September 2001

\ Annual general meeting Report on Gudgenby Homestead Rethinking salinity control in the Murray/ Darling Basin NPA BULLETIN Volume 38 number 3 September 2001 CONTENTS NPA annual general meeting 3 Some Gudgenby bush regeneration trivia 11 Syd Comfort Eleanor Stodart Volunteer of the year - environment category 3 Quarry rehabilitation a gigantic task 12 Eleanor Stodart Graeme Barrow From the President: annual report 4 Update on Namadgi management agreement 13 Cliue Hurlstone Syd Comfort Report on Gudgenby Homestead 5 Parkwatch 14 Robyn Barker and Timothy Walsh My favourite place 16 The story of Green Guard - a new environmentally Barbara Slotemaker de Bruine friendly way to control locusts 6 Len Haskew Allan Fox, OAM 17 Fiona MacDonald Brand Transgrid devastation and repair work 6 Eleanor Stodart Over the plains and far away 17 Rethinking salinity control in the Len Haskew Murray/Darling Basin 7 2001 - International year of the volunteer IS Syd Comfort Reg Alder Corn Trail 1st April 2001 8 Save the bilby 18 Barbara Slotemaker de Bruine Fiona MacDonald Brand The bird fancier 9 Book review 19 Reg Alder Graeme Wicks Black Mountain orchids in the spring 10 Calendar 20 Jean Egan New members 20 When a fire is not a burn 11 Syd Comfort General meetings 20

National Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated The NPA (ACT) office is located in MacLaurin Crescent, Inaugurated 1960 Chifley, next to the preschool. It is staffed by volunteers Aims and objectives of the Association but, at present, not on a regular basis. Callers may leave • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the phone or email messages at any time and they will be protection of fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and attended to. Mail from the post office box is cleared daily. cultural heritage in the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the reservation of specific areas. Telephone/Fax: (02) 6282 5813 • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation Email: [email protected] areas. Address: PO Box 1940. Woden ACT 2606 • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment of, Internet: http://www.spirit.net.au/-npaact such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by organised Membership field outings, meetings or any othEjr means. New members are welcome and should enquire through the • Cooperation with organisations and persons having similar NPA office. interests and objectives. Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) • Promotion of, and education for, conservation, and the Household members S40 Single members $35 planning of landuse to achieve conservation. Corporate members $30 Bulletin only $30 Office-bearers, committee and convenors Concession $25 President Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592(h); For new subscriptions joining between: 040 778 3422 (w) 1 January and 31 March - half specified rate Vice President Neville Esau 6286 4176(h) 1 April and 30 June - annual subscription Judy Kelly 6253 1859(h) Secretary NPA Bulletin Treasurer Mike Smith 6286 2984(h) Contributions of articles, line drawings and photographs Committee members including colour prints are welcome and should be lodged with Robyn Barker 6253 9964(h) the office or Syd Comfort (02) 62862578. Jacqui Cole 6262 2152 Deadline for December issue: 1 November 2001. Steven Forst 6251 6817(h); 6279 1326(w) Max Lawrence 6288 1370(h) Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect Janet Neale 6258 2397(h) association opinion or objectives. I Timothy Walsh 6285 1112(h) This bulletin was produced by the NPA Bulletin Working Grouj with assistance from Green Words & Images. Convenors Outings Sub-committee Max Lawrence 6288 1370(h) Printed by Ausdoc On Demand, Canberra, ACT. Bulletin Working Group Syd Comfort 6286 2578(h) ISSN 0727-8837 Environment Sub-committee contacts are: Neville Esau 6286 4176(h) Robyn Barker 6253 9964(h) Tom Heinsohn 6253 9964Qi) Cover photo: Mount Gingera. Photo Martin Chalk NPA annual general meeting

A well attended annual general The following office-bearers and conrrriittee members for 2001—2002 were meeting of the association was held elected: in Forestry House on the evening of August 16 with President Clive President Clive Hurlstone Hurlstone in the chair. The minutes of the preceding annual meeting Vice President Neville Esau were passed and Clive gave his Secretary Judy Kelly report on the year just ended. This Mike Smith report is reproduced in full on Treasurer page4. Robyn Barker Committee members Treasurer Mike Smith circulated Jacqui Cole copies of the audited financial Steven Forst statements and presented his annual Max Lawrence report. This showed that the association had sustained an operating Janet Neale loss of $3 050 for the year. This loss Timothy Walsh can be attributed to an outlay of $3 069 for legal advice. The financial report was accepted by the meeting. Copies the committee as Secretary and Two stages remain to complete the of the financial statements are David Large, the retiring Vice walk to Tharwa. Judith based her available from the Treasurer. President, leaving the committee description around a fine set of Fiona MacDonald Brand Fiona duane dt o ill health. slides which gave a very detailed Neville Esau paid tribute to the Upon the completion of the formal picture of the walk right down to work of President Clive Hurlstone proceedings, members were treated blistered toes and leached legs. Tim for his dedication in leading the to a very entertaining account of a Walsh and Norm Morrison, core association through what had staged walk of the Australian Alpine members of the group, also proved to be a difficult year. This Walking Track presented by Judith contributed a word or two. was warmly endorsed by the Webster and Graham Scully. In 1998 Adrienne Nicholson maintained meeting. Clive spoke feelingly about Graham conceived the idea of the traditions of AGMs by the work of those members of the walking the 680km of the track in arranging a very warming supper retiring committee who were stages of about 110km and since at which we enjoyed the company standing down: Eleanor Stodart then has lead a group which of association members and the after many years on the committee included Judith, over four stages offerings of "goodies" provided by as President and Past President, starting at Walhalla and reaching many of them. Len Haskew who had returned to Dead Horse Gap in May of this year. Syd Comfort

Volunteer of the year - environment category

In this Year of the Volunteer, the in Third World countries. In ceremony. As a result I cannot tell you Volunteer of the Year Awards were retirement he has taken up the anything about three of them, but I can announced on 14 May. There are challenge of manually removing tell you about the fifth. seven categories within these thistles from Mount Painter and NPA Committee unanimously awards. One is Environment and the Red Hill. He has shown many agreed that our President, Clive winner of that category was Vernon disbelievers both in the Parks and Hurlstone, would make a good Bailey. You might have heard him Conservation Service and in the nomination because of the many on radio or seen him on TV. He is park care groups themselves that hours each week he puts into the sort of person who would back persistence works. By cutting down running the Committee, assisting away from such awards except for the thistles before flowering each with submissions and helping at the fact that he can use the publicity year he has greatly reduced their work parties at Gudgenby, and to tell people about his work and numbers. because he has constantly worked encourage others to join in. There are five nominees for the towards smoothing out NPA's He is a retired medical practitioner Environment Category. Unfortunately difficulties. who has spent his life serving others, we were not even told about the work often children living in poor villages of the others at the presentation Eleanor Stodart From the President: annual report

The last year has been a busy one General meetings • bush conservation associated for the National Parks Association of It has been my task to organise with plantation forests; and the ACT, with more members speakers for the general meetings • integrated catchment participating in our organised this year and we were most management plans for the ACT. activities, sub-committees and fortunate to have really good The signing of an agreement for workinggroups. While many familiar speakers and presentations. Two the joint management of Namadgi faces have continued to make a major talks were by members: Judy Kelly National Park by the ACT contribution it is reassuring to see and Phil Bubb on Coolah Tops and Government and representatives of newer members becoming more Dianne Thompson on camel the local Aboriginal community has involved in meeting the association's trekking. Other speakers spoke on focused interest on a new plan of objectives. climbing Mustag-Ata in Western management for Namadgi in which At the last Annual General China, genetic engineering of crops, the NPA will have a role. Meeting reelected Committee native fish, the Environmental Two important new issues for the members were joined by Judy Kelly Defenders Office, biological control sub-committee were the control of and Timothy Walsh, and Len Haskew of locusts, salinity in southern feral horses in Kosciuzsko National returned to the Committee to take on Australia, managing alpine parks Park and the Transgrid clearing of the position of Secretary. The larger and managing parks in the powerline easements across three committee worked well, absences southeast region. national parks. were easily accommodated and all The last year has also seen scheduled meetings held. Outings productive collaboration with the Neville Esau has been coordinating The Outings Sub-committee and Conservation Council of the the management of the office which walks leaders put together a Southeast Region and Canberra and has been operating with the marvelous variety of outings in which the NSW National Parks Association assistance of volunteers. Our we could participate. Some of the on a range of conservation issues. membership register and database highlights included a day walk to My thanks to all Committee have been upgraded and we are Tinderry Twin Peaks, a pack walk in members: Past President Eleanor carrying out a survey of organisations the Grose Valley and a November car Stodart, Vice President David Large, that receive complimentary copies of camp to the Warranbungles and Mt Secretary Len Haskew, Treasurer the NPA Bulletin. Kaputar. My thanks go to the leaders Mike Smith, and Committee and convenor Max Lawrence. Promotional activities members Jacqui Cole, Tim Walsh, The National Parks Association Neville Esau, Steven Forst, Judy The Committee decided to prepare a hands-on conservation activity Kelly, and Max Lawrence. new NPA promotional display for continues to focus on the In conclusion I wish to thank all community events and for circulating regeneration of bush in the Boboyan members of the association for their through public libraries. Eleanor pine plantation site by working with continuing support of the National Stodart has organised a working the Gudgenby Bush Regeneration group to carry out this project. Our Parks Association of the ACT. Group. Tree planting and woody old display had its last outings at weed removal have been the main Clive Hurlstone ACT Alive and the World tasks this year. Environment Day Fair. A new web page to give internet access to Environment Sub-committee THE PRESIDENT information on the NPA ACT is also The past 12 months has seen a being prepared. AND COMMITTEE continuation of issues and projects The NPA Bulletin Working Group, from last year, the major ones being: invite all members together with contributors and • the Molonglo River Corridor photographers, gave us another four to attend Management Plan; great editions. This is quite a task. THE Editors Syd Comfort and Graeme • the extension of Gungahlin Wicks drove the production. Their Drive onto O'Connor Ridge; NPA coordination, assistance to • development associated with CHRISTMAS contributors to meet deadlines and Gudgenby Homestead; PARTY editing continue to make our journal • new wilderness areas in the success it is. Thanks to Syd and southeast NSW; Sunday 9th December at Graeme and the team. • implementation plans for ACT Nil Desperandum park management plans; Details are in the Outings Program Report on Gudgenby Homestead

