DOCSLIB.ORG

Climbing Mt Baw Baw – a First Timer’S Experience

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Climbing Mt Baw Baw – a First Timer’S Experience Climbing Mt Baw Baw – a first timer’s experience. The bad news is that I won’t be joining the Domestique 7 Peaks Series Baw Baw climb on Sunday December 8th as I will be in Sydney for the final round of the V8s. I really think that the whole ‘Domestique’ idea is awesome. (And friendly, well organised, inclusive, unpretentious, motivating… you get the idea). The good news is that I had some time off this week and scheduled in a ride amongst family stuff (we have two pre-school kids). The important decision was: where should I ride? Baw Baw! Should I? Could I? Everything I’ve heard or read about the Baw Baw climb sounds terrifying and I’d planned to put it off until I had completed the other six peaks, but I decided that I had to face it & give it a shot. So you know a little more about me & where I’m at with my fitness: I am 45-years old, started riding on January 23rd, 2013 when I bought my Avanti Cadent Di2 (hadn’t ridden since school days back in the 80’s!). I went from being a 91kg couch potato last December, to 74kg now, by cycling, running, and swimming regularly, and eating properly. I’ve ridden the Crucifix twice (including Inverness Rd), the 250km ATB ride, ran a marathon, a sprint triathlon and Lake Mountain twice. Here’s my strava: http://www.strava.com/athletes/1579809 Despite all of this, I was still hesitant to tackle Baw Baw. Breaking it down, here’s my preparation for this ‘scary’ climb. I hope my experience can give you some idea of what to expect, and motivate you to tackle this awesome challenge! 1. Study the climb. I read Matt de Neef’s guide again: http://theclimbingcyclist.com/climbs/baw- baw-national-park/mt-baw-baw/, read the 7 Peaks tips, http://www.7peaks.com.au/mt-baw-baw-tips/ & watched Simon’s climb: http://www.7peaks.com.au/video-items/gerrans-vs-baw-baw/. Then I studied the strava segment data: http://www.strava.com/segments/5217745 Yep, definitely a scary climb. I even printed out the segment and wrote the % gradients on there (see photo below). I was going to tape it on my stem but forgot! But by the time we got to the start of the climb, I had the turns and route embedded in my brain. 2. Find a friend I sent out a message out to some friends & relatives to see if anyone was free. Ethan Edwards (http://www.strava.com/athletes/1214129) said he was free & wanted to join! 3. The day before Came back from a day at the beach so had fish and chips for dinner. Checked over my bike and packed it into the car along with the following gear: Clothing – (weather forecast was 11 – 18 degrees, 90% chance of rain later in day) so I put out: knicks, compression under t-shirt, brevet jersey, gilet, arm & leg warmers, beanie, fingerless gloves, my new ‘Domestique’ socks & shoes. I didn’t think that it would be too cold or too wet so didn’t bring the full winter gear. Other – 2 bidons of water, 4 gels, 3 bars, 2 bananas, sunglasses, chamois cream, sneakers, money & cards and iPhone in water-tight ‘Domestique’ pouches, Garmin 910XT, HR monitor. 4. Getting there (Thursday morning, 5:30am): Arrived at Ethan’s house at 6:00am, stopping on way for Maccas calories. It was Ethan’s turn to drive this time so we set off down the Monash, Princes Hwy (M1) to Tanjil Bren. From the South Eastern suburbs it’s around 1.5 hours drive to Noojee or 2 hours drive to Tanjil Bren. Then there are 3 ride choices: Start at Noojee for a 97km round trip ride Icy Creek for a ~ 48km ride Tanjil Bren for a ~ 32km ride Both Ethan & I had to be back in Melbourne by 3pm so we decided to start at Tanjil Bren (thank goodness we did – more on that later). Once off the M1, the road gets windy but still reasonable speed until Neerim South. It then becomes narrower and the huge logging trucks start to come past you. They take up a lot of room on the road and don’t really slow down. Hopefully they won’t be a problem on Sunday. From Neerim Junction to Noojee the road is still fine. Then