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VCC Bushfire Report 13-Feb-2006 At 1:43:46 PM Access Ant

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This is a copy of a report I've sent to Rock and Argus. I know there has been disscussions on the bushfires already so I apologies in advance if I've repeated anything already stated by others.

Grampians Bushfires
The Grampians Bush Fire Has burnt about 130,000 ha of Park and private land. I have been informed by Parks that about 48% of the Grampians National Park has been affected by the fire (see DSE Fire Map). Whether that 48% is totally burnt in all areas is unknown at this time by either Parks rangers or myself. Some areas namely in the North have remained unaffected and are open to the public. However the damage to the burnt areas is so extensive that Parks Vic staff has been unable to enter these areas until such time as their insurance personnel have assessed it.

Due to the size of the damaged area it will most likely be some time until this occurs, meaning that Parks Rangers will be some way off before they can actually get into these areas and start the rehabilitation process (we are most likely talking months). These areas will remain closed until Parks have been able to assess the safety and environmental concerns. Parks and DSE crews will be removing burnt tree hazards, obviously on the roads first, then the main tourist walking tracks before getting around to the less touristy areas. I recommend anyone wishing to visit the Grampians to contact the Grampians National Park on 03 5361 4000 or visit their website at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au to acquire the most current information about access to these areas. Other information will be available on the VCC website at www.vicclimb.org.au and also the DSE website at www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires

I have contacted Parks on behalf of the VCC to express our interest in helping with the recovery process and with whatever works might need to be done in the future to facilitate the speedy re-opening of burnt areas. Of course assessing what damage might actually have happened to the actual cliffs and climbs (such as features expanding in the heat and breaking off or anchor points such as trees or boulders not being there) will have to wait until such areas are open again to the public or until Parks allow us access to assess these areas. It is very important for climbers (or anyone for that matter) to stay out of the closed areas, not only for the danger of falling trees and limbs but also for the environmental impact that extensive erosion causes when there is no vegetation left to hold down the soil. Parks has informed me of severe landslide is some of the steeper terrain and I believe that they are having trouble with people trying to access the Park through closed roads. Also anyone willing to be involved in the rehabilitation works in the future should contact me through the VCC’s Website or call 0419 563 733.

Due to the size of the fire and the number of crags affected I have been unable to confirm exactly what has happened where and to what extent but it’s fair to say that all of the South Eastern Grampians (Barbican Rocks & Wall, The Dials, Mt William etc) and Central Grampians (Bundaleer, Mt Rosea etc) will have been greatly affected. It also got close to getting right into the Victoria Valley, it spotted into a few areas and did jump across Syphon Rd at a few places, I have been informed by locals that the fire did burn north of the Goat Track, but it appears from the DSE Fire Map that it might have just missed the Northern Victoria Valley crags (The Gallery, Red Rocks, Mt Fox, Eureka Wall etc). It did however burn the Asses Ears, Wallaby Rocks and Cherub & Maul Walls. As I stated above without actually getting in there and assessing the sites for myself, and the massive amount of work that Parks Vic face, I have been unable to confirm this information at this time. Anyone with any addition information should contact me on the above details so that I can keep up-dating climbers on the situation.

The Brisbane Ranges-Anakie Fire
The bush fire at Anakie did get into the Brisbane Ranges National Park however it did not affect the climbing site of the Amphitheatre (Falcons Lookout) but I have been informed by Rangers that the area of Staughton Vale was one of the most intense areas of the fire front. His quote was the whole area looked like it was “nuked”. Also, as in the Grampians, it will be some time before insurance assessors have been in to see and assess the damages before they will allow Parks in so they can start the recovery process.
Ant Callaghan
Access & Environment Officer
VCC