Melaleuca-Port Davey Area Plan

2003 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

This plan contains specific management provisions in relation to the Melaleuca – Port Davey area.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special thanks go to members, and their proxies, of the Melaleuca – Port Davey Advisory Committee for their dedication and encouragement in the preparation of this area plan. Membership of the Advisory Committee is as follows.

Dr Peter Hay Chairperson, University of Tasmania Tony Brown/ Brian Mansell Tasmanian Aboriginal Land Council Ian Balmer Roaring 40's Ocean Kayaking Warren Hastings Fed. Of Tas. Bushwalking Clubs Wayne McMahon Freycinet Air Pty. Ltd. Greg Wells Aerotechnology Pty. Ltd. Helen Gee "Conservation" Mark O'May "Fishing Industry" Janet Fenton Resident, Melaleuca Geoff Cockerill Huon Valley Council Charles Weston Marine and Safety Tasmania Dennis Burgess Mineral Resources Tasmania David Willson Rallinga Mine Pty. Ltd. Stuart Lennox/ Kathy Gatenby Tourism Tasmania Erika Johnson "Yachting"

APPROVAL

This Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan was approved by the Director National Parks and Wildlife on 13 January 2003.

ISBN 0 9750599 5 5

© Parks and Wildlife Service Department of Tourism, Parks, Heritage and the Arts, 2003

Published by: Parks and Wildlife Service Department of Tourism, Parks, Heritage and the Arts GPO Box 1751 Hobart, TASMANIA 7001

With valuable assistance provided by the Resource Management and Conservation, and Environment Divisions of the Department of Primary Industries, Water & Environment. Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

Contents

Page

1. Introduction 1 1.1 An Overview of the Area 1 1.1.1 Location and Regional Context 1 1.1.2 Importance of the Area 1 1.2 Land Tenure and Status 1 1.2.1 Southwest National Park 1 1.2.2 Southwest Conservation Area 2 1.3 Leases and Licences 2 1.3.1 Mining 2 1.3.2 Residential 2 1.3.3 Commercial Tourism 2 1.4 Relationship to the World Heritage Area Management Plan 3 1.5 History of Planning for the Area 3 1.6 Implementation and Review 3 1.7 Statutory Powers and Management Responsibilities 4 1.7.1 Department of Tourism, Parks, Heritage and the Arts 4 1.7.2. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment 4 1.7.3 Mineral Resources Tasmania (MRT) 4 1.7.4 Marine and Safety Authority of Tasmania (MAST) and Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) 5 1.7.5 Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPAC) 5

2. Vision and Objectives for the Area 6 2.1 Vision 6 2.2 Objectives 6 2.3 Key Desired Outcomes 6 2.4 Management Zones 8 2.5 Priority Policies and Actions for Implementation 10

3 Identification, Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation 11 3.1 Climate 11 3.2 Geodiversity and Geoconservation 12 3.3 Landscape Management and Wilderness 14 3.3.1 Landscape Management 14 3.3.2 Wilderness 14 3.4 Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour Marine Ecosystems 15 3.4.1 Research 15 3.4.2 Physical Environment 15 3.4.3 Biological Environment 16 3.5 Flora 19 3.5.1 Buttongrass Moorland 20 3.5.2 Scrub 20 3.5.3 Wet Eucalypt Forest 20 3.5.4 Mixed Forest and Rainforest 20 3.5.5 Coastal Vegetation 21 3.5.6 Wetland Vegetation 21 3.5.7 Alpine Vegetation 22 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

3.6 Fauna 23 3.6.1 Mammals 23 3.6.2 Birds 23 3.6.3 Reptiles and Amphibians 24 3.6.4 Fish 24 3.6.5 Invertebrates 24 3.6.6 Threatened Fauna 25 3.6.7 Threatened Fauna Species: The Orange-bellied Parrot 25 3.7 Heritage and Landscape 27 3.7.1 Aboriginal Heritage and Landscape 27 3.7.2 Aboriginal Landscape Management 29 3.7.3 Historic Heritage and Landscape 30 3.8 Fire Management 36 3.8.1 Legislative Responsibilities 36 3.8.2 Present Burning Regime 36 3.8.3 Fuel Stoves 36 3.9 Introduced Pests and Diseases 38 3.9.1 Introduced Terrestrial Pests 38 3.9.2 Plant Diseases 40 3.9.3 Introduced Marine Pests 41 3.10 Soil Conservation, Erosion Control and Rehabilitation 43 3.10.1 Streambank Erosion 43 3.10.2 Facilities and Services 44 3.10.3 Rehabilitation of Mining Areas 44 3.11 Environmental Quality 45 3.11.1 Air Quality 45 3.11.2 Water Quality 46 3.11.3 Noise 48 3.11.4 Waste 49 3.11.5 Dangerous Goods 50 3.12 Scientific Research and Monitoring 51

4. Tourism and Recreation 54 4.1 Visitor Services Policy 54 4.2 Visitor Use 54 4.2.1 Visitor Profile and Research 54 4.2.2 Visitor Use 55 4.2.3 Characteristics of Visitors 56 4.3 Information, Interpretation and Education 57 4.4 Access 59 4.4.1 Air Access 59 4.4.2 Boating and Diving Access 60 4.4.3 Walking Access 63 4.5 Facilities and Services 64 4.5.1 General 64 4.5.2 Wilderness Zone 65 4.5.3 Recreation Zone 65 4.5.4 Melaleuca Visitor Services Site 72 4.6 Commercial Tourism Operations 76 4.7 Assessment of Use and Development Proposals 78 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

5. Primary Production 80 5.1 Mineral Exploration and Mining 80 5.2 Marine Farming 81 5.3 Commercial and Recreational Fishing 81 5.3.1 Commercial Fishing 81 5.3.2 Recreational Fishing 81

6. Involving the Community 83

7 Administrative Matters 84 7.1 Public Safety and Risk Management 84 7.2 Staffing 84

Glossary and Abbreviations 86

References 88

Appendices 90 Appendix 1: Introduced Terrestrial Flora 90 Appendix 2: Fly Neighbourly Advice Tasmanian World Heritage Area and Mt Field National Park 91 Appendix 3: Walking Track Management Strategy - Track Classification Categories 94

Maps At Rear of Plan Map 1: Location of Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Map 2: Melaleuca – Port Davey Planning Area Map 3: Melaleuca – Port Davey Management Zones Map 4: Melaleuca Visitor Services Site

Tables Page Table 1: Management Zones for Melaleuca – Port Davey Area 9 Table 2: Average Rainfall Data 1946-2000, Port Davey Station 11 Table 3: Historic Heritage Sites 33

Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

1. Introduction

1.1 An Overview of the Area - The key breeding zone for the endangered orange-bellied parrot. 1.1.1 Location and Regional Context - Unique marine species and habitats. The Melaleuca – Port Davey area is - Natural diversity. situated in South West Tasmania (Map 1). - Creation landscape and living The plan area is illustrated on Map 2. This landscape from Aboriginal area includes the developed Melaleuca occupation. Visitor Services Site (Map 4), Melaleuca - Alluvial tin mining, fishing, pining Lagoon and Melaleuca Inlet, Bathurst and whaling, with associated Harbour, Bathurst Narrows, Bathurst historic heritage sites. Channel and Port Davey. It excludes the - Historic starting point for corridor south of Melaleuca to Cox Bight. bushwalkers for most South West walks. The plan area extends landward to 100 - Boat cruising, sailing, motor metres beyond mean high water mark. boating and kayaking. This is to include site features such as the - Light aircraft accessibility. historic Critchley Parker grave site and Piners Point, the shelter at Bond Bay and Deep Water Landing. The plan area also includes the seabed, the body of water and 1.2 Land Tenure and Status surface waters within the plan boundaries. Land tenure represented in this plan falls The plan covers the Celery Top Islands into two categories; the Southwest and Turnbull Island and gives brief National Park (SWNP) and the Southwest mention to North Breaksea Island. Other Conservation Area (SWCA) (Map 2). The islands in the Port Davey area with purposes and objectives for SWNP are significant natural and/or cultural values stated in the Tasmanian Wilderness World will be included in the Southern Islands Heritage Area Management Plan, 1999 Management Statement, currently under (referred to as the WHAMP, 1999 in this preparation. plan). The purposes and objectives for conservation areas are stated in the Much of the area covered by this plan is National Parks and Wildlife Act (NPWA) situated within the Tasmanian Wilderness 1970. In conservation areas, they include World Heritage Area (TWWHA). The "to provide for exploration activities and TWWHA and 21 additional areas around utilisation of mineral resources." the TWWHA are collectively known as the World Heritage Area (Tasmanian 1.2.1 Southwest National Park Wilderness World Heritage Area Management Plan, 1999, 2). The World Land and water associated with Port Heritage Area is referred to as the WHA is Davey, Bathurst Harbour, Melaleuca Inlet this plan. and Melaleuca Lagoon lie within the SWNP and WHA (Map 2). 1.1.2 Importance of the Area The area covered by this plan was The area possesses important world proclaimed a Foreshore Scenic Reserve in heritage and human use values. 1951. The islands of the area were added Specifically, these include: to the reserve in 1962, with Melaleuca –

1 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

Port Davey becoming part of the SWNP in The term of the lease is 11 years, 1976. The SWNP now covers 608,298 commencing 1 August 1992. The hectares. Company's lease requires it to conduct mining operations and surface activities on It is classified as an IUCN Category II - the leased land in accordance with the National Park, and is fully protected under Rallinga Mine Development Proposal and the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1970. Environmental Management Plan, 1991. In 1977 UNESCO under its Man and the See Mineral Exploration and Mining Biosphere Program declared the National (Section 5.1) for further details. Park a Biosphere Reserve. The Rallinga Mine lease, located within The WHA was inscribed on the World the SWCA, is outside of this plan area. Its Heritage listing in 1982 and expanded in relationship with the adjacent Melaleuca 1989. It covers an area of 1.38 million Visitor Services Site is, however, hectares. The WHA meets all four natural important enough for the lease area to criteria for World Heritage listing and receive mention in this plan. three of the seven cultural criteria for listing. 1.3.2 Residential

1.2.2 Southwest Conservation Area A 20-year lease was issued under the Crown Lands Act 1976 to Janet Fenton The SWCA, initially proclaimed in April and Mary King, daughters of the late 1966, covers 151,300 hectares. As a Charles Denison (Deny) King, Conservation Area, it is protected under commencing 1 December 1991 for the the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1970 residential use of 2.4 hectares near the and classified as IUCN Category VI. Bathurst Harbour Landing Area (see Map 4). The lease requires compliance with the The Melaleuca to Cox Bight corridor National Parks and Wildlife Act 1970, and (3,700 hectares), including the Melaleuca the prior approval of the Director Parks Visitor Services Site, is part of the SWCA and Wildlife Service for the erection of (Map 2). The corridor was excluded from additional buildings or structures. A right the WHA because of the established tin to maintain mooring facilities in mining operations and mineral potential of Melaleuca Inlet is also provided for in the the area. lease.

The boundary between SWNP and SWCA A second residential lease at Melaleuca, is situated 30.48 metres from the high issued under the Crown Lands Act 1976, is water mark of Melaleuca Lagoon and held by Peter and Barbara Willson. The Melaleuca Inlet (see Map 2). The Parks Willsons work the Rallinga Mine lease and Wildlife Service manage both the area. The lease covers 1.25 hectares. The SWNP and SWCA. term of this lease co-incides with the term of the Rallinga Mine P/L lease under the 1.3 Leases and Licences Mineral Resources Development Act. See Mineral Exploration and Mining 1.3.1 Mining (Section 5.1) for further discussion and Policy on the Rallinga Mine lease and In 1992 six contiguous mineral leases held Willson’s residential lease. by Rallinga Mine Pty Ltd under the Mining Act 1929 (repealed and replaced 1.3.3 Commercial Tourism by the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995) were consolidated into a single A number of commercial operators are lease. The area of the lease is 128 licensed to operate in the Melaleuca – Port hectares, located to the south of Melaleuca Davey Area. All licensed operators are Lagoon and Melaleuca Inlet (see Map 4). required to have ministerial approval to

2 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 operate. For specific information on major task of the MAC was to provide commercial tourism operations, see advice and assistance on the preparation of Commercial Tourism Operations (Section a Melaleuca Site Plan. A Draft Plan was 4.6). produced in 1995, and public submissions analysed with amendments made as appropriate to the document. The 1.4 Relationship to the Melaleuca Site Plan was not finalised due to Government changes. The extensive World Heritage Area work of the former MAC is greatfully Management Plan acknowledged.

This plan covers that part of the World The WHAMP, 1999 called for the Heritage Area which is governed by the finalisation of a site plan for Melaleuca Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage (1999, 171). Area Management Plan, 1999, and part of th the Southwest Conservation Area which is At its 54 Meeting held on 10-13 March not covered by a statutory management 2000 the World Heritage Area plan. For the World Heritage Area portion Consultative Committee recommended: of the plan area, this plan is a subsidiary document to the Tasmanian Wilderness "that a planning document be produced World Heritage Area Management Plan, covering the land and marine environment 1999, and for the SWCA portion this plan in the Port Davey/Bathurst/Melaleuca acts as a non-statutory plan. area. The document should cover cruise boat policy and should also incorporate This plan must also seek to foster the current draft Melaleuca Site Plan, and management practices in lands adjacent to a recreation zone plan for the Port the WHA that are sympathetic to the Davey/Bathurst Harbour area and should objectives of management of the WHA be linked to any management plan for the (WHAMP, 1999, 203). proposed Marine Park in the area."

Whilst the area around the Melaleuca The Melaleuca – Port Davey Advisory landing area (officially known as the Committee was established in late 2000 to Bathurst Harbour Landing Area) is not assist with the preparation of this plan. part of the WHA, the WHAMP, 1999 The Committee's name and function designates Melaleuca as a Visitor Services reflects an expansion of the area covered Site. These sites, located near the margins in this revised planning document. of the WHA, are areas where the majority of visitor facilities are located and where the majority of visitors will experience the 1.6 Implementation and WHA. Review

This plan has a proposed ten-year life. 1.5 History of Planning for During this period reviews or changes to the Area policy and actions may be carried out subject to community consultation. The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Management Plan 1992 A full review of this plan will be made recommendations for the conducted at the completion of ten years management of the Melaleuca area. following its approval.

The former Melaleuca Advisory Given current resources available it is Committee (MAC) was formed in 1993 to anticipated that full implementation will facilitate communications between the not be possible within the ten year period. PWS, residents and users of the area. The Accordingly, priority policies and actions

3 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 for implementation have been identified in development proposals meet this plan and together are listed in Section environmental guidelines; providing 2.5. environmental advice; and measuring and reporting on indicators of environmental performance. It administers, amongst 1.7 Statutory Powers and other Acts, the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act Management (EMPCA) 1994. Responsibilities Resource Management and 1.7.1 Department of Tourism, Parks, Conservation (RMC) Heritage and the Arts This Division provides advice on the Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) conservation and management of Tasmania's natural resources including The PWS Division of the Department of national parks and reserves; land and water Primary Industries, Water and resources; flora, fauna, wildlife Environment (DPIWE) is responsible for enforcement and geoheritage. RMC enforcing the provisions of the National administers a range of Acts and Parks and Wildlife Act 1970 and Regulations relating to its functions. It Regulations, the Aboriginal Relics Act comprises seven Branches, including 1975 and Regulations, relevant parts of the Nature Conservation (NCB) and Integrated Fire Service Act 1979 and the Crown Policies and Strategies. Lands Act 1976 and its Regulations. Staff may be authorised to enforce provisions of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries (FAF) the Marine and Safety Authority Act 1997 and associated bylaws. This Division provides a range of services to Tasmania’s agricultural, marine farming The PWS includes Planning and Visitor and marine fisheries industries, including Services and Districts. The Southern quarantine responsibilities. District, PWS has primary responsibility for the management of the plan area. Within the division, Marine Resources is responsible for the implementation of the Tasmania Heritage Office (THO) Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995 and the Marine Farming Planning This Division has responsibilities under Act 1995. Marine Resources is the Aboriginal Relics Act 1975 and responsible for marine habitat and all Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995. Its marine fish (which is defined by the Act to role in WHA management is to provide include all marine flora and fauna from specialist advice and assistance in bacteria, all invertebrates, marine plants, Aboriginal and historic heritage fish and sharks and marine reptiles). A management, establish conservation major function of Marine Resources is the standards and set heritage conservation licencing of commercial and recreational priorities. fishing, and marine farming in the State.

1.7.2. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment 1.7.3 Mineral Resources Tasmania (MRT)

Environment MRT is a Division of the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources. This Division provides strategic planning, MRT gives effect to government policy in protection and enhancement of the relation to minerals and petroleum Tasmanian environment by ensuring resources, and provides information for land management in Tasmania. Amongst

4 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 its responsibilities is the regulation and environmental monitoring of the Tasmanian mineral exploration and mining industry.

The Industrial Minerals, Environment and Land Management Branch of MRT administers the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 and regulations, including the issuing of legal titles to mining tenements.

A consolidated mineral lease under the former Mining Act 1929 was issued in 1992 to Rallinga Mine Pty. Ltd. for its operations at Melaleuca.

1.7.4 Marine and Safety Authority of Tasmania (MAST) and Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)

MAST and AMSA are responsible for navigation aids and structures in the area. Further details of their statutory powers are stated in the WHAMP, 1999, 191-196.

Port Davey is a gazetted port under the Marine and Safety (Pilotage and Navigation) Regulations 1977 (as amended). It is under the control of MAST.

1.7.5 Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPAC)

DPAC administers the State Policies and Projects Act 1993 that sets out the process for development, modification, gazetting and review of State Policies. The State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997 was developed under this Act. Prime responsibility for the administration of this Policy lies with the Environment Division, DPIWE.

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2. Vision and Objectives for the Area

2.1 Vision consistent with the objectives of management of the WHA.

The vision for future management of the • Protect, maintain and monitor Melaleuca – Port Davey area provides the geodiversity and sites of basis from which more detailed objectives, geoconservation significance. policies and actions stated in this plan are derived. • Maintain, and where necessary restore, wilderness, scenic, aesthetic As this plan is a subsidiary document to and remote qualities that are unique the WHAMP, 1999, it is useful to quote to the area. the overall objective of management contained in the WHAMP. • Protect, maintain and monitor the marine and estuarine ecosystems. "To identify, protect, conserve, present and, where appropriate, rehabilitate the • Protect, maintain and monitor the World Heritage and other natural and natural diversity and integrity of cultural values of the WHA, and to flora and fauna species and transmit that heritage to future generations communities. in as good or better condition than at present." • Conserve, protect, and where (WHAMP, 1999, 31) appropriate present cultural heritage values, includingAboriginal The vision for the management of the and historic values. Melaleuca – Port Davey area, consistent with the above statement, is: • Provide appropriate recreational To provide appropriate recreational and tourism opportunities in a opportunities and facilities for visitors wilderness landscape. consistent with the protection of wilderness quality and the natural and • Enhance visitor understanding, cultural values of the area. appreciation and enjoyment through education and interpretation.

