Green Mountains Ecotourism Opportunities Tourism Investment Profile 2013

Lamington National Park South East Cover image

Luke’s Bluff lookout on O’Reilly’s Plateau Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland

This report was commissioned by the Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games and prepared by Tony Charters and Associates to assist potential proponents interested in submitting a proposal for Green Mountains Ecotourism Opportunity.

The material contained herein does not in any way purport to representing the views of the .

The Queensland Government makes no statements, representations, or warranties about the accuracy, completeness or reliability of, and you should not solely rely on, any information contained in this report. You should make your own inquiries and obtain advice specific to your particular circumstances.

Date prepared: July 2013

CS2682 08/13 Contents

1.0 Introduction ...... 4

2.0 Site Overview ...... 5 2.1 Site Access ...... 6 2.2 Site Land Use ...... 7 2.3 Access to Water ...... 8

3.0 Overview...... 8 3.1 Key Attractions and Activities ...... 9 3.2 Environmental Values ...... 9 3.3 Climate ...... 10 3.4 Cultural Values ...... 12

4.0 The Local Economy ...... 14

5.0 The Market ...... 16 5.1 Visitors to the Gold Coast Region ...... 16 5.2 Visitors to Lamington National Park and the Site ...... 19

6.0 Nearby Commercial Operations ...... 21

7.0 Site Planning Framework...... 22 7.1 Local Government Management Plans ...... 22 7.2 Development Assessment ...... 23 7.3 Tenure and Management Plan Zoning ...... 24 7.4 Cultural Heritage Protection ...... 26 7.5 Native Title ...... 26 7.6 Fire and Emergency Management ...... 27 7.7 Pest Management ...... 27

Appendix one: Site Aerial Photo ...... 30

Appendix two: Cadastral Map...... 31

Appendix three: Detailed Site Facilities Maps ...... 32

Appendix four: Lamington National Park Species of Conservation Significance ... 34

Appendix five: Lamington National Park Heritage Sites ...... 39

Appendix six: Vegetation Communities Map ...... 40 2

Appendix seven: Online Market Research and Marketing Links ...... 41

Appendix eight: Lamington National Park Zoning Plan ...... 42

Appendix nine: Lamington National Park Pest Species ...... 43

References...... 45

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1.0 Introduction

The Queensland Government is calling for expressions of interest to develop and operate a low impact ecotourism facility at the Green Mountains site in Lamington National Park (the park). The park is part of the Gondwana of World Heritage area in the , about 120km south of , Queensland’s capital city and 75km from the Gold Coast.

Map One: Regional Location

Source: NPRSR 2013

The Queensland Government is committed to improving access to national parks for the benefit of ecotourism and has undertaken significant reforms to allow privately owned and environmentally responsible facilities to be established on national parks so that new and innovative ecotourism experiences can be provided. This site is one of Queensland’s ecotourism investment opportunities being released to the private sector through an expression of interest (see Appendix one for an aerial photo).

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2.0 Site Overview

The park which protects more than 20,000 hectares of and a range of other forest types in the deep valleys and high ridges of the McPherson Range, forms part of the border between and Queensland. The park has been a favourite with bushwalkers for many decades and people come from all over Australia and the world to explore its walking tracks, picnic, camping areas and to view the diverse wildlife.

The campground site, lot 496 on Plan NPW225 (see Appendix two for cadastral map) is currently a public camping ground located within the Green Mountains section of the park – a very popular day visitor, camping and accommodation area. Also available as part of the offered site is the barracks infrastructure located nearby on the eastern side of the Lamington National Park Road and a three bedroom house (opposite the entry road to the camping site). The house and barracks facility may be required for staff housing, office and storage capacity and minor workshop facilities. The house and barracks are in reasonable condition but may require upgrading to meet current standards. The barracks are located behind the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) office.

Map Two: Site Location

Source: NPRSR 2013

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The site is within easy walking distance of the National Park Information Centre, day use picnic area, and a wide range of popular short and long distance walking tracks (from 30 minutes to eight hour walks). It is worth noting that due to significant landslips the West Canungra Circuit will potentially be closed for the next three to six months.

The site is also in close proximity to private attractions such as the O’Reilly’s Canopy Walk and Boardwalk, Rainforest Gardens and kiosk/cafe. The cafe in particular has outstanding views to Mt Lindsay and Main Range. From the site, guests are able to access tours offered by O'Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and visit nearby attractions such as the Alpaca Barn and Rainforest Gallery (9km), O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyard (25km) and (61km).

The site itself is approximately four hectares and positioned adjacent to a subtropical rainforest at an altitude of approximately 935 metres. The site enjoys a hilltop location with the existing campsites facing west and south-west and at the highest point Mt Lindsay can be viewed through the trees. Some limited pruning of selected trees would enhance views to Mt Lindsay, and may be considered by QPWS. The site is relatively steep with the main camping area descending the slope at approximately seven degrees. However the existing campsites themselves are all on leveled pads. The site has provision for small campervans and motorhomes, open grassed camp sites and camp sites under the rainforest understorey. Of the total site area approximately 25 percent is cleared and grassed and generally well screened. The site also offers viewing of wildlife such as pademelons, scrub turkeys and a diversity of other birdlife foraging throughout the day.

