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PWS Policy and Procedures

PWS Draft Cave Access PolicyPWS P- 034

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DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, PARKS,

WATER and ENVIRONMENT

Parks and Wildlife Service

Tasmania

Cave Access Policy

Acknowledgement of Country

The Parks and Wildlife Service pays respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginalpeople as the traditional and original owners and continuing custodians ofthis land; and acknowledge the Elders - past and present.

As traditional and ongoing owners of Country, it is acknowledged thatcaves may be of special significance to Aboriginal people. This draftpolicy would only apply to caves on reserved land managed by the Parksand Wildlife Service and would not affect Aboriginal people's access tocaves for cultural purposes. The intention is to provide suitable accesscontrols over caves subject to high levels of recreational use.

Department of PrimaryIndustries, Parks, Water andEnvironment

PWS Cave Access PolicyPWS P-034 of 23

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Table of Contents1. Purpose of this Policy........................................................................................................^

2. Statement of Intent............................................................................................................. 2

3. Definitions........................................................................................................................... 3

4. Responsibilities................................................................................................................... 5

5. Background......................................................................................................................... 6

6. Policy.................................................................................................................................. 7

5. Procedures....................................................................................................................... 10

6. Policy Owner..................................................................................................................... 10

7. Review.............................................................................................................................. 10

8. Approval............................................................................................................................ 10

Appendix 1 - Respecting Aboriginal Heritage in Caves:...................................................... 11Appendix 2 - Cave Classification and Zoning System......................................................... 12Appendix 3 - Process Map for Defining Cave Zones........................................................... 17Appendix 4 - Definition ofASF Cavers or Equivalent .......................................................... 20Appendix 5 - Standard Permit Conditions............................................................................ 22

1. Purpose of this Policy

To provide a classification and cave zoning system and define a process toclassify caves managed under the National Parks and Reserves ManagementAct 2002 (NPRMA) in order to protect karst values and guide the appropriateuse and management of those caves.

2. Statement of Intent

To respect country so that Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural heritage is notdisturbed.

To manage cave-based activities to ensure that unacceptable impacts tonatural and cultural values are avoided.

To identify caves or sections of caves suitable for cave-based activities acrossa spectrum of skills and experience levels.

To identify caves where access needs to be highly regulated or restricted forthe protection of values present.

To establish consistent standards and practices for cave management in allareas managed by the PWS.

To develop a strategic context for responding to commercial applications andenquiries about recreational and training uses of caves.

To use best knowledge management practices to achieve this.



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3. Definitions

AQF

ASF cavers ore uivalent

Cave

Cave Class

Cave Zone

Cave-basedActivity

Cave guide

EstablishedCaving Club

Experienced caveleader

Interested Parties


Australian Qualifications Framework

See Appendix 4.

A natural cavity of sufficient size for a person to enter. Themost extensive caves are solutional features in limestone anddolomite; however, caves also form through other processes(e.g. sandstone caves, sea caves, boulder caves, fissurecaves, etc. .

Upper level category within the Cave Access Zoning Systemestablished by this policy. Cave class specifies the broadintent for mana in whole caves.

Spatial unit within the Cave Access Zoning Systemestablished by this policy. Cave zones specify objectives,prescriptions and conditions for managing specific areaswithin caves or, in some cases, whole caves.

Any human activity within a cave, including but not limited torecreation, exploration, mapping, diving, working bee,training, education, professional development, cultural event,commercial tour, research, mana ement or rescue.

An employee of the PWS or cave lessee who conducts toursin show caves.

A group dedicated primarily to caving, as reflected in thegroup's constitution and activities at all levels, which hasexisted for a period of at least 5 years. Including but notlimited to groups which are corporate members of theAustralian Speleological Federation or, in the case ofoverseas cavers, a similar national or international peakbod .A person with demonstrable skills and experience in safelymanaging groups in caves in accordance with acceptedminimal impact caving practices. Experienced cave leaderswill have practical experienced in caving and groupmanagement gained over a period of years. They will havefirst-hand knowledge of the cave(s) they are operating in.When leading groups of inexperienced cavers, they will befamiliar with minimal impact caving guidelines and theirpractical application to cave-based activities. They may holdqualifications relevant to caving and group management froman accredited trainin rovider.

Interested Parties may have a general interest in caves andcave management and include but are not limited toindividuals, Tasmanian Aboriginal people, Karstcare, cavingclubs, commercial o erators, outdoor education roviders,


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Karst

Karst ReservesManagementGroup

Key Stakeholders

Limited access

Minimal impactcaving

NPRMA

Permit

PRM

PRMA

RAA

Restricted Area

RSF

Special

Department of PrimaryIndustries. Parks, Water andEnvironment

outdoor experience programs and school groups.

