2.2 Frame of reference
The first step in planning is to set a frame of reference by considering factors relating to sustainability, liability, infrastructure management and maintenance. By answering questions about the proposed development early on and sticking to the framework provided by the answers, unexpected liabilities may be avoided.
The frame of reference questions address the following issues, which are detailed in Appendix II: scope and scale objectives market
product standards delivery management funding and resources.
When I contributed to this I thought the end result was going to be hundreds of pages like what is quoted above. In fact in the entire document that bit is about the only piece of typical, NPWS, pen-pusher rubbish I could find.
I can't believe how positive the discussion paper is! What an amazing outcome. Not only does it shine a positive light on MTB overall, it allows for everything a local trailbuilder could ask for, the chance to have input, the chance to expand over time, the chance to be asked an opinion etc. It also seems to allow for the potential for uplift, not just by quoting Thredbo, but by including "balance" for competing user groups (DH in this context could be considered competition with XC as well as walkers etc) and the ability to provide resources to "maintain" the experience. As we know, the trend to uplift is international and with the chance to offer business opportunities (with some form of payback to the NPWS) there may be uplift options down the track.
This has to be the most positive single political step in the the history of MTB in our country. I cannot help but be excited after so many years of criticising the NPWS and their exclusionist attitude. I never thought I would feel a sense of expanding freedom from the powers that be, but here there is a chance that on a local level, with official support, we have a future of quality MTB with research to back up the outcomes, add weight to the health benefits of our sport and increase advocacy in our public land management.
In addition, the technology commitment is refreshing. We have no signs in our local park once you leave the boundary (in fact at one place only is there a sign). How cool to be able to maybe use a QR code on a trail sign to link to an up-to-date trail map when you are somewhere in the bush and light is fading fast?
A big thumbs up to the NSW NPWS and all those involved in this project. I am so impressed.