National Parks Service
Mallee Parks M anagement Plan
September 1996
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT This Management Plan for the Mallee Parks is approved for implementation. Its purpose is to direct all aspects of Management of the Parks until the Plan is reviewed. A Draft Management Plan was published in July 1995. A total of 259 submissions were received. Copies of this Plan can be purchased from: Outdoors Information Centre Department of Natural Resources and Environment 240 Victoria Parade EAST MELBOURNE 3002
Manager, Parks and Reserves, North West Region Department of Natural Resources and Environment 253 Eleventh Street MILDURA VIC 3500 MALLEE PARKS
Hattah-Kulkyne National Park Murray-Sunset National Park Wyperfeld National Park Lake Albacutya Park Murray-Kulkyne Park
MANAGEMENT PLAN
National Parks Service
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Victoria
SEPTEMBER 1996 ãCrown (State of Victoria) 1996 A Victorian Government Publication This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1986.
Published in September 1996 by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment 240 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002.
National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry
Victoria. National Parks Service. Mallee parks management plan.
Bibliography. ISBN 0 7306 6174 1.
1. National parks and reserves - Victoria - Management. 2. Hattah-Kulkyne National Park (Vic.). 3. Lake Albacutya Park (Vic.). 4. Murray-Kulkyne Park (Vic.). 5. Murray-Sunset National Park(Vic.). 6. Wyperfeld National Park (Vic.). I. Victoria. Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment. II. Title.
333.783099459
Cover: Malleefowl (John Las Gourges)
Printed on 100% recycled paper to help save our natural environment
ii Malle Parks FOREWORD
The Mallee Parks, comprising Hattah-Kulkyne, This Approved Plan has been finalised Murray-Sunset and Wyperfeld National Parks, following careful consideration of the 259 Big Desert Wilderness Park and Lake submissions received on the Draft Plan. I thank Albacutya and Murray-Kulkyne Parks, are all those who wrote submissions. The some of south-eastern Australia’s most Approved Plan establishes the long-term outstanding Parks. They are highly valued for management framework to protect the their complex and subtle semi-arid landscape, important conservation and recreation values of diverse environments, wilderness areas, the Parks while ensuring that they play an remoteness and important archaeological important role in nature-based tourism in the values. Mallee. There are many opportunities for visitors to As a result of the Plan’s implementation I am enjoy the Parks. Scenic driving or exploring confident that the Parks’ diverse environments, the remoter and more rugged areas by 4WD, fragile semi-arid landscape and remote camping, walking, horse riding, fishing, bird character will be protected at the same time as watching or nature study, and enjoying the visitors’ enjoyment is enhanced. solitude in some of Victoria’s best wilderness I look forward with confidence to the areas, are among the experiences on offer. community’s support for these very important Parks, which are such a significant part of Victoria’s Parks system.
Hon Marie Tehan MP MINISTER FOR CONSERVATION and LAND MANAGEMENT
Mallee Parks iii APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN
This Approved Management Plan has been The Plan provides the basis for future prepared in accordance with Sections 17, 17B management of the Mallee Parks. It was and 18 of the National Parks Act 1975 (Vic.) finalised following consideration of the 259 and is approved for implementation. submissions received on the Draft Plan.
Mark Stone Trevor Miles Director, National Parks Service Regional Manager, North West
iv Mallee Parks SUMMARY
The Mallee Parks comprise Hattah-Kulkyne, · Restoring disturbed areas by reducing the Murray-Sunset and Wyperfeld National Parks, impact of introduced and native herbivores Big Desert Wilderness Park and Lake and pest plants, restoring more natural Albacutya and Murray-Kulkyne Parks. These water regimes, and by active regeneration. Parks represent 40 per cent of the total area of · Protecting Aboriginal and European Victoria’s Park system and contain highly heritage cultural sites from accelerated significant landscape, flora, fauna, and cultural processes of decay, and promoting an values. This Plan is an integrated plan which understanding of the Parks’ Aboriginal sets broad directions for the future management and pastoral heritage. of these Parks1 and states management objectives and strategies (for all parks and · Enhancing visitor enjoyment by providing where relevant for specific parks) which are year-round access for conventional necessary to achieve a high standard of vehicles, particularly between the main conservation and recreation management. points of visitor interest and activities, and extending the range of opportunities Park management will aim to protect the Parks’ available by developing long-distance wilderness and conservation values, and to walking trails and self-guided walks, and optimise visitor opportunities and experiences improving information and interpretation. consistent with these values. · Developing a co-operative approach to the Major management directions for the Parks development of sustainable tourism to help include: boost local economies. · Conserving the outstanding natural · Implementing a co-operative approach to condition of much of the Mallee Parks, boundary management issues to protect their highly significant flora and fauna, Park and freehold land values on the and wilderness and landscape values, by fringes of the Mallee Parks. This will controlling rabbits and goats, reducing the include the integration of Landcare impacts of other pest animals and plants, initiatives with Park management. and managing fire to create a greater diversity of vegetation age classes. · Maintaining or enhancing habitat corridors between the Mallee Parks.
1This plan does not cover the Big Desert Wilderness Park, which has a separate management plan to direct its management.
Mallee Parks v CONTENTS
FOREWORD iii
SUMMARY v
1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Location and planning area 1 1.2 Regional context 1 1.3 Significance of the Parks 1 1.4 Creation of the Parks 3 1.5 Legislation, LCC recommendations and guidelines 3 1.6 Park management aims 5
2 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 7
2.1 Park vision 7 2.2 Management directions 7 2.3 Zoning 8
3 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 12
3.1 Geological and landform features 12 3.2 Hydrology 14 3.2.1 Outlet Creek system 14 3.2.2 Hattah Lakes system 15 3.2.3 Lindsay Island 17 3.3 Vegetation 18 3.4 Fauna 19 3.5 Landscape 20 3.6 Cultural heritage 21 3.6.1 Aboriginal history 21 3.6.2 European settlement 22
4 PARK PROTECTION 23
4.1 Fire management 23 4.2 Grazers 24 4.2.1 Total grazing pressure 24 4.2.2 Rabbit control 25 4.2.3 Goat control 26 4.2.4 Kangaroo management 27 4.2.5 Stock grazing 28 4.3 Pest plants and animals 29 4.4 Artificial waters 31
vi Mallee Parks 5 THE PARK VISIT 33
5.1 The Park visitor 33 5.2 Visitor recreation activities and facilities 35 5.2.1 Vehicle access 35 5.2.2 Camping and day visitor facilities 40 5.2.3 Campfires 44 5.2.4 Generators 44 5.2.5 Built accommodation 45 5.2.6 Bushwalking and cycling 45 5.2.7 Boating 46 5.2.8 Horse and camel riding 46 5.3 Visitor information, interpretation and education 47 5.4 Tourism and commercial tourism operations 48 5.5 Public safety 50
6 COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT 51
6.1 Friends and volunteers 51 6.2 Community awareness and Park neighbours 51 6.3 Man and the Biosphere Program 51
7 OTHER ISSUES 53
7.1 Authorised uses 53 7.1.1 Apiculture 53 7.1.2 Gravel extraction 53 7.1.3 Mineral and petroleum exploration and mining 54 7.1.4 Commercial fishing 54 7.1.5 Commercial use of flora and fauna 54 7.1.6 Military training 55 7.1.7 Local transportation routes 55 7.1.8 Other uses 55 7.2 Boundaries and adjacent public land 56
8 IMPLEMENTATION 57
REFERENCES 59
TABLES
1 Land use categories 4 2 Management zones and overlays 9 3 Special protection areas 11 4 Summary of recreation activities 34 5 Management of tracks 36 6 Existing and proposed recreation facilities 41 7 Interpretation themes 48
Mallee Parks vii 8 Priority management strategies 57
APPENDICES
I Significant vegetation communities and threatening processes 63 II Significant flora species and threatening processes 64 III Significant fauna species and threatening processes 65
FIGURES
1 Planning area End of Plan 2 Management zones and visitor opportunities End of Plan 3 Lower Wimmera River and Outlet Creek system End of Plan 4 Hattah Lakes system End of Plan 5 Lindsay Island End of Plan 6 Murray-Kulkyne Park End of Plan
viii Mallee Parks Introduction
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Location and planning area irrigated horticulture along the Murray River, is the main economic base. The Victorian Mallee Parks are within the Big Desert and Sunset Country of north-western Tourism has been an important industry in Victoria, about 450 km from Melbourne. On Mildura and Swan Hill for some time, but to the south-eastern margin of the arid and semi- date has had little impact on the economies of arid regions of Australia, the Parks encompass smaller communities (CNR 1993a). Although a range of environments including Mallee there is currently a low level of awareness of dunefields, woodlands and riverine plains. the existence of the Mallee Parks and their attractions among local communities and the The area covered by this Management Plan tourism industry in general, the Parks present comprises approximately 10 500 km2 of public outstanding opportunities for visitors attracted land and includes the following Parks: by their remote location and subtle and complex · Murray-Sunset National Park (6330 km2); environments (section 5.1). The development of sustainable tourism in the Mallee Parks will · Wyperfeld National Park (3568 km2); enable visitors to enjoy the Parks’ natural and · Hattah-Kulkyne National Park (480 km2); cultural values, foster a better appreciation of · Lake Albacutya Park (83 km2); Park values and generate economic benefits for the region. · Murray-Kulkyne Park (35.3 km2). The Parks complement other popular visitor These areas include 21 reference areas, 7 destinations in the area including River Murray wilderness zones, 2 remote and natural areas based recreation and sporting activities, the and approximately 90 km of the Wimmera Willandra Lakes World Heritage areas and Heritage River (table 1). National Parks of western and south-western These Parks, together with the Big Desert New South Wales, and Conservation Parks Wilderness Park, are collectively called the along the eastern border of South Australia. Mallee Parks. Management of the Big Desert Wilderness Park (1423 km2) is addressed in a 1.3 Significance of the Parks separate Management Plan (CNR 1994). The Mallee Parks make a valuable contribution Murray-Sunset, Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray- to Victoria’s parks system, which aims to Kulkyne all have frontages to the Murray protect viable, representative samples of the River, while Wyperfeld and Lake Albacutya State’s natural environments occurring on contain the Outlet Creek system and the public land. Parks also provide opportunities terminal lakes of the Wimmera River. The for visitors to enjoy and appreciate natural and western boundary of Murray-Sunset abuts the cultural values, and many make important South Australian border. All the Mallee Parks contributions to tourism. fall within the Murray-Darling drainage basin The Murray-Sunset, Hattah-Kulkyne and (figure 1). Wyperfeld National Parks are listed in Category II (National Parks) of the IUCN 1.2 Regional context United Nations’ List of National Parks and The area of Victoria commonly known as the Protected Areas. Category II areas are Mallee encompasses almost 20 per cent of the managed primarily for ecosystem conservation State. The region supports a population of and appropriate recreation. Murray-Kulkyne some 70 000 people, most of whom live in the Park is listed in Category III (Protected area townships of Robinvale, Swan Hill and Mildura managed mainly for conservation of specific and their immediate surrounds. Agriculture, in natural features). the form of dryland cropping, stock grazing and
Mallee Parks 1 Introduction
Lake Albacutya did not meet the IUCN · Many significant fauna species, including definition of a protected area and was not 11 Flora and Fauna Guarantee listed assigned an IUCN category. species (one mammal, seven bird, and Hattah-Kulkyne National Park was designated three reptile and amphibian species). as a Biosphere Reserve in 1981 under the · Over 300 species of birds, including 22 UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program in species of parrots, among them the recognition of its outstanding natural values. vulnerable Regent Parrot and Malleefowl, Lakes in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park and and the endangered Black-eared Miner and Lake Albacutya Park were also designated Western Whipbird. under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as · A greater diversity of reptiles than any Waterfowl Habitat (the Ramsar Convention) in other region in Victoria. 1982. · Seven wilderness zones within Murray- Traditionally the level of reservation in Sunset and Wyperfeld National Parks, Australia’s semi-arid lands has been low, and including areas as remote from settlement relatively few areas remain undisturbed. as any area in the State. Because of the drought of 1913-29, the Depression of the 1930s and unsuitable Cultural values conditions for agriculture, large areas of the · Over 3800 sites listed on the Aboriginal Victorian Mallee remained unsettled. The Affairs Victoria (AAV) Register, some Mallee Parks are thus of great significance in (e.g. burial sites) of great archaeological that they now protect the least disturbed mallee significance. ecosystems in Australia. The Parks contain outstanding areas of semi-arid wilderness, and · Many significant European historic sites, the largest areas of highest quality wilderness in including relics of early pastoral south-eastern mainland Australia. Together, development, settlement and salt mining. they represent 40 per cent of the total area of · Many opportunities for on-site the Victorian National Parks system. interpretation of the Parks’ Aboriginal and The Parks’ diverse natural values complement European cultural heritage. those protected in other large conservation reserves in north-western Victoria, including Tourism and recreation values Wathe, Wandown, Annuello and Bronzewing · Opportunities to experience a broad range Flora and Fauna Reserves. of recreational activities in a variety of Significant features of the Parks include: settings. · Exceptional opportunities for experiencing Natural values solitude and self-reliant recreation in · A large diversity of biota, including many remote, semi-arid areas. species that are significant at a national · Great potential for motorised recreation, level. including 2WD scenic driving and · A diverse range of ecosystems and extensive 4WD touring in remote and landscapes unique in Victoria, including rugged terrain. dunefields, heathlands, woodlands, · Outstanding opportunities for high quality grasslands, rivers, lakes, boinkas and interpretation of one of Victoria’s most wetlands. subtle and least well understood natural · Large areas of essentially undisturbed environments. vegetation, comprising approximately 1000 species of native plants from more than 100 distinct sub-communities.
2 Mallee Parks Introduction
1.4 Creation of the Parks Murray-Kulkyne Park The history of national park reservation in the Murray-Kulkyne Park (15.5 km2) was Mallee dates back to 20 October 1909, when proclaimed on 26 April 1980. In 1990, it was the first part of Wyperfeld (38.9 km2) was increased to 35.3 km2 with the addition of the temporarily reserved as a site for a national Liparoo block. park. Other designations Although several additional areas at Wyperfeld Seven wilderness zones covering 4138 km2 and and Hattah Lakes were reserved over the next two remote and natural areas covering 561 km2 70 years, by far the largest park reservations were established in Murray-Sunset and have occurred since 1979, following LCC Wyperfeld in 1992 as a result of the National studies (LCC 1977; LCC 1989; LCC 1991b). 2 Parks (Wilderness) Act. This followed the Over 1000 km was reserved under the National LCC’s Wilderness Special Investigation (LCC Parks Act in 1979 and 1980 as a result of the 1991b). National Parks Act 1978 (Vic.), over 10 000 km2 in 1990 and 1991 as a result of the The Wimmera Heritage River, which includes National Parks (Amendment) Act 1990 (Vic.), parts of Wyperfeld National Park and Lake and a further 331 km2 in 1992 as a result of the Albacutya Park, was proclaimed under the National Parks (Wilderness) Act 1992 (Vic.). Heritage Rivers Act 1992 (Vic.) on 22 August Including the Big Desert Wilderness Park, they 1992, following the LCC’s Rivers and Streams now cover nearly Special Investigation (LCC 1991a). 12 000 km2. 1.5 Legislation, LCC Hattah-Kulkyne National Park recommendations and On 7 June 1960, an area of 178 km2 including guidelines the Hattah Lakes was reserved as Hattah Lakes The Mallee Parks are reserved and managed National Park as a result of the National Parks under the provisions of the National Parks Act. (Amendment) Act 1960 (Vic.). The adjacent The Act requires the Director to preserve and State forest was added on 26 April 1980 to 2 protect the natural condition of the Parks and form Hattah-Kulkyne National Park (480 km ). their natural and other features, and to provide Murray-Sunset National Park for the use of the Parks by the public for Murray-Sunset National Park (6330 km2) was enjoyment, recreation and education, and for proclaimed on 5 June 1991, incorporating Pink research. 2 Lakes State Park (507 km ) which had been Table 1 summarises the other land use proclaimed on 26 April 1979. categories within each National Park approved Wyperfeld National Park by Government following acceptance of the relevant LCC final recommendations. Following the initial reservation in 1909, permanent reservation and subsequent additions The four wilderness zones in Murray-Sunset were made in the 1920s, 30s and 40s. The and three in Wyperfeld, are managed under the Park increased from 565 km2 to 1000 km2 in wilderness provisions of the National Parks Act 1979, to 3237 km2 in 1991 and to 3568 km2 in and the relevant LCC recommendations, 1992. particularly those relating to management principles for wilderness areas (LCC 1991b). Lake Albacutya Park Sections 21B, 21C and 21D of the National 2 Lake Albacutya Park (107 km ) was Parks Act provide for the management of the proclaimed in 1980. In 1991, Lake Werrebean two remote and natural areas within Murray- was transferred to Wyperfeld, and Ross Lakes Sunset and Wyperfeld. was added to Lake Albacutya Park, which now covers 83 km2. Twenty-one Reference Areas in the Parks (13 in Murray-Sunset, five in Wyperfeld, three in
Mallee Parks 3 Introduction
TABLE 1 LAND USE CATEGORIES
REFERENCE AREAS WILDERNESS ZONES REMOTE & NATURAL EDUCATION AREAS AREAS
Murray-Sunset National Park Millewa (630 ha) Sunset (126 900 ha) South Sunset (24 000 ha) Lake Wallawalla (1060 ha) Minook (38 700 ha) Sunset (8650 ha)* Galpunga (35 700 ha) Toupnein Creek (1660 ha) Mt Cowra (23 500 ha) Morkalla (990 ha) Settlement Road (2580 ha) Millewa South (2400 ha)* Berrook (2580 ha)* Danyo (1600 ha)* Rocket Lake (2090 ha) Raak Plain (1480 ha) Mt Crozier (2010 ha) Purnya (1090 ha) (Total 28 820 ha) (Total 224 800 ha) (Total 24 000 ha)
Wyperfeld National Park Broombush (1600 ha) North Wyperfeld Hopping Mouse Hill Outlet Ck (710 (97 900 ha) (32 100 ha) ha) Rudd Rocks (3750 ha) South Wyperfeld (61 300 ha) O’Sullivan’s Lookout Chinaman Flat (1910 ha) (29 800 ha) Lake Jerriwirrup (290 ha) Dattuck (1 640 ha) (Total 9160 ha) (Total 189 000 ha) (Total 32 100 ha) (Total 710 ha)
Hattah-Kulkyne National Park Kia (990 ha) Wemen (470 ha) Chalka Creek (400 ha) Tarpaulin Island (440 ha) (Total 1830 ha) (Total 470 ha)
* Reference Area wholly or partly overlays a Wilderness Zone or Remote and Natural Area.
Hattah-Kulkyne), proclaimed or to be statements have been prepared for the following proclaimed under the Reference Areas Act reference areas within the Mallee Parks: 1978 (Vic.), are managed in accordance with · Toupnein Creek Reference Area Ministerial directives detailed in NPS guideline 12.1W. In accordance with the Reference · Settlement Road Reference Area Areas Act, a management statement is required · Millewa South Reference Area for each reference area. Interim management
4 Mallee Parks Introduction
· Berrook Reference Area · the Mildura Region Fire Protection Plan (CNR 1992); · Danyo Reference Area · the Natural Resource Protection Guidelines · Morkalla Reference Area. (CNR 1993b); Following the 1991 Rivers and Streams Special · Native Vegetation Conservation Strategy Investigation (LCC 1991a), the Wimmera (DCE 1990a); River, from Polkemmet to the terminal lakes in Wyperfeld National Park, was designated as a · Restoring the Balance. The Kangaroo Heritage River under the Heritage Rivers Act Control Program to save Hattah-Kulkyne and proclaimed as such on 22 August 1992. National Park (DCE 1990b); This Act provides for the protection of Heritage · the Mallee Tourism and Recreation Strategy Rivers and indicates particular uses which are (CNR 1993a); or are not permitted in these areas. · the Mallee Interpretation and Community Lakes in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park and Education Plan (CNR 1993d); Lake Albacutya Park were designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International · grazing management plans on other public Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat land. (the Ramsar Convention) in 1982. Signatories to the Convention are obligated to protect 1.6 Park management aims designated wetlands and manage for their wise Sections 4, 17, 17A and 17B of the National use. Under the Japanese Australian Migratory Parks Act provide the main basis for Bird Agreement (JAMBA) and the Chinese management of the Parks. The following Australian Migratory Bird Agreement management aims are derived from those (CAMBA), Australia has agreed to conserve sections, and as such broadly govern all aspects the habitat of species listed in the agreements. of park management. Eleven listed species of waterbird are found in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. Resource conservation The LCC has also made particular · Preserve and protect the natural recommendations relating to the phase-out of environment. grazing, appropriate uses, and the management of certain tracks in the Mallee Parks (LCC · Maintain, or where possible enhance, 1989, 1991a, 1991b). The Parks are managed wilderness values. in accordance with Department of Natural · Allow natural environmental processes to Resources and Environment (NRE) guidelines continue with the minimum of disturbance, for the management of parks (NPS 1995) and and maintain biodiversity. LCC recommendations, and with other Acts, Departmental plans and guidelines, including: · Conserve features of archaeological, historical and cultural significance. · the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1995 (Vic.), which states that park Park protection management should consider any Regional Catchment Management Strategy or Special · Protect water catchments and stream Area Plans applying to the Parks. The systems. Parks lie within the region of the Mallee · Protect human life, the Parks and adjacent Regional Catchment and Land Protection land from injury by fire. Board, except for Lake Albacutya Park · Eradicate or otherwise control introduced which lies within the region of the Wimmera plants, animals and diseases. Regional Catchment and Land Protection Board;
Mallee Parks 5 Introduction
The Park visit Other · Provide a range of opportunities for · Provide for and encourage scientific suitable recreation and tourism. research, surveys and monitoring that will contribute to a better understanding and · Promote and encourage an appreciation, management of the Parks. understanding and enjoyment of the Parks’ natural and cultural values and their · Co-operate with local, State and interstate recreational opportunities. government authorities, the community and other interested organisations to assist · Encourage appropriate Park use and in the management of the Parks. visitor behaviour and foster a conservation ethic in visitors. · Take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of visitors.
