QUEENSLANDBUSHWALKERS

CLUB Inc.

PO Box 2199Sunnybank Hills

QLD 4109Email qldbwc@yahoo.comPhone No (07) 3341 7509

http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/

Newsletter March 2014

Helen and Marion navigate along Birnum Range

Club NewsNote from the Editor

Welcome to the March edition of the newsletter. We are a little light on for walk reports this month. Instead this issue features information impacting on the wider world of bushwalking .

This includes a letter from the president of Bushwalking Australia highlighting website and insurance changes (p.3), an update on a variety of issues from the president of Bushwalking Queensland (p.4), a copy of the draft minutes of the Bushwalking Australia conference held in Queensland in November (p.6), and a focus on recent changes to Qld's Nature Conservation Act (p.10). Enjoy! - Ed.

Navigation Skills Training and BBQ

On Saturday 1 February, John and Julie Shera arranged and hosted an afternoon session of navigation skills training, followed by a bbq. The first challenge for the afternoon was to locate the Shera's property near Jimboomba without the benefit of a house number at the front gate. John made a clue by fixing a paper plate at the entry and it proved remarkably successful.

About 8 members then proceeded by car to the nearby Birnum Range. Armed with compasses and maps specially marked with objectives, we ascended from the road head to the ridge top. John provided instruction on obtaining compass bearings, relating that to the map, and setting a course. We then set off southwards along the ridge top for around a kilometre through relatively open bushland with some more sections of ascent.

After achieving the third point, there was a general consensus that we had grasped the fundamentals of the exercise. There may also have been mention of the bbq. We then turned back and did the exercise in reverse to reinforce what we had learnt.

All in all it was a very successful exercise. Everyone involved either gained or refreshed their compass and map reading skills.It was also a well chosen location. It was very easy to relate the overall topography to the map, which meant that participants could readily assess whether their calculations and decisions were accurate. The open nature of the bush and relatively benign course helped us to focus on the exercise rather than worrying about straying into a lantana bush or off a cliff. And there were views to enjoy from the top of the range, as well as the pleasure of doing an unfamiliar bushwalk on a pleasant afternoon in good company. Well done and thank you John!

Our reward was to join other more experienced navigators and/or later arrivals for a bbq dinner. This was well attended withnumbers more than doubling. Good food, wine and animated conversation followed.

Just when it seemed the day couldn't get any better, John produced a documentary about the Crash of the Stinson for our viewing pleasure. Norm was actually tempted into staying longerfor this, despite having to lead a walk early the next day. The viewing sparked another round of discussion about the StretcherTrack and associated walks. The evening ended late for some.

Well done to all the navigation trainees and a big thank you to John and Julie for a very successful training day and bbq!

M Hoopmann

Membership

As at 28 February the club has 64 financial members and is growing! Why not introduce a friend to the club? Fees are $30. Find a form at: http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/membership

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General InformationQBW Management Committee

President Robin Laban 0417 991 149

Vice President Mary Sherlock 3209 8514

Secretary Marion Laban 0405 536 718

Treasurer Helen McAllister 0419 684 319

Outings Officer Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)

Membership Officer Margie Rae 3395 1838 (H)

Editor Michael Hoopmann 0401 527 017

Training Officer John Shera 5546 0381 (H)

Social Secretary Sandy Thomas 3711 4134 (H)

Other Voluntary Positions

Equipment Officer Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)

Supper Convenor Noelene McCay 3889 0264 (H)

Librarian Mary Sherlock 3209 8514

BWQ Rep Anne Kemp 3371 2707

BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)

Meeting Place

Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at 7.30pm. There is no club meeting in January.

Meetings 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.

Membership

Probationary Membership

A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member on his/her first walk after signing the Acknowledgement of Risk form. No fee is payable to become a Probationary Member.

A Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on his/her second walk by filling out a membership form and payingthe 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, a QBW walk leader, the Membership Officer or one of the committee members.

An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or be elected to a committee position.

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 QBW members will have priority if there is a limit on numbers.

Club EquipmentCompasses Topo Maps UHF Radios

Emergency Lights Steripen First Aid Kits

The above are for use by members at nil cost.

Garmin GPS QBW has 4 GPSs which have a 20 metre contour topo map of the whole of Australia included.

PLBs with inbuilt GPS QBW 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.

Back Pack for Hire $5.00 charge

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.

Space Blankets For Sale $2.50 each.

Lightweight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers!

Contact Richard on 3341 7509 for any of the above.

