Minutes of the Tourist Attraction Signposting Assessment Committee Western Region meeting

Transcription

1 Minutes f the Turist Attractin Signpsting Assessment Cmmittee Western Regin meeting Wednesday 18 Nvember 2015 at Gilgandra Shire Hall, Gilgandra Shire Cuncil Warren Rad, Gilgandra Members TASAC David Duglas Phil Oliver Maria Zannetides Reginal Crdinatr TASAC and Drive, Destinatin NSW Guidance and Delineatin Manager, RMS TASAC Secretariat Als present Sharn Griersn RMS Western Regin Members f the Central Destinatin Management Wrking Grup Graham Perry Andrew Sargent Candace Trres Libby Kermnd-Carr Randall Medd Natasha Cmber Aimee Crxn Kristie Hallfrd Aileen Bell Sarah Derrett Danielle Kirkwd Aplgies Marty Cassell Chief Executive Officer, Inland NSW Turism & Chair Central Destinatin Management Wrking Grup Inland NSW Turism Zne Manager Inland NSW, Destinatin NSW Manager, Cee Heritage Centre, Gilgandra Shire Cuncil Ecnmic Develpment Manager, Gilgandra Shire Cuncil Dubb City Cuncil Dubb City Cuncil Dubb City Cuncil Warrumbungle Shire Cuncil Warren Shire Cuncil Cnamble Shire Cuncil RMS Western Regin AGENDA ITEMS 1. DELEGATIONS / PRESENTATIONS & REGIONAL SIGNPOSTING ISSUES Nte: Fllwing crrespndence and an invitatin t TASAC, the first part f the meeting was held in cnjunctin with the Central Destinatin Management Wrking Grup t discuss aspects f NSW turist signpsting plicy raised with TASAC by the wrking grup. 1.1 Discussin regarding NSW turist signpsting plicy including: Members f the Central Destinatin Management Wrking Grup prvided backgrund infrmatin abut their rle and raised a number f cncerns in relatin t turist signpsting plicy as fllws: Inland NSW Turism cvers 45% f NSW and includes 35 lcal gvernment areas. It cmprises eight cmmunities whse representatives meet at least fur times each year. In accrdance with NSW Gvernment plicy, the RTO aims t duble vernight visitr Final 30 Nvember f 16

2 expenditure by It recgnises that a cnsumer fcus is imprtant t the develpment and implementatin f strategies t achieve this bjective. Inland NSW has received cnsistent feedback that signage is a majr issue in its area, particularly in the Great Western Plains cmmunity, which is represented by the Central Destinatin Management Wrking Grup wh regularly interface with custmers and peratrs abut prblems relating t accessing turist attractins. Therefre, the wrking grup wishes t better understand: TASAC guidelines, their basis and purpse. Hw TASAC interfaces with the cnsumer. Whether visitrs understand that TASAC signs dente attractins that meet minimum pening hur and day requirements. Whether there is scpe t vary the guidelines s that different requirements apply t different areas. Optins t assist visitrs in lcating high quality destinatins that d nt meet TASAC guidelines regarding pening hurs / days (e.g. are clsed n Sunday r which nly accept visitrs by appintment). TASAC members prvided the fllwing cmments: i. TASAC, which has perated since the early 1990s, manages NSW Gvernment plicy relating t the signpsting f majr turist attractins n and frm State rads. Turist signage n lcal and reginal rads are matters fr lcal cuncils. ii. iii. iv. TASAC is a partnership between Destinatin NSW, which sets minimum standards fr quality turist attractins in 15 different categries and RMS, which is respnsible fr determining sign design and lcatins. Eligibility fr TASAC signage remains current fr five years and the cst f installing signs n State rads is met by the peratr. Like all rad signs, turist signs have rad safety and traffic management implicatins and the demand fr turist signs exceeds the ability t prvide them in a safe and equitable manner. RMS is authrised t remve signs fr attractins that n lnger meet TASAC requirements. Turist signs (white text n a brwn backgrund) are ne f three types f guide signs n State rads. The ther sign types are white n green destinatin signs that guide mtrists t twns and lcalities and white n blue service signs that guide mtrists t majr services such as hspitals and airprts. The three sign types integrate t guide mtrists arund the State rad netwrk. Hwever, if space is limited in a radway, the prvisin f destinatin and service signs receives a higher pririty than turist signs. While destinatin and service signs are the respnsibility f RMS, nt TASAC, cncerns abut them are ften discussed at TASAC meetings and sme visitr issues can be slved by imprving green r blue signs. v. Turist signs in the reserve f State rads are prvided t serve visitrs and eligibility fr such signs is subject t TASAC s assessment prcess that is designed t gauge bth the quality f the experience as well as its availability, i.e. whether visitrs have a reasnable chance f fllwing turist signs t find a destinatin pen and accessible t them withut the need t make prir arrangements. Advertising signs, which are nt permissible in rads reserves, are lcated n land adjacent t majr rads t prmte businesses and are subject t a separate develpment applicatin prcess managed by cuncils. Final 30 Nvember f 16

