Volume 55 Number 3 September 2018

National Parks Association of the Australian Capital Territory Inc.

High extinction rates

Feral animals in National Parks

NPA’s activities in the Your voice is needed Developing a new Gudgenby Valley on several issues KNP walk NPA Bulletin Volume 55 Number 3 September 2018 Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect association opinion or objectives. CONTENTS Editorial: Kosciuszko wild horse debate intensifies ...... 2 NPA ACT/NSW visit to Ginninderry ...... 11 Kevin McCue Bogong...... 11 From the committee Gerry Jacobson Feral ‘Heritage’ horses!?...... 3 Concerning environmental laws ...... 12 Esther Gallant Anniversary of World Heritage listing of Fraser Island ...... 12 President’s report on activities during 2017–18 ...... 3 Jim Gasteen – a remarkable man, a remarkable life...... 12 Esther Gallant Kevin McCue and Sonja Lenz Treasurer’s report 2017–18...... 5 NPA outings program, September – December 2018 ...... 13–16 Chris Emery The Cedros–Alpamayo Circuit, Peru ...... 17 Report of the Environment Subcommittee ...... 5 Philip Gatenby Rod Griffiths Environment Day dinner...... 19 Bobeyan graves...... 5 Bushwalk reports Quentin Moran Gudgenby Valley...... 20 Annual General Meeting 16 August 2018 Brian Slee Meeting report ...... 6 Isaacs Ridge, Mount Mugga Mugga...... 20 New Treasurer and committee member– Brian Slee Hannah Conway ...... 6 Tolwong Chimneys ...... 21 Honorary Life Membership for Chris Emery ...... 7 Philip Gatenby A day out for the Conservator...... 7 – East Basin...... 22 Concerned about feral horses? Here’s Brian Slee something you can do!...... 8 New multiday walk in the Snowies...... 22 Linda Groom PARKWATCH ...... 23 Proposed field trip to Namadgi wetlands...... 8 Compiled by Hazel Rath Di Thompson NPA notices...... 26 Celebrating GBRG’s 20th anniversary ...... 9 Hazel Rath Meetings and speaker information...... 27 NPA ACT work parties update ...... 10 NPA information and contacts...... 27 Martin Chalk Art week at Gudgenby Cottage...... 11 Stand Against Extinction, see page 26. Kosciuszko wild horse debate intensifies In April 2018, concerns over This may be the first ever time that a programmes. environmental damage by feral horses in government has legislated for the This includes (KNP) led the protection of an invasive species within a wild pigs, dogs, NSW Government’s Threatened Species national park, and conservationists say it deer and horses; Scientific Committee to table a establishes a worrying precedent. • Conduct a scientific recommendation that feral horses be The Labor Opposition in the NSW assessment and count of the horse listed as a ‘key threatening process’, Parliament did not support the Bill. On population in consultation with key alongside things like climate change, 29 May 2018, during its consideration, stakeholders; invasive weeds and exotic fungi. Shadow Environment Minister Penny • Ensure wild horses are acknowledged In direct contradiction, the NSW Sharpe MLC tabled a paper detailing a for their cultural value by retaining a Legislative Assembly passed the six-point plan to save KNP and manage smaller population in the park where Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act the wild horse population. It would be degradation is less critical, and manage 2018 on 15 June. This Act aims to implemented if and when Labor returned the horse population guided by the enshrine the ‘heritage’ value of to government. extensive work that produced the 2016 ‘sustainable’ wild horse populations Labor committed to: Draft Wild Horse Management Plan. within parts of KNP and to protect that • Restore resources to the National Parks The passing of the Act has heritage. The Bill for the Act had been and Wildlife Service cut by the Liberal– galvanised widespread opposition and introduced just a few weeks before, on National Government to protect the action among conservation groups. 22 May, by Deputy Premier John park’s pristine environment and Various aspects of the issue and Barilaro whose electorate of threatened species; responses to it are covered generally and includes the park. He said that locals had • Minimise the impacts of pest species in specific articles in this issue of the been calling for years for the changes he (both plants and animals) through NPA Bulletin. was promoting. adequately funded and effective control Kevin McCue

2 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 From the committee Feral ‘Heritage’ horses!? space at no cost. A dedicated website has In the face of the absurd NSW other feral been set up at savekosci.org by Linda legislation protecting feral horses in herbivore Groom. Kosciuszko National Park (KNP), we numbers The NPA ACT management must act strongly and decisively. A increase committee has pledged significant ‘grand coalition’ of regional unchecked immediate support. Further NPA ACT environmental groups has formed as a in KNP and support will be provided as a match to result of a July meeting in the land is members’ contributions to the campaign. organised by NPA NSW and hosted by denuded, espec- To receive the match, contributions NPA ACT. There were representatives ially during drought, large-hooved should be directed to NPA ACT and from NPA ACT, NPA NSW, Canberra animals WILL enter NNP seeking food. designated for the feral horse campaign. Bushwalkers (CBC), ACT Waterwatch, Their entry into the Cotter catchment More information will be provided in our Invasive Species Council (ISC), could severely reduce the quality and monthly Burning Issues newsletter as the Conservation Council ACT (ConsACT) quantity of our water supply by campaign progresses. and NSW Nature Conservancy. Also destruction of the head-water bogs and Should we be worried in the ACT? A represented were graziers, fishing and fens that hold and purify the water. resounding YES! Our own Namadgi Indigenous tourism interests. Several (This has already happened at the National Park (NNP) shares a long and NPA ACT members participated in source of the Murray River.) Both this tortuous border with KNP. As horse and various capacities – some as potential damage and the increasing representatives of other groups. cost of removing feral horses will be a Proposals for action were put burden on the ACT taxpayer. Aside forward (see accompanying articles by from this self-interest aspect, KNP will Di Thompson and Linda Groom). ISC continue to suffer environmental CEO Andrew Cox is acting as the degradation and species extinction as a coalition organiser and proposes hiring result of heavy grazing in fragile alpine two staff members to manage the ecosystems. Thus, in the long term we campaign. One will be based in the ISC could see both our own NNP and our office in and the other in equally loved KNP severely degraded. ConsACT’s office in Canberra. Of We must act now! course this all requires a budget. ISC Esther Gallant and NPA NSW have already made President, NPA ACT sizable financial contributions, and both ISC and ConsACT are providing desk Horse trampling at a water source, KNP.

President’s report on activities during 2017–18 As usual, 2017–18 was a very busy year Camp at Goongerah, Victoria. The camp investigation is now under-way with for NPA ACT with some things way is sponsored by the Victorian National another grant from NPA and an NPA beyond our control making it even more Parks Association. Two UC students application for ACT Government hectic. However, in the end it was a very attended and their report published in the research funds. A very successful exciting year and satisfying to see how June Bulletin simply oozes enthusiasm. initiative! much we have been able to accomplish We will offer up to 10 students the same More recently we have joined the to protect our precious environment. kind of support to attend the 2019 event. Canberra Field Naturalists in supporting Support for environmental Also, we are renewing our offer of an Australian Platypus Conservancy science students complimentary membership to citizen-science project to determine the environmental science students at ANU distribution of Rakali (native water rat) We have seen very gratifying results and UC. already from our support of researchers in the ACT. This interesting animal is and students of environmental sciences. Support for research one of our little known and possibly This year Honours grants were awarded As a result of issues raised at the Bushfire endangered native fauna. Sitings appear to a student at both the Australian Symposium in July 2017, we provided a on the Canberra Nature Map website. National University (ANU) and the research grant to Dr Philip Zylstra for his Subcommittee achievements University of Canberra (UC). bushfire behaviour modelling studies, as The Environment Subcommittee Additionally, with ACT Parks and reported in the March Bulletin. convened by Rod Griffiths has been Conservation Service (PCS) we are In , a study of very busy with submissions on funding an ANU Honours student for a the Rosenberg’s Monitor involved government proposals and reports. study of the outcomes of biodiversity 14 NPA volunteers. NPA purchased Three major ones concerned the failure offsets. Grant recipients are all asked to tracking devices that enabled a team from of any efforts to control feral horses in make a presentation on their project (see ANU and UC, led by Don Fletcher, to neighbouring national parks. There were p 27, November general meeting). follow the movements of two goannas in also three submissions to ACT A new initiative this year was to offer the Naas Valley for several weeks. This Government proposals on the some financial support for pilot study proved the suitability of the management of nature parks and environmental science students to attend tracking method and the results amazed reserves. Many individual members also the Forests Forever Easter Ecology experts. Thus, a follow-on major (continued next page)

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 3 From the committee (continued) President’s report on activities during 2017–18 (continued) submitted responses, which increases our activities, and students in NPA ACT office work influence on all of these issues. Thank environmental science classes, as well Secretary Sonja Lenz and office you to all. as prizes for students at Namadgi manager Annette Smith, assisted by In a meeting with some committee School. Jane O’Donohue has taken Julie May, Deb Cameron and Kathy members, the new Conservator for Flora over distribution to schools. Saw, have kept us organised and in and Fauna and Executive Director for Walks and work parties communication with each other and the Environment, Ian Walker, encouraged Being able to get out into the bush is of world. Clive Hurlstone continues to NPA to bring matters of concern to him. course why we do all this. We want to handle book orders while Chris Emery He readily accepted our invitation for a ensure that there continues to be a and Sabine Friedrich provide IT bushwalk along the Yerrabi Track natural environment with unique support. A special thank you to Max followed by a stop at Gudgenby Cottage Australian plants and animals for us Lawrence for taking minutes at general during Art Week. and future generations to enjoy. Many meetings. The Publications Subcommittee had NPA walks and work parties have been We remain connected to the wider another busy year. Four high-quality documented in the Bulletin over the environmental community through Bulletins were published by the editors – past year. membership in the National Parks Philip Gatenby, Max Lawrence, Kevin Outings program convener Steven Council, participation in their McCue and Sonja Lenz – with the Forst and walk leaders continue with regular phone conferences and unflagging assistance of Adrienne activities every weekend, including attendance at the annual general Nicholson, Ed Highley and Hazel Rath some longer trips. Brian Slee collates meeting. NPA is a member of and contributions from many NPA participation data from walks and work Kosciuszko to Coast and ACT members. Book sales are booming: the parties. Conservation Council. NPA ACT butterfly guide was reprinted with NPA and the Gudgenby Bush supports the Gudgenby Bush updates as so much new information has Regeneration Group’s (GBRG) work Regeneration Group, Ginninderra Falls been gathered; the tree book was revised parties with conveners Martin Chalk Association, Red Hill Regenerators and and printed in time for Christmas; and and Michael Goonrey get members into Environmental Defenders Office. the bird guide was printed yet again. the bush for the satisfying and often Graham Scully represents us on the Book sales and information stalls at arduous task of restoring the ACT Recreational Users Group and Jerrabomberra World Wetlands Day in environment by reversing the impact of keeps track of government initiatives February and ACT Connect and Europeans. GBRG celebrated its 20th that might adversely affect the Participate Expo at the Old Bus Depot in anniversary this year with a wonderful environment. Committee member Rod March also provided opportunities to party at Gudgenby Cottage (see Griffith and others regularly meet with pass out information and talk about the page 9). PCS staff and officials, especially the NPA. Adrienne Nicholson displays and Glenburn Precinct work parties Conservator and the Director. sells books at all NPA events as well as organised by Col McAlister celebrated any others she attends. Managing committee the completion of a decade long effort retirements Outreach and planning for the to stabilise and restore early European future Several valued committee members settlement sites. The end of the project have stepped down over the past year. A new 60th Anniversary Subcommittee was noted with finishing touches on Their many talents and contributions convened by Cynthia Burton will draw signs and benches, followed by a wake. will be greatly missed. Early in the year on suggestions from the April members’ Well done! Christine Goonrey retired after many forum to plan celebrations for 2020. Social activities and years on the committee. We wish her A Publicity and Outreach celebrations and Michael well in their new home in Subcommittee with Allan Sharp as The lavishly catered Christmas party at Bega. At this year’s AGM two others convener has the mission of ensuring Gudgenby Cottage was again well stepped down: Julie May who helped to there will be a 70th anniversary. They attended. The event started with a walk organise our membership campaign this will update promotional materials and to see the successful restoration and past year and Quentin Moran after engage a younger audience online by revegetation work carried out by 3 years, the last of them as vice continued Facebook posts and other GBRG work parties at the former rabbit president. He will continue as general initiatives. Our website has recently been warren site on Peppermint Hill. meeting setup organiser and convener revamped and updated thanks to Sabine Two convivial art weeks were held of the Cultural Subcommittee. Chris Friedrich and Chris Emery and is already at Gudgenby Cottage providing a much Emery remains on the committee, for attracting many more visitors. appreciated opportunity to spend time which we are grateful, but has retired as Additional members are still needed in the bush while being creative (see treasurer after 8 years. Fortunately, he for both these subcommittees. page 11). Thanks to Adrienne also continues as webmaster. We Our Namadgi books for kids project Nicholson and Hazel Rath for welcome our new treasurer Hannah has so far put about 600 of this organising these. Conway. wonderful publication in the hands of We also took the opportunity to And finally, thank you to all young families with children celebrate with members whose members who have supported us and participating in environmental and achievements were recognised by the contributed to a very busy and outdoor activities. These have included wider community: Di Thompson with successful year. Junior Rangers at Jerrabomberra the Order of Australia Medal and Esther Gallant Wetlands and the Australian National Martin Chalk as ACT Conservation President Botanic Gardens, participants in the Council Environmentalist of the Year. Canberra Bushwalking Club’s childrens’ Congratulations again!

