......................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................... F Magazine of the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs (NSW) Inc ISSN 0313 2684 Winter Issue - May 1999 Volume 24 No 4 http://www.bushwalking.org.au BUSHW USHW USHW USHW USHWALKERS ALKERS ALKERS ALKERS ALKERS GO GO GO GO GO TO TO TO TO TO W W W W WAR AR AR AR AR - - - - - PAGES AGES AGES AGES AGES 6-7 &8. 6-7 &8. 6-7 &8. 6-7 &8. 6-7 &8. Bushwalkers will be pleased to Bushwalkers will be pleased to Bushwalkers will be pleased to Bushwalkers will be pleased to Bushwalkers will be pleased to know that the Canyon Colliery site, know that the Canyon Colliery site, know that the Canyon Colliery site, know that the Canyon Colliery site, know that the Canyon Colliery site, some 900 hectares of undeveloped some 900 hectares of undeveloped some 900 hectares of undeveloped some 900 hectares of undeveloped some 900 hectares of undeveloped ridge at the head of the Grose V ridge at the head of the Grose V ridge at the head of the Grose V ridge at the head of the Grose V ridge at the head of the Grose Valley alley alley alley alley, has been officially returned to the has been officially returned to the has been officially returned to the has been officially returned to the has been officially returned to the Blue Mountains Blue Mountains Blue Mountains Blue Mountains Blue Mountains National Park (from which it was excised in 1967) on 3 rd March, 1999. This move has protected the area from vast and inappropriate development proposed by the Earth Sanctuaries company. Dr. John Wamsley, from South Australia, heads the com- pany, recently listed on the Stock Exchange. Unfortunately he thinks that a large asset backing should have given him the right to acquire any parcel of land he fancies, despite prior claims to it, especially claims by the public of Australia. In September 1998, the Premier Bob Carr, promised to return the lease to National Park. 850ha of the site is also included in the current wilderness proposal for the Grose Wilderness. The non-functioning coal mine lease is due to expire in 2005 and the 50 ha of degraded area on which buildings now stand is to be rehabilitated and the built structures removed. Granting extension of the lease, particularly to a company which has stated its plans as wanting to eventually take over the entire 65,000ha of the Grose Valley and entirely feral-proof electric fence it, would have set a precedent for others to pressure the State Government for their piece of National Park. This would effectively remove parts of National Parks from public hands where they are presently being managed by NPWS. Local environment groups and major political party representatives, after extensive meetings with Earth Sancturies Limites (ESL) executives and offers of other sites, are still opposed to any establishment of a business venture on the Canyon Colliery site. ESL planned to establish an underground coal mining G ROSE ROSE ROSE ROSE ROSE V V V V VALLEY ALLEY ALLEY ALLEY ALLEY D D D D DEVELOPMENT EVELOPMENT EVELOPMENT EVELOPMENT EVELOPMENT P ROPOSAL ROPOSAL ROPOSAL ROPOSAL ROPOSAL D D D D DEFEA EFEA EFEA EFEA EFEATED TED TED TED TED Thais Turner Bankstown Bushwalking Club continued on page 3 The Grose Valley - Photo Colin Wood industry interpretation centre, a railway station, car and coach parking facilities, a restaurant, shop, office, meeting rooms, cabins onsite for accommodation and guided walks, to attract an estimated 300,000 tourists per annum at an access cost of $30 per day and $90 overnight. They held Open Days at the site in February and March 1999 and spoke of their proposed venture as if it was a fait accompli, without ever having submitted a development application to Blue Mountains Council. The propaganda campaign they waged was quite self- righteously aggressive with frequent inserts in the local paper, full page advertisements, door knocking cam- paigns designed to influence local voters not to support Bob Debus, local Member, in the State elections, and many vehement, one-sided Letters to the Editor of the local paper, the Blue Mountains Gazette. There has been support for the general principles behind ESL ventures (to save Australian native wildlife), but the site at Bell has always been inappro- priate for such a venture as it is in a National Park or was very soon due to become a National Park – an area that should be freely available to the public, not tied up in private hands. Saving endangered species does not depend on ESL as there are a number of others who do an admirable job in this respect already, including NPWS, Zoos and other
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Magazine of the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs (NSW) IncISSN 0313 2684 Winter Issue - May 1999 Volume 24 No 4
GOGOGOGOGO TOTOTOTOTO W W W W WARARARARAR - - - - -PPPPPAGESAGESAGESAGESAGES 6-7 &8. 6-7 &8. 6-7 &8. 6-7 &8. 6-7 &8.
Bushwalkers will be pleased toBushwalkers will be pleased toBushwalkers will be pleased toBushwalkers will be pleased toBushwalkers will be pleased toknow that the Canyon Colliery site,know that the Canyon Colliery site,know that the Canyon Colliery site,know that the Canyon Colliery site,know that the Canyon Colliery site,some 900 hectares of undevelopedsome 900 hectares of undevelopedsome 900 hectares of undevelopedsome 900 hectares of undevelopedsome 900 hectares of undevelopedridge at the head of the Grose Vridge at the head of the Grose Vridge at the head of the Grose Vridge at the head of the Grose Vridge at the head of the Grose Valleyalleyalleyalleyalley,,,,,has been officially returned to thehas been officially returned to thehas been officially returned to thehas been officially returned to thehas been officially returned to theBlue Mountains Blue Mountains Blue Mountains Blue Mountains Blue Mountains National Park (fromwhich it was excised in 1967) on 3rd
March, 1999. This move has protectedthe area from vast and inappropriatedevelopment proposed by the EarthSanctuaries company. Dr. John Wamsley,from South Australia, heads the com-pany, recently listed on the StockExchange. Unfortunately he thinks that alarge asset backing should have givenhim the right to acquire any parcel of
land he fancies, despite prior claims to it,especially claims by the public ofAustralia.
In September 1998, the PremierBob Carr, promised to return the lease toNational Park. 850ha of the site is alsoincluded in the current wildernessproposal for the Grose Wilderness. Thenon-functioning coal mine lease is due
to expire in 2005 and the 50 ha ofdegraded area on which buildings nowstand is to be rehabilitated and the builtstructures removed.
Granting extension of the lease,particularly to a company which hasstated its plans as wanting to eventuallytake over the entire 65,000ha of the GroseValley and entirely feral-proof electricfence it, would have set a precedent forothers to pressure the State Governmentfor their piece of National Park. Thiswould effectively remove parts of NationalParks from public hands where they are
presently being managed by NPWS.Local environment groups and
major political party representatives, afterextensive meetings with Earth SancturiesLimites (ESL) executives and offers ofother sites, are still opposed to anyestablishment of a business venture onthe Canyon Colliery site. ESL planned toestablish an underground coal mining
GGGGGROSEROSEROSEROSEROSE V V V V VALLEYALLEYALLEYALLEYALLEY D D D D DEVELOPMENTEVELOPMENTEVELOPMENTEVELOPMENTEVELOPMENT
PPPPPROPOSALROPOSALROPOSALROPOSALROPOSAL D D D D DEFEAEFEAEFEAEFEAEFEATEDTEDTEDTEDTEDThais TurnerBankstown Bushwalking Club
continued on page 3
The Grose Valley - Photo Colin Wood
industry interpretation centre, a railwaystation, car and coach parking facilities,a restaurant, shop, office, meeting rooms,cabins onsite for accommodation andguided walks, to attract an estimated300,000 tourists per annum at an accesscost of $30 per day and $90 overnight.They held Open Days at the site inFebruary and March 1999 and spoke oftheir proposed venture as if it was a faitaccompli, without ever having submitteda development application to BlueMountains Council. The propagandacampaign they waged was quite self-righteously aggressive with frequentinserts in the local paper, full pageadvertisements, door knocking cam-paigns designed to influence local votersnot to support Bob Debus, local Member,in the State elections, and manyvehement, one-sided Letters to the Editorof the local paper, the Blue MountainsGazette.
