Magazine of National Parks Association of

The Benefits of Citizen Science

Biodiversity Assessment & Monitoring in Protected Areas Great Sandy National Park Fraser Island Perched Dune Lakes The National Park Experience

Issue 13 February - March 2017 Connect and Protect1 Mission Statement Contents The National Parks Association promotes From the President 3 the preservation, expansion, good management and presentation of National The Benefits of Citizen Science 4 Parks in Queensland. Biodiversity Assessment & Monitoring in FROM THE PRESIDENT Protected Areas 6 Get Involved in NPAQ: Great Sandy National Park 8 NPAQ welcomes people from all walks of life Pile Valley to Basin Lake 10 and offers a variety of ways to be involved: Perched Dune Lakes 12 • Have fun in the bush – come along on a bush walk or other activity The National Park Experience 13 Michelle Prior, NPAQ President • Get your hands dirty – participate in on- Spotlight: Ranger of the month 14 ground conservation efforts • Join us – become a member What’s On 15 • Step up – become a National Parks Welcome to 2017 at NPAQ. • reviewing revenue and funding (Victorian National Parks Association), Conservation member To start the year off, the Department of mechanisms for the parks estate, projects channel the enthusiasm and • Be a National Parks Protector – join our Council Environment and Heritage Protection • exploring alternative ways to dedication of thousands of Australians regular giving program President Michelle Prior has released the Draft Protected Area manage parks (eg partnerships, into valuable conservation outcomes. • Donate – support the work of NPAQ Vice Presidents Tony O’Brien Strategy for public comment (until 24th volunteering), In order to ensure that the community’s • Participate in exciting projects – volunteer Athol Lester February 2017). The draft Strategy efforts are effective, citizen science • Subscribe – receive Protected and • encouraging philanthropic projects are supported by training, Hon Secretary Debra Marwedel is the first substantial terrestrial investment in the parks estate, Neck of the Woods in your inbox Asst Hon Secretary Yvonne Parsons conservation policy released by the manuals, guidelines, and a range of IT • Connect – like us on Facebook or share resources. Hon Treasurer Graham Riddell Queensland Government since the • developing a medium-term a photo on Instagram target for working towards a 17% Councillors David Ball Biodiversity Strategy 2011. Many citizen science participants enjoy • Stay in touch – read regular updates on terrestrial protected area coverage. Julie Hainsworth not only the ability of contributing to a our website The Draft Strategy identifies eleven Daniel Kelly Queensland is internationally renowned worthwhile endeavour, they learn about • Share a bush adventure with children Guiding Principles and covers four key Denis McMullen components: 1) Expanding and better for its biodiversity and natural beauty the species being monitored, which – download NPAQ’s Kids in National enhances their appreciation of the Richard Proudfoot managing the protected area system, and is in need of a forward-thinking Parks strategy to deliver a work-class natural world around them. Visit our website at Alexsis Wilson 2) Private protected areas, 3) State protected area network. NPAQ will be www.npaq.org.au owned and managed protected areas, If you are interested in participating Staff 4) Shaping the future of Queensland’s looking closely at the detail in the draft in exciting citizen science projects, protected area system. After noting strategy and drafting a submission. keep an eye on the Community Guidelines for Contributors Business Development Officer: Our submission will focus on ensuring Mariika Strand the existing initiatives within each Conservation section of fortnightly NPAQ invites contributions to Protected the best outcomes for national parks Project & Office Administrator: component, 19 proposed actions editions of Neck of the Woods. articles. Please email [email protected] and Queenslanders. Jeannie Rice are identified that aims to reform Images for a schedule of future editions. Communications Officer: Queensland’s protected area estate. After reading the draft Strategy, Jenna Huckenswager Proposed actions include: you may like to participate in the Birds in the Reeds, Lake McKenzie - Contributors, please include contact details Robert Ashdown (QLD Government) • increasing recognition of Government’s online survey, or send and brief personal summary. Articles can Editorial Team Indigenous Protected Areas, your feedback to the NPAQ office by Citizen Science - NPAQ Image Library be submitted via email or hard copy. Digital Jenna Huckenswager, Jeannie Rice, email ([email protected]) or post photos should be minimum 300dpi. Neil Douglas • improving the protection of (PO Box 1040 Milton QLD 4064) – private conservation land through keeping in mind the date consultation Copyright and Disclaimer Contact Details legislation, closes. • developing incentives to This edition of Protected includes an NPAQ retains copyright of Protected. Unit 10/36 Finchley Street, Milton establishing and maintaining article on citizen science. From humble Articles may be quoted provided that PO Box 1040, Milton QLD 4064 private conservation land, beginnings, citizen science now plays appropriate acknowledged occurs in the ABN: 60 206 792 095 • protecting local government an important role in scientific research. reproduction and use of material. Phone: (07) 3367 0878 conservation lands, Eager community volunteers spend their free time collecting a wealth of Articles in Protected do not necessarily Web: www.npaq.org.au data, and playing an important part reflect the opinion or position of the National Email: [email protected] in conserving our unique wildlife and Parks Association of Queensland. landscapes. Citizen science projects Advertising Enquiries are invaluable in collecting data that Advertising Policy Please email [email protected] or phone compliments or enhances professional (07) 3367 0878 scientific data, or fills important gaps. Advertisements are required to align with relevant NPAQ policies. NPAQ reserves Images Whilst citizen science projects may the right to refuse any advertisement at any entice prospective volunteers with a time. Advertisement in Protected does not Cover - Lake McKenzie (Robert Ashdown, catchy name, such as ‘Who’s Living imply NPAQ’s endorsement of the products Queensland Government). on my Land?’ (NSW National Parks or services. Strip p2 - Paperbark (Alexsis Wilson). Association), or ‘Caught on Camera’