2.2 Objectives • Recognise the interests of the existing lessees within the area. To achieve the above-mentioned vision, specific objectives for the area, consistent with the WHAMP, 1999 are set out below. 2.3 Key Desired Outcomes These objectives are fundamental to the long-term protection of the area. They underpin sustainable recreational and Key Desired Outcomes and their tourism use. The objectives are not listed associated performance indicators enable in any order or priority. PWS to know whether management of the area is achieving its stated objectives. Objectives: Melaleuca – Port Davey KDO 1. The wilderness quality of the • Ensure the Melaleuca – Port Davey area is protected. (Section 3.3) area is managed in ways that are

6 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

KDO 2. The marine and estuarine sites and to establish what conservation ecosystems of Port Davey – Bathurst actions and protection measures are Harbour are maintained and protected. required. (Sections 3.4, 3.9, 3.11.2) Performance Indicator 5.2: Statements of Performance Indicator 2.1: A marine cultural significance have been prepared protected area has been established in the for important historic heritage sites, Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour area. particularly Bramble Cove, Claytons and Settlement Point. Performance Indicator 2.2: Monitoring and evaluation of significant marine Performance Indicator 5.3: The condition ecosystems show no human induced of identified significant historic heritage damage or degradation. sites has been maintained or improved over the management period. Performance Indicator 2.3: Water quality monitoring programmes show no increase KDO 6. Fire management regimes in in the very low nutrient levels of Bathurst approved fire management plans have Harbour and Bathurst Channel has been achieved. (Section 3.8) occurred over the management period. Performance Indicator 6.1: The number Performance Indicator 2.4: A marine and area burnt by escaped planned fires monitoring programme has been initiated. over the management period has decreased. Performance Indicator 2.5: Any marine pests are identified and where practical are KDO 7. The eradication or control of eradicated. introduced plant species, which are not of cultural significance, wherever KDO 3. Favourable habitat for the practical, has succeeded in maintaining critically endangered orange-bellied the integrity of native vegetation. parrot at Melaleuca has been (Sections 3.9.1, 3.9.2) maintained. (Section 3.6.7) Performance Indicator 7.1: Phytophthora Performance Indicator 3.1: Habitat cinnamomi has not spread into areas management burns at Melaleuca have been unaffected at the commencement of the undertaken in accordance with the OBP management period, and the rate of Recovery Plan. infestation has reduced.

KDO 4. Aboriginal values are being Performance Indicator 7.2: The Celery managed and maintained in partnership Top Islands have remained free of with the Aboriginal community. Phytophthora cinnamomi. (Sections 3.7.1, 3.7.2) KDO 8. Visitor numbers and use of the Performance Indicator 4.1: Plans and area are being sustainably managed to prescriptions to protect and conserve prevent damage or degradation to the Aboriginal heritage have been developed unique or sensitive values, including in consultation with the Aboriginal World Heritage values. community. Performance Indicator 7.1: A KDO 5. Significant historic heritage comprehensive picture of visitor use, sites in the area have been identified impacts and potential threats has been and are being conserved. (Section 3.7.3) established through monitoring programmes and visitor surveys. Performance Indicator 5.1: A survey of the area has been completed to identify the condition of significant historic heritage

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Performance Indicator 7.2: Strategies are Policies and Actions in place to ensure sustainable numbers and types of visitation in the area. • Three management zones are designated for the Melaleuca – Port Performance Indicator 7.3: No damage or Davey area, as described in the incremental degradation to the outstanding WHAMP, 1999 (see Map 3). They and/or sensitive environmental values of are: the area has occurred over the management period as a result of visitor - Wilderness Zone use. - Recreation Zone - Melaleuca Visitor Services Site

2.4 Management Zones • A Motorised Boating Area, as described in the WHAMP, 1999, applies to the waters of Port Davey To aid consistency with the WHAMP, – Bathurst Harbour. 1999, this plan uses the same Wilderness Zone, Recreation Zone, Melaleuca Visitor Services Site and Motorised Boating Area names and general provisions, as they relate to the Melaleuca – Port Davey Area.

A summary of these management zones, taken from the WHAMP, 1999, is given in Table 1. Tourism and recreation facilities and services to be provided in each zone are mentioned in Section 4 of this plan.

As shown in the WHAMP, 1999, and repeated in this plan, overlaying part of the Recreation Zone - covering Port Davey, Bathurst Harbour, Melaleuca Inlet and Melaleuca Lagoon - is a Motorised Boating Area (see Map 3).

The objective of the Motorised Boating Area is “to allow for mechanised boating access consistent with the protection of the World Heritage and other natural and cultural values of the WHA and recreational values” (WHAMP, 1999, 60).

This overlay indicates where motorised boats may be used. Motorised boats are boats with engines. They do not include floatplanes or other aerial craft that can land on water. The general policies that apply to the overlay area are usually as specified in the underlying zone.

For information on streambank erosion see Soil Conservation, Erosion Control and Rehabilitation (Section 3.10).

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Table 1 Management Zones for Melaleuca – Port Davey Area

WILDERNESS RECREATION MELALEUCA VISITOR SERVICES SITE Wild country – Major walking High use area and access point limited recreation and boating areas Facilities No new facilities will be Limited facilities for Maintain facilities for recreation and provided. recreational and presentation of WHA. environmental purposes. Walking No new walking tracks. Potential for limited Potential for limited new short walking tracks new walking tracks tracks. High use walking tracks. subject to impact assessment. Motorised No access, except for Motorised Boating Restrictions on motorised boating access Boating management purposes. Area only accessible and use of facilities on Melaleuca Creek Access (see Map 3). (public) and Moth Creek (private lease). Structures Allow to decay or Remote High use area, facilities provided may remove except where infrastructure, eg. include toilets, huts, interpretation cultural, recreational or huts, toilets, can be structures, storage facilities, and management values upgraded and jetties/pontoons. outweigh impact on replaced in accord wilderness. with environmental prescriptions. Promotion No promotion of use. Promote major Promote and facilitate use subject to walking and boating carrying capacity of the facilities. access corridors. Aircraft Adopt flight guidelines Adopt flight Adopt flight guidelines and appropriate Access and appropriate routes guidelines and routes. that may by-pass this appropriate routes. zone. No landings except for search and rescue and management. Signs Strictly for management Yes, in highly Yes. and environmental serviced areas in protection purposes only. association with facilities. Interpreta- No. Yes, in highly Yes. tion serviced areas in association with facilities and management. Special No. Yes. Yes. Events

SOURCE: Based on Tasmanian Wilderness WHA Management Plan, 1999, 56.

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2.5 Priority Policies and Actions for Implementation

NB: These policies and actions are repeated from Sections 3-7 of this plan. The corresponding Section is noted in brackets. No ranking is implied in the list.

• As a priority, designate the Celery Top Islands as a Scientific Area to protect their natural and scientific values. (3.5)

• The PWS, in association with THO, will assess the conservation and maintenance requirements of all significant historic heritage sites in the area as a priority, develop maintenance schedules and implement appropriate protection and management measures. (3.7.3)

• Prepare a statement of cultural significance and a conservation report for Claytons site as a priority. (3.7.3)

• As a priority, liaise with Mineral Resources Tasmania in the preparation and implementation of a revised environmental management plan for the Rallinga Mine lease area. (3.10.3, 5.1)

• As a high priority, in consultation with DPIWE, assess the need for a contingency plan for dealing with a major marine pollution incident in Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour, and respond accordingly. (WHAMP, 1999, 113) (3.11.2)

• The safe storage of dangerous goods at Melaleuca is a priority. (3.11.5)

• As a high priority, implement the recommendations of the Bathurst Harbour Landing Area Operational Report, March 2001 as appropriate, subject to requirements set out in Assessment of Use and Development Proposals (Section 4.7). (4.5.4)

• As a high priority, improve toilet facilities in the Melaleuca Visitor Services Site to meet environmental health requirements. (4.5.4)

• As a high priority, review all licenses held by commercial tourism operators operating in the area and ensure consistency of licence conditions. This includes updating of aircraft operator licenses in line with the recommendations of the Bathurst Harbour Landing Area Operational Report, 2001, Airports Plus Pty. Ltd. (4.6)

• As a priority, investigate ways of staffing Melaleuca full-time during the summer period. (7.2)

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3 Identification, Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation

3.1 Climate provide a useful picture of average rainfall conditions over the past 55 years. The climate of the Southwest is characterised by a high annual rainfall, Table 2 Average Rainfall high incidence of cloud cover (and a Data 1946-2000, consequent low occurrence of clear days) Port Davey Station and strong wind patterns. (mm) Summer (Dec – Feb) is characterised by a minimum of rainfall and cloud cover with MONTH RAINFALL a consequent increase in temperature. (mm) Winds become more variable with a January 130 tendency for northerly winds. It is not February 131 uncommon, however, for extended periods March 157 of cloud, rain and wind. April 220 May 243 In autumn (Mar – May) there is a gradual June 209 decrease in temperatures, increased precipitation and a return to westerly wind July 247 conditions. August 241 September 201 Winter (Jun – Aug) conditions are typified October 203 by strong prevailing westerly winds, low November 165 temperatures, frosts, high rainfall and high December 154 numbers of cloudy days. Annual Total 2,2131

Spring (Sep – Nov) sees a slight increase 1Based on only 13 years of complete 12-month in temperature, a greater predominance of recordings. south-westerly winds, a decrease in wind SOURCE: Bureau of Meteorology strength, less rainfall and less frequent frosts. Weather observations and recordings from fishers give a good indication of adverse The inhospitable climate and conditions, particularly during winter, in inaccessibility of the South West have Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour. Average contributed to the paucity of climatic windspeeds well over 35 knots, swells 5-8 information about the area. Incomplete metres and torrential west coast rains are records of rainfall, clear, cloudy, fog, frost experienced. The already saturated forest and hail days, and temperature are and plain catchments bring high levels of available from 1946 to 1970. The last nutrients down the Davey, Spring, North recorded maximum temperature reading and Old Rivers, and create high flows available from the Bureau of Meteorology causing rivers to extent out onto their is from 1979. Prior to 1991, however, floodplains. In such conditions, Bathurst Deny King took weather recordings at Channel becomes a high turbulence, high Melaleuca. When Peter and Barbara nutrient and high energy area. Bathurst Willson are in residence at Melaleuca, Harbour experiences storm force winds they collect rainfall data, which helps to several times a year.

11 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

Management Issues underlain by some of the oldest rock formations in Tasmania. These date from Climatic conditions dramatically impact the Precambrian period and may be as old upon the level and frequency of visitor as 1,100 million years. They consist use, as major forms of access to the area predominantly of quartzite, phyllites and are restricted in adverse weather schists, rocks that were originally conditions. Strong winds and heavy deposited as sediments in shallow seas and swells restrict boats departing for Port were subsequently metamorphosed during Davey and Bathurst Harbour or force two major tectonic events. Sedimentary boats in the near vicinity to seek shelter in structures ascribed to the original the protected waters of the Harbour. deposition of these rocks such as ripple Similarly, aircraft access is severely marks, crossbedding and mudcracks occur hampered by strong winds and low cloud at Bramble Cove and around Port Davey. cover. A significant proportion of Slightly younger and comparatively intending aircraft flights to Melaleuca are unmetamorphosed sequences occur along abandoned due to adverse weather a fault- controlled belt including conditions. A consistent and regular flight prominent peaks such as Mt Rugby and service is limited to periods of fine Mount Berry. weather conditions. Much younger (less than 2 million years Given the sometimes inclement and old) Quaternary deposits occur in the unpredictable weather conditions and valleys, bays and inlets with some of the limited shelter facilities on site, it is deepest including the 3-16 metre thick essential that prior to arrival all visitors are sands and gravels in the Melaleuca valley. aware of, and are well prepared for, the The lowest deposits consist of fairly climatic conditions, which may be compacted sands, which are thought to experienced in the area. This advice have marine origins. These were most should apply to all people visiting or likely deposited when sea levels were working in the area, including DTPHA higher than at present with a narrow bay and DPIWE staff, volunteers and extending up the Moth Creek valley. commercial operators. These are overlain by fresh water (stream) deposits including deltas, fans and gravels. Policies and Actions – Climate Fossil flora with rainforest elements and sclerophylous species that currently occur • To ensure a safe and enjoyable in the area have been found in some of experience, people visiting or these beds. Radiocarbon dates suggest an working in the area must be aware age range of up to 39,000 years. This is a of, and be well prepared for, site of geoconservation significance and is changes in weather conditions. listed on the Tasmanian Geoconservation Database. • Boating and aircraft tour operators accessing and using the area are At estuary and river mouths fine, strongly urged to ensure their flocculated muddy sediments occur. clients are fully informed, and are These are deposited when freshwater well prepared for, the climatic meets salty water. These extensive conditions which are experienced in "muddy" banks occur in Manwoneer Inlet, the area. Hannant Inlet, Horseshoe Inlet and Melaleuca Lagoon. A raised beach deposit at Hannant Inlet with an associated possible interdune swamp deposit is 3.2 Geodiversity and probably of last interglacial age (120,000 Geoconservation years old).

The Melaleuca – Port Davey area, like a Bay head dunes occur at Spain Bay, considerable part of the Southwest, is Bramble Cove and Payne Bay, while well

12 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 developed subtidal deltas occur at the They have other landform/soil features, mouth of James Kelly Basin. All of these which are considered significant at a world landforms have formed over the last 6,000 level. These include peat mounds, which years; a time of relatively stable sea level - are considered unique in the Southern after which the Port Davey – Bathurst Hemisphere with the only other reported Harbour valley was drowned by post- occurrence from Scotland (Macphail et al, glacial rising sea level to produce an 1999). These distinctive features occur in excellent example of a drowned river a number of lowland locations in the valley known as a ria. The entire southwest. Clusters of peat mounds are embayment (approximately 130 km2) is located within one kilometre south and listed on the Tasmanian Geoconservation southwest of the landing area at Melaleuca Database. (Tasmanian Geoconservation Database). A number of possible origins have been The broad physiography of the Port Davey suggested, including differential expansion – Bathurst Harbour estuarine basin has and contraction of the peat that may been inherited from earlier periods of initiate the development of these enigmatic landscape development while the landforms. extensive assemblage of low altitude landforms have developed in response to Objectives – Geodiversity and Holocene sea level rise. At the height of Geoconservation the last glaciation, 20,000 years ago, the valley would have been exposed and a • Conserve geodiversity and sites of large river, the "Bathurst River", would geoconservation significance, have flowed out to the ocean about 10 km including fossil deposits, raised beyond the current entrance to Port Davey. coastal deposits, the ria (or drowned As sea levels rose the tributaries of the river valley), Port Davey – Bathurst "Bathurst River" were left flowing into Harbour, the rivers flowing into the ria small bays. Bradbury (2000) has and their associated landforms, the suggested that these could be considered blanket bogs (national significance) as estuaries within an estuary. and peat mounds (international significance) covering the area. Bradbury (2000) has also suggested that the area has important geoconservation • Prevent or minimise harmful impacts values as there is very little landform or on geoconservation values. geomorphic process disturbance, and there is a range of localised landform variations Policies and Actions including distinctive intricately embayed estuarine banks. In summary, the rivers • Impacts on geodiversity and sites of flowing into the ria have important geoconservation significance will be geoconservation values and this should be avoided or minimised when considered in the protection and planning and carrying out any use, management of the area. development or works, including land rehabilitation and stabilisation. The catchments around the Melaleuca – Port Davey area are covered extensively • Monitor impacts on geodiversity by blanket bogs, which are organosols or and earth processes including, peats, that drape the landscape in response streambank stability, burning to a wet, humid climate with low regimes and tourism and recreation evaporation (Pemberton, 1989). Most of activities. these have formed over the last 6,000 years. These blanket bogs, formed under See also Fire Management (Section 3.8), buttongrass moorlands, are unique in Soil Conservation, Erosion Control and Australia although fairly widespread in the Rehabilitation (Section 3.10) and Access Southwest. (Section 4.4).

13 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

3.3 Landscape Management concerned with viewfield management. The potential for visual impact is an and Wilderness important consideration in the assessment of any proposal or development, especially 3.3.1 Landscape Management given the high scenic quality of the area.

The broad scale physical landscape of the As the main arrival and departure point for area is dominated by extensive lowland visitors, views to and from the Melaleuca buttongrass plains and expanses of water Visitor Services Site have considerable surrounded by the mountains and ranges visual impact on visitors. These include of the SWNP. The area has a high degree the juxtaposition between the Melaleuca of natural scenic beauty. This is one of the and Bathurst Ranges with the visually area's principal attributes in motivating dominant white quartzite landing area, people to visit. The natural beauty of the historic and current mining operations, and area is largely derived from the diversity several small-scale buildings. Signs, and spatial relationship of landform, walking tracks, toilets and other facilities waterways and vegetation. Visitor also have the potential for visual impact in reaction to the landscape is influenced by the area. its outstanding natural character, the degree of its scenic variety and the visual Many members of the Tasmanian effect of the relative lack of introduced Aboriginal community have concerns changes. about the use of the word "wilderness", as in their view it has been used to limit The area also encompasses cultural Indigenous rights. landscapes, containing evidence of Aboriginal and historic periods of use of The long-term retention of wilderness the land. The evidence of this past and quality requires active management, present use is interwoven with the natural consistent with the recognition of cultural landscape qualities of the area. See values. Heritage and Landscape (Section 3.7). Objectives – Landscape Management and 3.3.2 Wilderness Wilderness

The Tasmanian Wilderness World • To protect and maintain the area's Heritage Area (WHA) is one of only three landscape values, including scenic, large temperate wilderness areas in the visual and cultural landscape values. Southern Hemisphere. In a national context, the WHA contains the largest • To maintain and enhance wilderness tracts of high quality wilderness remaining quality in the area. in southeastern Australia. • To maintain and enhance the quality The commonly recognised qualities of of the wilderness recreational wilderness are generally regarded as experience for visitors to the area. naturalness (substantially undisturbed by colonial and modern technological Policies and Actions society) and remoteness (remote at its core from points of mechanised access and • Minimise the visual intrusiveness of other evidence of colonial and modern new structures and developments technological society) (WHAMP, 1999, through sensitive building practices. 91-92). • Minimise human impact on scenic Management Issues quality. Management considerations regarding landscape and scenery are mainly

14 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

• Manage the land surrounding Port anecdotal information on occasional Davey – Bathurst Harbour – sightings of fishes, molluscs and Melaleuca Inlet as wilderness, in crustaceans, one report on fish and accordance with the WHAMP, 1999. copepod species, an inventory of 19 (See Map 3.) species of mollusc and some locality data for beach-seined fish. • Management decisions regarding future activities or actions must Between 1984 and 1998, surveys were recognise the degree to which these undertaken to describe the marine plants actions will adversely impact on, or and animals, to assess the potential of the alternatively enhance, wilderness area as a marine reserve, to investigate the quality, and give preference to hydrology and to map the benthic those, which maintain or enhance communities. A previously unknown wilderness quality. species of skate was found during the survey of 1988. The delicate and fragile • Protect people's wilderness nature of many of the sedentary benthic recreational experiences by actively species was not recognised till the study of managing the physical condition of 1993 (University of Tasmania, CSIRO, the area, and other recreational South Australia Museum, PWS and facilities and activities. RMC).

