CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB INC JLb NE\NSLETTER P0. Box 160, Canberra City, ACT. 2601.

Registered for posting as a periodical Category.B.. Pri-.cp 20c

Vol. 13 JAI'TiJARY 1978 *0. 1 ••-- .,:

Wttdñdsday '18 January - General Meetinj at Land Use Research Building, CSIt0, • Black Mountain at 7.45 p.m. Entertainment - three films: (i) 'Above the Gorge'; (2) ''The Viaterhol&; (3) 'Walk into Wilderness'..' •; • The first two films are about wildlife and the third .1OJ v ' ••' is about bushwalkthg. in good old TASS Monday 23 - Committee Meeting at 28 Pambula Street, Kaleen (Wendyts house and native garden, redently starte4). Wednesday 25 - Walks Planning Evening at 18 Alberga Street, Kaleen. • The program is looking sparse. Come and help plan a new program or just socialise.

Thursday. 1 February - 11Tf Cl Date for Febxuarar. Tuesday .6 - ' IT' Collation - at.3 Brent Place, Garran.

LETJ?T1RTO TIlE. .IT0R .

Dear S, . I have recently(i4-oSbor) completed two trips with Canberra and it was on the fi±st walktttht I learnt that several pe6ple had become infected with a skin dj.sease, following a trip to the Budaviangs a week before. Ioring the facts (ü seen in hindsight), I then proceeded on the second trip the following weekendi Again I was in contact with sufferers of this complaint - and I was infectea. I was LbLt amused by this turn of events - perhaps I could go walking with 4 some .o'my. Sydney c,lubs and spread Canberra's disease (thXd good hame) amoxgst I them.' r sense,;of humour ('?) took ci downturn when 1nèa1y collapsed on the way to'4ork. The external medication did nothing to cdtrd]. the infCction within, I am now on atcourse of penicillin (which pleóses md no mid). Of the five S'ney people on the second trip (two of them visitor) ,' three at le4st have the complaint and I don't imow about the other two. In loocing back over the matter I would not wish to deny an individual his right tTà his own style of medication.- medical or natural cures. It is • irresp&isible for a person, lmowthg he has measles, to continue .to mix with the public. Similarly it is wrong that a' person suffering from an untreated infectiMus complaint to attend a bushwalke Canbei.has quite a good name in Sydney (if not all thE. well-known) and I would hate to see bushwalkers all over the State coming davn with the highly

contagious skin disease. ••,. • . - . - W.L, BLAYD3 •

Page 2 IT Januaxy 1978

CONSERVATION

Conservation did not appear as an issue in the recent elections (e.g. the predicted debate on the nuclear question did not materialise) and no far-reaching promises were made by either side. The only item of general interest to come to my notice recently is the report of the Land Conservation Study Group, set up by the NSW Government.

This group was to review the State's land conservation policies, including land use controls, and the management of State controled lands.

After d-review of the present situation, the group suggests a number of alternatives. Flow charts show procedures under the Rural Lands Commission alternative, the Regional Council alternative, the Develop- ment Control (Planning) alternative, theAutonomous Departments oltorztive and the Free Daterprise alternative. The first 'alternative' is opted for by the study group. -

IT

I LAND MAITAGThThINT MISTER MThISTERS

RURAL LANDS i- I1AND RESOURCES LAN]) WThIcXGEiNT - --.- ii COIVIIvIISSION SURVEY DEUARTNENTS -I-. - -- -- r---• I n PARTIOIPATIONrI POLICY 1 REVIEW LAND ?LLANAGHVIEMTI

- H H MNAGT AND CONTROL; OF ThDIVIDtJAL PARCELS I STRAT1flS -H

. !ixei,.pe 45of the repoN

• The group sees the Rural Lands Commission as a policy-fonulating body with paers of review of both land use and management. it approximates a 'land: • se authority' such as the Land Conservation Council of Victoria. It is an expert body rather than a committee and has strong co-ordi4ative and consultative links to the land -'managing' departmonts • of govôxvniont. It also has a structure 'capable of - resolving conflict at the policy level with maximum publicinvolvement'. (page 28)

