were installed without TASAC authorisation in mid-2011. Unfortunately, the Mudgee Wine Grape Growers Association (which applied to TASAC for the wine region signage scheme) has yet to establish information bays populated with visitor information panels detailing the region’s wineries at its main entry points. To comply with TASAC requirements the visitor information panels must include a map of the wine region showing the winery locations and give the following information for each winery:

o Name o Street address o Opening hours and days o Contact phone number

It would also be desirable for the information panels to recommend that visitors contact the Mudgee Visitor Centre for more details. In this event, the panels should also include the centre’s phone number, street and website address and show its location on the regional map via the use of an italicised “i” symbol.

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To facilitate regular updates of the information for visitors to the wine region, it would be desirable for the panels to comprise a large replaceable sheet mounted behind a transparent protective panel. Andrew indicated that Council has three large sign frames with Perspex panels that would be suitable for the purpose.

b) The failure to establish information bays with details of the region’s wineries has meant that TASAC has not been in a position to authorise the installation of signs in the road reserve at each of the region’s entries and in advance of each information bay. The road signs would welcome visitors to the “Mudgee Wine Tourism Region” and direct them to the nearby bay.

c) The preferred locations for welcome signs and associated information bays are:

Ilford rest area on the Castlereagh near the intersection with the Goulburn Ilford Road, some 55 km south of Mudgee. While this is further away from the first of the Mudgee wineries than is generally desirable, the rest area is well established with a large hard stand area, toilets and existing visitor information panels on a variety of subjects. It also has the advantage of being located prior to the Rylstone turn-off for north bound traffic.

Theresa Lane Park, in Gulgong adjacent to the near its intersections with Fisher and Herbert Streets, for visitors coming from the north west.

Ulan Road near the intersection with Wollar Road for visitors coming from the north east. This location is affected by road works, which are expected to take place from September to December 2014. A hard stand area will be constructed for the road works, which could be used to accommodate information panels for the wine tourism region when the works are completed.

Welcome signs in the roadway would only be installed in association with each of the above three locations. However, if the Association so desires, similar information panels about the wine region could be installed at other locations such as at the Mudgee visitor information centre or in an existing information bay on Road within Mudgee, but roadway Welcome signs would not be installed in association with such panels.

d) Mid-Western Regional Council is able to contribute $6,800 to assist with the completion of the signage scheme.

To facilitate the completion of the signage scheme, Phil offered that RMS would fund the manufacture and installation of road signs to welcome visitors to the region if the Association works with the Council and Mudgee Region Tourism to install visitor information panels at the Ilford and Gulgong locations mentioned above prior to 31 October 2014. In this event, Council funds could be applied to offset other costs associated with the scheme.

Decision: (a) If Mudgee Wine Grape Growers Association works with the other stakeholders to install visitor information panels that satisfy TASAC requirements at off road locations at Ilford and Gulgong prior to 31 October 2014, then RMS will fund the manufacture and installation of “Welcome” signs in advance of the two locations. (b) The Association and Council will work towards the establishment of an information bay off Ulan Road near Wollar Road as soon as possible after road works at the location have been completed. Welcome signs (to be paid for by

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the Association) would be installed in the road reserve in advance of the location after the information panels have been established.

Action: Secretariat to advise the Association as above and inform Council and Mudgee Region Tourism

1.2 Other Mid-Western Regional Council signage issues

Virginia raised the following matters:

i. Directional Signage to Mudgee on Ulan Road: Marty advised that RMS has agreed to install green on white directional signage for Mudgee on the at the Ulan Road intersection.

Action: Phil to liaise with RMS to progress the provision of directional signage at the location, which would include the distance to Mudgee.

ii. Signage for Gulgong visitor information centre: As the centre is not currently accredited at any level it is no longer eligible to use the italicised “i” symbol on any signage (either in the roadway or at the premises). It was noted that only centres accredited at level 1 or 2 are able to use the symbol on road signage and level 3 centres may use the symbol on signage within the property boundary. TASAC members indicated that the Gulgong centre could use the Roman “i” symbol on Council roads or at the centre but not on State roads.

Action: RMS Western Region to remove signage for the centre that uses the italicised “i” symbol from the Castlereagh Highway.

1.3 Members’ report on site inspections

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

i. Gooree Park Wines

Unauthorised signs are installed for Gooree Park Wines on the Castlereagh Highway. The business is located at 1154A - 1154B Castlereagh Highway north west of Mudgee. Its website gives its opening hours as weekdays from 10.00 am - 5.00 pm and weekends from 11.00 am - 4.00 pm. The weekend opening hours are less than is required for tourist signposting from a State road.

Action: Secretariat to write to the operator with a view to determining eligibility for the existing signposting. ii. Moothi Estate

Unauthorised signs are installed for Moothi Estate on the Castlereagh Highway. The business is located at 85 Rocky Waterhole Road east of Mudgee. Its website gives its opening hours as Friday to Monday from 10 am – 5 pm, which is less than required for tourist signposting from a State road.