4 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 From the committee (continued) Treasurer’s report 2017–18 During the 2017–18 financial year NPA’s A problem has emerged with Bank elect Hannah income from memberships and Australia rejecting online deposits Conway. The donations exceeded expenses according without telling us. This happens if the finances of the to the profit and loss statement. All cash account name given does not exactly organisation are disbursements were approved by the match the name of the organisation (not in good hands as committee and the balance sheet reflects the name of the account). I have put in I stand down after a healthy state for the association. NPA’s a complaint to the bank but they cannot 8 years as Treasurer. auditor, Christine Yu, finished the audit tell us what they have rejected unless The financial report is and submitted her report before the we give them the date and exact on our website at AGM and agreed to be our auditor again amount. Catch 22! I am trying to www.npaact.org.au/index.php/pages/ next year. She highlighted an issue with escalate the complaint. annual-financial-reports. the book stocktake but subsequently that Handover of MYOB will be Chris Emery has been substantially resolved. completed in late October to treasurer- Report of the Environment Subcommittee Horse issues yet again have dominated on our website at Falls and par- the work of the Environment http://www.npaact.org.au/index.php/ ticipation in Subcommittee. The NSW Bill, and pages/our-submissions . the discussions subsequent Act, to provide protection to When not being distracted by the of the potential feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park horses, the NPA ACT has: environmental highlighted the disregard that the NSW • made a submission to the ACT impacts of devel- Government has for the protection of Assembly’s enquiry entitled Nature in opment in West threatened native species. The NPA ACT our City. In the submission, the Belconnen. was active in voicing its concerns, and NPA ACT welcomed new initiatives • raised concerns with the ACT continues to support the ongoing that will embrace blue–green Environment Minister and the Parks campaign against this travesty of infrastructure throughout Canberra and Conservation Service about the legislation. In addition to supporting but identified that dealing with impacts of the use of closed fishing feral horses, the NSW Government is ongoing problems of feral animal and nets on aquatic mammals like the also proposing to open up areas of weed management, recreational platypus and Rakali and advocated for declared wilderness to horseriding. This demands, bushfire management and the banning of such nets. is in response to a two-year trial of domestic animal interference needs • noted that the recent woodlands forum horseriding at a number of sites across long-term planning and sufficient held in the ACT, which addressed a NSW. Despite the trial showing clear ongoing base funding. A copy of the wide range of management issues for linkages between the occurrence of submission will be available through these ecosystems, was a direct result weeds and the presence of horses the our website once the ACT Assembly of the NPA ACT’s lobbying on behalf government is looking to formalise declares it to be a public document. of these important areas. horseriding access to the trial sites. The • hosted the CEO of NPA NSW, Alix Rod Griffiths, Convener NPA ACT’s submission opposing this is Goodwin, on her visit to Ginninderra Environment Subcommittee Bobeyan graves On a hillside near the ruins of Bobeyan believed that Sarah Brayshaw, who died for the sign. Homestead in southern Namadgi of diphtheria at age six in 1865, is also Finally, I can National Park lie some unmarked buried there. There has been some report that I am graves. I have always been concerned suggestion too that Joseph Allen, a boy making some about the lack of grave markings at this who drowned in nearby Naas Creek, progress working site. No doubt there were some markings might also be buried there, but there is with Lois Pad- in the past but they were probably some doubt about this. gham of ACT Parks. wooden and, with the passage of time, For some time I have been However, there is a classification survey have weathered away. It is likely this site researching these graves and began underway at present which will cause a contains the remains of Mary and Mary- negotiations with ACT Parks with a view further delay. I will let readers know Ann Westerman, the mother and to placing an interpretive sign there. when a final decision is made. daughter who died tragically in June (Actual grave marking would require an Quentin Moran 1850 when their dray overturned. The archaeological survey which neither Convener, Cultural Subcommittee accident occurred on Bulls Creek fire ACT Parks nor myself were prepared to trail some 3 kilometres to the west. It is undertake.) NPA ACT has offered to pay Note: Bobeyan has different spellings in other contexts.

Gudgenby landscape. Photo by Kevin McCue.

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 5 Annual General Meeting 16 August 2018 Meeting report President Esther Gallant welcomed the 2018–19 financial year. The motions President: Esther Gallant about 30 members to the meeting. She were carried by acclamation. Vice President: Cynthia Burton acknowledged the traditional custodians Other business Treasurer: Hannah Conway of the land and paid respects to their Immediate Past President: Rod Esther encouraged members to take part elders past and present. A special Griffiths (ex-officio) in the ‘Extinction rally’ on 10 September welcome was extended to Honorary Life Committee members: Chris Emery, on the lawns at Parliament House (see Members and eight new members (see George Heinsohn, Sonja Lenz, page 26). She then informed the meeting page 26). There were many apologies Kevin McCue. of planned activities to protest the recent from members who were either The secretary’s position remains Bill passed in the NSW Parliament travelling or unable to attend for health vacant for the time being but the declaring feral horses in Kosciuszko or other reasons. committee can co-opt additional National Park as ‘heritage’. One of the members into that and other vacant Activities in 2017–18 activities is a protest walk from Sydney positions during the year. After confirmation of the previous to (see page 8) year’s AGM minutes, Esther elaborated planned to end about the 9 December, Presentation on the dot points in her large-screen when NPA’s Christmas party would Kevin McCue shared his experiences of presentation on NPA activities during usually be held. The Christmas party monitoring earthquakes in the Southern 2017–18. She pointed out that the date will be announced on the website Highlands of Papua New Guinea after a committee, subcommittees, working and in the next Bulletin, when the magnitude 7.5 earthquake in February groups and many individual members planning of the walk is completed. this year. He and another seismologist had all contributed to the activities and Honorary Life Membership were sent there by the Australian successes of NPA projects and thanked Earthquake Engineering Society about a Kevin McCue, convener of the working them all. The full annual report is on month after the earthquake had caused group that assesses candidates to be pages 3–4. extensive damage and disruption to honoured, asked the meeting to endorse village life and oil and mining company Financial report Chris Emery – treasurer, webmaster, operations. They set up six seismographs Retiring Treasurer, Chris Emery, had computer whiz and Burning Issues to record further aftershocks. prepared the 2017–18 financial editor – as this year’s Honorary Life After returning to Australia the data statements before going on extended Member. Lively acclamation from the analysis continues. The results will leave, and the pro-bono auditor, floor followed this nomination. The inform the PNG Government on Christine Yu, had audited and approved citation for Chris is on page 7. necessary changes to their earthquake them. The full financial report is Election of the management code, and oil and mining companies as available on the NPA website and a short committee well as engineers on what steps to take version is included in this Bulletin to avoid collapse of buildings and (page 5). Returning Officer, Bruce Boreham, infrastructure when the next major Esther read out the treasurer’s declared all positions vacant. He had earthquake occurs. comments and moved that Chris’s report received eight nominations and there The AGM concluded with a for the year ending 30 June 2018 be were no further nominations from the convivial supper provided by members. accepted by the meeting, that we extend floor. He declared the following our gratitude to him and the auditor and members elected to the management reappoint Christine Yu as the auditor for committee for 2018–19: New Treasurer and committee member – Hannah Conway I’ve recently joined the NPA ACT after being introduced to the association by a colleague. I’m originally from Perth WA, where I studied at UWA for my undergraduate and honours degrees, before completing post- graduate studies in primary education. I recently gained my Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) accreditation after 3 years of further study. Being a Sandgroper I love all things warm and beachy so moving to Canberra nearly four years ago was quite the culture shock, but I soon developed a local fondness for walking and hiking in the surrounding national parks. I look forward to participating in the work of the association through my new role as Treasurer. Hannah Conway

6 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 Annual General Meeting 16 August 2018 (continued) Honorary Life Membership for Chris Emery Chris Emery joined the management members database, as well committee of the National Parks as keeping regular Association of the ACT at the August backups. He also edits the 2002 annual general meeting. He was NPA email newsletter Vice President for 3 years between 2006 Burning Issues. and 2009 and made the treasurer’s job Chris has been the his own from 2010 until the 2018 AGM, leader in negotiations with the second-longest serving NPA the ANU Fenner School treasurer. and the University of Chris guided the working group that Canberra for our developed the current NPA website, scholarship program. found a sympathetic internet service Interfacing with the provider (ISP) and has been webmaster universities on the ever since. He was instrumental in honours/research putting up on the website all the back scholarships requires issues of the NPA Bulletin, a tremendous analysing 12–15 page Photo by Sabine Friedrich. historical resource for members and the contracts for accuracy and public, and provides the link to each appropriateness, a very daunting task. with the Friends of Glenburn over nearly new issue to members who receive a He represented the NPA at various 10 years for the protection and digital copy. Recently, he collaborated meetings with federal and ACT conservation of early European with Sabine Friedrich to modernise, politicians as well as at ACT Assembly structures in the Glenburn Precinct. He redesign and populate the website, and committee hearings. He also willingly managed their finances, recorded all organised a new ISP. and ably represented NPA in lively ABC donations and reimbursements for Utilising his comprehensive Radio interviews about NPA functions money spent on the Precinct, set up and knowledge of computer systems, Chris and activities. maintained Glenburn web pages on the advises the committee on NPA’s In his quiet way he keeps us all NPA website – a magnificent service to computer requirements and informed by sending out links to relevant the Friends. recommends what hardware and media stories and makes them accessible Chris Emery is a very worthy software needs to be purchased for the on the website and in Burning Issues – recipient of NPA Honorary Life NPA office. Chris also took on the task links to relevant articles and the latest Membership. of keeping the computer facilities and newsletters of like-minded organisations. communications oper-ting, updating the If you want to research an environmental hardware and software as required and topic – that is a good place to start. creating and maintaining the NPA Chris has had a close association A day out for the Conservator

Ian Walker, ACT Conservator for Flora and Fauna (second from right), with Rod Griffiths, Quentin Moran, Esther Gallant and Sonja Lenz at the Gudgenby Valley lookout on the Boboyan Road after walking the Yerrabi Track. Their day closed with a visit to Gudgenby Cottage where the NPA’s autumn Art Week participants provided hospitality with afternoon tea. Photo by Kevin McCue.

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 7 Concerned about feral horses? Here’s something you can do! At its August 2018 meeting, the NPA other native species committee supported a proposal by the affected by trampling and ‘grand coalition’ of environmental grazing. groups for a protest walk from Sydney The walk is supported to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. by NPA NSW, Bush- The proposal was prompted by the walking NSW and the passage in June by the NSW Parliament Canberra Bushwalking of the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Club. It might attract a Act 2018. The walk will take about handful of people, or it 35 days, including rest days, from late might attract hundreds. October to early December 2018 and Walkers and helpers will be will follow a mixture of major and responsible for all their own secondary roads via Mittagong, costs, though we hope to Dung heaps deposited by feral horses on a walking track in Goulburn, Canberra, Cooma and provide at least some free Kosciuszko National Park. Photo by Dianne Thompson. Jindabyne. meals along the way. • people to sew banners In addition to getting the Act Interested in helping? We need the • bushwalking photographers, with the repealed, the aims of the walk are to: following kinds of helpers: patience to get close-ups of feral • support a range of methods to control • end-to-end walkers horses feeding, drinking, trampling etc. feral horses in NSW national parks, • section walkers – from a couple of in KNP. including ground-based lethal culling, hours to a couple of weeks A new website for the walk is now under ranger supervision and • support vehicle drivers and other non- up, at savekosci.org, with a supporter according to RSPCA guidelines walking helpers – from a day or two registration form coming soon. Please • implement the NPWS Draft Wild upwards; retirees with campervans, use that to register. Horse Management Plan of 2016 here is your chance to do a road trip Linda Groom • protect the habitat of the Broad- for a good cause! [email protected] toothed Rat, Corroboree Frog and • desk-based researchers and writers Member, NPA and CBC Proposed field trip to Namadgi wetlands Namadgi border with KNP and the incursions from NSW continue to put Following the recent enactment of the Ramsar Ginini Wetlands. It is hoped that these wetlands at risk of destruction. Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act ACT politicians, Indigenous members of Those who participated in an earlier 2018 (the Act) all feral horses in the former Interim Namadgi Advisory field trip saw the damage that our Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) are Board, the ACT Commissioner for Namadgi wetlands suffered in the 2003 now protected for their ‘heritage’ value. Sustainability and the Environment, Icon fires and understand that these swamps Currently, there are no control methods Water and the presidents of the Canberra are still in recovery mode and that being used and the already large herds Bushwalking Club and the NPA will be further extensive damage by KNP feral will continue to grow and expand the able to participate. horses cannot be risked. territory they occupy and affect. Horses have, from time to time, come into the Background to the proposal Di Thompson, OAM ACT wetlands from Kosciuszko The Act has the potential to lead to major Convenor of the planning group National Park. There is little doubt that, impacts and costs to the ACT and NSW as feral horse numbers increase and taxpayers due to increased management fodder in KNP decreases, many more requirements for the ACT’s water horses will make their way into the catchment and Namadgi National Park. ACT. Feral horses from northern KNP, There is a need to develop the which push into the ACT western community’s understanding of the catchments, are a problem of significance implications of the NSW Act for the with respect to the quality, quantity and quality and reliability of the ACT’s and supply of water to both the ACT and ’s water supply, Namadgi NSW. Under the Memorandum of National Park and the Cotter Understanding between the ACT, NSW Catchment. Members of the ACT and the Commonwealth on Cross Border Legislative Assembly (of all political Water Resources 2006, ACT water is persuasions) require public support to supplied to Queanbeyan and maintain their policy position to keep neighbouring estates. Namadgi free from feral horses. The Ginini Flats Wetlands Complex To that end, the committee of the in the ACT catchment, bordering KNP, is National Parks Association of the ACT a Ramsar wetland site and a breeding site (NPA), has endorsed a proposal to take for the critically endangered Northern a diverse group on a full-day field trip Corroboree Frog. This site is the largest Adrian, Mark, and Daniel (then Aboriginal with ACT Parks and Conservation intact sphagnum bog and fen community trainee rangers) in March 2003 at burnt Service managers, to the western in the . Feral horse sphagnum bogs, Snowy Flats .