6 Mallee Parks Strategic directions
2 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
2.1 Park vision · In those areas of the Parks that remain in an outstanding natural condition, the A future visitor to the Mallee Parks finds existing diversity of native flora and fauna world-class Parks renowned for their semi-arid will be maintained, and a management landscapes, diverse environments, and the regime of minimal disturbance adopted. opportunity to experience a sense of remoteness Significant natural and cultural features away from an increasingly developed world. will be given special protection. The Parks are being managed with an increased understanding of their complex and subtle · Wildlife corridors between the Parks and natural environments. Their many significant other major blocks of public land in the species and communities, landscape qualities region will be established. and archaeological and cultural sites are well · A long-term research and environmental protected, and disturbance to their wilderness monitoring program will be established to and other remote and natural areas is minimal. provide a sound scientific basis for future Areas of the Parks that have been degraded management strategies. through past land management activities have been or are being restored to their natural Park protection condition. · As far as is practicable, areas of the Parks Visitor facilities are in keeping with the remote that have been degraded through past land and essentially undeveloped character of the management activities will be rehabilitated Parks. These facilities, and accompanying high by: quality interpretation, assist car-based visitors and campers to enjoy and better understand the · reducing the impact of pest animals Parks’ splendid environments. In the more and plants on native species and remote areas, visitors enjoy walking in the communities; wilderness zones and elsewhere, or four-wheel · addressing the current imbalance of driving on the Parks’ more remote tracks. kangaroo populations; · restoring a more natural hydrological The Parks are being increasingly managed as regime within all Parks; important parts of north-west Victoria’s natural · active revegetation in areas of tourism attractions, and they attract visitors localised extinction and rarity; from interstate and overseas. Sensitive · adopting manipulative fire regimes management by NRE, assisted by strong where they can be demonstrated to be Friends Groups and supported by the local of value to the Parks’ environments community, ensures that increased visitor use is and ecosystems. accommodated without compromising the Parks’ key attributes. The interests of future generations are assured. The Park visit · Park visitors will continue to enjoy a range 2.2 Management directions of activities (e.g. bushwalking, horse Major management directions for the Parks are riding, canoeing, 4WD touring) in remote outlined below: settings without undue disturbance from other visitors. Opportunities for 2WD and Resource conservation 4WD touring will be extended through the linking of points of visitor interest. · Most of the Parks’ area will be maintained in an essentially undeveloped condition, · Existing basic camping facilities will be especially Wilderness Zones and Remote enhanced through the provision of drinking and Natural Areas. water and appropriate low maintenance amenities (e.g. toilets) at strategic points.
Mallee Parks 7 Strategic directions
All visitor developments will be low-key · indicate which management aims have and unobtrusive, in keeping with the priority in different parts of the Parks; Parks’ remoteness and natural values. · indicate the types and levels of use · Visitor enjoyment of the Parks will be appropriate throughout the Parks; enhanced by the development and · assist in minimising existing and potential implementation of an integrated conflicts between uses and activities, or information, interpretation and between these and the protection of park environmental education program. values; · Sustainable tourism and recreation · provide a basis for assessing the suitability opportunities will be developed in of future activities and development accordance with the Mallee Tourism and proposals. Recreation Strategy (CNR 1993a). Most tourism infrastructure will be provided in Five management zones apply to the Parks - and from Mallee townships or public land Reference Area, Wilderness, Conservation and in close proximity to the Parks. Recreation, Recreation Development and Education. Community awareness and involvement In addition, Special Protection Areas, a Special · A co-operative approach to the Management Area - Public Utility, and two management of Park fringes will be Land Use Designations - Heritage River and adopted through involvement with Remote and Natural Area - are used to community Landcare and Rabbit Action summarise requirements additional to those of Groups. the underlying primary management zones. Table 2 describes the characteristics of the 2.3 Zoning zones and overlays. Their location is shown on A Park management zoning scheme has been figure 2. Where possible, boundaries have been developed to: defined by roads or tracks or other readily identifiable features. · provide a geographic framework in which to manage the Mallee Parks;
8 Mallee Parks Strategic directions TABLE 2 MANAGEMENT ZONES AND OVERLAYS
ZONES
REFERENCE AREA WILDERNESS CONSERVATION & RECREATION EDUCATION RECREATION DEVELOPMENT
AREA/ 21 Reference Areas Sunset, Minook, Most of the Park outside Main visitor destinations. Outlet Creek and LOCATION (table 1). Galpunga, Mt Cowra, wilderness zones. Wemen Education Chinaman Flat, North Areas (table 1). Wyperfeld, South Wyperfeld Wilderness Zones.
VALUES Relatively undisturbed Large, essentially Important natural values Sites with facility Area for education representative land types undisturbed areas. and scope for recreation development in a natural purposes. and associated opportunities. setting. vegetation.
GENERAL Protect viable samples of Protect or enhance the Protect less sensitive Provide primarily for Provide primarily for MANAGEMENT one or more land types essentially unmodified natural environments and high-use visitor nodes environmental AIM that are relatively natural condition of the provide for sustainable with a concentration of education in a undisturbed for area and, subject to that dispersed recreation recreation and/or relatively undisturbed comparative study with protection and minimal activities and small-scale interpretation facilities. area. similar land types interference to natural recreation facilities elsewhere, by keeping all processes, provide without significant human interference to the opportunities for impact on natural minimum essential and solitude, inspiration and processes. ensuring as far as appropriate self-reliant practicable that the only recreation. long-term change results from natural processes.
Mallee Parks 9 Strategic directions
Table 2 (cont.)
OVERLAY
SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA LAND USE DESIGNATION
- PUBLIC UTILITY REMOTE AND NATURAL AREA HERITAGE RIVER
AREA/ LOCATION Areas detailed in table 3 and Power line easements. Hopping Mouse Hill and South Part of Wimmera Heritage figure 2. Sunset Remote and Natural River Area (figure 3). Areas.
VALUES Discrete significant areas Significant remote and natural Rivers significant for nature requiring special attention. area. Opportunities for self- conservation, recreation, scenic reliant recreation. or cultural heritage.
GENERAL Protect specific natural or Highlight areas or sites where Protect the area’s remote and Protect the heritage values of MANAGEMENT AIM cultural values in specific special management provisions natural attributes; prevent new the area. areas and sites where a special are needed to provide for a and incremental developments, management focus is required. particular non-standard use or including the construction and activity. upgrading of vehicular tracks and construction of new structures.
10 Mallee Parks Strategic directions
TABLE 3 SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS
LOCATION VALUES PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
Outlet Creek floodplain Wildlife corridor; habitat for Management vehicle only access; (Wyperfeld NP) significant species. dispersed camping permitted only where values not threatened. Eastern Pine Plains Largest area of Pine-Buloke Reduce grazing pressure to (Wyperfeld NP) Woodland in the Mallee Parks; permit regeneration; increase staff habitat for significant species presence to reduce poaching of such as Pink Cockatoo. significant species. Lindsay Island Large number of Reduce erosion of sites by (Murray-Sunset NP) archaeological sites. reduction of grazing pressure and protection works; maintain confidentiality of sites. Black-eared Miner sites* Endangered species. Maintain confidentiality of sites; (Wyperfeld NP, Hattah- maintain favourable habitat by Kulkyne NP and Murray- excluding fire; no disturbance. Sunset NP)
*Sites not identified on zoning map for protection purposes.
Mallee Parks 11 Resource conservation
3 RESOURCE CONSERVATION
3.1 Geological and landform landforms such as lunettes and dunes of features different types; The Mallee Parks, located in the Murray Basin · the presence of a shallow saline groundwater plains, contain an outstanding array of semi- table existing in a delicate hydrological arid and riverine landforms of relatively young balance, which has responded to different geological origin. These are of considerable climates to produce a range of landforms. conservation and scientific significance, and contribute to the distinctiveness of the Mallee Landforms Parks within the Parks system, and to the Dunefields Mallee generally. These are the most extensive feature and are The landscape is one of low relief, gently found in all the Parks, but particularly in sloping towards the Murray River to the north. Wyperfeld, Murray-Sunset and Hattah- However, this low relief belies the landform Kulkyne. They include: diversity that exists and its influence on the biota. · occasional outcrops in Murray-Sunset and Wyperfeld (e.g. at Majorlock Soak) of the Most of the area has a mantle of sands of lateritised north-south trending ridges which marine origin and alluvium over an older land mark stages in the retreat of the ancient sea; surface, but with occasional outcrops of the latter as lateritised sediments. The sands were · extensive examples of a variety of dune sculpted into dunes by wind action during the types, including: Quaternary period. · the long, low, asymmetrical, east-west The landforms of the area belong to two main linear dunes of the Woorinen Formation, geomorphic types (LCC 1987): which occur mainly in the northern Sunset Country and consist of reddish- · the Mallee Dunefields, which covers most of brown calcareous sand with some clay; the Big Desert (Wyperfeld) and the Sunset Country (Murray-Sunset and part of · the parabolic, jumbled and irregular Hattah-Kulkyne), and is taken to include the dunes of the pale siliceous Lowan Sand, complex groundwater discharge areas such which occur in the Big Desert and as the Raak Plains and Pink Lakes; southern Sunset Country; · the Riverine Plain, which occurs along the · the east-west longitudinal dunes of the Murray River at Lindsay Island (Murray- Lowan Sand, which occur in the Big Sunset) and Hattah Lakes (Hattah- Desert and southern Sunset Country; Kulkyne), and along the Outlet Creek · broad sand plains such as Sunset, Mopoke system (Wyperfeld and Lake Albacutya). and Last Hope in Murray-Sunset, possibly The landforms are predominantly the result of formed over the top of saline depressions, three main factors: and in the central Big Desert; · · the inundation of the area by the sea, most several natural water soaks along the recently about 4 million years ago, which on northern fringe of the Big Desert (e.g. retreat deposited a large sheet of sand Majorlock Soak in Wyperfeld). (Parilla Sand), forming a stage for Groundwater discharge complexes subsequent landforms and providing sand The striking landscape feature are found in for some of the later dune formations; three main areas of Murray-Sunset, where · past climates which were considerably drier saline groundwater has intersected the surface or wetter than today, leaving a legacy of in broad depressions, resulting through
12 Mallee Parks Resource conservation
evaporation in the deposition of minerals such The soils associated with the different as gypsum and salt. landforms reflect the age of the landform as well as its geological composition. They Features include: include the highly infertile sands of the Lowan · outstanding examples of State significance, Sand, calcareous soils of the Woorinen at Raak Plains and Pink Lakes, of the formation, and clays associated with the boinka landform complex, consisting of a riverine plains and lunettes. Soils in the variety of features including sandplains, groundwater discharge areas in particular gypsum flats, gypsite hills, salinas and contain a high percentage of salts. source-bordering dunes; Much of the landscape is susceptible to erosion · Rocket Lake, the largest salt-crusted following disturbance. Dunes may become ephemeral lake (salina) in the Parks; remobilised following vegetation removal (e.g. · smaller saline areas and gypseous dunes in after fire). This is particularly the case for the the north-west of the Park, south of the Sturt infertile Lowan Sand, but also the Woorinen Highway. formation where ‘blowouts’ may occur after the removal of ground cover. Lunettes are prone to Riverine landforms wind and water erosion following disturbance. These occur in parts of Murray-Sunset Scalded clay pans occur along the higher (Lindsay Island), Hattah-Kulkyne (Hattah alluvial terraces of the Murray River where the Lakes) and Murray-Kulkyne in relation to the loamy topsoil has been eroded. Murray River, and in Wyperfeld and Lake From an interpretation viewpoint, the landforms Albacutya in relation to Outlet Creek. They of the Park offer excellent opportunities to include: interpret the fascinating history of the · remnants of an elevated clay floodplain near landscape evolution of this part of Victoria. Neds Corner in Murray-Sunset, formed when the Murray River flowed in earlier Aims times into a large lake further downstream; · Protect areas of geological and · anabranches of the Murray River, at Hattah geomorphological interest. Lakes and Lindsay Island (one of the largest · Provide opportunities for appropriate for the Murray in Victoria), including an research into, appreciation of and education array of geomorphic features such as about geological and geomorphological sites billabongs, wetlands, meanders, terraces and and processes. natural levees; Management strategies - all Parks · Outlet Creek, which flows from Lake Albacutya and links 17 terminal lakes in · Revegetate scalded areas on floodplains by Wyperfeld before ending in Wirrengren controlling grazing pressure, and where Plain, the end of the largest internal drainage necessary create surface roughness and system in the State; add seed of regenerates. · significant crescent-shaped lunettes on the · Reshape eroded sand dunes to ensure a eastern side of depressions, such as Lake smooth profile. Revegetate with a non- Albacutya (partly in the Park), Wirrengren regenerating cover crop and undersow with Plain (Wyperfeld) and Lake Wallawalla indigenous vegetation. (Murray-Sunset), some of only a few such features on public land in Victoria. They · Reduce the impact of soil disturbance in the contain a record of past water levels and dunefields by creating surface roughness, climates. and maintain an adequate ground cover to Soils prevent erosion.
Mallee Parks 13 Resource conservation
· Rehabilitate eroded lunettes, particularly in Dieback is most severe below Wonga Lake. areas where further disturbance could This section of Outlet Creek has not flooded impact on cultural values. since 1920. Wyperfeld’s Black Box Woodland shows 3.2 Hydrology negligible regeneration of any woody species, while the lakebed herbfields are now comprised 3.2.1 Outlet Creek system mainly of annual weeds (LCC 1987). The Outlet Creek system within Lake The LCC (1991b) and the Wimmera River Albacutya Park and Wyperfeld National Park Integrated Catchment Management Strategy (figure 3) supports extensive areas of flood- (WRCCG 1992b) have recommended that: dependent River Red Gum and Black Box · the Wimmera Heritage River corridor be Woodlands. These communities provide kept free from impoundments or structures important habitat for a range of species, that impede stream flow; including the nationally vulnerable Regent Parrot. When flooded, the terminal lakes of the · a water entitlement be allocated for Wimmera River provide important habitat for environmental purposes; waterbirds and other fauna. Lake Albacutya is · investigations be conducted to determine designated as a wetland of international how the current system of regulation might significance under the Ramsar Convention be modified to restore a flooding regime (section 1.3). similar to that which occurred prior to The Outlet Creek system, the terminal lakes and catchment and river modification. Lake Albacutya form part of the Wimmera Options for restoring a more natural flood Heritage River which extends upstream to regime Polkemmet (LCC 1991b) (figure 3). Pipelining the Wimmera Mallee Stock and Regulation of the Wimmera River since late Domestic System (WMSDS), bypassing Lake last century has resulted in a drastic reduction Hindmarsh, and special environmental flow of the frequency of flows within the Outlet releases from storages, have been identified as Creek system (Binnie & Partners 1993; RWC the best hydrological options for promoting 1993). Outlet Creek has not flowed more frequent flooding of Wyperfeld (Binnie & downstream from Lake Brambruk since 1920. Partners 1993). Stage 1 of pipelining (northern Rising regional water tables due to vegetation Mallee) was completed in early 1993 and Stage clearing could impact upon both Lake 2 was completed in 1995. Completion will Hindmarsh and Lake Albacutya within the next result in an environmental allocation of 10 years (WRCCG 1992a; Beovich 1993a), approximately 33 000 ML. transforming them from recharge to discharge The former RWC (1993) found that the release lakes. of 20 000 ML from storage at times of flood Saline groundwater discharge into the would, under certain circumstances, cause a Wimmera River occurs naturally during periods flood to be promoted beyond Lake Albacutya of low river flow (Strudwick 1992). The rising into the Park and/or prolong the duration of a watertable and reduced stream flows are both flood within the Park. This assessment likely to be contributing to salinity within the assumes that an annual environmental lower Wimmera River and the terminal lakes. entitlement of 20 000 ML will be available for The current extent and rate of salinisation is release at a time when Lake Hindmarsh is unknown although the areas at greatest risk are spilling and Lake Albacutya has more than the lower sections of the river. 60 000 ML in store. Severe dieback is now apparent in the River Two options are available for the use of an Red Gum and Black Box communities of Lake environmental water entitlement: Albacutya and Wyperfeld, particularly in the lower parts of the Outlet Creek system.