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Action: Secretariat to write to the operator with a view to determining eligibility for the existing signposting.

iii. Mongrel Vineyard

Unauthorised signs (“Mongrel Wines 3 km”) are installed for Mongrel Wines on the Castlereagh Highway. The business is located at 571 Springflat Road south east of Mudgee. Its website indicates that it is open from 10 am to 4 pm on weekends and public holidays or by appointment, which is less than required for tourist signposting from a State road.

Action: Secretariat to write to the operator with a view to determining eligibility for the existing signposting.

iv. Rocky Waterhole Road sign

The design of a white on brown tourist sign on the Castlereagh Highway at the intersection with Rocky Waterhole Road denotes that more than one winery is located along that road. However, this is no longer the case.

Action: The existing tourist sign is to be replaced with a black on white street name sign. RMS Western Region to supply Council with appropriate sign designs for it to arrange manufacture and installation.

v. Mudgee Sports Complex

Numerous white on blue signs were observed for the Mudgee Sports Complex, including a number of dilapidated signs and some that are more remote from the facility than is allowable. Signs for the facility on the Castlereagh Highway are unauthorised.

Action: RMS Western Region to liaise with Council regarding the Glen Willow signs.

vi. Windamere Dam

Intersection signs for Windamere Dam on the Castlereagh Highway are in good condition but its advance signage is faded. TASAC found the dam to be eligible for tourist signposting in October 2012 following consideration of an application from Mid-Western Regional Council and its eligibility remains current until November 2017.

Action: RMS Western Region to liaise with Council regarding upgrading of the advance signage. vii. Bathurst Sheep and Cattle Drome

There is a tourist sign for the Bathurst Sheep and Cattle Drome on Gilmour and Hereford Streets near the Bathurst end of Tourist Drive 3. The sign is faded and may be unserviceable. In March 2012, following a request from TASAC, the operator declined to reapply for tourist signposting and RMS was asked to remove the existing signage. The sign at the above intersection appears to have been overlooked.

Action: RMS Western Region to liaise with Council about removal of the remaining signage for the business.

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2. NEW TOURIST SIGNPOSTING APPLICATIONS

2.1 Kwiambal National Park, near Ashford

Kwiambal National Park has existing tourist signposting but its standard is variable and it offers limited insight into the park’s activities and facilities. The park is south of the , north of the and west of the . Nearby towns are Ashford, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, and . Access from Ashford, which is the nearest town, is via Limestone or Goberts Roads, both of which are unsealed, all-weather roads.

The park is set on the junction of the Severn and Macintyre Rivers near the NSW / border. It has a history of tobacco farming and features include timbered areas of white cypress-pine and ironbark, granite gorges and twisting waterways. Kangaroos and emus can frequently be observed in the park’s open plains. The park offers multiple opportunities for swimming and fishing and the rivers themselves are a prime attraction, with plunge pools, beaches and scenic waterfalls than can be seen from one of the park’s lookouts. Walking trails pass through forested areas and are scaled for many levels of fitness.

The park, which is always open, offers interpretive information at its major visitor areas, including camping and picnic areas. Interpretive content highlights the park’s natural, cultural and heritage values. Images of information panels entitled “A Living Museum” and “This Limestone Environment is Special” were provided.

The main visitor precincts and experiences are at:

 Macintyre Falls Lookout: Access is via an unsealed all weather road that is suitable for two wheel drive vehicles. There is a car parking area, picnic tables, non-flush toilets, gas BBQ, non-potable water, walking tracks with interpretation and areas for swimming and fishing. A 200 metre trail takes visitors to Macintyre Falls Lookout, which overlooks a high, scenic gorge and waterfall. Steps and a boardwalk take visitors to the river (600 m), which has a plunge pool for swimming. At a small adjacent beach visitors can swim under a high cliff on the Macintyre River’s northern bank.

 Lemon Tree Flat Picnic and Camping Area: Access is via an unsealed all weather road that is suitable for two wheel drive vehicles. The precinct has 20 camp sites some of which are suitable for caravans and camper trailers, picnic tables, non-flush toilets, wood and gas BBQs, non-potable water, walking tracks with interpretation and opportunities to swim and view wildlife. Junction Walk is 4 km and takes visitors from the camping area to the junction of the Severn and Macintyre Rivers.

 Kookabitta Picnic and Camping Area: Access is via an unsealed all weather road that is suitable for two wheel drive vehicles. The precinct has eight camp sites including some for caravans and camper trailers, picnic tables, non-flush toilets, wood and gas BBQs, non-potable water, walking tracks with interpretation and opportunities to swim and view wildlife.