There has been support for thegeneral principles behind ESL ventures(to save Australian native wildlife), butthe site at Bell has always been inappro-priate for such a venture as it is in aNational Park or was very soon due tobecome a National Park – an area thatshould be freely available to the public,not tied up in private hands. Savingendangered species does not depend onESL as there are a number of others whodo an admirable job in this respectalready, including NPWS, Zoos and other
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ContributionsContributionsContributionsContributionsContributions, letters to the editor,original cartoons and suggestions arewelcome. They should be sent to the addressbelow. Except for short notes or letters, allcontributions should be accompanied withtext file on three and a half inch floppy disk inIBM format or E-Mail.
Advertising rates Advertising rates Advertising rates Advertising rates Advertising rates are available onrequest.Ring John Clarke on (02) 9744-1916
DistributionDistributionDistributionDistributionDistribution is through affiliatedclubs, major retail outlets, council informa-tion centres and national park offices.
Address all correspondence toAddress all correspondence toAddress all correspondence toAddress all correspondence toAddress all correspondence to TheEditor, The Bushwalker Bushwalkers NSW POBox 2090 GPO Sydney 1043.E-mail [email protected]
The Confederation of BushwalkingClubs NSW Inc represents approximately67clubs with a total membership around10,000 bushwalkers. Formed in 1932, theConfederation provides a united voice onconservation and other issues, runs trainingcourses for members, and provides for thepublic a free wilderness search and rescueservice. People interested in joining abushwalking club are invited to write to theSecretary Bushwalkers NSW at the aboveaddress for information on clubs in theirarea.
Or website http:www.bushwalking.org.au
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T T T T THEHEHEHEHE B B B B BUSHWUSHWUSHWUSHWUSHWALKERALKERALKERALKERALKERCCCCCOMMITTEEOMMITTEEOMMITTEEOMMITTEEOMMITTEE M M M M MEMBERSEMBERSEMBERSEMBERSEMBERS
is the magazine of theConfederation of BushwalkingClubs NSW Inc. It's publishedquarterly. The aim of the magazineis to provide articles andinformation of interest to themembers of clubs affiliated withthe Confederation andBushwalkers generally. Anyopinions expressed by individualauthors do not always represent theofficial views of the Confederation.
TheBushwalker
President - Jim Callaway (02) 9520-7081(H) (02) 9219-4379 (W)The Sydney Bush Walkers
Vice President - Alex Tucker (02)94514028 National Parks Association
Treasurer - Maurice Smith (02) 9587-6325 Sutherland Bushwalking [email protected]
Secretary - Prudence Tucker (02)9451-4028 email [email protected] Parks Association
Training officer - Vacant
Insurance and Membership OfficerAnne Plowman (02) 97471346Catholic Bushwalking Club
Tracks and Access officer -Alex Tucker (02) 9451-4028National Parks Associationemail [email protected]
Magazine Editor & CommunicationsOfficer Colin Wood, Tel (02)4625-0916 H0419608561 Bankstown BushwalkingClub. [email protected]
Conservation Officer - John Macris(02) 9526-7363 (H) National ParksAssociation [email protected].
Grose Valley Development Proposal Defeated...........................1
Grose Wilderness - Have you Made your Submission?..............3
Equilibrated Minds and Wilderness........................................4
Annual General Meeting 21st August 1999..............................5
Bushwalkers Go to War-at Home and Abroad........................6-7
“We Will Remember Them”....................................................8
Vale Joe Turner.......................................................................9
Walking in the Buckenbowra Gorge Area...............................10
NavShield 99 Australia’s Premier Navigation Event...............12
Dates to Remember for 1999.................................................14
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Fprivate organisations. Other problemsexist under the surface of the ESLcompany, including their belief inprivatising conservation, their trade inendangered species, and who maypotentially control the company in thefuture.
ESL raised the ire of the NPWS bycontinually making references totheir record of eliminatingferal animals from NationalParks. The comparison wasnever a fair one as therevegetation and feralanimal eradication recordof ESL is limited to aspecific electric-fenced area,while the NPWS has millionsof unfenced hectares to contend with.
Andy Macqueen (SpringwoodAndy Macqueen (SpringwoodAndy Macqueen (SpringwoodAndy Macqueen (SpringwoodAndy Macqueen (SpringwoodBushwalkers & author of Back fromBushwalkers & author of Back fromBushwalkers & author of Back fromBushwalkers & author of Back fromBushwalkers & author of Back fromthe Brink – the story of the Grosethe Brink – the story of the Grosethe Brink – the story of the Grosethe Brink – the story of the Grosethe Brink – the story of the GroseVVVVValley); Noel Plumb (NPalley); Noel Plumb (NPalley); Noel Plumb (NPalley); Noel Plumb (NPalley); Noel Plumb (NPA); and KeithA); and KeithA); and KeithA); and KeithA); and KeithMuir (Colong Foundation) wereMuir (Colong Foundation) wereMuir (Colong Foundation) wereMuir (Colong Foundation) wereMuir (Colong Foundation) weretargetted by ESL for rebuttals andtargetted by ESL for rebuttals andtargetted by ESL for rebuttals andtargetted by ESL for rebuttals andtargetted by ESL for rebuttals andthroughout the political campaign,throughout the political campaign,throughout the political campaign,throughout the political campaign,throughout the political campaign,for daring to speak out against ESLfor daring to speak out against ESLfor daring to speak out against ESLfor daring to speak out against ESLfor daring to speak out against ESL’’’’’sssssproposals.proposals.proposals.proposals.proposals.
Of course, the owner of theCoalpac lease on the site, Noel Craven, issupportive of the project because it meanshe won’t have to spend money to removethe infrastructure and rehabilitate theland as he is required to do. He took overthe site in 1987. The contract for coalsupply was terminated over a year agoand 22 workers had to go elsewhere whenthe mine closed.
ESL apparently needs the site tofund their Scotia Sanctuary in WesternNSW and have garnered support frompeople in the Lithgow area who do notfall into the Blue Mountains City Councilarea where the site is located. Hardly anydiscussion has focussed on the effect thatESL’s venture would have on the BlueMountains National Park.
The Bushwalking movement hasbeen working towards conservation oflarge areas to be left intact and free ofmodern human intrusions for 67 yearssince the purchase and reservation ofBlue Gum Forest in 1932, and obviouslyalso finds ESL proposals to be alien tothis ethic.
The unique, breathtakinglybeautiful views and pristine condition of
the area on the rim of the Grose Valleyare to be taken care of and valued. Theyshould not be locked away as the preserveof a company who will make majoralterations to the ecology and theenvironment without consultation withthe community. The prevailing thoughton the topic is that the heritage we have
fought for, loved, and cared forover generations notbe given away lightlyto an aggressive,heavy-handedcompany whowould make it
accessible only ontheir terms, effec-
tively removing it fromthe general public’s hands.
Habitat preservation, as occurs now, ismore important than merely protectingnative wildlife. It has been documentedin the USA and Canada that costlydamage has been done to National Parksby commercial developments, which arenow being removed. We do not want arepeat of that situation in New SouthWales or Australia.
ESL, since finding that the areathey had singled out has been removedfrom their easy grasp, has vowed to fighton, and are continuing their heavyhanded attempt to now gain a lease fromthe National Parks to manage part of thepublic’s land. With Bob Debus nowholding the Environment Minister’sposition this scheme will hopefully provefruitless.
from page 1
Prizes for best decorated table, lucky door prizes.Come along & make up a table with your club
PetershamTown Hall
7-30
$10.00 single$25 family
BYODance to the Musicof The Currency
Lads
GGGGGROSEROSEROSEROSEROSE
WWWWWILDERNESSILDERNESSILDERNESSILDERNESSILDERNESS - - - - -HHHHHAAAAAVEVEVEVEVE YOUYOUYOUYOUYOU M M M M MADEADEADEADEADE
As the preceeding article shows,there is no longer any doubt that grandecotourism schemes will emerge whichconflict greatly with the vision thatBushwalkers have long had for the GroseValley, as place where primitive valuesshould remain intact and in a smallnumber of instances (eg the mine site)restored.
