Tasmania's Standing Camp Policy 2006 (Parks & Wildlife Service)

Standing Camp Policy
Parks and Wildlife Service

December 2006
Applicability: PWS Standing Camp Policy Issue Date:
PWS Wide 21 December 2006
Document Title and Reference No: Revision Date:
Status: PWS Standing Camp Policy Revision No:

Approved PWS P- 017
Contents
Section Page
1 Purpose 3
2 Background 3
2.1 History 3
2.2 Current Relevant Statewide Policies and Strategies 4
2.3 Description and Rationale 5
3 Planning and Assessment of New Standing Camp Proposals
3.1 Planning 8
3.2 Assessment 8
4 General Conditions Which Apply to all Standing Camps 14
4.1 Statutory Requirements 14

4.2 Physical 14
4.3 Operational 15
4.4 Environmental Controls 15
4.5 Monitoring 16
4.6 Enforcement 17
4.7 Interpretation 17
4.8 Fees and Term 18
4.9 Contract Renewal 18
4.10 Contract Documentation 19
4.11 Reporting 19
4.12 Maintenance 19
4.13 Rehabilitation Bond 19
4.14 Performance Criteria 19
4.15 Existing standing camps 20
5 Categories of Standing Camps 21
5.1. ‘Type A’ standing camp – Complete Annual Removal 21

5.2 ‘Type B’ standing camp – Partial Annual Removal 22
5.3 ‘Type C’ standing camp – Set up for the Entire Year 23
6 Ongoing Policy Review 24
Department of Tourism, Arts PWS Policy and Procedures Policy Page 2 of 24

and the Environment PWS P- 017

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1. Purpose
This policy sets out clear guidelines for the approval and operation of standing camps
on land managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service (“PWS”) in Tasmania.
Guidelines include the planning and approval process, campsite size, building
materials, monitoring, fees, lease term and environmental controls.
2. Background
2.1 History
The first standing camp on reserved land in Tasmania was set up at Forest Lagoon,
Port Davey, in the Southwest National Park. The licence was given in 1981 and was a
new addition to the Licence of a company that had been providing bushwalking tours
in the park since 1975. Visitors were flown into the area by light aircraft and then
taken by boat to the campsite, where they stayed for 8 days. The accommodation was
in large tents and the facilities included air mattresses, toilets, tables and chairs. The
camp was fully catered and the clients were given a choice of activities they could
undertake including various walks and boating activities.
The next two licences approved were within Freycinet National Park 15 years later for
camps at Bluestone Bay and Cooks Beach in 1995. These camps were set up to
provide comfortable overnight tent accommodation during multi-day bushwalking
tours.
Over the next 10 years another five standing camps were approved on the east coast
so that now there are a total of eight such Camps across the state operated by five
different businesses. All of the camps are designed to provide clients with a higher
than normal level of comfort, in what would otherwise be a remote ‘wilderness’
location. They have all been designed around non-permanent tent style structures and
cater for up to 10 clients.
The Freycinet National Park, Wye River State Reserve Management Plan, 2000 was
the first public Parks and Wildlife document to begin to plan for the increasing
demand for standing camps. The plan states which sites might be available for
standing camps and how many might be approved. However, it does not provide
detailed descriptions of what the camps will look like, what facilities are to be
provided, how large they are or other such details. There have been various draft
documents within the PWS that have aimed to provide such details, but none have
been officially recognised or publicly discussed.
The planning and development for these camps has largely been on a site by site
basis, with approval for many aspects of the various camps being made at a local
level.


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In the early years there was little demand for the camps and a statewide policy was
unnecessary. However, the result of higher levels of demand for sites in recent years
and the site-based approach for their approval has meant that the conditions of
operation for each camp vary considerably and there is some confusion over exactly
what is meant by the term ‘standing camp’.
For example, the camps at Forest Lagoon and the Bay of Fires are allowed to stay set
up for the entire year, while the camps at Cooks Beach and Bluestone Bay must be
completely removed for 12 weeks each year to allow for the site to recover. Other
sites must be broken down and reduced in size for 12 weeks, but do not necessarily
have to be completely removed. Some sites include only tents that are easily
removed, while others have substantial platforms and buildings.
There has also been increasing pressure from some operators to make their standing
camps more permanent. Without a policy that provides firm standards for the camps,
it is easier for the camps to gradually increase towards having infrastructure that is
more visible or permanent. This type of unchecked gradual development of remote
areas within reserved land is undesirable as in many cases it is not consistent with the
reservation values of the land.
For these reasons, this policy is now considered necessary.
2.2 Current Relevant Statewide Policies and Strategies