3.4.2 Physical Environment

3.4 Port Davey – Bathurst Port Davey, Bathurst Channel and Harbour Marine Bathurst Harbour together form a large Ecosystems estuarine and coastal embayment complex on the southwest coast of Tasmania. Port The Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour area Davey is the only large sheltered inlet includes unique marine and estuarine between Macquarie Harbour on the west habitats. They are reminiscent of what coast and Recherche Bay on the southeast you would expect in tropical Queensland. coast, a distance of 250 km of coastline. Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour is highly important being the only large estuarine Port Davey contains a wide variety of system in southern Australia, which has habitats, including cliffs, rocky shores, not experienced significant human impact. sandy beaches and sheltered bays and inlets with seagrass and seaweed beds and This area is being considered for mudflats. Bathurst Channel is a relatively nomination as a Ramsar Site under the deep and narrow drowned river valley, 12 Ramsar Convention (Convention on km long and heavily indented, which Wetlands of International Importance). connects Bathurst Harbour with Port Davey. Bathurst Harbour is a large basin Bathurst Harbour and Payne Bay have surrounded on all sides by hills, and was been classified as estuaries of critical thought to have been a large buttongrass conservation significance (Class A) by plain in the past. See also Geodiversity Edgar et al (1999), among only 10 areas in and Geoconservation (Section 3.2). Tasmania to be classified as such. The bathymetry of the ecosystem is 3.4.1 Research characterised by deep narrow channels; large sheltered shallow tidal flats and steep Until recently the isolation of the Port gradients. Bathurst Harbour consists of a Davey – Bathurst Harbour area meant that submerged plain and varies from 5 m to 7 very little was known about its ecology. m in depth. In the central region of Prior to 1984, the only information on the Bathurst Channel, and in Bathurst Harbour estuarine and marine biota of the area was near the eastern entrance to the Channel, depths can range between 15 m and 40 m.

15 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

A shallow sill of 12 m depth separates the western end of the Channel from the It must be noted however, that following deeper waters of Port Davey. winter rainfalls, the four large rivers flowing into the system provide high Unusual hydrographic conditions prevail, levels of nutrients to the area, such that most importantly perhaps, the halocline, outer Port Davey still remains one of the ie. that part of the water column where the most lucrative fishing areas in the salinity changes very rapidly. This change southwest. is usually from freshwater or low salinity to marine water or high salinity, with Salinity levels in surface waters, and to a increasing depth. The importance of a lesser extent bottom waters, decrease from halocline is that freshwater is lying over the Breaksea Islands eastwards to Bathurst full marine waters, with very little mixing Harbour. This is influenced by seasonal (only in the few metres of the actual rainfall, with salinity being lower in winter halocline). In addition to poor mixing (~15 permil) when rainfall is high, than in within the system (ie. between the summer (25-29 permil). freshwater and saltwater layers), there is also poor mixing across the system. The estuarine influence of the Bathurst Harbour/Bathurst Channel system Some plants and animals rely on the decreases to the west beyond the Breaksea layering of salt-water and freshwater that Islands, as the dark-stained water enters naturally occurs in an area. The sudden Port Davey from Bathurst Harbour. Ocean mixing of these waters caused by wake currents and wave motion then disperse from boats may harm these species. the dark waters. In northern Port Davey the Davey River empties large volumes of The Bathurst Harbour system is one of tannin-stained fresh water into Payne Bay. only three large estuaries in Australia The waters of Payne Bay in northern Port where the waters are highly stratified for Davey are shallow and influenced by wave long periods, with a dark tannin-stained action. brackish surface water layer overlying clear marine water. The dark brackish 3.4.3 Biological Environment water, stained from the peat soils of the catchments, comes from several major The Bathurst Channel and Bathurst river systems, including the Old River. Harbour estuary system is biologically This layer is at its maximum depth of 4 m extremely unusual and has some unique during winter when rainfall is highest, and features. Its nearest equivalents are Terra extends throughout Bathurst Harbour and del Fuego (Patagonia) and Milford Sound Bathurst Channel. (New Zealand). Relict fauna, from 80 million years ago when Gondwana split, is The dark stained surface water limits light a feature of the aquatic fauna of this area. penetration, allowing plant communities to Ice age elements are present, which are be replaced by invertebrate assemblages in extinct elsewhere. There are several shallow waters, a process not known to different community zones in the estuary, occur on the same scale elsewhere around each having different faunal bands, and Australia. each faunal band could contain 300-400 different animals. Much of the aquatic Nutrient levels are also extremely low in biota is very delicate and very localised. the Bathurst Harbour and Bathurst Channel. They are believed to be the Due to the limited penetration of light, lowest nutrient levels in Australia. This is marine plants are restricted. "A primary due to several factors including the nature characteristic of the Bathurst Harbour of the geology, nutrient-poor soils, the estuary is the very low diversity of ecology of the plankton communities and planktonic taxa with a few species thriving the lack of human pollution in the in extremely high densities." (Edgar and catchment. Cresswell, 1999.)

16 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

Bathurst Harbour. It is considered to be a Benthic animal communities (living on relict Gondwanan species now restricted to and in the seabed) include sponges, lace Bathurst Harbour and Macquarie Harbour. corals, sea squirts, and anemones and Its closest relatives are found in waters bryozoans. From the southern side of 1,000 metres deep in New Zealand and Turnbull Island1 along the Bathurst South America. Channel to, and including, Munday Island, this area hosts a rich and diverse The Dipturus sp. has been listed by the invertebrate population, including plate IUCN as potentially endangered. The and encrusting sponges, bryozoans, Tasmanian Scientific Advisory solitary ascidians and soft corals. Sea Committee, in December 2001, pens are also common, for example, off provisionally recommended the skate for Forrester Point and extending about one listing as Endangered under the kilometre eastwards. Threatened Species Protection Act (Neville Barrett, TAFI, pers. comm.). More notably, the marine communities in this area, particularly on the steep sides of The area between Turnbull Island and the narrow channel, are ecologically Schooner Cove has a much higher unique and of national significance. diversity of plants and animals than areas further up the Channel or in Port Davey A bryozoan band (lace and fan bryozoans because of the diversity of habitats. From and soft corals) or a tubeworm band Turnbull Island to the Breaksea Islands (Galeolarians, soft corals, and hydroids) there is a shallow-water zone of seaweeds may dominate the bottom of the Bathurst and associated marine animals, and below Narrows. this are spectacular communities of Bryozoans are dominant in Port Davey benthic animals. Not much is known sediments. Very sensitive bryozoan beds about these animal communities, and exist around Woody Island. An endemic already several new species and species species of gorgonian sea fan is unique to groups have been discovered. Port Davey. James Kelly Basin and Hannant Inlet, the The fish community in Bathurst Harbour two main sheltered inlets in Port Davey, and Bathurst Channel is unusual, as the support areas of the seagrass normal assemblage of shallow-water Heterozostera tasmanica. James Kelly species is not present. Sharks and skates Basin has a wide range of habitats, are the most common fish in Bathurst including seagrass beds, seaweed beds Channel and Bathurst Harbour. Other fish which appear to be unique, sandflats and include gummy shark, elephant fish, muddy habitats and areas of high mollusc white-spotted dogfish, red gurnard and red density. The seaweed beds are subtidal cod. A new genus of ice fish has been and consist of a possibly undescribed found in Port Davey, with links to New species of Caulerpa, a green seaweed. In Zealand and Patagonia. This assemblage contrast, Hannant Inlet has very few of fishes has characteristics more typical different habitats. James Kelly Basin also of deep waters than of estuaries. supports a relatively high species diversity of fish compared to other habitats of Port Of significance is the recent finding of a Davey, probably in association with the new species of skate (Dipturus sp.) in seagrass.

Management Issues 1 The Nomenclature Board of Tasmania officially named Turnbull Island, to the Processes which could threaten the natural southeast of Bramble Cove, off Hixson Point, systems of Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour as such in 1960. It is, however, also locally known as Sarah Island, which appears to have – Melaleuca Inlet include: been its previous name. In historic times, it - introduced pests (eg. Asterias, was also known as Tonguers Island. Undaria),

17 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

- mechanical damage – diving, See Boating and Diving Access (Section anchors, propellers, 4.4.2) for information on navigable areas, - disturbance to the halocline, boating speeds, cruise vessels and - turbidity, and preferred dive sites. See Facilities and - nutrient input (grey water and Services – Recreation Zone (Section 4.5.3) waste). and Appendix 4: “Guidelines for the Preparation of Licenses for Commercial There is a critical need to avoid the risk of Vessel Operations in Port Davey-Bathurst introduced pests via boating - see Harbour” for information on designated Introduced Pests and Diseases, particularly boat anchorage and shore landing sites. Introduced Marine Pests (Section 3.9.3). There is also a need to protect key unique The very low nutrient system of Bathurst species from the effects of fishing (see Harbour and Bathurst Channel is a marine reserve comments below). significant factor in the distribution and survival of the colonial invertebrates. Any The unusual bathymetry of the area, i.e. increase in nutrients would adversely steep gradients, narrow passages and large impact on natural values. sheltered shallow areas, means that boating and navigation has to be well The seabed and waters of Bathurst managed to protect the seabed Harbour and Port Davey out to North communities from possible boating Head and Hilliard Head are protected impacts such as vessel groundings, under the National Parks and Wildlife Act disruption of the halocline, boating (NPWA) 1970, as the area is within the accidents or anchor damage. Importantly, SWNP. The marine life (with the some of the more significant underwater exception of seals and whales) are not assemblages are on the walls of the narrow protected under this Act, but are managed Bathurst Channel. under the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995. Cetaceans are The benthic communities of Bathurst protected under the Whale Protection Act Channel contain many sedentary species 1988, and seabirds and seals under the that are delicate and fragile and are NPWA. vulnerable to mechanical damage from divers or by nets and anchors. Vulnerable Due to its conservation significance, it is fauna include sea pens, bryozoans, soft State government policy to investigate the corals and sea whips. possibility of a marine protected area in the Port Davey - Bathurst Harbour area. The maintenance of the halocline is a At present the conservation status of the critical management issue, indicating that SWNP protects the habitat of the marine some restrictions on vessel access may be environment but not its marine life. required. Disruption of the halocline can Declaring a marine protected area will lead to the loss of both pelagic and benthic assist in providing protection of the entire communities. ecosystem.

Although not entirely unprecedented, the The State Government has adopted the regular operation of large vessels in the Tasmanian Marine Protected Areas waters of Port Davey is a relatively recent Strategy (2001) report. It gave a proposal. The area is known to host Reference to the Resource Planning and significant pristine marine ecosystems Development Commission (RPDC)_to reliant upon unusual hydrographic conduct an inquiry and make conditions. Stratified waters and soft recommendations on the establishment of sediments are both potentially prone to a marine protected area within the Davey disturbance by the passage of vessels, Bioregion. The RPDC’s Draft especially in sheltered, shallow and/or Recommendations Report is due out for narrow passages. public comment in late 2002.

18 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

The unique nature of the benthic • Develop an education programme ecosystems of Port Davey – Bathurst on the significance of Port Davey – Harbour, particularly the invertebrates and Bathurst Harbour. fish, its extremely fragile nature and its outstanding conservation values require • Carry out and support continued sensitive management strategies to be put research into the identification and in place. Management strategies should be protection of unique marine and adapted as knowledge on the area’s natural estuarine habitats, species and values and the impacts from various communities in Port Davey – human activities is enhanced. Bathurst Harbour – Bathurst Channel. Objective – Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour Marine Ecosystems • Due to the conservation significance of the Port Davey – Bathurst • To protect, maintain and monitor the Harbour area and the present marine and estuarine ecosystems uncertainty regarding the potential within Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour. impacts of vessel navigation and human activities, the Policies and Actions “precautionary principle” will be adopted when devising management • Support a Government proposal for prescriptions for the area until such a marine protected area in Port time as there is clear evidence that Davey – Bathurst Harbour to various activities do not cause conserve the rare, unique and environmental harm. sensitive marine and estuarine ecosystems. 3.5 Flora • Protect the area’s critical hydrological features and processes, such as the halocline, by controlling The Melaleuca – Port Davey area is a boating and diving in Bathurst major centre of plant endemism and plant Channel and Bathurst Harbour. diversity. At least 375 native vascular See Policies and Actions under plant taxa from 84 families have been Boating and Diving Access (Section recorded in this area. This represents 4.4.2), Recreation Zone (Section nearly 20% of the vascular flora in 4.5.3) and Appendix 4. Tasmania. About 118 of these plants are endemic to Tasmania and six plants are • Protect the sensitive and fragile listed as rare or threatened. King's lomatia benthic and pelagic communities of (Lomatia tasmanica) is listed as the area from adverse impacts of endangered, whilst the others, Even blown boating activities. grass (Agrostis aequata), Musky crassula (Crassula moschata), Springy peppercress (Lepidium flexicaule), Moscal's geebung • Conserve rare and endemic marine (Persoonia moscalii) and Dune buttercup flora and fauna in Port Davey- (Ranunculus acaulis) are listed as rare. Bathurst Harbour, including the unique Caulerpa algal beds in James Less is known about the non-vascular Kelly Basin and the skate Dipturus flora. However, at least 128 bryophyte sp. taxa (of which six are endemic) have been recorded. This represents about 20% of • Maintain the very low nutrient the total bryophyte flora in Tasmania. system in Bathurst Harbour and Eight species of bryophytes have been Bathurst Channel. listed in a preliminary conservation assessment as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered.

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canopy of the west-coast peppermint There is a mosaic of vegetation types in Eucalyptus nitida. the area including terrestrial, wetland and aquatic. Terrestrial and wetland Little is known about the conservation vegetation types are described below, status of scrub communities, although whilst aquatic vegetation types are most are likely to be well represented described in Port Davey – Bathurst within the SWNP. One exception is the Harbour Marine Ecosystems (Section 3.4). heathy scrub community dominated by Eucalyptus tenuiramis that has a very 3.5.1 Buttongrass Moorland restricted distribution within the wider region. Buttongrass moorland is the most extensive vegetation in the area and 3.5.3 Wet Eucalypt Forest elsewhere in Southwest Tasmania. The characteristic species of this moorland An open canopy of the West Coast vegetation is the plant buttongrass peppermint Eucalyptus nitida generally (Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus), a dominates wet forest in the area. The tussock forming sedge. This vegetation understorey is composed of trees common blankets the landscape, occurring on in scrub as well as other sclerophyllous frequently burned flats, slopes, ridges and species such as lancewood (Nematolepis plateaux. It is associated with organic squamea) and cheese wood (Pittosporum "peat" soils that may form depths in excess bicolor). Rainforest species may also be of one metre although shallower depths present in the understorey. The ground are more common. See Geodiversity and layer is generally heavily covered with Geoconservation (Section 3.2). leaf and branch litter but shrubs, ferns (Pteridium esculentum) and sedges The present distribution of buttongrass (Gahnia grandis) are also sparsely moorland reflects a history of thousands of distributed. years of Aboriginal burning and thus is a cultural landscape of heritage significance. The forests are restricted to fire protected In the complete absence of fire it is gullies and southeasterly aspects that believed that the majority of the landscape afford sufficient fire protection to ensure would be occupied by cool temperate the survival of this fire sensitive rainforest. vegetation. Occasional fires are required to enable the regeneration of the eucalypts At least 10 of the 20 described blanket and other shade intolerant sclerophyllous moorland communities are represented species. The communities present within within the Melaleuca – Port Davey area, the area are generally widespread and well all of which are well reserved and conserved with the exception of common within the SWNP. About a third Eucalyptus globulus dominated forest at of the endemic plant species that occur in Port Davey. This community is well the area are moorland plants. Moorland is outside its normal geographic range and is also an important habitat for a range of therefore considered to be of conservation significant fauna species, including significance. heathland bird and mammal complexes, and provides the feeding habitat for 3.5.4 Mixed Forest and Rainforest orange-bellied parrots. Cool temperate rainforest is the climax 3.5.2 Scrub vegetation type in the area. It is comprised of species that do not require fire for their Scrub is tree-dominated vegetation less perpetuation. These species are easily than 8 m tall. Typically Leptospermum eliminated from the vegetation by short species or Melaleuca species dominate this intervals between fire. Consequently, this vegetation with a sparse and emergent vegetation is restricted to the most fire protected situations, occupying only small

20 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 relict patches and is vulnerable to any 3.5.5 Coastal Vegetation increase in the frequency of summer wildfires. Mixed forest is essentially Coastal vegetation consists of a range of rainforest with an emergent eucalypt structural types including heathlands, canopy that has had a history of infrequent shrublands, wetlands and herbfields. The burning. integrity of the coastal vegetation is presently good but it is a vegetation type The rainforests and rainforest understoreys that is particularly vulnerable to weed of mixed forest of this area are of two sorts invasion and erosion from trampling. The – implicate (tangled low, open and establishment of weeds presently rare in scrubby rainforest) and thamnic (rainforest the area could lead to major changes in the with a distinctive shrub layer). Most are geomorphic processes and the ecology of well reserved but their distributions are the communities. Most of the rare species restricted. They are composed of a high listed for the area, Agrostis aequata, proportion of endemic species and are the Crassula moschata, Lepidium flexicaule habitat for a number of the less common and Ranunculus acaulis occur in coastal species including the endangered species vegetation. Weeds of particular concern Lomatia tasmanica. Riparian rainforests are sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias) and dominated by the Huon pine marram grass (Ammophila arenaria). See (Lagarostrobos franklinii) occur in the Introduced Terrestrial Pests (Section area and are considered to be of 3.9.1). conservation significance. All communities present in the area are The Celery Top Islands in Bathurst considered to be well reserved. Harbour provide a good example of a fire- protected niche providing protection for 3.5.6 Wetland Vegetation rainforests. They are particularly important for their unusual natural mix of Wetland vegetation in the Melaleuca area Celery tops, eucalypts and myrtles. They occurs as tidal salt marsh, shallow support unusual red fibrous peat soils. estuarine waters and fresh deep-water marsh. Salt marsh is common on the The uncommon species Persoonia banks in sheltered coves along Melaleuca muelleri var. densifolia is known from Inlet and is dominated by a mixture of these islands where a special Phytophthora herbs common in similar vegetation on the cinnamomi management area has been south coast of Tasmania. The marshy established for its protection from the areas surrounding the creeks and lagoons disease - see Plant Diseases (Section are typically dominated by tea-tree, which 3.9.2). forms a shallow freshwater scrub. P. cinnamomi does not typically occur in Leptocarpus tenax rushlands occur in rainforest but can occur around the edges more permanently wet situations that are where Persoonia muelleri is located. If common around the edges of Melaleuca rainforest is burnt the disease can become Lagoon and where sediment has built up active killing sensitive species within the along Melaleuca Inlet. vegetation. Wetland communities are generally well The Celery Top Islands are also reserved in Tasmania but it is unclear how considered by the Aboriginal community the swamp communities at Melaleuca as highly sensitive and significant in terms relate to those occurring elsewhere, and of their Aboriginal cultural and landscape the tea-tree swamp community has a fairly values (Greg Lehman, PWS, pers. comm.). distinctive structural composition. The The Aboriginal community desire that salt marsh community is relatively there is an absolute minimum of uncommon and restricted in its distribution disturbance and visitation to the islands. and is considered of conservation significance.

