Newsletter of the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs (NSW) Inc ISSN 0313 Summer Issue - November 1995 Vol 21 No 2 President's AGood Time was had by all Report

PHOTO Photo of Ball

A lot of water has passed down the Kowmung since the kerfluffle blew up over access to catchment areas. Perhaps it’s time for a little reflection. Many bushwalkers More Photos page 10 were outraged by Water’s regulations, and Walking in the Catchment Areas predicted the end of life as they knew it. On the other Congratulations to Andy MacQueen and the team hand, many said ‘it’s all a on the outcome of talks with ! storm in a tea cup' - the regulations have been in YES! You can now legally picnic and camp in all those areas of national park in the southern force for years, so what’s the Blue Mountains (other than the 3 km exclusion zone) as well as around Tallowa Dam. problem?’ This came about because of the outrage expressed by Confederation, Colong Committee, NPA and The truth is somewhere many individual walkers and clubs, in response to Sydney Water’s proposed new regulations. Key in the middle. I do not believe that Sydney Water changes were made to the regulations at the last moment before they were enacted. Thank you to was especially ‘out to get all those walkers and clubs who supported the cause. bushwalkers’: in many Sydney Water also called a meeting, at which apologies were given by Managing Director Paul respects the new regulations Broad for the lack of consultation, and undertakings were made with regard to future consultation. were to be the same as old ones, which we had been and water craft (including lilos) are prohibited unless authorised, and we have doubt as to whether, unknowingly living with under the regulations as worded, blanket approvals can be given. (and transgressing) for several years. Having said 1. The on-the-spot fine provisions have been dropped. Law breakers must be summonsed, as in that, there were several the past. factors which justify our 2. With regard to Schedule 2 areas (most of the national park areas in the southern Blue Mountains forceful response - - other than Schedule 1 ‘exclusion’ areas - and also Tallowa Dam) the prohibition on ‘picnicking’ · The proposed has been removed, and camping is permitted anywhere, subject to conditions, if any. Sydney regulations involved bringing Water claims to have no current agenda to impose conditions. in on-the-spot fines, to make 3. However, firelighting (which technically includes use of stoves), swimming and water craft it easier to deal with law- (including lilos) are prohibited unless authorised, and we have doubt as to whether, under the breakers. Sydney Water regulations as worded, blanket approvals can be given. argued that there has been 4. Sydney Water is planning to put up signs at access points (such as Kanangra), drawing attention an increase in unlawful entry to the status of the land, promoting low impact bushwalking, and possibly giving authority for fires, swimming etc. We will be invited to assist in this, drawing on our Code of Ethics. In the Continued on Page 18 Continued on Page 18 The Bushwalker November 1995

Tracks and Access The Bushwalker Office Bearers Michael Maack (047)51-3623 Contributions, letters to the Springwood Bushwalking editor, original cartoons and sug- President gestions are welcome. They should Assistant Secretary Andy Macqueen (047) 51 2556 be sent to the address below. Alan Dixon (02) 799 6139 Springwood Bushwalking Club All contributions should be Coast & Mountain Walkers accompanied with text file on three Senior Vice-President and a half inch floppy disk in IBM Minutes Secretary David Shepherd format. Ken Smith(02) 977 7403 The Southern Adventure Society Advertising rates are avail- Sydney Bush Walkers Club able on request. Junior Vice-President Ring John Clarke on (02) Search & Rescue Don Brooks 744-1916 Keith Maxwell (02) 622 0049 The Bush Club Distribution is through the Mount Druitt Bushwalking affiliated clubs and through major Secretary retail outlets. Conservation Maurice Smith (02) 587 6325 John Macris Correspondence Sutherland Bushwalking Club Addressed to Magazine Editor The Editor, The Bushwalker Treasurer Colin Wood, The confederation of Diana Peters (02) 631 3803 Tel (046) 26 5513 H Bushwalking Clubs NSW Inc GPO Fairfield Bushwalking Club 019 124 535 Mobile Box 2090 Sydney 2001. The Confederation of Public Officer Auditor Bushwalking Clubs NSW Inc rep- Jim Callaway (02) 520 7081 Ian Cox resents Approximately 55 clubs Sydney Bush Walkers Club with a total membership around 5000 bushwalkers, formed in 1932, Confederation provides a united & voice on conservation and other is- sues, runs training courses for members, and provides for the pub- lic a free wilderness search and res- cue service. People interested in joining a bushwalking club are in- vited to write to the Secretary of the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs at the above address, for in- formation on clubs in their area

The Bushwalker is the newsletter of the Confed- eration of Bushwalking Clubs NSW Inc. It is published quarterly. The aim of the newsletter is to provide arti- cles and information of inter- est to the members of clubs affiliated with the Confedera- tion and bushwalkers gener- ally. Any opinions expressed by individuals authors do not always represent the official views of the Confederation.

