QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB Inc.

Newsletter

PO Box 2199 Sunnybank Hills QLD 4109 Email qldbwc@yahoo.com Phone No (07) 3341 7509 http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/

October 2011

Views from Mt Maroon

Club News
K2 Night
4 September 6pm-8pm

Walk Database
A web based bushwalk database for Queensland was commenced in March this year. Each walk has: A topographic map with the walk route overlain, A walk description, A gps file of the walk which can be downloaded.

Several members attended this function run by the outdoor shop K2, in the Valley. This was well attended with members from other clubs also present. Besides special discounts and give-aways there were a couple of guest speakers. John and Lyn Daly, authors of Take a Walk SE QLD gave a talk about their latest adventure - the Bibbulmun Track. Also one of K2s Team & resident expert, Steve Turner, gave a talk about trekking in the Nepalese and Indian Himalayas.

The database has now over 180 walks, mostly in south-east Queensland. The walks range from easy to very strenuous, half day to multi-day in length and on and off track walks. The website is password protected as it has been set up with the assistance of Bushwalking Queensland for members of affiliated clubs only. The database does not have walks which cross private property where permission has to be sought first or in sensitive areas. QBW members can gain access to the site by emailing webmaster@bushwalkdatabase.com A user name, password and instructions on how to enter the site will then be emailed back. Members can also assist with development of the database by: Emailing any errors or out of date information to the webmaster. Providing information about walks which are not yet on the database. Becoming one of the editors for the database. Tracking walks with a Club GPS and handing/emailing the gps file to the Club email address. Note that anyone handing in a gps file, for it to be useful to other walkers, a description of the terrain covered is necessary.

Walks Planning Day

25 September 2011

The Walks Planning was held at David Kenrick's place and about fifteen members attended. John Brunott and David Kenrick are the Outings Officers and were busy assisting the leaders there on possible walks. Brochures and maps were also available. Some maps the Club had in stock were surplus to requirements and were given away free to leaders. The Club has many resources available to assist members to become leaders. For a member wanting to know what is involved in being a leader, information can be downloaded from the Club website at http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/leaders The web page above has links for walk suggestions in urban areas and in National Parks. These would be suitable for the first time leader as those walks involve very little navigational skills. For the more adventurous there are the off track walks. Some of these walks have been printed out with maps showing the route and walk directions. These are available from Richard. More walks can be accessed from the Bushwalk Database on the web.

For members who wish to use a Club GPS there are written instructions available. Also exploratory walks are regularly held by Richard where training in how to use the GPS will be given to anyone interested.

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General Information
Meeting Place
Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at 7.30pm. There is no Club meeting in January. Meeting are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St. There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street. Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. A coin donation would be appreciated. President Secretary Treasurer

The Management Committee

Gil Gunthorpe Trevor Davern Marion Laban John Hinton John Brunott David Kenrick Geraldine Burton Richard Kolarski Lynn Nicol David Haliczer 0408 980 694 0411 512 202 0405 536 718 3343 3724(H) 0448 761 097 3349 8238(H) 3376 9454(H) 3341 7509(H) 3219 6228(H) 0432 901 030 Vice President

Outings Officer Membership Officer Editor Social Secretary Training Officer

Membership
Probationary Membership 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. However a Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on his/her second walk by filling out a Membership Form and paying the membership fee. Ordinary Membership A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out and signing a Membership Form, having a proposer sign the form and handing the form with the membership fee to a committee member or walk leader. The proposer may be a friend (who is a member of the Club) of the applicant, the leader of the walk that the applicant is on, the Membership Officer at a Club meeting or if the Membership Officer is not available, one of the committee members. 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. Members of Another Bushwalking Club Members of another bushwalking club which is affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland Inc. (or an interstate Federation) and who are covered by the same Insurance do not need to become a member of our Club to go on our walks. However Club members will have priority if there is a limit on numbers.

