Protecting Australia's coastline Cultural heritage and the alps NPA BULLETIN volume28number4 December 1991

CONTENTS Peak councils' meeting 5 Fenner conference 6 Jervis Bay Marine Park 8 Parkwatch 9 Environmental budget 11 Kosciusko plan 12 Parkwatch 14 Cultural heritage of the alps 15 Footcare for bushwalkers 16 CoVCV

Econuts v culture vultures 18 Photo: Babette Scougaii NPA annual report 18 Naas River, upstream from Caloola Farm. ^

National Parks Association (ACT) Subscription rates (1 July - 30 June) Incorporated Household members $20 Single members $15 Inaugurated 1960 Corporate members $10 Bulletin only $10 Concession: half above rates For new subscriptions joining between: Aims and objects of the Association • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the 1 January and 31 March - half specified rate protection of fauna and flora, scenery and natural features 1 April and 30 June - annual subscription in the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the Membership enquiries welcome reservation of specific areas. Please phone Laraine Frawley at the NPA office. • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areas. The NPA (ACT) office is located in Kingsley Street, • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment Acton. Office hours are: of, such natural phenomena by organised field outings, 10am to 2pm Mondays meetings or any other means. • Co-operation with organisations and persons having 9am to 2pm Tuesdays and Thursdays similar interests and objectives. Telephone: (06) 257 1063 • Promotion of, and education for, nature conservation, and Address: GPO Box 457 Canberra 2601. the planning of land-use to achieve conservation. Contribute to your Bulletin Office-bearers and Committee Contributions of articles (news, description or fiction), black-and-white photographs and line drawings arog President Beverley Hammond 288 6577(h) keenly sought for the Bulletin. Please label photo^ Vice-President Dianne Thompson 288 6084(h); graphs with the name of the subject, the name of the 244 7572(w); 244 7934(fax w) photographer and the date. Leave contributions at the Immediate Past President Les Pyke 281 2982(h) office or phone the editor, Roger Green, on (06) 247 0059. The editorial fax is (06) 249 7373. Secretary Len Haskew 281 4268(h) Treasurer Mike Smith 286 2984(h); 248 3624(wJ Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect Association opinion or objectives. Sub-committe conveners Co-Conveners Environment Deadline for March issue: 1 February, 1992. Tim Walsh 285 1112(h); 274 1465(w) Len Crossfield 241 2897(h); 263 2267(w) NPA Bulletin is produced by Green Words for the National Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated. It is Convener Outings produced with the assistance of an ACT Community Dianne Thompson 288 6084(h); 244 7572(w); Development Fund grant. 244 7934(fax w) Convener Namadgi Dugald Monro 231 8776(h) Printed on recycled paper by Union Offset Co Pty Ltd, Fyshwick, ACT. Other Committee members Neville Esau 286 4176(h); 249 9500(w) ISSN 0727-8837 Syd Comfort 28b 2578(hj Clive Hurlstone 288 7592(h;; 246 5516(w) President's foreword Environment

Our National Parks Association subcommittee continues to work in the interests Over the past few months the of the environment, formally Environment subcommittee of the through its committee and NPA has been busy on quite a sub-committees and informally number of fronts. Some of these through you, the members, as you issues are covered in more detail mtermingle with all kinds of elsewhere in the Bulletin. people as part of your daily life. A submission was made to the Thank you to all those members NSW Government inquiry into the who have given so much time Kosciusko National Park Plan of towards promoting the aims of our Management draft amendment. association through committee A working party has been estab­ membership, writing submissions, lished to follow on from the rem­ contributing ideas, writing for the nant woodlands survey conducted iBBulletin, leading outings and just by Kevin Frawley. Consideration " 'being supportive. is being given to the production of If you haven't read our aims and a flora guide in the ACT. objectives recently, please take a The subcommittee has continued moment to look at the opposite to monitor the long-running saga page now. I hope you have taken of a proposed Commonwealth- an interest in the Draft Territory NSW national park for Jervis Bay. Plan. Does it meet these A submission has been made to objectives? If we all contributed contribute to any of these projects. We are fortunate in Canberra to the Ecologically Sustainable from the perspective of our varied Development Working Party on experiences and professional be able to draw on the universities, CSIRO and other Tourism. knowledge the Government should A watching brief is being main­ realise that the people of Canberra government as well as private and voluntary organisations for tained on proposed developments really do care about the in West Belconnen and the lower environment. speakers at meetings. If you have been thinking *Why don't they Molonglo River valley. The corri­ Once again we are negotiating discuss...' or T wonder if NPA dor below Scrivener Dam pos­ with the Environment and members have seen this good sesses high scenic and natural Conservation Bureau for work to environmental film? or That was values which have received little be done to stabilise the Orroral an excellent speaker—she/he recognition or protection. The area Homestead. Volunteers will be would be great for an NPA is now under threat from urban called for to assist people qualified meeting*, please let us know. expansion (West Belconnen), con­ in the restoration of old buildings. tinued grazing, lower Molonglo Bulletin articles are always An enthusiastic ranger has been water quality control centre, high t welcome and outings leaders given the responsibility for the voltage power lines and increased always needed. So, there are lots homestead project and we look human visitation. of requests in this foreword for all forward to supporting her efforts. of our members to stay or get A submission is to be prepared If you would be able to help one involved in our association's for the NSW Government review weekend soon with this project, activities. Please do your bit for into the NSW National Parks and please contact our secretary the 'Promotion of nature Wildlife Service. during office hours and leave your conservation and the planning of The House of Representatives name, phone number and an land use to achieve conservation'. Tnjured Coastline' report is under indication of your experience with Beverley Hammond study and a submission on the or interest in working with implementation of the recommen­ building projects. dations will be made. Several other issues continue to Anyone wishing to join in the receive our attention—Jervis Bay, work of the subcommitte should the Alpine National Park, NPA Christmas party contact one of the convenors (see Mulligans Flat in Gungahlin, Sunday 15 December 1991 inside front cover) or come to a Molonglo Gorge, the Landcare meeting. Plan and Budawang work Orroral Valley picnic ground programs. Our watching brief on Namadgi is always of great Starts 3pm importance. We value input from all members—so please contact a Members and friends welcome committee member if you can Sustainable tourism The Association recently made a • the establishment of a 'national in wilderness or remote areas) submission to the Federal Govern­ representative system of pro­ ment's Ecologically Sustainable tected areas' which will only be • user pays mechanisms sug­ Development Working Party on effective if it does not result in gested for the industry Tourism, chaired by Professor unprotected areas being availa­ • integrated waste management David Throsby. The submission ble for unsustainable strategies pointed out the dependence of all exploitation. tourism facilities upon the natural Effective education to raise public environment, at least to some The submission supported: awareness and improve tourism industry and visitor behaviour was extent. It also expressed concern • the need to diminish or remove about: seen as the key to ecologically sus­ tourist opportunities, for exam­ tainable tourism. Well targeted * the development of tropical ple, controlling access to wilder­ education and training must be beach paradises, which formerly ness areas integral to all tourist strategies. sustained local coastal commu­ • redevelopment of degraded sites General environmental aware^i nities, as economy tourist desti­ rather than development of nat­ ness—a step towards pL'rsonaBP nations or resorts ural areas, although removal of action for the environment—is the degraded facilities and site outcome of environmentally sus­ * some unsustainable tourism— rehabilitation may be more tainable tourism practices and a such as four-wheel-drive access appropriate for some areas (for way of assisting other sectors. into many national parks example, alpine lodges, facilities

Boboyan New members Going in circles roadworks Jan Erik and Julie Aamodt, Bel­ If you are trying to navigate on a connen; Toni Bolschelarski, Evatt; featureless plain, through thick Clarification has been received David Bonny, Dickson; Maree bush or in a whiteout, even with a from the local Minister for Envi­ Anne Bowman, Pambula Beach; compass, chances are you will ronment, Land and Planning, Bill Doug Crawford and family, travel in a circle. If you cannot see Wood, regarding the sealing of a Spence; Paul Dalgleish and a fixed point and there is no ridge section of the Boboyan Road. JoAnne Clancy, Rivett; Julie Dre- or valley to follow, you might as 'This project has been agreed to witt, Symonston; Adam Hender­ well sit still. On sloping ground, by the government because it is a son, Aranda; Douglas and people tend to walk downhill; in maintenance project for short sec­ Christine Higham, Bungendore; the ACT a descent into scrub-filled tions of the road and not part of Mr and Mrs E Kiss, Macquarie; creeks can be a mistake. any major upgrading. The scope of Terena Lally, Canberra; Kate At the NPA meeting on 19 SepJ work involves low impact works Lewis, Cook; Darren Phillips, tember a spokesman for the Aus­ which will improve safety and Parkes; Diana Schneider and John tralian Federal Police Rescue Kennedy, Kambah; Dean Turner, reduce maintenance costs and Squad, Constable Steve Walsh, Duffy; Carol and John Woodrow, associated problems. In particular, related the behaviour of people Narrabundah. it is intended to continue the exist­ who get lost or injured in the ing sealing south for approxi­ bush. He also described the opera­ mately 1.6 kilometres to improve Refrigerator gardening tions and services of the squad safety along the steepest section of and showed survival gear. the road within the ACT as well as A display of plants from sub- Most of the bush rescues have reduce maintenance problems. Antarctic Macquarie Island has occurred in Namadgi National Another section being improved been installed in the Visitor Infor­ Park. Inexperienced walkers have for similar reasons is a location mation Centre at the Australian survived for remarkable amounts known as the Taig dipper'. This sec­ National Botanical Gardens. The of time without food or warm tion has a significant safety prob­ plants are on display for the first clothing, and bushwalkers carry­ lem due to its alignment. During time in Australia and are being ing food and equipment last even winter the road becomes very slip­ grown in a modified commercial longer. One lone bushwalker, pery when wet or icy and there refrigerator. injured in a fall and out of sight, have been a number of times when The plants were collected by Jim seemed lucky to be found. vehicles have had to be rescued as Croft, of the Gardens' scientific One of Constable Walsh's most a result of accidents. Other works staff, during a trip to the island in forceful messages was to always involve alignment improvements 1989. Jim collected living plants to let someone know where you are at various short sections together be grown in a cool room in the nur­ going and when you should be with drainage improvements. sery and preserved specimens for back. This considerably narrows the herbarium. the search area. Gathering of conservation groups

