Fat cats and cockatoos Myall's Heritage Trail NPA BULLETIN volume31 number4 December 1994

CONTENTS Annual report 3 Foxoff! 5 Trivial pursuit of eucalyptus 6 Parkwatch 10 Myall's Heritage Trail 12 Namadgi celebaration—photos 14 Fat cats and cockatoos 15 Cover Book reviews 20 Photo by Reg Alder Trips 23 NPA work party in Orroral Valley

National Parks Association (ACT) Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) Household members $25 Single members $20 Incorporated Corporate members $15 Bulletin only $15 Inaugurated 1960 Concession $10 For new subscriptions joining between: Aims and objects of the Association 1 January and 31 March—half specified rate • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the pro­ 1 April and 30 June—annual subscription tection of fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and cultural heritage in the Australian Capital Territory and Membership inquiries welcome elsewhere, and the reservation of specific areas. Please phone the NPA office. • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areti.i. The NPA (ACT) office is located in Maclaurin Cres, • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment Chifley. Office hours are: of, such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by or­ 10am to 2pm Mondays ganised field outings, meetings or any other means. 9am to 2pm Tuesdays and Thursdays " Cooperation with organisations and persons having simi­ Telephone/Fax: (06) 282 5813 lar interests and objectives. Address: PO Box 1940, Woden ACT 2606 • Promotion of, and education for. notrae conservation, and the planning of land-use to achieve conservation. Contribute to your Bulletin Contributions of articles (news, descriptions or fiction), Office-bearers and committee black-and-white photographs and line drawings are President Vacant keenly sought for the Bulletin. Please label photographs Vice-president Eleanor Stodart 281 5004(h); with the name of the subject, the name of the photogra­ Immediate pher and the date. Leave contributions at the office or past president Beverley Hammond 288 6577(h) phone the editor, Roger Green, on (06) 247 0059. The Secretary Len Haskew 281 4268(h); editorial fax is (06) 249 7373. fax 281 4257 Treasurer Mike Smith 286 2984(h); Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect 248 3624(w) Association opinion or objectives.

Committee Deadline for March issue: 1 Feb 1995. Stephen Johnston 254 3738(h); 264 4276(w) NPA Bulletin is produced by Green Words for the Na­ Phil Bubb 248 6769(h); 266 5128(w) tional Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated. It is pro­ Steven Forst 251 6817(h); 274 8426(w) duced with the assistance of an ACT Heritage grant. Clive Hurlstone 288 7592(h); 246 5516(w) Doreen Wilson 288 5215(h) Printed on recycled paper by Koomarri Printers, Max Lawrence 288 1370(h); 272 2032(w) Belconnen, ACT. ISSN 0727-8837 Changes to constitution Annual report —committee's proposal The National Parks Association association, especially as Vice-Presi­ (ACT) Inc continues to play an im­ accepted dent, has been greatly appreciated. portant role in conservation issues The tenth anniversary of the dec­ Small changes to the wording of both in the local area and nearby laration of Namadgi National Park NPA's aims and objects were put to areas of New South Wales. was celebrated in October. At a the general meeting on 17 Novem­ Our biggest social event of the World Environment Day function in ber. The changes, to include cultural year was the launch of A Field Guide June the previous director of the heritage rather than just natural to the Birds of the ACT. This pocket Environment, Culture and Sports heritage, as put forward by the com­ guide was a donation from long-time Division of the ACT Department of mittee, had been circulated to mem­ member Alastair Morrison and fills Environment, Land and Planning bers in the June Bulletin. An amend­ a need in the range of publications spoke warmly of the work done by ment to the committee's proposal, available for interpretation of the our NPA towards the setting aside put forward by Joan Goodrum, was local environment. of this wonderful area. circulated in the same Bulletin. Charmian Crimmins continues to Several members met with the Joan's amendment emphasised that be invaluable as our office manager. current director, Glenn cultural heritage includes both Abo­ We welcomed a new research and Bellchambers, to discuss matters of riginal and non-indigenous culture. project officer, Nicola Taws, in Feb­ importance regarding Namadgi and Len Haskew spoke for the commit­ ruary and Nicki has quickly come to assure him of our continuing in­ tee's position noting that the change to grips with NPA matters. We terest in the development and man­ would bring the written aims in line farewelled Anne Taylor from this agement of the park. with actual practice. Neville Esau position after four years of valued Membership remains similar to spoke against the motion, giving service. last year. Fees were increased philosophical and practical rea­ The committee continues to meet slightly to cover inflationary costs. sons—asking what sort of organisa­ monthly to monitor association di­ We were pleased once again to re­ tion do we want to be and perceived rections, to discuss management ceive ACT Heritage grants for pub­ as being, stating that our strength procedures, to receive reports and lication of the quarterly Bulletin and came as an organisation focused on to maintain links with sub-commit­ for heritage activity support, espe­ natural protected areas. He warned tees. Len Haskew has recorded min­ cially relating to heritage in of the dangers of dissipating our utes, organised speakers for general Namadgi. We continue to employ an energies too widely. Joan Goodrum meetings and fulfilled other secre­ office manager; research and project spoke of the need to stress conser­ tarial roles. Whilst Dianne officer; the Bulletin editor, Roger vation of the cultures of both Abo­ Thomson's work commitments have Green; and to pay for office accom­ riginal and non-indigenous culture. not enabled her to participate fully modation at Chifley. A telephone After several members spoke for during the past twelve months, her answering machine has been added and against the motions, non-mem­ contribution to the work of the to assets. We hire storage space for bers were asked to move to the back of the room to make counting easier. The amendment was put to the vote Cover photo and decisively lost, members per­ Part of the development to promote tourism in the Orroral Valley is for a haps being influenced buy the 'no' walking track from the camping ground to the site of the former track­ case and the suggestion of tautology ing station. The track will follow the Orroral River from the camping in the amendment, or perhaps Syd ground until it reaches the open area where a footbridge will be built to Comfort's eloquent support for the facilitate crossing the river. The track will pass points of interest to pro­ committee's deliberations. vide extensive views of the valley and to visit the Orroral Homestead The Committee's proposal, una­ and shearing shed. mended, was then put to the meet­ Over the swampy areas of the valley, walkways will be constructed. ing and passed by 33 members out The NPAis giving support to the construction of these walkways and, on of the 42 present, a 'yes' vote of just the first well-attended weekend work party, greater than expected over the required 75 per cent of progress was made. members attending the meeting. The photograph shows ranger Craig Richardson in discussion with The accepted new wording of the past president Beverley Hammond and secretary Len Haskew at the aims and objects appears, high­ site of a particularly long section at the tracking station end of the track. lighted in italic, on page two of this Bulletin. Reg Alder NPA

Annual report continued from previous page

proposal, the south-east forests, crown leases near Morton and Budawangs national parks, the Snowy Precipitation Enhancement Project and the draft of the National Ecotourism Strategy. Track restoration work parties were held in the Budawangs. Steven Forst and Timothy Walsh have guided the Namadgi and envi­ ronment sub-committees and I am sure all members appreciate their commitment to the association. The contribution of all sub-committee members is warmly acknowledged. Outings

The NPA (ACT) has been leading walks for many years now, but im­ aginative leaders always find new Beverley Hammond. Photo by Den Robin areas to explore or revisit old favour­ ites. A revamped mid-week walks publications and use the Griffin Other ACT matters Centre for general meetings. Our program is being trialled. Mick treasurer, Mike Smith, is to be con­ Following the release of the Na­ Kelly has done a wonderful job of gratulated and thanked for the won­ tional Ecotourism Strategy an is­ planning programs and encouraging derful way in which he manages all sues paper has been released on an leaders. ecotourism policy for the ACT. Both our financial matters. Bulletin this and a proposed marketing strat­ Namadgi National Park egy for Namadgi, ACT Nature Re­ Our quarterly publication continues A major project in Namadgi over the serve and Googong foreshores, have to report on association activities, to next few years will be the removal been widely discussed and will re­ keep members informed of current of the Boboyan pine forest at ceive continuing attention. Mem­ conservation issues and to educate Gudgenby and the rehabilitation of bers were pleased with the progress readers about environmental mat­ that area. Nicki Taws is preparing on the declaration of Mulligans Flat ters. Thank you to Sonya Lenz and a detailed paper for our association Nature Reserve with the legal rec­ Phyl Goddard who are on that sub­ to increase our understanding of all ognition of Canberra Nature Park committee. and with proposals for the lower the stages involved in this exercise Marketing and and to help us appreciate the op­ Molonglo Gorge. advertising tions available to the ACT Govern­ Concern was expressed about tel­ ment. ecommunication towers on hills in Displays have been mounted in sev­ Work parties have been held at the ACT. We contributed to 'Our eral libraries to inform the public the Orroral homestead for weed and Bush Capital' proposals, ACTEW's about NPA and to invite member­ pine seedling removal and on the water strategy and the draft of the ship. Exhibitions were mounted for alpine walking track. Ajoint opera­ first State of the Environment re­ World Environment Day. Heritage tion with the National Trust and port prepared by Dr Baker, Commis­ Week, ACT Alive and for our Bird Kosciusko Huts Association has re­ sioner for the Environment in the Guide launch. A range of publica­ alised the publication of a conser­ ACT. tions is available at monthly meet­ vation plan for the Tennent farm ings. Meetings are advertised in Beyond the ACT complex. This area continues to be newspapers and on the radio. Les an important project of the Submissions and letters were sent Pyke, Doreen Wilson, Adrienne Namadgi sub-committee. to government representatives and Nicholson and Clive Hurlstone have agencies on the Plan of Manage­ all worked hard in pursuing these ment for Kosciusko, bush fires in promotions. NSW, the Jervis Bay armaments Foxoff! No, not the latest piece of graffiti in analysed to determine any trends. numbers of females with large the log book at Frank's Hut, though Rabbit numbers in the fox-free pouch young in each of the areas you may have seen it on signs areas have increased markedly from August to January. In the fox around Namadgi. Foxoff, a bait de­ while those in the areas with foxes removal areas nearly all of the joeys signed specifically for this voracious have remained roughly constant. present in August survived through lover of Australian wildlife, is one This supports other studies and was to January However in the area of the many tools employed by Pe­ to be expected. It does, however, with foxes only about 55 per cent of ter Banks. So who is Peter Banks? highlight the important role that the joeys present in August survived Peter has been conducting research foxes play in controlling rabbit num­ through to January. This indicated into the relationship between foxes bers. Small native mammals have significant predation of grey kanga­ and native prey species in Namadgi shown no particular reaction to the roos by foxes. National Park for the past three removal of foxes, though one may The continuation of the work over years. Peter's work is part of his become evident after a second breed­ another breeding cycle will give an PhD at Sydney University and is ing season. Red-necked wallabies insight into the extent to which being funded through the Austral­ have reacted to the removal of foxes foxes control grey kangaroo num­ ian Alps National Parks agreement. by grazing further from the forest bers. A second breeding cycle for the edge, some as far as 150 metres, Peter is studying the effect that small mammals may also highlight while they always remain within 20 fox predation has on grey kangaroos, any smaller or longer term effects metres in the control areas. some wallabies, small native mam­ of fox predations on these animals. mals and rabbits. The parts of the The most significant finding of Eventually the results of this study park which are being used are the Peter's work has been related to the will be used by managers in the alps Boboyan, Grassy Creek, Orroral and effect fox predation has on the grey parks to understand the implications Glendale valleys. Foxes have been kangaroo. This has been most sig­ of proposed fox control programs. left in Orroral and Glendale as con­ nificant during the October to Janu­ Peter will be continuing his re­ trol areas and removed from ary period when joeys are leaving search over the next year and his Boboyan and Grassy using a combi­ the pouch permanently. Fox cubs are further findings are awaited with (if nation of foxoff baits and spotlight being born and weaned at this time you'll pardon the pun) baited breath. shooting. Identical surveys are car­ as well, and consequently the ener­ Craig Richardson ried out in each of the valleys for the getic requirements of breeding foxes Namadgi National Park prey species. These results are then are at a peak. Counts were taken of