 Limestone Caves Picnic area: The caves have limestone formations and are inhabited by rare bats. There are tables and non-flush toilets at the picnic area.

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Two holiday homes within the park (Landervale Homestead and Bat House) can accommodate visitors but these require prior arrangements to be made and therefore cannot be referenced on any tourist signposting.

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

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

2.2 , near Tenterfield

Bald Rock National Park is one of three parks in the on the NSW . The two other parks are Boonoo Boonoo and Basket Swamp and together they form a logical cluster near the / Queensland border. They are the northern gateway to the NSW park estate and are readily accessible to markets in , the and .

Bald Rock National Park, which is always open, is in NSW immediately east of the Queensland border. It is north east of the New England and Bruxner Highways near Tenterfield with access via a sealed road off Mount Lindesay Road. The park’s existing tourist signposting is variable, e.g. a hand painted sign on the New England Highway offers no insight into the park’s activities or services.

The park, which is the primary nature based tourism attraction in , offers the following main visitor experiences:

 Bald Rock Campground and Picnic Area: This Includes 16 camp sites, some suitable for caravans and camper trailers; car parking area; picnic tables; non-flush toilets; wood and gas BBQs; non-potable water; walking tracks with interpretation; and lookouts. The main walks are:

o Bald Rock Summit walking track, which takes bushwalkers up to the largest granite rock in with many scenic views. o The Border Walk goes from the Bald Rock picnic area to the NSW / Queensland border. o The Little Bald Rock Walking Track offers scenic views across NSW and Queensland.

The park is promoted on the NPWS visitor website and in a colour brochure that also highlights the nearby Boonoo Boonoo National Park. It is identified in the NPWS New England North West Touring Guide, a Cartoscope Touring Map and in material associated with Tourist Drive 7.

Interpretive information is available at nodes and destinations along walking routes. Interpretive content includes the natural, cultural and historic heritage values of the park and advice about navigation and safety. Photos depict visitor information panels titled “Welcome to Bald Rock National Park”, “Exploring this Park”, Fabulous Fauna”, “Fantastic Flora”, and “Bald Rock Camping Area”. Each panel includes a mix of text, photos and maps.

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

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

2.3 Boonoo Boonoo National Park, near Tenterfield

Boonoo Boonoo National Park, which is 24 km north of Tenterfield and east of Bald Rock National Park, is another of the three parks in the Granite Belt group. The park is east of Mount Lindesay Road, which along with Falls Road, are the major access roads. A hand painted sign on the New England Highway offers no insight into the park’s facilities.

The park, which is always open, offers outstanding scenery including a waterfall and rocky gorges. It receives about 100,000 visitors per annum from south east Queensland and the NSW northern rivers area who seek respite from the heat and crowds that characterise nearby coastal locations. It has the following main visitor experiences:

 Boonoo Boonoo Falls picnic area - This is the primary attraction within the park and it is located near its northern border. It includes a car parking area, picnic tables, non-flush toilets, gas BBQs, non-potable water, walking tracks with interpretation, lookouts and areas for swimming. Boonoo Boonoo Falls cascade over the eastern edge of the New England tableland dropping 210 metres into the rainforest and gorges below. Wallabies and kangaroos are often seen around the picnic area, especially at dusk. From the picnic area there is a short easy bushwalk along Boonoo Boonoo Falls walking track to the lookout. Here there are views across the gorge to the falls and granite cliffs. Further on are swimming holes, the beginning of a river track and access to other hiking trails.

 Cypress Pine Campground: This includes 16 camp sites some suitable for caravans and camper trailers, picnic tables, non-flush toilets, wood and gas BBQs, non-potable water, walking tracks and interpretation and opportunities to swim and view wildlife.

 Morgans Gully Day Use Area: An historic 1890s alluvial gold field, Morgans Gully is now the site of a day use area in the south west part of the park. It offers swimming, camping and picnic areas with an under-cover gas cooking galley provided in both the picnic and camping areas.

 Platypus Hole Picnic Area: This facility is referred to in the documentation that accompanied the application but its location is unclear.

The park offers interpretive information at nodes and destinations along walking routes. Interpretive content includes the natural, cultural and historic heritage values of the park and how to navigate, be safe and responsible during visits. Photos of two sets of visitor information panels were submitted. One is titled Boonoo Boonoo National Park and the second is Walking Trails of Boonoo Boonoo National Park.

A furnished cabin within the park (Robinsons Cabin) can accommodate visitors who have made prior arrangements.

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

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

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2.4 Basket Swamp National Park, near Tenterfield

Basket Swamp National Park is the third park in the Granite Belt cluster. It is south west of Bald Rock National Park and immediately south of Boonoo Boonoo National Park. Basket Swamp offers an outstanding waterfall, horse / bike riding opportunities and camping. However, the park has no toilets for visitors.