21 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

3.5.7 Alpine Vegetation Significance. There is merit in designating the Celery Top Islands as a Scientific The Melaleuca – Port Davey area does not Area. contain any true alpine areas, however alpine vegetation communities do occur at Commercial tourism operators currently higher altitudes on mountain slopes such use the unnamed second island from the as Mt Rugby. This region is a stronghold west (Grid Ref: 977308 on Melaleuca for the listed alpine species Persoonia 1:25,000 map). Evidence of localised moscalii. vegetation damage, ground compaction and informal track development on this Management Issues island is of concern and should be monitored. Visitor access should be High burning frequencies and intensities permitted to this island only, subject to that cause the erosion and removal of peat monitoring of site impacts and measures can degrade Buttongrass moorland. put in place to minimise the spread of Ongoing research and monitoring of Phytophthora cinnamomi. species responses to burning is necessary to define the ideal fire management regime Objective - Flora to maintain peat soils, and species diversity and habitat for rare and endemic • To conserve natural flora diversity, species in moorlands. Long-term rare or threatened flora species, and monitoring sites have been established and plant species and communities of should not be interfered with. conservation significance. An even more significant threat than fire to the integrity of buttongrass moorlands is Policies and Actions the infection by the root rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi - see Plant • As a priority, designate the Celery Diseases (Section 3.9.2). Top Islands as a Scientific Area to protect their natural, cultural and Fire intervals are critical to the scientific values. maintenance of scrub. Scrub vegetation may be eliminated by several short • Public use of all islands, except the intervals between fires but may expand unnamed second island from the into moorland if the time interval between west (Grid Ref: 977308 on fires is long enough to enable the Melaleuca 1:25,000 map), of the production of large quantities of seed. The Celery Top Islands is discouraged to root rot fungus may impact on the scrub protect and maintain their natural edge but is not likely to affect species and cultural values. beneath the closed canopy of undisturbed scrub vegetation. • Investigate, and implement if approved, declaring some areas on All alpine areas and forests (particularly the unnamed second island from the rainforests) are to be given a high priority west of the Celery Top Islands as for protection from fire. Fire management limited access under the National regimes should be planned to promote the Parks & Reserved Land Regulations expansion of tree dominated communities 1999. whilst ensuring that the diversity within buttongrass moorlands is maintained. • Public use of the unnamed second island from the west of the Celery See also Fire Management (Section 3.8). Top Islands is subject to hygiene measures being applied before going The WHAMP, 1999 makes provision for ashore to prevent the introduction the designation of three types of Scientific of Phytophthora cinnamomi - see Area within the WHA; Reference Areas, Plant Diseases (Section 3.9.2). This Benchmark Areas and Sites of Special

22 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

arrangement will be monitored to ensure natural and cultural values For information on introduced fauna are being protected and maintained, species, see Introduced Pests and Diseases and changes made if necessary. – Introduced Terrestrial Pests (Section 3.9.1) and Introduced Marine Pests • Avoid development of and access to (Section 3.9.3). areas where plant species and communities of conservation 3.6.1 Mammals significance exist. Twenty-one of Tasmania's 34 native • Support and facilitate research and terrestrial mammal species occur in the monitoring of the impact of fire on Melaleuca area, including three of plant species and communities Tasmania's five endemic species – the within the area. eastern quoll, Tasmanian pademelon and long-tailed mouse. Buttongrass moorland • Support and facilitate surveys, provides habitat for wallabies, wombats, monitoring and research of rare or quolls, swamp rats, swamp antechinus and threatened plants and communities. the rare broad-toothed mouse. The forest and tea-tree scrub provide habitat for a number of other mammals including possums, pygmy possums, long-tailed • Maintain facilities to assist and mice and some bat species. Platypuses support research activities within and water rats occur in aquatic habitats. the area. 3.6.2 Birds See also Policies and Actions under Fire Management (Section 3.8). Over 110 species of Tasmania's 191 regularly occurring native bird species have been recorded near Melaleuca, including eight of the 11 Tasmanian 3.6 Fauna endemics – the green rosella, dusky robin, Tasmanian thornbill, scrubtit, yellow- The fauna of the Melaleuca area is throated honeyeater, strong-billed predominantly determined by the available honeyeater, yellow wattlebird and black habitats. Buttongrass moorland and currawong. wetlands are the dominant habitats with pockets of rainforest, wet forest and tea- Although buttongrass moorland has a tree scrub. relatively low diversity of bird species, it does provide habitat for two species with In general terms, buttongrass moorlands high conservation value - namely the do not support as high a diversity of fauna orange-bellied parrot and ground parrot. as other habitats, e.g. eucalypt forest. The orange-bellied parrot (“OBP”) forages Nevertheless, they do contain a unique in low-lying moorland habitat but nests in community of fauna. Peat mounds within the isolated pockets of forest. The ground the buttongrass moorlands provide parrot, which is listed as threatened on important nesting habitat and shelter for a mainland Australia but not in Tasmania, is range of species as they are well drained relatively common at Melaleuca. Other and provide greater cover than the common moorland species are the striated surrounding moorlands. field-wren and southern emu-wren.

The waters of Bathurst Channel contain an Melaleuca is probably the best place in outstanding marine invertebrate Tasmania to observe the firetail finch, community of major scientific significance which visits the Bird Hide feed table in - see Port Davey–Bathurst Harbour Marine large numbers. Ecosystems (Section 3.4).

23 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

The rivers, lagoons, bays and associated Australia visiting the area to improve our wetlands are habitat for several species of knowledge of fauna, particularly duck, black swan, white-faced great heron, invertebrates. Over 100 species of cormorant, Caspian tern, gull and sooty invertebrates representing 12 major insect oystercatcher, among others. They also groups have been collected from the area. act as important breeding and nursery Considerably more survey work is areas. required to gain a full assessment of the invertebrate biodiversity. Refer to Threatened Fauna (Section 3.6.6). Buttongrass moorland at Melaleuca is 3.6.3 Reptiles and Amphibians dominated by species belonging to the Diptera (flies), Collembolla (springtails), Seven of Tasmania's 21 reptile species and Acarina (mites), Areneae (spiders) and four of its 11 frog species are found in the Hemiptera (bugs). area. This includes three endemic reptiles – the Tasmanian tree skink, ocellated A significant feature of buttongrass skink and the sheoak skink, and three moorlands in the area is the numerous endemic frogs – the Tasmanian tree frog, burrowing crayfish holes. Burrowing Tasmanian froglet and the recently crayfish have been described as a keystone discovered moss froglet. The metallic species. Their burrows provided habitat skink and white-lipped snake and brown for a range of aquatic species and they froglet are common in the area, provide a source of water when the particularly in buttongrass moorlands. moorlands dry out over summer. At least Melaleuca is also a good place to hear the 14 species of burrowing crayfish are Tasmanian tree frog, which occurs in deep currently being described for Tasmania. moorland pools. One species, currently described as Parastacoides tasmanica insignis, is the 3.6.4 Fish most common burrowing crayfish in the area. Another species of burrowing Eight of Tasmania's 25 native freshwater crayfish, currently known as fish have been recorded from the rivers Parastacoides tasmanica inermis, has a flowing into Bathurst Harbour and Port restricted distribution in the area (but is Davey. The climbing galaxias is the most more common elsewhere in Tasmania) as common freshwater fish species. The it only occurs in a few isolated patches of most significant feature of the freshwater remnant rainforest. These remnant community in this area is the current patches of rainforest provide habitat for a absence of introduced trout. Thus this range of invertebrate species including aquatic system has very high conservation velvet worms and a primitive species of value, as there are very few moth, Sabatinca. Unlike most other freshwater/estuarine systems in Australia moths, Sabatinca has jaw-like mouthparts where introduced fish species have not for chewing on the spores on the been recorded. undersides of ferns.

See Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour Many of the invertebrate taxa of Marine Ecosystems (Section 3.4) for buttongrass moorlands as well as other information on marine fishes. habitats at Melaleuca tend to belong to Gondwana groups or older (Pangaea) and 3.6.5 Invertebrates have affinities to New Zealand and/or South America. Compared to other parts of Tasmania, a considerable amount of invertebrate A pilot survey of Bathurst Channel has survey work has been conducted at revealed the presence of a distinct Melaleuca as part of the Wilderness assemblage of marine invertebrates of Ecosystem Baseline Studies. These major scientific significance - see Port studies involved scientists from around

24 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

Davey – Bathurst Harbour Marine Boronia citriodora, Boronia parvifolia, Ecosystems (Section 3.4). Xyris marginata, Actinotus bellidioides, and Helichrysum pumilum. 3.6.6 Threatened Fauna The OBP breeds in hollows in trees either There are presently five vertebrate species along the margins of rivers and bays or on listed on the Schedules of the Tasmanian the edge of woodlands on hill slopes, Threatened Species Protection Act 1995, mainly to the east of the Melaleuca valley. which occur within the Melaleuca – Port Davey area. The OBP is an obligate migratory species, departing its breeding locations in March Endangered: orange-bellied parrot, and April, wintering in the coastal salt wedge-tailed eagle, grey goshawk. marshes of southern Victoria and South Rare: fairy tern, New Zealand fur seal. Australia, and returning to Tasmania in early October. The wedge-tailed eagle is quite rare at Melaleuca and probably nests in forest Concern for the survival of the OBP has habitat. The rare grey goshawk has also been considerable. A National Recovery been recorded in the area. Program and Recovery Plan for the species have been prepared. The Fairy terns breed in the James Kelly Basin governments of Victoria, South Australia area. and Tasmania, the Commonwealth Government, Healesville Sanctuary (Vic.), The New Zealand fur seal is probably not Birds Australia (formerly the Royal a common visitor to Bathurst Harbour but Australasian Ornothologists Union) and has been recorded in Port Davey. It is World Wide Fund for Nature have joined believed there is a haul out site near Port forces in an effort to save the parrot from Davey Head. They breed on Maatsuyker extinction. Island. Part of this program involves summer 3.6.7 Threatened Fauna Species: The volunteers monitoring the Melaleuca Orange-bellied Parrot population of the OBP. A program of supplementary feeding and the provision Melaleuca is the principal breeding of artificial nest boxes is also being used location for the critically endangered as a management tool to assist with the orange-bellied parrot (Neophema recovery of the species. chrysogaster). It is estimated that as much as 90% of the wild breeding population of Management Issues – Fauna this parrot occurs within 10 kilometres of the Melaleuca landing area (Mark Fire management is required to provide a Holdsworth, NCB, pers. comm.). This range of habitat types and ages in the high percentage is thought to be due Melaleuca area. Areas should be set aside largely to a favourable fire regime adopted from burning to enable species that require historically at this site, where regular older stage vegetation to survive. The burning has produced a mosaic of NCB is currently investigating the impacts moorland age classes, which favour this of fire on fauna with the aim of developing ground feeding bird. The population is management prescriptions to protect estimated to be no more than 200 adults. biodiversity.

During the summer, the orange-bellied The continuation of Melaleuca for parrot (OBP) lives on the open coastal wilderness ecosystem baseline studies is plains of Southwest Tasmania. It feeds in important. This arrangement could be these buttongrass plains on the seeds of a formalised by making the site a Scientific range of vegetation types including Area. See Scientific Research and Lepyrodia tasmanica, Restio complanatus, Monitoring (Section 3.12).

25 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

and 206). Slight variations in regular Management Issues – Threatened Fauna aircraft activity may occasionally cause wary individuals to cease feeding or take Funding provided through the Natural flight. OBPs at the feed table were shown Heritage Trust (NHT) program for the to have a ranging level of tolerance to Orange-bellied Parrot Recovery Program people visiting the bird hide. They are was significantly reduced for 2000/2001. sensitive and react to sudden or sharp Similar funding cuts have been noises or movements. experienced for many national Endangered Species Programs. The Program Co- It cannot be assumed, however, that the ordinator recognises that it is important to increase in aircraft and human activity at seek other funding sources. See Facilities Melaleuca over the last decade has not had and Services – Melaleuca Visitor Services any impacts on breeding success or Site (Section 4.5.4). population size. Unfortunately, the scarcity of the OBP combined with the The maintenance of quality OBP habitat is inaccessibility of the WHA does not allow critical to their survival. They require for these results to be compared with a secure breeding and roosting sites. Tree control population that has no human hollows in mature trees are used for disturbance. A precautionary approach to nesting, tall dense scrub is used for management decision-making is therefore roosting and moorland is used for feeding. warranted.

The OBP prefers feeding on the new The second report (draft), Aircraft and shoots and seeds of the buttongrass, which Human Activity at Melaleuca and the grow after fire. It has been suggested that Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema the OBP have become scarce since regular Chrysogaster): The Effects of Helicopters, burning of the Melaleuca area, as practiced April 2001 concluded that OBPs at the by the Aborigines, has stopped (Green & feed table have a lower tolerance to Painter, 1997, unpub. report). Further helicopters than to fixed-wing aircraft research on the relationship between the which currently visit Melaleuca. The Aborigines and the OBP, perhaps as part disturbance levels tested with the of the OBP Recovery Program, is helicopter were insufficient to cause OBPs desirable. See Aboriginal Landscape to leave the feed table, but were sufficient Management (Section 3.7.2). to cause most birds to cease feeding. Frequent helicopter use may affect energy See Introduced Terrestrial Pests (Section budgets. The behaviour of OBPs away 3.9.1) for threats to the OBP from from the feed table with respect to introduced species such as feral cats and helicopter disturbance was not starlings. investigated. Human disturbance in the form of people in or near the bird hide or Ecology Australia Pty. Ltd. was contracted on the access track during the helicopter by PWS to examine the effects of human, disturbance can cause OBPs to leave the aircraft and helicopter disturbance on the feed table (2001, 19). OBP at Melaleuca. Fieldwork was conducted in January 2000 (human and Recommendations from these reports aircraft activities) and in January 2001 included the following statements. (helicopter activities). - PWS instigate precautionary The Report, Aircraft and Human Activity measures to control human and at Melaleuca and the Orange-bellied aircraft visitation before Parrot (Neophema Chrysogaster), May disturbance increases to a level 2000 suggested that OBPs are relatively where demonstrable impacts occur habituated to the regular approach and exit (e.g. monitoring aircraft, boating flight paths, noise levels, size and shape of and human visitation). small fixed wing aircraft (Cessna 172, 182

26 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

- If there is any evidence of a decline in orange-bellied parrot • Implement the management numbers, recruitment, etc., PWS recommendations contained in the should introduce permit and quota two reports prepared by Ecology systems and have greater control Australia for PWS on the effects of over the number of people, boats aircraft, helicopter and human and aircraft visiting Melaleuca. disturbances on the orange-bellied parrot, as appropriate. - PWS initiate annual workshops with commercial aircraft and • Support the continuation of the helicopter companies operating at Orange-Bellied Parrot Recovery Melaleuca and a representative for Program. private aircraft to discuss the Fly Neighbourly Advice (FNA) • Develop a joint research project guidelines – including the between PWS, NCB and the formulation of new FNA Aboriginal community to investigate guidelines for helicopter pilots, the relationship between the importance of Melaleuca to the Aboriginal community and the OBP, optimal flight paths, pilot orange-bellied parrots. Information education and the recording of from this project should be visitors. considered for inclusion in the display at the bird hide. - Any proposed development at Melaleuca that potentially • Encourage and facilitate fauna involves direct or indirect impacts surveys that will improve our on the OBPs (e.g. landing area understanding of biodiversity values extension, increase in helicopter and ecosystem processes in the area. activity, accommodation) should be subject to an environmental • Assess the value of peat mounds for impact assessment. fauna conservation.

- Visitor disturbance around the • Conduct research into the impacts hide and feed table could be of human-induced noise on fauna in minimised through use of signs, the area. appropriate clothing for visitors and sound buffering in the hide. • Increase the area of habitat for the broad-toothed mouse in the Aside from the above reports focussing on Melaleuca area through the the OBP, the impacts of human-induced establishment of an appropriate fire noise on other fauna species in the area regime. has not been researched. See Environmental Quality – Noise (Section See also Policies and Actions under Fire 3.11.3). Management (Section 3.8).