2.1 Site Access The site is approximately 120km south of Brisbane (two hours’ drive) and located between the Gold Coast (one hour, 30 minutes) and Beaudesert. Access is by road from Canungra or Nerang (see Appendix three). The road from Canungra provides extraordinary views as it climbs out of the valley to the surrounding farmlands, forest and distant mountain ranges. In the last four kilometres of the trip the road enters an amazing rainforest drive through towering trees, ferns and vines. This rainforest drive provides an ideal entry statement to the area and a foretaste of the forests that guests will experience at Green Mountains. The road is, however, narrow and winding and is not ideal for tour coaches, large caravans or large motorhomes.

Green Mountains currently experiences overcrowding and traffic congestion during peak periods, most evidently on weekends and public holidays. The car park is designed to accommodate the flow of visitors, but traffic jams occur on the access road, particularly during weekends.

The property has a private gravel road entry which provides access to all of the developed camping sites and operates as a one-way system. Although quite close to the sealed public day-use car

6 parking area, it is totally screened from the car park. A short walking track links the camping ground to the day use car park.

The site is very close to the network of walking trails that emanate from the Green Mountains section of the national park.

The nearest international airports are located at the Gold Coast and Brisbane. The site itself is directly accessible only by the 36km scenic forest road from the township of Canungra (38km from the Gold Coast and 87km from Brisbane).

2.2 Site Land Use The site has been used as a camping ground for many years and is well worn and in need of rehabilitation of eroded and compacted areas. Much of the site is still forested with regenerating sub-tropical rainforest, which is to the west of the site and is growing up and gradually obscuring the view.

The current layout of the site includes a small parking area, 10 campervan sites, 20 tent sites and 10 bush camping sites currently used by campers on the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk (a 54km three day walk). It also includes a toilet block and shower block. There is power and gas supply to the amenity blocks only, with no public access to power. Mains power is available to the site but is currently limited to servicing the amenity blocks. There are no shelter pavilions on the site and therefore campers must make their own arrangements in wet weather conditions.

The lower and most westerly portion of the site is very close to the service road that connects to the O’Reilly’s Rainforest Villas development and some villas are partially visible from the lowest areas of the site.

There are two grassed transpiration areas associated with sewage treatment from the amenity blocks, which are closed to public use. The system is reported to be functioning adequately under existing use level. Depending on future proposals this treatment system may need to be upgraded or replaced with a new, small package plant or pump out facility. Solid waste is transported off the mountain for disposal.

The site is serviced by mobile networks, though service is quite patchy and telephone lines service the area.

There are two sectors of the accommodation market which are absent from the area, including: • Bunkhouse style accommodation for groups, for example, schools, colleges (science

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excursions, field study work), and interest groups (naturalists groups, bushwalking groups, photography, voluntary conservation projects, technical tours); and • Semi-permanent camping/accommodation structures. Largely self-contained semi- permanent tents or pods with higher levels of comfort than traditional camping.

Should camping be the desired future use of the site, the existing tent campsites, trailer camper and campervan/motorhome sites would require upgrading. The site is accessible to the small to medium classes of motorhome. Upgrades such as landscaping treatment, addition of powered sites and creation of leveled pads should be considered.

2.3 Access to Water The Green Mountains site is within the Logan Basin Water Resource Plan Area - Water Resource (Logan Basin) Plan 2007. There is no additional surface water (within watercourses) available in this area and Action 86 of the Lamington Park Management Plan (2011) states that additional water extraction locations within the park will not be authorised.

A limited untreated supply of water is currently supplied to the campground from a nearby source. A Deed of Agreement exists between O’Reillys and QPWS in relation to water supply to the camp area. Access to this water supply in the future will require discussions with both QPWS and O’Reillys. Proponents should consider onsite water collection and storage and the development of alternative water collection and treatment systems as part of any proposal.

3.0 Lamington National Park Overview

Lamington National Park, declared in 1915, was one of the first national parks in Queensland. It is 20,600 hectares of rainforest, open forest, montane heathland and has relatively undisturbed freshwater ecosystems and waterfalls. It has significant conservation value as part of both the Bioregion and the of Australia World Heritage Area. It also lies within the recently established Green Cauldron National Landscape. The Park is also a major water catchment supplying key waterways for the local region.

The park’s natural beauty, tourist facilities and proximity to the rapidly growing urban areas in South East Queensland continues to attract high numbers of both domestic and international visitors. Visitor numbers are highest in the northern section of the park where visitor facilities and amenities are well developed. Areas such as the Stinson and Point Lookout campsites, the Stretcher Track, Rat-a-tat and the Lost World area receive moderate numbers and areas less visited include Running Creek catchment, Widgee Massif and the northern Albert River catchment downstream of Black Canyon.

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3.1 Key Attractions and Activities The park has significant aesthetic value with clear mountain streams, hundreds of waterfalls and expansive rainforest. Many of the lookouts in the park offer spectacular panoramic views over the Gold Coast, surrounding valleys and nearby Mountain Ranges.

The park offers several nature-based recreational opportunities including 150km of graded bushwalking tracks with accompanying self-guided walk brochures and track markers. Bird watching is particularly popular. There are also established picnic and camping facilities as well as remote wilderness camping opportunities. For the latter, visitors are required to be fully self-sufficient and possess appropriate skills and experience to manage navigation and safety in the difficult terrain. In the northern section of Lamington, bush camping is allowed at only a few official sites along the graded track system and all bush camping sites are closed in December and January.