3 vi. vii. viii. ix. TASAC assesses the quality f a turist attractin by cnsidering its cmpliance with eligibility criteria relating t hw a prduct is presented and interpreted t visitrs. Availability is gauged by requirements relating t pening hurs and days (i.e. a minimum f six hurs per day fr five days per week including bth weekend days fr 11 mnths f the year). TASAC guidelines were mst recently updated in 2012 and prir t that the guidelines underwent majr reviews in 2001 and These reviews were undertaken in cnsultatin with industry stakehlders and turism experts. Requirements regarding pening hurs / days were upheld at each f these reviews, including that signpsted attractins must be pen n bth weekend days when the majrity f recreatinal trips are undertaken. Opening hur requirements were relaxed frm seven hurs t six hurs per day in 2007 as a result f cnsultatin with stakehlders. When visitrs see and respnd t a turist sign they have a legitimate expectatin that the attractin will be pen. Visitr dissatisfactin reflects badly nt nly n the credibility f the particular attractin but als n the turism industry generally and the credibility f the NSW turist signpsting system as a whle. Attractins that are eligible fr signage n State rads are expected t perate t a scale and standard that enables them t cater fr unbked visitrs. This aims t avid visitr incnvenience and disappintment. Eligible attractins may require pre-bking fr large grups, such as cach turs but nt fr individuals r small grups travelling independently in private vehicles. x. In accrdance with the Visitr Ecnmy Industry Actin Plan, Destinatin NSW cmmissined cnsumer and stakehlder research abut visitr expectatins in relatin t turist signs. The research, cmpleted in 2015, will be used t guide future Turist Signpsting Plicy. Graham s request fr the release f the research reprt was nted. xi. xii. xiii. While cuncils are encuraged t adpt TASAC guidelines, they are nt bliged t d s. In respnse t a questin, it was nted that TASAC is aware f a number f cuncils that have adpted turist signage guidelines that mirrr TASAC s (e.g. Blue Muntains, Prt Macquarie- Hastings and Greater Taree). TASAC is nt aware f examples f Cuncils adpting lcal signage guidelines where signs are prvided n Cuncil rads fr attractins that are clsed n weekends. Unfrtunately, sme turist signs n State rads are unauthrised and therefre d nt relate t attractins that meet TASAC standards. TASAC meets in reginal lcatins 10 times per year and the day prir t meetings, members inspect the rad netwrk in the area being visited, enabling unauthrised signs t be identified and fllwed up. Measures that Cuncils and RTOs culd t cnsider t prmte turist attractins that d nt meet TASAC signage guidelines include: Installing rad signs n lcal r reginal rads. Installing advertising signs n private land adjacent t rad reserves. Encuraging peratrs t install better business identificatin signage at their prperty bundary. Final 30 Nvember f 16

4 Encuraging peratrs t prvide cnsistent and easily accessible infrmatin abut pening hurs / days n all prmtinal material, including digital material. Nt including this infrmatin prminently and cnsistently n prmtinal material is unhelpful and tends t discurage visitrs. Encuraging peratrs t include lcatin infrmatin n all prmtinal material in the frm f a street address; a lcality map (preferably a Ggle map n digital material); and advice in text frm abut hw t access the attractin. Sme peple respnd well t maps whereas thers find descriptive access infrmatin mre helpful and it is therefre imprtant t prvide bth types f lcatinal infrmatin. Use f infrmatin panels installed in ff-rad bays t prmte attractins in a lcal area. Actin: Secretariat t prvide the meeting minutes t Graham as a recrd f the discussin and in respnse t the wrking grup s crrespndence t TASAC. 1.2 Members reprt n site inspectins David and Phil made the fllwing bservatins arising frm their site inspectins in the Gilgandra area and envirns the day befre the meeting: i. Gilgandra and Cnabarabran visitr radi services were nt perating n 17 Nvember. ii. It is unclear what a sign n the Newell Highway near the Gilgandra Visitr Infrmatin Centre with a legend Turist Rute Start refers t. There are n turist rutes eligible fr signage n the highway in this lcatin and the sign wuld therefre appear t be unauthrised. Actins: (a) Maria t prvide a pht f the sign t Sharn and Marty at RMS Western Regin. (b) RMS Western Regin t wrk with Gilgandra Cuncil t remve the sign. iii. Tw signs in the frm f a 5 in a five sided shield are incrrect and need t be remved. One sign is n the Castlereagh Highway (Warren Rad) and the ther is n a lcal rad. Actin: RMS Western Regin t remve the sign n the Castlereagh Highway and wrk with Gilgandra Cuncil with a view t remving the secnd sign. iv. Gilgandra Flra Reserve is nt well signpsted n the Newell Highway. It is understd that the 8.5 ha bushland reserve is pen daily during all mnths, ffers bushwalking, picnicking, BBQ facilities and interpretive infrmatin. Actin: Secretariat t request Gilgandra Cuncil t submit an applicatin t TASAC s that signage fr the reserve can be reviewed. v. Turist signs were bserved n the Mitchell Highway fr Dubb Reginal Btanic Garden. These are cnsistent with TASAC s supprt in December 2014 f an applicatin ldged by Dubb Cuncil t reflect the garden s new name. Hwever, signs with the frmer name (Shyen Japanese Garden) were bserved n lcal rads. Actin: RMS Western Regin t wrk with Dubb Cuncil t ensure that signs with the crrect name are installed n all rads leading t the attractin. Final 30 Nvember f 16

