Hello all. I know people are probably getting tired of this topic but some
things have been said that are at best ill considered, and at worst, just
plain rude. If you think $450.00 for a days guiding to see one of
Australia's most difficult birds, then that's fine. But don't go making
accusations about "Rip offs" and "profiteering" without knowing anything
about how the fees have been constructed. First of all, the permit is not
just "a piece of paper" allowing you to enter someone's land. It covers the
costs involved in escorting you through that land. The indigenous owners
have decreed that they don't want people wandering willy nilly through their
property (gee I wonder why not?) The logistics of making this happen are
not even remotely comparable with what happens in Thailand, so why even
bring it up? Just remember there are huge distances involved here. People
came from Alice Springs to co-ordinate this which is a four and half hour
drive away, and petrol is expensive out there. Our indigenous guides camped
out in the middle of nowhere to meet us on the morning of the viewing. Come
on guys, there is more involved here than people realise. I don't know how
the figure is arrived at myself, and yes, it was expensive for me too. But I
wouldn't dream of calling it a rip off without knowing all the facts. And to
criticise those that are prepared to pay the amount on the grounds that it
encourages gouging.well, that's just beyond the pale.
Steve Murray
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