The Green Cauldron National Landscape is one of a network of 15 areas in Australia, which capture and promote areas of outstanding natural beauty and cultural significance. Australia’s National Landscapes Program aims to achieve conservation, social and economic outcomes for Australia and its regions via the promotion of superlative nature-based tourism experiences. Green Cauldron National Landscape approximates the boundary of the Mt Warning caldera.

3.2 Environmental Values Lamington National Park is one of the most important conservation reserves in the region. Its geological values are internationally significant as outstanding examples of the continuing geological processes associated with Tertiary volcanic activity. The park is part of possibly the best preserved erosion caldera in the world - notable for its size, age (20 million years), and associated landforms and geology.

The native plant and animal values of Lamington National Park are also globally significant. The park is exceptionally rich in with 20 regional ecosystems represented. Notable plants include some of the oldest types of ferns, Antarctic Beech trees (some of which may be over 1,000 years old) and possibly the largest undisturbed stand of hoop pine remaining in subtropical Australia. It also contains the largest stands of subtropical rainforest and undisturbed warm in Queensland.

The parkcontains approximately 880 species of plants including nearly 70 species that are classed as endangered, vulnerable or rare. More than 190 species of birds have been recorded representing over 60 percent of the families of Australian birds. Of note, the park is an essential habitat for the

9 endangered Coxen’s fig parrot, and red goshawk and the vulnerable black- breasted button quail, glossy black cockatoo, powerful owl, plumed frogmouth and rufous scrub-bird. The rufous scrub-bird in particular is confined to the World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests.

There are also many animal species in the park including the commonly sighted red necked pademelon and five vulnerable mammals - the spotted-tailed quoll, koala, long-nosed potoroo, brush-tailed rock wallaby and Hastings river mouse. The endangered Fleay’s barred frog, the giant barred frog and the vulnerable cascade tree frog also inhabit the park. The park also provides important habitat for the rare Stephen's banded snake and common death adder, and the vulnerable Richmond birdwing butterfly. Appendix four contains currently listed species of conservation significance and provides an associated vegetation map. However, it should be noted that the Queensland Government, via its Back on Track initiative has adopted a broader approach to identifying priority conservation targets utilising multiple criteria in its species prioritisation framework. This approach will better identify those species in trouble and those with the greatest chance of recovery, enabling a more strategic allocation of resources and better biodiversity outcomes.

There are currently more than 30 scientific purpose permits for research conducted on the park, and several long-term projects being conducted by scientists from Australian and international universities, investigating topics including rainforest regeneration and climate change impacts.

The presence of these species and associated research work can be a significant attraction for visitors to the area. In addition, it provides a valuable asset for the development of a range of commercial nature-based activities and interpretation opportunities (e.g. bird watching, nature walks, children’s ‘ranger’ programs, and conservation volunteer programs developed with QPWS).

3.3 Climate The park enjoys a comfortable subtropical climate. Mean maximum and minimum temperatures for the nearest weather station at are shown below in Graph one. However the campsite is located approximately 930m above sea level as opposed to the Hinze Dam at 110m. Therefore temperatures will be approximately 5.5 degrees cooler than Hinze Dam year round. Mean monthly rainfall is shown in Graph two.

Graph one: Mean Maximum and Minimum Temperatures (1994-2011)

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Graph two: Green Mountains Mean Monthly Rainfall (1975-2013)

Detailed information on the projected climate change impacts in Queensland can be found at the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website.

A 2009 study by the Australian National University suggests that for Lamington National Park, higher temperatures, drought and a consequential change in fire regimes could threaten many of the significant vegetation communities, including: Antarctic beech communities, Notophyll evergreen

11 vine forests and dry rainforests including Araucarian vine forests. Many significant fauna species are also susceptible to the impacts of climate change, including: fire-sensitive birds such as the vulnerable rufous scrub-bird and endangered eastern bristlebird; the endangered Fleay’s barred-frog and the giant barred-frog; the vulnerable Hastings river mouse and rufous bettong and the vulnerable Richmond bird-wing butterfly.

3.4 Cultural Values The park contains many landforms, features and sites of significance for the Yugambeh Aboriginal people. Significant sites are not very well documented and remain confidential in the interest of continuing protection. Historically and archaeologically important evidence of Aboriginal people’s occupation has been found in the park, including burial sites, rock shelters, scarred trees and stone artifact scatters. Some of these sites are close to popular walking tracks and require sensitive management. All Indigenous cultural heritages are protected under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld).

More than 30 significant European cultural heritage sites are also found in the park (see Appendix five). They include the Romeo Lahey Memorial (an ecotourism pioneer who founded Binna Burra Lodge in 1933), sites associated with the 1937 Stinson aircraft wreck and rescue, items of historic park infrastructure and a survey marker tree dating from Francis Roberts’s 1863 – 65 survey that established the border between Queensland and New South Wales. All cultural heritage artifacts located in national park are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

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4.0 The Local Economy

The Gold Coast Regional Tourism area possesses a wide array of natural attractions, including its internationally acclaimed surf beaches and World Heritage Listed subtropical rainforests. It also boasts a broad spectrum of well-developed tourism services and infrastructure, including internationally renowned theme parks and attractions, restaurants, wineries, shopping complexes and international golf courses. The Gold Coast Hinterland (the linear area of land located behind the Gold Coast’s coastal corridor) in particular is a popular destination for bushwalking, bird watching, hang gliding and visiting wineries.

