Volume 14 Issue 2 Winter 2006

Newsletter of the Walking Federation of Inc 14a Stuart Road, Dulwich

All correspondence to Post Office Box 6067 Linden Park SA 5065

Phone (08) 8361 2491

Webpage: www.walkingsa.org.au Email: [email protected] Kempson Roger

Adelaide Bushwalkers on The Battery, Mt Remarkable National Park May 2006

Uniting all people actively

concerned with bushwalking. Featured in this edition of Walking SA News :-

◊ The President’s Report ◊ Opening Stage 3 of “The Lavender Federation Trail” ◊ Latest on the Pioneer Women’s Trail ◊ Overview Adventure Activities Standard - Bushwalking

Walking SA is supported through the Office for Recreation & Sport and the Government of South Australia Page 2 WALKING SA News

Presidents Report May 2006

Another walking season is well on its way and While we were not on the subject of Webs and while it opened a little on the wet side currently the Internets we are now, and thanks go to Chris Moad, sun is shining, it is 20C and I should not be here by Andrew van der Wolff, John Eaton and Hugh my computer wondering what to write. Lambert. Walking SA now has a secure structure and Thanks go to Friends of the for a functional Web Page, without the 400 spams per combining the Opening of the Walking Season with week. We are also able to display information such as their twenty year celebration at . minutes and Newsletters quite easily and quickly. Excellent planning, weather and crowd made this an WSA will also be pleased to put any comments, news, exceptional day. A highlight was the co-operation be- ideas, items of interest etc. you may have on our Web tween FoHT and DEH Belair, an exceptional example Page to disseminate information such as the fact that of working together and achieving. Another great ex- Pony Ridge Rd will be closed for a track upgrade until ample of working together has been on the Pioneer the end of June. Women’s Trail where Department of Environment and Heritage, Office for Recreation and Sport, Please contact the Webmaster (Chris) at Hills & Burnside Councils and WSA have [email protected]. achieved wonders. Provided July does not bring a deluge this trail should be up and running with sign- All information must have a termination date and meet age and maps in place before the end of the walking with acceptable community standards. season. Many thanks go to June Boscence and Peter Beer for their effort on WSA’s behalf. The next stage Before I close may I recommend that you con- will be lobbying for a bridge of some description over sider nominating for a position at the AGM in August. Hahndorf Creek and the Onkaparinga River to take The work is interesting and will possibly surprise you walkers safely to Hahndorf. (More inside) at what goes on. On top of that company and support While we are talking about co-operation it is a is spot on. You choose the level of involvement, as pity we could not have the same level between the much or as little as you wish. I have been president for AAS Steering Committee and ourselves. In spite of nearly two years now, which has been both interesting our repeated request for the ST to recognise that and informative and very surprising that any one could Voluntary, not for profit organisations such as Bush- put up with me for so long. walkers, should not be grouped with Commercial or- ganisations our request fell on deaf ears and the AAS Happy Walking – Bushwalking has been finalised. To coin a phrase “The battle may be lost but the war is not”. (More in- David Marcroft side) President Something I mentioned in an earlier report was The Walking Federation of South Australia Inc. more responsible financial support for Walking SA from members. We have been talking about the issues for some time at General Meetings in an effort to keep walkers informed and a discussion paper has been is- sued. ATTENTION At the Annual General Meeting in August a WALK LEADERS motion will be put to apply a per capita fee structure for members. Currently contributions varies between Forestry SA Rangers have asked that clubs $0.25c and $2.00 per year per member, and this provide prior notification of all planned walks change in structure will see a more equitable cost to in forest areas, giving the approximate members and put Walking SA in a more sound finan- number of participants and details of the cial position. In effect, members will be asked to what proposed walk route. This would apply to all level they support Walking SA walks throughout the year.

Contacts: Mt Crawford Forest Phone (08) 8524 6004

Kuitpo Forest Phone (08) 8391 8800 WALKING SA News Page 3

SARTI “The Lavender Federation Trail” New Map for Opening of Stage 3 - 7th May 2006 “The Lavender Federation Trail” Mt Beevor to Springton

With the completion of Stage 3 of the Lavender Federation Trail - a 27 km section between Tunkillo and Springton - the SARTI Board ( SA Recreational Trails Inc.) is to be congratulated on its dedication to providing these new walk opportunities for our community. On a very cold, stormy Sunday walkers gath- This new map is now ered to enjoy a ramble along the Northern section of available from outdoor the trail, and, despite the bitter wind, the beauty of the stores scenery and the wide open vistas were a delight to see. Indeed the bracing weather served to create a good RRP $10.00 appetite for the promised 'afternoon tea' !