Other Voluntary Positions

Equipment Officer Supper Convenor Librarian BWQ Rep BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski Maggie Samootin Noelene McCay Gil Gunthorpe Richard Kolarski 3341 7509(H) 0419 739 500 3889 0264(H) 0408 980 694 3341 7509 (H)

Campsite Monitors
John Brunott Kerry de Clauzel Ann Kemp Richard Kolarski John Shera John & Julie Shera Ballows, Paddys Knob Throakban, Barney Gorge and Lower Portals Spicers Peak (east & west) Running Creek Falls Panorama Point Mt Superbus & Rabbit Fence Jct Lower Panorama

Editors Pic

Club Equipment
Compasses Emergency Lights Topo Maps Steripen UHF Radios First Aid Kits The above are for free use by members. Contact Richard on 3341 7509 PLBs with inbuilt GPS The Club has 5 PLBs with inbuilt GPS. The PLBs will be made available at each Club meeting and will need to be returned at the following Club meeting. Contact Richard on 3341 7509. Abseil Gear (ropes, harnesses, helmets, karabiners etc.) Ordinary Members - $10.00 charge for use of the Club rope and another $10.00 charge for use of harness and accessories . Probationary Members and members of affiliated clubs - $15.00 charge for use of the Club rope and another $15.00 charge for use of harness and accessories. Contact Trevor at 3890 8196 Back Pack for Hire Contact Richard at 3341 7509 Bivy Bags For Sale $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00. These bivy bags are 2 metres by 0.9 metres and are bright orange in colour. Use as a pack liner or emergency bivy bag. Contact Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509. Space Blankets For Sale $2.50 each. Light weight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers! Contact Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509. $5.00 charge
Stinging Tree

One of the largest Stinging Trees you will ever see is on the Mt Clunie Traverse. A must to avoid by bushwalkers, the dreaded 'Stinging Bush', or 'Gympie-gympie' belongs to the family Urticaceae, which contains other stinging nettles. The leaves and stems are covered in thick hairs that, if touched, inflict a painful sting. These hairs are manufactured from mineral silica, the chief constituent of glass. If you brush against them, their tips penetrate the skin, break off, and release an irritant poison. The effect of this sting may last for months. There is no effective antidote known for the Stinging Tree, so be aware.

Membership
As at 25/9/2009 we have 74 financial members

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Special Coming Events

Protestors on Peaks
Date: 16th October 2011 Time: Need to be on the peak by 11.00am for flyby. As part of the National Day of Action on Coal Seam Gas, Keep the Scenic Rim Scenic is planning an action called "Protestors on Peaks." Keep The Scenic Rim Scenic is a non-political group standing against mining coal seam gas in the Scenic Rim region. The Scenic Rim has huge tracts of national parks, greenspace, agricultural lands and iconic mountainscapes. In fact more than 50% of Queenslands World Heritage-listed National Park area is within the Scenic Rim. Unfortunately, more than 80% of the Scenic Rim is also covered by Exploration Licences for Coal and Coal Seam gas, and one of these has already progressed to a Mining Development Licence for a coal mine near Boonah. The Scenic Rims namesake iconic landscapes are in danger of being trashed by the emerging coal and coal seam gas industry. The regional impact of an energy resources boom in the shire will be most noticeable from the views seen from the elevated peaks within the Scenic Rim so that is where people will gather to protest on October 16th. Climb a mountain on the 16th of October with a Lock The Gate sign or even better get an old sheet and paint in black paint, NO COAL, NO CSG.... Channel 9 news is already interested in the story and I am positive further media coverage will be possible. QBW is planning a walk to Montserrat Lookout on the day Join with us to make a real difference to KEEP THE SCENIC RIM SCENIC... More info at http://www.quarryactiongroup.org.au/ 16 October 2011

Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island

I am planning a two week trip in late April 2012.