In early September, conservation itself increasingly reluctant to assessment procedure. Mrs Kelly organisations met in Canberra for intervene in states' affairs where declared that the assessment the second peak councils' meeting environmental matters are con­ would be thorough but admitted of the year. 'Peak councils' are the cerned. We expressed many times that existing environmental foremost conservation organisa­ our grave concern that this policy impact statements might be used. tions, usually organisations which would only heighten the lack of represent many small organisa­ coordination and the inadequacies Threatened species tions under the one umbrella. A of environmental policies from good example of this is a conserva­ state to state. legislation tion council which may represent 50 or more organisations broadly The proposed Commonwealth leg­ concerned with conservation, from Resource Assessment islation will not have the power to ornithologists to bushwalkers to Commission override any state legislation. This people concerned with urban plan- was of grave concern to us as some ,^iing or waste management. The We expressed concern about how, states do not have endangered fl^Kustralian National Parks Coun­ and whether, the RAC report on species legislation or a good record cil (ANPC) was at the meeting to forests and timber would be imple­ on environmental management. represent state and territory mented, given that the govern­ The WWF suggested that the leg­ national parks associations. ment is keen to get resource islation should include interna­ National organisations—the Aus­ security legislation passed even tional obligations, have third tralian Conservation Foundation, before the final report is pub­ party appeal and involve an inde­ the World Wide Fund for Nature lished. Also, the ecologically sus­ pendent scientific process of (WWF), the Wilderness Society tainable development working identification. and Greenpeace—were also group on forests is due to publish represented. its report in November, whereas the RAC report will not be fin­ Marine reserves Peak councils' meetings, which ished until March. Mrs Kelly said Greenpeace suggested that what usually take place two or three she would look into the possibility was needed was one national times a year, allow an interchange of having the ESD report await authority for the protection of the of information and concerns to the final RAC report. marine environment, such as the occur between conservation Great Barrier Reef Marine Park groups, government officials and Resource security Authority, to manage reserves in federal ministers.,One day. is set cooperation with the states. Mrs aside for talks with officials from legislation Kelly agreed that a national the Department of the Arts, Sport, marine conservation strategy was We stated our vehement opposi­ the Environment, Tourism and needed. territories in order to receive up- tion to this proposed legislation {•o-date information on environ­ and in particular to the one-off mental matters. Another day is nature of the environmental Anne Forsythe spent at Parliament House meet­ ANPC Executive Officer ing government ministers and other members of parliament. At the meeting with the Minis­ ter for the Environment, Mrs Kelly informed us of her priorities for the coming year with regard to the environment: world heritage areas, setting up the environmen­ tal protection authority, develop­ ing a biodiversity strategy and setting up a representative system of marine reserves around Australia. A broad range of issues was dealt with, but a noticeable theme threaded its way through the meeting: the so-called 'new feder­ alism'. The Commonwealth gov­ ernment is adopting a policy cf NPA members view present and future work on the track at Little Forest less involvement and is showing plateau, looking towards Pigeon House Mountain. See story on page 17. Photo: Reg Alder. THE COAST

Protection of coastal waters The issue of marine reserves—and cally, existing laws are ad hoc and requires proper management the lack of them in Australia—was not enforced properly. One exam­ based on sound management brought into the public arena at ple is that Boston will not be plans, backed up by adequate the Fenner Environment Confer­ brought into compliance with the resources. According to Dr Tony ence held in Canberra in October. Clean Water Act until 22 years Underwood of the University of The three-day conference was the afler the law's deadline.' Sydney, we cannot manage the initiative of the Australian Com­ Graeme Kelleher, Chairman of marine environment properly at mittee for the International Union the Great Barrier Reef Marine the moment because we do not for the Conservation of Nature Park Authority, outlined progress have a good enough understanding and Natural Resources (ACIUCN) made towards a global system of of the life histories of marine and was organised and hosted by marine reserves. He distributed to organisms and their ecological the Australian National Parks and delegates a recent publication interactions. "Without this ... there Wildlife Service. 'Guidelines for establishing is no basis for sustained imple­ The theme of the conference was marine protected areas' which mentation of a policy. Further, 'Protection of marine and estua­ cover selection, legal considera­ interactive species will be ignored- rine areas a challenge for Australi­ tions, planning guidelines and bio­ and irrational options will con^ ans'. And it is indeed a challenge. sphere reserves. These guidelines tinue, as at present, to be used." Delegates were informed of the will be distributed to delegates at Stacey Malcolm, of the Victorian woeful state of affairs as regards the 4th World Congress on National Parks Association, out­ the lack of protection for marine National Parks and Protected lined the state of affairs in Vic­ and estuarine areas around Aus­ Areas to be held in Venezuela in toria. Commercial and/or tralia. Although Australia is one of 1992. Mr Kelleher explained that recreational fishing is allowed in the most coastally oriented working groups had been set up as most marine and estuarine pro­ nations in the world, and is a framework for developing the tected areas (MEPAs) in Victoria. responsible for a marine environ­ global marine protected areas Indeed, only 50 hectares of Vic­ ment larger than the Australian system. Their aims are: to divide toria's marine environment is continent itself, only a paltry the region's marine environment totally protected, in the sense of 0.57% of marine areas outside the into its major constituent biogeo- the protection which a terrestrial Great Barrier Reef are afforded graphic zones, to identify gaps in national park affords the any sort of protection. the representation of marine pro­ environment. tected areas in those biogeo- The conference covered a range graphic zones and to propose sites Management plans are some­ of topics including the urgent need for protected areas to fill in those times not prepared, or, as in the for a system of representative gaps. The selection criteria for pos­ case of the Harold Holt Marine marine reserves, progress towards sible sites cover the categories of Reserves in Victoria, do not appear a world-wide system of marine naturalness, biogeographic impor­ until many years after the procla­ reserves, and selection, design and tance, ecological, economic, social mation of the reserve. - management of reserves. and scientific importance, and Funding is a problem to th^ Molly Olsen, of Greenpeace, international or national signifi­ point where staff responsible for opened with a paper stressing the cance and practicality. He the Point Nepean Marine Reserve urgent need to protect our marine summed up his talk with his per­ in Victoria have no boat! There is environment. She pointed out the sonal vision, which was that 'the also little signposting, so that great magnitude of the oceans— large marine ecosystem approach many people who visit are una­ they are more than 100 times to management of the world's ware that they are within a larger than the terrestrial bio­ coastal marine areas will become reserve, why the area is protected sphere and contain more than 90% the norm. I believe that the very or what is acceptable behaviour of all life on earth. Yet, up until great benefits of managing com­ within the reserve. now, we have treated the oceans plete ecosystems in an integrated Ineffective legislation in Victoria as both an endless resource to be way, and the costs of not doing so, is also a problem. Victoria's eleven exploited and as a rubbish dump mean that there really is no viable MEPAs have been declared under to be used with impunity. Ms long-term alternative. Indeed, I various Acts, but are all unsatis­ Olsen explained existing mecha­ think that integrated management factory as they are only temporary nisms for the protection of the of the coastal zone, covering both and can be revoked without refer­ marine environment and summed the land and the sea, is the objec­ ence to parliament. Serious legal this up by saying 'The author is tive to which we should all aspire.' problems have arisen with the not aware of any nation which has Wilson's Promontory Marine enacted comprehensive laws and Reserve. The government is pow­ policies to protect the marine envi­ The question of protection and management of reserves was given erless to implement its ban on ronment and restore degraded commercial fishing,an d was taken marine ecosystems. More typi­ much consideration. Effective pro­ tection of the environment to the Supreme Court by a group of professional abalone fishermen led fishermen to believe that fish marine reserve is problematic, in 1986. propagation areas' might be bene­ according to several speakers at In Tasmania, according to Dr ficial to the fishing industry. the conference, because of the very Kriwoken of the University of Tas­ The design of MEPAs was a topic nature of the sea. That is, "nominal mania, marine reserves do not of importance at the conference. boundaries will not ensure protec­ adequately preserve and manage There was unanimous agreement tion because they cannot provide representative samples of marine that the terrestrial national park barriers to water masses or migra­ habitats and ecosystems, nor do model was not appropriate to the tory species", said Dr Fairweather. they have administrative or legis- marine environment. While there Pollution emanating from ships, as Jfcative capacity to control outside are well-established methodologies in oil spills, or from the land— impacts which may have detrimen­ for the design and management of sewage disposal, run-off, chemicals tal effects on the natural environ­ terrestrial systems, no such meth­ being dumped mdiscriminately— ment. They have generally been odologies exist for the marine envi­ knows no boundaries. designed along the lines of terres­ ronment. However, we cannot just Delegates were also able to trial national parks, that is, iso­ extrapolate from terrestrial metho­ attend workshops with themes lated pockets of naturalness, and dologies, as the characteristics of ranging from public education to could therefore be described as the marine environment and its integrating conservation and fish­ 'islands of management in a sea of organisms differ from those of ter­ eries objectives within a MEPA. mismanagement', according to Dr restrial systems. The most funda­ This enabled everyone to partici­ Kriwoken. mental difference, according to Dr pate more fully in discussions. The Peter Fairweather of Macquarie However, in recent years Tasma­ outcomes of these workshops will University, is 'the greater degree nia has realised the importance of be presented to ACIUCN, along of connectedness among habitats giving greater protection to its with several resolutions dealing and places in the sea. Complex marine environment. The govern­ with public participation and fund­ and dynamic currents, waves and ment has developed a new marine ing for non-government organisa­ tides move water in the ocean, reserves policy, declaring four new tions. ACIUCN will, in turn, pass allowing considerably greater reserves, and will soon release a these on to appropriate members transport of nutrients, material, coastal strategy. Another hopeful of parliament. conditions and species than do the sign in Tasmania is that the com­ passive media on land, air or mercial fishing industry has freshwater flows.' Anne Forsythe swung around from opposing the idea of MEPAs to supporting The delineation of biologically them. Declining fish stocks have meaningful boundaries for a JERVIS BAY

