Cliff Conservation Alliance

21/06/2024

QPWS has recently added signage to remind visitors that adding bolts or infrastructure is prohibited at Lammington. However TRAD climbing is permitted in the Park except in areas which are Restricted Access. https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/238073/poondahra-cliffs-raa.pdf

12/03/2024

LAMMINGTON Restricted Access Areas added. https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/338186/lamington-coomera-gorge-raa.pdf Coomera Gorge , Ballunjui Falls area and Black Canyon area are closed for access according to the Lammington National park Website. A restricted access area has been declared over
the three areas, as shown on the maps,
to protect rare and threatened species and
critical, sensitive habitat.
Entry to the area—including climbing, abseiling
and all cliff and rope-based activities—is prohibited
without a permit or written approval.

02/02/2024

TIME for a POO change! With the increase numbers in our wilderness there is a call to change the way we sh in the woods. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-31/poo-pots-promoted-to-bushwalkers-in-tasmanian-wilderness/103374466?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web

23/01/2024

🌍 Leave No Trace: A Call to Action for Climbers 🧗‍♀️🏔️
Hey adventure-loving community! 🌟 As passionate climbers, we're privileged to explore breathtaking landscapes and conquer towering peaks. However, it's crucial that we reflect on our impact and commit to the principles of Leave No Trace. 🌿
🚮 Leave No Trace isn't just a slogan; it's a responsibility we owe to the beautiful environments that host our adventures. Sadly, it's disheartening to witness some of our fellow climbers falling short in this regard. Let's join hands and elevate our commitment to preserving the outdoors for generations to come! 🌲
Here are a few reminders for our climbing and hiking community:
1️⃣ Pack it in, pack it out: Whatever comes with you on the climb, make sure it leaves with you. That includes all wrappers, bottles, and any waste generated during your journey.
2️⃣ Stay on designated trails: Straying from marked paths can cause erosion and disrupt fragile ecosystems. Let's respect the designated routes and minimize our impact on the environment.
3️⃣ Dispose of waste properly: Human waste is a serious concern in climbing areas. If there are no restroom facilities, use designated waste disposal systems or pack out your waste in a sealed bag.
4️⃣ Respect wildlife: Keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing the local fauna. Remember, we are visitors in their home.
5️⃣ Minimize chalk use: Excessive chalk can be detrimental to the rock and the environment. Use chalk sparingly, and consider eco-friendly alternatives.
6 Dont leave ropes or other climbing equipment at the crag including removing quickdraws. If you brought it in to the crag you can take it home.
7 Don’t create make platforms or seating areas for your own comfort. Adapt to the existing environment not alter the existing environment.
8 Minimise the numbers in your group. Big groups equal more impact both for the area and the others who may be there to enjoy some solitude.
Let's be the change we want to see in our climbing community! 🌐 Share your commitment to Leave No Trace in the comments below and encourage you the same.

27/12/2023

Mayor asks people to stay away from areas damaged by storm to allow emergency services to clear trees and restore power.

18/12/2023

Here's an interesting article about rock climbers and their potential impacts (positive and negative) on cliff environments. Thanks to Dr Hilary Pearl for providing the link.

Outdoor climbing has boomed in popularity worldwide but some experts say the pursuit can push vulnerable cliff-dwelling species to the brink

19/10/2023

Peregrine Falcons nesting live footage - tune in to this link to watch a pair of falcons raising these chicks

NEWS 9th October 2023 Cilla Kinross1st hatch 2/10 06342nd hatch 3/10 1005Both nestlings are strong and healthy, getting five or six feeds a day.The thi...

19/10/2023

Here's a post and some photos from UniSC Honours student Amber Gould on some of the unique vegetation in the Glasshouse Mountains.

"The peaks of the Glass House Mountains hold outstanding cultural and ecological significance. Over 80 species of rare or threatened plants and animals call these mountains home. One of these unique species is the Glass House Mountains tea tree (Aggreflorum luehmannii, formerly Leptospermum luehmannii). It can be found growing exclusively and opportunistically in shallow soils on many of the region’s cliffs and summits. This conspicuous shrub sheds its outer layer of purple bark seasonally, revealing striking green bark beneath. Its shedding can become so energetic that bushwalkers and climbers may be treated to a symphony on a calm spring or summer’s day.

Genetic research suggests that Aggreflorum luehmannii populations found on the tallest Glass House Mountain peaks are the oldest and most diverse, and therefore hold the greatest conservation value. Preservation of genetic diversity is an important consideration for the long-term resilience of this vulnerable and highly restricted plant. Tread lightly when bathing in the beauty of the Glass House Mountains and you, too, might be afforded its song."

23/09/2023

Somerset Regional Council has now removed Rock Climbing from their plans for Mount Glen Rock.

Care4esK firmly believed that Rock Climbing was an activity that did not meet the guidelines of the Growing Future Tourism Grant funding, and therefore is very happy to read in recent Council meeting minutes, that after further consideration, Council have chosen to remove it from their Expression of Interest application.

Care4esK will continue to oppose this activity on Mount Glen Rock, should it be part of any future plans.

The following statement was recently published by the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland
Wildlife Queensland - Brisbane Branch

"Cliff recreational activities disrupt brush-tailed rock-wallabies"

'The recent surge in recreational activities involving cliffs and rocks threatens numerous plant and animal species. Among them, the brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata), classified as vulnerable under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, is particularly affected.
The brush-tailed rock-wallaby relies heavily on rocky habitats for survival. Steep slopes deter predators, and rain shed by rocky slopes can produce lush growth below.

This small to medium-sized macropod is also highly territorial and is sensitive to physical disturbance from humans. The wallaby enjoys sunbathing on steep rocks during daylight hours. Also, rocky outcrops offer cool shelters during hot summers, curbing heat stress and water loss.

Unfortunately, frequent human disruptions keep brush-tailed rock-wallabies in a constant state of alertness, impacting their behaviour and hindering their ability to rest'

This statement reinforces our main concern, and highlights the reason why Care4esK will continue to take this stance against activities that disrupt behaviour, or threaten the future of our local Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies of Mount Glen Rock, and other vulnerable Flora and Fauna.

Care4esK
Care 4 each species Kindly

18/09/2023

Which bird is that? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dGVO00Cg8w

Peregrine Falcons - What you should know

Peregrine falcons live in a wide variety of landscapes and vegetation types, occurring over much of the world.
In Queensland there are an estimated 950 breeding pairs of peregrine falcons with 25-35 pairs in south-east Queensland (six to ten pairs in the Greater Brisbane Region). Each pair requires a large home range, with pairs in south-east Queensland having an estimated range of 100 sq.km with a distance of 41 km between nest sites.
Peregrines nest between August and November with females usually laying two to three eggs (rarely four). They have an incubation period of 33 days with the young emerging over two to three days. The young then spend another 39 days in the nest before they are fully fledged, but still remain dependent on their parents until they learn their hunting skills. One brood was recorded as becoming independent when they were four to five months old.

How can we help these birds survive?
If you see them when on a cliff the best thing to do is retreat as they have a protective range of 300 metres. If they are threatened they will keep swooping leaving their eggs and reducing the chance of a successful nesting. You should also report their location on the SE Qld Rocklimbing group and any other hiking groups that you may be part of.

Adult Peregrine Falcon vocalizing - New JerseyMy bird photography can be found, at: https://www.GregGard.comYou can also follow me on:- Instagram: http://ww...