TASAC may exempt attractions from the need to provide public toilets if they are not a commercial attraction (no entry fee and / or goods offered for sale) and if they could be regarded as “short stay” attractions (where visitors would be anticipated to stay less than 15 minutes to fully experience the attraction). It is understood that there is no entry fee to the park but it cannot be regarded as a short stay attraction and it is therefore not eligible for tourist signposting.

NPWS has no immediate plans to provide toilets at the park. However, David Nalder, NPWS Tenterfield Area Manager, has indicated that if new tourism signposting helps to stimulate visitor numbers to Bald Rock and Boonoo Boonoo National Parks, the agency would consider installing additional facilities, including a toilet, in Basket Swamp National Park.

Decision: Basket Swamp National Park is not eligible for tourist signposting in the National Parks, State Conservation Areas, Forests and Water Storages category as there are no public toilets at the site.

Action: Secretariat to advise the applicant as above.

2.5 Crystal Castle, (Theme Park application)

Crystal Castle is located on 25 ha in the hinterland. It has existing tourist signposting north and south of its entry and also en route from to the south and Mullumbimby to the north.

TASAC found the attraction to be eligible for signposting as a Theme Park in September 2005. A new application seeks to update that eligibility and a separate application in the State Significant category has also been lodged (see below).

Crystal Castle, which has evolved from a crystal trading business, offers cultural awareness and nature-based visitor experiences around the central theme of crystals. The visitor experiences emphasise spirituality, mindfulness, magic and cultural tolerance and encourage reflection, enchantment and meditation. The destination has become synonymous with the broader Byron Shire ethos of healthy mind, body and spirit.

Visitors are invited to “enrich their spirit” by taking time to:

o Appreciate and learn about crystals through annotated displays. The crystal displays have been collected over 28 years from national and international sources and are the largest collection of crystals in the . For example, the Crystal Gallery has displays that explain the different varieties of crystals and give information about their properties, such as in relation to healing, health, happiness, loss and grief. The gallery includes mystical crystal balls, towering amethyst caves, extensive displays of crystal specimens and pieces available for sale. o Explore tranquil landscaped gardens and grounds adorned with human-sized crystals, mystic statues, including Shambhala Gardens and a children’s playground.

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o Walk through regenerated rainforest (e.g. half kilometre Buddha Walk; 1 km Rainforest walk along which 5,000 trees have been planted since 2006; Bushtucker track [also known as the Bundjalung Gulgan track] which is accessed from the Rainforest walk and features healing plants used by the 19 indigenous Australian groups that make up the Bundjalung nation; and the Bamboo Avenue). o Walk in a labyrinth based on an ancient design o Enjoy statuary (castle sculpture, Ganesh, Lakshmi [14 m high}, a 14 tonne Buddha and Nandi the bull) and murals (e.g. Rainbow Serpent mural). o Visit the Rainbow Room and Peace Room. o Explore a World Peace Stupa (one of seven in the world and the only one in Australia). The sacred monument, which was built by Gyuto monks, has an unusual spherical body that symbolises the energy cycle and the structure of the cosmos. It uses symbolism to protect against negative energies and offers a seven minute audio meditation, prayer wheels, a selection of music that plays on the half hour and a guided 45 minute experience at 3.15 pm daily that involves a sound healing “bath” and walk around the Stupa. o Experience “mystical” readings such as palm and aura readings.

As indicated above, the theme is presented by a wide variety of means, including walks, gardens, statuary and displays. Interpretive material comprises signage, brochures, display boards and a 124 page official guidebook. The application included information about visitor numbers and their geographic source markets. More details about visitor numbers are discussed in item 2.6 below.

The application requests signposting in the name of “Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens”. However, only Theme Park and State Significant applications were lodged and not one for Outdoor / Nature Based Attractions, which includes Botanic Gardens. The information in the applications shows that Shambhala Gardens are one element of the larger Crystal Castle experience. As indicated above, the site includes many other elements and no evidence has been provided to demonstrate that the Shambhala Gardens qualify as an attraction separate from the theme park. Therefore, the term “Shambhala Gardens” cannot appear on tourist signposting. Even if an eligible application in the Outdoor / Nature Based Attractions category was submitted, “Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens” may be too long for use on tourist signposting.

During the discussion it was noted that the location map on the brochure is very small. It would assist visitors if a larger map with clearer information about the names of the access roads were included in future iterations of the brochure. Also, the attraction may currently have more tourist signs than allowable.

Note: A site inspection report in support of the application was received from Joanne McMurtry of Byron Shire Council the day after the meeting.

Decision: Crystal Castle is eligible for tourist signposting in the Theme Parks category. However, as it has not been demonstrated that Shambhala Gardens are eligible for signposting in the Outdoor Nature / Based Attractions category, this name cannot appear on tourist signposting.

Action: Secretariat to advise the applicant as above and inform RMS Northern region.