5 2. NEW TOURIST SIGNPOSTING APPLICATIONS 2.1 Bents Basin State Cnservatin Area, Greendale Bents Basin State Cnservatin Area (SCA) in Western Sydney has had turist signpsting fr many years. RMS is upgrading the intersectin f Bringelly and the Nrthern Rads, which will affect the SCA s existing signage and an applicatin has been submitted by NPWS, which manages the SCA, at TASAC s request t enable its eligibility t be reviewed and, if apprpriate, signage upgraded. The basin is a deep waterhle that frms part f a grge n the Nepean River between Camden and Penrith. It is ppular fr water-based activities such as swimming, fishing and caneing. There are fireplaces, barbecue and bushwalks thrugh Gulguer Nature Reserve t Caley's Lkut. Car based and caravan camping are available (bkings essential, fees apply). Bents Basin State Cnservatin Area is pen frm 9 am t 7 pm daily during daylight saving mnths and frm 9 am t 4.30 pm daily during ther mnths. The pening hurs and days are shwn n a sign near the entry and n the digital brchure at Hwever, the SCA s visitr guide des nt state the SCA s hurs. Instead, it gives the hurs f the NPWS ffice at the site (weekdays 9.30 am t 4.30 pm) and advises visitrs t cntact the ffice fr pening and clsing times f the SCA. The guide als includes a lcatin map, details f visitr activities (picnicking, swimming and fishing), infrmatin abut the SCA s landscape, cultural cnnectins, plants and animals and includes a detailed map. The visitr guide als shws tilets at fur lcatins, i.e. at the camping area; the Richard Venables Educatin Centre; at pint near the western end f the carping area and abut half way between the Centre and the Durrawi Picnic Area; and nrth f the parking area fr the Bents Basin Picnic Area. Three images have been prvided f infrmatin panels with the SCA. One is at the camp grund and appears t include cntent relating mre t visitr rientatin (campgrund rules, hurs and facilities) than interpretatin. Anther panel fr the SCA is similarly mre relevant t visitr rientatin than interpretatin. A third panel includes wayfinding infrmatin. In respnse t a request fr mre details regarding interpretive infrmatin, NPWS advised that it is in the prcess f upgrading interpretive and infrmatin signage within the SCA but at present, it is nt knwn when new material will be finalised and installed. Decisin: Actin: Bents Basin State Cnservatin Area is eligible fr turist signpsting in the Natinal Parks, State Cnservatin Areas, State Frests and Water Strages categry subject t the prvisin f additinal infrmatin t demnstrate that adequate interpretive infrmatin is available at the site. Secretariat t advise the applicant as abve and finalise the applicatin if apprpriate when additinal advice abut interpretive infrmatin has been received. 2.2 Mutawintji Natinal Park, near Brken Hill Mutawintji Natinal Park is in the far western part f the State abut 130 km nrth east f Brken Hill. RMS is undertaking rad wrks n the Silver City Highway at the Mutawintji Rad intersectin, which will affect the park s existing signage. An applicatin has been ldged at TASAC s request t allw the park s eligibility fr signage t be reviewed. Final 30 Nvember f 16

6 Mutawintji Natinal Park is ne f the majr attractins in this part f the State. The park is pen daily during all hurs. Features f the park f interest t visitrs include Abriginal rck art, walking trails and sedimentary sandstne landscape utcrps. Facilities include: i. A visitr centre, apprx. 5 km frm the park s entry, which has picnic tables with shelters; flush tilets with disabled access; gas BBQ; telephne; and interpretive infrmatin and serves as a meeting place fr turs. It is currently unstaffed but visitrs are able t access it at all times as it is a large cvered area withut fully enclsing walls. Negtiatins are currently taking place with the Mutawintji Land Cuncil t utilise the space as an ffice and retail area in ii. iii. iv. Hmestead Creek Camping Grund has 50 camp sites fr car based camping, caravans, and camper trailers; picnic tables with shelters, gas BBQ; flush tilets with disabled access; shwers and water. Parking fr cars and caches is available at a number f key lcatins within the park such as the visitr centre and the camping grund. Seven walking tracks including the Thaakalatjika Mingkana Walk alng which Wiimpatja and Eurpean paintings, stencils and engravings may be viewed. The track includes a number f bardwalks t prvide visitrs with easy access t the artwrks withut causing any further damage. Three f the ther walks take visitrs further alng Hmestead Creek Grge with an ptin t visit rck hles r take a return lp alng the Byngnan Range. The Mutawintji Grge Walk has picnic tables with shelters; and interpretive infrmatin. v. Lkuts. vi. vii. Day use area at Hmestead Creek day use area (picnic tables with shelters, gas BBQ). Remte wilderness area suitable fr walkers (n car access). Additinally, if prir arrangements are made, visitrs can experience a guided tur t the Mutawintji Histric Site within the park t view ne f the best cllectins f Abriginal art in New Suth Wales. Interpretive infrmatin abut the site is prvided face-t-face during turs by Abriginal guides. The mst cmmnly used access t the park is via the Silver City Highway t the nrth f Brken Hill, turning alng the Brken Hill-White Cliffs Rad, then int Mutawintji Rad. All three rads are managed by RMS. This rute cvers 130 km with apprximately 30 km f it sealed. Anther cmmnly used rute gains access frm the Barrier Highway, travelling east frm Brken Hill fr 75 km n sealed rad and turning nrth fr 74 km alng the unsealed Waterbag Rad, which brings visitrs directly t the park entrance. These rads are als managed by RMS. Mutawintji can als be accessed via White Cliffs. This rute is unsealed with the Central Darling Shire Cuncil managing the sectin t the Brken Hill Rad and RMS managing the remainder. In dry weather the park is accessible t visitrs in either 2WD r 4WD vehicles. All unsealed rads in the area can be clsed during wet weather. Links n advise visitrs t seek rad infrmatin prir t travel. The Visitr Guide gives infrmatin abut flra, fauna, turs, cultural significance and access and cntains a map f the park with eight f its features highlighted (including Link Walk, Rckhles Lp Walk, Mutawintji Histric Site and Old Cach Rad Drive). The map als shws the lcatins f the park s visitr centre, day use and camping grund areas. Images were prvided f interpretive infrmatin within and adjacent t the visitr centre and assciated with the Hmestead Creek Walks, Hmestead Creek Grge Camping Area, Mutawintji Grge Walk and Western Ridge Walk. Final 30 Nvember f 16