This newsletter is printed on recycled paper by The Powerhouse Design Centre Casula

Page 2 The Bushwalker November 1995 Bushwalker Wilderness Rescue News TALK TO THE OPERATOR the Mittagong search. Again valuable lessons were learned about search There are now very few telephone techniques, teamwork and clear operator services. Most country communication. telephone exchanges have been replaced so that you no longer hear a reassuring The highlights of the weekend was Phone numbers to contact the voice. One service still available is the the amount learned and the chance to committee are: PAGER to contact Wilderness Rescue. meet members of other clubs. The The PAGER is a type of message system. campfire on Saturday night showed how Director Keith Maxwell An alarm will sound on all six pager much we all have in common. It is (02) 622 0049 (home) simultaneously and a message will be remarkable how similar the campfire displayed on a small screen. This conversation is no matter who you are Assistant Director message can be as long as the first with. Some quirky minds were exposed Mike Merrett (02) 523 6632 (home) sentence of this article. When you dial during a conversation about creative 016020 from anywhere in NSW have uses for a certain rubber product. Secretary John Tonitto your message (sentence) ready when the (02) 528 6174 (home) operator answers. Tell them you want Back to base for a final debrief and PAGER No. 277321. In your message farewell to new friends only to discover Rock Squad Leader Peter give your name, complete phone number one missing signature on the sign-in Treseder (02) 489 4182 (home) including STD area code and a brief sheet. By then it was getting late and reason for the alarm - remember your aim we were all keen to go, but S & R want Please address all correspondence is only to pass on sufficient information all members walking in the Newnes area to the Confederation Post Box so that Wilderness Rescue can phone you to keep a look out for Keith Maxwell, last seen at Cullen Bullen 377052 back for more details. Please remind your GPO Box 2090, SYDNEY 2001. wearing a red polarfleece and a green fellow club members to delate any old cap. pager numbers and use : There are a wide range of jobs on the committee from small to large. We Linda Paju Bankstown BC Dial 016020 and ask the welcome all new volunteers. operator for pager no. 277321 Do not hesitate to use the pager if an emergency occurs in your club to Wilderness Rescue contact your rescue organisation, WILDERNESS RESCUE Committee Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue. PRACTICE WEEKEND The Confederations’ rescue Phone 016020 and ask the operator for 14 & 15 OCTOBER, 1995 section known as Bushwalkers pager no. 277321 At long last I finally made it to a Wilderness Rescue is run by a committee. practice weekend and I’m glad I made The role of this committee is to maintain the effort. Thanks to David, Steve, Keith equipment, liaise with Police and other & Dave for a memorable weekend. rescue organisations and to maintain an up to date list of club phone contacts. May you always camp where the water Activities on Saturday morning The aim of this list is for Wilderness runs sweet started about 9am, after news of a call Rescue to be able to contact your club out near Mittagong which had delayed day or night when an emergency occurs. with plenty of shade and grass some of the group. Steve soon had us We need as many as possible skilled organised for our first search of the bushwalkers to make themselves Where well-trod trails of friendship meet weekend followed by team building available for such emergencies. If called activities which reinforced the out come equipped for an overnight As the good days gently pass. importance of working together to bushwalk including food. Please ensure that your club phone contacts list is up to achieve the best results. From Inverell BC date with home and work numbers. Sunday morning was spent on learning about decision making in teams while the scenario for the days search was set up by Dave and the team from

Page 3 The Bushwalker November 1995 Walking the Western Macdonnell Ranges Andy Macqueen

f you think Central is all flat Ten of us from Springwood (Ormiston Gorge, Serpentine Gorge, and sandy, you are wrong. In the Bushwalking Club recently returned from Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap). A Alice Springs region are several I a two-week trip along the MacDonnell’s. vehicle was hired, and for each stage major ranges, hundreds of kilometres We walked from Redbank Gorge, west of one or two people would take time off long, and there are many rugged , to Simpsons Gap, from walking to do their own tourist quartzite peaks worthy of an ascent. climbing on the way Mount Sonder, thing, meeting us at the end of the stage Mount Zeil, at 1531 metres, is the Mount Giles, Brinlkley Bluff and several with the party’s supplies for the next highest point off the Great Dividing unnamed peaks. We also explored stage. Range on mainland Australia, and several wonderful gorges, unknown to the All types of weather were experienced. other peaks in the area follow close normal tourist. I had some apprehensions On the first day, as we made the ascent behind. about going, at first. It is always a of Mount Sonder, we endured cold dangerous business to revisit old haunts. winds and rain squalls, but a few days There are also ravines, chasms But the trip was fantastic. and spires rivalling the best in . In between the ranges (collectively often referred to as the MacDonnell Ranges), lie expanses of spinifex and mulga-covered plains and hills, characterised by extensive outcrops of jagged gneiss. When I lived in the Centre during the ‘70s, I spent a lot of time wandering around kicking rocks, in the name of hydrogeology. I also made it my bushwalking business to make weekend ascents of several of the highest points - including Mounts Zeil, Liebig, Sonder and Giles.

There is something quite spiritual about sitting on top of a rocky peak surrounded by infinite vistas of silent desert and ranges, with no road or Along the MacDonnel Range, with Mount Sonder, Zeil and Giles in the Background building in sight. An occasional wallaby bounds over nearby spinifex-covered crags, as if to provide a link to those later the temperatures approached 30 degrees. Night-time temperatures were eons when traditional Aborigines roamed I had forgotten just how much the Centre sometimes below zero, but one night it the hills. In the ‘70s, recreational has to offer. bushwalking was unheard of in the only got down to 20 degrees - the hottest July night on record in Alice Territory - I dare say hardly anyone else The NT Conservation Springs! ever thought of climbing those mountains Commission is developing a track called Camp was made each night not far from then. My friends in Alice Springs thought the Larapinta Trail from Redbank Gorge some waterhole or other, usually in a me very eccentric. Indeed, one had to be to Alice Springs. About a quarter of the dry sandy creek bed. Sitting around the quite adventurous - the only available track is completed (mostly at the Alice campfire in such a place is a memorable maps were at a scale of 1:250,000, with Springs end), having been built by prison experience. We were awoken each no contours of course. Aerial photos labour. The rest exists in concept only, its morning by a delightful chorus of were in black and white, of small scale route being undecided and unscheduled. honey-eaters and thrushes. and poor quality. (Rumour has it that the prison warders There was much camaraderie amongst are not keen to work on the more remote Today the scene is different. There parts!) Once you decide to venture off the members, and the whole walk is a bushwalking club in Alice Springs, the developed section, with its guide developed a wonderful, nomadic rhythm; and increasing numbers of us Southerners sheets and guaranteed water supplies, it several were heard to say ‘I could go on are making pilgrimages to the Centre to is essential to know what you are doing. doing this forever’. experience bushwalking with a We put much effort into planning the Continued on page 8 difference. walk, and it paid off. The route was divided into four stages. Vehicle access was available at the end of each stage