Among the activities to be undertaken by such a commission would be the acqjlisition. and storage of infornation on land resources. This would flclude establishing a land resource data bank; undertaking a comprehopsive survey of key and endangered sites; undertking a comprehensive sui'vey of flora, fauna and soils; initiating long-ten e.cologiaI study; and establishing a Land Resources Survpy.Unit. If • the: -cotissi±iis created it seems to have an impossible task before it unlésit ha strong powors and the Government is prepared to back - it with hard cash. The suggestions Cut across so many areas that at- - - present We seen as belonging to entrenched government departments or 'free th4orprise' and many people would be protecting their empires. Something has.tpbe done to rationalise the present dhaotic situation - hero's hoping for some very strong legislation. - -

Appendix E Iist possible issues that would concorn various groups and H asks for an indication of our intests. from the areas of nature conservatibn recrOation,-- and mining and power the following were chosen: January 1978 IT Page 3

* Wilderness conservation and reservation of wild and scenic rivers. * Conflict between wilderness/scenic/nature conservation values and utilities servicing urban centres. * Rftonsion of woodchip industry, including forest residue. * Feral animals - predation and habitat destruction. * Off-road vehicles and their competition with bushvialkers. a * Clearing of native hardwood, forests for pine plantations. * Fire management policios in relation to natural ecosystems. * Criteria for selection of national parks and nature reserves. * Conflicts between limestone mining and recreational and nature conservation issues; conservation of cave envimnments..

The following issue was suggested as an addition to the list:

* Preservation of alpine environments, especially those above the tree-line.

Addition to the Sore Debate

In conversation with an ANY researcher I learnt that there had been sore trouble with those who cleaned out the fish ténks occupied by Australiaa spoàies of fish (no other fish tanks were involved). These sores were pussy, and transferred from one part of the body to another by touch. The Pathology Department diaiosed them as being caused by a 'virus' ,but did not specify which one. Maybe the concentration of fish and nutrients in the rivers because of the drought has led to a greater possibility of the virus getting into scratches upon walkers! I wonder if vie should conserve such a virus as part of our ecosystem? Wendy Davidson

Eka.: Advice for the month - if you haven't had any sores yet, you should review your list of friends - FAST.

NOTICE OF MOTION (January Meeting)

That the Club lend $2,000 from the Publication Fund to The Budaweng Committee towards the costs of printing the book 'Pigeon House and Beyond'. Proposed - Bill Wilson Seconded - Gary Medaris A letter has been received from Warwick Blayden, representing The Budawang Committee, asking this Club to lend $2,000 (at 9% interest) towards the costs of printing the book 'Pigeon House and Beyond' and a sketch map of the Northern Budawang Range. The total cost of printing is expected to be $10,000. Thebook will contain information about the history, nomenclature, flora and fauna, geology and rock climbing of the area. Theim of The Budawang Committee is to direct all profits from the venture into a future publication fund. The fufid would be open to bodies seeking finance for bushwalking/conservation publications. The Committee will - retain only sufficient funds for reprinting.

REWARD A reward of £10 is offered to anyone giving information leading to the discovery of the author of 'HIAWATHA' ('December 'n'). Ed. Page 4 IT January 1978 WALKS REPORTS