7 The applicatin demnstrates that the park meets the relevant eligibility requirements. Decisin: Actin: Mutawintji Natinal Park is eligible fr turist signpsting in the Natinal Parks, State Cnservatin Areas, State Frests and Water Strages categry. Secretariat t advise the applicant as abve and infrm RMS Western Regin. 2.3 Histric Wingham Wingham has been signpsted as an Histric Twn fr many years (it appears n the list f histric twns wrthy f turist signpsting prepared in cnsultatin with the NSW Gvernment Heritage Office that was used t determine eligibility fr signpsting in this categry until 2003). An applicatin by Greater Taree City Cuncil has been ldged at TASAC s request t allw Wingham s eligibility fr signpsting t be reviewed and updated in rder t enable strm damaged signage n the Pacific Mtrway t be replaced. The applicatin, submitted by Dnna Hudsn, Cuncil s Team Leader Turism, Events and Cmmunicatins, identifies a number f histric themes as being relevant t the twn including Abriginal; Gvernment and Administratin; Pastralism; Agriculture; Transprt; Envirnment; Migratin; Transprt; and Technlgy. Infrmatin was prvided in relatin t each f the nminated themes describing hw the theme is presented in the twn, e.g. Wingham Curt Huse and its assciatin with bushranger Jimmy Gvernr are mentined in cnnectin with the Gvernment and Administratin theme and Wingham Brush, which is a remnant rainfrest area with remains f cedar saw-pits and lcal timber dwellings, is cited as evidence f the Envirnment theme. The twn includes many histric buildings e.g. the Memrial Twn Hall, which was cnstructed with timber dnated by the architect frm his wn mill just utside Wingham an Killabakh, and is the nly memrial twn hall in NSW. Wingham has 53 envirnmental heritage listings in Greater Taree Lcal Envirnment Plan (LEP) Fifty tw f these are f lcal significance and ne item (the pst ffice) is recgnised as being f natinal heritage significance. The Manning Valley Histrical Museum, lcated in a heritage listed building within the Wingham twn centre, plays an imprtant rle in understanding the heritage f the twn and area. Wingham has a traditinal shpping precinct alng Isabell and Bent Streets with many examples f traditinal cmmercial buildings that have central entrances, large glass shpfrnts and ftpath awnings. There is als a public building precinct alng Farquhar and Wynter Streets where many f the cmmunity s lcal services are hused e.g. library, pst ffice, plice statin, schls and churches, many f which are recgnised as heritage items. Systems used t prmte the twn s heritage t visitrs include: Self-guided Wingham heritage walk where visitrs can learn abut the twn s histry and histric buildings Brchures abut histrical themes A DVD Signage and interpretive infrmatin in the twn Cpies f the LEP / DCP were nt enclsed with the applicatin. Hwever, as nted abve, Wingham cntains a large number f items that are listed in the heritage schedule f Greater Taree LEP 2010 including numerus buildings, tw archaelgical sites (sawpits in Wingham Brush Reserve and Wingham wharf and surrunds) and a Heritage Cnservatin Area applies t a Final 30 Nvember f 16