2.6 Crystal Castle, Mullumbimby (State Significant application)

An application for Crystal Castle was also lodged in the State Significant category with a view to obtaining more remote tourist signposting on and from the Pacific Motorway, which is about 13 km from the attraction.

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The application indicates that the attraction complies with the specific requirements of the State Significant category in that it is open daily and it received more than 150,000 fee paying day- time visits in 2013/2014. The visitor numbers have been attested to in writing from Peter Fowler of Collins Hume, a firm of certified practising accountants, in a letter dated 14 July 2014.

The letter was accompanied by a spreadsheet titled “Visitation Source Data”, which was prepared by the operator and reviewed by Mr Fowler. It presents visitor numbers generated from point of sale software used at the premises. The visitor numbers submitted to TASAC for tourist signposting purposes were adjusted to remove non-fee paying attendees at evening events.

RMS has indicated that there are two possible locations on the Pacific Motorway where more remote signposting may be able to be located, namely the Ewingsdale interchange (12.7 km from Crystal Castle) or the Gulgan Road interchange further north (13.9 km from the attraction). RMS will need to review both interchanges to determine where any more remote signposting could be accommodated.

Decision: Crystal Castle is eligible for signposting in the State Significant category.

Action: Secretariat to advise the applicant and inform RMS Northern Region.

3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF 16 JULY 2014

The minutes of TASAC’s meeting of Wednesday 16 July 2014, which was held in Young in the South West 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 Update on Orange Wine Tourism Region proposal

Glenn Mickle, Orange City Council Tourism Manager, has advised that information panels welcoming visitors to the Orange Wine Tourism Region have been installed at four locations:

 Vittoria Road junction with , East of Orange.  Rest area at eastern exit from Molong, north west of Orange City Council  The Monument junction on Forbes/Parkes Road, west of Orange.  Centre of Cargo village, within an existing rest area, south west of Orange

Art work for the panels was provided in 2013 and a map showing the four locations where the panels have been installed was recently submitted, along with photos of two of the panels in- situ. The panels include a map showing the location of each winery with a list below of the winery names, addresses, phone numbers and opening hours. The region’s wineries are also promoted in a publication that is updated annually.

In July, applications from Stockman’s Ridge Wines and De Salis Winery were found to be eligible for major tourist signposting in their own right. Borrodell Vineyard, Highland Heritage Estate and Orange Mountain Wines were found eligible in January 2010. The only outstanding matters relate to the submission of applications from Philip Shaw Wines and Ross Hill Wines,

Final 1 September 2014 10 of 18 TASAC Minutes 20 August 2014 which are required to demonstrate that the region has a critical mass of wineries eligible for signposting in their own right.

4.2 Signposting for Monte Cristo, Roundhouse Railway Museum and Migurra Reserve Walking Track

The operators of Monte Cristo Homestead and Roundhouse Railway Museum (both in Junee Shire) and Migurra Reserve Walking Track (in Cootamundra Shire) have been asked to submit applications by 26 September so that the eligibility of the destinations for existing signposting can be reviewed.

The Roundhouse Railway Museum operator indicated that he was prepared to consider increasing the museum’s weekday opening hours to comply with TASAC requirements (the museum is currently open Monday – Friday 12:00pm – 4:30pm and Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 9:30am – 4:30pm).

4.3 Status of

It is understood that Fossickers Way is the name of a tourism product that runs from Nundle through Tamworth, Manilla, Barraba, Bingara, Warialda, Inverell and Glen Innes. It is supported by a committee made up of representatives of the Tamworth, , Gwydir and Inverell Councils through which the route passes and is promoted via a comprehensive website that includes maps and gives information about the towns along the route, accommodation and events.

Following a recent inquiry from Erin Carroll of Tamworth Council regarding the status of Fossickers Way, TASAC records were reviewed and Erin informed that Fossickers Way is not a touring route recognised by TASAC. The records indicate that the possibility of such a touring route was raised with TASAC when it met in Glen Innes in October 2002 but no subsequent application was ever received. In any case, as eligibility for tourist signposting only remains current for five years and TASAC has not considered an application for Fossickers Way in the last five years, any previous eligibility that it may have had would now have lapsed. Therefore, all existing “white on brown” tourist signposting for Fossickers Way on State roads is unauthorised.

It is understood that there is also “black on white” Fossickers Way signposting in some locations. “Black on white” signage is used to display gazetted road names and, as RMS has advised that Fossickers Way is not the name of a gazetted road, the “black on white” signage on State roads is also unauthorised. In addition, it is likely that the existing unauthorised signposting for the route may not be complete and therefore visitors would not be able to follow it using the signposting alone.

RMS has advised that, in the near future, it will be reviewing all signage (white on green, white on blue, white on brown and black on white) on certain of its roads that affect some or all of the Fossickers Way route. As the Fossickers Way signposting is not authorised by TASAC or RMS, signage for it will be removed as part of that process.