This policy should reflect the principles and vision of the Tasmanian Government’s
tourism and natural area management documents. There are two strategic documents
that have links to this policy.
Tasmania Together, Community Leaders Group, 2001

Goal 24: Ensure our natural resources are managed in a sustainable way now
and for future generations.
Standard 11. To optimise public use of the natural environment consistent with
maintaining environmental values.
While this goal and the associated standard are very general, it is important to keep
these in the forefront when developing Policy that relates to tourism infrastructure on
Reserved Lands.


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Parks and Wildlife Services Strategic plan 2006-2008

Strategic Objective 3.1 Sustainable Use
Objective: To ensure that recreation and other uses of reserves is sustainable
and consistent with conservation of natural and cultural values.
The Standing Camp Policy is an attempt to better plan for the future development of
standing camps across the State, rather than continue with the individual site based
approach of the past.
Standing camps should provide a high level of visitor comfort and environmental
interpretation that cannot be achieved in any other way. In this manner, they add to
the range and quality of visitor experiences provided on reserved land and can add
value to the economy through the development of local eco-tourism businesses. At
the same time, by properly managing the camps, they should have little impact on the
environment and other visitors’ experiences.
Tasmanian Reserve Management Code of Practice, 2003

This Code provides standards and guidelines for planning and managing visitor
services and infrastructure. One important aspect of the code is the generalised
grouping of visitors according to the type of experience they want, and therefore the
types of facilities and interpretation they appreciate, when they are on reserved land (p
58). Two groups stand out as the types of people who might use standing camps:
Easy Access Campers – Solitary. ‘Overnight camping in easily accessible campsites

with a small group of family or friends. These people wish to have little or no contact
with other people’. Projected use is increasing but opportunities are limited.
Bush Campers – Comfort. ‘Overnight camping in semi-remote bush areas with some
facilities provided. (Prefer) low risk (holidays)’. Facilities for safety and comfort are
preferred.’ Projected use is increasing.
Standing camps should appeal to people in both of these categories. These people like
to go camping, but they also like to have some comforts. An important point here is
that demand for this type of camping experience is projected to increase, while
opportunities are limited. Standing camps go some way towards increasing the
opportunities available for these groups of people.
2.3 Description and Rationale
A standing camp is a temporary commercial bush camp on reserved land. It provides
a guided tour operator with the exclusive use of a campsite for a prescribed period
each year to operate a commercial camping facility as part of an organised guided tour
experience. It provides visitors with a level of comfort and accessibility on an
overnight guided tour above that which would normally be achievable as an
independent free traveller.


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The description and rationale for standing camps underpins the prescriptions of this
policy.
The important terms in the above description are explained further below.
2.3.1 Temporary
Standing camps are temporary facilities, with all or most structures and equipment
removed and re-erected annually. The reasons for this are twofold.
Firstly, they are set in more remote areas where the general public would not usually
appreciate the development of permanent buildings. Allowing only temporary
structures is a guard against the gradual increase of infrastructure within these areas.
Secondly, having temporary structures allows a more flexible management regime so
that environmental impact can be minimised at each site.
Originally it was thought that removing structures for a period of time each year
would allow the sites to recover. However, experience over the years with removal of
structures has shown that the rate of recovery varies significantly between sites. In
some instances it has been argued that more environmental damage to the site has
occurred through the process of removing and replacing structures than would have
occurred if the structures were simply left on site but simply unused for part of the
year. However, having temporary structures may also allow a site to be rested for a
number of years or rotated to achieve the best environmental outcome for the area.
Also, if a decision is made to remove a standing camp entirely from a site, this should
be able to occur without substantial rehabilitation costs.
2.3.2 Commercial bush camp

The visitor experience is one where the client feels they are getting away from
civilisation, getting into the heart of the bush or wilderness, going to a special place
and really experiencing what it feels like to live within that place. The simpler the
accommodation is, the more the visitor will feel part of the place they are visiting.
In a standing camp, visitors can feel the wind as it flaps the sides of the tents and hear
the surf as they lie down at night. At the same time, they have professional guides,
they are protected from the worst of the weather and have food and drink provided.
In short it is an up-market camping experience that allows people to experience bush
camping in more remote areas who otherwise would not be able to do so. This is the
point of difference for standing camps. This type of intimate experience cannot be
gained by staying in hut or lodge style accommodation with four solid walls and
modern conveniences.
Importantly, standing camps are set in more remote areas within reserves where tent
based camping is the normal type of accommodation for the public. Therefore, the
camps as temporary structures are less likely to seem out of place to other visitors.