The future of Gudgenby Homestead in Namadgi National Park has been debated within the association for a number of years. Views have ranged from the need to remove it completely to its use as rangers' accommodation. The matter came to a head with the release by Environment ACT of a preliminary assessment (PA) to cover the upgrading of the sewerage system at the homestead. The PA was released on 11 August, submissions being due on 31 August. It appears that the ACT Government plans to turn the homestead into a substantial commercial guesthouse. The NPA has always upheld the widely accepted view that commercial Gudgenby Homestead - March 2001. The poisoning of the willows makes the accommodation should not be placed homestead more observable from the Old Boboyan Road. Photo Reg Alder within national parks. Despite the very short deadline given the developing low-key guesthouse Tourism Strategy for the ACT Environment Sub-committee is and food and refreshment detailing concerns about the working on a comprehensive facilities. The strategy appeared proposal to utilise the Gudgenby submission to Environment ACT. to be driven by a development Homestead as an accommodation and marketing paradigm rather facility. Our response highlighted The PA proposes installation of a than one of wise management, the values of the Gudgenby area new waste water treatment system sustainability and restraint. including its natural history and to cope with additional visitation to There was virtually no ancient Aboriginal cultural the homestead site; the addition of consideration of the impacts of heritage. Serious environmental new bathrooms to create five double artificially pumping more and impacts such as incremental rooms with ensuites for a maximum more people into fragile areas. development, artificially attracting of 10 guests; utilisation of the There was no mention of damaging concentrations of homestead and immediate environmental or archaeological visitors to natural areas and fragile surrounds as a day-use facility; a impact assessments regarding archaeological sites, pollution such carpark for 25 cars; and landscaping various development proposals. as sewerage and car park run-off of the immediate site. We found it very disappointing threatening the aquatic ecology of In preparing our submission, Sub­ to see that "potential streams and increased motor committee members are able to draw environmental concerns" were traffic were discussed. on discussions, correspondence and listed as a threat to the strategy. submissions carried out by the NPA Recent work on the Gudgenby • Letters on Gudgenby Homestead over the last year. These include: Homestead issue and nature based and the Nature Based Tourism tourism will help the Sub-committee • A discussion on possible options Strategy for the ACT were to develop a strong submission. This for the future of Gudgenby published in the March 2001 is important because world-wide Homestead at the July 2000 Bulletin. This included a letter experience, especially in North general meeting. The meeting concerned about the effects of American national parks, shows that proved to be a constructive commercial development on commercial developments such as debate with input from a wide Aboriginal sites in the Gudgenby the one proposed for Gudgenby range of members. Use as a area and copies of letters written inevitably develop a life of their own. ranger residence was seen as the by the Kosciusko Huts They soon expand to threaten the best option. Association to Brendan Smyth, very natural and cultural values for • Release of the ACT Government's Minister for Urban Services which the park was originally Nature Based Tourism Strategy about the future management of dedicated. We must not let this for the ACT in December 2000. Gudgenby Homestead and the happen to Namadgi. The strategy outlined the ACT Minister's reply. Governments intention to • In March Sub-committee investigate adaptive reuse of members prepared a significant Robyn Barker and Gudgenby Homestead including response to the Nature Based Timothy Walsh The story of Green Guard - a new environmentally friendly way to control locusts

David Hunter, from the Australian • the reluctance of a younger maxima of 25 to 33°C seems to give Plague Locust Commission, was the generation of landholders to the greatest measure of success. The guest speaker at the May general use chemical insecticides; fungus is much less effective when meeting of the association. • increasing restrictions of maximum temperatures are below market access if chemical 20°C, although there has been a The Australian Plague Locust insecticides are detected in a promising trial at Jimenbuen near Commission (APLC) was product; and Dalgety, with higher concentrations established in 1974. Its role is to • the production of organic beef, of the fungus. manage outbreaks of the Australian especially for the Japanese plague locust, to assist states to After spraying, the spores have a market. manage outbreaks in their area of relatively short life, depending on responsibility and to improve the Green Guard is a certified organic weather conditions, about two or effectiveness and safety of locust product. three days in extreme conditions, to field operations. The fungus only attacks locusts and a maximum of about a fortnight The ALPC in conjunction with the grasshoppers and is harmless to all under more favorable conditions. CSIRO Entomology has developed a other kinds of organisms. David was Metarhizium is slightly more biological control using a naturally questioned about possible side-effects expensive than chemical insecticides occurring fungus Metarhizium on native species from "sub-lethal" at the moment, but trials are still in anisopliae. These spores are impacts but his assurance was that progress to reduce the concentration produced and suspended in oil by a Green Guard had absolutely no effect of the spores and so reduce costs. commercial partner in the research, on non-target invertebrates or native Given the success of the field trials Seed, Grain and Biotechnology vertebrate fauna. and the fact that most locust located in Wodonga (Vic). The Trials of Green Guard between 1997 outbreaks originate inland where product is known as Green Guard and 2000 showed that Metarhizium the production of organic beef is the and is applied by spray aircraft to causes locust bands to decline by more major industry a submission is being locust bands and swarms. than 90 per cent between seven and prepared to apply for registration by Previously, locusts had been 15 days after treatment. Ambient the National Registration Authority controlled by chemical methods, but temperature is an important factor in so that the product can be marketed the search for an effective biological determining the effectiveness of in Australia and overseas. control had several stimuli: Green Guard; warm weather with Len Haskew

Transgrid devastation and repair work

The news that Transgrid, the NSW and putting the felled trees across the corporate memory with downsizing electricity transmission company, bare slope to reduce erosion. and outsourcing, and that there was had rather overdone clearing under Wherever forest roads cross the such a mess of interlacing stems the powerlines that cross the power lines old power poles are being from previous felling that access was Brindabellas into Namadgi National placed beside the road to prevent difficult. What is certain is that Park broke on 26-27 May. Officers access by 4WD vehicles. In June clearing under the powerlines was in Environment ACT had known when some of this work was being left until the danger of the about it some time before that, and done regrowth of bracken was powerlines starting fires in hot were then checking out the legal already apparent on some of the bare weather (when they hang very low ramifications. However, in March ground. It was fortunate that we did due to the combination of high when the work was done they had not have heavy rain in the mean time. ambient temperatures and heat not been informed that work had More work will take place in early generated by the increased loads started and had only discovered summer when the land has dried out. serving air conditioners) was what was happening when the work In NSW, where the soil surface was extreme. was nearly finished. One could say scraped bare, rice straw was being The NSW Legislative Council that a bulldozer successfully laid down and seeded with non Standing Committee Number 5 is invaded the ACT from over the seeding ryecorn, to hold the loose holding an inquiry into the Transgrid border! surface. clearing and is to report by the 18 Transgrid accepted responsibility The whole clearing exercise must September 2001. The National Parks for repair work. In the ACT the work have been rather expensive and one Associations in the ACT and NSW done up till now consists of wonders why a less damaging method and the Conservation Council will be redistributing soil and plant was not used in the first place. very interested in the outcome. materials back across the easement Suggestions have been the loss of Eleanor Stodart Rethinking salinity control in the Murray/Darling Basin

Former CSIRO scientist and now Ground water stay. However steps are taken to executive director of the Australian Whether ground water movement hold back saline water and release Association for Natural Resource will result in saline conditions it when it may be flushed out. In Management, Dr Baden Williams, depends on the rate of ground California and Pakistan separate spoke at the NPA!s June meeting on discharge to the surface compared drains have been built to carry away salinity in the Murray /Darling with the rate of evaporation. the salt. A pipeline from the Murray Basin. This article provides a Currently some 150 OOOha in to the sea is estimated to cost $6 summary of his most stimulating Victoria and western NSW suffer billion and the benefit to cost ratio address without, unfortunately, the from dry land salinity but it is has been seen to be too low to justify suppoH of the range of diagrams predicted that this could increase by this expenditure. and data sheets which he displayed. 1 000 OOOha in the next 50 years. In the past surface recharge was largely Solutions The basin, bounded by the picked up by root systems so that Governments have concentrated on highlands on the east and the little salt entered the groundwater. developing policies rather than on Darling on the west, covers an area European occupation has changed the implementation of them. of some 1000 000 square kilometres the soil profiles, removing top soil Catchment management authorities of catchment, all draining through with its organic component, thus do not have the legislative authority the narrow outlet in the south west. affecting drainage and buffering and nor the money to do this nor are The quantity of salt in the basin is destroying the integrity of the most landowners involved in the not known but is huge. The salt has system. Now water moves rapidly these authorities. Until landowners three sources, connate salt, salt from down leading to drying of the upper can be convinced that there is weathering of rocks and cyclic salt. levels and increased recharging, benefit for them they will not Connate salt was trapped in the resulting in what were once deep participate in implementation sediments on the sea floor when the water tables now being near the schemes. Landcare has been very area was below water in the surface. Only small amounts of water successful in raising awareness of geological past and is now stored in entering through the soil are needed many problems affecting the the bedrock of the basin and cannot to change water table levels 1mm of countryside but has had limited be leached out. Chemical weathering recharge can result in a rise of 10- success in implementing solutions. of rocks and minerals produces 20mm in water table level. Some Brendan proposes that there is a further accumulations of salt. Cyclic relief to this process can be achieved need to get a "bottom up" solution salt accumulation is a continuing by the planting of deep-rooted plants and to take a holistic approach to process by which salt blown in from such as lucerne but there are limits property management. He supports the oceans is washed down by rain to this and in any case this treatment Government involvement in private and deposited on the earth at annual is not appropriate to productive, land through the development of rates of 100 to 150kgs per hectare in cropping land which will continue to property management plans. Expert the west of the basin and 40 to 50kgs be needed. We will never be able to advice could be made available to in Canberra. go back to the old system. develop plans which are economically attractive, restore the Surface water land to a healthy condition and The basic problem is not so much Irrigation provide a "fair go" to the landholder. the salt per se but salt that is moved Irrigation has also contributed to He considers that rural people have by water; we can live with salt if it salinity problems; some 200 OOha are experienced difficult times and is not carried into roots and now salinised from irrigation. In the been forced to draw down capital streams. This movement can be basin, irrigation takes water out of through land degradation, to brought about through surface the river and it is drained back survive. The management plans water or through ground water. The taking with it a load of salt: the river should not only address salinity but study of surface water in the is used for both supply and drainage. be holistic and in this take account Murray/Darling Basin is based on Leaks from irrigation channels lead of the landscape values which the the collection of data in 19 to the loss of up to 50 per cent of country holds for us all. He catchment areas in which the water and much of this is taken into concluded his address by describing movement of salt in the rivers is the soil resulting in raised water the success of such a farm plan measured.. Some of these such as tables. Before locks were constructed developed by an individual farmer the Lachlan catchment and some on the rivers, floods swept away in the Holbrook area of NSW. Victorian rivers show sharply accumulated salt but this does not increasing trends. now occur and the locks Tare here to Syd Comfort Corn Trail 1st April 2001

Perhaps the date of this walk held the top of the Clyde something in store for us! Twenty- GENERAL Mountain down to the head nine NPA walkers assembled at of the Bolero River. It was Estimated length of walking rime to cover the 12.5km is Kingston railway station in perfect, between 41/? and 7 hours. An amount of food is recom­ first pioneered by the though slightly misty, weather to mended to be carried, no drinking water to be found on settlers of the valley to trade undertake the Corn Trail. We met the top half of the track and a reasonnable degree of fit­ produce with their up with 13 of the Friends of the ness is required. Perhaps something warm and water­ neighbours on the Southern proof, also. Mongarlowe group at the top of the Tablelands. The major crop Clyde Mountain, ready to embark The top of the escarpment (800 metres A S.L) can often was corn (and hence its on our expedition. The walk was a be covered m mist while the lower slopes are barhed in name!) which was sunshine. The track is marked by stone along edges and joint NPA and Friends of transported by packhorse to cairns at strategic points. Mongarlowe walk to be led by the the towns of Araluen and Friends. They gave a brief outline Misty Mountain access road, to the bottom carpark, is Braidwood. The trail also 24km of din and to be approached with caution dunng of the walk at the outset, then Mike used to bring cattle down wet weather. Smith, the NPA organiser replacing from the escarpment for Remember - use fire with maximum care and keep the Len Haskew, took his 4WD to the agistment on the coast and forest clear of litter. bottom of the trail to help transport also by gold prospectors. walkers out after the walk. Later he The trail was the first link walked in to meet the party at the between the coast and lunch spot on the Buckenbowra LOCATION MAP tablelands but by the 1920s River. it was overgrown. to can&e.rra Off we set. After approximately TOP OF As a Bicentennial project CLYDE MTN 1.6km we came to our first >Bkaidwood in 1988, the Corn Trail was information board. This advised us reconstructed. The entire that the trip could take anywhere project took four years. Ten