Page 5 The Bushwalker November 1995 Stepping Lightly on Australia. A Traveller's Guide to Ecotourism Shirley LaPlanche If your looking for a To all the readers of the comprehensive book on Ecotourism then you couldn’t go past Shirley Bushwalker. The Editor LaPlanche’s book Steeping Lightly on Australia. It covers everything and all the Committee, from Basic bushwalking, Diving of the Barrier Reef to bird and whale would like to wish you all watching, it is complemented by a Very Merry Xmas and great photographs. So take a guided tour of Australia’s World Heritage A Happy New Year areas, national parks and wildlife parks and sanctuaries, and learn Cradle Mountain from Lake St Clare about the best places to go wildflower gazing, cycling. There the Australian Tourist Commission which are also chapters describing a hand- in 1991 contracted her to research picked list of the best tours and ecotourism and write a handbook. This accommodation available. book is ideal for the foreign tourist and Shirley Laplanche grew up in the local traveller alike. New Zealand before settling in Sydney, she has written for the Published by Angus & Robinson Australian. She writes regularly for

YHA ADD

Page 6 The Bushwalker November 1995 Cycle Sydney traffic lights to change. After a while you his great event had several aims. flow of cyclists through the city. The began to see the family groups with their Primarily it was to encourage VRA squads used their radio network to similar entry numbers. Tcycling with as many as possible control the marshals spread throughout cyclists on a 50 km ride around Sydney the course. Our day ended when a huge in the style of a “City to Surf” on wheels. My position was on the Cessnock VRA rescue truck swept by at Such a mass of bicycles should increase corner of George and Goulbourn Streets the rear of a block of cycling marshals driver awareness of cyclists. Profits were where with two others we were to direct and Police motor cycle escort that was to be donated to the Volunteer Rescue cyclists straight up Goulbourn Street and clearing the course of competitors. Association of NSW Inc. (VRA) of be ready to lend assistance if required. which Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue is All marshals had their lunches supplied. The promoters must surely have a member. Rescue vehicles lined the start been pleased with the turnout of cyclists and VRA personnel provided route on such a miserable day. Next year can marshals. only be bigger. The organisation has had a thorough shakedown and should be Despite an early start the day was equally smooth. The worst injuries very enjoyable. I had a 4.30am breakfast seemed to have been punctures, cuts to be ready for a 5.00am pickup so as to and bruises. be in Macquarie Street by 6am with the Search & Rescue Trailer. Already most Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue things were in place. Macquarie Street share of the profits will not be large was blocked off from traffic with a since they are based on a per head of starting barrier and dais (cut off double assistance offered. Hopefully we will not decker bus) near the State Library. The The weather was more suited to winter have a repeat of our co-ordinator and Registration Area at Martin Place soon than spring. It was just dull, grey and replacement co-ordinator unexpectedly became very busy confirming the 4000 drizzly all day. Our location was under a finding that they had an unavoidable pre registrations and taking thousands of dripping shop awning with a steady commitment elsewhere. It was third time new registrations. Shimano, a sponsor, breeze. The day was made interesting by lucky but with no time to organise a had a tent nearby with a long queue for the passing parade of pedestrians of all good turn out. Representing us were their free bicycle adjustments. Neverfail, nationalities, traffic (with drivers of all Graham and Jack Cummings, Elouise another sponsor, was equally busy nationalities) and cyclists going to and Peach, Jonathan Wright and Keith outside the Sydney Hospital filling water from Chinatown, Darling Harbour or the Maxwell. bottles. For may the Port-a-Loo was the cinemas. Sydney on a Sunday is no last stop before joining the starting line- longer dull. Keith Maxwell up. The footpath was one of the few safe places as Macquarie Street became alive The fastest riders were all on with bicycles of all types, shapes and racing bikes but fairly soon a mixture of sizes going every which way. mountain bikes emerged. Great blocks of cyclists all swarming up Goulbourn DATES FOR 1996 What seemed an excessive list of Street. Men, women, children, expensive · Put them in your diary now! speeches preceded the (delayed) 7am multigear mountain bikes mixed with · Make sure they get into your start. Cyclists could start as late as 9am small single gear BMX bikes. Like the club’s walks program. without penalty. human race they came in all shapes and sizes so that you only noticed the bizarre 24-25 Mar: Bush survival training The route was very well planned. or unusual. Notable was the man who weekend All entrants had a map of the 50 km towed a wheelchair person, tandems, the 25-26 May: First Aid Course (phone route that went over the Harbour Bridge bike trailers like mini semi trailers, Keith Maxwell, 6220049) to Lane Cove and thence down over children in carry seats, lay back bicycles 29-30 June: The Navigation Shield Ryde Bridge on Concord Road to Cooks and the penny farthing. In all an Rogaine River cycleway. They returned to the city estimated 5000 to 6000. 24-25 Aug: Annual General Meeting via Illawarra Road, Marrickville and and Reunion Goulbourn Street for the Domain finish The cyclists were all wet but still 20 Sep: Annual Bush Dance line. There were six rest stops and in friendly. Most had kind of unofficial 19-20 Oct: Search and rescue places dedicated cyclists traffic lanes. tattoo of an unmistakable stripe of road training weekend grime up their back. They were always 26-27 Oct: First Aid Course A number of motor cycle Police were pleased to have some words of rostered on to ensure the smooth (traffic) encouragement as they waited for the

