200402 Newsletter

QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB Newsletter

74 Kallista Rd. Rochedale South QLD 4123 Email [email protected] Phone No (07) 3341 7509 www.geocities.com/qldbwc

February 2004

Christmas Party at Binna Burra

Club News To All Club Members

Notice Of Annual General Meeting

Membership subscriptions for 2004 are now due. On behalf of the management committee I would like to thank you all for your continued support of the club over the past year.

The Club's Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 2nd March 2003 at the end of the Club's usual monthly General Meeting at 7:30pm.

Despite significant rises in insurance premiums we have been able to maintain our membership rate at $20.00 for this year.

The meeting will be held at the East Brisbane State School, corner of Stanley Street and Wellington Road, East Brisbane.

Please complete the enclosed form and return it with your remittance. Your details as per our records are shown on the form. It would be appreciated it if you could provide us with any updated information.

There will also be a set of motions put to members to see whether members wish the Club to incorporate. A list of these motions is enclosed in the Newsletter.

Newsletter

There has been an article in November’s Newsletter about incorporation. The present management committee strongly urge all members to vote for incorporation as it gives all members extra protection under the present legislation.

At the Committee meeting on 27/1/2004 the following motion was passed:

After the motions are voted on seven management committee positions will be up for election.

As from the March 2004 Newsletter, people wishing to receive the Newsletter by post will need to pay an additional $15.00 per membership year.

If you would like to nominate yourself or another person for a position, please do so and hand the Nomination Form enclosed in the Newsletter to the Secretary, prior to the start of the General Meeting at 7:30 pm.

Steve Hill (Membership Officer)

This cost is to cover photocopying and postage expenses and is in addition to the $20.00 membership fee, which covers insurance, hall hire, purchase of equipment etc. Only a limited number of Newsletters will be available at General Meetings. The Newsletter is available as a free download from http://www.geocities.com/qldbwc/newsletr.html and it is in colour!

If you wish to vote at the Annual General Meeting you must be an Ordinary Member of the Club (not a Probationary Member) and you must attend the meeting. Proxy votes will not be accepted at the meeting. If more than one nomination is received for any position, a secret ballot will be held on the night to determine the outcome. We look forward to seeing you at this meeting.

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General Information

Management Committee

Membership Membership is still only $20 per year. The present Club financial year finishes on the 31st of January 2005. Before a visitor can go on a walk, he/she must become a Probationary or Ordinary Member or be a member of an affiliated club. Members of another bushwalking club affiliated with the Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs or another State Federation are covered for Insurance. Probationary Membership To become a Probationary Member, a person pays $10.00 to a member of the committee or to a walk leader. Walk leaders are authorized to collect the $10.00. The committee member or walk leader will note the name of the person and that he/she has paid the $10.00. A Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member by their second walk.

Secretary Treasurer Outings Secretary Membership Officer Social Secretary Training Officer Editor

Dianne Cox Linda Hellmuth Barbara Makepeace Steve Hill Paul Makepeace David Haliczer Richard Kolarski

Other Voluntary Positions Equipment Officer Supper Convenor Federation Rep FMR Reps (2)

Steve Moyle Margaret Smith Richard Kolarski David Haliczer Richard Kolarski

A Probationary Member can become an Ordinary Member by filling out a membership form and handing it to a committee member or walk leader and paying a further $10.00.

Barbara Makepeace Ed Thistlethwaite

Running Creek Falls

Richard Kolarski Gary Woodward

Ordinary Membership

Throakban

A person who is not a member can become an Ordinary Member straight away by filling out a membership form and handing the form to a committee member or walk leader and paying $20.00.

Kerry de Clauzel Trevor Smith

Mt Superbus & Spicers Peak

Christine Harrison Cliff Harrison

Meeting Place

There is parking within the school grounds off Wellington Road. Consult a street directory, as there are a number of one-way streets in the area. Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits provided after the meeting.

3800 3963(H) 3886 3342(H) 3341 7509(H) 3879 8334(H) 3341 7509(H)

Campsite Monitors Ratatat Hut

General Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at the East Brisbane State School, corner of Stanley Street and Wellington Road, starting at 7:30pm.

