WHITE’S RIVER HUT
The KAC maintains the White’s River hut which is used by Cross Country skiers during the winter and by bush walkers in summer. NPWS introduced a new policy for the conservation of huts and as a result a meeting was held on 10/11th December 2005 with Kosciuszko National Park, Kosciuszko Huts Association and KAC at White’s River Hut, which formulated an agreement for Work Parties. The outcomes of which are:
All “Major” and “Minor” or “Annual” work could happen over several work parties in a similar way to caretaking which KAC has carried out on the Hut in the past.
Major work may take several years to complete as it was agreed that White’s River Hut was in a reasonable condition as it stands.
There are new procedures which will be enforced to cover work parties. Work parties will in future require significant documentation that includes:
1. Formal application with full reference to Huts Conservation Plan.
2. Specific work to be done.
3. Number of volunteers doing the work.
4. Expertise and qualifications of the volunteers.
5. O. H. & S. procedures to be observed and recorded.
6. Reporting and recording of the work party.
It was also agreed that the SMA hut (Kelvinator) located to the West of White’s River Hut is NOT part of White’s River Hut’s “vernacular” or “cultural history” - apart from its close proximity and that KAC WILL NOT be undertaking any maintenance on that hut other than emergency repair (safety) identified when KAC White’s River Hut work parties are on site.
It should be noted that KAC would not condone the removal of the SMA Hut. KAC is simply saying that it does not want to do the maintenance on it or be its caretaker.
Also KAC has an established system in place for work parties. Work party practices and activities to date have been carried out in full compliance with the rules and safety codes concurrent at the time. The work has been administered and undertaken by competent experienced KAC club members with over 20 years’ experience in maintaining cultural heritage huts.
There is no reason why this cannot continue. KAC has the historical connection, the membership and is actively recruiting new members who will continue its existence well into the foreseeable future.
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