Four Wheel Drive NSW & ACT, INC
ABN: 51 879 448 402
PO Box 1371, Parramatta, NSW, 2124
Phone: 1300 4WD NOW
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NSW-ACT 4WD Association Quarterly Minutes - August 2013

Minutes of the Quarterly meeting 17^th August 2013

Dooralong Hall Dooralong

Welcomed by host club Shane Brobeck President Central Coast 4WD club

Meeting opened at 9.35am

Craig Thomas welcomed the two guest speakers to the meeting

Alan Henderson NPWS – Acting Regional Mgr Central Coast-Hunter Region

• From Hawkesbury to Newcastle, NW to Quirindi, Barrington, W to Putty Rd. (430,000 h/acres) split into 4 area’s
• Includes Yengo & Wollemi NPs (World Heritage Listed)
• Old Great North Road in Darug NP (closed to traffic – very sensitive fragile from convict era).
• QUESTION: what about access for disabled or club groups etc – A: willing to listen; best to contact NP office, discuss proposal, based on merits.
• QUESTION: access north of Clare’s Bridge (?) – A: historic bridge (sensitive not structurally sound). Several members spoke of previous MOU work (CC4WDC) etc
• Hunter Main Trail – suggestion to reopen it for recreational controlled access.
• Related previous MOU – keyed access, keys controlled by clubs, who would lodge trip/work plan 6wks out, confirm right up to day before, accredited 4wders, worked well when SF controlled these areas.
• Discovery Program – managed by NP, with “volunteers” as the guides. Years ago some 4WD club members used to do this!! Want to do it again!! Suggested Rob Kelly can co-ordinate as there was plenty of interest in the room.
• COMMENT FROM LEE DUNSTAN: reasons for access reduced – Bob Carr. Aim of 4WD NSW to rebuild partnerships. Alan said we need partnerships again. Example of a club going to an area, called ranger beforehand, provided a report afterwards including rubbish collected, track repairs etc
• Watagans & Jilliby – challenges due to soil quality (clay soils) holds water, thick tree canopy. Illegally modified vehicles (i.e. comp style trucks) causing damage.
• 26 temporary gates installed – intent to LEAVE OPEN unless conditions, repairs etc (i.e. storms, repair to close until stable, draining correctly etc)
• Trust – that NPWS will reopen. Alternate access should be advised. Continual improvement on website notices & track signage as a closure could trap people behind locked gates.
• TELL PARKS WHEN DAMAGE OR VANDALISM OCCURS. Also co-signage, ‘Adopt-A-Road’ etc seems to reduce vandalism.( reduced sign damage by 60% in Victoria)
• Alan to look at cross linking web sites ie; NP face book page (Dom to RSS)
• Craig to contact Rob Conroy Re; area maps & contacts of all NP offices
• Peter Fenwick thanked Alan for attending & listening & stated that we are not a Burden but a Resource

Alan Hay- Patron of ACMC – Senate candidate for NP preselected on motoring enthusiast platform

• Intro by Craig – unfortunately ORP say they’re representing us, but don’t talk to us??
• Unless we can financially support the existing parks, there should be no more. Is there a major benefit to people?
• 4WD movement should be involved to protect parks – PR problem thinks enviro and camping vandalism are due to us.
• We have to address the ‘bad apples’ as they are presenting the problem.
• ACMC has 700 clubs & 4,000 members & supports the aftermarket industry to the tune of 11 billion Dollars & has opened doors to policy makers – eg motor vehicles standards which affect us.
• 16 years of Labour gave us bureaucratic nightmare (RTA).
• A vote for the minorities is a very small voice – it is govt that makes the decisions.
• Alan already has contacts.
• E10 issues – it will outrun ULP in the future, without any recourse for us as enthusiasts.
• The Protest: was offered to broker a meeting – negotiate to achieve an outcome….
• CTP: govt, insurers were going to push through House of Reps; ACMC questioned it – pointed out insurers were getting 09c in $ profit, now get 29c in $ profit. Still on the schedule for Upper House, but review shows still needs much consideration. View that CTP should be linked to driver and their capability/record. Irrelevant what type of vehicle!!
• Access: 4WD Assoc as a valuable resource – “roaming environmentalists”. 4WDers have to understand ‘rotation’, some areas need closure to recover/repair. Parks need to understand ‘access’ and parks as a ‘public resource’, not just an ‘environmental resource.’
• BHP – following an UN edict around modified vehicles. BHP propose only 5-star ANCAP rating (means NO modifications).
• “Not our fault every suicidal animal is in Australia” – UN opposition to bull bars etc needs to be fought on the local scale, the bring sanity to local attitudes (esp. Labor).

