Safer Cliffs Queensland

History and FAQ

Safer Cliffs Queensland is a non-profit voluntary group of climbers who maintain the safety of rock climbing areas in Queensland. SCQ has been helping keep Queensland climbers safe from 2002 to present.

SCQ's aim since 2002
Ensuring the long-term safety of fixed protection on climbing routes through collaborative, grassroots maintenance efforts.

Is SCQ part of ACAQ?
No. Safer Cliffs is an Australia-wide initiative that pre-dates ACAQ by many years. It has groups in most states, and the Queensland chapter of Safer Cliffs (SCQ) has been active since 2002.

Why not simply make SCQ part of ACAQ?
The groups have very different core aims. ACAQ functions to advocate on behalf of climbers to protect access to climbing areas. SCQ is a non-profit fundraising body that aims to gather and safeguard funds over the long term (over 20 years at this point) to ensure that rebolting efforts undertaken by volunteers all over Queensland can be reimbursed, hence encouraging route maintenance and crag stewardship.

What types of activities are undertaken?
Dangerous fixed anchors such as sun damaged slings, worn abseil anchors, poor quality, poorly positioned or corroded bolts are replaced so that the climb is made safe. Equipment used is to the highest quality and designed to maximise longevity of use and minimise damage to the environment. Fixed anchors that are not being used for modern climbing will be removed and not replaced. Safer Cliffs does not condone retrobolting routes without permission from the first ascentionists.

Moving towards best-practice
Bolt and glue technology is constantly evolving and SCQ does support the evolution of equipping climbs with respect to world best-practice.

How can I help?
Safer Cliffs Queensland relies entirely on donations of gear, time, equipment and money to continue work.

Applying for reimbursement
We have a procedure for this. Please contact us to discuss, ideally prior to undertaking work.

How can I help?

1. Donate! Safer Cliffs Queensland relies entirely on donations of gear, time, equipment and money to continue work. If you have materials to donate, please contact us. 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, you can report the issue here, and if other climbers need to be aware, raise the issue as a warning against the route on theCrag.com.
   
   

3. Volunteer! Get involved with Crag Care initiatives in your local area. From time to time these may be announced on ACAQ's Facebook page, or through initiatives at your local gym or climbing shop.

Rebolted routes database

Click here to visit the SCQ database

Making a donation

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

Donating Money

• THE BEST WAY TO HELP! Electronic Funds Transfer (be sure to include your name in the transaction description - we list all donations below, unless you choose to be anonymous)...

  • Account Name: Safer Cliffs QLD

  • BSB: 064-118

  • Account Number: 10360637

  • Bank Name: Commonwealth Bank

• 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 Queensland, Safer Cliffs Queensland wants to help you. We will either supply materials, or fund your project. Contact us and we will share with you a reimbursement info sheet that lays out everything you need to know.

Suggesting a route that needs rebolting
As of 2025 when we relaunched our new Rebolted Routes Database, we now have a form that feeds into this where you can submit issues you've noticed. These can then be seen in the Outstanding Work section of the database.

Thank you!

Please note the table of donations below is updated a few times per year only. If you have donated, please be patient - you will be listed here eventually. Thanks for your understanding. Scroll the table for all records.

Contact
QLD