The community which has evolved over the last 70 years reflects a lifestyle which has all but disappeared elsewhere and gives the settlement a unique sense of place.

This uniqueness is documented in the GML Heritage Assessment (report April 2012 – link) and is what the shack associations are campaigning to save.

Contrary to beliefs held by bureaucrats, the self supporting settlements are open communities and visitors are welcome. There is no demand for traditional government services.

Since 1998, WIPA and the Grey shack association, have been consistently trying to work with the managing government agency (CALM, DEC, DPaW and now DBCA) to bring about a plan which retains this sense of place as opposed to removal of shacks and destruction of the vibrant community. The plan would also accommodate visitor facilities, enable ‘shack stays’ and provide ‘formal’ public access.

Shack leases were issued in 1995 originally for 6 years to terminate in 2001, but due to political lobbying were extended for another 10 years. They were then renewed on a rolling 12 month basis until the current arrangement of a licence till June 2028.

A formal European heritage assessment of the Wedge and Grey settlements was completed and presented to government in 2012 (GML Report April 2012). The findings were unequivocal that State level cultural heritage values exist and should be protected through listing on the State register of Heritage Places.

The Heritage Listing process has stalled, though there is recognition within DBCA of the heritage value of the Shack communities and the settlements.

The primary objectives of the Shack Associations are the retention of the remaining shacks, halting the removal of shacks by DBCA, and the authority to keep the shacks in good order with both minor repairs and maintain structural integrity.

The communities are welcoming of visitors to the Reserve and keen to collaborate in the provision of facilities and services for the general public.