Incorporating a range of new and improved licensing measures, the key ingredients of Parks Eco Pass include:

• one licence obtained through one application process that will allow businesses to operate across multiple parks for all their licensed activities
• a consistent fee structure throughout the state
• increased certainty by permitting the transfer of licences (if a business is sold)
• potential to access a licence term of up to 10 years
• access to a raft of new, free and/or ‘opt in' marketing/promotional opportunities to help operators grow their business
• access to a centralised, informative and responsive licensing system
• a guarantee of service for licence assessment (eight weeks) with a dedicated, central coordinator as a key contact point; and
• improved monitoring and compliance.

Business entities, organisations or individuals undertaking a ‘commercial activity' associated with recreation, tourism and/or education in a national park or reserve must apply and hold a Parks Eco Pass.

NPWS is hosting a series of free briefings around NSW on Parks Eco Pass for existing and prospective operators in August 2009.

There's also a comprehensive Parks Eco Pass information pack now available including fast facts and frequently asked questions.

Download the information pack from our website, or email or phone the Parks Eco Pass Licensing Coordinator on 1300 361 967 for a pack to be posted to you.

NPWS Regional Manager Ross McDonnell said both events were a huge success. The Open Day offered a sampling of the activities now available for visitors to the park and a full program of live music and entertainment.

Among the line up were performances from local artists including Kutcha Edwards and Ron Murray plus reptile shows, face painting, sheep shearing and 'Yanga Yarns'.

The magnificent 135-metre long woolshed, located on the picturesque banks of the Murrumbidgee River was the perfect venue. Visitors were also able to inspect the historic drop log Homestead and the Cook's Cottage Exhibition that explores the shared history of Yanga.  

Once a pastoral station, Yanga has a rich colonial and cultural heritage. Some 250 Aboriginal sites are registered within the park, including canoe and scar trees, middens and oven mounds.

The park also includes more than 150km of Murrumbidgee River frontage with ancient redgum forests and riverine wetlands.

"Picnic and camping sites have been put in place and interpretative signage will guide visitors around some of the park's special features, including the massive woolshed and historic homestead," said Mr McDonnell.

"Yanga also boasts a close proximity to the World Heritage listed Willandra Lakes area, encompassing Mungo National Park - giving this part of the world a very special experience for visitors," he said.

Yanga National Park is 8km east of Balranald in western NSW, with easy access from the Sturt Highway. For more information on Yanga, visit our website or contact the NPWS Hay Office on 02 6990 8200.

"The Greater Blue Mountains is one of Australia's most spectacular landscapes and one of our 17 World Heritage areas," said Mr Garrett.

"This new work will restore and protect the heritage elements to ensure the track will continue to provide an enjoyable and memorable visitor experience.

Restoration will include recutting stone steps, repairing staircases, installing new stepping stones across Greaves Creek, building a new footbridge, drainage and new barrier fencing - enhancing the overall visitor experience while reducing visitor impacts on the environment.

The funding, part of the Australian Government's $650m Jobs Fund Initiative, was welcomed by Ms Tebbutt as an important investment in the Blue Mountains region and "a tremendous boost to local employment and local business confidence."

The Ministers also launched the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Strategic Plan on 5 June. The plan maps out the broad management principles for the area, establishing the framework for the integrated management, protection, interpretation and monitoring of the values of the eight reserves of the World Heritage Area.

For information on the Grand Canyon Track, National Pass and Blue Mountains National Park, visit our website.

Internal and external speakers provided valuable insights on a wide range of topics, from new directions in sustainable tourism and recreation, and managing commercial tour operations to the latest visitation research findings, working with the media and brand management.