Jervis Bay Marine Park one-third won The Federal Government's recent Our position is summed up in a exercise. Despite conservationists' decision to declare its Jervis Bay letter to the Prime Minister of 19 plea for a moratorium on major Territory as national park is a laud­ August (opposite page). Anne developments until completion of able step towards the creation of a Taylor recently represented NPA the report, real estate develop­ Jervis Bay Marine National Park. in a deputation to a number of ment is running rampant. The Commonwealth is showing Federal politicians led by the its commitment to protect this val­ Jervis Bay Protection Committee Jervis Bay Territory uable natural area and hopes to (see page 10). lead by example in establishing The Working Group now is moni­ management plan 'Stage One'. toring three major processes run­ The draft plan, issued in February It is a worthwhile initiative, but ning concurrently which have 1991 by the Territories Division of unfortunately points up some major implications for the national the Federal Department of Artsj larger concerns. Obviously the park proposal. All three are posi­ Sport, the Environment, Tourism™ Commonwealth, temporarily at tive initiatives but, even if all and Territories, canvassed issues least, has abandoned its efforts to likely outcomes were combined, related to the Federal Govern­ negotiate the total park proposal they still stop a long way short of ment's responsibilities and activi­ with State and Local Govern­ achieving our goal. They are frag­ ties in the Commonwealth-owned ments. The most vulnerable mented, lacking coordination territory, on the southern shores of areas—Beecroft Peninsula, the between the major players (i.e. the Jervis Bay. waters of the Bay and the catch­ three levels of government) and NPA ACT tendered a short sub­ ment area—remain unprotected. don't give us any great sense of mission, expressing its concern Over the last two years, even talk optimism. In brief, the three plan­ about development pressure on of possible land reservation in the ning processes underway are: the Jervis Bay Nature Reserve, Shoalhaven area seems to have sewerage disposal into the Bay thrown real estate developers into and the ocean and the need for the a frenzy of activity and the bull­ Jervis Bay regional nature reserve to be given an dozers are presently having a field planning exercise appropriate legal base (we asked day. And while the Federal Gov­ for it to be declared under the ernment continues to stall in its In November 1990 the NSW Min­ decision on the relocation of the ister for Local Government and National Parks and Wildlife Con­ armaments depot, the state and Planning, in conjunction with servation Act 1975). local governments have an excuse Shoalhaven City Council, estab­ Two weeks later—after being to continue to duck their own lished an advisory committee horrified to discover the Defence responsibilities to conservation. known as the Jervis Bay Region— exercise 'Operation Termite SprayJ^k Environment and Planning Com­ underway within the natur™"" This situation requires us to mittee to oversee the preparation reserve—we furnished an adden­ become more vocal than ever in of a report on the planning and dum to our submission. Our pressing for the implementation of conservation issues relating to the addendum objected to military the marine national park proposal Jervis Bay Region. The area under training exercises taking place in this Association and the Austra­ consideration is roughly equiva­ the reserve, and expressed the lian Conservation Foundation view that such activities were developed in 1989. lent to the area proposed for the Jervis Bay Marine National Park. incompatible with the principles of The Environment sub-committee NPA ACT responded to the call management of nature conserva­ has devoted many hours work to tion reserves. for public comment with a detailed Jervis Bay matters. To handle the 12-page submission. The report We were satisfied that the final workload, a few months ago the plan, released on 17 October, sub-committee formed a Jervis was due to be produced for public discussion by May 1991, but after addresses our concerns about sew­ Bay Working Group. This lively erage disposal. It also foreshadows group, comprising Anne Taylor, a good start, the advisory commit­ tee became bogged down in local the declaration of the reserve Anne Forsythe, Bernadette under the requested Federal legis­ O'Leary, Jane O'Donoghue, Kevin politics and its work was put on hold pending the Local Govern­ lation. However, our point about Frawley, Neville Esau, Sonja military exercises was not heeded. Orford and Den Robin, has been ment elections on 15 September. The new State Minister The plan talks about existing gov­ formulating submissions, monitor­ ernment land uses including 'occa­ ing developments, drafting letters announced recently he was going to reconstitute the Committee. sional approved training and developing strategies to exercises'. This is something we Not a great deal of hope is held strengthen our campaign. will have to watch closely. now for the fruitfulness of this Declaration of stage annual meeting in Canberra and ernment recognised the impor­ have spoken up at several recent tance of the area when it decided one of Jervis Bay Peak Council meetings. not to move the Fleet Base to National Park We have established good rela­ Jervis Bay. Consistency is now tionships with other conservation required by excluding Jervis Bay Following Mrs Kelly's announce­ groups working for Jervis Bay, from the armaments depot ment of 3 September, the Austra­ such as the Jervis Bay Coalition options. lian National Parks and Wildlife and the Jervis Bay Protection Acknowledging that the arma­ Service published on 14 Septem­ Committee. We have discovered ments depot some day will need to ber a notice of its intention to pre­ that Jervis Bay—such a beautiful be moved from the densely popu­ pare a report recommending part of our heritage—is a unifying lated area of Sydney, we urge your declaration of areas in the Terri­ force. Government to fully investigate tory as national park. The notice alternative sites. We ask you to called for submissions from inter­ Den Robin ensure that the Alternative Site ested parties. Study, commissioned by the The Jervis Bay Working Group The Right Honourable Department of Defence, be made is preparing a brief submission, R.J.L. Hawke MP publicly available to facilitate an setting out our ideas about boun­ Prime Minister informed debate on this matter. daries, legal arrangements and The National Parks Association management standards. We are I write on behalf of the National ACT believes that a decision to concerned that the map published establish Jervis Bay Marine Park with the notice of intent indicates Parks Association of the ACT, an active conservation organisation of is urgent. This Park should cover a the national park would be cut terrestrial area, the water of into halves by large excisions (Abo­ 700 people with a continuing inter­ est in the Jervis Bay region. Jervis Bay and around the penin­ riginal land and land for Defence sulas out to the 50 metre batho- Members are concerned at recent use) and that the Australian metric contour line, as proposed in alleged statements by the Minister National Botanic Gardens Annexe the enclosed document Jervis Bay for Defence, Senator Ray, that apparently is not to be managed as Marine Park. We urge the Govern­ indicate the Federal Government part of the national park area. ment to honour what hitherto has is still considering constructing an been its commitment and to expe­ armaments depot at Jervis Bay. dite the reservation. So much pres­ Other activities The Bay has high conservation sure is building up on the Bay that value (verified by many reputable we are concerned time is running The Working Group is taking bodies, including the Australian out to protect this important part every opportunity to push the case Heritage Commission). It is not an of Australia's heritage. for a Jervis Bay Marine National appropriate site for an armaments Park. We have developed resolu­ depot. tions for the forthcoming Austra­ Eighteen months ago the Gov­ L.R.Pyke lian National Parks Council President JERVIS BAY

Jervis Bay lobbying The NPA was invited to join mem­ produced with public consultation It is hoped that the actions pro­ bers of the Jervis Bay Protection and is to be discussed in Cabinet. posed by the various Ministers we Committee to meet with several met with will help to bring the Commonwealth Ministers to dis­ Meetings issue of the armaments depot relo­ cuss ways in which impediments cation out into the open and that Lo the Jervis Bay Marine Park It is a widely held view that the it will then be quickly resolved. might be resolved and the declara­ unresolved issue of the armaments If the Commonwealth goes tion of the park expedited. depot relocation has been used by ahead with Stage Two of its propo­ both federal and state politicians I went as our representative. sal and declares Beecroft Penin­ as an excuse for inaction on the sula as national park then the The following issues were dis­ creation of a marine park. cussed with Ministers Ros Kelly issue of continued bombardment We put this view to the minis­ and Robert Tickner, Member John needs to be addressed. David Sim­ ters and suggested ways in which mons and others have talked of Langmore, and Senators Bob each of them might act to ensure McMulIan and John Coulter. the need for a continued Defence that the issue is resolved quickly. use of Beecroft being taken into The suggestions included: asking account if it is included in the1 Background the Government to honour its com­ national park. The nature of the mitment to make public the 'Alter­ use envisaged by Defence needs to Bob Hawke announced in Decem­ native Sites Study'; asking be clearly stated so that a proper ber 1989 that the fleet base would questions in Parliament of Robert assessment of its compatability not be relocated in Jervis Bay. In Ray about his recent comments with national park objectives can February 1990 Graham Richard­ and about the recent military exer­ be made. son announced that the Federal cise 'Operation Termite Spray' Government intended to proceed which caused considerable envi­ The Commonwealth needs to with a Marine Park for Jervis Bay. ronmental damage within the develop a suitable management At this time Graham Richardson Jervis Bay Nature Reserve; and structure for the Jervis Bay and the PM both indicated that asking Ros Kelly about the rea­ Marine National Park, such as a while the relocation of the arma­ sons for the lack of action. park authority, which adequately ments depot to Jervis Bay had not represents the state, local and Ros Kelly visited Jervis Bay on Commonwealth governments, the been ruled out it was most 26 August 1991. At the time of our unlikely to go ahead. The Navy Aboriginal communities, profes­ meeting the signs that she may be sional organisations, community was instructed to investigate alter­ prepared to declare the Common­ groups and industry. native sites for its relocation with wealth land and waters as full public consultation. Our series national park were encouraging. The Australian National Parks of meetings with the above minis­ She announced the Government's and Wildlife Service has called for ters was prompted by comments intention on 4 September 1991 to submissions in the development of made by Robert Ray, Minister for declare the Commonwealth Terri­ its report recommending the dec­ Defence, in Jervis Bay on 27 July tory at Jervis Bay as stage one of laration of the first stage of the ' 1991. He stated that the alterna­ the Jervis Bay National Park. The national park. The NPA Jervis tive sites study was complete and declaration of Beecroft Peninsula Bay working group is currently preparing our response. that the preferred option is still is to be stage two and the NSW Jervis Bay. The document was not land stage three. Anne Taylor

Whilst seeking a vantage point from near the Boboyan pine forest car park to photograph Mount Kelly, Mount Burbridge and Mount Namadgi, Fiona Brand noticed this rock arrangement which could be an aboriginal burial site. The ACT Heritage group has been notified of the find and location. Photo: Reg Alder. MONEY

