National Park Regulation review - changes due to ACAQ submissions

ACAQ influences positive outcome during consultation with QPWS

QPWS has written to ACAQ today regarding concerns raised by ACAQ and the climbing community with its proposed amendments to the regulations relating to management of National Parks in Qld.

They are not proceeding with the change that was our greatest concern - a proposal that would have allowed a declaration that permits could not be applied for, for example, to access closed areas. ACAQ consider that the ability to apply for a permit, and if necessary challenge a refusal on the merits of the case in QCAT, is a critical tool in preserving access.

Further, ACAQ raised concerns that amendment to provide specific offences for littering and graffiti, depending on definitions and interpretation, could in the future be used to target climbers that chose to use chalk. QPWS have advised that the regulations and definitions will now be drafted to ensure that this will not be the case.

ACAQ acknowledges and thanks QPWS for taking into account our submissions.

We also want to thank all of the individual members and the broader climbing community, that participated in the survey consultation or lodged their own submissions in support of these matters.

It shows that we as a community, can have our voice heard and we all have a part to play in preserving access.

Hayden Bentley
Policy Officer ACAQ Inc

Original email from QPWS