8 substantial prtin f the twn centre. Clause 5.10 f the LEP includes a variety f standard subclauses aimed at prtecting the twn s heritage items and its cnservatin area. The Cuncil has stated that the Wingham Museum and Manning Valley Histrical Sciety, Wingham Advancement Grup, Chamber f Cmmerce, Cuntry Wmen s Assciatin, the Greater Taree City Cuncil Strategic Heritage Advisry Cmmittee and the lcal business cmmunity supprt the twn s signpsting as a heritage turist attractin. While letters f supprt frm these grups were nt submitted, the Cuncil s statement is reasnable given that Wingham has been signpsted as a heritage twn fr many years. Cpies f the fllwing prmtinal materials were prvided: The Wingham Self-Guided Heritage Walk includes 21 stps, each with a pht and a descriptive captin. Wingham Museum brchure, which prmtes a flk museum in a heritage building that has a large cllectin f artefacts frm the Manning Valley. The museum is pen daily frm 10 am t 4 pm. Wingham Brush Nature Reserve brchure, which prmtes the NPWS managed heritage listed reserve. The reserve has sme 195 species f native plants, including 76 tree species and 32 different vines and cmprises an endangered rainfrest cmmunity representing 90% f the remaining subtrpical lwland rainfrest in the Manning Valley and 10% f this type in NSW. An excerpt f the Manning Valley visitr guide, which is being updated fr publicatin by the end f February 2016, features a duble page spread abut the valley s histry and which refers t Wingham, amng ther places f heritage interest. The abve prmtinal material is available frm the Manning Centre Visitr Infrmatin Centre. There is als infrmatin n the Manning Valley website, at the Wingham Histrical Museum, Manning Valley libraries, the Taree Highway Service Centre and in lcal businesses. A new Manning Valley website is being launched within the next three mnths and brchures will be updated t reflect this. The histrical museum and the heritage walk are als individually prmted n visitnsw. Replacing these entries with a new entry fr Histric Wingham that prvides cmprehensive infrmatin abut the twn s heritage wuld enhance the infrmatin available t visitrs abut the twn s verall heritage experience. The applicatin demnstrates that Wingham is ptentially eligible fr signage in the Histric Twns, Villages and Precincts categry subject t the views f the NSW Office f Envirnment and Heritage. The applicatin was referred t the Heritage ffice fr cmment n 12 Nvember. Decisin: Actin: Wingham is eligible fr turist signpsting in the Histric Twns, Villages and Precincts categry subject t the views f the Heritage ffice. Secretariat t advise the applicant as abve and finalise the applicatin if apprpriate after the views f the Heritage ffice have been received. Nte: The heritage ffice advised f its supprt fr the applicatin n 23 Nvember and the matter will be finalised accrdingly. Final 30 Nvember f 16

9 3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF 14 OCTOBER 2015 The minutes f TASAC s meeting f Wednesday 14 Octber 2015 at Graftn in the Nrthern Regin were cnfirmed. The Cmmittee members and Secretariat advised that they had cmpleted all the actins attributed t them frm the meeting. 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 4.1 Cwra War Museum The Cmmittee nted that, in respnse t a request frm Cwra Cuncil, the Secretariat wrte t the peratr f Cwra War Museum asking him t submit a signpsting applicatin by 8 December It is understd that there are three unauthrised signs fr the museum n State rads. 4.2 Cwra signage review A reprt prepared by Marty Cassell RMS Western Regin regarding existing turist and ther signpsting in Cwra was tabled. The reprt was prepared fllwing Cwra Cuncil s signage audit undertaken earlier in the year and a meeting in Octber between Marty and Dnna Wilsn f Cuncil. It was nted that RMS will fllw up issues relating t destinatin and service signs. With respect t turist signs, TASAC will cntact the peratrs f the fllwing businesses t request that they submit signpsting applicatins s that eligibility fr turist signage can be reviewed: i. Cwra War Museum (see item 4.1 abve) ii. Steam Museum / Lachlan Valley Railway Museum iii. The Mill / Windwrie Winery iv. War Cemeteries v. POW Campsite vi. St Jhns Anglican Church vii. Kalari Wines viii. Hermes Wines ix. Darby Falls Observatry x. Cnimbla Natinal Park, Actin: Secretariat t write t the peratrs f the destinatins as abve. 4.3 Signage fr Milparinka In respnse t inquiries frm a lcal business peratr, RMS has investigated ptins t imprve signpsting t the village f Milparinka, which is abut 300 km nrth f Brken Hill ff the Silver City Highway in the State s unincrprated area. The village is abut 3 km suth west f the highway. It is understd that a frmer plice statin and curthuse nw huses lcal histry and research material and is knwn as the Milparinka Heritage Precinct. Hwever, details f the experience and its pening hurs are uncertain. It is als understd that the rad between the highway and Milparinka is partly unsealed and nt passable during wet weather. Actin: Secretariat t cntact Je Sulicich at RMS Western Regin t determine the peratr f the heritage precinct with a view t requesting that a turist signpsting applicatin be submitted t TASAC. Final 30 Nvember f 16

10 4.4 Irukandji Shark and Ray Encunters, Bbs Farm additinal infrmatin In respnse t cncerns that visitrs wuld be disappinted nt t find Irukandji (a small, venmus bx jellyfish) displayed at the destinatin after fllwing turist signs with Irukandji in the legend, the peratr f Irukandji Shark and Ray Encunters has prvided additinal infrmatin t demnstrate that while Irukandji are nt displayed at the venue, infrmatin abut them is available t visitrs. The additinal infrmatin cmprises: Images f five infrmatin panels at the centre relating t Irukandji, e.g. identificatin f Irukandji, Barrier Reef jellyfish species, jellyfish management, and Irukandji fact and fictin. Dt pints summarising infrmatin abut Irukandji prvided t visitrs during turs f the centre, including details regarding Irukandji ppulatin grwth, traits, behaviurs, impacts n the fd chain and bidiversity. (Entry is by guided tur nly and turs perate every 15 minutes t every hur, depending n the seasn.) A site inspectin reprt was requested frm Janelle Gardner f Destinatin Prt Stephens. Decisin: Irukandji Shark and Ray Encunters is ptentially eligible fr turist signpsting in the Zs and Wildlife Parks sectin f the Outdr / Nature Based Attractins categry subject t the receipt f a site inspectin reprt. Actins: (a) Secretariat t cntact Destinatin Prt Stephens t inquire abut prgress with the inspectin reprt. (b) Secretariat t advise the peratr as abve and finalise the applicatin if apprpriate after receipt f the inspectin reprt. 4.5 Barramundi Farm, Bbs Farm additinal infrmatin In respnse t a request frm TASAC, the peratr f a Barramundi Farm in Prt Stephens LGA has prvided additinal material t supprt his applicatin fr turist signpsting. Members reviewed the infrmatin and determined that the additinal material relating t the fllwing matters was satisfactry: Interpretive infrmatin abut the life cycle f barramundi. Details imparted t visitrs during guided turs abut barramundi farming. Evidence that turs d nt require prir bking. Hwever, the applicant s advice abut the fllwing matters des nt satisfactrily reslve TASAC s cncerns: i. Opening hurs / days: Cnsistent infrmatin abut pening hurs and days needs t be prvided n all prmtinal material (printed, digital and n a sign at prperty bundary). ii. Entry sign: T be eligible fr signpsting attractins must have a business identificatin sign n the prperty line near the public entry pint that includes the name f the turist attractin (in this case Barramundi Farm ) and gives the pening hurs and days fr unbked visitrs. Where guided turs are ffered as in this case, it is desirable fr the sign t give the daily tur Final 30 Nvember f 16

