Endangered species, access and cliff care at Waterworks

Today I attended a community meeting at Waterworks with the local landcare group, and Alderman (Crocker) from the Hobart City Council and the parks officer responsible for the Quarry and Fruehoff.

Several topics of interest were raised that somewhat impact on climbers, but it is all positive.

Firstly the CCT are formally recognised by the HCC as interested stakeholders for those two areas, this consolidates the role of the CCT with the Wellington Trust through Al and Tony.  We will be consulted in respect to the development and conservation of both quarries. The HCC were aware of climbing activity at Waterworks but not so much at Fruehoff. Jon and I will meet with the HCC in the next couple of weeks to discuss the Quarry,  the Linear Park and Fruehoff in light of the development of the Linear Track after the purchase of the property from the Brewery.

This meeting was called by the local landcare group who have been instrumental in cleaning up the quarry over the last two decades. They are concerned about damage caused by the new pump track. However they are not negative and want to preserve the habitat of the (only) endangered Australian weed called the New Holland Daisy. They are also concerned about general degradation from the pushbikes. They seem very reasonable and want to work with both Council, cyclists and climbers. As a consequence of their concerns the HCC will take a number of measures to limit damage - climbers have a large part to play in this. 

Contrary to my previous understanding, the Daisy is in the corner of the Quarry near the climbers gate - it looks like a weed and unless you are a botanist or have it pointed out I doubt you would pick it.. Due to the bikes and climbers, this area has been hurredly fenced off and Council and landcare ask that climbers do not trample inside the temporary fence (pickets and orange bunting). In the near future the main climbers fence will be moved to place the Daisy inside the climbers fence. We are asked to look after the area. A row of rocks and a sign will be erected to tell climbers about the weed and how to look after it. They do not want to totally fence it as grazing by wildlife preserves the habitat. The gate will be moved slightly.The Quarry may later include other facilities such as BBQs.

The council officer (Adam) was really supportive of climbers and without a doubt will keep in contact. They are concerned about bone seed which is establishing itself on and around the cliff. Anyone who has been to Araps knows this one. The HCC suggested that they would put on a BBQ if we assist with weed removal from the cliff????

In terms of actual climbing no concerns were raised. Stability of the cliff was mentioned but not as an issue for climbers. Allegedly there was a fatality years ago from rockfall. 

In summary, climbers please respect the temporary fence and there are no problems. Jon and I will keep you informed as we go. We may have to make a mention in the guide thing.

S