august 2013 - bushwalking victoria · 2017-09-12 · august 2013 issue no. 238 contributions email...
TRANSCRIPT
August 2013
Issue No. 238
Contributions Email or post news, views, club profi les, art icles, photographs, sketches and letters on any subject of interest to bushwalkers (subject to editorial approval) to:
[email protected] or 24 Moorhouse Street Camberwell Victoria 3124
Deadline for the September edition:
Monday, 19 August 2013
The statements and opinions expressed in articles are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or position of Bushwalking Victoria. Editor: Joslin Guest
In s ide th i s i ssue. . .
Walking and Talking with the Bushwalking Victoria President .......... 2
Track Maintenance Weekend—Volunteers Needed—Northern Wilsons Prom, 28-29 Sept ................. 4
From Club Newsletters:
Mt Teneriffe ................................. 4
Don’t Forget the First Aid Kit — a Cautionary Tale ......................... 4
Who Should Manage our NPs? .... 5
A Personal Rant from the Editor ......... 5
WhereWeWalk .................................... 6
Grampians NP:
Re-opening of MacKenzie River Walk Between MacKenzie Falls & Zumsteins ................................. 9
Other News from the Grampians .. 9
Online Videos: Bluff Hut & King River Hut .................................... 9
BSAR: Mandatory Items for a Personal First Aid Kit ........................ 10
Controlling Pests in Parks:
NPWS Supplementary Pest Control Program ......................... 11
Victorian Alps Wild Horse Management Plan ...................... 11
Federation Day Walk 2013, Sunday 13 October ........................... 11
Notices:
BWV Volunteering Opportunity .... 3
Swing to the Beat of Bushwahzee: Invitation to a Bush Dance ........... 3
2013 Combined Gippsland Bushwalking Clubs Weekend ....... 3
RHE—Threatened Species Planting Weekends 2013 ............. 8
Advertisement:
Oz Satellite Hire ........................... 3
Walk for Freedom Trek 2013 ........ 7
Hold the wire firmly and cross - Werribee Gorge Photo: Alfred Sin Walklines, the Newsletter of the Waverley Bushwalking Club Inc, Vol 27 No. 4, July 2013
Bushwalking News Victoria August 2013
2
WALKING AND TALKING WITH THE BUSHWALKING VICTORIA PRESIDENT
In my last (first!) President’s column, I said that this month I would ask each member of the Board to introduce themself, and explain what they will be doing to implement the Strategic Plan.
This has turned out to be a little premature, as we are still putting together our detailed plans for each area. So I’ve let everyone have one month’s grace.
Instead, I’d like to talk about the environment in which we find ourselves in 2013 and what Bushwalking Victoria is doing to advocate for bushwalkers.
Our Bushwalking Environment
As many of you know, I’m Scottish of origin and I came to Victoria just over 40 years ago. I began bushwalking as soon as I arrived, and fell in love with the wonderful Australian bush. Some things have changed a great deal in Victoria over the last 40 years. There is greatly increased pressure on our tracks and trails, not only from bushwalkers and from the familiar groups like horse riders, orienteerers and four-wheel drivers, but also from relatively new forms of users such as mountain bikers, trail bikers, and power walkers. We now have to share trails that were never designed to be shared, and have to compete for access with active, well-resourced trail user groups.
At the same time, there is increasing pressure for a more commercial approach to walking – new private groups and facilities targeting international and interstate ‘walking tourists’. This is a world-wide phenomenon – many of us are walking tourists ourselves when we visit Europe, North America, or increasingly, Asia.
The consequence is that it is increasingly important that Bushwalking Victoria is able to speak assertively and clearly on behalf of our members and also the entire bushwalking community of which we are part. We need to be more influential.
It is now very apparent to all that we have to consider ourselves as part of a larger bushwalking community. It is unreasonable and unrealistic to expect the Victorian Government through its land managers, to focus its planning on the needs of 6500 Bushwalking Victoria club and individual members when it is well known that there are over 200,000 people in Victoria who consider themselves to be bushwalkers and large numbers of other trail users.
The lesson is clear – if we are to benefit our clubs, we can only do so by benefitting the larger bushwalking community and by trying to represent their needs and aspirations as well. In our clubs we have a huge resource of knowledge and understanding of the Victorian walking environment. Between us we know every track in Victoria and every attractive walk.