Reciprocal Walks with Other ClubsRedlands Bushwalking Club

Only stipulation is that Redlands club members have priority over visitors. Calendar is available at:http://www.redlandbushwalkers.org.au/static/calendar.html

Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland (BOSQ)

BOSQ allows financial members from other bushwalking clubs affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland to join in BOSQ activities without having to become members of BOSQ or pay visitor fees. This will be with the agreement of the activity leader.Members of BOSQ will have priority for nominations.Calendar is available at http://www.bosq.bwq.org.au/

YHA Bushwalkers

Members of other BWQ affiliated clubs can join up to three walks per calendar year. Calendar is available at: http://sites.google.com/site/yhabushies/outings

Gold Coast Bushwalkers

Gold Coast Bushwalkers may admit as honorary members financial members of bushwalking clubs which are affiliated with BWQ. This dispensation will be at the discretion of the Management Committee.Ipswich Bushwalkers Inc

Intending walkers must contact the leader in advance. The newsletter also contains a full description of the grading system and a list of Committee members and their contact numbers. Calendar available at www.ipswichbushwalkers.bwq.org.au

Coming WalksAny person wishing to come on a walk must contact the walk leader first. The leader will organise the meeting place and car pooling and has full discretion on who can come on the walk.

Nominations close 9:00pm on the Wednesday prior to a weekend trip or 9.00pm on the Monday before Wednesday trips.

More detailed information is available on the club calendar.

March 201414-16 Fri-Sun South Bald Rock (Girraween) T/W

David Haliczer 0432 901030

15 Sat Cabbage Tree Creek (D'Aguilar NP) D/W Richard Kolarski 3341 7509

16 Sun Somerset Trail (Mt Mee) D/W Helen McAllister 3844 4866

22 Sat Tamborine Mt walks D/W Patricia Kolarski 3341 7509

29 Sat Bohgaban Falls Survey (Binna Burra) D/W Richard Kolarski 3341 7509

30 Sun Walks Planning Day and BBQ (3pm) Richard Kolarski 3341 7509

April 20145 Sat Raining Cliffs exploratory (O'Reillys)

Richard Kolarski 3341 7509

12 Sat Widgee FallsPeter Weallans 5541 2755 (w)

13 Sun Mt Greville (Aratula) D/WMargie Rae 33395 1838

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A Letter from Bushwalking Australia to affiliated Qld clubs

Bushwalking Australia (BA) is the National body representing the interests of bushwalkers and other recreational walkers. BA is a Federation of State-based peak-body organisations who in turn have clubs andindividuals as members.

BA’s Objectives are to: ● Represent bushwalking and bushwalkers on matters of national and international significance. ● Promote safe and environmentally responsible bushwalking to the community. ● Facilitate interaction and sharing of knowledge and skills between State bushwalking bodies, clubs

and individual bushwalkers across Australia. ● Provide services to Member Associations, bushwalkers and the wider community in furtherance of

these objectives.

In July 2013 the BA web site was updated with a new contemporary design and the content systematically reviewed and amended. A new Links section has been added that collects in one place links to useful and relevant information for bushwalkers planning interstate trips, such as public and school holidays, emergency information, national parks, travel and road information for the outback states etc. Suggestions for additional links or types of information to be added are welcome.

Bushwalking Australia has engaged Marsh Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd to manage its insurance requirements,including obtaining the policies and cover and handling claims and enquiries from member clubs. All enquiries regarding claims, policy terms and coverage, Certificates of Currency or additional cover are to be directed to Marsh, who have set up a dedicated telephone number of 1300 723810 for Bushwalking Australia member clubs to directly contact them i.e. enquiries and information is no longer available from Bushwalking Queensland. Details of the Public Liability, Personal Accident and Associations Liability insurance policies, including the policy documents, and email contact details for Marsh staff responsible for claims and enquiries are available on the Insurance section of the BA web site.

I am also planning on developing in coming months a number of FAQ documents covering different aspects of the insurance arrangements and policies that will provide more information to assist clubs and their members in better understanding the insurance arrangements. I am happy to receive suggested topics or questions to be included in these FAQs.

Chris Towers Bushwalking Australia President president@bushwalkingaustralia.org

Web Site: www.bushwalkingaustralia.org

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BushwalkingQueensland Inc.

From the President's Desk to affiliated clubs and their members

February 2014Hi affiliated clubs and their committees and members,A few items have arisen through Bushwalking Queensland Inc. (BWQ) which are worth promulgating intothe wider club community.

RegardsGavin DalePresident

MEMBERSHIP CHANGESIt is with regret that BWQ have accepted the resignation of Brisbane Bushwalkers Club Inc. from affiliationwith BWQ. BWQ wish them well and hope in the near future they may renew their affiliation.BWQ, however, has received inquiries from two clubs based in Hervey Bay. These clubs are eager tobecome members, if not for the insurance, but have been informed of other benefits.