11 times. Other relevant infrmatin fr entry signs includes landline r mbile phne details and a website address. iii. Self-guided turs: A system needs t be put in place s that self-guided visitrs are reassured that they can access the prductin facility n demand. This is necessary because the facility s drs are nt always pen. Preferably, a bell shuld be installed alng with a ntice inviting self-guided visitrs t ring the bell t gain entry t the facility. The experience at the prductin facility fr self-guided visitrs als needs t be clarified. It is understd that visitrs taking a guided tur are able t walk arund inside the facility but it is nt clear if self-guided visitrs are als able t d s. Advice is therefre needed abut whether, after entering the facility, self-guided visitrs are permitted t walk inside and arund the facility r whether they nly able t view it frm just inside the dr. If the latter is the case, hw des this prvide a quality turism experience t self-guided visitrs? iv. Prduct sampling: Prduce grwn at the farm such as barramundi, lettuces and herbs shuld be made available fr taste testing by self-guided visitrs at a cnvenient lcatin such as the turism centre. It is understd that barramundi prducts might nt be able t be ffered fr tasting until a prcessing centre, which is currently under cnstructin, has been cmpleted in spring Therefre, assurances shuld be prvided that taste testing f barramundi prducts will be ffered t all visitrs after the prductin facility pens. Actin: Secretariat t request further infrmatin t address pints i t iv abve. 4.6 Draft brchure fr Eden Lkut TASAC fund Eden Lkut t be ptentially eligible fr turist signpsting in September 2013 subject t the prvisin f apprpriate prmtinal material fr the lkut. Subsequently, respnsibility fr securing the signage passed frm the Eden Chamber f Cmmerce t Shannn Wlshyn, Manager f the Eden Visitr Infrmatin Centre. Maria tabled a draft brchure fr Eden Lkut submitted by Shannn and the fllwing imprvements were suggested: i. The lkut s pening times shuld be stated n the brchure. ii. The layut f the material wuld be imprved if fewer, larger phts were used. iii. The lcatin map is t small and shuld be enlarged t make it easier fr visitrs t read and interpret. iv. The lkut shuld be clearly labelled n the map with the text Eden Lkut prminently shwn. Actin: Secretariat t advise Shannn as abve. 4.7 Signage fr Opal Centre, Krra Fllwing cmments by Ian Shanahan f RMS Nrthern in Octber abut the existing signpsting fr the Opal Centre, the peratr was cntacted and has prvided the fllwing advice: An pening hurs and days sign has been installed at the prperty bundary which indicates that it is Open days Final 30 Nvember f 16

12 A ntice stating Opal Cutting Demnstratins Available n Request has been placed inside the centre against a windw behind pal cutting equipment. The business identificatin sign refers t Opals, Gemstnes Jewellery and des nt refer t the business as an Opal Centre. TASAC members were cncerned that the legend presents the premises as a retail experience rather than a turism ne. This matter has been utstanding since The Cmmittee determined that it wuld be desirable t update the 2012 site inspectin reprt befre cmpleting its assessment f the Centre s eligibility fr signpsting. Actin: Secretariat t request a site inspectin reprt frm Cffs Harbur Cuncil and list the matter fr cnsideratin at the December meeting. 4.8 TreeTps Adventure Park, Abbtsbury Fllwing TASAC s Octber decisin that TreeTps Adventure Park at Abbtsbury is eligible fr turist signpsting in the Theme Parks categry, the applicant has written t request that the text n signs refer t TreeTps, TreeTps Sydney, r TreeTp Adventure Park. Members nted that while the perating cmpany refers t itself as TreeTps and this phrase appears n its website and prmtinal material, the name f the turism prduct is TreeTp Adventure Park. TASAC determined that signs fr the destinatin may refer t TreeTp Adventure Park. Actin: Secretariat t advise the applicant as abve and infrm RMS Sydney Regin. 4.9 Imprvements t the turism experience at Bdalla Cheese Factry TASAC determined that Bdalla Cheese Factry was eligible fr turist signpsting in June Hwever, sme cncerns were raised with the peratr after a visit t the factry by David and Maria n 16 September. Members nted the fllwing imprvements, which have been undertaken since the visit: i. The frmer museum rm has been renvated and is nw knwn as the Shw and Tell Rm. It has new displays abut the surces and types f bush tucker used t make sme f the factry s cheeses, including a number f murals painted n the walls. ii. iii. iv. Tw new films are screened in the Shw and Tell Rm. One film (9 mins 8 secs) describes varius uses fr the factry s cheeses and the milk bttling prcess. It als has shrt segments n the head cheesemaker, the factry s funder and team, the dairy farm and cattle herd. A secnd film (3 mins 27 secs) includes images f dairy farm management, milking, bttling, pasteurisatin and instructins abut hw t make a simple cheese at hme. New, imprved text has been prepared fr use n the viewing windws lking int the factry area. Six recipes cards featuring the factry s cheeses have been designed and printed fr distributin t visitrs. Final 30 Nvember f 16