from 4V2 to 7 hours depending on our months actual construction level of fitness. This information we time was necessary to needed to bear in mind! After rebuild the lower 6km, another hour of walking one of the whilst the top section was NPA walkers slipped and sprained completed in two months. an ankle (it was subsequently found The preliminary research to broken) on a slippery downhill and actual rebuilding was track. The injured walker was carried out by the Historical (wrongly) advised that as we were Tracks Research Group about halfway there, it was best to comprising over continue. The time was then TO BATE MANS BAY 400members . Substantial approximately 11:30 am. After help was also given by the another seven hours, at NSW Forestry Commission, who Extract from Corn Trail pamphlet. approximately 6:30 pm, the injured constructed the access roads and walker together with those who 3C ( light scrub) walk. Members of parking areas. remained with her, emerged at the the group would have been more At its upper end the restored Corn bottom of the trail to be ferried back aware of the length of the walk still Trail commences with a disused to the cars at the top of the Clyde. ahead, and would, therefore, have vehicular track winding southward However, most of the party had gone pressed to take the injured walker along a gently rounded montane on ahead and emerged at the bottom back. The brochures provided by the plateau. Silvertop ash (Eucalyptus of the trail much earlier to meet the Forestry Commission are also sieberi) are found here together with bus arranged by the Friends of misleading, stating that the walk is black-trunked grass trees Mongarlowe. The accident put 12.5km in length, yet the map (Xanthorrhoea Australis) considerable strain on members of indicates that it is approximately Everflowering coral heath (Epacris the party who stayed with the 20-22km. If members had been impressa) is also present together injured walker, not to mention the aware of the greater distance, with Hairpin Banksia (B spinulosa). injured walker's own considerable numbers may have been reduced The trail then leaves the old wheel discomfort. and the party could have stayed in ruts behind to dip eastward across Much of this could have been closer proximity to one another, the rim of the plateau before avoided, if the walk had been instead of being widely spread. swinging south again and down. advertised (as it should be) not as a Notwithstanding all of the above 12.5km, Grade 2A (road, firetrail it was a pleasant walk if a bit longer walk), but as a 18-20km walk Grade than expected. The trail winds from The bird fancier

The Bird Fancier - A Journey to Scandinavia, Iceland, Europe, South Peking, by Alastair Morrison, America and Asia in search of bird Pandanus Books, 270 pp. $32. specimens for the British Museum. One of the earliest photographs of On the way he met a remarkable Alastair Morrison shows him dutching range of people, making many a wooden duck. As a child he took a friends and acquiring an great interest in the bird books in his encyclopedic knowledge of birds. It father's library, and this led him to a is hard to ask Alastair a question lifelong fascination with birds. about birds of which he has no Some 50 years ago he drafted his knowledge. life story from childhood until the It was during a visit to Peking, time he left Peking. Then in 1993, before war enveloped China, that after failing to find a publisher, he Alastair met his future wife, Hedda. had it printed privately. Pandanus At the end of hostilities he returned Books, of the Research School of to China and they married, thus Pacific and Asian Studies at the making a wonderful combination of ANU, has now published it for the bird fancier and photographer. The general public. story ends when they move to The book is a fascinating story of Sarawak. Alastair's travels through Britain, Reg Alder Alastair Morrison at the launch of his book, The Bird Fancier, on August 8. Photo Reg Alder

>m page 8 Corn Trail - continued, Here there are dense thickets of tributary gully and then the trail management timber cutters never tristania and a little dry temperate drops to the main valley floor. Here reached the rainforest or the forest. The crowded, spindly stems is an ideal lunch spot as the hanging principal ridge. Resurrection of this of the tristania required much vines, ferns and mosses and gurgling old pack trail is a commendable clearing to make the trail passable. waters indicate the approach of achievement and one for which the The bulk of Mount Budawang can Buckenbowra Creek. Historic Trails Research Group be seen here, as well as sandstone Further on the trail winds among should be commended. peaks, including Pigeon House and gullies and through hairpin corners If preparing to walk the trail, be Castle Mountain further north. To which cross tiny creeks. Traces of aware that it is quite overgrown in the east, various parts of the rainforest become narrow belts and places. You'll need sturdy non-slip coastline and foothill ranges are the track goes through cabbage fan footwear, sufficient water and a good discernible. The Corn Trail ridge palms before continuing on through level of fitness. Walkers should then slopes away southward and it forest from which hardwood logs ensure that they allow sufficient is here that the early trail builders were harvested in 1983. It is evident time for the walk so that it is displayed bush engineering skills in here that regeneration of eucalypts completed in daylight and that a car laying out the route. Reasonable and lower story shrubs is rapidly shuffle has been arranged. Then a grades were maintained by side obliterating traces left by the timber good time can be had by all! cutting to the east or west of each cutters. The valley ahead then Thanks go to the Friends of hill, or by zigzagging downwards in narrows and plunges into the gorge Mongarlowe and Mike Smith for one tight switchback or another. too steep for logging. The trail then coordinating the transport and Views to the west are across to the descends quite steeply past large, providing support to one our Buckenbowra Gorge and the cleared mossy boulders to the Buckenbowra members. May this walk be enjoyed farmlands of the lower Creek and the long-awaited car by many NPA members in the Buckenbowra Valley are glimpsed to park. future, bearing the above comments the south. The Corn Trail is a priceless slice in mind. The vegetation changes as the of heritage. Its main sections remain Barbara Slotemaker de Bruine trail descends with heavily barked as pristine as the day the first silvertop ash trees mingling with European made the crossing. The Max Lawrence informs me that the the more attractive mountain grey only interference with the natural most recent edition of the Araluen gums (E cypellocarpa). To the east, environment is the trail itself, and topographical map shows the Corn rainforest growth appears in a under Forestry Commission Trail. - SFC Black Mountain orchids in the spring

This is the first of four articles, one flower, all very small (some may for each season, on local orchids to even say insignificant). Pterostylis be presented by orchid enthusiast mutica can be found in slightly Jean Egan. Jean has also provided damp locations, P. aciculiformis the photographs. favours the much drier rocky slopes As I write, I am looking out on a while P. bicolor is found on the lower cold foggy winter morning grassy slopes. reminiscent of a Turner painting. However, in my garden the Hardenbergia and the wattles are beginning to show colour, and on Black Mountain tiny orchid leaves are poking through, signalling spring is just around the corner. Although you can find terrestrial orchids almost all year round on Black Mountain, spring is the time when they are the most numerous. One of the earliest to be noticed, Caladenia tentaculata. about mid-September, is the dainty blue Cyanicula caerulea (formerly the flowers are green and only known as Caladenia caerulea) found 2-3mm across. However, what they on the well-drained slopes, while in lack in size they make up for in Glossidia major. damp gullies, and more difficult to numbers; being colony-forming, spot, the Greenhoods (Pterostylis) The third and fourth weeks of they can be numerous in low lying have been flowering for some time. October usually have the most grassland areas. These include P. pedunculata, P. species of orchids in flower. Other Each year I find more orchids to nutans and P. aff. longifolia. than the early Pterostylis, all of the add to my list. Often there are only As Cyanicula caerulea start to above may still be found though the one or two specimens in quite wither they are replaced by the well- earlier ones will have diminished in obscure locations. However the ones mentioned here are relatively known pink Ladies' Fingers, numbers. But to make up for that easy to find and identify. Most can Caladenia fuscata, the multi-headed the delightful Spider Orchid, be found by just following the C. cucullata, and the beautiful Caladenia tentaculata, and the Green Trail from the Wangara St/ purple Glossodia major (if you Bearded Orchid, Calochilus Caswell Drive entrance to the search diligently you may find alba robertsonii, are now in flower, and reserve. forms of the latter). At the same time a close look in grass tussocks will Happy hunting! the first of the Donkey Orchids reveal Lyperanthus suavolens On a (Diurus semilunata) appear. warm sunny day the Sun Orchids Jean Egan By the second week of October, (Thelymitra) open. These include three more Pterostylis species are in T.juncif olia, T. pauciflora and, if you are lucky, T. megcalyptra, all three blue, and in damp areas the pink T.carnea . By now few Diurus semilunata will be left, but the easily distinguishable, larger graceful D.sulphurea should be abundant. So should the musky smelling Caladenia gracilis in its many forms. Enjoying the same locations as C. gracilis, but not so numerous, is the elegant C. congesta, with a bright pink flower and black labellum. One of the last of the spring- flowering orchids to open is the Onion Orchid, Microtis parviflora. Even when fully open it can be mistaken as still being in bud, as Caladenia gracilis.

NPA BULLETIN - SEPTEMBER 2001 Diuris semilunata. NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION (ACT) INCORPORATED NPA outings program September — December 2001 Outings guide

Walk graftings Terrain grading Distance grading (per day) A — Road, firetrail track 1 — up to 10km B - Open forest 2 -10km to 15km C — Light scrub 3 -15km to 20km D - Patches of thick scrub, regrowth 4 — above 20km E - Rock scrambling F — Exploratory

Day walks cany lunch, drinks and protective clothing. Pack walks two or more days, carry all food and camping requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY WEDNESDAY OR AS INDICATED IN PROGRAM. Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent. Vehicles taken to site can be used for camping. BOOK EARLY WITH LEADER. Other activities include nature rambles, environmental and field guide studies and ski tours.

Points to note Please help keep our outings program alive by volunteering to lead outings. New leaders are welcome. The outings convenor is happy to suggest locations suitable for a walk if you do not have something in mind yourself. Feel free to send in suggestions for outings to the association's office as soon as you think of them, with a suggested date. All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Association of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and as such accept responsibility for any injury howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders are absolved from any liability in respect of injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing. The committee suggests a donation, to the nearest dollar, of THIRTY cents per kilometre DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS in the car, including the driver, be offered to the driver by each passenger accepting transport. Drive and walk distances quoted in the program are approximate distances for return journeys.