2 Connect and Protect 3 THE BENEFITS OF CITIZEN SCIENCE

Lucy Hollingsworth, Project Officer, NPAQ

Encouraging our urbanised It is also crucial in the face of a through involvement with citizen The Eye on the Reef program The primary aim of the expedition What better way to get young boys population to connect (or re-connect) fast-paced changing climate, that science projects. encourages and provides every was to create a database but the and girls out and away from that with nature is one of the most everyone be involved in citizen Citizen science provides new visitor (over 2.62 million/yr in team also ended up identifying computer screen then with the effective means of changing people’s science projects. In this way mega- information to protected area 20164), the opportunity to aid numerous new species, not believed prospect of helping save the world? perception and encourages an data can be collected and analysed managers and decision-makers, in data collection and analysis, to have been documented before. We are in the centre of a phase in appreciation for protected areas such so that adaptive mitigation responses through highlighting issues such as; subsequently, contributing to the Not only is citizen science benefiting history where every single human as National Parks. can be formed and we can pest and disease outbreaks, pollution reef’s long-term protection. scientific research it also enriches being should understand how they Citizen science initiatives provide (hopefully) avoid complete disaster. breaches or the discovery of new The program provides different human wellbeing by acting as an impact the Earth. Individuals alone the ideal chance for people to get It also aids scientific research greatly, species. opportunities depending on skill experience to further encourage cannot solve the pollution and involved directly with conservation especially where development It also creates a greater levels and commitment. For example, people into National Parks and other extinction crisis, but perhaps if we and through doing so gain a greater springs up in the blink of an eye understanding of science principles, more experienced reef users with protected areas. work together as a mobilised and understanding and respect for it. before studies can be completed. increasing education which leads to more time might be involved in With the majority of Queensland’s organised community, we might just Citizen science also enables For example, a koala search in South the development of new skills, and underwater monitoring to record population residing in cities and create the change we wish to see in members of the public a great conducted by over 500 helps the research community gain specific reef health observations highly urban areas our children are this world. opportunity to work closely with people managed to record 1,500 an increased scale of data collection which can be uploaded online. spending more and more of their References scientists on important scientific sightings in a single day as part of and access to resources such as While any regular tourist can easily down time indoors. The Great Koala Count. Enabling download the app and report their Pecl, G., Gillies, C., Sbrocchi, C., Roetman, projects which benefit the wider private land. This brings to life new terms such P., (2015), Building Australia Through Citizen community. researchers to develop a model of sightings while aboard their first ever Science, Occasional Paper Series, Issue koala distributions from the spatial One citizen science project of great glass bottom boat tour of the reef. as ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ and 11, Office of Chief Scientist, Australian Many Australians cherish their success in protected areas is that the ‘Extinction of Experience’ Government. data collected. Such an undertaking All data is then combined into one environment, as we are so fortunate would otherwise have taken months of the ‘Eye on the Reef’ monitoring which describes how more Australian Conservation Society, (2016), to be surrounded by such rich and assessment program run by the data management and reporting people, especially children and to complete by a small research system which informs Marine Park Changing the Story: The power of words, biodiversity at every turn. As such, team. Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority teenagers, are losing touch with their Habitat, Vol. 44, No. 2. there are currently approximately (GBRMA). The Great Barrier Reef managers and researchers of up- surrounding natural environment. There are many benefits of citizen to-date information regarding reef Executive Director, Institute for Marine and 130,000 Australians that are active is an extensive ecosystem and is An active connection with nature Antarctic Studies, (2015), From mapping fish science programs, including the health, trends and distribution of to counting koalas Australians are becoming in over 90 citizen science projects, one of Australia’s most obviously provides a way to address a range predominantly in environmental vital contribution to the growth of and disastrously affected by climate important species. passionate citizen scientists, University of Australia, and the protection of its of health issues, and Queensland’s Tasmania, Australia. science fields. change. Extensive research is Another recent citizen science parks and forests provide unlimited unique fauna and flora as well as Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Many kinds of organisations are conducted for mitigation control, but expedition with encouraging citizen science opportunities to tangible advantages gained for the it is impossible to cover such a vast outcomes occurred on Fraser (2016), Great Barrier Reef tourist numbers, also involved, including universities, research community, individuals, and encourage this connection. The Australian Government, Australia. all levels of government, schools, and complex area. Island in December last year (2016) society. organised by the Fraser Island Lodge, J., 2016, Biological secrets uncovered industry groups, community groups on Fraser Island ‘bio-blitz’ ABC News, 7th and museums. Hence, attracting Citizen science is a way to further Defenders Organisation (FIDO). It December 2016. Available at http://www.abc. a range of people- those with little increase a person’s exposure to was the largest biological stocktake net.au/news/2016-12-05/fraser-island-bio- prior knowledge of Australian wildlife the natural world, and through this, to be undertaken in a World Heritage blitz/8092310 to experienced amateur naturalists, manifest a deeper appreciation and Listed site. Kellert, S. R., (2012), Birthright: People all making a difference to the sense of belonging to something The Bio-blitz involved over forty and the Nature in the Modern World, Yale University Press, USA. environment around them. greater. scientists, and supporting citizens Images: The diversity of the projects and When the Australian Conservation from all over Australia spending a sheer amount of data that can be Foundation asked readers to week photographing, documenting, Koala, Karen Langton collected through these projects, participate in a survey, inquiring catching and releasing Fraser Island’s Coral Reef, Toby Hudson via Wikimedia provide observational records that whether they would rather be a part plants and animals, specializing in a Commons could otherwise not be achieved by a of - a movement, a team, a network range of fields from grasses to native single scientist, or small study team, or a community - the majority vote bees. which are subject to time and funding was to be a part of a community. constraints. There is no better community than one that is environmentally conscious

