Wilbinga Shacks Crew

Proposed objectives and commitment to Wilbinga Conservation Park

Working draft – Supporting DBCA's strategic management and long-term future of Wilbinga Conservation Park

The Wilbinga Shacks Crew has an opportunity to establish itself as a valuable community stakeholder and an active supporting partner to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), particularly Parks and Wildlife, in the ongoing management, protection and responsible recreational use of Wilbinga Conservation Park.

The following is a suggested framework of objectives that could form the basis of a formal Wilbinga Shacks Crew commitment to the department.

The underlying philosophy should be:

Protecting the environmental values of Wilbinga while supporting responsible public access and preserving recreational opportunities for future generations.

1. Environmental protection and conservation

• Support DBCA's environmental conservation objectives and strategic management plans.
• Encourage responsible use of the park and minimise environmental degradation.
• Promote the protection of native vegetation, wildlife habitats and sensitive ecological areas.
• Encourage visitors to leave the park in a better condition than they found it.
• Assist in identifying and reporting environmental damage, illegal dumping and other concerns to DBCA.
• Support rehabilitation and restoration initiatives where required.

2. Responsible recreational access

• Advocate for the continuation of responsible public recreational access to Wilbinga.
• Promote education and responsible behaviour among 4WD users and other recreational visitors.
• Encourage compliance with park regulations, designated access arrangements and environmental protection requirements.
• Work collaboratively with DBCA to identify opportunities to improve visitor behaviour and reduce environmental impacts.
• Support sustainable access arrangements that balance conservation with legitimate recreational use.

3. Community engagement and stakeholder consultation

• Establish the Wilbinga Shacks Crew as a constructive communication link between local recreational users, stakeholders and DBCA.
• Encourage meaningful consultation before significant changes to recreational access or park management are implemented.
• Maintain open communication with other recreational groups, 4WD clubs, community organisations and interested stakeholders.
• Provide opportunities for the wider community to participate in environmental and park-support initiatives.
• Represent the interests of the Crew constructively and respectfully, recognising that Wilbinga has a broad range of stakeholders.

4. Volunteer contributions and practical assistance

• Continue supporting the annual Wilbinga cleanup initiative.
• Encourage members and visitors to participate in organised environmental activities.
• Identify opportunities for additional volunteer projects in consultation with DBCA.
• Assist with approved maintenance, rehabilitation and conservation activities.
• Explore opportunities for volunteer hours and community contributions to support DBCA's strategic management priorities.

5. Education and public awareness

• Promote responsible recreational use through community education.
• Encourage unaffiliated recreational users to become involved with recognised 4WD clubs and responsible recreational organisations.
• Educate visitors about the environmental significance of Wilbinga Conservation Park.
• Promote awareness of the consequences of irresponsible behaviour, littering, environmental damage and inappropriate vehicle use.
• Encourage a culture of respect for the park, its environment and fellow visitors.

6. Monitoring, reporting and accountability

• Assist DBCA by reporting changes in environmental conditions and visitor impacts.
• Encourage the recording of rubbish hotspots, track deterioration, erosion and other environmental concerns.
• Where practical and approved, assist with photographic records and observations to support long-term environmental monitoring.
• Encourage members to report inappropriate behaviour through the appropriate departmental channels.
• Maintain a constructive and accountable relationship with DBCA, ensuring that volunteer activities are properly coordinated.

7. Sustainable Park management and future planning

• Participate in discussions and consultation concerning future Wilbinga Conservation Park management plans.
• Provide practical feedback from people who regularly use and understand the area.
• Encourage management decisions to be informed by environmental evidence, community consultation and realistic assessments of recreational use.
• Support improvements to visitor information, signage and public education.
• Encourage a long-term management approach that recognises both conservation priorities and the value of responsible public recreation.
• Explore opportunities for the Crew to contribute to future DBCA projects and strategic management initiatives.