15 — 16 September weekend packwalk 16 September 2001 Sunday daywalk 22 - 23 September weekend carcamp Coronet Peak Bungonia Tops The Rock and Galore Hill Leader: Phil Gatenby Leaden Col McAlister Leader: Col McAlister 3A/C/D/F IA/B 1A Maps: Coronet Peak, Rendezvous Creek 1:25 Map: Caoura 1:25 000 Phone: 6288 4171 000 Phone: 62SS 4171 On Saturday morning drive to The Rock via Wagga Phone: 6254 3094 An easy loop walk taking in the three main lookouts Wagga, and climb 'the rock' (about 365m above Although not as high as many of the nearby peaks with breathtaking views (Bungonia Lookdown, the surrounding plains) in the afternoon. Drive on there are great views from the top of Coronet Peak. Jerrara Lookout and Adams Lookout). A side trip to Lockhart where we will spend the night at the The walk Co the peak starts and finishes in the the to view Bungonia Gorge and the Shoalhaven Gorge caravan park or other accommodation. On Sunday Orroral Valley. It will also involve exploring some from Mt Ayre. Time and energy permitting, an morning climb Galore Hill (215m above the plains) of the other sights of the upper Cotter valley. For optional side trip towards Jerrara Falls and and return to Canberra in the afternoon, perhaps bookings contact leader by Wednesday Bungonia Falls. Meet at 8.00am at the NerbaJJ by a different route. Opportunity for other visits 12 September. 85kms, $25 per car. Centre carpark, Northboume Avenue Lyneham. such as Monte Cristo homestead at Junee, 220kms, $72 per car (including $6 park entry fee). Bradmans birthplace at Cootamundra, and the motor museum at Binalong. Phone leader for details and bookings before 9 September. Approx 650kms,$195 per car. 26 September midweek daywaik Wanniassa. Bring a nibble. Kangaroos, birds, YarraJumia. Walk is tree, and takes about two hours. Wednesday Walk wildflowers and good urban views can be expected. No dogs please. Leader: Mike Smith 6-13 October one week packwalk 15-17 October three day packwalk Phone: 6286 2984 Wee Jasper to Tumut Budawangs National Park The September edition of our series of monthly Leader: David Kelly Leader: Mick Kelly midweek walks. Phone leader for derails, which will 3A 2A/C/D/E/F be determined nearer the date. Maps: Blowering, Bobbys Plains, Couragago, Map: Corang 1:25 000 29 September - I October long weeked LacmaJac 1:25 000; Hume and Hovell Track Phone: 4472 3959 or packwalk book by Harry Hill. email [email protected] Mt Talaterang Phone: 6253 1859 (ah) Three day packwalk camping ai Cooyoyo Creek Leader: Steven Forst A walk on the Hume and Hovell Track from Wee campsite for two nights, leaving a full day to explore 2/C/D/E Jasper (James Fitzpatrick Trackhead) to Tumut. Monolith Valley and the tops of Mt Owen and Mt Reference: CMW Budawangs Distance 78kms, including ten along the Snowv Cole. Joint walk with the Batemans Bay Bushics. Phone: 251 6817 (h) Mountains Highway into Tumut. The walk follows Numbets limned. Contact leader by 5 October. Contact leader by Wednesday 26 September. After a constructed track maintained by the NSW Lands 250kms. $75 per car. a long drive with stops at Fitzroy Falls and Department through forested ranges mostly at 21 October Sunday afternoon walk Cambewarra Mountain, an easy two and a half about 1000m elevation, with some facilities at Mt Arawang hour walk to camp at the top of Ngaityung Falls - campsites. Highest daily climb 720m. Maximum Leader: Margaret Aston a spectacular spot with views into Pigeon House ten people. Book with leader at least a week ahead. IA Gorge. Next day walk to Mt Talarerang wirh Ttansport to be arranged, possibly rerurning by bus Map: ACT 1:100 000 daypacks. returning to campsite. Return to from Tumut. Phone: 6288 7563 Canberra Monday. 400 kms, S120 per car. 7 October Sunday daywaik Meet at the top end of Kathncr St Chapman at 29 September - I October long weekend Shanahans Mountain area 1.30pm. An easy 8km walk around Cooleman carcamp Leader: Martin Chalk Ridge and Mt Arawang. Bring a nibble and Bournda National Park 2B/C/E/F binoculars. Leaders: Margaret Aston and Adnenne Map: Colinton 1:25 000 21 October Sunday daywaik Nicholson Phone: 6268 4864(w), 6292 3502(h) Ml Morgan 1A Meet at Kambah Village shops carpark at 8.30am. Leader: Steve Hill Map: Wolumla 1:25 000, Bournda NP guides The walk commences from the Mi Clear 3A/E Phone: Adrienne 6281 6381, campground and proceeds uphill over the southern Margaret 6288 7563 spur of Shanahans Mountain ro the headwaters of Map: Rendezvouis Creek 1:25 000 Phone: 6231 9186 Yes! Now that NPWS have their work finished in Shanahans Falls Creek. We will then descend A chance to see fabulous views from one of the the campground we are able to reschedule the through open forest to the clear grassy valley below most spectacular mountain tops in the region, outing originally planned for the June long Shanahans Mountain for a restful lunch. The teturn will be via the ridgeline to the southeast of the valley, including over much of Kosciuszko and Namadgi weekend. Camping by Lake Wallagoot in the National Parks. From Yaouk we climb up the Lone Bournda National Park with most mod cons aiming to join the Horse Gully Hut fire trail at the Pine trail before turning off to the summit and including shelter shed and hot showers. Coast and ford over Naas Creek. A pleasant day with some touring many of the wonderful viewing spots up forest walks and bird watching. Do as little or as views and a variety of country. 160kms, S48per car. there. The climb of nearly 700m issteepish in parts, much as you like to enjoy this restful scenic area. 13 October Saturday morning nature stroll but is mainly on track and no serious bushbashing For details and bookings contact either Adrienne Black Mountain is involved. Meet at Kambah Village shops carpark or Margaret by the preceding Wednesday. Leaders Leader: George Chippendale at 7.30am for a fabulous day. 21 Okms. $70 per car. will be going down to Bournda Friday pm. IA 400kms, SI20 per car, plus camp fees. Map: Canberra Street Directory 24 October daywaik Wednesday walk 30 September Sunday daywaik Phone: 6281 2454 Leader: Col McAlister Yaouk Hill Summits Georges Thirtieth Annual Black Mountain Nature Phone: 6288 4171 Leader: Steven Hill Walk! Come and enjoy the beautiful springtime 2C/D/E flora and benefit from his expert commentary. Wear The October edition of our series of monthly Map: Yaouk 1:25 000 a hat and bring morning tea. Children welcome. midweek walks. Phone leader for details, which will Phone: 6231 9186 Walk begins about 9.30am and ends abour 12.00. be determined nearer the date. Plenty of time to talk. Meet at carpark opposite A chance to see fabulous views from a surprisingly 27 - 30 October four day packwalk Wangara Street in Caswell drive. spectacular mountain range m the region, and to Bundundah/Danjera area see the southern end of Namadgi National Park 13 October Saturday work party Leader: Mike Smith from a different perspective. We park opposite Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group 2C/D/E Sentry Box Hill and climb up a spur which offers Contact: Eleanor Stodart, Syd Comfort Map: Sassafras 1:25 000 several viewpoints before wandering along the Phone: 6281 5004 (Eleanor), 6286 2578 (Syd) Phone: 6286 2984 scenic ridge to the Trig. The climb of nearly 600m Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre Tharwa at 9.15am, A four-day three-night packwalk in Morton NP. is steep in parts, is off-track, and involves some or Yankee Hat carpark at 10.00am. Planting Day 1, camp at the junction of Boolijah and mild rock scrambling. Meet at Kambah Village seedlings and other work for rehabilitation of the Danjera Creeks after short but spectacular scramble Shops carpark at 7.30am for a srupendous day. Boboyan pines area. Tools will be provided. down into gorge. Afternoon will be free to explore 170kms, S50 per car. up Danjera Creek or just relax at great swimming 14 October Sunday morning walk 6 October Saturday afternoon walk hole. Day 2, cross over tops to hidden camping Westbourne Woods Far re r Ridge cave on Bundundah Creek including crawl through Leader: Ian Brooker Leader: Margaret Aston the 'Wombat Hole'. Afternoon we will check out a NPA contact: Max Lawrence, phone 6288 1370 1A magnificent area of (flowering?) rock orchids across Get some on-the-ground background for Dr John Map: ACT 1:100 000 the creek. Day 3, a leisurely stroll back to the Gray's presentation on Charles Weston at next Phone: 6288 7563 Boolijah/Danjcra campsite with side trips to Thursday's General Meeting by attending today's Danjera Falls and other lookouts. Day 4, climb out Meet at corner of Hawkcsbury Crescent and Wagga regular public walk through beautiful Westbourne of gorge and return to cars for lunch (hamburgers, Street Farrcr at 1.30pm. An 8km easy afternoon Woods. Meet at 9.30am at the gates to Royal etc) in Nerriga. walk around Farrer Ridge and across to Mt Canberra Golf Club at the top end of Bentham St Short daily packwalks but some scrub bashing, 4 November Sunday daywalk 18 November Sunday daywalk scrambling and climbs of 300m involved. Contact Black Mountain Orchids Shanahans Mountain, Shanahans Falls Creek, leader at least a week ahead for more details and/or Leader: Adrienne Nicholson Naas Creek to book in. Access by 4WD vehicles will be required. Phone: 6281 6381 Leader: Pat Miethke Numbers limited. 400kms, $120per car. Few of our temperate climate orchids could be 2A/B/C/D/E, plus wet feet! describes as spectacular', but there are many of them Map: Colinton 1:25 000 28 October Sunday daywalk and they can be interesting for those prepared to Phone: 6241 2798 (h) Monga National Park search for them and look closely. With the article Steep descent down Shanahans Mountain. Stroll Contact: Len Haskew in this Bulletin as inspiration, lets see what we can along Shanahans Falls Creek to the rocky junction Maps: Monga and Aralucn 1:25 000 find on Black Mountain this spring. Easy, rambling with Naas Creek. Wade up Naas Creek's rocky Phone: 6281 4286 and searching — bring a magnifying glass or hand creekbed, or struggle along its banks. Easy track The annual Monga Waratah walk, led by the Friends lens if keen. Meet at Caswell Drive parking area walk out to Mt Clear campground. Meet at ofthe Mongarlowe River to see the famous waratahs (opposite end of Wangara Street Aranda) at Kambah Village shops at 8.30am. Short car shuffle in bloom The actual area that we will visit will not 10.30am. involved. 160kms, $48 per car. be known til nearer the date of the walk (by some strange coincidence the culvert/bridges between 10 November Saturday daywalk 24 November Saturday daywalk Monga village and our usual parking spot have Mt McKeahnie Bulls Head to Bendoura Arboretum collapsed!). Meet at Canberra Railway Station Leaders: Pat and Eric Pickering Leaden Rob Forster Kingston at 8.00am. Because of the nature of the 4A/C/D/E 2A roads the walk may have to be cancelled if it is very Map: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 wet - if in doubt, ring Len on the Friday or Saturday Phone: 6286 2128 (bookings) Phone: 6249 8546 before the walk. The Friends make no charge for Joint walk with FBI. A long circular walk. Smokers Meet in carpark ofTUriarra Road near comer with the conducted tour but it would be appropriate if Gap to McKeahnie Trig and on to the mountain Cotter Road at 8.30am. A pleasant walk through each participant made a donation. 250kms, for lunch. Down to Smokers Trail and back to the splendid forests on fire trails to Bendoura $75 per car. starting point. First and last parts of the walk will Arboretum for lunch. Return by a different route. be on track or footpad. The longer middle pan will 11 Okms, $32 per car. 31 October Wednesday walk be through scrub with steep climbs and rock Boxvale Circuit 24 November Saturday daywalk scrambles. There will be a need to keep up a good Leader: Ken Free 'Mt Herlt' pace. Total climb about 900m. 60kms, $18 per car. 2A/E Leaders: Pat and Eric Pickering Map: Mittagong 1:25 000 10 November Saturday work party 2A/C/D/E Phone: 6295 8894 Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Map: Rendezvous Creekl:25 000 This walk includes the route of an historic railway, Contact: Eleanor Stodart, Syd Comfort Phone: 6286 2128 passing through cuttings and an 80m tunnel (please Phone: 6281 5004 (Eleanor), 6286 2578 (Syd) Meet at Kambah Village at 8.00am. From Orroral bring a torch). Should be many waratahs, orchids Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre Tharwa at 9.15am, valley we follow the Nursery Creek track and then and other wiIdflowers.The walk also includes Forty or Yankee Hat carpark at 10.00am. Weeding, the footpad to Rendezvous Creek. We follow the Foot Falls, the Nattai River, and the very steep wilding removal or other work for rehabilitation of creek downstream before climbing southwest to 'Incline', which follows the route of the old cable the Boboyan pines area. Tools will be provided. some magnificent rock slabs. They are like the slabs tramway where the coal skips came up the side of on Gudgenby. The range here is unnamed, but 11 November Sunday daywalk the Nattai Valley . This is not a difficult walk, but some refer to the general area as the Mavis ridge Micalong Creek you do need to be fit. Meet in carpark at the ACT and the rock slab area as Mt Herlt. Total climb Necball Centre, Northbourne Avenue, Lynch am at Leaden Col McAlister around 500m. Joint walk with FBI. TOOkms, 8.00am. 360kms, $110 per car. 2A $30 per car. Map: Bobbys Plains 1:25 000; HficH brochure 3 November Saturday daywalk Shoalhaven No. 3 25 November Sunday daywalk River Views Phone: 6288 4171 Tolwong Chimneys Leader: Len Haskew Leader: Mike Smith Walk the Hume and Hovel! Track from Bossawa 2A/B 2A/C/E campsite to Micalong Creek campsite and return. Map: Burner 1:25 000 A lovely walk along Micalong Creek with waterfalls Map: Caoura 1:25 000 Phone: 6281 4286 and thewildflowers, hopefully, in full bloom. Meet Phone: 6286 2984 This 12km loop walk commences about 21km at the carpark on Uriarra Road just off the Cotter Meet at Southwell Park netball center on south-west of Kangaroo Valley village. Start with Road at 8.00am. 220kms, $60 per car. Northbourne Avenue Lyneham at 8.00am and drive an easy climb to Moolattoo trig and then reasonably to Bungonia. Descend to the Shoalhaven by the level walking to three other viewing points 12 - 18 November one week carcamp / old flying fox trail. Wade across river to the old overlooking Lake Yarrunga, the Shoaihaven River packwalk mine workings and smelter with its high brick and valley, and Morton National Park. Meet 8.00am Wollomi National Park chimneys. Return by different route to entrance of at the Netball Centre carpark, just past the Dickson Bungonia SRA or, if good swimming weather, walk traffic lights on Northbourne Avenue. 450kms, Leaden Graham Scully upstream to the 'Blockup' and return by same route. $135 per car. 500m descent/ascent. Small car shuffle may be Phone: 6230 3352 required. 250kms, $75 per car. 3 — 4 November weekend packwalk Monday: drive to Dunns Swamp and set up camp. Mt Murray Tuesday: daywalk around camp area and visit several 26 - 29 November four day packwalk Leader: Phil Gatenby pagoda formations. Wednesday, Thursday: Kosciuszko NP 2A/C/E overnight packwalk to Mt Coricudgy and return. Leader: Mick Kelly Maps: Yaouk, Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Friday, Saturday: drive to Nullo Mountain and 2A/B/C/D 6254 3094(ah) overnight packwalk to Mt Pomany and return. Maps: Eucumbene, Khancoban 1:50 000 A walk to the ACT's third highest peak (over Sunday: drive home. For more details and bookings, Phone: 4472 3959 or >-™\\ 1850 metres high). Mosdy off tracks through forest, please phone Graham. kelIymob@sci. net. an with a total climb of about 650m. There may be Day 1 drive to Gungarlin/Snowy Plain area, park some rock scrambling involved on the climb up to vehicles and walk up old stock route to Ccsjacks Mt Murray's summit. Contact leader by the Hut, camp near hut or on Doubtful Creek (two Wednesday before the walk. 200kms, $60 per car. nights). Day 2 walk to Mt Jagungal via Jagungal saddle. Day 3 through to Kidmans Hut via old stock route and Bulls Peaks aiea. Day 4 back to cars and south, across Club Lake Creek IO Kunama Hutic 13 January 2002 Sunday daywaik home via Teddys Creek. Please note walk is in high site. After inspecting ruins of lodge and ski tow, stop Tate West Ridge country, and will encompass creek crossings, wet for morning tea at nearby waterfall. Continuing Leader: Brian Slee areas, and scrub bashing from rime to time, west, cross Northcote Pass and descend to Lake 3A/C notwithstanding wc should have a wonderful time. Albina for lunch, inspecting cyebnghrs, buttercups Map: Mt Kosciuszko 1:50 000 The walk will be a joint one with die Baremans Bay and anemones on the way. Return via Mt Lee. Great Phone: 6281 0719 Bushies. Numbers limited, please contact leader by views. Several steep climbs. Afternoon tea Jindabyne. Depart Kambah Village 6.30am. Park at Guthega 22 October. 400kms, SI20 per car. Book with leader as numbers limited and weather and walk north up Guthega Ridge toward the check essential. 430kms, $129 per car plus $15 for Rolling Ground. Cross Windv Creek north of 28 November daywaik cars wirhout permit. Consett Stephen Pass and continue up to Tate West Mulligans Flat Ridge. Visit a number of rocky outcrops along the IA Late December packwalk broad ridge, stopping for lunch at a daisy meadow Leader: Jacqui Cole Rivers and Rainforests along the way. Views north to Jagungal and Dicky Map: Canberra Street Directory Leaders: Pat and Eric Pickering Cooper Bogong and west to Geehi Reservoir. Phone: 6262 2152 1C/D/E/F Amazing panorama from Mt Tate to Watsons Crags Meet at the Mulligans Flat entrance on the Phone 6286 2128 for details and bookings to the south. A couple of steepish climbs. Afternoon Cundaroo Road (first carpark on the right after The intention is to spend 4-5 days between rea Jindabyne. Contact leader in advance in case leaving Gungahlin) at 9.30am. This will be a fairly Christmas and New Year in an area such as Ettrema weather affects plans. 430kms, $129 per car plus easy stroll. Wc will hope for lots of birdlife and or the Shoalhaven - probably rhe former this year - $ 15 for vehicles without permit. kangaroos to watch, and we'll take in the ambience walking, scrambling and swimming. Traditionally of the lovely woodland environment in this we return to Canberra on New Years Day (after an wonderful pan of Canberra Nature Park. early celebration on New Years Eve). Ptecise dates and location of the walk are negotiable. 2 December Sunday daywaik Fishing Gap and Cotter River Leader: Barbara Edgar 2A/B Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 Phone: 6230 5685(h), 6264 2991(w) Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.30am. Drive to Tidbinbilla, walk on fire trail to Fishing Gap. From there a walking track drops 300m down to the wild and remote Cotter River as it runs from Corin Dam down to Bendora Dam. In this magnificent setting we will have a leisurely lunch before returning. 60kms, 418 per car.

