The Bushwalker

Magazine of the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs (NSW) Inc ISSN 0313 2684 Summer issue - November 1997 Volume 23 No 2 http://www.bushwalking.org.au AAABORIGINAL OO WNERSHIP OFOFOF NNAAATIONALTIONALTIONAL PP ARKSARKSARKS INININ NSWNSW NNN Vivien DunnePP * NSWNSW he National Parks and Communication Committee Amendments to the 1996 Aboriginal Wildlife Amendment •NSW Jervis Bay NP near Nowra Ownership Act provide for the recognition T(Aboriginal Ownership) Act •Mount Yarrowyck Nature Reserve of indigenous peoples rights to ancestral 1996** relating to Aboriginal Ownership near Armidale lands, cultural sites and places of of National Parks passed through both •Mount Grenfell Historic Site near historical significance as well as houses of the NSW Parliament unop- Cobar recognising the need for the protection posed in December 1996. For some more The most important points to note and management of national parks for conservative members of the community in The Amendment are as follows:- all Australians. the passing of The Act was seen as cause National Parks will be approved * Vivien Dunne is a student of for concern and greeted with alarm, but for Aboriginal ownership subject to a Environmental Geography at the for others it was heralded as a significant lease-back arrangement between the University of Sydney and Vice Presi- step in providing for the rights of indigenous owners and the relevant State dent of the Sydney Branch of the Australia’s indigenous peoples. or Commonwealth authority and will National Parks Association of NSW. The Joint management will be include the payment of rent for the lease article reflects only the authors opinion established for parks and reserves listed of the land. The term of the lease will be and not those of the NPA. on Schedule 14 through the appointment for a period of 30 years with allowance ** All information from NPWS, of Boards of Management. The Boards made for renewal of the term, periodic Aboriginal Ownership of National will be required to exercise management, review and provisionfor replacement. Parks, Government Publication, care and control in accordance with the Public right of access to national February 1997 provisions of the National Parks and parks and the use and enjoyment of the Wildlife Act 1974 and at this stage five parks is to be guaranteed. parks have been listed for return to The lands will be protected from World Heritage Aboriginal ownership. being sold or mortgaged. Listing for •Mootwingee NP and Historic Site, Direct operational responsibility Blue Mountains a and Coturaundee Nature Reserve near for the management of the land will possibilty - Page 3 Broken Hill continue to rest with NPWS, and •Mungo NP compliance with existing Acts, World The Dam issue is still Heritage listings, or other international with us - Page 4 treaty obligations will be acknowledged and upheld. How the Aboriginal Aboriginal people will be given preference for employment opportuni- Land Councils will ties as administrators, rangers and for manage our National other positions within national parks. Parks - Page 5 Admission fees will be charged for entrance to national parks for tourists. Chainsaws set to Policies will be adopted giving return to our National access to the Aboriginal owners for Parks?- Page 11 subsistence hunting, fishing and cultural use of the land, together with Human remains estimated to date back The Wollemi Pine - access for ceremonial purposes. Page 13 25.500 years found in Mungo National It should be noted that The park - Photo courtesy Webster Publishing. Page 1 The Bushwalker T THEHEHE BUSHWUSHWUSHWALKERALKERALKER CCCOMMITTEE MEMBERS Contributions,ContributionsContributions letters to the editor, original cartoons and sugges- President - Vacant Conservation Officer - John Macris tions are welcome. They should be sent (02) 9526-7363 (H) (02) 9666-5077 to the address below. Except for short Vice President - Jim Callaway (02) National Parks Association notes or letters, all contributions 9520-7081 (H) (02) 9219-4379 (W) [email protected] should be accompanied with text file The Sydney Bush Walkers Tracks and Access officer - Alex on three and a half inch floppy disk in Secretary - Jim Cook (02) 9498- Tucker (02) 9451-4028 IBM format or E-Mail. 5760 (H) (02) 9221-2333 (W) National Parks Association Advertising rates are available [email protected] Treasurer - Lyn Gett (02) 9645- on request.Ring John Clarke on (02) The Catholic Bushwalking Club 1395 Bankstown Bushwalking Club 9744-1916 Training officer - Nuri Chorvat Insurance officer and Membership DistributionDistributionDistribution is through 0242-296746 (H) 0242-757850 (W) Secretary - Neil Green (02) 9519-2157 affiliated clubs, major retail outlets, WEA Illawarra Ramblers [email protected] council information centres and [email protected] Sutherland Bushwalking Club national park offices. Address allallAddress correspondence to The Editor, The Wilderness Rescue officer - Keith Magazine Editor Maxwell (02)9622-0049 Rescue Number Magazine Editor - Colin Wood, Tel 0246 Bushwalker Bushwalkers NSW PO M 019395047 Pager 106020 #277321 265513 H 041-9608561 Mobile Box 2090 GPO Sydney 1043. Phone Mount Druitt Bushwalking Club [email protected] (02) 9548-1228 [email protected] E-mail [email protected] The Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW Inc represents IIINNN TTTHHHISISIS IIISSSSUESUESUE approximately 65clubs with a total Aboriginal Ownership of National Parks in NSW...... Page1 membership around 8500 Blue Mountains for World Heritage Listing...... Page 3 bushwalkers. Formed in 1932, the Confederation provides a united voice The Dam Issue is Still With Us...... Page 4 on conservation and other issues, runs Management of National Parks in NSW by Aboriginal Land Councils...... Page5 training courses for members, and provides for the public a free wilder- Back From the Brink - Book Review...... Page 6 ness search and rescue service. People Back to The Blue Gum Circa 1932...... Page 7 interested in joining a bushwalking club are invited to write to the Secre- Along the Track (Tracks & Access)...... Page 8 tary Bushwalkers NSW at the above Chainsaws Set to Return to our National Parks?...... Page 11 address for information on clubs in their area. Or web site http:// Cookery Corner...... Page 12 www.bushwalking.org.au Willow Eradication Walks...... Page 12 Printed on recycled paper by The Wollemi Pine...... Page 13 MLC Powerhouse Calendar for 1998...... Page 14 Design Centre, Casula Blue Gum Ball/Bush Dance (photo Spread)...... Page 16 TTTHEHEHE BUSHWUSHWUSHWALKERALKERALKER Craclair Tours (advertisement)...... Pasge 17 is the magazine of the Confederation of The NSW Bird Atlassers...... Page 18 Bushwalking Clubs NSW Inc. It's published quarterly. The aim of the Kalang Falls Tradgedy...... Page 19 magazine is to provide articles and information of interest to the members Blue Rivers A Narative of Time in The Blue Mountains (book review).....Page 20 of clubs affiliated with the Clubs Affiliated with Confederation...... Page 21 Confederation and bushwalkers generally. Any opinions expressed by Bushwalker Wilderness Rescue - Callouts...... Page 22 individual authors do not always represent the official views of the Bushwalker Wilderness Rescue - Training...... Page 23 Confederation. Page 2 The Bushwalker