As in 2008, staff had the opportunity to showcase their innovative tourism and visitation programs, with presentations followed by audience choice awards. The winners included:

• The new Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre, gateway to the expansive Pilliga Forest in Heart of Country NSW. The unique centre highlights the historical and natural features of the Pilliga and is a beacon for eco friendly design, using solar power, rainwater storage and special design features that maximise heating and cooling efficiencies.
• The Living Country Culture Camp held at Ganguddy Dunns Swamp in Wollemi National Park in October 2008. A collaboration between NPWS and local Aboriginal groups, the camp was hosted by the six Aboriginal language groups of the Greater Blue Mountains and provided an opportunity for the local community to gather and celebrate culture. Plans are underway for the 2009 camp to be held in conjunction with an Indigenous Week at Jenolan Caves in November.
• Yarrangobilly Caves, a stunning collection of limestone caves in Kosciuzsko National Park. Recent developments in the area have included the relighting of South Glory Cave and the long awaited opening of Caves House, which had been closed for more than 40 years. Plans are afoot for further developments above and below ground, including improvements to interpretation and to walking trails. Caves House has already been voted Best Tourism Business in the 2008 Tumut Region Business Leadership Awards, a sign of things to come.

"These results show just how important parks are to communities around New South Wales," Ms Tebbutt said.

"Our parks not only provide a haven for native plants and animals and offer a range of recreational choices, but also contribute jobs and money to local economies.

Survey results showed the five most popular national parks were Blue Mountains, Royal, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Lane Cove and Kosciusko.

Ninety one per cent of visits were from within NSW, while Victoria and Queensland contributed the most interstate visits, followed by the ACT. 

Bushwalking was the most popular activity (54 per cent), followed by water sports (17 per cent) and picnicking (14 per cent).

The survey also reported ninety per cent of visitors were satisfied or very satisfied with their experience.

View a summary of the report on the NPWS website.

The program combines the NSW Environmental Trust-funded Aboriginal Tour Guide Training Manual 2007 with integrated accredited TAFE subjects from Certificates I, II and III in Tourism.

The training provides Aboriginal communities with a pathway into tourism and helps communities to define cultural product within their own cultures and environments as part of a holistic approach to engaging visitors on Country. More than 160 Aboriginal people in ten communities around NSW have undertaken the training so far. 

The Annual TAFE NSW Gili Awards celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal TAFE NSW students and staff that have contributed to their communities through training and education. Gili - pronounced Killi - is a word from the Eora language meaning ‘to shine'.

For information on the Aboriginal Tour Guide Training  Program, email NPWS Aboriginal Education Officer Jody Orcher or phone 02 9585 6883.

Plans of Management are key tools in the management of NSW's national parks and reserves and cover a range of issues such as fire, pest animals, weeds, threatened species, Aboriginal and historic heritage, education, sustainable tourism and recreation.

Register as a stakeholder online at the NPWS website, or phone 02 4784 7300 for a registration form to be posted to you.

Registrations close COB Friday, 28 August 2009.

 

The Company: Great Divide Tours

The experience: Great Divide Tours offers 4WD tag-along tours in national parks across the state. The company is accredited by Ecotourism Australia and offers clients a range of single and multi-day touring options, including a one day special 'mystery tour' experience. Clients can enjoy a memorable, hands-on adventure in their own or rented 4WDs, with experienced guides developing the itinerary and leading the way. Clients can travel in the style they want, with tours ranging from self catered and camping-style, to fully catered and accommodated.

The locations: The company is based in Sydney and operates tours in national parks across NSW (and Australia), including Blue Mountains, Kanangra Boyd, Gardens of Stone, Abercrombie, Barrington Tops, Werrikimbe, Morton, Deua, Kosciuszko, Willandra, Kinchega, Mungo, Sturt and more.

Operator's choice: Managing Director Vic Widman says "We visit so many great parks, from the outback in Sturt National Park to the temperate rainforests in Barrington Tops, but Deua National Park on the South Coast is a stand out for Great Divide Tours. It's 4WD access only, has a large network of 4WD tracks, has fantastic bush camping in the Bendethera Valley, features a large wildlife population and has the pristine Deua River running right past our campsites. This style of park is ideally suited to the needs of a 4WD tag-along tour operator and it all adds up to make Deua one of our most popular destinations - not only for our customers but also for our guides".

The verdict: Vic says "Having been in operation for more than 15 years, Great Divide Tours has a strong customer base. Without doubt, the reason our clients keep coming back is the fun and enjoyment they experience, while being able to access areas of such fantastic natural beauty that they would not otherwise have the confidence to do so on their own".