Page 7 The Bushwalker November 1995

Walking in the expensive. MacDonalds from page 5 While it is a good idea to ask the rangers was able to advise that there was still quite a lot of water about as a result of The highlight of the trip for most was of the NT Conservation Commission for advice on your proposed route, don’t rains earlier in the year. Water availability perhaps the exploration of Hugh Gorge, looms as a big question mark in arid an amazing place where the Chewings expect too much. They are not familiar with much of the country themselves, areas, so his advice was most welcome. Range is dissected by a branch of the If you’re a Volley fan (like me), I regret Hugh River. This gorge, unknown to the and in fact, when the trip was over, they were asking us about it. to say that this is one trip where you’ll normal tourist, could be likened to a have to leave them at home. Much of the couple of Ormiston Gorges and a time you’ll either be wading in the Standley Chasm rolled into one. spinifex needles (which is akin to walking A few hints for those thinking about a amongst clumps of long needles, only walk in the area: worse), or hopping along the jagged edge Firstly, understand that the maps are not of quartzite skylines. Proper leather of the type you would be used to. If boots and full gaiters are most desirable. you’re planning to stick to the developed The spinifex tends to penetrate the sections, excellent guides are available cordura panels on cheaper boots, and from the Conservation Commission in cause painful splinters in the foot. Alice Springs. Beyond that, the only West Macdonnell Ranges Nevertheless, some of the best boots maps are the 1:100,000 black and white used by our party failed, when the soles sheets obtainable at great expense from It is better to talk to other bushwalkers, especially if you can find any who have split as a result of the constant walking AUSLIG in Canberra. (The MacDonnell over rocky points. Ranges sheet is the main one you’ll recently walked in the area, so that up- to-date information can be obtained. We But don’t let me put you off. Just like we want). Aerial photos are good, especially all keep going back to Tasmanian mud, for finding water holes, but these too are were lucky, as a CMW party led by Alan Dixon had just been in the area, and he the dust and the rocks of the Centre are definitely habit-forming.

Outdoor Equiopment

Page 8 The Bushwalker November 1995 A Bushwalkers code of Ethics The Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs Objects « To Preserve and Protect Australi!a's natural bushland environment. « To safely enjoy and appreciate the natural environment using non-motorised forms of travel. « To be courteous and respectful to all other users, owners and managers of the natural environment. Preserve and Protect Australia's natural bushland environment. « Appropriate management and protection of the natural environment are essential to preserve it for future generations. « Visitors to Australian's natural bushland environment who practice minimal impact bushwalking techniques will assist in preserving and protecting the environment. tags have no place in the natural environment. Minimal Impact Bushwalking « Bicycles use only formed roads and avoid « Bushwalkers seek to avoid any impact on wilderness areas. the natural environment. Understanding the consequences of any action will allow « Travel Safely Rescues can have a big bushwalkers to make decisions that will have the impact on the environment so think “safety”. least impact in all circumstances. Local Know what to do in common emergency situa- conditions and individual situations may tions. Choose your equipment / clothing with the determine specifically how local impacts are worst conditions in mind, allowing for the season minimised. Fundamental minimal impact and the location. Search and Rescue personnel techniques are set out below. follow minimal impact bushwalking techniques. « Self Reliance A visitor meets the natural « environment on its terms. Use non-motorised « Rubbish Removal Rubbish is unattrac- forms of transport, and portable, temporary or tive, harmful to wildlife, and can be dug up by natural forms of accommodation. Do not rely on foraging animals. Pack to minimise rubbish. huts except in extreme weather. During emergen- Carry out all your rubbish, including plastics, foil cies self reliant bushwalkers minimise the need for and food scraps. Where possible remove any outside help. other rubbish you find. Loose or tearable articles should be kept inside your pack, e.g., sleeping « Travel Softly For minimal impact and mat or plastic bags. safety, travel in groups of 4 to 6. Visit popular « areas during less popular times. Where tracks « Toileting In areas without toilets, use your exist, use them, walking through the centre. In lightweight trowel to bury all faecal waste in a trackless country, where possible spread out to hole 15cm deep, 100m from campsites and water- disperse your impact. Avoid fragile areas, e.g., courses. Burning toilet paper risks starting a fire, wet, swampy areas, fragile rock formations. Wear so either bury it or preferably carry it out. Always light weight soft-soled shoes where possible, carry out tampons, sanitary pads and condoms as especially around campsites. Cairns, markers, and