In the circumstances, the Committee members felt that the Fossickers Way management committee should look at improving the promotion of the route via digital applications rather than tourist signposting. With the advent and popularity of digital applications the imperative to use

Final 1 September 2014 11 of 18 TASAC Minutes 20 August 2014 signage to promote routes for tourists is changing. Drive itineraries optimised for mobile digital platforms are likely to be a more cost effective and flexible way to encourage visitors to explore hinterland areas and are worthy of consideration as an alternative to tourist signposting.

Action: Secretariat to write to the Chair of the Fossickers Way Committee as above to formalise advice provided to Tamworth Council.

4.4 Waa Gorge, Mount Kaputar National Park, additional information

Jessica Stokes of NPWS recently provided additional information in connection with an application for Waa Gorge Mount Kaputar National Park, which her agency submitted to TASAC in December 2013. Following a request from TASAC, NPWS has added directional signage to two of the eight gates along the roads from the to the gorge. NPWS had previously provided information to demonstrate that information is available at the track head to inform visitors about the challenges associated with the walk to the gorge.

Marty reported back about his visit to the gorge earlier in the year. The following concerns were noted during the discussion:

i. While directional signage has been added to two of the gates, there are another six gates that do not have such information. ii. Waa Gorge is about 40 km from the Newell Highway, which is a considerable distance. iii. There is no mobile phone coverage at the gorge. iv. There is no potable water at the gorge. v. There is no way-finding signage on the track to the gorge after the rock holes in the creek. vi. There is no safety fence along a steep drop on the track above the rock holes. vii. Waa Gorge is some 70 km from the Gwydir Highway, which is too remote for signposting purposes and existing signage on the highway at the Terry Hie Hie intersection will be removed.

Marty informed the meeting that he understood that earlier this year a visitor to the gorge fell and a medical evacuation was required.

The Committee members determined that the safety and other concerns outlined above were such that it could not support tourist signposting for Waa Gorge on State roads (i.e. the Newell and Gwydir Highways). It was noted that this decision does not prevent NPWS from liaising with the relevant local councils about improving signage to the gorge on local roads.

Decision: Waa Gorge Mount Kaputar National Park is not eligible for tourist signposting in the National Parks, State Conservation Areas, State Forests and Water Storage Areas category for the reasons outlined above.

Action: (a) Secretariat to advise the applicant as above. (b) RMS to remove tourist signage for Waa Gorge from its roads.

4.5 Meroogal Historic House, Nowra

Meroogal Historic House, which is operated by Sydney Living Museums (previously known as the Historic Houses Trust), is open for unbooked visitors once a week on Saturday from 10.30

Final 1 September 2014 12 of 18 TASAC Minutes 20 August 2014 am to 3.30 pm. Nevertheless, it has had unauthorised tourist signposting on the at Nowra for some time and Ryan Horne of RMS Sydney Region advised Maria in May that the sign has become faded and unserviceable.

A letter was sent to the operator about this matter on 10 June and this was followed up by email on 23 July to advise that the signposting would be removed unless the operator demonstrated that the property met the relevant eligibility requirements by 8 August. However, no application was received and on 12 August Maria asked Ryan to make arrangements for the signage to be removed.

Decision: TASAC members noted that Meroogal Historic House is not eligible for tourist signposting in the Historic Properties and Sites category because its opening hours are well below TASAC requirements.

4.6 Gledswood Homestead, Catherine Field

Gledswood Homestead has had tourist signposting on for many years. Following an inquiry from Phil in June, Maria spoke with Nadene Clarke, manager of the property, who indicated that it primarily operates as a function centre. While farm and homestead tours are available, both require pre-booking and a cellar door on site does not satisfy the requirements for signposting as a Winery because it does not offer wines for tasting and sale that are made from grapes grown on the property. On this basis Maria and Nadene agreed that the business was not currently operating in a manner that would meet TASAC’s requirements for signposting in any category and it was noted that the existing tourist signs needed to be removed.

However, Nadene also pointed out that recent RMS road works on Camden Valley Way have resulted in the loss of advertising signage at the entry to the homestead (i.e. its opening hours signage). Martin Davies has confirmed that this is correct. As soon as Martin advises Maria that the entry signs have been reinstated (on private property adjacent to the road reserve) she will write to Nadene to formally advise that the tourist signposting will be removed for the reasons noted above and request RMS to carry out the work.

Action: Secretariat to advise the operator as above after RMS reinstates the entry signs.

4.7 Fairfield Museum and Gallery

Fairfield Museum and Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. As it is not open on Sunday it is not eligible for existing tourist signposting on the Cumberland Highway and Brennan Street. The museum and gallery was previously open on Sunday but this has not been the case for some years.