KEEP WALKING NEPAL PRESENTATIONOn Wednesday 19th February, Ron Jackson, from Keep Walking SA, on the executive of Walks SA, and theSouth Australian delegate to Bushwalking Australia Inc., gave a presentation about Keep Walking Nepal.This organisation treks all over Nepal with a sherpa as a guide, with minimum party size of 1. Furtherinformation at http://www.keepwalkingnepal.com/index.phpAll attendees had a great time and special thanks to Mountain Designs for donating door prizes, 2 smallbackpacks, and 4 water bottles, plus the taste testing of a variety of freeze dried meals, and a display ofvarious items.

James and Jordana from Mountain DesignsMOUNTAIN DESIGNS DISCOUNTSBWQ is organising discounts for members of affiliated clubs. The discount is added to the discount alreadyon the loyalty card. Once the process is confirmed, BWQ will notify clubs on how to access this discount.

INSURANCE QUESTIONNAIREYes, its that time of year again. Bushwalking Australia Inc. has forwarded the insurance questionnaire toBWQ, for distribution to clubs. The insurance questionnaires are a Word document (.docx) are tailored foreach club with their 2013 responses. The questionnaire also contains questions that have not been asked for awhile, plus other questions in relation to the Associations Liability Policy. The BWQ Treasurer will emailclubs through the usual contacts plus those who completed the form last year to ensure its distribution.The questionnaire needs to be completed and forwarded by 13 April 2014. BWQ appreciates the work in compiling the information in the short time-frame.

Insurance Reminder – Further information and questionsWhile on the subject of insurance, all information including policies are located on the BushwalkingAustralia Inc. web-site at www.bushwalkingaustralia.org.au/insurance. Any questions about insurance are tobe directed as per the web-site. The FAQ section is due to be added shortly.

GOOGLE CALENDARDoes your club utilise Google Calendar? The BWQ Web Master is looking at putting a Google Calendar onthe BWQ web-site, with clubs' Google calendars linked to it. As clubs put their activities and events on theircalendar, their activities and events will be combined on the calendar on the BWQ web-site.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO COUNTRYBWQ has adopted the “Acknowledgement to Country” being the first order of business for any meeting andevent held by BWQ, paying respects to the traditional owners and elders of the land on which the event ormeeting is held.The text of the Acknowledgement To Country is as follows:“I would like to recognise the …...................................... (language group from map) who areOwners and Custodians both past and present of this land on which we now stand.I thank them for the privilege of being able to conduct our business on this their land.I would like to recognise those Elders both past and present who are historically connected to thisland also.Thank you.”The map of the languages is found at this web-site - http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/map/

PILGRIMAGE 2014 AND BEYONDThe Pilgrimage 2014 will be held over the weekend 5-7 September 2014.The venue will be Camp Laurence on Moogerah Dam.This event will be jointly run by Gold Coast Bushwalkers Club and Bushwalkers Of Southern QueenslandDetails for next years event will appear soon.BWQ would like clubs to consider hosting for 2015 Pilgrimage and beyond.

FURTHER INFORMATIONFor further information about any of these topics please email the BWQ Secretary –secretary@bushwalkingqueensland.org.au

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Draft Minutes of the

BUSHWALKING AUSTRALIA INC. ANNUAL CONFERENCE

SATURDAY 16 th – SUNDAY 17 th NOVEMBER 2013

Saturday 16th

Present: Bushwalking Australia Inc. (BA) delegates and guests.Chris Towers – Vic John Marshall - QldTony Walker – Vic Gavin Dale - QldBill Gehling – SA Andrew Ryan - BWQRon Jackson – SA Desley Pedrazzini – BWQCate Mettam – SA Hilary Riley – Redland BW clubDavid Trinder – NSW Richard Kolarski – Qld. Bushwalkers ClubDavid Gordon – Insur. Officer John Edenborough – BOSQIan MacDonald – WA David Atkins - TasHecate Jay – WA Cameron Douglas – Marsh

Gavin Dale opened proceedings with Recognition of Traditional Owners – the Gubbi Gubbi people.

Session 0019.00am Welcome and President’s address.BA President Chris Towers gave a brief welcome to delegates and guests, commenting on the increasing challenges facing bushwalking clubs given the scenario of incumbent conservative governments in most states.