Annual report continued from previous page

General meetings Representation with I would like to extend my sincere Monthly meetings continue at the other organisations appreciation to all members who Griffin Centre with a variety of NPA (ACT) continues to be repre­ have been so supportive during my speakers and a wide range of envi­ sented on the ACT Environment and three years as president. The NPA ronment-related topics. We learned Conservation Consultative Commit­ is the sum total of all its members about the wetlands, the role of the tee, the Cultural Heritage Working whether they are able to give time Commissioner for the Environment, Group, the Conservation Council of to coming to meetings, committee wildlife conservation, echidnas, the the South East Region and Can­ membership, writing, leading out­ mallee, Aboriginal involvement in berra, the Environment Centre, the ings or going on them, helping with national parks, ACT Bushfire Coun­ exhibitions, preparing displays, dis­ cil, future directions for conserva­ Heritage Week Committee and the tributing books, or preparing tion in the ACT and walking in New Landcare sub-committee. The presi­ lunches or suppers. We are also Zealand. Adrienne Nicholson and dent of the Australian National grateful to those whose financial her team of volunteers kept us well Parks Council, Stephen Johnston, is assistance, both through member­ suppered. now residing in Canberra and, to­ gether with Neville and Nicki Esau, ship fees and donations, allows the he keeps us informed of ANPC ac­ NPA to maintain its commitment to tivities. Three members of NPA protection and enhancement of the have attended ACT Ecotourism environment. Polity working group meetings. Beverley Hammond Trivial pursuit of eucalyptus

The following is a transcript of the Are there any more eucalypts to are several in Timor, one in the talk given by long-time NPA be described? How many euca­ Philippines iE. deglupta > and a member, George Chippendale, at the lypts are there? number of species in New Guinea November general meeting. Since 1988 there have been over 200 shared with the Australian main­ new taxa described, making about land. I know that some Californians 740 taxa known, yet actually there think their eucalypts are native are still more to come. Botanists there but they are not. Likewise What part of Australia is have known about many of the re­ there are many growing in Italy, covered by eucalypts? cently-described new species for Spain. South Africa. New Zealand Eucalypts dominate most of our varying long periods, but haven't got and elsewhere, but they are all in­ Australian continent including Tas­ round to describing them legiti­ troduced from Australia. In fact in mania but excluding areas of jun­ mately. Now, since the Flora of Aus­ some of these places they are claim­ gle or rainforest. Some eucalypts do tralia volume in 1988, there has ing eucalypts as weeds. grow in high rainfall areas but not been an almighty rush to publish. To what heights do the smallest in the jungle areas of northern Aus­ So if anybody asks you how many and tallest eucalypts grow? tralia. Some years ago I worked out eucalypts there are, say 740 but still Eucalypts vary from a low-growing how many species of eucalypts were counting. shrub less than one metre in height found naturally in each grid of a Where are eucalyptus petals? (E. vernicosa) in the Sentinel map of Australia and it was inter­ The 'flowers' of eucalypts arc actu­ Ranges of Tasmania, to the mallee esting to see how they showed up ally the stamens, the male floral or shrubby species of many areas, on a map, with several areas hav­ organs, with the female organs hid­ to the giants approaching 100 me­ ing far more species than others. den in the middle. Petals do not ex­ tres of species such as E. regnans When were eucalypts first dealt ist as such in eucalypts. but the sta­ (mountain ash). Undoubtedly you with systematically? mens provide the splash of colour in will hear rival claims of whether this The first time the eucalypts were red. pink, yellow, orange, cream and species or the Californian redwood listed in a systematic order was in white. (Sequoia sempervirens) are the tall­ 1867 in volume two of Flora est plants in the world. The answer What is the most distinctive is a moot point with the biggest of Australiensis. which was written by character of eucalypts? the great English botanist George each having been cut down years I guess you all know that eucalypt Bentham. In this volume Bentham ago, but without question our moun­ leaves have a distinctive smell when described and gave a botanical key tain ash is the tallest hardwood in you crush them. There are two spe­ to 135 species. the world. I think it went to about cies which have a citronella smell, 320-360 feet or 106 metres in one being E. citriodora, a smooth- Who wrote the first book with height. Another tall tree, of course, all eucalypts in it? barked species, and the other being is the karri in WA (E. diversicolor). Jumping over a lot of less systema- E. staigerana, an ironbark of north­ tised literature of the eucalypts, we ern Queensland. Another distinctive How do you learn to identify come to 1934 when William Blakely group is made up of the pepper­ eucalypts? wrote and published the first book mints, with a distinct scent of pep­ Identifying eucalypts is the same as dealing entirely with all the euca­ permint in the leaves. One of the identifying any other plant. I believe lypts known to that time, number­ peppermints of this district, the only way to learn to identify any ing about 680. E. dives, 'broad-leaved peppermint', plant is to know the terms which are When was the most recent book has been a source of commercial oil used in botany books. Study the with all eucalypts in it? and has previously provided a liv­ glossaries in any botanical books ing for a number of people, particu­ In 1988 in volume 19 of the new you may have. Unless you can un­ larly near Captains Flat, but also in Flora of Australia. 540 taxa were derstand or at least know where to other parts of sub-coastal NSW. described and illustrated. So since look up the various terms, you will Blakely's day it looks as if we lost Are eucalypts native outside not get far. Most knowledge of euca­ 150 taxa! Actually it was only that Australia? lypts is in books and these are where you must go to learn. Certainly peo­ Blakely had included a number of A number of other countries claim ple who live in any one area will get hybrids and also since that time to have native eucalypts. You can to know the trees in their surround­ some of his taxa have been believe them if they are Timor, New ings, but knowing their correct synonymised with other taxa. Guinea or the Philippines, for there name is also important. Common Are eucalypts mentioned in Who described the first eucalypt names are all right if the name is poetry? in literature? really common, but some common Adam Lindsay Gordon's view of The surprising thing is that this names vary with the district or state eucalypts is expressed: species, E. 'obliqua, and the whole genus of Eucalyptus was described and can be unreliable. When the gnarl'd, knotted trunks by a French magistrate, Charles What are eucalypts named eucalyptian, Louis L'Heritier in 1788, 18 years after? Seem carved, like weird columns after Banks had collected the first Scientific names are the only sure Egyptian. eucalypt specimen. A sidelight on way for one person to know what This might be the view of a poet another is talking about. Using bo­ this is that L'Heritier was assassi­ not born in Australia. Adam Lindsay tanical names is not as difficult as nated and there is no drawing of him Gordon was born in the West Indies, people sometimes state. Again, of­ known, so we do not know what he but then a native-born poet, Banjo ten the name tells us something looked like. Most of the other peo­ Paterson said: about the species. For instance Eu­ ple who had something to do with calyptus maculosa, in which the spe­ A scent of eucalyptus trees in eucalypts are known by drawings, cies name means 'mottled' or 'full of honey-laden bloom paintings or, latterly, photographs. spots', refers to the patchy appear­ and Will Ogilvie, another native- Were eucalypts known before ance of the bark. In the red born poet said: this? stringybark, Eucalyptus I have said that Banks collected the Hurrah for the red-gums first eucalypt specimen in 1770 but macrorhyncha, which occurs on standing some explorers, namely Abel Black Mountain and elsewhere, the So high on the range above! species name means Targe beak', Tasman in 1642 and William referring to the large pointed cap to What does the name eucalyptus Dampier in 1699, had the opportu­ the buds. Others where the knowl­ mean? nity and mentioned trees which edge of the name can help with its You probably all know that the name must have been eucalypts. However, identity are: 'eucalyptus' is derived from two they did not collect specimens, or if Greek words, 'eu' meaning Veil5 and they did the specimens did not sur­ E. polyanthemos, red box—many- Tcalyptos' meaning 'covered'. This vive. Banks' specimen did survive flowered refers to the buds which have a dis­ and I have seen it, as indeed I saw E. maculata, spotted gum tinctive cap covering everything the specimen on which the genus is —spotted, blotched else. One very distinctive bud is that based, collected by the gardener E. niphonphila, one of the snow of E. erytkrocorys, a rare WA spe­ David Nelson. These are in the her­ gums—snow-loving cies, where the cap is shaped like a barium of the Museum of Natural Sometimes the name is a misno­ biretta, a square cap worn by some History in South Kensington, Lon­ mer because of the condition of the ministers of religion. don. plant when it was first seen or de­ Which eucalypt did Joseph Which eucalypt occurs most scribed such as E. pauciflora, which Banks collect first in 1770? widely in Australia? is the common snow gum. The name The first eucalypt collected was by means 'few-flowered' and is the ex­ The species which covers most of the Joseph Banks on the shores of act opposite of its flowering condi­ mainland of Australia is the river Botany Bay and was E. gummifera, tion. At least when you know this red gum, E. camaldulensis, while the common bloodwood of the Syd­ you can think backwards and again the species which has the greatest ney district. have a clue to the identity. Then, of north—south occurrence is course, if the species is named after Which was the first eucalypt E. tereticornis, the forest red gum, a person, it behoves you to know described in literature? which occurs from victoria to north some botanical history. For instance However, E. gummifera was not the Queensland. E. maidenii, a blue gum seen on the first species to be described in lit­ Are there deciduous eucalypts? road on Brown Mountain, is named erature. The first one described was Eucalypts are regarded as the ar­ after JH Maiden who was a Direc­ E. obliqua, the messmate chetypal evergreen tree but not tor of the Sydney Botanical Gardens stringybark from Tasmania. This many know that there are a few de­ one was collected by David Nelson, and it was named by Ferdinand von ciduous species such as E. alba, oc­ who was with Captain Cook on his Mueller, the famous Melbourne curring in the northern part of botanist. third voyage, at Adventure Bay in Australia. Tasmania. Trivial pursuit of eucalyptus continued from previous page