14 Mallee Parks Resource conservation
(1) Sustaining flows. At times of low river, a Hindmarsh outlet in consultation with sustaining flow of 40–50 ML per day Wimmera-Mallee Water and the Wimmera could be released from storage to maintain Catchment and Land Protection Board. the in-stream environment at least as far as Dimboola (Anderson & Morrison 1989). · In conjunction with relevant agencies, Sustaining flows would not be of direct conduct monitoring studies along the benefit to Wyperfeld (Binnie & Partners Outlet Creek system of: 1993). · watertable levels; (2) Managed floods. At times of high river, · surface flows; special releases from storages could be · flood-dependent flora and fauna. used to promote a managed flood into the Park. Wyperfeld would potentially benefit · Prepare a separate management plan for from special releases of an environmental the Wimmera Heritage River by 1997. entitlement of the order of 20 000 ML (RWC 1993). 3.2.2 Hattah Lakes system The two options could both be employed as The Hattah Lakes system is a series of flow conditions require. Consideration also perennial and intermittent freshwater lakes fed needs to be given to the accumulation of unused mainly from the Murray River via Chalka environmental entitlements in storage. Creek (figure 4). Hattah-Kulkyne has been Temporarily lowering the outlet sill at Lake declared a wetland of international significance Hindmarsh by means of a regulatory structure under the Ramsar convention, and is a would generate greater flood flows within designated Biosphere Reserve under the Wyperfeld but with a likely loss of UNESCO Man and the Biosphere program environmental and recreational values at Lake (section 1.3). Hindmarsh. All the lakes in the system, and Chalka Creek, Aims are used for recreational purposes such as canoeing, swimming and fishing. · Restore a more natural flooding regime to the terminal lakes of Outlet Creek in co- Substantial changes to the hydrological regime operation with relevant agencies and of the Hattah Lakes system, following community-based groups. modification of both the Murray River and the Hattah Lakes system (Cumming & Lloyd · Achieve a more natural flooding regime 1991a) have resulted in a general reduction in without undue detriment to the natural the winter/spring flood peaks, and significant values of Lake Hindmarsh, and without reductions in the flooding and inflow frequency jeopardising the supply of existing water of the Lakes. Flood initiation has been delayed users. and the duration of flooding reduced. Management strategies Internal modifications to the Hattah Lakes system itself include the construction of a · Implement the relevant actions of the channel between Lockie and Hattah Lakes, and Wimmera River Integrated Catchment the installation of an earthen bank and regulator Management Strategy (WRCCG 1992b). between Lakes Hattah and Little Hattah. · Seek agreement from Wimmera–Mallee Modifications to Chalka Creek include Water to the release of an environmental deepening and regrading of the channel and the entitlement for the purposes of managed installation of a regulator at Messengers to floods in the event that Lake Albacutya fills prevent floodwaters from receding. or nearly fills. These internal modifications have meant that since 1970 Lake Hattah has been dry on one · Investigate the option of temporarily occasion only for a short period in 1989. The lowering the sill level of the Lake
Mallee Parks 15 Resource conservation
natural frequency of drying for Lake Hattah frontage. The occurrence of toxic algal blooms was once every seven years. poses a greater threat to recreational use of the Lakes than does infrequent drying. Rising groundwater levels within the Murray trench may eventually lead to salinisation of Aim Chalka Creek and the Hattah Lakes system. Bitterang, Konardin, Yelwell and Hattah Lakes · Restore, as far as possible, a more natural are all at risk of becoming salt-affected within hydrological regime to the Hattah Lakes the next ten years (Beovich 1993a). system within the guidelines of the Integrated Watering Strategy for Murray There is no evidence of widespread dieback of Wetlands (Cumming & Lloyd 1991b). flood-dependent vegetation within Hattah- Kulkyne, although pockets of dieback, possibly Management strategies due to length of inundation and water stress between floods, have been recorded. The · Deregulate flows between Lake Hattah and distribution of flood-dependent woody Lake Little Hattah by the removal of the vegetation may also be changing. There is boards which serve to retard backflow from ample evidence of regeneration of both River Hattah to Little Hattah. Red Gum and Black Box. · Implement changes to the operation of the The changed hydrological regime is likely to regulator at Messengers such that the have caused lower recruitment rates within retention level at Lake Hattah is returned some bird and fish populations. Permanent to its natural level. Increase the capacity inundation may favour the proliferation of of the regulator to allow more rapid inflow European Carp, which are thought to degrade to Chalka Creek in the event of a low level waterbird habitat by muddying water and flood. preventing the growth of aquatic plants. Regulation of the Hattah Lakes System may · Support any initiatives of the Integrated have caused changes to the grazing regime of Watering Strategy for Murray Wetland native species within the southern half of (Cumming & Lloyd 1991b) which aim to Mournpall Block (section 4.4). restore a more natural flood regime to the Hattah Lakes. Toxic algal blooms are now relatively frequent within the Hattah Lakes system, necessitating · Continue to make the water from Lake the closure of the Lakes to recreational use for Hattah available as an emergency supply extended periods in each of the past three for the Mournpall Water Users Association summers. The worst blooms appear to occur and the Hattah Residents Water Users after the Lakes are recharged with river water. Association. Options for restoring a more natural hydrological regime · Prohibit recreational use of lakes which have been confirmed by testing to contain Management options include removal of the levels of toxic algae which could pose a Lake Hattah regulator to lower the retention risk to users. Advertise closures at all road level, and enlargement of the Messengers entrances and on the shores of each regulator to increase rate of inflow into Chalka affected lake. Creek (Cumming & Lloyd 1991b; Atkins 1993). · Investigate options for the long-term Amendment of the current system of lake management of toxic algal blooms. regulation could cause more frequent drying of · Investigate the control of European Carp Lake Hattah, reducing recreational within the Hattah Lakes. opportunities at times. However, alternative recreational opportunities will still be available at Lake Mournpall and along the Murray River 3.2.3 Lindsay Island
16 Mallee Parks Resource conservation
Lindsay Island is on the riverine plain of the Options for restoring more natural flow Murray River near the SA border and is regimes bounded by the Lindsay River anabranch Management options would require both (figure 5). Numerous lignum swamps are inter- structural and operational changes (e.g. an connected by a system of streams and increase in Murray River flows at times of high surrounded by Black Box Woodland (Beovich river – spring peak – using releases from 1993b). Menindie Lakes and Lake Victoria to benefit The Island and its waterways have significant Lindsay Island). Options for structural changes natural and cultural heritage values and provide include manipulation of the Lock 6 and 7 weir important habitat for native fish, waterbirds pools, removal of the obstructive stone crossing and restricted species such as the Paucident at the Lindsay River off-take and removal of Planigale. obstructions to Lake Wallawalla inlets (Beovich 1993b; Atkins 1993). The regulation of the Murray/Darling system has had significant impacts on the flow regime Options to reduce saline groundwater inputs associated with Lindsay Island, including a from the Lindsay into the Murray include reduction in winter/spring flood peaks, a amended or new structures on the Lindsay reduction in duration and frequency of flooding, River, a groundwater interception scheme and and the development of a steep east-west the relocation of Lock 7. groundwater gradient and increased saline groundwater discharges into the Lindsay River Aim upstream of Lake Wallawalla (Dudding, Oakes · Restore, as far as possible, a more natural & Thorne 1989; Beovich 1993b). flow regime to Lindsay Island within the Various alterations have modified the natural guidelines of the Integrated Watering inflows and outflows of the system. These Strategy for Murray Wetlands (Cumming & include restrictive off-take structures on the Lloyd 1991b). Lindsay River and Mullaroo Creek, and inadequate culverts on the inflows and outflows Management strategies and possible sill erosion at Lake Wallawalla. · Survey the condition of flood-dependent Black Box dieback is now widespread on vegetation and habitats on Lindsay Island Lindsay Island and on the Lake Wallawalla as a basis for restoring degraded floodplain. There is increased salinity in the vegetation and habitats, and for Lindsay River which is affecting downstream establishing a longer-term monitoring water quality. Prolonged inundation is likely to program. be affecting flood-dependent vegetation and habitats along Mullaroo Creek and the lower · Negotiate flow management arrangements sections of Toupnein Creek and the Lindsay with the SA Department of Engineering and River. Water Supply and the Murray-Darling Basin Commission to achieve higher spring flood peaks on Lindsay Island.
· Negotiate with Murray Sunraysia Water, and Nyah to South Australian Border Salinity Implementation Committee, to achieve those salinity mitigation options which are least damaging to the ecology of Lindsay Island and Lake Wallawalla.
· Investigate and implement structural changes (e.g. culverts under the Mail Route where it crosses eastern inlet) where a net
Mallee Parks 17 Resource conservation
conservation benefit can be demonstrated. (a) natural regeneration: relies principally on Monitor the environmental effects of these significant management input from NRE changes and implement any further in terms of reducing grazing pressure structural alterations that may be required. (section 4.2). (b) hand planting of seedlings: where a severe 3.3 Vegetation lack of seed trees prevents natural regeneration, especially in north-west Thirty major vegetation communities, forming Murray-Sunset, alternative regeneration six regional assemblages and supporting techniques such as hand planting or direct approximately 1000 native plants, have been seeding must be used. Hand planting is identified in the Mallee Parks (LCC 1987). relatively expensive and labour intensive Most of these communities are restricted to the but may be the only option where grazing Mallee. pressure is high. Tree guards are Of particular note is the large area of necessary, and an ongoing watering essentially undisturbed vegetation in the commitment required to ensure a high dunefields of all Parks. These communities, survival rate. Volunteer labour can reduce variously comprising mallee and heath on costs. nutrient-deficient sandy soils, support the (c) direct seeding: by far the most economical continued conservation of both plant and means of broad-scale revegetation in the animal species with minimal management input. Mallee Parks. Successful establishment of Twelve significant vegetation communities and seedlings requires reduced grazing the threatening processes affecting them have pressure and weed control. been identified for the Mallee Parks (Cheal et Further research is needed to establish the best al. 1992, see appendix I). Three significant strategy to conserve threatened Mallee communities (Gypseous Rise Woodland, Pine- vegetation communities and their associated Buloke Woodland and Sandplain Grassland) fauna. have been identified as being particularly threatened. These communities support Aims relatively few significant flora or fauna species, their habitat value having been largely · Protect native plant communities in their destroyed by long-term grazing pressure. In natural condition, and maintain genetic contrast, heathland communities remain diversity. relatively undisturbed and support over 30 · Enhance the long-term survival prospects of significant flora and fauna species (see threatened or significant plant species or appendix II and III). communities. There is a high number of significant plant · Encourage degraded communities to species associated with the saline groundwater rehabilitate by natural means. discharge complexes at Pink Lakes and Raak Plain, the latter being described by the LCC · Actively rehabilitate degraded communities (1989) as the most diverse saline and gypseous to a level approaching pre-European environment in the State. settlement conditions where lack of seed trees prevents natural regeneration. Substantial areas of the Mallee Parks (largely correlating with the threatened communities listed in appendix I) are now severely degraded. Management strategies to deal with degradation through alteration to flooding and fire regimes are outlined in sections 3.2 and 4.1, respectively. For areas degraded through grazing or timber harvesting, there are basically three means available to aid regeneration:
18 Mallee Parks Resource conservation
Management strategies - all Parks introduced predators, and the overlapping of two biogeographic regions (the mesic Bassian · Manage Flora and Fauna Guarantee listed region to the south and the arid Eyrean region species and communities according to to the north). approved action statements. Species restricted to the area include those that · Ensure the protection and enhancement of are specifically adapted to the semi-arid mallee those communities identified in appendix I vegetation, such as the Mallee Ningaui, Silky by controlling threatening processes, Mouse and Mitchell’s Hopping Mouse including: (Robertson et al. 1989). Typical Eyrean · overgrazing by rabbits (section 4.2.2), species with distributions that overlap into goats (section 4.2.3), kangaroos north-west Victoria include the Red Kangaroo, (section 4.2.4) and stock (section Paucident Planigale and Greater Long-eared 4.2.5); Bat. · competition by weeds (section 4.3); Significant fauna species and the threatening · altered fire regimes (section 4.1); processes affecting them have been identified · altered hydrological regimes (section by Baker-Gabb et al. (1992), Bennet, Lumsden 3.2); & Menkhorst (1992) and Yen (1992) (see · introduced predators (section 4.3). appendix III). · Rehabilitate those communities identified The composition of small to medium sized in appendix I as a matter of highest priority mammalian fauna in the Mallee has altered using rehabilitation methods based upon: dramatically since European settlement, with 12 species now locally extinct (LCC 1987; · reducing or manipulating grazing pressure; Menkhorst & Bennett 1990). Mammals of a similar size have largely disappeared from · determining density and viability of potential seed trees semi-arid and arid habitats across Australia. · the size of the area to be rehabilitated. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the Mallee, and more than three-quarters of · Ensure that local seed provenances are these breed there. Species of particular used in rehabilitation programs. significance include the Regent Parrot, Malleefowl, Black-eared Miner and Western · Monitor the effectiveness of control and Whipbird. The abundance of bird species rehabilitation programs. Monitor the appears much higher in mallee-shrublands and wilderness condition of wilderness zones, in woodlands than in heaths (Emison & Bren particular the restoration of disturbed 1989). However, the heathland is particularly areas and the presence of non-indigenous attractive to honeyeaters. Other well plants and animals. represented groups include the parrots and raptors. Twenty-two species of parrots have · Encourage further research into the been recorded in the Mallee Region within the ecological processes within Mallee past 20 years, the largest assemblage of species ecosystems, and the ecological of parrots in Victoria (Emison 1991). requirements of individual communities and species. In wilderness zones, allow The Mallee supports a greater diversity of research where it is not destructive and reptiles than any other region in Victoria (LCC cannot be carried out elsewhere. 1987). Porcupine Grass, a major understorey species in Sand-plain Heath and Mallee Heath, provides an important micro-environment for 3.4 Fauna reptiles. The diversity of the Mallee Parks fauna reflects Three of the ten frog species recorded in the the wide range of habitats available, the relative Mallee have adapted to the arid environment by lack of disturbance and low numbers of burrowing below the ground during drier
Mallee Parks 19 Resource conservation
periods, emerging to feed and breed only after intact examples of Pine-Buloke and Belah heavy rain. Other species are restricted to more Woodlands; lakebed herbfields, especially mesic environments along watercourses. where surrounded by forest; and the saline discharge complexes (boinkas) of the Raak The Lindsay River system has been identified Plain and Pink Lakes. as having high conservation value as a breeding ground for native fish. Due to the visual uniformity of the Mallee landscape, there is a high level of public The invertebrate fauna of the area is still sensitivity to the presence of unnatural largely undescribed, except for butterflies elements. Potential causes of damage to the (Douglas 1993). Parks’ landscape qualities include management Aims activities and structures, power lines, vehicle tracks left by off-road vehicles, and trespassing · Protect native animal communities and stock. maintain genetic diversity. · Enhance the long-term survival prospects of Aim threatened or significant fauna. · Protect or enhance landscape values.
Management strategies - all Parks Management strategies - all Parks · Manage Flora and Fauna Guarantee listed · Prepare site development plans for all fauna (appendix III) according to approved camping and day visitor areas to ensure action statements. that any adverse impacts to the landscape are minimal and temporary. · Encourage further research into the ecological requirements of individual · Avoid constructing long stretches of species. straight road, which are visible over long distances, when realigning any roads. · Encourage further survey work to better define the distribution of threatened · Reduce the impact of tracks that are visible species. over long distances by realigning short sections. · Actively ensure that the ecological requirements of fauna are taken into · Minimise the impact of signs by account in fire control strategies, appropriate location and number, and by controlled burning programs and rabbit using less visually intrusive totems where control programs. possible.
3.5 Landscape · Maintain vegetation of high scenic quality by ensuring appropriate fire and The Mallee Parks lie within the Murray Basin hydrological regimes, and pest plant and Plains Landscape Type as identified by animal control. Leonard and Hammond (1983), much of which is characterised by broad NNW-SSE trending · Ensure compliance with Recreation ridges and relatively low east-west or jumbled Facilities Manual (CFL 1987b), the Signs sand dunes largely dominated by mallee Manual (CNR 1993c), and the NPS vegetation. Guidelines and Procedures Manual (NPS 1995). Special features of the landscape include distinctive dune formations (including lunettes) in contrast to the more common flat landform patterns; the Murray River and Outlet Creek and their associated woodland communities of River Red Gum and Black Box; relatively
20 Mallee Parks Resource conservation
3.6 Cultural heritage Aims · Identify, protect and where appropriate, 3.6.1 Aboriginal history interpret, Aboriginal sites. The Mallee was widely occupied by Aboriginal · Improve knowledge and understanding of people, primarily along the major water the Parks’ Aboriginal history. corridors through the dune country, but also at lower densities throughout the more marginal · Encourage Aboriginal involvement in the dryland areas (LCC 1987). Over management of the Parks’ cultural heritage 3800 archaeological sites have been recorded by consulting with the Mildura Aboriginal on the Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) Site Corporation, the Murray Valley Aboriginal Register for the Mallee Parks region, primarily Co-operative and the Goolum Goolum along the Murray River, where the use of sites Aboriginal Co-operative. is generally less than 3000 years before present (BP). The earliest known occupation along the Management strategies - all Parks River is from near Merbein and has been dated · Liaise with local Aboriginal communities at 15 250 years BP. Fewer sites have been and AAV regarding the development and recorded from the semi-arid areas; these are implementation of management and generally associated with recent (up to 6000 protection strategies for known sites and years BP) sources of water, soaks or rock all new sites as they are discovered in the outcrops. Parks. In wilderness zones, management Surveys have been carried out for much of will focus on identification of sites and Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray-Kulkyne their protection as necessary in accordance (Thompson 1983a), at Lake Wallawalla and with LCC management principles. parts of Lindsay Island (Luebbers & Ellender 1994), and most of the main water resource · Maintain an inventory of archaeological areas in the deserts (Ross 1986). Some sites for the Mallee Parks. Maintain preliminary surveys have also been conducted confidentiality of significant sites in by NRE in north-west Murray-Sunset. All consultation with AAV and the relevant these surveys cover only a low proportion of Aboriginal community. the total area of the Parks, and most current archaeological works are associated with · Ensure adherence to the Natural Resource preservation of degraded sites. Protection Guidelines (CNR 1993b) in relation to archaeological sites when Many Aboriginal burial sites in dunes and undertaking rabbit control programs. lunettes have been exposed as a result of overgrazing by rabbits and stock, and are · Ensure that at least one example of each further threatened by soil erosion. Other sites site type is preserved per landform. (e.g. scarred trees) are threatened by a variety · Encourage further research into Aboriginal of natural and human impacts such as fire and history in the Mallee Parks, especially: increased recreational activity. · characterising representative cross- The size and number of sites make it sections for the full period of impractical to carry out expensive protection occupation, particularly on the Murray works, such as fencing, on all sites. In the past, River floodplain; protection works have often been carried out on · burial sites; an ad hoc basis, and not necessarily on the most · occupation of the freshwater systems of archaeologically or culturally significant sites. the arid zones; and Traditional hunting and gathering activities are · microlithic technology in the semi-arid an integral part of Aboriginal culture. At zones. present, collection of plants for traditional purposes is permitted in some areas managed · Develop interpretive material on under the National Parks Act. Aboriginal history in consultation with
Mallee Parks 21 Resource conservation
AAV and the relevant Aboriginal Aims communities. · Conserve and interpret sites of European historical interest and significance. 3.6.2 European settlement · Improve knowledge and understanding of Early European occupation of the Mallee Parks European history in the Parks and the was largely associated with the pastoral effects of past land use activities. industry. Pastoral occupation peaked in the late Management strategies - all Parks 1860s, although in many cases the grazing runs were speculative and little evidence of early · Prepare an inventory of European historic occupation remains (LCC 1987). places, in accordance with NPS guideline 23.1PL and in consultation with historical Significant historic sites do remain, however, groups and others. from the subsequent period of grazing, mining and attempted closer settlement. Relics of · Manage individual sites in accordance with pastoral development remain in the form of the principles of the Burra Charter and the buildings, fences, yards, tanks and water supply recommendations of recognised authorities systems. Such structures are generally in in conservation architecture and remote situations with relatively low levels of archaeology. In wilderness zones, remove visitation. Some sites are in a fragile condition existing structures or minimise their impact and require urgent conservation works to (in cases where removal may create further maintain their integrity. Nevertheless these disturbance), following an assessment of sites have great interpretive potential (Freeman their cultural significance and appropriate Collett & Partners 1993). recording. In some cases the continued use of some outbuildings (e.g. shearers’ quarters and huts) · Develop and implement a program of on- may be a cost-effective means of managing and site interpretation and education to foster interpreting remaining structures. In other an understanding of the pioneering era, cases the reconstruction of structures or site and minimise vandalism and other visitor stabilisation may be warranted to facilitate site impacts (section 5.3). interpretation. · Establish historical tour routes in co- Mining (mainly salt extraction) was a operation with local historical groups secondary use of the Sunset Country. The (section 5.2.1). Millewa South railway line was constructed in 1929 for the purpose of closer settlement of the · Implement fire protection and weed control Sunset Country but was later abandoned. The as interim protective measures at line was used for transporting salt and gypsum. significant sites as required. The Nowingi Line Track now follows the alignment of the original railway line. Management strategies - Murray-Sunset National Park The Australian ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance · Modify catchment dams to prevent them (ICOMOS 1988), known as the Burra Charter, from holding water for prolonged periods provides the basis for the management by NRE (section 4.4). Minimise damage and retain of places of cultural significance. as much as possible of the original fabric of the dam walls.
· Maintain the Nowingi Line Track as a minor park access route while the track remains on its current alignment. Maintain the original surface level of the Millewa South railway line embankment between the Park boundary and Rocket Lake.