Walking SA’s Committee 2005/2006

Executive Committee Chris Bushell (SARTI President), with Ann Lavender and Barry Stacey at the opening. President David Marcroft Vice-President Secretary Peter Beer The official opening took place at the Springton Treasurer Arthur Ward Memorial Hall, with Graham Hallandal, Barry Stacey and Chris Bushell ( SARTI President ) officiating at Individual Members the presentation of framed certificates of appreciation Representative Merilyn Browne and thanks to the Mayors of Murray Bridge and the Mid Murray Councils and a representative from the Other Committee Members Barossa Council for their continuing assistance in the Thelma Anderson formation of the trail. A further presentation was made Mary Denton to Ann Lavender in recognition of her continuing Bill Gehling interest and very practical support. Fran Lucas The event also saw the launch of the new Map 2 Myra Betschild and the Tunkillo Loop Trail - after which the gather- Liz O’Shea ing adjourned to enjoy a delicious 'country style' tea Chris Moad prepared by the local CFS and much appreciated by Joan Mooney locals and visitors alike. Thankyou again to SARTI, to ARPA and to all those who have contributed to the making of this Administration June Boscence new trail. 14a Stuart Road, Dulwich SA 5065 Happy walking!! (PO Box 6067, Linden Park 5065)

Telephone 8361 2491 Liz O'Shea

Page 4 WALKING SA News

Excerpts from the President’s Report June 2006 Whatever roles Bushwalking Australia Inc One of the issues this past year has been seeks for itself, we need to realize that BWA ex- Adventure Activity Standards (AAS). For many ists for the benefit of individual walkers and for years, developments of this kind have appeared, the environment we wish to preserve and enjoy. though they haven’t affected or been a concern of Our federal system in Australia means that the the club sector. This time however, we may not majority of our work needs to be at state level. be so lucky. The crunch point is that it is For instance, all our major parks are managed by increasingly hard to distinguish between state governments, and the legal aspects of walk- volunteer bushwalking clubs, and commercial ing are under state law. This means we need organizations wishing to set up a club, and use strong federations as the primary force in each that as a means of a voiding AAS. Some state. But whatever happens in one state is bound land-managers appear to want to use AAS as a sooner or later to bob up in another. Environ- condition of entry to limit their exposure to risk. mental issues don’t respect political boundaries. AAS is an example of the kind of issue Only with a degree of national coordination and which we can expect to be subject to in future. consistency will bushwalkers be heard and no- There are many lessons we can learn from our ticed. experience with AAS. While some people worked Thanks to Howard Tooth though, our insur- hard at the time, their efforts were not appreci- ance kept going. The system that Howard initi- ated, the issue itself was ignored, and messages ated, also means that the scheme requires little were not passed on or acted upon. In short our input from us except when renewals are being action was too little, too late and too badly com- negotiated. Well done Howard. municated. We cannot afford to repeat those During my time overseas, I was able to ex- mistakes with future issues like this. perience the way bushwalking works in the USA In May 2006, I represented BWA at the 4th and Britain. I met leaders of the American Hiking Tracks and Trails Conference in Hobart. These Society in Washington DC and the Ramblers in types of event are important as they are the London. I went on many hikes with the New occasion when we get a chance to put the bush- York City chapter of the Adirondak Mountain walkers perspective to people who are keen to Club , and met their leadership. I visited the of- establish trails for horses, bikes, tourists and fice of the New York New Jersey Trails Confer- bushwalkers. Unfortunately, they often have very ence which is the equivalent of a state bushwalk- little idea of bushwalking and what bushwalkers ing federation. I spent a day working on one of want. I presented on the topic “Trail Diversity” in their local government funded trail projects, the which I argued that bushwalkers did not all want kind of thing we could do more of here. We could the same kinds of trail. We needed long and hard learn much from their experiences, especially as as well as short and easy ones. We do not want regards organization and money matters. one “size-fits-all” tracks. I also tried to explain why the best walking tracks were not multi-user trails. My trip to Tasmania was also the chance to meet some local bushwalkers outside the conference.

