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Bouldering in the Grampians 12-Dec-2011 At 2:18:14 PM f_abe

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Kieran, what's with constantly trying to steer this thread back on topic? Since when has chockstone degenerated into a place for reasoned argument?
Regardless, it's an issue that obviously won't go away, and like you say, better to deal with it before it becomes a problem.
One would like to think that most aussie climbers would at least be aware of the possibility of such art existing, regardless of their opinions of it, and respect it for what it is. But when there's a stonking mega classic line waiting to be climbed, and you've spent an hour lugging a pad through thick scrub to find it, it's easy to overlook that stick emu as a patch of lichen. I know I've been guilty of climbing without considering the possibility of art. I'll be more careful in future. And realistically, I reckon that's the best we can do - raise awareness! As there's (thankfully...) no guides yet, print warnings can't work. The area's not really that popular yet (and I could be wrong but I can't see it becoming that popular, after all, it's not like you can tick the guide or spray about the problems back at camp and expect people to know), but the fact remains that the best intentions of a hundred locals can be (unwittingly) undone by one Euro hotshot with his camera crew and sponsor demands.
Hopefully, if everyone who reads this thread remembers it, and tell those that don't, some good will come of it.
I think, from memory, the gramps bouldering guide points out this issue. Maybe future editions could have a more prominent discussion of it in relation to exploring for new problems?
Just some thoughts on an issue that probably needs a lot more.
Alex