Distinctive landforms and terrain formed by the greatersolubility of certain rock types in natural waters. Karstic rockt es in Tasmania are limestone, dolomite and ma nesite.Internal PWS/DPIPWE committee to oversee developmentand implementation of policy, provide advice and policydirection concerning cave and karst management, and tofacilitate State-wide communication and consistency on caveand karst matters. Further detail rovided below.

A sub-set of Interested Parties comprising of any or all of thelisted Interested Parties (see above) who have a stronginterest in, or are a group which regularly uses a particularcave or cave s stem.

As defined under Regulation 17 of the National Parks andReserved Land Regulations 2009 access to certain areasmay be limited. That is:

Unless a person holds a permit, they must not enter orremain in or on:

. a restricted area as declared in a management plan; or

. in a cave on reserved land if access is prohibited by asign displayed near the entrance of the cave or by a

ublic notice ublished in a news a er.

Practices specified in (1) the ASF Minimal Impact CavingCode (htt ://www.caves.or .au/s minimal.htm and (2)general or site-specific procedures established by the PWS,as communicated via signs, brochures, permit conditions,written or verbal instructions or other means.

National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002

An authority to enter a Limited Access area or RestrictedArea, issued in accordance with Regulation 26 and 28 of theNational Parks and Reserved Land Re ulations 2009

Parks and Reserves Manager

Parks and Reserves Management Area

Reserve Activity Assessment (see Reserve ActivityAssessment Pol ic .

As defined in Section 37 of the NPRMA. i.e. A managementplan for any reserved land may declare that the reservedland, or any part of the reserved land, is a restricted area towhich the ublic does not have a eneral ri ht of access.

Reserve Standards Framework (see Reserve StandardsFramework Polio .

These zones protect cave values at sites which are


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ManagementZones

considered too sensitive for recreational caving activities (seeA endix 2

4. Responsibilities

This policy is intended for use by senior Parks and Wildlife Service regionalstaff including Regional Managers, Regional Operation Managers, Parks andReserves Managers, Senior Rangers, Regional Planners and also by Hobartstaff working in Commercial Visitor Services and Planning Services.

Regional Managers (RMs) & Regional Operations Managers (ROMs)

. RMs can endorse recommended cave classifications and associated

zoning system prior to approval from the General Manager PWS

. In accordance with Section 89 of the National Parks and Reserves

Management Act 2002, RMs and ROMs have been given thedelegation to approve the granting of authorities (permits) to enterlimited access caves or limited access areas within caves.

Park and Reserves Managers

. Provide recommendations to the RM regarding the application of theCave Access Classification and Zoning System for caves in theirmanagement area.

. Monitor the effective application of the relevant standards andprescriptions to classified caves in accordance with this policy andzoning system.

Senior Rangers:

. Provide input to the visitor use, management intent and applicationof the Cave Access Classification and Zoning System to the caves intheir management area.

. Apply the standards and prescriptions to classified caves inaccordance with this policy and zoning system.

Regional Planners:

. Advise and support operational staff with this process.

. Apply the standards and prescriptions to classified caves inaccordance with this policy and zoning system in undertakingregional planning for karst areas.



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5. Background

The PWS is responsible for the management of a large number of caveslocated on reserved lands across Tasmania, including some of the mostextensive and highly decorated caves in Australia. These caves contain avariety of natural and cultural values, some of which are highly sensitive andsusceptible to permanent damage if disturbed.

Cave sites may contain stencils and other forms of Tasmanian Aboriginalculture, such as midden materials and stone tools. Caves may have acombination of cultural heritage materials, but also may have had remains inthe past that are no longer visible.

The PWS acknowledges that speleological groups and individual cavers havemade significant contributions to the exploration, documentation andmanagement of caves on reserved land in Tasmania. Effective implementationof this policy and conservation of caves generally depend on ongoing supportfrom these groups and individuals.

The principle threat to the integrity of caves on reserved land is theinappropriate behaviour of visitors to these sites. Some impacts are a result ofa lack of awareness of minimal impact caving practices, others a result of thecumulative effect of numerous minor impacts over time. This is especially trueof 'wild caves', which may receive hundreds of visitors annually but lackprotective infrastructure as found within show caves.

Historically, the PWS has managed cave-based activities at highly sensitivecaves by restricting access and through licensing of commercial operators totake clients (generally in-experienced users) under supervision into selectedwild caves. This approach to karst management is inadequate for addressingthe increasing use of caves by different groups.

There are currently a number of significant management issues consistentlypresenting at many sites around the state including congestion and conflicts atpopular caves, evidence of unacceptable rates of environmental degradation,and demand for access to additional caves for commercial purposes byexisting and new operators. Accordingly, this policy establishes procedures forzoning caves for different purposes, and for regulating access to these inaccordance with conditions appropriate to different levels of cave sensitivityand caving experience of visitors. This will provide a strategic context forbalancing conservation objectives with the demand for cave-based activities.