Tourism is the key driver in the local (Gold Coast) economy, value adding around $3 billion and contributing approximately 16 percent of gross regional product 1. In August 2011 there were 14,420 tourism businesses employing 35,300 people 2. This equates to just over 20percent of all businesses on the coast3. With a predicted rise in both domestic and international tourism4, careful strategic planning should see the well positioned to take advantage of the heightened visitation to the Gold Coast.

The is home to the towns of Beaudesert, Boonah, Canungra, Kalbar, Kooralbyn, Rathdowney, and . The region covers 4,238 square kilometres and is home to about 38,304 people. Over the past five years, the population of the Scenic Rim Region has grown at an average annual rate of 1.5 percent, slightly below the average for Queensland (2.3 percent)5.

There is also a high level of support for continued investment in and promotion of tourism and recreation opportunities in the region from key authorities including: • Scenic Rim Regional Council – local government authority • Scenic Rim – local tourism organisation • Gold Coast Tourism - regional tourism organisation and principal marketing body • Tourism and Events Queensland – state tourism organisation • Queensland Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and Commonwealth Games (DTESB) and the • Queensland Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing.

The Scenic Rim Regional Council recognised the need for a comprehensive approach to tourism development and marketing with its Scenic Rim Regional Tourism Strategy 2011-16. It focuses on a sustainable approach to tourism and a three part approach to tourism – destination planning, development and marketing.

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Tourism and Events Queensland, as evidenced in the Gold Coast and Hinterland Destination Tourism Strategy 2012-2016 and Gold Coast and Hinterland Tourism Opportunity Plan 2012 support Hinterland based tourism projects that will: • Further develop Hinterland tourism attractions • Raise the tourism profile of the Hinterland • Increase and improve access • Build nature-based and adventure tourism.

The Queensland Government, in the Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2013-2020 (the plan) recognises that: The strong interest of international and domestic visitors in nature-based activities highlights the value of ecotourism to the Queensland economy.

It notes that almost two thirds of all inbound visitors to Australia select nature-based activities as the key purpose of their visit with visiting a national or state park and bushwalking being the most common activity for both international and domestic visitors in this group. Further, both the level of participation in nature-based activities and revenue from domestic and international visitors is increasing6. Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2013-2020’s strategic priorities strongly support operators investing in sustainable tourism enterprises in and adjacent to national parks via engagement with operators in national parks planning and by streamlining development assessment and permit processes7.

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5.0 The Market

Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast hinterland is one of the key attractions of the region. Appendix seven provides a list of useful online market research links relevant to this region as well as the special interest markets likely to be relevant to Green Mountains development opportunities. Key insights into the market are provided below.

5.1 Visitors to the Gold Coast Region For the year ended December 2012, the Gold Coast region attracted the second highest number of visitors to Queensland (20 percent of domestic visitors and 37 percent of international visitors)8. There were just over 4.2 million overnight visitors to the Gold Coast region, mostly travelling for holiday purposes9.

The 3.5 million domestic overnight visitors originated mostly from Brisbane, other parts of Queensland and Sydney with the domestic average length of stay being four nights10. The 755,000 international visitors originated mostly from New Zealand, China and Japan with the average length of stay being ten nights11. In the same year there were over 7.4 million day trippers to the region spending $698 million12.

Purpose of Visit - Domestic Visitors

VFR 29%

Holiday 63% Business 8%

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Purpose of Visit - International Visitors

VFR 18%

Business 4%

Holiday 78%

Domestic Source Markets Regional Vic 4%

Melbourne 12% Brisbane 31%

Regional NSW 15%

Sydney Regional QLD 17% 21%

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International Source Markets

Singapore Germany 6% Korea 3%

4%

Malaysia

4%

New Zealand

28%

Japan 10%

UK

8%

China USA 25% 4% Europe

8%

Tourism forecasts suggest that domestic visitation to Brisbane and the Gold Coast will have an average annual growth rate of 0.9 percent between 2012 and 2022 mostly in business and Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) segments13. International visitation is expected to see a 4.1percent average annual growth rate over the same period mainly in the holiday and VFR segments14.

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5.2 Visitors to Lamington National Park and the Site

Lamington National Park is one of the most popular parks in Queensland and attracts about half a million visitors a year from around Australia and overseas15.

Figure one - Camping statistics: ParksQ Jan - Dec 2012 Lamington NP - Green Mts section only

Camping Internet Camping Camper Activity Area Bookings People Permits Permits Fees Nights

Green Mountains camping area tent sites 1,567 1,567 1,132 $38,179.80 4,186 8,268 Green Mountains camping area campervan sites 593 593 286 $11,060.15 1,308 2,092 Green Mountains Great Walks camp sites 98 98 75 $1,688.65 230 316 TOTALS 2,258 2,258 1,493 $50,928.60 5,724 10,676 Data source – ParksQ Camping report Jan - Dec 2012 Lamington NP – Green Mt section Domestic visitation statistics: Lamington NP Total Lamington NP Binna Burra Source Green Mt's section visits section QPWS Community Survey 2012 - Newspoll report 1,214,000 752, 680 461,320 100% 62% 38% NOTE - Recent Newspoll data for Lamington NP did not provide breakdown for Green Mt or Binna Burra sections, therefore , the previous 62/38 percentage split has been applied based on 2009 data. Previous estimates in 2009 for Lamington NP were 921,606 visits combining Green Mountains & southern sections 571,606 (62%) and Binna Burra section 350,000 (38%).

