200511 Newsletter

QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB Inc. Newsletter

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

November 2005

On the Way to Lamington Falls

Club News Grant Acknowledgement

Walks Planning Day

Recently QBW applied for a grant to seek funding in order to:

Sixteen people attended the walks planning day held at Dave Kenrick’s place on this Saturday evening. The purpose was to fill the Walks Calendar to the beginning of April next year. There were suggestions on possible walks and brochures available on easy graded track walks close to Brisbane. An encouraging sign was that there were two people who came forward to lead their first walk.




buy equipment provide training to club members about safety while bushwalking




better equip club members for outings




reduce risks associated with bushwalking reduce the need for rescue type operations by emergency services







QBW is happy to announce that this project has been proudly funded by the Queensland Government's Gambling Community Benefit Fund to the amount of just over $11,000. A full list of the equipment approved for purchase is inside the Newsletter. The committee is now organizing how the equipment will be stored and used on Club outings.

Christmas Party The Christmas Party is on the 2nd to 4th December and final details and directions on how to get there are inside the Newsletter. A fun time for all is guaranteed.

22 October 2005

Beside the walks planning there was a BBQ with people cooking up meat, sausages and fish plus a wide variety of salads was shared around. Many thanks to Dave and his wife Lynne for their hospitality.

FMR Abseiling FMR are reintroducing abseil training for beginners. There will be a training day for beginners for members of QBW on January 29, 2006 08:00 AM Abseil Training at Emu Gully. Also FMR are asking for people who are able, and are prepared to help with instruction of beginners within their club. There will be an abseil instructor training day for them on November 19, 2005 at Emu Gully. If interested you will need to contact FMR. Details inside.

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General Information

The Management Committee

Meeting Place 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. 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.

President

Trevor Cox

3273 3484 (H)

Vice President

Trevor Davern

0411 512 202

Secretary

Bob Gur

3345 3971 (H)

Treasurer

Gary Woodward

3245 2695 (H)

David Kenrick

3349 8238 (H)

Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. A coin donation would be appreciated.

Outings Secretary Membership Officer

Ken Walters

3344 1927 (H)

Membership

Editor

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Before a visitor can go on a walk, he/she must be a Member (Probationary or Ordinary) or be a member of an affiliated club.

Social Secretary

Evelyn Campbell

3809 2354 (H)

Training Officer

Frank Garland

3341 5207 (H)

Membership of QBW is only $20 and lasts till the end of the Club’s financial year which is on the 30th of June each year.

Other Voluntary Positions

Probationary Membership

Equipment Officer

Steve Moyle

3800 3963 (H)

A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member on his/her first walk after signing the waiver form. There is no fee payable to become a Probationary Member.

Supper Convenor

Danuta Gur

3345 3971 (H)

Federation Rep

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Federation Rep

Trevor Cox

3273 3484 (H)

FMR Rep

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

FMR Rep

Frank Garland

3341 5207 (H)

However a Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on his/her 2nd walk by filling out a membership form and paying the membership fee.

Ordinary Membership A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out a membership form and handing the form to a committee member or walk leader and paying the $20.00 membership fee. An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or be elected to a committee position. A Probationary Member has neither of these rights.

Campsite Monitors Ratatat Hut Running Creek Falls Throakban

Members of Another Bushwalking Club Members of another bushwalking club affiliated with the Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs or another State Federation are covered by the same Insurance as QBW. It is not necessary for them to become a member of our Club to go on our walks.

Mt Superbus Spicers Peak Mt May

Barbara Makepeace Richard Kolarski Gary Woodward Kerry de Clauzel Trevor Smith Christine & Cliff Harrison Ann Kemp John Brunott

Editors Pic

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 also has some abseiling gear for use by Club members. The gear includes ropes, harnesses and helmets. Ring Steve. 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.

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

Bottoms Up

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

Members

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.

Emergency Space Blankets The Club has a supply of these for sale at $2.50 each.