Objectives – Fauna 3.7 Heritage and Landscape • To minimise impacts on native fauna and their habitats from human 3.7.1 Aboriginal Heritage and activities. Landscape

• To conserve threatened fauna species, The Early Aboriginal Landscape in particular the orange-bellied parrot. Evidence shows that Aboriginal people Policies and Actions have lived in Tasmania continuously from

27 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 at least 35,000 years ago. There were nine tribes in Aboriginal Tasmania, each European Contact and Invasion comprising from five or six to 15 bands, with possibly 40-50 people in each band From around 1804 whalers and timber- (Rhys Jones, in Ryan, 1996, 14). cutters paid seasonal visits to the territory of the South West tribe. By 1830 the The Port Davey and Cox Bight areas were Aboriginal population had declined from the territory of the Ninene and several hundred to about 60, many Needwonnee bands respectively, who reported to have died from influenza and belonged to the South West tribe. The European diseases, to which they had little total population for the South West people resistance (Ryan, 1996, 131). From the was between 200 and 300 (Rhys Jones, in many reports of Aborigines observed to be Ryan, 1996, 38). injured by gunshots, it is clear that direct attacks on Aboriginal people were also The Aboriginal community consider the occurring. area of Melaleuca – Cox Bight to be a "creation landscape" and therefore of great On 1 December 1829, Lieutenant- significance. G. A. Robinson recorded Governor George Arthur gave George some details of creation stories associated Augustus Robinson permission to with this area (the Moinee story) in 1831 undertake an expedition to Port Davey "for (Plomley, 1966, 376). The story told by the purpose of endeavouring to effect an Woorrady accounts for the creation of the amicable understanding with the first Tasmanian Aboriginal man, who was aborigines (sic) in that quarter, and made from a kangaroo. through them, with the tribes in the interior." (Plomley, in Ryan, 1996, 129.) Lyndall Ryan, in her book, The Aboriginal Tasmanians, 1996, provides us with a very It appears Robinson initially sought the good insight into the lives of the South "voluntary surrender" of all Aborigines in West people. Tasmania to save them from extinction and civilise them in an area away from the "The economy of the South West people settlers' guns (Ryan, 1996, 134). was focussed on the seashore and the Unfortunately, the period of "voluntary coastal plain immediately behind it. surrender" was short. In urgency to Major foods were shellfish, crayfish, seals, complete his task of "bringing the wombats and macropods. Vegetable foods Aboriginal people in", force was used were less abundant and thus not as during Robinson's second expedition of important in the diet as they were May-August 1833 into the area of the elsewhere in Tasmania…(They) lived in South West people. local "villages" of beehive-shaped huts situated close to fresh water and food- Sixteen Aborigines residing south of collecting areas. Movement was mostly Macquarie Harbour were captured on 12 parallel to the coast along well-defined July and taken by ship to Flinders Island footpaths…Rivers and harbours were (Ryan, 1996, 168-169). Aborigines from crossed by catamarans…They moved around the west and southwest were taken towards Macquarie Harbour or Port to Sarah Island, where they were abused Davey (during the egging season in late by convicts caged one floor above in the winter). They obtained ochre at Cox new penitentiary (Strahan Visitor Bight…The South West people had access Information Centre – display). north across Macquarie Harbour or east along the coast past South East Cape to Recherche Bay…They visited the Maatsuyker and De Witt Islands during the summer to hunt seals…In winter, they sometimes visited the South East people at Bruny Island. (Ryan, 1996, 38-39).

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3.7.2 Aboriginal Landscape resources which are used by the present- Management day Aboriginal community. The Aboriginal community see it as a priority The area is important to today's Aboriginal to keep cultural links to the land through community for: Aboriginal land management and the continuation of traditional practices. • its creation landscape value, (Green & Painter, 1997, vi) • its protection of Aboriginal sites through the World Heritage Area Recommendations made in the Cox Bight- listing, and Melaleuca report include: • management of the landscape – fire was one of the major influences on the • development of a strategy for area. Aboriginal involvement in fire management; Aboriginal cultural heritage is much • development of a research project on broader than isolated physical sites or the history and techniques of features; it includes the use and Aboriginal fire management; management of plants, animals and other • investigation into the relationship resources, and the rights and obligations of between the Aboriginal community the Aboriginal people to care for and and the Orange-bellied parrot; control their heritage. Traditional • development of guidelines for the landscapes represent an important protection of Aboriginal values for Aboriginal value. user groups (eg. fishers, bushwalkers); and In 1996 the Tasmanian Aboriginal Land • protection of Aboriginal sites. Council (TALC) produced a report titled Aboriginal Management in the Tasmanian A detailed case study of Aboriginal values World Heritage Area, on contract from the at Melaleuca, building on from the 1997 Parks and Wildlife Service. report and planned as a joint project between TALC, PWS and THO, has been The report identified the following as deferred for the time being. areas of interest to the Aboriginal community: burial grounds, caves, The WHAMP, 1999 declares that the PWS traditional animals, plants and minerals recognises the special relationship that (eg. ochres), fire, sites (landscapes), exists between the Tasmanian Aboriginal interpretation, native forests and tracks. community and the World Heritage Area – This list is not exhaustive. which includes Melaleuca – Port Davey area. The report also stressed the need for a The Objectives and Key Focus Areas in survey of the valley between Cox Bight the WHAMP, 1999 together speak of co- and Melaleuca (within the Southwest management and a partnership between Conservation Area). The results of the the Aboriginal community and the PWS in survey were produced in the report A the management of issues and values of Survey for Aboriginal Values at Cox Bight the WHA. and Melaleuca: A Report to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Land Council and Management Issues the Parks and Wildlife Service, 1997, by Chris Green and Ruth Painter. This report Management actions and policies need to noted: recognise that a special relationship exists between the Aboriginal community and That the Cox Bight-Melaleuca area is the WHA. The Aboriginal community highly significant to the Aboriginal wishes to progressively increase their community and that the area contains involvement in the management of the spiritual associations and traditional area of this plan, comprising the WHA, adjacent Melaleuca Visitor Services Site

29 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 and the SWCA Melaleuca – Cox Bight 3.7.3 Historic Heritage and corridor. Landscape

Melaleuca has been identified as a Whaling significant site for Aboriginal interpretation. See Information, Whaling was a significant industry in Interpretation and Education (Section 4.3). Tasmania during the first half of the 19th century. The main quarry was the Objectives – Aboriginal Heritage and southern right or 'black' whale, which Landscape, Aboriginal Landscape passed close to the Tasmanian coast Management during its annual migration north from Antarctica during the winter months • To foster the development of a close (Evans, 1993). and co-operative working relationship between PWS and the Aboriginal In circa 1828, Mr W Bethune was granted community in the management of the leave to send a whaling party to Port area. Davey. His was the earliest known application to whale the waters of Port • In partnership with the Tasmanian Davey and the surrounding southwest Aboriginal community, to research, coastline. Two new whaling leases were conserve and, where appropriate, taken out in the late 1850s; Mr James present Aboriginal cultural heritage Smith for a whaling station site at Bramble places, landscapes and values. Cove in 1856, and Mr William Durt for the same in 1859. A separate application Policies and Actions to occupy islands in the vicinity, possibly Turnbull Island and North Breaksea • Management of the area’s Island, was made by Dr Crowther in 1858 Aboriginal heritage will be (Kostoglou, 1995). undertaken in partnership with the Aboriginal community. The settlement at Bramble Cove during the late 1850s consisted of several houses, • Continue to identify priorities for a cemetery and tryworks. The cemetery the management of Aboriginal had evidently consisted of a number of values in the area in consultation timber grave markers, though by the mid with the Aboriginal community. 1870s, only two of these markers remained in situ (ibid). • Support and encourage research into Aboriginal cultural knowledge Three whaling station sites existed in the to assist in land management, and to Bramble Cove vicinity, two of which are inform the protection of Aboriginal better known. Smith's Bramble Cove values. whaling station was active till the early See also Flora (Section 3.5.4), 1870s, when whaling along the southwest Threatened Fauna Species: The coast of Tasmania had almost ceased. Site Orange-bellied Parrot (Section 3.6.7), features include fireplaces (all but Fire Management (Section 3.8) and destroyed through subsequent human Information, Interpretation and impact), quartzite stones, a scatter of Education (Section 4.3). whalebone and artefacts. Durt's Bramble Cove whaling station had been abandoned at the end of the 1860s. Historic features associated with this site include artefacts, a well-preserved dry stacked chimney base and several stone structures.

Located on the rocky headland at the eastern end of Bramble Cove beach is a

30 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 rock shelter site. It consists of friable Exploration and Mining sandstone. This site may be whaling related. A reward lease for antimony (a mineral deposit) existed in 1897-1912 at Joe Page Pining Bay. A second similar lease at the same location was held and worked by King and Shortly after 1815 a Dr Thomas William Clayton during the 1970s (Gee & Fenton, Birch was granted a year's concession to 1983, 229). cut Huon pine at Port Davey and Macquarie Harbour. In the late 1830s Cassiterite (tin oxide) was discovered in stands of Huon pine forests were found at the bank above Melaleuca Creek in 1935. the headwaters of the Spring and Davey Following this discovery, the New Rivers. A village at Settlement Point at Harbour Company was set up. Production the mouth of the Davey River once had 50 started in 1936 with a labour force of 19 people living there. Remnants of old pine people. Accommodation was built at what pens, sawpits and chimney mounds still is now Deny King’s garden. The company exist. On the opposite side of the river was disbanded in 1937. The lease was from Settlement Point was a second sold to Eric Brock who continued to work village known as Piners Point. Pining the mine over the next two years. continued at Port Davey on a diminishing scale until the late 1870s, when most of Charles George King took over the mining the easily accessible and suitably sized lease in 1941 and was joined in 1945 by stands of trees were almost cut out, and the his daughter, Win, and son, Deny, who settlements abandoned. Large numbers of worked the mine until 1985 when he was very big trees that could not be handled by 76. Several other leases in the Melaleuca piners of that period still remain. area were worked on and off mostly on a small scale. These included Qintex Ltd., Commercial Fishing which carried out exploration work and set up a pilot plant at Melaleuca in 1974 but The history of the commercial fishing never started any serious mining. industry of the area dates back a century or more (see Harry O’May’s book Peter and Barbara Willson arrived at ‘Shipwrecks in Tasmanian Waters’). On 5 Melaleuca in 1974. They bought the lease November 1904, the barque, Brier Holme, from Charles' daughter, Win, acquired by was wrecked on a reef approximately 20 forfeiture further leases from Qintex, and kilometres north of Port Davey. The sole continue to mine the tin oxide to the survivor, Oscar Larsen, was washed present day. ashore and his subsequent survival was due to fishers working at Port Davey. Deny King lived at Melaleuca with his wife Margaret and their children Janet and Clyde Clayton was a commercial fisher in Mary. They built the house at Moth Creek the area. He built his second house and in 1946, developed a garden, constructed associated buildings where he did several structures associated with the tin (Claytons Corner) because of his work and mine. livelihood as a fisher. Claytons house has great significance to the fishing In the period 1955-1957, Deny King built community. Some fishers have at their the Melaleuca landing area with a grant own cost put a great deal of energy and from the former Mines Department. It time into restoring and maintaining was initially a private landing area for the Claytons and other infrastructure in the use of miners and their families, but was area. taken over by the Government in 1977. The landing area was extended in the late 1970s. Responsibility for the maintenance of the landing area was transferred to the Department of Roads and Transport. In

31 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

1991, the Parks and Wildlife Service The South Coast Track extends between assumed responsibility for the landing Cockle Creek and Melaleuca. It is likely area. the track follows the same route as that used by Aborigines in the past (Green & Deny King also built the two walkers huts Painter, 1997). at Melaleuca with the help of the Launceston and Hobart Walking Clubs. The Old Port Davey Track (also known The Charles King Memorial Hut (one of locally and unofficially as the Port Davey the two huts) was built in 1960 as a Track) was surveyed in 1898. It was soon memorial to his father and to upgraded to packhorse standard. It linked accommodate walkers. Of Nissan Style the South Gordon Track to the Port Davey construction, it was built from corrugated area. The section of the old track between iron with bush timber frames and a Lower Spring River and Joe Page Bay was wooden floor. Several walking clubs bypassed in the 1960s when a new section contributed to the costs of some of track was built between Lower Spring furnishings. See the following section on River and Bathurst Narrows. historic heritage sites for a statement of the significance of this hut. Original benching and other remains of the old trackwork still survive along parts of Deny and members of the Launceston the Old Port Davey Track. Walking Club built a second walkers hut in 1979-1981. It is of similar construction Historic Heritage Sites to the Charles King hut. The second walker hut is of probable social heritage A number of historic heritage sites in the and recreational value, and may have Melaleuca – Port Davey area have been historic heritage values. identified as potentially culturally significant (Table 3). Deny King was a keen observer of the weather, plants and animals and a keen Much of the developed parts of Melaleuca painter. He was a popular figure and is a can be considered as an historic landscape significant focus of historic interest in the associated with remote 19th and 20th Melaleuca area. After the cessation of his century settlements in wilderness areas. mining activities he continued to live at Such landscapes and their specific heritage Melaleuca until his death in 1991. elements are under-represented in Tasmanian historic sites and Melaleuca is Win King married fisher Clyde Clayton considered to be of State significance in and they lived initially at Bond Bay and terms of its settlement and small-scale later at Claytons. Located on the northern mining operations. bank of Forest Lagoon, Claytons contains a jetty, house, shed, boathouse site and garden.

Win was a keen gardener, and her garden plants, such as the rhododendron, continue to provide a tangible link to the Clayton's occupancy of this site.

The house was built in 1964, and sold to the National Parks and Wildlife Service in 1976. Today, the value of the site lies in its association with the King and Fenton families and with its social heritage and amenity value for the fishing and boating communities, visitors and bushwalkers.

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Table 3 Historic Heritage Sites

LOCATION FEATURE SIGNIFICANCE Settlement Point, Davey Extensive remains (mostly Historic value - 19th century River wood) Huon pining industry Piners Point, Davey River Remains of domestic Historic value – 19th century structures Huon pining industry Davey River Carver's Boat Yard – sawpits Historic value – 19th century Huon pining industry Bond Bay Claytons Old House Site – Historic association – garden Clayton & King families Turnbull (Sarah/Tonguers) Station/Settlement – stone Historic value – early 19th Island, Bathurst Channel built fireplace, whale bone century whaling industry fragments Bramble Cove Beach 1, Whalers Cemetery – timber Historic value – early 19th Bathurst Channel grave markers century whaling industry Bramble Cove Beach 2, Barrel Site – wooden staves Historic value – early 19th Bathurst Channel of a barrel century whaling industry Bramble Cove, Bathurst Smith's Whaling Station – Historic value – early 19th Channel fireplaces, camping area, century whaling industry artefact scatter, whale bone scatter Bramble Cove, Bathurst Durt's Whaling Station – Historic value – early 19th Channel stone chimney bases century whaling industry Bramble Cove, Bathurst Rock Shelter – shelter, stone Historic value – early 19th Channel wall, excavation century whaling industry Hixson Point, Bathurst Observatory – concrete slabs Probable exploration and Channel and pit scientific endeavour value

Parker Bay, Bathurst Critchley Parker's Grave – Social value Channel headstone, grave, wooden cross Joe Page Bay, Bathurst Mine Site – pits and trenches Probable historic value – Channel early 20th century antimony mining industry Joe Page Bay, Bathurst Post, Pick and Pit – wooden Possible value – part of Channel post, "Cornish" pick, pit King's & Clayton's mining activities in the 1950s Spring River, Bathurst Settlement – schist fireplace, Probable historic value – 19th Channel depression, pine and artefact century Huon pining industry scatter Spring River, Bathurst Pine Pens Probable historic value – 19th Channel century Huon pining industry Clytie Cove, Bathurst Benchmark – HMAS Scientific value – 20th Narrows Geranium 1922 – Royal century maritime Navy maritime survey (AUS Chart 176) Bathurst Narrows Lindsay Hill Shafts – Probable historic value possible shaft and trench associated with early 20th century antimony mining industry, cultural landscape

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LOCATION FEATURE SIGNIFICANCE value Old River, Bathurst Harbour Stone Store – slabs of schist, Probable historic value stone floor Forest Lagoon Claytons – house, Historic association with shed/garages/workshops, Clayton & King families, garden social association with recreational user groups Melaleuca Inlet Channel Markers – branches, Form and route of markers beer cans likely to be of cultural value associated with the King family Melaleuca Charles King Memorial Hut Historic value and association with Deny King, social value for King & Fenton families and bushwalkers Melaleuca Second bushwalkers hut Probable social value Melaleuca King's Residence – house, Association with King & workshop, Karina’s hut, bird Fenton families feeding hut, CDK hut, studio, peat shed, boatshed, woodshed, dinghies (Scamp & Nifty), wind vane, children’s swing frame, wind generator, anenometer, chook house, garden and jetty Melaleuca Airstrip Historic association with Deny King Nearby earlier corduroy Historic value – King family airstrip (physical remains) subsistence activities Nearby peat-drying site Melaleuca Mine Site – welding shed, Historic association with vehicle shed, caterpillar shed, King family and previous trommel, jig, streaming mining interests flume, D2 shed, switch room, sluice gate, Southern Cross shed, derrick & winch, lift platform, pump shed Cockle Creek – Melaleuca South Coast Track Historic, cultural and social value as a route Melaleuca – Scotts Peak Old Port Davey Track Historic and cultural value as a route

34 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

Management Issues unassessed or vulnerable historic heritage sites in the area. A number of the above historic heritage sites are either unassessed, in poor Objective – Historic Heritage and condition or lack conservation plans. Landscape Without knowing the condition and vulnerability of known historic heritage • To conserve, and where practicable sites, a loss of historic values may occur interpret historic heritage sites and with uncontrolled access to and use of places of potential and recognised such sites. Particular concern is held for cultural significance in the area, the Bramble Cove whaling sites and the subject to cultural sensitivities. Settlement Point site. Policies and Actions The condition of the fragile and vulnerable historic sites at Bramble Cove has been • The PWS, in association with THO, deteriorating for some years. The Smith's will assess the conservation and whaling station site has suffered maintenance requirements of all considerable disturbance and merits significant historic heritage sites in protective action to prevent further the area as a priority, develop damage. Similarly, Durt's whaling station maintenance schedules and site should be left undisturbed (Kostoglou, implement appropriate protection 1995). and management measures. See Involving the Community The Turnbull (Sarah) Island (Section 6). station/settlement represents the final phase of the whaling industry, and • Until the condition and vulnerability therefore should be protected. This site's of some of the known historic fragile nature does not lend itself to public heritage sites (in particular the interpretation (Kostoglou, 1995). Bramble Cove whaling sites, Turnbull (Sarah) Island The Clayton's house site and garden at station/settlement and Settlement Forest Lagoon are in poor condition and Point huon pining site) has been require ongoing maintenance to keep them assessed, visitor sustainability of in a satisfactory condition. A Friends of sites determined and appropriate Claytons Group has recently been site protection measures are in established to carry out this task. place, visitor use will not be encouraged and the sites will not be The historic Huon pining site at Settlement promoted. Point is one of the key historic heritage sites in the WHA. It is in a vulnerable and • Removal of structures and exotic deteriorating condition. The nature of the plants associated with historic remains – mostly wood, is such that foot garden sites, and rehabilitation of trampling – either intentional or disturbance will occur only after unintentional – will easily damage the site prior assessment of cultural in its current unprotected state. The site significance and the risks of exotic requires stabilisation before visitors can be plants escaping have been directed or encouraged to the site. determined. See Introduced Flora (Section 3.9.1). Assessment of these sites is urgently needed and appropriate site protection • Research on historic heritage places works (eg. stabilisation and hardening will be carried out. works, directing public access) put in place. Only after this has been done, • Prepare a statement of cultural should controlled visitor use and significance and a conservation commercial tours be permitted to the