What are the main bark types in which is seen around Sydney and scribbly gum. E. haemastoma. eucalypts? the central coast of NSW. There was an article about this in There are nine main types of bark the July edition of the magazine Are eucalypts edible? and it helps greatly to be able to In central Australia the common Gardening Australia and there was identify these. If you can identify a recent exhibition in the Sydney bloodwood. E. terminalis. has on it what sort of bark a tree has, then what are called bush apples, actu­ Botanic Gardens also. you cut down the number of species ally fleshy material about the size Where can you see 300 or more you are concerned with. For in­ of an apple but caused by a gall in­ eucalypts in one place? stance, in bloodwoods there may be sect. These are prized by Aborigines. One great place to see eucalypts in about 20. and if you also know where In Tasmania the cider gum, E. a sort of garden atmosphere is in the the plant is growing you probably gunnii. has been used by Aborigines arboretum of the Waite Agricultural can get the identity straight away. to make an alcoholic cider. Some was Research Institute in Adelaide They The actual locality is most impor­ even sent to the British botanist have had 300 or more different eu­ tant Anyway the bark types are: William Hooker. Most people will calypt species well cared for in a l.bloodwood—brown or red-brown have seen canoe trees, invariably comparatively small area and for and appearing to be segmented eucalypt trees from which Aborigi­ many years, if not still, accurate into pseudo squares nes have cut a large slab to be fash­ records were kept of growth rates 2. ironbark—usually dark grey or ioned into a canoe. There is one at and causes of death. Broulee, for instance. black and extremely hard Can you buy clothing adorned 3. stnngybark, is just as it sounds Are there any historic by eucalypt motifs? and able to be pulled off the trunk eucalypts? I'm surprised that gumnuts have in long strings Our eucalypts also play a big part not been used as decoration on cloth­ 4. peppermint—less stringy and in our history. The Proclamation ing or artefacts. I spent a lot of time tending to be somewhat cris-cross Tree (E. camaldulensis, river red looking for a tie with gumnuts or in pattern gum) in Glenelg, Adelaide, was even leaves on it but with no luck. 5. box—finely fibrousan d adhering where the State of South Australia (Editor's note: Eucalypt motifs are closely to the trunk and branches, was proclaimed in 1857. The same being used quite frequently on T- usually grey to grey-brown species was used in 1836 in the Bo­ shirts and windcheaters, particu­ 6.gum — usually applied to the tanic Gardens of Melbourne when larly hand-painted ones and in smooth-barked species •Victoria became a separate colony. brooches, other small items of jew­ 7. ash—a combination of fibrous ellery and souvenirs, but we have Are eucalypts used in children's bark at the lower part of the tree been very slow to take them up. This books? with smooth gum bark above point was made in general discus­ Another type of history is the book 8. minaritchie—a very special bark sion at the meeting.) that many of us were brought up on, only found in WA on a few euca­ These are just a few of the trivia the world of Snugglepot and lypts where the deciduous bark concerning eucalypts. There are Cuddlepie. May Gibbs, the author of rolls longitudinally on the trunk many more but this is enough for this children's classic, used many 9. scribbly—the 'scribbles' are seen now. on the otherwise smooth bark, native plants in her drawings in­ this being caused by the scribbly cluding eucalypts. The cover of many George M Chippendale gum moth Omograptis scribula. editions showed some large gumnuts, and the hats worn by Are eucalypts represented on many of the characters in the book Australian money? were actually the caps or operculum Some other interesting trivia about of eucalypt flowers. One of the char­ eucalypts are that on the old $5 note acters was called Little Ragged Blos­ there is a drawing of E. pytiformis, som and her skirt, hair and cape are the pear-fruited mallee from WA. said to be based on the flowers of the There are several other eucalypts on Tasmanian bluegum, E. globulus. I this note, too, plus some other na­ believe the gumnuts used on the tive plants. The later $5 note also cover of the book are probably of the has a eucalypt featured. The new red bloodwood, E. gummifera. The plastic note has a representation of writing by the creatures in this book is the scribbly gum, E. haemastoma. based on the scribbles on the Sydney Nothing new in heritage disputes Funding boost for NSW NPWS While browsing the latest issue of more culturally sensitive citizens. 'The environment is clearly back as the normally dry pages of Archaeo­ lb make matters worse it emerged an issue of major public concern', logical Studies Review, Icame across that the developer, one Spiros according to Richard Jones, MLC. an interesting article which shows Papandreou, had sent the entire The NSW government has boosted that there is nothing new in herit­ Athens City Council on a two-week annual recurrent funding to the age disputes. cruise around the Aegean with 100 NPWS from $43 to $79 million over In 1992 an archaeological team dancing girls. However a spokesman the next three years. Twenty million from Lafayette University, USA, for the council described the cruise dollars will be spent buying or ex­ was excavating the ruins of a minor as 'a hard-working conference' and tending national parks on the north 6th century BC temple near the so-called dancing girls as 'noth­ coast with $5 million to be spent on Thessalonika in northern Greece. ing more than deckhands'. feral animal and weed control and In a stone vault under the foun­ The leaders of the protest move­ $4 million on fire management. Con­ dations they made an unusual find, ment were Edmundos Kaponis, trol of feral animals would expand hundreds of wax tablets in an ex­ Filippis Adamas, Leonida Karamis tenfold according to environment cellent state of preservation. When and Donaldis Hornopoulos. They minister Chris Hartcher. translated, these proved to be part attacked the design of the proposed The increase seemed to follow in of the municipal records of Athens Parthenon building in these terms: the footsteps of a poll conducted for from the 5th century BC. Research­ ...a collection of sterile columns the government of over 1500 people ers speculated that they had been (Kaponis) in April that clearly showed environ­ moved north for safekeeping during It looks like a wedding cake mental problems to be close to the the Peloponnesian Wars (431- (Adamas) top of people's concerns for the fu­ 404 BC). ... out of keeping with the charac­ ture. 'The Liberals are trying to win In the midst of records concerning ter of the area (Karamis) back the green vote before the next mundane subjects like water supply, A monument to greed and par­ election in March 1995,' concluded sewerage and taxes, the translators venu vulgarity (Hornopoulos). Mr Jones. came across a startling discovery, However, they could not with­ the complete records of the original stand the power of the almighty Canopy, Australian Democrats proposal to build the Parthenon. drachma. Papandreou got his way newsletter, September 1994 It seems that the Parthenon and soon the beautiful terrace project was in fact a redevelopment houses were no more. At first the Native title of the Acropolis site which involved citizens resented the overbearing the demolition of terrace housing presence of 'the hideous monstros­ applications dating from Athens' earliest days. ity7, as they called the new building, The NPA has received notification These terrace houses had originally but as more and more tourists came from the National Native Title been the residences of wealthy mer­ to Athens to see it they gradually Tribunal in Perth of several chants but had fallen into disrepair accepted it. applications for the determination and become unsightly slums. Nev­ Nowadays, of course, we deal with of native title. The applications ertheless they were the last surviv­ heritage issues in a much more civi­ concern the following people and ing example of that type of housing lised way. areas: and the proposal to demolish them • Adnyamathanha people aroused a storm of protest from the David Eastman eastern South Australia, adjacent to the Flinders Ranges • Darug people south-east New South Wales, state forest and reserve near Baulkham Hills, NPA Christmas Party Sydney • Gurubana-Gunggandji people Sunday 11 December 3.00pm at Orroral north Queensland, land and waters about 12 kilometres east Valley picnic ground. Members and friends of Cairns • Wandarang, Mara, Alawa and welcome. Bring a picnic tea. Ngalakan people eastern Northern Territory, land and waters in the Roper River region. PARKWATCH