8 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 Celebrating GBRG’s 20th anniversary The lunch party to commemorate the enjoys attending work parties out in the 20th anniversary of the Gudgenby Bush bush. Kevin McCue and Sonja Lenz Regeneration Group was held at joined the committee in 2005 and both Gudgenby Cottage on 21 July, following continue to serve at the present time. the morning’s work party. It was a great Other members who should be success with lots of delicious home- remembered are the late David Hall, made food provided by members. Joan Goodrum, Doug Brown and Simon Twenty-two members were present, Buckpitt who were active members at along with four former rangers, two the commencement of the group. The current rangers and Brett McNamara, project would not have succeeded in its Regional Manager, ACT Parks and aim to revegetate the pine forest without Conservation Service. We were also the many members who come regularly visited by three people who had heard and work hard at weeding, planting about the celebration on ABC Radio 666 trees, removing surplus fences, mapping that morning during an interview with rabbit warrens and all the other tasks Parks people from over the years; Brett. they so willingly take on. Back (l to r) Bernard Morris, Matt Congratulations were given to those We should all feel proud of what the Mikulandra, Chris Holder, who were instrumental in making the group has achieved in the revegetation Front (l to r) Ann Connolly, Darren Roso, project happen and we raised a glass to area. GBRG will continue to make a Mark Elford and Virginia Logan. all those people who had a vision of difference to the landscape in the Gud- Photo by Max Lawrence. what the pine forest could become. Over genby Valley. A link to the history of GBRG the years, the members of the group The Annual General Meeting took commissioned by the Parks Service and have given their time and energy and all place after the celebrations, at 2:30 pm. written by Matthew Higgins is now on can be proud of the results. Michael Goonrey reported that 10 work the NPA website (www.npaact.org.au/ The first president was Alec Ellis, parties had been held in the 12 months to index.php/pages/our-friends/gudgenby- elected in 1998. However, after a year 30 June 2018 and that the average bush-regeneration-group), together with Eleanor Stodart took over, with Syd attendance was 12 members. In total, an earlier history by Hazel. They are an Comfort becoming treasurer. There were 682 hours were spent on volunteer excellent record of how the pine forest no nominations for secretary and the activities, with barbed-wire removal and became a eucalypt forest. records indicate that Syd took over those general weeding the most frequently Chesley Engram provided an audited responsibilities in addition to being undertaken tasks. In addition, Martin Statement of Income and Expenditure treasurer. In 2002, Martin Chalk became Chalk and his team undertook showing an account balance of secretary. Waterwatch activities. $1,060.37. In 2003, Eleanor resigned from the The Christmas party held at Michael stepped down as president presidency due to ill health and took Gudgenby Cottage was another highlight with inaugural member Doug Brown over the secretarial duties while Clive of the year. It was attended by 18 taking over those responsibilities. There Hurlstone became the president of the members. Two park benches have now were no other changes to the office- group. Eleanor died in December 2004 been installed in the valley, – one at bearers and committee members. and a memorial grove of Black Sallees Eleanor’s Grove, as already mentioned, Further information: Doug Brown was planted beside Hospital Creek in her and one on the Yankee Hat trail. Each ph 6247 0239 or [email protected] memory. The Parks Service has provided will have an interpretive plaque. This is an edited version of a report a park bench at Eleanor’s Grove to Thanks to Matt Mikulandra of the honour her work. Parks Service the trailer has been re- written by Hazel Rath. Ed. In 2005, Hazel Rath became painted an attractive green and looks secretary, while Clive continued as great. president and Syd as treasurer. There were changes to the committee in 2008, Michael Goonrey taking over the presidential duties with Clive stepping down after 5 years as president; Syd, after 10 years as treasurer, was replaced by John Waldron. In 2009, Chesley Engram took over the duties of treasurer and continues in that position today. Frank Clements should also be remembered for his role as Public Officer and a committee member since 1999. Frank died in July 2008 and Martin has taken on the duties of Public Officer since that time. Fiona MacDonald Brand has been on the committee since 2003, taking a very active role in the early years. She still

The celebratory group at the GBRG anniversary lunch. Photo courtesy Rupert Barnett.

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 9 NPA ACT work parties update

Month Activity Agency Participants Point Hut seeding. African Lovegrass chipped and native herb seeding in divot holes for about 250 m north from Point Hut Road along the fire May PCS 9 trail. Also seeded about 600 m downstream along the Murrumbidgee in swales. Revisit in autumn 2019. Gudgenby fence removal. 200 m of fence F11 removed with 60 m 10 June remaining. 210 m of fence F2 removed and a further 80 m of wire PCS (2 from CBC) removed (posts still remain). 160m remain. Revisit winter 2019. Dananbilla Nature Reserve: E. albens and E. microcarpa planted across three sites in the Barelli Section – total number approx. 600 seedlings. Koorawatha Nature Reserve: two enclosures and approx. 50 wattles NPWS 8 planted in the Bang Bang Creek area. An additional exclosure and July 13 wattles planted adjacent to the derelict farm house and a further 50 wattles planted on the north-west boundary of the nature reserve. Stoney Creek Nature Reserve pine control: 223 pines cut down in an area south of the Brindabella Road between the Mount McDonald car park PCS 7 and 500 m north-east. Revisit winter 2019. Martin Chalk Dananbilla work party photos by Adrienne Nicholson. Work Party Coordinator

Subject: Dananbilla thanks Survival of winter 2016 plantings Date: 13 August 2018 Hi Martin, I am finally in the office on a fairly quiet day so have the capacity to get in touch to say thank you to all for your last volunteer stint. It was great getting so many trees planted, and the shrubs as well. I thought you would also all be pleased to know that, despite appearances, your efforts ARE making a difference. I have attached a map of the planting you undertook in winter 2016, with green dots being plants that are visibly alive now, and grey those that APPEARED to be dead. It shows that survival is greatly affected by planting location, so the area in the SW of the map which is poor is a sheep camp – obviously compaction and nutrification have a role to play in early success. Overall for this area [there] was a 74% survival rate, which is excellent. I hope you can pass this on to the rest of the team, with our thanks. Susie Susan Jackson, Ranger – Murrumbidgee Area National Parks & Wildlife Service Office of Environment and Heritage PO Box 733, Queanbeyan 2620

10 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 Art week at Gudgenby Cottage Another successful and productive art week was held at Gudgenby Cottage in Namadgi National Park in May. Another one is planned for spring (13–20 October). Find inspiration to work on any artistic endeavour with convivial company at the cottage, or explore the valley during the day with a cosy base to come back to each evening. Paint, draw, write, weave, photograph – anything; the inspiration is yours. The comfortable, warm cottage sleeps six people overnight. Stay for one or several nights. Contact Adrienne for further information and to book a place. Day visitors welcome. Contacts: Adrienne Nicholson 6281 6381 or Hazel Rath 4845 1021.

Jenny Gibson’s study of Gudgenby Valley rocks.

Rosenberg’s Monitor by Maria Boreham who is a regular at NPA art weeks. She is a very generous teacher if other participants wish to try their hand at something new.

No, not a fossil; but what a wonderful shadow. Photo by Kevin McCue. NPA ACT/NSW visit to Ginninderry Chris Watson, a passionate member of Riverview Company‘s David Maxwell can be found on the GFA website the Ginninderra Falls Association and hosting the meeting and visit to the falls http://ginninderra.org.au/node/713 . long-standing NPA member, invited with the permission of property owner The meeting was useful in not only NPA NSW’s Chief Executive Officer Anna Hyles. Rod Griffiths and Robyn widening the discussion on conservation Alix Goodwin to discuss the Coghlan represented NPA and GFA. issues associated with the Ginninderry Ginninderry developments on one of Participants Judy and Dave Kelly, development but also forging closer her visits to Canberra. This eventuated members of both NPA and GFA, wrote bonds between NPA ACT and NPA on 26 June this year and a meeting was up a comprehensive account of the NSW. organised by NPA ACT and GFA with discussions and visit to the falls which

Bogong The fat moth-feast of the tribes … Les Murray Black and silky in cracks and crevices. Barbecues on a granite slab. Ravens caw in the cloud. Mount Bimberi is the highest peak. My left brain is reluctant to use a compass. My right brain wants to dream. So I keep going up until I can’t go any higher. How will Migrating and aestivating for 10,000 years, 20,000 years? I get down? Perhaps some will stop over in Yarralumla this spring. high up bogong moth on the mountain fluttering the floor the mystery beside me closes in – we move together how close can I get? when the music starts Gerry Jacobson

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 11 Concerning environmental laws* Australia is a land of stunning ignored. Worse still, in some cases our Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, Regent landscapes and unique wildlife. It Federal Minister has the power to use Honeyeaters and Swift Parrots are supports a rich and diverse avifauna, his or her discretion to override extinct. including a high proportion of the scientific evidence. Under exemptions But it doesn’t have to be this way. world’s parrots and honeyeaters. It is such as Regional Forest Agreements, Birdlife Australia, together with the the origin of the world’s songbirds. Our actions that will impact on threatened Places You Love Alliance and guided by flora and fauna are the envy of the species don’t even require Federal the Australian Panel of Experts on world, particularly for countries that approval. Environmental Law, has developed a have lost much of theirs through Our current national environment blueprint for new environmental laws human-induced landscape change and laws are not strong enough to protect and institutions that can begin the work resource exploitation. critical habitats or recover threatened of providing effective protection for But we appear to have learnt little species. At best, they are a band-aid threatened species and restoring from the past mistakes, both at home solution, a handbrake to decline, ecosystems. It is a challenge that and overseas. Australia continues to capable of stopping only the worst Australia must take on. Right now, we have some of the highest rates of land impacts. By and large they are simply all have an opportunity to make real, clearing in the world, we oversee managing a trajectory towards lasting change that will provide a strong growing lists of threatened species, and extinction – rather than arresting and foundation for future generations and a broad range of threats such as fire, reversing declines as they should. protect the unique plants, animals and weeds and pest animals continue to Many Australians continue to take places we love. increase. our extraordinary plants and animals for Even where there is strong scientific granted and are yet to fully grasp the * Foreword to Birdlife Australia’s evidence of actions that will cause concept that extinction is forever and report Restoring the Balance – the harm, Australia’s poor record of that it’s happening before our very eyes. case for a new generation of environmental monitoring coupled with Unless we all work together to bring Australian environmental laws, the ambiguity of key terms in about real change, future generations February 2018, by Professor Peter legislation such as ‘significant impact’ will be left with an Australia where Doherty, immunologist, Nobel means that science can effectively be once-common species such as Laureate and author. Anniversary of World Heritage listing of Fraser Island The Great Sandy National Park in parks – weeds, feral animals and indefensible and remniscent of decisions Queensland has two sections: Cooloola bushfires, but is also subject to cyclones made in the ACT over recent years. is on the coast from Noosa Heads in the and potential damage from the proposed The conservation environment should south to Rainbow Beach in the north, Colton coal mine at Aldershot north of be given high priority when planning while K’gari (Fraser Island) Maryborough on the Mary River estuary mining operations, prescribed burns or encompasses most of the world’s largest which is part of a Ramsar site. The mine other threatening processes. What is the sand island, Fraser Island, north of proposes to discharge excess waste water point of governments declaring the Rainbow Beach. For comparison, directly into the Mary River. conservation of nature important and K’gari is about half the size of Namadgi In September 2017, a ‘controlled then making decisions that destroy it, National Park. burn’ of 830 ha planned for Ungowa on especially when less than 10 per cent of On 18 April 2018, World Heritage K’gari got out of control and burnt more the land area is under so-called Day, a celebration was held at than 63,000 ha from coast to coast. It protection? Bit by bit, species are Kingfisher on the east coast of K’gari to devastated the southern lakes area, lurching to extinction as we destroy mark the 25th anniversary of the consumed important heathlands and even more and more of their habitat, for profit declaration of K’gari’s World Hertiage wet sclerophyll forest. It is estimated that or through ignorance. listing. Congratulations, Fraser Island the fire-sensitve forest will take at least a Defenders Organisation (FIDO) and decade to recover. Prepared using information from John Sinclair AO, FIDO’s founder. The high-risk strategy to burn in issue no. 137 of MOONBI, newsletter K’gari suffers all the same September when it was very dry with a of the Fraser Island Defenders management problems as other national chance of wind changes to the NW is Organisation. Ed. Jim Gasteen – a remarkable man, a remarkable life Jim Gasteen was born in Brisbane in 1993 for his work as an advocate of Rivers NP). He was a life member of the 1922 and worked initially as a grazier balanced land-use management. Wildlife Preservation Society of and farmer in Queensland and New Jim fought hard over decades for the Queensland. South Wales. He was a self-educated protection of remnant patches of Central Jim’s lifelong partner and supporter land specialist, geologist, botanist, Queensland scrub as national parks, was his wife, and mother of his four biologist, wood-turner, author and 33 of them according to John Sinclair children, Marj Gasteen. Jim died in raconteur who provided extensive land (‘One man’s one-person bioblitzs’, issue Lismore last August in his 95th year, his and biological research assistance to 136, MOONBI newsletter). One of them legacy the many national parks of various Queensland Government was his family home, Thrushton. His Queensland and NSW. We have lost a departments, local councils and other extensive survey work also underpinned good friend. organisations. He was honoured as a many national park proposals in NSW Kevin McCue and Sonja Lenz Member of the Order of Australia in (e.g. New England NP and Northern