3273 3484(H) 3395 0754(H) 3245 2186 (H) 0408 952 975 3245 2186 (H) 3879 8334(H) 3341 7509(H)

Senior First Aid Course A Senior First Aid Course is being organised by the Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland on behalf of FMR. When

Weekend 3-4 April 2004. 8.30 am-4.30 pm both days

Where Wellers Hill State School Hall 190 Toohey Road Wellers Hill Q 4121 Parking is available on the school oval adjacent to the Hall. Entry by left turn only from Weller Road.

Equipment for Hire The Club has a backpack (suitable for use as a day or through pack) for hire at $5.00 per week. QBW is also looking at purchasing further equipment in the near future. Any suggestions for equipment to buy would be appreciated. Also any person who has surplus equipment and would like to donate or sell to the Club, please contact Steve Moyle on 3800 3963.

Cost: $125 (includes Course Pack of manual, gloves, bandage and card, and morning and afternoon teas and lunches on both days. Payment required on nomination. Cheque or Money Order should be made out to “Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland” Course will be run by a St John Ambulance Australia Instructor and after being assessed you will be sent a Statement of Attainment which will give you accreditation for 3 years (CPR is 6 months). Limit: 20 participants

Bivy Bag/Pack Liners for Sale

Contact: Jo-Anne McLaren 3345 2367

The Club has purchased a quantity of pack liners from VicWalk suitable for through packs. They are 2 metres by 0.9 metres in a bright orange colour.

Nomination forms will be available at the February and March General meetings.

The packliners can double as an emergency bivvy bag and have helpful information printed on them. They are available from the Club for $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.

Forward this nomination form and payment to Jo-Anne McLaren, 184 Dunedin St, Sunnybank QLD 4109 by Friday 19 March 2004. Members are reminded that the Club will reimburse any member who does a First Aid Course and leads a walk for the Club to a maximum of $50.00

FOR SALE

New Members Nathan Keen

Andrea Poole

Variety of Bushwalking Gear

Vattey Sokmongkol

Andrew Stobie

Binoculars, self-inflating mattress with cover to convert to chair, torches, clothing (Polartec), water containers, dry sack for swim throughs.

No of Ordinary Members

130

Call Peter for more details on 0400 573 323

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Special Coming Events

Past Walks

Hinchinbrook Island 21-25 June 2004

Lord Howe Island

We have a permit for 5 people to climb Mt Bowen (1121m) on Hinchinbrook Island. Hinchinbrook is Australia’s largest island national park. Only a limited number of people are allowed on the island every day to walk the Thorsborne Trail. Even fewer are allowed to climb the peaks.

Sunday morning saw our group arrive for check in at Brisbane Domestic Airport for a flight of approximately 2 hours to Lord Howe Island. One of our members was quite amazed to find a "heavy, 12 kgs, bend your knees" label attached to his small carry bag which contained his provisions for the week.

Come and join me on this special walk on this pristine, rugged and challenging island.

The flight, in clear blue skies, was uneventful and smooth and we arrived on the island where it was a lovely sunny day although quite windy.

Contact Richard on 3341 7509 for more information.

19th to 26th October 2003

Introduction

Past Socials Christmas Party The Christmas Party was a great success with over 35 people attending. The Social Secretary and his offsider had chosen a wonderful venue, at Binna Burra. We had shelter, cooking facilities, comfortable beds and above all, magnificent views. Members began arriving Friday afternoon. Paul and Barbara had put a few Christmas decorations in the main room in the house and people were able to leave their eskies there and then look for a suitable bed in the adjoining barracks.

Lord Howe Island is located approximately 700 kms south east of Brisbane roughly in line with Port Macquarie off the east coast of Australia and is administered by the Lord Howe Island Board for the state of New South Wales. The Board is made up of local island people and government appointed non islanders and was originally set up to protect the island's Kentia Palm industry, which is a thriving business and exports to many countries of the world. The island is approximately 11 kms long and 2.8 kms at its widest point and protected on the western side by a 6 km coral reef. The reef provides a protected lagoon fringed with a beautiful sandy beach, perfect for swimming and snorkelling and with glorious views to Mt Gower.