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2.3.3 Exclusive use for a prescribed period

Tourism operators are given exclusive use of a particular site for the standing camp
for a number of years. There is a significant investment needed by operators to
establish the camps, so they need to know they have exclusive use of the site for a
number of years to recoup that investment.
At the end of the prescribed period the PWS may either renew the existing contract,
decide not to offer the site for a standing camp or run an Expression of Interest
Process. The temporary nature of the camp structures should mean that the site is
easily vacated and rehabilitated if the decision is made to do so.
2.3.4 Comfort and Accessibility

Standing camps should provide visitors with a level of comfort they cannot achieve by
visiting the area on their own. Additionally, operators may provide plane or boat
transport to the site and trained guides who travel with clients and provide a high
quality interpretive experience. In all cases, the site is made more accessible to
people who otherwise may not be able to experience such places.


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3. Planning and Assessment of New Standing Camp

Proposals.
3.1 Planning
Reserve management plans will consider opportunities for standing camps as part of
the planning process. As more areas are considered in this way, the amount of time
and effort both the industry and the PWS spends on putting up and assessing proposed
standing camps should be reduced.
The reserve management plan may state which category or categories of standing
camp will be allowed in each site (see section 5). If so, the reserve management plan
will consider at least the following aspects when determining which category is
appropriate:
• vegetation and landform of the site. This will determine how well the site will
recover when rested;
• level of degradation, hardening and structures already on site;
• location of and access to the site;
• legislative requirements;
• other criteria listed in 3.2.
The category chosen should have the least overall environmental impact.
3.2 Assessment of a new Standing Camp

New Proposal Assessment
A flowchart describing the process for considering new standing camps is given on
page 13. It provides an overview of the steps detailed below.
Step 1 – A new Standing Camp is Proposed

A proposal is received by the PWS for a standing camp on reserved land. The
proposal should include a summary of the standing camp, its location, details of the
proponent and a summary of the proposal’s likely environmental, social and economic
impacts.
The summary will also provide the following details:
• preferred sites within the reserve(s);

• proposed number of and nature of tents, toilet facilities and other structures;
• proposed number of customers and trips per week / year;
• proposed access route and method (walking, vehicle, boat etc);
• details of the operators’ business history;


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• explanation of how the proposal fits with the reserve management goals and
other tourism goals and products in the area;
• details of estimated employment opportunities within the business and benefits
to the regional economy.
Step 2 – Concept Approval

The PWS checks the proposal for a standing camp to ensure it is in accord with
legislation, management plans, this and other PWS policies.
PWS also checks the proposal for its initial environmental, social and economic
impacts at this step. If the proposed standing camp has very significant impacts in
one or more of these areas the proposal would not usually proceed beyond this point.
In making its decision at this step, the PWS will consider the following information:
• management objectives as specified in the legislation under which the land is

reserved;
• the reserve management plan or approved planning or policy documents,
• other relevant legislation.
The minimum criteria for siting a standing camp will be:
• only considered in Visitor Services and Recreation Zones where these have
been identified in a reserve management plan;
• no impact on any significant reserve value including threatened species,
vegetation communities of conservation significance, geoheritage, Aboriginal
or historic sites or landscape values;
• no significant detraction from the enjoyment or use of the reserve by other
people;
• located on previously disturbed or hardened sites, where they exist, rather than
on undisturbed sites;
• no or minimal vegetation clearance or ground modification;
• no or minimal access infrastructure (eg roads or tracks);
• consistent with the Tasmanian Reserve Management Code of Practice;
• sited so that there is minimal effect on watercourses;
• sited more than 30m from high water mark in coastal locations;
• Sited away from areas of potential costal vulnerability;
• Not in an area of high wilderness quality.
Generally, preferred conditions for standing camps are those located on robust
vegetation and soils and where the site is easily accessible, but hidden from the view
of the general public.


