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Brush-Tailed Rock Wallaby Release for Grampians 21-Aug-2005 At 9:10:23 PM Access Ant

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Neil M and John Stone let me know about this debate raging here and it's been so long I forgot my password. Thought I should add my 2 cents worth. Weather we like it or not PV manages the Parks we climb in and like everyone else sometimes they get it right, sometimes they get it wrong. It's easy to take negatives and focus on them rather than focus on positives. The fact that PV approached me about the Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby release should illustrate their willingness to involve climbers directly with issues that could affect us and that should count for something.They wanted the climbing community's input in the project to prevent a conflict with climbers. By consulting with me they are hoping that the project's aims are achieved (the successful re-introduction of a species on the verge of extinction) and that climbers concerns and needs are also respected. The Vic Valley, Red Rock area and surrounds specifically are being looked at because that's where the last surviving Rock Wallaby in the Vic Valley was taken from in 1996. Historically this is where they lived and as such provides all the conditions for their habitat and therefore the best chance of survivial. Although there are some amazing crags in the area I have been lead to believe that most of the area is still fairly un-developed by climbers (or so I thought) and due to the lack of large numbers of climbers visiting this areas (compared with other areas) I was hoping that our impact could be managed in a way to maintain access. I have mentioned things like restricting commercial groups and overnight camping providing that access during the day by individuals can remain un-affected. Jugding from the responses I don't think that's unreasonable as most climbers feel that curbing their conduct somewhat to maintain access is a small price to pay. Now if anyone knows of a large group (say 10+) planning to bivi on Pythagoris Therom for the night could you get them to contact me cause that might be a problem. Seriously though, there are other areas, some better for climbers, worse for the Wallaby, it's about finding a balance between the environment and us. Future development of this area is a sticking point as has been hi-lighted by the discovery by PV staff of the afore mentioned boulder. Bolts and chalk aside (both two HUGE issues in themselves which for fear of being trapped in front of this computer for ever I will not get into now) the removal of vegetation by anyone within park boundaries is never allowed and what Parks do during the course of their management stratagies is the obvious exception! Climbers have been brushing routes for a long time (I'm not condoning it) and getting away with it but the removal of branches and trees is clearly visible to all and gives us a higher profile within PV management groups. The most promising thing about this whole issue is that it's great to see this amount of peer pressure for climbers to respect the crags and surrounds. I almost thought ethics were dead or at least only carried around by us bumbly trad types.

I have been contacted by an individual that has been involved with the "works" done around this area so it's good to see some people taking responsability for their actions. I don't think their head on a pike (or was it public flogging) will really help the situation, I feel the fact that people are pissed off about it will serve as a deterent to this sort of behaviour rather than a public bloodletting.

PS As I spent quite a bit of time away with work (not only VCC stuff) and out of contact I don't responed to e-mails immeditately and I apologise for any inconvenience this causes. I can always be contacted through cliffcare@vicclimb.org.au or call 0425 752 289 and I will responed as soon as able. This information is available through the VCC website, Argus (for those that get it), Rock magazine and some retail outlets.