A couple of climbers were witness today to employees from the Launceston City Council chopping bolts and anchors from climbs on the shady side of the Cataract Gorge! The employees said they were under instruction to remove all the bolts from the shady side of the gorge to stop climbers accessing these climbs.
Despite the current 'code of conduct for rock climbing within the Cataract Gorge' (published by the council), this has started without any apparent public consultation and is a major issue for climbing access.

What can we do?

We have contacted a member of council who will find out tomorrow where the directive to remove the bolts has come from.
We plan to write letters to the Editor to make the issue public.

Anyone with ideas or experience in dealing with council regarding access or policy, could you please offer suggestions on this forum or get in contact with myself or Anna to discuss a way forward. Also, please contact council or media directly as you feel is appropriate.

Your immediate and public support for this issue is essential to ensure the climbing community can continue to climb in the Gorge.

Cheers
Andrew