22 Mallee Parks Park protection
4 PARK PROTECTION
4.1 Fire management adversely affect native vegetation on nutrient- deficient soils, predominant in the Big Desert The National Parks Act requires the Director and the southern part of Murray-Sunset, and of National Parks to ensure that appropriate will be phased out in favour of sulphate-based and sufficient measures are taken to protect retardants. Parks from injury by fire. Ashwell (1993) has identified the requirements Current fire protection measures are in of a monitoring program for Mallee vegetation accordance with the Mildura Region Fire in relation to fire. Protection Plan (CNR 1992). This plan includes provision for the maintenance of the Aims Parks’ system of fire access tracks, water points, air support facilities and fuel-reduced · Protect life, property and Park values from buffers; liaison with private landholders for injury by fire. the common purpose of fire management · Minimise the adverse effects of fires and fire within the Park and on adjacent land; suppression methods. information on Park assets, including the location of reference areas and areas of · Maintain fire regimes appropriate to the ecological and cultural significance; and conservation of native flora and fauna. community education on the responsible use · Increase knowledge of the effects of fire of fire (campfires) in Parks. Fire protection frequency, season and intensity on Mallee for the Parks will be reviewed in association ecosystems. with reviews of the Mildura Region Fire Protection Plan, or as new information Management strategies - all Parks becomes available. · Ensure compliance with the Mildura Many Mallee species dependent on fire for their Region Fire Protection Plan, including the regeneration (Cheal, Day & Meredith 1979). maintenance of fuel-reduced strategic Changes to the natural fire regime of the region corridors. since European settlement may be adversely affecting the diversity of flora and its dependent · Publicise and enforce fire regulations and fauna. Fire intensity and frequency is a major restrictions on the use of fire and role of influence on the floristic composition of fire within the Parks. heathland vegetation, predominant in the Big Desert, whereas the season of fires appears to · Identify significant biota and other assets be an important factor in the regeneration of to be protected from fire. mallee and grassland communities in Murray- Sunset. Further research is needed into the use · Further investigate the use of controlled of fire as an aid to rehabilitating degraded burning as a means of rehabilitation. communities. Allow burning for ecological purposes only where it can be established that such action Fuel reduction burning in the form of strategic is deemed necessary for the conservation of corridors has been planned for approximately a significant population or community. In 89 000 ha (five per cent) of the public land in wilderness zones, burning for ecological the Mallee. Only a small proportion will be purposes will be subject to the preparation burnt each year. of an approved species or community As far as possible, least-disturbance management plan. suppression techniques will be adhered to in wilderness zones, reference areas and other · In wilderness zones and reference areas, areas of high conservation significance. restrict suppression to the margins of the Phosphate-based retardants may also areas; otherwise restrict control methods to
Mallee Parks 23 Park protection
(i) backburning, (ii) aerial techniques, and The impacts of total grazing activity upon (iii) ground crews with hand tools, as vegetation are now being monitored within all described in NPS guidelines (NPS 1995). Mallee Parks. Kangaroo and rabbit populations are currently being monitored by · Use sulphate-based fire retardants on direct counts. Goat numbers are not monitored heathland fires. in any systematic way although they are recorded during the kangaroo surveys. At · Continue to monitor the effects of fire on Hattah-Kulkyne both biomass and floristic native species in accordance with analyses are employed to measure the effects of recommendations by Ashwell (1993) and kangaroo grazing under differing population CNR (1992). densities and to determine the appropriate ecological carrying capacities. 4.2 Grazers A network of grazing exclosures has been established within intensively grazed 4.2.1 Total grazing pressure communities of Murray-Sunset and Wyperfeld. For the purposes of this Plan the expression Floristic monitoring methods are being used to ‘total grazing pressure’ is defined as the assess the long-term impacts of the total combined effects of all grazers (both native and grazing activity within representative introduced) on native vegetation communities communities. The interactions between and habitats within the Mallee Parks. The LCC different grazers are being monitored only at (1989) found that the combined influence of Hattah-Kulkyne, where rabbits have been domestic and feral stock, rabbits, goats, selectively excluded from some grazing Western Grey Kangaroos and Red Kangaroos exclosures. was having a detrimental effect upon native To be most effective and cost-efficient, control vegetation, and hence faunal habitat. Even measures are required relatively early in the after the removal of stock grazing, there remain cycle of population increase for those species areas in all of the Mallee Parks where total with high reproductive capability, e.g. rabbits grazing pressure is high enough to prevent the and goats. regeneration of woody native vegetation. Management strategies dealing specifically with The most severe grazing impacts are within rabbits, goats, kangaroos, and domestic and woodland, grassland and shrubland feral stock are outlined in sections 4.2.2, 4.2.3, communities; that is, vegetation types growing 4.2.4 and 4.2.5 respectively. It has been on soils of relatively high fertility. The assumed that intensive management of goats, relatively infertile deep sand mallee rabbits and kangaroos will only be needed communities appear to be less influenced by within the areas defined by the LCC as having grazing pressure. Communities of intermediate a history of disturbance. However, further fertility (e.g. chenopod mallee and shallow sand research is needed to confirm the validity of this mallee) are at moderate risk, depending on the assumption. availability of water. The most obvious impact of grazing has been Aim an absence of regeneration of woody species · Reduce the total grazing pressure to a level and a loss of perennial taxa from the shrub and which allows the native perennial species to ground layers. Soil disturbance, and changes in regenerate and Park landscapes generally to soil nutrient status caused by intensive grazing, recover. favour some introduced species over their native counterparts and help to perpetuate weediness (Westbrooke 1990; Cheal et al. 1992; Cheal 1993). Other impacts include trampling, damage to the soil lichen crust and increased soil erosion.
24 Mallee Parks Park protection
Management strategies - all Parks shooting and biological control, with ripping the key component of long-term control (Williams · Assign the highest priority in the overall & Moore 1991; Wood 1985). Controlling management of grazing pressure to rabbit rabbit populations at the initial phase of their control. Reduce rabbit populations to, and growth curve is critical if regeneration of keep them (within the limits of resources) at woody vegetation is to occur (Braysher 1993). low levels. NRE has developed a decision model for the · Control goats as a second priority and Mallee to determine the most effective control maintain populations at low levels. method(s) for any given rabbit density (Cooke, Walters & Sluiter 1991). Improvements to and · Control Western Grey Kangaroos and Red adaptations of the model continue to be made. Kangaroos where their combined grazing pressure is threatening the long-term A general improvement in rabbit control by recovery of native vegetation. Mallee farmers in recent years is due in part to co-operation between farmers and NRE; 20 · Liaise with adjoining landowners to reduce Rabbit Action Groups now co-ordinate rabbit access to water by kangaroos and goats. control (section 6.2). Biological control agents being investigated by · Continue to monitor grazing impacts within the CSIRO include immunosterilisation and the all Mallee Parks as the basis for long-term rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD). RCD has management of total grazing pressure. been recorded in the Mallee Parks and is expected to have significant impacts, both for · Abide by the Natural Resource Protection rabbit numbers and possibly some native fauna Guidelines (CNR 1993b), the Code of as a result of prey-switching by foxes (section Practice for the Humane Shooting of 4.3). Kangaroos (CONCOM 1985) and other relevant guidelines in the management of Aims total grazing pressure. · Minimise damage caused to native vegetation, and in particular those 4.2.2 Rabbit control significant communities identified in Rabbits are the most significant short to appendix I, from overgrazing by rabbits. medium-term threat to native vegetation · Co-ordinate rabbit control in conjunction conservation in the Mallee Parks. Even with Park neighbours. relatively low numbers can prevent regeneration of woody perennial plants. Management strategies - all Parks Rabbit populations vary throughout the Parks. · Prepare rabbit control plans for Woodland or grassland communities restricted susceptible areas within the Mallee Parks, to relatively fertile soils typically support high based on distinct geographic areas or land rabbit numbers and are under particular threat systems, so that: from grazing (Cheal et al. 1992). In contrast, communities growing on deep infertile sands · rabbit abundance is reduced to less than 5/km (spotlight transect) or 25 (i.e. much of the Big Desert) support relatively 2 few rabbits. active entrances per km (warren count); Estimates of rabbit numbers are conducted · rabbit abundance is effectively using spotlight transect direct counts and monitored using the most reliable monitoring of the densities of active warrens. methods, including spotlight transects Control methods to reduce and maintain rabbit and warren counts; numbers at levels whereby regeneration can · significant communities and other occur include poisoning, ripping, fumigation, assets are protected during the course of rabbit control in accordance with the
Mallee Parks 25 Park protection
Natural Resource Protection Guidelines dams within Murray-Sunset are estimated to be (CNR 1993b). capable of holding water through an average summer; these water points may be critical in · Investigate the feasibility of using contract sustaining high numbers of goats and other shooters at the time that other control mammalian grazers over summer (section 4.4). measures (ripping and fumigation) are Goats appear to prefer grasses and herbage to being conducted. woody shrubs. Although goat numbers in the · Review control programs at two-year Mallee Parks may not be high, their preferential intervals and make the results of reviews grazing habit may remove those plants critical available to the public. to the survival of some native animal species such as Malleefowl (Priddel 1989). The social · Co-ordinate rabbit control activities with nature of goats can also lead to localised Park neighbours in accordance with the impacts on vegetation, especially near guidelines established in the Mallee frequently used night camps. Regional Landcare Plan (Landcare 1993), Goat control in the Mallee Parks is restricted to the Regional Catchment Management trapping around selected water points and Strategy to be developed by the Mallee opportunistic shooting. It is unlikely that Regional Catchment and Land Protection opportunistic shooting will have any long-term Board, and the Good Neighbour Policy. effect on the population. The efficiency of trapping, in Murray-Sunset at least, will be · Investigate the feasibility of improving the aided by fencing those waters required for reliability of existing monitoring methods. management purposes, and closure of the remainder (section 4.4). · Seek advice from CSIRO and other relevant authorities on how the benefits of the The Judas goat method (radio-collared goats introduction/spread of RCD can be that are released back into the wild population) optimised. Implements such control may be useful in the eradication of small measures (e.g. warren destruction) as are isolated populations. required to ensure that the benefits of RCD Total eradication of goat populations is not persist after resistance to the virus has seen as being economically feasible in the evolved. Mallee Parks.
· Seek to establish a program for monitoring Aims the spread, persistence, and impact of RCD. This program will also investigate · Minimise damage caused to native the extent of prey-switching by foxes and vegetation by feral goats. cats and the resulting impacts upon native · Establish a system to monitor trends in the fauna. goat population, and determine acceptable population levels. 4.2.3 Goat control Management strategies - all Parks Goats are most commonly recorded in the mallee and woodland communities of Murray- · Prepare area-based goat control plans, Sunset and Hattah-Kulkyne. Observations in including: the Big Desert are rare. The total population is · monitoring requirements; estimated to be around 2000 (LCC 1987). · fencing of artificial waters required for Feral goat populations have the potential to management purposes and closure of all increase up to 75 per cent per year under others; favourable conditions. Freely available water · installing traps on designated fenced is vital to maintenance of populations (Henzell water points, with priority given to 1992; Henzell & McCloud 1984). Some ten
26 Mallee Parks Park protection
water points in areas of highest The densities of Western Grey Kangaroos in conservation value; the vicinity of Outlet Creek and the terminal · mustering around water points to lakes at Wyperfeld have remained sufficiently eliminate trap-shy animals, possibly by high to prevent regeneration of woody authorised groups under the supervision perennials such as Slender Cypress-pine. A of Park staff. mean density of 46/km2 recorded in this area in 1993 was the highest since counting began in · Discourage goat farming on land 1972 (Morgan 1994c). immediately adjacent to Park boundaries Relatively high kangaroo densities occur on unless farms are adequately fenced. some fringes of the Mallee Parks, leading to crop and fence damage, loss of revenue and 4.2.4 Kangaroo management incurred costs on neighbouring farms. Grazing The dominant species of kangaroos in the by kangaroos is probably preventing the Mallee Parks are the Western Grey Kangaroo regeneration of woodland communities in these and the Red Kangaroo, with Western Grey fringe areas. Kangaroos predominating. Only the Western Culling of kangaroos was first attempted at Grey Kangaroo occurs regularly within Hattah-Kulkyne in 1984, but was discontinued Wyperfeld. Eastern Grey Kangaroos have also the same year as a result of animal welfare been recorded, in very low numbers, in Hattah- concerns expressed by some interest groups. Kulkyne (Morgan 1992, 1994a; Coulson 1992). A program of culling of kangaroos was initiated within the Mournpall Block of Hattah-Kulkyne Changes to Mallee Parks habitats as a result of in October 1990 in response to specific the introduction of artificial waters, removal of recommendations by the LCC (1989). the shrub understorey by stock, a reduced level Shooting was in accordance with a management of predation and periods of intense rabbit plan, Restoring the Balance (DCE 1990b) and control have favoured kangaroo populations. the CONCOM Code of Practice for the The availability of water allows populations to Humane Shooting of Kangaroos (CONCOM be sustained at artificially high densities during 1985). dry periods. The density of kangaroos within Mournpall The density of Western Grey Kangaroos at block has now been reduced to an estimated Hattah-Kulkyne increased from an estimated 5/km2 (Morgan 1995). At this lower density, 2 Park average of 25/km in 1983 to the rate of repopulation is likely to increase. approximately 46/km2 in 1990 (Coulson 1990), preventing the regeneration of native perennial Regeneration of some woody species and a plants except in areas enclosed by kangaroo- suite of perennial sub-shrubs and herbs, proof fencing (DCE 1990b). The habitat has including some rare or threatened plants, has become simplified at the expense of other native been recorded within Mournpall Block since fauna. culling began (Sluiter et al. 1992). Vegetation recovery has been most noticeable in non- The population dynamics of kangaroos in other mallee dunefield areas, with only moderate Mallee Parks needs further investigation. A improvement in riverine woodland areas. similar rate of increase in kangaroo densities to that experienced at Hattah-Kulkyne would An independent Technical Steering Committee severely threaten the conservation status of reviews the results of each culling program and woodland communities, such as Pine-Buloke, in considers further management options. Culling those areas. is an expensive means of managing kangaroos because it must be continued for many years to A mean Western Grey Kangaroo density of ensure lasting benefits of vegetation restoration. 2 47/km was recorded for the Sunset Plains area Some public opposition remains on animal of Murray-Sunset in 1994 (Morgan 1994b). welfare grounds to the shooting of kangaroos within national parks.
Mallee Parks 27 Park protection
Limiting access to water and pasture on preference to lethal methods (e.g. culling). adjoining farmland could reduce the habitat Where culling cannot be avoided, NRE will suitability for kangaroos and therefore reduce abide by the CONCOM Code of Practice grazing pressure. Fences have already been for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos. successfully employed for this purpose at Hattah-Kulkyne and in the Wimmera. A trial · Continue to issue wildlife destruction kangaroo fence was constructed in 1993 along permits to Park neighbours in accordance 29 km of the northern boundary of Murray- with current guidelines. Sunset in a co-operative project between NRE and Millewa-Carwarp Landcare. A further Management strategy - Hattah-Kulkyne fence is being constructed along this boundary National Park on the western end, on the basis that the fence has proved successful in reducing farm losses. · Maintain kangaroo populations for Hattah- Kulkyne within the limits prescribed in The closure of artificial waters within Murray- ‘Restoring the Balance’ or as otherwise Sunset also has the potential to be a cost- recommended by the Kangaroo Technical effective means of preventing kangaroo Steering Committee. populations from reaching abnormally high densities (section 4.4). Management strategies - Murray-Sunset Wildlife destruction permits have been issued National Park for a number of years to those farmers who border Mallee public lands and who have a · Prepare a kangaroo management plan. demonstrated kangaroo problem. Permits for · Monitor the Millewa trial kangaroo fence the shooting of Western Grey Kangaroos are for a period of five years after construction, issued subject to NRE guidelines. and conduct a cost/benefit assessment at It is envisaged that kangaroo management will the end of that period. no longer be necessary once the structures of the woodland vegetation communities have been · Improve standards of monitoring for those restored. areas that have identified high densities of kangaroos. Aims · Maintain viable populations of both Western Management strategies - Wyperfeld National Grey and Red Kangaroos. Park · Ensure that kangaroo densities do not · Prepare a kangaroo management plan. increase beyond the threshold at which they threaten the long-term recovery of Park · Improve standards of monitoring for those landscapes and native perennial vegetation. areas that have identified high densities of kangaroos. Management strategies - all Parks · Maintain kangaroo populations for 4.2.5 Stock grazing previously grazed areas within limits which The LCC recommended that stock grazing be will allow the progressive long-term phased out of Wyperfeld and Murray-Sunset recovery of key woody perennials while still National Parks by July 1996. The only areas preserving viable kangaroo populations. where the LCC recommended that stock These limits will vary spatially and will be grazing be permitted are in Lake Albacutya based upon the results of kangaroo and Park and the Liparoo Block of Murray-Kulkyne vegetation monitoring. Park, at the discretion of the management authority (LCC 1989). Stock grazing on the · Use non-lethal methods of control (e.g. Liparoo Block of Murray-Kulkyne is combined habitat manipulation and fencing) in with high numbers of Western Grey Kangaroos.
28 Mallee Parks Park protection
Total grazing pressure clearly exceeds that Management strategies - all Parks which will allow vegetation and habitat · Monitor and manage stock trespass in recovery. De-stocking should be undertaken as consultation with Park neighbours. a first step in the reduction of pressure, prior to any kangaroo control measures. · Where boundaries abut State forest, Stock grazing in Lake Albacutya Park is negotiate with licensees for the currently restricted to the lakebed herbfield. construction of stock-proof fences in Most examples of this community in the Mallee priority areas, subject to the completion of have been significantly disturbed by grazing. It grazing management plans by licensees. is possible that this community could be restored by maintaining a low grazing pressure Management strategy - Murray-Kulkyne immediately following flooding. Park Stock trespass will continue to occur in other · Remove stock grazing from the Liparoo areas of the Mallee Parks during the phase-out Block as part of a program to reduce total period because of the fact that fences may not grazing pressure. previously have been required between freehold or leasehold land and adjoining former grazing Management strategies - Lake Albacutya areas now within the Parks. A considerable Park proportion of the boundaries of both Murray- · Remove stock grazing from the lakebed of Sunset and Wyperfeld are unfenced. Much of Lake Albacutya (and exclude other grazers the existing boundary fencing is in a sub- for an extended period). Monitor the standard condition. pattern of vegetation re-establishment. The impact of trespassing stock can be expected to be greatest at times of drought · Determine and implement appropriate when feed on adjoining land is severely limited. strategies for the long-term restoration of Even after the phase-out is completed, stock the lake-bed herbfield. trespass is likely to continue in those areas of Park where the boundary remains unfenced. 4.3 Pest plants and animals The construction of electric fences which limit Pest plants in the Mallee Parks can be divided kangaroo movement onto farmland is likely to into three categories: reduce the overall suitability of Park fringes as · Agricultural weeds such as Silver-leaf kangaroo habitat (section 4.2.4). Nightshade, Wild Garlic, Prairie Ground- Fencing responsibilities are detailed in the cherry, Camelthorn and Hardheads; Fences Act 1968 (Vic.). · Weeds that interfere with recreation such Aim as Bathurst Burr, Spiny Rush and the various spined weeds; · Manage stock grazing in accordance with the LCC Mallee Area Review Final · Environmental weeds (in priority order): Recommendations. Bridal Creeper, African Box-thorn, Cactus species, Golden Dodder, Horehound, Peppercorn/ Weeping Willow, and exotic annual grasses. Environmental weeds are of most concern because of their potential to spread and threaten the integrity of indigenous flora and fauna communities and the survival of particular species. Vegetation communities at greatest risk of weed invasion include those of highest conservation significance, such as Pine-Buloke
Mallee Parks 29 Park protection
Woodland, Gypseous-Rise Woodland and Populations of feral pigs exist in the riverine Belah Woodland. areas of Murray-Kulkyne and Lindsay Island, and adjoining areas in NSW. Numbers are In some formerly degraded landscapes where extremely difficult to estimate. the source of disturbance has been removed (e.g. north-west Murray-Sunset), native species Feral pigs can cause minor damage to native are slowly recovering at the expense of vegetation. However, lamb predation and introduced weeds. damage to agricultural crops is of far greater concern, as is their potential role in the spread Plant-specific control plans have been prepared, of diseases known to affect both livestock and or are in the process of being prepared, for all humans. priority pest plants. Trapping is the main method for controlling A number of introduced animals occur in the pigs in the Mallee Parks. Shooting may be Parks. Problem species include rabbits, goats, effective on isolated populations (e.g. Lindsay foxes, feral cats and pigs. Management Island) if the shooting effort is intensive (Hone strategies to deal with feral rabbits and goats 1984). are outlined in sections 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 respectively. Predation of native species by Feral Honey Bee colonies are now widespread foxes and feral cats is of particular concern. throughout the Mallee Parks in vegetation Foxes prey upon a wide variety of native communities containing large, hollow-forming animals (Kinnear et al. 1984; Thompson trees such as River Red Gum, Black Box or old 1983b). Malleefowl chicks and eggs are mallee. Hives have also been recorded in the particularly vulnerable; foxes are implicated in Big Desert in rock crevices. reducing the reproductive potential of There has been considerable debate over the Malleefowl populations by up to 75 per cent possible effects of Honey Bees on native flora (Priddel 1990). and fauna. Research to date has not been Rabbits are the most important prey item for conclusive in this regard. both foxes and cats (Catling 1988; Coman Interference with recreation around sources of 1973; Jones & Coman 1981). This has water is a major problem associated with feral important implications when implementing bees. control programs for both foxes and cats; without concurrent rabbit control, rabbit Commercial apiculture is discussed in section numbers could increase rapidly. Conversely, 7.1.1. Commercial hives are generally placed the collapse of rabbit populations could lead to well away from visitor focal points. increased levels of predation upon native animals by foxes and cats (Newsome & Coman Aims 1990). · Control, and where possible eradicate, non- Poisoning with 1080 is the most cost effective indigenous plants and animals. means of reducing fox numbers. Burying baits · Minimise the impact of control programs on increases the rate of acceptability, as well as native flora and fauna. reducing the likelihood of attracting non-target species. Cats are also highly susceptible to Management strategies - all Parks 1080; however, baits must be left on the surface, thereby increasing the risk of poisoning · Prepare and implement plant-specific non-target species. control plans for all priority pest plants. Shooting is of limited effectiveness in reducing · Control environmental weeds according to either fox or cat populations. the weed control priorities listed above and Immunosterilisation and biological control the conservation significance of infested methods are being investigated for both species. vegetation communities.