The evening was spent relaxing round a campfire and watching a slide and sound show created by Barbara and David. Old memories were relived and fading memories rejuvenated by trying to remember where that particular walk was. That night was very windy and stormy. A tree had fallen on one of the permanent tent sites at Binna Burra but fortunately no one was injured. Broken branches off trees and leaf litter were scattered everywhere. In the morning it was raining, cold and slightly miserable. The planned walk of Daves Creek Circuit was judged too exposed and a walk to the Coomera Lookout was done. Despite the wet conditions 21 people came on the walk. We showed we were a hardy bunch by ignoring the leeches that had their own Christmas Party by this deluge of walkers. Patricia won the prize of getting the most leeches. We returned by lunch time and everyone could then don dry clothes, have a hot shower and enjoy the rest of the day inside the main room. There were many happy hours to fill in.

Lord Howe Island

In December 1981 Lord Howe Island was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Two thirds of the island is permanent park preserved with a network of walking tracks covering the island and only a few roads where the maximum speed limit is 25 kms. There are only a few vehicles on the island; most islanders and visitors ride bicycles. Being far from the Australian mainland flora and fauna species are varied and many are different to those found on mainland Australia. The bird life is abundant with white terns, sooty terns, masked booby and mutton birds to name but a few. There are also many migratory birds visiting from other parts of the world and nesting on and about the island and surrounding rocky outcrops that rise out of the ocean. The Walks

It was made even merrier when Santa Claus made a surprise visit. Gifts were dispensed with some useful advise on how to use corks, water pistols and super glue to a few recipients. At 6.00pm we gathered at the Binna Burra restaurant for dinner. It was a great feast with happy banter and good food. Finally the staff gently reminded us that they needed to close so we moved to our quarters to continue. Sunday morning saw many bleary-eyed people emerge for breakfast. Some even managed a barbeque breakfast. The shoe throwing competition then began. Some throwers needed directions as the bystanders were in danger of flying missiles. David R. won the men’s while Lynn C. won the women’s competition.

There are around nine walking tracks on Lord Howe Island, all very well marked and with ratings from 1 to 10 and varying in length from short to long. Of all the walks, Mt Gower is the hardest and the only walk requiring a guide. The following is a summary of the walks our group undertook: Mt Gower This walk is undoubtedly the most strenuous of all walks on the island, rated a 10. It is aptly named the sea to summit walk as you commence at sea level and eventually reach the summit of Mt Gower at 875 metres. This walk requires a high level of fitness and requires the use of ropes to haul yourself up and down rock faces and along narrow ledges. The walk/climb takes at least 8 hours to complete as you return the same way as you went. The distance covered is approximately 14 kms.

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Walking commenced around 07:30am with the skies looking a bit ominous. The first part of the walk was a rock hop for around 200m, then through the palm forest to the base of the cliff face of Mt Lidgbird. From here with the aid of ropes we hauled ourselves up to the narrow track which runs along the side of Mt Lidgbird. Just before arriving at a rock overhang it started to rain and although not heavy, was enough to make the rocks and tracks a bit slippery. We sheltered here for a short time to catch our breaths. As the rain eased we continued on this extremely narrow track with ropes permanently attached to the rock face for you to hold as you go. The track ends at the corner of the cliff face where there is a saddle between Mt Lidgbird and Mt Gower. From this point there is some rock scrambling upwards until it levels out with the track continuing slowly downwards through a palm forest to Erskine Creek for our morning tea stop. After our break it was onwards and upwards to the "get up point" for Mt Gower. After the rain showers the rocks and tracks are very slippery so extreme care was required. The track here is steep and involves some rock scrambling in places and in others, ropes are permanently in place for use to get you up the rock faces. After some time we arrive at the get up point and stop for a well-earned break after the strenuous effort it had taken to get us to this point. The views would have been spectacular had it not been so cloudy but we managed to get some photos when the clouds cleared.

Northern Section of the Island Walks on the northern end of the island are pleasant with spectacular views and can commence either from Old Settlement Beach or Neds Beach. From Neds Beach you climb up to Malabar Hill for great views of the island and the Lagoon. Here there is a memorial plaque to the crew members of the RAAF Catalina which crashed on the island in 1948. The track continues across the top of the cliffs to Kim's Lookout with good views of Roach Island, which has a huge bird population nesting there all year round and then a fork in the path leads one way to Old Settlement Beach and the other to North Bay. North Bay has a lovely beach and a picnic area with tank water, shelter sheds and tables in the shade of the trees. From the picnic area is the point to walk north 600 metres up to Mt Eliza, but from September until February you are not able to continue the last 100 metres to the top due to the area being closed so as not to disturb the Sooty Terns nesting there. As they had travelled from Malaysia it was figured that they were probably a little tired and focused on the next generation. 100 meters east from the picnic area is Old Gulch, a narrow inlet with waves thundering on to the rocky beach. Some of the group then hitched a ride back to the Lagoon jetty via water taxi in preference to the walk back via Old Settlement Beach. Middle Section of the Island