This policy provides a framework for implementing cave zoning prescriptionscontained in management plans for the Tasmanian Wilderness World HeritageArea, Mt Field National Park and Mole Creek Karst National Park. It will also

satisfy a similar requirement under the Tasmanian Resen/e Management Codeof Practice.

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Relevant legislation, codes and policy documents:. National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002. National Parks and Reserves Regulations 2009 (Regulation 17 & 28). Tasmanian Reserve Management Code of Practice 2003. Nature Conservation Act 2002

. Threatened Species Protection Act 1995

. P-004 Reserve Standards Framework (internal PWS policy document)

6. Policy

Tasmanian Aboriginal people ask that visitors to caves show respect for andprotect Aboriginal heritage. The Aboriginal Relics Act 1975 defines a person'sresponsibilities to protect Aboriginal heritage throughout Tasmania. Theprotocols and practices provided in Appendix 1 are intended to protectAboriginal heritage in caves.

Karst Reserves Management Group

DPIPWE's Karst Reserves Management Group (KRMG) will oversee thedevelopment and implementation of this policy and provide consistency oncave and karst matters. The KRMG membership includes Parks and ReservesManagers with karst management responsibilities, a PWS staff member fromthe respective PRMA with responsibility for karst management, the PWS State-wide Planner, a PWS Commercial Visitor Services representative and theRMC Karst Officer. The KRMG is chaired by a Parks and Reser/e Manager,who is responsible for calling meetings and developing the agenda. The groupmeets as frequently as required but at least on an annual basis. The KRMG isis responsible for ensuring that adequate consultation occurs in relation to thispolicy and the management of caves.

Statutory Provisions for Managing Access

Access to caves may be formally restricted through the application of

. Regulation 17 of the National Parks and Reserved Land Regulations2009.to limit access; or

. Section 37 of the National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002to restrict access via a management plan.

Caves may be also gated where significant impact to karst values may occur ifaccess is not limited.

In certain circumstances, by way of Regulation 28 of the National Parks andReserved Land Regulations 2009, an authority may be granted for groupactivities where it can be shown that environmental risks are acceptable.



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Cave Classification and Zoning System

The Cave Access Classification and Zoning System (Appendix 2) will beapplied to caves managed under the National Parks and ReservesManagement Act 2002. See Appendix 3 for the Process Map for defining cavezones. Each Region will maintain a record of cave zoning decisions.

Caves which have not been assessed and zoned under this policy, includingnew discoveries, will be managed to protect their natural and cultural values, inaccordance with relevant reser/e management plans and the TasmanianReserve Management Code of Practice 2003. Such caves will not bepromoted for public access, considered for commercial purposes or otherwisemanaged in ways prejudicial to the potential outcomes of future zoning.

Caves known or likely to contain evidence of Aboriginal occupation or caveswith special associations for Aboriginal people may be considered for zoningfollowing advice from Aboriginal community representatives.

Where a zoning proposal will impinge on existing patterns of use within a cave,then key stakeholders will be consulted in assessing the proposal. Interestedparties will be informed of cave zoning decisions.

Emergency Management

Access restrictions for Emergency Services would be waived in an emergencysituation.

Where-ever practicable, during search and rescue activities and incidents,rescue operators will adhere to the ASF Minimal Impact Rescue Code.

Issue of Permits and Licences

Permits may be issued to ASF cavers or equivalent (Appendix 4) to enterLimited Access Zones.

Permits will be issued in accordance with Regulations 17, 26 and 28 of theNational Parks and Reserved Land Regulations 2009 subject to the criteria setout by this policy. Permit conditions will specify measures appropriate toprotect the natural and cultural values of the cave(s) concerned.

Permits to enter Special Management Zones will only be issued in exceptionalcircumstances related to science or management, in accordance with the CaveAccess Classification and Zoning System (Appendix 2).

Commercial visitor services business licence may be granted for relevant cavezones in accordance with Section 40 and 41 of the National Parks and

Reserves Management Act 2002 subject to the criteria set out by this policy.Licence conditions will specify measures appropriate to protect the natural andcultural values of the cave(s) concerned.

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Permits to enter Limited Access Zones may be refused or withdrawn ifreasonable grounds exist for believing that the club or individual has failed tocomply with conditions attached to a previous permit, will not comply withpermit conditions in future or may otherwise act in a manner prejudicial to thesustainable use of caves and the objectives of this policy. In this situation thePWS will provide written advice to the club or individual regarding the reasonfor the decision.