We need to be prepared to share that knowledge and to
help other walkers appreciate the magnificent walking opportunities Victoria has. By publicising our best walks, and by being prepared to share them, we establish their (and our) value with the wider bushwalking community and make their protection and proper management more likely. Where2Walk is one such opportunity.
Advocating for Bushwalkers
It is the intention of the Board of Bushwalking Victoria to work at making Bushwalking Victoria a more assertive organisation, prepared to make waves on behalf of bushwalkers and not afraid of offending those who threaten our access to the great Victorian countryside or who seek to compromise its walking qualities.
A good example of the kinds of issue we are now dealing with, comes from the Victoria Government’s initiative to promote commercial opportunities in national parks. Bushwalking Victoria has already written to the relevant Minister setting out clearly and forcefully what we as bushwalkers feel about this issue.
Our view is that we do not oppose all commercial activities in national parks – to do so would be hypocritical given that many of us walk in other countries using commercial huts and facilities in national parks. The Milford and Routeburn Tracks in New Zealand are good examples of how commercial activities can be sensitively managed. The commercial huts there are very carefully controlled through the Department of Conservation (DoC). The huts are unobtrusive, ecologically sensitive, and most carefully positioned and managed. The result is an internationally attractive walking experience people cross the world to enjoy. Can we honestly justify saying we don’t want that in Victoria while we ourselves use those very facilities in New Zealand and elsewhere?
But at the same time, we oppose most strongly, the kind of crass tourist developments that would lead to eyesores or environmentally damaging developments in sensitive areas such as the Alps, and compromise the natural values of the area. (Our ski resorts are not exactly fine examples of design sensitivity.) Any commercial operator must be prepared to demonstrate why they must be inside rather than adjacent to a national park, and be held rigorously accountable for any environmental degradation associated with their activities.
Other issues that have surfaced recently have been those of prospecting in national parks, and the management of the rapidly growing wild horse population in the high country (see also page 11.). Bushwalking Victoria is working hard to ensure that bushwalkers’ voices are heard loud and clear on these, and other issues affecting bushwalking.
Recently, we have written to the Premier of Victoria, advocating for the creation of a Victorian Walking Strategy
Bushwalking News Victoria August 2013
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Walking & Talking… (cont)
analogous to the Victorian Cycling Strategy already in place. Such a strategy, covering all forms of walking from pedestrian to bushwalking would raise the profile of walking in Victoria and encourage local and State government bodies to consider walking as an integral part of their planning. (A number of local government areas have already started doing this.)
Our policies on these and other matters are posted on our web site, and I would invite all Bushwalking Victoria members to download and read them.
See you on the track.
Tony Walker, President
SWING TO THE BEAT OF BUSHWAHZEE
Bushwalking and bush dancing have more in common than a connection with the bush. Both appeal to the young at heart, and what better way to get the heart pumping and keep out the winter chills than to swing to the beat of Melbourne’s renowned bush band, Bushwahzee.
Talk with your friends and join with Melbourne Bushwalkers for a great night of music, dancing and convivial company at its semi-regular bush dance:
Saturday 7 September St Oswald’s Hall 96 High Street Glen Iris.
Members of all Bushwalking Victoria affiliated clubs are welcome.
Ticket cost: $20 per person.
BYO plate to share & drinks.
Enquiries and bookings can be directed to [email protected]
HELP NEEDED VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY
Bushwalking Victoria is seeking volunteers with marketing, promotion, brand design or graphic-design skills and experience interested in contributing to projects to promote and market bushwalking and Bushwalking Victoria.
The time commitment required is negotiable and will vary between projects. Attendance at meetings will be kept to a minimum.
Interested or want to know more? Please email [email protected] and include a brief outline of your experience.
Our Club, SGWAAC is hosting the
2013 COMBINED GIPPSLAND BUSHWALKING CLUBS WEEKEND
at Forest Lodge Farm – Jack River, near Yarram
Accommodation and self-catering is at the Lodge
Friday night to Sunday afternoon 8–10 November, 2013
YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT – COME AND JOIN IN – SOCIALISE – HAVE FUN – OFFER SOME ASSISTANCE.
THERE WILL BE WALKS AND CYCLING TO SUIT EVERYONE. MAYBE KAYAKING TOO.