12 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 NPA outings program September – December 2018 Bushwalk grading guide Distance grading (per day) Terrain grading 1 up to 10 km A Road, fire trail or track E Rock scrambling 2 10 km to 15 km B Open forest F Exploratory 3 15 km to 20 km C Light scrub 4 above 20 km D Patches of thick scrub, regrowth Day walks Carry lunch and snacks, drinks, protective clothing, a first aid kit and any required medication. Pack walks Two or more days. Carry all food and camping requirements. CONTACT LEADER EARLY. Car camps Facilities often limited. Vehicles taken to site can be used for camping. CONTACT LEADER EARLY. Work parties Carry items as for day walks plus work gloves and any tools required. Work party details and location sometimes change, check NPA website, www.npaact.org.au, for any last minute changes. Other activities include ski trips, canoe trips, nature rambles and environment or field guide studies. Wednesday walks (WW) Medium or somewhat harder walks arranged on a joint NPA, BBC (Brindabella Bushwalking Club) and CBC (Canberra Bushwalking Club) basis for fit and experienced club walkers. Notification and details are only emailed to members registered for WW. Only NPA-hosted WW are shown in this program. For WW email registration, contact the Outings Convener, [email protected] . Transport The NPA suggests a passenger contribution to transport costs of 40 cents per kilometre for the distance driven divided by the number of occupants of the car including the driver, rounded to the nearest dollar. The amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader. Drive and walk distances shown in the program are approximate for return journeys. NPA ACT members undertaking walks or other activities in this program are advised they should have PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE or, at least, AMBULANCE COVER in case of an accident requiring evacuation by ambulance or helicopter. Points to note Please help keep our outings program alive by volunteering to lead outings. New leaders are welcome. The Outings Convener, ( [email protected] ) is happy to suggest locations suitable for a walk if you do not have something in mind. Feel free to send in suggestions for outings with a suggested date to the Outings Convener by email to [email protected] All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Association of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and as such accept responsibility for any injury howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders, are absolved from any liability in respect of injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing. In voluntarily participating in these activities conducted by the NPA ACT, participants should be aware that they could be exposed to risks that could lead to injury, illness or death or to loss of or damage to property. These risks could include but are not limited to: slippery and/or uneven surfaces, rocks being dislodged, falling at edges of cliffs or drops or elsewhere, risks associated with crossing creeks, hypothermia, heat exhaustion and the risks associated with any of the Special Hazards listed on the Attendance Record and Risk Waiver Form provided by the leader at the activity. To minimise these risks participants should endeavour to ensure that the activity is within their capabilities and that they are carrying food, water, equipment, clothing and footwear appropriate to the activity. Participants should advise the leader if they are taking any medication or have any physical or other limitation that might affect their participation in the activity. Participants should make every effort to remain with the rest of the party during the activity and accept the instructions of the leader. By sign- ing the Attendance Record and Risk Waiver Form participants agree that they understand these requirements and have considered the risks before choosing to sign the form and waiver any claim for damages arising from the activity that they might have against the association, the leader or any other participants in tort or contract. Children under 18 years of age are welcome to come on NPA ACT activities provided they are accompanied by a parent, guardian or close relative who will be required to sign a specific Risk Waiver for a Child form. Leaders to note. Please send copies of completed Attendance Record and Risk Waiver Forms to Brian Slee, contact 6281 0719 or [email protected] NPA has a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) available to leaders. The PLB can be obtained from Steven Forst, contact 0428 195 236 or [email protected] Kosciuszko National Park, Main Range Track. Photo by Adrienne Nicholson.

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 13 NPA outings program September – December 2018 (page 2 of 4) 8 September Saturday work party Drive: 87 km, $35 per car. Arboretum Canberra Visitor Centre at Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Leader: Martin Chalk 9:00 am. The short walk involves gentle Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre, Tharwa at Contact: 6292 3502 or 0411 161 056 slopes on gravel paths. STEP (Forest 20 of 9:15am and car pool to Gudgenby Valley. the Arboretum) is a botanic garden Weeding and spraying at Peppermint Hill. 26 September Wednesday walk established to demonstrate the major Tools provided. Joint NPA / BBC / CBC activity vegetation types of the Leader: Doug Brown Details are emailed to those on the and is managed by the STEP community Contact: 6288 2805 or Wednesday walks email list. Otherwise group in partnership with the Arboretum. [email protected] contact the leader. Individuals, community groups, schools and Leader: Barrie Ridgway others are sought to join in this exciting 16 September Sunday morning Contact: 0437 023 140 or project. There are regular working bees and drive/walk [email protected] other activities. For more information see: Glenburn Precinct http://www.step.asn.au/about-us/step-in- Visit historic sites to see what has been 29 September–1 October a-gumnut-shell/. achieved over the past decade by the Parks Long weekend pack walk Grading: 1 A Service and the Friends of Glenburn. Meet The Vines Leader: Sally Stephens at Canberra railway station, Kingston at Walk in , mainly on Contact: 0428 578 586 9:00 am for car pooling. fire trail, from the Nerriga entrance. Two- Drive: 50 km, $25 per car. night camp in the forest clearing at the 13 October Saturday work party Leader: Col McAlister former site of Piercy’s Cabin in the Vines Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Contact: 6288 4171 or area between Quiltys Mountain and Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre, Tharwa at [email protected] Galbraith Plateau. Second day visit the Bora 9:15 am. Car pool to Gudgenby Valley. Ground on Quiltys Mountain and Hidden Weeding and spraying around Eleanor’s 16 September Sunday snowshoe Valley before returning to the camp site. Grove and swamp. Tools provided. Kiandra area Walk out on the third day. Contact leader Leader: Doug Brown Depart 6:30 am. Drive via Adaminaby to early for details. Contact: 6247 0239 or Kiandra area. Destination will be decided Drive: 256 km, $102 per car. [email protected] on snow coverage and general conditions. Map: CMW Northern , Participants hiring snowshoes should have Endrick 1:25,000 them before departure. Book with leader by Grading: 2 A/B/E 13 October, Spring wildflower walk Saturday morning for weather check, Leader: Steven Forst 47th Black Mountain Wildflower departure point and car arrangements Contact: 0428 195 236 or Ramble (chains may be required). [email protected] Celebrate spring on beautiful Black Drive: 280 km, $112 per car. Mountain with a social ramble for Map: Rooftop’s Kiandra–Tumut 6 October Saturday walk wildflower lovers in the tradition Grading: 2 B (on snow) Mount Palerang established by Nancy Burbidge, and Leader: Brian Slee Walk to a high summit with great views; continued by George Chippendale. Contact: 6281 0719 (h) or off-track there, mostly on-track back. Good BOOKING ESSENTIAL to ensure there [email protected] vegetation mix. Some easy rock scrambling will be enough guides. See the Friends of Black Mountain website for more details. 17–21 September Car camp and light scrub. About 10 km and 483 m climb. We will need high clearance vehicles. Contact: Linda 0437 298 711 or with accommodation [email protected] Yathong Nature Reserve Contact leader by Friday 5 October for start time and meeting place. Yathong is about 500 km north-west of Canberra. Accommodation is in shearers Drive: 100 km, $40 per car. 13–20 October Art week at quarters, with twin beds in each room, Map: Bombay 1:25,000 Gudgenby Cottage Grade: 2 A/B/C kitchen and ablutions block. Cost (donation) A week for artistic pursuits in spring. The Leader: Barrie Ridgway about $50 per person, plus travel costs. The comfortable, warm cottage sleeps six. Take Contact: 0437 023 140 or 3 days will include slow walks, inspiration to work on any artistic birdwatching, plant identification, orchid [email protected] searching, historic building inspections and endeavour with convivial company at the Aboriginal objects and sites. Numbers 7 October Sunday snowshoe cottage, or explore the valley with a cosy limited. Contact leader early. base each evening. Paint, draw, write, Kosciuszko National Park weave, photograph – anything; the Maps: Mount Allen, Coombie 1:100,000 Destination will depend on snow depth and Grading: 2 A/B/C/D/E/F inspiration is yours. Stay for one or several conditions. Contact leader by Friday Leader: John Brickhill nights. Contact leaders for further evening for weather check, departure point Contact: 0427 668 112 or information and to book a place. Day and time, and car arrangements (chains may [email protected] visitors welcome. be required). Contacts: Adrienne Nicholson 6281 6381 Drive: 420 km, $168 per car + park entry 22 September Saturday work party or Hazel Rath 4845 1021. Weed control Orroral Valley fee + possible chairlift fee. (Rabbity Hill) Leader: Brian Slee 14 October Sunday walk This is the first time the NPA has visited Contact: 6281 0719 (h) or Around Gilberts Gap [email protected] this site. Weed removal (horehound and the From the Redgrounds Track east of Endrick like) from the rocky knoll about 450 m River walk north to the western edge of the SSW of Orroral Homestead. Bring leather 7 October Sunday walk unnamed outcrop west of Gilberts Gap, gloves. Nitrile gloves and herbicide Southern Tablelands Ecosystems exploring its cliffline for a route to the top provided. Meet at Kambah Village Shops at Park (STEP) of the outcrop. If unsuccessful we’ll 8:00 am. Meet at the entrance of the National

14 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 NPA outings program September – December 2018 (page 3 of 4) continue to Gilberts Gap and climb the 27 October Saturday work party leader by Friday 2 November for start time outcrop from there. Return via the Gap. Broom removal – Brayshaws to and meeting place. Mostly off track, some rock scrambling, Westermans Drive: 100 km, $40 per car. thick scrub and possible exposure. Total Removal of Broom in the area between Map: Bombay 1:25,000 climb of about 400 m. Limit of 8. Contact Brayshaws and Westermans huts. Locations Grade: 1 A/B/C/D leader by Thursday 11 October, preferably of the Broom plants are known to NNP Leader: Barrie Ridgway by email, for start time and transport rangers; the duty ranger will help us locate Contact: 0437 023 140 or arrangements. them. All tools and equipment provided. [email protected] Drive: 230 km, $92 per car. Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre at 8:30 am. Maps: Endrick, Nerriga 1:25,000 Drive: 90 km, $36 per car. 3-5 November Relaxed pack walk Grading: 3 A/D/E/F Leader: TBA Rendezvous Creek Valley Leader: Philip Gatenby Contact: Martin, 0411 161 056 for An easy walk from Boboyan Road up Contact: 0401 415 446 or information. Rendezvous Creek to camp for 2 nights on [email protected] grassy knoll where orchids may be in 28 October Sunday walk bloom. On the second day enjoy the bush 21 October Sunday walk Art works in the Parliamentary Central Molonglo and Kama surrounding camp at leisure (bring sketch Triangle – to the lake pad, camera or Kindle) or walk to cascades Woodland Meet in the National Library car park at The walk starts high and morning tea will further up the valley for lunch. Return to 9:00 am (Sunday parking free). A gentle, cars by same route on third day. Contact feature expansive views over the Molonglo level walk of some 3 km with scope for Valley. We will descend to follow the river leader at least 7 days in advance for further coffee/cake and toilet stops. Wear details and travel arrangements. through a rocky gorge looking for wedgies comfortable shoes and bring hat, water and overhead. After lunch on the river bank, we Drive: 95 km, $38 per car. lunch. Be surprised, informed and Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25,000 will walk through the Kama Woodland entertained. Visit many memorials, Reserve. This area is adjacent to the future Grading: 2 A/B sculptures and other art works, among some Leader: Esther Central Molonglo housing development. of our national institutions – the National Come enjoy it before the developers arrive. Contact: 0429 356 212, or Library, and the National [email protected] Meet at Kama Woodland car park on north Gallery. Briefly visit to he Prime Minister’s side of William Hovell Drive (approx. 5 km Office and the Cabinet Room in Old from Glenloch Interchange) at 9:00 am. A Parliament House. A small fee of $2 10 November Saturday work party short car shuffle will be involved. ($1 concession) is required to visit Old Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Maps: Canberra, Umburra, Cotter Dam Parliament House. Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre, Tharwa at 1:25,000 Leader: Col McAlister 9:15 am. Car pool to Gudgenby Valley. Grading: 2 A/B Weeding and spraying above Bogong Creek Leader: Esther Contact: [email protected] or 6288 4171 in the Croajingalong area. Tools provided. Contact: 0429 356 212 or Leader: Clive Hurlstone [email protected] Contact: 6288 7592 or Support the protection of [email protected] 24 October Wednesday walk Kosciuszko National Park Joint NPA / BBC / CBC activity Starting in late October or early 11 November Sunday walk Details are emailed to those on the November a multi-day walk to and Wednesday walks email list. Otherwise Kosciuszko Summit is planned. The contact the leader. Short car shuffle. A steep ascent up Mount walk seeks more action to protect Majura, taking a different and steeper route Leader: Barrie Ridgway Kosciuszko National Park from feral Contact: 0437 023 140 or to the usual path. Stop on the way up for [email protected] horse damage. If interested contact a morning tea and to enjoy views to the north committee member for more details and north-east. Start descent on the main 26–29 October Pack walk and watch Burning Issues for further track, but turn south towards Mount area information. Ainslie, and follow tracks through Walk from the Yankee Hat Track car park bushland, staying away from suburbia. through saddle south of Mount Gudgenby, 31 October Wednesday walk Ascend Mount Ainslie from the east, with up Sams Creek, to camp below Mount Joint NPA / BBC / CBC activity lunch stop along the way, and descend on Kelly, probably for two nights. Climb Details are emailed to those on the the main track to the War Memorial and Mount Kelly and some of the nearby peaks Wednesday walks email list. Otherwise waiting car(s). Ascents approximately then head for Bogong Gap (climb Mount contact the leader. 450 m. For those interested, afternoon tea at Burbidge) and a clearing on a tributary of Leader: Mike S Wilbur’s in Hackett. Meet at 9:00 am at Middle Creek, for the last night. Most of the Contact: 0412 179 907 parking area beside 39 Mackenzie Street, walk is off track or on overgrown track. Hackett (near the end of Grayson Street). Extensive climbs, rock scrambling and some 3 November Saturday walk No transport costs. thick scrub. Contact leader by Wednesday Mount Major and ‘Minors’ Map: Canberra street directory 24 October, preferably by email. Limit of 8. Grading: 2 A/B Walk first to the summit of Mount Major, Leader: Margaret Drive: 120 km, $48 per car. then to several other tops. Good views, a Contact: 0448 924 357 or Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk 1:25,000 good vegetation mix (some rainforest) and [email protected] Grading: 2 A/B/D/E varied terrain. Some rock scrambling. Leader: Philip Gatenby Participants should be comfortable on rocks Contact: 0401 415 446 or 17 November Saturday walk [email protected] and rough terrain. Gaiters and scrub gloves Gorilla Rock, Booroomba Rocks recommended. About 9 km, 600 m climb. Begin walk at Honeysuckle Creek camp High clearance vehicles needed. Contact ground, northwards along the AAWT, then