8 December Saturday work party Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Contact: Eleanor Stodart, Syd Comfort Phone: 6281 5004 (Eleanor), 6286 2578 (Syd) I Thirty Years of Black Mountain Nature Rambles Meet at Namadgi Visitor CcntreTharwa at 9.15am, I On Saturday morning 13 October George Chippendale will come to Black Mountain and or Yankee Hat carpark at 10.00am. Weeding, wilding removal or other work for rehabilitation of introduce a new generation of members of the National Parks Association to the wonders of the Boboyan pines area. Tools will be provided. Australian native flora in the springtime, as he has been doing for the last twenty nine years. Christmas get-together afterwards. In more recent times he also has included the Friends of the Botanic Gardens and the University of theThird Age (U3A) in his annual Black Mountain rambles. As well as interested 9 December (Sunday) newcomers, it can be expected that, as in the past, there will be a fair proportion of satisfied NPA Christmas Party Contact: Max Lawrence repeat customers turning up to drink at the fountain of George's wisdom. Phone: 6288 1370 NPA and the people of the ACT have been very fortunate that George has so generously

Our Christmas party this year will again be at Nil shared with us the great knowledge of and enthusiasm for native Australian flora he Desperandum in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. accumulated over many years of distinguished professional work in this field. He started as Because of access problems (a number of locked an assistant at the NSW National Herbarium in 1936, and returned to the Herbarium after gates through private property) it will be necessary war service and the completion of his Science degree. During the period 1954-1966 he was ro form car convoys starting from the carpark at the first resident taxonomic botanist in the Northern Territory, stationed in Alice Springs, the Tidbinbilla Visitors Centre. Convoys will leave at II am and 12 noon sharp, so don't be late or you'll and during this time emerged as one of the leading authorities on arid zone plants. He miss out. A continuous shuttle will work for moved to Canberra as botanist/senior research scientist with the Forest Research Institute, departures, so within some limits you'll be able to Forestry and Timber Bureau, Yarralumla (later CSIRO Division of Forest Research, and leave pretty much when you want to. Bring a picnic now Forestry and Forest Products, CSIRO), where he stayed until his retirement in 1983. In lunch and refreshments, and lee's celebrate 1972-73 George was Australian Botanical Liaison Officer at the Kew Herbarium, London. Christmas together. Also, don't forger to bring along donations of gear and goodies for our fun-raising George Chippendale's love of the Australian bush and its conservation have never been auction! restricted to his professional life, and this has been especially evident since his retirement. As well as running his annual Black Mountain nature rambles, George has been energetically 16 December Sunday daywaik involved in community affairs in this area. He was a committee member of NPA, was its Snowy Mountains wildflowers Leader: Brian Slee President in 1971, and for some years has been running botany courses with U3A, where he 2A/C has a large and avid following. Those who come along on 13 October on his Thirtieth Map: Mt Kosciuszko 1:50 000 Anniversary outing will be enriched by the experience, as were all those who went before Phone: 6281 0719 (and kept coming back for more!). Depart Kambah Village 6.30am. Park at Charlotte Pass. Proceed initially via Blue Lake track and then When a fire is not a burn

On returning from southern Namadgi along the Old Boboyan Road on the shortest day of the year we saw a pall of smoke rising from the vicinity of the Yankee Hat car park area so pulled into the lookout which overlooks the area. Below us the smoke was rising from a fire in a section of the old Boboyan pine forest which had been felled last spring. The fire was a welcome sight as it was needed to allow the area to be replanted with acacias and eucalypts as part of the regeneration plan. However all was not as it appeared. The area to be burned was 23ha located just beyond the locked gate at the Yankee Hat carpark and had originally been scheduled for burning on the day after Anzac Day. This was found to be inappropriate combination of cold, wet conditions Meeting prescriptions for fire at that so the burn was deferred. and gusty winds prevented the time may be indeed be difficult. The Continuing dry weather meant that development of the convective effect implications for the regeneration the burn could not be undertaken needed for a hot burn and the result program are that replanting of this because the risks to surrounding was that only the edge of the area area, with the possible exception of areas were too high. Rain in June was singed and there was no the small section mentioned above, allowed the burn to be planned for effective burning of the main body will have to be deferred as Thursday 21 June and the Parks of the felled pines. The training attempting to reseed or plant Service decided to combine the fire exercise went ahead and proved to without burning is unlikely to be with a training exercise involving be very successful. However as far successful. This is disappointing, but Emergency Services, Ambulance, as clearing the cut pines to enable in a program as extensive as the Bush Fire and catering units as well replanting to proceed the fire had Gudgenby regeneration some as Park Service staff. This was failed except perhaps in a small area setbacks are inevitable and in the aimed to exercise procedures for along the lower edge. The volumes meantime efforts can be focused in coping with an extensive fire of a of smoke had been deceiving! other directions. It is important that scale similar to that experienced in Another opportunity to burn the felling of other stands of pines be Namadgi in 1983. area may occur in the spring after undertaken in the coming spring in Following some cold days, rain fell the fuel has dried out but this will preparation for further burning next on the night of the 20th. The fires be dependent on favourable weather autumn and subsequent reseeding. were fit as planned on the 21st but conditions permitting a fire to be lit the pines failed to catch. The without risk to surrounding bush. Syd Comfort Some Gudgenby bush regeneration trivia On 28 June I went over the (based on counts in six 50m 350briars, and over 250 blackberries Gudgenby Bush Regeneration transects). About 24 000 seedlings from the Hospital Creek section and Project with the Natural Heritage have been planted. Greencorps the bush just to the south. Trust Bushcare assessment team teams, GBRG members and one Apart from our core regulars, we (NHT grants paid to the Gudgenby NPA work party took part in the are getting a steady trickle of NPA Bush Regeneration Group form part plantings. members taking part since the work of the Bushcare allocation). We have no overall figures for parties have been included in the We have spread about 500kg of weeds removed. In quantity terms outings program. If just half the seed over something like 300-400km much of the work has been done by a members of NPA attended one work of seeding lines (a seeding line is 4m contractor spraying St Johns wort, party once in three years we would wide) with a strike rate of 1800 blackberries and briar roses, but the have five extra NPA members at stems per km after 12 months and July work party saw 13 people each work party. 2000 stems per km after 24 months remove 85 pine wildings, over Eleanor Stodart Quarry rehabilitation a gigantic task

