Navigational muscles flexed at Leyburn State Forest

Orienteers from throughout South East Queensland are expected to compete in a state standard event, which is being held in the Leyburn State Forest, west of Warwick, on Sunday.
Publicity officer for the local Bullecourt Boulder Bounders Club, Liz Bourne of Stanthorpe, said the forest was first mapped and used for orienteering for the Queensland Championships in 2007 and competitors enjoyed the open, runnable nature of the forest and the challenges of navigating in its complex watercourse systems.
“We are expecting some of our best orienteers to be competing on Sunday, including the three Queensland members of the Australian team who will be competing in the Junior World Orienteering Championships in Poland next month,” she said.
“This will be one of their last chances for some serious competition before they head off to Europe for some training ahead of the championships.
“As well as the nine courses we will have for our regular competitors, Sunday’s event will also have short, easy courses for beginners and there will be instruction available on the basic map reading and navigational skills,” she said.  “Anyone interested in trying out orienteering is most welcome to attend. No special gear is required although sturdy footwear and a hat are recommended. Compasses can be borrowed at the event.”
Starting times will be between 9am and 11am. The assembly area for the event will be signposted off the Leyburn–Cunningham Road, about 4.5km east of Leyburn.
For further details contact (07) 4683 6374 or visit www.oq.asn.au