from Noojee to Tanjil Bren, the road is very narrow with lots of turns. The road leaving Noojee is very steep and long itself. Give yourself plenty of time if you’re going to ride to Baw Baw from there! It doesn’t look too bad on Strava, but I think it would be much more than a “warm-up ride”. We arrived into Tanjil Bren at 8:15 & started our ride at 8:30. A few obstacles We counted at least 7 fallen trees that were still partially on the road (see photo). The ride Tanjil Bren is a very small town with a small car park outside a toilet block (see photos). Sign here says 16km to Baw Baw and apparently the last petrol stop as well although the bowser didn’t look too functional! It was about 10 degrees with some spots of rain but the road was dry. It felt warm. I wore my leg warmers but not arm warmers. I really think they help with cramp prevention in the calves, especially with such a short ride before the climb got serious. I had my gilet and beanie in my back pocket for the descent. http://www.strava.com/activities/97451909 The road from Tanjil Bren immediately goes down. We were surprised by this and the descent takes you a long way down for about 4km. The next 10km were comfortable at about 3 – 4%. This is where it’s a good idea to pedal a high cadence and get your legs pumping. The dreaded “Gantry”, where the serious climb starts, comes up at the 10km mark. Note that there isn’t a gantry or gate here, just a sign saying “Gantry”. As soon as you ride past this sign, you will see the road suddenly point upwards, literally. There are signs reminding you that it’s about to get steep! I was on my lowest gear immediately (and didn’t move off it until ~ 2km from the end)!! The 6.5km climb from the Gantry Everything that I read about the climb was true. From the Gantry, the steepness doesn’t get easier. It just goes on and on. You hope that there will be a flat bit, even just for 10m or so, to recover but there isn’t. I was already in my lowest gear (34/28). But Ethan was caught a bit off guard. In changing down, he dropped the chain off the front big ring and I heard a huge thump behind me. “I’m ok, keep going”, he yelled. Thankfully he wasn’t hurt and was able to catch back up. He was on his regular 39/27 crankset as it was such late notice, he hadn’t had time to put on his climbing gears. An awesome effort! I remember thinking that if you fell, you’d have to ride sideways or down to get going again before being able to head up as it would be impossible to start on such an incline. Luckily I didn’t have to find out! Thankfully, the road is quite wide. At least 6m in most parts, I think this helps mentally a little bit with tackling such a steep climb. It certainly helps when the road is so steep that you then have to zig-zag. I quickly learnt how to zig-zag, which I hadn’t ever really had to do before. After a while, I decided that zig-zagging should only be done in the really steep bits as I think it takes as much energy as just pedalling straight up, if not more. I think it should only be done when you physically can’t go straight up. (I could be wrong on that one?) Traffic I think we had a total of four cars passing us for the whole ride. That’s really another reason to get out of Melbourne to ride. There were no logging trucks from Tanjil Bren up to Baw Baw. The lack of traffic makes tackling such gradients bearable and less treacherous! Fuel I ate a banana in Tanjil Bren, had a gel just before the gantry, and another at the turn off to the Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road. I had a second banana with 4kms to go. I had a 750ml bidon, but regretted not bringing my second one as I needed to use some water to spray on myself to help cool myself down. It was hotter that expected, and there must be pockets where the heat just sits in between the hills. I ran out of water with only 4km to go so I was ok. I think it’s wiser to bring both & you can always pour some out if you think you need to shed weight! As you turn onto the BawBaw Tourist rd, there is actually a flat and downhill section for about 30m. It was very tempting to stop here as it would not be too hard to get going again but Ethan and I kept on. Once you get to here, it really is a mental challenge. You’ve already proven that you can physically climb it by getting that far! At the 5km mark, I told myself that there was really only 4 more kms, as Matt had clearly written that the last 800m was the easiest bit in his guide (very true).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Suburb 2008 Stateabbr Postcode Aberfeldy Vic 3825