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If the proposal is in accord with the reserve management plan or, if there is no
management plan and the proposal is in accord with the above criteria and relevant
legislation, it continues onto step 3.
If the proposal is not in accord with the Reserve Management Plan it is either:
• rejected and does not proceed;

• modified and resubmitted by the proponent in accord with the requirements of
the Plan and relevant legislation;
• requires a change to the Management Plan. Any such change will be
considered by the Director of National Parks and Wildlife Service with advice
from the National Parks Wildlife Advisory Council (NPWAC) and or the
World Heritage Area Consultative Committee (WHACC). If the Director
determines that a Plan change is not justified the proposal is rejected. If the
Director determines that a Plan change is justified the proposal proceeds
through the review process of the relevant Management Plan amendment and
review procedure.
Expressions of Interest
At this point if:

• there is more than one proponent seeking a site which can only
accommodate one commercial operator because of environmental or social
reasons, or
• a commercial opportunity has been identified and the Government is seeking
the best operator and/or financial return from that opportunity.
the Director may decide to offer the opportunity to develop a standing camp to the
public via an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process. The EOI program is the process
undertaken to seek the best possible operator for a particular business opportunity
whilst at the same time giving all potential proponents a fair and equal opportunity to
put forward and present their proposal.
The proponent will be advised as to the status of their application at this point.
Step 3 – Additional Assessment

A more detailed environmental, social and economic impact assessment may be
required where the proposed standing camp is:
• new and/or outside those identified in a management plan; or
• has potential for significant environmental, physical, social or heritage value
effects.


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When additional assessment is required, the PWS will advise the proponent of:
• the scope and format of the assessment;
• the level of documentation that will be required;
• whether an independent audit may be required;
• any additional process that may be required (eg.LUPAA, EPBC).
The Tasmanian Reserve Management Code of Practice, 2003 provides guidance as to

the methods to assess the impacts of activities on reserved land. Currently the process
used by the PWS is called a Reserve Activity Assessment (RAA). The cost and task
of the assessment is borne by the proponent.
At this point the assessment of the proposal proper commences.
Step 4 – Draft assessment developed

A draft assessment is completed by the proponent for the proposed standing camp.
For a standing camp the assessment will include as a minimum a Site Use Plan. The
Site Use Plan for a standing camp will include:-
• updated information from the initial proposal based on comments provided by
the PWS
• financial forecasts for the camp
• detailed plans for camp structures including size and materials to be used;
• detailed plans for siting the structures
• camp set-up methods
• operating and servicing guidelines (including examples of how the camp will
run on a day to day basis)
• sewage, grey water and solid waste management procedures
• camp break-down and storage procedures
• customer safety guidelines, procedures and contingency plans
• site values, potential impacts and mitigating actions
• an Interpretation Plan to set out the interpretive themes, staff training and
interpretation strategy for the standing camp operation
• details of benefits to the regional economy
• identified regional employment opportunities.


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Step 5 – Advice on draft assessment

The draft assessment will be circulated to specialist staff for advice where required.
This may include external specialists and the NPWAC or WHACC where this is
appropriate.
Step 6 – Final assessment developed

Based on any advice at step 5, the proponent prepares a final assessment.
Step 7 – In Principle Approval

At step 7, the Director or Delegate makes a decision on approving the proposal in
principle taking account of advice from step 5. If not approved the proposal does not
proceed or is modified and re-submitted. If approved in principle the proposal moves
on to be considered at step 8.
Step 8 – External Assessments

As identified at step 2, the following external assessments may apply.
8A – Local Authority Assessment (only if required)

For certain activities local council approval may be required under the Land Use
Planning and Approval Act, 1993 (LUPAA), refer to the relevant council for this
process.
Step 8B – EPBC referral (only if required)

This step considers whether the activity has, or is likely to have, a significant impact
on a matter of national environmental significance. These matters include world
heritage properties, and a number of other matters as defined by the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999,(EPBCA) administered by the
Australian Government, see :www.deh.gov.au.
Step 9 – Final Decision

Taking account of any further conditions that have been applied under LUPAA or the
EPBCA, the Director or delegate makes a final decision to either approve or reject the
proposal.
Step 10 – Proposal Proceeds: Notification, Implementation and Monitoring

The proponent is notified in writing of the final decision, which may be conditional.
A lease or licence, as required, will then be negotiated and contain general and any
specific conditions for the use of reserved land for a standing camp. Proponents
should be aware that all contracts require the approval of the Minister or his/her
delegate.