After the get up point there was a lot more rock climbing. At one point you had to step across from one narrow rock to another clinging to the rope then hauling yourself up a steep rock face. There were very few places for photo opportunities although at one point we were able to catch a glimpse of Balls Pyramid, way off in the distance. There were several more long stretches up more rock faces using the ropes before finally reaching the summit and a forest canopy. At the summit there is a tree where Jack, our guide, keeps a "Visitors Book" for climbers to sign. From this tree we made our way to the western side of Mt Gower where we found a tiny grassy spot to sit and have our lunch. A very welcome break after such a strenuous haul to get there. It was quite cold and very windy at the top but fortunately there had not been any further rain. At times we were completely in the cloud cover so there were not many opportunities to get any decent views to take photos. Whilst having lunch we were visited by a pair of Woodhens who were not the least bit fazed by human visitors.

Middle Beach

Our first stop was at Middle Beach where it was very bright on the beautiful white sand and also quite hot. Access to this beach is only at low tide. It was then up the other end of the beach to join the track leading to the Valley of the Shadows where huge Banyan trees with massive root systems grow. This is quite an eerie place, quite expected to see a haunted house or two hidden amongst the trees. Further on it is a short track to Clear Place, a spot to view mutton birds nesting on Mutton Bird Island. Retracing our steps we return to the track to continue up Transit Hill and winding through a forest of differing vegetation. Towards the end of the track there is a viewing platform. Here you are able to climb up to the platform and look down upon the airstrip. We were just in time to witness a plane taking off. The track continued on to Blinky Beach, another superb white sandy strip popular with surfboarders. Southern End of Island

Woodhens on Gower

After lunch it was time to head back down again which was just as difficult as going up due to the steepness and slippery conditions. We finally arrived back at our starting point around 4:00pm all in one piece and with one thought in mind, "we are going to be so sore tomorrow". Fortunately we had the bus to transport us back to our apartments.

Other than Mt Gower the main walk in this part of the island is to Boat Harbour. The starting point is near the airport about a 3 to 4 kilometre walk from the village and most accommodation places. We begin by walking through a paddock up to the track which winds its way around the hill on the ocean side of the island. A path leads down to a viewing platform at Mutton Bird Point which looks out over the nesting area of the mutton birds. We then continued on to Rocky Point where we had morning tea on the rocks with a small stream running down through small rock pools of water.

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After morning tea we head for Boat Harbour, a place once used by sailors to get fresh water supplies when they were unable to enter the lagoon on the other side of the island. There is a small beach here and a small turtle is spotted swimming near the water's edge. It is quite hot now so we rest in the shade for a short break. After leaving Boat Harbour we head up to the top of the ridge to go to Goat House Cave. At the junction of the tracks we come across several members of the Melbourne Bushwalkers who have been up to the cave. Views from the Goat House Cave are dependent on the weather and on this occasion they came and went with the clouds.

Some restaurants of notable mention were The Pines (a scrumptious buffet) Pandanus (had just reopened and was very pleasant sitting on the verandah) and Capella South Resort. This restaurant was chosen for their deck area so we could view the sunset. Trouble is at 4:30pm it is still quite grey and overcast. We set ourselves up on the deck with drinks and by 6:00pm the clouds are dispersing and at around 6:20pm we were blessed with a golden sunset. Dinner was certainly fine dining, with nice wine and good company.

The return was via Intermediate Hill which was a bit of a haul up 200m to the top of the ridge with some great views overlooking the island and then it was downhill all the way back to our starting point. The Boat Cruise

Dinner at the Pandanus

Balls Pyramid

The 5 hour boat cruise was around the island and to Balls Pyramid, a huge pinnacle of rock reaching 551 metres out of the ocean. The cruise commenced from the jetty at 9:00am and we headed to the south end of the island around the base of Mt Gower. Perfect views of the mountain today, no cloud cover. From the jetty Balls Pyramid is 33 kilometres, taking around an hour and a half to get there. The captain has 2 fishing lines trailing behind the boat and Bob is keeping a close eye on them just itching to have a go at reeling in the "big" one. We are served a welcome cup of tea/coffee for morning tea whilst all the time Balls Pyramid is growing larger and larger. Suddenly the captain notices he has a fish on one of his lines and allows Bob to reel it in. Bob is in his element but alas, the fish is too small to keep and after a kiss from Bob is returned to the ocean.