Annual trip limits and other site-specific conditions of entry may be specified, inconjunction with cave classification and zoning under this policy, to protectnatural and cultural values present within a cave.

Where a higher level of support personnel, is needed for special need groups,then a permit may be issued on a case by case basis.

A standardised state-wide system will be established and administered in theRegion, for the purpose of issuing permits and filing permit reports. A standardpermit format and conditions will be adopted (Appendix 5).

Cave Infrastructure

The level of cave infrastructure permitted within different zones is specified inthe Cave Access Classification and Zoning System (Appendix 2).

Fixed anchors for rigging caving ropes ('bolts') are considered low levelremovable infrastructure for the purposes of this policy. These will be installed,tested and maintained in accordance with the Permanent Resin BondedAnchors procedure approved by the PWS. The PWS may amend theprocedure in consultation with established caving clubs.

Installation or removal of cave infrastructure (including fixed anchors) is notpermitted without prior permission from PWS.

Redundant, unsafe or environmentally damaging infrastructure in caves will beremoved and disposed of at an approved waste facility outside the reserve.

Caving practices

Cave-based activities are supported, provided they do not result inunacceptable impacts to the environment and are otherwise consistent withthis policy.

To ensure that unacceptable impacts do not occur to sensitive featuresprotected by zoning in caves, people or organisations entering Self-reliant orLimited Access Zones must be experienced cavers who are competent andfamiliar with standard minimal impact caving practices. Entry to Limited Accessand Self-reliant Zones is potentially available to people who are 'ASF cavers orequivalent' as defined in Appendix 4



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Leaders of groups entering the Experienced Leader Access Zone will berequired to meet the definition of Experienced Leader as defined in this Policy(Section 3 Definitions and Abbreviations).

Schools and community-based organisations planning to take groups into anExperienced Leader Zone must ensure that they have adequate procedureand practice to support minimal impact caving practices.

Use of acetylene lights is not permitted in caves. Spent carbide left in caveswill be removed.

Geocaching is not permitted inside caves.

5. Procedures

Procedures for classifying and zoning caves are defined by the Process Map(Appendix 3).

6. Policy Owner

Mark BryceDirector Operations

7. Review

This policy will be reviewed in 3 years from the approval date, or if there is asubstantial shift in government planning legislation and/or policy.

8. Approval

Peter MooneyGeneral Manager

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Appendix 1 - Respecting Aboriginal Heritage in Caves:Protocols and Procedures

. It is an offence under the Aboriginal Relics Act 1975 to destroy, damage,deface, conceal, or otherwise interfere with a relic. You must notifyAboriginal Heritage Tasmania (AHT) in Hobart (ph 6165 3152) about anydiscovery of Aboriginal heritage as soon as possible. AHT will thenprovide further advice in accordance with the Aboriginal Relics Act 1975.For further information about identifying and reporting AboriginalHeritage, please visit the AHT website www.abori nalherita e.tas. ov.au

. Notify Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania (AHT) in Hobart (ph 6165 3152)about any discovery of Aboriginal heritage as soon as possible. AHT willthen provide further advice in accordance with the Aboriginal Relics Act1975.

. Do not sit, walk or leave equipment on cave floors or against walls wherethere is evidence of Aboriginal heritage.

. Keep photography to a minimum, particularly when Aboriginal heritage ispresent. Flashes on cameras can harm Aboriginal art displayed on cavewalls. Do not place a measurement marker directly onto cave floorheritage items. Any photos are only for personal use and may not bereproduced commercially unless appropriate endorsement is given byAboriginal communities.

. Do not disturb or dig into ANY cave floor without authority. Aboriginalheritage may not be readily identifiable on the surface. ImportantAboriginal heritage material may be just below the surface of ANY cavefloor of any horizontal system.

. Do not light fires in caves. There may be Aboriginal rock art which hasnot been identified and smoke could degrade or obscure thesemarkings.

. Do not engrave any cave walls. There may be Aboriginal rock markingswhich are not readily identifiable and engraving may distort or obscurethem.

. Do not pick up any items that you may think are Aboriginal in origin.Should you inadvertently disturb an artefact, replace it as near aspossible to where it was originally located.



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Appendix 2 - Cave Classification and Zoning System

Cave Access Zoning System for Reserved Land - Parks and Wildlife Service.

CAVE CLASS

Overview/

Description

SHOW CAVES

Caves designated for commercial use with

areas developed specifically for guided tours

utilising formed pathways, artificial lighting andother infrastructure. These caves are available

for general public access in the context of formal

tours supervised by guides. Show caves maycontain undeveloped areas zoned for purposesother than tourism.