No of financial Ordinary Members

102

This is the number of renewals and new members since 1/7/2005

Comings and Goings Steve M has recently returned from a trip to China. Judy J and Gail C are over in the Indian subcontinent doing a few treks. Page 2 of 6

Special Coming Events Christmas Party 2005

“WALK SAFELY IN THE BUSH” PROJECT

2–4 December 2005

Date

Fri Night 2nd December to Sun 4th December

Location

Crystal Waters Permaculture Village, Conondale. Situated in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, approx. 100km north of Brisbane.

Accommodation Costs Bunkhouse (Sleeps 24, there are 4 rooms with 6 beds in each) $18 per person per night Camping / Van Site $10 per person per night, $5 per subsequent person per night on same campsite. Power $1 extra per person per night. Room for more than 20 campsites Facilities Amenities Block with Showers and Toilets Basic Camp Kitchen and BBQ area with shelter, bench tables and seats, fridge, two gas burners, electric jug and fireplace. A fire is permitted if no restrictions at the time. There is a shop on site selling snacks, lunches, crafts and local produce. Please bring For Campers – All camping gear For Bunkhouse - Bedding All cooking and eating utensils All food for meals except for Saturday Dinner Dinner The Saturday Dinner will be a catered meal in a function room at Crystal Waters, $20 per head. BYO wine etc. Bushwalking Obi Obi Gorge on Saturday with a choice of swim or no swim. If doing the swim section, bring gear to waterproof your back pack plus togs. Directions For Drivers If coming from Brisbane, take the Bruce Highway north and, following the major road signs, turn off at Glasshouse Mountains Road towards Landsborough (which is approx. 40 mins from the centre of Brisbane). Turn off to Landsborough, across the railway line and then follow the signs to Maleny. Drive straight through Maleny, which will take you onto the Maleny-Kenilworth Road. Stay on this road for about 17kms as it descends into the Mary River valley until you reach Aherns Road. There is a bus shelter on the corner and a sign to Crystal Waters. (If you arrive at Conondale, you've missed this turn and need to go back about 2km towards Maleny.) Turn left into Aherns Rd and go about 7km further on, (ensuring you take the right hand fork, indicated by a small "Crystal Waters" sign and arrow, at Conondale Timbers saw mill) until you reach Kilcoy Lane (second on your right) with another "Crystal Waters" sign under the big tree on the facing corner. Turn right into Kilcoy Lane and the Crystal Waters Village area is on your left, just after you cross the river.

Below is the list of equipment that has been purchased: 6 Two Way Radios 24 Navigational Compasses 34 Topographic Maps 1 SUNMAP Raster CD 4 GPS’s 4 EPIRB’s 6 STROBE lights 250 Whistles 3 Trauma First Aid Kit (for base camps) 1 Laptop Computer 1 Digital Projector 1 OHP Screen 1 Colour Laser Printer

FMR Abseil Training Abseil Instructor Training Place

19 November, 2005, 08:00 PM

Emu Gully

The November training day is for people who are able, and are prepared to help with instruction of beginners within their club. Therefore, they should have, or obtain prior to instruction, an intermediate level of ability, with respect to abseiling alone. If they have greater competence, so much the better. Each person planning on attending will need to advise FMR by return email. This is so FMR can have an appropriate number of Instructors and adequate equipment. Also, all participants will have to sign on and off as in all FMR activities, and sign an Abseil Waiver. If you have your own gear please bring it along. You will be encouraged to use it if it is suitable. The replies should be forwarded to both Phil Box, FMR Training Officer and Ron Farmer, FMR President, at: [email protected] [email protected]

Beginners Abseil Instruction 29 January, 2006 08:00 AM Place Emu Gully Any Club member planning on attending will need to contact FMR, at least 3 weeks in advance. The donation of $20 per person is expected to defray the cost of wear and tear on gear. If you have your own gear please bring it along. You will be allowed to use it if it is suitable. Replies should be forwarded to both Phil Box, FMR Training Officer and Ron Farmer, President FMR, at the email addresses above.

