Paling Spur Walking Track runs about 3.5 km up from the Cobungra River, climbing roughly 500 metres and leading up to Youngs Spur, providing access to Young Hut and the AAWT near Basalt Temple on the Bogong High Plains.
A group of 11 volunteers and Parks Victoria Ranger Al met at Mt Hotham on Friday afternoon and drove 5 km to the turnoff to Brandy Creek Firetrail. We then travelled in 4WD vehicles 4 km down to the Cobungra River. After that, we made a couple of trips to walk our gear from the vehicles a kilometre along to our camping spot on the flats at the base of Paling Spur. This required repeated crossings of the Cobungra River to ferry our gear across. Despite the water being more than knee-deep and quite cold, only two volunteers fell in, and we were pleased to make it to our idyllic campsite. A fire was started to warm us in the cold night as we cooked dinner and discussed plans for the next two days of work.
Saturday started very cold. We formed into a chainsaw pair and two teams, each with two brushcutters. The chainsaw and first brushcutter team walked up the 500-metre climb to start work at the very overgrown top of the spur. The second brushcutter team cleared 100 metres of dense track beside the river, which we had passed on the way to the campsite, before climbing halfway up the spur to continue clearing. By mid-afternoon, the three teams met up, with enough time for some extra clearing before finishing for the day and leaving the tools by the track.
Al had carried in a barbecue plate and a large esky of supplies for Saturday dinner. The fire was started, and the food prepared — special mention to Andrew for his excellent cooking and to Ros for salad preparation. It was a very enjoyable meal; thanks, Al!
One brushcutter wore out during the day, but Al and Patrick managed to make it serviceable again for Sunday. On Sunday, in the milder weather, we all climbed the steep section of the hill again and, in two teams, cut our way down, completing the work by midday. After lunch, we ferried our gear back over the river and along the track to the 4WD vehicles, then transferred to cars at the top of Brandy Creek Firetrail.
It was very satisfying to clear such an overgrown track and improve a number of bends to minimise the likelihood of walkers wandering off course. Everyone worked hard, including using the two larger Parks brushcutters. Among all the others, first-time volunteer Jack was especially notable. We enjoyed fine weather, a great sense of camaraderie, and unity of purpose.
About 4 km of track was cleared and improved over the 500 m climb. We contributed 143 volunteer hours and 206 hours of travel, administration, and reconnaissance. The great contribution by Ranger Al in leadership, planning, and support was appreciated by all the volunteers.
John Green, BTAC Event Leader