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Step 1
Concept Proposal
Step 2
Concept Approval
Yes
Is an EOI required EOI Process
Step 3
Further Impact
Assessment (IA) scaled
and prepared
Step 4,5,6
Draft IA Developed
Advice on draft received
Final IA Developed
Step 7
PWS Assessment and
final recommendation
Approval in Principle Step 8
External Assessments only
if required. Local authority
under LUPA & EPBC Act
Step 9
Final Decision
Step 10
Notification
Implementation
and Monitoring


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4. General conditions which apply to all Standing Camps

4.1 Statutory Requirements
All standing camp operations must be compliant with:

• the applicable Reserve Management Plan for the national park or reserve
within which they operate.
• the National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002 and all applicable
regulations.
• all Local Council requirements in regard to, but not limited to, building and
plumbing approvals / permits for structures, special plumbing permits,
council inspections, Tasmanian Building Act 2000, Building Code of
Australia (BCA) and referenced standards, Tasmanian Public Health Act
requirements, planning scheme approvals and payment of rates.
All standing camp operators must:
• obtain Tourism Accreditation from the Tourism Council Tasmania within
18 months of commencing operation.
• carry public liability insurance to the value of at least $10 million, or any
other amount the Government deems necessary.
• ensure that all guides must have first aid certificates up to the level of
workplace safety level 2, except where circumstances require a higher
qualification (eg highly remote areas).
4.2 Physical
The overriding principles in construction design, materials and techniques are to be
tent-style accommodation, to minimise environmental damage, maximise the
temporary appearance of the development and to keep structures portable. To achieve
this, different sites may use different building techniques depending on factors such as
vegetation type, soil type, aspect, ground slope and new technology. Site Use Plans
must take these factors into account.
The campsite should preferably be contained within an area with a diameter of less
than 40 metres unless the physical or environmental circumstances of the site prevent
this. The size and number of structures will be determined on a case by case basis
depending on the site and the proposal put forward by the operator.
The campsite will, as best can be achieved, be out of sight to other visitors to the area.
The campsite will be constructed of materials that are coloured in muted bush tones
that blend in with the surroundings.
The walls and roofs of structures will be made mostly of tent style material. The base
may be solid material as long as it can be shown to provide the best environmental
outcome for the site and be easily removable. A solid but removable structure will be


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considered for protecting food in sites where scavenging animals are causing
problems.
4.3 Operational
The maximum number of people accommodated at the camp will be 13 people,
consisting of 10 (ten) clients and up to 3 (three) guides, with a minimum client to
guide ratio of 5:1.
The clients are to be supervised by a minimum of two trained guides when staying
overnight. On a day trip, the normal bushwalking guidelines will apply.
The operator will have in place a program of induction which will be given to all
guides. The induction program will cover aspects of safety, risk, protection of reserve
values and management issues. The induction program will be set out in the
operators’ Site Use Plan, and must be approved by the PWS.
4.4 Environmental Controls

Grey water and sewage must be removed or treated as specified by Council (as the
regulatory authority) and approved in the Site Use Plan.
Under the Tasmanian Building Act 2000, the operator will need to display an annual
maintenance statement for any existing infrastructure. New toilet systems will require
a Special Plumbing Permit from council.
The options may include, depending on the site and circumstances of the operation,
the following:
• Grey water must be either completely removed from the site after each trip or
disposed of on site in accordance with statutory requirements or stored on site
and removed on a periodic basis
• Sewage must be completely removed from the site each trip or retained in a
closed system with periodic removal in accordance with statutory
requirements.
The system of sewage and grey water disposal must be approved by Council as the
regulatory authority (Special Plumbing Permit) and be deemed acceptable by the PWS
for the site.
Access to the camp will be to a procedure and route/s which will be set out in the Site
Use Plan. The procedure will be designed to minimise environmental impacts and
may involve the use of hardened or robust routes, access tracks, fanning out of clients
over a broad area or a combination of these. The selected access route/s should also
consider the need for the camp and the patrons therein to be as discrete as possible to
other users of the area.