Attempts to rehabilitate the quarry Thomson, who first began working areas and does work. slopes are evident from the walking at the quarry as a fettler and then Grant Thomson has a planting track, but it is not until you visit the as a gardener before getting the target of 2000 trees per annum at mine that the magnitude of the task environmental job. the mine. Just how many of these becomes clearer. The quarry, owned Quarry restoration has been under plantings will survive is the by Blue Circle Southern Cement way since at least the late 1960s. In unknown factor. He has had more Limited, is at Marulan South near those days a helicopter was used to success with plantings outside the Goulburn and is reckoned the ferry rock baskets for the erection immediate area of the mine, but biggest limestone quarry in of gabion walls above Barbers Creek conditions there are more favourable Australia. The walking trail, which to stop mine waste reaching creek to their survival. These saplings gives a clear view of the mine, is and river. In another measure a rock were planted on 40 house sites at opposite the quarry across a steep- filtration barrier was placed above Marulan South village where the sided gully and is known as the Long the walls. About 10 gabion walls are ground is flat and the soil much Point track. now in place around the quarry site. better because village folk were keen gardeners. The local council built the 3km Today the first of the devastated long track in 1938 to give walkers slopes seen from the Long Point The dwellings, most of them access to the Shoalhaven River. It walking track resembles a bright owned by Boral, were demolished or also built a lookout at the start of green waterfall. Bulldozers were cut up and taken elsewhere after it the walk giving a grand view of the used to bench the slopes, grasses was found that upgrading the village Shoalhaven as, far below, it forms a were sown, trees planted. While sewerage system to meet U shape beneath Rainbow Ridge. some trees survive, they are Environmental Protection Authority The mine was in operation long struggling. This is because the regulations would cost $1 million. before 1938, limestone having first species planted were not native to Other improvements - for example, been extracted in the Marulan this area. In addition, the mullock to the water supply - would have district about 1875. Several has few nutrients and with the spoil cost as much again. companies worked the current site being porous, essential water Mullock is now filling two gullies from the 1920s until Blue Circle escapes quickly. not visible to the casual observer became the sole owner in 1974. It is readily admitted that planting from outside the mine. One of these Thirteen years later Blue Circle trees not native to the area was a overburden areas is enormous, but became part of Boral Limited. mistake. Grant Thomson now the depth and extent of the two pits According to a quarry booklet, the propagates his own tube stock from on the site easily explain how this mine's economic significance to New local seed, but he is experimenting extraordinary pile of waste has come South Wales and Australia is also to find out whether direct about. considerable. Cement production, sowing of seed works better. Last Before the mullock is dumped, steel making, soil stabilisation, spring, Grant planted species from topsoil in its path is removed and agriculture, stock feed, glass the area - casuarinas, acacias and trees chipped to provide mulch. The production, pulp and paper certain eucalypts - on the slopes. intention is to spread the topsoil manufacture - limestone figures in Some are doing well, but others were across overburden to be revegetated all of them. gobbled up by goats, rabbits and so that seed or plants will have a Years ago there was little, if any, kangaroos. better chance of surviving. The acknowledgment of environmental Fencing to keep animals out has topsoil also contains seed banks for damage from mining. Unwanted been successful in some parts of the natural germination and will help mullock from the quarry was simply quarry and trees and shrubs have retain water. tipped over the side of gullies, flourished. But the huge size of the Exactly when the mullock heaps creating enormous damage and areas that would have to be fenced will be revegetated is not known at polluting Barbers Creek below the off, let alone the expense, is present although they will be walking track, and then the daunting. Some slopes are so steep grassed. This is because Shoalhaven into which the creek that fencing looks impossible. And developments in use of mine waste runs. the water problem may only be mean that productive uses may be solved by installing tanks and The mine owners are committed found for some of the spoil. Walls employing drip irrigation, an to rehabilitation of the site and a few expensive and time-consuming years ago appointed their latest process. It has been tried in a few environmental officer, Grant Update on Namadgi management agreement The June Bulletin reported on the provide specialist contributions from agreement reached to involve ACT the areas of science, heritage, Aboriginal groups in the nature-based tourism and non management of Namadgi National government organisations. The fifth Park through the establishment of member will come from the office of an Interim Namadgi Advisory Board the Conservator of Flora and Fauna. comprising five Aboriginal An informal gathering of these representatives and five non- people was expected to be held in Aboriginal members appointed by late August. Formal appointment the Minister. This board will provide will not be made until necessary advice to the Conservator of Flora procedures have been completed so and Fauna on a new draft that an announcement of this can management plan, other relevant be expected in September with the legislation and on consent decisions first meeting of the board likely relating to a number of activities in towards the end of that month. the park. Any move from the interim President Clive Hurlstone with the At the time of writing (August 17) arrangements outlined above to the former Executive Director of the position is that the five long-term management provisions Environment ACT, Colin Adrian, Aboriginal members have been would depend on progress in the at the signing of the Namadgi nominated and provisional resolution or withdrawal of the National Park management agreement at the Namadgi Visitor appointments made for the five outstanding native title claim now Centre on 27 May 2001. other positions. Four of these before the Federal Court. Photo Reg Alder members have each been selected to Syd Comfort

Quarry rehabilitation - continued from page 12 have been built on the dumps to help requires agility and skill. Blackberry although after about 2005 the control dust and these are clumps and cotoneaster shrubs are mining will be internal with the rim revegetating naturally, if slowly. other menaces although their not being lowered any further. Blue While revegetation is the most presence does not approach that of Circle intends to complete mining visible of the rehabilitation efforts pampas grass and serrated tussock. the southern pit in the next 20 years at the quarry, the real More people view the mine from or so. After that it will be environmental enemies are pampas lookouts above Bungonia Canyon in rehabilitated - the massive amounts grass, serrated tussock, blackberry, the Bungonia SRA than from the of mullock required will come from cotoneaster and weeds in general. Long Point walking track. What the northern pit and by 2030 filling Grant Thomson is waging a war on they peer at from the famous should have advanced far enough for pampas grass and serrated tussock Lookdown is the southern pit tree planting to begin. Filling the whose seed can be borne many because a high earth wall was built whole gigantic hole will take years, kilometres in the wind. The threat to shield the northern quarry from but if possible it will be screened to the neighbouring Morton view. Local native species have been from view. National Park and Bungonia State planted above the southern pit and Restoration on this scale will be Recreation Area is obvious. more have survived than have died welcomed by the thousands of The struggle to control these or been eaten by animals. But given visitors who over the years have invaders and weeds is unending. the size of the southern part of the been affronted by the quarry when While many pampas grass plants quarry, any success in shielding it gazing at mountains and gorges have been eliminated, survivors can from the Bungonia SRA must take from Bungonia SRA lookouts. The be seen clinging to the sheer walls many years to achieve. views are superb, but inevitably of the two great pits at the quarry. Illustrations in the quarry booklet one's gaze is drawn back to the Getting to these, spraying the plants show that the southern pit will be quarry and the deep wounds it has and removing the seed heads even deeper than at present, caused to the landscape. Graeme Barrow PARKWATCH

Wild horse management - can be forwarded to Michelle at It is not yet possible to restore the research under way POBox 642, Jindabyne, NSW 2627. swamp to its pre-1998 condition, Wildlife ecologist Michelle Walter NSW NPWS Snowy Mountains MrDebus said, but the plan will see has just completed the second year Region Newsletter, May 2001. the National Parks and Wildlife

of her 3V2 year research program Service working 'to stabilise and into the population ecology of the A SI.5m rescue to beat the peat preserve the remaining swamp wild horses of the Australian Alps. It took tens of thousands of years habitat' Michelle is enrolled at the for Wingecarribee swamp to form The Sydney Morning Herald, 4 May University of Canberra and her and a single night of flooding to 2001. research is funded by the Australian almost destroy it. Alps Liaison Committee. For more than 30 years the The economic benefits of parks The information about swamp was mined for its peat. The Colong Foundation has Kosciuszko's wild horses will be very Sydney Water has relied on the campaigned on purely important to park managers as water that flows out of the marsh, environmental and recreational previously there was little and agriculture has surrounded the grounds for the dedication of information about the numbers and unique area. parklands. The preservation of distribution of horses in the park. Yesterday the Environment wildlife and catchment protection Michelle's work involves mapping Minister, Mr Debus, announced that have been two of our main themes. the distribution of horses from the the State Government will try to But as the NPWS points out in the ACT through to the Bogong High rehabilitate the heritage-listed findings of'The Technical Report on Plains in Victoria and she has been swamp, and prevent further The Contribution of Warrumbungle talking to local residents to get an damage to the highly degraded National Park to Regional Economic indication of historic distribution. ecosystem. Development', 'national parks can Another important component of Wingecarribee is home to at least make a significant contribution of her work is a helicopter aerial three endangered species and the regions in which they are survey of the horses. This was numerous Aboriginal archaeological located.' undertaken from late February to sites. Much of the $1.5 million Rural and logging interests have early March. This is the first time allocated by the Government will be opposed the creation of national an attempt has been made to spent ensuring these values are parks because grazing and logging estimate the total numbers of wild protected. within the parks are ruled out. The horses in Kosciuszko and this 'After intense rainfall on the night implications of the report are that information will be a good baseline of 8-9 August 1998, a dredge from this opposition is based on self for monitoring the populations into the mining lease within the interest - not regional economic the future. Wingecarribee Swamp was found interest. The 23,198 ha. of the Studying population dynamics is floating towards the middle of the Warrumbungle National Park another key part of Michelle's Wingecarribee Reservoir,' says a occupies a tiny fraction of the vast research. Information recorded new management plan for the rural lands of the north western includes the foaling rate and the swamp. 'Behind the dredge was a statistical division. It was previously survival of different sex and age floating island of peat, estimated to privately owned grazing land. It groups from season to season. This contain between 1.7. and 2.3 million provided grazing land for a few information is being collected at cubic metres of peat.' thousand sheep. The annual revenue three sites in Kosciuszko - the The loss of so much peat was a from paid accommodation associated Currango plain in the far north of disaster for the swamp and the with visits to the park is estimated the park, the Big Boggy area near water quality of the reservoir. at $683,000 and the Gross Regional Thredbo and Cowombat Flat on the According to the report, it has Output effects generated are NSW/Victorian border. Michelle's fragmented and destabilised the estimated at $3.7 million, including work also involves identifying swamp, lowered much of its surface $1.38 million in household income to individual animals and following by up to five metres, lowered the the equivalent of 66 people. them over time. She now has records water table, altered drainage The report is one of 10 NPWS for more than 150 horses across the patterns and created a channel economic publications on the benefits three study sites. which now dissects the length of the of protected areas for local economies. If people see any horses in the swamp. They provide a complete answer to study areas Michelle would be Blackberry and willow invading the opponents of parks on economic particularly interested to see photos newly dried parts of the swamp are grounds; as parks these lands become which allow individual horses to be to be eradicated as a priority, water valuable regional assets. identified, or any information on levels are to be stabilised and the The Colong Bulletin, March 2001 births of foals or animals dying or site is to become a total fire leaving the population. Information exclusion zone. ~ continued from page 14