Page 9 The Bushwalker November 1995 they are unlikely to decompose. Avoid toileting at all in the most sensitive areas, e.g., caves, can- « Careful Camping Use existing campsites yons, glacial lakes catchment areas. But if you when available, otherwise camp at least 30m from must go, carry out all faecal wastes in a reusable watercourses. For new campsites, look for impact container or plastic bag to dispose of elsewhere. resistant surfaces, e.g., bare rock, sand, soil, When in the snow, dig down your hole into the grasses. Don’t clear vegetation or dig trenches. If soil, not just the snow. you must move something, put it back when you leave. Limit the amount of time spent at new « Creek Cleanliness Wash at least 50m campsites. Camp well clear of isolated away from water sources and scatter used water to waterholes. filter through the soil. Soaps and detergents, even bio-degradable ones, harm fish and waterlife and « Protect Plants and Animals An increasing are to be avoided. Plan to cook non-oily foods number of our native animals and plants are under and clean your utensils with only sand, soil or a threat. Admire plants and flowers where they are. pot scrubber. Food scraps have no place in the Walk around fragile vegetation. Not carrying creek. Wildlife relying on the creek may find the seeds on socks and equipment to prevent weed food scraps unsuited in their diet. Swim down- dispersal. Give animals clearance when passing stream from where you obtain your drinking or camping. Avoid feeding them. Animals that water, unless you know that another party is come to rely on humans for food can become a downstream. pest or may develop diet or health problems.

« Stoves/Campfires Portable fuel stoves are « Respect Cultural Heritage Many places in cleaner, faster and safer than fires. Before starting Australia have a spiritual or cultural significance a walk check for fire bans, or the likelihood of to Aboriginal people. Treat those sites with their imposition, especially during times of high consideration and respect. If in doubt, ask for or extreme risk. Use stoves wherever wood is information about, or permission to visit particu- scarce or the risk of a bushfire is high. Bushwalk- lar areas, e.g., from the relevant local Aboriginal ers do not light fires in rainforests, alpine areas, Land Council or National Parks Office. high use areas and “fuel stove only areas”. If you must light a fire, use a previously used Safely enjoy and appreciate the natural safe fire base. In an established campsite, use the bushland environment. main existing fireplace and remove smaller fire- « places. If constructing a new fireplace, build the Bushwalkers use non-motorised forms of fire on soil or sand, well away from scrub and travel, e.g., foot, ski, canoe, lilo, mountain bicycle trees, avoiding rocks and overhangs. Keep the fire to travel through the natural bushland environ- as small as possible using only dead, fallen wood. ment at a pace that is consistent with group safety, Stone rings are not needed. Aluminium foil comfort and appreciation of the environment. doesn’t burn. Plastics release toxic gases when « burning. Food scraps frequently do not burn so The natural environment is appreciated carry them all out in your pack. Make sure the without being “loved to death”, leaving the beauty fire is out and cold when you have finished. of the environment to be appreciated in full by Before leaving your campsite, distribute the cold future generations. embers well away from the campsite and cover the site with leaf mulch.Remember the adage “the Trip Preparation bigger the fire, the bigger the fool”. Fires and « Leave written details of your group’s alcohol consumption can be a very dangerous planned route with a responsible person. Remem- combination.

Page 10 The Bushwalker November 1995 ber to inform your contact person of your safe to three novices. return. Ensure that this contact person knows when and how to call the Bushwalker’s Wilder- « Do not rely on mobile telephones or radios ness Rescue group if your group is overdue by as a means of summoning assistance. They often more than an agreed period (say15 hours). are unable to receive or transmit signals in wil- The Bushwalker’s Wilderness Rescue Group derness areas that are in valleys, mountains or will inform the relevant police unit. remote from civilisation. Their presence can lead to over-confidence. « Carry a compass and the correct map(s) and be competent in their use. On the track « In your first aid kit carry the telephone « A group of four walkers is the safest mini- number of the Wilderness Rescue Group, as well mum. A reliable person should remain at the as the telephone numbers of your club’s Search back of the group. At regular intervals, do a head and Rescue officers. count. Consider the well being of the entire group. « Ensure group members are aware of any special gear requirements for the trip. As the « There is no point in going faster than the group assembles at the start, confirm that each slowest member of the group. That person also member has their special gear. needs appropriate rest periods, drink and meal breaks, etc. « Allow time for the unexpected, e.g., thick scrub, clifflines, minor injuries, adverse weather, « A group’s leader needs to be a good com- slow walkers, etc. municator and whose well-reasoned decisions are accepted and implemented by the group. Being a « Ensure that every member carries their own leader can be a difficult task, especially if the first aid kit, and any personal medications re- group contains determined headstrong people. quired. Those group members with a particular medical condition should privately inform the « Group members need to maintain contact group leader (who will respect the privacy of that with the person behind them. Persons unable to information). It is in the interest of every member keep up need to notify the leader or another to have a current remote area first aid certificate. reliable group member.

« Allow for unexpected delays by including in « There is safety in numbers. Except in your pack a torch with fresh spare batteries, spare emergency situations it is usually not wise for a bulb, and waterproof matches. Also pack some group to split up. spare cold food, e.g., nuts, salami, cheese, sweets. « Be aware of your location by appropriate « Ensure that your pack includes clothing references to your map. An unread map, espe- appropriate to your planned activity, especially cially one in your pack, can lead to overconfi- windproof and waterproof clothing that will keep dence and geographical embarrassment. you warm when wet, e.g., wool, definitely not jeans. Mishap Management « If a mishap happens even if you don’t feel « Ensure that when your group has novice calm, act calmly. Clear, calm, logical thinking bushwalkers that you also have a good mix of and effective leadership beats any alternative. experienced walkers, e.g., one experienced walker