BBBLUELUELUE MOUNTOUNTOUNTAINSAINSAINS FOROROR WORLDORLDORLD HERITERITERITAGEAGEAGE GGGROUNDS FORFORFOR OPTIMISM nnouncements in late Les Coyne Blue Mountains Regional Assessment Process is not yet October have given cause for Conservation Society* available, but is understood to support Aoptimism that progress is about to happen. When there was no the widespread presence of World being made with the World Heritage action, the matter faded from public view. Heritage values in the area. Nomination for the Blue Mountains. Today, most have forgotten that the Earlier this year, State and Federal The nomination of the Blue nomination process had ever been Environment Ministers Pam Allan and Mountains as a World Heritage area has instigated. At the last state election, Robert Hill reaffirmed their respective been an issue for the best part of ten World Heritage for the Blue Mountains government’s commitment to the years. The cause has been strongly was briefly in the news, gaining a preparation of a nomination, with a promoted by the Colong Foundation, commitment from both the major parties target completion date of June 1998. whose campaign could be said to have that they would progress the matter if Submission of the nomination was been launched by the publication of they came back into Government. conditional on its being of sufficient Geoff Mosley’s book “Blue Mountains for The nomination has been the quality to ensure success. If submitted on World Heritage” in 1989. subject of two further reports, with 1 July 1998, the outcome from the Supporters of the World Heritage another one currently being prepared. A nomination would not be known until Nomination see environmental and major study was completed by the December 1999, at earliest. economic benefits flowing from the National Herbarium in 1994. A review of Also announced in early 1997 was activity. Additional funding would be the National Herbarium report by a Panel the formation of a Reference Committee, expected to result in improved planning of Experts (Ms S Sullivan, Prof. Ollier to act as a link between government, the and management of the area. Environ- and Prof. J Kirkpatrick) was performed community and stakeholders, to act as a mentally damaging activity could be kept 1996. The first report exceeds 500 pages. forum for discussion on progress, and to out, using Commonwealth legislation The second report comprises a two or provide an opportunity for public input to which exists to prevent State Govern- three page summary of discussion with the project. The Reference Committee ments allowing undesirable and/or each individual member of the panel. comprises Geoff Mosley, representatives incompatible activities in a World The first report supported Geoff from community environment groups, Heritage Area. Additional tourists could Mosley and the Colong Foundation, and NSW Minerals Council, tourism groups, be expected to boost the local economy. appeared to strengthen their case. The Aboriginal interests and local Govern- Nomination detractors see this additional second report cast doubt on the viability ment. The Reference Committee has met traffic as having possible “over-use” of a nomination based on three times, with the most recent meeting implications, including additional geomorphological values. Instead, taking place on 24 October 1997. pressure for eco-tourism developments members of the Expert Panel suggested Tourism interests have, so far, been inside National Parks. that a nomination based on a number of conspicuously absent from the meetings. There was widespread community diverse themes – e.g. Eucalyptus The Confederation, also invited to attend, interest in the World Heritage Nomina- diversity and Aboriginal culture – could has been unrepresented. The Reference tion in the early nineties, when there was be expected to succeed. The third review, Committee is being convened by NPWS, the expectation that something was carried out as part of the Comprehensive Continued on page 11

A well known point in the Blue Mountains Mt Solitary - Photo Colin Wood

Page 3 The Bushwalker TTTHEHEHE DAMAMAM ISSUESSUESSUE REMAINSEMAINSEMAINS WITHITHITH USSS For over 4 years now, somesome, by John Macris Conservation Minister Knolwes takes an active interest committed bushwalkers and conserva officer in progressing these reports. As an tionists have campaigned to protect exhibited from last November to February example, anyone who observed the recent the wilderness and wild rivers of the and the great majority of public submis- EIS process for Sydney’s parkland southern Blue Mountains from sions were in support. We thank consuming Eastern Distributor motorway periodic innundation, resulting from bushwalkers who took the time to make a project, would have noticed that all of a proposed raising of Warragambaarragambaarragamba submission in support of our cause. With those departmental reporting processes Dam for flood mitigation. the passing of several months since this can in fact be finished in a matter of Our major success to date has exhibition and little Government action weeks rather than the 7 months taken so been the change in Government policy evident, the Kowmung Committee has far with the spillway proposal. from the proposed 23 metre dam raising been attempting to keep track of the We ask you to write to Craig favoured by the Fahey Government, to progress of Ministerial approval and Knowles, requesting that he approve the the side spillway prefferred option of the public tendering for the side spillway. spillway immediately so as to ensure Carr Government. The side spillway does Since the closure of the submis Warragamba Dam is safeguarded and the not increase the storage capacity of the sion period for the EIS of the spillway in Carr Government’s committment of no dam but does address essential dam February we have been waiting on several increase to the storage capacity of the safety upgrade requirements and is fully bureaucratic processes to be completed dam is honoured. Write to Minister for supported by our campaign. It is of great before Minister Knowles could give his Urban Affairs and Planning importance however that the spillway is final approval. These were firstly Sydney Level 33 Governor Macquarie commenced on time. If it remains Water’s representa tions report, which is a Tower 1 Farrar Place Sydney NSW 2000 unresolved much longer it will likely summary of all submissions to the become an election issue for the Govern- EIS. This report was due to go to the ment, due to a local council and media Department of Urban Affairs and campaign in the Hawkesbury area to Planning (DUAP) by late September. have the dam raised. The NSW opposition DUAP assesses this report and the EIS have remained in favour of their former and their Director General reports to proposal, making it vital that the spillway Minister Craig Knowles, who then is commenced in the term of this seeks Cabinet endorsement before Government. signing off on the project. The proposed commencement An environmental impact The Kowmung in spring - photo courtesy statement (EIS) for the spillway was date of early 1998 is still achievable if Webster Publishing

2 quarter page adds together same as last time. wild sports and another

Page 4 The Bushwalker MMMANAGEMENT OFOFOF NAAATIONALTIONALTIONAL PARKSARKSARKS BYBYBY AAABORIGINAL LANDANDAND COUNCILS

The New South Wales Aborigi-Aborigi-ales Sean Docker Firstly, where Crown land is nal Land Council NSWALC welcomedwelcomedALC Land Rights Unit claimed by an Aboriginal Land Council NSWALC the enactment of the National Parks under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act and Wildlife Aboriginal ownership Act particular Aboriginal owned park and not 1983 11VSR3 and is found to also be 1996 NSWNSW1996 ... the Director General of NPWS, as is the needed for the essential public purpose of The Act creates a new category of case in other National Parks. Nature Conservation the land may conservation reserve in NSW National The Board of Management become an Aboriginal owned National Parks on land owned by Aboriginal consists of a majority of Aboriginal Park. This will involve addition to the people which is leased to the Crown and Owners and includes representatives of National Park Estate. managed by the National Parks and Local Government, NPWS, a conservation Secondly, where land is already a Wildlife Service NPWS. representative, a representative of National Park it can become an The rights of the public in adjoining land holders and a representa- Aboriginal owned National Park by being Aboriginal owned National Parks will be tive of the Aboriginal Land Council. The placed on Schedule 14 of the National the same as in other National Parks in Aboriginal Owners of the National Parks, Parks and Wildlife Act. The process for NSW while the rights of Aboriginal and other Aboriginal people they give this requires an application being made Owners are recognized through owner- permission, may hunt and gather fauna by any person to the Director General of ship and management arrangements. and flora with the exception of species NPWS, the Director General making a This ensures that the objectives of protected by threatened species legisla- report to the Minister, the Minister conservation and public recreation such tion or by the Plan of Management. The making a recommendation that the area as camping, walking, sight-seeing and leases must acknowledge the rights of the be added to Schedule 14, as long as it is picnicking are as important in Aboriginal public under the National Parks and at least as significant to Aboriginal people owned National Parks as in other Wildlife Act. The Aboriginal Land as the other lands on Schedule 14, and National Parks. Council may not sell, mortgage, an Act of Parliament being passed. Aboriginal owned National Parks exchange or dispose of the land. Aboriginal owned National Parks are to be managed by NPWS, but the There are two methods by which provide a valuable opportunity for the Plan of Management is created by the new Aboriginal owned National Parks public to enjoy the usual benefits of land Board of Management for the can be created. being a National Park as well as the special benefits of Aboriginal culture and Aboriginal input into the management of the lands. For their part some Aboriginal people can have their traditional ownership of their land formally acknowledged as well as have the opportu- nity to have input into the management of those lands.

