COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN PARKS JUNE 2013 NO 253 COME TO GROW WEST AND HINDMARSH! SUSTAINABLE FIREWOOD GUIDE MANAGING FISHING FUNGI AND BIODIVERSITY CHURCHILL NP ROYAL PARK Features...

page page 8 10 PHOTO: MIKE FELLER PHOTO: PHIL HART PHOTO:

Above left: Evelyn Feller in Banff National Park, Canada. Evelyn says that the trend in the US and Canada is to promote resort development outside national parks, not in them. Above right: David Gabriel-Jones says it’s the ‘stars and silence’ of national parks like Wyperfeld that most impress visitors, and that commercial developments in parks raise many vexed issues. Left: Alison Pouliot explains how fungi are vital for soil and plant health. page These are Sulphur Tufts (Hypholoma fasciculare). 2 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 26 ALISON POULIOT PHOTO: Be part of nature

PRESIDENT Russell Costello DIRECTOR Matt Ruchel CONTENTS Level 3, 60 Leicester St, Carlton, VIC 3053 4 From the President ABN 34 217 717 593 Telephone: (03) 9347 5188 4 From the Editor Facsimile: (03) 9347 5199 5 Last chance to save Melbourne’s most E-mail: [email protected] threatened species Web: www.vnpa.org.au 6-7 National parks: too good to lose VNPA’S VISION We share a vision of Victoria as a place with a diverse, secure and 8-10 Resorts in US and Canadian national parks healthy natural environment cared for and appreciated by all. 10-11 The stars and the silence EDITORIAL COMMITTEE 12-13 Cradle Mountain: Why infrastructure should Matt Ruchel, Philip Ingamells, Michael Howes. be built outside national parks ADVERTISING 14 Come and plant with Grow West! Emily Clough, [email protected] 15 The VNPA and Project Hindmarsh: GETTING INVOLVED IN VNPA A progress report Everyone can help in the conservation of Victoria’s wild and beautiful places. You can: 16-17 Giving something back to the environment: Hindmarsh Landcare and Presentation College • make a donation • become a regular giver or member 17 NatureWatch heads to Hindmarsh • volunteer. You’ll be welcome in the office, on a campaign or in a park 18 The Murray Darling Basin Plan – • leave a bequest to VNPA in your will. what’s happening? PUBLISHING POLICY All advertisements should be compatible with VNPA policies. Publication 19-22 YOUR FREE PULL-OUT of an advertisement does not imply endorsement by the VNPA Inc. of the The Sustainable Firewood Guide advertised product or service. The VNPA reserves the right to refuse any advertisement at any time. 23 Tragic day for Queensland’s national parks Park Watch may be quoted without permission provided that acknowledgement 23 New hunting authority no solution for is made. The opinions of contributors are not necessarily those of the VNPA Inc. feral animal control GUIDELINES FOR CONTRIBUTORS 24-25 Fishing for improvements You’re always welcome to contact the editor to discuss ideas for articles. Phone the VNPA or email [email protected]. Articles may be 26-27 Fungi and biodiversity conservation submitted by email, on disk or as hard copy. Include your contact details and 28-29 Good apart from the bats: brief biographical information. Photos, maps and drawings are needed too. The VNPA 1999-2002 Digital photos should be 300dpi and around 8cm by 12cm. 30-31 In Parks – Habitat hub: Churchill NP COPY DEADLINE for September 2013 Park Watch is 12 August 2013. 32-33 Royal Park: Past, present ... and future? DESIGN Mary Ferlin (Sustainable Firewood pages by John Sampson). PRINTING Adams Print 34-35 Bringing birds back to the Strzeleckis FRONT COVER 36 Book review: The First National Park – Redman Bluff from Mt William (Mt Duwil), Grampians NP. A natural for World Heritage Photo: Tom Parkes, 37° south design. 36 In memory of the Barnetts and Aherns BACK COVER 37 Book review: Living with fire – People, nature Like many Australian fungi, the attractive red Cortinarius kula, and history in Steels Creek generally found growing in leaf litter in wet forests, has no common name. Photo by Alison Pouliot. 38 Bogong refuge Park Watch ISSN 1324-4361 38 BWAG Social Nights

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 3 And don’t be fooled. You’re likely to be excluded from these leased areas unless From the you’re part of the 5-star crowd. On a brighter note, federal Environment President Minister Tony Burke has expressed his willingness to confront the various state intentions of exploiting national parks. The Victorian Government wants to graze the Alpine NP, log red gum forests

PHOTO COURTESY RUSSELL COSTELLO COURTESY PHOTO (so-called ‘ecological thinning’), allow prospecting in many more parks and build hotels in parks. Other states too want to graze, log and mine their parks. The last few months have been There should be appropriate focal challenging for the VNPA, and the points where most visitors go, with We’ve launched a last-ditch push asking support of our volunteers and members unobtrusive facilities that enable them Minister Burke to make the protection of is more important than ever. to enjoy and understand the park’s national parks and reserves a matter of values. But we affirm that, in accordance national environmental significance. A big thank-you to all our volunteers! with worldwide best practice, any Your strong support makes the staff’s You can help by sending an e-message to new developments such as hotels, work far more effective. the Minister. It’s very easy – all it needs is other major built accommodation your personal message and your name and Please call the office if you have time to and entertainment facilities should be contact details. Please give it a go. See help out on a regular basis. outside park boundaries. www.vnpa.org.au/eletter/make-national- Under our new membership We don’t want the natural values and parks-and-reserves-a-matter-of-national- arrangements, people are increasingly beauty that led to the declaration of environmental-significance taking up the Regular Giving option a park to be ruined by the creeping And if you want to go one better, send that includes membership. For as little advance of hard development for private a letter to your local federal member or as $20 a month, you can combine your profit, as has happened along the Gold Senator! PW membership with a regular donation. Coast. ‘Just one hotel’ at the Prom • All but $40 a year is tax deductible. would only be the start. Russell Costello, VNPA President Automated monthly donations give your organisation a more reliable income on which to plan its activities. Please consider this option. From the Editor Over the last month, our national In relation to nature in Victoria, ‘challenging’ parks and native vegetation protection is certainly the word for the past few months. regulations have taken a battering But we’re heartened by the support from many from the State Government. I thank people in the form of emails, donations, phone our volunteer Yasmin Kelsall for her calls, letters to the daily media and more. incredible efforts in writing our native And that includes the contributors to this Park vegetation submissions and leading our Watch as well, who have produced informative, public consultation, in the absence of interesting and inspiring articles and photos. any from the Department. Many thanks to you all! The Government’s latest move on As always, feedback and new article ideas are national parks is the recently introduced welcome. • PW legislation to allow an increase in the current 21-year maximum for Michael Howes commercial leases in parks to 99 years FERLIN MARY PHOTO: in certain circumstances – effectively ‘privatising’ areas of your parks. Canberra’s housing is built on 99-year lease blocks and they are bought and For your diary sold just like our private blocks. Wednesday 26 June: BWAG U35 Social Night. The VNPA’s policy is to encourage more Sunday 21 July: Grow West tree planting, Myrniong. people to visit our parks within the 16-18 August: Project Hindmarsh tree planting, Nhill. parks’ capacity to handle visitors, and Tuesday 10 September: Deadline for VNPA Council nominations. without compromising their ecological Tuesday 8 October: VNPA and BWAG Annual General Meeting. values and visual amenity.

4 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 PHOTO: MEGAN O’SHEA MEGAN PHOTO: Striped Legless Lizard, threatened species of the native grasslands west of Melbourne. Last chance to save Melbourne’s most threatened species ENVIRONMENT GROUPS IN MELBOURNE’S GROWTH AREAS HAVE CALLED ON FEDERAL ENVIRONMENT MINISTER TONY BURKE TO APPLY THE FULL FORCE OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS TO ENSURE THAT THREATENED SPECIES ARE PROTECTED FROM URBAN SPRAWL. VNPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MATT RUCHEL REPORTS.

Urban growth plans released by the “Development east of Cranbourne “The headwaters of Skeleton Creek are Victorian Government in May pave the threatens the Southern Brown important for ecological and cultural way for local extinctions of nationally Bandicoot, potentially leading to its values but will be carved up because threatened species in the wild unless extinction in the area. The bandicoots the assessment process has used a the federal government intercedes. need adequate areas to move and breed philosophy of divide and conquer, where - without these they will be doomed,” multiple values don’t count.” The plans focus too much on clearing said David Nicholls of the Westernport that will leave threatened species and Bandicoot Regional Recovery Group. Jacksons Creek EcoNetwork fears the habitats open to destruction by urban Sunbury area will also suffer. development. Nicholas Croggon from the Environment Defenders Office said “Around Sunbury we’ll see the town area The ‘cash for clearing’ offset scheme the office has written to the Australian double, and current plans show huge new does not add up for the environment. Government outlining numerous roads and bridges cutting right across the contraventions of the legal process. Holden Flora and Fauna Reserve, and the The State Government also released a important Emu Bottom river flats. This series of reports outlining the impact “The State Government should not be kind of planning is plain irresponsible,” of proposed urban sprawl on nationally allowed to thumb its nose at federal said the EcoNetwork’s Christina Cheers. threatened and endangered species laws,” he said. within the growth areas, and the The groups are calling on Minister Burke measures to be put in place to mitigate Regional conservation groups to use national laws to ensure that: these impacts. highlighted a suite of local instances where the proposal falls short. • important grassland and grassy The process, known as a Strategic woodland sites are protected within Assessment under the EPBC Act, is “In the northern growth area, we the urban growth areas, and that one of the first to have been conducted, will see almost all of the Merri Creek networks are planned to protect the and could set a dangerous national Catchment under concrete. Our group ongoing health of these areas precedent if it allows environmentally has planned for Melbourne’s growth • there is adequate protection for all damaging development to proceed. with corridors for wildlife, but that has threatened species, guaranteeing no all been ignored,” said David Redfearn local extinctions These reports are part of an approval of the Friends of Merri Creek. process under national environmental • all areas of federally-listed wetlands are laws that has been under way since 2009. “And we are now likely to see the local adequately protected extinction of one of the healthiest all roads and major infrastructure Within each of the growth areas • populations of Growling Grass Frog, are sited to avoid areas of high are tracts of some of Australia’s purely due to bad planning.” most threatened vegetation types – conservation value grasslands, grassy woodlands and Colleen Miller from the Western • the proposed large grassland reserves wetlands, each recognised nationally as Melbourne Catchments Network near the You Yangs protect the most Critically Endangered. warned that much native grassland will important habitats and are delivered be lost under the plans. upfront within five years. The plans could lead to local extinctions of such nationally “We’ll see large areas of good The groups welcomed the idea of threatened animals as the Growling grasslands cleared because they can’t establishing a separate trust for developer Grass Frog and Southern Brown meet the impossible [size] thresholds,” levies, but urged Minister Burke to Bandicoot. she said. ensure that this was set in stone. • PW

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 5 PHIL INGAMELLS, THE VNPA’S PARK PROTECTION PROJECT OFFICER, EXPLAINS WHY WE MUST VALUE AND PROTECT OUR PARKS.

In November next year thousands of And, though we weren’t the first in the species, most of them invertebrates people from around the world will world with a marine protected area, we (insects, spiders and worms) and fungi. descend on Sydney’s Olympic Park for were the first to set up a series of marine If we were to include much smaller (but the sixth World Parks Congress. This parks representing different marine no less important) life forms like bacteria, important event, which will highlight environments along our coastline, small and then add marine species, that number the importance of good national park though each one was. would grow far beyond reckoning. management, is held every ten years by the International Union for the We now have 58 terrestrial and marine The larger vertebrate animals, the 600 Conservation of Nature (IUCN). national parks in Victoria, around 40 or more backboned birds, bats, frogs, state parks and other areas under similar possums etc, live at the top of this It was originally arranged for protection, and a host (about 2,800) amazing conglomeration of life forms, Melbourne, but when the Coalition of much smaller reserves with varying and ultimately depend on it. won power in Victoria it bizarrely degrees of protection. surrendered the event to Sydney, It’s an extraordinary and irreplaceable possibly to avoid embarrassment as it Some national parks, like the Alpine, natural heritage, a system of great tried to bring cattle back to our Alpine Grampians, Snowy River and Wyperfeld, complexity, and it’s our job to hang on to National Park. are truly grand. Others, such as it as best we can. St Arnaud Range or Mount Richmond, Now, in Sydney, the new NSW are less well-known, but the areas they Its almost limitless genetic diversity has government will face international protect are just as valuable. And some, the potential now, and in millennia to embarrassment as it struggles to defend like the Prom and Mount Buffalo, have come, to give us new technologies to fight its program to introduce recreational been deeply loved by Victorians for over disease, improve agriculture, develop new hunting to national parks. a hundred years. industries and a host of other things we might only dream of. How did we get to such a situation? Our Victorian parks protect something like 100,000 different terrestrial native Our natural areas also give us clean Australia was one of the leading water and absorb carbon, and as tourism countries in the world in developing drawcards they contribute far more to the the national park idea – the notion that “Simply put, large healthy protected economy than they cost to manage. to protect native plants and animals, ecosystems are the best tool we have you have to protect large areas of intact to conserve biodiversity, especially And last, but certainly not least, they ecosystems. And we shared the notion against the backdrop of climate promote health and well-being in the that it benefits us all to have contact change. We are in the middle of a community. Indeed having access with nature writ large. global extinction crisis, with rates to nature, and large natural areas, is of biodiversity loss up to 1,000 increasingly seen to be one of the great Since the early 1970s, when the Bolte times above pre-human levels. Well contributors to a healthy, constructive, Liberal government set up the dispute- managed protected areas are the mutually co-operative society. resolving Land Conservation Council, most robust proven solution to turn Victoria has led the world in trying the tide of extinction.” We should seriously be building the skills, to protect a viable area of each habitat IUCN Director General Julia knowledge and resources to care for that type as a national park or similarly Marton-Lefèvre, in November 2012 great heritage, simply because it is there, protected area. it’s ours, and we could lose it.

