Why do you need a permit?
The 4WD track that you will travel on deviates from the original, historic track. In some areas it deviates substantially. The current CSR track takes you out into Country over which Indigenous groups hold native title and where there is no public right of access.
This is the first reason why you are asked to get a permit to travel the Canning Stock Route (CSR) – because there will certainly be occasions when you will leave the historic track, and will be venturing into native title lands.
The second reason is that the “public access corridor” includes significant sites. Many of these sites are registered and protected under the WA Aboriginal Heritage Act, 1972. This is hardly surprising, given that Canning located the majority of wells on or beside Indigenous water points that he had been led to.
Despite a public right of access along the CSR, there is no public right of access to these registered sites. The permit will give you access to the majority of these sites — in particular, the wells and the area around them.
The third reason for cooperating with the permit system is that this system helps the various native title groups to manage the CSR more effectively. The numbers of people travelling Country is rising every year. You will see some of the impact of this visitation on Country. Native title groups want to improve facilities for people travelling the CSR. They work closely with a variety of Government and voluntary organisations to protect and look after the environment, campsites and facilities.
It is likely that you will see Indigenous ranger teams as you travel through CSR Country. Their priority is to protect the cultural, environmental and heritage values of the CSR and Country all around it. They would be very happy to talk to you about what they are doing. The issuing of permits for travel along the CSR will assist in the long term management of the environmentally and culturally sensitive area through which the Stock Route passes.
As a general rule:
the best course of action is to apply for, and be in possession of a permit, this covers you for all of the areas that you may wish to visit
moving off the track for camping should be limited to less than two kilometres
only move off the track for legitimate purposes, such as camping or in emergencies
you can only visit Aboriginal sites covered by the permits; and
please respect any limitations set out by the permits.
By getting the permit to travel the CSR, you are supporting and working with Traditional Owners. Being in possession of the permit will also help ensure that any contact you have with Indigenous rangers along the way can be a positive encounter, helping build trust and respect for the privilege of travelling through their land.