HELP MAKE THE WEEKEND A SUCCESS – EARLY BOOKINGS WELCOME.
Contacts: Ros 56642358, Judy 56681387 or Heather 5657422
Website: www.sgwaac.org.au – follow the link on the front page for updates, forms etc from now until the weekend.
Bushwalking News Victoria August 2013
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Mt Teneriffe Sat Apr 20
Mt Teneriffe is one of those places you pass on the Hume Hwy and think would be interesting to walk in for a closer look. On Saturday 20 April, Heather Lloyd led 12 walkers for that closer look. The reserve is accessed from Alexanderson Rd and then Jefferies Rd. We crossed an unnamed dry creek and then walked up the creek to impressive granite outcrops at the foot of the mountain. A steep climb around massive boulders and fallen timber gave way to more gentle slopes and more open forest as we neared the summit. The summit area carries scattered small trees and ground vegetation, all showing signs of drought stress from summer.
We descended on the western side on a bare rock slope with just a few trees growing where their roots get a hold. A small cave at mid-slope was inspected and found to be free of wild life. After the easy walking over bare rock finished, we were back to picking our way down steeply sloping land through boulders and trees. On return to our vehicles we moved to the Euroa Arboretum for refreshments before returning to Benalla. Thanks to Heather for leading the walk in an interesting site.
Heather Sloan Benalla Bushwalking Club Newsletter, Jul–Sept 2013
Like many people I have often driven past the signpost to Mt Teneriffe and been attracted by the romantic name and the rugged vista of Mt Tenerriffe and wondered what it is actually like, but have never detoured to visit. Now we know. Editor
Climbing Mt Teneriffe
FROM CLUB NEWSLETTERS
Don’t Forget the First Aid Kit — a Cautionary Tale
Having sustained a sprained ankle during the week prior to a base camp in Mount Remarkable NP, I missed the first two days of walks, and so stayed on for an extra day after it finished. Determined to do one of the magnificent walks in Flinders Ranges NP, I chose the 9.2km Bunyeroo Circuit, a walk described in Great Walks magazine of August/September 2012. Part of this walk traverses a section of the Heysen Trail.
On arrival at the trailhead I was lucky enough to meet a group of three (two men and a woman) who invited me to walk with them. I had my usual day pack, including a built in whistle, and a small first aid kit. The others only had small day packs, only big enough for their lunch.
Whilst in the narrow gorge through the ABC Range (a tributary of Wilcolo Creek), the woman fell behind me and one of the men; the other man was further ahead. While we were taking photographs we were horrified to hear her cry out: ‘Help, I’ve fallen and broken my arm.’ I used the whistle on my day pack to warn the man who had gone ahead; and we considered what to do to help the girl. There were plenty of sticks around suitable for a splint to immobilize the fracture, and my first aid kit contained tape suitable for binding a splint to the girl’s arm. I found a stick and taped it to the girl’s arm. The other men used their jackets as a sling to support the broken arm. We then parted company as the remaining part of the circuit walk was both longer and rougher than returning. I continued on the walk via Bunyeroo Viewpoint and did not see the trio again.
On my way home the next day I asked about the girl’s condition at Hawker Hospital. I was told she had been treated there the day before, but needed further treatment at a hospital with an operating theatre, possibly in Adelaide.
Members of bushwalking clubs don’t need to be told that bushwalking can be hazardous and to always carry a first aid kit. A basic knowledge of first aid is also desirable, particularly for walk leaders.
Richard Watson, Maroondah Bushwalkers Footnotes, Vol 33 No 6, July 2013
Some bushwalkers interpret the advice to carry a personal first aid kit narrowly and do not include any ’group’ items. Bandages are a very important ’group’ item. Strains and breaks occur only rarely, but if every bushwalker carried a triangular bandage and an elastised bandage, both of which weigh almost nothing, it would make on-the-spot treatment of sprains and breaks much easier.
See page 10 for a list of mandatory items in a BSAR first aid kit. This kit is more comprehensive than a bushwalker would need normally carry, but it gives a good indication of what should be included in a kit capable of dealing with most first aid problems. Editor
TRACK MAINTENANCE WEEKEND—VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Northern Wilsons Prom, 28-29 Sept
Contact Charlie Ablitt at [email protected] or at [email protected] if you are interested in joining him on this important track maintenance activity.