April 2012

Main accommodation will be on-site tent (Flinders Ranges) and hostel (Kangaroo Island). All walks will be daywalks of varying degrees of length and difficulty. I am only able to take two passengers, so anyone interested please consider if you would be prepared to take your car. Driving can be shared if desired. Ideally we would be a group of six in two cars. Accommodation bookings will be made mid October so I need expressions of interest asap then I can provide greater detail. Patricia Kolarski (Ph 3341 7509)

Queensland Bushwalkers Club 2011 Photo Competition

The Queensland Bushwalkers Club Photo Competition is on again. Entries of digital images only. Sorry, no prints. Images must have been taken on a Queensland Bushwalkers Club event since the November meeting 2010. There are 3 categories: Pictorial: Photographs of any broad natural scene. Pictorial photographs can include for example creeks, seascapes, waterfalls, mountains, rocky outcrops, and clouds Nature: Photographs depicting flora or fauna, excluding domestic animals. This category should also exclude evidence of man. Examples of nature photographs are birds, animals, native flowers, forest, fungi, reptiles, insects etc Club Character: Photographs showing one or more people participating in a bushwalking type of activity and can be humorous as well as serious. 5 entries allowed per category per member (limit of 15 in total). Photos must be saved as a JPEG image file with no compression. Make them the maximum resolution from your camera and they will be resized to suit viewing. The images may be produced from a digital camera or a scanned image of a print or slide. Photos must be submitted on a CD or DVD, or USB Memory Stick (named, which can be returned). Please do not email your entries. Each entry photo needs to be titled as follows: Name_Title_Location_Category_Image Number.jpg e.g. Evelyn Campbell_MtNorman_GirraweenNP_Nature_1.jpg Photos must be titled this way or the entries cannot be identified. Hand your entries to Evelyn Campbell or post them to 36 Oberon Street Morningside 4170 by the November Club meeting 2011. The winners will be announced at the Club Xmas Party. Besides the winners in each category which will be decided by a panel of judges, there will also be the People's Choice award. Any questions call Evelyn on 3395 8086 or 0434 985 371

QBW Christmas Party

9-11 December 2011

This year our Christmas Party will be held at Binna Burra at Grooms Cottage and the Bunkhouse, near the camping ground. Cost will be $45.00 pp for the weekend. Accommodation will be in the Bunkhouse, bunk style beds, bring your own bedding. Hot showers and kitchen facilities available. Saturday walks will be organized and in the evening we will share in a bar-b-que. The Club will provide the meat and as in the past, members will provide the nibblies, salads and dessert. Once again we will have a costume theme, so get your thinking caps on for A Country of the World costume for you to look your best. We will also have the Photo Competition and Sunday morning Richard and Patricias Quiz before we pack up, clean up and head home. Lots of prizes for all. Also seeing it is a Christmas Party please all bring a Christmas Gift to the value of $10.00. A Unisex gift, nothing inappropriate and no chocolates please. A lot of fun with a twist. Hoping to see lots of our members for this fun weekend. An attendance and catering form will be available in the next couple of months. Any questions. please call me on 3219 6228. Lynn.

South Coast Track, Tasmania

9-18 February 2012

Adventure Seekers
If members require a walker transfer service on their next walking tour to Tasmania. the company Adventure Seekers offers walker transportation to all the major walking tracks in Tasmania. For group discounts please ring or email for a quote. For more information: Web: www.AdventureSeekers.com.au Email: info@adventureseekers.com.au Mobile: 0400 882 742 Twitter @Adventure01

Noelene and I are walking the South Coast Track from West to East in 7 days with an extra day allowed in case of weather delays. If you are fit, an experienced throughwalker, would like a challenge (terrain- and weather-wise), and are free on the above dates, contact me asap. Patricia Kolarski (Ph 3341 7509)

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Past Walks
Lincoln Wreck
30 July 2011 A Lincoln bomber crashed into Mount Superbus in the early hours of Easter Saturday morning on 9 April 1955 during a medical evacuation of a sick baby from Townsville to Brisbane. The crew of four RAAF personnel and the two passengers were all killed. There is still a fair bit of the wreckage at the site and a plaque has been erected there. There were just four of us to try to get to the Lincoln Wreck from Teviot Gap. We began by walking up the steep track up to Mt Superbus. There had been a rabbit fence here once and there were still remnants of the fence visible. From the northern summit of Mt Superbus it was a long walk along the ridge to get to the southern summit which was where the Lincoln had crashed. The route was marked with the occasional tape but we found some old tape which led us down to a creek and a possible water point. We headed back up to the ridge line and found the proper taped trail which took us to the campsite at the top of the southern summit.

