200408 Newsletter

QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB Inc.

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

Newsletter

August 2004

Carr’s Lookout on way to Queen Mary Falls

Club News Notice Of Annual General Meeting

Meeting with the Minister

The Club's Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 7th September 2004 at the end of the Club's usual monthly Club Meeting at 7:30pm.

The Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs had a very productive meeting with the Minster for the Environment, the Hon John Mickel MP on 1 July 2004.

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

Ron Farmer, Neil Douglas, John Campbell, Catherine Scheikowski and Richard Kolarski presented to the Minister several concerns that bushwalkers have. The concerns included access restrictions to National Parks, campsite numbers and Group Activity Permits.

Business To Be Conducted At Annual General Meeting a) Receiving the statement of income and expenditure, assets, liabilities and mortgages, charges and securities affecting the property of the association for the last financial year; (b) Receiving the auditor's report on the financial affairs of the association for the last financial year; (c) Presenting the audited statement to the meeting for adoption; (d) Electing members of the management committee; (e) Appointing an auditor.

The Minister was a sympathetic listener and agreed with us on some matters and was non-committal on others. All our concerns would be looked into. The Federation also presented to the Minister briefing papers on various environmental issues such as the Master Plan, the South East Queensland Forest Agreement, Yarrabilba and the Natural Resource Management SEQ (NRMSEQ) group.

Insurance

Seven management committee positions will be up for election. If you would like to nominate yourself or another person for a position, please do so and hand the Nomination Form to the Secretary, prior to the start of the General Meeting at 7:30 pm. 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.

Insurance has been renewed for the 2004-2005 year and QBW has Personal Accident and Public Liability for Club members. More details are inside the Newsletter.

Campsite monitors There are still some campsites that need monitors. If interested in being a monitor or for more information, contact Ann Tracey by phone at 3391 3334 or send an email to her at [email protected].

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General Information

The Management Committee

Membership

President

Trevor Cox

3273 3484 (H)

Membership is still only $20 for 12 months. Please note that the financial year of the Club has changed. The present Club financial year started on the 1st July 2004 and finishes on the 30th of June 2005. Members who paid their $20 for membership st 2004 will be financial till 31 January 2005.

Vice President

Bob Gur

3345 3971 (H)

Secretary

Patricia Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Treasurer

Gary Woodward

3245 2695 (H)

Outings Secretary

David Kenrick

3349 8238 (H)

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.

Membership Officer

Nadeen Larkin

0405 022 757

Editor

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Probationary Membership

Social Secretary

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 on the Walk Sheet and that he/she has paid the $10.00.

Training Officer

Nadeen Larkin

0405 022 757

Equipment Officer

Steve Moyle

3800 3963 (H)

Supper Convenor

Danuta Gur

3345 3971 (H)

Federation Rep

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

A Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member by their second walk.

Federation Rep

Trevor Cox

3273 3484 (H)

FMR Rep

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

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.

FMR Rep

Trevor Smith

0407 062 381

Other Voluntary Positions Evelyn Campbell

3809 2354 (H)

Campsite Monitors

Ordinary Membership

Ratatat Hut

Barbara Makepeace Ed Thistlethwaite

Running Creek Falls

Richard Kolarski Gary Woodward

Meeting Place

Throakban

Club 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.

Kerry de Clauzel Trevor Smith

Mt Superbus & Spicers Peak

Christine Harrison & Cliff Harrison

Mt May

Patricia Kolarski

A person who is not a member may 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.

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. There is also parking in Wellington Road. Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits provided after the meeting. A coin donation would be appreciated

Equipment for Hire

Comings and Goings John M. will be going to China in the next month. He will be doing several 3 days walks there. Lyn C. is also going to China.

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 one of the Committee members or Steve Moyle on 3800 3963.

Barbara M., Paul M, and Linda H. are going to Italy and doing walks in the Pyrenees. Patricia and Richard K. have returned from Canberra after doing some preouting walks in the Brindabellas. Nadeen L. is off to Borneo to for 2 weeks. Highlights include climbing Kota Kinabalu.

Editors Pic

Bivy Bag/Pack Liners for Sale 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. 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.

Club Shirts The club still has a number of Club polo shirts for sale. They are available in XL, L, M and S size. $20.00 each

EPIRB Available for Members The Club has purchased an EPIRB. It will be available to any member of the Club at no charge for use on weekend or weekday walks. If you would like to take the EPIRB on a walk, ring 3341 7509 on where to pick up and return the EPIRB.