Page 11 The Bushwalker November 1995

« Remember, the members of the Wilderness « Rescue Group are experienced bush walkers who Respect the rights of landholders. Obtain can mobilise rapidly. permission before the trip before crossing private property, using private roads or camping on private « If you think that you are lost, calmly think land. back over your route. If you cannot confidently « find a way out, stay put and wait for the rescue Avoid damaging fences or posts. Leave gates party. If possible, find a campsite near water, and sliprails as found. Each member through is to visible from a helicopter or easily found by a ensure that the next member through knows how to rescue group. leave it as found. Conserve food and energy. Maintain the « group’s morale. Assist land managers by satisfying their requests. Bushwalkers should aim to abide by « If an accident incapacitates a group mem- agreed plans of management. Encourage others to ber, leave at least one member, preferably a quali- do so too. fied first aider, with the casualty. At least two « members should go for help, taking with them the Aboriginal relics are to remain as they are map grid reference and the casualty’s details in found. Avoid sacred sites and do not touch paint- writing. After the members go for help, the ings or engravings. Take your head covering off balance of the group does not move from their under overhangs to avoid accidental abrasion with location, otherwise the rescuers will be looking in the roof. Aboriginal land is like any other land, the wrong location. seek permission for entry. Report any aboriginal sites found to the local Aboriginal Land Council. Courtesy and Respect Within the Party « The sound of the natural environment and its inhabitants are to have our attention. Noise from radios, mobile telephones and other man made devices are minimised - they are not in keeping with the natural environment.

« Light fires a safe distance from tents, flys, etc. « Each member provides their share of water and wood (if you don’t carry a stove) and contrib- ute fairly to campsite tasks ensuring that you leave a clean campsite behind.

« Avoid stepping over uncovered food.

To Others « Camp as far away from other groups as site conditions allow and be considerate of those other groups.

Page 12 The Bushwalker November 1995 Don't Raise the Dam • Avoid flooding the national park and W world heritage value bushland in the Congratulations to the Kowmung The Kowmung Committee, established Blue Mountains; Committee and the many Stop the by The Confederation of Bushwalking DAMage campaigners. The Govern- Clubs, developed a cheaper and far less • Have much less environmental impact ment announced in September that environmentally damaging alternative downstream than the Sydney Water the dam will not be raised. that provided dam safety and significant option but, by managing floods in flood mitigation. other ways, prevent the release of A few months ago it was explained how, low-lying land for urban develop- under extreme flood conditions, The Don’t Raise the Dam Campaign’s ment; would be over-topped alternative has the following benefits: and collapse. It was outlined how • Prevent the environmental degrada- Sydney Water claimed the work would The Don’t Raise the Dam option is tion associated with urban expan- be necessary to protect the dam from better on almost all grounds than the sion that would take place if Sydney damage by extreme floods and to solution advocated by Sydney Water. It Water’s option proceeded; mitigate the risk of serious flooding in will the Hawkesbury-Nepean valley. • Prevent a possible ‘hidden agenda’ of • Provide the same level of dam safety raising of the full storage level of the The $286 million project would have as Sydney Water’s option; dam permanently inundating extended after wilderness areas; flooding rains until the waters released, • Be $160 million dollars cheaper than inundate significant parts of the Nattai- raising the dam; • Avoid rapid sedimentation filling the Boyd wilderness areas. The lower dam as soil is stripped from the reaches of many pristine streams, • Have more chance of coming in on extra 7,500 hectares subject to including the Kowmung, Cox and Nattai budget as construction is easier and inundation under the dam raising Rivers would have been damaged. overall costs lower than dam option; Flood inundation would have scarred raising; these wilderness areas by killing stream • Encourage Sydney Water to pursue side vegetation and smothering river • Provide flood mitigation for the most water conservation objectives. beds with a layer of sediment. frequently occurring floods; From the NPA Journal