30 Mallee Parks Park protection
· Eradicate or control weeds interfering with · control of feral Honey Bees (prioritised recreation areas according to site according to the conservation popularity. significance of the vegetation community or potential effects on · Co-ordinate agricultural weed control individual species) (see also section efforts with adjacent landholders. 7.1.1).
· Monitor the occurrence of foxes and feral cats in different communities throughout 4.4 Artificial waters the Mallee Parks. It is estimated that there are more than 100 catchment dams in Murray-Sunset, mainly in · Determine priorities for fox control the eastern section. There are very few dams programs based on: within other areas of the Mallee Parks. Dams
· the conservation status and were preferentially sited in Pine-Buloke susceptibility to predation of native Woodland, Belah Woodland and Savanna species; Mallee vegetation communities, all of which are · season of greatest risk to native at most risk from continuing high grazing animals; pressure. · efficiency (measured in terms of The role of catchment dams in maintaining resource protection success rather than artificially high kangaroo numbers over dry the number of foxes killed); periods is not fully understood. Western Grey · cost-effectiveness. Kangaroos have a significant water requirement; however, high kangaroo numbers · Determine priorities for cat control have been recorded at Wyperfeld despite the programs based on: general absence of surface water within the
· the conservation status and Park. susceptibility to predation of native In summer, feral goats need free water almost species; daily. Rabbits can live without free water, but · periods when juvenile rabbit numbers have been found to occur in higher densities are low and the threat to native wildlife close to dams during hot weather (Newsome is greatest; 1989). The influence of artificial waters on fox · efficiency and cost effectiveness. populations is not known. Feral Honey Bees can only thrive where they have access to water · Encourage further research into fox and during summer. cat ecology and improved control methods in the Mallee Parks. The LCC (1989) recommended that dams not required for community use (principally fire · Continue trapping of pigs on Park suppression) should be closed because they boundaries as necessary. support feral animals and artificially high numbers of native herbivores. · Investigate the feasibility of using Dam closure is likely to lead to a decline in authorised volunteer groups to conduct both the goat population and the relative intensive shooting programs targeted at abundance of Western Grey Kangaroos. It is pigs during periods of high water. unlikely that Western Grey Kangaroos would migrate to adjoining farmland, but goats may · Liaise with the apiary industry on the rely more heavily upon water sources on preparation of an apiary management plan adjacent farmland. for each Park that includes: Dam closure cannot generally be considered as · improved management of commercial a threatening process to other native species, hives to prevent swarming events; since these species survived independent of
Mallee Parks 31 Park protection
artificial waters prior to European settlement. Aims Water availability may, however, have led to · Reduce grazing and pest animal impacts greater species richness of birds. Species that caused by artificial waters within Murray- appear to have been favoured by reliable water Sunset. supplies include the Galah, Little Raven, White-plumed Honeyeater, Brush Bronzewing, · Retain the historical value of dams as far as Crested Pigeon and Red-rumped Parrot possible, consistent with the need to reduce (Favaloro 1966). grazing and pest impacts.
High numbers of bats currently occur in the Management strategies - Murray-Sunset vicinity of catchment dams within Murray- National Park Sunset. However, bats can travel long distances to alternative water sources. · Progressively render catchment dams inoperative without undue loss of cultural A number of existing dam sites have been values (section 3.6.2). identified in the Mildura Region Fire Protection Plan (CNR 1992) as being suitable for fire · Close those dams first which are: protection purposes. Supplies in concrete tanks at these points would be a more reliable source · remote from other artificial water of water for fire protection than catchment sources; dams. · within a wilderness zone; · within an area of particular In August 1991 trial fences were constructed conservation significance. around two dams in Murray-Sunset to prevent use of water by kangaroos and goats but allow · Install alternative water storages (sealed continued access for birds and for fire concrete tanks) where dams have been protection. The fences have been successful in identified as having value for fire preventing access to water by the large numbers suppression or for visitor use (e.g. for bush of goats and kangaroos attracted to the dams. walkers’ use and watering horses). Do not Monitoring has not recorded any visible signs close the relevant dams until alternative of distress on the part of the affected animals water storages have been installed. but animal welfare remains a consideration. Fences are visually intrusive and would partly · Retain existing concrete tanks in the destroy the historical integrity of the dams. western Sunset in their current form for fire The historic value of individual catchment dams suppression. is a consideration in their future management. · Monitor the impacts of the dam closure Most dams can be made inoperative without program review two years after destroying their historical integrity e.g. by commencement to assess any impacts on filling their drains with soil. native fauna and Park neighbours.
32 Mallee Parks The Park visit
5 THE PARK VISIT
5.1 The Park visitor with an interest in camping, bushwalking and the natural environment, and many visit more The Mallee Parks offer three distinctive visitor than once. A significant number also include experiences, each enabling visitors to enjoy the other Victorian and interstate parks in their key attributes of the Parks – their subtle semi- itinerary. Peak periods of visitor use tend to be arid landscapes, diverse environments and sense school holidays in the cooler months. of remoteness. Locally, the Hattah-Kulkyne river frontage is a · For those in two wheel drive vehicles, to popular destination for many campers (from enjoy at key sites the Parks’ natural and Ouyen, Mildura, and Horsham regions) cultural values without undue disturbance particularly over the Christmas and Easter from other visitors. breaks. Many of these visitors have a long · For self-reliant recreationists, to history of attachment to particular locations. experience solitude in the more remote Market research indicates that the Mallee Parks areas of the Parks, through bushwalking, will attract increasing numbers of visitors in the canoeing, nature study, or horse or camel future. The Mallee Tourism and Recreation riding. Strategy (CNR 1993a) has identified · For four wheel drivers to enjoy other ecotourism, cultural tourism and special- relatively remote areas of the Parks. interest niche markets (such as those interested in bird watching or nature study) as the most In Hattah-Kulkyne and along the Murray River, appropriate directions for this projected growth. water-based activities are also popular during There is also potential to attract less the warmer months. adventurous visitors and stop-over traffic en Current access limitations restrict many route to other destinations. Domestic tourism activities to relatively small areas of the Mallee will remain the area’s main source of visitors Parks (section 5.2.1). Existing nodes of visitor for the foreseeable future, with some activity in the Mallee Parks are: international visitors from the special-interest · Lake Hattah and Lake Mournpall in Hattah- and backpacking markets. Kulkyne; The fragile semi-arid ecosystems of the Mallee · river frontage in Hattah-Kulkyne and Parks, especially the woodlands and grasslands, Murray-Kulkyne; are particularly vulnerable to visitor pressure. The dispersed and seasonal use of the Parks · Wonga Campground in southern Wyperfeld creates additional problems for management. and Casaurina Campground in central Sustainable tourism, however, is in the long- Wyperfeld; term interests of the Mallee Parks as it enables · Pink Lakes in the Murray-Sunset; visitors to continue to enjoy the Parks, generates economic benefits and fosters a better · Western and Yaapeet beaches at Lake appreciation of the need to protect Park values. Albacutya (when the Lake holds water). The remainder of the Parks generally receive Providing for the visitor low visitor use. The Mallee Parks will remain available for Over the past eight years there has been a ecologically sustainable tourism and recreation significant increase in visitor numbers to the activities in accordance with the principles Parks, especially to Hattah-Kulkyne, Wyperfeld outlined in the Mallee Tourism and Recreation and Pink Lakes. These visitors are Strategy (CNR 1993a). The main challenge for predominantly from Melbourne and elsewhere management will be to provide visitors with in Victoria, although a significant number visit opportunities for experiencing the Parks’ from interstate. They are mainly family groups
Mallee Parks 33 The Park visit
TABLE 4 SUMMARY OF RECREATION ACTIVITIES
MANAGEMENT ZONES - OVERLAY
ACTIVITY 1 2 3 4
Picnicking Yes Yes Yes Yes Camping Land-based, designated sites, limited facilities No Yes Yes No Land-based, dispersed, no facilities YC Yes Yes YC Boat-based, no facilities N/A Yes Yes YC Walking YC YC YC YC Bicycle riding No YC YC No Horse riding No YC YC No Camel riding No YC YC No Orienteering Yes Yes Yes Yes Fishing N/A Yes Yes Yes Motor boating (inc. launch & mooring) No YC No No Canoeing/kayaking N/A Yes Yes YC Water skiing N/A No YC No Hunting (Lake Albacutya Park only) No Yes No No Dogs (under control, in Murray-Kulkyne Park and Lake No Yes Yes No Albacutya Park only)
1 Wilderness Zone 3 Recreation Development Zone 2 Conservation & Recreation Zone 4 Special Protection Areas
Yes Appropriate YC Conditional, refer to relevant section for details No Not appropriate N/A Not applicable special qualities, including their remote and Mallee Parks. However, 2WD access largely undeveloped nature, without impacting opportunities are more limited. Management on them. will maintain a range of access opportunities including walking only, horse and camel riding, The Parks will continue to offer visitors a range and where possible extend 4WD touring and of activities in remote settings. Those who are increase 2WD routes to link points of interest prepared to walk, or who enjoy other self- and visitor nodes. reliant activities such as canoeing, will be rewarded by a wilderness experience that is A higher level of interpretation and community available in few other areas of Victoria. Those education services is planned for the Parks. who prefer more comfort and convenience, but These services will include self-guided walks, still a high degree of interaction with the natural tour drives and a range of other activities and environment, will have the opportunity to camp information services. Park facilities, however, in formal campgrounds with limited facilities. will remain low key and unobtrusive, in keeping with the remoteness and natural values of the It is proposed that the Shearer’s Quarters, and Parks. a cottage at Berribee, be restored to offer basic accommodation for Park visitors. This A close working relationship will be maintained accommodation could be managed under a with the regional tourism industry. It is commercial licence/lease. envisaged that most tourism infrastructure development and services will be provided from There are currently extensive opportunities for Mallee townships or from private or public land four-wheel driving and bushwalking in the
34 Mallee Parks The Park visit
in close proximity to the Parks. Preference will consult with Park staff on activities that be given to recreation and tourism opportunities they intend to undertake in the Parks. which have low environmental and social impacts and high economic yields, primarily to · Monitor visitor use to ensure adequate local Mallee communities. provision of facilities consistent with appropriate types and levels of use. The promotion of minimum impact techniques and safe practices will be important in ensuring the long-term sustainability of recreational use 5.2 Visitor recreation activities and of the Parks, as well as in enhancing the facilities enjoyment of visitors generally. 5.2.1 Vehicle access Existing and future visitor needs will be evaluated to identify trends as a basis for Current access in the Mallee Parks is based on determining appropriate future visitor services. a track network initially established for fire protection purposes or to service past land uses. Aim This network is inadequate for the present needs of the Parks and their users. · Provide visitors with opportunities to experience the Parks’ special qualities, Public vehicle track classification is detailed in including their remote and largely figure 2. Access to the river on Lindsay Island undeveloped nature, without impacting on and within Murray-Kulkyne is detailed in them. figures 5 and 6 respectively. Current access limitations restrict many visitor Management strategies - all Parks activities to relatively small areas of the Parks · Provide and maintain facilities and (section 5.2.1). Preferred travel routes link services which highlight, but are in keeping points of interest, such as Wonga Campground with, the Parks’ distinctive character at Wyperfeld, the lakes in Hattah-Kulkyne, and (sections 5.2.1 – 5.2.8, 5.3, tables 4 & 5). Pink Lakes, Mopoke, Rocket Lake and Last Hope in Murray-Sunset. Currently these links · Permit a range of recreation activities as are made predominantly via 4WD tracks and described in table 4. sealed shire roads. Other popular four-wheel driving routes are Milmed Rock and Chinaman · Encourage tourism in the Mallee Parks, Well tracks in Wyperfeld and various tracks where consistent with the protection of park throughout Murray-Sunset. values. Touring visitors could benefit from increased · Implement the relevant strategies and access and the development of improved initiatives of the Mallee Tourism and through-routes in each Park. Public access Recreation Strategy (CNR 1993a) in order through-routes of varying quality already exist of priority as designated. in Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray-Sunset, but not in Wyperfeld. · Minimise potential conflicts between The LCC (1989) recommended that the Mallee recreational and commercial tourism users. Parks system should continue to contain a series of linked roads, utilising those tracks · Conduct visitor surveys to assess visitor traversing rough terrain in relatively isolated profiles, patterns of behaviour, areas as well as the system of formed roads. expectations and preferences, and satisfaction levels. Minimally upgrading certain tracks to and between visitor nodes could improve links and · Encourage all visitors to practise minimal impact techniques, to adhere to codes of conduct appropriate to their activity and to
Mallee Parks 35 The Park visit
TABLE 5 MANAGEMENT OF TRACKS
TRACK NAME CLASS CURRENT FUTURE MANAGEMENT STATUS (No change unless indicated below)
Murray-Sunset National Park Renmark Mail Route Road 2 O Wallawalla Track 2 O Berribee Tank Track 2 O Bennets Hut Track 2 O Border Track 2 O Taparoo Track 2 O Lindsay Island Track 3 O Sanford Track 3 O North South Settlement Road 2 O Carwarp Road 2 O Settlement Road 2 O Millewa South Bore Track 3 O Pheeneys Track 3 O Bambill South Track 3 O Sunset Track 3 O Underbool Track 2/3 O Upgrade section between Last Hope Track and Grub Track to 2WD Grub Track 3 O Upgrade to 2WD Honeymoon Hut Track 3 O Clay Lake Track 3 O Mt Crozier Track 3 O Last Hope Track 3 O Upgrade to 2WD Nowingi Line Track 2/3 O Midnight Tank Track 2 O Meridian Road 2/3 O Henschke Track 2 O Rocket Lake Track 2 O Mopoke Track 3 O Mt Jess Track 3 O Nulty’s Boundary Track 3 O Double Tank Track 3 O Pink Lakes Entrance Road 1 O Ring Road 1 O Hattah-Kulkyne National Park & Murray-Kulkyne Park Nowingi Track 3 O Mallee Track 3 O Old Calder Highway 1 O Dumosa Track 3 MVO Red Ochre Track 3 MVO Konardin Track 3 O Boolca Track 3 MVO Raak Track 2 O
36 Mallee Parks The Park visit
Table 5 (cont.)
TRACK NAME CLASS CURRENT FUTURE MANAGEMENT STATUS (No change unless indicated below)
Eagles Nest Track 3 MVO Mournpall Track 1 O Buloke Track 2 MVO Yerang Track 2 O Boolungal Track 2 O Bitterang Track 2 O Moonah Track 2 MVO Red Gum Track 2 MVO Island Track 2 O Lockie Track 2 O Roonki Track 2 MVO Bungle Ridge Walking Track 3 MVO Brockie Track 3 MVO Nip Nip Track 3 MVO Noonflower Track 3 MVO Jasmine Track 3 MVO Lake Hattah Nature Drive 1 O Stockyard Track 2 O Chalka Creek Track 2 O Cantala Track 2 O Kulkyne Track 3 MVO Florence Annie Track 2 MVO River Track 2 O Messenger’s Mailbox Track 2 MVO Shorts Pipeline Track 2 MVO Kramen Track 2 MVO Lake Albacutya Park Purra Track 3 O Wembulin Track 2 O (As far as Outlet Creek) Western Beach Rd 2 O Bluff Track 2 O Boat Ramp Track 2 O Outlet Creek Track 2 2WD Ross Lakes Track 2 2WD Wyperfeld National Park Underbool (Tritter) Track 3 MVO Nine Mile Square Track 3 MVO Meridian Track 2 O (as far as Nine Mile Square Track) Archbold Track 3 MVO Moonah Track 3 O Upgrade to 2WD Eagle Track 3 MVO Open to public and upgrade to 2WD
Mallee Parks 37 The Park visit
Table 5 (cont.)
TRACK NAME CLASS CURRENT STATUS FUTURE MANAGEMENT (No change unless indicated below)
North South Track 3 MVO Open to public and upgrade to 2WD Dattuck Track 3 MVO Open to public and upgrade to 2WD Freeway Track 3 MVO Emergency use only Milmed Rock Track 3 O Chinaman Well Track 3 O Pella Track 3 O Gunners Track 3 O Upgrade to 2WD Outlet Creek Track 3 O (Dry weather only) Lowan Track 3 MVO Cambacanya Track 3 MVO Ginap Track 3 MVO Ring Road 2 O Black Flat Track 2 O
NB Many tracks are subject to seasonal closure after wet weather Key: Class Status 1 = all weather road O = Open to all public vehicles 2 = dry weather 2WD road MVO = management vehicles, walkers and cyclists only 3 = 4WD track allow greater year-round access with minimal As part of the Mallee Parks touring route the environmental impact. A Mallee Parks touring Draft Management Plan canvassed three route utilising already existing tracks will alternative routes allowing north south access provide a link between all the Mallee Parks through Wyperfeld National Park - via Freeway from Pine Plains to Hattah via the main visitor Track; via Meridian Track; or via nodes of Pink Lakes and Mopoke Hut (figure Dattack/North-South/Eagle Tracks. Factors 2). Tracks that will need some level of considered in assessing their suitability were: upgrading to establish this route for 2WD · environmental concerns, especially those vehicles include: associated with an access route centred · Gunners Track (northern Wyperfeld); along the floodplain of Outlet Creek; · Grub Track (Pink Lakes area); · recreation opportunities · Underbool Track (southern section in · tourism benefits; Murray-Sunset); · tracks required for fire protection and other · Last Hope Track (eastern section of management purposes; Murray-Sunset to Hattah). · costs. These tracks become impassable to 2WD Of the three options, the Dattuck/North- vehicles during wetter periods or in summer. South/Eagle Tracks route best satisfies these Progressive upgrading will consist primarily of criteria. Opening this route to public vehicles drainage works or consolidation of sandier will have minimal environmental impact, while sections.
38 Mallee Parks The Park visit
increasing visitor opportunities as well as Management strategies - all Parks benefiting the tourism industry by providing a · Manage and permit use of roads and tracks link between all the Mallee Parks from southern in the Parks in accordance with table 5, Wyperfeld to Hattah via the main visitor nodes figure 2 and NRE guidelines. of Pine Plains, Pink Lakes and Mopoke Hut. This route also passes through a variety of · Operate a track closure system during wet vegetation communities, incorporates many weather to prevent damage to road areas of cultural and scenic interest, and surfaces. requires least upgrading. The Wyperfeld leg of the touring route will be · Close all vehicular tracks in wilderness developed through allowing access on what zones and reference areas. were previously Management Vehicles Only tracks. · In accordance with the NRE Signs Manual and other relevant guidelines, develop a Legislation precludes public vehicular access to Signs Plan for the Mallee Parks that wilderness zones. Roads are not permitted, nor is any form of mechanised or animal transport, · identifies and names tourist routes/trails except where they are deemed to be essential through and to the Parks, and from the for the responsible management of the Park, highways and other direct access roads; e.g. for fire protection. · encourages a distinctive local identity and is in accordance with local Certain tracks may be closed for Park environmental and visual influences management purposes, for instance where a (section 5.3). track traverses a wilderness zone or reference area, or where weather conditions necessitate · Identify and promote specific routes of seasonal closure. Major tracks will only be scenic, cultural and historic interest closed following consultation with the public (sections 3.5 and 3.6). and the Victorian Association of Four-Wheel Drive Clubs, except where closures are Management strategies - Wyperfeld National required by legislation. Park In the past, tracks generally followed the · Develop the Wyperfeld leg of the Mallee shortest possible route between two points. This Parks touring route by: has led to tracks being visible from dune tops over extremely long distances. Such tracks may · progressively upgrading southern Ring be realigned or closed in places in order to be Road, Dattuck Track, North South more sympathetic to landscape values. Track, Eagle Track and Moonah Track to 2WD all weather standard; Signposting within the Mallee Parks is · progressively upgrading Gunners Track currently inadequate. An integrated Signs Plan from 4WD to 2WD standard. that is sensitive to the local character of the natural environment will be developed. · Maintain Tritter Track, Archbold Track and Nine Mile Square Track for Aims management vehicles and walkers only. · Provide and maintain an access network for visitor enjoyment, management purposes · Use Freeway Track for emergencies and and private property access. walkers only. · Minimise the impact of vehicle and track management on the Parks’ natural and cultural values.