13 4.10 Update n signage fr West Wyalng Visitr Radi TASAC has requested Ian Munr f Western Visitr Radi t submit an applicatin in cnnectin with the cntinued signpsting f the West Wyalng Visitr Radi service n the Newell Highway. It was nted that Ian has written t Bland Shire Cuncil requesting a letter in supprt f the service and it is understd that Cuncil will cnsider the matter at its meeting f 18 December. Actin: Secretariat t list the matter fr cnsideratin at the January 2016 meeting Additinal signage fr Yanga Natinal Park Phil advised that Simne Carmichael, a ranger with NPWS, has been in tuch with Ze Eldridge at RMS Suth West Regin regarding signage fr Regatta Beach. TASAC fund this precinct f Yanga Natinal Park t be eligible fr turist signpsting in January The ranger als inquired abut additinal reassurance signs frm the Swan Hill Rad (Yanga Way) / Sturt Highway intersectin. Actin: Phil t fllw up with RMS Suth West regin t clarify the request. 5. INQUIRIES RECEIVED SINCE LAST MEETING 5.1 Yaraand Envirnment Centre, Armidale (RMS) 5.2 WWII Flying Bat Base and Memrial, Rathmines (RMS) 5.3 Tnumbar Dam, Kygle 5.4 Estuary Restaurant, Brklyn 5.5 Bdalla Cheese Factry 5.6 Wmargama Natinal Park, near Hlbrk 5.7 Yarrangbilly Precinct (Ksciuszk Natinal Park) 5.8 Blackheath Glf Curse 5.9 Kands Museum During the discussin abut the abve inquiries it was nted that: i. The destinatin at item 5.4 abve is a restaurant at Brklyn accessed frm the Pacific Highway (a State rad) at its intersectin with an unnamed rad. As part f her inquiry, the restaurant peratr submitted an image f an existing white n brwn turist sign n the Pacific Highway with the legend Kangar Pt Cruise Terminal. The Cmmittee reiterated that restaurants are nt eligible fr turist signpsting (r service signpsting) n and frm State rads. It is understd that the restaurant is c-lcated with the cruise terminal. Unfrtunately, cruise terminals are nt eligible fr turist signs and the Cmmittee therefre determined that RMS shuld review the terminal s signage with a view t remving the turist signage and replacing it with white n blue service signage if apprpriate. Actin: (a) Secretariat t advise the restaurant peratr and Hrnsby Cuncil as abve. (b) RMS Sydney Regin t review signage fr the cruise terminal and advise Maria f the utcme. 6. POLICY ISSUES 6.1 Signage fr Recreatinal Vehicles Final 30 Nvember f 16

14 Phil tabled an image f a white n brwn turist sign that features symbls f vehicles twing caravans and the legend Cmmunity Welcmes Recreatinal Vehicles. It als has the name and lg f the Caravan Industry Assciatin f Western Australia in the lwer right hand crner. RMS understands that the Assciatin has infrmed authrities in Queensland that NSW and Victria have endrsed the sign fr use n State rads. Decisin: Actin: It was affirmed that the sign has nt been endrsed by TASAC (r RMS) fr use n NSW State rads. RMS t nte the abve decisin and take actin as apprpriate. 6.2 Advice frm Great Lakes Cuncil abut Turist Drives 6 and 2 Shrtly after the Octber meeting Sharn Bultitude, Turism and Marketing Crdinatr at Great Lakes Turism, advised that Great Lakes Cuncil has audited and upgraded signs n Turist Drives 2 and 6 in its LGA. Cuncil s audit dcument was referred t RMS Hunter fr review. Nw that the drives signage has been upgraded it remains t determine what prmtinal material is in place fr them. Actins: (a) Secretariat t fllw up Great Lakes and Greater Taree Cuncils, which share the drives, regarding prmtinal material. (b) RMS Hunter Regin t review Great Lakes Cuncil s signage audit and advise Cuncil and TASAC abut any cncerns. 6.3 Future f Turist Drive 8 (Albin Park t Nrth Nwra via Macquarie Pass and Kangar Valley) Shalhaven Cuncil advised TASAC prir t the Octber meeting that it did nt intend t keep any f its remaining three turist drives (Ns 4, 7 and 8). Turist Drives 4 and 7 are whlly within Shalhaven Cuncil s area and they have been remved frm the list f authrised numbered turist drives and RMS has been asked t remve any signage fr them frm State rads. Turist Drive 8 is shared between Shalhaven, Wingecarribee and Shellharbur Cuncils. Therefre, the Secretariat cnsulted Wingecarribee and Shellharbur abut Shalhaven s intentin t withdraw supprt fr the drive. Representatives f Wingecarribee and Shellharbur (which recently cmpleted an upgrade f mst signs alng the drive in its area and published new prmtinal material abut the drive n its website) expressed disappintment at the pssible lss f the drive. Subsequently, Shalhaven Cuncil wrte t the Secretariat t advise that it was happy t maintain Turist Drive 8 because it passed thrugh ther LGAs and aplgised fr any cnfusin. Actin: (a) Secretariat t frmally advise Shellharbur and Wingecarribee abut Shalhaven s changed intentins regarding TD 8. (b) Secretariat t request advice frm Wingecarribee and Shalhaven abut when signs alng the drive in their areas will be audited and updated and when prmtinal infrmatin will be prepared. 6.4 Update frm Greater Taree Cuncil re Turist Drive 8 (Pacific Hwy-Taree-Wingham- Ellenbrugh Falls-Wauchpe-Pacific Hwy) Final 30 Nvember f 16