6 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 NATIONAL PA R KS TOO GOOD TO LOSE

Above: Panorama from Mt William (Mt Duwil), Grampians NP. Below: The tiny plant Fairy Lanterns (Thismia rodwayi) requires deep litter and associated fungi to survive. A management burn, planned for long-unburnt land in Kurth Kiln Regional Park near Gembrook, could lead to local extinction of this remarkable rare species. But instead the Victorian and other state governments, on our behalf, see parks as places to graze cattle, Good fire management prospect for gold, harvest firewood, An effective planned burn program entertain sporting shooters and build would act against the bushfire risk development projects. while also ensuring the long-term protection of our plants and animals. Australia, as far as we can ascertain, is The retention of sufficient long-unburnt the only country in the world where the areas is critical in many habitat types. national government doesn’t control its own national parks. Though the JESSE KEITH PHOTO: DESIGN 37° SOUTH PARKES, TOM PHOTO: Federal government has responsibility, under international treaty, to protect Park benefits Tourism our prime natural areas, it hasn’t given National parks already contribute far itself the legal authority to actually act Genetic diversity more to regional tourism than they cost in on that responsibility. Parks protect a vast array of life forms management dollars. (living organisms, cells, genes and the It would be great if, when park related information), the essential Health and well-being managers arrive from all around the raw material for the advancement of National parks contribute greatly to world next year, Australia was able to biotechnology. The potential applications the physical health of Victorians. More hold its head high and say that we have for human health, environmental, importantly perhaps, psychiatrists make it given our national parks the protection, industrial and agricultural purposes are clear that having access to natural areas is and the resourcing, they need. • PW endless. important for the mental and spiritual well- being of individuals and the community. You can help! Clean water Knowledge Write now to the Federal Environment National Parks give us clean water. The Minister, Tony Burke, and ask him to Victorian alps, largely protected by the National parks give students, scientists make our national parks truly national, Alpine, Baw Baw and Mount Buffalo and the general community irreplaceable opportunities to study nature, including by giving them protection under National Parks, deliver some 3,980 individual species and evolutionary and Federal law. gigalitres of water in an average year, worth around $4 billion to rural and other natural processes. Send a message to: urban Victoria. Jobs Hon. Tony Burke MP Carbon sequestration Well-managed parks offer a great range of Minister for the Environment employment opportunities, and contribute [email protected] Parks contribute greatly to carbon storage, helping to mitigate climate to the development of strong regional Or at: change impacts. communities. PO Box 6022 House of Representatives See also 'Our national parks must be more than playgrounds or paddocks' in Parliament House The Conversation, 24 May 2013, www.theconversation.com.au. Canberra ACT 2600

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 7 On Easter Sunday the Victorian Alarmingly, it’s not until the completion of a y For details and to help stop Government released Guidelines for full proposal that a detailed environmental this madness, go to Tourism Investment in National Parks that management plan will be required, leaving www.handsoff.vnpa.org.au essentially put a ‘for sale’ sign on two- no opportunity for community comment y Contact the VNPA for a ‘Hands Off!’ thirds of Victoria’s national parks estate. on that critical aspect. Action Pack.

The guidelines, which consist of a number On 29 May the Government introduced The following three Park Watch articles of vague guiding principles, outline an a bill to the Victorian Parliament to allow all deal with the issue of commercial approval process with very weak provisions 99-year commercial leases in national developments in national parks, focusing for community consultation. In fact, they parks. The current maximum for leases is on the situations in Canada and the USA, talk only about public notification. 21 years. Victoria and Tasmania.

Resorts in US and Canadian national parks

DEVELOPERS AND THEIR POLITICAL PATRONS SOMETIMES JUSTIFY THEIR ARGUMENTS FOR RESORT DEVELOPMENT IN AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL PARKS BY POINTING TO EXAMPLES IN CANADA OR THE USA.

VNPA VOLUNTEER EVELYN FELLER, WHO LIVED IN CANADA FOR MANY YEARS, TAKES A CLOSER LOOK. PHOTO: MICHAEL FELLER PHOTO:

Lake Louise and Chateau Lake Louise, Banff NP, Canada.

It’s true that some of the most famous parks, shows that there is now a very development in the late 19th and early landmarks in the Rocky Mountain different attitude to resort development 20th centuries, mostly by railway national parks of Canada (Banff, in national parks in North America. barons to cater for wealthy tourists and Jasper, Kooteney, Waterton Lakes This supports Prof. Buckley’s research develop a tourist industry rivalling that and Yoho) are hotels: Banff Springs, showing that the worldwide trend is for of Europe. Chateau Lake Louise and the Prince of resorts and other developments to be Wales Hotel of Waterton Lakes. located outside national parks. Banff National Park, the first in Canada, was initially established to However, a closer examination of Many of the famous hotels and resorts protect a hot spring and allow public the age of some of these hotels, and in North American national parks access. Later it was expanded into the of changing views about national were established as part of tourism larger area we know today.

8 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 Commercial development was a driving force in the park. As well as Worldwide, there are fewer than 250 examples of private tourism the railway line which predated and accommodation or infrastructure in public protected areas. Almost all are bisected the park, there were hotels, on enclaves of private land established before the park, products of political highway development and a growing patronage, associated with land tenure changes, heritage buildings or specialist town. Later came ski developments viewing structures such as canopy towers or underwater observatories. Very few such as Lake Louise and Sunshine. are recent and deliberate (for example in South Africa’s Kruger National Park) and these have not raised significant funds for the parks agency… Parallel developments were happening From ‘Rights and Wrongs in National Park Tourism’ by Prof. Ralf Buckley, in US parks like Yellowstone with Director of the International Centre for Ecotourism Research, Griffith Mammoth Hot Springs, and the resort University. Quoted in Wildlife Australia, Autumn 2013. complex on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

This trend continued until the 1960s, became a military base; thousands of degradation, and together with park when with greater accessibility for servicemen were based there, mainly advocates successfully lobbied for a less affluent visitors (who came by car near the main town, Tofino, to protect park, which was established in 1970. and camped), increased back-country the coast from Japanese invasion. More use for hiking and climbing, and the roads and infrastructure were built. Parks Canada informed the beach beginning of a wilderness and park residents that they were being evicted protection movement, attitudes to what After the war, with more car ownership and had to leave within the year. There was ‘appropriate development’ in parks and leisure time, Long Beach became were no exemptions for established changed. No longer were towns, resorts very popular as a summer destination. resorts. The most luxurious resort, and various kinds of commercial Campgrounds and resorts proliferated. Wickaninnish Inn, became the park’s recreation accepted as the status quo. With the hippy, draft-dodger and surf interpretive centre. movements, many people built rustic In Canada there has been considerable cabins along the beach. Now, tourist development is opposition to developments in the concentrated in the towns of Tofino Rocky Mountain parks, including Long Beach also became a venue for and Uclulet. The Wickaninnish Inn was to Olympic events and highway aircraft landing, car races and horse re-established outside the park. Tofino duplication. Limits have been placed riding. Thousands camped on the in summer is western Canada’s surfing on the expansion of Banff, and resort beach, which had only very limited mecca. The park’s campgrounds are development has been rapid outside the facilities (such as two outhouses). extremely popular and reservations park in the town of Canmore. Local residents were appalled at the have to be made months in advance. Continued... The main target of opposition by park Ideal for kayaking: Broken Islands section of Pacific Rim National Park, Canada. advocates today is the expansion of skiing infrastructure in parks, such as at Sunshine ski area, and illegal incursions into parks by commercial snowmobile trips sponsored by the resorts. A Canadian case study: Pacific Rim NP Pacific Rim National Park is on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It has three segments, the most famous one being Long Beach.

The area is renowned for large sandy beaches, surf, beautiful islands for kayaking, marine life and impressive cool temperate rainforests. Tourists are also attracted to the area to watch the winter storms.

Until World War II access to the area was poor, although there were small

resorts and summer residents. Then it FELLER EVELYN PHOTO:

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 9 Continued from page 9...

Resorts and US national parks As with Canada, much US resort park was established in 1920. It was development in parks originated destroyed by fire in 1966 but rebuilt, and with railway companies. Resorts the exterior was restored to its original like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon appearance in 1990. There are three and Death Valley were developed by campgrounds close to the park entrance. individuals such as Fred Harvey. Adjacent to this entrance is the town His company was taken over by Xanterra of Springdale, where most new resort Parks and Resorts, now the primary development is occurring. There are concessioner for resorts in number of also several new resorts some kilometres the national parks (Crater Lake, Death outside the park boundaries, offering Valley, Grand Canyon, Mt Rushmore, trail rides and adventure activities. Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone and Zion). In most cases the original buildings have Traffic volumes became unmanageable been modernised or completely replaced. in the park as tourists headed for its spectacular attractions. Now you can In the Grand Canyon South Rim area only access this area in the summer there are both historic and more recently via shuttle buses – as is also the case in built resorts, but development seems to Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. be contained and new development is occurring in the gateway community of DAVID GABRIEL-JONES LOOKS AT The growth of ‘gateway’ towns such Tusayan. as Tofino, Springdale and Canmore THE QUESTION OF COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN PARKS IN A US case study – Zion NP shows how tourism can strengthen the economic base of a region and revitalise VICTORIA AND POINTS TO SOME OF THE VEXED ISSUES. With its massive sandstone cliffs and local economies. canyons, Zion in Utah is one of the Many of these gateway communities most spectacular national parks in the have their own problems of over- That’s what astounds international US. The area was designated a national development and pollution, but at least visitors to Wyperfeld National Park: the monument in 1909 and then a national such problems have been removed from night sky. The stars and the silence. park in 1919. the parks. Nothing like that in Tokyo or Seoul. Originally a tent camp, the only resort Promoting resort development outside building (Zion Lodge) currently in the national parks is the trend today. • PW Under the Napthine Government’s new tourism policy, many more tourists could soon be amazed by our national The towering cliffs of Zion NP, Utah, USA. Zion Lodge is just visible at the centre of the photo. parks. A commendable aspiration – but the devil’s in the detail. Since at least 1985, public land managers have talked about ‘Limits of Acceptable Change.’ That’s not only the title of a seminal US work on the subject by George Stankey et al, but also a phrase which neatly encapsulates the dilemma. In Victoria’s national parks, what change is acceptable? The media statements have been released, the guidelines are up on the DSE [now Department of Environment and Primary Industry] website – and now the hard work starts. We foresee a series of major issues which still have to be worked through. It is notoriously difficult to balance the government-determined and the

10 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 10 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 • PHOTO: EVELYN FELLER EVELYN PHOTO: Left: From many of our national parks you can marvel at a magnificent starry starsthe sky unaffected by human ‘light pollution’. On Crown land, the enterprising investor and the is faced with the threat of having his or her bright idea put out to public tender. A notable exception occurs where the proponent already owns some essential part of the whole, making silence the public land component unattractive to any other bidder.

So it was at the Werribee South marina – the Crown land lease could only reasonably be held by the owner of the abutting freehold.

Then there’s the lease duration. There are more innovative ways of assuring investor security than by offering ever-longer lease terms, or by granting non-competitive lease renewals (which is the reason the Arthurs Seat chairlift fell down, multiple times).

As we’ve argued before (TP, May 2006) what’s needed is recognition of tenants’ residual interest. PHOTO: PHIL HART PHOTO: Finally – looming over the whole debate is the developer-determined segments of public If government requires public benefit spectre of the Seal Rocks development (Phillip land proposals. outcomes from a private sector Island). An incoming government had a development, those benefits may have to be mandate to kill the project off, but the opinion Government over-specification can paid for. This may take the form of capital of the electorate could not overturn the poorly- undermine commercial viability. When grants, operating subsidies or less-than- constructed contract, and taxpayers had to DSE packaged up some forest sites for market land rentals. fork out $55 million in compensation. development, the private sector responded with a Wyperfeld-strength silence. The At the St Kilda triangle, the nominal ground Ironically, the forces of nature then ripped same happened at Argyle Square, Carlton rental alone was insufficient to offset the off the roof, taxpayers subscribed a further (see Terra Publica, Sept. 2011). unprofitable public benefits; what proved $7 million, and the government resumed full necessary was a further $20 million grant for control. At the core of the problem lies the refurbishment of the Palais. apparatus for planning public land. It would have been cheaper, certainly, to offer Planning schemes are well understood There are a couple more issues to be the tourists stars and silence. • PW and robust mechanisms for responding to addressed before national parks welcome developer-initiated proposals on private all those plane-loads of tourists. This article by David Gabriel-Jones, Principal of land, but something more is needed on the Public Land Consultancy, appeared in the public land. The first relates to intellectual property. Consultancy’s journal Terra Publica Vol. 13 no. 3 How will DSE balance the entrepreneur’s for Easter 2013. For more information see In a national park, or at the St Kilda need for confidentiality against the www.publicland.com.au, phone 9534 5128 or Triangle, or above Jolimont rail yards we government’s requirement for public write to PO Box 2251, St Kilda, 3182. Our thanks need to go further. The public at large exhibition? to David for allowing us to reprint his article. demands and deserves input to defining the public-benefit outcomes. Wyperfeld NP has mallee The very vocal objectors to the Triangle wildflowers, development would have had much wildlife and weaker grounds for protest if they’d peaceful previously been given a meaningful role silence. And no brightly lit in defining the development parameters. resorts. By the time the Triangle proposal went out for approval, it was already a well- defined plan, put together essentially behind closed doors by the preferred developer. And that brings us to the reason private investors invest – profitability.

• PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 11 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 11 PHOTO: DAVID TATNALL TATNALL DAVID PHOTO: Why infrastructure should be CRADLE built outside national parks MOUNTAIN PHOTO: RICHARD LEHNERT, FLICKR RICHARD LEHNERT, PHOTO:

CONSERVATIONIST, PHOTOGRAPHER AND BIRD EXPERT EUAN MOORE, WHO IS CONVENOR OF THE VNPA COUNCIL’S CONSERVATION AND CAMPAIGNS COMMITTEE, SHOWS THAT DEVELOPMENTS OUTSIDE PARKS ARE BETTER FOR TOURISTS, FOR DEVELOPERS AND FOR THE PARKS AND THEIR VALUES.

Cradle Mountain is often used as the Area Consultative Committee, of which requirements for road upgrading, no ‘poster child’ by those promoting I was a member, was a proposal from electricity line, simplified water and commercial development in national the Tasmanian National Parks and sewage systems, removal of camping in parks. But what’s the real situation? Wildlife Service (TNPWS) for a visitor Cradle Valley, and reduced environmental centre, including park headquarters, and landscape impacts. Ranger housing Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair NP interpretation and walker registration. and maintenance facilities have also been is one of the four large national parks moved to this location. that make up the South West Tasmania Debate – in the park or not? World Heritage Area. The park pre- A few years later the new visitor centre dates World Heritage listing in 1982. The proposed site on the shores of was completed, as was a large new The original reserve at Cradle Mountain Dove Lake – the site of that iconic view camping ground just outside the park. was proclaimed in 1922 and extended to of Cradle Mountain – was to include These are within easy reach of additional include Lake St Clair in 1936. parking for buses and up to 100 cars. A facilities provided privately by Cradle short distance down the valley a new Mountain Lodge – also outside the park One of the two main entrances to the campground would be established. boundary. park is at Pencil Pine Creek, where the road to Cradle Mountain crosses the All this would require multiple The overall result has been a big win for park boundary. At the end of this road buildings, some 12km of upgraded the environment, the park and the public, is the start of the internationally famous road, a similar distance of power line with some great new facilities, and a big Overland Track from Cradle Mountain (preferably underground), sewage win for the budget. The cost saving at to Lake St Clair. treatment suitable for a sub-alpine area, the time was in the order of 50% of the and a water supply. original project cost, or about $7 million. World Heritage listing resulted in This equates to about $20 million in major changes to the way these parks This would have a massive today’s values. were managed. It raised their profile environmental and landscape impact nationally and internationally, with on the area, the buildings and car parks Today there is again talk about moving resulting increases in visitor numbers. being visible from all the surrounding the visitor centre to a new location, but It also brought Commonwealth mountains. the proposed location is further outside government money for management the park boundary, not inside the park. and improved infrastructure. After discussion it was suggested that we consider a site outside the park A shuttle bus ferries people between One of the first projects reviewed in boundary at Pencil Pine Creek. This Cradle Valley and Dove Lake, removing 1986 by the Tasmanian World Heritage site, which was adopted, meant reduced the need for further major roadworks.

12 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 Left: The iconic Dove Lake was to be the site of Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair NP’s visitor centre, a major campground and other facilities, but they were eventually built outside the park.

Commercial guided walks The history of Cradle Mountain Lodge This is based on research which is also of interest. This business was indicates that: Around the same time the committee started under the name of Pencil “much of the experience sought by visitors also reviewed a proposal by Cradle Huts Pine Lodge around 1970 on private … is based on the area’s wilderness for a guided walk along the Overland land adjacent to the national park. quality. To maintain this it is important Track, using private huts. Before this Renamed Cradle Mountain Lodge that accommodation has minimal impact proposal there were already several in 1984, it is, and has always been, on wilderness quality and the WHA and commercial companies offering guided outside the national park. the other natural and cultural values of walks along this route, using tents for the WHA.” accommodation. Today there is a small village with a number of accommodation options, Management prescriptions within the There were also six or seven bushwalkers’ and an airport, on private land outside plan state: huts, in variable condition, along the the national park, a few kilometres track. The TNPWS had built several north of the park boundary. “Developments outside the WHA are larger huts in recent years. preferred to those located within the area.” Development Plan This proposal was an incremental “If facilities or services exist or can be developed outside the WHA that meet increase on existing use and represented The Cradle Valley Tourism visitor needs, such facilities and services a major change in that it allowed Development Plan (2003) sets will not be provided as concessions within private facilities within a national park, out a comprehensive framework the WHA.” something that did not previously exist in for tourism and infrastructure any Tasmanian parks. development that will protect the “Concession activities will only be allowed natural and cultural values of the if consistent with the protection of World A major concern was that the park park, and meet the demands of Heritage and other natural and cultural would not benefit from the enterprise, increased visitor numbers. It states values of the WHA.” as any fees paid by the company would that all accommodation facilities and disappear into consolidated revenue. major visitor facilities will be located Rather than being an example of outside the park. private development in national parks, Had the proposal been for huts, tracks the Cradle Mountain case study is an or commercial guided walks where none Meanwhile the Tasmanian World example of how development outside the existed, it would not have succeeded. As Heritage Management Plan (1999) has park is both cheaper and better. it was, strict environmental conditions the following objective in relation to were placed on the company and the accommodation: It’s better for tourism, better for the construction of the huts, including developers and, most importantly, that they be easily removable should “To encourage the provision of better for the national park and the company fail. There were also accommodation in nearby townships the environmental values that it is restrictions on the use of helicopters for and areas adjacent to the WHA.” protecting. • PW supplying the huts and removing waste.

It is unlikely that a similar venture would be approved today. Since that Cradle Mountain Lodge offers comfortable accommodation a short distance outside the park boundary. time there have been a number of proposals for hotel developments within Tasmanian national parks and other reserves. Most have not been approved, but even when they have been, such as at Pumphouse Point at Lake St Clair, where there have been three attempts over 20 years, development has so far not proceeded. Waldheim Waldheim, a historic building in Cradle Valley, was used for accommodation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has not been used for accommodation since 1974. The current building is a replica, built after fire destroyed the original in 1976. The nearby Waldheim Cabins, run by TNPWS, offer basic and

affordable accommodation. LODGE MOUNTAIN CRADLE PEPPERS PHOTO:

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 13 Come and plant with Grow West!

COORDINATOR HELENA LINDORFF REPORTS AND INVITES YOU TO THE ANNUAL COMMUNITY PLANTING DAY ON SUNDAY 21 JULY.

Grow West, an ambitious program of landscape restoration west of Above: Helena Melbourne, works with local Lindorff of communities for a sustainable future. Grow West and Ken Beasley Last July Grow West achieved an from CVA look towards this impressive milestone when its year’s planting millionth tree was planted by Victoria’s site (shown environment minister Ryan Smith. by red line) adjoining And the celebrations are set to Werribee continue when the Grow West Gorge SP. Implementation Committee officially Left and far left: turns ten later this year. The Community Planting Day is In fact celebrations will kick off on fun for all! Make sure you wear Sunday 21 July at the annual Grow warm clothes, West Community Planting Day, though. hosted this year by Conservation

Volunteers Australia at 138 Myers HELENA LINDORFF PHOTOS: Road, Myrniong. This site was purchased by CVA in July 2010 with its purchase in 2006. This year’s There are many paths to take to the assistance of donors. Community Planting Day target of landscape restoration. Partnerships 6,000 indigenous seedlings will bring develop; knowledge of best practice and The 30 hectare property is an the skills acquired grows and is shared important habitat link to the W. James the grand total of seedlings planted to amongst the local community. Whyte Reserve (‘The Island’) and 200,000 since works commenced on both properties. Werribee Gorge State Park. It forms a Grow West hopes that those looking over buffer to the State Park, protecting the The Grow West Project aims to their neighbour’s fence and observing confluence of the Werribee River and rejuvenate 10,000 hectares of the restoration works being carried out will Myrniong Creek upper Werribee catchment by come to share the community’s vision of landscape change. It complements conservation work connecting large areas of public at The Island itself, and links with reserves (Brisbane Ranges NP, To help celebrate the achievements of the broader connectivity projects in the Werribee Gorge SP and Lerderderg Grow West Project, we are inviting all region. These include DSE Vision SP) through a mosaic of restoration past and present members of the VNPA for Werribee Plains, Pentland Hills works on private property. and their families and friends to join us Landcare Group, Myrniong & on Sunday 21 July 9.30am – 4.30pm This is being achieved with a Korkuperrimul Biolinks, Rowsley at our annual Grow West Community multitude of local groups and Landcare Group Whitehorse Creek Planting Day. • PW Biolink, and Melbourne Water’s organisations like the VNPA, Friends Stream Frontage and Capital Works and Landcare groups, using various For more information about the day initiatives. delivery models and partnership see the enclosed flyer, visit approaches tailored to suit the local www.growwest.com.au or email Extensive conservation works have community, specific project outcomes [email protected]. been carried out on The Island since and funding requirements. You need to register by 18 July.

14 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 The VNPA and Project Hindmarsh A progress report

celebrating PHOTOS: SALLY BORRMAN SALLY PHOTOS: How many people does it take to plant trees? A lot, when you’re planting 10,000 in a weekend!

Pr oje VNPA HONORARY LIFE MEMBER JOHN STIRLING LOOKS BACK ON HINDMARSH’S 15 YEARS, AND ct Hindmarsh ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO COME ALONG TO THE PLANTING WEEKEND ON 17-18 AUGUST.

Project Hindmarsh is now in its 15th (such as national parks) as well as outside the Hindmarsh region come from year, and the VNPA can be very proud within them. Melbourne or larger centres throughout to have been associated with this Victoria. Good friendships have now major landscape restoration initiative Little did we realise that the first year developed between locals and volunteers, from the beginning. of Project Hindmarsh would attract no increasing understanding and tolerance fewer than 150 VNPA members, and between city and country folk. Biodiversity between the Big Desert each year since then similar or greater and Little Desert has unquestionably numbers of members and friends have Farmers are not now seen as been greatly enhanced since the given their time to the project. Over 15 environmental ‘spoilers’ but as vital project started in 1998, as habitat and years, this represents a contribution of primary producers who care about their shelter for native fauna have gradually around 25,000 hours of volunteer tree land. Conversely, Hindmarsh locals don’t improved. planting or some $500,000 worth of now regard VNPA volunteers as radical in-kind support. city slicker ‘greenies’ but as supportive Planting on marginal land has also helpers who want to see the best possible assisted landowners, creating improved As VNPA representative I have outcomes for productive farming, along shelterbelts for stock and better control attended Project Hindmarsh planning with improved biodiversity. of wind erosion and salinity. Carbon and debriefing meetings each year, and sequestration from revegetation is regularly communicate with key local The VNPA would like to congratulate the making a contribution to climate people by email or phone. many visionary and hard-working people change mitigation as well. who have steered Project Hindmarsh Suggestions from VNPA members over the past 15 years. The Project’s Landscapes along road reserves and have helped improve the Project and inspiration has left its mark as one of views across the countryside have the planting weekend. I designed Australia’s major nature conservation improved, with many more indigenous the concept for the tied-knot Project projects, and it fits well into VNPA’s belief trees and shrubs visible in the flat to Hindmarsh logo, introduced BYO plates that ‘we share a vision of Victoria as a undulating terrain. and cutlery for environmental reasons, place with a diverse, secure and healthy and asked for a wash-up trough with hot natural environment cared for and The VNPA’s involvement began in water to be installed at the Little Desert appreciated by all’. 1997 when long-time friend Rob Youl Lodge for cleaning them. of Landcare Australia invited me to We look forward to a continuing, and a meeting at Nhill to discuss Project The Saturday evening guest speaker growing, involvement with Project Hindmarsh. I was then VNPA Vice program, the Hindmarsh 10th Hindmarsh. • PW President, and we could both see the Anniversary plaques and garden at opportunity for members to assist in Little Desert Lodge and the use of For more information about creating a ‘nature corridor’ between the VNPA members to act as volunteer site this year’s Hindmarsh planting on Big Desert Wilderness Park and Little leaders are other initiatives. the weekend of 17-18 August, Desert National Park. see the enclosed flyer or visit Perhaps more important is the fact www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/environment. This also fitted in well with the that VNPA members have connected To book accommodation, see Association’s desire to embrace nature with the local Hindmarsh community. www.littledesertlodge.com.au conservation outside public reserves The majority of VNPA volunteers or phone 5391 5232.