Disclaimer Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this product the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Recreation makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. The Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Recreation disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which might be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason.

Based on QPWS visitation statistics (see Figure one), and observations at the site, Green Mountains is clearly dominated by day trippers and the drive market is the predominant market sector. The usual pattern for south-east Queensland National Parks visitation is for peak usage over the mild and winter months between April and September. Green Mountains also attracts visitors through the summer months due to its high altitude location and average temperatures being 6.5 degrees lower than the coast. However the peak bush walking months remain in the milder seasons.

The predominantly natural assets of the area are attractive to special interest markets such as nature- based, ecotourism and adventure tourism. In 2009, 64 percent of all international visitors to Australia participated in one or more nature-based activities and 66 percent of these visited a national park. These were mainly singles and couples. Key markets included Germany, Korea and the United Kingdom. In comparison, 19 percent of all domestic overnight visitors participated in one or more 19 nature activities with 49 percent of these bushwalking and 47 percent of these visiting national parks. Key markets were mainly family groups and adult couples16.

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6.0 Nearby Commercial Operations

There are currently more than 50 commercial tour operators providing recreational opportunities within the park including nature tours and studies, camping, photography tours, wildlife displays, and filming and photography shoots. At least 32 of these are authorised to use the Green Mountains section of the park.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is the closest accommodation, located approximately 150m from the site. It is an internationally renowned resort that sits on a pocket of freehold land within the park. The Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing has a formal agreement with operators outlining approved activities within the Park. O’Reilly’s has operated for 88 years and offers nature- based and guided tours, a tree-top canopy walk and audio-visual presentations to share knowledge and awareness of the area.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat provides hotel and villa/apartment style accommodation in the 3.5-4 star range and private villas are available for rent in the 4-5 star range. The proximity to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Guesthouse may create an opportunity for a synergistic relationship between the operator of the site and O’Reilly’s. The extensive array of services that O’Reilly’s offers includes, tours, guided activities, takeaway/café/restaurant, bar, spa and lookouts which could extend the range of activities available to guests at the site, providing a commercial or synergistic arrangement with O’Reilly’s was struck.

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7.0 Site Planning Framework

Site development proposals will need to be compatible with the Best Practice Ecotourism Development Guidelines as well as the legislation, regulations and key plans referred to in this document.

General constraints to development include the following: • Green Mountains currently experiences overcrowding and traffic congestion during peak periods, most evidently on weekends and public holidays • The site does not cater well for large caravans, motorhomes or camper trailers as the access road is quite narrow, steep and winding • The day use car park is designed to accommodate the flow of traffic, but traffic hold up and congestion occurs on Lamington National Park Road, particularly at peak arrival and departure times during weekends • A limited untreated supply of water is currently supplied to the campground from a nearby source. Access to this water supply in the future will require discussions with both QPWS and O’Reillys

7.1 Local Government Management Plans The site is located within the Scenic Rim Regional Council boundary and as such is currently covered by the Planning Scheme 2007. Within the scheme, the site is a Passive Recreation precinct within a Rural Zone where development should be characterised by informal or non-organised forms of recreational activity. The following activities in this precinct are code assessable: • camping (with amenity blocks) for up to 50 people • outdoor sports and recreation • meeting rooms • markets • a club house with accommodation and provision of meals

Uses not listed above are likely to trigger impact assessment. Impact assessable land uses require public notification and maybe subject to third party appeals.

Specific outcomes for this zoning include: • development protects the integrity of Open Space Areas and recreation reserve areas, with respect to their nature conservation values, scenic and landscape amenity values and recreational value to the community • development ensures that visitation and facilities will not result in adverse impacts on the 22

character and amenity of any adjoining land • visitor facilities are located where access is via a road with an appropriate design capacity • visitor facilities are located such that buffering is retained to any adjoining residential area • the nature conservation values, integrity and ecological functioning of the open space and recreation reserve area are maintained and protected • development provides a benefit to and satisfies a community need of the residents in the zone • development provides for social interaction • development provides for low impact recreational activities which are carried out in an ecologically sustainable manner in a natural environment.

Should a development proposal for the site be contemplated that is more intensive than the current zoning allows, a more detailed development assessment will be required.

7.2 Development Assessment There are dramatic changes occurring within the State and local planning environment in 2013. There have already been significant reforms undertaken in 2012. Within a few months significant additional reforms will most likely have been enacted. Within the next few months a new regime will be applicable. The full processes involved through these changes are being developed.

Queensland’s planning reform that may have a bearing on the site include:

• the new Sustainable Planning and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2012 (SPOLA Act) • recent amendments to the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA) including the establishment of the centralised state-level assessment agency (the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) and • the State Planning Policy which sets out Tourism State Interests that local government are to consider when making or amending a local planning instrument is cover issues such as supporting tourism orientated development that promotes the amenity, economic, environmental and cultural values of an area.

For more information on development applications refer to the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning website17. There may also be a requirement to achieve an Environmental Relevant Activity approval from the Department of Environment and Heritage for effluent management systems on the site, though the Greentape Reduction Act has streamlined this process significantly.

Should the project proposal have the potential to impact on the World Heritage values of the area the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), may come into play.

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This Act applies when a proposal has the potential to have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance. The Commonwealth Environment Minister or the Minister’s delegate would decide whether the likely environmental impacts of the project are such that it should be assessed under the EPBC Act. Any relevant public comments are taken into consideration in making that decision. See http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/statewide-planning/state-planning- policies.html for more information.