    SUBURB 2008 STATEABBR POSTCODE ABERFELDY VIC 3825 ADA VIC 3833 AGNES VIC 3962 AIRLY VIC 3851 ALBERTON VIC 3971 ALBERTON WEST VIC 3971 ALLAMBEE VIC 3823 ALLAMBEE RESERVE VIC 3871 ALLAMBEE SOUTH VIC 3871 AMOR VIC 3825 ARAWATA VIC 3951 ATHLONE VIC 3818 BAIRNSDALE VIC 3875 BALOOK VIC 3971 BAROMI VIC 3871 BAW BAW VIC 3833 BAW BAW VIC 3833 BAW BAW VILLAGE VIC 3833 BELLBIRD CREEK VIC 3889 BELLBIRD CREEK VIC 3889 BEMM RIVER VIC 3889 BENA VIC 3946 BENGWORDEN VIC 3875 BENNISON VIC 3960 BENNISON VIC 3960 BERRYS CREEK VIC 3953 BINGINWARRI VIC 3966 BINGINWARRI VIC 3966 BLACKWARRY VIC 3844 BOISDALE VIC 3860 BOISDALE VIC 3860 BONA VISTA VIC 3820 BOOLA VIC 3825 BOOLARONG VIC 3960 BOOLARRA VIC 3870 BOOLARRA SOUTH VIC 3870 BOOLE POOLE VIC 3880 BOOROOL VIC 3953 BRANDY CREEK VIC 3821 BRAVINGTON VIC 3821 BRIAGOLONG VIC 3860 BRIAGOLONG VIC 3860 BROADLANDS VIC 3875 BRUTHEN VIC 3885 BUCHAN VIC 3885 BUCHAN SOUTH VIC 3885 BUDGEREE VIC 3870 BUDGERUM EAST VIC 3579 BUFFALO VIC 3958 BUFFALO VIC 3958 BUFFALO RIVER VIC 3737 BUFFALO RIVER VIC 3737 BULDAH VIC 3890 BULLUMWAAL VIC 3875 BULN BULN VIC 3821 BULN BULN EAST VIC 3821 BUMBERRAH VIC 3902 BUNDALAGUAH VIC 3851 BUNYIP VIC 3815 BUNYIP NORTH VIC 3815 BUSHY PARK VIC 3860 BUTCHERS RIDGE VIC 3885 CABBAGE TREE CREEK VIC 3889 CABBAGE TREE CREEK VIC 3889 CALLIGNEE VIC 3844 CALLIGNEE NORTH VIC 3844 CALLIGNEE SOUTH VIC 3844 CALROSSIE VIC 3971 CALULU VIC 3875 CANN RIVER VIC 3890 CARINGAL VIC 3825 CARINGAL VIC 3825 CARRAJUNG VIC 3844 CARRAJUNG LOWER VIC 3844 CARRAJUNG SOUTH VIC 3844 CHANDLERS CREEK VIC 3890 CHILDERS VIC 3824
    [Show full text]
  • Bushwalking News Victoria July 2011
    Bushwalking News Victoria July 2011 Rocky Valley Creek Crossing, Crowsnest and the Fainters, Easter Walk, 22-26 April, 2011 (photo: John Van Gemert), The Geelong Walker, June 2011 Contributions Inside this issue... Email or post news, views, club Walking and Talking with your Sun and Moon .................................... 8 profiles, articles, photographs, sketch- President ............................................ 2 Walking (and Eating) in France’s es and letters on any Track Maintenance Program .............. 3 Buech Valley ...................................... 8 subject of interest to bushwalkers (subject to editorial approval) to: Bushwalking Environment: Joanna O’Brien .................................. 9 [email protected] BEC Report .................................. 3 Bushwalking Tips from BSAR: or Federation Day Walk 2011 ................. 6 Personal Location Beacons ....... 10 24 Moorhouse Street Regent Honeyeater Project: Mobile Phones ........................... 10 Camberwell Victoria 3124 2011 Planting Weekends ............. 7 BSAR Annual Report 2010-11 ......... 11 Deadline for the August edition: Sighting of Regent Honeyeaters .. 7 Who’s Who at BWV .......................... 12 Monday, 11 July 2011 The statements and opinions expressed in articles are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or position of Bushwalking Victoria. Editor: Joslin Guest Issue No. 216 Bushwalking News Victoria July 2011 WALKING AND TALKING WITH YOUR PRESIDENT Leadership Forum and AGM New Member Fees Bushwalking Victoria held its first Leadership Forum on The AGM approved the following member fee structure for Saturday 18 June. The day was a great success, with 2011-12: more than 60 people from 28 clubs attending to share Affiliates: $9.75 per club member 16 years ideas, opinions and experiences, hear updates on of age and over Bushwalking Victoria activities and initiatives, and to hear from our special guest speakers.
