Bushwalk Australia

Just returned from quick up/down SE Ridge and was disappointed to see a profusion of pink ?chalk spray everywhere up the ridge on rocks, trees, and vegetation.
I think it was a chalk spray as some could be rubbed off, though in other places seemed more permanent.
I had come down SE Ridge only a couple of weeks ago and it wasn’t there then, so seems quite new.

Aside from being highly obtrusive, it was totally unnecessary and in locations where the route is obvious.

Very disappointing!

I've removed so much pink tape from routes around SEQ in the last couple of years. I've often wondered if it might be down to a very small number of people.
Maybe use of the spray is a backlash from the same people.

it was totally unnecessary and in locations where the route is obvious

SR route is obvious and over marked by orange NP numbered arrows. Still is a tourist track and rescues of lost hikers are common. So is not surprising to see people leaving the pink tape behind.

They need to realise that they are littering. If tape is used they also have an obligation to remove it. It is NOT their right to mark the route for others.

They need to realise that they are littering. If tape is used they also have an obligation to remove it. It is NOT their right to mark the route for others.

Agree: the trouble with what I encountered yesterday was that, unlike tape, the spray "tagging" cannot be easily removed by anyone.

I didn't take any photos, but the "tags" were, in many instances, very large and very obtrusive and have been placed in innumerable locations along the route. There was even large love hearts sprayed on rocks where SE Ridge tops out on the shoulder (and that's in addition to a large pre-existing blue cross painted on one of the rocks at this location). Quite the distraction.

Given the popularity of the mountain and my anecdotal perception that many first timers are eschewing South Ridge and instead looking for more other ascent options, how long before other routes will be subjected to similar markings? Perhaps folk seeing these markers may consider it acceptable practice to do themselves?

Given the popularity of the mountain and my anecdotal perception that many first timers are eschewing South Ridge and instead looking for more other ascent options, how long before other routes will be subjected to similar markings? Perhaps folk seeing these markers may consider it acceptable practice to do themselves?

It's inevitable. Pads will form on bushy ridges, then erosion will form tracks that eventually will have to be marked and managed by National Parks. We cannot stop this but mentor and educate in a positive manner the new users. With the explosion of the internet and the ease of communication between us, most of terrains are not a secret anymore. It is all there on display and in particular Mt. Barney, fairly easy to access and navigate.
I believe we should use any possible platform to educate positively to leave no trace and preservation. Could be this forum, a bushwalking club, climbing gym or gyms, facebook, schools. It may not reach 100% of people but will have an impact in the long term.

They need to realise that they are littering. If tape is used they also have an obligation to remove it. It is NOT their right to mark the route for others.

My wife asked me to stop bringing home dirty clothes with pockets filled with pink tape. I suggest people to keep removing them and spread the word about the ethic of route marking. The spray cans in the other hand are just pure vandalism IMO. The presence of Rangers on a busy track on weekends could also be beneficial.

CBee wrote:My wife asked me to stop bringing home dirty clothes with pockets filled with pink tape. I suggest ...

I suggest you keep removing tape, empty out your pockets and do your own laundry.

I suggest you keep removing tape, empty out your pockets and do your own laundry.

The only solution to the problem.

It's inevitable. Pads will form on bushy ridges, then erosion will form tracks that eventually will have to be marked and managed by National Parks.

That's true.
I guess possible contributing factors are:
(a) SE Ridge is now prominently signposted (and given geographic realities, it is a considerable way before South Ridge when coming from Yellowpinch). Undoubtedly, this funnels more traffic up the ridge.
(b) the handful (probably 5-6 at most) official NPWS orange triangle markers that are in somewhat odd locations.

These two factors probably encourage folk to both use the ridge and to leave their own markers.

Hence, I would have thought that if the route is going to be prominently signposted, it would be preferable to consider properly marking it. And perhaps to prominently indicate at the trailhead signpost that unofficial marking is not allowed.

I would have thought that if the route is going to be prominently signposted, it would be preferable to consider properly marking it. And perhaps to prominently indicate at the trailhead signpost that unofficial marking is not allowed.

Totally agree.

There was even large love hearts sprayed on rocks where SE Ridge tops out on the shoulder

How feral. IMO that's straight up vandalism.

I've removed so much pink tape from routes around SEQ in the last couple of years. I've often wondered if it might be down to a very small number of people.

I've wondered the same thing; it's the same tape everywhere and there is a similarity to the way it's placed. Possibly it's a club, though you'd hope they'd all know better. Either way, the Tape Monster seems to have travelled along practically every well known trail in SEQ.
Agree re the signage, but unfortunately the sort of people who'd spray paint hearts all over a wilderness area aren't the sort of people who pay attention to signs telling them not to.

I walked up SE ridge for my first time on Sunday. I was doing it alone. Also thought the tape and especially vandalism of the rocks was real disappointing. Didn't know it's not usually like that, I thought it must be an ongoing problem.

That aside, what a great walk it was!

Aardvark wrote:I've removed so much pink tape from routes around SEQ in the last couple of years. I've often wondered if it might be down to a very small number of people.
Maybe use of the spray is a backlash from the same people.

Same idiots with a different collar.

I do hope they read this message:

Please stick all that crap up your royal backside(s). We don't want to see that junk littering our wonderful natural environment.

Note: I have reported this act of vandalism to the

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service - Boonah Office, Southern Region
(07) 54635041/42

Please do likewise so they can sort this out immediately! Thanks for your cooperation.

Was up here yesterday (12/08/2019), the pink markers are starting to fade. We could barely make out the love heart which I guess is good news (would be better if it was never there to begin with). Some idiot has left a trail of toilet paper through Rum Jungle though. We got some but it was just scattered all throughout the site.