Mt Clunie

It was at this place about 3 years ago that after climbing up through the break I dislodged a rock that bounced down through the gap and struck poor Stuart Mackay a glancing blow to the head which caused the walk to be aborted (and a few stitches to be put in his head). I was determined that this was not going to happen again so while we all stood clear at the bottom we went up one at a time and the next did not start until the previous person had reached the top. This slowed our progress a little so after everybody was up we had our morning tea break. From here the very steep sections were behind us and it was just a slog to the top of the mountain. After a steady climb a long flat section was traversed until we reached large rocky outcrop which had to be bypassed for a few hundred metres until regaining the top of the ridge about 700 metres from the top of the mountain. We found a grassy spot, after pushing through some bad raspberry regrowth, that had a nice view across to Wilsons Peak and Mt. Superbus so we settled down in the sun for a welcome lunch break.

Lincoln Wreck Walkers

From here it was only a 50 metre descent down to the wreckage. How unfortunate that the bomber had crashed so close to the summit. We spent some time at the site and had our lunch at the camping area. The return trip was a lot quicker as we did not do any detours. It looked as if the track was used fairly frequently, though navigation can be a problem as the ridge becomes a bit vague about half way along. Many thanks to Patricia, Marion and Steve for coming along on this walk. Richard

After lunch it was a fairly short climb through the rain forest until we reached the rabbit proof fence on the top of Mt Clunie. I have been on the top of this mountain a number of times in the last 25 or more years but have never seen the rabbit fence so overgrown with raspberry and other weeds and a lengthy section of fence laid flat by a fallen tree. (Rabbits must be pouring through the break seeking asylum in Queensland. I have heard that the hares in this state say they are queue jumpers and should be sent back to N.S.W.). The long very steep descent along the fence back to the car sorely tested my ageing knees and I was glad to see the bottom but unfortunately we still had a tedious undulating 3 km walk to the car. After picking up the cars left at the locked gate we adjourned to the good old Dugandan Pub for some drinks. (They do also serve coffee there.) Thanks to Richard, Margie, Mary, Chris and Bob for making it a very successful and tiring (for me) walk. Dave Kenrick

Mt. Clunie

7 August 2011

Mt. Clunie is situated on the McPherson range between Wilsons Peak and Mt. Ballow on the Qld. / N.S.W. border. The usual way up is along an extremely steep section of the rabbit proof fence on the border but a more interesting way is by driving a few kilometres into N.S.W. and doing a traverse of the peak via a back ridge which is reached after a 4 5 km. walk along a forestry road. After our usual rendezvous at the Boonah toilet block we headed out on the Carneys Creek Road to just past the Boonah border gate where a car shuttle was arranged for our return home. Driving to the forestry road and a locked gate, we left the cars and after walking for about an hour reached the turn off point where we pick up the ridge heading to the top of Mt. Clunie. This ridge is fairly easy going through rainforest until one of the largest stinging trees youll ever see is reached and from there the climb starts to become very steep with a lot of loose rock under foot so a fair bit of care is required. After skirting a cliff line to the right a very steep ascent leads to a second cliff and a short traverse to the right leads to a cliff break.

Mt Wagawn via Bushrangers Cave

10 August 2011

This was a Wednesday Walk to go up to the Bushrangers Cave along the Qld/NSW border and then to continue up to Mt Wagawn. There were only four of us and so we drove down in one vehicle, Dave Kenrick's new car. After parking the car safely out of the way at the Numinbah border, we began the walk on the NSW side of the border heading eastwards. There was a walking pad along the fence but also plenty of lantana. However it looked as if someone had been along the border and sawn some trees and branches which may have been obstructing the path. After about an hour of walking steadily upwards we came to the cliffline and the cave. We had a rest in the cool shade and then began the walk proper up to Mt Wagawn. The first section was steep, loose and with Stinging Trees, so we made our way carefully up to another cliffline. Here we contoured round to the left and again steadily climbed up.