ACT Environmental Budget Statement 1991-92 •The 1991 ACT Budget, presented • ACT Board of Health—monitor programs of improvement in by Rosemary Follett in September, air, water, radiation parks and reserves...and pro­ shows a small increase in the allo­ • Land Division—minimisation of grams are being developed for cation of funds to the Environmen­ soil erosion Namadgi Park and Googong tal Budget. The government hopes foreshores • ACT City Services—bicycle path to direct resources for maximum p.33 Major initiatives include: impact in optimising long-term and vehicle emission studies. benefits, particularly in urban It would certainly be to the benefit Namadgi National Park— areas. The statement outlines a of the ACT if a set of common poli­ working with existing commu­ strategy for 'managing, conserving cies, implementation strategies nity groups (e.g. Society for and improving our environment' and monitoring processes could be Growing Australian Plants with impact not only for the coming developed and used by each separ­ and the National Parks Asso­ twelve months, but to ensure a pro­ ate agency in achieving a common ciation) on vegetation map­ tected and enhanced quality of life goal of excellence in environmen­ ping, fauna surveys and some for coming generations. tal management. trail maintenance An Environment Policy Section It is impossible to summarise an p.34 a major study of the land­ and an Environment Projects Sec­ already abbreviated document and scape and ecological relation­ # tion have been established to I commend the booklet to those ships of the vegetation of the ensure the Government's environ­ who would like to know more— Naas-Gudgenby catchment ment policies are evaluated and borrow it from the NPA office. A ($0.03m) series of quotations has been implemented. The Policy section p.34 management plan for the Cor­ selected about programs of partic­ will give advice on high priority roboree Frog issues associated with local, ular interest concerning Namadgi regional, national and interna­ National Park. However our Com­ p.35 raise community's awareness tional initiatives. It will also mittee, through both the Namadgi of the natural and irreplacea­ manage the 'coordination and inte­ and Environment sub-committees, ble assets in which we all gration of the ACT Government's has made representations on other have a common interest and environmental, economic and important issues mentioned in the how they are affected by the social objectives' (p. 15). The Envi­ plan—Molonglo Gorge, lowland way we live, travel and ronment Projects Section will sup­ grasses such as those at Mulligans consume port work on issues such as: Flat in Gungahlin and the Mur­ p.35 a booklet.. .guide to plants and greenhouse effect, energy conserva­ rumbidgee corridor. animals in the ACT ($0.01m) tion, and an ACT Ecologically Sus­ p.35 on-site signs, displays and tainable Development Strategy. It p.29rabbit...feral pig control and publication s for visi­ will also 'oversight the introduction the introduction of blackberry tors. . .educating the commu­ of energy efficiency and waste rust to the ACT...joint nity about the values of ^ reduction measures across the ACT research project with CSIRO reserved areas and providing (•Public Service' (p. 16). on foxes and feral cats ($0.11m) information to support land The Department of Environ­ management practices p!30bush regeneration ($0.04m) ment, Land and Planning is to C$0.065m) p.31The Tri-state Memorandum of implement a pilot scheme to p.35 update, promote and run reg­ Understanding ensure 'environmental manage­ ular walks in the national (1989)... coordinate conserva­ ment goals are formally integrated park and reserves...this pro­ tion and management into all strategic planning and gram attracts 20,000 partici- throughout the high country day-to-day activities' (p.5). The • pants annually ($0.024m) scheme is to ensure that decisions of Victoria, NSW and are made only after taking full ACT...for Alps liaison and p.36 a kit to train teachers taking account of environmental princi­ environment committees students to the bushland ples. The initiative will be moni­ ($0.04m). A report on the areas of the ACT tored with a view to assessment of national and p.51 ACT Heritage Grants Pro­ implementation across the govern­ international natural and cul­ gram...funding source for the ment service. The extreme impor­ tural values of Namadgi operation of the key commu­ tance of this program is realised National Park, due to be final­ nity groups C$0.25m). when one reads the document. No ised in the 1991-92 financial The ACT Government is to be com­ fewer than 18 'managing agencies' year, will be combined with are detailed in the appendix as documentation from NSW and mended for the pilot scheme initia­ receiving some of their monies Victoria to consider World tives taken. We will continue our under the Environmental Budget. Heritage Status for the Aus­ close association and cooperation To give only three examples from tralian Alps ($0.01m) with m an agers an d rangers at the many listed under each Namadgi in furthering the growth agency: p.32Park Care...coordinates vol­ of our national park. unteers who carry out specific Beverley Hammond NPA comments on Kosciusko The Association has commented (a planned increase from current oper's investment strategy. Given on draft amendments to the Kos­ combined level of 3366 to a pro­ concerns widely discussed else­ ciusko National Park plan of man­ posed 4194, an addition of 828 where about the greenhouse effect, agement, emphasising that beds). it is imperative that present plans conservation should predominate In the past it could be argued take into account long-term con­ over development in national park that Thredbo and Perisher- cerns which in the case of the areas. Smiggins were separate locations snowfields have the potential to The NPA submission stated that but the Skitube has changed this decrease their utility for winter both Ski 2000 and the draft and effectively linked them so that sports and the viability of the amendments paper are seriously for planning purposes they can be installations that depend on them. lacking in discussion of the major regarded as being virtually one The better long-term strategy in conservation issues which the pro­ unit. such a situation would be to limit posed amendments raise. The The Association agrees with development to present levels. recently released Ecologically Sus­ requirements to provide access to Should, however, new develop­ tainable Development (ESD) visitors up to environmentally sus­ ment take place, there should be. Working Group—Draft Report on tainable limits—after which some imposed the requirement to dis4 Tourism notes that ESD involves: form of rationing would be neces­ mantle and remove any equipment sary (for example, by increased which may become redundant in • improvement of individual and charging). However, as the report future—such as skilifts left with­ community well-being by follow­ itself notes, day visitors create far out snow if the snowfields shrink. ing the path of economic less waste and are far less pollut­ One of the important principles progress that does not impair ing than overnight occupants. raised in ESD report on tourism is the well-being of future Clearly higher levels of visitor that plans need to deal cautiously generations numbers can be sustained if the with risk; developments should be • the design quality of a facility emphasis is on day visitors with within biophysical limits which will not be measured simply by accommodation outside the park. the particular environment can dollars, but also by its adher­ If the rationale is to provide for sustain; however 'our current state ence to the principles of ecologi­ increased visitor numbers to the of knowledge does not allow us to cal sustainability. prime skiing areas in the Per­ predict such limits with any scien­ ish er-Smiggins region then this tific accuracy, the most we seem to As the Association noted in its ear­ can be done from the Thredbo area know is that limits have been lier submission on Ski 2000, the without having to accept the major exceeded in various areas because first impression is that the pur­ environmental costs and risks environmental damage has pose behind the amendments is (which Ski 2000 and the draft occurred'. In such a situation totally inappropriate; that is, the amendments themselves where there are high (or unknown) proposals have a predominant and levels of risk, development should. recognised). unnecessary development ratio­ not proceed: as the report on tour-f The developments at Perisher- nale which is quite at odds with ism says, 'developments should Smiggins only make sense if the the purpose of a national park proceed on the basis of knowledge rationale of commercial viability which is to conserve environmen­ not ignorance'. This applies to the and success of developers at Per- tally valuable areas especially for Kosciusko region now. This cau­ isher-Smiggins itself are para­ the long-term, according to princi­ tious approach is one which the mount. For the region, ples of ecological sustainability, for NPA supports. However, in put­ development outside the park or at future generations. ting together the proposed amend­ a satellite village at Jindabyne or ments, to judge by the paucity of The proposed extra overnight elsewhere would very likely pro­ discussion in and the beds are not necessary. duce more durable employment, Ski 2000 draft amendments document, little The prime concern of the Associ­ business opportunities and or no consideration appears to ation is with the proposed increase benefits. have been given to these issues. in overnight beds within the park and its likely impact on the prob­ Intergenerational The justification for the lems of waste and its disposal. increases, that visitor numbers The proposed increase appears inequity might increase from 34 757 at to be quite unnecessary. The cur­ present (how can one be so accu­ Both and the proposed rent level of overnight beds at Ski 2000 rate?) to 54 495, appears spurious amendments ignore the interests Thredbo is underutilised (at 3300 in that it choose^ for no apparent of future generations. The time out of a possible 4800 as allowed reason the consultant's horizon adopted of 10 to 15 years Ski 2000 in the current plan, a shortfall of higher projection rate of 4.6 per is, from the environmental stand­ 1500). The proposed increases are cent a year growth rather than the point, an appallingly short run largely at Perisher and Smiggins lower projection of 2.0 per cent view; it is more suited to a devel­ 18-19 January - Weekend Car Camp 15-16 February - Canoe Trip Araluen Re£ Araluen 1:100,000 Lake Burrinjuck RefiYass 1:100,000 Outings program Leader: Barbara de Bruine 258 3531h 259 2642w Leaden Chris Bellamy 249 7167b Contact leader by Wednesday. Camp by the river, visit lo­ Contact leader by Wednesday. Paddle from Taemus Bridge January to April 1992 cal sites of interest and eat peaches. A lay-back weekend in to Wee Jasper following the old drowned Murrumbidgeee idyllic surroundings with opportunities for swimming. 280 River valley with its impressive gorges over 2 days of the km drive ($56 per car). weekend. Camp out of canoes en route. Suitfit beginners . BYO canoe or hire. 200 km return trip by road ($40 per 25-26-27 January - Weekend Canoe Trip car). Lachlan River Ref: Cowra 1:100,000 Leader: Chris Bellamy 249 7167h 22-23 February - Weekend Pack Walk (VAJB) Contact leader by Wednesday. Canoe between Cowra and Goodradigbee River Ref: ACT 1:100,000 Forbes, where the Lachlan River wanders in seclusion be­ Leader: Fiona Brand 247 9538h tween river gums reflecting quintessential Australia. Riv­ Contact leader by Wednesday. The annual blackberrying er-side camping (hire canoes in ACT or byo). 350km drive relaxing weekend on the Goodradigbee River - around 2 ($70 per car). kms walk each way. Lovely campsite and deep waterhole for swimming. 160 km drive ($32 per car). 1-2 February - Pack Walk (2/B) Woolla Creek Ref: Burrumbela 1:25,000 23 February - Sunday Walk (2/C/D/E) Leader: Bob Story 2812174 Mt Lincoln Ref: Corin 1:25,000 Contact leader by Wednesday. Relatively easy pack walk Leaden David Hall 292 5262h along a tributary of the Deua River. Wading and swim­ Meet Kambah Village shops 8.30am. A favourite walk in ming. 300 km drive ($60 per car). the Corin Forest area through some delightful bush scen­ ery. Rock scrambling at the end to gain 360 degree views. Outings guide 2 February - Sunday walk (2/A/C) 300m climb. 80 km drive ($16 per car). Day walks carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. Yankee Hat Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25,000 Pack walks two or more days, carry all food and camping Leader: Len Crossfield 2412897 29 February-1 March - Weekend Pack Walk (2/A/F) requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY Meet Kambah Village shops 9 am. A favourite hill and a Kiandra Region Ref: Cabramurra, Deni son 1:25,000 WEDNESDAY. relatively short walk. Opportunity to see large flocks of Leaden Steven Forst 251 6817h 274 8426w Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent. kangaroos on the approach. 350m climb with some scrub Contact leader by Wednesday. Visit the Four Mile Hut re­ Vehicles taken to site can be used for and regrowth after the 1983 fires. 100km drive ($20 per gion. Diggings and other historical features. Explore a camping. BOOK EARLY WITH LEADER. car). number of the contributory creeks and watersheds to the Other activities include nature rambles, environmental and Eucumbene River. Climb - 400m overall. 350 drive ($70 field guide studies and ski tours. 9 February - Sunday Walk (2/C/E) per car). Billy Billy Rocks Ref: ACT 1:100,000 Leader: Mick Kelly 2412330h 275 6119w 1 March - Sunday Walk (2/C) Walks gradings Meet Kambah Village shops at 8.30 am. A sometimes Brandy Flat Fire Trail - Booth Range - The Bog Distance grading (per day) scrubby walk to outstanding rock features in the Corin For­ Ref: Colinton 1:25,000 1 - up to 10 km est region. 60 Km drive ($12 per car). Leaden Reg Alder 254 2240h 2 -10 km to 15 km Meet Kambah Village shops 8 am. A 12km walk along the 3 -15 km to 20 km 12 February - Wednesday Walk (1/A/B) Brandy Flatfire trai l to Dry Creek. Ascendridge b y an old 4 - above 20 km. Rocks above Honeysuckle Creek Ref: ACT 1:100,000 bridle track to Booth Range and descend to The Bog hut Terrain grading Leader: Bob Story 2812174 ruins at 844415. 820m climb. 