Year: 2013

Billionaire Kerry Stokes in talks to buy coastal land to reroute Heysen Trail

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Click on image to view larger imagePlans are afoot to re-route a section of the Heysen Trail near Balquhidder Station and Tunkalilla Beach to take in more of the spectacular coastline.

An article on news.com.au (and in today’s Advertiser) has brought to light that billionaire Kerry Stokes is in “secret talks” with the state government to buy a parcel of coastal land at Tunkalilla Beach.

The Advertiser quotes Mr Stokes as saying “This is an amazing part of South Australia and I am looking forward to ensuring its heritage and also opening up the Heysen Trail.”

“We were approached by the department to extend The Heysen Trail and create some hard-stand facilities for youth engagement.”

The re-route of the Heysen Trail along the coast through Balquihidder Station is something we’ve been keen on for a while. A re-route and upgrade of the Heysen Trail along the South Coast could see the Trail become a significant drawcard for walkers both locally, nationionally and internationally.

We welcome the prospect of improved facilities for people of all ages to hike the highlight section of the Heysen Trail South Coast from Cape Jervis to Victor Harbor.

Walking SA Newsletter

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Click on image to view larger imageFind out about what is happening over at Walking SA in their latest newsletter:

  • Report from the new Board
  • Introducing the People of the Transitional Board
  • Report of the Structural Review of Walking SA by BDO
  • Lavender Federation Trail Volunteers Win Awards
  • Walking with the Kangaroo Island Walking Club

View the newsletter at www.walkingsa.org.au

Book launch: Walking with Warren – during one half life

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Click on image to view larger imageBook launch: “Walking with Warren – during one half life” by author Terry Kreig.

Sunday 1 December 2013, 4pm at the Fullarton Park Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton.

Official launch by Alice Bonython. Screen presentation of some of Warren’s exploits and 30 minute Super8 movie film shot during Warren’s and Terry’s walk around Lake Eyre in 1982.

If possible, please RSVP early this week to patez1@yahoo.com

Success of the Day on the Heysen Trail – the Warren Bonython Memorial Walk

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Click on image to view larger imageWhat a success Sunday was, 556 people hiking along the 60 sections of the 1,200km Heysen Trail. Every section of the trail was walked on the day, and with such a fine weekend plenty of other people out hiking the trail too.

Thanks to all leaders, members and guests, for being involved. It was wonderful to meet new people and have them raving about the county we walked through. Simon Bonython walked in his father’s footsteps, completing the Cleland to Norton Summit walk.

A big thanks to the organising committee led by Simon Cameron, and all the members who jumped on board to make this event a big success. 18 months in the planning, and a fantastic outcome.

A great celebration of Warren Bonython’s life and the Heysen Trail.

View a collection of photos up and down the trail on Facebook (no Facebook account required): https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.627709787273187.1073741834.106108449433326

Now Selling Online: Multi-Walk Cards and Golden Boots Cards

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We are now selling Multi-Walk Cards and Golden Boots Cards online during walk registrations.

The cards are virtual. As you use trips off of your Multi-Walk Card those trips will be debited. When you have insufficient trips remaining to participate in a walk you are registering for you will be prompted to purchase a new card, and a new card of five trips will be credited to your account. Cards will no longer be issued as paper cards.

If you have any questions, please contact the office.

Event Clothing now Available – the Warren Bonython Memorial Walk

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It’s just 4 weeks until the Day on the Heysen Trail – the Warren Bonython Memorial Walk. We’ve released a selection of event clothing you can wear on the day, or keep as a souvenir of the event.

Purchase online now at www.sportscentre.com.au.

Delivery is available. Orders placed prior to 22/9/13 will be available before the October 6th event.

The t-shirt is moisture wicking, and available in womens and mens fit. The polo top is breathable polyester and available in red or white.

Politics and Walking, a Look at the Election Policies

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With Saturday’s election looming, Bushwalking Australia has investigated expressed policies and the track record of political parties on a range of environmental, health and transport issues that may interest walkers.

“Too often, strong industry lobbies and vested interests have successfully derailed attempts to improve and reform important policies to the detriment of walkers and walking. Unlike other forms of sport, recreation and transport, the benefits of walking are not captured by powerful industries and interests, but flow across the entire society and economy, ” states the introduction.

View the information, including the policies of the Labor Party, Liberal/National Coalition and The Greens at www.bushwalkingaustralia.org/bushwalking-news/119-2013-election-scorecard

For broader environmental issues besides walking, refer to the Australian Conservation Foundation’s Senate Scorecard: www.action.org.au

Independent Review of Walking SA Complete

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The independent review into the governance and organisational structure of Walking SA by BDO (formerly PKF) has been completed. The response rate to surveys conducted last year was one of the highest BDO has ever received for this type of review, which is an indication of the importance of walking within the community.

Walking SA has agreed in principle with all the recommendations of the review (view summary of recommendations). The Minister for Recreation and Sport has agreed to provide some additional funds to assist with their implementation.

Key aspects include:

  • Drafting a new constitution and implementing a modern governance structure to support a wider range of walkers and walking interests than has been possible in the past.
  • Better collaboration with local government and like-minded community organisations.
  • Enabling Walking SA to be more adequately resourced to perform these roles.

AGM This Thursday

We would also like to draw your attention to Walking SA’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting this Thursday 15th August at 7:30pm in the Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur St Unley. At that meeting an interim committee will be elected, whose main task will be to implement the changes, as well as continue with the present operation of Walking SA. The AGM is open to members of the public as well as members of all affiliated walking clubs.

Ten new camping platforms

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In recent weeks multi-purpose camping platforms have been constructed at four campsites, with six more to be built.

This program of constructing ten platforms has been permitted with funding from donations by the End-to-End 3 group, who completed the Heysen Trail in 2011.

Volunteers have installed these four multi-purpose camp platforms at:

In the near future, platforms will be built at Smith Hill Campsite and Black Jack Shelter.

View an album of photos on Facebook.

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End-to-End Minus 1 – Walkers charge across a raging swollen Stony Creek – again

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Yesterday the End-to-End Minus 1 group charged across a raging swollen Stony Creek, north of Melrose, again and again, while walking along the Heysen Trail.

Completing the weekend’s soggy wet walking in the pouring rain, we climbed up and over the wet and rocky Lavender Hill. Saturday was a very wet 26km walk. From Alligator Gorge Road to Grays Hut, then up Mount Remarkable and passing gushing streams, down to Melrose. It rained all night Saturday and the following morning a raging torrent rushed across the campground access ford, by the caravan park, as we left Melrose for the days walk. There were many pools and lakes of water to be seen on our way to the Horrocks Pass walk start.

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