Goanna - Photo Colin Wood Page 5 The Bushwalker

Book Review warning notice - this is not a guidebook. BBBACKACKACK FROMFROMFROM THETHETHE BRINKRINKRINK::: Bushwalkers would also be interested to read Andy’s LUELUELUE UMUMUM ORESTORESTOREST ANDANDAND previous book: “Blue Mountains to Bridgetown: the life and BBB G F journeys of Barrallier, 1773 - 1853”, also available from Andy 39 THETHETHE GROSEROSEROSE WILDERNESS Bee Farm Rs Springwood by Andy Macqueen 39 Bee Farm Rd Reviewed by Thais Turnerurnerurner, President, Bankstown Bushwalking Club Inc.,1997. Springwood, N.S.W.: Andy MacQueen, 1997 Bushwalking Club Inc., 320p ISBN: 0646319019 $29 inc postage In his book “Back from the Brink” Andy Macqueen writes Back from the Brink — Blue Gum Forest and the Grose in a masterly fashion of the numerous forms of recreation Wilderness. Andy Macqueen, 320 pages, self published through which decades of enjoyment have been elicited from As stated in the disclaimer, this is not a guide book. Indeed, Blue Gum Forest in particular, and the whole Grose Wilderness in its combination of history, geography, folklore, and the author’s general. There is obvious evidence of scores of hours of dedicated evident feel for the country, make it a far more complete work than research involved in the writing of this, his second book, and you any superficial guide to well-worn tourist pleasure spots. As well as will be fascinated by the maps and photos which show heroic charting the geography of the Grose River and surrounds, — from efforts in eras before our own. You will be inspired by the stories ancient geology to today’s landforms — the book takes an from the pages of history, drawn together for the first time in this interesting look at the ways our perception of the Grose river has all-encompassing work. Especially relevant is the chapter on changed — from a resource waiting to be exploited, to a place of bushwalking heydays. The superb historical photographs are very such incalculable intrinsic value that value that it should be clear and Andy has used many quotes from original journal preserved as a wilderness areas. entries. Centerpiece of the book — both geographically and This book is the most detailed yet published on the history thematically — is the preservation of the Blue Gum Forest, nicely of a place well known and loved by generations of bushwalkers. coinciding with the 65th anniversary of the formation of the first Blue Gum Forest is the true “Cradle of Conservation”. Andy Blue Gum Forest reserve in September 1932. And, as Macqueen brings the Grose Wilderness to life by unearthing the schemes, points out, whether the immediate threats facing the forest them dreams and realities which have impacted on the area from the were real or imagined, we owe the members of the Blue Gum earliest days of the colony, to its being “saved from the axe” Committee a debt of gratitude for saving the forest. despite attempts to build roads, railways, dams, mines and “No other event served so well to focus the energy of forestry, up to the present day. The book tells the story, in an bushwalkers and other conservationists . No other provided so engaging way, of the history and salvation and of the people who much inspiration and impetus.’’ (pg257) Not only did the activists have visited this special wilderness: aborigines, explorers, miners, of 1932 preserve a place that has become the spiritual home for engineers, track builders, bushwalkers, canyoners, climbers and many bushwalkers, they raised the profile of wilderness conserva- countless others - those who have loved it and those who have tion and established momentum for the preservation of other threatened its continued existence. wilderness areas. And, importantly, they paid a role in getting I was entranced from the moment I opened this book, as society to realise the intrinsic value of areas such as the Grose — it allowed me to relive history, especially appropriate as a lead up rather than just seeing in them the potential for development. We to the 65th anniversary celebrations of Blue Gum Forest, which can see the continuation of the 1930’s campaign today, in the was held on 5 & 6 September 1997 at Blackheath and in the Confederation of Bushwalking Club’s 1995 proposal of a 60,000 Forest, a weekend which afforded me only my second visit to Blue hectares Gross Wilderness Area. As the book’s title “Back from the Gum. Andy is well qualified to write such a book, having been a Brink’’ suggests, the Grose has been subjected to more than threat visitor to the area for over 30 years and having retraced many of since Europeans first began exploring the area. The section of the the original journeys made by explorers in the Grose area. book called “Schemes” provides an entertaining, if not occasionally To add to the fascination Andy has added a glossary of scary, look at some of the ways developers have looked to the Grose place names, an extensive index, supplementary maps, and for profit and progress. The river has been under threat from enlightening notes and references, though as he states in his several astonishing, hare-brained schemes to build railway lines up its banks, dams for water storage and a hydro electric scheme, numerous small oil shale and coal prospects, and on a smaller scale, timber getters and cattle grazers. Its also interesting to see the contrast between some 19th century appreciation of the romantic aesthetics of the Gross Valley wilderness, and a conflicting desire to see the land “turn a buck’’. A lot of the books appeal comes from the obvious knowledge the author has of the area. Indeed, Macqueen is no stranger to the Grose, having been on about 100 walks to the Grose and surrounds. And, even a dip into the book’s pages might inspire you to visit the places described, and recreate some of the famous journeys of bushwalkers of old — Max Gentle, Gordon Smith and Dot Butler — that are detailed in its pages. Lyndall Pickering Mr Debus MP Andy macqueen and NPWS officer Greg Andy’Andy’Andy’s book is available from most gear shops andandand Welham at Andy’s book launch at Govett’s Leap from Andy 39 Bee Farm Rd Springwood. $29 inc postage Page 6 The Bushwalker

BBBACKACKACK TOTOTO THEHEHE BLUELUELUE GUMUMUM CIRCAIRCAIRCA 1932 by Allison Cadzow of rubbish were mentioned. One agitated If you thought that gums and cliffs used for promotion in the member claimed that Scouts were bushwalking history and Star Trek hadhadrek newspapers and Myles Dunphy’s map of probably to blame and needed to learn to little in common you might think the area. Myles had reputedly found a “burn, bash and bury”. A tale was told of again.again.again. At the 65th anniversary of Blue “most adventurous route” down the steep a man called Sandy who had shot Gum celebrations we were ushered into a Perry’s Lookdown. himself in the foot while in Blue Gum, transporter room, aka the NPWS We were then told of the chance which had the crowd laughing (beware auditorium, and time-warped back by meeting in Blue Gum between no sympathy available here!). Captain Andy Macqueen to a 1932 Hungerford, a would be walnut farmer, Fundraising efforts such as the book meeting of the Hikers Club, complete with a lively lantern slide presentation on saving the Blue Gum Forest. Firstly though, there were agenda matters that needed attention, According to deeply offended members of the public, women club members had indulged in “unseemly behaviour” by wearing shorts. Female club members were requested to carry a change of proper clothes to wear in public so all would be right in the civilised world. We were also informed of Paddy Palins new range of tents made with a wonderful modern fabric called Japara, Miles Dunphy was asked to speak about his latest baby, the Primitive Areas The Grose Wilderness and The Blue Gum Forest from Govett’s Leap Scheme (and as asked to keep it brief!). and lessee of the Blue Gum land, and ‘Bushwalks and Byways’ were mentioned After this lights were dimmed and a as well as a Blue Gum Ball, the hall for relative hush descended the presenter bushwalkers A series of negotiations had then taken place stalling Hungerford’s which was tastefully (?) decorated with explained the campaign to save the Blue stuffed animals and Aboriginal artifacts Gum Forest. Most f the pictures shown plans so the lease to the forest could be purchased and. Dark rumours about this borrowed from the museum. were taken by accomplished walker- A treat of the meeting were the photographer Alan Rigby and was most amounting to a “hoodwinking” of walkers had circulated amid some rousing recitations of Tare’ s “Blue Gum persuasive. We were shown slides of Song”, the sentiment of which, if not the various camps amid the towering blue Sydney Bushwalkers. The need for protection of the forest and the presence expression, was applauded. A fuss about the name of the forest followed, while others were already dreaming about visiting this magic place. With lights back on, we returned to 1997. With hindsight and humour we’d travelled back to a Blue Gum of old and been given a tempting invitation to roam through Back to the Brink. Allison Cadzow is researching a history of Australian women explorers which includes bushwalking explorers like Marie Byles, Dot Butler, and others who were involved in finding “ original” routes, writing about, naming or mapping areas thought to be unknown to non-Aboriginal people. If you have any information or memories you think may he helpful, please contact her on (02) 4782 7252. ‘Paddy-made’ tent of Japara Page 7 The Bushwalker ALONG THE TRACK