hume & hovel

Page 13 The Bushwalker November 1995 Mountain Climbing 1891 Style

and finest cotton, or, even lisle-thread. Of worn; and you can make yourself a small Hints on Mountain Climbing course, these are not durable with so linen bag to swing over your shoulders, by Annie R. Ramsey much hard use, but I have found many in which to carry your luncheon going ladies who, like myself, are unable to up, your flowers coming down. have comfort in anything else. Your pleasure in your walks will be o thoroughly enjoy a walking trip The best hat is a soft felt, with a narrow tenfold when you have learned to take through the mountains certain brim, or a visor cap. The broad brims are them without over-fatigue, and to preparations are absolutely T always flapping in your face, but are accomplish this you must, make haste essential, and it goes without saying that delightful otherwise. Carry in your slowly, and, unless accustomed to hardy a sound body is the first requisite for this pocket a piece of muslin, 12 by 20 feats, not begin too rashly. Climb for a as all other modes of travel. Powers of inches, hemmed all round, and with a few days on a good road for several endurance, of quick recuperation, strong drawing string through one of the longest hours, going steadily up and then lungs and heart, a steady head, and a hems. This is to be tied round the crown returning: the muscles are thus prepared keen sense of the beauty of nature must of your hat, so that the muslin may fall for a longer strain, and by gradually all be yours, or no amount of preparation over the neck to shield you from increasing the exercise you should in a can make your walk a delight. Given sunburn, and, of course, it can be drawn week be ready for any moderate ascent. these, the walker needs a special toilette. to protect either cheek, which the sun This training must, however, be The masculine tourist will adopt may be kissing too fiercely. continuous; walking one day and resting knickerbockers of light-gray tweed, the next is useless. In your ascent adopt a woollen stockings, flannel shirt, and a slow, even step, and, no matter how loose sack coat or belted blouse. The tired, never sit down to rest. Lean on feminine climbers should have a dress of your alpenstock for a few minutes, or dark blue or gray flannel, with a skirt cut against a tree or rock; and remember, at the shoe tops, or simply gathered or that the start and the first mile are always plaited to the waist-band without the the hardest part as far as your vis inertiae usual muslin lining. The skirt should be is concerned. Do not drink at every wider than an ordinary one,say three spring. Never walk immediately after yards,to admit of perfectly free your luncheon, which can nearly always movements; and the waste should be a be waited for until your mountain top is blouse with a broad belt, or if the figure As mountain climbing in sunlight is very reached and you rest before going down. is not slender enough to make this hot work, an umbrella is often a boon. In he descent adopt a good, swinging becoming, the waist should be very loose Choose a very light one, a parasol is gait, the faster the better. to allow for unlaced corsets, for in quite large enough, with a ring on the Arrived at your hotel, bathe thoroughly; climbing, half the secret of a woman's handle; passing your broad belt through change all your clothes; and before you inability lies in the fact that her chest and this and swinging the umbrella just back go to bed have a warm foot-bath, in abdomen are so confined that she cannot of the hips, you can carry it almost which a table-spoonful of soda is breathe properly, and is exhausted by the unconsciously. dissolved. Next morning wash your feet struggle to do so. I should by no means Although your greatest desire will be to in cold water, and rub in well a small advise a woman accustomed to corsets to cast off all burdens, and travel as light- quantity of petroleum jelly. So treated, leave them off entirely, but they should weight as possible, you must never walk your feet will give you little trouble, and be as loosely laced as possible, and the without taking an extra wrap. You are it is wise to take the greatest care of ends of the strings left untied. sure to reach your mountain top warm these faithful steeds upon whom so much The shoe is a very important factor to and glowing from your exercise, only to of your pleasure is to depend. The best either man or woman. By all odds, the find yourself blown through and through method of arranging you walking tour, in best plan is to have an anatomical by the keen wind of high altitude, and regard to economy of time and money, is shoemaker to make your boots, which without the wrap you cannot stay long to make some central point your shall fit exactly, be neither too long nor enough to pay for the climb. The wrap headquarters, returning to it every night too short, and be constructed on a should be a tight fitting jacket of medium until you have exhausted the excursions sensible principle. Two pair should be in weight and, having been rolled into as of that neighbourhood; then changing to your possession; one in daily use, the small as possible, a compass should be another. Your walk should always begin other stowed away for a rainy day. The attached by a leather strap to your belt or in the cool of the morning, the earlier the stocking must not be overlooked. All your back. Articles so carried seem to better. men, and the hardy peasants native to the have no weight, but an ounce in the hand country, insist upon coarse woollen hose; soon seems a ton. - from The Katoomba Times and Blue but my experience leads me to the softest Gloves with long wristlets should be Mountaineer 16 October 1891

Page 15 The Bushwalker November 1995

Your Insurance Cover

This is the fourth article in an occasional series approved club activities and has no requirements for how dealing with the insurance cover that Confederation obtains clubs run their activities. So if the club committee accepts for its member clubs and club members. the change (which could be done retrospectively, if necessary) that is satisfactory. There was one change made to the sports injury policy when we renewed the policy recently on behalf of As a club member do you have do you have the sports the clubs affiliated with the Confederation. That is that we injury cover that is available through the club? If not what have added a new provision for $20,000 cover for the cost would happen if you had a serious accident while on a club of “emergency transportation” for any injured bushwalker. activity and you were of work for six months? Would your The cover requires the injured walker to pay the first $100 employer to pay you? Well last year a club member on a club of any claim. Due to the vagaries of the National Health activity had a fall which resulted in a broken leg. One Act, the insurance policy cannot describe the emergency ambulance trip, two operations, six months and lots of transportation cover as ambulance cover, but that is what it physiotherapy later the club member was able to return to provides. work. In that time our insurer paid to the club member over $8,000 which included payments for loss of income. this I was recently asked “is the insurance cover for a case, while it is an extreme one, shows that it is worth while group of walkers on a club walk compromised if the group having sports injury insurance. This cost amounts to about 7 deviates from the programmed walk”. For example, if the cents per week Any information about this cover, please group decides to change part of the route of the walk and contact Maurie Smith secretary. (02) 587-6325 take an alternative route. The answer is quite simple, the change of the walk (or other club activity) does not in any way compromise the insurance cover, either public liability or sports injury. The cover relates to

kirra tours

Page 16 The Bushwalker November 1995 Clubs News Yarrawood BW Club - a History - (Where the hell is Yarrawood ?) Since its foundation, members Members of Yarrawood have taken on a range of activities, Bushwalking Club have been on the The origins of the club lie in the including walks in , The Committee of the Confederation of introductory Bushwalking and Camping Snowy Mountains, Wilson’s Bushwalking Clubs in a number of course which were conducted by the Promontory, The Grampians, The capacities, and we retain that link. Sydney College of Advanced Education Flinders Ranges, New Zealand, Nepal as part of the Community Course and Kashmir. Training courses have been program. These courses were started in conducted each year, they run from late 1980 , and were run by a small team of Social activities are conducted February to July, with six weekends at experienced and dedicated walkers keen from time to time, with guest speakers three week intervals. At least two to pass on their knowledge to interested to talk about the weather, snakes, leaders accompany the course at all members of the community. conservation, First Aid and any other times, and on some activities four leaders Topic that may be relevant and useful. are present. The purpose of the course is to encourage beginners to enjoy the We have held canoeing Every few years, the Advanced pleasures of walking in the bush with a weekends; cross country skiing weeks; Wilderness Skills course has been group of like minded people; to develop Mountain bicycles have been part of conducted for those keen to develop the skills and confidence to be self-reliant, the program and car camps in the further skills and move away from the and to work together to preserve the Warrumbungles, Watagans, and Jervis beaten track, discovering many of the Australian bush. Skills include the use of Bay and elsewhere have been surprises that the Australian Bush holds map and compass, Camping and cooking conducted. in store. in the bush, and learning to cope with adverse weather conditions. Our ethos is one of caring for The Club may be contacted one another, and of walking at the through the Hon Secretary at PO Box On completion of the introductory pace of the slowest. 113, Bexley North 2207 Bushwalking and camping course and the Wilderness Skills course in 1982, a In 1992 the club became number of the students decided that Incorporated as a measure to protect rather than going of to join existing the interests of the club members. walking clubs in the Sydney area, they would prefer to continue their association and friendship developed during the A Clubs Demise? course. There is nothing worse than a lonely bushwalker on a walk by himself, this plantive They proposed the creation of a poem was written by one such walker on a cold night, maybe thnking he is all alone new club, named after the Yarrawood in the world!! campus of the Sydney College of A club was born nine years ago upon the Namoi River Advanced Education on the Hawksbury River between Yarramundi and its charter “Walking in the bush” a dinkum pleasure giver Springwood where the first weekend of The members led or joined the walks which were numbered from day one the course was conducted at the end of 1982. they climbed mountains, scrub bashed, followed trails, li-lo’d down rivers in the sun