Session 0029.06am Insurance ProcessProcess last year to invite another broker to quote was found wanting. BA will need to be moreproficient and transparent when it next goes to market. A suggested marketing cycle of 3 yearswould be preferable as brokers need to invest considerable time and expense in preparing quotes.Some may otherwise be deterred from offering quotes.Under the ‘full service’ model now being set up with Marsh, the BA insurance officer will becomethe ‘Contract Manager’. It is desirable for the Contract Manager to have a working knowledge ofthe insurance industry, with any perceived conflicts of interest being declared.The new full service model will streamline enquiry and claim processes, eliminating intermediatesteps. The BA website will be the primary point of reference for all enquiries, this to be notified toall affiliated clubs.Cameron Douglas indicated the Insurance Report was due mid-October 2013. To be forwardedwhen available. This year had a good result with better cover and cheaper premiums.

Insurance Overview - Cameron DouglasInsurance remains the primary reason for club involvement in state federations and BA.Cover is extended to Temporary Members.Separate cover for Individual Members is to be negotiated.Role of broker:• To act as agent for the client• Protected by Professional Indemnity Insurance• FAQ inclusion to be providedPolicies currently provided:Public Liability (PL) - $20M c Liberty InternationalAssociation Liability (AL) – same as Directors and Officers LiabilityPersonal Accident (PA) –Summary of policies could be provided for benefit of affiliate clubs.Future premium calculation would be enhanced if club statistics were made available, e.g.participation rates, and capture of any injury details (how it happened).It would be good practice if clubs built up a buffer in club funds as a contingency against any claimexcess payments.BWV policy: Affiliate clubs – primary activity is bushwalking. Covered by insurance.Associate clubs – bushwalking is not primary activity – not covered.A differential model could be negotiated, based on % of other activities, and could include ‘socialonly’ members. This would require a club census to get the breakdown.Temporary Members:Children not covered, as they are not legal entities.

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Other products: Statutory Liability is available to cover any OHS situations.There is no longer any need for state insurance officers – state federations to inform clubs of newarrangements to be posted on the BA website.BA to formulate an Insurance release to explain the new arrangements.Individual cover for bushwalkers (non-club walkers). A separate policy will be needed and willrequire the following:• Number of participants• Risk Management Guidelines awarenessIndividual policy would cover bushwalking and any incidental activities.BWV to provide a lead and invite feedback on individual cover.

Action: Chris Towers & Tony Walker to formulate a proposal paper by the 18-March-2014teleconference. To suggest a preferred price point.

Suggestion: BA invite broker to annual conference every 3 years.

Session 003Outstanding items from 2012 (John Marshall)Draft Minimum Impact Bushwalking PolicyFederal Election Paper

Comment: MIB – truncate clause 8.1 after ‘enjoyment of the bush’. After discussion, it was decided to refer these items to Session 010 – Policy formulation.

Session 0041:30pm Training for Bushwalkers and Leadership (Tony Walker)BWV is developing a 3–day course consisting of 10 modules. A kit for Train The Trainer will be available by April 2014. Funding grant of $13.5K has been obtained from Vic Govt. for ‘Preparation of Informal Leader Training Course’.Modules:

• Why be a leader• Planning and Research• Leading and Conducting the activity• Risk Management & Safety• First Aid• Navigation• Running a Basecamp• Running a Pack Carry walk

The BA Training Survey responses indicated a strong desire for Leadership Training by the clubs. The first priority will be Train the Trainer, then Train the Walkers.

Comment: Tas. advised ‘they do not have leaders’, each party member is expectedto be self reliant.

Session 0052:15pm Development of a BA Values Statement (Tony Walker)Need goals and objectives, and ethics.BWV Strategic PlanEthics ref.:• Honesty, Integrity, Openness, Responsiveness• Inclusiveness• Respect for Natural Environment• Utilising Knowledge for Community Good• Safety* We need a statement of What We Are and How We Will Work *Delegates and visitors were asked for their thoughts on values…….SBW: ‘elements’ … (tokens):• Social, natural environment, map, bootsWA:• Protecting members’ interests• Networking & ideas sharingSA:• Mission, core values

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• Communication & Cooperation• Respect Differences• Environmentally aware• Courage to act• EncouragementTas:(comment) Buy in by clubs is poor.Qld:• Support clubs• Champion the Cause• Respect for Country (indigenous & all heritage)• Health & Fitness• Clearing House for news & ideasR. Kolarski:• Importance of a solid club structureH. Riley:• Objectives in Club Constitution – relevance.• Cultural Focus

* Chris Towers commented he was stunned to get so many new ideas.

Action: JM to wordsmith key values from candidate list (to ± 5).Comments from delegates by end February for March teleconference.

Questions: Do we formulate values top down or bottom up?Who are we & Why are we?