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Kicking your Heels up at Horseshoe Bay

Special Coming Events 2004 Federation Pilgrimage

Oxfam Challenge

13-15 August 2004

The Toowoomba Bushwalkers' Club Inc Invites you to come along to the 2004 ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE At Girraween National Park Friday 13th - Sunday 15th August 2004

Hi, my name is Nadeen Larkin and I have chosen to take up Oxfam Community Aid Abroad's "CHALLENGE" to raise a minimum of $5000 and awareness for OXFAM, to overcome poverty and suffering in Australia and overseas, through the OXFAM CHALLENGE - BORNEO. Please help show your support for this good cause by helping me raise as much money as possible AND help benefit the lives of those less fortunate than us!

Friday: Book in from 2 pm on 13/08/04 at the Castle Rock Camping Ground. Evening Slide Presentation about Girraween National Park (numbers limited to 60) Sign up for walks and supper is provided.

If you’re interested in finding out about fundraising events (such as movies, dinners, shows, Bli Bli Castle ball, special events) for Nadeen Larkin's OXFAM CHALLEGE please email me at [email protected] and I will add you to my email list.

Saturday: Great walks on offer (various host members are vying for the title of the "best walk"). 10+ to chose from- catering for a wide range of skill levels. Bushdance to the tunes of the Band-O-Coots. It will be held at the nearby town of Wallangara on the Saturday night in a lovely local hall and sheltered from the elements. Supper provided.

Many thanks! Nadeen Larkin – 0405 022 757

Sunday: Sausage Sizzle in the morning, Handing on of the "boot", Bush Olympics, Buy and sell second hand camping/walking gear. Bring along what you would like to sell Winery tours on offer.

What is covered?

Beautiful Girraween National Park is 26 kilometres south of Stanthorpe off the New England Highway. It is between Ballandean and Wallangara. (If you get to the NSW border you have gone too far!!). Cost: $24 for adults, $8 for kids, under 5s are free. Hot showers (at no cost) and water are available. There are barbeques though wood is not provided by National Parks. Bring lots of warm gear and plans for a great weekend.

QBW Christmas Party

Insurance The Insurance Policy for 2004-2005 has been renewed and our Public Liability covers the following: Administration, participation in and promotion of bushwalking clubs throughout Australia, all club related social and similar activities reasonably associated with Bushwalking Clubs including bushwalking, track construction, canyoning/liloing (excluding abseiling), alpine walking (summer & winter), canoeing / kayaking (excluding white water), boating/rafting, swimming, cycling, rock scurrying and use of hand held ropes as part of a bushwalk, orienteering, leader training and other related instructions, voluntary work for various charities and not for profit organisations, Property Owners / Occupiers, any activity where the Insured is deemed to have been the manufacturer of any Product; the provision of canteen, social and sporting clubs, first aid. Exclusions This policy does not cover liability in respect of Personal Injury or Property Damage arising from or caused by or in connection with: Go-karting, mechanical rides, abseiling, caving, skiing either on water or snow, rock climbing (other than specified in the Business Activities), animal rides, air castles and/or slides, bungy jumping, and/or

November 19-21 2004

Where Midginbil Hill Country Resort Near Uki, Northern NSW

Any performance, sport, game, contest, display involving athletic, acrobatic, military or equestrian skill or the use of firearms or explosives and/or the supply, operation(s) or activities of any such security services.

Located in the Tweed Hinterland, 150km from Brisbane (2hrs drive) Bunkhouse Accommodation with Ensuite Bathrooms

The supply, storage, distribution, retail sales or servicing of any alcoholic drinks or beverages.

Saturday Night Group BBQ & Party at “The Barn” Bushwalking opportunities include Mt Warning and Nightcap NP Swimming Pool & Kitchen available

Ownership, maintenance, operation, possession or use by or on behalf of the Insured of any aircraft, aerial device, or hovercraft.

BYO food, pillows, blankets, linen, cutlery and crockery

Travel Outside of Australia.

Price

The cover for individuals partaking in an organised (by an insured member club) bushwalking activity outside of Australia is subject to each individual having their own Travel Insurance policy valid for the entire time of their overseas trip. There is NO cover for travel in the USA/ Canada or their territories.

$36 per person, minimum of two nights

Please make payment for the weekend as soon as possible. Contact Evelyn on 3809 2354 for more information and bookings.