By supporting Confederation'sproposed Grose Wilderness which is nowon public exhibition, you can helpensure long term protection under Statelaw for the wild values that still occurhere but which have been steadilydiminished in many other places.
Contrary to some suggestions,declaring a wilderness does not threatenthe popular and historic walking trailswhich many people use in the valley andsimilarly the formal camping facilities atAcacia Flat are not proposed as part ofthe wilderness, meaning no impact onthat site.
Submissions should be sent toThe Director-General Grose
Wilderness SubmissionC/-NPWS Blue Mountains District
PO Box 43 Blackheath NSW 2785Continued on page 4
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Suggested points:* Strongly support the protection of the proposed wilderness through declaration under the Wilderness Act.* Support the inclusion in the wilderness of the former Canyon Colliery lands.* In order to preclude future erosion of the wilderness values along the southern escarptment of the gorge,
support the declaration of the identified areas:i) surrounding the Victoria Falls road (though leaving the road itself outside the boundary);ii) in the catchment of Hat Hill Creek west of Hat Hill Road; iii) the Mount Hay Range and adjacent plateau areas north east of the pinnacles/Flat Top area.* In order to retain the identified wilderness values of the Govetts Gorge area (which falls outside the NPWS recommended
boundary), request that the Blue Mountains National Park Plan of Management include formal recognition of a Remote NaturalArea of around 2,100 ha, to ensure the gorge and adjacent areas like Fortress Ridge are managed with similar
goals to the rest of the wilderness.The Closing Date for submissions is 11th of JuneThe Closing Date for submissions is 11th of JuneThe Closing Date for submissions is 11th of JuneThe Closing Date for submissions is 11th of JuneThe Closing Date for submissions is 11th of June
From page 3
It is paradoxical thatwilderness or primitive bushlandshould be one of the reallyindispensable necessities ofmodern existence in its soundestsense. This is the new andmodern view. So far, civilisationhas destroyed the greater part ofwhat once was primeval wilder-ness. But now, when mankindbegins to envisage completeurbanisation and subjection ofthe remaining wild parts of thecountry, the prospect is a weari-some and worrying one; forwhere else can man go to escapehis civilization? The thoughtthat the country can never gowild again is positively appalling.It has resulted in this action: thatall over the world forested andscenic areas have been set apartfor the recreation purposes ofmankind, where be can ridhimself of the shackles of orderedexistence. Hence the greatnational parks.
But more significant thanthis is the demand for really�primitive-areas�-great portions ofhuge national parks wherein noroads may be constructed, nobuildings erected, and no fencesor other �improvements� areallowed To lose themselves for awhile in such roadless, primitive-areas, to �go bush� in the moun-tains, is the great endeavour of
countless thousands of humanbeings-from the cultured acad-emician and the business man,with their multifarious interest,to the countryman, tradesmanand labourer, with their simplermodes of living More and morepeople want back again theforested and mountainouswilderness whichhas been lost Themovement is notmerely a passingphase. The morecomplicatedexistence becomes,the more necessaryit is to have thiswonderful pallia-tive handy topreserve .thenatural balance ofminds, strengthenordinary, com-radely humannature, and perfecthealthy physique;also to preserve forthe human racethat connectionwith things naturaland wholesomewhich now is morethan ever neces-sary, because ofour remarkablyartificial city andtown environ-ment.
EEEEEQUILIBRAQUILIBRAQUILIBRAQUILIBRAQUILIBRATEDTEDTEDTEDTED M M M M MINDSINDSINDSINDSINDS ANDANDANDANDAND W W W W WILDERNESSILDERNESSILDERNESSILDERNESSILDERNESS
Join one of our treks across the Kokoda Trail.Savour the atmosphere, history andchallenge of this unique destination.
Small group departures operate most monthsof the year. Alternatively, canoe the Sepik
River, hike with Huli Wigman or bikethrough New Ireland.
PNG has a special adventure for you -without the crowds
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FCAMPBELLTOWN
2/20 Blaxland Rd Campbelltown(nextdoor to Capt’n Snooze)
OPEN 7 DAYS( (02)4627-8288
Camping . BBQ’s . Outdoor Furniture - Bushwalking section withlots of specials. Adventure One (J&H)- Salomon - Scarpa -
Great Outdoors - Coleman - Tatonka -Berghaus and lots more top brands
Rockclimbing and Abseiling section now open - Expert advice!
Stores also at 201 The Entrance Rd ErinaHomebase Retail Centre Prospect. 82 Parramatta
Rd Lidcombe & opening soon at Caringbahvisit our web site at www.greatoutdoors.com.au
Nice people with friendly advice
AAAAANNUALNNUALNNUALNNUALNNUAL GGGGGENERALENERALENERALENERALENERAL MMMMMEETINGEETINGEETINGEETINGEETING 21 21 21 21 21STSTSTSTST A A A A AUGUSTUGUSTUGUSTUGUSTUGUST 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999This year the AGM will be held at the Mt Colah Community Centre Pierre Cl Mt Colah . Note to all northern Clubs.
Get off the freeway at the Mt Colah exit. The meeting starts at 1-00pm. There is a nice area for a picnic lunch near thecentre. Tea and Coffee will be available for early birds as well as tea and bickies for afternoon tea mid-way through themeeting.
The Confederation encourages all country clubs to attend this meeting. With this in mind any member who wouldlike to attend we will arrange for ‘billets” Please contact any member of the Confederation committee. List on page 2 ofthis magazine.
BARRINGTON’S BEST KEPT
SECRET IS... �YERANDA COTTAGES�
Main Creek, Dungog, 2420.Ph/fax (02)49921208email: [email protected]/~yerandaSecluded, rock-walled cottages;perfect self-contained bushretreat for couples or singles.140 acre wildlife refuge.Tariff: From $75 per double pernight. Minimum two night stay.Midweek packages available.
�THE BOWER�
855 Main Creek Rd,Dungog,2420Ph. (02)49921899email: [email protected] a forest & farm holiday, stayin our comfortable self-contained4 bedroom cottage.Ideal family get away!Tariff: $70 per double per night.Minimum stay 2 nightsGroup & weekly rates available
�CARAWIRRY CABINS�
72 Cabbage Tree Rd., DungogPh: 0249921859Fax:0249923255email:[email protected] eco-tourism andwildlife refuge.Secluded self-contained logcabins in a rainforest.Tariff: 3 night weekend packagefor two adults $160Group concessions.
�KOOKABURRA�S REST�
Main Creek, Dungog 2420Ph: 0249921859Fax:0249923255email:[email protected] three level family Lodgeset within magnificent views.Accommodates couples orgroups.Tariff: 3 night weekend groupbooking. $75 per adultwith children under 12 half price.
Main Creek Magic is an experience we wouldn�t want you to miss.
��the gateway to the forests� offering a uniqueexperience in bushwalking,
majestic waterfalls,abundant birds and
wildlife, horse riding,privacy, peace and
tranquillity, picnics andswimming in idyllic
locations. Nowhere elsecan this be offered with
such generosity!
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Andy Macqueen - SpringwoodBushwalking Club
Last year marked the passingof Thor Schache, an earlymember of the YMCA
Ramblers and, more recently an activeconservationist in the Blue Mountains.For a time he was President of the BlueMountains Conservation Society.
When I spoke to him a couple ofyears ago he told me of his involvementin World War II, and gave me a perspec-tive on bushwalking and Confederationhistory that I was only vaguely aware of.Of course, he was only one of many clubbushwalkers who served in the war.Some returned, some did not. But hisparticular storyintrigued me.
Thor Schache(pronounced ‘Shacky’)joined the Ramblers in1939, after moving toSydney from Mel-bourne. In the club hewas taught aboutwalking rhythm,breathing and so on.
