Safer Cliffs NSW

History and FAQ

Safer Cliffs NSW has been in existence since the early 2000s as an informal group of climbers who volunteer to monitor the condition of fixed climbing hardware and replace it when necessary.

Safer Cliffs NSW's aim
Ensuring the long-term safety of fixed protection on climbing routes through collaborative, grassroots maintenance efforts.

Is Safer Cliffs NSW part of Sydney Rockclimbing Club or ACANSW?
No. They are related, and at present the SRC is the principal fundraising body for Safer Cliffs NSW. The rebolting itself is done by individuals under the banner of Safer Cliffs NSW. It is an aim of both SRC and Safer Cliffs NSW to ensure that rebolting efforts undertaken by volunteers all over NSW can be reimbursed, hence encouraging route maintenance and crag stewardship. The Sydney Rockclimbing Club is affiliated with the ACANSW who are the preeminent body advocating for climber access to crags in NSW. Read more about the aims of SRC here and ACANSW here.

What types of activities are undertaken?
Dangerous fixed anchors such as sun damaged slings, worn abseil anchors and rusty bolts are replaced so that the climb is as safe as on its first ascent. Equipment used is to the highest quality and designed to last for many decades of regular and continued use. Environmental concerns are important to Safer Cliffs NSW. Old fixed anchors that are not being used for modern climbing will be removed and not replaced. We are not involved in retrobolting routes without permission from the first ascentionists.

Moving towards best-practice
While ensuring that Safer Cliffs NSW's aim is respected, bolt and glue technology is constantly evolving and Safer Cliffs NSW does support the evolution of equipping climbs with respect to world best-practice.

In action...

How can I help?

1. Donate! Safer Cliffs NSW relies entirely on donations of gear, time, equipment and money to continue work. A single bolt costs upwards of $15 in hardware costs to replace.
   
   

2. Look! You can also keep an eye out for potential issues while you are climbing. If you have the means to fix the issue, do so. If not, please report the issue using this form, and if other climbers need to be aware, raise the issue as a warning against the route on theCrag.com.
   
   

3. Volunteer! You can get involved with Crag Care initiatives in the Blue Mountains (learn more) and similar initiatives in other parts of the state organised through ACANSW (learn more).

Making a donation

All the good work done by Safer Cliffs NSW relies entirely on donations from everyday climbers like you!

Donating Money

• THE BEST WAY TO HELP! Electronic Funds Transfer (be sure to include "rebolting" in the transaction description)...

  • Account Name: Sydney Rockclimbing Club

  • BSB: 732-000

  • Account Number: 072673

• If you'd like to help in an ongoing way, consider scheduling a regular donation
  

Donating Materials
Bolts, hangers, glue, glue nozzles, drill bits or rap anchors. Please contact us to arrange a pick-up, drop-off, or an address to send to.

Applying to use materials or money from the fund
If you are planning to rebolt a route in NSW, Safer Cliffs NSW wants to help you. We will either supply materials, or fund your project. Contact us and we will assist.

Suggesting a route that needs rebolting
If there is a specific route you would like to see rebolted feel free to let us know through our contact form.

Contact
NSW / ACT