4 5 BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT & MONITORING IN PROTECTED AREAS Extracts from the KMTNC and UNEP-WCMC Guidelines

Graham Tucker (Ecological Solutions), Phillip Bubb (UNEP-WCMC), Mireille de Heer (UNEP-WCMC), Lera Miles (UNEP-WCMC), Anna Lawrence and Jeanette van Rijsoort (Oxford University Environmental Change Institute), Siddhartha B. Bajracharya (KMTNC), Ram Chandra Nepal (KMTNC), Roshan Sherchan (KMTNC) and Nawarai Chapagain (KMTNC).

The King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation. Nepal and the UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, UK

One of the principle reasons for important biodiversity features within Nor should monitoring programs However, such detailed research Biodiversity Assessment highest priority, and therefore the creating National Parks and other the protected area. be confused with research studies could be triggered if monitoring Unless protected area values are degree of threat (i.e. risk of extinction) types of protected area is to conserve Biodiversity Monitoring that are designed to establish why data reveal a decline below a preset understood, there is a risk that is of primary concern in setting the special biodiversity values within something is happening. warning level (which should be above inappropriate management may be priorities. them. Effective conservation of Protected area management defines the conservation objective population monitoring more rigorously as: “the Many of the field methods and undertaken, resulting in a decline in This is reflected in the production of this biodiversity normally requires scientific principles of biodiversity level). the value of the protected area and its lUCN Red Lists (see www.redlist.org) management actions that are best collection and analysis of repeated observations or measurements assessment and monitoring can be Data Gathering important features. of species that are considered to be carried out within some form of used in research, but their purpose is at risk of global extinction. The risk management planning framework. to evaluate changes in condition The principal aim of data gathering The evaluation, therefore, forms and progress toward meeting a different. is to prepare an overall description the basis upon which conservation of extinction at national level is also To develop an effective management management objective” In particular, research may often need of the protected area, including an objectives should be set, which the commonest basis for identifying plan requires an initial assessment national species conservation Thus, in the context of protected area to be more detailed, sensitive and inventory of the known biodiversity explicitly ensure that each feature is of the status of biodiversity, to set scientifically rigorous than required components that are present. conserved appropriately. A biodiversity priorities. the priorities and objectives for management needs, monitoring is carried out to determine if biodiversity for many monitoring purposes. This should be carried out in evaluation consists of two parts: Biodiversity plays a central role management, and then ongoing For example, it may be adequate in our lives. We depend upon monitoring, to establish whether, conservation, livelihood enhancement partnership with stakeholders, by • An evaluation of protected area as and other objectives are being met, to monitor vulture numbers by collating and reviewing all relevant and a whole, which places the site in plants and animal species for management actions are achieving occasional counts of soaring birds. food, medicines and raw materials. their objectives. such as the maintenance of the available information on the protected the context of its regional, national existing area of a particular habitat This may establish if population trends area’s status, biophysical characters, and international importance, and The genetic resources contained Biodiversity assessments, therefore, or a specified number of a particular are meeting conservation objectives, human use and biodiversity. identifies its overall value and within biodiversity hold the basis normally form key components of of our continued existence. The species. but will not reveal the factors Additional information may also need importance to various interest protected area management plans, determining population size. groups. services provided by biodiversity from which monitoring strategies It is better to think of monitoring in this to be gathered from new field surveys and ecosystems helps to sustain and programs are identified and more precise way, because it helps to To establish what influences and analysis of remote sensing data. • The identification of the key our livelihoods and protect implemented. ensure that protected area monitoring population size would require much This stage of an assessment biodiversity features that must our health. There has been programs and their methods are more time consuming, difficult and be protected and conserved to Biodiversity assessment is the first may potentially be very time increasing global recognition of the focused on protected area objectives, costly studies. These would probably consuming, and could easily become maintain the importance of the importance of biodiversity, but also stage in the process of defining the and so support their achievement. not be necessary if according to protected area. biodiversity management objectives overwhelming, so it is important to acknowledgement that it is being lost Thus, a protected area monitoring monitoring data, populations appear focus attention on key information An evaluation of the biodiversity of a at an alarming rate. for an area. Its purpose is to program has a specific purpose, tied ‘healthy’ and conservation objectives gather and assess the information requirements of the stakeholders protected area as a whole may take These Guidelines are a significant to objectives that have already been are being met. that are directly relevant to the into account a wide range of potential required to make decisions and defined. contribution to reducing this loss, as recommendations for the future. management planning process. biodiversity values, including intrinsic they help the managers of protected Monitoring should not attempt to and socio-cultural values. areas obtain and use the biodiversity In the context of management describe the general ecology of a site planning for a protected area a Key biodiversity features (e.g. information necessary for their work. or measure things that may merely be species, habitats, ecological helping them know if their actions are biodiversity assessment involves of interest. Unfortunately, monitoring measuring or surveying what exists functions) should include features being effective. schemes often resort to measuring a that are: of high nature conservation in the area and what is known about wide variety of variables, which may References it, judging its value and identifying the importance. socio-economic or may not be related to the protected importance. cultural importance. Tucker, G., Bubb P., de Heer M., Miles L.. most important features. area objectives and management Lawrence A., Bajracharya S. B., Nepal R. C, Assessments therefore need to questions that need to be addressed. The identification of key biodiversity Sherchan R., Chapagain N.R. 200J. Guidelines features of high nature conservation for Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring for involve a social component that Thus, time and money may be Protected Areas. KMTNC, Kathmandu, Nepal. identifies biodiversity features of high importance should firstly take into spent collecting unnecessary data. http://apps.unep.org/redirect.php?file=/ socio-economic value, as well as account broad international and Even worse, it may be found that national conservation objectives. publications/pmtdocuments/Guidelines_ features of high aesthetic, cultural key management questions cannot biodiversity_assessment_monitoring_protected_ or intrinsic value. Assessments be answered with the information In terms of global objectives, there is areas.pdf also typically include identification obtained. broad agreement that the prevention Images: of the principal factors affecting the of global extinction should be the Page 6 - John Sinclair, Page 7 - Robert Ashdown