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Where hardened access tracks are considered necessary then they should be
constructed to an appropriate Australian standard commensurate with the level of use.
Boardwalks may be considered within the camp area to connect camping structures
within the camp and as part of an access track if:
• the use of boardwalks will reduce impacts from trampling and protect the
immediate flora and landform;
• the boardwalks can be either removed or stored on site if the licence conditions
so dictate; and
• the defined areas of the camp as set out in the contract documentation include
the areas of boardwalks.
One standing camp may need to rotate between two sites if the PWS deem that it will
aid rehabilitation.
Where they exist, previously disturbed and hardened sites should be considered before
pristine or undisturbed sites.
The camp must not involve any penetrations of the earth except where approved to do
so by the PWS. Use of the site should aim to minimise the extent of impact on
vegetation and soil.
4.5 Monitoring Program
The site is to be inspected annually (at a minimum) to ensure compliance with the
approved Site Use Plan and the licence/lease contract.
The inspection will be organised by the Commercial Visitor Service’s section of
PWS, in consultation with the Regional Manager. The Licensee will be notified of
the monitoring trip at least 4 weeks in advance and will be invited to participate in the
trip.
Parameters to be measured in the monitoring program shall include, but are not
limited to:
• adherence to the Contract and Site Use Plan
• unplanned track spread
• erosion from rain water run-off
• trampling or other causes of understorey damage or clearing
• toilet waste (weeds, vegetation senescence)
• grey water impact (weeds, vegetation senescence)


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• rubbish
• fire use and safety
• visual intrusion.
A photographic record of the site will be made prior to the camp being erected.
Photo monitoring points will be established once the camp has been erected then used
annually after camp break-down. Monitoring will take into account the places noted
in the Site Use Plan and the surrounding areas that may be affected by visitors to the
camp, for example, access tracks.
In order to encourage high environmental standards and compliance with licence
conditions, the PWS will adopt a rating system for standing camps based on their
performance against various criteria.
Monitoring reports will be made available to the operator with a list of items that
require action. The operator has the right to provide the PWS with a list of their own
concerns.
Depending on site conditions, the standing camp operator may be required to pay for a
tree specialist to inspect the site for dangerous limbs and trees on a regular basis.
4.6 Enforcement of Licence Conditions

Where the PWS detects that a breach of a licence condition has occurred, the Regional
Manager will be responsible for notifying the operator of the breach and resolving the
issue at a local level if possible.
Standing camp operators may be prosecuted if they are found to be in breach of any
Act under the jurisdiction of the PWS or Acts managed by Counil (as the regulatory
authority) relevant to the standing camp operation.
If a significant, repeated or sustained breach of a contract condition occurs, the
Minister may require the operator to cease business (under Section 46 of the National
Parks and Reserves Management Act, 2002) until the issue is resolved or the contract
is cancelled.
4.7 Interpretation Plan

The operator will include within the Site Use Plan an interpretation plan which will
set out the interpretive themes, training plan and interpretation strategy for the
standing camp operation. The interpretation plan themes will be based on the reserve
values, purposes and management objectives.
The PWS will approve the interpretation plan prior to the commencement of
operations.
The PWS reserves the right to assess the interpretation plan on an on-going basis, and
may elect to have one staff member undertake a trip or part of a trip up to one time per
year at no cost to PWS. The PWS will try to fit in at a time where spare capacity
exists, rather than taking a paying customer’s place.


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4.8 Licence/Lease Fees and Term

Information regarding the value of a standing camp contract may be gained by
seeking a valuation of the site from the Valuer General. The PWS may also consider
other similar offerings and the fees that are being paid as a benchmark upon which
contract negotiations can commence.
Where the selection of the standing camp operator is through an expression of interest
process, the proponents will be required to specify in their submission the amount of
the return to Government. However, this will be only one of the criteria considered in
an expression of interest process. Other criteria may be the professional standard and
experience of the operator, environmental considerations, the educational and
interpretive experience being offered, the way the proposed camp fits with the
management objectives for the site and tourism goals for the area.
The contract term will be by negotiation with the commercial operator and will be
consistent with Commercial Visitor Services contract negotiation policy. This
includes considering the investment required to develop the camp, the investment
required to develop the enterprise/product or tour which will use the camp, revenue
forecasts, and the time frame required to recoup the investment.
4.9 Contract Renewal

One year prior to the end of the contract period, the PWS will assess the future use of
the standing camp site. This assessment will include but not be limited to the
following:
• results of the monitoring at the site, including the camp’s rating on various
criteria and the operator’s response to issues identified over the period of
the previous contract.
• expressed and expected interest in the site from the current operator and
from other businesses
• any breaches of contract conditions by the current operator
• changes to the Management Plan
• new information regarding the environment at the site
• the history of use of the site.
As a result of the information gathered, the PWS may decide to pursue one of the
following courses of action:
• negotiate with the current licence holder to renew the contract
• commence an Expression of Interest for the site
• change the category of standing camp available at the site
• add new technology or procedures that may lessen environmental impacts
on the site