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After another hour of walking through rainforest and some waita-while, we came to a cleared area with views to the south, including Mt Warning. We had a short break for morning tea there.

creek, it was quite clear. Also it was evident that this part was rarely walked if ever. About half way up we came to a waterfall. It was in the section of the map that did not show the creek. We had to navigate around it and at the top of the falls there were some rocky slabs with views to the south. We sat down for morning tea there and enjoyed the views. Further up the creek there were some smaller waterfalls and cascades but they were easily bypassed. Finally the creek leveled out and we were in the locally named area called hanging Valley. It was quite a contrast to the steep rocky sections we had just come through. One of our walkers had hurt her back on the way up and so as to not tempt fate, I decided to not go on to Mt D'Aguilar which was still another hour away. We had lunch in the valley and then retraced our steps down to Cedar Creek. As we got closer to the cars, we came upon about 30 locals all swimming or having a good time in the pools. We were glad to have gone up a section that was not as frequented as it made our walk special. Afternoon tea back at Samford helped us to unwind and savour the walk. Many thanks to my co-walkers. However I just can't resist this: What's the name of the creek? Cedar Creek. Yes I can see the creek, but what's its name? Cheers Richard 17 August 2011

Views from Garragoolba Lookout

Just above our resting spot we came to the Wagawn Track, a graded track which is part of the tracks in the Binna Burra region. We decided to continue on as there was plenty of time and we were glad we did. We got to three lookouts, Warumblebah, Junimbabah and Garragoolba, all giving great views of the Numinbah valley and more. We stopped at the last lookout to have our lunch, where Dave cooked up his lunch. It turned out that though these lookouts were part of the regular graded tracks, none of us had been to these particular lookouts before. It was thus very satisfying to get to somewhere new. We retraced our steps back down to the car without mishap and had an enjoyable afternoon tea at the coffee shop near Natural Arch. Many thanks to Dave, John and Tim for coming along. Richard

Mt Maroon Cliffs/Caves/Columns

Exhibition Wednesday, so I decided to have a walk with as many thrills as the Brisbane Ekka. This walk was an exploration of the northern side of Mt Maroon and I had seven other eager walkers come along. It was a multi national group with an American, a Columbian, two Italian visitors and Gil learning Norwegian! We met up at Rathdowney and drove on to Cotswold Road where the walk began. We started along the normal trail but soon branched off to contour round the base of the mountain to the right. After crossing a gully we then headed upwards to the cliffs. There was no track and we slowly zig-zaged our way up along a steep ridge to the cliffline. We saw a rock wallaby in the distance, but it scampered away before we got close to it. Once at the cliffs we contoured round the base of the cliff line and reached the large cave. There were superb views out to the north as we enjoyed a short break. It was also time for a group photo. We contined contouring round to the right and then ascended a short cliff break. Above us were more caves but you would need to abseil to get into them. From here the thrills began as I searched for the way to get above the caves in the cliff face. After a couple of false starts I found the right get-up point though a helping hand was need for those with short legs. On top of the cliff line we contoured back above the caves and found a bolt and chain that was used for abseilers to get into the caves. A short distance away was the Column and Gil had an attempt to get to it from above but a steep drop prevented him. However we gained access by going round and down, and then walking up to the base of the column. It was time for lunch and we found a rocky slab with views nearby. We then had more thrills as we descended down to the base of the cliff line. Loose leaf litter made the way tricky but we all made it without mishap except for one member being bitten by an ant. The rest of the walk was now easy. Going down a ridge we found an old walking pad and followed it back to the cars. Many thanks to all who came along . Richard

Hanging Valley via Cedar Creek

13 August 2011

The advertised walk of Mt Samson via Mt D'Aguilar was changed to Mt D'Aguilar via Cedar Creek due to logistic problems. This would be an interesting walk as it had never been done by the Club before and also because on the maps I had, the middle portion of the creek was not shown. I was thus curious to see if there was a creek and what became of it.