WILD CAVES

Caves suitable for visitation by caving partiesacross a spectmm of skills and experiencelevels, in general where no formal restrictionsapply to access. These caves generally contain

minimal infrastructure to support public access.Selected Wild Caves are available for

supervised 'wild caving" activities; others areconsidered suitable only for trips by experiencedAustralian Speleological Federation cavers orequivalent (See Appendix 4 for clarification of

equivalent). These caves may include highlysensitive passages that are designated as

Limited Access or Special Management Zones.

RESTRICTED ACCESS CAVES

Caves where access is restricted. Caves maybe declared as a Restricted Area within the

meaning of the National Parks and ReservesManagement Act 2002 or as having LimitedAccess under Regulation 17 of the National

Parks and Reserved Land Regulations 2009.

They include highly sensitive caves that include

frequent and or outstanding sensitivecomponent features. Access to these cavesrequires advanced caving skills to navigatethrough highly sensitive areas without causingunacceptable environmental impacts. Where

open for recreational access, restricted accesscaves are available for trips by experiencedcavers who are full members of Australian

Speleological Federation or equivalent, subjectto site-specific conditions to protect caveenvironments.

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ACCESS ZONES

Statement ofintent

Relevant caveclasses

Principle usergroup

Permit/Authorityrequirements

Show Cave Zone

To protect cave valuesand showcase

outstandingunderground sceneryin a safe and

controlled setting

Show Caves

General public -inexperienced cavers

Yes (Entry Fee)

General Access Zone

To protect cave valuesand provideopportunities forintroductory cavingexperiences in largelynatural settings byparties who may lackprior cavingexperience

Wild Caves

For general public withlimited or no cavingexperience

No. Bookings toaccess some caves

may be required

Experienced LeaderAccess Zone

To protect cave valuesand provideopportunities for moreextended cavingexperiences in largelynatural settings byparties supervised byexperienced caveleaders

Wild Caves

Show Cave

General public seekinga guided 'wild caving'experience supervisedby ExperiencedLeaders.

Bookings to accesssome caves may berequired

Self-reliant Zone

To protect cave valuesand provideopportunities forcaving experiencesrequiring an advancedlevel of technicalcaving competence byall participants

Wild Caves

Experienced caverswho are full membersof AustralianSpeleologicalFederation or

equivalent

Full ASF membershipor equivalent (noauthority required)

Limited Access Zone

To protect cave valuesand provideopportunities forcaving experiencesrequiring an advancedlevel of technicalcaving competence byall participants, at verysensitive sites where

access is formallyrestricted

Show CavesWild Caves

Restricted AccessCaves

Experienced caverswho are full membersof AustralianSpeleologicalFederation or

equivalent

Standard RestrictedAccess Cave Authorityrequired. Bookings toaccess some caves

may be required

Special ManagementZone

To protect cave valuesat sites which areconsidered toosensitive for

recreational cavingactivities


PWS Cave Access PolicyPWS P-034

Show CavesWild CavesRestricted AccessCaves

Restricted access formanagement orscientific purposesonly.

Authority may beissued for scientific ormanagement purposesonly.

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May be availablefor externalcommercial

operators

Search andRescue Activities

Supervision

Max Party Sizes

Maximum DailyCave Numbers

Yes - must be leasedor licensed

Training exercises notpermitted.Familiarisation tripspermitted.

Yes (Cave guide)

Specified in PWSbusiness plans orstipulated incommercial

arrangements forexternal operators.

Specified in PWSbusiness plans orstipulated incommercialarran ementsfor

Yes - must belicenced

Training exercises andfamiliarisation tripspermitted.

No but experiencedleader recommended

Yes - must belicenced

Training exercises andfamiliarisation tripspermitted undersupervision fromexperienced caveleaders.

Yes, all groups to besupervised by anexperienced caveleader

24 (where bookingsapply)

24

No

Training exercises andfamiliarisation trips forselected personnelpermitted undersupervision fromexperienced caveleaders.

Yes, all groups to besupervised by anexperienced caveleader

12 (including leaders) 12 (including leaders) 6

12



No

Training exercises notpermitted.Familiarisation trips forselected personnelpermitted undersupervision fromexperienced caveleaders.

Yes, all groups to besupervised by anexperienced caveleader and or an

accredited cave guidefor certain caves.

No

Not appropriate fortraining orfamiliarisation.

Yes, PWS/DPIPWEstaff with priorexperience. Anappropriatelyexperienced ASFcaver or equivalentmay be considered.

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Minimum cavingstandards to be

adhered to.

Recommended

RSFclassification forcave entrance

Level ofpermitted caveinfrastructure

external operators.

Clean shoes.

Appropriate clothing

Infrastructurematerialspermitted

Day use Comfort(Complex)

Broad range ofinfrastructure requiredto facilitate publicpresentation; subjectto RAA process anduse of approvedmaterials.