Mallee Parks 39 The Park visit
Reliance on supplies which could be vandalised Management strategy - Murray-Sunset or depleted would compromise visitor safety, National Park particularly during summer. · Develop the Murray-Sunset leg of the Consistency in the design of new facilities will Mallee Parks touring route by upgrading emphasise the management responsibilities of the following tracks to 2WD standard: NRE and the collective nature of the Mallee · Last Hope Track, Underbool Track Parks, and be in keeping with the between Last Hope and Grub Tracks, characteristics of the Mallee landscape. and Grub Track. Aims 5.2.2 Camping and day visitor · Establish and maintain day visitor and facilities camping facilities which enhance visitor Existing camping and day visitor facilities are enjoyment of the Parks and are consistent basic, in keeping with the remote nature of the with protection of Park values. Mallee Parks. The main visitor areas have · As far as practicable, provide facilities with toilets, information shelters, fireplaces, picnic access for a range of groups. tables, litter bins and limited drinking water. Management strategies - all Parks Wonga Campground at Wyperfeld also contains a picnic shelter, and a gas barbecue · Provide additional basic picnic and has been installed at Pink Lakes. Remote camping facilities as identified in figure 2 camping sites generally contain a fireplace and and table 6. picnic table and several also have an information shelter. Current and proposed · Where possible, separate facilities for day- facilities are detailed in figure 2 and table 6. visitors, independent campers, and large groups of campers. In Hattah-Kulkyne, eastern Wyperfeld and the Pink Lakes area of Murray-Sunset, vehicle- · Develop and maintain walkers-only camp based camping is permitted only in the major sites with basic facilities in the Mallee campgrounds. Within western Wyperfeld, Parks. Murray-Kulkyne and the remainder of Murray- Sunset, dispersed vehicle-based camping is · Develop a consistent and distinctive allowed within 50 metres of a road or track facilities architecture for the Mallee Parks, providing the vehicle remains on the track subject to NRE guidelines. Design and allowing sufficient room for other vehicles to place facilities so that they are appropriate pass. Vehicle-based camping is also permitted to the cultural, landscape and recreational outside the main camping areas at Lake setting of the site. Albacutya (Western Beach, O.T.I.T. and Yaapeet Beach), but permission must first be · Continue to investigate alternative obtained from the Ranger. technology such as solar-powered facilities Facilities are generally adequate for current and improved low-maintenance facility Park visitor numbers although increasing designs, e.g. of toilets. visitor numbers will place considerable pressure on existing facilities, especially during · Provide a supply of drinking water for peak periods, and create new demand. walkers and campers at strategic points where regular patrols and maintenance are The lack of toilet amenity and drinking water is possible. a concern for many visitors to existing camp grounds. The need to carry water is also a · Encourage minimum impact use of limiting factor for many walkers in the Mallee. wilderness zones, including use by small While it may be possible to provide water, it is groups and the use of portable liquid fuel extremely difficult to guarantee supply. stoves wherever possible. Avoid promoting
40 Mallee Parks TABLE 6 EXISTING AND PROPOSED RECREATION FACILITIES
SITE DEFINED TOILETS PICNIC FIRE WATER WALK LOOKOUT PARK MANAGEMENT ACTIONS AND COMMENTS CAMPING TABLES PLACES AVAIL. TRACK INFO. Murray-Sunset National Park Pink Lakes E E E E E E E Nature drive proposed. Gas BBQ to be installed. Mopoke Hut E E E E E P Mt Crozier E E E E P E Rocket Lake E E E E E Lake Wallawalla E No motorised boats. Tower paddock E (Wallawalla tk) Noora Gate E Shearers E E E E E Accommodation available. Quarters Pheenys Tk (end E E E of) Pheenys Tk E E E (Millewa S. RA) Rock Holes E Sunset Tank E P E E Mt Jess E
Ochre Pit E P E E
Table 6 (cont.) SITE DEFINED TOILETS PICNIC FIRE WATER WALK LOOKOUT PARK MANAGEMENT ACTIONS AND COMMENTS CAMPING TABLES PLACES AVAIL. TRACK INFO.
Raak Plain north E end (Meridian Track) Gypsum Mound P Adelaide Hills P Large Tank E E E Hattah-Kulkyne National Park Lake Hattah E E E E* E E E Also nature drive. Gas barbecue to be installed. No generators or motorised boats. Lake Mournpall E E E E* E E E Gas barbecue to be installed. No generators or motorised boats. Murray-Kulkyne Park Emmerts Bend E River Track/ P Robinvale Rd Lake Albacutya Park Western Beach E E E E* E E Also boat ramp. Generators at specified times. Yaapeet Beach E E E E* E Generators at specified times. O.T.I.T. E E E E* No generators Outlet Ck/Ross E E* E Generators at specified times. Lake
Table 6 (cont.) SITE DEFINED TOILETS PICNIC FIRE WATER WALK LOOKOUT PARK MANAGEMENT ACTIONS AND COMMENTS CAMPING TABLES PLACES AVAIL. TRACK INFO.
Dorrington Point E Wyperfeld National Park Wonga E E E E* E E E Gas barbecue to be installed. Campground Casuarina E E E E E Campground Nine Mile E E Walkers only permitted Square track Rudd Rocks E E Walkers only permitted Pine Plains E P P P P P Broken Bucket E E E E E E The Springs E E Round Swamp E P E E Booligal E O'Sullivan E E Lookout Eastern Lookout E
E – Existing P – Proposed * Conditions apply to use of firewood.
The Park visit
particular destinations so as to avoid · Install gas barbecues at major day placing undue pressure on significant visitor areas such as Lake Hattah, the conservation features. Wonga Campground at Wyperfeld and Lake Crosbie; · Promote low impact camping techniques in · Prohibit the use of campfires over the interpretation media such as signs, summer months in the campgrounds at publications, displays and interpretation Hattah-Kulkyne, Wyperfeld and Lake and education programs. Crosbie, and at Lake Albacutya.
· Promote the existence of powered and · Prohibit the use of chainsaws within the serviced camping facilities in camping Mallee Parks. grounds outside the Parks. · Encourage the use of gas barbecues and 5.2.3 Campfires liquid fuel portable stoves in other areas, especially Wilderness Zones. Firewood collection can cause significant environmental damage through the destruction · Develop a public education plan which of habitat of many small ground-dwelling promotes minimal use of firewood. animals. Fallen timber available for use as firewood is becoming increasingly rare around · Regularly assess the impacts of firewood the major camping areas in Hattah-Kulkyne, collection and restrict collection in Wyperfeld and Lake Albacutya. Even within specified areas as appropriate. Murray-Kulkyne, with its extensive riverine forests, the amount of fallen timber has declined 5.2.4 Generators markedly in many of the popular river bends. Generators are currently permitted within Options to reduce the environmental damage sections of Murray-Kulkyne, Hattah-Kulkyne caused by firewood collection, yet still enable and Lake Albacutya, and on sections of visitors to enjoy campfires, will vary according Lindsay Island in Murray-Sunset under interim to existing and future natural supply, management plans. conservation value and the level of visitor use. In large areas of the Mallee Parks, visitor use is The two categories of Park status (National low enough for firewood supply to be self- Park and Other Park) along the river at Hattah, sustaining. and different regulations in regard to generators even within each Park, have led to past Aim confusion and difficulties in enforcement · Reduce environmental damage caused by the (figure 6). collection and use of firewood. At Lake Albacutya, the previous widespread use of generators led to conflicts between users Management strategies - all Parks and non-users, and disturbed nesting birds. · Permit firewood collection and maintain Generators are now permitted only within the the opportunity for the use of campfires in Western Beach and Yaapeet Beach the Mallee Parks by implementing the campgrounds, and in the Outlet Creek/Ross following site-specific actions: Lake area.
· Within the recreation development Generator use on Lindsay Island (figure 5) will zones (which includes the major now be prohibited in accordance with the Park campgrounds) campfires will only be Regulations 1992. permitted in fireplaces provided. · The lighting of campfires in other areas will be permitted subject to Fire Regulations.
44 Mallee Parks The Park visit
Aim implications for private sector tourism services in the region. · Provide for the use of generators, where consistent with the protection of Park A further opportunity that has been identified is values. the existing Berribee Homestead and Woolshed, located on Crown land on the edge of Murray- Management strategies - all Parks Sunset National Park. · Permit the use of generators between 8.00 Accommodation facilities will generally be am and 10.00 pm: restricted to the Recreation Development Zone and will not be permitted in Wilderness or · within Murray-Kulkyne Park; Reference Area Zones or Special Protection · within Hattah-Kulkyne National Park in the area bounded by the River Areas. Track, Firemen’s Bend and Jinker’s Aim Bend inclusive; · at Western Beach campground and · Provide built accommodation for visitors, Yaapeet Beach campground at Lake where consistent with the protection of Park Albacutya Park; values. · on Outlet Creek/Ross Lakes within Lake Albacutya Park dependent upon Management strategy - all Parks the potential disturbance to wildlife. · Encourage the construction of accommodation on private land or Crown · Do not permit the use of generators within land adjacent to the Mallee Parks while Murray-Sunset National Park, Wyperfeld ensuring that Park values are not adversely National Park and the remainder of affected by inappropriate development. Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. 5.2.6 Bushwalking and cycling · Use signposting and other print media to publicise conditions of use. Opportunities for bushwalking range from short self-guided walks to wilderness hiking. Long distance hiking and cycling, based on 5.2.5 Built accommodation Management Vehicles Only tracks, are The range, quality and style of accommodation particularly popular at Wyperfeld. A long (other than camping) currently available in the distance trail linking the main points of visitor Mallee region is limited. A significant number interest in each Park will be established, similar of visitors to the natural environment prefer to to the Mallee Parks touring route (section stay in more comfortable accommodation than 5.2.1), but utilising different tracks or camping. In some cases, long distances may alignments. This will necessitate the provision make town-based accommodation impractical of drinking water at key locations. for visitors. Aim In these cases, development of higher standard accommodation on private or public land · Increase the range of bushwalking and adjacent to, or within, a Park may be cycling opportunities, consistent with the appropriate. Cabins and wilderness lodges are protection of Park values. popular forms of accommodation in natural areas in other parts of Victoria and interstate. Management strategies - all Parks The development of accommodation facilities · Develop a long distance trail for walkers within the Mallee Parks will need to be weighed and/or cyclists to category D standard against the potential damage to the Parks’ (NPS 1995) between the southern fragile natural environments, the possible campground at Wyperfeld (Wonga), disturbance to the Parks’ remote and through Murray-Sunset and on to Hattah- undeveloped character, and the possible Kulkyne incorporating:
Mallee Parks 45 The Park visit
· Casuarina Campground and Pine Aim Plains in Wyperfeld; · Provide boating opportunities while · Pink Lakes, Mt Crozier and Mopoke minimising conflict with Park conservation Hut in Murray-Sunset. values. · Maintain self-guided trails at Category C Management strategy - Hattah-Kulkyne and standard at locations of high visitor use. Murray-Sunset National Parks · Develop and maintain walking tracks listed · Provide for only non-motorised or electric- in table 6 to at least Category D standard. powered boats to be used on the Hattah Lakes system and Lake Wallawalla. · Avoid promoting particular routes or destinations in Wilderness Zones, to avoid 5.2.8 Horse and camel riding placing undue pressure on significant conservation features. Overnight trail horse and camel riding activities in the Parks require water, and are hence · Publish a Wilderness Walkers Code: restricted primarily to those parts of Murray- Desert Parks, which will include safety Sunset where former stock water points have information. been retained for fire protection purposes. Routes specifically restricted for trail horse 5.2.7 Boating riding are not considered necessary by horse riding groups. Continuing controls on feed are Prohibition of motorised boats on the Hattah necessary to prevent weed dispersal. Lakes system, including Chalka Creek (figure 4), is currently enforced under Schedule 80 of There is also potential for camel riding in the the Marine Act 1988 (Vic.). The lakes and Parks. Camels have large soft feet which cause waterways are important habitat for large minimal soil disturbance, and they require less numbers of waterfowl and wading birds listed water than horses. Standards for management under the JAMBA and CAMBA agreements of weed dispersal associated with camel riding (section 3.2.2). The relatively small size of would need to be consistent with those that most of the lakes and Chalka Creek makes them apply to horse riding. Both activities will be easily accessible by canoeists and kayakers. managed in accordance with guideline 6.2.7P. There has been some public pressure to ease the Horse and camel-riding will not be permitted in restrictions on powered boats on the Lakes. Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. Yabbying and fishing from canoes are popular Aim pastimes and, on the larger lakes, this can involve a great deal of paddling. · Provide opportunities for horse riding and camel riding, consistent with protection of Lake Wallawalla has similar high conservation Park values. values to the Hattah Lakes system. Motorised boats were permitted prior to its inclusion in Murray-Sunset, and this has continued. The intermittent water supply and its extremely shallow nature, however, reduce motor boating to relatively infrequent occasions after major floods. This is generally also the time of highest waterbird concentrations. Because of its high conservation value and the recent phasing out of commercial fishing, only vessels with electric motors, canoes, kayaks and row boats will be permitted on Lake Wallawalla.
46 Mallee Parks The Park visit
acceptable to, and which actively involve, local Management strategies - Wyperfeld National people and those with particular ties to this Park and Murray-Sunset National Park heritage (e.g. the Aboriginal community). · Investigate the development of overnight Services will be co-ordinated throughout the trail-riding routes for horses and camels: Mallee and linked to other programs statewide.
· along existing roads and tracks Personal interpretation and education will be · in areas that will minimise conflict with delivered and supervised in a systematic and other users professional way by relevant NRE staff who · away from areas of biological or are trained for the task. Interpretation and cultural significance education services will be given adequate time · in consultation with interested parties. and priority in work schedules.
· Establish a monitoring program to Aims regularly monitor the impacts of horse and · Assist visitors to discover, enjoy and camel-riding and provide alternative routes appreciate the natural and cultural features or restrict activity as necessary. of the Mallee Parks, and the value of National Parks and their management. Management strategy - Lake Albacutya Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park · Encourage all visitors to adopt minimum impact techniques and safe practices · Assess the suitability of these Parks for appropriate to their activity. horse and camel riding if there is a demand for this activity. Management strategies - all Parks · Provide adequate visitor orientation and 5.3 Visitor information, safety messages at key visitor nodes. interpretation and education · Develop interpretive and visitor plans The provision of a comprehensive system of which provide a framework for interpretive information, interpretation and environmental facilities and programs. education in the Mallee Parks will help orientate visitors, foster an appreciation of the · Improve and promote links between visitor Parks’ natural and cultural values, reduce nodes and develop interpretation visitor impacts, and encourage co-operation accordingly. between Park management and the local community. These services are particularly · Maintain high quality publications for the important in the Mallee environment where Mallee Parks, including at least one A4 or many features are not readily perceived by A3 leaflet for each Park and specialist visitors, many of whom have little knowledge of information sheets. semi-arid environments. · Produce the Mallee Parks Newsletter for The principles of an integrated system of landholders adjacent to the Parks and information, interpretation and environmental others. education for the Parks will be developed on regional, unit and site-specific themes. These · Develop a hierarchy of strategically will convey the subtle and diverse nature of the located on-site information facilities in the semi-arid Mallee ecosystems as well as Mallee Parks and nearby towns that take historical and cultural values (table 7). into account:
The program will employ a variety of · the appropriate level of facilities and interpretation media appropriate to the target services in each management zone; audience, the theme presented and the nature of the site. The Mallee’s cultural and natural heritage will be presented in ways that are
Mallee Parks 47 The Park visit
TABLE 7 INTERPRETATION THEMES
The vastness of the Mallee’s dry country is uniquely outback in an otherwise essentially green and densely populated State.
The Mallee Parks preserve some of the last remaining tracts of undisturbed semi-arid vegetation in the world, including the largest area of high quality wilderness in south-east mainland Australia.
The apparent uniformity of the Mallee landscape hides rich, complex and varied ecosystems.
Ancient inland seas and wind blown sands have shaped the landforms and landscapes of the Mallee.
Mallee ecosystems are well adapted to extremes of climate, and to natural phenomena such as fire, flood and drought.
Aboriginal occupation of the dryland areas of the Mallee depended on obtaining water from soaks and plants.
The installation of water supply and collection systems was central to European occupation and settlement of the Mallee.
Park management is actively restoring Mallee ecosystems which, although adapted to harsh conditions, are susceptible to human influences.
SOURCE: Draft Mallee Interpretation and Community Education Plan (CNR 1993d).
· the cultural, landscape and recreational NRE work centres within the Mallee, at key setting of the site. entry points to the Mallee, in adjacent regions, and in State and interstate tourism · Investigate the development of education and conservation agencies. material for primary and secondary schools that addresses the Mallee Parks · Develop, link and promote special events themes. Continue to support curriculum or theme weeks for the Mallee Parks. development initiatives. · Continue to utilise electronic or print · Seek opportunities to develop interpretation media to increase awareness of specific and education in conjunction with the events, issues such as blue-green algae and general community and the tourism lake levels, and the Parks generally. industry. · Develop and implement a maintenance · Co-operate with local and regional tourism schedule for all interpretive facilities. associations, and the private sector, in developing orientation centres in strategic · Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the towns/locations such as Mildura, Swan Parks’ information and interpretative Hill, Ouyen, Hopetoun, Cullulleraine, services. Robinvale and Murrayville. 5.4 Tourism and commercial · Further develop the distribution network in tourism operations local business, motoring association The Mallee Parks and their associated natural, outlets, visitor information centres and cultural and aesthetic values are one of the
48 Mallee Parks The Park visit
major tourist attractions of the region, Aims consequently making a significant contribution · Become more customer-oriented and provide to the economic well-being of local quality services and experiences to visitors communities. To optimise tourism and clients. opportunities and to protect the conservation values of the Parks, it is important that close · Optimise sustainable tourism opportunities working relationships are maintained with local for current and potential visitors. government and the tourism industry. This · Develop a constructive and prosperous liaison also ensures effective use of resources partnership with local government and the through co-ordinated planning, development tourism industry. and marketing. · Integrate the Mallee Parks with other The Mallee Tourism and Recreation Strategy tourism attractions and services in the (CNR 1993a) defines various target markets region. for the Mallee Parks and makes recommendations on a number of issues Management strategies - all Parks including signposting, training, commercial operations, product development, promotion, · Contribute to the ongoing development, planning and monitoring. review and implementation of regional tourism development strategies, business Other strategies such as the Mildura Regional plans and marketing plans. Tourism Board Business Plan (MRTB 1996) and the Oasis Country Marketing Plan (CVTV · Continue to identify and facilitate 1996) highlight the significance of the Mallee ecologically sustainable tourism Parks for tourism in the region. They use opportunities within and related to the Tourism Victoria’s research to identify Mallee Parks. potential visitors and make recommendations on marketing and development that are relevant · Actively seek opportunities to promote the to NRE. Mallee Parks in co-operation with industry Commercial operators can play an important and in accordance with the principles and role in introducing visitors to Parks and recommendations outlined in the Mallee interpreting them to their clients. There are Tourism and Recreation Strategy (CNR currently a small number of commercial tour 1993a). operators who use the Mallee Parks. Activities · Review current levels of service for visitors offered include four-wheel driving, nature and initiate a continuous improvement study, canoeing, bushwalking, and vehicle- program. based camping. Potential activities include cultural heritage tours, wilderness walking, · Conduct or facilitate familiarisation tours guided horse and camel rides, and a greater and workshops for commercial tour diversity of special interest and study tours. operators, the broader tourism industry Currently there are few restrictions on tour and relevant boards and organisations, to operations in the Mallee Parks, although as the develop a greater understanding of the number of independent visitors and tour Mallee Parks’ values, opportunities and operations increase, this may become management issues. necessary. Ongoing monitoring should ensure that changes due to increasing use are kept · Conduct or facilitate training for NRE staff within acceptable limits. in relation to tourism and tourism operations.
· Fully implement the NRE commercial tour permit system in the Mallee Parks and maintain regular contact with operators.
Mallee Parks 49 The Park visit
5.5 Public safety Management strategies - all Parks Factors that can affect visitor safety in the · Increase public awareness of the potential Mallee Parks include: dangers involved in recreation in the Mallee Parks, especially in the semi-arid · variable road conditions which vary areas, by: markedly according to the weather, especially in clayey areas; · including appropriate information on information boards at key locations · poor visibility on tracks across dune crests throughout the Parks; (can result in car collisions); · including relevant information on Park · lack of water in many areas, especially in brochures; the semi-arid areas; · publishing a Wilderness Walkers Code: Desert Parks, which will include safety · high summer temperatures; information. · inadequate maps; · Encourage overnight walkers to notify the · lack of distinguishing features; nearest NRE office of their intentions. · feral Honey Bees; · Carry out search and rescue operations in · wildfire. accordance with NPS guideline 22.5PL, Responsibility for search and rescue operations and co-operate with authorities if and when rests with the Victoria Police, although NRE DISPLAN is effected. may play a supporting role through DISPLAN, the State’s Disaster Plan. NRE also has a · Train Park staff in first aid and search and Search and Rescue Plan for the former Mildura rescue techniques and ensure qualifications Region. are kept up to date.
Aim · Consult with the Victoria Police and VicRoads regarding the introduction of · Promote and encourage safe practices park speed limits in areas where visibility among visitors and staff. over dunes presents a risk to motorists.