Bushwalking News Victoria August 2013
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From Club Newsletters (continued)
Who Should Manage our National Parks?
The association between national parks and bushwalking is an obvious one. A substantial proportion of our day and multi-day walks take place within national park boundaries. We are drawn by the beauty and, at times, the adventure of being in a natural environment. The national park network is a community asset that has a long history of struggle and debate to establish and maintain. Pressure on the viability of the national park network is constant and all bushwalkers should try to be aware some of the current issues.
Concern about the long-term preservation and conservation of our parks has been to the fore in the minds of Melbourne Bushwalkers members from the club’s earliest days. The club was actively involved in the establishment of the Victorian National Parks Association
(VNPA), including joining as a founding Associate Member (The News, No. 49, September 1952). Countless members have given of their time and effort over the years to prepare submissions and to support campaigns to address specific issues, such as the removal of cattle from Alpine areas. Where necessary we have taken to the streets to lend our voice to the argument (see photograph).
Conflicting demands between recreational users and environmental interests, even between different recreational user groups, will long continue. Access to national parks by bush walkers, recreational walkers, cyclists, trail bikers, 4WD owners, horse riders, fishermen and shooters, to name some of the interest groups, are not always synergistic. Stringent environmental views would close off access all together. Budget constraints and cut-backs in parks management services lead to track closures. Our interests will only be considered if we continue to be informed and heard, both directly and through the representative bodies we support.
The debate escalates to a more serious level when the issue is one of commercial access to national parks. Across Australia there have been moves at the State and Territory level (where responsibility for management resides for all but a few of our 500+ parks) to open access to logging concessions, grazing licences, hotel development and prospecting rights, amongst others. This has brought State control into question and raised the issue of whether our national parks should be under federal government control. We all need to understand the implications of these moves and have a considered opinion so that we may be counted in the vote when our view is sought, and the ubiquitous reach of email and social media all but guarantees you will be approached. To help you get up to speed here are some starting points:
Should our national parks be under federal government control?
(a) VNPA have declared it is time to make National Parks truly national. (http://vnpa.org.au/page/natureconservation/parks-protection/parks-under-threat )
(b) Academic ecologists have taken to the internet to express their concern about State control.
(https://theconversation.com/making-national-parks-truly-national-14794 )
(https://theconversation.com/our-national-parks-must-be-more-than-playgrounds-or-paddocks-14389 )
(c) GetUp! Have initiated a campaign and petition for federal protection of our National Parks.
(http://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/national-parks/protect-our-parks/protect-our-parks )
Ian Mair, Acting President, Melbourne Bushwalkers The News of the Melbourne Bushwalkers Inc, July 2013
Rally to keep commercial interests out of Wilson’s Promontory 1998 (Source: Graham Wills-Johnson)
A personal rant from the Editor:
The latest announcement from Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher, does not raise hopes that new infrastructure will benefit walkers rather than tourists in our national parks. (See various newspapers for 24 July.) It is now unambiguously clear that the focus is on facilities for overseas tourists, especially big tourist-dollar spenders, principally visitors from China, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, the vast majority of whom only visit major tourist attractions. All the talk is about ‘product
gap’, ‘competitiveness’ and making Australia a ‘compelling destination’ for overseas tourist. All this speaks to large-scale tourist development—an ersatz bush experience—not encouraging Australians and overseas visitors to actually walk in our national parks.
Bushwalkers and small eco-tourism operators needn’t hold their breath expecting any real benefit flowing to them from such proposals: a better tracks network and better camping facilities or facilities to encourage eco-adventure multi-day walking holidays as in Tasmania and NZ.
Bushwalking News Victoria August 2013
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WHERE WE WALK
An initiative of Bushwalking Victoria to collect some data on bushwalking
Bushwalking Victoria launched the WhereWeWalk (WWeW) website in September 2012 to address the lack of data on who is bushwalking, where they are walking and how often they are walking. The site was a quick and simple online survey for anyone who bushwalks in Victoria to record a few basic details for each of their bushwalks. Entering the required details for a walk required less than two minutes of effort.