Jerrabomberra Shoalwater Bay saved Wetlands Nature Shoalwater Bay is one of the last pristine coastal wildernesses left. On 1 September, federal cabinet decided to prevent mining, retain De­ Reserve partment of Defence control and retain access for the local Darumbal Abo­ The ACT minister for the riginal people. Environment. Bill Wood, launched The Shoalwater/Bvfield region is located just inside the Tropic of Capri­ a management plan on 5 October corn, and covers approximately 3000 square kilometres. The region falls 1994 for one of ACT's most within the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area and Byfield National significant breeding sites for Park. Together these areas represent the largest stretch of undeveloped waterbirds—Jerrabomberra Nature coastal land on the east coast of Australia and south of Cape York Penin­ Reserve. sula. The m a n a ge m e n t p 1 a n w a s This large wilderness has many features which make it both regionally prepared by the ACT Parks and and nationally significant. These features include a high diversity of flora, Conservation Service and describes fauna and landscapes; the presence of rare and threatened species; uncom­ how the reserve is to be managed to mon floristic associations and the role it plays in the understanding of hu­ enhance its conservation, man occupation of Australia. The area's marine environment is already educational and recreational values. included on the World Heritage list and on the register of the National The wetlands are a significant Estate. landscape feature of Canberra and This spectacular land contains an estimated 30 per cent of all Australia's contain habitat of international animal and plant species, including 51 per cent of Australia's bird species importance to the conservation of and 13 per cent of its frog species. A number of rare and endangered spe­ migratory species of waterbirds. The cies such as the dugong [Dugong dugong) and the green sea turtle wetlands provide food, shelter, and '.Che/oninmyc/asi are also found. breeding sites for many of the bird Total Environment, Total Environment Centre. August 1994 species that frequent the southern highlands. The ACT Parks and Conservation Service will continue to maintain the conservation values of the wetlands so that they may be South-east forests—a brief respite enjoyed and appreciated by the people of the ACT and its visitors. In a bizarre turn of events most of the South East Forests Protection Bill has been included in the Timber Industry (Interim Protection) Act. Amend­ Land Inform at ion Newsletter, ments accepted by the NSW government provide for: Department of the Environment, Land and Planning, October 1994 • a moratorium on logging of 125 000 hectares of unlogged old growth forest well into 1995—a larger area than in the south east bill Horse riding in • a committee of regulators (National Parks and Wildlife Service, Envi­ national parks ronmental Protection Agency, Soil Conservation) to control logging and roading by the Forestry Commission when no Environmental Impact Horseriding group s are lobbying the Statement has been prepared and to monitor logging after determina­ NSW Government to permit tion of an Environmental Impact Statement widespread riding in national parks • a public register of proposed logging plans, National Parks and Wild­ and wilderness areas. life Service and Environmental Protection Agency licences as well as Horses have made a great monitoring reports. contribution to the exploration, The forest under moratorium includes: settlement and development of Australia. They were an important • all areas currently on the National Estate Register part of Australia's efforts in World • important habitats of koala, endangered owl and potoroo War I. They are marvellous • east-west links from the escarpment to the coastal national parks. creatures and part of our cultural Not unexpectedly, State Forests were less than active in withdrawing heritage. existing logging from the moratorium area and a short campaign was However, like most other necessary to ensure that they withdrew. activities, horse riding has an Total Environment, Total Environment Centre, August 1994 impact on the natural environment. Its impact is so severe that horse riding must be banned in national parks, nature reserves, wilderness PARKWATCH

areas and in the areas where nature Plant a Tree Cat controls conservation is a primary objective. These areas amount to only Greening Australia and the ACT The Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) five per cent of Australia so a ban Cancer Society launched a special Animals Bill was introduced into on horse riding in parks will not program called Plant a Tree in the Victorian parliament at the be­ seriously affect horse riding as a Memory which will help fight cancer, ginning of spring. The proposed leg­ recreation. It leaves at least improve the environment and pro­ islation will bring cats under con­ 90 per cent of Australia available to vide shade for future generations. trol for the first time as well as im­ the riders. The Plant a Tree in Memory pro­ proving legislation for dogs. The leg­ islation calls for registration and A horse, its rider and saddle, gram, which was launched on 3 Sep­ identification of all cats and dogs weigh on average 500 kilograms tember 1994, allows people from the over 6 moths old. Fees will apply— which is seven times heavier than ACT and surrounding region to have cheaper for animals that are de- the average pedestrian. Horses are a tree planted in memory of a spe­ sexed. steel shod and their weight comes cial occasion such as a birthday, down on a relatively small impact wedding or loss of a loved one. It is Councils will have the power to area which has a considerable effect a gift that will be remembered by restrict the wandering of cats if they on the ground. family and friends for years to come. wish, for example, a cat curfew in areas of special conservation signifi­ In 1986 in the McCarrs Creek area The ACT Cancer Society will use cance. As at present, dogs will not of Ku-ring-gai Chase there were 50- a part of each donation made to the be allowed to wander unsupervised 80 unauthorised bridle trails in five program to help expand their serv­ at any time. Anyone will have the square kilometres, including many ices and increase research and edu­ right to seize a dog or cat at large in erosion trenches up to your knees. cation. Greening Australia will use part of each donation for an area where it is prohibited pro­ This sort of damage is too revegetation proj ects in the ACT and vided that the animal is promptly expensive for the government to surrounding regions to combat land taken to an appropriate local coun­ attempt to repair. Recently the NSW and water degradation, replace cil officer. Registered animals can National Parks and Wildlife Service wildlife habitat and increase shade. then be returned and their owners spent $68 000 to repair six fined if necessary. kilometres of track in Ku-ring-gai Broadcast, GreeningAustraliaACT Chase. The Service calculated that & SE NSW, September 1994 Newsletter of the Victorian National for every kilometre of authorised Parks Association, October 1994 bridle trail in the Chase it receives Rabbit control $400 in permit fees but spends Members of the conservation move­ $4000 in maintenance. This figure ment will be aware of research work Direct seeding does not include the cost of repairing being undertaken by CSIRO to in­ unauthorised horse tracks. A milestone has been achieved on troduce a new biological control the southern tablelands with a re­ Physical damage to the riding agent for wild rabbits in Australia cent direct seeding on Allendale, ground surface is not the only and New Zealand. Boorowa, which has given the prop­ impact of horse riding. Deposits of Their research is focused on rab­ erty a total area of over 50 nitrogen rich horse droppings bit cahcivirus disease (RCD) which kilometers of trees and shrubs es­ change local ecology by upsetting is seen as an effective alternative to tablished from seed. the nutrient balance. Where riding myxomatosis. RCD has been having parties cross streams, the horse The direct seeding project began a devastating effect on the rabbit with a modest trial of 2.8 kilometers hooves cut down and collapse population in Europe over the last stream banks and the stream in spring 1991, which was later de­ few years—ironically, Spanish sci­ becomes turbid with silt. scribed as a total disaster following entists are working to stop the dis­ heavy post seeding rain. Property But perhaps the most serious ease. owner David Marsh has since impact of horse ridingi n the natural The likelihood of RCD release has worked with Greening Australia to areas is the spread of weeds through moved a step closer following a re­ perfect the technique on the south­ horse stomachs or carried on their cent inspection of Wardang Island ern tablelands of NSW and now has coats. (in Spencer Gulf, South Australia) 55 kilometers established for wind­ Total Environment, Total by a group of scientists from New breaks, agroforestry and salinity Environment Centre, August 1994 Zealand and Australia. control. Wardang Island has been chosen for the second stage of research and Broadcast, GreeningAustraliaACT field trial work on RCD. & SE NSW, Aug/Sept 1994 Xanthopus, Nature Conservation Society of SA, October 1994 FOOTSTEPS The Tops to Myall's Heritage Trail j This walk spans about 220 kilome­ tres and extends from the World Heritage Barnngton Tops National Park via Carey's Peak to the 1 Gloucester Tops and then through Chichester. Avon. Craven. Myall River, Wang Wauk and Bulahdolah state turests before passing through the Myall Lakes National Park, end- ; nig at the township of Hawks Nest. The trail was inaugurated in 1992 I with the Governor of NSW taking part. It is now an annual feature on the NSW National Parks Associa- I turn Walks Program. With the as- I sistancf of the Tea Gardens Lions Club, it is a full-pack walk for two | davs and then the remaining nine days are walked with just a day j pack. ! This year Judy Wehster, Tim Walsh, Syd Comfort and I decided j that we would take part in the walk | that ran from 27 September to 7 Oc­ tober We are all pleased that we did ! the walk and probably even more pleased that our muscles, joints and : feet proved equal to the task. Most I of the walking is on forestry roads and fire trails and at times also in­ volves walking along rural roads and this year, at least, several kilo­ metres are along the main northern railway line. The hard surfaces were quick to find weaknesses in both body and gear. Fortunately the sup­ port vehicle was able to offer trans­ Hut on Careys Peak. Photo by Len Haskew port to the most severely afflicted. Distances each day were reasonably metres deep, but dry and powdery. came evident. When we reached Myall long and early in the walk there We started the walk at midday Lakes National Park the last two days were some quite considerable as­ and walked about 17 kilometres were curtailed by bushfires. cents and descents. Our leaders, to camp at Black Swamp. On a On such a long walk through so Andy and John, knew the area very nice day it may well be quite an many ecosystems there were many well and were able to adjust the ac­ attractive spot but covered in highlights. Probably, because the area tual path to suit the party and, on snow it didn't seem at all inviting. was showing the effects of the drought, occasions, were able to offer a choice We made camp as quickly as we I remember the flowing rivers most between the high road or the low could and were in our tents just vividly. A large block up on the road. That said, however, intending on nightfall. Everyone had a Barrington River, rather ignomini- walkers should be warned that Andy rather coolish and very long night. ously called The Big Hole, was a truly- could not resist any suggestion of a After that the days and most of the delightful feature in the snow and I trig or other high point! nights were all warm and there imagine it would have an even greater We began the walk in a snowstorm was certainly no more rain. In fact, appeal on a hot day. Gloucester Falls and covered a considerable distance water was a worry and as we were a very worthwhile side trip and over snow that was about six centi­ neared the coast, bushfires be­ the Gloucester River certainly looks FOOTSTEPS worthy of further exploration. At the plenty of waterbirds, especially peli­ to date—he was quickly crowned Karuah River, which we reached one cans. Lace monitors were also plen­ poet laureate. lunchtime, we were able to replen­ tiful and were not averse to having This walk made me appreciate ish our water bottles and also find their photograph taken. At Bombah even more how fortunate we are to pools sufficiently deep for a refresh­ Point there were a couple of resident have Namadgi with its flowing ing plunge. kookaburras who relished the meat streams, abundant wildlife, great Despite the terrain, views were in hamburgers just as much as the views, soft uncrowded campsites not a real feature of the walk but bushwalkers who had spent the pre­ and so little evidence of man-made the view from Carey's Peak was out­ vious nine days living on freeze- degradation. However, if you feel standing and enabled us to see just dried food. Also in residence here you are up to a long walk this trek how the drought was punishing the was a family of blue-faced is well worth doing. Because dis­ area. Later we camped beside the honeyeaters. tances are so great and because trig on Mt Teleraree in Bulahdelah State Forest and had wonderful views across the Bombah Broadwater to the volcanic guard­ ians of the entrance to Port Stephens. Botanically the commu­ nities we saw were many and var­ ied, although because of the drought we did not see them at their best. There were, of course, the wide va­ riety of rainforest types in the Barrington Tops area as well as subalpine areas. The ferns and epi­ phytes claimed everyone's attention and were committed to film time and time again. Lower down we saw some magnificent paperbark swamps and, by the broadwater, a display of flannel flowers that were over head height. Those of us who pressed on despite the fires walked through art area that had been ex­ tensively sand mined and later re­ generated. It was quite obvious that the revegetation procedures were evolving very gradually and the more recent efforts had quite won­ derful displays of heath flowers. I am far from convinced, though, that the area is being returned to its natural state.