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Past Walks Lamington Falls

6 August 2005

There were seven walkers eager to come along and share with John Brunott the experience of going to an area where he had done two previous pre-outings in search of a spur overlooking Lamington Falls. We met up at Beaudesert and drove down to Stinson Park near Christmas Creek. Here we drove along a dirt road and parked the cars just before a steep ascent. Chills There was quite a steep walk up ahead to get to the Stretcher Track and we all took it slowly. There was a very cold wind blowing that morning and any stops we made were thus short. It was a relief to get into the rainforest proper at the top of the ridge and be out of the wind. The Stretcher Track was a bit run down and in a few places we had to skirt fallen trees or do a bit of a scout around to find where the track continued. On two previous occasions I had searched for a rock cairn that marked the turnoff to Running Creek campsite from the Stretcher Track without success. However, John was able to lead us directly to it. Of course a photo had to be taken that this rock cairn actually existed. Spills Along the way, Maria had a nasty fall tripping on a tree root and hit her face on a log. Luckily the nosebleed, though spectacular, was only of short duration and she was able to continue after a short rest. A reminder to always carry a First Aid Kit plus disposable gloves in case of any accidents. And Thrills John turned off the track after we reached a particular knoll and we explored along the escarpment looking for a way to get to a spur shown on the map. We were eventually successful and were rewarded with spectacular views of Lamington Falls and the valley below. It was quite enjoyable after the biting cold of the morning to sit in the sun and have our lunch. We did a short exploratory round the spur and could even see Stinson Park way below us from our vantage point. The return trip was uneventful and after reaching the cars, we drove down a short distance towards Christmas Creek to see the Falls and the spur we had just been to. It was amazing to see it from a different angle and the sight was truly spectacular. Many thanks to John for leading this walk.

Canungra Creek Junction

We parked our cars near Duck Creek Road and began our walk down the Spur. We made good time even though the track was muddy and slippery in places and within 45 minutes we were at Blue Pool. The water in the creek was low, so the creek crossing below Blue Pool was a piece of cake. My estimate of only six or seven crossings to the junction was proved drastically incorrect when Muriel decided to check up on me. Thirteen creek crossings to the junction and thirteen back! Well at least we got some practice with our balancing skills trying to cross the same creek over and over again without getting our boots wet. We followed the old track from Binna Burra to O’Reillys as much as possible but in places the track was almost non-existent. Despite this, we made fairly rapid progress to Stairway Falls were we stopped for morning tea. About an hour past Stairway Falls we reached the junction of East and West Canungra Creek. Along the way Ken showed us the site of an old abandoned logging camp where some corrugated iron and posts were still present. One of my objectives that day was to find the rock ledge beside Canungra Creek where a group of five Club members spent an unexpected night out in the bush. It would probably be close to the junction but how close? Only ten minutes and 300 metres downstream from the junction we came upon the large stony slab had had been home for a night. This was a good time to stop and have lunch and reminisce about that cold miserable night 4 others and I had spent here. Our walk back was filled with good banter about the leader's inability to count the number of creek crossings, his apparent colour blindness and his navigation skills. I am glad to report we all made it back to the cars safely and in good time, even though I may have been tempted to leave them all down in the creek. Afternoon tea at the Alpaca Farm finished a great day. Many thanks to my merry group of walkers.

Mt Mee

Richard 14 August 2005

Mt Mee is about 90 minutes’ drive/ 60km northwest of Brisbane. It was a great day for a walk. The group met at the carpark next to the Somerset Trail opposite the Gantry which is a delightful picnic area. At The Gantry you can see the remains of the old sawmill which operated there until 1981.

Richard 14 August 2005

Six people met up in Canungra for the advertised walk of Kamarun Lookout to Blue Pool. However it had been raining the previous couple of days so it was decided to change the walk to the junction of East and West Canungra Creek from the top of Bull Ant Spur. The walk down from Kamarun Lookout would have been just too dangerous.

