Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) and Parks Victoria are embarking on their 3rd year of a joint maintenance program of the Australian Alps Walking Track from November 2014 to mid-March 2015. They are looking for fit and strong outdoor volunteers to join the program, committing 6 days to support the track maintenance activity.

Ross Grant, Parks Victoria Ranger in Charge, says the volunteers will be working in some of Victoria’s most spectacular scenic locations on a variety of projects.

“Remote sections of the track are difficult to maintain over time and help is needed to clear fallen timber off the track, install rubber tiling, brush-cut overgrown vegetation and to install crucial signage and symbols to help guide bushwalkers on their adventures in the Australian Alps.”

Projects 1, 2 and 6 are scheduled for Nov 16 to 22, Dec 7 to 13 and March 15 to 21. They are remote camping projects rated medium to hard and include track clearing, brushcutting, drainage installation and track marking.

The remote camping projects require very fit, strong and experienced remote camping people (no toilets or showers) that are able walk several kilometres carrying approximately 10kg of equipment and operate an 8kg bladed brush cutter or use a rake hoe or mattock throughout each day for five days.

Projects 3, 4 and 5 are rated easy and scheduled for Jan 18 to 24, Feb 8 to 14 and March 1 to 7. Volunteers will enjoy the comfort of bunk style lodging at Falls Creek Resort and activities will include track definition, track surfacing using rubber tiles, installing drains and revegetating edges of track.

Conservation Volunteers Australian Alps Walking Track Maintenance Projects for 2014/15

The projects depart our Bendigo Office and are in remote locations and will require a good level of fitness.

Week 1. Sun 16th Nov — Fri 21st Nov 2014

Howqua High Track or Howqua Feeder. Camping at Blackbird Hut in Howqua Hills Historic Area.

Grade: Medium to hard & may require numerous river crossings

Track clearing (chainsaw, leader only), brushcutting & drainage installation.

Week 2. Sun 7th Dec — Sat 13th Dec 2014

Howqua High Track or Howqua Feeder. Remote camping at Pikes Flat beside Howqua River.

Grade: Medium to hard & may require many river crossings

Track clearing (chainsaw, leader only), brushcutting, drainage installation and track marking

Week 3. Sun 18 Jan — Sat 24 Jan 2015

Australian Alps Walking Track Wallace/ Cope Hut Area Bogong High Plains. Dorm style accom at Falls Creek Resort.

Grade: Easy walking but vigorous physical activity required

Track definition and track surfacing using rubber tiles.

Cost: There is a food contribution only of $60 for each respective project.

CVA Regional Manager Iain Wilson said “The remote Australian Alps Walking Track projects will be truly physically, mentally and spiritually rewarding for volunteers that love a hard physical challenge.”

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Adam Smolak, Volunteer Engagement Officer at Conservation Volunteers on 54440777, 0427507004 or asmolak@conservationvolunteers.com.au

 

For more information, visit: www.conservationvolunteers.com.au or www.conservationvolunteers.co.nz