The details:
W: www.greatdividetours.com.au
T: 02 9913 1395
E: info@greatdividetours.com.au

Visit our website to find licensed operators also offering great 4WD tour experiences - and a host of other guided activities - in NSW national parks.

Head of NPWS, Sally Barnes, said the celebrations marked a significant achievement for local Aboriginal communities and recognised their strong connection with Mt Yengo.

"Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act the declaration of an Aboriginal Place gives legal protection to places of special significance to Aboriginal culture and recognises and promotes the importance of the place to the Aboriginal community," she said.

Mt Yengo covers 1,700 hectares in Yengo National Park, and has special significance to Wonnarua, Awakabu, Worimi and Darkinung traditional owners and their descendents as well as to contemporary Aboriginal communities within the greater metropolitan, Central Coast and Hunter areas.

It is significant as a spiritual natural feature that forms the central point of connection for all the major rock art sites from northern Sydney to the north of Newcastle and the upper Hunter Valley.

Ms Barnes said the gazettal of Mt Yengo Aboriginal Place was also a positive recognition of the partnership between the Co-management Committee and NPWS.

"Twelve different Aboriginal groups from across the Region are on the Committee and it provides wonderful direction and advice to NPWS in the management of cultural heritage on park estate in the area.

"They played an important role in ensuring that the community's desire for the protection and recognition of Mt Yengo as an area of great significance was brought to fruition."

Kids activities, poetry events and fireside storytelling added to the diverse and energetic program.

NPWS was a sponsor of the event, which was organised by the Perisher Chamber of Commerce and a team of volunteers.

The Snowy Mountains of Music Festival is the latest in an exciting program of music events that take place around Kosciuszko National Park throughout the year, including the Thredbo Blues Festival, CMC Rocks the Snowys and the Thredbo Yalumba Jazz Festival.

Visitors participated in a wide range of activities above and below water, with diving, snorkelling and kayaking on offer as well as an underwater photo and video competition, underwater photo clinics, marine wildlife talks and more.

Cape Byron Marine Park manager Andrew Page applauded the event for showcasing the beauty of the marine park.

"The Cape Byron Marine Park was without doubt the undisputed star of the recent Underwater Festival and we thank the organisers Tim and Wendy Hochgrebe for their marvellous vision and commitment.

"The marine park is a wonderful venue for the festival and we look forward to the festival's return to Byron Bay in two years time," he said.

Coverage of the unusual event went global in print and on the internet, with magazines in Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States and Singapore publishing winning images from the festival.

Winning images and videos can be viewed at the festival website.

1 July - 15 August - Yun Yi Barragay Aboriginal Art Exhibition
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre in Port Macquarie is hosting an exhibition of Aboriginal artworks by students of the Aboriginal Cultural Arts course at Wauchope TAFE. Yun Yi Barragay means 'walk with me' in the Kattang language. The exhibition is open 9am-4pm.

2-31 July - Working with Nature photography exhibition
This exhibition at Dorrigo Rainforest Centre in Dorrigo National Park shows a range of photos taken by NPWS North Coast Region staff, from gentle nature landscapes and historic heritage buildings to fiery images from hazard reduction burns. The Centre is open 9am-4:30pm every day.

4 July-2 August - NPWS 'Connections' Aboriginal Art Award Exhibition 2009
This exhibition at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery in Ballina features works from Aboriginal artists across the Northern Rivers Region.

2 August - National Tree Day

15-16 August - International Lighthouse Weekend
Celebrated around the world, ILW promotes public awareness of lighthouses. NPWS manages 10 lighthouses in NSW, four of which also offer lighthouse keeper's cottages for unique holiday stays. Keep an eye out on the NPWS website for lighthouse tours and activities.

15-23 August - National Science Week
From wildflowers to seahorses, join scientists and Rangers in national parks for public talks and tours in celebration of National Science Week. Visit the NPWS website for activities.

24-30 August - Keep Australia Beautiful Week

5-13 September - History Week 2009
Visit the NPWS website for national park activities celebrating History Week, this year exploring 'scandals, crime and corruption'.