35 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

report for Claytons site as a maintain habitat for the OBP. OBP's priority. prefer to feed in areas that are regularly burnt every 3-12 years. • Continue to support the Friends of Clayton Group. 3.8.3 Fuel Stoves See Involving the Community (Section 6). Due to the environment's sensitivity to fire and the localised degradation around campsites due to fuel wood gathering, the 3.8 Fire Management entire WHA in 1998 was declared a Fuel Stove Only Area (FSOA). A FSOA is an area where visitors must only use portable 3.8.1 Legislative Responsibilities cooking stoves designed to burn methylated spirits, kerosene, shellite or The PWS is responsible for fire gas-based fuels. A FSOA has also been management on all land administered declared over the entire South Coast under the National Parks and Wildlife Act Track. 1970. It is responsible for preventing the spread of fire from lands vested under its The exceptions to this are the constructed control under the Fire Service Act 1979. fireplaces in the Charles King Memorial Hut at Melaleuca and in Claytons house Under the Mining Act 1929, the holders of and two designated campsites on the South mining leases are responsible for fire Coast Track (Surprise Bay and Deadmans prevention within their lease. The holders Bay). Fireplaces exist also in the two of mining and residential leases are residential houses at Melaleuca. considered "occupiers" of their lease under the Fire Service Act 1979 and are The WHAMP, 1999 provides for the responsible for preventing the spread of continuation of this regime. fire from their lease. Management Issues 3.8.2 Present Burning Regime In 1999 the PWS initiated a strategy, Fire management in the area, set out in the called the Fire and Ecosystem Melaleuca – Southwest Cape Fire Management Project. It aims to manage Management Plan,(PWS 1997) aims to: the very extensive areas of buttongrass - Protect people from fire. moorland in the WHA and related areas - Prevent wildfires ignited in the for their ecological values (ecosystem- Melaleuca area from spreading to management burning) whilst also reducing the surrounding area. the risk of wildfires burning fire-sensitive - Conserve natural and cultural rainforests, alpine areas and subalpine values, in particular maintaining areas (hazard-reduction burning). In Orange-bellied parrot habitat. consultation with PWS, NCB of DPIWE - Protect built structures from fire. are presently investigating the role fire plays in affecting ecological values. Over the past decade a series of hazard- reduction burns have been conducted in The project aims to develop a burning the vicinity of the Melaleuca landing area programme that will increase the diversity and the Rallinga Mine lease area. The aim of vegetation ages across the landscape. of these burns has been to protect This may be possible by implementing a infrastructure associated with the two mosaic arrangement of patch burning. bushwalkers huts, the PWS staff residence, Marsden-Smedley and Kirkpatrick (2000) King’s lease and Rallinga Mine lease. have argued that small patch burning is more akin to Indigenous burning patterns The Orange-bellied Parrot Recovery Plan that have led to the formation of the 1998-2002 prescribes the use of fire to present landscape in the region. The

36 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 impacts and response of native species and in huts throughout the WHA in association geomorphology to this management with any users that have an interest in approach will be investigated as the these huts (WHAMP, 1999, 109). Such an technique is developed and tested. assessment should be carried out at Claytons and the bushwalker huts at The hazard-reduction burns at Melaleuca Melaleuca and include issues of are to be conducted on about a ten-year sustainability of wood supply, fuel supply, rotation. The prescribed burning exercise cultural heritage, structure safety, conducted in spring 2000, which became alternative forms of heating and human an unplanned wildfire, may, however, safety. necessitate changes in the area’s fire management programme. Objective – Fire Management

Many of the significant values of the area • To ensure fire management is are susceptible to degradation by undertaken in accordance with the inappropriate fire regimes, for example, current fire management plan for the relict forest areas and peat soils. Peat area. soils, which take thousands of years to accumulate, underlie both fire sensitive Policies and Actions and fire dependent communities. The protection of the blanket bogs and peat • Protect people, built structures and soils from adverse impacts caused by facilities, and neighbouring wildfires is critical to maintaining the properties from fire. natural and cultural value of the area. This is best achieved by ensuring that fires only • Prevent wildfires ignited in the occur when peats are saturated. Melaleuca area from unintentionally spreading to the See Geodiversity and Geoconservation surrounding area. (Section 3.2) for further information on blanket bogs and peat mounds. See Fauna • Adopt appropriate fire regimes to (Section 3.6) for further information on the conserve the natural and cultural relationship between fauna habitat and values of the area, in particular fire. maintaining OBP habitat, but also including: With the current re-examination of traditional burning practices, Aboriginal - native flora communities and involvement in future fire management is species (particularly rare or considered critical. threatened species, scrub, alpine areas, forest and rainforest An assessment of the Fuel Stove Only vegetation), Areas (FSOA) policy may be necessary - native fauna habitats and fauna for Melaleuca and Claytons. At present, biodiversity (including the constructed fireplaces at Claytons and buttongrass moorlands), the two bushwalker’ huts at Melaleuca are - geodiversity (particularly exempted from the FSOA policy. Damage blanket bogs and associated peat to local vegetation and a depletion of mounds), ground-storey vegetation is occurring. - wilderness quality, The fireplaces appear to be, however, - scenic quality, important for warmth and drying out gear - Aboriginal heritage and during bad weather conditions. They are landscapes, historic heritage also of potential cultural significance. features, and - water quality. The WHAMP, 1999 provides for an assessment of the safety and sustainability of fuel supply for fireplaces in active use

37 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

• Continue to work with the within gardens associated with Claytons, Aboriginal community to involve the King's and the Willson's house sites. Aboriginal people in fire management in the area. The number of introduced species occurring within native vegetation is • Continue to support and assist limited to the disturbed environments ecological and fire management surrounding the bushwalking huts and research and incorporate the gardens at Melaleuca/Forest Lag, and findings, where practicable, into coastal habitats. Weeds so far recorded in future burning regimes. native vegetation are listed in Appendix 1.

• Carry out an assessment of the A WHA Weed Management Plan has been safety and sustainability of fuel prepared which establishes weed control supply for fireplaces at Claytons priorities for 2000-2003. The Weed house and the walkers’ huts at Management Plan only applies to the Melaleuca. Review and modify if WHA portion of this area plan, and does necessary the current FSOA policy not assess or direct actions within the when the results of this assessment SWCA at Melaleuca. NCB and PWS are available. recognise that the leaseholders at Melaleuca are responsible for weeds on • Continue to promote the use of fuel their residential leases. stoves instead of campfires in the WHA and SWCA to minimise The Nature Conservation Branch of environmental impact. DPIWE has prepared an “Introduced Animal Management Strategy for the World Heritage Area (2002).” It contains a number of recommendations for 3.9 Introduced Pests and Melaleuca. Diseases A population of the Spanish blue rabbit Melaleuca – Port Davey is free of many lives on the Breaksea Islands. A survey of introduced pests and diseases. However, the impact of these rabbits has been because of the unique nature of the marine completed and photographic monitoring of and estuarine habitats of Port Davey – erosion established. Bathurst Harbour and important buttongrass habitats at Melaleuca for the Feral cats have been occasionally observed OBP, care must be taken to keep in the area and represent a threat to the introduced pests and diseases out of the OBP. Other impacts of cats may be area as much as possible. In addition, the competition with other predators and the limited research and survey work done spread of the disease, Toxoplasmosis. into introduced pests in Port Davey and This disease can be transmitted to native Bathurst Harbour indicates a degree of animals, birds, insects and people. Cat uncertainty about the current position. control by shooting and trapping has occurred throughout the WHA in response All Ship Captains must abide by the to sightings. Quarantine Act 1997, which requires overseas vessels to apply for permission to Black rats have been recorded in the past call at Port Davey. but are not currently known to occur in the area. 3.9.1 Introduced Terrestrial Pests Only three introduced bird species have At least 162 introduced flora species have been recorded at Melaleuca - the Common been recorded in the region, but the blackbird, European goldfinch and the majority of these records are of plants European starling. Regular shootings of small numbers of starlings within the

38 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 habitat of the OBP occurs as they occupy species. the parrot's nest sites. • To eradicate introduced terrestrial No introduced frogs or reptiles are known species that pose a high risk to the to occur at Melaleuca. integrity of the native flora and fauna and are not of identified cultural Several introduced invertebrate species significance, where this is feasible. have been recorded from Melaleuca, including European wasps, honeybees, • To control and manage introduced bumblebees and earthworms. Feral bees terrestrial species where eradication is have been recorded occupying OBP nest not practicable or warranted. boxes. • To minimise the impacts of introduced Management Issues terrestrial species on natural values and visitor enjoyment. Some of the introduced flora species recorded within the lease areas at • To prevent, as far as possible, further Melaleuca have been assessed as having a introductions of exotic fauna species. high risk of invading native vegetation (see Appendix 1). The main concern is introduced species that are bird dispersed. Policies and Actions

Due to the heritage value of the • Carry out the weed control rhododendron species (hybrids) associated priorities for the area as identified with garden sites, however, none of these in the WHA Weed Management should be removed without consultation Plan 2000-2003, in consultation and with THO to ensure that only the target co-operation with leaseholders at species is/are effected by control Melaleuca where appropriate. measures. Those without heritage These are: significance should be considered for removal. - Claytons - remove Cotoneaster species and monitor for the If marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) is reappearance of this and other found, this should be removed. species removed previously from the site. There is clear evidence that the rabbits - Investigate the presence of have altered the vegetation community on blackberry infestations at Bramble Breaksea Islands. Some very palatable Cove. plant species are restricted to cliff edges where they cannot be grazed, and other • Monitor and manage the plant species cannot regenerate because introduction of new plants to the their seedlings are eaten. Eradication of area. these rabbits from Breaksea Islands is necessary. • Within the residential and mining leases at Melaleuca, introductions of There is a potential for black rats to be re- plant species that have potential to introduced into the area, transported in become invasive and are not of larger aircraft or in boats. cultural significance will not be permitted in accordance with the existing leases. Objectives – Introduced Terrestrial Pests See Historic Heritage and Landscape (Section 3.7.3). • To prevent, as far as possible, further introductions of exotic terrestrial

39 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

• Encourage the removal of existing activity. It can be spread in infected soil garden species having a high risk of carried on boots or tent pegs, by animals invasion and which are not of that scratch or dig in the soil or be carried heritage significance. along by water. Once an area is infected See Appendix 1: Introduced there is no known practical means to Terrestrial Flora. eliminate it. The best that can be expected is to slow the rate of infestation. • Implement introduced animal management priorities for the area This water mould is very widely as identified in the Introduced distributed in the area. Most places where Animal Management Strategy for people have commonly visited show clear the World Heritage Area, 2001- evidence of infection. Land-based sites 2004. Notify leaseholders at significantly infected include Melaleuca Melaleuca of the existence of Inlet, Claytons Corner, The Narrows, Mt introduced animals and proposed Rugby, Mt Milner and the hills behind the control programmes where beach at Schooner Cove. It also occurs appropriate. along the Old Port Davey Track and the - Control starlings within OBP South Coast Track west of the Ironbound breeding areas. Range. This information reflects only the - Monitor for the presence of cats present state of knowledge rather than the and eradicate if detected. true distribution. However, it is known - Develop a programme to that sections of walking tracks from eradicate rabbits from Breaksea Windowpane Bay to Hidden Bay are free Island and implement once of infestation. Strathgordon rabbits have been eradicated. A long-term study site was established in - Eradicate wasp nests near the the moorlands surrounding Claytons in visitor site to reduce impact of 1979. The impact of the water mould in wasps on visitor enjoyment. this location has been much greater than - Control introduced rodents at the impact of fire. A number of species visitor services sites. have had devastating reductions in their - Eradicate honeybee nests near populations including Agastachys odorata visitor sites to reduce impact of (white waratah) and Blandfordia punicea honeybees on visitor enjoyment. (Christmas bells). Other species that have also reduced in abundance include Banksia • Monitor and remove if established marginata (silver banksia, honeysuckle), marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) Baeckea leptocaulis (slender baeckea), to protect coastal values. Epacris corymbiflora and Monotoca submutica (round leaved monotoca).

3.9.2 Plant Diseases Long-term monitoring plots have also been established at Schooner Cove and Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced Branson's Point. microscopic water mould (formerly referred to as a fungus), which can cause Management Issues disease in moorlands and open scrub in the plan area. It may also cause disease in As described above, Phytophthora forest environments following wildfire or cinnamomi is a threat to the integrity of clearing during the early stages of moorland vegetation communities and regeneration prior to canopy closure. may cause permanent alteration to the floristics and structure of moorlands in the Although Phytophthora cinnamomi can Melaleuca area. Consequently it may also spread by natural means, it is spread more pose a serious threat to the fauna of the rapidly and over greater areas by human area, particularly invertebrates dependent on nectar from the susceptible plant

40 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 species. The most apparent indicator of its Phytophthora cinnamomi. presence to casual observers is the loss of the sea of early summer flowers in • To limit or at least slow down the moorlands leaving a drab moorland spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi landscape in comparison. and other plant pathogens in the area.

Phytophthora cinnamomi also affects Policies and Actions Aboriginal plant resources in the area, including many plants, which are still used • All practicable steps will be taken to by the Aboriginal community today (eg. prevent the spread of Phytophthora banksia). Management strategies for the cinnamomi or other plant pathogens control of Phytophthora should therefore into large Phytophthora-free areas involve Aboriginal people (Green and where efforts to exclude disease are Painter, 1997). warranted by the values at risk.

There is concern about the management of • All soil-contacted equipment should the Celery Top Islands that are be washed thoroughly in saltwater Phytophthora free, although being located before visitors go ashore on the within a larger infected area. These unnamed second island from the islands have been made a Phytophthora west (Grid Ref: 977308 on cinnamomi management area by DPIWE Melaleuca 1:25,000 map) of the for the protection of the uncommon Celery Top Islands. Commercial Persoonia muelleri var. densiflora. See operators wishing to continue Mixed Forest and Rainforest (Section accessing this island are required to 3.5.4) and Policies and Actions on Flora provide such facilities on board (Section 3.5). their vessels for their clients' use. See also Flora – Policies and Actions Commercial tours access the second island (Section 3.5). from the west (unnamed) of the Celery Top Islands. No disinfection procedures • Inform visitors of plant disease are in place. This increases significantly threats to the area and educate them the risk of introducing Phytophthora in disease prevention hygiene cinnamomi to the islands. measures.

A permanent boot-washing or similar • Limit development and recreation facility on the islands is considered not activity to those areas already practicable due to the impact of additional infected or of low priority for infrastructure on wilderness values of the disease exclusion. area and the possibility of Phytophthora cinnamomi spillage from such a facility. • The development and maintenance The preferred approach is a simple tub or of new tracks or re-routing of tray, filled with saltwater, and a scrubbing existing tracks must adequately brush, provided by commercial tour address the possible introduction operators on their vessels for visitors to and spread of Phytophthora wash all soil-contacted equipment before cinnamomi. going ashore on the second island from the west. Independent visitors to this island 3.9.3 Introduced Marine Pests are required to follow the same procedures for the protection of the natural values of Introduced marine species known from the island. Port Davey are the Blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), “Pie-crust” crab (Cancer Objectives – Plant Diseases novaezelandiae) and Pill box crab (Halicarcinus innominatus). The number • To protect populations of threatened of introduced marine species in the area is species that are susceptible to

41 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 surprisingly low (though, see Management The invasive northern Pacific seastar Issues below) and this adds to the high (Asterias amurensis) is common in conservation value of the area. southeastern Tasmania and would be expected to have a major impact on native A State equivalent of the Australian fauna in Port Davey/Bathurst Harbour if it Emergency Marine Pest Plan (1999) is was introduced, according to CRIMP currently in draft form. It will cover the specialists. Predictive distribution needs of all areas in the State, however modelling indicates it is unlikely to be sensitive, and action will be taken if it is transported to the area through natural feasible to attempt eradication/control of currents, though as with some other an introduced species. species, transportation via the hulls of boats is possible.

The aquatic system associated with Port Another pest species that is also present in Davey – Bathurst Harbour has very high southern Tasmanian waters of potential conservation value, as there are very few concern is the New Zealand screw shell freshwater/estuarine systems in Australia (Maoricolpus roseus). This species could where introduced fish species do not significantly alter the structure and occur. biodiversity of soft bottom communities in the area. It is potentially transferable by vessels carrying "contaminated" fishing Management Issues gear.

Although not currently known to be Research into existing and potential present in Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour, marine pests in Port Davey is scheduled the Japanese kelp (Undaria pinnatifida) is for late 2002, in a joint project between considered a potential introduction, PWS and CRIMP. according to the Centre for Research on Introduced Marine Pests (CRIMP), Advice from AQIS suggests there is no CSIRO. It is common in southeastern programme in place for controlling hull- Tasmania and could cause major problems fouling organisms on domestic or in Bathurst Harbour. Experience in international vessels that enter Port Davey Tasmania and New Zealand suggests that – Bathurst Harbour. Dry dock facilities in this species can be readily transferred by Hobart only cater for smaller (eg. fishing) small craft, both commercial and vessels not cruise ship-size vessels. recreational. The kelp has been shown to have a significant impact on understorey species and can seasonally dominate hard Objectives – Introduced Marine Pests subtidal surfaces. • To prevent, as far as possible, further Another pest species of potential concern introductions of marine pests, and seek is the broccoli weed (Codium fragile to control existing introduced species tomentosoides). It is potentially where they are a threat to the natural transferable by vessels carrying values of the area. "contaminated" fishing gear (Richard Martin, CRIMP, pers. comm.) Policies and Actions

Aside from the Blue mussel and crab - Implement introduced animal species already known from Port Davey, management priorities for the there may be some other exotic species area as identified in the (fauna or flora) in the area, particularly Introduced Animal some of the fouling species that are fairly Management Strategy for the widespread in southern Australian coastal World Heritage Area, 2001- waters. 2004. Notify leaseholders at Melaleuca of the existence of

42 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

introduced animals and Implement the Emergency Marine Pest proposed control programmes Response Plan for new incursions of where appropriate. marine pests in the area if appropriate.