6 7 PARK IN F CUS

Great Sandy National Park - Fraser Island Section

John Sinclair AO, Fraser Island Defenders Organisation

Fraser Island (K’Gari) has many claims widely written about and made into attracted international attention grown on sand dunes. The secret is It required the Federal Government K’Gari is accessible from Hook Point to fame. It is the largest sand island a film. However, it was known to especially since 2001 when dingoes in the soil profile. As the nutrients are over-ruling the Queensland where the vehicular ferry lands on in the world but is clad with the tallest the Butchulla people for thousands attacked and killed a young boy. leached to greater depths the forest Government to end sandmining the island or from Mary River Heads forests growing on sand in the world of years as K’Gari and there is an Since then the Fraser Island dingoes, declines to mallee and heathlands in 1976 only after a six-year where vehicular ferries operate to and has more lakes than any other increasing acceptance of the K’Gari have become the nation’s most that mainly occur on the western side conservation super storm and a Kingfisher Resort and Wanggoolba part of Queensland. Its natural beauty, name, just as many place names on studied population, and may become of the island where the dunes are commission of inquiry. It took another Creek. the biological processes, and the the island are now of Butchulla origin. the purest strain of dingo in South- much older. protracted 16-year conservation Fraser Island is a mecca for 4WDing, active geomorphic processes allowed K’Gari forms the eastern shores of East Australia and perhaps Australia- The grandest of the trees growing in campaign, a change of government with no bitumen roads on the Island the island to meet three of the four both Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy wide, due to their relative isolation the closed forest were known to the and another commission of inquiry at all. Visitors should be mindful of natural criteria for World Heritage Strait, a Ramsar site. The waters from domestic and feral dogs. Butchulla as Pibins (Syncarpia hillii). to see the end of logging and the the sensitive natural environment, listing in 1992. surrounding it are all within the Great However, it is the invertebrate They are almost endemic to the island island’s World Heritage listing in 1992. and take care when travelling around It is South East Queensland’s Sandy Marine Park. fauna that holds the greater interest and grow in close association with Even then it would be a further four the island, keeping to existing tracks, largest natural area and with its because sand allows a wider range Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus) years before the southern half of the and not contribute to excess sand Hervey Bay is more saline, warmer island was given National Park status. stunningly attractive perched dune and calmer than the ocean on of soil fauna including ants and other and Kauri Pine (Agathis robusta) in erosion. lakes, the long stretches of beaches the other side of the island and insects, earthworms and lizards to a strip in the higher middle part of Based on camping statistics, Fraser Fraser Island is a large National Park with many sections backed by is famed for the opportunities it move through it more easily than most the island. This forest is fringed by Island is the most popular National that requires significant, intensive attractive coloured sand cliffs plus offers to watch humpback whales soils. Blackbutt (Eucalyptus piluraris) forest. Park in Queensland despite a trend management. It is well worth a visit, its impressive rainforest, it is small cavorting there during their southward This group of fauna is known as the Although the Australian Association for away from camping to resorts and and deserving of conservation efforts wonder that it attracts about 400,000 migration. Hervey Bay is also home ‘sand-swimmers’. Due to the scarcity the Advancement of Science identified rental accommodation in the villages. and resources. visitors annually and is Queensland’s for significant dugong, turtle and of grasses, there are few larger the whole of Fraser Island as one of Fraser Island topped the list for References most popular National Park. dolphin populations while the waters herbivores. K’Gari hosts surprisingly four outstanding areas of Australia, affordability for any Australian beach Just 260 kilometres by road north of surrounding the island have long few arboreal mammals, although most suitable for national parks in holiday according to a Roy Morgan Sinclair, John. 1997, Discovering Fraser Island & Cooloola / John Sinclair Australian , K’gari’s closest mainland attracted recreational and commercial about half the total bird species of 1893, it took more than 100 years Holiday Tracking Survey released Environmental Publications Gladesville, N.S.W towns are Rainbow Beach and Hervey fishers. Australia and an impressive array of before the first Gazettal in 1971 and last October. At $94 per person per Images Bay with vehicular ferries operating The terrestrial fauna is mainly reptiles have been sighted there. some monumental political struggles night, it comes much cheaper than Champagne Pools, Ship Wreck, Eli Creek from Inskip Point and Mary River nocturnal and little seen except for K’Gari’s grandest features are the before the National Park reached its the average cost per night of $151 Heads. It is elongated, stretching the birds and dingoes which have tall forests, the highest in the world current extent. per person for a domestic holiday. Images provided by Tracy Brown. 123 kilometres from Hook Point in the south to Sandy Cape in the north with an average width of 22 kilometres. 99% of the 184,000 ha island is covered by National Park and since the 2014 determination, the Butchulla people hold Native title over the whole of the National Park. The areas excluded from the park are mainly the small urban centres of Eurong, Kingfisher Bay, Happy Valley, and Orchid Beach plus a 313 ha freehold block in an environmentally sensitive area near Moon Point. Fraser Island’s official name is derived from Captain James Fraser who died there after surviving the loss of his ship north of the island. The ordeals of his wife there in 1836 have been