Session 0063:00pm State PresentationsWA:• President is Hecate Jay• Doing a Constitutional & Organisational Review – recd. Grant for a consultant• Govt. wants inclusion of other groups (online) and training.SA:• Govt. funding – interim board, review of Walking SA, more than bushwalking• Recommendations funded – more work• Board structure of 15 – lots of sub-cte’s, including health, re-hab, & real bushwalkers• Strategic Plan – 70 client groups, constitution templates, paid admin. officer 15 hours per week, 12 month timeframe, broader walking focus, young people well represented on board (50%).• Facebook, Twitter Apps.• Child Safety issues• Use of students for admin. – good workers, and they get work experienceComment: Other forms of walking feed into bushwalking clubs.Tas:• 9 clubs in federation, all incorporated• Federation meets 4 times a year in central Tas.• Walls of Jerusalem – proposal to limit group size to 7.• Work as you Walk – track clearing projectsVic:• Club Health Strategy - promotion• Comment: Send club newsletters to local MPs• 1400 on Contact List – individual members & subscribers

Session 0075.19pm Annual General meeting(Minutes to be forwarded separately)6.00pm Close

Sunday 17th

Session 006 (Contd.)8:54am State PresentationsNSW:• Affiliation fee $5 per head – city clubs, $5.50 per head – country clubs• Club cap of $2250• Monthly Newsletter – just after the monthly meetings

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• Challenging events attracting younger demographic, e.g. SBW Kanangra-Katoomba 1 day.BWQ:• Enquiries from start-ups. Incorporation is a stumbling block.• BWQ accepts non-incorporated, but recommends incorporation.• Working through Glasshouse BW club on proposed recreation hub with Jimna Forest Action Group. Proposal would link wider walking areas.

Session 00810:19am ‘Membership is Dead’ (David Trinder & Chris Towers)• Clubs need to “jump out of the ageing cycle”.• Caro Ryan has revamped website for SBW with great results, and has started a ‘Tiggers’ social group with the club.• Meetup hiking groups draw large numbers but operate at a lower level than bushwalking clubs.• Know who you want to recruit• 40-60 year olds are a large target group• Other groups – young people, migrant and visitor groups, pre-retirement group• Use local papers for publicity articlesTW and DA to distribute more material

Session 01011:20am Policy formulation program for 2013-2014 (Bill Gehling)General discussion resulted in these Action items:• TW: Each state to work on a policy area• HJ: To email policy list• SA: Will do Walkability• Vic: Trail & Track Fees• WA: Access, Minimum Impact Bushwalking• BG: To take input on policy development – dot pointsDeadline: March teleconference.

Session 00911:56am Bushwalking and Mining (Hecate Jay & Ian MacDonald)A looming access issue for bushwalkers in WA. (presentation to be forwarded separately)

Session 01112:20pm Unresolved matters• Guidelines for BA Website Links (JM to forward draft)• BA Draft Strategy by 2014 (March teleconf. Agenda item)

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Amendments to the Nature Conservation Act by the current Queensland Government

In November last year the Queensland Government posted some information on the Department of National Parks website about changes to the Nature Conservation Act. As the advice states that these are 'the most significant changes to the way that Queensland national parks and other protected areas are managed' since the Act was introduced, and as many bushwalkers recreate in National Parks or forestry reserves, information aboutthe changes will probably be of interest to bushwalkers.

The path to the information on the website is a little difficult to find so here is a link to the page - http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/about/legislation/nature-conservation-act-ammend.html . Note that there is a link atthe bottom of that page to a further FAQ page which provides a little more information.

For those readers who find a discussion about legislation and policy a little tiring, the following extracts taken from the website summarise some of the key elements relevant to bushwalking:

… 'Why has the Object of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 been changed? The previous Object of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (the Act) referred only to the conservation of nature. While the conservation of nature is of critical importance, the [amended] Act provides for other outcomes in the management of protected areas, including recreational or commercial activities.'

… The Object of the Act remains the conservation of nature but it is being expanded to better provide for recreation and ecotourism opportunities in the protected area estate.

… The revised Object highlights that the importance of nature conservation does not automatically override other values in determining how protected areas should be managed.

… the current tenure categories are either being abolished or grouped around like classes. Amendments to the tenure structure under the Act include:

• combining national park, national park (scientific) and national park (recovery) tenures into one tenure class called national park

• combining conservation park and resources reserve tenures into one tenure class called regional park

• grandfathering the coordinated conservation area tenure from future use• abolishing the wilderness area, World Heritage management area, and international

agreement areas• abolishing the forest reserve tenure.

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