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 15 Giving something back to the environment Hindmarsh Landcare and Presentation College

VNPA MEMBER SALLY BORRMAN, A TEACHER OF HUMANITIES, POLITICS AND PSYCHOLOGY AT PRESENTATION COLLEGE WINDSOR (PCW), REFLECTS ON WHAT HINDMARSH HAS GIVEN HER SCHOOL.

For eight years now the Hindmarsh around the campfire, dancing under One of the resources I use for this is the Landcare weekend at Nhill in August the stars, and meeting Ms Borrman’s booklet Project Hindmarsh – 10 years and has been part of the PCW school friends! beyond. I ask students who have attended calendar. Over the years I’ve taken along the weekend to share their experiences with a range of secondary level girls, mainly When the girls returned they wrote the class. The girls understand that Project in years 9-12. articles in the school bulletin and year Hindmarsh aims to protect, enhance and book, and made presentations at our restore native vegetation and biodiversity, As an educator passionate about the school assembly. Word quickly spread and tackle salinity and soil erosion. environment I thought it would be a that Hindmarsh was a great weekend good idea to get the girls out of the city away. Environmental awareness has increased and experience life in the country for at PCW in recent years. This year our a weekend. And further, to surround Over the years the bus got bigger and Environment Action Group set up a new them with adults who care about the staff numbers increased, and now the rubbish disposal system with a range environment and show how we can school community is very aware of our of ecobins in the Years 7 and 8 areas, make a positive contribution to caring connections to Hindmarsh. and staff rooms. In the school’s Year 12 for our planet. leadership structure we have Environmental I’m grateful for the support that Captains; several Year 12 students attended I first heard about the Landcare the Hindmarsh Landcare team has Hindmarsh last year. Hindmarsh weekend through the VNPA. given PCW, especially Sue Hayman- As a member, a little light turned on in Fox who has spoken at our school Our school is always looking for new my head – I could share this experience assembly about her involvement in the and innovative ways to raise awareness of with my students! Hindmarsh project. the environment, and Hindmarsh is an important part of this. I have recently heard For the first few years I drove the school As a result of the school’s participation, students label themselves ‘climate warriors’! minibus and only took 4-5 students. Hindmarsh has become a case When we returned, word quickly study in the curriculum. I have For me personally it is time away with the spread about the students’ experiences: taught a Year 9 Humanities course girls. The planting activity often gives way planting trees, seeing previous plantings, ‘Consuming the Earth’, which focuses to conversations about themselves, their understanding farmers’ concerns, on how we consume natural resources aspirations, life at PCW, friendships and meeting environmentalists, sitting domestically and commercially. family. Some girls have been twice and

16 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 These Presentation College students appear to be toting bazookas, but luckily they’re just Pottiputki planting machines.

This Malleefowl was photographed in a ‘caught on camera’ trial at a reserve near Bernie and Sue Hayman- Fox’s property Mali Dunes north of Nhill. A cat, a fox and rabbits were unfortunately also recorded. NatureWatch heads to Hindmarsh VNPA NATUREWATCH COORDINATOR CAITLIN GRIFFITH DESCRIBES THE EXCITING NEW ‘CAUGHT ON CAMERA’ PROJECT BEING RUN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HINDMARSH LANDCARE NETWORK.

celebrating BORRMAN SALLY PHOTOS: To celebrate Project Hindmarsh’s 15 We also ran a training session in great years of landscape-scale vegetation using motion-sensing cameras at restoration, and also the VNPA’s 60th Trust for Nature’s Snape Reserve anniversary, VNPA and the Hindmarsh near Dimboola (where Project P Landcare Network (HLN) are working Hindmarsh plantings have taken ro ject sh together to develop a new community- place) and were treated to a tour of t Hindmar based monitoring project. the spectacular reserve with Lindsay and Sue Smith. This is a new spin on our Caught on Camera project. In the existing projects Three weeks later, VNPA team others have encouraged their sisters and in Bunyip State Park and Wombat State leader Christine Connelly returned friends to be involved. Forest, we are studying at the impacts to join local HLN Regional Landcare I always ask the girls about the benefits of of fire on mammals. In the Hindmarsh Facilitator Katy Marriott and locals the weekend. This is a familiar quote: project we are looking at which to set up cameras at an additional mammals inhabit revegetation areas, two private properties and a nearby ‘The feeling of spending a weekend giving cleared sites and areas of remaining/ Parks Victoria reserve at Glenlee. something back to the environment proved remnant vegetation. to be very rewarding!’ Many thanks to all the great This is an exciting project for the local local folk, landholders, Landcare I would like to sincerely thank the community, as many community Facilitator Katy Marriott and our PCW students for coming along on this members have been involved in planting project scientists Richard Loyn and environmental adventure, and for their Hindmarsh’s two million plus trees, Peter Menkhorst. PW hard physical work. And to the team: Mrs • grasses and shrubs. Now they can also be Rowena Buncle for driving the school bus to Nhill and back, and my PCW colleagues involved in monitoring for mammals at a number of revegetation sites. for supporting the Hindmarsh project and Caught on Camera working so closely with the students. This year, we’ve started running Caught on Camera, part of the And of course thanks to my husband the project as a trial with a view to VNPA’s NatureWatch citizen Peter Whelan, who loves coming on continuing it over many years. science program, involves the school bus every year, sharing his using motion-sensing cameras We ran a weekend activity in April with experiences of the environment with the to monitor mammals. The locals, landholders and a small group girls, and listening to them singing ‘Adele’ cameras are triggered by of NatureWatch team leaders, who all all the way from Horsham to Nhill. movement, and when mammals worked alongside our project scientist are attracted to the bait stations Overall, it’s always a very successful Richard Loyn. The team set up our that have been set up, the weekend. Some of the students have cameras at two sites in the Hindmarsh cameras photograph them, already said that they’d like to come area including Mali Dunes, a nearby giving us an idea of the species along this year. I’m looking forward to it Parks Victoria reserve and an additional present at the survey sites. already. • PW private property at Jeparit.

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 17 Water was pumped into Hattah-Kulkyne NP in 2009 to help drought-stressed vegetation and wildlife. Under the Basin Plan more environmental water should be available.

The Murray Darling Basin Plan What’s happening?

NICOLA RIVERS, LAW REFORM DIRECTOR AT THE ENVIRONMENT DEFENDERS OFFICE (EDO), EXPLAINS THE STORY BEHIND THE PLAN AND WHAT LIES AHEAD.

After more than three years of heated negotiation, the Basin Plan finally came into force on 22 November 2012. The weeks before sign-off saw a flurry of activity as last-minute changes were made.

Since then public attention has slipped away from the Plan, but important developments continue behind the scenes. So what happens now? The Plan requires 2750 gigalitres (GL) of water to be returned to the environment from human use across the Basin. Over 50% of this has already VICTORIA PARKS PHOTO: been recovered through buybacks by the Commonwealth Government and assessed for inclusion in the Plan have all its laws and policies in place to water efficiency measures paid for by the in 2016. ensure it is complying with the Plan, and Commonwealth. it must be in full compliance with the The States and the Murray Darling sustainable diversion limit. The most significant change to the Basin Authority (MDBA) now have a Plan was the addition of a ‘sustainable huge task ahead of them to implement The Victorian Government is currently diversion limit (SDL) adjustment the various aspects of the Plan. The reviewing the Victorian Water Act, partly as a mechanism’ which allows the MDBA is negotiating implementation modernisation exercise and partly to determine government to increase the SDLs as agreements with all States to determine whether legislative changes are needed to long as there are no additional social how all the requirements of the Plan comply with the Basin Plan. Unfortunately the or economic impacts (i.e. via efficiency will be achieved. They are developing a Government has given little indication of what projects rather than buybacks), or plan to remove rules-based or physical changes are being considered under the review decrease them if efficiency measures constraints that prevent the delivery of and there is very little consultation occurring. mean that the same environmental environmental water. A draft Bill is expected in October. outcomes can be achieved with less water. The MDBA is also developing priorities Although there is much ‘Basin Plan fatigue’ The Water Act specifies that adjustments for environmental watering which must within the community, it is critical that can be no more than 5% of the SDL be finalised by June. And all States are people concerned about the environment (approx. 500GL). Just before the working on developing water resource in the Basin stay engaged in its Plan was finalised the government plans for each region in the Basin – the implementation to ensure that the Plan announced it would spend an extra key instrument that will ensure the delivers on its environmental promises. • $1.77 billion to provide an extra 450GL States are complying with the Plan. for the environment through this The EDO will continue to work on mechanism. Projects that could lead In Victoria the Basin Plan won’t take full implementation and keep people informed to an adjustment of the SDL will be effect until 2019. By 2019 Victoria must of critical issues that arise. • PW •

18 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 • The Sustainable Firewood Guide

A handy consumer guide for firewood and firewood alternatives widely and readily available in Victoria

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR FIREWOOD COMES FROM? IMAGE ©iStockphoto.com/sandramo ©iStockphoto.com/sandramo IMAGE

• What’s the most sustainable wood to burn?

• Where do I find it?

• How do I tell ‘good’ firewood from bad? A burning issue: what’s the best firewood to burn?

onservative estimates put the amount of firewood consumed Firewood myths busted by Victorians at more than half a C Weight for weight, all eucalypt million tonnes a year. That’s more wood species have approximately the same than we export as woodchips! calorific (heat) value.

Such enormous use is environmentally Density is the factor that tends to Native Victorian forest kiln dried mill waste, predom unsustainable from current firewood determine preference for different stores, service stations. sources. The same forests that supply species. Roughly half as much wood much of our firewood are also some of with a high density such as Grey Box the most important forests in Victoria. (1121kg/m3) is required to produce firewood They harbour threatened plant and the same heat as a lower density Ekoflame Firelog species like Alpine Ash (600kg/m3). animal species which need these forests to Wood that forms glowing coals survive. mill operations, largely from native forests in radiates more heat than wood that The bulk of firewood burnt by burns quickly. Quick-burning wood Victorian homes comes from native gives off heat in the form of hot dried mill operations, largely from native forests forests both here and in NSW. Victorian gases that often pass up the chimney forests, such as red gum forests at and are wasted. Modern wood Gunbower, and the Wombat, Wellsford heaters are becoming better at utilising this heat. and Mount Cole forests in central and Made from 100% recycled timber, salvaged from western Victoria, are exploited for stations, independent firewood. of fossil fuel energy, but to minimise can be classified as a renewable energy There is no genuine environmental pollution your firewood must be dry resource, but only when accompanied accreditation for firewood sourced from – less than 20% moisture content is by a tree replacement program. VNPA these forests, so the wood you burn may recommended. supports the use of wood grown in be contributing to the loss of habitat for woodlots and through private farm our threatened wildlife. • Firewood burners must be correctly flued, ventilated and operated. forestry in existing agricultural areas. But there are sustainable alternatives. Farm-grown firewood, particularly • Burning firewood in small, hot fires in largely cleared landscapes such as produces less air pollution than large, HOW DOES YOUR WOOD Victoria’s Goldfields and the Riverina, has smouldering fires containing large StACK Up? a range of benefits for both the natural firewood logs. To help Victorians choose environment and the health of farming • Wood with high moisture content, burnt environmentally sustainable firewood, communities. in a poorly ventilated heater, can cause the Victorian National Parks Association high levels of particulate matter to be It creates much-needed habitat, can has picked six of the most easily emitted. provide shelter for sheep and cattle, and obtainable firewood and firewood Note: This analysis is based on available product information in stores and on company websites. The analysis is not scientifically based, but is the most comprehensive on helps keep salinity in check. alternatives on the Victorian market Farm-based woodlots purposely grown today and tested how they compare in for firewood are also likely to reduce tHE CARbON IMpACtS their environmental impacts. demand for firewood sourced from our OF FIREWOOD The products we have chosen come precious native forests, leaving these Most fuels used to produce energy (gas, from a range of sources: areas more intact as healthy habitat for oil, coal and wood) release CO2 emissions • Traditional firewood from native forests. threatened species. into the atmosphere that are helping to drive dangerous climate change. • Farm-grown firewood from sustainably managed plantations. AIR qUAlItY But unlike the other three energy When burnt properly, using firewood sources, burning firewood from • Compressed native forest waste products. firewood. Ask your supplier, service from sustainable sources to warm your renewable plantations is greenhouse home can be less polluting and more neutral. The carbon released from • Compressed forest waste product environmentally sustainable than other burning the wood is taken back in derivatives imported into Australia. methods. (sequestered) by the plantation trees as We have used a range of factors they regrow. • An efficient firewood burner produces to determine the environmental less carbon dioxide than other forms In terms of CO2 emissions, wood sustainability of these six firewood

The Sustainable Firewood Guide How does your wood stack up?

pRODUCt SOURCE MADE FROM bUY FROM RAtING Enviro Firewood 100% plantation grown Blue Gum from western Australian hardwood. BP service stations and Excellent (grown in victoria) Victoria. some garden suppliers. Eco logs (victoria Native Victorian forest kiln dried mill waste, predom- Compressed sawdust. Selected hardware poor based) inantly from central highlands and red gum forests. stores, service stations. Red Gum, box Ironbark Entirely from native forests in Victoria and NSW. Australian hardwood. Widely available. bad and other native forest firewood IMAGE: ©iStockphoto.com/colematt ©iStockphoto.com/colematt IMAGE: Ekoflame Firelog Saw dust and waste oil (Canola/soy/animal fat Sawdust from Asia Bunnings. poor (WA based) blend). combined with other Wood waste sourced from kiln and naturally dried products. mill operations, largely from native forests in Malaysia. Eko log (WA based) Wood waste sourced from kiln and naturally Compressed sawdust Bunnings. poor dried mill operations, largely from native forests from Asia. in Malaysia. Hotrox woodlogs Timber-mill sawdust and waste woodchips from Waste wood and Bunnings. poor furniture factories. sawdust. Ecobriquettes Made from 100% recycled timber, salvaged from 100% recycled timber. Some BP service Good Australian demolition sites. Each briquette is dry stations, independent shredded timber compressed under 200 tonnes of hardware stores and pressure and contains no additives or accelerants. supermarkets.