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• rest the site for some specified period of time or until certain environmental
conditions are met
• remove any future standing camps from the site.
4.10 Contract Map Documentation

All contracts will require a detailed map specifying the boundaries of the leased area.
4.11 Reporting
The operator of a standing camp will undertake any reporting requirements as
determined by Government. This may include, but is not limited to:
• recording visitor numbers
• environmental monitoring
• client satisfaction surveys.
4.12 Maintenance
The operator will be responsible for all maintenance at the site for the duration of the
licence. This includes all rubbish removal, approved tree lopping for safety reasons
and other regular site maintenance tasks.
4.13 Rehabilitation Bond

In order to promote responsible management of the site, the operator of the camp may
be required to pay a rehabilitation bond held in trust or to provide a bank guarantee
for a set time period.
The rehabilitation bond may be refunded subject to satisfactory environmental
performance. Where a bond or similar is negotiated and included in the contract, the
Government may deduct any cost(s) to Government incurred in rehabilitating
disturbed areas from the bond.
4.14 Performance Criteria

The Government may require the operator of the camp to achieve performance criteria
which will be set out within the contract documentation. These may include the
following:
• achieving a specified number of visitors (client/nights) within an agreed

timeframe;
• maintenance of environmental quality (see section 4.5 on Monitoring);
• remedial works;
• research projects.
The consequences of the operator failing to meet agreed performance criteria will be
negotiated and agreed upon and included in the contract documentation.

Approved PWS P- 017
4.15 Existing Standing Camps

The PWS acknowledges that some existing standing camps may not comply with all
of the conditions stated in this policy.
It should be noted however that the guidelines contained in this policy will be fully
implemented with any new contract or camp reconstruction.
This includes each operator of a standing camp having an agreed Site Use Plan
approved by the PWS.
All existing operators of standing camps will be encouraged to follow the conditions
contained in this policy.


Approved PWS P- 017
5. Categories of Standing Camp
The reserve management plan may state which category or categories of standing
camp will be allowed in each site.
Standing camps will be defined as one of the following 3 categories:
• Type A – the camp is removed in its entirety for at least 12 weeks in each year.
• Type B – where, for at least 12 weeks in each year, the camp is collapsed down
to the minimum possible footprint, stored on a platform and retained on site.
• Type C – where the camp remains fully intact and set up for the entire year.
All camp sites must be constructed so they are temporary in nature and appearance
and must be completely and easily demountable with no lasting damage or
environmental effect to the ground on which they were erected.
Type A standing camps are the preferred option for all sites for the reasons outlined in
1.3, especially the reasons relating to infrastructure creep. Preferred conditions for
standing camps are robust vegetation and soils and where the site is easily accessible,
but hidden from the view of the general public. Also, the structures should be
designed to be lightweight and easy to remove. These factors make a Type A
standing camp the best option for the environment.
However, where monitoring or expert advice shows that significantly more damage is
or would be caused by removing and re-erecting structures than in storing them
onsite, a Type B standing camp may be considered. In this case, the environmental
benefits of partial removal and storing structures onsite must clearly out-weigh the
impacts of complete annual removal. It is not to be used as an option of convenience.
The PWS will also consider other options such as negotiating with the operator to
redesign structures to make them lighter and more portable as a possible solution in
this instance.
Consideration will also be given for new Type B standing camps where the proposed
site has already been degraded or hardened to such an extent that rehabilitation to its
natural state is unlikely or where access is exceptionally remote or difficult.
Type C standing camps may also be considered where the proposed site has already
been degraded or hardened to such an extent that rehabilitation to its natural state is
unlikely or where access is exceptionally remote or difficult. Due to the more
permanent nature of Type C standing camps, all proposals will go through a
Development Application or a similar public consultation process as part of their
assessment.
5.1 ‘Type A’ standing camps – Complete Annual Removal

• A Type A standing camp must be completely removed for a continuous period
of at least 12 weeks in each year to encourage rehabilitation of the site and to


Approved PWS P- 017
minimise long term incremental degradation. Once vacated there will be no

infrastructure or equipment left on site.
• The camp will not be operated at all in the 12 week rest period.
• The operator is responsible for advising the PWS the date the camp will be
dismantled and the date it will be re-erected in each year.
• The camp will be constructed of very light demountable materials. As a general

rule, the camp should be able to be packed up and removed by the regular staff
of the standing camp within three days.
• The system, route and/or mode of setup and removal must be specified in the
Site Use Plan and be approved by the PWS.
• Use of boardwalks within the camp will be considered if they reduce ground
impacts and it can be demonstrated that they are easily removable when the
camp is demounted.
• All rubbish including packaging and vegetable scraps are to be removed at the
end of each trip.
5.2 ‘Type B’ standing camps – Partial Annual Removal