7.3 Protected Area Tenure and Management Plan Zoning The site lies within a designated national park under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Recent amendments to the Act have allowed for the authorisation of privately funded and run ecotourism facilities in National Parks subject to environmental and public interest requirements. Development proposals should align with the following definition of an ecotourism facility: a facility with its primary purpose being to facilitate the presentation, appreciation and conservation of the land’s natural condition and cultural resources and values.

In addition, the facility cannot allow for an activity that is inconsistent with this primary purpose that would require significant change to the land’s natural condition or would adversely affect the conservation of the land’s cultural resources and values. The proposed facility must demonstrate that it serves the public interest, is ecologically sustainable, and will provide to the greatest possible extent for the preservation of the land’s natural condition and protection of its cultural resources and values.

Public interest considerations include, for example, assessment of the need that is to be served by the proposed facility, its impact on the amenity of the area, its effect on general community access and on other recreational and commercial opportunities in the park and adjacent areas, its long-term economic viability and the level of direct commercial return to the State (e.g. lease rental payments)18.

The site is also within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and subject to the management principles contained within the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, World Heritage Convention and Strategic Overview for Management of the Gondwana Rainforest Reserves of Australia. The key principles of these regulations are captured in the Lamington National Park Management Plan (2011). Development proposals should be in accordance with the following Park vision.

‘Lamington National Park will be maintained as one of Queensland’s iconic natural attractions, internationally recognised and appreciated for its outstanding world heritage values. Lamington’s remarkable natural and cultural values will be preserved and presented in perpetuity, particularly its biological features linked with ancient Gondwana rainforests and continuing evolution, and its dramatic 24

geology formed from Tertiary volcanic activity. Indigenous flora species and communities are enhanced with special emphasis given to threatened and significant species, such as Lamington eyebright, many orchids and Antarctic beech vine forests. Active management based on a sound understanding of ecological processes and science will be applied to protect these unique values. Threatened fauna, such as giant barred frog and Coxen’s fig parrot, are well protected through recovery plans and careful management of their habitats. Robust, evidence-based research and monitoring programs continue to inform adaptive management of the areas’ ecosystems.

Lamington National Park will continue to be a premier nature-based tourism and visitor attraction in the Gold Coast hinterland, with the natural beauty of its largely unmodified landscapes conserved. A wide range of locals and tourists take opportunities to visit readily accessible key scenic locations and enjoy the solitude of the more remote rainforest ecosystems. Visitors continue to use and enjoy the area for a range of sustainable recreation activities, including sightseeing, scenic drives, walking, bird watching, camping and picnicking without impacting on the natural and cultural values. Remote, wild opportunities for solitude will be protected.

Excellence in interpretation and education will be nurtured to promote understanding and appreciation of the area’s significance among the local community and visitors. There is strong community awareness and respect of the area’s natural and cultural values. The community as a whole recognises the value of the protected areas as important to Indigenous people and show consideration for the Traditional Owners knowledge, interests and aspirations for the area through planning and management. Lamington National Park is managed in a manner that is consistent with the aims of the management plan and community views by working in partnership with the Traditional Owners, community groups and government agencies in relation to their interests..’

Within the Plan the site is designated as ‘Zone Four - Developed’ (see Appendix eight) and described as follows: ‘Modified immediate environment at developed sites, but with natural or rural background. Human activity conspicuous. Small areas usually near the edge of a protected area. Hardened (sealed or paved) and open grassy areas may dominate the immediate landscape. Motorised vehicle sights and sounds common’

This zoning provides for: • high intensity recreation • a high degree of onsite management including the use of physical barriers to constrain movement of pedestrians and vehicles • high to very high levels of visitation –with group sizes larger than 25 depending on sites • highly modified environments in natural areas, with high levels of facilities • sealed or all weather unsealed roads, sealed car parks, defined parking bays • hardened tracks, well formed and intensively managed • well developed large areas for day use including tables or shelters and toilets

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• comprehensive onsite signage and interpretation • well developed camp grounds with car access to campsite and perhaps tent sites • a permit system and overall limit on camper numbers • drinking water and toilets available for campers

Action 38 of the Plan is to investigate options for the redevelopment of the Green Mountains campground to improve the site’s quality, amenity, sustainability and carrying capacity. These options include: • consideration and provision of limited camper-trailer camping opportunities, while discouraging access by caravans (as the access road is not considered suitable) • investigation of a possible commercial partnership arrangement to develop, manage and maintain the campground • ensuring that any additions or changes to camping facilities are in line with an approved site development plan • increasing the diversity of accommodation options ensuring that any commercial operation proposals for the Green Mountains campground are environmentally, socially and culturally appropriate

Action 57 of the Plan is to offer the rights to redevelop and manage the Green Mountains campground through a public merit based tendering process. The Plan stipulates that: ‘Any accommodation opportunities must be established within sustainability guidelines, ensuring best- practice environmental protection, cultural sensitivity, sound business operations and high quality interpretation and visitor satisfaction.’

7.4 Cultural Heritage Protection All Indigenous cultural heritage sites and artifacts are protected under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld). Under the Act, developers have certain duty of care obligations to avoid harming any cultural heritage in the development and use of the site. There are no sites currently listed on the Indigenous Cultural Heritage Register. However, to comply with the Act, developers should follow the duty of care guidelines19.