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 15 NPA outings program September – December 2018 (page 4 of 4) off-track to Gorilla Rock, then Booroomba 28 November Wednesday walk Rocks. Return down the Booroomba Rocks Joint NPA / BBC / CBC activity December track to the car park and then along the Details are emailed to those on the AAWT. The off-track section is about 3 km Wednesday walks email list. Otherwise NPA Christmas Party and there should be only light scrub, contact the leader. The date for our Christmas party is not although there may be denser thickets. Leader: Philip Gatenby yet set as there is a potential clash with Bring gaiters and gloves. Most of the Contact: 0401 415 446 or the planned Walk from Sydney to climbing is between Gorilla Rock and [email protected] Kosciuszko in support of proper Booroomba Rocks. Distance is about 13 km management of feral horses in and the height gained about 420 m. Contact 1 December Saturday walk Kosciuszko National Park. The walk leader by Friday 16 November for start time Demandering Hut may end on the mountain on the 9th of and meeting place. Meet at Kambah Village Shops car park at December – our usual Christmas party Drive: 72 km, $30 per car. 8:30 am. Walk along the Naas Valley from date. Map: Corin Dam 1:25,000 the Mount Clear Campground, mainly When the date is definite it will be put on Grade: 1 A/B/C/D following the fire trail. Several creek our website, and announced in the e- Leader: Barrie Ridgway crossings to cool our feet along the way Contact: 0437 023 140 or newsletter Burning Issues and at general before we reach the picturesque meetings. [email protected] Demandering Hut for lunch. Back along the 18 November Sunday walk Naas to the cars in the afternoon. Drive: 160 km, $64 per car. 16 December Sunday walk Cotter Dam and Mount Map: Colinton 1:25,000 McDonald Grading: 2 A/B Meet 8:30 am at Bushfire Memorial car A walk from the Brindabella Road down to Leader: Steven Forst the new Cotter Dam, along the shoreline Contact: 0428 195 236 or park, west of intersection of Swallowtail and then up and over Mount McDonald and [email protected] Road and Peter Cullen Way, Wright (UBD back to the cars. Almost all walking on fire map 66, p5). We will follow the path north trails or old roads. Goods views across the 1 December Saturday walk then north-west (parallel to Uriarra Road) to Cotter Reservoir. Dr Suzi Bond will Western Trailhead. Then head south and Meet at junction of Cotter Road and be leading a climb Mount Stromlo (782 m), steep in Eucumbene Drive for 9:00 am start. butterfly walk for places, for morning tea at the cafe. Descend Drive: 24 km, $10 per car. NPA members at on trails to car park. Historic area, excellent Map: Cotter 1:25,000 the Botanic views. An 8 km walk, with a climb of Grading: 1 A/B Gardens. Bring 200 m. Lunch for stayers at Holdens Creek Leader: Mike S binoculars and Pond, Coombs. Walk timed to avoid hottest Contact: 0412 179 907 cameras. Meet at the ANBG Visitor part of day. Drive: 0 km. Map: Stromlo Forest Park Trail Map 24 November Saturday work party Centre at 1:00 pm. Limit 12 participants. Please contact Suzi by Sunday Grading: 1 A Weed control – Brandy Flat Leader: Brian Slee 25 November so that she can confirm The first time the NPA has visited this site, Contact: 6281 0719 (h) or details with you. involving the removal of woody weeds. [email protected] Leader: Suzi Bond Bring loppers and bush saw. Replacement Contact: [email protected] saw blades and gloves will be provided, as will herbicide. Meet at Cooleman Court 2 December Sunday walk Advance notices (behind McDonald’s) at 8:45 am. Sculpture walk – West Row to Drive: 32 km, $14 per car. 19 January Saturday walk Leader: Martin Chalk New Acton Contact: 6292 3502 (h) 0411 161 056 Meet in the car park (entry Arboretum area near the Reserve Bank) opposite the West A walk in the Mount Franklin/Stockyard 25 November Sunday walk Row Park. Parking is free on Sundays. This Spur area taking in the site of the old Mount Lee and Alpine wildflowers will be a gentle 3 km level walk. We will Forestry Hut on Stockyard Creek, the one- Depart 6:30 am and drive to Charlotte Pass. visit some 25 sculptures. You will like time Stockyard Arboretum, Cheyenne and Take trail to Snowy River then follow Club some, not others. We will have lunch/coffee Morass Flats and the old ski run. Contact Lake Creek to the lake. After break, contour at New Acton before returning to the cars. leader by Friday 18 January for information. around Mount Lee and descend to Kunama Leader: Col McAlister Leader: Barrie Ridgway Contact: 0437 023 140 or Hutte ruins for lunch. See anemone Contact: [email protected] or 6288 4171 [email protected] buttercups as they emerge from below melting snow (before they are eaten or 8 December Work party and 20 January Sunday walk trampled to extinction by ‘heritage horses’). Christmas party Kosciuszko National Park Return via slope of Mount Clarke. An Walk from Charlotte Pass to Blue Lake 11 km walk with a few steep climbs. Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group lookout, then off track to Meet at the Namadgi Visitor Centre, Afternoon tea Jindabyne. Book with leader with fabulous views. Back to Main Range Tharwa at 9:15 am. Car pool to Gudgenby by Saturday morning for weather check and track and possibly on to Mount Carruthers Valley. Weeding and spraying east of departure point. before returning to Charlotte Pass. Book by Gudgenby Cottage. Tools provided. Stay for Drive: 420 km, $168 per car + Park entry fee. Saturday morning. Map: Perisher Valley 1:25,000 Christmas lunch at the cottage. Bring a plate Leader: Margaret Grading: 2 A/B to share. Some drinks provided. Contact: 0448 924 357 or Leader: Brian Slee Leader: Doug Brown [email protected] Contact: 6281 0719 (h) or Contact: 6247 0239 or [email protected] [email protected]

16 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 The Cedros–Alpamayo Circuit, Peru

Trekking in Peru is very different from Huaraz and Huascaran. Photo by Andrew Gatenby. multi-day walking in Australia mainly agriculture and livestock and constant trek. We eventually settled on, not because of altitude. For much of the encroachment of human settlement. without a strong measure of relief (on time on two Peruvian treks Jan and I had These threats in part stem from a my part at least), the agency Jan and I completed previously we were above conflict between the aims of the national had used in 2013 to trek the Cordillera 4,000 m and we were happy to accept park and ancestral rights of locals to use Huayhuash. Our experience on this trek the need for a guide and a mule team to the land. was positive and booking with them support our efforts. If you are Huaraz took away a lot of the uncertainty unaccustomed to high altitude, walking associated with a trek organised by an uphill at these heights is slow and The base for trekking in this part of Peru unknown agency. The company also set exhausting. Under such circumstances is the city of Huaraz which is to the west us a program of acclimatisation carrying a full pack, including supplies of the Cordillera Blanca at an altitude activities based around day-long treks for around 10 days, is now something above sea level of about 3,100 m. Life in from Huaraz. These walks took us to we wouldn’t even attempt. Huaraz and the surrounding area is not progressively higher altitudes from Our most recent Peruvian trek, in without a degree of precariousness and 3,700 m on the first to 5,000 m on the July 2017, was called the Cedros- tragedy. The area has been devastated by fourth. Spending as much time as Alpamayo Circuit. Before the trek we’d earthquakes with the most recent major possible on these walks at the maximum met up with our eldest son, Andrew, and one (in 1970) claiming over 70,000 altitude achieved supposedly increases partner, Erin, who’d been travelling in lives, including 30,000 in Huaraz. the efficacy of acclimatisation. They South America since December 2016. Almost the entire city was levelled. One conform to the notion that hiking high They’d learnt quite a bit of Spanish in street that wasn’t is now a tourist and sleeping low (relatively speaking) is this time which for us proved very attraction. Huaraz is in a beautiful a means of reducing the impact of high helpful. The trek was in Huascaran location, wedged between the Cordillera altitude. Unfortunately treks don’t National Park in the Cordillera Blanca, Blanca and the Cordillera Negra to the always conform to this notion. We knew described as the world’s highest tropical west, but is an unattractive city. Many of from our trek in the Cordillera mountain range and part of the central its buildings, including its cathedral, Huayhuash in 2013 that it’s not always Andes. The Cordillera Blanca is about appear unfinished. It has numerous possible to sleep low. If the altitude slept 100 km long and roughly 240 km north concrete fountains but none of them on the trek is much higher than the of Lima, 100 km inland from the Pacific seem to work. Its markets, however, altitude slept at when acclimatising, coast and 1,000 km south of the equator. where each day people from the acclimatisation will be less effective. It boasts 29 peaks over 6,000 m, surrounding hills descend on the city to including Peru’s highest mountain, sell their produce are a revelation. Superb days, cold nights Huascaran (6,768 m), as well as around Everything imaginable, from cows’ Our trek started from the village of 300 glacial lakes and numerous noses to mobile phones, is on sale to the Hualcayan about 3 hours’ drive north of (estimated to be over 600), currently crowds from stalls that spill out over Huaraz, and finished 10 days later at the rapidly shrinking glaciers. many thoroughfares. village of Vaqueria to the east and a Huascaran National Park covers The streets of modern-day Huaraz similar distance from Huaraz. The trek 340,000 ha and was established in 1975, are dotted with trekking agencies, not took us along the northern edge of the 15 years after official moves were made surprising given its proximity to the Cordillera Blanca. Most days we walked to protect the area. Ten years later popular hiking destinations of for about 6 hrs and each day generally UNESCO declared the park a World Cordilleras Blanca and Huayhuash. As involved a climb to a mountain pass, Heritage Site. Apart from the loss of we wanted to do a trek in the Cordillera usually over 4,500 m (with the highest glaciers, the park faces challenges from Blanca in the vicinity of a peak called 4,860 m and called Osoruri), followed hydro-electric projects, legal and illegal Alpamayo, our first day in Huaraz was by a steep descent. We walked 132 km mining, loss of biodiversity from the spent traipsing from agency to agency and climbed 8,000 m, including the all- conversion of land from wilderness to seeking advice and quotes on such a (continued next page)

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 17 The Cedros–Alpamayo Circuit, Peru (continued) run by National Geographic in the 1960s Alpamayo was voted the most beautiful mountain in the world. We stayed two nights near Alpamayo and on the “rest day” Miguel guided us up the valley to a blue-green glacial lake below Alpamayo called Jancaruriscocha. From here we climbed to Alpamayo Base Camp which seemed largely deserted, most of its occupants mere specks on a nearby scree slope on their way to the peak. Miguel guided us up to a viewpoint (4,765 m) over another lovely but unnamed glacial lake. He and Andrew continued to an even higher lake and the rest of us returned to camp. They caught us before we reached the tents, Andrew looking exhausted and Miguel, who apparently hadn’t kept to his slow and steady pace, still looking fresh. Back at camp we dined on trout that Samuel Hualcayan and the Cordillera Negra. Photo by Jan Gatenby. had caught in the nearby stream. The following day we climbed important side trips. Jan, Andrew, Erin their own pace urged on by their arriero. steeply to a mountain pass called Cara and I were joined on the trek by a couple We always set off before them only to Cara (named after a local raptor) which from the USA, a guide, a cook, an usually be passed well before lunch. On forms the watershed. The rivers east of arriero (donkey driver), four donkeys only one or two occasions and with the pass drain all the way to the Atlantic and two horses. considerable effort we managed to get to Ocean via the Amazon. After crossing a On the first day we were led by the the day’s mountain pass before the second pass we had another side trip to owner of the agency and after 3 hours donkeys. more glacial lakes. Alpamayo from climbing and a multitude of zig-zags we Once the sun had risen the days were today’s view looked less like a pyramid reached our campsite, 850 m above warm and sunny. The nights, on the but was still spectacular once it emerged Hualcayan. This gave us the afternoon to other hand, were long and cold with a from the clouds. Near our campsite that contemplate the view over the Cordillera combination of altitude, latitude and night was a large herd of alpaca. Negra to the west, meet the arriero and clear weather contributing to our Our last side trip, on the ninth day of re-acquaint ourselves (Jan and I) with nocturnal discomfort. I wondered if my the trek, was to Punta Union. This pass Miguel and Samuel who had been the sleeping bag was up to it or was it the is the highest on the Santa Cruz Trek, a guide and cook (and arriero) on our trek frequent trips on occasions to the shorter and more popular trek than in 2013. They had just done the Cedros- vertical tent? Cedros–Alpamayo and much favoured Alpamayo Trek in the opposite direction Side trips by backpackers. The day we were there with two clients and were to turn around Side trips provided some of the trek’s was after our coldest night and a couple and do it all again. That night a most spectacular scenery. Our first, on of tarns near the campsite were frozen. traditional Peruvian feast (a day 2, took us on an indistinct track to a Once we reached the sunlight, climbing Pachamanca) was laid on for dinner. knoll with magnificent views over to the pass became more pleasant. The Each day Miguel our guide set the Nevado Santa Cruz (at 6,259 m, the views of the Cordillera Blanca from pace – slow but steady to help those highest peak locally). To regain the main Punta Union were excellent and included unaccustomed to activity at high track we mostly followed an aqueduct the Santa Cruz Valley, Huascaran Sur, altitude. The rest of us plodded along which carries water from a lake called Artesonraju (one of the peaks featured in behind. If needed, Samuel the cook Cullicocha to settlements and farmland the introduction to Paramount pictures) helped out when the party split, which over a thousand metres below. On the and much more. happened regularly but more often in the trek’s third day we had our first glimpse Other trekkers and a few locals early stages of the trek. The mules go at of one of the main highlights, Nevado We saw few other people on the early Alpamayo. From the days of the trek, other than a large group direction we app- from the British army going in the roached, Alpamayo opposite direction to us (about 20 with a resembled a perfect mule train of 23) and a Frenchman white pyramid against called Valerie going our way under the a deep blue sky. It’s care of a cook and arriero (and mules). not the highest peak He didn’t speak Spanish and his in this part of the attendants spoke no French but his Cordillera Blanca English was quite good so he spent a bit (5,947 m), but is of time chatting with us. Our relative certainly one of the solitude disappeared at the end of day 6. most spectacular. In At camp, which was at the base of a fact in a competition large cirque offering views of glaciers, waterfalls and the snowy peaks of Alpamayo at night. Photo by Andrew Gatenby. (continued next page)

18 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 Environment Day dinner

Each year the Conservation Council of the ACT organises a fund-raising dinner on Environment Day. This year the dinner was held at the Arboretum; NPA members and friends filled more than three tables.