7-13 September - National Landcare Week

19 September - International Coastal Cleanup Day

19-20 September - Nocoleche Nature Reserve's 30th Anniversary Celebrations
NPWS invites locals and visitors to come 'Back to Nocoleche' to help celebrate 30 years of Nocoleche Nature Reserve.

Congrats also to...

Pat Hall - Manager Education, Information and Tourism for NPWS' South Coast Region, on receiving a Queens Birthday Honour in June. Pat received the Public Service Medal for her outstanding public service in the provision of educational and tourist information regarding the national parks and reserves of NSW's south coast region.

John Dengate - former DECC Director of Public Affairs and long-time national parks 'identity', who was also named as a recipient of the Public Service Medal for his outstanding public service, particularly in the public affairs arena.

Lennie Anderson - Aboriginal Liaison Officer in DECC’s Culture and Heritage Division, who received a Medal of the Order of Australia in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours for service to the Indigenous community, particularly in the area of land rights for the Worimi people.

And finally to...

Lane Cove River Tourist Park in Lane Cove National Park - for making it all the way to Brazil and the global finals for the World Tourism and Travel Council’s Tourism for Tomorrow Awards in May. The tourist park was selected as a finalist for the Conservation Award and was one of just twelve international - and the only Australian - finalist. The Conservation Award is open to tourism businesses, organisations and attractions that can demonstrate a tangible contribution to the conservation of natural heritage. 

Country Style, May 2009 "Swimming with Seals" - NPWS Discovery Coordinator Mark Westwood reveals the joys of a job that lets him introduce visitors to the amazing wildlife of Montague Island.

Good Taste, May 2009 "Top Getaways - Lighthouse Stay" - The cottages at Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse in Myall Lakes National Park offer stunning coastal views and all the mod cons right on the doorstep of one of the state's largest coastal lake systems and 40km of gorgeous beaches.

Sydney Morning Herald, May 2009 "The coast is clear and cut-price" - Beachfront views, good facilities and family friendly prices make for a great camping experience at Arakoon State Conservation Area and Yaraygir National Park.

Tumut & Adelong Times, 29 May 2009 "Discovery flights to historic lighthouse" - South Solitary Island is under the spotlight as its July open week approaches, offering visitors a rare opportunity to visit the most remote lighthouse station on Australia's east coast.

Sydney Weekender, Channel 7, 30 May 2009 - "South Solitary Island and Emerald Beach" - A joy flight takes in South Solitary Island off the Coffs Coast.

Australian Geographic, June 2009 "Discover Australia - Great Australian Walks" - From city-side to wilderness, Sorrel Wilby takes viewers on the iconic national park walks around stunning Sydney Harbour and along the spectacular National Pass in the Blue Mountains as part of 'Discover Australia - Great Australian Walks', the latest in Australian Geographic's 'Best of Australia' DVD series.

Sydney Morning Herald, 6 June 2009 "Tribal Footsteps" - NPWS Aboriginal Discovery rangers lead a walk in the footsteps of Tumut's original inhabitants and reveal a bounty of bush tucker.

Weekend Australian, 13 June 2009 "Solitary Splendour" - Journalist Sue Milne straps in tight for a memorable helicopter ride to tiny South Solitary Island.

Getaway, Channel 9, 25 June 2009 - The highlights of the Waterfall Way and Dorrigo National Park feature in this episode, including the spectacular views from the Skywalk and the peaceful ambience of the rainforest walks at Dorrigo Rainforest Centre.

The team is headed up by new Manager, Marketing and Promotions Charlotte Prouse, who brings a wealth of public and private sector marketing and brand experience to NPWS, including more than a decade with Tourism NSW and Tourism Australia.

Charlotte is responsible for implementing NPWS's brand strategy and developing a marketing and communications plan for the agency over the coming months.

She is supported by Marketing Coordinators Danielle Millar and Susana Heraud, and Events Coordinator Meg Nicholas.

The NPWS Marketing Unit can be contacted on 02 9585 6653.