The area is reputed to be rich in both bird and animal life but we saw very little evidence of this. Perhaps Falls, Gloucester River. Photo by Len Haskew the size of our party (over 20) fright­ Ill be a long time forgetting the ened the wildlife away. Perhaps they water is rather scarce, it is probably interest that ticks aroused in a party were escaping the drought—most of not a walk you could easily do unas­ of walkers from Victoria. Once we the small creeks and streams were sisted. NPA (NSW) and all involved reached the lakes it was rather easy dry—or perhaps logging and fires, organise things very well; nothing to acquire a tick and it was quite both past and present, had driven went wrong for us. If you would like amusing to see at dusk the little them elsewhere. The most fre­ to take part next year contact either torchlight processions going off to quently seen animals were of the joint leaders, Andy Cairns watch an 'operation'. At the walk­ brumbies which seem to be present (02) 813 142 or John Niven ers' dinner at Myall Shores, Sid en­ in all the state forests. (049) 435 343. tertained us all with a very apt epic Around Myall Lakes there were poem about the parties' experiences Len Haskew NAMADGI

Namadgi National Park's tenth anniversary

On 30 October, about 30 NPA mem­ bers, friends and Craig Richardson, ranger in the park, met to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the decla­ ration of the Gudgenby Nature1 Re­ serve as a national park We walked the Yerrabi Track- built by NPA members in 1987. ad­ mired the flowers on the way. the clear water in Little Dry Creek and the view from the trig. We contin­ ued to admire the mountains as we sat and ate our lunch in the sun on the rock platform over the lull. Later we investigated the rock shelter be­ neath the slab and the huge boul­ ders there. Then back to the cars and down to the Gudgenby River where we walked beside this lovely stream before having a party in the first paddock beside the river Past presidents. B e v e r I ey Hammond. Syd Comfort and Ian Currie. cut a large slab cake after young Harry i Ian and -lean's grand­ son i blew out the candles and we all sang 'Happy birthday to Namadgi"! All enjoyed the afternoon, the sun. wine and food, and felt at peace with the world in this very lovely place Fiona MacDonald Brand

Top: NPA lunch on Yerrabi Track Bottom: NPA eclerations beside Gudgenby River. Photos by Reg Alder Fat cats and cockatoos The following article, by Wolfgang public assets often leads to short­ tal mission. The case of the African Kasper, has been printed with the sightedness and that government- elephant is well known. Herds were permission of the Independent owned assets are used for short- hunted to near extinction by starv­ Monthly. term party political gain. By con­ ing villagers and poachers as long trast, private owners frequently as they belonged to government, Australia has done much for nature take even the interest of their yet- that is, to no-one. Subsequently, vil­ conservation. However, the stock unborn grandchildren into account. lagers were given ownership; and response to environmental chal­ Though there are, of course, many they could protect and earn income lenges has almost always been to exceptions—for example, farmers by showing off 'their' elephants to transfer land to inalienable, non- overgrazing their land—private tourists. The herds multiplied. In private ownership and the exclusive ownership on average enhances the the same vein, I would make a case control of bureaucracies. Nearly six likelihood of long-term conservation for lifting the prohibition on private per cent of Australia has been col- of valuable assets. Economic theory ownership of rare bird species in lectivised in national parks and can explain why collective owner­ Australia. That would curb the atro­ other conservation areas. ship frequently leads to the cious bird smuggling and give rare On the whole, Australians have degredation of nature. cockatoos the same chance of sur­ been fairly indifferent to the land vival that chickens have. being socialised in perpetuity. Land The 'tragedy of the commons', as Privately owned conservation is abundant, most conservation ar­ this has been called, is even visible projects can work, and work effi­ eas are, in any event, carved out of from space: the first detailed satel­ ciently. In South Australia, for ex­ crown land—which we consider as lite photos of northern Africa in 1974 ample, environmentalist John belonging to no-one. showed the close coexistence of overgrazed, devastated public land Wamsley runs the successful This model of nature conservation and lush, fenced-in private pastures. Warrawong sanctuary and other is coming under increasing criti­ conservation areas. He has shown cism. The NSW fires demonstrated This age-old verity was also known to the Greek sage Aristotle, that his costs in attaining the con­ that national parks are not neces­ servation objective are much lower sarily good neighbours for family who wrote about 2 300 years ago: 'What is common to many is taken than in the comparable, socialised homes. Bushwalkers are often sad­ Cleland Wildlife Park, which is dened to see the degradation of land least care of, for all men have greater regard for what is their own roughly the same size as by wild pigs, rabbits, Patterson's Warrawong. In the same year in curse or lantana after it has been than for what they possess in com­ mon with others.' which Wamsley fenced his reserve transferred from private farmers to for $12 000, the park service fenced Consequently, Australia's almost public bureaucracies. And I am Cleland park at a cost to the tax­ exclusive concentration on the probably not the only Australian payer of $300 000. Cleland employs collectivist model seems a danger­ who deplores the abomination of the about 40 staff, Warrawong four. The ous strategy for long-term nature tax-funded steel walkway from the salaried national parks elite may conservation. 'National parks' need Perisher chairlift to Mount find such comparisons odious. But not be 'nationalised parks', and pub­ Kosciusko, or who has chanced upon the comparisons should give food for lic access does not require public heaps of construction material serious thought to those of us who administration and ownership. At helicoptered by National Parks into want maximum environmental care least some national park areas remote places and left to litter the for limited tax dollars. landscape. The rapid expansion of should be protected under alterna­ conservation areas imposes rising tive institutional arrangements. A Australian environmentalists burdens on the taxpayer. Conserva­ mix of private and public ownership should also consider the time-tested tion bureaucracies are not always and private and bureaucratic man­ experience of the alpine clubs in funded enough to care for nature agement would allow us to find out Europe. In 1862, the Austrians after offices, public-service condi­ what works best in the long run. founded their alpine club to make tions and accommodation are taken I find inspiration and encourage­ the fragile high country accessible, care of. ment in alternative arrangements to study and to protect it. They were which entrust natural assets to pri­ promptly followed by the Swiss and It is not surprising that the gov­ vate owners, who are bound by gov­ the Germans. Nowadays, the ernment ownership and manage­ ernment monitored covenants, or German alpine club alone has about ment are found wanting when it which hand the management of gov­ 500 000 members. Small areas of comes to long-term environmental ernment-owned assets to private the high country are entrusted to care. Experience in other areas people or clubs with an environmen­ 'sections' (local chapters of the club). shows that the political control of Section members maintain hiking reaucratic tenure encourage office tracks, accommodation and waste tracks and signs, and more gener­ politics to the detriment of the nec­ removal in defined areas of the Blue ally have cared over the past 130 essary hard work in the wilds. For Mountains, the Warrumbungles or years for the land, the flora and these reasons, we are now privatis­ the Grampians, in which club mem­ fauna in the area with which they ing government insurance compa­ bers take personal pride, would identify. They also operate alpine nies, officers' messes and telephone seem an experiment well worth at­ huts and other amenities under services. Why not some national tempting. strict environmental rules. parks'1 Where the interests of future gen­ Such clubs offer great advantages An important ingredient in the erations and the conservation of our over the hierarchical, top-down so­ success of private clubs in manag­ rich natural heritage are at stake, cialist approach: clubs of genuinely ing nature is that they mobilise the predictable resistance of en­ interested people tend to bring en­ much valuable voluntary, practical trenched bureaucratic interests will thusiasm, long-term commitment engagement by people who care. In have to be overcome. Conservation and voluntary labour to the task of Australia, people of goodwill have seems far too important a task to be conservation. And like the various largely been pushed in to the arms left exclusively in the hands of col­ Australian automobile clubs, they of environmental agitators and lective ownership and bureaucratic are more efficiently managed than lobby groups, which have developed administration, institutional de­ most government organisations. an incestuous symbiosis with gov­ vices whose track record in other It is possible to hand environmen­ ernment. The great old Australian walks of life has been dubious at tal assets to clubs for limited peri­ tradition of voluntary work should best. be mobilised for nature conserva­ ods and to invite competitors if the Wolfgang Kasper task is not done well. Moreover, tion. People want to belong to good leaders who prefer office work and causes, as the admirable success of Wolfgang Kasper is professor of resist dirtying their hands tend to Ian Kiernan's Clean Up Australia economics at the University of New be thrown out at the next election campaign shows. And people coop­ South Wales College at the of club officials, whereas open-ended erate well in small groups. Letting Australian Defence Force Academy administrative monopoly and bu­ dedicated, small clubs care for at Canberra.

Telecommunication eyesores

In the last issue of the Bulletin we reported on the proliferation of telecommunication towers on the hilltops of Canberra. The NPA wrote to Brian Howe, the Federal Minister for Housing and Regional Development, expressing concern that telecommunication carriers are exempt from local planning laws. In response, the minister wrote that the telecommunications carriers are subject to the provisions of the National Capital Plan and that there is to be an amendment of the plan to include a policy on telecommunication towers. Until the amendment, which is to involve public consultation, it will not be legal for further towers to be constucted.