HOW WE RAtED ENvIRO ECO lOGS RED GUM, IRON-bARK EKOFlAME EKO lOG HOtROX ECObRIqUEttES EACH pRODUCt FIREWOOD & OtHER NAtIvE FIRElOG WOODlOGS FORESt tIMbERS Sourced from outside 3 0 0 1 1 1 3 native forests victorian product 3 1 0 0 0 0 2 sustainably produced tree replanting program 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 plantation based or 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 woodlots on private land RAtING 11 1 0 1 1 1 5

Rating system: Excellent 10-12. Good 5-9. poor 1-4. bad-0. Note: This analysis is based on available product information in stores and on company websites. The analysis is not scientifically based, but is the most comprehensive on these products to date.

products, each factor being rated on a AN UNSUStAINAblE plans and regional forestry agreements scale of 1 to 3. The higher the score, the are outdated, or subject to changes by better the product is for the environment. NAtIvE FORESt the Victorian Government, which has FIREWOOD INDUStRY weakened environmental safeguards While not exhaustive, the assessment protecting forests and threatened species. is the most comprehensive to date of the Significant quantities of wood are impacts individual firewood products suspected of being harvested illegally The removal of a permit system for have on the health of our forests. from roadsides and public native forests. firewood collection in Victoria’s state forests – previously in place since 1958 – Choose wisely when buying your These forests provide wood for domestic has also increased pressure on traditional firewood. Ask your supplier, service use and commercial firewood sellers. firewood sources. station or hardware store for the most Sadly, most of this firewood is logged sustainably produced firewood. Our unsustainably from poorly managed Unregulated firewood collectors analysis clearly identifies Enviro Firewood have moved in, stripping forests of forests, despite claims from the logging as the best available firewood choice fallen timber, and leaving some rural industry and government. in terms of environmental impact in communities that rely on firewood as Victoria. Many current forest management their only source of heating short of fuel.

Published by the Victorian National Parks Association Don’t send their homes up in smoke!

ollecting firewood from the forest is a great Aussie tradition, Firewood from our forests Cbut what we see as ‘dead wood’ • If left on the ground in a forest, fallen and fuel, birds, mammals and insects branches form valuable shelter for use as shelter and food sources. native species. Removing them for firewood results in habitat loss. Across Australia 21 species of native birds are considered threatened by • Taking firewood from native forests firewood collection – 19 of them are particularly threatens reptiles, birds found in Victoria. and mammals. It can impact upon threatened species such as the Squirrel Victoria’s hollow-nesting Brown Glider, Carpet Python and Brush-tailed Treecreeper, for example, forages mostly Phascogale (Tuan). among standing dead trees and logs, • Firewood harvesting from native forests searching out insects that hide in fissures can destroy native understorey plants and hollows. and introduce weeds. In River Red Gum forests, densities of • The use of firewood from native the Brown Treecreeper have been found forests threatens the viability of other to be substantially higher in areas where sustainable firewood producers such as farm-based woodlots. fallen timber on the ground exceeded 40 tonnes per hectare. • Firewood sourced from native forests is largely unregulated and poorly In our Box-Ironbark forests, bird SqUIRREl GlIDER monitored. numbers have been found to be nine times greater, and the number of bird species present three times higher, in The removal of wood from the forest native plants. Nine Victorian plant areas containing piles of fallen timber. floor exposes soil to wind and water, communities likely to be affected by potentially leading to an increase in soil firewood harvesting are listed under the Mammals also need ‘dead wood’ in erosion and sedimentation. state’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act the form of hollow-bearing trees, both (FFG), which lists our most vulnerable dead and alive, for shelter and nesting. It also has negative impacts on our species. At a federal level, three ecological communities likely to be affected by firewood harvesting are listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC). And about 60 plant species that occur in forests or woodlands of concern are listed under the EPBC, FFG or both. Source: Ecological Impacts of Firewood Collection – Department of Sustainability and Environment, May 2013

Want to learn more? phone: 03 9347 5188 Email: [email protected] Website: vnpa.org.au Facebook: facebook.vnpa.org.au

IMAGE: ©iStockphoto.com/colematt

The Sustainable Firewood Guide is published by the Victorian National Parks Association, a not-for-profit community conservation organisation and Victoria’s leading voice on protection of the natural environment. NPAQ member and park volunteer Don Marshall in the 17,000 ha Nairana National Park in northern-central Queensland, where he is assisting with weed control. The vulnerable Squatter Pigeon is found in this park, one of five parks in which cattle grazing will be permitted.

Tragic day for Queensland’s national parks

On 21 May the Liberal National Party state government introduced legislation to permit grazing in five Queensland national parks, and this number could increase.

National Parks Association of Queensland Executive Coordinator PHOTO COURTESY PAUL DONATIU PAUL COURTESY PHOTO Paul Donatiu said it was a tragic day for Queenslanders and national parks. Paul said that for decades until the Some of these areas became national parks. mid-1990s, many parts of Queensland Since the 1990s, rangers, conservation groups “Cattle grazing will threaten the were extensively cleared. and volunteer organisations have worked to survival of at least 20 rare animals and rehabilitate degraded areas within recent park plants that occur in the five parks, “In that period, countless thousands acquisitions. including the vulnerable Squatter of native animals and birds suffered Pigeon and the endangered Julia horrible deaths during and after “Cattle will spread weeds, trample the habitat Creek Dunnart,” he said. clearing. of native animals, and destroy waterways in these parks,” Paul said. NPAQ completely rejects the “A few properties with intact parcels arguments justifying grazing: that of bush remained uncleared because “That a government should seek to compromise these places were grazed previously, of the stewardship of past owners, and the integrity of our national parks, which cover that they are degraded, and that also because the land was too poor or less than 5% of the State, when grazing occupies grazing will do little or no damage. too inaccessible for grazing,” he said 65%, is beyond belief.” • PW

New hunting authority no solution for feral animal control

Feral animal control in Victoria could “In spite of a huge community backlash “Voluntary shooters can play a role in be undermined by the $8.2 million and no evidence for effectiveness in feral animal control, but only as part Game Management Authority feral animal control, Game Council of properly managed and coordinated announced in the state budget if it hunters are going to be allowed to hunt programs. is modelled after the NSW Game in 77 NSW national parks. Council, the Invasive Species Council “The burgeoning populations of deer has warned. “The ISC is concerned that the new in Victoria demonstrate the failure of Victorian authority will advise the hunters in feral animal control. “The NSW Game Council is a failed State Government on the control model that should not be replicated “Hunters only ever kill a fraction of the of pest animals – advice that could in Victoria,” the ISC’s CEO Andrew yearly deer population increase, and they undermine science-based pest control Cox said. deliberately avoid using the most effective programs. methods such as spotlighting at night.” “The Council consistently puts the desires of hunters for a hunting experience ahead “The Victorian Government already Sambar Deer are listed as a ‘key of effective feral animal control. has the expertise to control feral threatening process’ under Victoria’s animals. What it needs to become threatened species legislation. Yet “Hunters want sustainable populations more effective is a better budget. there is no effective control program of animals to hunt, not the removal in place. • PW of feral animals. Hunters in Victoria, “The new body must not be dominated NSW and Tasmania have blocked deer by hunters, and it must remain under For more information on hunting and from being declared a pest species. the control of government. conservation, see www.invasives.org.au

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 23 Fishing for improvements

THE VNPA HAS PUBLISHED A REPORT INTO RECREATIONAL RUCHEL MATT PHOTO: FISHING IN VICTORIA, AND IS CALLING FOR MORE FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY. VNPA MARINE AND COASTAL CAMPAIGNER SIMON BRANIGAN REPORTS.

Whether casting a line into fresh or These findings have serious long-term Report marine waters, buying a feed at the implications for the future ecological local fish shop or diving below the sustainability of freshwater fish, their Considering the Auditor-General’s surface and watching them, habitats—and fishing. They also findings, the public release ofThe State Victorians love fish. mirror some of the findings of a major of Recreational Fishing in Victoria was report that the VNPA has recently timely. This report, an Australian first, But there are clear warning signs that published about marine waters, was prepared by two independent all is not well when it comes to the The State of Recreational Fishing in marine scientists who identified current management of recreational fishing. Victoria. knowledge gaps and proposed ways of improving the management of marine The Victorian Auditor-General’s Another of the Auditor-General’s recreational fishing in Victoria. office recently took a swipe at the major criticisms of the DEPI's performance of the Department performance was the major imbalance The authors included a review of of Primary Industries (now the in decisions about the management of scientific research and case studies on Department of Environment and freshwater fisheries. Those decisions, recreational fishing published both in Primary Industries, DEPI) over its the Auditor-General said, focused on Australia and overseas. management of freshwater recreational catering for recreational fishers and fisheries. not on the health of the environment. The VNPA commissioned this literature review to address the great The Auditor-General went as far as Once again there are parallels with uncertainty about the scale and extent saying that: the management of recreational of recreational fishing, and to assess the “DPI is not effectively discharging its fishing in marine waters. The often-promoted notion that it has little legislative responsibilities to deliver Victorian Government’s recent budget to no ecological impact. balanced and sustainable outcomes for announcements included $1 million recreational freshwater fisheries. While for the construction of a giant artificial Findings it is demonstrably delivering improved reef off Anglesea, and eight others in recreational freshwater fishing outcomes, locations such as Westernport, Port The findings establish beyond doubt it is not paying sufficient attention to the Phillip Bay and elsewhere. But there that recreational fishing can indeed protection and conservation of ecological were next no budget dollars for what have a significant impact on the marine processes, habitats and supporting underpins the natural productivity of environment. In summary, the findings ecosystems in these fisheries.” the fishery – healthy habitats. include the following:

24 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 Clockwise from left: A peaceful scene on the Murray. But how well managed is recreational fishing? Senator Wrasse at Popes Eye. Blue-spotted Flathead in Port Phillip Bay are prized by recreational fishers and also commercially fished. Fisheries surveillance needs more funding and resources from the government. PHOTO: JULIAN FINN PHOTO: PHOTO: CPSU PHOTO: CPSU PHOTO: PHOTO: MARK NORMAN PHOTO:

• Recreational fishing has many populations and a positive future for • implementing a conservation impacts, including direct impacts on recreational fishing. program that identifies and better fish stocks (e.g. the substantial catch protects important fish habitats Compared to other states, Victoria of Elephant Fish in their key breeding • • compulsory (but free) recreational area within Westernport Bay, bycatch has made good progress in the fishing licences for those currently (i.e. accidental catch of non-target monitoring of recreational fishing, not required to have them, to species like rays), entanglement of but its frequency and scale need to be enable better measurement and seabirds, dolphins and seals from broadened and lead directly to better monitoring of participation levels. lost fishing line, and damage to fish management outcomes. habitats. • Recreational fishing is difficult to VNPA calls for action • Recreational catch levels can be manage because of the large number To support the implementation of the as high as or even greater than of fishers and their dispersed effort recommendations, the VNPA: commercial ones. For example, the (at least 572,000 in Victoria and estimated recreational catch of nine around 5 million Australia-wide). • urges the Victorian Government different fin fish species is equal to In addition, the erosion of capacity, and Fisheries Victoria to or more than the commercial catch, resources and research staff is implement the report’s snapper being seven times and hobbling Fisheries Victoria’s ability to recommendations flathead four times higher. manage the fishery effectively. • asks the Victorian Auditor-General • Port Phillip Bay is clearly one of • The report has a comprehensive list to bring forward the proposed the most important places for of recommendations in the areas audit of the DEPI's management recreational fishing in Victoria. 55% of licensing and monitoring, stock of recreational fishing in marine of fishers who hold a recreational assessments, stock enhancement, waters fishing license nominated the bay invasive pests and fishing gear, • calls on the Victorian Government as their most frequented location, institutions, and fishery-specific to rebuild the capacity of Fisheries and 88% of the total Victorian catch management. Victoria by increasing support, comes from the bay. resources and funding so that Specific recommendations include: • Maintaining a healthy marine recreational fishing and the environment is one of the most • a proposal to gradually introduce marine environment are better effective ways of ensuring healthy fish biodegradable hooks and fishing lines managed. • PW

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 25 Top left: The Purple Jelly Disc fungus (Ascocoryne sarcoides) forms masses of pinky-purple discs on fallen logs. Above: Hypholoma australe is an important wood- rotting species. Left: Growing in wet forests, the Tall Fungi and biodiversity Mycena (Mycena cystidiosa) produces long root-like mycelial extensions conservation called rhizomorphs. PHOTOS: ALISON POULIOT PHOTOS:

PHOTOGRAPHER AND ECOLOGIST ALISON POULIOT INTRODUCES US TO THE WONDERFUL, AND VITAL, WORLD OF FUNGI.