15 Dnna Hudsn, Team Leader Turism Events & Cmmunicatins at Greater Taree Cuncil, submitted a revised signage audit fr Turist Drive 8 (Pacific Hwy-Taree-Wingham-Ellenbrugh Falls-Wauchpe-Pacific Hwy) t the Secretariat n 3 Nvember Dnna als indicated that Cuncil will begin t replace the smaller signs alng the drive that are in need f upgrading befre Christmas, with the remainder t be replaced next year. Cuncil has als been wrking n a new Manning Valley Visitr Guide. Dnna prvided a draft f the guide s centre spread lift-ut, which highlights the drives by means f a clur cded map and descriptive text. Cuncil is als planning t present infrmatin abut its turist drives, including brchures fr them, in a new Manning Valley website t be cmpleted befre the end f the year. TASAC members were pleased t nte the abve prgress and lked frward t the cmpletin f the upgrades f signs and prmtinal material fr Turist Drive 8, as well as Cuncil s ther drives, in Actin: Secretariat t respnd t Cuncil in the abve terms. 6.5 Signage fr Yarrangbilly Precinct (Ksciuszk Natinal Park) Patricia Wilkinsn f NPWS recently inquired abut the pssibility f altering existing turist signage fr Yarrangbilly Precinct (item 5.7 abve), which is in the nrthern part f Ksciuszk Natinal Park, in rder t include a bed symbl n the signage. Other enhancements t the signage might als be desired. Accmmdatin at the precinct is available at Yarrangbilly Caves Huse, which can be accessed via the Mnar r Hume Highways. The NPWS website describes the huse as self-cntained heritage accmmdatin set in a secluded sectin f Ksciuszk Natinal Park, with nine bedrms that can accmmdate up t 14 guests. It appears that prir bkings need t be made t stay at Caves Huse. The Cmmittee advised that RMS culd cnsider adding a bed symbl n turist signage fr the park if pre-bking fr the accmmdatin is nt essential. Hwever, as Ksciuszk Natinal Park has nt been cnsidered by TASAC fr mre than five years, its eligibility fr signage has lapsed and a new applicatin wuld need t be submitted in cnnectin any signage changes. Actin: Secretariat t advise Patricia as abve. 6.6 Brchure fr Turist Drive 1 (Traweenah t Cnabarabran) Aileen Bell, Warrumbungle Cuncil s Manager Ecnmic Develpment and Turism, tabled a revised prmtinal brchure fr Turist Drive 1 (Traweenah t Cnabarabran) which is shared by her Cuncil and Gilgandra Cuncil. The new brchure includes a map f the rute, which was missing frm the previus versin. The new brchure satisfies TASAC s requirements fr the prmtin f numbered turist drives. It was als nted that Gilgandra Cuncil s prmtinal material needs t be imprved s that it includes a descriptin f the drive and a map. Bth the descriptin and the map shuld highlight features f interest alng the drive. Final 30 Nvember f 16

16 It was cnsidered that Warrumbungle and Gilgandra Cuncils might benefit frm wrking tgether t jintly revise existing prmtinal material with a view t prducing ne brchure fr the drive that culd be made available t visitrs by bth Cuncils. Alternatively, Gilgandra Cuncil culd pt t prepare its wn freestanding brchure with an anntated map and text t describe the verall drive and its features f interest. Actin: Secretariat t advise bth Cuncils as abve. 7. OTHER BUSINESS 7.1 TASAC Meeting Schedule The next Western Regin meeting will be held n 17 February 2016 in Cwra. Please refer t Attachment 1 fr the schedule f meetings fr the next six mnths. It was als nted that there has been a change f date fr the next Suthern Regin meeting, which will nw be held n Thursday 17 March 2016 at the ffices f Bega Valley Cuncil. The date was altered t avid cnflicting with Cuncil s rdinary meeting t be held the previus day. 8. NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be held n 16 December 2016 in Sydney at the ffices f Destinatin NSW. The meeting cncluded at pm Attachment 1 TASAC Meeting Schedule Regin Lcatin Date 2015 N /A Sydney 16 December N / A Parramatta 20 January 2016 Western Cwra 17 February 2016 Suthern Bega Thursday 17 March 2016 Nrthern Mullumbimby 20 April 2016 Sydney Blue Muntains 18 May 2016 Final 30 Nvember f 16