    [Show full text]
  • Presents the 17Th Edition Of
    Presents the 17th edition of the Victoria’s ultimate one day road race incorporating the 2017 Victorian Hill Climb Championship Victorian Road Series Race 3 Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Resort Classic 2017 - Competitor’s Guide Mt. Baw Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Resort Classic 2017 - Competitor’s Guide Mt. Baw Welcome Message Competitor Information The Warragul Cycling Club welcomes you to our beautiful home - the Baw Baw Region! Registration The Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort Classic is renowned throughout Australia as one of the The race registration will be held in the car park of the Arts Centre, Civic Place, hardest one day cycling races, and your attendance at the event this year will further between 7:30 and 9:30am. help grow the events reputation. The Cafe will be closed due to renovations so make sure you pick up your coffee at Frankies Cafe in town. before you arrive. As a small regional cycling club, we are extremely proud to be able to organise and run such a successful race. Many hours of planning and organisation go into running Race Category Start Times & Location this event, and we are indebted to the many volunteers who offer their time to make West Gippsland Arts Centre the event run smoothly. From the Race Director, Signage crew, Marshals, Drivers - the Corner of Smith and Albert Street, Warragul Victoria 3820 event simply would not run without them! A Grade 10.00am We trust your will enjoy your visit to our roads and look forward to seeing you back on B Grade 10.10am our roads soon.
    [Show full text]
  • Yarra Glen BATTS CREEK
    o! E o! E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E o! E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E # # # # # # # # # +$ # # # # # # # # MARYSVILLE MARYSVILL+$E MARYSVILLE - E Lake Mountain # # # # # # # # # RED HILL ROAD # # # # # # # EASTAUGH RD RED HILL WEST+$ BIG RIVER # # # # # # # CASTELLA +$ VANS RD # # # # # # # MARYSVILLE TRIANGLE RD +$ HEALESVILLE # # # # # # # +$ MARYSVILLE KINGS RD GAFFNEYS CREEK - +$ E KINGLAKE RD # # # # # # # +$ +$ GERMAN SPUR TRACK E # # # # # # # MARYSVILLE +$ MARYSVILLE - SOUTHERN TK # # # # # # # PARADISE +$ # # # # # # # # # PLAINS RD MARYSVILLE Kinglake # # # # # # # # # GRANTON PITT TK +$ # # +$ # # # # # # # # # - WILKS CREEK TRAIL TOOLANGI - Toolangi # # # # # # # # GLENWOOD # # # # # # # # # +$ # # # # # # # # # DRIVE BIG RIVER TOOLANGI # # # # # # # # # # BIG RIVER PAGES # # # # # # # # # MONUMENT OLD # # # # # # # # # # CRK TK +$ TOOLANGI RD # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # TOOLANGI - +$ E # # # # # # # # GLENWOOD TOOLANGI - # # # # # # # # # LINK TRACK DIXONS CREEK # # # # # # # EAST BRANCH # # # # # # # # # # # #Narb#etho#ng E # # # # # +$# # BIG RIVER y # # # # # # # w FRENCHMANS H # # # # NA#RBE#THO#NG a DIXONS CREEK CREEK b SOUTH DOM l e - LINK TRACK CHUM CREEK - M DOM RD +$ XANTHORRHOEA TRACK Deep Creek RA CAMBARVILLE - E BEARS CREEK Matlock ST ANDREWS BUTTERMANS TK +$ HEALESVILLE SMITHS - ROAD 21 E GULLY - Walsh ROBERTS TRACK Creek RA Maroondah CHRISTMAS HILLS - Reservoir +$ BEARDSELL TRACK REEFTON - FISHERMAN DRIVE a Christmas p a y r r Hills B HEALESVILLE - a Y n The Triangle e l MT RIDDLE
