b'Dec 2022 Trackwatch.qxp_Trackwatch Layout 17/12/202210:21 pmPage 11 From the archivesFrom the FWDV ArchiveTrackwatch Summer 2002Mt Stirling 2002!On Thursday 25th October, the MtStirling Alpine Resort ManagementBoard issued a press releaseadvising the tracks across Mt Stirlingwould not be reopened at the normaldate, 1st November 2002.Whilst the press release did promiseto work closely with 4WD groups toexplore future options to rehabilitatethese tracks to an appropriatestandard for future use nocommitment was given to the when,and if, the tracks would ever reopen.Access to Craigs Hut, BindareeFalls and Pineapple Flat are notaffected, these fall outside the areacontrolled by the Board. Thesummit is still accessible walkalong the various walking trailsthrough the Alpine ash and thesnow gum forests to the summitarea. The most popular walks takeapproximately 3 hours return. Four Wheel Drive VictoriaPresident Michael Martin hadalready written to the Minister onthe 9th September and followingthe Boards press release afurther letter was sent, deploringthe decision and saying, Iwould ask that you give thismatter your immediate attentionand instruct the Mt StirlingAlpine Resort ManagementBoard to rescind the decisionand enter into meaningfuldiscussions regarding the useand maintenance of thetracks.A meeting was then called for clubsto discuss the Mt Stirling situation on The Board issued an Information promotion of tourism withinthe following Wednesday and it is Paper in early October putting one of Victorias greatest naturalvery gratifying to report that despite forward their views and the facts as assets.just two days notice being given, 18 they saw it. This summarised opposite Our plans to present the completedclubs and close on 40 members were with comments added from our own petition have been put on hold withable to attend. and other representatives on the Mt the calling of the State Election on theJust as the meeting was starting, a Stirling Advisory Group. 30th November.phone call was received from the One outcome from the meeting on The Board has claimed thatMinisters advisor.We were told that 2nd October was that a petition would extensive work needs to be done onthe Minister was making money be prepared calling for the disband- tracks and a figure of several hundredavailable for the repairs to be carried ment of the Mt Stirling Alpine Resort thousand dollars has been mentionedout. When questioned, the advisor Management Board because of our with the work unlikely to be completedconfirmed that all tracks will be great concern with the performance before Easter 2003. However, it is ourreopened on the 1st November. The and history of the board.We are understanding that the amount ofMinisters press release and subse- asking that Government give attention work is much less, and it can bequent letter dated 20th October back to the continued existence of the completed in a few days.Reportstracked on these promises and, at the Board as they are not able to fulfil have been received that work is beingtime of writing in late November, the their duties to provide sustained carried out in late November. work has still to be completed and the environmental management or the tracks reopened.TRACKWATCHDECEMBER 2022 9'