One of the NPA ACT tables at the Environment Day dinner. Photo by Sabine Friedrich.

Sonja Lenz, Mike Thompson, Esther Gallant and Sally Stephens at the dinner. Photo by Sabine Friedrich.

The Cedro–Alpamayo Circuit, Peru (continued) They were astounded that Jan and I couldn’t speak Spanish, let alone Quechan. Later, Valerie and his arriero came by to look at the trout farm and to say goodbye as the next day he was to head a different way to us. Our last campsite on the fast flowing Quebrada Huaripampa was on the route of the Santa Cruz Trek. There were plenty of campers, along with more beer Ammonite fossil. Photo by Philip Gatenby. selling local ladies. Viscacha. Photo by Philip Gatenby. Taulliraju (5,830 m), Rinrijirca Flowers and animals weberbauerii) of the buttercup family. (5,810 m) and Pucajirca (6,046 m), we Apart from the first and last days, the A variety of native mammals and were greeted by ladies in traditional walk was mainly above the tree-line. birds are found in the Cordillera Blanca dress from a village further down the This meant we were either walking but we didn’t see many on the trek. We valley selling beer and coke. through bare rocky ground, especially saw lots of domesticated horse, cows, Next evening we camped by a lake the mountain passes, or grassland. At sheep and alpaca, as well as viscacha called Huecrucocha where there is a this height there was the occasional (Lagidnim peruanum), a rodent which trout farm. At a creek crossing en route clump of trees which in only one place resembles a large rabbit from the front to the campsite we found a fossilised was sufficiently extensive to be regarded and, with a bushy tail, a squirrel from ammonite indicating that part of the as forest. The dominant tree was behind. Viscacha live high up in Cordillera Blanca must have been below Quenual (Polylepis tarapacana), which boulder fields. The ones we saw were sea level at some time. reputedly grows at a higher altitude than well above 4,000 m. Soon after arriving at camp, we had a any other tree in the world. At lower Birdlife was more visibly common, visit from 3 kids from a nearby village. altitudes, where much of the natural with frequent sightings of Andean grassland has been replaced by Lapwing and occasional sightings of agriculture, imported Eucalyptus Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), globulus dominates. There was an Mountain Caracara (Phalcoboenus abundance of wildflowers, even above megalopterus), pied Andean Goose and 4,000 m. They included bluish lupins, iridescent green-black Puna Ibis. yellow Anqush (Senecio canescens), At the end of this memorable trek daisy-like Werneria nubigenia, a herb we returned to Huaraz via the hair- with a thin reddish stem (Lycopodium raising Portachuelo crossing of the crissum), mauve gentians and the Andes for well-earned pisco sours at the amazing looking Rima Rima (Krapfia trekking company office. Philip Gatenby Rima Rima. Photo by Philip Gatenby.

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 19 Bushwalk reports Gudgenby Valley and reflected on the Date: 20 May 2018. efforts of her and Participants: Brian Slee (leader), Peter others to restore the Anderson-Smith, Mark Clayton, environment at the Ken Free, Esther Gallant, John former Boboyan Giacon, Marjorie Kanagaratnam, Pine Plantation. Greg Lawrence, Sonja Lenz, From there we Kevin McCue, Marian Matchan, followed old for- Margaret Power. estry roads south Weather: Clear sky; chilly at first, then past Mushroom mild; breezy afternoon. Rock (photo op for In October 2017, Gudgenby Bush the Vics) and uphill Regeneration Group could not work to the bush track west of Gudgenby River, due to wildlife linking back to Old filming by the BBC. Instead, we began Boboyan Road. Gudgenby Valley walkers photo stop at Mushroom Rock. demolishing a fence at Old Boboyan Morning tea was at Photo by Kevin McCue. Road where it crosses Hospital Creek. Frank and Jacks As we followed the fence east up the Hut at 11:10 am. A new culvert has Homestead. Ranger BenO conducted an slope, eye-catching views of the valley stabilised the road in. impromptu tour of the interior of the and Namadgi’s peaks opened up. Time The walk continued west across solid two-storey building. had come for a walks outing like this. Bogong Creek, then north to Yankee Hat Tea and coffee was in afternoon sun Most of us, including three members rock art site. The yellow/orange/brown on the Cottage veranda (Esther was of Gippsland’s Ben Cruachan Walking valley floor spread out as we rose higher. ‘mother’) before we adjourned to the Club, had gathered at foggy Lanyon Lunch was on fallen trees among lounge room where fresh scones Marketplace at 8:30 am and arrived at eucalypts, with tourists to the art site (courtesy of Hazel Rath) were served Gudgenby Cottage gate at 9:15 in bright passing by. Unusually, no wedgetails with jam and cream in front of the wood sun. Here Esther joined us. were seen all day. fire. Walkers began departing around The initial stretch, contouring east of Once across Middle Creek we were 3:30 pm. Our circumnavigation of Hospital Creek, was to be the only going to climb a hill, but instead kept on Gudgenby Valley is worth repeating, significant off-track section. Good for the management trail to the bridge, indeed it could become a standard me as I had forgotten my boots. Views passing isolated, picture-postcard gums outing. Ken’s gismo recorded a distance of Mount Gudgenby opened up as we on the way. Participants in NPA’s Art of about 16 km. Thanks to all our headed south through easy country Week at Gudgenby Cottage had invited visitors and special thanks to Hazel for below Hospital Hill. We descended and us to afternoon tea, so we regulated our her hospitality. crossed Little Dry Creek then Hospital progress across the fields to arrive at the Brian Slee Creek, noting a heavy briar infestation. suggested time. Mobs of Grey We paused at Eleanor [Stodart] Grove Kangaroos fled as we neared Gudgenby Isaacs Ridge, Mount Mugga Mugga thistles. Apart from an expansive paddocks and eroded gullies and around lookdown on Woden, there is a an equestrian park to Canberra Date: 14 April 2018. surprisingly comprehensive view of the Centenary (CC) Trail. Since the NPA Participants: Brian Slee (leader), National Arboretum. was last at Mugga Mugga in 2015, an Marlene Eggert, Margaret Power. Chilly winds pushed us up Isaacs even more substantial fence has been Weather: Heavy cloud; strong, cold Ridge and we were soon among its giant erected around it and the CC has been wind; never quite raining. trees. Roos bounded and abounded. relocated from east to west of the Isaacs Ridge is one of the most imposed- Nearby plantings by the Friends of Isaacs mountain. We climbed steeply up an upon sections of Canberra Nature Park. Ridge are doing well but mountain bikes erosion-controlled gully, outside the Crowding its western slope are Isaacs are damaging their patch. fence, to the summit for lunch. On the Pines and weedy Scrivener Hill. Once past Sheaffe Trig (793 m), the final stretch, vigorously sprouting Communication towers of special path levels out and the panorama expands eucalypts bearing large blue–green ugliness intrude upon its skyline. Getting to take in the east. There is much to see leaves stood out. The horizon over to it involves passing through streets of from the ridge as it undulates south past Queanbeyan was growing gloomier; the attention-seeking houses in O’Malley. the towers to Stanley Trig (841 m; cf. fence precluded any view of the quarry. Yet the ridge is significant for its Mount Taylor 855 m). A pair of mountain Back at the cars via the CC at 1:15, magnificent native trees and the efforts bikers arrived on the latest of machines – 9 km. Afternoon tea was at Italian of volunteers to restore it. muscular shock absorbers, tyres on Continental Bakery, Mawson. The walk Shortly before 9 am, while waiting steroids – ready to plunge down through could be repeated as a morning outing to for a crowd of participants to arrive the pines. We sheltered in the forest for a Isaacs Ridge. Mugga Mugga might more (never did), we took a short walk from break. Hey, nothing like the red flash usefully be included in a through walk the Callemonda Rise meeting point to from a robin to brighten a day that was on the new, more scenic, CC from Scrivener Hill. Despite a sign detailing steadily becoming milder. Mugga Lane to O’Malley. the location’s proposed rehabilitation, it After retracing our steps to Sheaffe, Brian Slee is infested with mint-like horehound and we descended north through bare

20 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 Bushwalk reports (continued)

Tolwong Chimneys expense at the time of the extraction process from this mineral (McQueen Date: 28 March 2018. 2003). Participants: Mike Smith (leader) and To get to the start of the walk we 13 other participants. travelled via Goulburn and the village of Weather: Warm and sunny. Bungonia. About 7 km to the east of the There is a rich history of mining in the village we turned south-east on a rough catchment of the . Sand vehicle track, eventually coming to a car mining still operates, as does a giant park by a locked gate. The walking track quarry north of Bungonia from here to Tolwong Chimneys mostly Creek at South , while at many follows the western access to the site of locations, particularly on the western the treatment plant. It’s called the Trestle side of the Budawangs, the relics of gold Track, after a trestle used to support a mining are evident. They include water large wheel for the aerial tramway. This races, shafts and equipment for sluicing. part of the track was fairly level and One of the more significant mining would have allowed vehicles access to operations in this area from over a the ore discharge station at the top of the century ago was on the junction of tramway where decaying concrete Tolwong Creek and the Shoalhaven. foundations and a rusting iron railway The Tolwong site is a bit over 5 km truck are all that’s left. Perhaps the truck upstream of Bungonia Lookdown, not transported treated ore to the top of the One of the Tolwong Chimneys. far downstream of the Blockup. The tramway and was discarded when Photo by Philip Gatenby. mine and associated infrastructure were operations ceased. It’s been lying in the set up early last century to exploit forest for over 100 years and looks in east of the chimneys is the gully of deposits of copper, tin and arsenic, surprisingly good condition. We paused Tolwong Creek. The map shows a which were discovered in 1904 by John here for morning tea then Mike took us footpath, the Tolwong Mines Walking Sivewright (hence Sivewright Spur to on a steep zig-zagging footpath (now Track, going up the creek, passing the the north of the site) on the eastern side called the Blue Track, presumably to site of the mine, to a property called of Shoalhaven Gorge in Tolwong Creek. distinguish it from other tracks in Tolwong which is over 10 km away. On All that’s left today are two chimneys, Bungonia National Park with colourful this trip we didn’t have time to explore the remains of a roasting kiln and names) to the Shoalhaven River about the gully to any extent above the site of smelter, and bits of the foundations for 300 m below. This may have originally the treatment plant. Maybe next time! two aerial tramways. One tramway been used by workers at the treatment All that now remained was to operated to the east to bring ore from the plant and mine who numbered about 60 recross the river, have lunch beside the mine down to the treatment plant. The in its heyday (Dubber 2013). Shoalhaven and, for some, a swim other operated to the west to bring Visiting the site of the chimneys before tackling the very hot climb back equipment down to the treatment plant from the bottom of the foot track up the Blue Track and along the Trestle and to take out the treated ore. Its requires crossing the Shoalhaven. Not an Track to the cars. location would have given the mine unpleasant task during this seemingly access to the Southern Tablelands endless summer when river levels are Philip Gatenby railway. Production at Tolwong was low and water temperatures mild. Up References: short-lived, starting in 1910 and winding close the chimneys are an impressive Dubber, Alan 2013, Marulan’s Mining down between 1912 and 1916. A factor sight, about 20 m high and well- Heritage, Goulburn Post, August 16, which contributed to its failure was the constructed of a reddish brick. 2013, presence of copper and tin in a mineral Elsewhere many old bricks lie around, https://www.goulburnpost.com.au/ called stannite and the difficulty and some inscribed with ‘Waterloo’. To the story/1708848/marulans-mining- heritage/ McQueen, Ken 2003, Difficulties with Refractory Ores: History of the Tolwong Mines, Shoalhaven Gorge NSW, Journal of Australasian Mining History, Vol. 1, September 2003, pp. 110–120.

Crossing the Shoalhaven River. Photo by Philip Gatenby.