Alex Tucker Tracks & contribute 0.1 % of their sales revenue to a fund which supports Access Officer environmental projects, particularly those which are ineligible for other grants. Peter Garrett is the Trustee. Applicants have to make their case in a doublesided A 4 page which is a refreshing A BIG THANK change from the 30 page monsters required by some Govern- YOU to those who attended ment funding bodies. We hope to know the result of our the AGM at Kurnell AND application by the time you are reading this. went the extra mile by staying for the two As yet we have had no direct response to the article in the workshops. It is very useful for me to know the opinions of a August Bushwalker for an Honorary Project Officer, but there larger group than those who attend committee meetings, where has been some interest in a group of two or three people is never enough time for wide ranging discussions. undertaking this job. If we receive a grant, it is proposed to give an honorarium of up to $1000 to the Project Officer(s). The BLUE MOUNTAINS balance may be used for part funding of a community aware- CROSSING WALK. ness campaign. HOWEVER, IF WE CANNOT FIND ONE OR The Workshop endorsed the concept of this walk after MORE PROJECT OFFICERS BY ABOUT NOVEMBER 30, WE viewing the four options superimposed on the B.M Tourist Map. WOULD HAHAWOULD VE TO DECLINE A GRANT... It also approved an application for funding of $1,500 from the ACCESS TO BONNUM PIC. Conservation Alliance, an organisation now in its second year. The members are companies in the Outdoor Industry who each Bonnum Pic is in Nattai National Park, Map Ref. HILLTOP 1 :25 000 476059. The most direct access is across VVVALEALEALE private land. The landowner has been very friendly to bushwalkers ,BUT THIS IS LIKELY TO CHANGE. On some BBBERERERTTT CARLONARLONARLON weekends he has had up to 90 walkers crossing his land and most have not bothered to phone to ask permission! I think that Five generations of Carlons have lived in the Megalong VVMegalong alleyalleyalley... As a 19th century horse-drawn hearse took Bert for the last time through the township, friends and relatives remember him and his family’s contribution to the community. Long time residents of the valley, Bert’s ancestry traces back to the convict ship, ‘Hadlow’, his great-great grandfather Bryan arrived in 1820, and settled in Burragorang in 1831. Two more generations were to live and die in the Burragorang district, their names now appearing like land- marks, spread by the passage of time in the Blackheath community. Camping . BBQ’s . Outdoor Furniture Born in 1924, Bert lived in and loved the Wild Dog New Store now open in Mountains and the Central Cox’s River Basin. Days were spent as CCCAMPBELLTOWNTOWNTOWN a lad eking out a living with the cattle his father owned, Bushwalking section with well known supplementing this with the sale of rabbit skins. brands After World War II, Bert leased Rawson Moody’s property, ‘The Commodore’ on Cox’s River, below the policeman’s range. Adventure Designs - Fairydown - Scarpa This area is well known to Bushwalkers of the pre-Warragamba Great Outdoors - Coleman - and many more Dam days as the walking route, Moody’s Track, which provided the easiest way from Katoomba or Wentworth Falls to ‘Veyret’s Rockclimbing and Abseiling section open Shack’, and the Burragorang hinterland. early November 1997. As a 16-year-old in 1940, Bert helped John Manson and Len Scotland of the Sydney Bush Walkers to install chains, wires Extensive range - Expert advice! and pitons on Carlon’s Head. In 1960, Claude Veyret and Bert 2/20 Blaxland Rd Campbelltown constructed the ‘Veyret’s Horse Track’ as a short cut cattle route (next door to Capt’n Snooze) OPEN 7 DAYS between the Middle Cox and and the Kowmung, now used by ( (02)4627-8288 bushwalkers. Bert leaves his wife, Norma, and five children, pins his Stores also at . Erina . Prospect . Lidcombe ten grand-children as well as his sister and her husband and 10% discount for bushwalking club members eleven children to carry on the bush spirit and Carlon name. Page 8 The Bushwalker some of this number would have to be STANDARDS walkers.) At the next meeting, the members of one of our member clubs. If AUSTRALIA - committee will commence discussions of your club is planning a walk to Bonnum engineering construction standards for REVISION OF AS 2156 WALKING and you dent know the landowner’s tracks and related structures. Theoreti- TRACK SIGNS. The second meeting of phone number, give me a call on (02) cally these should comply with the this S-A committee has progressed this 9451 4028. The owner is of course Building Code of Australia, but logically revision towards a standardised system of entitled to refuse access or limit numbers the design criteria are very different. I track grading and signage for all at any time, particularly when his cows would like to hear from any walker who Australia. International usage will be are calving. would be interested in reviewing the draft followed where possible. However, there is I will be contacting NPWS to see if documents. some evidence that while overseas alternative access is possible. countries have standardised on ski trail ACCESS . and rock climbing gradings, we may be Warning! Little Wobby The Queensland Federation is leading on walking tracks. The details of And Beyond! compiling a database of landholders who the proposed standard will be of major For bushwalkers aiming to waik allow bushwalkers to access National interest to land managers and many through Patonga to Wondabyne, The Parks across their properties. Would clubs walkers may never read the document. Icicles and Rocky Ponds, things have be interested in providing information to They will benefit from the display of changed. Previously a phone call to the such a database for NSW? It would help if uniform icons and symbols with Little Wobby Sports and Recreation Centre you could discuss this with your friendly explanatory notices at trackheads and in would have given the permission needed to landowner before passing data to me, but pamphlets. It is important to know that access the Highway Ridge Track and I would seek the owner’s written consent the names of tracks will not need to be beyond. before publishing any information. I changed, only the gradings will be Things have changed. Now walkers would certainly not place it on the standardised. So the Heysen Trail and the need to phone 0243-490600 with date of Internet but could provide the data to Birdsville Track ,for example, will still be departure, name of club, number of clubs on a floppy. Once I have some there , even though the names may not walkers, destination and ETA. You will be support from clubs, I will seek to involve agree with definitions adopted by NSW issued with a letter which gives authority to the NPWS District Managers in providing and some other States. (Tracks are access the area, and provides a disclaimer information. Is there a National Park designed for walkers. Trails ( fire, horse, clause. surrounded by private land which you 4WD, management, ski etc are designed The Sports & recreation Centre would visit if you knew the contact for other purposes but can be used by wishes you pleasent walking. details?

Page 9 The Bushwalker Is your club on the World Wide Web?

Would you like to have your clubs programme (minus names and Found meeting places) and newsletter listed on the net. If so send your files on an IBM In the Kanangra-Boyd formatted disk in Word or Works to the editor or send by email to area, 18-19th October - [email protected]. All clubs with the Confederation are already listed on abseil rope. Contact the confederation’s webpage with the information that is in the clubs list, but Paul Elliot any club wanting more information to go to the general public this is an (02) 4228-1275 opportunity to do it. Webpage address http://wwwbushwalking.org.au

The Committee and Australian Bushwalking Organisations NSW.Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs members of Confedera- NSW Inc. PO Box 2090 Sydney 1043 tion would like to wish NT. Darwin Bushwalking Club PO Box 41568 Casuarina 0811Central Australian Bush- all our readers a very walkers POBox 0818 Alice Springs 0817 merry Christmas and a QLD. Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs GPO Box 1573 Brisbane 4001 happy new year SA. Federation of South Australian Walking Clubs Inc 1 Sturt St Adelaide 5000 Tas. Federation of Tasmanian Bushwalking Clubs PO Box 1190 Launceston 7250 Vic. Federation of Victorian Bushwalking Clubs Clubs Inc 241 Swan St Richmond 3121 WA. Federation of Western Australian Bushwalkers Inc Private Box 414 PO Leederville 6903

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Page 10 The Bushwalker CHAINSAWS SET TO RETURN Letter to the editor TO OUR NATIONAL PARKS ??ARKS WEA Illawarra Ramblers Letter to the editor by Paul mcCann We wish to advise that we fully support Brian Walker’s comments in the All bushwalkers and other users negotiate a compromise, we may be of our national parks should be aware of February 1997 Bushwalker,ie excluded from any discussions and may “We are firmly of the belief that comments made by various state lose these areas for bushwalking. National Party MP’s about the recent if any organisation is going to specify The other thing we should be bushwalking leadership standards, it additions made to the national parks doing is visiting these areas and making estate by the present Labour Government. should be this Confederation and not sure the politicians don’t get the idea that any professional body” To quote the {National Party} Member “no one goes there so it’s all right to for Northern Tablelands (who is one of allow logging, mining and grazing”. If many in the National Party who believe you have a few days to spare and would Included in the terms of reference would that NSW has too much national like to visit some of these new park areas be the requirement that the nomination parkland} “a future {Liberal-National} then call me on (02} 6772 6156 and I include the eucalyptus theme, but that coalition government will undertake a will try to arrange a suitable walk in a other values which would contribute to a review of all national parks in NSW to future walks program. One idea I have successful nomination were to be determine whether any areas are surplus considered is to walk from the Victorian included. Commitment to a 1 July 1998 to requirements. Any surplus parks will border to the Queensland border {or submission date was reiterated. Still to be be returned to multiple land use areas” reverse) through the best of the escarp- determined was the area to be covered by (in other words opened up for logging, ment parks in a series of walks of about the nomination – The Greater Blue mining and grazing}. This review will be one week’s duration over a period of Mountains area, as initially proposed by across the entire state and may include several years. Such walks would require the Colong Foundation, or the enlarged your favourite park. All national parks chartering a mini bus from a town to the area as supported by the National including sections of the Blue Mountains, the start and finish of each walk. If you Herbarium – or something in between? Kanangra Boyd, Morton and Wollemi are interested in this idea or can offer This decision will probably be made at National Parks may be opened up for advice on the best route through a Ministerial level. mining and grazing. In addition, a particular area please call me on {02} There is much to be done before 1 future coalition government will revoke 6772 6156. July 1998, but it would appear that there wilderness declarations made by the is now sufficient authoritative material present government. World Heritage on the record to give State and Federal I believe that the above is a bigger listing Continued authorities confidence that a viable threat to our favourite bushwalking areas from Page 3 nomination can be prepared. The than by allowing certain areas to be with representatives from Environment nomination is far from completed, and opened up to controlled 4WD access. Australia attending. there is no place for complacency – but, Hopefully controlled 4WD access means The first two meetings of the we have just seen the first glimmer of that small quiet family type groups will Reference Committee were largely light for some time. be using these areas instead of mobs of devoted to “bringing the members up to *Les Coyne represents the Nature noisy ‘yahoos’ that currently use some speed”. The perceived secrecy surround- Conservation Council and the Blue areas {Yalwal Creek for example}. In my ing the nomination has been swept aside, Mountains Conservation Society on the twenty five years of bushwalking I have with the publication of the 1994 and Blue Mountains World Heritage found that I prefer quiet family groups to 1996 reports being made an issue at the Reference Committee noisy ‘yahoos’ any day. I feel that these first meeting. There has been strong people (quiet family groups} can offer criticism of the delays to date, and at the support to the preservation of national second meeting, members pressed for a parks from present and future threats. detailed project plan for the remainder of The editorial I think that bushwalkers through the project. committee would the Confederation should lobby the At the third meeting of the NPWS so we can be included in any Reference Committee, State and Federal like to encourage discussions with the 4WD lobby. We representatives announced that joint all our readers to should try to reach a compromise so funding was now available for the support our some existing 4WD tracks remain for preparation of the nomination, that a advertisers, without walkers only {or are closed and consultant was to be engaged to prepare revegetated} and allowing other tracks to the nomination document, and that the them we would not be used for controlled 4WD access. If we terms of reference for the consultancy be able to publish don’t show that we are willing to would be circulated without delay. this magazine.

