Macquarie Watchtower July 2010 - Fawlty Towers La Perouse
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We are currently celebrating the Macquarie Bicentennary with major exhibitions, eg. State Library (see link) So why wasn’t this work on the Macquarie Tower done before the Bicentennary celebrations? Why is there no information displayed for visitors? Why is there no marketing to attract visitors? Another case of Fawlty Towers.
Article about the Tower from Sydney Morning Herald 15 November1930, page 11.
The Macquarie Watchtower is the earliest known surviving, sandstone tower building in Australia. The Macquarie Watchtower has long been recognised as a picturesque landmark on the headland, which is much photographed.
The Macquarie Watchtower is the oldest surviving watchtower in Australia, the oldest building in Botany Bay and the only known tower specifically constructed for colonial border protection and the prevention of smuggling. It became the first Customs outstation in Australia in 1829 and operated as a Customs Station until 1903. It is also a rare surviving symbol of the vexatious issue of customs barriers between the colonies, which was one of the main factors underlying the push for Federation.
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July 15th, 2010 at 11:15 am
WELCOME TO FAWLTY TOWERS NATIONAL PARK – NOW GET LOST!
March 11, 2010: Media Statement by Catherine Cusack
“The State Governments attitude to visitors in our National Parks resembles a dud episode of Fawlty Towers,” Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Catherine Cusack said today.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Ms Cusack slammed the Government’s failure to act on a 2008 report.
“In 2008 the State Government released a major report on Tourism in National Parks, with 20 recommendations to improve access and facilities for eco-tourism. However none of the recommendations have been implemented.
Although the former Minister Carmel Tebbutt hailed the report, promising NSW we would have our own Milford Walking tracks, like New Zealand and Frecineyt walks like Tasmania, there is no sign of any such iconic experiences.
Minister Tebbutt announced the government was taking an exciting “NEW DIRECTION” which would see modern, on-line services replace our antiquated “word-of-mouth” visitor information, our “turn-up-pot-luck” “bookings system”, and the use of rusting “honesty boxes” in the middle of the bush to collect fees for camping.
“There has been no sign of these new on-line facilities. Nobody seems to know what has happened to the promised legislation the Government said was necessary to allow facilitate access for organised tours groups and eco-friendly activities.
“For some reason NSW has failed to adopt national standards for grading and signage on walking tracks. Maps of walking trails are themselves an endangered species. Such information would help intending visitors plan their visits and reduce the alarming number of hikers getting lost.
“The Government seems to take the Fawlty Towers approach - if you don’t tell visitors where to go, then you won’t have to tell them what they will find when they don’t get there!
If a persistent member of the public with a masters degree in research happens to stumble across the right information they cannot be sure if it is up to date and reliable.
“The whole approach seems purpose built to frustrate and put people off.
“Sustainable tourism is good for personal health, environmental awareness and vital to the economic health of our regional communities, with thousands of potential jobs in the offing.
“We need to drag NSW National Parks tourism into the 21st century so the many wonderful experiences on offer can easily be accessed. Potential visitors should be confident of world class experiences and quality information to help them prepare and be safe.” Ms Cusack said.
“The State Governments attitude to visitors in our National Parks resembles a dud episode of Fawlty Towers,” Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Catherine Cusack said today.