NSW Travelling Stock Routes Conference

The second state-wide TSR Conference 28 July 2011 brought together a wide range of stakeholders to develop the foundations of a framework of strategic management principles for the shared and sustainable use of the NSW TSR Network.

• A short conference highlights video is available on the NPA NSW YouTube channel.

Outline of the day

Program (300Kb PDF).  Facilitator, James Whelan, the Change Agency

Background to Conference

Background to Conference and National Parks Association TSR project (13 Mb PDF). Kevin Evans, Executive Officer, National Parks Association of NSW

The Conference

There were around 100 delegates present with a wide range of interests.
A heritage expert, a scientist and an economist gave presentations to set the scene.
There were officials from the Office of Environment and Conservation,   Primary Industries, the Game Council of NSW and the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities; representatives of  Aboriginal and Conservation organisations, including the Stock Routes Coalition;
there were birdwatchers, sporting shooters, fishermen and private landholders.

• Conference Introduction by Kevin Evans (YouTube video)
• Conference Overview by James Whelan (YouTube video)

Scene Setting

Heritage

Travelling Stock Routes History and Heritage (300 Kb PDF).Graeme Wiffen, Member of Australia ICOMOS
(International Council on Monuments and National Parks Association of NSW

Habitat

Habitat value of the NSW Travelling Stock Route Network (5 Mb PDF).Pia Lentini, Fenner School of Environment Australian National University

Livelihood

The economics of NSW Travelling Stock Routes (1.5 Mb PDF). Tristan Knowles, Economists at Large
(An interactive version of the presentation is available on line.)

Group Sessions

Six discussion groups were set up:

• Management of understorey values
• Management of overstorey values
• Management of culture and heritage values
• Management of recreational uses
• Management of economic values
• Resourcing management and governance

and asked to identify

• Key Threats,
• Solutions
• Opportunities
• Outcomes

Plenary presentations from discussion groups

Download a summary of Discussion Group Priorities and Proceedings

During the final plenary session after the six groups had reported back, there was general agreement to five key requirements for effective management of the TSR network.

Videos from the day are available on YouTube:

• Discussion group presentations: Part 1
• Discussion group presentations: Part 2

1. A central authority with oversight of TSRs that has stable and adequate resourcing for the task. This could build on existing institutional arrangements such as the LHPA, which is currently under review.
2. Accessible data providing more information than is currently available and in a more coordinated and streamlined format.
3. Representative management that brings together the various values and interests and facilitated networking and information sharing
4. Educational programs to raise awareness of the wide importance of TSRs and help recognise and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage 
5. Assessment of the economic significance of TSRs using a framework such as Total Economic Value, to recognise the full range of values including non use values.

Way forward

A post-conference working group is being formed. Please send your expression of interest by Friday, August 12th to Kirstin Proft, Biodiversity Conservation Officer, National Parks Association of NSW: Ph 02 9299 0000, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .