Two climbers died rock climbing on the Moonarie walls at Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges a few weeks ago. The two men (architect Michael Hillan, 62, and Fairview Park researcher Dr Simon Bou, 44) were experienced climbers and a gear failure may have contributed to the accident. The Crag describes the area: "Moonarie is one of Australia's most spectacular crags, situated as it is on the rim of Wilpena Pound, surrounded by sweeping deserts views. It is easily South Australia's premier crag, with superb rock and loads of fantastic quality routes. Isolated as it is, it is very much an adventure destination, and a worthy stop on the Australian rock climbing tour."
This is only the second accident resulting in a fatality in 40 years of climbing up at Moonarie, according to climber and friend of the deceased and climbing writer Rob Baker (source), the other was in 2014.
Vale Michael and Simon.
This accident has brought the usual calls for bans to be instituted by bureaucrats and local "owners". A ridiculous over the top suggestion that would further limit our interaction with the natural world. Let's hope common sense prevails but in this day and age, common sense is increasingly hard to come by.
Extracts from Advertiser article below
"Rock climbers should be banned from scaling Wilpena Pound’s iconic walls for their own safety and out of respect to the local Aboriginal community, a traditional owner says.
Vince Coulthard — who last month retired from his 20-year role as chief executive officer of the Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association — is calling on the State Government to prohibit rock climbing at Wilpena Pound, post signage and issue fines to those who flout the rule.
Mr Coulthard likened climbing the cliff to abseiling a cathedral or the National War Memorial in Adelaide.
He said the move would pay respect to the local indigenous community — the Adnyamathanha people — and potentially save lives.
“I’d like the Government to move in that direction to stop cliff climbing on the walls of the Pound,” he said.
From ABC:
Mr Baker said climbers who tackled Moonarie tended to be "extremely cautious".
"It's one of Australia's best climbing areas, it's a wilderness climbing area. Absolutely majestic," he said.
"People from all over the world visit the place and rave about the quality of climbing."
Mr Baker has spent time climbing in the area over the past 25 years, and said there were about 1,000 different paths ranging "from 10 metres to 120 metres" above the ground.
"It is hard to access. It's about a 40- to 50-minute walk up to the cliff from where you camp at the bottom, so it's a steep uphill," he said.
"When you're climbing … it's soaring cliffs right above the desert. It's just amazing, a really special place."
This is only the second accident resulting in a fatality in 40 years of climbing up at Moonarie, according to climber and friend of the deceased and climbing writer Rob Baker (source), the other was in 2014.
Vale Michael and Simon.
This accident has brought the usual calls for bans to be instituted by bureaucrats and local "owners". A ridiculous over the top suggestion that would further limit our interaction with the natural world. Let's hope common sense prevails but in this day and age, common sense is increasingly hard to come by.
Extracts from Advertiser article below
Vince Coulthard — who last month retired from his 20-year role as chief executive officer of the Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association — is calling on the State Government to prohibit rock climbing at Wilpena Pound, post signage and issue fines to those who flout the rule.
Mr Coulthard likened climbing the cliff to abseiling a cathedral or the National War Memorial in Adelaide.
He said the move would pay respect to the local indigenous community — the Adnyamathanha people — and potentially save lives.
“I’d like the Government to move in that direction to stop cliff climbing on the walls of the Pound,” he said.
From ABC:
Mr Baker said climbers who tackled Moonarie tended to be "extremely cautious".
"It's one of Australia's best climbing areas, it's a wilderness climbing area. Absolutely majestic," he said.
"People from all over the world visit the place and rave about the quality of climbing."
Mr Baker has spent time climbing in the area over the past 25 years, and said there were about 1,000 different paths ranging "from 10 metres to 120 metres" above the ground.
"It is hard to access. It's about a 40- to 50-minute walk up to the cliff from where you camp at the bottom, so it's a steep uphill," he said.
"When you're climbing … it's soaring cliffs right above the desert. It's just amazing, a really special place."
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