Page 11 The Bushwalker

CCCOOKEROOKEROOKERYYY CORNERORNERORNER Roasted Potatoes in Foil WWWILLOWILLOWILLOW Medium size potatoes Slices of EEERADICARADICARADICATIONTIONTION cheese Minced Garlic Margarine Foil Slice the potatoes every 2 cms about 3/4 WWWALKSALKSALKS way through. Knife margarine and garlic The Kowmung Committee aims into slices. Place cheese slices into each to rid the river of introduced plants. cut and wrap completely in foil. Shovel a While many are beyond our hole in hot coals at edge of fire and resources to tackle or would require the gently place in each potato and cover. removal of feral grazing animals to be Cook for about 1/2 hour. Remove when effective, the eradication of willow trees Aussie Omlette easily pierced by a fork. is something which can be achieved (with the lot) Pikelets within a couple of years. Already around IngrediantsIngrediantsIngrediants 2 eggs 500 mls milk A few good 20km of river has been targeted with 3 eggs Pinch of salt Pinch of spoonfuls of sugar 1 1/2 cups self raising high success rates observed on follow up pepper 1 small potato, diced 1 rasher flour Big pinch salt 2 spoons margarine walks. On the weekend of January 31st bacon, chopped 1 small onion, chopped Strawberry jam Feb 1st 1998, we will be completing a 2 slices cheese 1 tomato Spoonful oil 1/4 Beat eggs and add milk. Mix well, missing link between Orange Bluff and cup milk add sugar, flour and salt. Blend to a Ferny Flat and over Easter we will target MethodMethodMethod smooth mixture. Hang pan over coals upstream of Cristies Creek. Both trips Heat pan and add oil. Cook and heat. Melt margarine, when hot add would start and finish at Kanangra chopped onion, bacon and potato. Slice separate spoonfuls of mixture and cook Walls. The pace of work is never tomato and place in pan. Beat eggs, salt, until bubbles. Turn and cook both sides. overwhelming and the surrounds are pepper and milk in a bowl, pour over top Remove from pan. Eat hot with straw- certainly an agreeable work environ- of ingredients in pan and add cheese. berry jam. ment, so we would welcome any When set, fold in half and cook a little Recipes from: A Guide to Bush interested persons. Contact John on 02 longer. Serve. Cooking: “Rabbit on a Shovel” by 9526 7363. WWWessa and Lummo With thanks from VVVivien Dunne NPAAA

outdoor life new

Page 12 The Bushwalker TTTHEHEHE WOLLEMIOLLEMIOLLEMI PINEINEINE ver since the discovery of the by Andy Macqueen Confederation Historian Wollemi Pine, many people believes that Ehave speculated about its responsible location, which is supposed to be people should confidential. Some time ago a 4WD clearly avoid organisation allegedly published the attempting to approximate location. Rightly so, the discover the organisation was widely criticised by location or the conservation movement and the visit the pine. government.government.government. With the best Perhaps inevitably, some will in the bushwalkers appear now to have learnt world to take of the location, and there are rumours precautions that some individuals have visited the against site. In at least one Confederation club, causing this has raised deep concerns that some Tree ferns in the Wollemi National Park - photo damage, you walkers may not have an adequate courtesy Webster Publications cannot be sure understanding of the issues relating to that the friend the Pine. Phytophthora cinnamomi (a form of you take with you or tell about it - or his The Wollemi Pine (Wollemia dieback); and friends or their friends - have similar nobilis) was discovered in a ravine in • other impacts from unauthor- good intentions. Wollemi National Park about three years ised site visits such as trampling of Any bushwalker who happens to ago, giving rise to world headlines. The seedlings, compaction of soil and the hear of the supposed location of the tree is of a new genus, belonging to the introduction of weeds. Pine should keep it to himself, and ancient family Araucariaceae. It is a Visits to the Pine have thus been not attempt to visit it. Any other living botanical relict from the Jurassic highly restricted and controlled. Accord- course of action would be contrary to Period. There are reportedly only 40 adult ing to Mr Bob Conroy, NPWS Central the conservation objects of the specimens in existence. Why they survive Region Manager, the NPWS and Botanic Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs. in this one spot is a mystery. Could it be Gardens have recognised that even that there were many more trees 200 carefully controlled years ago, but the more accessible ones official visits may be quickly succumbed to disease introduced harmful, and have ALPINE after Europeans arrived? discontinued the site The NPWS and the Botanic research previously being Gardens have been researching the Pine conducted. Future official WALKING TOURS and working on its propagation. visits will be confined to FFF Bogong High Plains - Lodge Seedlings are being grown under special one-off activities based bushwalking or conditions, though protection of the considered vital for original population is essential for protection of the species. packcamping holidays biodiversity and other reasons. According As stated in the FFF Alpine Traverse - 8days to the Draft Wollemi Pine Species Draft Management Plan FFF Recovery Plan and the Draft Manage- for Wollemi National Wildflower Walks ment Plan for Wollemi National Park, Park, persons found or FFF French Alps - Chamonix which have been on public exhibition for proven to be at the site FFF several months, the species is threatened without permission may Austria - Valleys & villages by— be prosecuted under the FFF Austria - Hut to hut • unauthorised seed collection Threatened Species FFF (which may impede long-term replace- Conservation Act and/or Canadian Rockies ment of reproductive plants and cause a the National Parks and loss of genetic diversity); Wildlife Act. • catastrophic fire events; Legalities aside, ECOTREK : PO BOX 4 • the introduction of pathogens, the Confederation of KANGARILLA 5157 especially fungal species such as Bushwalking Clubs ((( 08-8383-7198 FAX 08-8383-7377 Page 13 The Bushwalker CCCALENDAR OFOFOF EVENTSVENTSVENTS 1998 Put it on your Fridg

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The Remote Area First-aid course is designed to equip those individuals whose interests, activities or employment takes them to isolated areas, with the knowledge and skills necessary to give ongoing care, over a prolonged period of time, to an ill/injured casualty. For enquires contact St John Ambulance N.S.W. (02) 9212-1088. Courses will also be conducted on request for groups of 12 or more. To become a member of the Rogaine Association phone Graeme Cooper (02) 6772-3584 email [email protected] or visit the website at http://rogaine.asn.au The Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs represents over 65 clubs and 8500 walkers in NSW. Visit our website at http://www.bushwalking.org.au - email [email protected]. Phone (02) 9548-1228 Any member of any club may attend meetings of the Confederation.