· Through appropriate media encourage safe driving and awareness of hazards.
50 Mallee Parks Community awareness and involvement
6 COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT
6.1 Friends and volunteers · the relative abundance of kangaroos, emus and rabbits on the Park fringes; NRE encourages and greatly values the input of volunteer groups in park management activities. · stock trespass from neighbouring freehold or Friends Groups currently operate in Wyperfeld licensed land into the Parks; and Hattah-Kulkyne National Parks in · the need for buffers to prevent fire escapes activities such as revegetation, interpretation, from (or into) the Parks. track work and fencing. Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers and Campus Management of these issues requires a co- Conservation Groups regularly participate in operative approach between NRE and Mallee similar projects. farmers (sections 4.1, 4.2.1– 4.2.5, 4.3, 4.4). Twenty Rabbit Action Groups have now been Aim established to co-ordinate rabbit control. · Encourage volunteer involvement in managing the Parks. Aims · Increase public awareness of management Management strategies activities including fuel reduction burning, · Encourage the formation of, and support, a grazer control, pest plant and animal Friends group for the Murray-Sunset control, and the conservation of threatened National Park, and support the existing species. groups. · Encourage conservation and sound land management practices on private land · Develop and evaluate a long-term adjoining the Parks. volunteer strategy which incorporates the skills and interests of volunteer groups in Management strategies - all Parks Park management e.g. in volunteer guide programs. · Liaise with local community groups and land holders, and as appropriate involve them in relevant aspects of planning and 6.2 Community awareness and managing the Parks. Park neighbours Park Advisory Committees exist for Wyperfeld · Apply, and encourage the application of, National Park/Lake Albacutya Park and the Good Neighbour Policy to management Hattah-Kulkyne National Park/Murray- issues on or near the boundary of the Kulkyne Park. They were established as a Parks. formal means of providing community input into the management of these park areas. 6.3 Man and the Biosphere The majority of the Mallee Parks’ neighbours Program are involved in the agricultural industry. A Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray-Kulkyne were number of factors affecting the Park/freehold designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 1981 interface have the potential to impact on the under the ‘Man and the Biosphere Program’ of Parks’ ecological processes and landscapes: the United Nations Educational Scientific and · the relatively high number of weed species Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) - one of only on the Park/freehold interface; three such Reserves in Victoria. · the need for co-operative approaches to Biosphere reserves are areas significant on a rabbit control; world scale for their characteristic landforms, plants and animals, and the way they have been used by people. Since 1971 the designation of
Mallee Parks 51 Community awareness and involvement
Biosphere Reserves has been a world-wide program of international scientific co-operation dealing with people-environment interactions in the globe’s range of bioclimatic and geographic situations. Research under the program is designed to produce the information needed to solve practical problems of resource management. Key ingredients are the involvement of decision-makers and local people in research projects, training and demonstration in the field, and the pooling of disciplines from the social, biological and physical sciences in addressing complex environmental problems (ANCA 1993). Programs for the Parks are yet to be developed.
Aim · Promote and adopt the principles of the ‘Man and the Biosphere Program.’
Management strategy - Hattah-Kulkyne National Park · Identify management requirements of the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park Biosphere Reserve.
52 Mallee Parks Other issues
7 OTHER ISSUES
7.1 Authorised uses minimise the possible environmental impacts of beekeeping. 7.1.1 Apiculture · Investigate the feasibility of field The Mallee is popular with apiarists for assessment of floral resources to determine overwintering hives, being River Red Gum and the appropriate number of hives permitted Black Box communities the main honey- per site at any given time. producers. There is considerable debate over the possible effects of Honey Bees on native · In consultation with the apiary industry flora (section 4.3); however, in the Mallee at and individual beekeepers, remove or least they are of great economic value as relocate all apiary sites near popular pollinators of commercial crops such as recreation sites. almonds and stone fruits. The LCC (1989) recommended that the number · Encourage continued research into the of apiary sites in the Mallee Parks be effects of Honey Bees on native flora and maintained at the current level and that no new fauna. sites be issued pending the resolution of environmental concerns. Access to existing 7.1.2 Gravel extraction apiary sites is to be rationalised to reduce the disturbance associated with the transporting of Gravel and stone resources within the Mallee hives. Where located on public land, apiary Parks are occasionally required for park road sites are not permitted within 1.6 km of maintenance and construction. Material is wilderness zones in the case of permanent sites, sought from sources in the immediate vicinity or within 0.8 km in the case of a temporary of the point of use. permit. Apiary sites are not permitted within 2 There are several unused gravel pits within the km of a reference area. Parks. One of these is adjacent to the Control of feral Honey Bees is discussed in Sunraysia Highway within Hattah-Kulkyne section 4.3. National Park, and is clearly visible to large volumes of traffic from the highway. Aims Extraction of gravel and stone is governed by · Minimise the effects of commercial Honey the Extractive Industries Development Act Bees on recreation and native flora and 1995 (Vic.). NRE is exempted from some fauna. responsibilities under the Act under certain circumstances (e.g. extraction for use within a · Increase knowledge of the possible effects of park). Honey Bees on native flora and fauna. Aims Management strategies - all Parks · Provide material for Departmental use · In conjunction with the apiary industry, where it is not cost-effective to import it prepare an apiary management plan for from other areas. each Park that includes: · Minimise the environmental effects of any · access arrangements; extraction operation. · definition of sites using an agreed standard; Management strategies - all Parks · incorporation of those elements of the proposed Code of Practice for · Use gravel and stone deposits only for Beekeeping relating to improved hive roads within the parks. management practices in order to
Mallee Parks 53 Other issues
· Minimise the environmental and aesthetic 7.1.4 Commercial fishing impacts of extraction sites. Under the Fishing (Amendment) Regulations 1992, fishing with mesh nets in Murray-Sunset · Liaise with local shires and VicRoads to is no longer permitted except for one pre- minimise the aesthetic impacts of extraction existing commercial licence to fish the Lindsay or stack sites adjacent to Parks entrance and Mullaroo Creeks. The licence will not be points, and encourage rehabilitation as renewed after its termination date in 1997. soon as pits are no longer needed. Commercial fishing of the above waters, and · Rehabilitate unused pits. Potterwalkagee Creek to the immediate east of the Lindsay Island, has been removed to protect 7.1.3 Mineral and petroleum their value as habitat for a number of exploration and mining threatened species. Mineral exploration and mining are Commercial fishing for yabbies is permitted in administered by NRE under the Mineral Lake Albacutya, but is no longer allowed in Resources Development Act 1995 (Vic.) and Lake Wallawalla. There is no limit on the Section 40 of the National Parks Act. Mineral number of commercial permits that can be exploration and mining may be approved in issued to fish for yabbies on Lake Albacutya. Lake Albacutya and Murray-Kulkyne Parks This could potentially lead to overfishing, but only with the consent of the Minister after affecting the recreational appeal of the lake as receiving advice from the National Parks an amateur fishery. Amateur fishermen are Advisory Council. permitted to use three yabby pots each in the Lake. Commercial fishing on other waters in Petroleum exploration is not permitted in any the Mallee Parks is not permitted. wilderness parks or zones, but operations under the Petroleum Act 1958 (Vic.) may be Aim approved in other areas or Parks with the consent of the Minister after receiving advice · Maintain viable populations of all fish from the National Parks Advisory Council. species, including yabbies. There is one Petroleum Exploration Licence Management strategy - Lake Albacutya Park valid for the Mallee Parks (PEP 121) which includes large sections of both Wyperfeld and · Determine appropriate limits for the Murray-Sunset. number of commercial permits for yabbying on Lake Albacutya. Aim · Protect environmental, cultural and historic 7.1.5 Commercial use of flora and values where any exploration or mining is fauna undertaken. At present the only commercial utilisation of flora or fauna within the Parks is the collection Management strategy - all Parks of seed from the Lake Albacutya provenance of · Ensure that any exploration or mining River Red Gum. Propagates of this seed are permitted is conducted in accordance with frequently used to lower saline watertables or the relevant legislation. Protection of as an ornamental in saline areas. Although environmental and historic values, and commercial quantities of Lake Albacutya rehabilitation, will be given a high priority provenance seed are now available from in determining appropriate conditions and plantation sources, it is necessary to return to licences. the original source to maintain genetic vigour. Seed has not been commercially collected since 1991 because of the low quantity available.
54 Mallee Parks Other issues
It is possible that other Mallee Park species the carriage of firearms, pets and livestock may become valuable for land protection, along designated routes as follows: research or horticultural purposes. · Underbool Track; Aim · Settlement Road; · Minimise the environmental impacts of · Carwarp Road; commercial flora and fauna utilisation. · North-South Settlement Road; Management strategies - all Parks · the Mail Route; · Ensure that any utilisation does not · Pine Plains Track; endanger or deleteriously affect natural · Gunners Track; populations. · access to Booligal in Wyperfeld National · Encourage commercial utilisation on Park. Crown land other than the Mallee Parks These designated routes are intended to be wherever possible. retained as carriageways, with the exception of Underbool Track and North-South Settlement 7.1.6 Military training Road south of Carwarp Road. These tracks Minimum impact Defence Force activities are have limited value as carriageways in relation permitted in National Parks under NPS to farming enterprises. guideline 21.1PL. The LCC (1989) Aim recommended that military training exercises in the Mallee Parks should be excluded from · Provide for the carriage of firearms, pets reference areas and, except where it does not and livestock by Park neighbours along conflict with the purpose of the reserve, from designated routes where use of routes Parks and other areas of recreation and outside the Parks is not practical. conservation significance. Any training exercises in wilderness zones should be Management strategies - all Parks consistent with the protection of wilderness · Permit the carriage of firearms and pets values and be subject to the same restrictions as within vehicles and the trucking of stock other users. along the above tracks within the Mallee Parks, except Underbool Track and North- Aim South Settlement Road south of Carwarp · Protect conservation and recreation values Road. from damage by military training where it is · Ensure that the public are made aware of permitted in the Mallee Parks. these routes by adequate signposting and the distribution of written material. Management strategy - all Parks · Permit Defence Force exercises in 7.1.8 Other uses accordance with NPS guideline 21.1PL. Public utilities located within the Mallee Parks include: 7.1.7 Local transportation routes · a radio communications station; A number of tracks and roads through or on park margins are important as local access · trig points (used only irregularly, but may routes, especially to the neighbouring farming require selective tree clearing at the time to community. Interim guidelines were developed re-establish sight lines); for Murray-Sunset National Park and · electricity supply lines (220 kV power lines extensions to Wyperfeld in June 1991, enabling traverse both Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray-
Mallee Parks 55 Other issues
Sunset; the easements are occasionally Vegetated roadsides also play an important role cleared for fire protection purposes); as habitat corridors between blocks of public land in the Mallee. There are numerous 5 chain · a Telecom fibre-optic cable (follows the 220 (99 m) and 3 chain (66 m) road reserves kV SEC easement through Murray-Sunset). throughout the Mallee which would form an Aims ideal framework for the establishment of a · Ensure the appropriate use and maintenance habitat corridor network linking the Mallee of the existing public utilities in the Mallee Parks, particularly Wyperfeld and Murray- Parks. Sunset, and other reserves. In many instances, however, there is little remnant vegetation. · Minimise the impact of existing and any Channel reserves also offer possibilities to future utilities in the Mallee Parks. enhance the corridor network.
Management strategies - all Parks Aims · Authorise existing public utilities under · Where necessary, rationalise boundaries of Section 27 of the National Parks Act. the new Mallee Parks in consultation with all interested parties. · Remove installations from wilderness zones in accordance with Section 17 of the · Maintain or enhance the extent of habitat National Parks Act. This precludes the corridors between the Mallee Parks and installation of new utilities, and prohibits other reserves. existing installations that are not considered necessary for the responsible Management strategies - all Parks management of the Parks or were erected · Review the apparently anomalous sections after 23 August 1989. of new Mallee Parks boundaries in consultation with interested parties. 7.2 Boundaries and adjacent lands · Identify and protect remnant vegetation A number of management problems are along roadsides and other linear reserves associated with the precise locations of sections that link areas of conservation value. of the boundaries of parts of the Mallee Parks declared in 1991. · Re-establish native vegetation along 3 and 5 chain road reserves between Wyperfeld Although the Mallee Parks comprise large and Murray-Sunset, incorporating other blocks of mostly undisturbed land, further public land reserves wherever possible. conservation benefits could be obtained by establishing habitat corridors between them and · Liaise with Local Government Authorities other smaller blocks of public land (Bennett on planning matters that may affect the 1990; Saunders et al. 1987). Parks. Major habitat corridors established in the Mallee include the Annuello Corridor, which links the Annuello Flora and Fauna Reserve and Murray-Sunset National Park, and the Wathe Corridor, which links Wathe Flora and Fauna Reserve with the eastern edge of Wyperfeld.
56 Mallee Parks Implementation
8 IMPLEMENTATION
A three year rolling implementation program will be prepared for the Mallee Parks to ensure efficient implementation of this Plan. Priorities for management are identified in table 8 as an initial step in this process.
TABLE 8 PRIORITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
MANAGEMENT STRATEGY SECTION IN PLAN
Resource conservation Develop and implement active management strategies for the protection of key species and communities by controlling the following threatening processes: • overgrazing by rabbits, goats, kangaroos and stock 3.3, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.4,4.2.5 • competition by weeds 3.3, 4.3 • altered fire regimes 3.3, 3.4, 4.1 • altered hydrological regimes 3.2, 3.3 • introduced predators. 3.4, 4.3 Negotiate more natural flow regimes to: • Outlet Creek system 3.2.1 • Hattah Lakes system 3.2.2 • Lindsay Island. 3.2.3 Rehabilitate degraded areas 3.1, 3.3, 4.2 Maintain habitat corridors between Mallee Parks 7.2 Survey and protect Aboriginal and European cultural sites 3.6.1, 3.6.2 Rationalise Park boundaries 7.2 Park protection Ensure compliance with the Regional Fire Protection Plan 4.1 Develop and implement control plans for rabbits and goats 4.2.2, 4.2.3 Maintain sustainable kangaroo populations 4.2.4 Phase out stock grazing from all Parks 4.2.5 Close artificial waters in Murray-Sunset 4.4 Develop and implement pest plant and animal control strategies 4.3 Close tracks in wilderness zones 5.2.1 The Park visit Develop and maintain visitor facilities 5.2.2 – 5.2.8 Develop the Mallee Parks touring route 5.2.1 Implement initiatives of the Mallee Tourism and Recreation Strategy 5.1 Regulate firewood collection 5.2.3 Regulate generator use 5.2.4 Develop long-distance walking and cycling routes 5.2.6 Develop overnight trail riding routes for horses and camels 5.2.8 Implement relevant initiatives of the Mallee Interpretation and Community Education Plan 5.3 Standardise the permit system for commercial tour operators 5.4
Mallee Parks 57 Implementation
Table 8 (cont.)
MANAGEMENT STRATEGY SECTION IN PLAN
Community awareness and involvement Co-operate with local land owners on management issues affecting Park fringes, particularly rabbit and goat control, stock trespass and pest plants 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.5, 4.3 Continue to issue wildlife destruction permits to Park neighbours 4.2.4 Liaise with Park users, user groups, tourism industry and local community 5.2, 5.4, 6.1. 6.2 Monitoring and research Encourage research on Mallee ecosystems, vegetation communities, and significant flora and fauna species 3.2.1, 3.3, 3.4 Monitor control and rehabilitation programs 3.3 Survey and monitor vegetation and habitats on Lindsay Island 3.2.3 Monitor flow regime and vegetation along Outlet Creek system 3.2.1 Investigate and monitor effects of fire and fire ecology 4.1 Monitor grazing impacts on all Parks 4.2.1 Review rabbit control program on two-year basis 4.2.2 Monitor Millewa kangaroo trial fence 4.2.4 Review dam closure program on a two-year basis 4.4 Encourage research and monitor foxes, feral cats and Honey Bees 4.3, 7.1.1 Monitor Aboriginal history of Parks 3.6.1 Monitor visitor use and requirements, and impacts on Park values 5.1, 5.4
58 Mallee Parks References
REFERENCES
ANCA (1993) Biosphere Reserves in Braysher, M. (1993) Managing vertebrate Australia: A Strategy for the Future. pests: principles and strategies. Bureau of Australia Nature Conservation Agency, Resource Sciences, Canberra. Canberra. Catling, P. (1988) Similarities and contrasts in Ashwell, D. (1993) Mallee fire ecology - the diet of foxes, Vulpes vulpes, and cats, preliminary investigations and monitoring of Felis catus, relative to fluctuating prey responses to fire. Department of populations and drought. Aust. Wildl. Res. Conservation and Natural Resources, 15: 307-18. Victoria (unpub.). Coman, B.J. (1973) The diet of red foxes, Atkins, B. (1993) The integrated watering Vulpes vulpes, in Victoria. Aust. J. Zool. strategy project report - Draft. Floodplain 21: 391-401. Ecology Group, Department of CFL (1987a) Floristic Vegetation Maps - Conservation and Natural Resources, Mallee Series. Flora Survey Branch, Victoria (unpub.). Department of Conservation, Forests and Baker-Gabb, D., Bennett, A., Benshemesh, J., Lands, Victoria. Emison, W., Menkhorst, P. & Sluiter, I. CFL (1987b) Recreation Facilities Manual. (1992) Birds, in Endangered species and Department of Conservation, Forests and communities and threatening processes in Lands, Victoria. the Murray Mallee. Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Murray- Cheal, D.C. (1993) Effects of stock grazing on Darling Basin Commission, Canberra. the plants of semi-arid woodlands and grasslands. Proc. Roy. Soc. Vic. 105(1):57- Bennett, A. (1990) Habitat corridors: their 65. role in wildlife management and conservation. Department of Conservation Cheal, D.C., Day, J.C. & Meredith, C.W. and Environment, Victoria. (1979) Fire in the national parks of north - west Victoria. National Parks Service, Bennett, A., Lumsden, L. & Menkhorst, P. Victoria. (1992) Mammals, in Endangered species and communities and threatening processes Cheal, D.C., Parkes, D., Parsons, R.F. & in the Murray Mallee. Australian National Sluiter, I.R.K. (1992) Vascular plants and Parks and Wildlife Service and the Murray- communities, in Endangered species and Darling Basin Commission, Canberra. communities and threatening processes in the Murray Mallee. Australian National Beovich, E.B. (1993a) Environmental Report to Parks and Wildlife Service and the Murray Mallee Dryland Salinity Management Plan – Darling Basin Commission, Canberra. (Draft). Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria (unpub.). CNR (1992) Mildura Region Fire Protection Plan. Department of Conservation and Beovich, E.B. (1993b) Lindsay Island. Draft Natural Resources, Mildura. Background Paper and Interim Water Management Strategy. Department of CNR (1993a) Mallee Tourism and Recreation Conservation and Natural Resources, Strategy. Department of Conservation and Victoria (unpub.). Natural Resources, Victoria. Binnie & Partners (1993) Study of Flood CNR (1993b) Natural Resource Protection Events within Wyperfeld National Park. Guidelines. Department of Conservation Occasional Paper Series NPPL No. 10, and Natural Resources, Mildura (unpub.). Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria.