- Prohibit visiting sea vessels from discharging ballast water in 3.10 Soil Conservation, Bathurst Harbour and/or Port Davey to prevent further Erosion Control and introductions of marine pests. Rehabilitation - Survey the waters of Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour for Soil conservation is about looking after the introduced animals and develop natural soil resource and processes. an ongoing monitoring Erosion control is concerned with programme. When an conducting works or implementing other introduced marine species is measures designed to prevent soil loss. detected, report the sighting to Once the soil or related natural resources Marine Environment Section of have been degraded rehabilitation may be DPIWE to explore management necessary. Rehabilitation aims to restore options. the natural and, in some cases, cultural values of degraded areas where this is • Survey the waters of Port Davey – appropriate, practical and sustainable. Bathurst Harbour for known and potential introduced marine pests 3.10.1 Streambank Erosion and develop an ongoing monitoring programme. An initial streambank stability assessment was conducted and an erosion monitoring • Identify potential vectors that could programme set up along Melaleuca Inlet introduce marine pests into the and Melaleuca Creek in 1992 by the area, including vessels from former Department of Environment and overseas, interstate and Tasmanian Land Management (DELM). Follow-up commercial and recreational vessels, measurements and further assessments and assess their risk. were conducted in 1993 and 1995, with a five-knot speed limit introduced in early • Develop plans, or conditions on 1995. Remeasurements along Melaleuca commercial vessel licences (NPWA), Inlet were taken in 1997, and mapping and to minimise the risk of marine erosion monitoring was extended to the introductions for each vector navigable stretches of the Spring, North, category. These may include: Old and Davey Rivers. In mid January - educating fishing and 2000 all erosion monitoring sites were commercial vessel operators of remeasured. the potential risks associated with their activities and ways in Unpublished reports by staff of DPIWE which these risks can be (e.g. Dixon, 1997b, Bradbury, 2000c) minimised (eg. checking anchors suggest that active bank erosion is and fishing gear), occurring on Melaleuca Inlet. This is of - prohibiting ballast water most concern on the inside of river bends. exchange, Under natural conditions it is more likely - ensuring that vessels entering to occur on outside bends. Exposed roots, the area have been cleaned and small embayments and ragged undercut anti-fouled regularly, banks provide further evidence for active - ensuring all cooling water bank erosion. The rate of erosion declined systems are flushed before with the introduction of the five-knot entering the area. speed limit in 1995, but has increased at times since then, possibly as a result of

43 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 increased traffic or craft exceeding the reports suggest that this limit is often not five-knot limit. complied with (Dixon, 1997b). Enforcement and education are needed. Between 1992 – 1997 the monitoring sites along Melaleuca Creek indicated 3.10.2 Facilities and Services measurable erosion had not occurred, either upstream or immediately Management Issues – Facilities and downstream of the pontoon. Erosion Services collapses, however, can be seen along Melaleuca Creek. Trampling easily degrades walking tracks in areas covered by peat. The peat is There is little clear evidence to suggest largely held together by the plants’ root active erosion by the wake waves of river mat. Once this is broken the peat can be traffic for the Spring, Davey, Old and dislodged by trampling and may wash North Rivers. Virtually all of the banks away. Track degradation is a widespread lining the navigable parts of these rivers, problem in the southwest due to however, are susceptible to erosion by the disturbance of the extensive cover of peat wash from motorised boats due to the bogs. presence of "soft" unconsolidated sediments deposited under conditions of Monitoring of track conditions by PWS very low wave power. This is particularly indicates active erosion is occurring along relevant for the North and Spring Rivers, tracks, particularly Mt Rugby and Clyde’s due in part to their narrow river channels. Hill, at campsites (eg. Forest Lagoon) and on banks on the landward side of beaches Management Issues – Streambank (eg. Bramble Cove and Balmoral Beach). Erosion The latter may be due to natural causes.

The Melaleuca – Port Davey area is a 3.10.3 Rehabilitation of Mining Areas relatively undisturbed and scientifically undescribed natural area. Reconnaissance For information on mining at Melaleuca studies indicate that most bank types see Mineral Exploration and Mining occurring on those rivers navigable by (Section 5.1). smaller vessels are susceptible to erosion by the wave wake generated by river Rehabilitation requirements for the current traffic. Although thresholds to erosion are Rallinga Mine operations are set out in the likely to be low, these have not yet been Company's Draft Development Proposal quantified. It appears likely that only low and Environmental Management Plan levels of low wake river traffic would be (1991). sustainable. Rallinga Mines Pty Ltd has carried out The potentially most effective rehabilitation works on the former Qintex management tools for control of mining site and tailings fan. navigation-induced erosion are the Rehabilitation of Deny King's old mine application of appropriate speed limits and workings continues. access limits on motorised vessels. Management Issues – Rehabilitation of Limits on motorised vessels accessing the Mining Areas Davey, Spring, North and Old Rivers (as required by the WHAMP, 1999) are set There are a number of areas beyond the out in Boating and Diving Access (Section current tin mining workings on the 4.4.2). Access to Melaleuca Lagoon is Rallinga Mine area where rehabilitation restricted to PWS and residents’ vessels. work is still required. This relates to old A five-knot speed limit is in place for part workings and disturbances associated with of Melaleuca Inlet – see Boating and past mining operations. Diving Access (Section 4.4.2). Anecdotal

44 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

The Rehabilitation of Mining Lands Trust Facilities and Services Fund, in conjunction with MRT and DPIWE, conducted rehabilitation in the • Monitor the condition of peat summer of 2002 of areas previously mounds, walking tracks, campsites worked by the New Harbour Mining and camping areas. Company. DPIWE staff agreed that no further work should be done on the former • Ensure walking tracks are well Qintex mining site. located, used and maintained to minimise erosion and sedimentation Rallinga Mine Co. Ltd. is presently and reduce the need for revising their Environmental Management rehabilitation. Plan in consultation with MRT and DPIWE. The revised plan will address the • Assess requirements for following issues: establishment of buffer rehabilitation of former and current zones around peat mounds, water quality tracks and carry out works as monitoring, OH&S standards, revegetation necessary. patterns and the rehabilitation bond. Rehabilitation of Mining Areas Objectives – Soil Conservation, Erosion Control and Rehabilitation • Encourage rehabilitation of exposed gravel areas resulting from past • To protect as far as possible the soil mining activity. resource and soil processes to assist naturally functioning ecosystems. • As a priority, liaise with Mineral Resources Tasmania in the Policies and Actions preparation and implementation of a revised environmental • Rehabilitate areas where management plan for the Rallinga disturbance or erosion is impacting Mine lease area. on conservation, aesthetic or cultural values. See also Mineral Exploration and Mining (Section 5.1). • Requirements for land rehabilitation will be considered when planning any future 3.11 Environmental Quality developments or works and a rehabilitation plan will be developed prior to works. The following sections deal with air quality, water quality, noise, waste and Streambank Erosion dangerous goods.

• Continue monitoring and 3.11.1 Air Quality investigating the geomorphology and bank sediments of the various The WHAMP, 1999 declares air quality in rivers in the Port Davey – Bathurst the WHA is generally very high with Harbour area. adverse impacts usually minor and very localised. It is considered this situation • Minimise bank erosion caused or also prevails in the adjacent Melaleuca accelerated by human activities. area. Wildfires can have a local or widespread impact on air quality.

Objective – Air Quality

• To maintain the natural air quality of the area.

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3.11.2 Water Quality B: Recreational Water Quality & The preservation of the quality of water Aesthetics and protection of catchments is a (i) Primary contact water quality management objective of national parks (where permitted) and conservation areas under the National (ii) Secondary contact water quality Parks and Wildlife Act 1970. (iii) Aesthetic water quality

In accordance with the State Policy on E: Industrial Water Supply (Rallinga Mine Water Quality Management 1997, at Melaleuca) Protected Environmental Values (PEV's) are being set for surface waters of the Marine Pollution Huon Valley catchments, including those in the plan area. The Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour area is the largest undisturbed estuarine PEV’s are the values and uses for which it ecosystem in southern Australia, with very has been determined that a given area of low nutrient levels in Bathurst Harbour the environment should be protected. For and Bathurst Channel. These waters are the plan area they are: potentially extremely vulnerable to pollution. 1. Waters in Bathurst Harbour, Bathurst Channel and Port Davey Marine pollution from ships is managed (Southwest National Park). under the Tasmanian Pollution of Waters by Oil and Noxious Substances Act 1987 A: Protection of Aquatic Ecosystems: that gives effect to the International (i) Pristine or nearly pristine Convention for the Prevention of Pollution ecosystems from Ships, known as the MARPOL having regard for the management Convention. Annexes I (oil), II (noxious objectives for national parks, state liquid substances), III (packaged harmful reserves, nature reserves and historic sites substances) and V (garbage) are in force in outlined in Schedule 4 of the National Tasmania's coastal waters. Parks and Wildlife Act 1970, and the management objectives of the World The Environment Division of DPIWE has Heritage Area Management Plan for co-ordinated the production of a surface waters within Tasmania’s contingency plan to respond to spills from Wilderness World Heritage Area. ships in Tasmania's coastal waters. This plan is known as the Tasmanian Marine B: Recreational Water Quality & Oil Pollution Contingency Plan (TasPlan), Aesthetics Nov. 2001. (i) Primary contact water quality (where permitted) The WHAMP, 1999 recommends the (ii) Secondary contact water quality development of an action plan for dealing (iii) Aesthetic water quality with a major pollution incident off the coast, on rivers or lakes or on land within 2. Surface Waters in the Southwest the WHA in liaison with relevant Conservation Area authorities.” (WHAMP, 1999, 113).

A: Protection of Aquatic Ecosystems There is no contingency or action plan for (i) Pristine or nearly pristine dealing with marine pollution in Port ecosystems Davey – Bathurst Harbour. The having regard for the management uniqueness and vulnerability of this area objectives for nature recreation areas, would suggest such a plan is a priority. It conservation areas, game reserves and should be consistent with the Tasmanian regional reserves outlined in Schedule 4 of Marine Oil Pollution Contingency Plan, the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1970. and with State, Federal and international

46 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 legislation. It should also help implement a precaution to protect the environment, the provisions of the WHAMP. the discharge of ballast water into Port Davey, Bathurst Channel and Bathurst Harbour will be prohibited from The Environment Division of DPIWE is commercial tourism and recreation also responsible for administering the operation vessels controlled under the Environmental Management and Pollution National Parks and Wildlife Act 1970. Control Act 1994, which imposes certain controls on pollution of Tasmanian waters. Section 43 (2) of the State Policy on Water Quality Management (1997) declares that Water Quality Monitoring in accordance with the National Coastal Ballast Water Guidelines, responsible A water quality monitoring programme for authorities within three years of the State standard bacterial and inorganic Policy coming into operation, must parameters was carried out at Melaleuca in prepare Port Management Plans for all 1995/96 to increase understanding of Tasmanian ports receiving coastal possible impacts on human and shipping. A plan for coastal waters in the environmental health in the WHA. The wider Hobart region has not yet been same monitoring programme was repeated prepared. in 2001. Results from the two monitoring sessions Monitoring the effects of the management demonstrated water quality at Melaleuca and use of the area on water quality should was very high, and nutrient levels were comply with the requirements of the State low when compared with other estuarine water quality monitoring strategy (under areas around Tasmania. Turbidity also the State Policy on Water Quality exhibited low levels. The total Management (1997). Monitoring of water phosphorous and nitrate/nitrite levels of quality should be undertaken where an 2001 were however, consistently higher activity is likely to prejudice the PEV of a than in 1995/96, and should be subject to particular water body. continual monitoring. (Mike Driessen, NCB, pers. comm.) The University of Tasmania, on behalf of the CRC for Sustainable Tourism Pty Ltd., Management Issues is presently (2001) engaged in a project to look at the impact of camps and hut sites Section 41 of the State Policy on Water on water quality and soil condition. Quality Management 1997 refers to Melaleuca Visitor Services Site is one of disposal of sewage and other wastes from four sites chosen in and around the WHA. ships and boats. It recommends The project involves determining the prohibiting the disposal of raw sewage and presence and source of faecal other waste from any commercial and contamination, to help identify areas of recreational vessel where the PEV's for an possible public health risk and improve area are the protection of pristine or nearly visitor management. The project will tie pristine aquatic ecosystems and primary in closely with water quality monitoring contact recreational activities. work being conducted at Melaleuca by DPIWE (see above). Findings are due out Under Commonwealth legislation, all in 2003. international vessels have to manage their ballast waters. It is planned to extend this For information on marine introduced to domestic vessels, however no species and hull fouling, see Introduced timeframe is set. Pests and Diseases - Introduced Marine Pests (Section 3.9.3). Advice from the Marine Resources Division of DPIWE suggests it is unlikely that very much ballast water will be discharged into Port Davey. However, as

47 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

Objective – Water Quality • Maintain the existing water quality monitoring programme and as • To maintain or enhance the quality of resources permit expand the the area’s surface waters (including programme. coastal waters) and ground waters. 3.11.3 Noise Policies and Actions Excess noise compromises wilderness • Protected Environmental Values for recreational experiences and may disturb the area will be applied in wildlife. Sources of noise in the area accordance with the requirements of include the low flying or landing/take-off the State Policy on Water Quality actions of aircraft and helicopters, and Management 1997. motorised vessels in enclosed waterways. See also Threatened Fauna for recent • In accordance with the WHAMP, research into the effects of aircraft, 1999, facilitate research into water helicopter and human disturbance on the circulation patterns and water OBPs (Section 3.6.6). chemistry in Bathurst Harbour – Bathurst Channel to assist in To reduce the impacts of noise a "Fly predicting the cause and effects of Neighbourly Advice" for the area (1999) any pollutants (WHAMP, 1999, has been developed. These guidelines 113). request aircraft to fly at a minimum overfly altitude of 4,000FT AMSL, terrain • The discharge of ballast water into permitting, to help minimise the impact of Port Davey, Bathurst Channel, noise. Additional conditions apply to Bathurst Harbour, Melaleuca Inlet Melaleuca during the nesting season of the and associated waterways is OBP. See Appendix 2. prohibited in order to protect the marine and estuarine ecosystems. Potential sources of noise include mechanised maintenance, facility • Vessels in the area must comply construction and possibly mining with the Tasmanian Pollution of operations at Melaleuca. Waters by Oil and Noxious Substances Act 1987 and It would be useful for PWS to arrange an Environmental Management and initial noise survey of the area to Pollution Control Act 1994 determine background noise levels. This (EMPCA). would provide baseline information for establishing acoustic environment • As a high priority, in consultation standards and for comparative purposes in with DPIWE, assess the need for a future years. Further monitoring of contingency plan for dealing with a background noise levels and noise levels major marine pollution incident in from human activity would be appropriate, Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour and coupled with research into the impact of respond accordingly. noise on visitors and wildlife.

• Promote a rapid and effective Objective – Noise response in the event of an environmental accident or polluting • To protect the natural wilderness event (WHAMP, 1999, 112). qualities of the area through avoiding or minimising noise pollution created • Encourage the use of alternatives to by human activities. petrol driven outboards, such as kayaks and electric-powered boats.

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Policies and Actions Melaleuca. Due to the area's remoteness and environmental sensitivity, there are no • Encourage aircraft operators to rubbish facilities provided in the area. The comply with the Fly Neighbourly PWS encourages visitors and other users Advice guidelines for the Melaleuca of the area, including management staff area to help minimise the impact of and volunteers, to be responsible for their noise on visitors, residents and own rubbish. OBPs. The septic tank (uncontained overflow) • Encourage aircraft operators to toilets at the Melaleuca Visitor Services apply noise reduction techniques Site require urgent upgrading. Issues of over sensitive areas and utilise concern relate to odour, cleanliness, visual aircraft with best practicable quality, screening and possible impacts on technology to reduce noise water quality. Options being considered (WHAMP, 1999, 134). are vault (waste flown out when full) and compost (requires constant management). • In consultation with the See Facilities and Services – Melaleuca Environment Division of DPIWE, Visitor Services Site (Section 3.11.2). undertake an initial noise survey and design and implement a long- Plastic and other waste generated by term noise monitoring programme boaters, fishers and other area users may to determine noise levels and their pollute the waters and shorelines of Port impact on visitors and wildlife. Davey – Bathurst Harbour, and can be hazardous to marine animals and birds. • Noise assessments should be See also comments on the MARPOL prepared for any changes to the Convention in Water Quality – Marine Bathurst Harbour Landing Area, Pollution (Section 3.11.2). proposed new helicopter landing sites or other significant facility Although there is still a problem with developments in the Melaleuca marine debris around the shorelines of Visitor Services Site. Port Davey – Bathurst Channel, it is acknowledged that fishing and boating 3.11.4 Waste interests have made significant progress in reducing the amount of debris, particularly The production of waste products is non-biodegradable debris, that is disposed inevitable where human access and use of at sea. The promotion by the fishing occurs. Waste is currently created in the industry of proper storage and disposal of Melaleuca Visitor Services Site by garbage is fully supported by PWS. See visitors, commercial operators and land also Recreation Zone (Section 4.5.3). managers alike, and includes rubbish at Deep Water Landing and the PWS staff Objective – Waste quarters, effluent from the toilets and unwanted foods or supplies stacked in the • To minimise the generation and shelter adjacent to the landing area. accumulation of waste in the area.

The disposal of plastics, etc. at sea within Policies and Actions 3 nautical miles is illegal under the Tasmanian Pollution of Waters by Oil and • Visitors, commercial tour operators, Noxious Substances Act 1987. boat operators, park management staff and leasees are to be Management Issues – Waste responsible for taking their own rubbish out of the area when they Concerns have been expressed to the PWS leave the area. that users of the area are leaving rubbish at

49 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

• Locate and manage toilets in the Melaleuca Inlet. This includes Jet A1 and area in such a way that adjacent super. water bodies are protected. Management Issues • Monitor the marine debris along the shorelines of Port Davey and The transport, storage and handling of Bathurst Harbour and establish a flammable and combustible liquids at clean-up programme for the Melaleuca are issues requiring urgent removal of marine debris from attention. coastal sites. Consider strategies such as fishers/boaters "adopting a All non-resident fuel storage sites are not beach". bunded satisfactorily and pose an environmental risk should a spill occur.

