WTA Regional Branches
Wildlife tourism operators are seeing the benefits of having a regionally based group that can work together on key wildlife tourism issues for that region, but still with support from the national level. These regional branches are also opportunities for like-minded people to exchange information and support on a more face-to-face level. Guidelines for the operation of WTA branches are currently being finalized.
If any member is interested in setting up a WTA branch in their region please email WTA chair Pip Chalk for more details.
Tasmania
Wildlife tourism operators in Tasmania have formed a Tasmanian branch of WTA to deal with issues affecting wildlife tourism in that State. An initial meeting was held on 10th June at Zepps Café, Campbelltown and attended by 12 wildlife tourism operators/ guides. 11 others sent apologies. The first official meeting was held on Wednesday 17 August 2005 and was well attended by 17 people from 13 different organizations representing a broad range of professions (4 wildlife parks, 6 wildlife tour operators, 2 government organizations and 1 media operation).
The Tasmanian branch of WTA has since been liaising with the Tasmanian government about implementation of its new wildlife tourism strategy, and is establishing its status as the key group to be consulted on issues affecting wildlife tourism in that state. Plans are underway to develop a Tasmanian Wildlife Tourism Trail in the near future.
Contact: Len and Pat Doherty on info@mountainvalley.com.au
Minutes of TAS Branch Meetings (available to members only)
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Hunter Region, NSW
Hunter Region Wildlife Tourism held their first interim steering committee meeting in August. Since the August meeting, costings have been obtained for the artwork, design and printing of a wildlife trail and the group has received in principle support from the local bird observers' club for the birding expo.
The Hunter Wildlife Tourism group met again on 26 October where discussion was held concerning the formation of a branch of WTA. The draft guidelines for WTA branches were tabled and feedback was requested from members of the group. Considerable discussion took place concerning the wildlife trail idea and it was agreed that at least initially, efforts were to be focused on creating a web-based wildlife tourism resource that might be uploaded on Hunter Tourism's website.
Contact: Kevin Markwell
Queensland
There is no group as such yet, although the possibility was discussed during the formation of the Southern Queensland Wildlife Trail, and members involved with the wildlife workshops leading up to the Wildlife Festival in September 2008 may consider starting a southeast Qld - northeast NSW group. Contact Ronda Green
South Australia
Several operators in South Australia are keen to pursue a South Australian branch of WTA.