All non-Indigenous cultural heritage artifacts located in national park are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. If any artifacts are found during construction or operational works, activity will need to cease and the Regional Manager or their delegate from the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing contacted for a heritage assessment.

7.5 Native Title Native Title has been extinguished over the Green Mountains site.

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7.6 Fire and Emergency Management

The Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing is the primary agency for fire management on protected areas. Fire strategies provide the overall framework and direction for fire management and are the foundation from which planned burn programs are developed.

Lamington National Park is currently following Fire Strategy (2001), and Level Two Fire Strategy (2006). These will soon be combined in a new Level One Fire Strategy, incorporating information from Implications of Climate Change for Australia’s World Heritage Properties: A Preliminary Assessment (Australian National University, 2009). A wildfire response procedure has also been prepared, which incorporates the park and supports the management of wildfire operations. The current objectives as quoted in the Level Two Fire Strategy (2006) are as follows: • protection of life and property on the Reserve/s and neighboring lands (also consistent with Queensland Fire & Rescue Service Act 1990 and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Good Neighbor and other policies as required) • maintenance of biodiversity and habitat values • maintenance of ecological processes • protection of rare, threatened and noteworthy species such as Hastings River mouse and eastern bristlebird, including their habitat • protection of cultural heritage values • limiting the risk of catastrophic wildfires

No fire management is undertaken in the immediate area surrounding the campground and therefore there are no implications for the potential operator from a QPWS fire management perspective. However, new operators would be expected to operate in line with the above objectives. They would also be required to develop an emergency response plan which would cover responses to staff and guest injuries as well as responses to extreme weather events and wildfire.

7.7 Pest Management The Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing has the primary responsibility to control declared and non-declared pests in Lamington National Park. Pest management is undertaken in accordance with the department’s Pest Management System. A draft Statement of Pest Management Intent for Lamington National Park has been prepared. This will be reviewed and included in the development of a Level Two Pest Management Strategy for the park, which will detail the nature and extent of threats, strategy and operations including monitoring and containment procedures. Known pests in Lamington National Park are listed in Appendix nine.

Pest-plant control is a significant management issue. The high number of visitors to the park can 27 introduce and spread pest-plant species. Pest plants can also be introduced through deliveries of products, such as gravel or mulch, used to maintain or develop park assets. Feral and domestic animals found in the park include dogs, cats, pigs and foxes. Exact numbers are not known and estimates are based on incidental sightings and visitor reports. Their ecological impacts are also poorly understood.

New operators would be expected to work collaboratively with the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing to support pest control strategies where possible.

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Appendices

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Appendix one: Site Aerial Photo

496 NPW225 205000000m2

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Appendix two: Cadastral Map

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Appendix three: Detailed Site Facilities Maps

General location, facilities & points of interest

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Camping Area

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Appendix four: Lamington National Park Species of Conservation Significance

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35

36

37

Source: Lamington National Park Management Plan, DERM, 2011

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Appendix five: Lamington National Park Heritage Sites

Source: Lamington National Park Management Plan, DERM, 2011

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Append ix six: Vegetation Communities Map

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Appendix seven: Online Market Research and Marketing Links

Gold Coast and Hinterland Marketing Information

Tourism and Events Queensland http://www.tq.com.au/destinations/gold-coast-and-hinterland-zone/gold-coast/marketing/marketing_home.cfm

Gold Coast and Hinterland Market Research Tourism and Events Queensland http://www.tq.com.au/destinations/gold-coast-and-hinterland-zone/gold-coast/research/research_home.cfm

Visitor Information Gold Coast Tourism http://www.visitgoldcoast.com/

Department of National Parks, Recreation Sport and Racing http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington/camping.html

Queensland Holidays http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/things-to-see-and-do/lamington-national-park-green-mountains- section/index.cfm

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Appendix eight: Lamington National Park Zoning Plan

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Appendix nine: Lamington National Park Pest Species

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References

Australian National University (online 3/4/13) Implications of climate change for Australia’s World Heritage properties: A preliminary assessment 2009 www.climatechange.gov.au/en/publications/adaptation/implications-of-climate-change.aspx

Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing (online 19/3/13) Lamington National Park Management Plan 2011 www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/managing/plans-strategies/pdf/mp005-lamington-np-mgt-plan-2011.pdf

Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing (online 30/4/13) Draft Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2013-2020 www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/tourism/pdf/ecotourism-plan-2013.pdf

Business Gold Coast (online 3/4/13) Economic Development Strategy 2020 www.businessgc.com.au/uploads/eds_2020_strategy.pdf

Tourism and Events Queensland (online 3/4/13) Gold Coast Tourism Economic Facts – November 2012 http://www.tq.com.au/fms/tq_corporate/research%20(NEW)/Economic%20and%20Forecasts%20Data /Gold%20Coast%20Tourism%20Economic%20Facts%20-%20November%2012.pdf

Business Gold Coast (online 3/4/2013) Tourism Industry Fact Sheet http://www.businessgc.com.au/uploads/TOURISM/Business%20Gold%20Coast%20Tourism%20Fact sheet.pdf

Tourism and Events Queensland (online 3/4/13) Gold Coast and Hinterland Destination Tourism Strategy 2012-2016 www.tq.com.au/shadomx/apps/fms/fmsdownload.cfm?file_uuid=5E3359FC-F1D8-6167-AA67- 30830D58E3CD