However, by far the best "restaurant" was the picnic table down at the lagoon where Bob did a great job as Chief Cook of the barbe-que under difficult conditions as the light at the picnic area did not work. Lynne C's headlight well and truly made up for it though, more than enough light to blind you and lit up the whole table depending on which way Lynne was facing. The salads were healthy and nutritious and the local meat to die for. The knife just slides through the steak and the various flavoured locally made sausages were voted the best by Bob and John. Sharing our table and their bubbly is a group of six people who have come ashore from 2 yachts moored out in the lagoon. Made for an interesting night, some good conversation and the ever so enjoyable eating, drinking and simply watching the sun go down. Extra Activities Golf proved to be an enjoyable, if not at times frustrating pastime for some members, especially the day after climbing Mt Gower. The first nine holes were sheer endurance and bad golf, the second nine saw an improvement with the muscles loosening up a bit but water proved hazardous. The duck pond was an attraction for some golf balls and the ocean more attractive for others. There could be a few fish around Lord Howe with whopping big bumps on their heads. Our week at Lord Howe passed very quickly with mostly sunny days, lovely beaches, good food, great company, great walks and sore muscles.

Close up Balls Pyramid is a considerable sight and interesting to note the fault line running right through the middle of it. After cruising around the pinnacle we head back towards Lord Howe to continue our cruise around the island. From a sea perspective we view the various places where we have walked along beaches or cliff tops. Off Malabar Hill we cruise close to Roach Island and get a closer view of all the birds nesting there and also view the hole in the rock where the captain told us it is possible to paddle a tinnie through the tunnel but looked more suitable for a white water raft. Leaving Roach Island we continued to the northern end of Lord Howe where the captain pointed out several large caves where divers often explore before we then headed back to the jetty arriving back around 2:00pm. BBQ

The Restaurants There are approximately 9 or 10 eating establishments on the island providing great service and fine food. Not all restaurants are open every day so we had to book in advance where we planned to eat.

At Lord Howe Island you can do as much or as little as you please. Between all of us, we did the lot.

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Lynn Cavanagh

NOTICE OF MOTIONS TO BE PUT AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING That the Queensland Bushwalking Club incorporate. That QBW adopt the Model Rules as prescribed under the Regulations with the following permissible changes: Name of incorporated association Ist Preference

Queensland Bushwalkers Club Inc

2nd Preference

Queensland Bushwalkers Inc

3rd Preference

Bushwalkers of Queensland Inc

The objects of the association A. To encourage all bushwalking and related outdoor recreational activities. B. To support and promote preservation and conservation of the environment. C. To provide a safe and social club atmosphere for members. The financial year of the association The financial year of the association shall close 30 June each year. Classes of membership A) Ordinary

Number of Members in this Class

Unlimited

Membership Eligibility

Must be 18 years or over Must support the objects of the association Must pay the prescribed membership fee

Membership Limitations B) Probationary

Nil

Number of Members in this Class

Unlimited

Membership Eligibility

Must pay the prescribed membership fee

Membership Limitations

May not vote at elections Not eligible for election to Management Committee

That Richard Kolarski be the Appointed Person to submit the Application for Incorporation. That there be seven positions on Management Committee: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Outings Officer, Membership Officer, Editor.

QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB NOMINATION FORM Management Committee Positions The following positions will be up for election if the Club does not incorporate: Secretary, Treasurer, Outings Secretary, Membership Officer, Editor, Social Secretary, Training Officer. The following positions will be up for election if the Club does incorporate President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Outings Officer, Membership Officer, Editor. All nominations must be lodged with the Secretary before the start of the General Meeting Also there are several other important positions to be filled but which do not have a vote on the Management Committee. They are: Supper Convenor, FMR Representative (2), Federation Representative. (2). No nominations are necessary for these positions. If the Club does incorporate, the positions of Social Secretary and Training Officer will also need to be filled. These positions will not however be part of the Management Committee.

I wish to nominate ……………………………… for the position of ……………………………… Nominator……………………………..

Seconder……………………………..

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