Waterfall on Way to Hanging Valley

There were five of us on this walk, including a visitor from the Gold Coast Bushwalkers. We met up at Samford and then drove down to Cedar Creek Road and parked the cars near the end. From the road we dropped down into Cedar Creek and began the rock hop up the creek. It was evident that this part of the creek was well used by the locals and unfortunately some of the rocks were sprayed with graffiti. However the creek itself was crystal clear and there were several lovely pools and cascades along the way. After going up the creek for about one and a half kilometres we came upon the side creek we had to follow. There was some lantana in the lower sections but if we stayed in the center of the

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Setting Up A Risk Management Program

(These notes are from the Bushwalking Australia Inc Risk Management Guidelines. QBW began officially developing Risk Management guidelines back in 2005. However even before then, the Club had in place a few checks and measures to ensure that bushwalking was as safe and enjoyable for everyone as possible. In 2007 QBW developed a full set of Risk Management guidelines when it hosted the Pilgrimage that year. However Risk Management is not something you set up and then forget but an ongoing process. Members need to realise that all are involved in making bushwalking as safe as possible.) A risk management program or framework ensures that: All participants understand their roles and responsibilities All participants are aware of the risk controls Risk Management Guidelines are adhered to, improved and revised for near misses Risk Management Guidelines are reviewed Training and or mentoring needs are identified Emergency Plans are formulated and communicated to members.

Club Members
Need to take responsibility for their own safety Exercise a duty of care to all other participants Ensure they have health and/or fitness levels and equipment suitable for the activities they undertake Follow club operating procedures.

Temporary Members (Visitors)

Ensure visitors sign the Acknowledgement of Risk form provided by the clubs State Body Complies with Club procedures that ensure visitors undertake suitable activities and are aware of club procedures Take responsibility for their own safety Exercise a duty of care to all other participants.

Note: Visitors are covered under Bushwalking Australias current public liability insurance policy as temporary members of a club as long as they sign an Acknowledgement of Risk that complies with the proforma provided by Bushwalking Australia. The main aim of this is to ensure that visitors are aware of their responsibilities and the possible risks associated with the activity they are undertaking. Insurance cover only applies if the club the visitor is participating with is currently participating in the Bushwalking Australia public liability and/or the personal accident policy. If a club has its insurance policy from another source it will need to check with that insurer as to whether visitors are covered by the policy and if so under what conditions.

Roles & Responsibilities

Clubs
Observe the State Bodys risk management and reporting requirements Use documented procedures and standard forms Provide encouragement and assistance to leaders Provide State Bodies with suggested improvements to risk management practices Share information on risk management processes and near misses Remind members of their duty of care. This may include a policy statement in the risk management guidelines that each and every club member has a duty of care to other club members and the public at large.

All Participants
Assist leader to assess risk relating to the trip Assist leader to comply with the clubs requirements Be responsible for their own safety and actions.

Minimum Numbers on Club Walks and Pre-Outings

Club Walks The nominated walk with the nominated leader is the official walk. Any member not starting the walk with the nominated leader or not intending to do the nominated walk is not on the club walk. The nominated walk may be changed on the day of the walk by the leader due to safety concerns, weather, lack of numbers or other reason. Four people is the minimum number for a Club walk. This is for safety purposes so that one person may stay with an injured/sick member and two members can go for help. Club Pre-Outings It is not always practical to have a minimum of four people for a pre-outing. Pre-outings are covered by insurance but must comply with the following Club requisites: One member, but only if there is no significant walking, but just to check campsite, road conditions, mileage etc. Two members for a maintained graded track pre-outing. At least two experienced members for walking off a maintained graded track. If only two or three members are on a pre-outing involving off-track walking, then a PLB must be taken. If four or more members are on a pre-outing, then a PLB is optional. In all cases it is expected that a relative or friend is aware that the pre-outing is on and will contact a committee member in case of any delay in return.

Clubs might also define members responsibilities on other matters, for example, childrens attendance on club activities, being responsible for their own safety Clubs might also assign particular risk management roles to members covering, for example: Training Induction Incident review

Office Bearers
Promote to members the importance of managing risk with a primary focus on developing a culture of care within the club so that members can enjoy activities in a reasonably safe manner whilst acknowledging the risks of injury inherent in their clubs activities. The club committee might also assign particular risk management responsibilities to office bearers such as the annual review of the risk management program.

Trip or Activity Leaders

Assess risks relating to their activity and comply with the member clubs risk management requirements and operating procedures Ensure visitors undertake suitable activities and are aware of club procedures.

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