A Late Christmas Parable ( 26-27/1 1/77) And so it came to pass that many travellers there were on Friday night; some to climb the Castle by moonlight, others to bludge along the river Clyde, and yet more to go direct up Owen's face. To these it was said, 'You're late, Gary', but Gary did mock the setting sun and went up anyway, even through the First Cliffs, with Bob and Rene and Greg and Geoff. And b so it yths that Sue and Reet and Shep journeyed up the Clyde, while the prophet Alan led his people towards the Castle, and these were Peter and Linda and Wendy and Penny and Charlie and Brian and David. But the prophet Alan was stricken with a grievous malady and was wont to say, lGod t I feel rotten and will go back soon', and when he came upon a small cave in the hillsidp, at the foot of the Castle, determined to remain there. But his people,. all apart from the woman Wendy, did leave him and go up to a place that was exceedingly beautiful. And thus, after the dawn in which one of. their number performed strange leaping rites of worahip to an image of Tripodandcamera, the people of the tribe of Alan left their prophetto journey over the Shrouded Gods. And lo, they came upon a wanderer in the wilderness and this was the man Craig, who led them to the waters of Holland and then Clyde just at the hour of midday-eating, where the tribe of Sue was found. Then the people gave great shouts of joy, but alas they bowed to the false god White Ant, and went naked on the land and did bludge and drink of Tea all the rest of the day. And there las great rejoicing when later the prophet Alan and the tribes of Gary and Patandstan also were found, and Gary did tell wondrous tales of the Donjon and Angel Falls.

And soT it came to pass on the following day that some journeyed over the Byangee: Walls, wherein much was made clear. To Linda was revealed the miracle1 of the Sewing Machine Legs, to Charlie the miracle of the Easy Alternative to the Tree, to the prophet Alan the &posed Alternative to the Overhanging Crack, to Bob the Tragedy of the Dry Well, and to each of the others their own miracle. And the tribes went from there to the sea to cleanse themselves, but to no avail, for the curse of the Carbuncle was upon them and many were stricken, even some who had not worshipped White Ant, and even others who had not journeyed forth at this time and there was much talk but no conclusion. Therefore the morals are many. Charles Woodchips Leedman

The Owen Side Trip ( 26-27/11/77) There were five of us — Gary, Greg and friend Geoff, Bob and, I think, one madfemale. The night was already proving to be hot. As our lot started out at 9.15 p.m. the clouds were partially hiding the moon. We wenup the two cliff lines and up Owen. The air was dry and still; not a breath of fresh air. We would have loved a gale or a thunderstorm; the only relief was coldness creeping into our bodies from sitting too long wiShing for a breeze. There was water in pools at the top. We made o4. way across Owen and, by occasional torch light, found our way betweeti Owen and Cole to the overhcng. Alter having a grateful cup of tea and watching Geoff doing a spot of washing — he brought honey but seemed to have left the container at home — we bedded down at 2 a.m.

7 a.m.and we were away again and round to the Donjon. Geoff made it to the top vhile others attempted — and someone slept below. Later we made our way into the creek and had a two-hour lunch stop with the idea of walking in the cool of the afternoon. At last the Angel Falls were reached and we went down the side at intervals. The slope was ertremely January 1978 IT Page 5 Owen Side Trip (Cont.) steep and consisted of scree. We slipped and slid and cursed our viay to the bottom to be rewarded with a swim in the pool below the Falls. It was now 4 p.m. and we were still a long way from the main party. We followed the creek into Holland Creek and then into the Clyde. By now Bob Thid I were out front and although tired had no intention of resting. On we went and by 9.15 p.m. had to use torches and finally found the main party about 9.30 p.m. Hone Lays

Pronounced Dead in Short Pants (A Cold Plunge Over Vlatsons Crags)

Charlottes Pass on Friday night, Cold and windy. Jumping about in the gloom, a group of (we irnow these mountains') scouts under 64 layers of clothing pronounce us dead in our shorts and light packs. We don't tell them that one couple has only one sleeping - bag between them. Off into-the moonlight, the wind blows ua away from the original destination of upper Strzelecki Creek and we end up at Blue Lake. A lightning pack- and.departure by those who snored through the fine, cold dawn leaves the (supposed) leader still leaping about with his camera. Some time later eveyone gets to Watsons Crags. The weather and visibility are superb. With memories of fighting through tangled snow gums and sló* creeks, Craggs Creek is found to be very fast, and the afternoon is spent sunning and swimming in a pool just above the aquaduct take-off in Canyon Creek. So much for L/R. The aquaduct takes ALL the water from Canyon, Sentinel, Craggs and Strzelecki Creeks; this kills lower Canyon falls as dead as the jdiot engineers ought to be. An enormous quantity of food later, a misty morning proves Lady Northcotes Canyon to be incredibly quick too. A resolution is made to one day swim in its upper levels - cold but beautiful. The weather clears, the wind howls and with time to spare we walk out to Mt Townsend, then return past Albina (several rug-wrapped lares) and Club Lake to the cars, but without scouts this time. So much for L/R for this day also. Woodchips

