RESOLUTIONS OF THE CONFERENCE

1. This Conference recommends that where cave classification is adopted as a management strategy, then the following principles should be observed:

(a) That the purpose of a classification system is to enable the optimal use and protection of cave resources in a positive way;

(b) That classification should take account of the place any specific karst area and /or features occupies within the total national estate;

(c) That the applications of any classification system should be integrated with overall management planning and action and in the first instance should be confined to caves subject to on-site management;

(d) That cave classification should be carried out by a work group on which relevant interests are represented;

(e) That having introduced a classification system for a managed area, on-going mechanisms for new classification, changed classifications and review of the classification should be adopted;

(f) That a classification category (or sub-category) of any particular karst area or feature should be based on stated criteria rather than a subjective assessment, to provide a baseline for review when required, as knowledge, use and demand change;

(9) That it should be relatively easy to change the classification of a cave to a higher level of protection, even if difficult to reclassify towards a lower level of protection;

(h) That classification of caves will complement and be interrelated with surface management.

The number of categories, criteria for particular categories, and the on-site management of a classification should be as simple as possible, consistent with the objectives of the scheme .

Accordingly, the following basic classification system is suggested for adoption throughout Australia:

1.* LIMITED ACCESS 
1.1 REFERENCE
1.2 CONSERVATION
1.3 DANGEROUS
1.4 TEMPORARY LIMITATION (UNDER REVIEW)

2. WILD (AND UNCLASSIFIED)

3. PUBLIC ACCESS
3.1 ADVENTURE
3.2 SHOW

A committee will be formed consisting of Graeme Worboys, Adrian Davey and Clyde Stiff to prepared an explanatory and guideline document on the cave classifications system for circulation in the Cave Management Newsletter prior to the next Conference and for further discussion at that Conference.

2. 
(a) that this conference draws the attention of management authorities to the need for appropriate regulation to control cave reserves;
(b) those authorities which already have such regulations be encouraged to make a copy available for publication in the Cave Management Newsletter as a way of sharing these with other Authorities;
(c) that Andrew Skinner be asked to prepare a review of present regulations and guidelines for the drafting of future regulations with a view to introducing greater consistency between States.

3. That the Australian Speleological Federation be asked to take an active role in pressing for the establishment of the proposed Katherine Karst National Park.

4. That this Conference asks that the Australian Speleological Federation should as a matter of principle express its congratulations to those governments taking initiatives to ensure the better management of karst resources.

5. That the Cave Management Newsletter will continue, and will include reports from management authorities on technical developments, action programmes, news of staff changes and appointments together with reports of activities undertaken by the Commission. That the Cave Management Newsletter should be mailed to both head office of management authorities and to on-site managers as well as other interested bodies.

6. That Miles Pierce be invited to undertake a study of cave lighting practices in Australia and propose suggested guidelines for cave lighting for consideration at the next Conference.

7. In the light of the issues raised by John Dunkley's paper at the present Conference that those interested be encouraged to continue discussion of these issues through the Newsletter and at the next Conference.

8. That this conference records its appreciation of the participation by Les Kermode and Margaret and David Williams from New Zealand and notes that this now establishes the Conference as an Australasian event.

9. That the Third Australian Conference on cave Tourism and Management record its appreciation to members of the Cave Exploration Group of South Australia and officers of the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service for their efforts in organising the Conference. Particular thanks are conveyed to Messrs. Bruce Allen, Ed Bailey, Peter Macrow, Phill Menhennet, Graham Pilkington and Tony Robinson.

10. That the Fourth Australasian Conference on Cave Tourism and Management will be held in 1981 at Yallingup Caves in Western Australia organised by the Busselton Tourist Bureau and local speleological groups.

 *Footnote: That the actual terminology is still subject to change.