NSW Parks update - November 2010
Since our last update in September, there has been some progress on the NSW National Parks policy on geocaching.
As a quick reminder, the first draft of the NSW National Parks geocaching policy was released to Geocaching NSW members in August 2010. A copy of the draft policy is available on our website.
Justin Clarke and I met with staff from the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (responsible for NSW National Parks) on 2 September and put forward concerns raised by association members, as well as sought clarification on several points. As a result of the September meeting, the department agreed to revisit two issues: size of geocaches and their contents (i.e. swappable items).
Recently, the department informed us that the maximum size for a geocache may be increased to allow 30 calibre ammunition cans (approximately 2.5 litres). However, this would be at the discretion of the ranger.
We were also told informally that swappable items would not be allowed in geocaches. The department felt this would detract from the educational aspect of geocaches in national parks and was a practice currently in place in many other similar jurisdictions such as Canada.
Applications for new geocaches in NSW National Parks will have to be made through the relevant Park Authority. Once the application has been approved and signed off, a scanned copy will need to be emailed to a reviewer before it is approved for listing.
A guide will be made available on the Geocaching NSW website, which include links to contact numbers and information such as how to complete the application form and how to seek advice if your application is rejected.
Geocachers who require further assistance should contact an association committee member.
There are an estimated 500 geocaches currently in NSW National Parks. Each of these will require approval from the relevant National Park office.
We have not been given a firm date for the release of the policy, but it will coincide with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the department and the association.
We hope the reversal of the ban on geocaching in NSW National Parks will benefit geocaches not only in NSW, but around the country.
If you have any further questions about the policy, please don't hesitate to contact the committee.
Darren Osborne
President Geocaching NSW