140 km drive ($28 per car). A - Road, firetrail, track Contact leader by Monday. A bush stroll to rocky outcrop B - Open forest above Honeysuckle Creek. Climb 200m. 60 km drive ($12 8 March • Sunday Walk (2/A/B) C - Light scrub per car). Big Hole/Marble Arch Ref: Kain 125,000 D - Patches of thick scrub, regrowth Leaden Mike Smith 286 2984h 248 3624w E - Rock scrambling 12 February - Wednesday Night Meet Canberra Railway Station 8 am. A walk mainly on F - Exploratory. Outings Meeting tracks past the 'Big Hole' to the 'Marble Arch' in the Duea The walks program contains additional information. If All welcome. 7.30 pm start at Di Thompson's, 41 Maranboy National Park. Requires wading across the Shoalhaven necessary, contact the leader. Street, Fisher. If you can't attend post offerings or fax or River and could be slippery in wet weather at the Arch. phone them through please. If faxing, please phone me to 180 km drive ($36 per car). let me know something is coming. 8 6084h 244 7572wFax 244 7934w ^ 11 March - Wednesday Walk (1/A) Track (8.5 km return). Stay Mittagong Caravan Park. 320 walk along trail from near Tinderry Station to swamp. To­ Square Rock Ref: ACT 1:100,000 km drive ($64 per car). tal distance 10 to 12 km. The trail climbs 150m. 115 drive Leaden Len Haskew 281 4268h ($23 per car). Meet Kambah Village shops 9 am. A pleasant stroll along a 28 March - Saturday Walk (1/A/C) walking trail to rock formations. 80 km drive {$16 per car). Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25,000 12 April - Sunday Walk (2/D) Leader: Lyle Mark 286 2801h Tidbinbilla Skyline Ref* ACT 1:100,000 14-15-16 March - Canberra Day Weekend Canoe Trip Meet Kambah Village shops at 9.30 am. An easy paced Leaden Frank Clements 231 7005h Murrumbidgee River Ref: Several maps walk of 6km largely on tracks in Mt Eliza/Gibraltar Rocks Meet at the gate into Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve at 8.45 Leaden Chris Bellamy 249 7167h area. Explore 'Gibilla and 'Gibagai' granite overhangs am. A 15km walk from Fishing Gap along the Tidbinbilla Contact leader by Tuesday. Paddle from Narrandera to (Lyle's names). Very suitable for beginners. 60 km drive Ridge to Tidbinbilla Mounain and The Pimple. Total climb Darlington Point over the three days on a scenic section of ($12 per car). of 800m in stages. Short car shuffle involved. Not for be­ the Murrumbidgee River. River is expected to have plenty ginners. 70 km drive ($14 per car). of water. Camp out of canoes en route. Suit fit beginners. 1 April - Wednesday Walk (\J2IA) BYO canoes or hire. 740 km return trip by road ($150 per Boboyan Trail RefiRendezvous Cr 1:25,000 17-20 April - Easter Car Camp car). Leader: Frank Clements 231 7005h Mallacoota Ref: Vicmap Meet Kambah Village shops 8.30 am. Walk along the fire Leader: Barbara de Bruine 258 3531h 259 2642w 14-15-16 March - Canberra Day Weekend 3 Days Walk trail (which was the old Boboyan Road) through the pine Contact leader before Tuesday. Numbers limited. Plan to (3/4/A) forest; visit Frank's (own) hut and other places of interest. camp on the spare block adjacent to Barbara's house. Toilet Tumba rumba to Talbingo Ref: Yarangobilly 1:100,000 A gentle, flat walk for as long as the party wants. 100 km facilities will be available and water from taps, otherwise Leaden Phil Bubb 248 6769h 266 5128w drive ($20 per car). people are expected to be self-sufficient. Explore lake, Contact leader SLX WEEKS in advance to express interest beaches, rivers, forests, estuaries, and participate in crafts in bus-service walking trip from town of Turn bam mba to 4-5 April - Weekend Pack Walk (3/D/E/F) festival. 720km drive ($104 per car). village of Talbingo (boating across the pondage). Stages of Upper Woila Creek/Big Badja Hill Ref: Badja 1:25,000 16km (300 m climb), 30 km (600m climb) and 26 km (500m Leader: Mike Smith 286 2984h 248 3624w 17-20 April - Possible Easter Pack Walk descent) on well graded tracks with day packs only. Can be Contact leader by Wednesday. A walk from Pike's Saddle Namadi National Park Ref: ACT 1:100,000 reduced to 10, 20 and 22 kms by short bus shuttles to meet over Big Badja Hill and down to Woila Creek along un­ Yaouk, Rendezvous Cr 1*25,000 party at accessible points. Camp Henry Angel Trackhead named water course which alternates between constricted Leaden Phil Bubb 248 6769h 266 5128w and Paddys River Dam. All-in cost ex Canberra $40 or less gorges and grassy banks. A long hard clim of 1,000 metres Contact leader by Tuesday. Start at Boboyan Forest, walk per person. Driver volunteers) welcomed/needed. Informa­ next day back to cars after leaving Woila Creek. 200km over the Gudgenby Divide to camp on Sam's Creek. Climb tion sheet available now on request. Participants will be re­ drive ($40 per car). Mt Kelly and follow ridge to Scabby Range, descend to old warded at the end of each day with champagne at the camp. fire trail and Yaouk Gap and along Lone Pine Fire Trail to 4 April - Saturday Day Trip (1/A) Oldfields Hut. Depending on weather walk to Bimberi Di­ 21 March - Saturday Walk (1/A/B) Sketching Outing Ref: ACT 1:100,000 vide from Murray's Gap to Leura Gap. Camp above Cotter Fitz's Hill to Glendale Crossing Ren ACT 1:100,000 Leader: Ken Johnson 248 5979h Flats. Walk out to Orroral Valley - short car shuffle. This Leaden Margaret Roseby 288 3679h Meet Kingston Railway Station 9 am. Not come and see my route depends on weather conditions and availability of Meet Kambah Village shops 9 am. An easy ridge and valley etchings,' but come and do your own. Try your artistic rep­ leader. Drive 100 kms ($20 per car). walk east of the Gudgenby Road from the top of Fitz's Hill resentations of the valleys and landscapes close to home. to Glendale Crossing. Short car shuffle required. Walking Participants must bring their own equipment (eg paints, distance 10-12 km. 90 km drive ($18 per car). markers, pencils, water colours and paper). If at all in Points to note doubt phone Ken beforehand. 50 km drive ($10 per car). New faces to lead, new places to go. Please help keep our 22 March - Sunday Walk (1/2/A) outings program alive by volunteering to lead a walk occasionally. Lower Brindabella Ref: ACT 1:100,000 8 April - Wednesday Walk (2/A/B/C) Leader: Steven Forst 251 6817h 274 8426w Rendezvous Creek Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25,000 All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Meet corner Eucumbene Drive and Cotter Road 8am. Leader: Les Pyke 281 2982h Association of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and as such accept sole responsibility for any injury Meandering walk on fire trails in the forest at the base of Meet Kambah Village shops 9 am. Scenic 15 km walk up howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of the Brindabella Range. 100km drive ($20 per car). from Orroral Valley to, and down Rendezvous Creek to Bo­ the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders are boyan Road. One 300m climb. Car shuffle. 100 km drive absolved from any liability in respect of any injury or 28-29 March - Weekend Car Camp (1/A/B) ($20 per car). Mittagong Ref: Burragoran 1:100,000 damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing. Leader: Len Haskew 281 4268h The committee suggests a donation of TWENTY cents Contact leader by Tuesday for travel details. Saturday 11 April - Saturday Walk (2/A) per kilometre DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS in the car, including the driver, (to the walk the Mt Alexander Loop Track (approx. 7km) through a Blue Bell Swamp Ref: Tinderry 1:25,000 nearest dollar) be offered to the driver by each passenger short tunnel to old coal mine workings and horse track. Leader: Les Pyke 281 2982h accepting transport. Drive and walk distances quoted in the Sunday walk along the well-known Boxvale Tramway Me^^anberra Railway Station 9 am. A scenic historical^ program are approximate distances for return journeys. ALPS National Park plan which forecasts a growth to only the environmental risk without standards of service may decline 43 215. Such increases will pre­ any unique experiential benefit. and there needs to be provision in sumably entail expansion of areas The NPA noted that whilst the the plan for rigorous supervision used for downhill ski-runs requir­ draft amendments do place by the service of the work of les­ ing removal of trees and modifica­ responsibility on head lessees and sees in these areas. tion of the landscape, an unsound others for waste control and dispo­ The NPA agrees with ESD draft management practice from the sal, the provisions are in our opin­ report on tourism when it notes: point of view of ESD. This appears ion not strong enough. Any Alpine areas, like semi-arid and to be a case of 'provision of basic approval for further development arid lands, may not have the same services for tourists generating a to increase bed numbers must be power of recovery from the momentum to upgrade those ser­ preceded by augmentation or con­ impacts of human visitation that vices further...which can lead to struction of water, sewage and generally characterises ecosystems the area being subject to greater waste management systems to a in milder climates. The slow recov­ and more acute environmental high environmental standard to ery time also means that it will be impacts which then extend reflect the environmental sensitiv­ quite difficult to rehabilitate throughout the park'. ity of these areas as habitat water degraded sites and for this reason The NPA considers the relaxa­ catchment. From the proposed a cautious approach to develop­ tion of the policy on development amendments, it is not clear that ment in these areas should be of artificial recreational facilities the standards to be set for effluent taken. undesirable; recreation in national will be of the highest level and For this reason NPA strongly parks should be based on the spe­ NPA considers all systems should opposes the proposed increase in cial natural features of the parks as far as possible be upgraded or the number of overnight beds; if and not on man-made features built to tertiary treatment level. however, this policy is decided which are readily available in The New South Wales National upon, then the NPA would like to other places—making them availa­ Parks and Wildlife Service is to see stronger controls over the ble in the national park will result withdraw from direct responsibil­ nature of the development and in larger numbers of visitors ity for performing certain services stronger requirements to ensure whose interest in the park fea­ (waste disposal and monitoring of environmental degradation is pre­ tures is minor but whose environ­ river and effluent quality) and vented, notably as this refers to mental impact can be just as great transfer the onus to the lessees; waste and pollution control. as any other visitor, thus raising there may be concern here that Naming A. strong element in the develop­ tion Policy has five criteria for the ment of humans has been lan­ naming of geographic features and guage to enable communication the name Burbidge fulfils the fifth and to get information. Thus criteria, that is, 'Names of promi­ naming parts of the land lived in nent persons in the area by a group has been important. developed'. The lack of names makes it harder Dr Nancy Burbidge DSc AM to describe a journey and the final became the first president of the destination. So it is not surprising National Parks Association of the that NPA members and others ACT in 1961. She was still presi­ have felt that the unnamed out­ dent in 1963 when the proposal for standing features of Namadgi a Mt Kelly National Park was sub­ National Park should be officially mitted to the Minister for the named and thus placed on maps of Interior. Her slogan a ^National the ACT. Park for the National Capital' This Association has officially became the driving force for the proposed that a central peak association for 17 years until Gud­ which forms a triangle with two genby Nature Reserve (Namadgi adjacent peaks, Namadgi and Mt National Park) was declared. Kelly, be named Mt Burbidge after one of the founders in 1960 of the continued on page 14 NPA and a great worker for the Mount Burbidge from Boboyan declaration of a national park. Forest carpark. The ACT Parks and Conserva- Photo: Fiona MacDonald Brand. Parkwatch Helensburgh operators et cetera, recently made The Victorian government has their first recommendations to the just released its ten year plan for expansion plans Wet Tropics Management the area which proposes the man­ dropped Authority. agement activities for over 100 The committee unanimously 000 hectares of public land and The upper catchment of the Hack­ 'opposes the construction of the forest. ing River, which flows through the Tully-Millstream hydroelectric The Proposed Otway Forest Royal National Park, is to be con­ scheme firstly on the basis that Management Plan will allow log­ served following a decision by Wol- the project is not compatible with ging in nationally significant rain­ longong City Council not to the principles and the values of forest areas, majestic old forests proceed with urban development the listed area, and secondly on and sensitive water ctchments. the basis that the necessity for at Helensburgh. Wilderness, September 1991 Wollongong City Council has such an intrusion into the listed voted against the recommenda­ area has not been demonstrated.' tions of its Planning Department Opposition to the Tully plan, to Walk of shame in to rezone as urban, rural lands drown a significant part of the Royal NP -| surrounding Helensburgh; the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area lllawarra and Southern Sydney vegetated rural land in the catch­ in north Queensland, is mounting Branches of the National Parks ment has now been recommended with calls from all sections of the Association of NSW have com­ for zoning as 'Environmental community to scrap the $800 mil­ bined to try to extract $3 million lion scheme and introduce energy Protection'. from the state government for res­ conservation measures instead. National Parks Journal, toration and reconstruction of the July-August 1991 Wilderness, September 1991 coastal walking track in the Royal National Park. Tully damming Otway Ranges The coastal walking track is a public disgrace; unmaintained and The Wet Tropics Community Con­ The Otway forests of south west sultative Committee representing with massive sheet and gully ero­ Victoria are home to the largest sion. Gully erosion is three metres a diverse range of local community cool temperate rainforest commu­ deep in some places and sheet ero­ interests—Aborigines, canegrow- nity on mainland Australia and sion is 50 metres wide. ers, local authorities, mining, sci­ are the last substantial mainland entists, conservationists, tour habitat of the tiger quoll. National Parks Journal, September-October 1991