Mallee Parks 59 References
CNR (1993c) Signs Manual. Department of CVTC (1996) Oasis Country Marketing Plan. Conservation and Natural Resources, Country Victoria Tourism Council, Victoria. Melbourne. CNR (1993d) Draft Mallee Interpretation and DCE (1990a) Native Vegetation Conservation Community Education Plan. Department of Strategy, Department of Conservation and Conservation and Natural Resources, Environment, Mildura Region (unpub.). Victoria (unpub.). DCE (1990b) Restoring the Balance. The CNR (1994) Big Desert Wilderness Park Kangaroo Control Program to save Management Plan. Department of Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Conservation and National Parks Service, North West Area. Environment, Victoria. CONCOM (1985) Code of Practice for the Douglas, F. (1993) The conservation status, Humane Shooting of Kangaroos. distribution, and habitat requirements of Australian National Parks and Wildlife diurnal Lepidoptera in central and western Service, Canberra. Victoria. Part 1: Family Castniidae; Part 2: Family Zygaenidae, Arctiidae and Cooke, J.W., Walters, D. & Sluiter, I.R.K. Noctuidae; Part 3: Hesperiidae. Report (1991) The control of rabbits in national prepared under the National Estates Grants parks in northern Victoria, in Ninth Program (unpub.). Australian vertebrate pest control conference. Handbook of working papers, Dudding, M., Oakes, A. & Thorne, R. (1989) Adelaide May 1991. South Australian Lindsay River Salinity Assessment Progress Animal and Plant Control Commission, SA, Report No. 3. Investigations Branch pp. 63-6. Technical Report No. 1989/23, Rural Water Corporation, Victoria. Coulson, G. (1990) Hattah-Kulkyne Kangaroo Management Plan, in Restoring the Emison, W.B. (1991) The importance of Balance. A Kangaroo Control Program remnant vegetation to the Blue Bonnet in for the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. north-western Victoria. Australian Bird Department of Conservation and Watcher 14:159-64. Environment, Victoria. Emison, W.B. & Bren, W.M. (1989) Common Coulson, G. (1992) First record of an Eastern birds of the Mallee, north - western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) at Victoria, in Noble, J.C. & Bradstock, R.A. Hattah-Kulkyne National Park in NW (eds) Mediterranean landscapes in Victoria. Victorian Naturalist. 109(2): 49- Australia: Mallee ecosystems and their 52. management. CSIRO, Melbourne, pp. 221- 42. Cumming, P.L.F. & Lloyd, L.N. (1991a) Flood Characteristics of the Hattah Lakes System: Favaloro, N.J. (1966) Honeyeaters of the A Background Paper for the Integrated Sunset Country. Proc. R. Soc. Vic. 79:621- Watering Strategy. Department of 6. Conservation and Environment, Mildura Freeman Collett & Partners (1993) Murray- (unpub.). Sunset Historic Structures Study. Report to Cumming, P.L.F. & Lloyd, L.N. (1991b) An the Department of Conservation and Natural Interim Management Strategy for the Hattah Resources, Mildura (unpub.). Lakes System. A Report for the Integrated Henzell, R. (1992) Goat biology and Watering Strategy. Department of environmental impacts - implications for Conservation and Environment, Mildura eradication, in Best, L.(ed.) Feral goat (unpub.). seminar proceedings, Adelaide 1992. National Parks and Wildlife Service,
60 Mallee Parks References
Department of Environment and Planning, Menkhorst, P.W. & Bennett, A.F. (1990) Adelaide, pp 18-23. Vertebrate fauna of Mallee Vegetation in southern Australia, in Noble, J.C., Joss, P.J. Henzell, R.P. & McCloud, I.P. (1984) & Jones, G.K. (eds) The mallee lands. A Estimation of the density of feral goats in conservation perspective. CSIRO, part of arid South Australia by means of the Melbourne, pp. 276-9. Peterson Estimate. Aust. Wildl. Res. 11: 93-102. Morgan, D.G. (1992) Yanga-Nyawi (Murray- Sunset) National Park Kangaroo Hone, J. (1984) Controlling feral pigs. Agfact Populations, July 1992. University of A9.0.9, First Edition, Department of Melbourne, Victoria (unpub.). Agriculture, NSW. Morgan, D.G. (1994a) Hattah-Kulkyne ICOMOS (1981) Charter for the Conservation National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park of Places of Cultural Significance, the Burra Kangaroo Populations, June 1994. Burra, The Australian International Council University of Melbourne, Victoria (unpub.). of Monuments or Sites (unpub.). Morgan, D.G. (1994b) Murray-Sunset National Jones, E & Coman, B.J. (1981) Ecology of the Park Kangaroo Populations, June-August feral cat, Felis catus, in south-eastern 1994. University of Melbourne, Victoria Australia. 1. Diet. Aust. Wildl. Res. 8: (unpub.). 537-47. Morgan, D.G. (1994c) Wyperfeld National Kinnear, J., Onus, M. & Bromilow, B. (1984) Park Kangaroo Populations, July 1994. Foxes, feral cats and rock wallabies. Swans University of Melbourne, Victoria (unpub.). 14: 3-8. Morgan, D.G. (1995) Hattah-Kulkyne National Landcare (1993), Mallee Regional Landcare Park Mournpall Block Kangaroo Plan, Landcare Victoria. Populations, March 1995. University of LCC (1977) Mallee Study Area Final Melbourne, Victoria (unpub). Recommendations. Land Conservation MRTB (1996) Business Plan, Mildura Council, Melbourne. Regional Tourism Board, Mildura. LCC (1987) Mallee Area Review. Land Newsome, A. E. (1989) Large Vertebrate Pests, Conservation Council, Melbourne. in Noble, J. C. and Bradstock, R. A. (eds) LCC (1989) Mallee Area Review Final Mediterranean landscapes in Australia. Recommendations. Land Conservation Mallee ecosystems and their management Council, Melbourne. CSIRO, Melbourne, pp. 406–17. LCC (1991a) Rivers and Streams Special Newsome, A.E. & Coman, B.J. (1990) Some Investigation Final Recommendations. introduced mammalian pests of the Mallee, Land Conservation Council, Melbourne. in Noble, J. C., Joss, P. J. & Jones, G. K. LCC (1991b) Wilderness Special Investigation (eds ) The mallee lands. A conservation Final Recommendations. Land perspective. CSIRO, Melbourne, pp. 234- Conservation Council, Melbourne. 7. Leonard, M. & Hammond, R. (1983) NPS (1995) National Parks and Conservation Landscape character types of Victoria. Reserves, Guidelines and Procedures Forests Commission Victoria. Manual, National Parks Service, Department of Conservation and Natural Luebbers, R. & Ellender, I. (1994) An Resources, Victoria. assessment of archaeological sites in north- west Victoria. Victoria Archaeological Priddel, D. (1989) Conservation of Rare Fauna: Survey, Melbourne. the Regent Parrot and the Malleefowl, in Noble, J. C. and Bradstock, R. A. (eds) Mediterranean landscapes in Australia.
Mallee Parks 61 References
Mallee ecosystems and their management. Westbrooke, M.E. (1990) Effects of activity on CSIRO, Melbourne, pp. 243-49. weediness in mallee communities - studies at Mallee Cliffs National Park and Nanya Robertson, P., Bennett, A.F., Lumsden, L.F., Station, south-western New South Wales, in Silveira, C.E., Johnson, P.G., Yen, A.L., Noble, J.C., Joss, P.J. & Jones, G.K. (eds) Milledge, G.A., Lillywhite, P.K. & Pribble, The mallee lands. A conservation H.J. (1989) Fauna of the Mallee Study Area perspective. CSIRO, Melbourne, pp. 276- North-western Victoria. Technical Report 9. Series No. 87, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Williams, C.K. & Moore, R. (1991) Cost- Conservation, Forests and Lands, Victoria. effectiveness of combinations of rabbit control methods, in Ninth Australian Ross, A. (1986) Aboriginal land use in the Vertebrate Pest Control Conference, Mallee district of north-western Victoria. Adelaide 1991. South Australian Animal Report to the Land Conservation Council, and Plant Control Commission, pp. 119- Victoria (unpub.). 123. RWC (1993) Feasibility of Enhancement of Wood, D.H. (1985) Effectiveness and Flooding Regime of the Wyperfeld National economics of destruction of rabbit warrens Park by Supplementary Releases from in sandy soils by ripping. Aust. Ranger. J. Headworks - Draft. Catchment Management Services Report No. 1993/40. 7(2): 122-9. Rural Water Corporation, Victoria. WRCCG (1992a) Wimmera Catchment Draft Saunders, D.A., Arnold, G.W., Burbidge, A.A. Salinity Management Plan - Draft. & Hopkins, A.J.M. (eds) (1987) Nature Wimmera River Catchment Co-ordinating conservation: the role of remnants of native Group, Horsham. vegetation. Surrey–Beatty, Sydney. WRCCG (1992b) Wimmera River Integrated Sluiter, I., Allen, G., Morgan, D. & Walker, I. Catchment Management Strategy - Final (1992) Kangaroo management at Hattah- Report. Wimmera River Catchment Co- Kulkyne National Park: the vegetation ordinating Group, Horsham. response. Abstract Proceedings of the Fifth Yen, A. (1992) Invertebrates, in Endangered Australasian Wildlife Management Society, species and communities and threatening Brisbane 1992. Australasian Wildlife processes in the Murray Mallee. Management Society. Australian National Parks and Wildlife Strudwick, D. (1992) The Historical Service and the Murray-Darling Basin Development of Saline Groundwater Commission, Canberra. Discharge in the Lower Wimmera Catchment, Victoria. Technical Report No. 2. Centre for Land Management Research, Department of Conservation and Environment, Victoria. Thompson, K. (1983a) Management of archaeological sites in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park. Report to the National Parks Service by the Victoria Archaeological Survey (unpub.). Thompson, M.B. (1983b) Populations of the Murray River tortoise Emydura (Chelodina): the effect of egg predation by the red fox, Vulpes vulpes. Aust. Wildl. Res. 10: 363-72.
62 Mallee Parks Appendices APPENDIX I SIGNIFICANT VEGETATION COMMUNITIES AND THREATENING PROCESSES
# COMMUNITY (PARK* AND AREA ) DESCRIPTION THREATENING PROCESS
Gypseous Rise Woodland Gypseous rises or dunes characterised by a grassy ground layer with scattered Overgrazing (rabbits), competition from weeds (M-S 210 ha) Sugarwood in tree form. Pine-Buloke Woodland Woodlands comprising Slender Cypress-pine and/or Buloke as the canopy Overgrazing (rabbits, kangaroos), fire, (W 5 070 ha; H-K 3 025 ha dominants. competition from weeds M-S 4 830 ha) Sandplain Grassland Grasslands on sandy plains dominated by Desert Spear Grass and Bearded Overgrazing (rabbits, kangaroos) (M-S 1 380 ha) Kerosene Grass. Belah Woodland Woodland dominated by Belah and containing a diverse understorey of shrubs Overgrazing (rabbits) (M-S 1 490 ha) and, in some cases, grasses. Floodplain Grassland Occurring on frequently flooded sites and usually dominated by River Couch. Altered hydrological regimes, overgrazing (M-S 6 030 ha) (stock), rising groundwater Black Box Woodland Not common along the Murray River, but characteristic community of less- Altered hydrological regimes, overgrazing (H-K 8 950 ha; W 4 590 ha) frequently flooded sites along other streams, e.g. Chalka Creek. (kangaroos, rabbits), rising groundwater, competition from weeds Alluvial-rise Shrubland Restricted to elevated river terraces characteristic of former river courses and Overgrazing (rabbits, kangaroos) (M-S 6 220 ha) levels. Typically dominated by Black Bluebush and Pearl Bluebush. Big Mallee Mallee woodland containing either Black Mallee Box or Bull Mallee as the Competition from weeds, rising groundwater (W 40 ha) canopy dominant. Savannah Mallee Canopy dominated by Dumosa Mallee, White Mallee and/or Acorn Mallee, with Competition from weeds, rising groundwater (M-S 41 380 ha; W 500 ha; understorey of grasses and chenopod shrubs H-K 400 ha) Lakebed Herbfield Native vegetation in the form of tall herbs dominates following the recession of Altered hydrological regimes, overgrazing (stock, (W 10 230 ha; H-K 860 ha; lake waters. rabbits, kangaroos) M-S 550 ha) 'Heathland' communities Mallee and shrubland communities growing on highly infertile Lowan Sands of Altered fire regimes, Banksia dieback (W/BD 150 000 ha) the Big Desert. 'Evaporative Basin' communities (M- Mixture of saline shrublands dominated by glassworts growing on saline Rising groundwater, overgrazing (rabbits) S 11 760 ha; H-K 245 ha) discharge pans, and other chenopod shrubs growing on associated gypseous copi rises.
*BD Big Desert WP, H-K Hattah-Kulkyne NP and Murray-Kulkyne Park, M-S Murray-Sunset NP, W Wyperfeld NP and Lake Albacutya Park #Approximate area based on 1:100 000 Floristic Vegetation maps (CFL 1987a). APPENDIX II SIGNIFICANT FLORA SPECIES AND THREATENING PROCESSES Appendices
SPECIES HOST COMMUNITY PERCEIVED THREATS
Daviesia pectinata R-SM Altered fire regimes Echinochloa lacunaria RA* Altered hydrological regimes, overgrazing (rabbits, kangaroos, stock) Elachanthus glaber S-SM, E-WDM Rising groundwater Haegiela tatei SS Rising groundwater Halosarcia flabelliformis SS Altered hydrological regimes, salinity Lepidium monoplocoides# PBW Overgrazing (rabbits) Phebalium lowanense SPH, MH Altered fire regimes, earthworks Phlegmatospermum eremaeum CM Altered fire regimes, overgrazing(rabbits) Pterostylis arenicola BW, CM Unknown Spyridium spathulatum SPH, MH Altered fire regimes, earthworks Stipa nullanulla GPW Overgrazing (rabbits) Swainsona pyrophila D-SM, S-SM Overgrazing (rabbits, kangaroos) Swainsona sericea Overgrazing (rabbits, kangaroos) Swainsona purpurea# Rising groundwater
Source: Cheal et al. (1992)
# Listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. D-BD* Dunefield - Big Desert D-USR* Dunefield - Underlying Sandstone Ridge LR* Lunettes and Ridges D-CTH Dune - Crest Tree - Heath BBM Broombush Mallee PBW Pine - Buloke Woodland SH Sandplain Heath HW Heath Woodland BW Belah woodland MH Mallee Heath R-SM Red - Swale Mallee SM Savannah Mallee BM Big Mallee/Yellow Gum G Grassland
D-SC* Dunefield - Sunset Country EB* Evaporative Basin RA* Riverine and Alluvial Terraces E-WDM East - West Dune Mallee SG Sandplain Grassland A-PS Alluvial - Plain Shrubland CM Chenopod Mallee GPG Gypseous - Plains Grassland A-RS Alluvial - Rise Shrubland S-SM Shallow - Sand Mallee SS Saline Shrubland BB-CW Black Box - Chenopod Woodland D-SM Deep - Sand Mallee BBW Black Box Woodland RRGF River Red Gum Forest Appendices APPENDIX III SIGNIFICANT FAUNA SPECIES AND THREATENING PROCESSES
SPECIES HOST COMMUNITY PERCEIVED THREATS
Mammals Platypus RA* Salinity, altered hydrological regimes, illegal net fishing Mallee Ningaui E-WDM, S-SM, D-SM, SH, MH, R-SM Altered fire regimes Paucident Planigale # A-PS, BB-CW Altered hydrological regimes, overgrazing (rabbits and stock), recreational activities Common Dunnart E-WDM, CM, D-SM, MH, BM, R-SM Altered fire regimes Western Pygmy-possum D-CTH, SH, MH, BM, R-SM Altered fire regimes Little Pygmy-possum S-SM, SH, MH, BM, R-SM Altered fire regimes Inland Eptesicus D-SC*, LR* Competition for tree hollows Greater Long-eared Bat PBW Competition for tree hollows Mitchell's Hopping Mouse E-WDM, S-SM, D-SM, D-CTH, MH, BM Altered fire regimes, introduced predators Silky Mouse D-CTH, SH, MH, BM, HW Altered fire regimes, introduced predators Birds Malleefowl # S-SM, D-SM, R-SM Altered fire regimes, introduced predators Regent Parrot E-WDM, CM, S-SM, D-SM, MH, SM, SS, Competition for nest hollows, clearance of mallee on freehold land, introduced BBW, RRGF predators, altered hydrological regimes, destruction as pest species, road kills Freckled Duck # RA* Hunting, altered hydrological regimes, salinity Red-lored Whistler D-SC*, D-BD*, BM Altered fire regimes, small population size Western Whipbird # D-USR*, Altered fire regimes Mallee Emu-wren E-WDM, D-SM Altered fire regimes, small population size Slender-billed Thornbill SH Altered fire regimes Black-eared Miner # D-SC* Altered fire regimes, hybridisation, small population size White-browed Treecreeper PBW, BW Lack of habitat regeneration Striated Grasswren E-WDM, MH, Altered fire regimes Australian Bustard # SH Introduced predators, hunting Redthroat RA*, MH, R-SM Altered fire regimes, small population size White-bellied Sea-Eagle # A-RS, RRGF Bird poaching (eggs) Spotted Bowerbird RA* Habitat degradation, lack of habitat regeneration, introduced predators, destruction as pest species Pink Cockatoo E-WDM, CM, S-SM, D-SM, MH, PBW, Habitat degradation, lack of habitat regeneration, bird poaching BW, GPG Bush Thick-knee RA* Introduced predators, overgrazing (rabbits, kangaroos, stock) Ground Cuckoo-shrike RA* Overgrazing (stock, rabbits, kangaroos) Grey Falcon # CM, A-RS, RA* Bird poaching (eggs) Square-tailed Kite RA*, D-SC*, D-BD*D-USR*, LR* Lack of habitat regeneration, bird poaching Appendices Appendix III (cont.)
SPECIES HOST COMMUNITY PERCEIVED THREATS
Fish Agassiz's Charda Perch rivers/lakes Altered hydrological regimes, salinity Murray Cod rivers/lakes Altered hydrological regimes, salinity Reptiles and amphibians Aprasia aurita # MH, BM Altered fire regimes Ctenotus brachyonyx E-WDM, S-SM, D-SM, MH, R-SM Altered fire regimes Hemiergis millewae D-SM, Altered fire regimes Long-thumbed Frog RRGF Salinity, altered hydrological regimes Broad-shelled Tortoise rivers/lakes Introduced predators (eggs), salinity, altered hydrological regimes Tessellated Gecko A-PS, A-RS, BB-CW, BBW Altered hydrological regimes, overgrazing (rabbits, stock) Tympanocryptis lineata lineata # MH, SG, GPG Overgrazing (stock) Varanus rosenbergi MH, BM, Introduced predators, accidental or secondary poisoning Tree Goanna BB-CW, BBW, RRGF Introduced predators, accidental or secondary poisoning, loss of tree hollows Ctenotus brooksi iridis E-WDM, S-SM, D-SM, D-CTH, SH, MH, Altered fire regimes BM, Egernia multiscutata D-BD* Altered fire regimes, recreational activities Carpet Python # RA* Collection, habitat degradation, indiscriminate killing by humans Morethia adelaidensis SS Overgrazing (rabbits) Yellow-faced Whip Snake D-SM, D-USR* Altered fire regimes Bardick D-SC*, MH, BM, Altered fire regimes Red-naped Snake RA* Overgrazing (stock, rabbits) Curl Snake A-RS Overgrazing (rabbits) Western Blue-tongued Lizard E-WDM, S-SM, D-SM, MH, BM, R-SM Altered fire regimes Eastern Water Skink RRGF Altered hydrological regimes, salinity Unechis spectabilis MH, BM, PBW Unknown Bandy Bandy CM Altered fire regimes Invertebrates † Antipodia atralba atralba. D-SC* Large frequent fires Candalides cyprotus cyprotus MH, D-CTH, D-BD* Large frequent fires, altered fire regimes Candalides hyacinthinus simplex D-SC*, D-BD* Large frequent fires Hypochrysops ignitus ignitus SH Large frequent fires Ogyris genoveva araxes BM Large frequent fires, earthworks (firebreak construction) Ogyris idmo halmturia MH, SH Large frequent fires Ogyris otanes MH Large frequent fires Motasingha trimaculata trimaculata MH, D-CTH, SH Large frequent fires Appendices Appendix III (cont.)
SPECIES HOST COMMUNITY PERCEIVED THREATS
Synemon jcaria D-BD* Large frequent fires Synemon nais G Overgrazing (rabbits), earthworks, habitat degradation Theclinesthes albocincta D-BD* Large frequent fires, overgrazing (rabbits) Themognatha congener D-BD* Large frequent fires Themognatha pascoei PBW Large frequent fires, earthworks (firebreak construction), overgrazing (rabbits) Trapezites sciron eremicola MH, D-CTH, D-BD* Large frequent fires
Source: Mammals: Bennett, Lumsden & Menkhorst (1992); birds: Baker-Gabb et al. (1992). Knowledge of invertebrates is limited. This list consists mainly of species from the Order Lepidoptera and is based on Douglas (1993) and Yen (1992).
# Listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
D-BD* Dunefield - Big Desert D-USR* Dunefield - Underlying Sandstone Ridge LR* Lunettes and Ridges D-CTH Dune - Crest Tree - Heath BBM Broombush Mallee PBW Pine - Buloke Woodland SH Sandplain Heath HW Heath Woodland BW Belah woodland MH Mallee Heath R-SM Red - Swale Mallee SM Savannah Mallee BM Big Mallee/Yellow Gum G Grassland
D-SC* Dunefield - Sunset Country EB* Evaporative Basin RA* Riverine and Alluvial Terraces E-WDM East - West Dune Mallee SG Sandplain Grassland A-PS Alluvial - Plain Shrubland CM Chenopod Mallee GPG Gypseous - Plains Grassland A-RS Alluvial - Rise Shrubland S-SM Shallow - Sand Mallee SS Saline Shrubland BB-CW Black Box - Chenopod Woodland D-SM Deep - Sand Mallee BBW Black Box Woodland RRGF River Red Gum Forest