QUESTIONS:

• Media perception/reporting – A: ACMC, the Assoc. etc provide press releases to give balance. “No more free hits” in the media eg recent press in Qld. We need to address the problems in our community, through consultation with departments like NP etc
• Change of Govt – A: yes an issue, but we need to keep working at it. Changes are happening eg. Duncan Gay is helping, changing public servants (both people and attitudes) to be more customer focussed eg: RMS
• Protest is a last option.
• How to vote: Alan Hay #1 below the line, then fill in the rest.

Craig Thomas thanked Alan Hay for attending the meeting

Quarterly Meeting opened 12.07pm

Craig Thomas Chaired the meeting;

Apologies

Grant Picman ( Triple Diamond), Chris Keys ( Sydney District) & John Reid (Central West 4WD Club)

Acceptance of Minutes:

MOTION: That the amendments & minutes of the May meeting be accepted

MOVED: Peter Fenwick SECONDED Bruce Close CARRIED

Presidents Report: C.Thomas

As per report see web site

Australian Maritime Search And Rescue (AMSAR)- C.T attended the other week

• 1/10 of world’s area!!
• Only 6 people man the phones, having to co-ordinate rescues. They get calls from refugee boats etc
• A 6 monthly forum, Aust Yachting, Recreational Shipping, Commercial Pilots, Bushwalkers; 4WD now seen as an ‘asset’ rather than a ‘customer’.
• What do they want from us? Looking to integrate 4WDers as often we are close to downed planes etc, and aircraft can scan our radios to communicate with us in emergency rescue situations.
• Emergency Devices – compatible with smart phones, act as GPS, EPIRB, sat phone and so on.
• Geoff Northcott suggested that all Rangers should carry one ( GN to do a article for web site)

Secretaries Report:

See web site

Treasurer’s Report: T.Ellery.

See website for report

• We have responsibly controlled costs we have approx $96,000 with the National Affiliation Fee to be paid by 31.08.13
• ? re Getabout Fees for year to date & usage
• If you are claiming reimbursement for expenses for Association activities contact the Executive with a Expense form completed & your receipts for the claim
• TE to forward expense claim form to all clubs
• Peter Fenwick asked that we look for a new Public Officer (from ACT)
• PF Exec. Need to submit reports earlier & need a copy of the Balance sheet
• Roger Sheath moved a motion that a action plan together with a complete Income & Expenditure budget be put to the AGM for consideration seconded Geoff Northcott carried

Membership Report: R.Owen

See web site for report

7 Clubs had paid by 1.7.2013, however only 50% of clubs have affiliated to date, 6 clubs have applied to join Assoc. & three clubs have completed their applications.

Ron Owen moved a motion that the following three clubs be accepted for membership

• CWF 4wd club (Inc)( Camping with Family) western Sydney
• Nepean 4wd club (Inc) western Sydney
• Trax 4wd Fellowship club (change of name independent)

Seconded Michael Van Dalkon, carried

Ron Owen moved a motion on behalf of the Exec.that the following three clubs are in the process of completing their formalities for membership & on their completion that’s been ratified by the Exec. they be granted membership of the Assoc.

• Redback 4wd Club (Inc) –Appin District
• Riverside 4wd Club (Inc)-Campbelltown District
• Illawarra 4wd Club- Nowra District

Seconded Rod Kelly, carried

Insurance Report: R. Owen

See web site

• Club premiums same as last year.
• Contact TCIS for vehicle comparison Insurance
  • (Rob Matysiak advised that on his request he had to repeat all of his quote request when accepting the offer)
• Ron advised they are struggling as the only have the office girls no underwriter
• Ring the 1800 for quotes as the link isn’t working properly
• The SIO is due in April 2014 Ron Owen moved that NSW. advise the National Insurance officers of our vote to extend TCIS agreement to May2017 seconded Ken Timmins and carried
• Meeting wished for more info on the following affiliated against Non affiliated clubs
• Ken Timmins moved a motion that the National 4Wd Assoc. look into seaking ownership of Insurance of the Policy, seconded Roger Sheath and carried
• National 4WD receives the commission from Motor vehicles, NSW Assoc receives approx. $ 2800 which is mostly returned to clubs
• Southern Cross President forwarded a letter re; vehicle Insurance