Bushwalking Victoria’s promotion of WWeW included distributing brochures to all bushwalking clubs (to be distributed to members), Parks Victoria Information Centres, selected Tourist Information Centres and outdoor retailers; advertising in three issues of Great Walks Magazine and articles in nine issues of Bushwalking News Victoria. Bushwalking Victoria organised for sponsors to donate prizes for a weekly prize draw.
Regrettably, despite these efforts the response from bushwalkers, and bushwalking clubs in particular, was most unsatisfactory. Over the eight months that the survey was open only 724 walks were entered. Of these, 526 walks were by bushwalking clubs. By my estimate, this is less than 20% of walks undertaken by Bushwalking Victoria's member clubs. Only 35 of our member clubs entered details of their walks, and of those 35 only 12 entered details of most or all of their club walks. Thirteen clubs entered only one or two walks, and a further eight clubs entered only four or five walks. Bushwalking Victoria thanks all those who contributed; and special thanks go to those clubs that made the effort to record all or most of their walks on WWeW.
The lack of interest from bushwalkers in general, and bushwalking clubs in particular, makes it so much more difficult for Bushwalking Victoria to advocate for better bushwalking opportunities, the development and maintenance of improved bushwalking facilities and infrastructure that all bushwalkers surely want.
Weekly Prize Winners
We are delighted to announce that the following people won prizes for entering details of their walks on
WhereWeWalk between the mid-April and the end of May:
M Johnson, Melton, Lowe clothing, supplied by Bogong Equipment
Dunmill, Wimmera Bushwalking Club, a $50 gift voucher from EMC
A Stevenson, Ben Cruachan Bushwalking Club, a Perseus Daypack and a water bottle supplied by Snowgum
I Harding, Bunarong Bushwalking Club, a $25 gift voucher from Ajays and a sports water bottle from Snowgum
D Brown, VMTC, a $25 EMC gift voucher and a water bottle from Snowgum
T Castle, Walking Club of Victoria, a $50 gift voucher from Ajays
Major Prize
The major prize of a Snowgum Caddis tent valued at $400 was drawn at the Leadership Forum and Annual General Meeting on Saturday 15 June. All entries were eligible to win.
The lucky entry was a day walk on French Island by The Nomads Outdoors Group.
Chris Towers, Vice President
Bushwalking Victoria gratefully acknowledges the generous support from our commercial and government sponsors for WWeW.
Regrettably, the response from bushwalkers, and bushwalking clubs in particular was most
unsatisfactory
Summary of WWeW Entries October 2012 to May 2013
724 walks
5,663 walkers
102,012kms walked
440 day walks
78 backpacking trips
189 short walks (less than 4
hours duration)
87 solo walks
43 family groups
62 walks with friends
526 club walks
Garry Oliver, Secretary of The Nomads Outdoors
Group with the Snowgum Caddis tent.
Bushwalking News Victoria August 2013
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Bushwalking News Victoria August 2013
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Image from Bayside Bushwalking Club Newsletter.
Dates: 10-11 August, 24-25 August, 7-8 September, 21-22 September, 5-6 October
The 2013 planting season is already in the planning stages, with another 25 habitat sites being restored for threatened species like the Regent Honeyeater, Grey-crowned Babbler, Squirrel Glider and Brush-tailed Phascogale.
You may like to set aside the above dates in your calendar, and start planning to bring a group of friends for a great weekend in the beautiful Lurg Hills near Benalla.
To register your intention to attend or for more information contact Ray Thomas at (03) 5761 1515 [email protected]
Meeting Places & Schedule:
9.00 am Benalla Ceramic Mural (beside the bridge over Lake Benalla) OR
9.00 am in the township of Winton (large car park near the CFA shed)
9.15 am Welcome for all our volunteers at Winton.
9.30 am Travel in convoy to the planting site.
9.45 am Registration at the planting site and start planting.
Accommodation:
Sleeping quarters at Benalla Scout and Guide Halls. Mattresses supplied & small kitchen facilities available. BYO sleeping bag & pillow.
Hot showers at Benalla Leisure Caravan Park, $3.
What to Bring:
Sun-screen, hat, boots or sturdy shoes, long trousers, gloves, rain jacket, hand-trowel.
Meals:
BYO lunch for Saturday, as we will be out in the field all day.
Hot cuppa supplied for morning and afternoon tea.
Sumptuous meal supplied on Saturday evening.
BYO breakfast for Sunday, or sample the delights of the local bakeries.