    [Show full text]
  • Travel Guide Car to Mount Baw Baw
    Travel Guide Car to Mount Baw Baw: Your Mt Baw Baw adventure is merely a 2.5 hour drive from Melbourne, 1 hour from the heart of Gippsland, and 3 hours from the Mornington Peninsula. Don’t rely on your GPS! Some GPS systems do not work well in the region. Option 1 - Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road Beautiful but narrow and winding road. Most visitors from Melbourne take this route, travel time from Melbourne CBD is approximately 2.5 hours. The turn off from the Princes Hwy (M1) is at the Drouin / Mt Baw Baw exit Continue along via Noojee along the Main Neerim Rd (C426) Follow this road through Noojee where it will then follow into the Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road (C426) Travel through Icy Creek and Tanjil Bren before reaching the resort gates Last major fuel stops is at Longwarry (before you exit the Hwy) Facts about the Tourist Drive: The tourist drive is so very picturesque but is curvy. Stop off via the beautiful old town of Noojee where you can have a quick break, snack or lunch. Chains are available for hire in Neerim South or Noojee. Option 2 – South Face Road An un-sealed gravel road wider and less winding than the Tourist Road. Travel time from Melbourne’s CBD is approximately 2.5 hours. From Moe: From the M1, take the turn off at the Moe exit, and then continue via Erica At Parkers Corner, continue straight onto the Thomson Valley Road 3km along, turn left onto South Face Road Last major fuel stop is at Moe From Traralgon: Turn at the set of traffic lights at McDonald’s in the town centre of Traralgon Travel along Grey Street and follow signs to Tyers/Walhalla (C477, C481, C461) Continue on the C481 through Rawson At Parkers Corner, turn right onto the Thomson Valley Road 3km along, turn left onto South Face Road Last major fuel stop is Traralgon Facts about the South Face Road: The South Face Road is not sealed for 25km.
    [Show full text]
  • Latrobe Northern
    o! E o! E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E o! E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E # +$# # E # # # WOODS POINT - N#ARBE#THO#NG BIG RIVER OLD COACH ROAD GLENCAIRN - # SO#UTH D#OM FRENCHMANS BARKLEY RIVER DOM RD CREEK CHUM CREEK - XANTHORRHOEA TRACK Deep Joint Fuel Creek RA CAMBARVILLE - E y Hw BEARS CREEK ah Matlock nd oo ar M MATLOCK - WALHALLA HEALESVILLE - ROAD 21 ROAD Management Walsh E Creek RA Licola Maroondah Reservoir REEFTON - Program FISHERMAN DRIVE REEFTON The Triangle Healesville HEALESVILLE - - BATTS MT RIDDLE ROAD CREEK JERICHO - FFMVIC LATROBE POOLE ROAD BADGER CREEK - REEFTON - PICANINNY CREEK +$ +$+$ TWO MILE (Northern) CREEK BADGER +$CREEK o! +$ REEFTON - - ALBERT ROAD Watts +$ Creek RA YANKEE JIM REEFTON - FIRELINE Mount BOUNDARY THOMSON Gregory RA - UPPER 2020-2021 TO 2022-2023 ROAD THOMSON RD McMahons Creek Aberfeldy Mt Donna Buang MOUNT E MCMAHONS E TOOLEBEWONG EAST WARBURTON CREEK - ROAD 1 Mt Useful - CORANDERRK - CROOKED +$ +$ MOUNT TOOLEBEWONG - CREEK PIPELINE+$ 60 CHAPMAN ROAD (CFA) +$ +$ +$ MCMAHONS CREEK TOOLEBEWONG - STARVATION o! EAST WARBURTON - CREEK PIPELINE MCMAHONS - CHAPMAN BRAHAMS RD PIPELINE ROAD CREEK - SMOKO RIDGE DON VALLEY - +$ 2020-21 Planned Burn (<50Ha) RIFLE RANGE Warburton Hwy Warburton Stringybark MILLGROVE - Creek RA +$ MILLGROVE 2021-22 Planned Burn (<50Ha) LAUNCHING PLACE WARBURTON HIGHWAY - LITTLE - BELLBIRD AVENUE JOE TRACK RESERVE 3 (CFA) Launching Woori Place WESBURN - Ben Cruachan +$ 2022-23 Planned Burn (<50Ha) +$ E Yallock Yarra MINESHAFT LAUNCHING PLACE - HILL
    [Show full text]
  • Baw Baw Shire Town and Rural District Names and Boundaries
    BAW BAW SHIRE TOWN AND RURAL DISTRICT NAMES AND BOUNDARIES MANSFIELD D T R IN O P S D O O W N TO R U B R A W Mount Selma JERICHO A B E Mount R F Useful E L D Y YARRA RANGES A b e r f e l d y TOOMBON THOMSON T H O M S O N TOORONGO V AL LEY LOCH LAKE VALLEY BAW BAW THOMSON R D R i v e r BAW BAW MOUNT BAW BAW VILLAGE ALPINE RESORT NOOJEE R D ADA Y BAW BAW ARR A JU NCT ION NOO VESPER JEE PIEDMONT K NATIONAL E TANJIL BREN BAW E W RD A B R T C N U PARK O M Y C NAYOOK I RD NEERIM NORTH MINA NEERIM NEERIM FU JUNCTION NORTH WELLINGTON W I L L O BUNYIP W G R IL O TANJ GENTLE ANNIE V E CARINGAL STATE NEERIM WALHALLA PARK AMOR D FUMINA R R D R A SOUTH W SO WA N NEERIM EAST LHALLA TARAGO A RESERVOIR C I CO R O PE E RS C RE EK NEERIM SOUTH HILL END JACOB JINDIVICK R CREEK LABERTOUCHE D D CARDINIA R TOONGABBIE LONGWARRY NORTH CROSSOVER MOONDARRA ROKEBY BULN BULN BOOLA D WILLOW R EAST BLUE ROCK MOONDARRA PR D RESERVOIR IN R N C O O B E U T S IN ING R AV A GROVE R N ERIM B E D N OLD D M W Y R O E E ST S PARK A L E RD NAR N AR GOO N L ONG WA B THALLOO RRY C LON R G C BULN WAR RY R R R DR A MOONDARRA D OUIN E E SHADY E W RESERVOIR N N ILL I K OWG A R GLENGARRY T E OV D E M BULN K RD S Y CREEK D R A NORTH N SO E TANJIL AW R N I L SOUTH LONGWARRY U ILLIC O O NILMA E O M R D R Y DROU D R IN NORTH R DROUIN A W W A G R W N R TYERS O AG L U L E R WARRAGUL S D F TB TH PARK W YALLOURN NOR WARRAGUL Y R D D L P M U IE F U O R WEST - M E E E O E V R O R W O - L A B R Y O W O G S K W O O L N L I A W LAKE D R M NARRACAN MODELLA K L I TRAFALGAR MOE T GLENGA R D RRY D N O R O R R P D N UM O R DARN EAST E T S R E DROUIN MOE W LATROBE B PR INC ES E SOUTH L P BONA YARRAGON R P TRAFALGAR Y W I E VISTA H R N H A G R D WARRAGUL R U U B M O U A R R O R K SOUTH MOE O E A B S L L N H HEATH ATHLONE I SOUT A R G HERNES OAK E N T LEGEND HILL I U O D V O R R R D L W U G O YARRAGON TOWN AND RURAL A O R COALVILLE R WARRAGUL A O L W ELLINBANK TRAFALGAR DISTRICT BOUNDARIES D SOUTH HALLORA C SOUTH (defined as localities in Govt.