Photos by Den Robin Snowy River Lament

An acquaintance of many, Its longest stream, The banks But known to few. The Quidong*, Scarred by bulldozed tracks From the snow Not only does it flow, Which wend their way it used to flow, To sea at Mario Among chain-sawed remnants But now But rises now Of an ancient forest All plugged and plumbed, On Errinunda's Plateau. Trodden by horse and cow its flow Today, Draped with cutting Commences A benign trickle Clinging Blackberries From without the snow. Wends its way Among the crowding wattle. An enigma, Through Never Never Land The river, Like its course The Snowy Loop and Lower But no more native or exotic fish Snowy A giant question mark A river, still, however Warm Corner, That carves its way With sinuous eels Poppong Bend. Through the southern section And gh'ding platypus Of Kosciusko National Park At times, Its tree-lined-banks Once, Its water's violent surge And sandy rocky isles A stream of might, Spurred on Echoing to the dawn chorus Of turbulence By clearing of the land The drumming call Frozen in stone, Does yet eclipse the past. Of Emus, Through uplifted hills, This remnant river, Aquatic birds; Incised valleys, Not quite a sewer, Majestic Swans Rocky beds But headed for eutrophica:, The shattering calls And mighty sculpted galleries, Alas, along its way, Of new invaders: Deep gorges, A myriad things: Blackbirds. Waterfalls. Massive piles of timber, Steel drums, large and small, The Snowy, A river, Along whose banks remains Flowing through granite hills Plastic in all its forms, A wide range of bottles and cans, The evidence of human times Clad in Native Pine Of long and longer hence: And Eucalypts - Piled at record heights Burnt Hut Crossing, Memories of the Dreamtime Man from Snowy River Country And of the recent past. Rocky prominences studded Ten metres plus. With Kurrajongs and An assortment of exotic plants: *The lower part of the Delegate river Casuarinas, Willows—some weeping, is sometimes called the Quidong Some upright, Crowned with Xanthorreas, Ian Haynes Theirflower-topped spear s Like their companion Poplars Thrusting skyward, Exotic sentinels that stud the Their trunks riverbanks Shrouded with delicate grass Cluttering and impeding flood­ skirts ing flows. Now, Sand and banks, State of the The Snowy's stream, Now rarely swept by cleansing environment report flows, Below Jindabyne, available now! Only passes Littered with clinging Bathurst Through New South Wales, Burr, The ACTs first report on the Where its other flows, Assorted piercing thistles, state of the environment is out Till the Quidong shows, Orange-yellow Californian Pop­ now- You can buy this for $20 at Are minor flows, pies ACT government shopfronts While its upper flow Tangled webs of Ivy and and the Office of the Commis­ To the Murray goes. Hoarhound mats. sioner for the Environment. Bush blocks preserved Make a difference! If you are tired of just talking about Have yuu heard of the Australian management arrangements of the conservation and want some action, Bush Heritage Fund^ This is an or­ most sensitive areas in the lowland then the Australian Trust for Con­ ganisation which aims to facilitate forest of the Daintree. servation Volunteers have a wide nature conservation by acquiring The bush heritage fund owns a range of projects for your involve­ land of outstanding ecological sig­ block of fan palm forest in this valu­ ment. nificance and preserving it as the able lowland forest. It will remain The trust is a non-profit, non-po­ nation's heritage. the property of the fund, but will be litical, community-based organisa­ In the Liffey Valley in Tasmania, included in the overall plan for the tion which operates in every state a pristine bush heritage block, area included in the Daintree Res­ and territory in Australia. Under bought by donations from fund sup­ cue Package. In the meantime, the the guidance of employed and porters, stands next to old-growth fund has signed an agreement with trained field officers and program forest soon to be logged. 'I dread the the local conservation organisation, managers, volunteer members as­ sounds of the chainsaws up the the Daintree Rainforest Founda­ sist in projects such as revegetation. Liffey Valley this summer. But when tion, for them to look after the day- seed collection, fence construction, the night falls, I will climb up the to-day management of the bush her­ walking track maintenance, weed hill and cross the block being de­ itage block. and vermin control, heritage resto­ stroyed, and go into our bush herit­ The Australian Bush Heritage ration, wildlife research and other age block to listen to the scamper of Fund has had a good year, with its scientific research. the wildlife, knowing they at least income more than double that of Trust volunteers work on public are safe because we all rescued that last year. If donations continue at and private land including forests, block when it too was set to go to the the same rate, the fund anticipates grasslands, beaches, parklands and woodchip mill,' says Bob Brown in buying another bush block this fi­ farmland. The trust provides a field the latest newsletter of the Austral­ nancial year. For more information, officer, transport, accommodation ian Bush Heritage Fund. write to: and equipment for all projects. Meanwhile, there is good news up The Australian Bush Heritage Fund If you would like any information in the Daintree. The Commonwealth 102 Bathurst Street about the trust, call Michele Belford government has agreed to provide Hobart Tasmania 7000 at the Canberra office on 247 7770 $11.5 million (on condition Queens­ Phone(002)315 475 or freecall (008) 646 915. land matches this) over the next Fax (002) 31 2491 three years for land purchase and Anne Forsythe

New NPA members as Rainforest Action Alert at 1 November 1994 Although much of the steep upland forest of north-east Australia is pro­ Penny Price Flynn tected as a World Heritage Area, two-thirds of the lowland forests from Rod and Jennie Mackay Holder Daintree to Cape Tribulation have been excluded and are still open to Debbie Worner Downer clearcutting. Thomas Heinsohn O'Connor A proposed development area has been subdivided into 1100 lots to be Yuka Hirose Emu Ridge sold for homes, a shopping centre, tourist accommodation and farming. Helen and Jim Steven s Pearce This area includes much of the habitat for the region's last 54 cassowaries. Felicity Simmons Cook Daintree Rainforest Task Force is asking people to write letters to the Catherine and Queensland and Federal Governments to demand forest clearing restric­ Warren Williams Weetangera tions in the Daintree lowland rainforest. Anne Walter Jamison Centre Write to: Douglas and The Honourable Molly Robson The Honourable Paul Keating Janet Smith Wanniassa Queensland Minister of Prime Minister Margaret Daly Binalong Environment and Heritage Parliament House Carmei Kelly Lyneham Department of Environment Canberra ACT 2600 Laurie Dunn and and Heritage Sue Elliott Fisher 160 Ann St Rose-Mary Swan Macquarie Brisbane City L M Thompson Belconnen Queensland 4000 NATIONAL PARKS

Kosciusko National Park

Nungar Plain, Kosciusko National Park. Nungar Plain is one of several large frost hollow plains in the northern part of Kosciusko National Park. While being naturally treeless, such plains have invariably been enlarged due to ringbarking and clearing during the period when these areas were used for grazing. A number of SOB reminders from this period remain such as stockmens huts and remnant fences which cross the plain.

Photo by Matthew Higgins

Pedens Camp, Kosciusko National Park. A large number of stockmen's huts survive in Kosciusko National Park. The original Pedens Hut is associated with Archibald Peden who is also associated with Bumbalong on the Murrumbidgee River and the Horse Gully area of Namadgi National Park. A few of the grazing families from Namadgi National Park had snow leases in Kosciusko. The hut shown here dates from the 1930s. Photo by Matthew Higgins REVIEWS Over the hills and Tharwa way

Eastern Namadgi National Pork— correct status of the fuscous omitted, however, to ask the climb­ a driver's and walker's guide honeyeater as a summer resident in ers who use Booroomba Rocks for By lan Fraser and Margaret open woodland and a description of training in the art of rock climbing McJannet Illustrated by Helen the distinctive call of the wonga whether they wanted the hut. This Fitzgerald wonga pigeon. was not so. Climbers thought it far more appropriate to camp under Copyright CASEREC 1994. $16 I also felt that a Httle more social history might have been included. canvas. And consequently one of the I found this a very interesting and The often visible remains of small­ prettiest buildings in the southern evocative guide. It reminded me holdings are indications that within ACT was resited to Brandy Flat. quite poignantly of days gone by quite recent times there were Aus­ My main criticism of the guide is when my wife and I used to spend tralians living an almost peasant one not of content but of style. I am our leisure time exploring the coun­ existence in these valleys. They eked pained by the continual use of'we' tryside around Canberra and par­ out existences of real poverty and for route description. It is travel ticularly the area covered by the hardship, yet managed successfully agent jargon. The impersonal or sec­ guide. They were days not so very to bring up families. One of the un­ ond person forms make for much long ago when you rarely met any­ fortunate things that has happened more pleasant reading. And I am not one else on your outings in the area in the area is the way old buildings enamoured of the punning title. I or had your way barred by locked or their remains have been demol­ thought the book deserved better. gates. The guide provides a well in­ ished by landholders and the ACT Despite some reservations over formed framework for finding your government. The greatest loss of all matters of detail, I consider that the way around the southern Namadgi was the demolition by the authors, the artist and the conser­ area, a framework from which you landholders of the historic Bobeyan vation council are to be congratu­ can make many pleasant diversions Homestead which, through lack of lated on producing a very useful and on foot to find your own favourite protection, had become a haunt of well thought out guide. It should walks and picnic places. It is not a vandals and shooters. help to stimulate interest in complete guide to the area but does The Yerrabi Track receives favour­ Namadgi and so help in the protec­ provide an excellent introduction. able mention, though it would have tion of this wonderful natural asset. The true worth of Namadgi is not The guide is divided into four sec­ been appropriate to give credit to yet fully appreciated by the ACT tions complemented by a useful in­ our member Reg Alder who was, public and it is always liable to come dex. It is charmingly illustrated by more than anyone else, responsible under various kinds of threat aris­ the very talented Helen Fitzgerald. for getting the track built. The ing from increasing and often un­ The 43-page introduction covers a project had a surprisingly eventful wide fieldan d contains some unu­ suitable user demands. The more history. I originally tried in 1981 to that is known about the area the sual information including a guide persuade Parks and Conservation to to animal droppings, something for better. Every member of our Asso­ build the track but without any suc­ ciation should have a copy and it will which I have often felt a need. The cess whatever. Then the NPA organ­ body of the book is divided into make an excellent Christmas ised heritage walks along the line present. three. There are two short sections of the track and finally undertook on drives and short excursions and construction in its present form as Alastair Morrison a much longer section on walks. It a bicentenary project. There were is very strong on botany but weaker plenty of hurdles to be surmounted on birds. I thought this somewhat along the way. They were not all of­ out of balance. The recent Canberra ficial ones! Ornithologists Group bird atlas The authors make mention of project produced much more infor­ Brandy Flat Hut as one of the pret­ mation on the bird life of the area tiest buildings in the southern ACT. than was available formerly. Some This may well be so but in fact the specific information on species building only reached its present might usefully have been included site by accident. Wise bureaucrats such as olive whistlers at Smoker's originally decreed that it should be Flat, yellow-eared honeyeaters on built, and built at considerable ex­ the Rendezvous and Dry Creeks, the pense, at Booroomba Rocks. They REVIEWS