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 21 Bushwalk reports (continued) Lake Burley Griffin – East Basin Avenue Bridge and immediately school site. Notable is the Green Armys encountered the view of Kingston 2017 above-ground recreation, in Date: 17 June 2018. Foreshore across East Basin. The timber, of a classic Western Front trench Participants: Brian Slee (leader), Mike flattened mass of buildings does nothing – one for kids to explore amongst Bremers, Max Lawrence, Colin to enliven the lakescape. otherwise gloomy reminders of the McAlister, Deidre Shaw. Continuing east, passing through a horrors of war. Cattle grazed adjacent Weather: Cloudy; maximum +7°C; plantation of massive poplars in their paddocks; an exposed fox lurched to breezy at first, later very windy. winter bareness, we turned north off the and fro in fear. This outing combined walks 60–63 in path at The Boat House restaurant for an Although we paused when crossing Barrow’s Walking Canberra. The track excursion up to Kelliher Drive. Hidden Jerrabomberra Creek, we did not follows the north edge of Lake Burley away at the base of Mount Pleasant, the dawdle in the wetlands, they need a Griffin from the Carillon, to where it beautifully restored Duntroon Dairy with separate outing. We were thinking of becomes the Molonglo, then around its associated signage is highly evocative lunch anyhow. Into Eyre Street, across Jerrabomberra Wetlands and back along of the first European settlement in the pedestrian bridge at Kingston the south shore to Kings Avenue Bridge. Canberra. A neglected gem. Harbour, and we were settling at The Less frequented than the rest of the lake, After negotiating traffic on Morshead Dock pub + grub for loads of comfort perhaps walkers worry about squelching Drive, we were back on the path to food, roast pork for most, plus a pizza. through remote wetlands to complete the Molonglo Reach, crossing the fine Mmm! circuit. Graeme’s notes indicate bridge relocated from Belconnen along Wild and windy was the order of the otherwise and indeed, it is all on path, the way. On the shore a dozen gaggling afternoon as we circled out onto flat as a tack, bridges where they ought geese left us unmolested. Sad to keep Kingston Island and then followed the to be, 10.5 km, and delightful. passing blackberries that need spraying. long curved path west under the bridge, Meeting at 9.30 am, we were decked Cyclists about but few walkers. through the flash new bicycle tunnel out in gloves, beanies and multiple Once across the Molonglo and under Bowen Drive and up onto Kings layers. No hills to negotiate so, on the scooting alongside abandoned Dairy Flat Avenue. Back at the cars at 1.40 pm. coldest day (thus far) of the year, we Road, we were ready for morning tea Well worth repeating, winter proved could stay wrapped up. We set off and settled our bottoms on logs at the ideal. walking under the northern end of Kings WW1 Trench Warfare and Bombing Brian Slee New multiday walk in the Snowies A project underway in the High Country will create a four-day walk of approximately 45 km, starting at the top of Thredbo and ending at Bullocks Flat. It will link Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, Guthega, Perisher and Lake Crackenback. The route will cover about 20 km of existing tracks and 25 km of new tracks. Hikers will be encouraged to stay in existing resort lodges each night, or they may choose to camp. The following will be key features of the walk: • It will create exceptional views and the potential for it to be badged as a ‘Great Walk’ under the Tourism Australia Great Walks program. This status will not only promote the walk itself, but also will allow it to become a ‘flagship’ type promotional tool for visitation to the in summer. • All new tracks will be predominantly elevated platform or stone structures. This will minimise the environmental impact and reduce the long- term maintenance costs. This map is a draft, but it does show the overall concept clearly. • The existing Main Range Walk near Mt Lee will be realigned with an elevated platform of approximately 1.5 • The walk will use the following existing tracks: km. The track will be relocated slightly to the west to mitigate o Kosciuszko Walk (steel walkway) from Eagles Nest the existing impact on the critically endangered windswept o Summit Walk to the top of Mt Kosciuszko feldmark plant community. o Main Range Walk from Kosciuszko to Charlotte Pass • A permanent single toilet facility will be built approximately o The Illawong Walk from Illawong Hut to Guthega 30 m behind Seamans Hut. This will reduce the impacts of o The Porcupine Walk from Porcupine Rocks to Perisher people camping near the hut. The toilet will be open year- Valley. round. Development of the walk is expected to be finished in • A sample itinerary is detailed on the attached concept map. 2022, with some construction commencing next summer The exact location of the route is still being defined, taking (2018–19). account of the preliminary environmental assessments and targeted species surveys.

22 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 PARKWATCH News from state-based associations based infrastructure are employed by with the park’s management plan and and agencies. Parks Victoria and they can only develop the area’s World Heritage values. It is infrastructure on land Parks Victoria disgraceful that taxpayers’ money is Dealing with deer manages. That leaves our vast public being used to push such a misguided Deer are creating havoc in our natural land estate beyond the park system tourism proposal into the spiritual heart areas. The problem will have to be faced without a recreation planning process. of Tasmania’s wilderness. Walls of on a series of fronts, but strategies can be We need a really solid planning process, Jerusalem and Frenchmans Cap are also developed for all of them if the will is well advised by ecologists, land targeted. At the very top-end of the there. In the 19th century a few deer managers, recreation planners, social market is a helicopter-accessed private were introduced to south-eastern scientists and tourism operators: a tourism proposal at the Walls of Australia for sport. But the descendants process that can produce strong and Jerusalem. This development also of that original population have lasting guidelines and regulations across doesn’t conform with the park’s multiplied spectacularly in the last public land. Without such a planning management plan. decade or so. Something like one million process there is no certainty for The Federal and the Tasmanian deer are currently chewing their way developers, and no certainty for nature. Governments seem to think they can act through Victoria. They eat and trample a A wise society would fix that situation. regardless of the World Heritage wide range of vegetation; snap off shrubs Park Watch (VNPA) convention, and the sanctity of national and young saplings; ring-bark trees by No. 273, June 2018 parks and wilderness. It is long overdue ‘antler rubbing’; and make large wallows The Federal Government’s for wilderness to be recognised as a in wet areas. World Heritage value. Our main invaders are sambar deer Tasmanian Wilderness abuse subsidy Colong Bulletin which dominate in the east of the state No. 271 (July 2018) but also now turn up along the Murray, The Liberal Government in Tasmania the Otways and in the Prom. Around 60 elected in 2014 vowed to develop Saving the Great Barrier Reef native plants are now significantly ‘appropriate’ tourism projects in the Our Great Barrier Reef is a global icon, threatened by deer, and more than a state’s Wilderness World Heritage Area. arguably one of Earth’s most important dozen state or federally listed vegetation The Federal Government has assisted by natural treasures. It is a place of communities are being brought close to providing regional development immeasurable beauty and biodiversity, the brink. subsidies to private, commercial and the largest living structure on Earth, Parks Victoria is about to trial aerial schemes to exploit Tasmania’s visible from space. Since 1981, when shooting of deer around the Alpine wilderness for well-heeled visitors, who the Great Barrier Reef was World National Park’s Mt Howitt area, using will enjoy serviced walks and Heritage listed, it has formed the basis experienced NSW operators. And there accommodation. It will be adventure of a vibrant tourist economy supporting are plans to erect expensive deer-proof with a branded style and for a fat price, 69,000 jobs and contributing billions of fences around a few highly vulnerable with the least effort – adventure dollars to the Queensland economy. research plots on the Bogong High experienced with a much smaller ‘a’. The Reef is now in crisis as a result Plains. But what we really need is a Senator Eric Abetz recently gave of climate change. During the summers solidly funded commitment to remove $2.95 million to Maria Island Walk Pty of 2016–2017, unprecedented coral all deer from the alpine region. Ltd, to help develop the South Coast bleaching occurred. It has been The international Convention of Track with cabin accommodation as a estimated by the Great Barrier Reef Biological Diversity, signed in 1992 and commercial proposition. Another Marine Park Authority that these mass ratified in 1993, obliges the federal proposal is a commercial walking track bleaching events caused the death of government to ‘prevent the introduction from Farmhouse Creek to Lake Geeves two thirds of the coral in the northern of, control or eradicate those alien below Federation Peak to ensure walkers end of the Great Barrier Reef. species which threaten ecosystems, don’t get wet feet. This development It can take up to a decade for a coral habitats or species’. That should be a received $70,000 in ‘seed money’ from reef to recover. This recovery depends compelling trigger for federal funding the Federal Government’s regional on a healthy and resilient marine for immediate action on deer, and urgent development fund. If ever there was a ecosystem. Currently the reef is research into future management development that justified the need for experiencing further stress and options. state wilderness legislation, then it is this degradation from the accumulated Park Watch (VNPA) proposal. The promotional website, impacts of poor water quality caused by No. 273, June 2018 Geeves Effect, claims ‘such an iconic decades of land clearing, pollution, walk will allow investors to leverage dredging, coastal development, illegal Where’s the line? from the trends currently experiencing fishing and the invasive crown of thorns The pressure for increased visitor access strong growth: accommodation, outdoor starfish. to public land is growing at a great rate, experiences, eco-experiences and food, Our Great Barrier Reef is at a but uncertainty seems to be the only cider and wine experiences.’ The track’s tipping point. Although governments ‘rule’. A whole range of proposals, from developers even have the temerity to call acknowledge the Reef is in danger they mountain bike trails to spa hotels, are for public donations on their website, continue to pursue policies, subsidies being pushed into our national parks. having won Federal Government and approval mechanisms that promote And because there are no clear support. The developers plan to charge a harmful projects, including mega coal regulations, each proposal faces its own fortune for the privilege of using this mining proposals. If approved, the battleground. track, just like the Three Capes Track, Adani Carmichael coal mine in central As far as we can see, the only people but in pristine wilderness. Queensland could be the death knell for employed to actually implement nature- The proposal is completely at odds (continued next page)

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 23 P ARKWATCH (continued) the Great Barrier Reef. Adani plans to transition away from logging, protect Centrostephanus rodgersii, are so adept build the largest coal mine in Australia. two million hectares of public forests and at scraping the rock surface that even a It requires a railway to be built from the provide jobs and economic benefits to small number of individuals can mine to Abbot Point port where the coal regional communities, including through maintain the barren. will be shipped for export. The port nature-based tourism. We must It’s no easy task to prevent the spread requires significant dredging through the remember that many of our outstanding of urchin barrens. Urchin larvae benefit reef to provide access for large bulk national parks were only created through from strengthening, warming currents, carrier ships. dedicated efforts of groups like NPA to so tackling climate change is important, This industrialisation of the Great protect them from logging or clearing for but on current trajectories this will take Barrier Reef and increased risks of short-term gain — often hotly contested many years. Unsustainable fishing serious shipping accidents threaten its at the time, but in retrospect the right practices also give urchins a free kick, as pristine waters. At this stage, both major decision. The dollar figures show that not humans have removed most urchin political parties prioritise economic only are protected areas key to predators, namely large carnivorous fish growth and jobs, including growth of the conserving wildlife and landscapes, but and lobsters. Algae have no root system, coal industry. Governments are also in the efforts to protect them have paid off nor seeds, so we can’t plant forests on a denial of the science of climate change providing substantial revenue to NSW on large scale like on land. and the overwhelming evidence that coal an ongoing basis. Despite these challenges, successful and fossil fuels drive climate change. If Nature NSW (Winter 2018) projects like Operation Crayweed bring approved, the Adani mine will unlock Saving our underwater forests hope (www.operationcrayweed.com). the vast coal reserves of the Galilee Crayweed forests are being re- Australia has lost almost 40% of its Basin. This mega mine, rail and port established, with a lot of time and care, native terrestrial forest. project will produce 7.7 billion tonnes of by planting small patches that become But what is the story underwater? We carbon pollution over its lifetime, which self-sustaining growing populations; but have forests there too, made up of kelp is almost ten times Australia’s current restoring other species like kelp is more and other large brown algae. The surface annual CO pollution. This massive difficult. Programs like Reef Explorers 2 area of oceans on earth is more than increase in greenhouse gases will (www.reefexplorers.org) provide a focal twice the area of land, so the processes of accelerate catastrophic climate change, point for citizen science information, photosynthesis, oxygen generation and and flies in the face of Australia’s including projects on kelp monitoring, CO capture in our oceans are as commitments to carbon emission 2 Crayweed restoration and tracking important as those on land. reduction under the Paris Climate urchin barrens. In a vast ocean, projects Recent work by scientists has Agreement. Strong action is needed to such as these will be increasingly highlighted the importance of our Great protect the Great Barrier Reef and ensure important in maintaining and restoring Southern Reef, spanning 70,000 km2 a safe climate for posterity. Australia healthy ecosystems and ultimately life from northern to the must abandon coal and vigorously on earth. southern half of Western Australia. These transition to clean renewable energy. Nature NSW (Winter 2018) forests produce up to 65 tonnes of Colong Bulletin biomass per hectare per year. They are National parks: the preservation No. 271 (July 2018) home to unique Australian marine of Indigenous heritage NPA NSW News communities, with up to 80% of species When the subject of protecting The National Parks Association of NSW found no-where else in the world. Yet indigenous parks is raised, the first (NPA) has welcomed the announcement these reefs receive less than one tenth the response by most people sympathetic to by Minister for Tourism, Adam research funding of our coral reef. There these issues tends to be: Of course! Marshall, to develop a nature-based is much we don’t know about them. Great idea. National park status for tourism strategy to ‘unlock NSW’s We see declines in kelp densities, Aboriginal land, however, also brings multi-billion dollar backyard’, and calls overgrowth of kelp by other algae, with it limitations on access and/or on the Government to heed NPA’s damage by storms and the expansion of usage, even by Traditional Owners. Forests For All strategy to exit native urchin barrens. Whilst robust data sets Local initiatives may have to be forest logging on public land and use the are scarce, we do have some quantified approved by remote authorities in cities forests to promote nature conservation to evidence of loss of kelp forests; up to who may not have full knowledge of underpin nature-based tourism. Tourism 95% decline of the grand Macrocystis local circumstances. Employment is Australia describes Australia’s ‘world forests of Tasmania and 90% loss of subject to state government conditions class nature’ as its biggest strength, and some kelp forests in Western Australia. and budgets are set, again often by Destination NSW research shows that Studies have found that urchin barrens authorities remote from the local nature-based visitors spent $18.3 billion are more abundant than kelp in some community. in 2016 – with visitor numbers growing NSW sites, and at the northern edge of With the creation of Rinyirru consistently. NSW kelp forests are declining as fish (Lakefield) National Park, Cape York ‘We have known for a long time that assemblages become tropicalized. Peninsula Aboriginal Land, Lama Lama national parks are one of the biggest The growth in urchin barrens is of National Park and Muundhi (Jack River) attractions pulling visitors out of Sydney particular concern. Urchin barrens form National Park, there is a lot of support and into regional NSW, and we welcome when sea urchins – avid consumers of for the concept and practice of the Government’s recognition of nature algae – become over-abundant and strip incorporation of indigenous land within as fundamental to regional economies’, an area bare. Barrens represent an the traditional national park structure. At said NPA CEO, Ms Alix Goodwin. ‘Just alternate state – once they are face value, this would seem to ensure last Wednesday night we launched our established, it is difficult for kelp to protection and security for the ‘Forests For All Case for Change’ at reclaim the area, even if the original Aboriginal lands concerned. It also NSW Parliament. It demonstrates that cause of the barren is removed. Barren- means visitors to these national parks there is an economically-viable way to forming urchins, such as the black urchin (continued next page)