Page 14 The Bushwalker

WWWALKINGALKINGALKING TASMANIA 3,4, 3,4, ANDANDAND 8 DADADAYYY CABINABINABIN-B-B-BASEDASEDASED CCC RADLERADLERADLE MTTT -LAKEAKEAKE STTT CLAIRLAIRLAIR GENTLEENTLEENTLE ADVENTURE EEEXTENDED TRIPSTRIPSTRIPS 4 TOTOTO 10 DADADAYSYSYS OOOVERLAND TRACKRACKRACK - PINEINEINE VALLEYALLEYALLEY WWWALLSALLSALLS OFOFOF JERUSALEM- MM- OUNTOUNTOUNT OSSASSASSA FFF RENCHMANS CAPAPAP - AROUNDROUNDROUND CRADLERADLERADLE MTTT GGG RADERADERADE EASYASYASY/M/M/MODERAODERAODERATETETE - EQUIPMENT SERERERVICEVICEVICE (02) 98175590 CCCRACLAIR TOURSOURSOURS SSS YDNEYYDNEYYDNEY REPEPEP (02) 9484-7519

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Page 15 The Bushwalker TTTHEHEHE BLUELUELUE GUMUMUM BALLALLALL Bankstown Bushwalking Club carried out their threat to beat Mount Druitt for the most wins of the table decorating trophy by winning it for the seventh consecutive year. They are seen in the top photo proudly showing of their winning table. Thais Turner (bankstown’s president) as usual came up with a costume to compliment the event. The 200 or so people who attended the ball danced the night away and throughly enjoyed themselves to the music of “The Currency Lads”.

Date of Ball in 1998 - 18th September

Thais Turner with the shield. - right and dressed as a Blue Gum - far right. Acouple of happy dances bottom right. Trying not to be outdone by Bankstown, Scripture Union Bushwalkers came up with novel table decoration

Page 16 The Bushwalker CCCRACLAIR TOURSOURSOURS Eric Sargent in 1970 led his have seen the body of a Tasmanian Tiger the 1970’s ‘Ihe man could be heard first party trekking the highlands of washed up on a beach and young singing from kilometres away, his voice Tasmania and so pioneered ecotourism enough to be taking several hundred echoing between the mountains. When in the state and is about to commence people a year walking through Tasma- the two finally met couple of hours later his 28th year introducing people of all nia’s spectacular wilderness areas. In life the man told Eric that he had walked ages to the wonders of the Cradle Eric has had his own share troubles. from the bottom of the state to Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair World Nearly 12 years ago he was crippled by Mouatin and was planning to push on to Heritage Area though the company he arthritis and thus was unable to walk in the north coast. What was amazing to founded Craclair Tours based in his beloved mountains. However, a hip Eric was that between the bottom and top Devenport. His busiest period is replacement had him on the track within of Tasmania there’s a small transport summer when he takes on university months, again tantalising walkers with problem the South-West Wilderness Area. students with environment qualifica- the wealth of information and anecdotes It stretches for hundreds of kilometres tions as part of team of up 16 guides. accumulated over the decades. and is broken only once by a sign of Eric won’t talk about his age, One of his favourite stories is civilisation the Lyell Highway, between his he will say is he is old enough to about a Hungarian adventurer he met in Queenstown and Hobart. Eric doesn’t know how many times he’s walked the Overland Track from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair during the last 27 years. “Averging; it out I must have walked about 220 times from Cradle to Narcisses (the northern end oflake! St Clair), though I haven’t bothered to keep count’’ On 11th Saturday, 1995 to celebrate Craclair Tours 25 years of continuous Ecotourism Trecking Elsiu climbed Mt Ossa Tasmania’s highest peak for what Barn Bluff - Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain National Park is likely to be a record 70th time.

STSTST JOHNJOHNJOHN LASTLASTLAST TIMETIMETIME

Page 17 The Bushwalker

THE NEW SOUTH WALES BIRD ATLASSERS breeding and habitat preferences of each approximately 16kms., based on latitude species of bird has been transferred to the and longitude. Grid maps, brochures and Atlas database, which now contains over as many atlas sheets as may be required a million records. Statistics gathered are sent - free of charge - to anyone from the western districts of NSW have anywhere who may be interested in this been used to produce THE BIRDS OF hobby. WESTERN NEW SOUTH WALES: A Information sheets on raptors, PRELIMINARY ATLAS. Copies of this atlas Jen Southern owls, corvids, frogmouths and nightjars are available for $32.50. Publicity Officer are available for a small fee, as are Enquiries may be addressed to complete sets of grid maps covering the JEN SOUTHERON, Publicity Officer, “OLD The New South Wales Bird DROMANA”, MOREE. NSW. 2400. or Atlassers (NSWBA) welcomes whole of the state. Phone 067 533 242. assistance in our objective of Information gathered on locality, monitoring the birds throughout this state, where ever they may be found. Observing birds and recording information on them is a recreation that may be enjoyed by people of all ages, - individuals as well as groups. The level of participation is left to each member to determine, so birds may be observed when ever and where ever one chooses. However we do ask that, when ever possible, atlas sheets be completed on a monthly basis. For our purpose, NSWBA has The Editor and friend taking it easy on the Pelion Plains - Tasmania divided NSW into blocks or grids of

Wild Australia ACF

Page 18 The Bushwalker KKKALANGALANGALANG FALLSALLSALLS CANYONING TRAGEDY It was with very deep regret that By Margaret Covi, Watagan will take months for many of you to recover the WWthe atagan WWatagan anderers Bushwalking WanderersBushwalking Club and from the loss of such a friend but you must Club report the accidental death of one of Maurice Smith, immediate past be heartened by knowing that everything their club members while on a club trip. Confederation Insurance Officer that could have been done was done in this Phil Atkinson died as a result of severe head Phil to hospital in Sydney. The life support case.” The lesson to be learned by you injuries sustained at Kalang Falls. The was turned off on Sunday morning. Phil The lesson to be learned by you Whether Phil would have died if he had been following paragraphs (slightly edited) are never regained consciousness after the fall. reprinted from the Watagan Wanderers’ Medical and Rescue teams commented on wearing a helmet will never be known. newsletter. VALE, PHIL ! On Saturday the the efforts and actions of the team members BUT?? What is your club’s helmet policy? Will your club adopt the Watagan Wander- 19th April 1997 the Watagan Wanderers following the accident. They said everything lost one of their most active and respected was done correctly and they had given Phil ers’ policy of “No Hat - No Go”. We need to members when Phil Atkinson was every opportunity. The first aid treatment learn from this tragic experience. Subsequent actions Since the death accidentally killed on a trip to Kalang was what was needed, the exact location had Subsequent actions Falls at Kanangra Walls. A team of four been given, fires had been lit and markers of Phil Atkinson, the Watagan Wanderers experienced club members was descend- had been placed allowing the helicopter to have set up a program to formalise training and to record the experience gained by its ing into the valley following the Kalang go straight to the accident location. We Brook watercourse which included several extend our deepest and sincere sympathy to members, with abseiling being the first large abseils. The party had abseiled past Phil’s family and friends. He will be sadly activity to be targeted. The club is lucky in having a member who is a Qualified Train the first four waterfalls and was walking missed by all. Margaret Covi along a track following the creek when Margaret commented “The other the Trainer who is assisting to develop Phil either slipped or tripped causing him three people on the trip were wearing training courses for club activities in this area. To date, club abseiling record sheets to fall down a short slope before rolling helmets. Phil said he had forgotten his over the edge of an eight metre waterfall helmet on this occasion and no one had a and individual experience record sheet have onto rocks. Phil sustained severe head spare. They had driven out to Kanangra to been developed. A training course with written and practical tests for basic abseiling injuries and a broken leg in the fall. The do the trip before realising and so decided to team included a trained first aid person go ahead. I think we have always been a very and written and practical tests for advanced and had a fully equipped first aid kit with safety conscious club and it has always been abseiling is in draft form and is expected be implemented by the end of 1997. Certificates them. Phil was stabilised by stopping our club’s policy to wear helmets and blood loss and splinting fractures. Two of unfortunately the occasion of this accident will also be issued after successful comple- the party then went for help while the third was probably the only time some one went tion of these courses. person stayed with Phil. The only way out without a helmet - which only reinforces the The Club’s committee has also required three more large abseils of 50 to fact that they should be worn always, without become far more active in all aspects of 60 metres and some rock scrambling to exception. You can be sure that we have a safety. While previously it encouraged the valley floor before the track was strict “No Hat - No Go” policy now - but for members to wear safety gear on club reached which led back to the car park on us that’s like bolting the stable door after the activities, it is now mandatory for members the top plateau. It took the two members horse has bolted.” to wear safety helmets when abseiling and four hours from when they left Phil until LETTER FROM WESTPAC HELICOP- canyoning, and to wear life jackets for water they were able to contact rescue people by TER SERVICE “On 19/4/97 the Lifesaver activities such as canoeing. mobile phone from their vehicle. Helicopter assisted a bushwalker at Although Phil’s death was an The lifesaver rescue helicopter was Kanangra Walls. His name was Philip unfortunate accident which did not happen mobilised and arrived on the scene two Atkinson. He sustained a severe head injury during an abseil section of the descent of the hours later. A doctor and paramedic were and was air lifted to St George Hospital. Falls, it was very traumatic for club dropped in to treat Phil and the helicopter As the doctor attending him at the members. The main question asked by returned to the cliff top and picked up two scene, I had the opportunity to see first aid investigating authorities was “what was more paramedics. At this point Phil stopped efforts of his companions. These were of a Phil’s experience and ability in this breathing and was put on life support. While very high standard in the most difficult of situation.” The club has always recorded Phil was being attended by the medical team situations. The two climbers that went for events and people who attended. However, it the other member was winched out and help had raised the alarm very quickly by a would have been a definite advantage to pull evacuated to the cliff top by the helicopter. rapid completion of the climb. This enabled out Phil’s personal record detailing his The helicopter then returned and brought us to gain access just before last light. abseiling and canyoning experience and said out Phil and half the medical team. By this The third team member stayed with “here is Phil’s personal record of experience time it was dark and after transferring Phil him for some hours continuing his care till and training”. We recommend to all clubs to an ambulance vehicle for further we arrived. She was able to calmly tell us of they look at their recording of their treatment the helicopter returned to the the events and had provided support to him members’ activities and abilities and if they canyon to try to retrieve the remaining in what must have been a very lonely do nothing else they should implement a paramedics. After two attempts this was situation. I wish to formally congratulate all personal records sheet for all members aborted until the next morning and the three of these people on their efforts. They especially in areas of abseiling, rock chopper returned to the cliff top to transport undertook a sad and difficult task well. It climbing and caving.

