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National Off-Road Workgroup |
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Written by Francois Smit
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Tuesday, 04 April 2006 |
 The objectives of the National Off-road Workshop
To initiate a process where all the role-players in the off-road industry can work together and stand together in ensuring the future of the industry by; Taking control of the industry in order to … become more ecologically sensitive; create self-disciplining measures within each section of the off-road industry; facilitate effective laws and standards that can be applied and enforced; Establish a permanent body to act as watchdog for the industry and which will so represent the interests of the industry.
Why are we as 4x4 Trail Owners involved?We are responsible for our own future and have been given an opportunity to participate in the shaping thereof. This is an opportunity for us, a key role player, to join forces with the rest of the 4x4 industry in preventing further unilateral action and legalisation by the government that affects our future. It is possible that a national coordinating body for the whole 4x4 industry will following from the NOW initiative that will most likely be the only representative body recognised by the government. We, as trial owners, must have representation and should be actively involved in setting this up. We need to establish good working relationships with the various 4x4 Clubs (represented by the All Wheel Drive Club Association), the professional 4x4 tour guides and operators (4WDGA) and all other representative bodies. After all, they represent our client’s!
What is expected from us as Trail Owners?! The directive received from the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism stipulates that we as Trail and Route Owners must, at the least, do the following: Develop a grading- and evaluation system for 4x4 tracks, including environmental grading. Establish a representative body with whom the department and other role players can liaise. In addition, and as a member of the NOW initiative, we also need to prepare for- and present at the National Off-road Workgroup … An Environmental Management Programme for the 4x4 trail industry; A code of Conduct 4x4 trail industry and Define a set of standards for our Environmental Management Programme and Code of conduct.
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