Thus any club organising an overseas trip should NOT rely on either the Personal Accident Policy or Liability Policy irrespective of the Geographic coverage provided by the policy as a substitute for Travel Insurance.

New Members Frank Garland Lloyd O’Hearn Julie Shepherd Burgi Wagner No of Ordinary Members

Chris Kloske Kay Roos Guy Shepherd Jennifer Wallace

The Personal Accident policy does not provide adequate cover/limits for medical and hospital expenses likely to be incurred in the event of an accident or in any other situation should medical attention be required while travelling overseas.

118

This is the number of renewals and new members since 1/2/2004

It is strongly recommended that clubs who do overseas trips should require the participants to arrange their own Travel Insurance. In other words the policies arranged by Bushwalking Australia should only be relied on as a 'policy of last resort' where overseas travel is involved.

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Past Walks Morans Falls-Python Rock

4th April 2004

Our small group met in the O’Reillys car park and headed for Morans Falls which is 1 km from O’Reillys on the main road. We had waited for one other walker to arrive but eventually had to take off.

At about the halfway point we took a short detour to view the Limpinwood Valley and Mt Warning from Mt. Wanungara Lookout, before heading to Mt. Bithongabel lookout for lunch. No views from here as the trees have taken over. After lunch the crew headed downhill back to O’Reillys and from there to the Alpaca farm for coffee and cake. Thanks to all who joined me.

Running Creek Falls

Trevor 24 April 2004

Eight of us met early at Beaudesert for this relatively long walk. We drove down to the start of the walk and began the 5 kilometer trek through the cow paddocks to get to Running Creek. The good rains a month ago and the fine weather recently had made the grass grow to almost waist high. Soon our boots were soaking wet from the early morning dew.

Morans Falls

The track takes you through a sub-tropical rainforest of figs and Brush Box to the lookout. The falls were fabulous and then we had a break at the picnic area which is situated at the top of the falls. The panoramic view was fabulous this day. We returned the same way and at the road took the turn down to Python Rock. The sealed track has even grades and is very suitable for older people and those confined to wheelchairs.

We reached Running creek and to my surprise we were able to cross it without having to wade through it. We were able to rock hop over it easily. This was a far cry from my previous crossing a few months before when I had to wade through it and it was knee to thigh high deep. We had morning tea on the other side of the creek and then began the walk up along the banks of the creek to the junction of Running Creek north branch and England Creek. There we reached the Running creek campsite where David decided to rest up but the rest of us were eager to go to the Falls only 800 metres away but involving a creek scramble and rock hop. We had to cross the creek several times and sometimes it was easier and faster just to walk through the water and never mind not getting our boots wet.

The view from Python Rock was magnificent. Castle Crag looked impressive. Time for a photo shoot. On our return trip our “late” walker joined us. A miscalculation of how long it would take to get to O’Reillys. Brunch was back at O'Reillys and it was great to chat about other walks that some of the group had managed in the past. Short but pleasant. Thanks everyone.

Bob & Danuta Gur

Tooloona Circuit

18 April 2004

The books describe Tooloona Circuit as one of the best track walks around because of the diverse attractions e.g. waterfalls, creek crossings and Antarctic Beech trees etc. We had a beautiful sunny day, but the day before, the area had received heavy rain.

Running Creek Falls Tooloona Circuit

This was good as the creeks and waterfalls were flowing nicely, although the track was boggy in places. I thought that Elabana Falls with its two water holes, both suitable for a summer swim, would make an ideal picnic lunch spot. Only an hour’s walk from O’Reillys so one could manage an extensive lunch pack and wine.

We finally reached the Falls and they were spectacular. The falls were set in a natural amphitheatre and the setting was aweinspiring. Unfortunately we had to limit our stay as we still had a long walk back, so we hurried our lunch and exploration of the falls. We met up again with Dave back at the campsite and walked back to the cars safely. Many thanks to the group who proved themselves to be able to tackle this long walk. Richard

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Queen Mary Falls

Pine Valley B/C Tasmania

26 April 2004

This was an easy walk cum social for those wanting some gentle activity for the Monday public holiday. Twelve of us met at Boonah at the very civilized time of 8.30am. We headed off along the Head Road up through Teviot Gap with our first stop at the Gap to see a tiny trickle of water way in the distance flowing over the falls. Next stop the Moss Gardens. Exactly where the Gardens are was questionable and Steve went exploring down a very steep track beside the rabbit fence. But, it was finally decided that the Moss Gardens were at the highest point above the steep drop. There was a lot of moss hanging from the trees at that spot - no signs though.