The Yarrawood walks program is made up of a mix of weekend and day But now it seems all this has passed, a bygone way of being with friends, walks of varying degrees of difficulty, led Has four-wheeled drives and mobile phone won at last, seduced them all. by club members who have been formally Today was “Walk 300” to Scutts Hut and Kurrawonga Falls, trained in leadership, and who have had several years of experience walking in the and here I sit alone tonight gazing into flickering embers, Australian bush. the sweat, the pain. the fear, the proud elated feelings my heart remembers,

The club membership is around the fun, the friendships, facing challenges together have they all gone? one hundred, and we gain new members each year from the course, and lose Am I the sole survivor? others who move on to other areas and activities. A Gunnedah walker

Page 17 The Bushwalker November 1995 Walking with The National Parks Association choose to walk with the NPA. The NPA trips are great fun - the large program is large; with at least 4 day membership of walkers ensure that there The National Parks Association walks and one-two day trip on each are no “in groups” and that new members (NPA) is a conservation organisation weekend. There are also at least two rapidly fit into the group. Bushwalkers with the aim of lobbying for the creation mid week walks which are proving to be are, in general, really terrific people, and and support of national parks within the extremely popular. NPA members are particularly state. The association works through a interesting. There is a wide range of series of branches located in Sydney and backgrounds and experience amongst in regional centres and these branches members, more than enough to make any link together in a State Council. The trip a great experience. Association runs an office in Sydney and this is a hub around which many And a final reason to join? The volunteer committees work. The NPA is not a bushwalking club, at least production of the NPA Journal is also an not primarily. Being a conservation important activity of the Association as organisation, its members are able to this is a professional publication with participate in the good work done by the interesting and informative articles about Association by joining its committees. conservation, travel, and bushwalking. Or if you do not wish to be so involved, by being a member you are helping the Narrow Neck Katoomba But the NPA has another important work of the Association in a period when aspect - an activities program which The NPA program is diverse with all our natural areas need your support. provides an excellent range of bushwalks types of activity from easy day walks, and other excursions. The activities through harder full pack walks, to many Richard Thompson program gives members the chance to extended trips to areas of Australia and visit areas for which the Association has even overseas. With its structure of National Parks Association, NSW fought so hard. branches, its members also get access to trips led by local people in areas away There are many reasons why people from Sydney.

President's Report were changed in our favour, and Sydney 5. Some issues will be considered further From Page 1 Water is now talking to us. when the joint plan of management Also in this issue is our new to exclusion zones and something must with NPWS is prepared. Sydney Water Bushwalker’s Code of Ethics. I urge you be done about it. has indicated that it may push the view to personally adopt it, and to teach that fires should be totally banned and · There has been a undoubted others about it. There is no doubt that if only fuel stoves permitted. hardening of attitude towards all bushwalkers behave more responsibly 6. Bushwalkers are still excluded from bushwalkers, with threats made to and minimise their impact in the bush, we Schedule 1 areas (such as the 3- walkers at the Kowmung-Cox junction, will be in a better position to argue for kilometre zone at Warragamba, and the and a new sign on the Kowmung River. continued access for our favourite areas catchments at Blackheath, Katoomba In the past, rangers turned a blind eye to in catchments and national parks alike. and Woodford) except for approved walkers in the area. access routes. During September- · One senior officer of Sydney Andy Macqueen October a draft list of new access Water, with no appreciation of who routes for submission to Sydney Water bushwalkers are or what they do, told me was sent to clubs for comment. that people should not be wandering uncontrolled around their catchment. She The final list arising from this process was not only referring to the exclusion has been submitted to Sydney Water zone. Walking in the Catchment and is now the subject of negotiations. · It is unacceptable to live with areas from page 1 legislation which prohibits one’s In meetings with Sydney Water the activities, relying on ‘blind eye’ primary representatives of gentlemen’s agreements. When the meantime, we have been assured Confederation are Andy MacQueen political or corporate wind changes, first verbally that we will not be and Wilf Hilder. Anyone with concerns out the window are those agreements. prosecuted for continuing with on this whole issue should contact one The fuss made by Confederation normal responsible bushwalking of these people. Phone Andy on and Colong Foundation was productive. practices. (047)51-2556. As outlined in this issue, the regulations

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