Bill Gehling WALKING SA News Page 5

MAPS & BOOKS FOR WALKERS

“Yurrebilla Trail A Hiker’s Guide”

This booklet has recently been released and is available from:

DEH Mapland, Free Publication Level 1, 100 Pirie Street Adelaide “40 Great South Australian

or Short Walks”

Mt Lofty Summit In this handy pocket guide Visitor Centre there are 40 short walks that vary in difficulty and length RRP $9.95. from a 45-minute gentle ramble to a 5 hour physical challenge. Onkaparinga River National Park Each page features a different Detailed colour, contour maps showing features of walk, with photographs of interest, tracks and gridlines of the Park the area, a basic map, short has just been released. description and information about location, distance, walk Double sided A3 Maps feature classification and facilities The Upper and Lower Gorge Scale 1:15,000 available. Onkaparinga River Recreation Park and Hardy’s Scrub Scale 1:10,000

Cost: $15.00 for the set.

Contacts: Rick Williams 8384 7812 Malcolm Kirkham 8382 0929 Larapinta Trail e-book

Proceeds will be used by the Friends Group to Planning to do the Larapinta Trail? Take a Walk further protect the biodiversity of the Park. Publications have released their Larapinta Trail track notes as an e-book

Scott Creek Conservation Park These notes include sketch maps and gradient profiles for the complete walk and are available Detailed colour contour maps of for $11.95 from their website showing features of interest, creek names, tracks www.takewalk.com.au and grid lines.

Double sided A3 1:10,000 scale $10.00 All e-book purchasers will be offered a substan- Double sided A4 1:15,000 scale $8.00 tial discount on Take A Walk in the Northern Territory when it is published later this year. Contact: That book will include the Larapinta trail notes, John Butler 8278 2773 along with a detailed collection of day walks and Tom Hands 8388 2150 overnight hikes in every National Park in the Walking SA 8361 2491 Northern Territory.

Proceeds will be used by the The book will also include a hikers guide to cook- Friends Group to ing and dehydrating trail food and recipes that further protect the biodiversity have been tried and tested in the bush. of the Park. Page 6 WALKING SA News

Adventure Activities Standard - Bushwalking

As you may be aware the final draft of the Walking SA clubs carry insurance which Adventure Activities Standard - Bushwalking costs only a few dollars per member per year. If (AAS) has been accepted by Office of Recreation we are not stupid, not committing unlawful acts, & Sport (OR&S) and launched early in June. not under the influence of recreational drugs, but AAS are voluntary guidelines primarily aimed at have the care of our fellow walkers at heart, then commercial leaders and those leading inexperi- the insurance company most likely protect us if enced groups. The benefits for clubs are less we make an honest mistake. clear. Many walking clubs already have their own There is also the Volunteers Protection Act guidelines and accepted practices that may be 2001. This was enacted by the State Government superior to AAS in many respects. In addition, to protect and encourage volunteers who take a new club leaders are under a peer review system lead role in making our society a better place to which provides a backup of experience and live. This Act protects volunteers in a similar guidance. manner to the insurance company but puts any AAS may have little or no impact on our claim through to the incorporated body for whom recreational walking clubs. However there remain the volunteer was acting. Again, I emphasise for some areas of concern, and Walking SA is the need to act as a responsible adult, caring for pursuing the issue, and will keep clubs informed. the walkers who are on your walk. Club Commit- In the meantime it may be pertinent to discuss tee members also have a responsibility under the how AAS might affect clubs. Insurance and Volunteers Protection Act to see One area of concern is that unlike club that their leaders and members have guidelines to rules, AAS carry the recognition and endorsement follow. These can be as simple as organising First of government. It is possible that some public Aid training, having a hot weather policy and authorities or private landowners will insist on maintaining a cohesive group where the leader them as a condition of entry to land. Fortunately, makes regular catch up stops, in other words this does not yet appear to be the case in SA. common sense and caring! Another is that in the event of a matter coming to Some home and contents insurance policies court, lawyers could attempt to use the technicali- have Public Liability protection for their clients ties of AAS against walkers and or leaders. and with the benefits of the Volunteers Protection Because AAS were conceived and developed Act 2001 we can ask “Why have insurance?” If without the involvement of Bushwalking your club is not incorporated, the Volunteers Pro- Australia, State Federations or Walking Clubs tection Act may not apply and insurance could be they may contain provisions that are irrelevant or important. Also, if I unfortunately cause someone difficult to apply in a club situation. They may a loss should I not have insurance to compensate simply impose burdensome restrictions on club them? On an even more positive note neither my- operations without any safety benefits. self nor our National Insurance organiser have Our biggest problem might well be the fear any recollection of any public liability insurance factor, where potential walk leaders feel that claim, ever. unless they cover every conceivable risk and out- We can ask the question why is the govern- think every gremlin trying to sabotage them, they ment issuing regulations to protect us from events will be sued out of their home, superannuation, which have never happened and for which we are savings and family car if something goes wrong. already well protected? Then there is the fear that existing leaders might give up, and clubs would fold. Are these fears realistic? We believe not. Cont Page 7 WALKING SA News Page 7