Tiffany Le Shoy, Council’s Manager Cultural Development has asked that the signs be retained until 12 September to give Council time explore the possibility of using volunteers to open the attraction on Sundays. Council is currently doing a risk assessment to gauge the capacity of volunteers to deal with emergency situations. RMS will be asked to remove the signage from its roads if an application is not received by 12 September.

Note: Ms Le Shoy emailed Maria on 27 August to advise that Council will not be re-opening the facility on Sunday in the near future. RMS Sydney Region was informed and asked to remove the signposting.

Final 1 September 2014 13 of 18 TASAC Minutes 20 August 2014

4.8 Garfield Gallery, Wongarbon

Garfield Gallery’s website indicates that it is open for unbooked visitors Wednesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. Even though these hours are less than required by the Tourist Signposting Manual the gallery has had unauthorised tourist signposting on the Mitchell Highway at the Beni Street intersection leading to Wongarbon Road for some time. The operator, who told Maria that the gallery’s hours are longer than indicated on its website, was asked in writing on 7 March to submit an application to TASAC to demonstrate that the gallery meets the tourist signposting requirements. Written reminders were sent on 13 May and 11 June 2014 but no application has been received.

RMS Western Region subsequently confirmed that the gallery’s signposting had been removed due to road works and Maria asked RMS not to reinstate the signs until an application is submitted for the gallery and it is found to be eligible. She also emailed the operator and Jacki Parish, Tourism Manager at Dubbo City Council, of the position by email on 1 July.

Action: RMS to ensure that its roads crew do not reinstate the tourist signposting for Garling Gallery until TASAC requests RMS to do so.

4.9 Metz Gorge, Bakers Creek Falls, Historic Armidale and Historic Hillgrove

Progress by Armidale Dumaresq Council in the preparation of signposting applications for the above applications was noted.

4.10 Relocation of Grand Pacific Drive information bay (northern end)

NPWS has been in touch with RMS about its intention to relocate the visitor information panels at the northern end of Grand Pacific Drive. The current location of the information panels is a car park adjacent to a building that was operated by NPWS as a visitor centre for The . However, the building is now used as an office following the establishment of a new visitor centre for the park at Audley.

Lucy Farrier of NPWS recently advised David that her agency wished to move the information panels to a location beside a walking path leading to the Audley Visitor Centre, some 1.7 km further along Grand Pacific Drive. The current location of the panels is causing confusion. Visitors assume that the NPWS office is a visitor centre and staff are regularly required to redirect visitors. It is understood that NPWS intends to meet the cost of relocating the visitor information panels and that it wishes to complete works by mid-September.

TASAC members raised no objections in principle to the proposed relocation but considered that NPWS should consult the Grand Pacific Drive management committee about it. It was also noted that road signs directing visitors to the information bay will also need to be amended and changes to the location of the information bay may need to be reflected in the promotional material for Grand Pacific Drive.

Action: David to ask NPWS to write to Grand Pacific Drive management Committee about the proposal.

Final 1 September 2014 14 of 18 TASAC Minutes 20 August 2014

4.11 Robyn Rowe Chocolates, Murrumbateman

Mr and Mrs Rowe recently wrote to TASAC to outline the progress made in relation to a number of outstanding matters regarding their application for tourist signposting for their chocolate making business, which was discussed with them at the July meeting. Among other things, the Committee noted that a DVD about chocolate making has been filmed and is nearing completion, images are being prepared of the chocolate making process for display at the premises and tasting notes have been prepared.

Mr and Mrs Rowe will write again when they are in a position to demonstrate that they have attended to the matters raised by the Committee.

Action: Secretariat to acknowledge the letter.

5. INQUIRIES RECEIVED SINCE LAST MEETING

The following inquiries received in the period since the last meeting were noted:

5.1 Kempsey tourist drive proposal 5.2 Small Forest Winery, Denman 5.3 Jetpack Adventures, Penrith 5.4 Rich River Golf Club, Moama 5.5 Rural Heritage Village and Museum 5.6 Philip Shaw Wines, Orange 5.7 Pearson’s Lookout, Lithgow LGA

6. POLICY ISSUES

6.1 Western Region Numbered Tourist Drives

The position with respect to the review of numbered tourist drives in Western Region was discussed and is summarised in the table at Attachment 2. It was noted that updates of signage and promotional material have been completed for the following drives:

 Tourist Drive 1 (Hartley, , Oberon, Kelso) shared by Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon LGAs.

 Tourist Drive 3 (Kelso, Sofala, Hill End, Mudgee) shared by Bathurst and Mid-Western LGAs.

 Tourist Drive 4 (Ilford, Sofala, Hill End, Mudgee) shared by Bathurst and Mid-Western LGAs.

