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In 1997 a group of concerned 4W Drivers met to see what
could be done by users to assist in maintaining the
sustainability of popular tracks. From that meeting, Track
Care WA Inc (TCWA) was born.
With a charter of dedication to the care and preservation of
4WD tracks and their environs throughout Western Australia,
TCWA has succeeded in galvanizing the conscience of
recreational 4W Drivers into one of stewardship for the
tracks they enjoy. TCWA’s first project was a major clean-up
of the Canning Stock Route. Volunteers and funding came from
all over Australia to clear rubbish and repair tracks. A
self composting toilet was installed at Durba Springs,
thanks to funds raised by donation. Well 6 (Pierre Spring)
now also has a self composting toilet thanks to volunteer
effort and the support of businesses within the 4WD
industry. The Holland Track, between Hyden and Coolgardie,
was next when the Toyota Land Cruiser Club of WA adopted the
track with TCWA’s assistance and instituted a monitoring and
maintenance program which has kept this popular route in
excellent condition.
Closer to Perth many 4WD tracks have received attention with
working bees to repair tracks, clear rubbish from their
environs and erect Code of Conduct signs.
This activity has now developed into a structured process
called the Track Adoption Programme, launched in early 2007.
An initiative of TCWA and the Department of Environment and
Conservation (DEC), the programme provides for formal
adoption of a given area by clubs or interested groups.
Typical activities include rubbish clean-ups, track
maintenance and sign erection. TCWA provides organizational
and logistic support, including media coverage, funding for
signs and volunteers for working bees. DEC’s role includes
initial approvals, environmental analysis, funding (when
available) and supply of machinery, materials and manpower
for agreed projects.
This has been a resounding success to date, with several
clubs signing up to adopt tracks under threat of closure.
Your group’s assistance in this programme would be most
welcome.
A key aspect of TCWA’s work has been education. Our Code of
Conduct signs and promotion through the media have spread
the caring word. TCWA has seen results already from the
educational approach as tracks monitored have surprisingly
little rubbish considering the traffic.
People do care and are showing this by taking their rubbish
out and considering the environment when passing through.
A Memorandum of Understanding binds TCWA, the 4WD
Association of WA and DEC to a working relationship, where
consultation over management planning and access issues are
workshopped on a regular basis.
The future accessibility of off road destinations in WA is
squarely in the hands of the users and as a user, TCWA needs
your support. Whether it is in the form of a donation,
membership or volunteering for Adoption working bees or
simply taking out your rubbish and following the Code of
Conduct.
Every little bit helps the big picture. And the picture will
get bigger as greater numbers head for the bush.
Please take a moment to consider an investment of time or
funding in the future of your chosen recreation. Help TCWA
help the environment. It’s depending on all of us. |