• early tentative indication of your participation makes planning easier
• please firm up your intentions and let me know of any travel sharing offers or requests
• Central Flinders is on track for 20 to 31 July
• Please note that there has been yet another alteration to Northern Flinders dates due to a DEWNR request for deferral to 15 to 26 August, otherwise arrangements stay the same.  Obviously we regret this second change and are aware that it impacts on individual arrangements, but trust folk can work around it.

• the last of the FRBW to have waymarking upgraded
• works preparation expedited by Quornites
• negotiability enhanced
• a succinct report in the Quorn Mercury by Ray Wood will be forwarded post publication.

• we should all make our opinions known
• walking, depending ‘on your take’, has a lot of competition for recognition and resources.

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Increasing Visitor Awareness of Flinders Ranges Bush Walks

We are all aware from those we meet in the Ranges that many are not aware of the walks until they happen upon a trailhead with information. We are therefore in the process of developing ways to improve things.

We are exploring the following initiatives based on our perception of what is needed and we have a little headway with some:

• a poster similar to those on the web and in the leaflet dispensers:-
  ... a regional map indicating trailhead locations
  ... for installation in Park registration stations
• developing a web page just for Flinders Ranges Bush Walks (in addition to the Walking Trails Support Group website)
  ... containing just walk data
  ... the objective to provide information for specific enquiries
• develop an app for the walks
  ... to provide parallel information to the web
  ... to respond to emerging demand, but still providing hard copy
• change the presentation of interpretive material on the web
  ... move to scroll down to match DEWNR presentation
  ... still allows selective downloading
  ... more compatible with other web pages

• reprinting of leaflets to provide stock until February 2016 is complete.  They, along with the web downloadable leaflets, reflect some simplification in presentation and include map changes
• 2016 is the conclusion of our undertaking to provide leaflets, which we will need to renegotiate with DEWNR.  Even if digital availability improves, it would seem logical to maintain the parallel availability of hard copy to provide for those who arrive at trailheads unprepared
• some of the vandalised donation bollards have been refitted with more security, remains to be seen who prevails!

• accommodation at Balcanoona is confirmed - 700 km north of Adelaide
• routine checks of the 73 km and improving track sustainability and presentation as practicable
• we’ll go prepared to spray Sida should there be development from the January rains
• Acacia Ridge needs some track work to better define sections between A2 and A3
• similarly portions of Monarch Mine need definition and the Dead Finish needs reduction
• investigate the feasibility of some walk options
• a day at Terrapinna.
• track work to be prioritised and implemented as practicable
• asset checks to be performed.
  - some 50 km to be walked and any track problems identified
  - all decal condition and effectiveness to be recorded for upgrading in 2016

• accommodation at Oraparinna is confirmed – 500 km north of Adelaide
• routine checks of the 50 km and improving track sustainability and presentation as practicable
• installing an additional leaflet dispenser for Bunyeroo Gorge, and relocating the trailhead elements more logically
• improving some marking and the improving negotiability of Wilkawillina descent to Little Bunkers, subject to decision of the Co-management Board.
• Bunyeroo trailhead
  - adding a dedicated leaflet dispenser and leaflets for Bunyeroo Gorge
  - organise a more logical positioning of the existing elements
• Wilkawillina Gorge
  - The outcome of our submissions to maintain the existing availability of access to the
     Mt Billy Creek Trailhead is being determined currently by the Co-management Board.
     Their decision will determine the nature of our activity on this walk this year.
     (also see Wilkawillina Gorge below)

• The decision of the Vulkathunha-Gammons Ranges National Park Co-management Board is that reference to the cave should be omitted from future publications

• Pending further deliberation by the Flinders Ranges Co-management Board access to Mount Billy carpark may not be restricted by the establishment of a Traditional Use Zone, if hunting with firearms proviso is moved to another site

• A film about getting children away from their screens and into the bush is something we might identify with?
• Please find the details here and register on line if interested.