8 9 FEATURED WALK Pile Valley to Basin Lake, Fraser Island John Sinclair AO, Fraser Island Defenders Organisation

Fraser Island is a bushwalkers dream. the highly acclaimed Central Station The Pile Valley section of the walk is Despite the lush forest in this deep the equilibrium between rainfall and Lake, walkers can be dropped off It has a subtropical, frost-free climate boardwalk used by about a quarter of reminiscent of walking in a Californian valley, there aren’t rich pickings for evaporation that maintains the water at Pile Valley and proceed a further enticing to year round walking. The a million visitors annually. Redwood forest. birds either except for the Wompoo levels in this enchanting lake. The lake 3.8 kms through to Lake McKenzie Pigeons and Sulphur-crested offers welcome safe swimming at the (Boorangoora). Here there is another forest-clad dunes rise to 240 metres Syncarpia Forest K’Gari Hydrology but walkers welcome the relatively cockatoos in the canopy and the end of a most interesting and varied hikers camp if continuing on the Great easy gradients without precarious The section from Pile Valley to Central The walking track then descends occasional Azure Kingfisher or a walk from Pile Valley. Walk or a vehicle pickup can be ridges or rocks to trip over. A most Station passes through a section of down a series of steps to White’s Ground Thrush near the Access arranged from there. impressive landscape featuring tall intact Satinay Brush-Box forest that Wanggoolba Creek. At first glance creek. Light closed footwear and drinking Alternatively it is comfortable to park forests, expansive beaches and the never felt a loggers axe. This is some the water is so clear that it isn’t The canopy is mostly Piccabeen water are suggested for this 4.8 a vehicle at Central Station and make lure of lakes, topped by the lack of of the grandest forests anyone could immediately apparent that it is a Palms with a mix of rainforest species. kilometre walk that can be comfortably return walks to both Pile Valley and mud are just some of the attractions. see. It so awed the early foresters, running stream until the bridge across It takes an hour or more to savour Basin Lake in a day. that it was decreed to be a Beauty provides confirmation. Wanggoolba done in a day. There is, however, seasonal closure the loveliest of walks (only 2 kms) The author has endeavoured to ensure that Spot where no logging could be Creek’s source is a re-entrant valley The nearest towns from which to of the 90 kilometre long Fraser Island between Pile Valley and Central the information presented here is as accurate contemplated. just upstream at the level of the embark for this walk are Maryborough Great Walk, from 1 November to 28 Station. as possible. However, they or NPAQ do not regional water table. The creek and Hervey Bay and then via a ferry accept responsibility for any loss, injury or February due to the high fire danger The dominant species is Syncarpia It is entrancing to follow the silent hillii that the tourist industry likes to effectively represents the level of from Mary River Heads. inconvenience sustained by any person guided conditions. There are a few walking the water table as it flows westward creek through this verdant scene by this article. call “Satinay” based on a marketing For those without vehicles, tracks where the fire risk is deemed towards the Great Sandy Strait. that is a photographer’s delight. At Images to be so low as to allow the tracks to name for the timber coined in the the Central Station boardwalk pause arrangements can be made with Syncarpia hillii - Pile Valley remain open all year round. The most early 1960s. I prefer to call these While it doesn’t take long for water to to wonder at the remarkable King some tour bus companies or the magical of these is the section of the magnificent trees that grow 20 to 25 filter vertically through the sand, once Fern (Angiopteris evecta), a relict Fraser Island Taxi to drop walkers off King Fern - Wonggoolba Creek Great Walk between Pile Valley and metres to their first branch by their it reaches the water table dome, it of a bygone era when it had global at Central Station where there is a Wind Rippled Sand - Hammerstone Sandblow Butchulla name Pibin. That name was then moves laterally on the dome ever hikers Camp. Basin Lake which is insulated from fire distribution and provided food for Images provided by John Sinclair AO. used for thousands of years before so slowly because there is little fall as it is in closed or wet schlerophyll dinosaurs. Wanggoolba Creek is one If walkers have a support vehicle, the names Satinay and Turpentine until it reaches the creek. forest. Part of the walk includes of the few places in Australia outside and the track is open beyond Basin used by the timber industry. Based on evidence gathered in the Wet Tropics where this fern with Cooloola, it is estimated that it could huge fronds survives naturally. take up to 200 years for some water At the end of the boardwalk it is worth falling as raindrops far from this creek a brief exploration of Central Station to actually reach the creek. Some that has historical information, picnic take only days or weeks but the mean tables and toilet amenities. residence time of water in the dune system before it emerges is about Basin Lake 100 years. Resuming the walk, cross over the Having been so thoroughly filtered, creek on a higher bridge and take the water emerging is bereft of off for a brisker walk to Basin Lake nutrients and some of the freshest known to the Butchulla as Tahwan. naturally occurring water in the world. The undulating 2.8 kilometre walk to It is worth reaching down from the this picturesque lake passes through bridge just to taste this incredibly pure tall brush box and tall eucalypt water. schlerophyll forest. The shores of Basin Lake are ringed with sedges Wanggoolba Creek defining water levels in the lake at Due to the lack of nutrients different times. Being a perched dune Wanggoolba Creek supports few fish lake, Tahwan water levels are only although eels may be seen at times. maintained by natural rainfall. It has no catchment more than the surface of the lake and the beach. It is only