No restrictions on

material type as longas it is relatively inertwhen exposed to therelevant cave

environment.

ASF Minimal ImpactCaving Code andTasmanian ActivityAdventure StandardsCaving should beadhered to.

Day Use Get Away(Mid)

Infrastructure tosupport public accessmay be permittedusing approvedmaterials.(e.g. ramps,steps, viewingplatforms); RAAprocess to be followed

Materials to be usedare to be inert and ableto be removed withminimal impact tocave.

ASF Minimal ImpactCaving Code andTasmanian ActivityAdventure Standards

Caving to be adheredto.

Day Use Get Away(Basic to Mid)

Low level removableinfrastructure only, forenvironmental

protection and safetypurposes usingapproved materials

Materials to be usedare to be inert and ableto be removed withminimal impact tocave.

ASF Minimal ImpactCaving Code andTasmanian ActivityAdventure StandardsCaving to be adheredto.

NMVS - not managedfor visitor services

Low level removable

infrastructure only, forenvironmental


Materials to be usedare to be inert and ableto be removed with

minimal impact tocave.



Low level removableinfrastructure only, forenvironmentalprotection and safetypurposes usingapproved materials

Materials to be used

are to be inert and ableto be removed withminimal impact tocave.



Low level removable

infrastructure only, forenvironmental


Materials to be usedare to be inert and ableto be removed with

minimal impact tocave.

Signage Regulatory signagepermitted at caveentrance.

Regulatory signagepermitted at caveentrance.


Regulatory signagepermitted at caveentrance. Si ns ma

Signs generally notprovided howeverre ulato si ns ma


Signs generally notprovided howeverre ulato si ns ma

Signs generally notprovided. Signs maybe installed within the

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Route markingpermitted andtype allowed

AppropriateLevel of Publicity

Monitoring levelsrequired

Interpretation signsmay be installedoutside the cave inaccordance with RSF

standards. Signs maybe installed within the

cave for managementpurposes.

Hardening of tracksurfaces andinstallation of handrails

and barriers permittedwith internal lightingsystems permitted asnecessary

Actively promoted fortourism (intrastate,interstate, overseas)

Monitoringrecommended where

deemed necessary i.e.radiation monitoring forcave guides.

Interpretation signsmay be installedoutside the cave inaccordance with RSF

standards. Signs maybe installed within the


Generally, routes willbe defined with 3 mm

synthetic line. Otherapproaches andmaterials may beapproved on a case bycase basis.

May be promoted as acaving venue

Monitoring to includefrequency of accesswithin this zone (e.g.RegistrationBook/Counter).Monitoring forenvironmental impactswhere deemed

necessary.

be installed within the




May be promoted as acaving venue

Monitoring to includefrequency of accesswithin this zone.

Monitoring forenvironmental impactswhere deemed

necessary.

be present at caveentrance. Signs maybe installed within thecave for managementpurposes.



Not to be promoted asa caving venue



necessary.

be present at caveentrance. Signs maybe installed within the







necessary.







necessary


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Appendix 3 - Process Map for Defining Cave ZonesProgram:Process Name:

Process Owner:

Process Clients:

Process Objective:

Natural Resource ManagementCave Classification and Access ZoningKarst Reserve Management Group (KRMG)PWS Staff and key interested partiesImplement Cave Access Policy

Activities

A. Identify Caves requiringclassification and zoning

1 Identify Caves for Zoning: Fieldcentres to identify list of caves inpriority order for zoning, togetherwith other key stakeholders andpersons with spedalist knowledgeof caves in the area.

2 PRM Rev iew: Cave selection listto be reviewed by PRM andhighest priority caves withinrespective PRM areas to beidentified

3 KRMG Review : KRMG to meetand review caves nominated byPRM for zoning

4 Regional Manager Approval:Cave sites recommended forzoning sent to respective RegionalManager for approval to proceedwith classification process.

B. Prepare draft classificationand zoning for cave

Establish Project Team: Eachcave to be assigned a projectleader and project team. Teamshould include staff from thePRMA/Region, RMC Karst Officerand other key stakeholdeis withs ecialist knowled e of the cave.Advise interested parties:Identify interested parties andadvise them of the intention todassify/zone.

Values and Recreation

Assessment of Cave: Team toidentify values present, the level ofrecreational use and current

impacts.

4 Cave Mapping: A cave map willbe prepared for recommendedcave sites. Map needs to providethe ability to cleariy zone allaccessible areas of the cavesystem.

C. StakeholderConsultation

1 Consult With Interested Partiesand Key Stakeholders: Preparecommunications plan forconsultation. Meet with keystakeholder groups and discussdraft zoning document.

