There has been little activity in the past 12 months in terms of regular meetings.
The new Executive has met in Braidwood on November 26 2023. They discussed many items but a key task was to update our Membership contact details. Several long standing members are financially outstanding and the committee should be reaching out to you. Most existing committee members kindly volunteered for the next twelve months and we are pleased to welcome Hugh Hodgkinson as our new Secretary.
One key task is to improve our communications with perhaps more "newsletters". These may be quite short and our preference is to use emails as far as possible. The Executive touched on the status of the various Bridle Tracks.
The combined AGM and regular meeting was held on Sunday 27 August 2023 at 10am at the Araluen Pub.
Download a copy of the Meeting Notice. (RSVP details on the notice). Membership renewals will become due. See the Subscription Notice
An issue that will be discussed is the development of a proposal to hand more management of NSW National Parks to various Indigenous organizations.
As you may know, NSW politicians have long range plans to transfer ALL National Parks to Aboriginal ownership. This represents 10% of the state! The current document can be found on our website HERE
The Department of the Environment website has a page explaining the process
https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-management/community-engagement/aboriginal-joint-management-model-consultation
The actual PDF document (5.5Mb) can be downloaded here:
https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/Aboriginal-joint-management/aboriginal-joint-management-model-220300.pdf
Part of our Charter is to maintain ACCESS to our National Parks, and in the past AFA has worked hard to establish close relationships with senior National Parks’ personnel.
The prospect of loss of public ownership is causing dismay and concern amongst the few in the community who have become aware of these plans. However, AFA has been successful in inviting Mr. Craig Thomas to attend our AGM. Craig has intimate knowledge of the state of play in government circles and has kindly agreed to speak to us and provide up-to-date information regarding ACCESS and MANAGEMENT
You are strongly urged to attend this information briefing, despite the short notice. It is unclear what the ramifications will be, despite a continuing but subservient role for our friends in the NPWS. Please come along, with any others who might be adversely affected.
We are grateful to have Mr Craig Thomas talk to us about the progress made and implications of the proposals being considered by the NSW Government.
A summary of some of Craig’s impressive responsibilities include:
President 4WD Association of NSW and ACT.
Councillor, Ministerial Advisory Council.
Member, NPWS Aboriginal Joint Management Model, Stakeholder Consultative Group.
Representative for TRANSPORT for NSW.
President, Australian Confederation of Motor Clubs (ACMC)
Associate of Hon. Paul Toole, former Deputy Premier of NSW
Close and frequent contact with NPWS and Forestry Corp.
Advisor, Classic Vehicle Registration Scheme (CVS).
President, Street Hot Rod Federation (ASRF)
Member, Automobile After-Market Association (AAAA)
Please download and read the Government Report HERE