10 11 WILDLIFE THE NATIONAL PARK FEATURE EXPERIENCE Perched Dune Lakes why national parks should be valued, told through the Dr. Wade Hadwen - Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University lens of personal experience in national parks Alexsis Wilson, NPAQ Councillor

One of the most unique and special disconnected aquatic ‘islands’ within (Odonata), caddisflies (Trichoptera), For me, the moment I have some free There are the obvious differences; the And that’s when I had my epiphany. features of Fraser Island, is the an expansive sand mass. mayflies (Ephemeroptera), beetles time I want to be outside. At the very calm, relative solitude of the bush as National parks appeal to me because number and diversity of perched Despite the challenges to life, (Coleoptera) and true bugs least in my garden or a local park, opposed to the noise and busy-ness of a purity that exists when you’re in dune lakes. As their name suggests, perched dune lakes support many (Hemiptera). but if I can spare a half day or more of the city, but there’s more to it than them. You simply go there and be. perched dune lakes can be found I’m always drawn to national parks that. Then, just last week something You breathe, you move, you sit and unique and endemic species. Of the groups that can live in perched ‘perched’ in dunes that lie above the and their beautiful scenery. I love the happened that made it all clear. In rest if you’re tired, you may eat if dune lakes, there is a reasonably regional water table. Since they exist Acid tolerant species thrive in these smell of the eucalypts, the crunch what will go down in my household you’ve brought provisions and you’re high degree of endemicity, with in a sandy and highly permeable systems, as testified by significant of bark underfoot and I defy anyone history as one of the great hissy fits surrounded by wildlife essentially several species of dragonflies known environment, perched systems only populations of rare fish species like to not feel better when they hear of this century, my undoing was a doing the same. It’s all so honest to be restricted to acidic dune lake form when sand becomes cemented the honey blue-eye (Pseudomugil kookaburras laughing. password. and uncluttered by social madness. systems. Population genetic studies together with organic matter to form mellis) and the IUCN red-listed I marvel at the beauty of life and self have shown significant differences Usually, time limits me to the closest In our urban lives there is no end a semipermeable subsoil known as Oxleyan pygmy perch (Nannoperca preservation in these wild places. in invertebrate and fish populations national parks and I frequently visit to our first-world frustrations; traffic; “coffee rock”. As a consequence of oxleyana). The details here are necessary and living in different perched dune lakes D’Aguilar. Over the Christmas break admin’ fees for receiving bills by this unique mode of origin, perched The geographically rare and restricted exquisite and I find I can further enjoy across the Fraser Island sand mass, we met some friends at Jolly’s post; the prolific and obnoxious use dune lakes are essentially basins of “acid frogs”, such as the Wallum and celebrate my family, my house, highlighting both the disconnection Lookout for a walk and a picnic lunch of blowers; finding a rump steak at rainwater that do not have inflow or froglet (Crinia tinnula), the Cooloola the city and even the ludicrous social between these environments and and despite seeing it dozens of the back of the fridge that expired 5 outflow creeks. sedgefrog (Litoria cooloolensis), the details I sometimes have to endure the importance of managing them for times, the view was breathtaking. The days ago, etc, but I anticipate these Wallum rocketfrog (Litoria freycineti) when I know I can escape to the raw The unique mode of formation conservation. breeze was the perfect antidote to stresses. Last week all I wanted to do makes the perched dune lakes of and the Wallum sedgefrog (Litoria the summer heat and the currawongs was buy a pass for a yoga class and wonder of a national park. The perched dune lakes of Fraser Fraser Island quite special – indeed, olongburensis) are also abundant in and cicadas provided some lively what should have been as simple as Island are also spectacularly beautiful. Images Fraser Island is the world’s hotspot perched dune lakes. background music. One of our friends turn up, pay and participate, became Some are deeply stained by tannins Jolly’s Lookout, Alexsis Wilson for this type of lake. Significantly, Many lakes also contain the soft- couldn’t stop raving about the beauty an online interrogation that required (Lake Boomanjin) and others are perched dune lakes are shallow, spined rainbowfish (Rhadinocentrus of the spot and mentioned she’d me to sign up, provide a birthdate Kookaburra, John Sinclair AO almost completely clear (Lake acidic, dominated by sodium and ornatus), and/or the fire-tailed never been there before. The thought and an address and then, as is so Northbrook Creek - Paul Donatiu. Birrabeen and Lake McKenzie). These chloride ions and are low in nutrient gudgeon (Hypseleotris galii), but there was absolutely foreign to me. typical now, create a password. A systems not only contributed to the concentrations. Together these are also perched lakes with no fish PASSWORD! FOR YOGA! Am I the island’s successful nomination for I’d never considered why I’m drawn conditions make life hard for aquatic present at all and these conditions only one that finds this insane and, as World Heritage listing but also to the to national parks or why I find these animals and plants – especially give rise to a different ecological I later explained with vehemence to boom in tourism that has followed. places so appealing. for the truly aquatic species that community which is dominated by the instructor, ironic? cannot easily disperse into these aquatic insects such as dragonflies If you are going to swim in a Perched Lake please remember that these ecosystems are incredibly fragile and sensitive to human disturbance, so don’t wear sunscreens or oils on your skin. About Dr Wade Hadwen Dr Wade Hadwen is an aquatic ecologist with more than 20 years experience working on understanding how humans interact with and alter lake, river and estuarine environments. https://www.griffith.edu.au/environment- planning-architecture/australian-rivers-institute Images Lake Boomanjin - John Sinclair AO, Lake McKenzie - Tracy Brown. 