Go for a wander through a forest, or in the management plans of Fungi of the Wombat Forest and woodland, desert or pretty much any Australian national parks. And Macedon Ranges terrestrial habitat and you’ll be stepping on the rare occasion when they into what may be a less familiar realm – appear in the media, it’s often in the Wombat Forestcare (WFC) has been actively that of the fungi kingdom. context of agricultural losses due to promoting the treasure trove of fungi to be fungal pathogens, or human fungal found in the Wombat Forest through its Although we’re mostly only aware of poisonings. website and newsletters. fungi when mushrooms appear in autumn, fungi are present within the Both of these are issues of concern, WFC launched a new pocket-sized ‘quick soil throughout the year. but such portrayals, which convey guide’ in April. It covers 108 species only the negative aspects of fungi, commonly found in the area, along with The familiar mushrooms represent can bias public perceptions of their information on their nutritional modes, the just one small part - the fruiting body substrate types in which they grow, and a importance and hinder conservation. - of the fungus. The actual fungus list of more comprehensive field guides and ‘body’ exists as an often vast matrix of It seems that fungi rarely enter our resources. interwoven filaments, called hyphae, consciousness, although many of comprising the fungal mycelium, Many of the species in the guide are also us come into regular contact with hidden beneath the soil, in leaf litter, in ‘target’ species from the Fungimap scheme. them through fungal products in our wood or even within animals. Target species are those that are being cuisines, beverages and medicines. mapped using distribution records from Fungi are often elusive, not only the community. These records provide vital because of the ephemeral nature of Although fungi have been overlooked in many aspects of Australian baseline data on species distribution that their fruiting bodies but also because then feed into fungal conservation. we have largely neglected them in our biodiversity management, getting representations of biodiversity. them on the conservation agenda is Currently only one non-lichenised fungus vital not only to their own survival, species is listed in Victoria under the Flora Fungi rarely feature on the websites but also to the healthy functioning and Fauna Guarantee Act. At a national of environmental organisations and resilience of ecosystems. level, two are listed under the Environment

26 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 Protection and Biodiversity Conservation heathy dry forests, the region also contains fungi are extremely resilient and tolerant to Act. However, these two species are not a corresponding diversity of fungi. environmental extremes, others are highly listed in the context of requiring protection, sensitive to even minor disturbances. but as species representing a threat. Among the better-known species are the agarics – those with a typical mushroom Ecosystem health is inextricably associated While we can acknowledge the seriousness stipe-and-cap arrangement with gills with the activities of fungi through the of the threats they pose, the fact that fungi beneath the cap. Agarics exist in an myriad ways in which they maintain soil are only listed in this context, while none amazing array of forms, from the tiny health and water retention, decompose are recognised as themselves requiring delicate members of the genus Mycena to organic matter, and support flora and fauna. protection from threats, reflects the lack the mostly large and prominent members of recognition of their importance in of the genus Amanita. Habitat degradation, fragmentation and ecosystem functioning. loss all represent major threats to fungi. Other fungi produce fruiting bodies in The State Government’s proposals to Little recognition a range of unusual forms such as jellies, reintroduce timber extraction in the west of discs, lattice-balls, corals and the almost the State and to dilute conservation policies A recent review of the Management Plans of extra-terrestrial-looking earthstars. further threaten Victoria’s biodiversity, forty Australian national parks revealed that including fungi. 30% made no reference to fungi. Of those Roles of fungi that did mention them, over 90% made Public recognition of the importance of reference to pathogenic species, that is, again, As well as adding great interest to an fungi is vital to their conservation. Next only in the context of being a threat. autumn stroll, fungi are busy at work time you go for a wander in the Wombat maintaining soil ecologies in the subterrain. or any of Victoria’s diverse ecosystems, Only 25% referred to fungi not as pathogens, introduce yourself to some of the fascinating Fungi are the primary decomposers of but usually only as an acknowledgement members of the fungi kingdom. • PW of their existence or of the need for further organic matter as they can break down research. This was generally only a single persistent compounds such as lignin and cellulose, thereby making nutrients reference, compared to an average of 109 Further information references for plants and 83 for animals. We available to other organisms. clearly need to explore options to get fungi Fungi of the Wombat Forest and Other species assist plant growth on the conservation agenda. Macedon Ranges is available through beneficial associations known as through Wombat Forestcare at As with all biodiversity conservation, mycorrhizal symbioses. In these mutually www.wombatforestcare.org.au beneficial relationships, fungal mycelia conserving fungi requires information Fungimap, the national hub for fungal such as species distribution, biology, interact with the tiny rootlets of plants by either forming a sheath around them or enthusiasts, aims to address the lack ecology and population dynamics. of understanding of fungal ecology, directly penetrating the rootlet cells. diversity and distribution through various But in addition to scientific data, The fungus effectively acts as an initiatives and resources. To join a foray, conservation also relies on mobilising contribute a species record or learn more public interest and support. ‘accessory root system’, expanding the plant’s own root system and hence its about fungi, visit www.fungimap.org.au Public concern for environmental issues that capacity to access greater volumes of soil The VNPA has copies of Ian McCann’s useful affect biodiversity drives political interest and and access to water and nutrients. guide Australian Fungi Illustrated available the instigation of conservation policies. at the special member price of $22.00. Threats to fungi This is especially important given that See more of Alison’s outstanding existing biodiversity conservation Like all organisms, fungi are affected by photographs at www.alisonpouliot.com measures may not be adequately disturbance to ecosystems. While some conserving fungi. Most biodiversity conservation has been developed in consideration only of flora and Golden Jelly Bells (Heterotextus peziziformis) grow on wood in both native and exotic forests. fauna, rarely addressing the complex interrelationships with fungi. While a small fold-out guide such as the new Wombat Forest and Macedon Ranges one may be limited in its capacity to provide information for the accurate identification of species, it does increase awareness of the existence and tremendous diversity of fungi. Since the Macedon Ranges and Wombat Forest have a diversity of habitats, ranging from wet forests to grassy woodlands to PHOTO: ALISON POULIOT PHOTO:

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 27 Good apart from the bats The VNPA 1999-2002

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DON GARDEN’S FIFTH ARTICLE ON THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY OF THE VNPA LOOKS AT THE EARLY YEARS OF THE BRACKS GOVERNMENT. PHOTO: JOHN GASKELL PHOTO:

An article by VNPA Research Officer modified proposals for intrusive such as anglers, progress was slow. The first the late Jenny Barnett in the June 2001 facilities at Port Campbell and Point attempt at legislation in mid-2001 had to edition of Park Watch deplored recent Nepean, and returned 285 ha that had be withdrawn because of amendments in actions by the Minister for Environment been excised from the Alpine NP. the Legislative Council. and Conservation, Sherryl Garbutt. The three main reforms or Redrafted legislation in autumn 2002 The Minister had rejected the achievements came more slowly and was again significantly amended on such advice of the Scientific Advisory only after drawn-out battles in the matters as boundaries and compensation, Committee under the Flora and Fauna media and in the parliament, where the but Labor preferred not to lose the Bill Guarantee Act and had authorised a government faced a hostile Opposition again and accepted them. The Bill was cull of the threatened Grey-headed majority in the Legislative Council. passed in June and the parks were declared Flying-foxes that were inhabiting on 16 November 2002. (and badly damaging) the Melbourne Nevertheless, by late 2002 the Bracks Botanic Gardens. government had established the long- Victoria now had thirteen marine overdue marine and box-ironbark national parks and eleven new marine But such discontent over an action by national parks, and had created the sanctuaries covering over 5.3% of state’s the Bracks Labor government in its Victorian Environmental Assessment waters. The largest national park was in the early years of office was a rarity. Council (VEAC). waters off Wilsons Promontory. Victoria could boast the most significant system of Overall, it was a period of significant Marine conservation protected marine, estuarine and coastal pushbacks and advances after the areas in Australia. disappointing years of the Kennett The VNPA had been fighting for government (1993-99). When the protection of the most vulnerable Box-ironbark parks VNPA celebrated its 50th birthday in regions of Victoria’s coastal and late 2002, it was able to do so with an estuarine waters for decades. In the late By the 1990s, 85% of Victoria’s box- enhanced sense of satisfaction at what Kennett years the ECC undertook an ironbark forests and woodlands had had been achieved. investigation and made preliminary been cleared since colonisation and recommendations, but its final the remainder was being degraded or Jeff Kennett’s election defeat in September recommendations were long overdue. disappearing. Some of Victoria’s most 1999 came as something of a surprise, vulnerable fauna lived in what was left. but generated much relief among The Marine, Coastal and Estuarine environmentalists. There had been few final recommendations were tabled The ECC draft box-ironbark environmental advances and several steps soon after the 1999 election. They fell recommendations in May 2000 caused backward; notably, plans to promote far short of VNPA wishes but were a outrage among environmentalists. commercial activities in national parks distinct advance on what had been VNPA President James Ensor described had caused some of the biggest public offered in the past, especially in that the report as a ‘nonsense’ and ‘dismal’ protests (see Park Watch, March 2013). they recommended national park because only 7% of the remaining box- protection and status for some areas. ironbark vegetation was to be protected Within a relatively short time the new in new national parks, while most of government began to reverse some of Because of ongoing opposition from the rest would be available for mining, the worst excesses. It cancelled plans for the coalition parties, the Herald Sun, prospecting, eucalyptus oil production and a large resort at Wilsons Promontory, industry interests and other groups timber cutting.

28 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 Left: Verco’s Nudibranch, colourful inhabitant of Victoria’s marine national parks. (‘Nudibranch’ means ‘naked gills’.)

After the final recommendations, there were long delays in presenting legislation, but when this was done in September Walking boots 2002 there had been some significant improvements. Events moved surprisingly and working boots quickly. The legislation passed and the By Don Garden parks were proclaimed in October, just before the 2002 election. The VNPA has not focused solely on Other Friends groups followed. By A range of protected areas was established politics, lobbying, research and writing. 1982 there were ten, and by 1990, including five new or extended national There has always been a good deal 39. There are now more than 100. parks (69,000 ha) and five new or extended of hands-on (or boots-on) activity Geoff Durham was the major state parks (27,000 ha). The largest national – through the Bushwalking and force within the VNPA in the parks were Greater Bendigo (17,000 Activities Group, and Friends groups. development of Friends groups, ha) and St Arnaud Range (13,900 ha). A major VNPA contribution has been both while he was President and Disappointingly, some exploitative and to take members and others into subsequently as VNPA Coordinator ‘multi-use’ activities were to be allowed the bush. In the 1950s it ran periodic of Activities. across the range of the new parks. excursions. As these proved very A Friends committee was formed popular they became more frequent, in 1986 with Geoff as convenor, VEAC and in the 1960s some evolved into formalised in 1991 as the longer, more organised walks and The Environment Conservation Council independent Friends Network overnight camps. (ECC) that had suddenly replaced the Land committee (now the Victorian Conservation Council in 1997 had proved In the 1970s bushwalking increased Environment Friends Network). not to be satisfactory in its resourcing and further. In 1978 an Activities and The Network produces a newsletter responsibilities. Labor was elected on a Bushwalking Group organised 20 and holds biennial conferences to platform that promised to replace it. walks. educate and coordinate groups – the next is in September 2013. By the mid-1980s there was a walk The VNPA had discussions with the virtually every weekend, and Geoff For those who wish to see the work government over the proposed Victorian Durham had begun introduction days of one Friends group, an excellent Environmental Assessment Council that became known as Walk, Talk & DVD is available – Wyperfeld 100: (VEAC). These focused on such matters Gawks – special guided walks with a traverse in time, produced by the as an enlarged membership with a range rangers and other experts. Friends of Wyperfeld. of specialist qualifications. VNPA also wanted the new body to have broader Another development in the 1970s and This DVD won the Best Multimedia responsibilities, notably the capacity to 80s was the establishment of Friends History Award at the Victorian make recommendations regarding groups in national and other parks. The Community History Awards in private land. first was formed in 1971 to rehabilitate October. The VNPA has copies the new Organ Pipes National Park. available for $15.00. • PW The legislation to establish VEAC faced a tortuous process in the Legislative Council after it was introduced in spring 2000. The Friends of Wyperfeld National Park prepare guards for the trees and shrubs they are about to plant. National Party particularly objected to VEAC having any say in private land, and the Bill was lost in mid-2001.

Redrafted legislation, leaving out private land, passed both Houses, and VEAC came into existence in 2002.

VEAC’s role was (and still is) to conduct investigations at the request of the Minister into ‘the protection and ecologically sustainable management of the environment and natural resources of public land’. It has tighter parliamentary reporting provisions and timetables than its predecessors, and greater public participation opportunities than the ECC.

In general, it has been a successful body.

The VNPA celebrated its 2002 jubilee with a sense of satisfaction. • PW GEOFF DURHAM PHOTO:

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 29 IN PARKS Habitat hub PHOTO: LEON COSTERMANS PHOTO: Aerial view of the 1964-65 Australian Scout Jamboree, attended by more than 15,000 Scouts, in the Dandenong Police Paddocks Reserve. Churchill NP in background.