Page 19 The Bushwalker BOOK REVIEW ‘B‘B‘BLUELUELUE RIVERSIVERSIVERS: A NN: ARRAARRAARRATIVETIVETIVE OFOFOF TIMEIMEIME INININ TTTHEHEHE BLUELUELUE MOUNTOUNTOUNTAINSAINSAINS’’’ narrative of time? Yet, really, this book is ‘Through the riffle at the outlet by Ross Brownscombe about time. The theme pervades every of the pool, threading between the Published by Forever Wild Press page, whether it is the writer’s own boulders encountered yesterday and Retail price $16.95 personal, precious time on the river, or his then over the fall, I feel the tug of the Review by Andy Macqueen thoughts of the experiences of explorers or water and the thrill of the unknown Confederation’s Historian others gone before him, or the unfathom- river lying ahead.’ able past time of the landscape through And so, the solo traveller might find at the foot of a gnarled which he passes. Each river evokes the launches into another unique journey Angophora; on a sandstone shelf; under a passage of time. I am left with the down one of our wild rivers. Desert Oak; in a rainforest gully; or—as overriding impression of the irrelevance of It is hard to describe Ross in Ross Brownscombe’s case—on the Brownscombe’s presence in the landscape Brownscombe’s very special new book to bank of a wild river in the Blue Moun- - or my presence or yours. Nature is bigger bushwalkers fed on a diet of bland trip tains. than all of us, and in eons to come, when reports. At a superficial level it’s about Some of us have walked along the roads and the people and the five solo raft trips down five wild rivers those rivers. Few would have walked all of Warragamba Dams are long gone, the of the Blue Mountains - the Wollondilly, them, and I know of no-one other than rivers will still flow. Kowmung, Grose, Colo and Macdonald. Brownscombe who has rafted them. In his prologue, Brownscombe But I’ve mislead you already. However, his achievement is not that he quotes Wallace Stegner: ‘A place is not a ‘Blue Rivers’ definitely isn’t is a has ‘done the rivers’ but that he has place until it has a poet’. He goes on to say blow-by-blow story of one man’s experienced them in a deep, personal way that he ‘wanted, in as modest a way as conquest of the rivers—just as it isn’t a and, in writing this book, enabled the possible to be that poet. In this time of route guide to the rivers, an instruction reader to intimately participate. We can increasing pressure on all of nature, all book on rafting, or a volume of share his solitude, and all the anxiety, wild places need to have someone to speak wilderness photography. If, on the other frustration, anger, exhilaration and for them, to describe ... the spiritual hand, you are looking for excellent pleasure that goes with it. We can share dimensions of the landscape, the cultural Australian wilderness writing, this book his reflective encounters with astonishing and human interactions that have made it is for you. It will stimulate you, it will geological events of millions of years ago, what it is’. He has succeeded. This book is challenge you, and—hopefully—it and with the explorer George Caley, whom superbly written, with a tantalising poetic will reaffirm and strengthen your he meets in the Devils Wilderness. We can style. appreciation of our wilderness and the feel and understand his cynicism about If you would like a refreshing dose need to protect it in these worrying some others who have gone before, and yet of wild rejuvenation, try this book. Find a times. others who are still out there. quiet spot, take one river at a time, take So, just what is ‘Blue Rivers’ all The subtitle ‘a Narrative of Time in your time, and be open. Let Ross about? the Blue Mountains’ may seem puzzling Brownscombe take you down the river. Wilderness means different at first. Surely a narrative involves the things to each of us. It is something one passage of time: how can we have a

Lake Windamere - Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain National Park

Page 20 The Bushwalker CCCLUBSLUBSLUBS AFFILIAFFILIAFFILIATEDTEDTED WITHWITHWITH THETHETHE CONFEDERATIONTIONTION Morisset Bushwalkers Tamworth Dushwalking & Canoe Club Active Singles Bushwalking Club Mount Druitt Bushwalking Club Inc The Bush Club Inc A.N.C. Bushwalkers Inc Mudgee Bushwalking Club Inc. The Coast and Mountain Walkers of Bankstown Bushwalking Club Inc Narrabri Bushwalking Club inc NSW (Inc.) Barrier Rangers National Parks Association Inc. The Inverell Bushwalking Club Inc Berowra Bushwackers Club Nepean Bushwalking and Outdoor Club The Macquarie Explorers Club Brisbane Water Outdoors Club Inc. Inc The Southern Adventure Society Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc Newcastle Bushwalking Club Inc University of Technology, Sydney - Catholic Bushwalking Club Newcastle Family Walkabout Club The Wanderers Bushwalking and Central Coast University of the 3rd Age Newcastle Ramblers Bushwalking Club The Wildemess Society (Sydney) Inc Walkers Inc Three Peaks Outdoor Society Inc Central West Bushwalking Club Inc Northern Rivers Bushwalkers Club Inc Upper Blue Mountains Bushwalking Coonabarabran Bushwalking Club Inc Outdoor Adventure Club Club Inc Endeavour Campus Walkers Outdoor Club of NSW Inc Upper Lachlan Bushwalkers Fairfield Bushwalking Club Inc Ramblers Bushwalking Club Warragamba Walkers Inc Geehi Bushwalking Club Inc Scripture Union Bushwalkers' Club Warringah Bushwalking Club Inc. Goulburn Bushwalking Club South Coast Bushwalkers Assoc. Watagan Wanderers Inc Glen Innes Bushwalking Club Inc Shoahaven Bushwalkers Inc WEA Illawana Bushwalkers Club Gunedah Bushwalking Club Inc Southern Highland Bushwalkers Inc WEA Ramblers & Naturalists Club Hawkesbury Canoe Club Inc Span Outdoors Inc Weekday Walkers Inc. Hunter Area Walkabout Club Springwood Bushwalking Club Inc Y.E.C. Bushwalking Club Ku-ring-gai Recreation Association Inc. Sutherland Bushwalking Club Inc Yarrawood Bushwaiking Club Inc Ku-ring-gai Bushwalkers Sydney Bush Walkers Inc YHA Social & Outdoor Club - Sydney Lake Side Lurchers Sydney University Bushwalkers Region