Mt Mee

A quick lap around the Piccabeen Walk (1km circuit) and onto the Somerset Trail. Noeleen, who knows this area quite well, took the lead. The track passes through scribbly gum forests, rainforest and dry open forest. Halfway along the group enjoyed views to Somerset and Wivenhoe Dams. The track is a little steep in sections but overall a great walk. My thanks to Noeleen for leading us on the day and to all of the other walkers who joined us. Bob Overhanging Rock Cave near the Junction

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Mt Maroon

20 August 2005

This walk was led by John Brunott at the Pilgrimage. About thirty people had already put their names down to do Mt Maroon the usual way, so to ease the congestion, John volunteered to lead a second group of walkers a different way up Mt Maroon. We drove down to the road to the Lower Portals but then took another turn to bring us to the southern side of Mt Maroon. Here we did a quick car shuttle to leave one car at Drynan's Hut as John planned on doing a circuit. This would eliminate some of the walk back along a dirt road. Our group consisted of bushwalkers from Toowoomba and BOSQ plus a few from our own Club. It was an interesting day chatting with them about their own walks and experiences. We began along a dirt road and John was able to tell us the history of the area. He even found a tag he had put on a tree several years previously. Here we turned off the road and made our way up to a ridgeline. The way up this ridge was quite steep but eventually we made it to a cliff line with some interesting columnar rocks.

At Balancing Rock the NPWS have erected a barrier as a survey found the rock to be unstable. We detoured to the north as allowed and made our way out to the point of Castle Crag. The views here went right to the Main Range but unfortunately there was some haze which obscured the finer details. Lunch was also cut short by a rain cloud passing by but fortunately it did not give us a drenching.

Near Castle Crag

On the way back we passed the wishing tree and a metal tower before finally having afternoon tea at O'Reillys. Thank you to all who came along for this easy walk.

Mt Superbus T/W

On top of Mt Maroon

We had morning tea on top of some rocks with majestic views to Mt Barney and Mt Lindesay. Then more walking along the cliff line with a short rock scramble and we were at the summit. There we met the other group of walkers who had come up the traditional way. The weather was cold and our lunch was cut short by the blustery wind and threatening rain clouds. John led us down a different direction into a gully which gave us some protection from the elements. This section was quite interesting as it was along a creek gully with large flat rock slabs. We had to negotiate some waterfalls along the way but the recent dry weather made this an easy task. We reached Paddy's Plain camping area for a welcome afternoon tea rest stop. We passed Maroon Falls, a spectacular drop estimated at about 35 to 40 metres high soon after afternoon tea. We finally reached the car left at Drynan's Hut and a quick car shuttle brought everyone back safely to the Pilgrimage site. Many thanks to John for leading this walk.

Castle Crag

Richard 27 August 2005

This is one of my favorite walks as it has arguably the best views from a rocky crag in the Lamington area. We began the walk along the Border Track at O’Reillys initially but then took a now disused track which led us to an old logging camp. We explored a while and found some old boots, an old well and signs of where the logging huts would have stood. We had morning tea at Lyre Bird Lookout with views across the Albert River Valley to the Lost World plateau. However morning tea had to be cut short by the piercing cold wind. We continued along the escarpment which had many fine views.

Richard

3-4 September 2005

With no nominations, Cliff & I had a busy weekend monitoring 3 or 4 sites under damp, misty and low cloud conditions. Saturday we found and guided with correct directions a disorientated group who were trying to use their new GPS. Sites are all in excellent condition and Lyrebirds, Catbirds singing their peaceful songs. It was more like the usual rainforest than in other dry dusty years of monitoring. For those who missed this trip......until next year.