Vice President Lands: C. Keys

As per presentation on web site

• A meeting was held 10/8/13 with Dave Noble Blue Mtns N.P. re Marrangaroo NP Plan of Mngmnt. ( a pilot Track Class. & signage will be done in the park).
• Read the Lands Document ( Rob K said Chris has done a very comprehensive report) we need to write both positive & negative
• From Hunter – They have walked Slippery Rock trail; this looks promising for controlled access (reopening proposal)Wd Assoc. will host the next Lands Consultative meeting

Communication: D. Fitzgibbon

See web site

• We have 351 members & 759 on face book
• When are Executive minutes going to be posted ( action CT).
• Geoff N stated we need to sell ourselves outside the organisation to the community at large
• Rob K recommends that a sub-committee be formed to work on communications with Dom F to chair
  • He volunteers to be part of it (& we need to research the old site)

Training Centre: K. Timmins

See web site

Show Report: C. Thomas

• We need approx volunteers per day you only receive free tickets if you volunteer not for manning your clubs stand.
• All volunteers need to be early we need to in position well before show opens & we need some volunteers available late on the last day to help wash the vehicles down.
• To drive on the track you need to have the Basic Drive & Recover or better.
• We are looking to have vintage 4wd’s ie; 30yrs or older.

Technical: Geoff Northcott

• Finalised (almost) brake test, gazettal list, VSI6 (rules for modifications)
• Tried to slip in (emissions testing, even though no facilities available!)
• Definition of noise emission impact to read “only engine noise from exhaust” (otherwise would have impacted M/T shod 4WDs)
• Individually constructed vehicles (ICV) working party; to work towards easier re-bodied vehicles, also rules regarding rebuilding write-offs. Older vehicles especially impacted, also if subjected to water above doors sills (funnay)
• Next topic will be suspension. ICV will be a ‘precent’ example that can help us. Current ADRs do not have vehicle dynamics parameters. Our discussions will be targeting the myth that height=risk. Dialogue about 2-3 months away.
• Federal review of vehicle standards act (impact of import modded older vehicles).
• CTP stats – road accidents authority report 2005: 4WDs underrepresented in claims; underrepresented in claim amounts

Regional Councils;

Hunter Region Report: Rob Kelly

See web site

• All clubs should report at or before each Regional meeting what tracks they drove & how many vehicles were on the trip
• A cleanup of Woreewee State Forest will be on the 14&15^th September contact Central Coast 4wd club or Rob Kelly

Sydney Region Report: Jim Skinner

See web site

• Sydney Region is having a social weekend at Capertee National Park & were looking at more social activities, we now have 2 delegates co-ordinating maintenance work with the Blue Mountains NP.

South Coast Region: Lee Dunstan

Thanks to the assistance from Rob K all the South Coast clubs bar 2 attend Regional meetings we have a meeting with the Morton NP ranger in 2 wks then a cleanup in October on 4/9/13 met with Rangers Jules Bros, Dave Noble & Regional Mgr. & we should have a joint regional chairs & Sec meeting annually for brain storming

Canberra Region – NIL

North Coast Region – NIL

• Ron Owen reported that the Western Region has clubs looking to form the Region & a volunteer chair is available
• Peter Fenwick moved that the Reports be accepted seconded Ron Owen Carried

General Business:

• It was advised that Rick Obrien is running a event called the 4WD & Adventure Show & we need to challenge the Registration
• Peter Fenwick moved a motion that the Committee protect the 4WD Adventure Show brand that we own & write a letter to ASIC seeking clarification on the registration of a name so similar to the one owned by the 4wd NSW & Act Inc. especially as this new business is in direct competition with our business - Seconded Geoff Northcott Carried
• Peter Fenwick advised that he needs to stand down as Public Officer & we require a replacement preferably from the ACT as that’s where we are registered.
• Roger Sheath would like a camp weekend for one of the Quarterlies
• There are wheel covers & redate stickers to advertise the 4WD Show so pick up some & take to your next meeting

Meeting closed 16.10