    [Show full text]
  • 1534 Fire Refuge (File No
    -. - -- Baw Baw Shire Council 12 March 2008 1534 FIRE REFUGE (FILE NO. 325101101 :IAN WALK) 1. SUMMARY This report considers the policy and practice of fire refuge areas in the Baw Baw Shire and makes a recommendation on the future viability the fire refuge areas. 2. BACKGROUND Fire refuges have been part of Victoria's bushfire management since at least the 'Ash Wednesday' fires of 1983. In the late 1980s many were identified and designated by municipal councils, often on the advice of local CFA personnel. More recently, there is increasing scrutiny of refuges both from the point of view of their place in bushfire safety strategies, their construction standards and method of operation, and from the perspective of the obligations incurred by providers of refuges. This has led to the closure of many of those refuges in other Shires. A fire refuge is defined as a place designated for public use where people may seek short term shelter from the fire front during a bushfire. A designated public fire refuge has the following characteristics: Available to the public; Selected and maintained as a fire refuge, although it may also have other functions; Fixed permananent sign indicating that it is a fire refuge. 3. COUNCIL POLICIES 4. STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Municipal councils are the primary body in Victoria responsible for determining whether there will be fire refuges in their areas, and their designation, maintenance and operation, in conjunction with local emergency service personnel, and members of the community. The fire refuge areas are located on state, council and private property as follows: 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Baw Baw Planning Scheme
    BAW BAW PLANNING SCHEME 21.05 SMALL TOWNS AND RURAL SETTLEMENTS 23/07/2015 C110 21.05-1 Vision 27/11/2014 C104(Part 1) Council will consider planning applications and make decisions in accordance with the following vision: To ensure affordable, liveable, and sustainable communities for existing and future residents of Baw Baw. To develop clear directions and strategies through consultation with the community ensuring sustainable and balanced development. 21.05-2 Overview 27/11/2014 C104(Part 1) The small towns and settlements of Willow Grove, Thorpdale, Rawson, Darnum, Nilma, Buln Buln, Noojee, Erica, Tanjil Bren, Walhalla, Neerim, Neerim Junction, Jindivick and Rokeby provide an attractive lifestyle choice in a rural setting as well as providing a local service role and tourism networks. Whilst a number of residents from these small towns and settlements work in the nearby main towns of Baw Baw Shire, they often use the shops, schools and community facilities in the small towns. A structure plan has been prepared for Willow Grove and review of planning controls in Walhalla is taking place in 2014 to identify development potential. Bushfire risk and/or the absence or limited capacity of sewer infrastructure within some small towns and settlements is a significant limitation to new growth and development opportunities Objectives To provide the flexibility for limited development to occur in each town to accommodate the needs of its population as well as to contribute to the Settlement network. To ensure new development enhances the amenity and unique character of its neighbourhood and environs. To facilitate development in accordance with the specific structure plan or directions attached to this clause.
    [Show full text]
  • Baw Baw Ski Ascent
    Haw-Haw ••• A Fresh Ski-ascent By H. G. Toye HERE in the Baw-Baw are a dozen peaks within as many miles, all over 4,500 ft. On the 11th August, E. Lindgren and I made what was to be a trial run. I was amazed to find how altered the country appeared around St. Phillack. It had been a depressing sight just after the fierce bush-fires, but the white mantle of winter had been kind indeed, and its new glory of soft white decked the grotesque trees in jewels of brilliant ice. The trip was so effortless that on the following week-end I decided to rise early and make a dash for Baw-Baw, which had never been skied on before. We left Yallourn after dinner on Saturday, arriving at Ezards' sawmill about 2.15 p.m. Incidently, anyone who is feeling fit might try to lop a few minutes from Elo! Lindgren's 52 minute dash from the car park to the N.B.W. Hut. I took it slower-very much slower, and continued on to the summit to do a bit of skl-iug before tea. The moonlight ski-jng was so good I didn't get down till supper­ time. Our plan was w be on the summit of Erica by sunrise, not an easy effort after breakfasting on pancakes made of reduced cream, eggs, chopped ham, and a little flour. Try them sometime-you will find them most sustaining. Two ten-Inch diameter ones, and you can ski all day long without needing another bite.