Adventure Activities Standards - Bushwalking Cont.

Walking SA will continue to make repre- sentation to government on your behalf to reduce this additional level of red tape and to question why governments are not making even stronger efforts in the opposite direction, to lessen the load on volunteers who make a significant contribution to the social fabric of South Australia.

In the meantime here is some practical advice to clubs:

◊ Check that your club’s insurance is paid up and up to date. (This is a requirement of Walking Federation of SA membership.) ◊ Document your club’s rules and usual prac- tices as regards walk leadership and safety. (We need this to negotiate with insurance companies through Bushwalking Australia in order to keep premiums low.) ◊ Are these club rules easy to follow and generally observed? ◊ What could happen in cases of emergency on club walks and how might they be over come? ◊ Get a copy of AAS - Bushwalking (available on the web). ◊ Are there any risks covered by AAS that need to be covered in club rules? ◊ Would your club be happy to operate under AAS rules instead, or as a backup for situations not covered in club rules?

David Marcroft President

For information about For further reading and to download a copy of Walking Groups open the AAS-Bushwalking try for new members, www.recreationsa.org and look in “Sections” or ph 8232 6477 log onto

For the Volunteers Protection Act 2001 and Walking SA’s website some interesting information try www.ofv.sa.gov.au or ph 8463 4490 www.walkingsa.org.au

Office for Recreation and Sport www.recsport.sa.gov.au Page 8 WALKING SA News

TRAILBLAZER Latest News on the CHALLENGE Pioneer Women’s Trail Project 14 & 15 October 2006 Stages 2 and 3 The Trailblazer Challenge is an 18, 25, 50 or Verdun to Crafers. 100km walk beginning at Pinky Flat in Adelaide Council and finishing at Kuitpo Forest in the Adelaide have assisted with the in- stallation of posts along Hills. the route between Verdun and Crafers. The decals The walk starts on the linear trail have been printed and and continues along the Yurrebilla Trail and then plates are now ready to be joins the Heysen Trail. installed.

The Trailblazer Challenge is an event run to Volunteers from Walking SA are working with the raise funds for Operation Flinders (running cartographer to prepare the map and inserts for the adventure programs for youth at risk) and the colour brochure. Heart Foundation. Stage 1 Beaumont House to Crafers. Consultation is being held with the Office for Recreation and For more details contact: Sport, Burnside Council and DEH with regard to a Ashleigh Thomson proposal to upgrade the route from the Bullock Track Ph 8242 5033 down to Beaumont House. The proposed track [email protected] would be to a Class 3 standard and avoid a steep fire track and roadway.

Volunteers required. If you have expressed interest before, or would like add your name to our list, please contact the office. 20% On presentation of Phone 8316 2491 (Open Monday and Thursday)

Discount this advertisement or for Walkers club badge

Friends of Parks Dulwich Pharmacy Walking Trails Support Group

and Gifts Opportunities for Volunteers

First Aid Supplies, Cards, Films, Flinders Ranges Bush Walks Gift and Health Supplies, Cosmetics, Fragrances Routine maintenance, checking the assets, grooming the tracks.

14 Stuart Road, Dulwich 5065 Telephone 8431 5152 Please contact: Walking SA if you require more details Hours 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday or to register your interest 9am to 1pm Saturday Office Telephone 8361 2491

Discount not applicable for prescription items