Free BBQ lunch in the bush on Sunday after planting.
Activities:
Bush dance on Saturday night for the energetic.
Wildflower and ecology walk on Sunday afternoon, in some of our best bush remnants.
See the fantastic growth in some of our older sites, a decade or more after planting.
REGENT HONEYEATER PROJECT— THREATENED SPECIES PLANTING WEEKENDS 2013
Bushwalking News Victoria August 2013
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Grampians National Park Update:
RE-OPENING OF MACKENZIE RIVER WALK BETWEEN MACKENZIE FALLS & ZUMSTEINS
Over the last six months, contractors and Parks Victoria staff have replaced the footbridges at Zumsteins and completed numerous realignments, repairs and upgrades to the entire walking track. Two new river crossings have also been constructed near the base of MacKenzie Falls.
Parks Victoria encourages visitors to complete the MacKenzie River Walk from Zumsteins picnic area as walking in this direction allows the wonderful features of the walk to slowly reveal themselves. It is also worth considering a car shuffle that leaves a vehicle at MacKenzie Falls car park.
While the restoration of Zumsteins picnic area continues, visitors are advised to park in the car park at the western end of the picnic area and following the directional signs. These signs will guide visitors across the MacKenzie River, past the three Pise Cottages and along a new section of walking track before linking with the original MacKenzie River Walk.
From: [email protected], Fri, 12 Jul 2013 Forwarded by Phil Brotchie, BEC Field Officer for the
Grampians
Parks Victoria is proud to announce the opening of the MacKenzie River Walk between MacKenzie Falls and Zumsteins picnic ground. This project is one of the most significant achievements of the Grampians Flood Recovery Program and provides a wonderful new experience for visitors.
Closed in late 2005 due to visitor risk issues, this section of walking track was further affected by the 2006 bushfire. Plans were developed in 2010 to address the issues associated with the walking track, however the destruction of the footbridge at the base of MacKenzie Falls and additional damage sustained during the 2011 flood event provided an opportunity to re-assess options.
Contractors have now implemented the changes and completed the construction of new infrastructure and new walking track alignments to link MacKenzie Falls to Zumsteins picnic area* for the first time in seven years. The new section of track provides an added dimension to the MacKenzie Falls experience to rival the Grand Canyon, Silent Street and Venus Baths.
* See also Other News from the Grampians
Stapylton campground in the northern section of the Grampians NP remains closed because of in-ground asbestos contamination. The Stapylton Loop Walk and Ngamadjidj Shelter remains open, the Loop Walk being accessible from Millers or Pohlners Rds. Troopers Creek, Plantation and Smiths Mill campgrounds are still available in the Grampians' northern section.
Parks Victoria advised on 7 June that the MacKenzie River Walk between Zumsteins picnic area and Fish Falls had reopened, though restoration of the Zumsteins picnic area has yet to be completed and the walking track from Fish Falls to MacKenzie Falls remains closed.
On 14 June Parks Victoria announced the reopening of the Wonderland Loop Walk linking Venus Baths, Splitters Falls, Wonderland car park, the Grand Canyon and the Pinnacle, following completion of flood recovery work. The Venus Baths Loop Walk has also been completed.
NEW ONLINE VIDEOS: BLUFF HUT & KING RIVER HUT
Postcards from the Bush videos, shows a couple of hut rebuilds the Victorian Mountain Huts Association was involved heavily in. For those that aren't able to get up there, it gives a good insight into the two huts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZkjwfxAORM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvOZi-RP_2M
Seasonal road closures took effect after the Queen's Birthday Weekend, and they are not expected to reopen until the end of October. Maintenance grading has recently been carried out on Glenisla Crossing Rd and Brimpaen Rd, so that these roads may be slippery after rain.
The 100 year celebration of Zumsteins will be held from 10.30am on Sunday 22 September 2013 at Zumsteins picnic ground. Organisers have indicated that they would like to invite anybody who has enjoyed or has a strong association with the area to come and celebrate. Speakers and displays recalling the history of the area will feature, and there will be associated activities like a community bike ride from Rosebrook, a community picnic, and children's games. Restoration of the picnic ground will be completed for this event.