Skis on the Brindabellas by Matthew Higgins

A skier runs down on to Snowy Flats while Mt Gingera beckons in the background. The photo was probably taken shortly after the 1939 bushfires. Photo from the Cumpston family collection. Matthew's new book has now been launched. It tells, for the first time, the absorbing story of skiing on the Brindabella Range and represents a history of skiing in the Australian Capital Territory. Skis on the Brindabellas details how the skiers coped with access problems, the resourceful way they developed faculties, and how they enjoyed then- sport in a beautiful part of the Australian high country. It also has something to say about the development of Canberra and its people. Filled with the humour, warmth and spirit of endeavour of the Brindabellas ski fraternity, and set in the context of the wider story of Australian skiing, the book is illustrated with a large and valuable collection of black and white and colour photographs. A percentage of proceeds from sales of the book will be devoted toward the conservation of Mt Franklin Chalet, built in 1938 and now the oldest surviving club-built ski lodge on the Australian mainland. You can order the book now from Tabletop Press, 40 Miller Street, O'Connor, 2601, enclosing $25 plus $3 postage. Have a white Christmas! Publication of the book is supported by a range of private, corporate and ACT government sponsors, including the ACT Cultural Council. The book will be launched by Mr Bill Wood MLA, Minister for Arts and Heritage, on Thursday 24 November 1994 at 6.00pm. The launch will take palce at Southlands Gallery, Southlands Shopping Centre, Mawson Trees of Victoria and Adjoining Areas by Leon Costermans Pocket-sized field guide, 176 pages Recommended retail price $12 Since Trees of Victoria was first produced in 1966, it has become widely known as the standard introduction to the Victorian bush, having sold over 120 000 copies. The latest edition, the fifth, is a complete revision and more than twice the size of previous editions, describing some 250 species of trees and tall shrubs—virtually all that are native to Victoria, southern New South Wales, including the ACT, and South Australia eastwards from Adelaide. With its clear illustrations, accurate descriptions and compact format, it will continue to meet the needs of beginners in bush exploration, as well as botanical students, land managers and conservationists. Fishloch Yards Malaysia Still in Sabah, John and Judith Webster's Malaysian national parks visits draw to a close with some excursions around Sandakan and a visit to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Gomantong Caves and Kinabatangan River Jungle Camp After an overnight stay in the bus­ tling town of Sandakan. we boarded a launch which crossed the bay and entered the est uary of the Kinabatangan River, passing a pic­ turesque village of'water gypsies'— originally Philippinos who had set tied in the area in the 1800s. The village was like others we had seen along the river banks—wooden houses erected on stilts over the water and linked by board walks. The next stage of our journey was by four-wheel-drive vehicle to Gomantong Caves. At a lunch stop here we were pleased to finallyge t a good view of some wrinkled hornbills as they flew over the tree tops. The caves themselves are noted for the swiftlet nests which are collected for the famous Chinese delicacy—bird's nest soup. We saw the long flexible bamboo ladders, The boulder at Fishloch Yards. Photo by Reg Alder coiled and stacked now as it was off A further search of the Fishloch Yards area (see June 94 Bulletin) has lo­ season, used when harvesting the cated this boulder which fits Jeffris and Whelans' description of'having a nests. fish eye and an overhang under which four men could camp.' It also resem­ Another drive and short boat trip bles the water-colour of Jeffris and Whelan except that it is not as large as brought us to a jungle camp which the size given in their estimate. A boulder of the size they describe would beconsiste d of riverside chalets and a remarkable feature of the park. communal dining area. Their description of the yards reads, 'About a quarter of a mile of level In the late afternoon we set off in ground brought us to an old fence whence the track descends past Fishloch small motor boats to 'putt-putt' up Yards to Sawpit Creek A few rotting timbers and a granite boulder mark a tributary creek in search of pro­ their site'. The water colour of the boulder is annotated 'At Fishloch Yards'.bosci s monkeys. Our local guide, The boulder in the above photograph is at the end of the level portion of Jun, soon spotted some of these the saddle they passed through and the route to Sawpit Creek descends strange creatures, feeding high in from that point. The area most likely fittingth e location for a yard is the the forest canopy. The males have flat area at the junction of the Cotter Hut road and the Cotter Gap fire trail. extremely large noses to attract the An intensive search of this area has failed to disclose any remnants of a females. These monkeys also have yard, which may not be surprising since sixty years ago only a few rotting large bellies as their digestive sys­ timbers remained. Roadmaking could have destroyed the remaining remnants. tem, we were told, consists of a dou­ ble chamber to filter out poisonous The yard found nearer Sawpit Creek is a little far away to be described as substances in their leaf diet. We also near the boulder, so the precise location will remain a puzzle unless some saw pig-tailed and long-tailed wire remnants from it are found. Reg Alder macaques and a tiny pygmy squirrel. TRIPS

-parks and people attention of tourists and fixing us with a melancholy and thoughtful gaze which, judging by the stories we heard, probably concealed a mis­ chievous streak! Tunku Abdul Rahman Park 'Five paradisal islands' seemed a rather dreamy description for these islands, which are only 10 to 25 min­ utes away from Kota Kinabalu by speedboat, but then we had the op­ portunity to assess only one island, Sapi, which was quite small. Here I felt pleased that I had gained a fit- tie more confidence with snorkelling and was able to view many fish, though not much coral. The larger island of Gaya boasts diverse coral Early morning on Kinabatangan River and marine life. Jun was excellent at imitating The last few days of our stay in ery area is rigged out with poles and Malaysia were spent in a luxurious animal and bird calls and recognis­ ropes and young orang utans are ing birds. This was a real bonus and beach resort where we gently un­ taught to climb and swing. In an­ wound after our various adventures. we were delighted when he identi­ other area, a board walk leads to a fied for us a storm stork, stork-billed The morning came for our departure viewing area near a high tree plat­ and a fierce tropical storm lashed kingfisher, oriental darter, paradise form where the apes are fed by flycatcher (with its long trailing tail the coastline, delaying ourflight b y rangers. They are fed only bananas a couple of hours and giving us a feel feathers) black and red broadbill so that they will learn to forage for and a couple of raptors, namely a for the fiercer aspect of life in the themselves to find the other food tropics! Brahminy kite and Jensen's baza. needed in their diet. Back at the camp we enjoyed a One young orang utan loitered Story and photos by splendid seafood meal and then Jun near the board walk, enjoying the Judith Webster took out his guitar and serenaded us whilst we sat on the verandah and watched a hazy, full moon rise and gleam over the mist-wreathed expanse of the Kinabatangan River. It was wonderfully peaceful and we were reluctant to have to leave this great river at dawn the next morn­ ing. Sepilok Forest Reserve/ Orang Utan Sanctuary This 4440 hectare forest reserve is a 20 minute drive from Sandakan and its most interesting feature is the Orang Utan Sanctuary. Here, these ginger-haired apes who have strayed into logging camps or been confiscated from the illegal pet trade are rehabilitated to return to their natural forest environment. Anurs- Orang Utan at Sepilok Sanctuary Calendar

DECEMBER Thursday 1 Committee meeting, venue to be arranged Thursday 8 Namadgi Subcommittee 7.30pm, 27 Aston St, Cook. Steven Forst, 274 8426(w). 251 6817(h) Sunday 11 NPA Christmas Party 3.00pm, Orroral Valley picnic ground

JANUARY Thursday 19 Environment Subcommittee 7.45pm, for location contact Stephen Johnston, 254 3738(h)

FEBRUARY Thursday 2 Committee meeting 7.30pm, for location contact Clive Hurlston, 288 6577 Thursday 9 Namadgi Subcommittee 7.30pm, for location contact Steven Forst. 251 6817(h). 274 8426 iw) Thursday 23 Environment Subcommittee 7.45pm, for location contact Stephen Johnston. 254 3738(h) MARCH Thursday 2 Committee meeting 7.30pm. for location contact Clive Hurlston, 288 6577 Thursday 9 Namadgi Subcommittee 7.30pm. for location contact Steven Forst, 251 6817(h), 274 8426 iw i Thursday 23 Environment Subcommittee 7.45pm, for location contact Stephen Johnston, 254 373Si.h'i

NPA Bulletin SURFACE If undelivered please return to: MAIL National Parks Association of the ACT PO Box 1940 Chifley ACT 2606 Print Post Approved P 248831/00041

General meetings Held at 8pm, Room 1, Griffin Centre, Bunda Street, Civic

Sunday 11 December at 3pm. NPA Christmas party Meet at Orroral Valley picnic ground for the annual NPA Christmas get-together. Members and friends welcome. Bring a picnic tea.

Thursday 16 February: Writing for children Our vice-president, Eleanor Stodart, will talk about her experiences in nature study books for children over the past 20 years.

Thursday 16 March: The sustainable use of timber Alan Davy from ACT Forests will talk about the sustainable use of forest resources, with particular focus on Canberra and its use of firewood.