Naming continued from page 13 Nancy did not live to see her ment of a new 'Flora Australia' struggle to protect the natural dream fulfilled but she never which became the first publication areas of the ACT. doubted that it would occur. since last century. So let's hope that the unnamed Dr Burbidge was one of Austra­ She was a great lover of the Aus­ prominent 1720m peak (map ref­ lia's leading botanists, studying tralian bush and enjoyed introduc­ erence Rendezvous Ck 1:25 000, grasses of the northwestern areas ing people to it by leading many 714 461) in Namadgi National of Western Australia and the excursions and patiently pointing Park becomes officially Mt Bur­ northern and southern tablelands out the many features which to bidge, a lovely sight whether of NSW and publishing three vol­ the untrained eye would have viewed from afar from the umes about the native grasses of gone unnoticed. Her enthusiasm Boboyan forest car park, or at these areas. In 1946 she was in promoting submissions, closer quarters as you walk up appointed Curator of the Herbar­ resulted in the Molonglo Gorge Middle Creek or from Bogong Gap ium in the Division of Plant Indus­ Reserve and Gibraltar Falls closer at hand. try in the CSIRO, Canberra. The Reserve being declared. Herbarium became an educational Many generations of people owe Fiona MacDonald Brand centre for Australian flora. She and will owe thanks to Dr Bur­ published many scientific papers bidge for her foresight in environ­ including 'Wattles of the ACT' and mental matters, her willingness to 'Eucalypts', both illustrated by share her knowledge of the flora of Crabs or rabbits? herself. Eventually she devoted Australia and her ability to General meeting herself full time to the develop­ enthuse others to continue the Thursday 20 February Cultural heritage of the Australian alps A symposium on the cultural heri­ and only Alistair Cooke would get pared and set them up—tools, a tage of the Australian alps was away with that. A pat on the back video of Kosciusko Huts Associa­ convened in October by John for Andy Spate who presented a tion activities, books on sale, and Feint of the Australian Alps Liai­ paper on behalf of Neville Gare, pictures and photographs out­ son Committee Cultural and a similar pat for Neville him­ standing in artistry or interest Resources Working Group with self who not only gave Andy what and often in both. Reg Alder's the aim of assembling people with one might call a colloquial sum­ photo of the KHA exhibit has rele­ professional or private knowledge mary but also a free rein to speak vance to Namadgi as well as to the of both the good and the bad to us as he saw fit. Kosciusko National Park—to be achievements of human beings in Secondly, speakers are liable to specific, to the dead weight that this region, and thereby stimulat- move away from the microphone or has been hanging round our necks .^Jng interest in its history. About to speak to their slides instead of for ten years, the Orroral home­ (™pt50 delegates attended the sympo­ to the audience and this breaks the stead project. The KHA has sium which was held in bond between them. Questions and expressed interest in joint restora­ Jindabyne. comments were mostly to the point tion with the Namadgi National Twenty-three papers were pre­ and brief, but there were some Park authorities and us. We will sented, each nominally of 40 min­ rough patches there too. wait and see. utes including comment, some ' Thirdly, to listen to as many as The prepared talks ended mid- being on a regional scale and five talks on end is demanding, afternoon of the second day, fol­ others much more circumscribed, however well presented they may lowed by separate workshops on for example, on the one hand Mul­ be. I found my attention straying matters influencing the alpine at the end of each session, and feel vaney-—The Alpine Cultural Heri­ region—introduced animals and that the number of papers could tage in Perspective, and on the plants, tristate management, the with advantage have been cut by a other hand Turner—A Short His­ effects of tourism, and the costs of third or so and more time given to tory of Logging between Adami- heritage protection. Cultural naby and Kiandra. They dealt questions and comment. Fortu­ aspects were defined as those of mainly with Aboriginal and Euro­ nately there were other opportuni­ aesthetic, social, historic, or scien­ pean occupation but natural ties for informal get-togethers: a tific value, and were accepted as resources, recreation and natural 20-minute break for tea in mid- an integral part of the environ­ features were also covered. Of spe­ morning and another in the after­ cial interest to us was a paper by noon; and first thing in the morn­ ment. Workshop reports and rec­ Matthew Higgins on the pastoral ing while people were registering. ommendations took up the rest of heritage of Namadgi National An hour for lunch also provided the afternoon. Park, extending to other heritage time for talking, as did the sympo­ It was strongly evident that dele­ matters and to Kosciusko sium dinner, and a spacious gates considered that the alps National Park. common room contributed to infor­ should be treated as one entity mal and useful chit chat. regardless of state boundaries, There is really little point in with complementary research and giving a summary of the proceed­ The common room housed exhib­ with compatible records, manage­ ings because the papers are in its that were evidence of much ment, policies, and dealings with typescript and are to be issued as hard work from those who pre­ continued on page 16 they were presented. They should be available about April 1992. As with most symposia, and par­ ticularly where the papers are dis­ tributed, the value was less in gaining detailed information and more in making and renewing acquaintance with people who have similar interests. There are several reasons for this, of which Kosciusko Huts nearly all are the direct concern of Association the speakers and not the organis­ display at the ers, rough patches that a few symposium on pointers on public speaking could Cultural smooth away. heritage of the Australian Firstly, some of those presenting alps. papers read them word for word, continued from page 15 the public, but it was nevertheless recognised that the diverse charac­ ter of the alps should be maintained. Although the present condition of the heritage should be estab­ lished and recorded, it was agreed that it involved continuity and change and should not be cut off at some arbitrary date—old crafts .should be kept alive. Other sub­ jects dealt with included the coop­ erative management of natural and cultural features and the training of staff accordingly, some control over tour operators, consid­ What do these boots say erations of subjectivity and of cul­ about Frank , tural values mutually at odds, and Clements' I Aboriginal influence. gait? Where One serious matter which was has he been touched upon in the presented walking? Are papers but which seems to have they his boots? been omitted from the workshop Photo taken discussions is official and private near vandalism, possibly because of the Tantangara extreme difficulty in countering it. P*2 Mountain by 1 heard only one expression of dis­ Reg Alder. quiet about an equally serious matter—development—and that was from the floor. How long can we expect to maintain for recrea­ tion a region that could support Foot care for bushwalkers dozens of smiling villages and hun­ dreds of terraced agricultural A collection of old boots and shoes drawn through the ankle and up fields? provided the initial focus for the the leg That evening was given over to October General Meeting. Richard • supinated: the foot rolls to the informal talks centred round Lee, of the ACT Podiatry and outside. Sports Podiatry Centre, used these seven people with extensive Look at your shoes to see whicl^-L knowledge and experience of the and a selection of coloured slides to illustrate his talk on the way our feet you have! region, so that, as the program More importantly, look at the puts it 'a little of the fascinating feet function and on the impor­ tance of wearing good shoes or backview of heels and legs of chil­ oral history of the surrounding dren under six years of age. If the region may be experienced and boots. So throw out those broken- down or substandard shoes and do feet or one foot rolls inwards or enjoyed'. outwards, take the child to a podi­ On the last day delegates separ­ the right thing by your feet and thereby your entire body. atrist now whilst remedial action ated into two groups. One visited can be undertaken. After that age Currango and the other the Lock­ The foot is a very complex struc­ ture with all twenty six bones the podiatrist can custom build an ers' farm and museum in Happy orthotic device to place in shoes. Valley, followed by a walk round a being mobile. Muscles and tendons keep the bones in their correct The steps involved are the making heritage track at Kiandra and a of a plaster cast of the foot, com­ tour through Yarrangobilly House position and provide elasticity. A balance with all parts of the leg is puter analysis to determine the and one of the caves. correction necessary, and the A second pat on the back is mer­ important. If one part of this system is malfunctioning other making of an insole with postings ited—to John Feint and his help­ front and back. ers for their excellent organisation parts of the body must compen­ sate—usually the spine or neck. Points when buying walking and for so ably accomplishing shoes or boots: what they had aimed to do. I for Three types of foot have been • shock absorption is important one am hoping that the apartheid identified: so note the thickness and qual­ so long applied to cultural features • pronated: the foot rolls inward ity of the soles in our national parks is at last (most common for problems) • check that the boot bends at the beginning to crumble. * neutral: a straight line can be right place, that is where your Bob Story foot bends not in the middle of the arch which should have a strong shaft to support the foot Track work in • go for lightness of weight • look for a good lining—Goretex Morton NP is waterproof As many people are aware, the whole sections of track, and so • leather uppers give support and NPA has had a long-standing com­ on. control mitment to a track maintenance • boots protect the ankles for program on the western side of • Raw materials which could not solid bushwalking the Morton National Park. Vari­ be obtained naturally on site, have been transported by • you get what you pay for—it is ous aspects of the workparties NPWS helicopter where possi­ worth paying the extra for good have been reported upon in past ble, otherwise by NPA person- products Bulletins over the last two years, but I thought a summary of our power, wheelbarrow and • Julius Caesar discovered that achievements would be appropri­ stretcher. heels of 15mm to 25mm make ate at this juncture. the feet function better, as the • In addition to the actual work- A ^ load is taken off the spine. parties, there have been several weekend reconnaissance trips ™ ^Now try them on Timeframe over the period. Generally a • wear the socks you will be wear­ • NPA wrote to the NSW number of NPA representatives ing. Remember that two pairs National Parks and Wildlife attend together with the NPWS sometimes cause friction, espe­ Service and spoke with Graham ranger. cially on the balls of the feet Warboys over May-June 1989 Estimate of person-hours commit­ • look at the grip of the heel about the damage, erosion and generally degraded states of the ment to the project by NPA • see if your toes move freely Wog Wog to Corang Peak sec­ Reconnaisance: without any pressure on them tions of the track in the Morton 6 days x 3 NPA members 18 • check that the shoe is well- National Park. The NPA shaped where it ties and is offered its assistance with track NPA preparation for work party tight enough for good pressure. work and maintenance in that 4 workparties x 4 days 16 Your feet must be held back in area. the shoe or boot, as friction Work parties in the field arises when the foot slips • Following acceptance of the 2 days x 14 people = 28 around offer of voluntary labour the 2 days x 24 people = 48 first reconnaissance was under­ 2 days x 20 people = 40 • if your feet are different taken early in spring 1989 of 2 days x 21 people = 42 lengths, be prepared to pack the the route Wog Wog to Corang 158 front of one shoe with sponge Peak. fc rubber TOTAL 192 DAYS if"p if your feet are different widths, • From this evolved the planning try a thicker -sock on the and implementation of the first This is substantial evidence of narrower. work party at Wog Wog. We the long-term commitment and have completed a further three hard work of a large number of Try these remedies workparties since on the week­ NPA members and some non- • have an orthotic made ends detailed below: members as well. The Association • try SPENCO insoles; they are has provided direct assistance with - 2-3 October 1989 made from a good anti-shock petrol costs for each work party. It has generally been a lot of hard material - 28-29 October 1989 work, but fun. However, the • use BIOFRESH aluminium-free - 25-26 August 1990 marked improvement of the track anti perspirant and deodorant is testimony to the worthwhile roll-on (an Australian product) - 7-8 September 1991 nature of the work. We have been • rub methylated spirits between • As many will know our work amazed to return a year later to the toes has been varied but heavily witness the considerable regenera­ • pack on some vaseline to reduce geared to track drainage opera­ tion of small plants and grasses in friction. tions, that is, laying cheeses areas that were previously a quag­ (short logs) and long logs, build­ mire. Our work has served several Do yourself a favour—wear the ing a corduroy, making gutters purposes in preventing the widen­ right boots or shoes. and drains, placing stepping ing and use of alternate routes and stones, rock walk-ways and with that further damage to plant Beverley Hammond bridge building, pruning, regen­ communities, but primarily by eration work, and rerouting keeping walkers to one dry route it continued on page 18 ARGUMENTS