12 13 F Social Walk - King Island, WHAT’S Wellington Point SPOTLIGHT Wednesday 22 March 2016 Location: Wellinton Point Reserve Grading: Easy RANGER OF THE MONTH N Leaders: Len & Laurelle Lowry (0428 335 572, [email protected]) Fee: $5.00 per person Meet at 10:00am at the parking area Doug Davidson (QPWS) NPAQ Activities at Wellington Point Reserve, Reserve Esplanade, Wellington Point. Ï Vegetation Management Group King Island is part of the Moreton Bay Ma- Saturday 18 February 2017 rine Park and is actually a shrinking island due to the loss of the mangrove vegetation. Location: Meet at Jolly’s Lookout carpark, Meet up for a chat and morning tea before D’Aguilar National Park setting off across a sand bar at low tide to King Island. The 3 kilometre walk is interest- Grading: various Background Can you describe your favourite ing with the sea life scurrying at your feet. Leader: Angus McElnea (0429 854 446, or We will have lunch before we find our way Spotlight is a series focusing on national parks experience? home before the school pick-up rush. QPWS rangers for NPAQs bi-monthly It would have to be exploring the Royal [email protected]) magazine Protected. Questions have Arch Cave at Chillagoe–Mungana Come and spend a couple of hours to help What to bring been designed to provide an insight Caves National Park. It is a large with lantana control and revegetation work in Morning tea, lunch, drinking water, sun- into the diverse backgrounds and day- limestone cave system that features the Boombana and Jollys Lookout sections screen, folding chair and Sun Smart clothes to-day activities of Queensland’s park spectacular formations and huge of D’Aguilar National Park, west of Brisbane. rangers. echoing chambers, that is home to a wide range of fauna. Leading the Æ Bird Watching - Mogill Doug Davidson, ranger at Rinyirru public through the cave on a ranger- Conversation Park (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) in guided cave tour never actually felt like southern , wanted ‘work’. Sunday 19 February 2016 to be a Ranger when he was 12 years Grading: Easy old. A work experience stint during What is the best part about high school with NSW National Parks working in a National Park? Leader: Ian Peacock (3359 0318, and Wildlife Service (NPWS) confirmed I get to see rare animals in their natural [email protected]) his passion and he went on to study habitats. These sightings are exciting Fee: $5.00 per person Environmental Science. but also justify the effort we put into Meet: 7.30am at Mill Road, Anstead, UBD pest management and give a sense 175 N 11 How long have you worked in of satisfaction that we are protecting national parks? wildlife for future generations. I am This is a quiet area with varying vegetation I have worked in Queensland’s national also lucky because I not only work but that should offer good birding sites. There parks since 2008. I have always been also live in a national park—even on are graded bush tracks, some a little hilly but not difficult.There are NO TOILETS at this interested in wildlife and I thought, my days off I see amazing things! location. ‘what better way to make a living than being outdoors, protecting the natural What is your top tip for visitors to Directions: From Grandview Road turn left environment and experiencing some parks for bushwalking? into Mill Road. Travel for approximately 800 amazing places’. Take your time. Most people rush to m. At the bottom of a long hill with kerbing The property provides opportunities for get to the end or the highlight of the there is a locked gate on the left. Parking walkers, photographers and bird watchers here is limited so continue for another 120 alike, with several waterfalls on the property, Which parks have you worked in? walk and miss so much along the way. m around a left-hand bend to a flat area and In NSW, I was based in Glen Innes Walk slowly and quietly and you will park interesting flora and fauna, and a bird list of as a Discovery Ranger; and I also appreciate so much more. 160 species, not to mention the features of worked on track building projects in What to bring: Hat, binoculars, closed in the nearby . Washpool, Gibraltar Range and Bald What is your top tip for campers? shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, water, chair, morning tea and lunch. Rock national parks. In Queensland’s Be prepared. A little bit of research Cost: $100.50 per Adult national parks, I’ve worked in into where you are going can make a F Social Walk - Daisy Hill This is $92.50 for the camp fee and Chillagoe-Mungana Caves and Staaten big difference to how much you enjoy $8.00 (itinerary Fri to Mon only) NPAQ River national parks, the Palmer the experience (or not!). Know the Wednesday 22 February 2016 Weekend Activities fee. Goldfields Resources Reserve and Errk conditions of the roads you will be Location: Daisy Hill Regional Park Oykangand National Park (CYPAL). I’ve driving on and check that you have a Grading: Easy Kids Under 14 Years are Free. also worked out at Undara, 40 Mile suitable vehicle and equipment. When Leaders: Len & Laurelle Lowry (0428 335 For More Information or to Register Visit: Scrub and Bulleringa national parks travelling remotely, take that extra bit of 572, [email protected]) https://npaqueensland.worldsecure- and currently I am based at Rinyirru food and water ‘just in case’ and make Fee: $5.00 per person systems.com/BookingRetrieve.aspx- (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL). sure your camping permits are booked Meet at 10:00am at the first parking area ?ID=203314 in advance. inside the gate of Daisy Hill Road, Daisy Hill What is your most memorable We will cater for all fitness levels with a 4 moment? NPAQ would like to thank and a 6 km walk and see if we can spot a Hazel passed away at the age of 102. I think taking part in remote surveys Doug for his time and effort in koala along the way. We are guaranteed to Vale She was a life member of NPAQ, and around is very answering our questions. see a koala after lunch when we have a look was a member for just over 50 years. special. We travel in helicopters, over the information centre. Thank you also to QPWS for their Our sincere condolences to the families landing in unspoiled natural and friends of Hazel Noakes, and John ecosystems and camp for a week or ongoing support and assistance. John was an avid bushwalker, and lead For more information, or to register de Horne. so, documenting wildlife, especially We hope you enjoyed finding out many walks for NPAQ. John also served rare and threatened species. We have for an activity, please go to our as NPAQ President from 1996 to 2001. more about one of Queensland’s website: to be totally self-sufficient, carrying park rangers. everything we need in a backpack. www.npaq.org.au/events