Karawatha Trails

Christine

18 September 2005

Not a long trip for some. Karawatha Forest is on the south side of Brisbane near Calamvale. On this day we had decided to meet at the Illaweena Picnic Area. Good parking, a couple of picnic tables but no facilities. Our first sight was a young snake making its way along the bridge. Not bothered by us at all. This area is well known by Wayne and we followed in his wake. We took the track to the quarry and interested to see how much water was there. Looked inviting – but don’t – too many car wrecks lay hidden in it’s depths. Winding up and down the twisting track we finally climbed up onto the rock and had a great view of the area – just listen to that traffic. And what a find – a great frying pan and plastic cups. Jaz should have some fun with them. A nice leisurely morning tea at the next rest stop and onwards. Wayne kept a good pace and knew all the turns. Without a map one could easily add on a few good kilometres. The group was surprised at the number of car bodies on the track. One in particular held our attention. In no time we were back at the picnic area. Brunch and chat Mike finally had his first walk with us – good on you. Thanks to all who came along and Wayne many many thanks for a great day and for showing us your old stomping grounds.

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Bob and Danuta

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QBW STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 30 JUNE 2005 2005 INCOME Membership Receipts Pack Liners Christmas Party Space Blanket / Bivy Bags OPERATING EXPENSES Bank Charges Christmas Party Hire Hall Hire Equipment (EPIRB) Insurances - Qld Fed Bushwalking Legal (Incorporation Costs) Stationery, Postage, Copying Space Blankets Other Expenses

2004

$ 1,953.00 $ 0.00 $ 936.00 $ 80.50 $ 2,969.50

$ 2,525.00 $ 15.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 2,540.00

$ 27.20 $ 1,164.87 $ 220.00 $ 0.00 $ 1,625.00 $ 0.00 $ 489.20 $ 113.00 $ 109.10 $ 3,748.37

$ 23.00 $ 278.00 $ 66.00 $ 30.00 $ 1,235.00 $ 122.00 $ 405.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 2,158.00

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2005 2005 CLUB FUNDS Accumulated Funds Total Club Funds CURRENT ASSETS Bank of Queensland Choice A/c Total Current Assets NON CURRENT ASSETS Property Plant & Equipment Total Non Current Assets Total Assets Total Liabilities Net Assets

2004

$ 2,055.00 $ 2,055.00

$ 2,834.00 $ 2,834.00

$ 1,834.64 $ 1,834.64

$ 2,614.00 $ 2,614.00

$ 220.00 $ 220.00 $ 2,055.00 $ 0.00 $ 2,055.00

$ 220.00 $ 220.00 $ 2,834.00 $ 0.00 $ 2,834.00

AUDITORS REPORT Scope I have audited the attached special purpose financial report of Queensland Bushwalkers Club Inc. for the 12 months ended 30 June 2005, comprising of Balance Sheet and Receipts and Payments Statement. The Committee is responsible for the preparation and presentation of the financial report and the information contained therein, and has determined that the basis of accounting used is appropriate to the needs of the members. I have conducted an independent audit of the financial report in order to express an opinion on it to the members. No opinion is expressed as to whether the basis of accounting used is appropriate to the needs of the members. The special purpose financial report has been prepared for distribution to the members of the Association for the purpose of fulfilling the Committee's accountability requirements. I disclaim any assumption of responsibility for any reliance on this report or on the financial report to which it relates, to any person other than the members, or of any purpose other than that for which it was prepared. My audit has been conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. My procedures included examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures in the financial report, and the evaluation of significant accounting estimates. The audit opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the above basis. Qualification It is not practical for Queensland Bushwalkers Club Inc. to maintain an effective system of internal control over donations and fundraising activities until their initial entry in the bank account. Accordingly, my audit in relation to receipts was limited to amounts deposited into the club's bank account. Audit Opinion In my opinion the financial report of Queensland Bushwalkers Club Inc. presents fairly the assets and liabilities at 30 June 2005 and the income and expenditure of the club for the year then ended. Renee Bowe CPA 26th September 2005 Page 6 of 6