The Franklin River in Tasmania's South-West Wilderness Area Is
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FRANKLIN RIVER The Franklin River in Tasmania's South-West Wilderness Area holds a special place in the political and environmental protection history of Australia. Peter Dombrovskis’ famous photograph of ‘Rock Island Bend’, as used by the Tasmanian Wilderness Society in its campaign against the proposed hydroelectric dam, played an influential part in the outcome of the 1983 Federal Election in which the Hawke Government came to power. The consequent High Court case (Commonwealth v Tasmania) led to a determination that the federal government had the authority to protect environmental assets of international significance and while controversial, has formed the basis of much of the Commonwealth’s environmental legislation in the years following. (Rock Island Bend, Peter Dumbrovsksis) Today, the Franklin remains one of Australia's last wilderness catchments with no mines, no forestry, no agriculture and no civilization from the mountains to the sea, with the exception of one road. As Australia’s premier wilderness river trip, it is an ideal challenge for the ANUMC to draw upon the experience and skills of members that has been building steadily over the last decade, along with the expansion in recent years of the kayak fleet with new creekboats purchased specifically with this type of expedition capacity. The Expedition We will be commencing our journey from the Collingwood River, 49 km west of Derwent Bridge, and we will finish a day or two’s paddle downstream of the junction with the Gordon River. The actual white water section of the trip is approximately 120 km. There is a final 25km flat water paddle to rendezvous with a commercial ferry to exit the river. There is a possibility that we may be able to coordinate our exit with a commercial tour group to avoid the final day’s paddle. The river is a serious challenge in any condition as this excerpt from the NPWS website illustrates: “The Franklin is a demanding river to raft or kayak. It requires intense concentration, good preparation, a high level of river skills, confidence and experienced leadership.” Maps: We have attached a general map of the location of the Franklin River in relation to Tasmania. The actual expedition will be using 1:25000 topographic maps and GPS topo’s. With only one road to provide access, a trip on this river takes between 8–11 days to complete, finishing at the coastal town of Strahan. Most people attempting this river use inflatable rafts or at least kayak with raft support. We will be entirely self sufficient, with all necessary supplies packed into our boats. We will not be using raft support. All our food will be dehydrated and only the bare essentials will be taken to minimize space and weight. We will use the club dehydrator to dry the bulk of our food. The River presents numerous logistical difficulties and physical challenges which will test the abilities and experience of the group who will have to work together as a team to overcome these difficulties. The most significant section of the trip, The Great Ravine, is a deep narrow gorge with near vertical walls on either side. There are 4 huge rapids in this section that require portaging at all river levels. In some cases, steep tracks wind their way up and over cliffs often returning to the river well downstream of the rapid as there is no prior opportunity to access the river. Some portages will take upwards of 3 hours to negotiate as they involve the rigging of multiple haulage systems to get the kayaks up and then abseil the boats down at the other end. Gaining first hand experience with some of these haulage systems will be invaluable in broadening the knowledge of the participants, as they have largely only had theoretical training in rigging these systems. This expedition will enhance the white water and expedition planning skill base of the club. This will inevitably have a flow on effect to the benefit of the club as this added competence will be passed on to ensure a higher skill level for club paddlers. In addition, the greater depth of experience in long duration trips in more remote terrain will add to the safety competence and techniques of the participants. Participants: Up to 6 paddlers could participate in this trip. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of their paddling competence, ability to work together as a team, and contribution to the club (past and future). Three confirmed members of the expedition so far are David Boland, Andrew Collins and Terry Murphy. Other members have expressed an interest, but have not confirmed their participation. These three club members have a long history of running club trips, training and supervising beginners, maintaining club equipment and passing on their skills and knowledge to other members. Timing: This expedition is planned for January 2011, to take advantage of the most favourable climatic conditions for an extended trip on a remote Tasmanian river. Ferry tickets have been purchased, and additional support persons (for logistics) have been confirmed. The Expedition funding would assist in transport costs involved in transporting club boats, as well as purchase and hire of additional safety equipment. Expedition Expenses: Vehicle expenses Canberra –Franklin return - $350 Bass Strait ferry – Vehicle $160 Ferry Cost from Gordon River $115 pp Bass Strait Ferry – return - persons $400pp Suitable food 12 days rations $300pp Consumables; Misc -: kayak/camping gear $100pp Topographic maps $50 Accommodation – in transit $100 National Parks Pass – Vehicle $60 National Parks Pass – persons $30 Satellite Phone Hire $200 Group Expenses TOTAL $820 (+ $1045 per person) .