Are AAS going to be enforced as conditions of entry by land managers?
AAS are not currently mandatory requirements for any group other than those businesses that fall within the Parks Victoria-managed licensing system for commercial tour operators on public land. The Department of Sustainability and Environment has stated that there is no intention to more closely regulate general recreational activity on public land. The Department’s policy Sustainable Recreation and Tourism on Victoria’s Public Land promotes ‘equitable access’ and ‘as of right access’ as a clear policy position, except where there is a management plan or management reason to limit that access. Making the AAS compulsory for all users is contrary to a whole range of well accepted Government objectives around trying to increase participation in outdoor activity, enhance stewardship of public land and reduce unnecessary regulation. There are however existing regulations which apply to all users such as the National Parks (Parks) Regulations 2003, Forests (Fire Protection) Regulations 2004
