Is CAWA actually providing a central body that represents climbers when dealing with land managers, sporting bodies and government departments? Because this looks like a ploy to increase membership numbers, in my experience this is out of kilter to what is seen with climbing groups throughout the rest of the world. It is this exact sort of situation that drives me not to join an organisation. As for the insurance argument I don’t believe that is valid as I carry my own insurance.

It surely does, but really who cares! If they can get the extra members and it assits WA climbers in dealing with goverment agencies, good luck to them.

Hi Logan

Apologies for the delay. I am wrestling with a document problem that I can’t seem to load properly. Hoping to have it sorted out soon.

Hiking actually, but before that I was climbing in the Grampians.

Anyone got any pictures of the quarry? I’m interested to see what kind of addition to perth climbing it will be. Was impressed with eaglestone rock. Small area but good quality climbs.

The map on the link is good. Anyone can go there and walk around the top, have a look, it is kind of on the way along Albany Hwy so if heading to Millar’s, Cuthbert etc…. I would not recommend going inside though, not only this is prohibited and there is a locked gate but the ranger house sits perched right on top of the thing. While there check out the “wheelchair access” sign opposite the quarry gate….it points to a steep staircase!!

I dont mind paying CAWA an amount equal to 5 pints of coopers here in margaret ripoff river (when they actually do let us locals entry into the tav), but god damn it! i hate having to pay entry into national parks, which you had to do years ago to get down to contos.

Climbing in the blueies tomorrow, hope it doesnt rain

Nose is fine thanks Toc.

Ross good to see you brought some valid points to the table…

I still find it quite unusual that a government organisation will give exclusive use to a club (even for an interim period). Normally certain requirements are specified, which is to be expected, but not handing control to essentially a private organisation. My personal philosophy and I believe this aligns with CAWA is to involve as many people as possible into the sport. By limiting the users of a particular area I feel this is not assisting the sport. I recognise that dealing with government departments can be a rather drawn out process so I appreciate the effort that has gone into this, but there is an issue of setting precedence.

As I understand it, and I was not involved in the negotiations directly at all, the problem is with Water Corp, who have basically have been exhibiting schizophrenic behaviour all around (see access to boulder rock as well as ludicrous general attempts to prevent all access to any drinking water catchment). DEC are fine, they recognise that public lands are managed for public to use. WC want to have control.

Now I would imagine that WC thinks that they cannot exert control over the general public anywhere near as well as through an agreement with an organisation….which has a means of disseminating information, public liability insurance, presumably some experience, and is run elected officers with some sensibility.

I don’t imagine restricted access will last for more than a few years. Once we have demonstrated responsible use we will push for open access again, as we have done in the past. We need to take the long term view of this one.

Some good points have been raised and yes, some government departments can be difficult to deal with.

I feel the points I raised are still valid.

To be brutally honest I am not overly interested in climbing the quarry but it is the principle that concerns me. Once something like this is in place it is easy for this to flow on to other areas and unfortunately I have seen similar things happen in non climbing related pursuits. Some people would even argue that if it did flow on to other areas that would be a good thing but there would be others who would argue to the contrary. All I am saying here is a short term success may not equate to a long term win for the sport. If all goes to plan, the trial goes well and the area is opened up then that is a great success but I am a firm believer of looking at consequences, even from a victory.

Be what it may the DEC-WC-CAWA menage a trois, Canning Dam Quarry is a frightening choss hole that makes Barrington Quarry look appealing.

No wonder WC is so concerned about liability. Think of how many discount lobotomies will be doled out at said quarry.

No chossier than Mountain or Statham quarries when they were developed.