He went to NewGuinea in 1940 to buildair force facilities. Hewanted to avoid acombat role, being apacifist, but was soonconscripted into a moredemanding role, exploring and guidingfor Australian and American troops inthe mountains and jungles. In thatcapacity he walked the Kokoda Trailthree times and the ‘Napa Napa’ once,and undertook several other longexpeditions. Though the jungle environ-ment was new to him, he thanked hisbushwalker training for his very survival.
On the Napa Napa for instance,Thor told me how he was appointedguide for a contingent of Americanswhose plan was to cut the Japanese off ata strategic bridge. However, he quicklyfound the Americans were hopelesslyunfit. Only 15 of the contingent of 250made the first day’s journey, the restcollapsing exhausted along the way.
They returned to base, where Thor gavethem a week’s bushwalker-style fitnesstraining and instructed them inbushcraft skills-like how to stay drythrough the sodden nights. The opera-tion was resumed, though after a weektravelling in the jungle they were detectedby the enemy. In the resulting bombard-ment almost all the contingent was killedor wounded, though, according to Thor,25 Japanese planes were shot down. Thorhimself survived largely unscathed.
During any war, the morale of thesoldiers is kept up by letters and encour-agement from home. News from homewas rare for Thor, travelling in remotejungle, but one day there was a brightmoment when he received a package of
photos and other material from adedicated bunch of people back inSydney. He told me “You have no idea ofwhat pleasure these photos gave memiles from anywhere, not knowing whatwas in store for me, as I usually had onlynatives to talk to. Remembering the goodtimes helped a lot.”
Pictured-at their true size-are thefour pages of the little booklet hereceived, depicting scenes at the 4thAnnual Federation Reunion, held on 30-31 October 1943, at Heathcote Creek.Some of the figures are recognisable askey bushwalking figures of the day,including Jean Moppet and HarryWhitehouse. (The booklet will be lodgedin Confederation’s collection in the
Mitchell Library.)Many other bushwalkers serving
around the world would have receivedseveral packages like this. Unfortunatelyfor Thor, this was the only one he got. Ashe explained, “I was often out bush, andthe mail was sent to me via carrying stickwith the mail wrapped in a banana skinto keep it dry. I knew they sent me manythings and newsletters but as I had tokeep moving they did not always reachme.”
Who were the dedicated peopleback home? They were Federationbushwalkers, from various clubs. Womanmainly, but also men-too old to serveoverseas or retained at home for theirlocal contributions. A leading light was
Dorothy Lawry,Sydney BushWalker and editorof ‘TheBushwalker’. Arelated group, ledby WinDuncombe, wasactive within theSydney BushWalkers. Theyparcelled upphotos, newslet-ters and copies of‘The Bushwalker’for dispatch tocomrades aroundthe globe.
Indeed, this volunteer effort canprobably be thanked for the specialquality of the annual wartime issues of‘The Bushwalker’. Authors and editorsalike were keen to produce somethingspecial for the blokes overseas.
For most of us, all that is a longtime ago and the circumstances arehardly imaginable. Bushwalking went onregardless, and the club movementsurvived. But some walkers neverreturned,(see page 8) and the lives ofothers had been changed forever. Forsome veterans, the old bushwalkinghaunts and practices lost their innocentformer meaning; others took it up againwith renewed zeal.
BBBBBUSHWUSHWUSHWUSHWUSHWALKERSALKERSALKERSALKERSALKERS G G G G GOOOOO TOTOTOTOTO W W W W WARARARARAR-----AAAAATTTTT H H H H HOMEOMEOMEOMEOME ANDANDANDANDAND A A A A ABROADBROADBROADBROADBROAD
Soldies off to war - photo courtesy Webster Publishing
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Edited from “The Bushwalker.”1946 by Colin Wood.
MMMMMany Bushwalkers –any Bushwalkers –any Bushwalkers –any Bushwalkers –any Bushwalkers –both men and womenboth men and womenboth men and womenboth men and womenboth men and women– served with the– served with the– served with the– served with the– served with the
Forces in the Seconf WForces in the Seconf WForces in the Seconf WForces in the Seconf WForces in the Seconf World World World World World War andar andar andar andar andmost of them, fortunatelymost of them, fortunatelymost of them, fortunatelymost of them, fortunatelymost of them, fortunately, returned to, returned to, returned to, returned to, returned tous. Some, however will never againus. Some, however will never againus. Some, however will never againus. Some, however will never againus. Some, however will never againwalk the bush tracks. Not one of thesewalk the bush tracks. Not one of thesewalk the bush tracks. Not one of thesewalk the bush tracks. Not one of thesewalk the bush tracks. Not one of theserests on his native soil, yet the love ofrests on his native soil, yet the love ofrests on his native soil, yet the love ofrests on his native soil, yet the love ofrests on his native soil, yet the love ofeach for his country was deep,each for his country was deep,each for his country was deep,each for his country was deep,each for his country was deep,intimate and abiding; deep but notintimate and abiding; deep but notintimate and abiding; deep but notintimate and abiding; deep but notintimate and abiding; deep but notostentatious, intimate in a joy in treeostentatious, intimate in a joy in treeostentatious, intimate in a joy in treeostentatious, intimate in a joy in treeostentatious, intimate in a joy in treeand grass and skyand grass and skyand grass and skyand grass and skyand grass and sky, abiding in the very, abiding in the very, abiding in the very, abiding in the very, abiding in the veryfibre.fibre.fibre.fibre.fibre.
The following is a list of thosewho did not return. I don’t profess thatthis list is definitive, and apologise inadvance for anydiscrepanciesand any bravesoul I haveommited.
CharlesCharlesCharlesCharlesCharlesRobertsRobertsRobertsRobertsRoberts - Coastand MountainWalkers an avidconservationistand Secretary ofThe Federation.“He was the adventurious type who lovedto break into new country; he was a goodcomrade and a good bushman” He gavehis life in Malaya, after he was capturedand spent time as a prisoner of war.
Arnold Ray Arnold Ray Arnold Ray Arnold Ray Arnold Ray – while living in thecountry, he travelled to the city andjoined Coast and Mountain Walkers, “hetravelled many miles on his motor biketo join his city friends on their trips.” Hiswalking was mostely done in the BlueMountains, but later because of changeof work gave him the opportunity to walkin alpine country. He joined the RAAF. Hewent overseas and gave his life duringoperations against Germany.
Gordon TGordon TGordon TGordon TGordon Townend ownend ownend ownend ownend – Originallyfrom England he came to love the“charm of the brown and blue Australianlandscape” He joined Coast and Moun-tain Walkers and for some time walked inthe Blue Mountains and National Park.In July 1942 he joined the RAAF hopingto be transferred to Britain and join the
“W“W“W“W“WEEEEE W W W W WILLILLILLILLILL R R R R REMEMBEREMEMBEREMEMBEREMEMBEREMEMBER T T T T THEMHEMHEMHEMHEM”””””defence of his motherland. His dreamwas fulfilled, two years later he wasreported missing while on an operationover Germany.
Bruce Elder Bruce Elder Bruce Elder Bruce Elder Bruce Elder – had only beenwalking a short time when he enlisted inthe Royal Australian Navy. He joinedCoast and Mountain Walkers in 1938, hisfirst trip was a fortnights duration in theClyde River district.“Shattered my glass,ere half the sands had run.” What thisearly love for nature would haveproduced we shall never know. He wentdown with his ship, HMAS “Sydney” inDecember 1941.
Gordon Marshall Mannell Gordon Marshall Mannell Gordon Marshall Mannell Gordon Marshall Mannell Gordon Marshall Mannell –joined “The Sydney Bush Walkers” in
March 1934, he was amember of the firstparty (SBW) to climbMt King George (MtBanks). Although thefather of two youngchildren he enlistedin the RAAF andserved as an airgunner. He wasposted missing after abombing raid overGermany in 1945.