    [Show full text]
  • The Baw Baw Shire Council
    SUSTAINABLESUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIESCOMMUNITIES THETHE BAWBAW BAWBAW SHIRESHIRE COUNCILCOUNCIL SOLUTIONSOLUTION AboutAbout BawBaw BawBaw • Located in West Gippsland, just over an hour from Melbourne • 100 localities spread over 4,027 km² of rolling green hills, towns, mountains & top agricultural land • Population of over 40,000 people. Warragul is the largest town (~12,000 people) & Drouin is a close second (around 7,000 people) • Major employers - agribusiness(11%), health(11%), retail(10%), construction(10%) & manufacturing(9%) •2/3rd of Melbourne’s Water Supply comes from our mountainous regions Council Challenges • Enlightening communities • Empowering communities • Resourcing communities • Open and honest communications • Communities owning & controlling process • Delivering sustainable council strategies Getting Over The Past • Historical disconnection impact • Council amalgamation issues • Lack of consultation with communities • Changing budgetary demands and priorities • Perceived poor project delivery Reconnecting with the Community • Engaging at a different level • Seeking broader participation • Identifying the challenges for communities • Setting realistic goals – ownership • ‘Ground-up approach’ • Communities driving council strategies Community Connect COMMUNITIES SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT ACTIVITIES COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CONNECTING ASSETS ECONOMY ARTS AND HEALTH & CULTURE WELLBEING LOCAL GOVERNMENT Community Engagement across Baw Baw Shire Tanjil Bren Noojee Walhalla Rawson Neerim District Erica Jindivick Tanjil Valley District Rokeby/Crossover
    [Show full text]
  • Baw Ton Walking Track Which H8$ Been a Popu­ 8S'lll.' Plateau Located in Gippsland Approxi­ Lar Route with Hikers Tor Many Years
    A lIew Ski-illJl Village 011 ~U. lIaw U ..... A. Brogan (Su·.. ~I.~:r. Mt. Ed... Dhido. S.C. V.) HE growing popularity of snow spor~ slghLsecrs. many of whom travelled rlgllt T In this country again draws atten­ across the plateau on the Walhall-Warbur­ tion to the comparath'cly unknown Baw ton walking track which h8$ been a popu­ 8s'lll.' plateau located In Gippsland approxi­ lar route with hikers tor many years. Three mately 100 miles from Melbourne and with­ huts were prOVIded on the routt!. two of them In casy reach of all Gippsland. The 30 square being located on the Saw Baws. one at Mt. mUes of .!Snowfields In this areA could be­ Whitelaw and the other at Talbot Peak. come one of the mOlit popular holiday re­ For some ~·ears. skiers had been skl·lng sorts in Vlctorla, At present, access is dim­ on Mt. Erica and a Division of lhe Ski Club cult and only the mOlJt hardy and enthusi­ or Victoria was rormed with headquarters astic lIklers reach the Bnw Baw Plateau, at Yallourn-the centre of Vlctorla'S power and It Is perhaps not generally known thaL Industry and brown coal dC!,lOsits. Other the sno¥" 1;e8SOn last.s Crom June until the clubs from YaJlourn erected hull! on Mt. m iddle of October. Sclng the closest reliable Erica and t kl -Iug ..... as confined to this area snowfielM to Melbourne they after oppor­ except for lntennlttent trll)S to the ccntre tunities long sought after by skiers, pro­ of the range.
    [Show full text]