GEOFF DURHAM TAKES US TO A NATIONAL PARK AND A HISTORIC RESERVE IN MELBOURNE’S SOUTH-EAST THAT ARE IMPORTANT PARTS OF A HABITAT CORRIDOR.

‘Embarrassing’ best describes my first The Native Police Corps operated years) and the ’40s (World War II and visit to Churchill National Park. intermittently under Captain Christian immediate post-war years), it resulted De Villiers until 1839, and from 1842 from a prolonged public campaign. It was late December 1964, and I was to 1853 under Captain Henry Dana. the organiser of activities for Senior The site then became the stud for police Historian Ellen Coulson writes in The Story of the Dandenongs 1838 -1958: Scouts at the 7th Australian Scout horses from the early 1850s (hence “It was largely due to the persistent Jamboree in the Dandenong Police Stud Road) until 1931, when it moved efforts of Sir James Barrett that the Paddocks. to Bundoora. The Black Tracker branch then Minister for Lands (Hon. A.E. of the police force was stationed here One evening activity was a paintball- Lind) agreed on 29 November 1939 to from 1884 until the move. style ‘battle’ in the adjacent Churchill reserve 477 acres (193 ha) of the hilly NP, arming the combatants from with In the 1920s an SEC powerline north-eastern portion of the Police over-ripe tomatoes. The result was easement was created and an aqueduct Paddocks as a national park. The area an irate park ranger; we spent the supplying water for Dandenong was was proclaimed as the ‘Dandenong National Park’ on 20 October 1943, but ‘morning after’ cleaning up the park’s constructed. Over the years various on 10 February 1944 the name of this bespattered picnic ground. portions of the original reservation historic area was altered to ‘Churchill were sold as private land, and in 1930 National Park’, as a tribute to Britain’s Police Depot and Protectorate the remaining 1,750 acres (708 ha) were wartime leader …” Station proclaimed a public reserve known as The Police Paddocks. Grazing, In 1837 Port Phillip District Magistrate In 1941 a ‘tented’ camp was established quarrying and firewood cutting went there as a training centre for the army, William Lonsdale set aside 100 square on in the 1920s and ’30s. and the road now called Army Track miles on the Dandenong Creek, known was constructed. to the Aboriginal people as ‘Nerre Churchill National Park Warren’, for a native police depot. From Before the establishment of the 1840 to 1844, Assistant Protector of Covering 271 hectares, Churchill is National Parks Service in 1971 the Aboriginals William Thomas ran a Victoria’s second-smallest national park was managed by a Committee Government Protectorate Station on park. The only national park of Management. In the early 1960s, the site. established in the 1930s (the depression because of shooting, rubbish dumping

30 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 and firewood removal, it was population of Black Wallabies was interpretation is a plaque at the site of the surrounded by a high cyclone fence, augmented with wallabies from The (demolished) police depot buildings. and a brick house (since demolished) Lakes National Park, and wombats were was erected for a ranger. unsuccessfully introduced. The main entrance is at the end of Brady Road (Melway 81 K11), leading to the The only vehicular entrance, off Police Paddocks ‘Nerre Warren’ Picnic Area. Vandalism Churchill Park Drive (Melway 82 C11), and rubbish dumping are big problems – leads to the picnic area, with toilets On the south side of Churchill Park the toilets are closed and the barbecue and and a shelter. The gate is closed from Drive is the 499 ha Dandenong Police interpretation signage have been removed. 4.00 pm to 10.30 am at weekends but Paddocks Reserve, which does not There is a 700 metre Woodland Walk and pedestrians have access. Camping, have the protection of the National a degraded 1km Wetland Walk. dogs, horses and trail bikes are not Parks Act or a Management Plan. Parks permitted. Cyclists can use all tracks Victoria’s rating is ‘low’ for both Levels Dogs are permitted on leads, with some except those for ‘walkers only’. of Protection and Levels of Service. off-lead areas, but not trail bikes or horses. Unfortunately, a once active The network of tracks offers Friends Group has languished. opportunities for a variety of easy and easy/medium Habitat corridor one- or two-hour walks. A ten-minute Nature Walk at In 1995 Churchill National the picnic area passes through Park and Lysterfield Park were a grove of Muttonwood. linked, with the addition of 78 ha to Churchill and 125 The park is popular with ha to Lysterfield. The Land bird watchers, but there Conservation Council in 1994 are now no Bellbirds along recommended that these parks Bellbird Track. In the north- be managed as part of an east extension, Woodland integrated unit, and the Parks Walk takes you down into a Victoria 1998 Management Plan pleasant Manna Gum gully is for both parks. and up to Lysterfield Park with a worthwhile short The parks are the hub of a diversion to the Lysterfield habitat corridor linking the Hills Lookout at a Trig Point Dandenong Valley Parklands on granite boulders. with the Dandenong Ranges through Birds Land and Common trees are Narrow- Monbulk Creek. leaved Peppermint and Black She-oak, with Yellow Box and I have visited several times in Swamp Gum on lower slopes. recent months. Recreation areas, Along the northern boundary roadsides and fire breaks are is a stand of Messmate. Large mown, some blackberries have areas have a ground cover of been sprayed, and there is some Spiny-headed Mat-rush and rabbit and fox baiting, but there Saw-sedge (Gahnia). Spring is are many indications of limited a good time for orchids. management. PHOTOS: GEOFF DURHAM PHOTOS: The easement, now with Churchill NP has wildlife (and power lines), offers fine views When John Brookes was seven transmission lines and is popular for picnics, walks, jogging and bike riding. Director of National Parks in the dating from the early 1950s, 1970s, he preached ‘the pursuit cuts a wide band of modified of excellence’, and Jeff Floyd, as vegetation across the park. Despite Parks Victoria’s Park Notes (2006) refer CEO of Melbourne Parks and Waterways ongoing control efforts, weeds, notably to ‘a diverse combination of bushland, and then Parks Victoria in the 1990s, Sweet Pittosporum, boneseed and cultural heritage and sporting areas’. This proclaimed the guiding philosophy as blackberry, persist. Cinnamon Fungus was the site of the 7th (1964-65) and 11th ‘World’s Best Practice’. (Dieback) (1976-77) Australian Scout Jamborees; is present. tracks are named after previous Jamborees. Because of the current inadequate resourcing for parks, it seems to me that The population of Eastern Grey The Park Notes say it is ‘one of the Parks Victoria’s present CEO Dr Bill Kangaroos has bred from eight most significant heritage places in Jackson’s edict to staff is ‘Prioritise, and kangaroos released in 1969. The small the Melbourne Region’, but the only do the best you can!’ • PW

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 31 ROYAL PARK Past, present ... and future? PHOTO: MICHAEL WRIGHT PHOTO: Royal Park is a natural retreat for VNPA MEMBER VICTORIA STRUTT, A TEACHER OF ENGLISH AS A city people, and wildlife. SECOND LANGUAGE, WORKS AS A VOLUNTEER IN THE VNPA OFFICE.

Royal Park, 180 hectares of open The upside: wetlands slowly through it and the vegetation and space just beyond the northern sunlight gradually filter and purify the edge of the CBD, is perhaps taken and water capture water as it goes on its way. for granted by many Melburnians. The need to drought-proof Melbourne and Storage tanks beside the Capital City Trail its parks will become even more critical as When I moved into Parkville in bicycle path hold water from the treatment global warming gets a tighter grip. 1996, I became more aware of its pond that is used for irrigating the Royal history – that Burke and Wills set With this in mind, the Melbourne City Park Public Golf Course and other sports off from there, that it housed an Council developed a wetlands area in grounds and parkland, as well as the elms army base (Camp Pell) during the Royal Park near the Tullamarine Freeway along Royal Parade. Second World War, and more – and in 2005. This has greatly reduced the Any water over the storage capacity of its many other values. amount of domestic-quality water needed the reed-beds and tanks (6 million litres) there. Since the 1980s Melbourne City is directed back into the adjacent Council has been implementing a The Council estimates that 380 megalitres Moonee Ponds Creek and finally into forward-thinking plan to replace of ‘captured’ water have been used in the Port Phillip Bay. most of the park’s exotic vegetation park since 2005. The water is also used to with indigenous trees, shrubs hand-water newly planted trees and shrubs Benefits and grasses. This project is now throughout the city. largely complete, and many more The wetlands’ size (5 ha), location and native birds and other wildlife are As well, the wetlands benefit both wildlife appearance also mean that many people attracted to the park. There have and people. can enjoy what feels like a totally natural even been occasional reports of environment. A boardwalk and earthen echidnas! How it works pathways take you around the water’s edge. How Royal Park has been used, A reed-bed – or more technically, Some of these paths are off-limits to dogs, and abused, is a more complex treatment pond – takes stormwater from given that a wide range of birds uses the story. Let’s look at some recent gutters in the nearby suburbs of West wetlands to feed and nest in. In fact nearly and important developments, one Brunswick and Parkville. The wide, curved 300 species of birds have been sighted here positive but the others much less so. shape of the pond means that water flows over the course of a year.

32 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 As it is close to the Capital City and quality, with impacts on bird and In 2007 an Act of Parliament stated that Moonee Ponds Creek bike paths, many animal life as well as people and this land was to be returned to grassland cyclists and others also use the area. landscape. Noise would also be an and open woodland that would merge issue. with and be reintegrated into the park. A quiet space like this wetland area Now the Melbourne City Council wants allows us city dwellers to benefit from Royal Park is being seen as an to use one hectare to construct a large visiting a natural ‘retreat’. This helps our obstacle in the way of cars and trucks. playground. mental resilience and well-being. Such Are money and vehicles our only natural retreats will increase in value as measures? Are there no other values Other parts of the seven hectares may be global warming and urbanisation that should take precedence? used for a toilet block and a carpark, even ramp up. though the area is already well provided Building more highways has never with parking. There are also plans for The wetlands have many benefits, and solved transport congestion problems shops, reducing the seven hectares to a seem secure. Elsewhere, the park faces anywhere. They make them worse. mere remnant. immediate and serious threats. As well, Royal Park’s role in protecting Local residents have understandably The downside: slashed up? and providing clean air and a quiet objected strongly. environment for inner Melbourne The proposed East-West Link tunnel would be seriously compromised by A clash of values under (or through) Royal Park is by far so many cars, with noise as well as air the biggest threat. pollution. The tunnel and the co-opting of the 7 ha of hospital land are not only local issues. An actual tunnel bored under the Gnawed away over time They represent the values of a government park might not be so bad, but we have and community which appear to judge recently learned that a ‘cut and cover’ The park’s 180 hectares are a fragment everything in terms of short-term method may be used. Who knows of its original size. Governor Latrobe commercial value and monetary profit. how long the ‘cover’ part might take allocated 1,036 hectares for a park to complete? How often has a plan in 1854. Places and facilities we Royal Park has become a mere vestige of been amended and timelines extended now take for granted as belonging what was originally planned, suggesting through lack of funding? to and identifying Melbourne, like that the approach has been “We’ll let this the Melbourne Zoo, University be a park until we can think of something To get some grasp of the impact of the High School, the Royal Children’s better (i.e. more profitable) to use it for.” cutting that would be needed, look at and Royal Melbourne hospitals and the Upfield train line through the park. the attractive Victorian houses in Can you imagine the people of New York At Royal Park Station this line goes into The Avenue are on land originally allowing large chunks of Central Park to be a deep and wide cutting that divides the allocated to Royal Park. dug up or built on? That park was opened parkland. The freeway would be much in 1857 and it is still its original size. Given wider than this, as four traffic lanes are More recent examples of ‘gnawing’ this, any argument that La Trobe’s decision planned. The Eastern Freeway cutting include the State Netball and Hockey was made so long ago that you couldn’t through Yarra Bend Park is perhaps a Centre between the Upfield railway reasonably expect it to remain unchanged better comparison. line and the zoo. does not hold.

The tunnel itself would not be the But the most recent example is the So why are cars, cash and convenience only thing infringing on the park. plan not to restore to parkland the 7 the deciding values? Why do our political Its ventilation shafts would affect ha of land that was the site of the old decision-makers measure the worth of surrounding temperatures and air Royal Children’s Hospital. land only in relation to these things? • PW PHOTOS: DAVID SIMMONDS DAVID PHOTOS: Wetlands with Tullamarine Freeway landmarks in background. Bird watching site in the wetlands.

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 33 Bringing birds back to the Strzeleckis Article dedicated to the memory of Peter Human

CARA BRAMMAR RECENTLY GRADUATED FROM LA TROBE UNIVERSITY WITH A BA HONS IN OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION. MEETING THE EDITOR AT PETER HUMAN’S FUNERAL LAST YEAR (PETER WAS MARRIED TO CARA’S GRANDFATHER’S COUSIN) LED TO THIS ARTICLE ABOUT HER HONOURS PROJECT. PHOTO: CARA BRAMMAR CARA PHOTO: Remnant native vegetation in the Strzeleckis.