Gordon Smith Gordon Smith Gordon Smith Gordon Smith Gordon Smith – died in ajapanese prison camp during the laststages of the war. Gordon started walkingas a track walker in 1921 and was anoutstanding athlete, holding nearly allthe Australian long distant records. Hewas a foundation member of “TheSydney Bush Walker” joining in 1928.He, along with other members of the clubpioneered a number of routes which arenow popular walks, including the firsttraverse of Gangerang, where his namehas been given to the pass leading to therange from Kanangra; and the first tripdown the Colo River. He enlisted in theAIF early in 1940 and was taken prisonerin Malaya in 1942 and died in a POWcamp. “He led his parties by his quietguidance and encouragement, never byassertion: which capicity is perhaps themeasure of true 1946 democraticleadership. His unassuming manner,good humor and quiet persuasivenessendeared him to all who knew him”.
Gordon Bruce Loder Gordon Bruce Loder Gordon Bruce Loder Gordon Bruce Loder Gordon Bruce Loder – afoundation member, and first secretary of“The Trampers Club” and delegate to theFederation, and as Federation Publicityofficer in 1940-41. Gordon enlisted inthe RAAF in May 1941 and trained as anobserver. He was a member of “ThePathfinder” force. He was commissionedas a Flight Lieutant and awarded the DFCin 1943. He failed to return fromoperations over Frankfurt and wasreported to be buried at Doornspuyk inHolland.
Jack WJack WJack WJack WJack Wall all all all all – a foundationmember and treasurer of “The CampfireClub” Jack answered the call to arms.After training as as a radio operator, hewas posted to Wellingtons in the MiddleEast. Flying Officer Jack Wall was lostwhile returning from a mission over theAdriatic Sea on the 7th July 1944.
Ken Grenfell Ken Grenfell Ken Grenfell Ken Grenfell Ken Grenfell – a member of “TheRucsack Club”, he was a member foronly a short time before joining the RAAF.He lost his life in an air raid overGermany.
Mac Nichols Mac Nichols Mac Nichols Mac Nichols Mac Nichols – a member of“YMCA Ramblers” joined in 1939 andbecame Social Secretary and member ofthe Rambler’s basketball team. Heenlisted in the AIF and was killed inaction at Singapore in February 1942.
James McCormack James McCormack James McCormack James McCormack James McCormack – was captainof the YMCA Rambler’s basketball team.He joined the RAAF and was attached tothe “HMAS Canberra”. As a result ofinjury he died on 9th August 1942 at theage of 21.
Two more of “The Sydney BushWalkers were killed in action namelyReginald Hewitt and NormanReginald Hewitt and NormanReginald Hewitt and NormanReginald Hewitt and NormanReginald Hewitt and NormanSaillSaillSaillSaillSaill.They were bushwalkers, and theirpersonalities live on in the hearts andminds of other bushwalkers.
“They shall not grow old,as we that are left grow old.Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sunand in the morning.
We will remember them.Laurence Binyon.
Off to War-Troop ship leavingSydney Harbour-Photo courtesy
Webster Publishing.
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Karen and I new what was in store as we entered Uncle Jack’s front door. We wouldalways get an invitation to one of their slide nights a few weeks after they had returned froma walk in some national park or other. Then we would get an hour or so of gum trees andsandy tracks while Aunty Mavis did a running commentary on what we were seeing and whatwe had just missed out on, ‘You’d be able to see the possum’, she would say, ‘if Jack’s camerastrap was not over the lens’. All pleasant enough I suppose but it was so predictable.
This time however it was very different.We were actually on the edge of our seats. Here were pictures of Jack and Mavis
standing on the top of the world. Well it looked like it anyway. Jack beaming away whileKanchenjunga, the third highest mountain on earth loomed up behind him and Maviswalking through a jungle of rhododendrons all in bloom, the biggest I had ever seen. Therewas Mavis spinning the prayer wheels at a Buddhist monastery and buying some gifts forhome at a Tibetan refugee centre I think she said and Jack in the tea gardens at Darjeelingand relaxing with a beer and new friends on the verandah at a grand hotel in Kalimpong.
Jack kept his slide show down to 30 minutes this time and Mavis spoke differently,relaxed but with more feeling somehow. We actually wanted to see more. When we weretalking about it later we felt that both of them seemed to have changed a little, enthusiasticbut calmer at the same time. Something had happened on this walk and it got us thinking...
Refresh the spirit with Darjeeling W with Darjeeling W with Darjeeling W with Darjeeling W with Darjeeling Walking Talking Talking Talking Talking Tours and Tours and Tours and Tours and Tours and Tailored Tailored Tailored Tailored Tailored Tours, designedours, designedours, designedours, designedours, designedfor people 35 to 55 but open to all of reasonable fitness. Planned and escorted byfor people 35 to 55 but open to all of reasonable fitness. Planned and escorted byfor people 35 to 55 but open to all of reasonable fitness. Planned and escorted byfor people 35 to 55 but open to all of reasonable fitness. Planned and escorted byfor people 35 to 55 but open to all of reasonable fitness. Planned and escorted byAustralian teachers living in India with the expectations of Australian walkers inAustralian teachers living in India with the expectations of Australian walkers inAustralian teachers living in India with the expectations of Australian walkers inAustralian teachers living in India with the expectations of Australian walkers inAustralian teachers living in India with the expectations of Australian walkers inmind. For details ofmind. For details ofmind. For details ofmind. For details ofmind. For details of Kali Travel Home T T T T Tours contactours contactours contactours contactours contact
SSSSSMALLMALLMALLMALLMALL W W W W WORLDORLDORLDORLDORLD T T T T TRARARARARAVELVELVELVELVEL P P P P PHONEHONEHONEHONEHONE 03 9836237 03 9836237 03 9836237 03 9836237 03 9836237FFFFFAXAXAXAXAX 03 98363248 03 98363248 03 98363248 03 98363248 03 98363248 EMAILEMAILEMAILEMAILEMAIL SMALLSMALLSMALLSMALLSMALLWORLDWORLDWORLDWORLDWORLD@@@@@DINGLEYDINGLEYDINGLEYDINGLEYDINGLEY.....NETNETNETNETNET
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With sadness we report thatbushwalker Joe Turner died on 2th February1999, aged almost 98. Joe was a member ofthe Sydney Bush Walkers, and a member ofthe Blue Gum Forest Committee responsiblefor the famous reservation of the forest in1931-32. All other members passed awaysome years ago.
Joe was secretary of the Committeeand subsequently, as a Trustee of the Forest,he was secretary of the Blue Gum Forest Trust.He resigned in 1941 to move to Armidale,never having missed a meeting in his tenyears of service. After his move Joe continuedhis interest in conservation, being active inthe National Parks Association and the localFlora and Flora society.
I was privileged to interview Joe in1994. I was struck by his vivid and heartfeltrecolections of the Blue Gun campaign, andby his most gentlemanly manner. Theinspiritation he gave me was one of thedriving forces which led to my book on theforest.
A fuller obituary to Joe was publishedin the March edition of Sydney Bushwalker.
Andy MacqueenPS: The soundtrack and transcriptions
of Andy Macqueen’s interview with Joe Turner,and six other interviews conducted in the BlueGum Forest Oral History Project, are expectedto be available to interested persons or clubslater this year.
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National Park in the north and Deua inthe south. It has been the very steep natureof this catchment which has seen it sparedfrom the logging schedule to date. Steepareas may deter loggers (for a time) butthey have something of the opposite effecton curious bushwalkers.