Phil Brotchie, BEC Field Officer
Other News from the Grampian
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Bushwalking News Victoria August 2013
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Table 11.1 Mandatory Personal Search and Rescue First Aid Kit
Item Quantity Use
Disposable gloves Two pair For casualty and self-protection
Triangular bandages Two, safely pins attached Use as a sling, broad or narrow bandage to support injured part or to retain a dressing.
Elasticised roller bandage (heavyweight - pink)
One 8 cm or 10 cm , safely pin attached Elasticised bandages for support and/or to control swelling of knee or ankle. With folded triangular bandage as a pad, used in treatment of snake bite.
Crepe roller bandages (lightweight- white)
One 2.5 cm and one 5cm, each with safely pin
Crepe bandages to retain dressings, bandage and support hand, arm or thumb
Assorted adhesive dressing flips and tape
eg ‘Band-aids’ and ‘Handipore’ For minor lacerations (cut to size). Include some tape that is hypoallergenic (i.e. does not cause skin irritations).
Prepared wound dressing One medium size Absorbent pad for large lacerations. Effectively controls haemorrhage when applied with an additional firm pad.
Semi permeable film dressing
One small packet Hypoallergenic, breathable, sterile membrane for wounds, abrasions.
Non-stick sterile dressings One 8x10 cm, eg ‘Melolin’ Useful on burns a other areas where skin is broken. Place the shiny surface towards the wound.
Scissors One fine pointed, good quality, sharp, small
Cutting gauze, dead skin, etc
Thermometer Used to monitor the condition of the casualty.
Tweezers One fine pointed, good quality, small For removing licks, splinters, etc
Needles, disposable, sterile (hypodermic)
2 x 8 gauge eg ‘Yale’ For pricking blisters, removing splinters, etc. Use whole end or culling edge.
Disposable cloth towel One small (‘Chux’ or similar) Use as washer and towel to clean around wound (adhesive tape will not slick to dirty or greasy skin). Washable.
Note-book and pencil To record items used and the condition of the casualty.
Rubbish bin liner bag One large bag For use with hypothermia casualties.
Iodine based antiseptic One 25 ml container, eg ‘Betadine’ Bacteriocidal/fungicidal gel for cuts, abrasions, tinea. Use as a gargle when diluted.
Eyewash - ‘saline’ sachets 2 x 10 ml To clean a dirty wound or wash out small foreign bodies trapped under eyelids e.g. grit or insects. Single use ampoules.
Paracetamol tablets 24 foil packed, eg ‘Panadol Soluble’ One or two tablets dissolved in half a cup of water every three to four hours for pain. Maximum 8 tablets per 24 hours - casualty to self administer with plenty of fluids.
Oral rehydration solution Five sachets eg 'Gastrolyte'. Use according to sachet directions For replacement of fluid and electrolytes in treatment of diarrhoea, bad burns or heat stress. Diabetics should obtain prior medical advice regarding emergency use of such products.
BSAR: MANDATORY ITEMS FOR A PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT http://bsar.org/manual/firstaidkit
In addition to personal items such as personal medications and items for dealing with that common bushwalking complaint, blisters, the below is a good guide to what items we should carry in our personal first aid kits—the items, even though we might not need the quantity of each. It contributes to personal and, equally important, our group safety. Editor
Bushwalking News Victoria August 2013
11
CONTROL OF PESTS IN PARKS
The hunts will be undertaken outside key visitor periods. There will be no shooting during school holiday periods. A large majority of the area covered by the program occurs in low visitation parks west of the Great Dividing Range where ground shooting routinely occurs in parks and reserves and adjoining areas.
Précised from NSW Government, Environment & Heritage webpage
To read the full item go to: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/pestsweeds/spc.htm
Victorian Alps Wild Horse Management Plan
Parks Victoria in partnership with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) is developing a Victorian Alps Wild Horse Management Plan to guide the management of wild horses and their impacts on public land in the Victorian Alps.
Community input and expert advice is essential to ensure the plan considers the range of views on wild horses and that management controls are effective and practical.
Parks has invited people to make submissions, but, unfortunately, the closing date for the first round of submissions was Monday 22 July.
However, there will also be an opportunity to review and comment on the draft plan later in the planning process. Bushwalking News Victoria hopes it will receive sufficient advanced notice to enable interested bushwalkers to comment at that stage.