4WDMOU to a basin-wide investment Its collective heart goes out to his The NPWS signed a five-year program. family and friends at their tragic Memorandum of Understanding 6. Halt land clearing - stopping loss. with the Recreational Four Wheel broad scale land clearing in the NPAQ supported the initial Drive Clubs Association (NSW and north is crucial to safeguarding government declaration of an ACT) in October. The MOU aims to the long term future of the rivers. immediate assessment of the dingo achieve a 'cooperative working 7. Green the land — further south we situation with a view to relationship'; and it allows access to need to undertake enormous implementing a measured response. areas that would 'otherwise be revegetation schemes to restore It did not object to the elimination closed to the public'. It commits the balance to water cycles to tackle of the two dogs responsible for the NPWS to responding to salinity. attack, but was surprised and correspondence from the 4WD 8. Retraining our shame drains — a shocked at the Premier's Association within three weeks: program of reducing pollutant announcement two days later that NPA does not get such a speedy inputs, vegetating drains and he was ordering an immediate cull response as this! using artificial wetland of dingoes around camps and NPA is opposed to special access treatments is necessary. townships with an expected 20 to 30 animals to be shot. arrangements for recreational 9. Good advice, not parochial advice groups and is concerned that this - the current Murray-Darling The basis on which these shootings MOU sets a precedent - it may lead Basin Commission framework was ordered remains unclear as it to exclusive access arrangements has been found wanting and appears to be against the advice of that alienate parts of the national needs a breath of fresh air. experts, conservationists and park estate for particular sectional lO.Informed catchments - traditional owners. Public reaction interests. community ownership is the key was also against the shootings from National Parks Journal, April 2001. to achieving better rivers and the first day. Attempts to placate the catchments. public through media statements, Ten points to save the Murray habitat, June, 2001 letters to concerned citizens and the The excitement around the 'dingo hotline' have not given Olympics and the Centenary of Rare birds get own land plausible explanations for the course Federation has shown that More than 1000 ha of north of action taken. Australians love to get behind a big Queensland coastal habitat has been The killings, which amounted to idea. And no idea is bigger - and no set aside as a sanctuary for the one in six of the estimated dingo project more timely — than saving southern cassowary. The Queensland population, stopped on Saturday the artery of the east, the Murray and Federal Governments have 5Ma y. Twenty-eight dingoes were River. ACFs Ten Point Plan sets out bought the coastal land near Innisfail dead by then and it is possible that the steps needed to revive this in a bid to ensure the flightless bird's another three have been shot at the wasting waterway. survival. time of writing. 1. More water - reduce the amount About 1400 cassowaries remain in Reports reaching our office diverted for irrigation to deliver north Queensland rainforests and indicate that the spaces left vacant flows. Senator Hill (Federal Minister for by the shot dingoes were occupied 2. Healthier estuary - the five Environment) said the population by others in hours, not days as many barrages that stop seawater and near Ingham was significant. Tt is predicted, and people were still marine life entering the estuary also the one most threatened by enticing the dogs into close are a luxury we can no longer continual clearing of the rainforest,* proximity. As predicted by most with afford. Senator Hill said. some knowledge of the situation, the 3. From lakes to rivers—the impact Cassowaries have a unique role in shooting did little to influence the of weirs must be reduced. This rainforest ecology, that of spreading behaviour of dingoes or people. may include leaving weirs open seeds. Senator Hill said that the Belatedly, the government called for longer, removing them cassowary population had declined a meeting of experts, government altogether, or building fish rapidly in the past 25 years with up officers and some other interested ladders on the walls. to 40% of its habitat cleared. In the people to study the situation, but 4. Greening the riverbanks - too same area, more than 60cassowaries this came too late for many innocent many river banks are over­ had been killed by cars between 1986 dingoes whose only mistake was to grazed and trampled by stock. and 1999. act as they had become accustomed 5. Thawing the waters - over half Parkwatch, June 2001. to doing for the past decade. of the 30 dams in the Basin QUOTE: release water which is so cold Fraser Island dingo challenge Long-time Fraser Island that it can stop native fish from The NPAQ was appalled at the campaigner, John Sinclair, wrote in breeding. To bring back the killing of a young boy by two dingoes habitats we will need to warm on Fraser Island on 30 April 2001. My favourite place: Mallacoota - Victoria's best kept secret In this article Barbara describes her Mallacoota. It's about 25km in off home to numbers of crabs, "favourite place". The Bulletin the highway (which keeps the molluscs, urchins and other would welcome articles from other Victorian tourists away), and its intertidal life. members describing their "favourite simplicity is apparent as you avoid For those with a more places". dogs sleeping in the middle of the adventurous spirit, you can do the road, and the lovely expanse of the coast walk to Shipwreck Creek, We've been going to Mallacoota since lakes which aren't surrounded by and on to Wingan Inlet and Point 1977 and each time we go, we come houses. Hicks (in a southerly direction). back refreshed and "detoxified". We The area is well renowned for its You could also go north to Cape seem to shed the "skins" civilisation prolific bird life - ibis, herons, Howe; however, you would have to puts on us, even coming from a place spoonbills, kingfishers, godwits, arrange boat transport across the as nice as Canberra. pelicans, oystercatchers, wonga inlet. A flight to Gabo Island is also The best way to go is via pigeons, gannets, terns, Pacific worth a look. You can stay in the Nimmitabel (don't miss a stop at gulls, albatross, little terns, lighthouse keeper's cottage for the bakery!) then turn right to whistling kites, sea eagles, ground $100 (for six people) and watch the Bombala. You travel through parrots, yellow robins etc - just to fairy penguins come ashore at Bombala and turn on to the Cann mention a few! There are also many night. River Road which is about 1km out nice walks within close proximity of A boat trip on the lake to watch of town on the left. This road is the town - Casuarina Walk 1.8km, the sea eagles being fed is another followed until you come to the turn Heathland Walk 0.8km, Beach walk worthwhile experience, whilst an off to Eden. There is about 500m of 2.1km, Pittosporum Walk and early morning canoe trip up the dirt road (which no shire is Shady Gully 0.5 km. These all bring Betka River to watch the kingfishers apparently responsible for!) and you into close contact with a variety and sea eagleB is also something then you travel via the Imlay Road of plant life, including mountain special. If you are fortunate enough until you hit the Princes Highway. grey gums, black she-oak, to find the sand dune (half way along After this lovely forest drive (avoid Casuarina littoralis, and on the Tip Beach) then to perch at the top driving at dusk because of all the heathland walk there are many of this and watch the dolphins frolic wildlife on the road), you emerge species of orchids which are well in the surf below is another rich just south of Eden. You turn right worth investigating. The very rare reward of nature. and follow the highway until you Mallacoota gum (there are possibly I hope the above explains why we reach the turn off to Mallacoota and only 38 left) is also evident next to go there. Our sons say "But Mum, the lovely expanse of the Genoa the mudbrick pavilion in the heart the coast iB only two hours away not River. of town. four and a half! Why did you choose By now, after about four hours of A walk along the foreshores is not Mallacoota?" Need I say more? travelling, you have shed Canberra to be missed with lovely rock pools and you are ready to welcome Barbara Slotemaker de Bruine

PARKWATCH continued from page 15

a recent edition of the Fraser Island Environmental events 14 - 20 October: National Water Defenders Organisation Newsletter: calendar Week Fraser Island without dingoes 3 September: ACT Arbor Day 22-29 October: National Bird would be like Yellowstone National Week 7 September: National Threatened Park without bears or Kruger Species Day 12 - 18 November: National National Park without lions or Recycling Week Kakadu without crocodiles. We don't 16 September: International Day 25 November - 7 December: destroy cars because some have been for the Preservation of the Ozone Peoplescape—a Federation responsible for killing some humans. Layer Celebration, Canberra We don't demand that all domestic 25 September: National Parks 1-7 December: Coastcare Week dogs be destroyed because some kill Day humans. Why then should anyone For more information on these October: Bushcare Month demand that all Fraser Island events call toll free 1800 803 772 dingoes be killed? 1 October: World Habitat Day National Heritage Trust, 2001 NPA News, June, 2001 3 October: World Animal Day Calendar. 8-14 October: National Weedbusters Week Allan Fox, OAM

environment through education and signs along nature trails in various management. parks and reserves. As a student teacher, Allan was Allan is the author of 36 books strongly influenced by Allen Strom, about history, geography and the the conservationist who became the environment, illustrating them with Chief Guardian of Fauna in NSW careful maps, diagrams and before the days of the National Parks beautiful photographs. He is and Wildlife Service. frequently asked to speak at After eight years as a teacher in gatherings of environmentalists the National Fitness Camps in NSW, both in Australia and overseas. Allan worked for the Fauna Panel, His enthusiasm for the later for the NSW National Parks environment and the need for and Wildlife Service, and then for the careful management is infectious Australian National Parks and and draws people into that field. Wildlife Service. He wrote It is very satisfying to see people management plans for many who have worked for the protection national parks, including Uluru, of the natural environment Allan Fox, QAM Kakadu and Mootwingee. He recognised by the community. Our It is with great pleasure we prepared the information displays in whole nation benefits from the work congratulate Allan Fox for receiving the Warrumbungle National Park of enthusiasts like Allan. a Medal of the Order of Australia Information Centre and has written for service to conservation and the the text for many interpretative Fiona MacDonald Brand Over the plains and far away In the spring of 2000 Gary and slides showed a mystical, watery safari members. Travelling closely to DiThompson ventured off in Di's wilderness with relatively clear the route of the old Ghan which "trophy car" (her words not mine) water masking only slightly the ceased running in 1980, they also to see Lake Eyre, well endowed with interesting contours of the lake bed. saw some interesting relics of the water, and a part of the central Di aptly likened the abstract quality days of steam. Di showed a slide of Australian desert in the company of her images to Aboriginal paintings. the Kennecot water treatment plant of several camels. Di shared these Then at Warrina Siding (a relic of which seemed to be right in the adventures with those who the old Ghan route), about half way middle of nowhere, but which was attended the July General Meeting. between Oodnadatta and William used to soften the very saline water Her presentation was illustrated Creek Gary and Di met up with six from artesian bores for the steam with some slides of the amazingly camels, their guide and a journalist locos. At Kennecot the cast iron harsh country that they traversed, from Coober Pedy to begin a four-day water tank used to hold 120 000 and an album of excellent camel trek on Peak Station, which is litres of softened water. photographs. part of Anna Creek, the largest cattle They seemed to do a lot more Di gave us a quick glimpse of station in the world and owned by the walking than riding, and many of us, Burra (which she highly Kidman family. I think, were grateful that we were recommends as a place to visit), the The country they travelled was a able to experience Di and Gary's Flinders Ranges and some of the harsh, spectacular wilderness, with adventures from the comfort of our intriguing Aboriginal petroglyphs little vegetation, much more rock chairs at Forestry House. in the Gammon Ranges. Gary and than soil, and little wildlife apart Len Haskew Di then drove along the Oodnadatta from a few lizards but, strangely Track as far as William Creek, enough, a rich and varied bird Subscriptions for 2001/2002 where their adventures really population. It was fortunate, I began. thought, that their companions were Subscriptions to the association are Di flew over Lake Eyre in a light camels - the couple of waterholes now due and should be forwarded plane. The lake had been filled by they visited looked most uninviting! using the yellow form included in floodwaters coming down the Their guide was a self taught expert the June Bulletin. Asterisks on the Diamantina/Warburton, in the regional desert ecology and address label indicate that Thompson/Barcoo and Cooper cultural history. Di gained the association records show that the Creek river systems, together with impression that he was doing all he subscription has not been paid and water from several smaller river could to protect the area in which he that no further issues of the systems. When Di made her journey worked and that he was passing on Bulletin will be despatched until most of the birds had gone, but her a sound conservation education to his the subscription is received. 2001 - International year of the volunteer