On the very windy long weekendafter Christmas, the party of two left ourcar near the head of the ‘Corn Trail’(more on this later) and headed crosscountry to Murrengeburg Mountain onthe range which divides the Buckenbowraand Mongarlowe Rivers. Just as the mapsdepicted, this range is without a trace offiretrails. The first few kilometres werecharacterised by moist eucalypt forestswith a dense understory of ground fernsand vines - quite slow and taxing walking.After fighting through one particularly
thick saddle, the groundbecame rockier and ourvegetation dramaticallychanged to a dry openforest with sparseunderstory of grass treesand heathy shrubs. Thismade for very agreeableridge walking, althoughless than it might havebeen due to theferocious winds whichwere right at that time
bedeviling the Sydney-Hobart competitors.The open vegetation also revealedinteresting views across to the coast, northto Pigeon House and down into the fairlyformidable looking gorge
The ridges leading into the gorge,with rare exception all start very steeply offthe main range and picking the rightpoint to exit was tricky. As it eventuated,the exit point we first selected thenabandoned in favour of backtracking ashort way would have provided the bestway onto our proposed descent. Oursecond best choice rewarded us with aboutan hour of sliding (but its long enoughago now to remember the chore withfondness).
To put the ridge into perspective,after an extremely steep first 200 metresit was probably akin in steepness to theColboyd Range that accesses theKowmung via lower Christys Creek. We
reached the river by around 6.00 pmand in our depleted state and eagernessto scratch out a very minimalistcampsite, we did not pay much regardto the stunning watercourse in the smallravine below us. After a blowy night weelected to spend the morning exploringup river. The point where we had set upcamp was at a tight bend in thewatercourse and the ravine turned outto be short lived. In fact the river wasremarkably easy to follow, which allowsone to concentrate almost solely on thescenery - this is a rainforest stream andits beauty is the equal of any I have seenin the northern rainforest parks. Massesof birdsnest ferns abounded along with
cabbage palms, Dicksonia tree fernsand canopy species such as the GiantStinging Tree, Coachwood and Sassa-fras.
The river is relatively smallalthough still bigger than your averagecreek. Attractive pools with small cascadesand fringed with rainforest were inreasonable abundance.
After a successful morning in theupper reaches of the Buckenbowra Riverwe headed down river through continuingexquisite rainforest, cascades and pools.Progress was reasonably easy and the onlything this section of the gorge lacks isplaces to camp.
A few kilometres downstream therainforest began to give way to openforests. Soon after the main access ridgeon the east side of the valley came in andwith it the historic Corn Trail.
WWWWWALKINGALKINGALKINGALKINGALKING INININININ THETHETHETHETHE B B B B BUCKENBOWRAUCKENBOWRAUCKENBOWRAUCKENBOWRAUCKENBOWRA
GGGGGORGEORGEORGEORGEORGE A A A A AREAREAREAREAREA
South-East Forest Alliance collection Photo by John Macris
ConservationConservationConservationConservationConservationOfficer John MacrisOfficer John MacrisOfficer John MacrisOfficer John MacrisOfficer John Macrisreports on a threereports on a threereports on a threereports on a threereports on a three
day walk in someday walk in someday walk in someday walk in someday walk in somerugged yet invitingrugged yet invitingrugged yet invitingrugged yet invitingrugged yet inviting
country west of Batemanscountry west of Batemanscountry west of Batemanscountry west of Batemanscountry west of BatemansBay - the Buckenbowra gorge.Bay - the Buckenbowra gorge.Bay - the Buckenbowra gorge.Bay - the Buckenbowra gorge.Bay - the Buckenbowra gorge.
If you have driven the KingsHighway from Batemans Bay up onto thesouthern tabelands to Braidwood, you mayhave caught a few glimpses while round-ing the tight bends, of a very deep gulffalling away to the south of Clyde Moun-tain. The eastern escarpment here is lessthan 40 kilometres from the coast and risesto between 800 and 1000 metres inaltitude, creating a magnet for moistureladen air. At the foot of this range the
Buckenbowra River and a number oftributaries flow southwards before turningeast through gentler country to join theClyde River near Nellingen. The upperreaches of this catchment (over 3,000 ha)are essentially free of modern humandisturbance, to the extent that even themajor surrounding ridges have beenspared from the network of fire trails thathave ingressed much of the southernranges since the 1960s. Thus we have inthis river a ‘reference’ catchment whichmust be regarded as a rarity.
I had been interested in this area forsome time as it forms the biggest missinglink in the chain of National Parks thatcurrently stretch along the southern rangesfrom the Illawarra to the East Gippslandarea in Victoria. The area is presentlywithin two State Forests - Monga andBuckenbowra, which join Budawang
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produce to the tablelands from thefarmland in the lower valleys during thefirst half of last century. It had become
disused by the turn of the century but wasreopened as a bicentennial project in1988. We followed this downstream for ashort way, admiring some giant river oaksand tall open forest.
The banks also become a little bitmore suited to camping as the valley
This park is famous for its spectacular scenery and
varied flora and fauna. The nearest accomodation is“Tibuc”, an 800 acre property adjoining the park.
Our charming self-contained mud-brick cabinsOur charming self-contained mud-brick cabinsOur charming self-contained mud-brick cabinsOur charming self-contained mud-brick cabinsOur charming self-contained mud-brick cabinsoffer you a unique opportunity to enjoy the solitude ofoffer you a unique opportunity to enjoy the solitude ofoffer you a unique opportunity to enjoy the solitude ofoffer you a unique opportunity to enjoy the solitude ofoffer you a unique opportunity to enjoy the solitude ofthe bush in comfort. The closest town isthe bush in comfort. The closest town isthe bush in comfort. The closest town isthe bush in comfort. The closest town isthe bush in comfort. The closest town isCoonabarabran, the Astronomy Capital of Australia,Coonabarabran, the Astronomy Capital of Australia,Coonabarabran, the Astronomy Capital of Australia,Coonabarabran, the Astronomy Capital of Australia,Coonabarabran, the Astronomy Capital of Australia,where Skywatch Observatory is open to the publicwhere Skywatch Observatory is open to the publicwhere Skywatch Observatory is open to the publicwhere Skywatch Observatory is open to the publicwhere Skywatch Observatory is open to the publicevery nightevery nightevery nightevery nightevery night
shows, the neighbouring MongarloweRiver contains forests of the remarkablePinkwood which, with their coppicinggrowth habit, are over 2,000 years in age.It is our hope that these wild lands willbecome a National Park as part of theSouthern Forest assessment, which is duefor completion this year. So would beclosed the main gap in the escarpmentreserve system (the only other beingbetween Deua and Wadbilliga in the upperTuross catchment).
I would recommend the area ascapable of providing either a veryinteresting on track walk in the CornTrail, a challenging 2-3 day wildernesstype walk via the numerous tracklessridges and mountain streams or acombination of the two as we did.
Your club could support thesouthern forest parks initiatives byscheduling a walk in this area or otherkey park proposals. If you would likesome further notes on walking in the areacontact me under the numbers listed atthe front of this issue of the Bushwalker.
opens up.A night was spent in this transition
area before capitalising on the Corn Trailfor a quick exit the following morning.
This ridge is quite a tamegradient with frequent viewsover the gorge and a veryinteresting mixture of forestsand finally heath as the highplateau is attained. I am awarethat this is one route underconsideration for a 3 statewalking track which is in itsconceptual stages. I have strongreservations about the suitabil-ity of this area for accommo-
dating such a tourist concept, particularlywith the limited availability of naturalcampsites and also the high wildernessand wild river values (Buckenbowra isunder assessment as a wilderness area) soI would like to see the ‘mega track’proposal look elsewhere.
As the picture from the South EastForest Alliance
collection
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This is an attempt to againThis is an attempt to againThis is an attempt to againThis is an attempt to againThis is an attempt to againenthuse you into being part of ourenthuse you into being part of ourenthuse you into being part of ourenthuse you into being part of ourenthuse you into being part of our11th Emergency Services Navigation11th Emergency Services Navigation11th Emergency Services Navigation11th Emergency Services Navigation11th Emergency Services NavigationShield - NavShield 99.Shield - NavShield 99.Shield - NavShield 99.Shield - NavShield 99.Shield - NavShield 99.
The NavShield is a great way toget some concentrated navigationpractice over either one day or two.There is no set course to follow (like inan Orienteering event) so you can do asmany or as few check points as takesyour fancy but for safety you will stillhave to be part of a team.