Thursday 20 April: Travels in the Cam argue NPA member, Elizabeth Smith, will show slides of the fascinating wetland environment on the Rhone Delta. She will explore the interactions of conflicting land uses. Third Wednesday of every month 10/11 December Weekend Canoe Trip Phone Phyl Goddard on 254 8279(h) or NPAoffice on 282 5813 Murrumbidgee Outings program for details. Leaders: Jill Roberts Phone: 249 1390(h) Brian Palm Phone: 248 9245(h) December to March 1995 3/4 December Pack Walk 2/A/C/E This is a joint NPA/Canberra Bushwalking Club trip. Gungartan Area Ref: Khancoban 1:50000 Whitewater/flat water trip from Childowlah, through Jugiong Kosciusko 1:50000 to Gundagai over 2 days. Up to grade 2 rapids. Distance will Leader: Mick Kelly Phone: 241 2330(h) vary with water level. If you can handle the pace and the Contact leader by the previous Wednesday (23/11/94) numbers lovely beaches contact the leaders by the previous Wednes­ limited. Leave Canberra Friday, by 4pm and if possible walk day. 320km, $80 per car. to Disappointment Spur Hut in evening. Saturday proceed to Schlink Pass, Gungartan, Tin Hut and maybe as far as 11 December Sunday Christmas Party Mawson's Hut. Return via Mawson's, to Schlink Pass across Orroral Valley Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25000 the Kerries and back to cars on the Sunday. If folks are inter­Leader: New president Phone: 282 5813 (office) ested, will convert to a three day walk and take in the Rollin^ft kt at Orroral Valley picnic ground at 3pm for the annual Grounds, Consett Stephen Pass and Mt Tate on the Monday^ A Christmas get together. Members and friendswelcome , Low impact camping; however may use huts if weather not «bring a picnic tea. good. Good gear required. 480km, $96 per car plus park entry fee. 17 December Saturday Walk 2/A/B/C Orroral Ridge and Valley Ref: Corin Dam 1:25000 4 December Sunday Canoe Trip Leader: Stephen Johnston Phone: 254 3738(h) Yass River Gorge Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 8am. From the site of Hon­ Outings guide Leader: Brian Palm Phone: 248 9245(h) eysuckle Collimation Tower, traverse the ridge above Orroral This is a joint NPA/Canberra Bushwalking Club trip. Easy Valley past massive granite tors to Emu Flat. Descend to Day walks carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. day trip on Lake Burrinjuck, starting fromWoolgarl o on the Booroomba Creek Valley and down the Orroral Valley for a Pack walks two or more days, carry all food and camping Yass River arm of the Lake heading north west through Dev­ 400 metre climb back to the cars. A long and challenging (par­ requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY ils Pass into the Yass River for lunch. Woolgarlo is ticularly the last climb), but rewarding walk. 90km, $18 per WEDNESDAY. 90 minutes drive fromCivi c car. Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent. vehicles taken to site can be used for 6/11 December Ranger Pack * Hard Saturday 14 January 1995 1/A/B camping. BOOK EARLY WITH LEADER. High Country cross over Ref: Kosciusko 1:100000 Charles Lane-Poole Memorial Walk, Other activities include nature rambles, environmental and Guthega to Mt Selwyn Tantangara 1:100000 Namadgi National Park Ref: ACT 1:100000 field guide studies and ski tours. Leader: Peter Tedder Phone: 282 17H(h) Leaden Mathew Higgins Phone: 247 7285 A six day FBI walk along the main ridge and alpine heath Contact leader for bookings and information. The walk com­ Walks gradings lands of the Kosciusko National Park. The walk features memorates the pre-Franklin Road 1930s bushwalks along the spring and alpine flowers and huts which will form the dail^^ ^Hstance grading (per day) iidabellas by CE Lane-Poole, the head of the Australian 1 - up to 10 km objectives. We plan to visit Tin, Mawson, Cesjack, Mackeys^^ estry School and the inaugural President of the Canberra Boobie, Brooks and Broken Dam with possible side trips to t 2 - 10 km to 15 km Alpine Club which built Mt Franklin Chalet. We shall scale Valentines and Happys Huts: If insufficient numbers prevent 3 - 15 km to 20 km Mts Aggie, Franklin, and the skiers' Little Ginini. About 10 a cross over, then the route will be modified or we will ar­ kms on and off track. Short car shuttle. 4 - above 20 km range collection on a commercial basis. Please ring Peter by Terrain grading 21 November. Total walking about 70km A - Road, firetrail, track 18 January Wednesday Walk B - Open forest Phone Phyl Goddard on 254 8279(h) or NPAoffice on 282 5813 C - Light scrub for details. D - Patches of thick scrub, regrowth E - Rock scrambling F - Exploratory. The walks program contains additional information. If necessary, contact the leader. 21 January Saturday Walk I/A 15 February Wednesday Walk 18 March Saturday Walk 2/A Mt Majura to Mt Ainslie evening meander, I'hunt- rhyL Goddard nn 254 8279 (hmr NKAullkvun 282 5813 Murrumbidgee Corridor, Ref: ACT 1:100000 Canberra Nature Park ACT 1:10000 for details Canberra Nature Park Leader: Leonie Bubb Phone: 248 6769(h) Leader: Phil Bubb Phone: 248 6769(h) 275 8028(w) Meet at carpark at rear ot War Memorial at (5.tit) pm llate to 19 February Sunday Walk 2/A/C/D Meet at Kambah Pool top car park at 9.00 am. Walk along heat the heat). A short car shuttle, followed hy a pleasant Unnamed Creek and Shanahan's Mountain, the track above the Murrumbidgee River to Casuarina Sands. wander along the trails that cross the Majura-Ainslie spine. Namadgi Nalional Park Ref: Colinton 1:25000 Short car shuttle. Bring a picnic tea to eat on the way. A glass of champagne or Leaders: Jack Smart Phone: 248 8171(h) 249 2191(w) a cup of tea or coffee will he available in nearby Reid to Phil Bubb Phone: 248 6769(h) 275 8028(w) 20 March Canberra Day celebrate the completion of the walk, while drivers pick up Meut at Kambah Village Shops at S 00 am. A walk from Lawns opposite the Old Parliament House their cars at the Majura end. Drive about 5km, no charge. Shanahan's Mountain track car park, clown a beautiful creek ACT Alive Exhibition with fairly open bush, past waterfalls to a junction with Naas Coordinator: Doreen Wilson Phone: 288 5215(h) 26-29 January (and possibly 30th) 4/D/F Creek at 820289 Return by ridges in medium bush to We are asking members to help the NPA by calling in to our Joint weekend pack walk with Family Bush walkers. Shanahan's mountain and hy track hack to the starting point. tent and spending up to a couple of hours answering ques­ Ettrema Cabbage Tree Creeks, Ref:Tuga, Yar^^ ,90km. $18 per car. tions about the Association and its aims, and about the Mount Kelly, Ref: Rendezvous Creek, want. If interested please contact as soon as possible to Meet at. Kambah Village at 8.00 am. From Cmmi car park, Namadgi National Park Yaouk 1:25000 discuss dates and plans. 375km. $75 per car. walk to Mt Gingera (mainly on tracks) and return via Snowy Leader: Frank Clements Phone: 231 7005(h) Flats. A moderate walk through an attractive area with a Contact leader by Wednesday for details. Pack walk to Mt 4 February Saturday Walk 2/A/E variety with fine views from Mt Gingera. 175km. S35 per car. Kelly through Gudgenby Saddle and along Naas and Sams Big Hole, Marble Arch, Ref: Araluen 1:100000 Creeks. Mostly by fire trail, but some off track walking. Deua National Park 5 March Sunday Wander 1/A Cooking stoves are preferred, but not essential. 100km, Leader: Phil Bubb Phone: 248 6769(h) 275 8028(w) National Botanic Gardens $20 per car. Meet at Canberra Railway Station at 8 30 am. A pleasant walk Leader: Doreen Wilson Phone: 288 5215(h) on tracks to two of the most spectacular geological sights near Meet at the Visitor Information Centre at 9.30 am. Tour the Canberra We may have to wade the Shoalhaven River and 'back fence' of the Gardens and have morning tea near the walk through water in the Marble Arch. The limestone gorge bark hut. We shall pause from time to time to observe the Points to note is very' slippery and care with young children would be needed birdlife. Please help keep our outings program alive by volunteering near the Big Hole. Drive about 200km, cost per car about $40. to lead outings. New leaders are welcome. The outings covenor 11-12 March Weekend Pack Walk 2/A/B is happy to suggest locations suitable for a walk if you do not 4 February Weekend Pack Walk 1/A Quilty Mountain Circuit, have something in mind yourself. Feel free to send in sugges­ Goodradigbee River, Wee Jasper Ref: ACT l:10^fc) Morton National Park Ref: Endrick 1:25000 tions for outings to the association's office as soon as you th^fe Leader: Fiona Brand Phone: 247 953m) Leader: Mike Smith Phone 286 2984(h) 248 3624(w) of them, with a suggested date. Contact leader by Wednesday for details, a relaxing and easy Contact leader by Wednesday for details. A walk from the All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Asso­ weeekend on the Goodradigbee River near Nicalong creek. Nerriga entrance to the Budawangs National I'ark to Styles ciation of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and as Great campsite with swimming. 160km, $32 per car. Creek to set up camp about lunchtime Afternoon side trip such accept sole responsibility for any injury howsoever in­ into Hidden Valley. Sunday, circuit around Quilty Mountain curred and the National Parks Association of the ACT, its 12 February Sunday Walk 2/A through the Vines with side trips to the Aboriginal Bora office bearers and appointed leaders are absolved from any liability in respect of injury or damage suffered whilst en­ The Corn Trail, Ref: Araluen/ Ground and Quilty's Pass. 250km drive, $50 per car gaged in any such outing. Buckenbowra State Forest Monga 1:25000 Leader: Mike Smith Phone: 286 2984(h), 248 3624(w) 15 March Wednesday Walk The committee suggests a donation of TWENTY cents per Meet at Queanbeyan swimming pool carpark at 8 00 am. The Phone Phyl Goddard on 254 8279: h > or NPAoffice on 282 5813 kilometre DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS in walking track follows the original pack horse route over the for details the car. including the driver, (to the nearest dollar) be offered Clyde Mountain. A 650m descent from the top of the Clyde to the driver by each passenger accepting transport. Drive Mt to Buckenbowra River. Car shuffle or cross over depend­ and walk distances quoted in the program are approximate ing on conditions and numbers. 240km drive, $48 per car. distances for return journeys.