In the meantime, for information about the project and the consultation process, visit the project website www.parks.vic.gov.au/alpshorseplan to download and to read the FAQ, information sheets and background papers.
Based on an email from Daniel Brown Environment, Land and Water Planning Officer
Parks Victoria
NPWS Supplementary Pest Control Program
The NSW Minister for the Environment announced on 4 July 2013 the details of a new supplementary pest control program in NSW National Parks, giving the National Parks and Wildlife Service access to additional volunteer resources to assist in conducting pest control programs.
The new program will enable the NSW NPWS to invite community volunteers with high level training and competency testing in safe firearms handling and shooting proficiency, equivalent to that of NPWS staff, to shoot pest animals as part of a program initiated, planned, directed and supervised by the NPWS. The program will help NPWS extend its existing pest control on national parks and reserves and other cooperative programs with neighbours to protect native species and agriculture from the impacts of pest animals
It is expected that NPWS will commence supplementary pest control in October 2013.
The pest animals include wild dogs, feral pigs, rabbits, feral goats, deer, feral cats and foxes.
Initially 12 parks or reserves will be part of the program. There will be a review and report back to Government before any further roll out of the program to 75 parks of NSW’s 865 parks and reserves. The program will not be allowed in any wilderness or world heritage areas.
Affected parks will be closed during any pest shooting activity. The planned hunts will be announced up to four weeks in advance and NPWS will provide final confirmation to neighbours and the public at least 48 hours ahead of any activity. This is the current standard used in both pest control and hazard reduction operations. The NPWS website will contain up-to-date information on park closures and shooting operations. Signs will also be erected at park entrances on the specific days shooting is occurring.
Hub for the event: Community Hall in the hamlet of Myrniong
Registration opens: 1 August
Registration fee: $20
Contact Information:
All information regarding the event is provided via links on the Boroondara Bushwalkers (BBI) & Bushwalking Victoria (BWV) websites.
BBI: http://www.boroondarabushwalkers.org.au/ Click on the menu item Federation Day Walk 2013. The site will be updated progressively.
Email: [email protected] for enquiries
BWV: www.bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
See also the July edition of Bushwalking News Victoria for the Brief Walk Description summary.
FEDERATION DAY WALK 2013, SUNDAY 13 OCTOBER
23 walks: 4 Easy grade, 4 Easy-Medium, 12 Medium & 3 Medium-Hard walks spread over 5 parks.
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Bushwalking News Victoria August 2013
Bushwalking News Victoria
If undeliverable please return to
Bushwalking Victoria Inc. PO Box 1007
Templestowe 3106 Victoria
Office Office Manager: Patricia Scales
PO Box 1007 Templestowe Vic 3106 Phone: 8846 4131 Fax: 9846 7473 [email protected] www.bushwalkingvictoria.org.au Office Hours: Monday: 9.00am – 4.00pm Tuesday: 9.00am – 3.30pm Wednesday: 9.00am – 3.30pm
Office Bearers President: Tony Walker
[email protected] 0414 278 121 Vice President: Chris Towers
[email protected] Secretary: Fred Bover
[email protected] Treasurer: John Creaser [email protected]
General Board Members Charlie Ablitt [email protected] Megan Major [email protected] Terry Sydes [email protected] Robyn Shingles [email protected] Val Wake [email protected]
Standing Commit tees Bush Search and Rescue Victoria Convener: Peter Campbell [email protected]
Bushwalking Environment Manager : Megan Major
[email protected] Conservation and Track Maintenance Projects: Charlie Ablitt
[email protected] Land Management Submissions: Phil Brotchie
Specia l ist Off icers Insurance: [email protected]
Publications and News Editor: Joslin Guest [email protected]
Federation Walks Coordinator: Sylvia McLean [email protected]
Web Manager: Chris Towers [email protected]
Consultants Strategy Consultant: Elaine Towers
[email protected] Honorary Auditor and Accounting Consultant: Stephen Skaleskog
Representatives on Other Organisations Bushwalking Australia:
Victorian Delegate: Tony Walker Victorian Deputy Delegate: Chris Towers
Please contact via the office
Organisations where BWV Members Provide a Bushwalk ing Perspect ive Grampians Peak Trail Task Force: Phil Brotchie
Living Links Steering Committee: Tony Walker
W h o ’ s W h o a t B u s h w a l k i n g V i c t o r i a
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