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General Climbing Discussion

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Sydney - North Head / The Gap POM review 19-Dec-2010 At 9:46:42 AM TonyB

Message

Rod,

I've made my submission as you suggested, objection to the draft plan.
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/parkmanagement/SydneyHarbourNPdraftPOM.htm
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NPWS admits, Page 118:
"There is strong interest and desire from the rock climbing community for rock climbing to be allowed in Sydney Harbour National Park"

With the huge interest shown from this group (climbers), why have the dozens of submissions from rock climbers been ignored ?

Why have the submissions from climbers been ignored when the NPWS stated aim is to, Page 63:
"OUTCOME 4
Provide rich and memorable experiences in the Park"

It is difficult to believe that NPWS is serious in their stated reason for banning climbing:
Page 123 ... climbing conflicts with whale watching !!! ?

"Adventure activities such as rock climbing have the potential to conflict with other park visitors at North Head. The numbers of visitors to North Head is increasing and most visitors visit North Head for the harbour and city views, for whale watching and for viewing specific harbour events such as the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race."

Note the word "potential". In fact no real conflict of any kind actually exists. It is purely in the minds of people sitting behind desks writing documents.

The Hobart race is one day per annum. Why isn't climbing banned on just this one day per year ?

Has there been a single submission from a whale watcher, objecting to climbers ?

Is the NPWS aware that whale watchers are on the top of cliffs, safely behind fences, while climbers are out of sight on the cliff faces ? There is no potential for such conflict whatsoever.

p 123 is astounding !
"However, in the case of North Head, there is a potential opportunity to provide a cliff face adventure activity on a highly controlled and licenced basis. This type of activity might utilise some of the heritage structures and existing access routes across the rockface."

Why are commercial operators to be considered ? Commercial operators climb with beginners ! Why are expert climbers being ignored ?

Is the NPWS suggesting that heritage buildings should be used as climbing anchors perhaps ?

In summary, climbing is to be banned without valid reason and contrary to the NPWS stated aims. There is a blatant discrimination being shown against rock climbers as a group.