How many members are aware that Most members of our NPA the association to employ a part- 2001 is the International Year of Committee have a firm commitment time office assistant. Later as the Volunteers and of the amount of to attend association meetings at least work of responding to management volunteer work carried out by our three times per month and, in addition, programs increased a research committee in administering our other meetings with parks assistant was employed to draft association, and of the ongoing work representatives or of kindred association comment. This funding of members over the years on associations. This requires a high has ceased over the past couple of projects within our national parks? degree of dedication to the work of the years, imposing a further work load The United Nations Volunteers association. Additional sub-committee on members to staff the office and program was created in 1970 to meetings are involved with the outings carry out research. serve as a partner in development program and in production of the Governments are showing an cooperation: each year close to 5000 Bulletin. Government publications increasing tendency to divert work professions from 150 nations work require perusal and a good deal of to volunteers without compensation; in a range of technical, economic and research in order to formulate policies the promise to apportion revenue social fields. and to draft replies. Leaders of our obtained from gambling proceeds to outings, besides volunteering to The motives of volunteers in volunteer organisations has long commit themselves to an event which undertaking unpaid work vary. been forgotten. Many volunteers are may be over three months ahead, also Some may volunteer because of their quite prepared to accept the have a responsibility to bring back belief in a set of values that express obligations which the work entails walkers safely through sometimes their own personal values. There but there is a limit. The final work difficult country under adverse could be a quest for knowledge, or often falls back on the dedicated few, conditions. Then there is the every day as a means to an end through who, if too much is asked, will drop watch-dog commitment of being alert meeting others, especially kindred out if they find the work too onerous to some activity or action which may spirits with a commitment or time consuming, or interfering too be deleterious to the well-being of our identifying themselves with a much with their domestic life. parks. specific problem. Volunteering is not Governments must expect to carried out for monetary gain, or Originally all our administrative provide some administrative with coercion but with an objective work was all carried out by support to volunteer organisations of benefit to the community, but it members, but as our commitments if they are to continue to address may also benefit individual grew we were able for some years to public needs. members in intangible ways. obtain grant money which enabled Reg Alder Save the bilby "Help save this endangered animal Frank's "Buy a Fence Panel" ($20) (or plant) is a constant cry to the was launched on the ABC's Macca on public and, thankfully, some people Sundays program and the scheme take up the cause with great zeal for was away. A $50 000 grant came from the animal or plant of their choice. the Natural Heritage Trust's Such an enthusiast is Frank Endangered Species Program to add Manthey, Chief District Ranger in to the donations and the fence was the Queensland National Park and completed by Easter 2001. Now Wildlife Service. Frank's friend, money is needed for the electrification Peter McRae has been studying of the fence. Only then will the bilbies bilbies for many years and has bred at Charleville be released into managed to breed them in captivity. the 25 sq km fenced area. sharp faces, large erect ears and long As a way to introduce the bred Bilbies once lived on 80 per cent slim furry tails. The adults are the size animals back into the wild, Frank of the Australian land surface, but of very small dogs and hop quickly on proposed that an area in a suitable agriculture, grazing and the hunting large back legs. The bilbies in the national park, such as Currawinya, habits of feral cats, dogs, foxes and breeding program may be viewed at be fenced and the feral animals that pigs have destroyed their habitat. the Parks Service Charleville at the prey on the bilby be destroyed and There are now only small scattered conclusion of Frank's evening lectures others kept out. This sensible idea colonies left in the Northern on the animals. met opposition because of the Territory, Western Australia and expense. Frank then suggested that Queensland. If you would like to buy a fence panel send your donation to the the money be raised from the public They are nocturnal marsupials, Queensland NPWS, PO Box 148, but this was frowned upon until a living and breeding in burrows, and Charleville, Q. 4470. new Director of the Service saw this feeding upon grubs and insects. They as an enlightened idea. are delightful little creatures with their Fiona MacDonald Brand BOOK REVIEW

Murray of Yarralumla, by almost as soon as settlement was horse riding were then Gwendoline Wilson, Tabletop Press, started. But for most people life was commonplace. To ride from the 2001, RRP $29.95 inc GST. hard and hazardous. Limestone Plains to Sydney and Gwendoline Wilson's history, The first substantial building at back raised no more comment than Murray ofYarralumla, ranges much Yarralumla was a gentlemen's stone today's car trip. Murray rode from further than its title suggests. It is hunting lodge—with kennels nearby Yarralumla to Melbourne and back a family saga, reaching back to 8th for an attendant pack of hounds. in 18 days, including about a day century Ireland and forward to When Terence Aubrey Murray and a half for business in illustrious sons, and gives vivid acquired an interest in Yarralumla Melbourne. pictures of white settlement far from in 1837, he took over the pack. On horseback, dray, carriage or Yarrahimla - at Moreton Bay, and All the hounds died in a drought foot, or in a ship, people were especially on the Goulburn Plain and summer a year later on a six-man surprisingly mobile. But not very south to the Monaro and Snowy expedition Murray led into the fast. Wagons carrying wool to Mountains and east to the coast. Brindabellas looking for pasture. All Sydney sometimes took three There are stories of hazardous the saddle and pack horses were months to complete the journey. treks, the opening up of new grazing lost, too. One died of exhaustion: the Stewart Mowle and his young bride, country, the management of stock, rest escaped into the bush, possibly Mary, took two weeks to travel from the building of huts and mansions, to start breeding brumbies. the Limestone Plains to their first social and family life in Sydney and In later life Murray said these home near Tumbarumba. the bush, how travellers fared on the mountains were "the scenes of my Mary had been brought up as a road, overturnings and drownings at greatest exertions and greatest gentlewoman and was known as the river crossings, urgent dashes to get ch^Bculties". A sentiment that might daughter of "the laird of Braidwood". cattle down from the high country be shared by some NPA members. The home she went to had a clay because of early snow, and murder, Murray was only 27 when he took floor and a leaking bark roof. suicide and frequent financial ruin. over Yarralumla. In 1841 — when he Nevertheless, she had a maid and Contemporary records are quoted was 31 — Murray had properties at cook in attendance. to give insight into relations between Lake George and Yarralumla and A diary she kept when she and her free settlers and convicts, relations stations at Brindabella, Cooleman, husband and their children lived in with the Aboriginal people on treks Mannus, Jingelic and one that does a stone cottage on the Limestone and in settled areas, encounters with not appear on any maps then or now Plains shows she adapted to the role bushrangers. - the mysterious Boongongo, which, of farmer's wife - for example: "7 Names on today's maps often the author speculates, may be the January. The same old story - get contain echoes of the past in the present-day Bungonga. up - dress the children ... Feed the family names and Aboriginal words Many other heroes and heroines poultry - breakfast - go to work - used in the early letters, diaries and appear in the pages. Murray's sister, put Kate to sleep - hear Florence documents — Arralumna, Anna Maria, was the author of the her lessons - dine - read - feed Yarrowlumley, Yarrowlumla, first novel published in hardback in chickens - work tail sunset... " The Kemberry, Canberry, Maneroo, Australia. Another of the book's site of the cottage is now under Lake Jedbinbilla, Collegdar (an heroes is Stewart Mowle who, as a Burley Griffin. Aboriginal word), Nimothy Bell, and 16-year-old, was invited by Murray Murray ofYarralumla was first an echo two places removed — Waa- to help manage Yarralumla. He published by Oxford University wee-waa, now Werriwa, the became a major landholder, Usher Press in 1968. Tabletop Press is to Aboriginal name of Lake George. of the Black Rod in the NSW be commended for bringing this It seems that Murray led the first Parliament, and a venerable figure valuable record back into the public party of Europeans to the top of who was instrumental in having domain. Mount Coree - then called Pabral Canberra chosen as the site for the The author has lived in Canberra Peak - during which, as he records, national capital. since 1935. She was Professor he "listened with surprise and Murray was very much at home Manning Clark's first student in pleasure" to the singing of lyrebirds, in the saddle. The author says that Canberra to take a degree in history and took potshots at two. when leading an expedition Murray with honours. The book is rich in insights into the "gave the impression of a courageous The book is available at most lives and aspirations of the first leader, with his strong physique, air Canberra bookshops or from settlers - but mainly those whose of command and calm manner". It Tabletop Press, 2 Lambell Close, wealth and background enabled seems that he really did embody Palmerston, ACT, 2913, them to aspire not only to even more most of the attributes of the manly ph62420995. wealth from their landholdings but pioneering ideal. Graeme Wicks to a genteel lifestyle as well. He was not alone in that. What Mansions appeared in the bush would be regarded today as feats of Calendar General Activity Sep Oct Nov Dec meetings Committee meeting Thu 6 Thu 4 Thu 1 Thu 6 Our general meetings are held at

1 Forestry House, CSIRO Forestry Environment Sub-committee Thu 13 Thu 11 Thu 8 Thu 13 and Forest Products, Wilf Crane General meeting Thu 20 Thu 18 Th 15 Crescent, off Banks Street, Bulletin Working Group2 Tue 25 Yarralumla, commencing at 8:00pm. Christmas Party3 Sun 9 Thursday 20 September 2001 4 Gudgenby Regeneration Sat 8 Sat 13 Sat 10 Sat 8 Greenhouse - your house Further details Chris Mackenzie Davey, the Cool Communities Facilitator for the 1. See page 2 for contacts ACT, will talk about global warming 2. Syd Comfort 6286 2578 and local consequences, what it 3. See outings program means, and what we can do. 4. Yankee Hat car park 10:00 am; Eleanor Stodart 6281 5004 Thursday 18 October 2001 Charles Weston New members Dr John Gray will talk, on early days The association welcomes the following new members who have joined since of conservation and aforestation in early April: the federal capital 1911-1926 Lyndall and Hal Hatch, Jamison Thursday 15 November 2001 Roger Farrow and Christine Kendrick, Duffy Wetlands for our suburbs Celia Clonin, Curtin Jennie Gilles, Coordinator, Sullivans Creek Catchment Group. Robin Garnett, Torrens Sullivans Creek Catchment Group Helena Mills, Kingston (SCCG) is an incorporated Bill Coote, Campbell volunteer-based community group Ed Visbord, Griffith that is actively working in Mary Bennett, Yarralumla partnership with government, Wayne Hunt, Canberra business and the broader Celia Cronin, Curtin community to improve the long-term Russell and Louise Wenholz, Holt ecological and social health of Sullivans Creek catchment. Tom Griffiths and Libby Robin O'Connor Penny and Colin Palmer, Bungendore A particular focus of the group is the restoration of Sullivans Creek, Debbie Wainer, Downer which has been lined with concrete Pamela Mathie, Hackett in the urban part of the catchment. Jennifer Chorley, Mawson SCCG's major objective is to restore Michael and Marion Hess, Lyneham the urban sections of Sullivans Heather McDonald, Dickson Creek to a more natural and Grant and Natalie Woodbridge, Jerrabomberra effective system of wetlands and Ralph Snowdon and Barbara Jesiolowks, Calwell vegetated channels. Les and Alison Davies, Chapman

NPA Bulletin POSTAGE If undelivered please return to: SURFACE National Parks Association of the ACT PAID PO Box 1940 Woden ACT 2606 I AUSTRALIA Print Post Approved MAIL PP 248831/00041