The solution

Utilising the existing 'stations' 1 to 8, along the track, the vegetation and other features at each station were studied and new notes were written. Where still relevant, the original text of Manning Coastcare member, Geoff Williams, was used. In most cases it was updated by Pieta Laing, coordinator, and Daintry Gerrand, President.

It was agreed that a folded, double-sided A4 black and white brochure, as previously used was still ideal as it can be easily and cheaply printed by people at home, if downloaded from the web. The restriction on space means however that the illustrations need to be kept to a minimum.

Members of the Harrington sub-group of Manning Coastcare tested the new brochure to check its customer ease of use. All participants found the brochure to be very useful and interesting and no edits were requested. The testers did however request more plant illustrations to aid plant identification.

Additional information as well as plant photographs and illustrations will be added to the website, www.midcoast2tops.org.au/walks along with the brochure. This information will be accessed in the future by adding QR codes to the existing timber bollard ‘stations’, so that people can access the additional photos via their smartphones.

The brochures have been made available to Midcoast Council and the Visitor Information Centre in electronic form so Council can continue to print as needed.

In addition, the local Harrington group of Manning Coastcare will keep the entrance to the track, the track sign and the 8 wooden bollard ‘stations’ along the track clear of vegetation. Repainting of the numbers on the stations is also planned.