3-6 January 2004

Patricia, Fran, Jenny, David and I arrived in Hobart after our threeday walk in the Freycinet Peninsula and met up with Jodie, Fran’s daughter who would accompany us for this second leg of our trip to Tasmania. We caught an early bus from Hobart and had a scenic drive to Lake St Clair. From here we caught the ferry to Narcissus Bay where we paused to have lunch. It was then a three-hour walk through beech forest, heath, pandini and bracken to Pine Valley. There we set our tents up on a little island near the hut.

Back to the cars then on to Carr’s Lookout a further few kilometers along the road. A new lookout has been built with a viewing platform and information displays. There is a restaurant/coffee shop there that needs to be investigated some day. We next headed down to the park near Browns Falls for morning tea then followed the track about 600 metres to the base of Browns Falls. This meant crossing the creek a couple of times, which presented a bit of a challenge to some. The falls were about 20 metres high and well worth the effort to get there. Going back uphill we stopped at Dags Falls and took in the views from a platform that had definitely seen better days.

The Acropolis

The next day was overcast as we began our ascent to the Acropolis. It was a vertical height of 630 metres but when we reached the saddle we had views out to the striking stone formations and the surrounding areas. The final 100 metre climb up to the Acropolis had to be aborted as clouds gathered and covered the stone formations. We hurried back down and made it to the hut just as the rain began to fall heavily. We had our lunch and dinner in the hut that day.

The Labyrinth Queen Mary Falls

Then on to the park above Queen Mary Falls, us and hundreds of others. The car park was all but full and bodies were everywhere. We decided to do the walk to the bottom of the falls first then find a table if possible and have lunch later. The easy graded circuit track down to the falls and back up was about 2 km in length. Plenty of water was coming over the falls. There was a vacant table just waiting for us when we had completed the walk. It was very pleasant sitting in the sun having lunch even though there were so many other people around.

The following day was again overcast as we headed off to the Labyrinth. It was a steady climb up to the plateau and we took time to take photos. Clouds again began to gather and we returned to the hut. The rain continued and as the hut was nearly empty we decided to move into the hut for the night. Our final day was also overcast as we headed back to Narcissus Hut. The ferry was busy that day and we were slightly delayed but managed to catch our bus back to Hobart. Thanks to Jodie, the daughter of Fran, who joined us on this section and helped us with her cheerful nature and knowledge of the area. Richard

We finally moved off and drove back to Boonah where, with a little difficulty, we found a café and had afternoon tea. Thanks to all who came along on this pleasant lazy drive around some beautiful country. Thanks especially to drivers Steve, Wayne and Richard. Patricia Page 5 of 6

By channels of coolness the echoes are calling And down the dim gorges I hear the creek falling. It lives in the mountains where mosses and sedges Touch with their beauty the bank and the ledges Henry Kendall 1869