Actions: (a) RMS Western Region to continue to work with relevant Councils to progress the upgrade of signs for TD 1 (Tooraweenah to ); TD 3 (Narrabri to Inverell); TD 7 (Warialda to Inverell); TD 2 (Mudgee, Rylstone, Kandos, Glen David, Capertee); and TD 5 (Orange, Sturt Town, Wellington) and report back prior to the next Western Region meeting.

Final 1 September 2014 15 of 18 TASAC Minutes 20 August 2014

(b) Secretariat to contact Narrabri, Gwydir and Inverell about their drives.

6.2 Proposal by Bega Valley Shire Council to amalgamate Tourist Drives 8, 9 and 11

By letter of 17 July 2014, the Mayor and General Manager of Bega Valley Shire Council wrote to TASAC to indicate that Council wished to retain Tourist Drives 8, 9 and 11 as tourism products into the future given that TASAC refused an application to establish the Australian Coastal Wilderness touring route in March 2014.

On 7 August 2014, Bob McAlister in Council’s Generating Business Growth area emailed Maria to advise that Council wishes to collapse the three tourist drives (8, 9 and 11) into one, to be known as Tourist Drive 9, from Tilba into Bermagui, south to Tathra and through to Merimbula. He further indicated that:

i. There will be no east west cross links associated with the new Tourist Drive 9 (such links from the coast to the Princes Highway are currently a feature of the existing Tourist Drives 8, 9 and 11). ii. Bega Valley Council will liaise with Eurobodalla Council about the change to Tourist Drive 8 (this drive is currently shared by both Councils). iii. RMS and Bega Valley Council representatives will travel the route of the new drive to determine that the signage meets requirements, and where it does not, Council will upgrade the signage accordingly, including the complete removal of signs for Tourist Drives 8 and 11, by the end of the year. iv. Promotional material previously created by Sapphire Coast Tourism will be adapted to reflect the new route and to brand it as Tourist Drive 9. New promotional material will be forwarded to TASAC by the end of the year. Ultimately the new material will be available from Council’s visitor information centres and provided to Bombala, Cooma, ACT and Eurobodalla visitor centres. v. Websites, phonic marketing strategies and social media information will be adapted to reflect the new Tourist Drive 9.

Decision TASAC supports Council’s proposal to collapse Tourist Drives 8, 9 and 11 into a new drive to be known as Tourist Drive 9 in principle, subject to compliance with the matters listed at i to iv above. No signposting for the new Tourist Drive 9 will be installed on RMS roads until TASAC is satisfied that items i to iv have been achieved.

Action: Secretariat to advise Bega Valley and Eurobodalla Councils as above and inform RMS Southern Region.

7. OTHER BUSINESS

7.1 TASAC Meeting Schedule

Please refer to Attachment 1 for the schedule of meetings for the next six months. The next Western Region meeting will be held on 15 February 2015 in Forbes.

Final 1 September 2014 16 of 18 TASAC Minutes 20 August 2014

7.2 Signage for Pioneer Ridge Estate Boutique Winery, Medowie

Lyn Penson, Manager, NSW Accredited Visitor Information Centre Accreditation and Marketing Program, contacted Maria about a sign associated with Pioneer Ridge Estate Boutique Winery, which is located on the corner of Kindlebark Drive and Medowie Road, Medowie. Lyn indicated that the business is not an accredited visitor information centre but she understands that the sign also includes the accredited italicised ‘i” logo.

A review of TASAC records back to 2006 found a telephone inquiry on 2 September 2013 from Mathew Middleby about how to apply to TASAC for tourist signposting for the winery but no application was ever received. Given that the records show that TASAC has not considered a tourist signposting application for Pioneer Ridge Winery for more than five years, any previous authorisation there may have been for such signposting is no longer current. Therefore, any existing tourist signposting for the winery in the roadway is unauthorised.

Ken Saxby of RMS Hunter Region recently advised that his staff have removed some white on brown tourist signs for Pioneer Ridge over the years from both the Pacific Highway at Medowie Road and from Nelson Bay Road. Ken commented that he understands there may still be a sign for the business near the Medowie Road / Richardson Road intersection but the sign is on private property and not within an RMS road. Therefore, as signs on private property are a matter for the local Council, Phil suggested that Lyn might care to take the issue up with Port Stephens Council.

Action: Secretariat to pass on the above information to Lyn.

8. NEXT MEETING

Wednesday 17 September 2014 in Wollongong (Southern Region).

The meeting concluded at 1.10 pm

Final 1 September 2014 17 of 18 TASAC Minutes 20 August 2014

Attachment 1 – TASAC Meeting Schedule

Region Location Date

2014 Southern Wollongong 17 September 2014 Northern Ballina 15 October 2014 Sydney Parramatta 12 November 2014 N / A Sydney 10 December 2014 2015 N / A Sydney 21 January 2015 Western Forbes 18 February 2015

Final 1 September 2014 18 of 18