HGFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 31 July | August 2019 T he Central Coast Sky Surfers (CCSS) are the site custodians and have since 2001 worked closely with the landowner, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), to ensure continued access via annual consent agreements, and developing the quality, safety and attractiveness of the site for all stakeholders. Through cooperation with NPWS over the years the site now features: 1. Full size signage defining site rules and governing bodies. Shared costing between NSWHPA and NPWS. Full replacement and repair by NPWS after vandalism three years ago. 2. Two upgrades of perimeter fencing to protect the public and pilots during flight operations. NPWS funded. 3. Access to two NPWS Consented Holfuy Weather Stations funded by the NSWHPA and installed/ maintained by CCSS. 4. Regularly maintained vegetation management on launch footprint by CCSS volunteers with NPWS supervision. The launch adjoins the highly popular tourist attraction Crackneck Lookout, and both the site and flying operations are viewed daily by onlookers, tourists and locals. The site presents as a proud ambassador of HG/ PG operations and has attracted many new pilots to the sport from observers. Similar to Stanwell Park, pilots on site are regularly engaged by bystanders. The current project In mid-2018, due to significant natural erosion, the launch footprint became uneven and a significant trip hazard to pilots and the general public who frequent the launch near the cliff edge to view the ocean/whale watching/surf breaks, etc. The CCSS Club met the NPWS management team in June 2018 and the conversation outcomes were: ➲ ➲ NPWS were motivated to reduce access to the launch footprint to minimise impact on several protected species, including a rare tulip and kangaroo grass species. ➲ ➲ Previously, NPWS and CCSS had unsuccessfully tried to mitigate erosion through top soil addition and both parties agreed a more permanent solution was required. ➲ ➲ NPWS advised concern at the public’s proximity to the cliff edge and were supportive of restricting access to the potential danger to fulfill their Duty of Care responsibility. ➲ ➲ NPWSadvisedthatduetostaffanddepartmental cuts, they were unable to contribute financially to an upgrade project, but would contribute in kind for expedited approvals and pre-approved supplier nominations known to NPWS. ➲ ➲ NPWS advised they would support an application to upgrade the site based on complete closure of the site to non-flying public via a fence extension, lockable gate, appropriate signage and funding for replacement seedlings to offset the impact of the upgrade works. On this basis, these actions were put in place: ➲ ➲ CCSS to submit a project plan, diagrams and intention to fund all elements, subject to confirmation of monies before project start. ➲ ➲ NPWS to review project plan, develop an Environmental Impact Report, internally escalate and seek expedited approval. ➲ ➲ CCSS to request the support of the NSWHPA for Office of Sport Grant applications. ➲ ➲ CCSS to source quotes for panels, gates, flora to NPWS specifications, three artificial turf providers, landscaping materials. ➲ ➲ CCSS to conduct fundraising activities and triple the annual membership cost to members. ➲ ➲ CCSS to initiate an enlistment campaign to non- financial ex-members of the club to fundraise. ➲ ➲ CCSS to project manage all pre and post implementation activities. ➲ ➲ NPWS to provide approvals and supervising personnel on site to oversee works at no cost. The NSW Office of Sport approved a grant for $12500 to the NSWHPA application. CCSS provided significant volunteer work, project management, funded and physically moved 12 tonnes of fill plus handling on site and has allocated all available funds to the project to the amount of $2451. NSWHPA has made up the balance amounting to a further $2800. The project was completed in March and pilots were flying within two minutes of the contractors leaving. A month later the official opening occurred – come and celebrate flying at Crackneck, but make sure you first get a formal briefing from the local club at [centralcoastskysurfers.com] . Video link [https://gopro.com/v/4y7gN6yw33BqQ ]. Crackneck Lookout Bateau Bay is the premier flying site on the NSW Central Coast and is used as a launch by hang- and paragliding locals, Newcastle pilots, Sydney pilots and flying travellers all year round. The site is also used by a commercial operator for tandem paragliding operations. by John Harriott Crackneck Lookout Site Upgrade Launch prior to upgrade, and after