2 Comment Period; Provide keystakeholder groups with draftdocument and allow 4 weeks toprovide feedback on draft.

3 Review Period; Project team toreview feedback and consider

changes where appropriate. Aschedule of comments to be keptwith draft responses to beprovided.fdraft document to bere ared

4 Revised Document Reviewed byKRMG: KRMG to meet to reviewany revisions made to draftdocument including schedule ofcomments and draft responses.Request amendments or refer tores ective R ional Mana er.

D, Approval for caveclassification and

zones

E. Implementation ofapproved zoning on newlyclassified cave

1 Regional Manager Approval: 1 Preparation of Project DeliveryRegional Manager to endorse final Plan: Project team advised byversion of cave classification andzoning plan. Refer document toManager Operations.

Manager Operations Approval:Manager Operations to endorsefinal version of cave classificationand zoning plan. Refer documentto General Mana erGeneral Manager Approval:General Manager PWS to approvefinal version of document

4 Interested Parties Advised ofZoning Decisions (includes keystakeholders as a sub-group ofinterested parties)

PRM to proceed to develop projectdelivery plan.

2 RIC Review of Project Plan:Project plan to be reviewed byRIC, request amendment or referto PRM for approval

3 PRM Review of Project Plan:Project plan to be reviewed byrelevant PRM, request amendmentor approve

F. Monitor and evaluateimplementation andcompliance.

1 Monitor Progress: ProjectManager to develop monitoringplan for monitoring progress andcompliance against project plan inaccordance with PWS Monitoringand Reporting System

2 Report Progress: Regularprogress reports to be provided bythe Project Manager to RIC, PRM,KRMG and RM.

3 Notification of ProjectCompletion: Project Manager toadvise RIC, PRM, KRMG and RMonce project is completed.

Implementation of Project Plan:Project Team to commence cavezoning project

F4 Monitor implementation of cavezoning: Monitor implementationand compliance issues with thezoning system for the cave.



Applicability:


Status: Final


Document Title and Reference Ho:

PWS Cave Access PolicyPWS P. 034


Revision Date:

Revision No:

Prepare draft classification andzoning document: to includemapping infbnmation for cave aswell as detail on proposed signageand track marking both outsideand within the cave.fdocumenttemplate to be developed).Conditions for access to bedevelo ed.Draft Reviewed by KRMG: KRMGto meet to review the draft cave

zoning document. Requestamendments or refer to respectiveR ional Mana er.

Draft Reviewed by RM: RegionalManager to review and requestamendments or provide approvalto refer take interested arties.

5 Review Cave Zoning; Review anysignificant issues identified andrefer back to KRMG fordiscussions and further actioningwhere appropriate.


PWS Cave Access PolicyPWS P-034 o< 23

Applicability:


Status: Final





Revision Date:

Revision No:

RACI Table: Cave Classification and Access ZoningActivity Ref. Description

Field Centres to identify a list of caves within their respective areas that should beconsidered for classification.

A2 - A4 Proposed caves for zoning to be reviewed and final list approvedB1 Identify Project Team for development and implementation of cave zoning system.

B2-B5 Undertake values assessment and preparation of draft cave zoning documentB6-B7 Review draft cave zoning document

C1 Prepare stakeholder engagement communications plan for RM approval.C1 -C3 Undertake consultation process with key stakeholder groups

C4 Review comments and any revision to first draftD1 -D3 Final approval of cave zoning document

D4 Interested Parties advised of zoning decisions

E1 Develop project plan for implementation of cave zoning.E2-E3 Review and approve project delivery plan

E4 Implement project plan

F1 -F4 Monitor, review progress and report on outcomes of cave zoning projectF5 Review implementation of cave zoning and identify any significant issues

Ranger inCharge

R

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cIc

I

cR

I

c

Parks andReservesManager

AcRcIcRIcA

KarstReserve

ManagementGrou

RI

PWS ProjectTeam

I

IR

RRR

RR

RR

RegionalManager

ManagerOperations

GeneralManager

AA

Definitions:R - Responsible: Person who is responsible for implementing the activity in accordance with established policy and procedures.

They may undertake the bulk of the work associated with an activity or delegate this work.They usually make decisions but must have written approval from those persons listed as Approve.If there is no officer listed under Approve for a particular activity then they are also fully accountable for the decisions or output/outcome.

A - Approve: The officer that needs to approve any decisions hence they are accountable for the decisions or output/outcome.The officer that approves the completed activity and is held fully accountable for it.

C - Consult: Must be consulted.

The responsible officer must consult with the officer listed before recommending or taking a course of action.The consultation should be recorded.The communication is two-way

I - Inform: Must be informed.

The responsible officer after making a decision or deciding on a course of action is to ensure that officer listed is informed.The officer listed under inform can have an opinion on the decision or proposed course of action but the responsible officer is not required to formally consider that input.The communication is one-way.