Starting in the 1870s, European indigenous plants. Some plantings and Due to time constraints, surveying for settlers radically transformed the I have grown up together, although the bird presence and activity was carried landscape of Victoria’s western eucalypts have grown far taller than I out over the winter/early spring period. Strzelecki Ranges. Large areas of old- could ever dream of doing! growth wet forests containing tall trees It was quite adventurous! I often found with trunks large enough to house a In such a rapid growth region, I was myself traipsing through loads of mud horse and cart were felled, mainly for always interested to find out if (and how and risked sliding down steep slopes agricultural purposes. quickly) our revegetation was providing into blackberry thickets. Despite this, environmental benefits. And as a bird however, I thoroughly enjoyed the Clearing of the forest and its enthusiast, I was particularly interested field work. Nothing beats having an replacement with pasture led to a host in investigating the role of revegetation in early morning cup of tea outdoors and of environmental problems, such as soil helping to sustain and enhance the local listening to a variety of native bird calls erosion and the removal of habitat for native bird populations of the region. in what was previously a bare paddock. native animals and birds. Sadly, once common species of native birds such as An Honours year in 2012 presented I was pleased to find about sixty the Superb Lyrebird are now confined to itself as the perfect opportunity for me different bird species within the a few uncleared forested areas like Mount to undertake such an investigation. This thirteen sites – not bad for such a Worth State Park (near Warragul). led to the birth of a research thesis titled fragmented landscape! ‘Your land, my habitat: Bird response With only a small number of public to revegetation ageing in the western Although my research came up with reserves in the district, conservation Strzelecki Ranges’. results similar to those of previous on private property is crucial. Some studies (many of which had been private land owners, including my own I conducted the project on thirteen conducted in drier regions), it also private property sites. Two cleared family, have used revegetation as a way included important findings such as: of restoring habitat. pasture sites and two remnant forest sites were compared with nine • the early threshold age at which the Ever since I was two years old, I have revegetation sites ranging in age from revegetation provided habitat for been involved (in some form or other) one year after planting through to thirty an increased number of forest bird in rehabilitating steep gullies with years after planting. species

34 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 PHOTOS: CARA BRAMMAR CARA PHOTOS: Clockwise from top left: Assistant in the field; Healthy young revegetation; Birds use isolated trees as ‘stepping stones’; Cara checks out the birdlife.

• the role that the ever-present woody Also, weeds need to be controlled in Butcherbirds, and also by a variety weeds (such as blackberries and conservation sites, not only in the of forest birds including the Red hawthorns) play as native bird habitat initial stages of site preparation but Wattlebird, Golden Whistler and White- in the absence of native species each year to reduce competition with throated Treecreeper, and by waterbirds more desirable native plant species. such as Australian Shelducks. • the contribution of long-ungrazed pasture and scattered trees as bird In the short term, though, it was Unfortunately, the western Strzelecki habitat in the western Strzelecki obvious that where present, woody Ranges area is lacking in scattered native Ranges. weeds can play a useful role as bird trees, many of the older specimens habitat. In this case, where such weeds dying and not being replaced. The results were generally encouraging are present within a site, they should be for private landholders and contributed removed over a period of time, being I strongly urge landowners to plant to the understanding that even early- replaced with native shrubs as they are single native trees more extensively in age revegetation is playing a key role in removed, to minimise the impact on paddocks, and to fence off and protect minimising and reversing bird decline. native birds. from livestock any that already exist. However, much work still needs to be Furthermore, isolated trees (or In conclusion, revegetation in the done to sustain and diversify native scattered trees as they are more fragmented western Strzelecki Ranges forest bird populations over the longer commonly known) not only shelter needs to be more extensive, and term in such a fragmented landscape. livestock but are used by many birds as replanting techniques improved. stepping stones across the landscape, Nevertheless, it was pleasing to find that To start with, revegetation needs to allowing them to move into areas they the existing revegetation is making a be securely fenced off from livestock. would not otherwise be able to access, significant contribution to native bird The presence of cows or sheep in including isolated revegetation sites. conservation. revegetated areas contributes to the loss of understorey plants and organic In such a cleared landscape, I found I would like to acknowledge the valuable matter within a site, which many native that isolated native trees in pasture input that private landholders have forest birds rely upon for feeding were frequently used by open-country made in achieving this, and encourage and breeding. birds such as magpies and Grey this good work to continue! • PW

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 35 BOOK REVIEWS

19th century and throughout the 20th, conflict arose over different uses for the An Australian park, for example for mining and cattle grazing. Sound familiar? first The book profiles the role of bushwalkers in lobbying for maintaining the park in The First National Park as pristine a form as possible. In the late 1880s, one drive overtook the others, at A natural for least for a time: conservation should take World Heritage precedence over recreation. This may seem forward thinking, but the decision By Geoff Mosley. Envirobook, Sutherland was made more for pragmatic than Shire Environment Centre, Sydney 2012. environmental reasons. Available from Envirobook, Box 589, PO Sutherland, 1499 NSW for $29.95 The history of the reserves is a window including postage, and free online at on changing views about the natural www.firstnationalpark.org.au environment, introduced species and the environment, including their geology, exploitation of land. climate, fauna, flora and history, and This book sets the foundations for the World Heritage criteria they need The book gives a firm basis for lobbyists three areas south of Sydney to receive to satisfy. seeking World Heritage status for this World Heritage listing. These are area. All NSW and federal members of Royal National Park (Australia’s first There are also four detailed appendices, parliament have been sent a copy. They national park, declared in 1879), evidence for how extensively this area should take up the cause. Garrawarra Conservation Area and has already been documented. Heathcote National Park, collectively The inclusion of excellent coloured maps called the Royal Reserves. In reading about the reserves’ and photographs helps significantly in history one is reminded of how putting the case. • PW The book’s five chapters present environmentalists have had to fight detailed data on the reserves’ physical the same battles repeatedly. In the late Reviewed by Victoria Strutt. In memory of the Barnetts and Aherns

Long-time VNPA staff member Jenny and John left their estate Jenny Barnett, her husband John to Bush Heritage Australia and and their renowned biologist Trust for Nature, in the interests neighbours Leigh and Charmian of conservation. In May this Ahern were among the unfortunate year a property was purchased victims of the 2009 Black Saturday in their memory: 190 hectares of fires at Steels Creek. threatened grassy woodland in northern Victoria. On a sunny Saturday in May, family, friends and colleagues John and Jenny had worked of the Barnetts and Aherns as volunteers on this block,

placed objects in a time capsule RICHARD FORSE PHOTO: surveying mammals and erecting beneath a seat constructed in their nest boxes. Jenny also found a memory. The VNPA included species of bull-ant there which, Jenny’s thorough submission to years earlier at Long Forest, she the government inquiry into the had actually discovered. • PW earlier 2006 fires, and some of her photographs. Phil Ingamells We believe her submission and its insights into fire management, Top left: Dale Ahern and though criticised at the time, will friends replace the top of still be valid when the time capsule the seat containing the is opened in the distant future. JENNY BARNETT PHOTO: time capsule articles.

36 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 Can we learn to live with fire? Living with fire People, nature and history in Steels Creek By Christine Hansen and Tom Griffiths. CSIRO Publishing, November 2012. RRP $49.95.

This is a must-read book, exceptional While aspects of the 2009 firestorm to policy. It shows brilliantly the in many ways. It takes you into the were unique, it was not a rare event. potential for significant insights when lives of the people of Steels Creek (near Fire has threatened or entered the area researchers recognise the value of local Kinglake NP), their experiences of the at least 19 times since 1851. experiences and the historical context 2009 firestorm, and their responses. which are then linked to policy. Using Steels Creek as an example, the For the VNPA, this is a personal story. authors discuss the lessons of this history Living with fire must generate Our much-loved Jenny Barnett, and and what we, the residents of this fire- discussion. Some statements can be husband John, died in the firestorm prone continent, have learnt (or not yet challenged, but the book must not in spite of excellent preparation and learnt) in our relatively short time here. be ignored. It is a major step in our knowledge of fire. Ten people died at learning to live in this amazing land. Steels Creek; 67 houses were burnt, Have we taken on board that fires are leaving 250 people homeless. Malcolm frequent events? That ‘dugouts’ are There is, however, a broader picture. and Jane Calder, who both have long and necessary refuges when, as inevitably Surely our biggest challenge is whether strong connections to VNPA, were burnt happens, people are caught in their we can learn to live with fire without out but managed to save their house. homes? What happens when a generation destroying the indigenous species with or more hasn’t experienced a fire? which we share this continent. The An untallied number of pets and extent of clearing and control burning an unimaginable number of native Finally, the policy responses – happening now is another nail in their birds and animals – many of them especially ‘stay or go’, which said if you coffin. much-loved wild friends of the valley stayed and were prepared, your home community – also died. would be safe while the fire passed Somehow, making bunkers over – are dissected, and the evidence compulsory for residents in fire-prone But this book goes much further than challenged strongly. Do houses explode areas seems easy compared to coming local stories and magnificent art and in a fire? Personal stories say yes, others to grips with our fear of fire. I suspect photos. The authors give us the social say no. If they do explode, your house Jenny Barnett would agree. • PW and environmental history of the area, is not a safe place in a firestorm. including what is known of Wurundjeri Reviewed by Karen Alexander. connections to the land, its fire history, This book is a rare combination indeed: The VNPA has copies of this book for and the relationship of fire with Mountain local knowledge and experiences set sale at the special member price of Ash forests. in the discipline of research and linked $39.95 plus $5.00 postage.

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 37 Bogong refuge

LAURENCE MCDONALD, SON OF VNPA MEMBER GERARD MCDONALD, IS A KEEN PHOTOGRAPHER AND ALPINE ADVENTURER.

Cleve Cole Hut sits in a majestic position in the Alpine National Park, overlooking a gentle valley and not far from the open plain that leads to the summit of Mt Bogong (1986 metres).

It commemorates alpine pioneer Cleve Cole, who attempted the first winter Top: Alpine panorama from Hell Gap. crossing of the Bogong High Plains Middle: Working bee at Cleve Cole Hut. and perished there from hypothermia Right: Inside the hut looking out. during a blizzard in 1936. The hut, built in 1938, has served as a hub for skiers of the high plains. We approach via Eskdale and adventurers ever since. Spur walking track; it’s a 6km walk that takes about 2-3 hours. Cleve Cole Hut is well-equipped with all the necessities to survive up there You have to be aware of the weather and in harsh conditions. Run by dedicated unexpected strong winds, especially members of the Mt Bogong Ski Club, it’s on Hell Gap, a ridge that is completely constantly maintained. exposed and steep on both sides. When filled with willing volunteers for My wife and I are looking forward to a working bee it feels like an old country experiencing the winter up there. pub transplanted into the middle of alpine bushland. Nothing else seems to matter when you’re there – you just breathe in that crisp alpine It’s a stunning landscape up there, with air and take in the pristine surroundings of alpine flora and sheer open space on top Mt Bogong. • PW LAURENCE MCDONALD PHOTOS:

BWAG Social Nights

The VNPA Bushwalking and Activities WEDNESDAY 7 AUGUST: WEDNESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER: Group hosts Social Nights on the second Reef Watch – citizen science for the Wyperfeld 100 – a Traverse in Time Wednesday of most months in the ground marine environment Presenter: Jim Noelker, floor meeting room at 60 Leicester Presenter: Wendy Roberts, Friends of Wyperfeld NP. St, Carlton. Doors open 7pm with a VNPA Reef Watch Coordinator. presentation at 8pm. A $2 entry charge This is the title of an award-winning includes wine, tea, coffee and biscuits. Citizen science is the new frontier for the DVD produced by the Friends natural sciences. With advances in technology, celebrating Wyperfeld National Everyone is welcome - members, friends divers can now record, document and upload Park and the people who cherish and the general public. Speakers are their underwater discoveries to national its beauty and diversity. The film experts in their fields and enhance our databases such as the CSIRO’s Bowerbird has historic and current footage of knowledge of the natural world. site. Come and find out how you can be the park and the people who have Put these dates in your diary! involved both above and below the surface. enjoyed and looked after it.• PW

38 PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 This ‘field guide for walkers’ is available from CSIRO, RRP $29.95.

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GOING Croajingolong National Park

PLACES most Sept 30 or Oct 14 Walks with spring wildflowers at PEOPLE your feet, wildlife, birds and history. Long sandy beaches, rocky headlands, ONLY rainforest, heathland and foothill peaks. Fully accommodated at historic Point DREAM Hicks Lighthouse and near Mallacoota. Walking Errinundra Plateau ABOUT November 5-9 You have to experience it to believe it! A walking tour to explore magnificent old growth forests during Off Track Walking spring while waratahs bloom. Wander in We don’t do anything else the soft dappled light of cool temperate How could we? There are no tracks where we walk. rainforest & along ferny tracks gazing skyward at towering eucalypts. Fully accommodated. Explore hidden waterfalls, ancient rock art, flowing streams and deep pools of pure, clean water with experienced guides For more details contact Jenny: leading the way. If you like bushwalking you will LOVE a Willis’s Walkabouts trip Check out our website and see the Gippsland High Country Tours incredible variety we offer. Phone (03) 5157 5556 Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.bushwalkingholidays.com.au www.gippslandhighcountrytours.com.au Phone 08 8985 2134 Fax 08 8985 2355 12 Carrington St Millner NT 0810 Advanced Ecotourism Certification. Est. 1987

PARK WATCH • JUNE 2013 NO 253 39