Tourism and Events Queensland (online 11/6/13) Gold Coast Regional Snapshot Year Ended December 2012 http://www.tq.com.au/fms/tq_corporate/research/destinationsresearch/gold_coast/Gold%20Coast2.pdf

Tourism and Events Queensland (online 3/4/2013) 45

Tourism Forecasts – Queensland Nov 2012 www.tq.com.au/fms/tq_corporate/research%20%28NEW%29/Economic%20and%20Forecasts%20Dat a/Tourism%20Forecasts%20Queensland%20Snapshot%20-%20November%202012.pdf

Tourism and Events Queensland (online 3/4/13) Gold Coast and Hinterland Tourism Opportunity Plan 2012 www.tq.com.au/tqcorp_06/fms/tq_corporate/destinations/gold_coast/TOP/Gold per cent20Coast per cent20TOP per cent20Final per cent20Version.pdf

Tourism Research Australia (online 13/4/13) Nature Tourism Fact Sheet 2009 http://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/Documents/tra/Snapshots%20and%20Factsheets/Nature_Fact_Sheet_0 9_FINAL.pdf

Queensland Government (online 13/4/13) Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 www.legislation.qld.gov.au/Bills/54PDF/2012/NatureConOLAB12.pdf Explanatory Notes www.legislation.qld.gov.au/Bills/54PDF/2012/NatureConOLAB12E.pdf

Queensland Government (online 13/4/13) Sustainable Planning and Other Legislation Act (SPOLA) No.2 2012 http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/about-planning/sustainable-planning-and-other-legislation-act-2012.html

Scenic Rim Regional Council (online 13/4/13) Beaudesert Planning Scheme 2007 (and associated amendments) Planning Scheme http://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/beaudesert-shire-planning-scheme-2007 Zoning Map http://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=291255de-7dc5-4b44-8539- 2ae7cdcce398&groupId=717563 Zoning Outcomes http://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=7db053c4-e2d3-4114-a9fb- dc08b46d51f4&groupId=717563

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Endnotes

1 Business GC Tourism industry Fact Sheet (online 3/4/2013) http://www.businessgc.com.au/uploads/TOURISM/Business per cent20Gold per cent20Coast per cent20Tourism per cent20Factsheet.pdf

2 Business GC Tourism industry Fact Sheet (online 3/4/2013) http://www.businessgc.com.au/uploads/TOURISM/Business per cent20Gold per cent20Coast per cent20Tourism per cent20Factsheet.pdf

3 Business GC Tourism industry Fact Sheet (online 3/4/2013) http://www.businessgc.com.au/uploads/TOURISM/Business per cent20Gold per cent20Coast per cent20Tourism per cent20Factsheet.pdf

4 Tourism and Events Queensland Tourism Forecasts QLD Nov 2012 (online 3/4/2013) www.tq.com.au/fms/tq_corporate/research%20%28NEW%29/Economic%20and%20Forecasts%20Data/Touris m%20Forecasts%20Queensland%20Snapshot%20-%20November%202012.pdf

5 Scenic Rim Regional Council, Economic Brief – May 2013

6 Queensland Government, Draft Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2012-2020, p2

7 Queensland Government, Draft Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2012-2020, pp. 9-10,12-3

8 Tourism and Events Queensland Gold Coast Regional Snapshot Year Ended December 2012 (online 11/6/13) http://www.tq.com.au/fms/tq_corporate/research/destinationsresearch/gold_coast/Gold%20Coast2.pdf

9 Tourism and Events Queensland Gold Coast Regional Snapshot Year Ended December 2012 (online 11/6/13) http://www.tq.com.au/fms/tq_corporate/research/destinationsresearch/gold_coast/Gold%20Coast2.pdf

10 Tourism and Events Queensland Gold Coast Regional Snapshot Year Ended December 2012 (online 11/6/13) http://www.tq.com.au/fms/tq_corporate/research/destinationsresearch/gold_coast/Gold%20Coast2.pdf

11 Tourism and Events Queensland Gold Coast Regional Snapshot Year Ended December 2012 (online 11/6/13) http://www.tq.com.au/fms/tq_corporate/research/destinationsresearch/gold_coast/Gold%20Coast2.pdf

12 Tourism and Events Queensland Gold Coast Regional Snapshot Year Ended December 2012 (online 11/6/13) http://www.tq.com.au/fms/tq_corporate/research/destinationsresearch/gold_coast/Gold%20Coast2.pdf

13 Tourism and Events Queensland Tourism Forecasts QLD Nov 2012 (online 3/4/2013) www.tq.com.au/fms/tq_corporate/research%20%28NEW%29/Economic%20and%20Forecasts%20Data/Touris m%20Forecasts%20Queensland%20Snapshot%20-%20November%202012.pdf

14 Tourism and Events Queensland Tourism Forecasts QLD Nov 2012 (online 3/4/2013) www.tq.com.au/fms/tq_corporate/research%20%28NEW%29/Economic%20and%20Forecasts%20Data/Touris m%20Forecasts%20Queensland%20Snapshot%20-%20November%202012.pdf

15 Lamington National Park Management Plan 2011 p9

16 Tourism Research Australia Nature Tourism Fact Sheet 2009 online 15/04/2013

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17 http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/guide-to-the-sustainable-planning-act/

18 Queensland Government Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 Explanatory Notes p4-5

19 http://www.datsima.qld.gov.au/atsis/aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-peoples/indigenous-cultural- heritage/legislation-and-guidelines/duty-of-care-guidelines

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