Track work in Morton NP Econuts versus continued from page 17 prevents a multitude of other problems. We have all gained a personal sense of satisfaction for a job well done, and have also received very positive feedback from other walk­ ers and the NPWS. Recently Graham Warboys (SE Region manager) walked from Wog Wog to Yadboro Cover a three day period) with Alan Norman, Senior Ranger—Nowra (and our contact for the workparties) to inspect the track maintenance work carried out by volunteers from several walking clubs. He was most impressed. The workparties have also wid­ ened our horizons. Some of us have even gained new skills. We have attracted and continue to attract a few young people, some A piece of machinery near Boltons Hut. Photo: Len Haskew. come because they need the expe­ rience for a course, others because they were coerced by 'mothers', or In a number of ways I have been preserved in national parks. for company for friends, what­ fortunate in living in an era where The 1970s were the years of the ever. ..but there are spinoffs for there have been great changes dedication of national parks and the Association and the conserva­ both in technology and the atti­ with them the concept that the tion movement in having them on tude of people to the environment. only thing to be preserved was the a work party. Perhaps the change in attitudes to natural environment and all For some, its been the first time and meaning of the environment traces of human intrusion were to in the Budawangs, and that has has been equally as great as tech­ be removed if economically feasi­ whet their appetites for the nology, for when I was young if ble. In these years there was a future. We have all enjoyed our someone mentioned environment phase of destruction, a large pro­ contact with staff from the it meant nothing more than the portion of the huts in KosciuskJ NPWS, especially Alan Norman area which surrounded us and in National Park were to be razed t' who has been with us on every which we lived. Environment has the ground and all activities on work party. We've learnt a lot been the buzz word over the past leases were to be terminated, from him, and I'm sure he gets his couple of decades with environ­ regardless of the immediate conse­ share from us mental impact statements and quences of the proliferation of The Budawang and Morton ecologically sustainable develop­ introduced plants. National Parks are great places ment being the prime considera­ In our own Gudgenby Nature and NPA members use them fre­ tions when any project involving Reserve, leases were terminated, quently. The need for the work- the use of or interference with nat­ homes, outbuildings and wool- parties in the Budawangs as we ural resources is considered. sheds were removed and the know them may be lessening, in As the environmental movement ground cleared up to remove all that future work could be more developed, there came the extreme traces of the previous settlement. maintenance rather than major view that national parks had to be There is no doubt that the build­ construction oriented. But who or appear to be wilderness. But ings could have been a manage­ knows what the future holds? We what is wilderness? There are ment problem to maintain them certainly have gained skills and almost as many definitions of from vandalism and that the easi­ knowledge that can be used to wilderness as there are words in est solution was removal. Not even advantage in a number of other the dictionary and because few an interpretative sign remains to circumstances, and have enjoyed areas fully conform to any defini­ remind park visitors of the past ourselves (immeasurably?,) in the tion it demonstrates the difficulty history of our early settlers. process. of satisfying the demands of the When does a structure com­ wide range of opinions as to what mence to have an historical signifi­ Di Thompson should be removed, retained or cance? Is the Orroral homestead ARGUMENTS culture vultures built in the 1880s any more signif­ significance of their meanings. Sir trees, evidence of the early settle­ icant to future generations than Ninian Stephen suggested that ment, were removed. The author the present Gudgenby homestead, 'until just a few years ago the Aus­ of the survey has written a book the first hut built for rangers on tralian environment would have about the history but park admin­ the site of the wantonly demol­ suggested no more than the social istrators admitted 'there is a very ished Cotter homestead in the and cultural and perhaps geo­ conscious policy not to acknowl­ Upper Cotter, or the Orroral graphical surroundings of Austra­ edge history and they were quite tracking station—a significant lia and Australians. But quite terrified of the power of pictorial example of technology in the suddenly, as these things are evidence that would show cleared 1960s? All were built about 30 measured, its primary meaning paddocks, pegged out with mili­ years ago and have historical and has changed in a dramatic, albeit, tary teepees'. architectural significance, yet all subtle way. The environment is This example raises a number of are threatened. A decision has to still that which surrounds us but issues about the conflict between be made on a two year old report its meaning has expanded in preserving natural and cultural Ipn Gudgenby, the Cotter hut is on response to our expanded percep­ heritage. We have in our own hi now expired five year reprieve tion and enhanced understanding Namadgi National Park the exam­ and money has been allocated in of the significance of certain of ple of a pine arboretum in the this year's budget to demolish those surroundings which mankind Upper Cotter being cut down in Orroral tracking station. Now so long took so very much for the name of wilderness purity. that the first flush of dedication granted'. When the Boboyan pine forest is has passed it is time to reflect This was followed by W.S. harvested should a small copse be upon what the national park has Ramson's paper on how in 50-year left to bring to mind a previous been dedicated for and on how it segments words and meanings use? Should the forest huts also be is to be managed, used and pre­ have changed which register our demolished to remove all traces of served. I am pleased to see that perceptions and utilisations of the what had been a pine forest? And these issues are now being Australian environment. Rhys what about the sites of the previ­ addressed with increasing Jones had a very informative paper ous examples in the park I have frequency. on Aboriginal Perceptions of the quoted: Gudgenby homestead, Orroral tracking station and The Silver Jubilee Conference of Natural World which with reading Cotter hut. the National Parks Association in will bring a wider understanding of 1985 on Australia's Alpine Aboriginal sites and the spiritual A book on the symposium, edited Areas—Management for Conser­ significance of them to Aboriginals. by Professor D.J. Mulvaney, is vation provided the genesis for the Other papers put forth argument available from the Australian fqundation of the Australian Alps on what is the value of wilderness Academy of the Humanities, Uni­ National Parks Co-operative and that everything we do is part versity House, ANU, for $14.95. It Agreement and from it developed of nature even though it might be should be required reading for all nh& Australian Alps National destruction. This is obviously not involved in environmental Parks Liaison Committee. This correct and a middle ground must debates. be sought. committee with the Australian In October of this year a sympo­ Academy of Science hosted the Further papers raised the ques­ sium on The Cultural Heritage of First Fenner Conference in 1988 tion: What is conservation? An the Australian Alps was organised to consider The Scientific Signifi­ example quotes how in Victoria a by the Australian Alps National cance of the Australian Alps. One military camp was established in Parks Liaison Committee and it section of the conference consid­ 1886, it subsequently became a provided many papers on a wide- ered the natural and cultural prisoner of war camp, a venereal ranging spread of subjects on the values of the alps, but as 'cultural' diseases hospital and later the impact of human culture in our has a significance to the subject land was extensively cleared and alps, the value of this part of our under discussion, the section only grazed. In 1948 the local progress heritage and the need for its devoted itself to the intellectual association proposed that this little preservation. aspects of the natural values of park of 20 acres be left as a memo­ The publication of the papers various mammals, meteorological rial reserve in honour of old sol­ aspects and fire regimes. resulting from this symposium diers. This was never followed up. should be awaited with interest In 1990 the Australian Academy In 1975 this island of remnant and for, in conjunction with those from of the Humanities held a sympo­ regenerating vegetation was being the humanities symposium, they sium on The Humanities and the valued in a different way. An eco­ will provide the incentive for a Australian Environment. Many of logical survey was carried out and more balanced viewpoint towards the various participants discussed a decade later was named as a the retention of our European her­ what is meant by the environment sanctuary for nature conservation. itage in national parks. and wilderness and the changing In the process some large pine Reg Alder TRIPS