ChrIstmas Party Repp (10-11/12/77)

In 1976 about 40 people participated in the Christmas weokend; this year one-tenth of that number came. Ltr pasengor and I intended lilo-ing from the&t Ayr bend to the Long Point site (chosen by those who attended a meetIng at Alison' s place). A firefighter turned us back, so we went to Maru1en and on to Long Point lookout.

The walk down, on a very good path gradually being eroded by corner- cutting inconsideratas, was hot and the swim was welcome. We lazed away the afternoon, keeping a watchful eye on the fire on Mt Ayr. Two others joined us for the evening, having finished -the handing out of 'how to vote' cardsi A pleasant evening chat followed, and Mt Ayr alight provided our candled Christmas tree. Vie walked out early to avoid the heat on the Sunday. May I express disappointment with those who chose the site and weekend and djd not back up their words with action, and with those who went on a private river walk, especially committee mombers on that walk. YeBD Page 6

Changes of Address

Ted Krflihan, Flat 4, 25 Mackeital Street, Lyneham, 2602. 470799 (vi) Warwick francis, 26 Airoy Circuit, Hawker, 2614. 819111 (w Warwick Blayden, 16/20B Gaza Road, West Ryde, 21 14. Prospective Members

Brian Palm, 14 Hodgkinson Street, Griffith, 2603. 490718 (w) Diane Medaris, 18 Alberga Street, Kaleen, 2617. 726013 (w) li Old Riewals

Peter & Valerie flder, Loch Street, Gtmdaroo, NSW 2581.

A Message from THE RANGER Glendale Cross ing

The Canberra 1:25 0 , 000 map has roads and tracks marked inaccurately in the Mt Kelly-Orroral Valley area. The current 1:100,000 map covers this area accurately.

WALKS PEEVflVT

Majorts Creek Waterfall, Sunday, February 12

A very easy walk to:an attractive waterfall near Braidwood. Bring a container because blackberries grow prolifically along Major's Creek. For people who want some more excitement, there is an optional climb down the scSe slope and stinging nettles to the bottom of the falls.

GRAD3NG OF WALKS Distance: Short (s) - under 12 lcn/day Medium (M) - 12-20 im/day Long (L) - more than 20 len/day NB Every lOOm climbed or dropped rates 1 extra km Conditions: Easy (E) - fire trails, good tracks, open forest or beach Medium (M) - bush tracks, alpine walking, some scnbor. rock-hopping. Rough (R) - substantial scrub, steep climbs, rock- scrambling or wading of streams Wet (w) - compulsory swims (canyon bag essential and will be advised in preview), liloing, or numerous river crossings.

January 1978 IT Appendix 1 AGTIVIT]IS PROGRAM

JANUARY

14/15 - Kangaroo River S/R Terry Jordan Moss Vale 493679 (w) 1:100,000 (1314-15 Brogo - Go-Slow--First Swimming WR/W John Street Cobargo F Hole 487325 (H) 1100,000 (13)14-15 Rooftop Ramble M/M Jeff Bennetts Kosciusko 822027 (H) 1:100,000 Sun :15 Ycouk •- Brest L/M Steve Gisz Tantangara 487657 (H) 1:100 9 000