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Payment can be made by cheque, money order made out to Bushwalkers NSW PO Box 2090 GPO Sydney 1043 Page 21 The Bushwalker BBBUSHWUSHWUSHWALKERALKERALKER WILDERNESS RESCUEESCUEESCUE Keith Maxwell Bushwalker On Tuesday Wilderness Rescue Director parka - the lot! A radio will be issued to 7th October, 1997 when required, to provide a unique each search team. Before you leave home a group of two rescue resource to the people of NSW. We you will get minimal details of the couples was are NSW State Rescue Board accredited as location and time of the meeting place. reported overdue a specialist squad in bush rescue. No You are not expected to be Superman on a bushwalk in other volunteer squad in NSW has this (Superperson?) in volleys. While Police the Ettrema status. BWR was established after a major are in overall control you will be co- region. The long weekend had started out search in the Grose Valley in October, ordinated by bushwalkers from our S & R fine but had deteriorated into state wide 1938 where bushwalkers assisted but in Committee. rain. Their trip was from The Jumps an informal way. Although there has The BWR Director is elected each down Bullfrog Creek. Bushwalkers always been an element of self rescue for year at the Confederation AGM and Wilderness Rescue was contacted by fellow bushwalkers BWR could never reports monthly to the executive Wollongong Police Rescue but even as exist on such a selfish principle. By being meetings. The S & R Committee the details were being discussed a phone willing to help the public we present a maintains our rescue trailer and radio call came in on another line that the positive image of bushwalkers and their network as well as the callout register. group were OK. Another one for the club organisation (the Confederation). Each Confederation Club has three books. A recent example of great publicity telephone contact persons. There will be Late Friday afternoon on 10th was the disappearance of a small aircraft a home and work phone number so we October, 1997 BWR was called out by in appalling weather. Extensive aerial can always locate one contact person Berrima VRA to assist with a search for a searching failed to find any trace of it or who then becomes the S & R co- group of three that were well overdue. its young pilot and passenger. Such ordinator for their club. Their role is They had planned to descend Starlights disappearances are traumatic for the simply to arrange for the number of Track on Monday afternoon 6th October. immediate family as often their relatives bushwalkers requested, usually one or I was nearly home when the pager are only found by accident years later in two car loads. For ease of organisation, went off. There was also a message a highly decomposed state. So many where possible, bushwalkers are kept waiting to call Berrima VRA. Before I questions remain unanswered; was death together in their club groups as search could call Berrima one of our S & R quick or did they suffer? Did one or both teams. In fact we usually ask you who is committee rang and brought me up to survive but were lost with no idea of going to be your group leader. date. They were keen to have our where civilisation is. Did they freeze to For cliff rescue BWR has a “Rock experience in co-ordination as well as death? There still are missing aircraft in Squad” who are all trained to the ALVRI many experienced bushwalker searchers. NSW. Image their relief when an Standard. These specialist groups were all When I did call Berrima they had a report observant bushwalker (Brian Walker of experienced bushwalkers and canyoneers of a possible sighting of the missing CMW) looked across a valley behind before they commenced the ALVRI group. They promised to call back as Kanangra Walls and saw the plane. It training. The ALVRI training means they soon as they could confirm the report; had flown into the top of a ridge in such can work with other rescue groups in a maybe 15 minutes. In less than 5 a way that there was no visible gap from common procedure for the safe set-up of minutes the callout was off. Another one above. Relief turned to anguish when no abseils, prussiks (i.e. going up instead of for the records. human remains were found at the down) and lifting and lowering of What is Bushwalker accident site. BWR was able with other stretchers. They regularly train with other Wilderness Rescue rescue services to locate the bodies in this ALVRI groups. truly rugged terrain. This was a major This short article aims to give a news item twice since the coroner had to Training. quick sketch of what Bushwalkers do a report. BWR really needs you to come and Wilderness Rescue (BWR) is about and How is Bushwalker practise the additional skills required to hopefully enthuse you to be part of your be more than just a bushwalker. Your Clubs callout list. Very often members of Wilderness Rescue Organised? bushwalking skills make you a valuable Confederation talk about S & R in a way asset. There are many well meaning that implies we “all know” what it is yet Essentially it is bushwalkers with radios. Our HF radio network is simple to professional and volunteer rescuers who rarely is it explained to new bushwalkers. have neither the same fitness or ability to BWR is the search and rescue use but very effective in transmitting out of deep / narrow valleys. Mobile phones move through rugged terrain as an section (S & R) of the Confederation. “average” bushwalker. Did I tell you Thus it is not me or anyone else on our and other short wave radio networks cannot do this. When called upon you about the grandmother in my club? On a organising committee. The committees major search around Claustral Canyon role is to bring bushwalkers together, need to come fully equipped for a bushwalk in remote terrain. Food, map, the Policeman assigned to one club team Page 22 The Bushwalker BBBUSHWUSHWUSHWALKERALKERALKER WILDERNESS RESCUEESCUEESCUE said, “I don’t want any old woman to For further information on BWR, slow us up”. The leader defended her and training weekends, First Aid courses etc. For more information contact - of course she easily kept up but, not so phone Keith MaxwellMaxwellKeith 9622 0049 (h)(h)9622 for the Policeman. There are three Director Keith Maxwell John TTJohn onitto 9541 2654 (h) training weekends each year. Two general (02) 9622 0049 weekends and the Rogaine. This is where Secretary John Tonitto (02) 9541 2654 From the World Wide Web (where we get to know you on a personal basis perhaps it should have been left!) and not just as a name on a list. Universal method of The general weekends cover SEARCH & finding North with a search organisation and practice RESCUERESCUERESCUE searches, radios, wilderness self rescue, watch.watch.watch. It works for both analogue and observation and tracking, helicopter TRAINING - digital watches in both the Northern and winching etc. Southern hemispheres. Anyone who can’t navigate to me MARCH 28THTHTH/// 1. Take watch off wrist and hold in is just an incomplete bushwalker - a 292929THTHTH, 1998.1998., one hand above your head. follower. There are some bush areas 2. Wave your arm in a circular where navigation is a challenge to even motion above your head and at any the most experienced. However there are Location - CATARACT random moment release the watch many areas where some basic knowledge SCOUT PARK from your grasp. Observe the is all you need to dramatically improve An extensive program is being direction the watch goes after release, your bushwalking pleasure. The Rogaine planned for this weekend. The training 3. If you can locate the watch is set up to help the beginner have good will be at two levels representing two where it landed on the ground then practice with many easy checkpoints. major themes - wilderness self rescue and repeat 1 and 2 above until you cannot Experienced bushwalkers have an rescue operator. locate it. excellent chance to hone their skills. Wilderness Self Rescue 4. The direction in which the Successfully navigating to a marker is a This program will emphasise self watch proceeded when it was lost is great confidence boost. To put together a reliance in good pre planning through to clearly West. route to link many markers is a great resolving trip emergencies. Planned 5. North is therefore 90 to the right mental challenge. BWR is also aiming to topics include GPS, improvised evacua- of the direction in which the watch new publicise itself among the other invited tion techniques for minor injuries, when it went West. rescue services. To date BWR has leadership, simple knots, and survival maintained an enviable record. The skills. This will suit beginners as well as Alternatively,how overall standard is high and the range of those who expect to be available for to tell digital scores between the best and worst searches. north bushwalker teams is smaller than for any Rescue Operator Using your digital watch, visuatise other group. This is clear proof to me This more intensive training will an analogue watch telling the same time, that bushwalkers have special skills. include many challenging sessions. Group problem solving, helicopter and draw it on the ground with a twig. Now stick your twig vertically into HOW TO CONTACT winching, roping skills, deduction and the ground at the centre of your clockface BWR - observation, remote area first aid, rescue organisation and etc. These activities will then turn the ground until the shadow of In an emergencyemergencyemergency phone (from your twig falls upon the hour hand...... anywhere in NSW) 016020 and ask for be aimed at those more experienced the operator to send your (short) walkers who wish to be message to Pager No. 277321. Don’t part of our first call forget to include your phone number and group. Future Rock STD code. Remember you are not Squad members would be sending your life story but merely asking drawn from this group. BWR to ring you back. While waiting for Please advertise our phone call back to you start thinking this interesting weekend about how many walkers may be in your club walks available from your club to assist. program for March ’98. The pager network is always More details will be send monitored and a return phone call closer to the event. should come quickly. Monolith Valley - The Budawangs Page 23