100 teams competed last year, thisyear promises to be bigger with teamscoming form Victoria
You can either camp overnight byyour vehicle or drive in on Saturdaymorning for the massed start at around8.20am. Don’t plan at arriving then asyou have to register, with all the otherkeen last minute registrees, and map allthe checkpoints before planning yourroute.
This is a bushwalkers event. SomeRogaines give you ‘premarked’ maps butnot this one. Catering is available at thefinish so you can get on with some greatsocialising with other bushwalkers andemergency services personnel.
They don’t bite and often areinteresting to see how non bushwalkersview the bush; often sympathetic butdifferent.
The presentation ceremony isalways held about one and a half hoursafter the finish so that by the time youare ready to go home you will know yourresults and be thinking of how to dobetter next year. Its that type of event! Itsucks you in to try again and again. Wehave many repeat teams from a widerange of areas and emergency services.
Bushwalking clubs paticitapionawards $300 for 2 day $150 for 1day.
Send an entry form back to theBushwalkers Wilderness RescueBushwalkers Wilderness RescueBushwalkers Wilderness RescueBushwalkers Wilderness RescueBushwalkers Wilderness RescueSecretary -Secretary -Secretary -Secretary -Secretary -
PO Box 22 Canterbury 2193.PO Box 22 Canterbury 2193.PO Box 22 Canterbury 2193.PO Box 22 Canterbury 2193.PO Box 22 Canterbury 2193.Entry forms will be posted to your
club in late April. The entry form hasmore details of how the event is organ-ised but NO location details.
.So send an entry form in butdon’t bring them or your GPS toNavShield ’99.
Regards, Keith MaxwellDirector Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue
WhenWhenWhenWhenWhen: 3rd-4th July 1999WhereWhereWhereWhereWhere: South-West of harbourWho can enterWho can enterWho can enterWho can enterWho can enter: The event is open
to rescue teams world-wide and confed-erations of Bushwalking club membersand rogainers. All groups must havecurrent insurance to enter.
What to bring:What to bring:What to bring:What to bring:What to bring: Each team mustbe self-sufficient. Two day teams mustcarry sleeping bags shelter, food andclothing. One day teams need not carrybags or shelter.
FOR BOOKINGS or YOUR FREEYHA INFORMATION PACK CALL NOWPh: (02) 9261 1111 Fax: (02) 9261 1969www.yha.com.aue-mail: [email protected]
NEWCASTLE YHAYuelarbah Track aspectacular part ofGreat North walk.$17 per person
per night.
Bushwalk and Stay with YHA!
BEGA YHAMumbulla Mountain
Four wheel drivetours, rainforestsand waterfalls.$13 per person
per night.
CANBECANBERRA YHATidbinbilla ReserveModern hostel inbush setting.Peaceful rainforestand cascade walks.$15 per person per night.
FOver 140YHA's
throughoutAustralia
F Selfcateringkitchens
F YHA groupmembership forYOUR club only
$27
F Many YHA'sprovidecatering
NNNNNAAAAAVVVVVSSSSSHIELDHIELDHIELDHIELDHIELD 99 A 99 A 99 A 99 A 99 AUSTRALIAUSTRALIAUSTRALIAUSTRALIAUSTRALIA’’’’’SSSSS P P P P PREMIERREMIERREMIERREMIERREMIER N N N N NAAAAAVIGAVIGAVIGAVIGAVIGATIONTIONTIONTIONTION E E E E EVENTVENTVENTVENTVENT
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FFFFFOROROROROR C C C C CARARARARARTOONSTOONSTOONSTOONSTOONS - D - D - D - D - DRARARARARAWINGSWINGSWINGSWINGSWINGS
SSSSSPECIALISEDPECIALISEDPECIALISEDPECIALISEDPECIALISED A A A A ARRRRRTTTTT W W W W WORKORKORKORKORK - - - - -NNNNNEWSLETTEREWSLETTEREWSLETTEREWSLETTEREWSLETTER D D D D DESIGNESIGNESIGNESIGNESIGN
JJJJJOANNEOANNEOANNEOANNEOANNE W W W W WELLSELLSELLSELLSELLS
This is Trekking at its best, withSherpa porters and full camping equip-
ment. 17 different treks throughout The NepalThe NepalThe NepalThe NepalThe NepalHimalaya. Agent: Himalaya. Agent: Himalaya. Agent: Himalaya. Agent: Himalaya. Agent: Chris Burn. (02) 9939-186219 Ryan Place Beacon Hill NSW 2100www.south-asia.com/magicmountain/[email protected]
CCCCCONVICTONVICTONVICTONVICTONVICT E E E E ESCAPESCAPESCAPESCAPESCAPE
BBBBBUSHUSHUSHUSHUSH W W W W WALKALKALKALKALKWe have a one ,two,or three day Bushwalkfrom Circular Quay to Woy Woy. Alltransport, meals and accommodationprovided.
Contact-Chris Gilbert Ph/Fax 02-43412088Bay View Hotel Woy Woy.
European Walking & Cycling HolidaysFRANCE & TUSCANY
A wide selection of independent & small groupholidays from 3 - 18 days including select hotels, localcuisine & baggage transfers. Also UK & Ireland,Switzerland (Mont Blanc), Spain (Pyrenees), Morocco,
Greece &Turkey, Norway,Romania, Poland etc.Also high ‘Mountain Hut walks’for experienced walkers
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The Remote Area First-aid course is designed to equip those individuals whose interests, activitiesor employment takes them to isolated areas, with the knowledge and skills necessary to give ongoingcare, over a prolonged period of time, to an ill/injured casualty. For enquires contact St John AmbulanceN.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 protected] or visit the website at http://rogaine.asn.au
The Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs represents over 65 clubs and 10,000 walkers in NSW. Visitour 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.
DDDDDAAAAATESTESTESTESTES TOTOTOTOTO R R R R REMEMBEREMEMBEREMEMBEREMEMBEREMEMBER FORFORFORFORFOR 1999 G 1999 G 1999 G 1999 G 1999 GETETETETET T T T T THEMHEMHEMHEMHEM ONONONONON YOURYOURYOURYOURYOUR C C C C CLUBLUBLUBLUBLUB’’’’’SSSSS C C C C CALENDARALENDARALENDARALENDARALENDAR
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Page I
Club’sSupplement to
Alex Tucker Tracks &Access Officer
Confederation has written to theManager Snowy MountainsRegion , NPWS requesting a
review of a decision to include some 15 km ofpublic road in the official AAWT route fromCharlottes Pass to Guthega power Station. Wefully agree with the decision not to promotethe trackless area of the Main Range betweenMt Townsend and the Whites River hut bothfor walker safety and for the environmentalimpacts of increased numbers. We have sup-ported the proposal of the Tasmanian ParksService to introduce a licensing system fortheir World Heritage Wilderness Area. Weconsider that the high country of KosciuszkoN.P. needs and deserves similar protection.
The Summit Road to Smiggins Holes andthe Link Road to Guthega are often icy evenon the mornings in Spring & Summer Theyoften appear as narrow snow canyons withvery little room for walkers to avoid a skiddingcar, particularly if the driver has not muchexperience of driving on icy roads. Whencombined with the lack of a view it all tends toencourage more walkers to tackle the MainRange, whether or not they are equipped andexperienced enough to do so.
There is an alternative, leaving the sum-mit road after about 2 km from the Chalet andfollowing a “footpad “ along Spencer’s Creekto the Guthega Road thence downhill to the
Power Station and along the Schlink Passfiretrail to the Whites River Hut.
I would be interested to learn the reac-tions of readers to the alternative.
We understand that in 1997, a subcom-mittee of the intergovernmental AustralianAlps Liaison Committee (AALC) had allo-cated funds for a feasibility study of the abovealternative. It appears that a representative ofthe NPWS on the AALC may have vetoed thestudy and it did not proceed. It was this deci-sion that we hoped to have reviewed.