Wed 13 - General Meeting, CSIRO, Black Mountain

21/22 BooIvorms Weekend - s/vi Robin Blessing Jacobs 412740 (H) River 1:100,000

(20)?1-22 Potato Point - Tuross Thlet S/E Tim Wright Narboma

Corunna Lake - 1rstery Bay 462543 (w) Tony Herlt

Mon 2 3 Committee Meeting, 28 Pambula Street, Kaleen We4 25 Walks Planning Evening, 18 Alberga Street, Kaloen

AUSTRALIA DAY WJTJEIND (27) 26-30 Tuglow-Kowmung-Colong L/M John Street 487325 (H)

FEBRUARY

4-5 Snowy Daisy Trip WM Carole & Kosciusko Lyle Burgess 1:100,000 816503 (H) sun Tidbinbilla Ridge M/'M Wendy Davidson AC 1 100,000

C 11/12 JOunama Creek M/R Henry Burmester 511887 (u) 11/12 Boltons Hut Maintenance Easy Steve Gisa Kosciusko 487657 (H) iioo,000 Sun 12 Kosciusko Lakes Walk L/M Sue Saldais Koselusko (Limit 5) 1 109,000 Sun 12 Majors Creek Waterfall - S/B Jeff Bennotts Araluen Blackberry Picking 822027 (H) iioo,000 Sun 12 Gudgenby Hill WR Fred George Tantangara 810365 (H) 1:100,000

Appendix 2 IT January 1978

FEBRUARY

18/19 Guerilla Bay -. Burrewarra Point s/M Tim Wright Batemans Bay Pretty Beach - Mt Dunes 462543 (w) 1100,000

25/26 Ettroma.-Rcck Slab Creek- WVR/W Peter Conroy Moss Vtüe Irall Creek 881111 (w) Ulladulla it 100 , 000

MARCH

4-5 Newbaven Gap, Folly Point, Li/H Fred George JMW Budawangs Sandra Paàs, Clyde River Upstream 810385 (H) .Ulladuila

CARBEBRA DAY WEEKF2D

(1011-13 Blue Mts Base Camp WE Jeff Bennetts Burragorang 822027 (H (10111-13 Cobberas from Pinch River L/R Lyle Burgess Jacobs River 816503 (H) 1:100,000 (10),11-13 Barmali.- M/M BUl Brown Echula 487629 (w) 1:100,000 (10)711-13 Wog Vlog, Tan, Holland Creek, IVR Gary Medaris Ulladulla Sluice Box Falls, Elliot Sturgess, 950581 (w) 1:100,000 Crafts Crown, Square Hill, Wog Wog GM7 Budawangs (10)ii-13 Annual Alpine Hut Trek Plus WM Iarry BThck Kosciuso JAGUNGAL 1:100 1 000

B00I'TG. FOR WALKS Must be made on the appropriate sheet at Paddy Pallins shop, Northbourne Ave., Civicby 5 p.m. on the Thursday preceding the trip. DO NOB TflH0NE PADDY' S TO BOOK. DO NOT TELKPHONE THE LEADII UNLESS UNAVOIDABLE. The leaderof a scheduled trip will be at the desiated starting point of a trip regadless of weather. Pets should not be brought on trips without pexission of the leader.

TRANSPORT COSTS Are offset by a system whereby everyone contributes to the cost of running vehicles. These costs are based on figures of 7.0 cents/km for cars of under 1700 cc capacity; 9.0 cents/la for cars over 1700cc. In practice this works out about 2.3 cents/lot per passenger. EQUIPIT FOR CLUB WALKS Can be:hired from Bill Wilson - 457555 (H) or 541579 (W). CLUB CONTACTS President - Henry Bdrnester 619111 (7) Membership Secretary - Lyle Burgess 971765(W), 816503 (H) Vlalks Sbcrctary - Ann Gibbs-Jordan 480066 (w) Editor;.L Gary Medaris 950581 (w) This issue was typed by Diane Medaris 1:

Registered for posting as a periodical Category B.

POSTAGE CANBERRA PAID BUSH WALKING CANBERRA CITY ,g CLUB ACT. 2601 ((a INC.

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