Bimberi trig Mountains are there to be climbed from here to the mountains (about The reports are written in very and mostly they are climbed 17 miles) and to clear a pack track clear copperplate handwriting on because they are there and this is through some dense scrub on the paper nearly the size of the often given the reason for climbing falls to the Cotter River. If you present A3 sheets. One can ima­ the most difficult and highest. will please send me particulars gine the scene, camp table and Apart from the challenge and about the most southerly and stool, ink bottles, steel pointed physical effort to get to the top, westerly point required I think I pens and blotting paper. what else is achieved? There is the could go from here by an old road A new mast was erected in 1953, thrill of reaching the summit, to leading past Coree and thence to the old vanes being discarded realise that it is not a false one Peppercorn Hill. If you decide to among the rocks of the summit. and the strain of climbing is have a 1st class station at Coree, I From 1877 it took another 25 relieved by the exhilaration of the could do it on my way back again years for the station on Bimberi to expansive views of range after as I shall have to pass near the be discovered by recreational range rolling away to a limitless foot of it. The point at Mt Clear, or bushwalkers, or at least until then horizon. farther west towards Bobeyan, I to record their names on the. The summit, if it is a prominent think, I could get to, from Colinton vanes. Yesterday's graffiti is{ peak, is nearly always surmounted best, and after fixing that, I could today's history. Cecil Luton, from by a pile of stones which supports finish at Tindery (sic)". the Adaminaby side of the family, a pole and vanes from which sight­ On the 19th April 1877 he was the first on August 2nd 1902. ings are made by surveyors in reported finishing erecting a 1st Did he ski up or was it a bad year establishing the datum required class station at Bimberi and that for snow? He climbed it again on for the map makers. To climb the the best way to get to Bimberi the 31st January 1915. Some other mountain is usually not enough from Lanyon is by Barrumba Sta­ earlier signatures recorded are: and most clamber up the pile of tion (by dray road) 6 miles, thence Russell Zweck 17-11-10; S stones and some even higher up by pack track to Mr McKeachnie's ?allashang, Mcquoid St, Quean­ the pole to record their pencilled Orroral Station 14 miles, thence to beyan, April 18, 1911; F F Gull achievement on the vanes of the Bimberi about 12 miles. He Michelago, Oct 1914; H Affaon, station. believed that the above rout (sic) McQuoid St Queanbeyan, 16-12- Bimberi at 1912.8 metres—the is over a smoother and less 19. Names of early settlers with­ highest peak on the border of the scrubby country than the way he out dates are H L Cochrim, H E ACT—is still a popular mountain went from Tidbinbilla. On the 21st Oldfield and G I Maxwell. The to climb even though locked gates April he added a postscript to say first record of the Royal Military make it a longer slog to reach its that "Instructions had not yet College is of C H McClelland on base. Popular approaches for the arrived, concerning the point 23-3-1919 to be followed by a ascent are from the locked gate at required towards Peppercorn Hill number around the early 1920s Ginini, from the Blue Waterholes and as the nearest Post Office to when it must have been a part of a^-^ side of Leura Gap and from Coree is over 20 miles distant he training exercise. Tom Gregory^P Murray Gap, approached either would wait on Monday (23rd inst) from Cotter Hut recorded his from the Cotter or Oldfields hut. at Queanbeyan for a telegram and name on 16 January 1955. Bush- if necessary until Tuesday morn­ walking clubs left theirs in 1948 The station on Bimberi was ing for a letter". He continues "My and 1953. In all about 87 names erected in 1877 by surveyor party will arrive at Coree today, were recorded until 1964 when Edward H. Taylor who approached but the dray is here to take out interest seems to have been lost on it from his camp at Tidbinbilla. It cement, vanes, fodder etc for the the discarded vanes of the first took him three days to complete two stations by a better road via trig station. the task. Canbarra and Urayarra (sic)". In his report to the Surveyor- Reg Alder General in Sydney he wrote on the 11th of April 1877 that he had been to Coree to find that the pile and vane to be 'all right'. From Coree he recognised Bimberi at a bearing of 172, he then proceeded ^ eo

Sunday 15 December 1991 Orroral Valley picnic ground Starts 3pm Members and friends welcome

Contact Beverley Hammond on 288 6577(h) for more information

NPA Bulletin National Parks Association of the ACT POSTAGE GPO Box 457 Canberra 2601 SURFACE PAID Registered Publication No. NBH0857 MAIL AUSTRALIA

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

Thursday 20 February Crabs or rabbits The assistant manager of the Endangered Species Unit, Australian National Parks and Wildlife Ser­ vice, John Hicks, will talk about aspects of management and conservation on two of Australia's island territories—Christmas Island and Philip Island (near Norfolk Island).

Thursday 19 March Namadgi: huts, homesteads and cultural heritage President of the Kosciusko Huts Association, Graham Scully, and Huts maintenance officer (Namadgi), Maurice Sexton, will present and outline of the KHA's current and future plans in Namadgi. Their presentation will be illustrated by slides of a variety of Namadgi's cultural features.