Walk Objectives

Walk Leader Notes (Part Two) Last month we had a look at what a leader should do before a walk. In this article we will discuss safety issues. Emergency Officer Contact System Leaders should be aware of the Emergency Officer contact system. All members on the QBW committee are Emergency Officers who can be contacted by the leader in case of an emergency or if a walk will return unexpectedly late. The Emergency Officer may also be someone else specifically named by the leader. The Club has a printed sheet on the duties that an Emergency Officer has and the list of phone numbers to ring. The Committee Member list is printed on the back of each Walks Calendar. A participant in a walk can leave this with someone at home so that anyone concerned knows who to call if worried. A friend or relative should not ring though before 9.00pm usually. Fortunately the Club has a good record and delays are very uncommon. A leader can carry the walks Calendar with him/her during the walk. A mobile phone carried by the leader or one of the participants is very handy if there is reception available. Note that the leader may need to ring and try a few numbers as members of the committee may be away on a walk! The Emergency Officer/Committee member has a list of phone numbers to ring for advice if he/she is contacted by a leader about a problem. The leader can also opt to ring the Police directly. The emergency number in Australia is 000. In some areas with bad reception and where 000 does not work, you can try 112. However mobile phones should not be relied on entirely as reception can be patchy. EPIRB’s The Club has purchased an EPIRB and it is available to any member of the Club at no charge for use on weekend or weekday walks. However the borrower will need to pick up the EPIRB personally, sign the sign-out book and return the EPIRB by the next weekend. The EPIRB would be most useful for remote walks where there may not be any mobile phone coverage or on pre-outings where there may be only two to three people on the walk. A handout on how to use the EPIRB is available. The EPIRB will also be brought to the Club meetings. If you would like to take the EPIRB on a walk, ring 3341 7509 on where to pick up and return the EPIRB. Weather Conditions Extremes in weather conditions may make it prudent to cancel, defer or change the walk planned. Also if there is a fire risk in the area to be walked in, it might again be prudent to cancel the walk. If conditions are known far enough in advance, the leader should let participants know before the walk. Otherwise the leader should let the participants know at the meeting area about possible changes. Nomination Forms The leader should have the Nomination form with him. In some circumstances such as an extended or weekend long trip, it may be a good idea to have a copy of the Nomination Form to leave at home with someone else for extra safety. If there is no one to leave it with, a practical way is to leave it in your own letterbox. At the start of the walk the leader should have all the participants sign the Nomination Form. The signature of the participant is not only important for safety and legal reasons but also in the future if any accident/injury claim is made then there is a record of who actually attended the walk. Also collect any monies for membership or other fees and note it on the back of the nomination Form. This Nomination Form can be left in the car at the start of the walk Make sure the Nomination Form, including telephone numbers, is legible. Names, not just numbers, are required as they provide clues in case of searching for delayed parties, and are needed if relatives are to be contacted.

Remember the objectives of the walk and their priority. It is suggested that they should be something like (in order):


All participants should return uninjured and not excessively exhausted or otherwise distressed. Safety for all is paramount.




All participants should return by the time expected.




All participants should receive maximum enjoyment from the walk.




The walk should achieve its walking objectives, as modified by the above and by any other changes in circumstances before or during the walk. Objectives are those of the party, not just the leader.

Note that the last objective ranks a long way behind the others, but be aware that most people go on specific walks because of the published walking objective, so they should not be lightly changed without consultation with the party. Just Before the Walk Starts Make absolutely sure you know how many people are on the walk - count people and check against names on the list. This sounds trivial, but mistakes have occurred! Beware of a tendency for people to "go behind a tree" after the drive and before walking, just when you are counting! Make sure all members of the party are fully aware of what is planned. The leader should spread out the map and show the route planned, expected highlights and checkpoints, and campsite if appropriate. Explain the significance of the route (e.g. "We go up this steep hill shown here..") to any inexperienced walkers. Make sure everyone "knows" each other. Normal tradition is to stand in a circle and introduce yourself in turn. This is a good chance to count heads and make sure everyone is ready to go. Nominate a ‘tail-end-Charlie’ to be at the rear of the group. A good rule of thumb is to have a tail end Charlie if there are eight or more people on the walk. This is even more important on walks off-track where there may be thick vegetation with poor visibility. Explain any rules you would like group to adhere to e.g.: toilet stops, keep person behind you in sight, people in the lead to stop every 15 minutes for tail to catch up, and stop at any track junctions to regroup, etc. Arrange any car shuffles before the walk starts (usually). Make sure everyone knows what is happening and can put changes of clothing etc into the appropriate cars. For car swaps, where two parties start at different places and walk to the other's starting point, it is much easier to exchange cars BEFORE the walk so at the end people can just go home. Never rely on meeting midway to exchange keys - it's MUCH safer to use duplicates or prearranged hiding places! Do not start until everyone is ready to leave, and check soon after leaving that everyone IS there. It is a good idea to provide a pause soon after the start of the day's walking (about 5-10 mins) to provide an opportunity to adjust shoelaces, remove pullovers, re-shape uncomfortable packs... Constant Vigilance Necessary As the leader, you should keep a constant eye out for people having trouble coping, whether due to lack of fitness, inadequate equipment, or whatever. You should pace the walk and time breaks to meet the needs of the weakest members of the group, not the speedsters and definitely not to meet some planned objective. It is better to rest early than to risk pushing someone into collapse, and to change objectives rather than risk becoming stranded. Try to avoid stating that you are waiting for a specific person - they usually feel bad enough already without being publicly singled out. To be continued. (These notes were initially compiled by members of the Canberra Bushwalking Club and have been modified to meet our particular requirements. Any suggestion on how these notes may be improved would be greatly appreciated. Suggestions may be given to any Committee member.)

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