14 15 6 - 15 NOVEMBER 2017 Presented by National Parks Association of Queensland Don’t miss this exceptional tour discovering the natural beauty of Tasmania, while enjoying the best sightseeing on offer in our wonderful Apple Isle. HIGHLIGHTS  World class eco cruise to Tasman Island  Spectacular Rainforests, National Parks, wildlife and seabirds  Picturesque Derwent Valley  Iconic South West World Heritage region  Oldest Trout Hatchery in the southern hemisphere  Gordon River cruise  Cradle Mountain  Tasmania Devils Sanctuary and Conservation Centre Tour price based on minimum 15 passengers  Historic villages Sheffield, Stanley and “The Nut” $3839* per person twin share  Explore unique Tarkine Wilderness *NB: If numbers reach 20 passengers, the price will reduce to $3579 per person twin share  Cataract Gorge Single Supplement $699  Woolmers Estate AND MUCH MORE! Non-refundable deposit $300 at time of booking, no later than 25 May 2017. Balance due on/before 5 September 2017. INCLUSIONS  Return Economy airfares from Brisbane  All breakfasts, 5 lunches and all dinners  Accommodation throughout  All touring in private airconditioned 5* coach  All entrance fees

FOR TOUR ITINERARY Visit: www.uplifttoursandtravel.com Or please contact National Parks Association of Queensland Ph: 07 3367 0878 [email protected]

LIMITED FOR ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS PLACES! Please contact Uplift Tours and Travel BOOK NOW! Ph: 07 3283 1966 [email protected] 16 www.uplifttoursandtravel.com