8. Building a lasting community partnership

• Develop a long-term working relationship between the Wilbinga Shacks Crew and DBCA.
• Encourage greater community participation in conservation and environmental projects.
• Establish a reputation for cooperation, reliability and practical contributions.
• Work alongside recognised 4WD clubs and other organisations to promote responsible recreational access.
• Ensure the Crew's contribution is sustainable and continues beyond the involvement of any individual members.

Proposed measurable outcomes

To make these objectives more than just a statement of good intentions, I would suggest establishing some practical annual targets.

Objective	Suggested outcome
Annual cleanup	Continue the established annual cleanup
Environmental reporting	Report identified environmental concerns to DBCA
Community engagement	Maintain regular stakeholder communication
Public education	Promote responsible park use
Volunteer participation	Encourage additional volunteers
Conservation projects	Participate in DBCA-approved projects
Track and access observations	Provide feedback on access and environmental conditions
Strategic planning	Contribute to future management consultations

Proposed statement of commitment

I would suggest including the following as the Crew's overarching commitment.

Wilbinga Shacks Crew – Commitment to Wilbinga Conservation Park

The Wilbinga Shacks Crew recognises the importance of protecting and preserving Wilbinga Conservation Park for present and future generations.

Our commitment is to work constructively alongside the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), particularly Parks and Wildlife, in supporting the department's conservation objectives and strategic management plans.

We believe that environmental protection and responsible public recreational access should not be viewed as opposing objectives. With appropriate management, education, community involvement and accountability, both can contribute to the long-term sustainability of Wilbinga.

The Crew is committed to being an active and responsible community stakeholder, contributing practical assistance, local knowledge, volunteer participation and constructive consultation wherever opportunities arise.

We recognise that the future of Wilbinga depends on a cooperative approach involving DBCA, Traditional Owners, local stakeholders, recreational organisations and the wider community.

Our intention is not simply to advocate for the preservation of recreational opportunities, but to demonstrate through practical action that recreational users can be valuable contributors to conservation and responsible park management.

Our commitment is simple: to protect the environmental values of Wilbinga, support responsible public access and work collaboratively with DBCA to ensure that Wilbinga remains a valued natural asset for generations to come.

My recommendation: Establish a formal annual working program with DBCA

There is something particularly worthwhile here that I think the Crew should build upon.

DBCA has actually documented the Wilbinga Shacks Crew in its own Parks and Wildlife Service Volunteer Snapshot for 2022–23. It acknowledges the Crew's longstanding annual cleanup, its work with local DBCA staff, and its commitment to coastal sustainability and responsible four-wheel driving and fishing.

Biodiversity & Conservation Dept

That gives you an excellent foundation to build upon.

I would propose taking the next step and establishing a Wilbinga Shacks Crew Annual Environmental and Community Support Program.

This could operate along the following lines:

1. Annual planning meeting: Meet with the relevant DBCA representatives to identify priority projects for the coming year.
2. Agreed projects: Establish a list of practical activities the Crew can assist with.
3. Volunteer commitments: Identify available Crew members and other community volunteers.
4. Progress reporting: Provide DBCA with an annual summary of activities, volunteer contributions and observations.
5. Future planning: Review the program annually and identify further opportunities.

Importantly, the Crew would not be attempting to take over any departmental responsibilities or dictate park management. It would be offering itself as a willing, organised and constructive community partner.

DBCA's published strategic directions also recognise community engagement, volunteer participation, conservation partnerships and responsible management as important priorities.

One final thought: I would make responsible recreational access an explicit part of the Crew's objectives, rather than allowing it to become lost within the broader conservation message. Protecting Wilbinga's environment and maintaining legitimate public access are both important considerations in developing a sustainable future for the park.

That, in my view, is where the Wilbinga Shacks Crew can make a meaningful and lasting contribution.

By Geoff Couper - Wilbinga Shacks Crew Liaison Officer, sharing the role with Darran Beekwilder. 

The Ausralian Recreatioanl Motorists Association in support