• A Type B standing camp must be broken down for a continuous period of at
least 12 weeks in each year to minimise long term incremental infrastructure
development and environmental degradation. Over the 12 week rest period,
minimal infrastructure may be stored on a platform and retained on site.
• The system, route and/or mode of breaking down the camp must be specified in
the Site Use Plan and be approved by the PWS. The storage position of camp
structures may be rotated from year to year if the PWS considers this to be
environmentally beneficial.
• The camp will not be operated at all during the 12 week rest period.
• The operator of the camp will continue to have responsibility for the entire site
for the period the camp is removed. However, they will only have the ability to
occupy that part of the site where their equipment is stored.
• The operator is responsible for advising the PWS the date the camp will be
dismantled and the date it will be re-erected in each year.
• The camp will be constructed of light demountable materials. As a general rule,

the camp should be able to be broken down to its storage stage by the regular
staff of the camp within 3 days.


Approved PWS P- 017
impacts. The boardwalks and tent platforms may be left in situ when the camp is
packed up if it can be demonstrated that the damage that may result from
removing them is likely to be greater than if they were left in place.
end of each trip.
• The breakdown routine and approved structures to be left in place are to be

defined in the approved Site Use Plan.
5.3 ‘Type C’ standing camps – Set up for the entire year

• The camp may remain standing for the entire year.
• The camp will be constructed of light demountable materials.
impacts. The boardwalks should be removable and the ground underneath easily
rehabilitated.
end of each trip.


Approved PWS P- 017
6. Ongoing Policy Review

A working group consisting of representatives from field staff, the CVS section and
standing camp operators will be set up to conduct ongoing monitoring and review of
this policy. The group will first meet in early 2007.
Policy Owner: Shane Breen

Parks and Wildlife Service
Manager Visitor Services
GPO Box 1751
Hobart Tas 7001
(03) 6233 4543
shane.breen@parks.tas.gov.au


Tasmania&#39;s Standing Camp Policy 2006 (Parks &amp; Wildlife Service)

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Tasmania&#39;s Standing Camp Policy 2006 (Parks &amp; Wildlife Service)

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Standing Camp Policy

Parks and Wildlife Service

Status: PWS Standing Camp Policy Revision No:

3 Planning and Assessment of New Standing Camp Proposals

4 General Conditions Which Apply to all Standing Camps 14

4.1 Statutory Requirements 14

5 Categories of Standing Camps 21

5.1. ‘Type A’ standing camp – Complete Annual Removal 21

6 Ongoing Policy Review 24

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For these reasons, this policy is now considered necessary.

2.2 Current Relevant Statewide Policies and Strategies

Tasmania Together, Community Leaders Group, 2001

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Parks and Wildlife Services Strategic plan 2006-2008

Tasmanian Reserve Management Code of Practice, 2003

Easy Access Campers – Solitary. ‘Overnight camping in easily accessible campsites

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2.3.2 Commercial bush camp

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2.3.3 Exclusive use for a prescribed period

2.3.4 Comfort and Accessibility

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3. Planning and Assessment of New Standing Camp

3.2 Assessment of a new Standing Camp

Step 1 – A new Standing Camp is Proposed

The summary will also provide the following details:

• preferred sites within the reserve(s);

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Step 2 – Concept Approval

• management objectives as specified in the legislation under which the land is

The minimum criteria for siting a standing camp will be:

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• rejected and does not proceed;

At this point if:

Step 3 – Additional Assessment

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The Tasmanian Reserve Management Code of Practice, 2003 provides guidance as to

At this point the assessment of the proposal proper commences.

Step 4 – Draft assessment developed

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Step 5 – Advice on draft assessment

Step 6 – Final assessment developed

Step 7 – In Principle Approval

Step 8 – External Assessments

8A – Local Authority Assessment (only if required)

Step 8B – EPBC referral (only if required)

Step 9 – Final Decision

Step 10 – Proposal Proceeds: Notification, Implementation and Monitoring

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Tasmania's Standing Camp Policy 2006 (Parks & Wildlife Service)

Tasmania's Standing Camp Policy 2006 (Parks & Wildlife Service)