Applicability:


Status: Final




tesue Date:15 Ma 2014Revision Date:

Revision No:

Appendix 4 - Definition ofASF Cavers or Equivalent

An ASF Caver or equivalent is defined as

. a person who is an individual full member of the Australian SpeleologicalFederation Inc. (ASF) or a member of a club which is a corporate member of theASF. ASF membership can be verified via the ASF membership database(htt ://www.caves.or .au/membershi ). Membership of a club affiliated with theASF, but not a corporate member of it, does not constitute ASF membership forthe purpose of this policy

. a group or individual who is not ASF members but is competent in minimalimpact caving practices (e.g. experienced overseas cavers, established cavingclubs outside ASF and Cave Leaders who have completed accredited trainingsuch as the AQF Cave Leaders Certificate 3 or higher). Accordingly, this policyprovides for access by non-ASF cavers who are equivalent or commensuratewith ASF cavers in minimal impact skills. This must be verified on a case by casebasis.

The following guidelines should be applied in assessing applications by non-ASFcavers.

1. An application by a person who is not an ASF caver for authority to enter a LimitedAccess Zone may be considered, provided the applicant and all accompanyingpersons have demonstrable skills and experience in minimal impact cavingpractices.

2. Applications of this type should be accompanied by supporting documentationconcerning the minimal impact caving skills and experience of the applicant andaccompanying persons. Examples of relevant documentation include:

. a resume of caving experience;

. a reference from an experienced caver or an executive officer of a state ornational caving body;

. a certificate in caving skills from an accredited training provider or otherrecognised authority;

. membership of an established caving club which upholds minimal impactcaving practices.

3. The application may be referred to relevant third parties for advice. Examples ofrelevant third parties include:

. DPI PWEKarst Officer;

. executive officers of an established caving club;

. Tasmania? Speleological Liaison Council;

. Australian Speleological Federation;



Applicability:


Status: Final





Revision No:

. other State or National peak speleological body.

4. The application may be approved if, in the opinion of the responsible PWS officer,the supporting documentation and/or advice received confirms that the applicantand accompanying persons are experienced cavers with knowledge of standardminimal impact caving practices.

5. The requirement to provide supporting documentation concerning minimal impactcaving skills and experience may be waived where the applicant has previouslysubmitted such documentation and been issued an authority to enter a LimitedAccess Zone.



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Applicability:


Status: Final




/ssue Date;15 Ms 2014Revision Date.

Revision No:

Appendix 5 - Standard Permit Conditions

The following conditions apply to all permits for entry to Limited Access Zones.Additional site-specific conditions may be attached to permits as a condition of entry toparticular caves.

1. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to ensure that all members of the partyare aware of and comply with the permit conditions.

2. The permit holder will be present on the caving trip, unless prevented from doingso by unforeseen circumstances. If the permit holder is not present on the trip,the permit holder will advise the Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) issuing officeaccordingly prior to the trip and, if the trip proceeds, delegate responsibility forensuring compliance with permit conditions to another person within the party.

3. The party size will not exceed six persons including the leader and, whererelevant, guide.

4. All members of the party will be individual members of the AustralianSpeleological Federation (or equivalent) or members of a group that is acorporate member of the ASF, except where specific permission has beensought and obtained for the party to include non-ASF persons.

5. This permit is valid for a single trip to the specified cave, unless stated otherwiseon this permit.

6. Caving practices will be consistent with the intent of the ASF Minimal ImpactCaving Code. That is, all reasonable measures will be taken to minimisedisturbance to the environment and, where relevant, features of historic orcultural significance.

7. Additional site-specific instructions and minimal impact protocol attached to thispermit will be adhered to.

8. The party will stay within established routes, where defined by string lines,matting or other means. The party will not enter special management zones, asidentified on any map or instruction attached to this permit or delineated in thecave by string lines, sign or other markers.

9. The party will clean boots, gloves and other items as appropriate where washingstations are provided.

10. The following activities are prohibited: use ofcarbide lighting, undergroundcamping, digging and use of explosives. Except by prior authority from the PWS,no infrastructure including permanent anchors (bolts) will be installed.

11 .This permit, duly signed by the PWS Director or a representative, constitutes theonly authority to enter the specified cave on the date(s) shown.

12. A post-trip report must be submitted to the PWS issuing office within 14 days ofthe caving trip (including cancelled trips). This should done using space provided

Departmen': of PrimaryIndustries, Parks, Water andEnvironment


Applicability:


Status: Final




tesue Date:15 Ma 2014Revision Date:

Revision No:

on this permit (with attachments if required), clearly stating the names of allpersons present on the trip and briefly describing the activities undertaken.Observations concerning evidence of recent damage or suggestions regardingmanagement of the cave are welcome.



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