We received a detailed reply from theSnowy Mountains Region advising that theirstaff had no knowledge of the brief for theFeasibility Study but after discussions amongthe staff and with the Regional AdvisoryCommittee, the consensus was that construc-tion of the Spencers Creek track was not anappropriate activity in that part of the Park.
We have no complaint with the Regionwho seem to have given our letter due consid-eration. However we consider that there hasbeen a high level veto, it would be a breach ofthe spirit of the Memorandum of Understand-ing (MoU) in Relation to the Co-operativeManagement of the Australian Alps” signed in1986 by the four Ministers responsible for theNational Parks. The signatory for NSW wasthe Hon. Bob Carr M.P.in his capacity asMinister for Planning and Environment. TheMoU was reaffirmed in 1998 and The HonPam Allen M.P was a signatory We have nowwritten to the Premier and the Minister for theEnvironment requesting action to allow thefeasibility study to take place and,if the resultsare approved by the AALC, to fund the con-struction and maintenance of the Spencer’sCreek track as a project of State significance.
Australian Alps Walking TrackAlong The Track
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Summit Management/Technical Committee
In his letter, the Acting Manager,Snowy Mountains Region invited Confedera-tion to appoint a representative to the aboveCommittee. This offer has been accepted byConfederation and I am asking any interestedmembers to apply. The appointee does nothave to be a representative of his club toconfederation. The Constitution allows for theappointment of co-opted members. Howevershe/he will be expected to report on the meet-ings attended, particularly to advise of anymatters not adequately covered in the officialminutes. The prime requirement is the abilityto present the interests of bushwalkers to theSM/TC in a forcible but polite manner even ifshe/he is a minority of one person. The Spen-cer’s Creek track might prove to be a rareexample. Obviously the appointment of amember of the Geehi Bushwalking Club,based in Cooma would be the least expensivefor Confederation, and I have advised them ofthe appointment by letter. However I havebudgeted for the travel costs listed in the“advertisement “ in this issue, Ibelieve it is important that ourrepresentative stays inJindabyne or any othermeeting location for atleast two nights totake full advan-tage of the infor-mal contacts withother committeemembers.
Access to Bonnum Pic.The possibility of providing access to
Bonnum Pic without crossing private farmlandis still open. NPWS surveyors have now re-marked the boundary of Nattai N.P In com-pany with the newly transferred Ranger andthe President of Southern HighlandsBushwalkers, I hope to inspect the boundarybefore the end of April. We hope that a “foot-pad” along the fence line will he practicable,with minimal disturbance to bushland.
Celebration of the NewMillenium
Confederation has received a letter fromthe Border Bushwalking Club,based inWodonga as follows.
“Our club feels that we ought to dosomething special to celebrate the newmillenium on 1.1.2000. At present we areproposing that we should climb Mt Bogong thehighest mountain in Victoria and welcome inthe new millenium from there. If clubs in eachState climbed the highest mountain in thatState we could have a phone link up, althoughwe would have to allow for the time differenceacross Australia,
Wo u l d it be possible for you to can-vass the clubs in your State to see if thereare people who wish to participate insuch a phone hook up ...”
The April meeting ofConfederation decided that
my report was an appropriatesite to “canvass” the idea,
provided that it was clear thatthe meeting was of the opinionthat any expedition to MtKosciuskzo, and either stayingovernight or stumbling down at3 am (Midnight W.A Time)were all inappropriate activitiesin that National Park.
The meeting did notconsider whether individual clubs
might wish to climb less environmentallythreatened mountains. Club Members will beaware that any organised activity in a NSWNational Park requires specific written ap-proval from the NPWS District Manager andthat the Service does us the compliment oftreating all activities on a club program as“organised” whether or not the participantsagree to that adjective . (of course any privatewalk not listed in the club program is notcovered by Confederation’s insurance poli-cies.)
Federations & Clubs in other States will,of course, make their own judgements on theproposal. Personally I would not enjoy theprospect of being among dozens of walkersclimbing Mt Ossa or the Peasants Ridge of Mt
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Barney (as a surrogate for Bartle Frere near near Cairns) I must warn anyone wishing to climbthe highest point: in Ku Ring Gai Chase N.P that it will be crowded by members of the localRural Fire Service conducting their annual ‘Baywatch” for irresponsible yachtees illegally lettingoff their “distress“ flares.
Incidentally, in quoting the Border B/W letter I omitted their assertion that the start ofthe new Millenium was 1/1/2000. The Confederation meeting agreed without dissent thatthe Christian era commenced with the year 1 A.D. Therefore the new milleniun begins on1/1/2001. However, we have no objection to anyone celebrating the millenium twice if theyso wish.
Clubs are invited to submit a name of a member to represent Confederation on theKosciuszo Summit Management/Technical Committee.
Applicants must be able to present Confederation’s view points forcibly and politely even ifa minority of one person high country experience desirable. Meetings are usually twice a year atJindabyne. Representative will be kept informed of our views on agenda items and will provide awritten report if it is necessary to amplify the meeting minutes.
Confederation will meet reasonable travel costs and at least two nights accommodationconvenient to the venue.
Applications signed by the Club Secretary or president and the applicant should be sent tothe Secretary GPO Box 2090 SYDNEY 1043 preferably by June l4 If an extension is neededadvise Prudence by June 14. phone (02) 4451 4028 fax (02) 9453 1628
Wanted
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ATTENTION - ALL BUSHWALKERSBORAL GREEN SHAREHOLDERS
Boral Green Shareholders is a non profit orgalisation which came to together in 1994 The reason for thegroup’s formation was a feeling of desperation over the company’s woodchipping and logging activities in the forestsof NSW and Tasmania. Boral is the second largest woodchip exporter in the world. Our native forests are beingwoodchipped now and sent to Japan for paper making through its subsidiary SawmiIIers Exports Limited (SEPL) inNSW and Forest Resources Property limited in Tasmania There are many consequences of such an activity. Birds,Koalas and arboreal mammals lose their habitat, soil is degraded and the diversity of the forests is lost. There are anumber of instances where areas being logged by the company were found to have koalas and Boral has attempted tocontinue to log despite conservationists’ protestations woodchipping cannot be justified on employment groundseither as it is not a value adding activity .
The company frequently claims that it only woodchip that remain on the forest floor however, the contraryseems to be the caseOne group visited one of Boral’s mills on the north coast at Heron’s Creek last year and we wereadvised thet there is a recovery rate of 38% per log while the rest goes to the chipper. We saw a large pile of logsdestined for the chipper -they looked to us perfectly good millable logs. We believe that companies have to becomeenvironmentally responsible and listen to the concerns of their shareholders and the community. If they fail to do sothey will lose the support of the public which will ultimately affect their balance sheets.
BORAL GREEN SHAREHOLDERS - MISSION STATEMENT1.to save old growth, wilderness and native forests from logging and wood -chipping2 To stop the destruction of the natural environment through its business activities.3.. To foster an ethic of responsible environmental corporate behaviour4. To maintain and enhance the natural capital for the long ten benefit of share holders
NEW MEMBERS WELCOMEBoral Green ShareholdersMembership/Donation 1999
Cheque enclosed withMembership/Donation
Return to Boral GreenShareholdersC/- 34 Bathurst StreetWoollahra NSW 2025
This year the AGM will be held atthe Mt Colah Community Centre PierreCl Mt Colah (refer map). Note to allnorthern Clubs. Get off freeway at theMt Colah exit.
The meeting starts at 1-00pm. Thereis a nice area for a picnic lunch near thecentre. Tea and Coffee will be availablefor early birds as well as tea and bickiesfor afternoon tea mid-way through themeeting.
The Confederation encourages allcountry clubs to attend this meeting.With this in mind any member whowould like to attend we will arrange for‘billets” Please contact any member ofthe Confederation committee. List onpage 2 of this magazine.