24 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 P ARKWATCH (continued) can receive interpretive guidance to relationship between tourism operators, ‘We’re really at crisis point. country and have their experience of the rather than a competitive one. populations have all but disappeared in park enriched by awareness of the • Assessment of new tourism initiatives southern NSW, plummeted in the Pilliga, Traditional Owners. will be undertaken in a publicly gone down by 50% on the north coast The advantages of this change is that transparent and accountable manner. and are under significant pressure from indigenous people can reassume the role TNPA website, accessed 28 July 2018 development in suburban Sydney. We and legal authority for stewardship over Fresh legal challenge to NSW must start taking koala declines portions of land. land-clearing codes seriously,’ said Ms Alix Goodwin, NPA There is tension between CEO. ‘The drivers are clear: loss of The NSW Nature Conservation Council preservation of conservation values and habitat from urban development, logging has initiated fresh legal proceedings to the rights of Traditional Owners. This and clearing, which then renders overturn environmentally harmful land- tension happens in the same context as increasingly vulnerable to dog attacks clearing codes introduced by the NSW the pressure more broadly on all and vehicle strike because they must Government in March this year. The protected areas: between economic spend more time on the ground, and council, represented by public interest demands – the jobs and income that can disease because they are increasingly environmental lawyers EDO NSW, is come from full use of the land and stressed. challenging the codes on two grounds: rebalancing the historic lack of ‘The first and most important step is • That the Environment Minister opportunity, and the priority to protect habitat protection — as it is in the Gabrielle Upton failed to properly, the environment for degradation. If conservation of all animals. genuinely, and realistically consider her Traditional Owners are not partners in Unfortunately, the Government has decision to agree to the codes being conservation decisions we will effectively removed habitat protection made; and perpetuate historic unfairness and lose a on private land; released a koala strategy • That the Environment Minister failed potential ally in our efforts to protect our that contained no new protection for to properly consider the principles of precious places. koalas and is introducing logging laws ecologically sustainable development Protected (QNPA), Issue 21 that will see almost half of mapped high- when considering whether to agree to (June–August 2018) quality koala habitat on the north coast the code being made. Principles for environmentally subjected to clearfell logging. We simply ‘If either of these grounds is upheld, can’t expect koalas to persist in the face sustainable tourism – a starting it would constitute a significant failure point of the current onslaught on their habitat. by the Environment Minister and www.npansw.org The Tasmanian National Parks Ass- underline the government’s careless accessed28 June 2018 ociation, along with other Tasmanian disregard for nature in NSW,’ NCC CEO Environment Non–Government Organ- Kate Smolski said. ‘The rushed and Compiled by Hazel Rath isations, has developed the following set potentially unlawful actions of the Marine parks butchered of principles as a basis for developing a Environment Minister have put wildlife framework for environmentally sus- at risk and undermined the principles of In 2012 Australia created the world’s tainable tourism in Tasmania’s national good government in NSW. If our largest marine parks network – a global parks: challenge succeeds, we will call on the inspiration. However, in 2013 the new • Tourism (and recreation) interests have government to scrap these laws and Abbott Government suspended these a responsibility to pass on to future make new codes that actually protect our parks and ordered a ‘review’. Now a generations Tasmania’s exceptional threatened species for future butchery of our Marine Parks is natural and cultural heritage in no generations.’ proposed by the Federal Government’s poorer condition than we experience it. ‘... More than 1000 plant and animal new management plans. The scale of • Wilderness is a diminishing global species are at risk of extinction in this these cut backs is unprecedented asset which needs to be protected, not state, including the koala and 60 per cent globally, and will allow destructive compromised. of all our native mammals. Land clearing industrial fishing and dangerous oil • Tourism (and recreational) ventures is the main threat to many of these drilling into our precious marine parks. will be compatible with statutory animals, and the land-clearing codes this We were made an election promise management plans (and not require ad government has introduced, potentially that this government wants to flout. We hoc changes); and will be established unlawfully, are pushing them closer to were assured that any changes to our and managed in an ecologically the brink.’ national network of marine sanctuaries sustainable manner. Nature Conservation Council NSW, would be science-based. These new • Where facilities can be developed press release, 27 June 2018 plans ignore the government’s own independent science review and public outside the TWWHA and national The Great Koala National Park parks, such facilities and services will opinion. The National Parks Association of NSW not be provided as concessions within It’s the biggest rollback in ocean (NPA) has welcomed the renewed the TWWHA or national parks. protection Australia’s ever seen, commitments around protecting koalas • New tourism (and recreational) butchering 40 million hectares. This is and establishing the Great Koala initiatives will support and huge – an area twice that of Victoria. National Park made by Opposition commercially contribute to This is equal to cutting half of Leader Luke Foley. Mr Foley committed communities living in juxtaposition Australia’s national parks on land – an Labor to protecting remaining koala with National Parks and other outrageous step backwards. populations on the north coast in national protected areas, so that the benefits Source: parks, holding a NSW koala summit and flow to these communities. https://www.marineconservation.org.au/ working with farmers, scientists and • Tourism (and recreational) initiatives pages/save-our-sanctuaries-- environment groups to protect native should encourage a mutually beneficial marine-parks-under-threat.html vegetation. accessed 4 August 2018

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 25 NPA notices National Parks Association Calendar The NPA welcomes September October November December the following new members Cynthia Coppock, Tues 25 Public holidays — Mon 1 — Luke O’Connor, Wed 26 Neal Gowan and An Van den Borre, General meetings Thurs 20 Thurs 18 Thurs 15 — Julie Hardy, Committee meetings Tues 4 Tues 2 Tues 6 Tues 4 Pete Hegarty, Doug Brown, Gudgengy Bush Regeneration 1 Sat 8 Sat 13 Sat 10 Sat 8 2 Linda Groom and Peter Conroy, Hannah Conway. Sat 13 to We look forward to seeing you at Art Week at Gudgenby Cottage Sat 20 NPA activities.

NPA Christmas Party TBA3 This Bulletin was prepared by:

Further details: 1 GBRG. Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre 9.15 am. Editors, Kevin McCue and Sonja Lenz 2 GBRG Christmas Party. Copyeditor, Ed Highley 3 NPA Christmas Party; see notice in Outings Program, page 16. Presentation, Adrienne Nicholson.

printing with the names of Australia’s growing list of Stand Against Extinction threatened species. Where: Lawns of Parliament House, Canberra If there is a threatened plant, animal or ecosystem you feel connected to, we’d love you to bring along your own When: 10th September 2018, 8.30am posters, puppets, masks or other visual props that help you Why: Australia is facing a national extinction crisis take a stand on their behalf. Things do not have to be this way. With strong new laws The Places You Love alliance is a broad movement and and more resources we can turn things around. we are encouraging groups to use the event to highlight the environment and conservation issues they care most about. The Places You Love alliance has an ambitious goal for This can include bringing along props, images and banners to September 10 – to see 2000 people, representing Australia’s the event and promoting the event to your members, support- 2000 threatened species, take a visible public stand against ers and networks so they too can take a stand on the issues extinction on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra. that they are passionate about. We’re asking Australians who love our unique wildlife to We need your support to help turn out numbers! join us in holding up the banners and placards we are

Red spot Call for volunteers Subscriptions for 2018–19 are now overdue. If there is a red spot At NPA general meetings volunteer on your Bulletin address sheet and in your Bulletin, or you have members set up the hall and the supper. received a reminder notice and not yet paid, the association’s We need more volunteers for 2018 as the records show your current subscription has not been received. roster is by no means full. Please contact Please take the time to make amendments to the renewal form if the Quentin Moran if you can help. information NPA holds confidentially in its database needs correcting. Please [email protected] Thank you. send the whole form back with your payment details. Thank you! Sonja Lenz, Secretary

Cover photographs Front cover Contributions for the Main photo. Gudgenby Valley from above Hospital Creek NPA Bulletin (bushwalk report page 20). Photo by Ken Free. Insets. Left. Mushroom Rock, photo opportunity on a walk in Contributions of articles, letters, poems, the Gudgenby Valley (bushwalk report page 20). Photo by Kevin McCue. drawings and photographs are always Centre. Those who care need to be heard welcome. If possible keep contributions to no (calls for participants pages 3, 8 and above). Photo by Adrienne Nicholson. more than 1,000 words. Items accepted for publication will be subject to editing and may Right. KNP near The Porcupine also be published on the NPA website. Send all (track proposal page 22). Photo by Adrienne Nicholson. items to the Bulletin Team, email Back cover [email protected], or to the NPA ACT Top. Damage caused to a stream by feral horses in Kosciuszko postal address (see page 27). National Park; the foreground is outside an exclusion Deadline for the December 2018 issue: fence (see pages 3 and 8). Photo by Dianne Thompson. 31 October 2018. Bottom. How the streams should look; Sams Creek below Mount Kelly, Namadgi National Park (see pages 3 and 8). Photo by Max Lawrence.

26 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 General Meetings Third Thursday of the month, (not December or January) 8.00 pm, Uniting Church hall, 56 Scrivener Street, O’Connor Thursday 20 September Thursday 18 October Thursday 15 November Collector for ArcGIS Walk the border, ACT Earless Dragons in the ACT Steve Taylor Rod Griffiths Emily Stringer Invasive Plants Coordinator with Immediate Past President of Honours student, the ACT Government NPA ACT Australian National University Steve will talk about an online The ACT’s border passes through some Emily was sponsored by NPA system called Collector which is of the most accessible, and inaccessible, ACT during her Honours year to used for storing the location of country in order to define the ACT. Join investigate the viability of Earless weed species in the ACT. He will Rod Griffiths for a night of spies, feral Dragons in the ACT. What are discuss which weeds are horses, endangered species and some they? Why are they important? considered important, how they great views on the first anniversary of How do you actually find and are mapped and how the data get his 21 day, 306 km fund-raising walk catch them? Then what? added to the database. Importantly, around the ACT. Rod’s sponsorships he will mention the follow-up raised more than $20,000 for the actions taken to remove the weeds. Conservation Council of the ACT Region.

Conveners National Parks Association of the ACT Incorporated Bulletin Working Group Kevin McCue 6251 1291 (h) [email protected] Inaugurated 1960 Cultural Subcommittee Quentin Moran 6288 9840 Aims and objectives of the Association [email protected] Environment Subcommittee Rod Griffiths 6288 6988 (h) • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the protection of [email protected] fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and cultural heritage in the Outings Subcommittee Steven Forst 0428 195 236 Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the reservation of [email protected] specific areas. Publications Subcommittee Kevin McCue 6251 1291 (h) • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areas. [email protected] • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment of, such Publicity Subcommittee Allan Sharp natural phenomena and cultural heritage by organised field outings, [email protected] meetings or any other means. Work Party Co-ordinator Martin Chalk 6292 3502 (h) [email protected] • Cooperation with organisations and persons having similar interests and objectives. The NPA ACT office is in Unit 14 / 26 Lena Karmel Lodge, Barry • Promotion of, and education for, conservation, and the planning of Drive, Acton, together with the Conservation Council. It is staffed by landuse to achieve conservation. volunteers on an irregular basis. Callers may leave phone or email messages at any time. Office bearers Phone: (02) 6229 3201 or 0429 356 212 (if urgent) President Esther Gallant 6161 4514 (h) [email protected] Website: www.npaact.org.au Email: [email protected] Vice President Cynthia Burton 0488 071 203 [email protected] Address: GPO Box 544, Canberra ACT 2601 Secretary Sonja Lenz (Acting) 6251 1291 (h) Facebook: [email protected] www.facebook.com/NationalParksAssociationOfTheAct Treasurer Hannah Conway 0439 962 255 Membership subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) [email protected] The subscription rate is $22, which includes a digital copy only of our Bulletin. Committee members If you want to receive a printed copy of the Bulletin, the subscription Chris Emery 6249 7604 (h) rates are: [email protected] Household membership $44 Single members $38.50 Corporate membership $33 Full-time student/Pensioner $22 Steven Forst 0428 195 236 [email protected] Note: All the above subscription categories reduce to $11 if a Rod Griffiths (Immediate Past President) 6288 6988 (h) donation of $100 or more is made. [email protected] Advertising George Heinsohn 6278 6655 (h) The NPA Bulletin accepts advertisements and inserts. Contact [email protected] the NPA office for information and rates. Kevin McCue 6251 1291 (h) Printed by Instant Colour Press, Belconnen, ACT. [email protected] ISSN 0727-8837

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2018 27 NPA books available from some bookshops (e.g. ANBG), or contact the association office.

For information on NPA ACT activities, please visit our website http://www.npaact.org.au and follow us at www.facebook.com/NationalParksAssociationOfTheAct