RESOLUTIONS OF THE CONFERENCE
This conference agrees that:
1. It extends to the Australian Speleological Federation its appreciation for organizing this conference and that special tribute be paid to its president, Mr. Elery Hamilton-Smith, and to its secretary for the conference, Mr. John Dunkley.
2. In view of the importance of cave resources throughout Australia, this conference agrees that a biennial conference of those concerned with cave management should be held at appropriate sites.
3. Because of the fragile nature of cave resources, the conference draws the attention of managers to the need for the special scientific management required to prevent the despoilation of these resources.
4. Before any development of a cave area is undertaken, a thorough scientific survey should be carried out to determine
(i) the precise area to be developed
(ii) special measures required to protect the resources - this may well mean the protection of catchment areas several miles away, anti-pollution measures, etc
(iii) the effect of all proposed developments for accommodation, roads, car-parking be carefully assessed
(iv) special precautions to be taken to prevent loss of scientific values, eg fossils
A management plan should then be prepared which will include an estimate of the carrying capacity of a cave area and special precautions to be taken to protect the assets of the caves.
5. Continuous scientific monitoring of the caves should be undertaken to provide management with a scientific basis for the continued management of the caves.
6. There is a need to upgrade the status of the guides who are required to interpret the caves in a lively and interesting manner requiring a good knowledge and understanding of the caves’ geology, history, etc. along with a special ability to communicate with people.
As one step in achieving this end, this conference recommends that the ASF seeks to arrange a short course on cave science at an appropriate educational institution. It is recommended that all managers of caves be asked to nominate guides attend this course.
7. The exchange of guides between cave areas and between management authorities should be encouraged.
8. The proceedings of this conference should be made available to the Australian Department of the Environment and the Interim Committee on the National Estate, and their attention should be drawn to the special needs for research and management in this matter.
(NB. The two authorities concerned are now respectively known as the Department of Environment, Housing and Community Development, and the Australian Heritage Commission).
9. The conference expresses its appreciation to the manager and the staff at Jenolan Caves for their warm hospitality in such delightful surroundings.