• Investigate possible controls on Consideration of the Deep Water Landing effluent discharge from vessels in fuel containment facility has led to a re- Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour assessment of fuel storage possibilities (WHAMP, 1999, 138). In the within the boundaries of the Melaleuca interim, PWS will encourage Visitor Services Site at Melaleuca. This through education all vessel users to assessment has looked at alternative sites reduce or eliminate their effluent in terms of impacts on wilderness discharge in the area. recreational experience, operational impacts, risk to the environment from 3.11.5 Dangerous Goods spills, risk of unbunded fuel, residents’ concerns, management implications and In 1993, the Parks and Wildlife Service cost of establishing and maintaining fuel was granted approval under the Dangerous storage facilities. The safe and secure Goods Act 1976 for a period of one year storage of flammable and combustible for the construction of premises for liquids at a single site and an appropriate keeping dangerous goods, at a site near fuel handling facility that would minimise Moth Creek, Melaleuca. The site environmental and health and safety risks comprises a fenced enclosure and contains is urgently needed. a small number of gas cylinders. Approval has been given for Rotor-Lift Some fuel is presently stored in the shelter Helicopters to store fuel in a container at adjacent to the Melaleuca landing area as the Bathurst Harbour Landing Area for a well as in a locked cage attached to the period of six months from placement date. exterior of the building. This includes (The container was placed on site in methylated spirits and shellite in 20 litre September 2002.) The fuel is only to be drums, outboard fuel and Aviation gas and used for emergency services operations. diesel for area management and This arrangement is temporary pending the commercial tourism operations. determination of a longterm fuel storage facility at Melaleuca. At the PWS staff quarters, LPG, outboard fuel, methylated spirits, leaded petrol for Objective – Dangerous Goods the generator, 2-stroke oil and fuel for the brushcutter/chainsaw are stored for PWS • To minimise risk to the environment area management purposes. from the transportation, storage and handling of flammable and Diesel and petrol is stored on a residential combustible liquids at Melaleuca. lease area for domestic purposes. Policies and Actions Fuel is also stored at the Deep Water Landing site, on the west bank of • Dangerous goods will be stored (and separated), used and

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transported in accordance with the the Bathurst Harbour Landing Area Dangerous Goods Act 1998, the within the boundary of the MVSS. Its Dangerous Goods (General) final location will be dependent on the Regulations 1998 and the AS 1940- prior preparation of a Melaleuca 1993 “The storage and handling of precinct site design and on receiving the flammable and combustible appropriate approvals. See Policies and liquids”. Actions – Melaleuca Visitor Services Site (Section 4.5.4). • A "risk minimisation" approach should be taken for activities that use, transport or store significant 3.12 Scientific Research and quantities of materials that could cause serious or material harm to Monitoring soils or waters if released. Over the past 15 years the Melaleuca area • Fuel, grease, oils, paints, solvents, has been a focus for scientific research poisons and other potentially into World Heritage values. This focus is harmful substances will be stored likely to continue. in a location or manner (appropriately bunded or The Directed Wildlife Research (DWR) contained) where inadvertent leaks programme was conducted in 1987-89 will not enter watercourses, when a number of studies involving wetlands or other waters either Melaleuca were undertaken. The directly or indirectly. Wilderness Ecosystem Baseline Study (WEBS) conducted in 1990-92 involved a • PWS will reduce all non-resident field-based, systematic survey of flora and fuel storage at Melaleuca to the fauna of coastal moorlands at Melaleuca. minimum required to maintain current area operations. Studies were undertaken between 1984 and 1998 into the marine flora and fauna • The existing dangerous goods and their ecosystems, of the Port Davey – enclosure near Moth Creek will be Bathurst Harbour area. See Section 3.4.1. dismantled and the site rehabilitated as necessary in Two sites at Schooner Cove used for consultation with Mineral Phytophthora cinnamomi research and Resources Tasmania and the monitoring, and a site on Clyde's Hill, Willsons. Claytons used for fire research and monitoring, are currently referred to by • Fuel storage at Deep Water DPIWE staff as "scientific reference Landing will cease and the existing areas". incomplete fuel storage facility dismantled and removed from the Management Issues site. All current fuel supplies will be removed as soon as practical. Research is essential to identify and Where these fuel supplies are still understand natural processes and the required to be stored at Melaleuca, impacts of management, development and a temporary bunded and signed use of the area on these processes. facility will be put in place until a Research activities may, however, also long-term bunded and signed cause degradation or depletion (eg. the facility is operational. collection of samples or species, or the compaction of sensitive sites). A single, long-term, bunded and signed fuel storage facility for PWS and commercial use will be established near

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Objective – Scientific Research and Aboriginal heritage. Monitoring • Co-operative research within and • To undertake, support and encourage between agencies, institutions, scientific research and monitoring that interest groups and individuals will provides information which is relevant be encouraged. to understanding, interpreting and managing the area, and complies with • Formalise Scientific Area status (as the vision and objectives of this plan. per WHAMP, 1999) for Schooner Cove, Claytons and other longterm Policies and Actions research and monitoring sites established by DPIWE in the area. • The highest priority will be given to research and monitoring • Continue to use Melaleuca as a programmes able to provide wilderness ecosystem baseline site, information on mitigating the and investigate designating it a impacts of human activities, Benchmark Area (a type of developments and practices on the Scientific Area as provided for in natural and cultural values of the the WHAMP, 1999) provided it area. meets criteria currently being developed for Scientific Areas. • Research will be encouraged which improves the inventory and understanding of: - environmental features and processes of the area (eg. OBPs, marine ecosystems, fire, erosion); - Aboriginal and historic heritage and landscape; - visitors, including needs and attractions, experience; - the operation of cruise vessels in Port Davey and their effects on the marine ecosystems of the area.

• All proposed research and monitoring which may have an impact on the area will require written approval from DPIWE and PWS. Scientific permits, issued by the NCB Branch of DPIWE, are required to take, disturb, etc. wildlife including plants. Permits for research on marine flora and fauna are required under the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995.

• The approval of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community must be obtained for any research involving

52 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

53 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

4. Tourism and Recreation

4.1 Visitor Services Policy Objective – Visitor Services Policy • To provide a sound strategic policy In August 2000, the PWS released its framework for the future management report, Strategic Framework for Visitor of visitor services in the area. Services in Tasmania's Parks and Reserves. This report sets the direction for Policies and Actions the future management of visitor services across the State. It outlines policies and • Ensure visitor services policies for actions on planning, presentation, visitor the area aim to conserve the natural service, infrastructure and business and cultural heritage and provide performance. for public access. To guide the implementation of the policies and actions outlined in the 4.2 Visitor Use Framework, the PWS is developing district-based implementation guides. 4.2.1 Visitor Profile and Research These will incorporate aspects of the Strategy for Tourism and Recreation Visitor use of Melaleuca – Port Davey is (STAR) for the WHA, as required by the diverse and widely dispersed throughout WHAMP, 1999. the area. Currently, it is of low volume, reflected by the fact that access to the area Over the life of this plan, it is likely that is difficult – either a one-hour plane flight Melaleuca will become more popular with or a multi-day trip by sea or on foot. the comfort (day and multi-day) and These factors present an interesting getaway day visitor, flying in to utilise the challenge for those trying to monitor boating/walk options. (See Glossary and visitor use. Abbreviations for an explanation of visitor terminology.) Future visitor management Sources of visitor use information include developments and/or issues likely to a plane-landing diary maintained by emerge over the life of this plan include Barbara Willson, resident of Melaleuca the following. and a datalogger to record plane take-offs; a record of hut, camp site and plane - Increasing popularity of the South occupancies and landings taken by the Coast Track when promoted as OBP Recovery Program volunteers and a one of the 8 Great Bushwalks as network of Walker Registration Books. part of the Tasmanian Walking Logbooks are located and maintained at Tracks Strategy. Melaleuca shelter, Cox Bight, New - Increasing interest in Port Davey – Harbour and Claytons. Additional sources Bathurst Harbour as a cruise ship of information include visitor surveys wilderness destination. conducted in the study area in 1993 and - Increased pressure to provide 2001, returns from licensed tourist more recreation opportunities in operators, marine radio networks and local the Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour knowledge. waterways. - Improvements to the Melaleuca landing area will be required for increased air traffic and user safety.

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4.2.2 Visitor Use The busiest time of the year is January, In 2000, an estimated 4,000-5,000 people when many of the fleets of the Sydney to visited the Melaleuca – Port Davey area. Hobart and the Melbourne to Hobart yacht Between 3,000 and 4,000 of these flew races call in to Claytons. Large passenger into Melaleuca, while 500 walked in. The vessels have been visiting the area since remainder arrived by sea. 1998 and visits have averaged approximately one per year. Private records of plane landings at Melaleuca were kept prior to 1992 by Between 75-80% of the 777 walkers who Deny King. Since 1992, public data show register a walk starting at Melaleuca total landings have varied between 700 undertake the South Coast Track to Cockle and 1,100 annually, with 60-70% of the Creek. These walkers also represent the annual total during the months January- majority of walkers who visit Melaleuca, May. According to the OBP volunteers, and their numbers have been increasing by 13 planes landed on the busiest day during an average of 6% annually. summer 2001. The trend in the remaining three main Of the people arriving by plane on walking routes is not as obvious as for commercial tours (estimated at 2,000- those walking out on the South Coast. 3,000), the majority are on half-day scenic There are about 200 walkers each either flights that include a two-hour ground and undertaking circuit walks from Melaleuca, boat tour of Melaleuca. The remainder are walking through Melaleuca as part of a either on day or multi-day trips. The combined Old Port Davey Track and options for the multi-day trips include South Coast Track walk, or walking to staying in the Forest Lag camp, on board Melaleuca, either on the Old Port Davey the Southern Explorer or sea-kayaking. Track or, more frequently, the South Coast Track from Cockle Creek. For the through The actual number of boat-based visitors walkers, Melaleuca is a convenient rest is not known, however, during 2000, 270 spot and depot for food drops. people signed in the Claytons logbook as having arrived in the area by sea kayak or Most walkers who undertake circuits from Port Davey by boat. Between 1994 beginning and ending at Melaleuca are and 2000 there had been between 313 and walking in the South West Cape area. 460 registrations of people, and between These include walkers with Noyhener 56 and 74 craft made in the logbook at Beach, Spain Bay, Stephens Bay and Claytons. Hilliard Head in their itinerary.

The majority of vessels and people The number of walkers undertaking routes registered in the book are on cruising outside of these walking corridors is very holidays in private boats. Many of the small. Less than a dozen parties a year fishers spent some time undertaking register for off-track walks in the area. It maintenance of the house, as do some of is very likely therefore that visitors to the the recreational boat enthusiasts. bays and mountains surrounding Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour, such as Mts. Tasmanian Coast Radio confirms 88 Stokes, Berry, Rugby, Milner are more recreational boating craft in Port Davey likely to be boat-based than land-based. radioed through their presence during January 1999 - March 2001. This figure According to the OBP volunteers, the excludes boats that do not have HF radio, capacity of the two walkers' huts and are fishing craft or people who choose not campground at Melaleuca was rarely, if to call in. The majority of calls were ever, exceeded during the summer of received between Christmas and Easter 2000/01. (Jeff Boyes, Tasmanian Coast Radio, April 2001, pers. comm.).

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4.2.3 Characteristics of Visitors When asked for their opinion as to the desired facility and service provision they Of the 94% of boat-based entries who would like to see in the area in five years identified their origin in the Claytons time, the majority (71%) wanted the area registration book in 2000 (total = 460), to stay exactly as it was now. Eleven 72% were Tasmanian, 19% from interstate percent desired more maintenance or and 9% from overseas. Of the 92% of upgrades of existing facilities, in particular bushwalker parties who identified their the toilets at Melaleuca. Little was said on origin, 32% were from Tasmania, 49% accommodation. Current users requested from interstate and 19% from overseas. adequate maintenance of the walkers' huts Of those from overseas, 70% were from at Melaleuca (eg. heating, tilley lamps, Europe including the British Isles. sink) and Claytons house (eg. shower, toilet, remove asbestos stove). Two In order to more fully understand the people could not find the camp site and characteristics of visitors to the area a one person sought better accommodation. visitor survey was conducted between A handful of respondents requested an on- January and April 2001. The main site ranger service in peak season, more objective of the survey was to explore the information about the area and range of visitor opinions on the present communications on site (particularly when and future management of the area. there is no on-site ranger). One person mentioned a longer airstrip. Findings are based on a convenience sample of 210 individuals; approximately Management Issues half were scenic flight or commercial tour passengers, 19% were walkers or kayakers Although use of areas such as Melaleuca, and 23% were boat-based visitors who had Claytons and the walking routes is called in at Claytons. Given that this is a reasonably well understood, little convenience sample, findings only apply information exists for boat-based visitor to the sample, and should not be use of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour. extrapolated further. Improved information on boat-based visitors is needed to help gain a better The origins of the survey sample for picture of overall visitor volume and boaters and walkers are in broad predict visitor impact on the area. agreement with what is known from the registration books. The results of the Melaleuca – Port Davey Visitor Survey 2001 indicate area Over three quarters (77%) of the sample management should aim to protect the were on their first visit, the majority (97%) wilderness/isolation, scenic, flora and of whom were on commercial scenic fauna, and WHA values of the area, for it flights or tours. When asked what is these characteristics which attract and attracted them to the area, 62% satisfy the majority of visitors to the area. respondents replied "wilderness" (includes isolation, remoteness, wildness, pristine- It is also of interest that with respect to ness), 32% said "scenery", 15% said "flora facilities and services, the majority of and fauna" (including the OBP) and 13% survey respondents wanted the area to stay each for "uniqueness of the area/WHA exactly as it is. Maintenance of existing listing" and "recreational opportunities". facilities, in particular the toilets at The scenic flight/commercial tour Melaleuca, is an important issue for area passengers were just as likely to be management to address. See Facilities and attracted by "wilderness" as the walkers Services – Melaleuca Visitor Services Site and boaters. Expectations of the area were (Section 4.5.4). met for all but four respondents, and exceeded for 72%.

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Objective – Visitor Use - Geoconservation – peat mounds, blanket bogs, drowned river valley • To more fully understand visitor use, - Fire and ecology numbers, characteristics, behaviour, - Fauna – orange-bellied parrot, needs and expectations to provide for ground parrot, invertebrates effective visitor management and - Flora – especially buttongrass improve the quality of visitor - Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour experience. marine ecosystems - Human use and management – Policy and Actions Aboriginal, pining, whaling, commercial fishing, mining • The present methods to monitor visitor use (including aircraft and Much of the on-site interpretation for the boats) to the area will be refined area is located at the Melaleuca shelter and implemented. (adjacent to the landing area), the bird hide and at Claytons house. A small amount of • Monitor aircraft visitor use to information is also provided in the two Melaleuca. walkers' huts.

• Investigate, and if feasible conduct, The Melaleuca shelter is also the an aerial-based survey to determine registration point for walkers and has and monitor boat numbers and use information on walking tracks, Minimum on the area’s waterways. Impact Bushwalking, a map of Melaleuca and general interpretation material on the • Continue to monitor visitor natural values of the area. numbers at Melaleuca and Claytons as required for management The Deny King Bird Observation Hide purposes. In particular, monitor contains a substantial amount of growth in numbers and assess the interpretive material on the orange-bellied effects of this on the values of the parrot, other fauna and supporting area and visitor experience. ecosystems.

• Monitor visitor impact on heritage Claytons house has substantial information and other vulnerable sites to help on the Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour determine site protection and marine ecosystems. management. The Willson, Fenton and King families have provided an occasional informal interpretation service on the history and 4.3 Information, operations of the tin mining at Melaleuca Interpretation and and Cox Bight. Education Some orientation and directional information is provided, in keeping with Information, interpretation and education the zoning provisions relating to the WHA are critical to the delivery of quality and adjacent SWCA. experiences, as well as fostering an appreciation of, and caring attitude On-site information is supplemented by towards the area. note-sheets on fauna, the orange-bellied parrot, boating in the SWNP - Port The main themes for interpretation and Davey/Bathurst Harbour and walking the education of the Melaleuca – Port Davey South Coast Track and Old Port Davey area are considered to be: Track (including the South Coast Walks Tasmap). Maps and books have been produced. Boating Guidelines are

57 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 available for private boat-based visitors. Table 1 – Management Zones for Articles on the area have appeared in the Melaleuca – Port Davey Area. Australian Geographic. Objective – Information, Interpretation Parts of the PWS web-site contain and Education information on Melaleuca, for example, SWCA, OBP's – see • To enhance visitor understanding and www.parks.tas.gov.au/wha/whahome. appreciation of the natural and cultural values of the area, assist visitor benefit Management Issues and enjoyment, and promote public understanding of management policies There is a recognised need to improve and programmes for the area. information and interpretation at Melaleuca. A “Melaleuca Interpretation Policies and Actions Action Plan” has been prepared for PWS (August 2002). It examines existing - Implement recommendations of interpretation at Melaleuca, assesses its the Melaleuca Interpretation performance and recommends any Action Plan, 2002, using stated changes, improvements or additions. This levels of priority in the plan. includes on-site information at the shelter, • bird hird, walkers huts, Claytons site and • Develop, in consultation with the in the surrounding environment (eg. Aboriginal community, guidelines interpretation of mining), and off-site for visitors and commercial written material or web sites. operators for the protection of Aboriginal heritage and landscape Building on from the themes identified in values. the WHA Aboriginal Interpretation Strategy, a proposal for Indigenous • In consultation with TALC, interpretation at Melaleuca has been investigate and, subject to developed by PWS. It involves a short approvals, construct an interpretive looped walk along which two themes are circuit track at Melaleuca, interpreted: the flow of elements (earth, presenting Aboriginal and non- water, fire and air) and a landscape in use. Aboriginal information on the management of the area. PWS is currently (2002) developing interpretation and training materials for • As part of the PWS' Environmental commercial tour operators under its Tourism Interpretive Information Environmental Tourism Interpretive Resource Project, provide a Information Resource Project. This Melaleuca – Port Davey information material will be developed on a regional and interpretation training package basis and will cover Melaleuca – Port for commercial tours and cruises. Davey. Materials and training will be available by February 2003. Visitors on • Interpretation and education will commercial boat tours and cruises should aim to ensure the public is well benefit from the preparation of this informed of safety issues and material. impacts on the environment associated with their activities. Some attention to orientation and directional information may be needed See Facilities and Services – General both for maintenance and clarity of (Section 4.5.1) for Policies and Actions on message purposes. The use of signs, signs. however, will be kept to a minimum in the less visited parts of the area, and will be in accordance with the WHAMP policy on signage (WHAMP, 1999, 161). See also

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4.4 Access maintenance work (e.g. transport of materials and supplies for tracks), police search and rescue operations, fire The Melaleuca – Port Davey area is only management and for the OBP Recovery accessible by air, boat or on foot. Program. Most of the materials and supplies are unloaded at a helipad at Deep 4.4.1 Air Access Water Landing. Annual visits range from one to seven at either Deep Water Landing Melaleuca landing area is accessible for or Bathurst Harbour Landing Area four and six seater aircraft (e.g. Cessna (Melaleuca) (Ecology Australia, 2000). 172, 182 and 206), and larger aircraft with short landing capabilities. The landing The WHAMP, 1999 allows for an area is used for commercial, charter and investigation of up to three additional some private flights. It only allows for a commercial floatplane or helicopter short take-off and landing. During the landing sites in the WHA, including Port peak summer period commercial flights Davey – Bathurst Harbour. Conditions set are usually offered on a per seat basis, but on the additional landing sites include: during the off-peak season flights are often - a maximum of three additional operated on a charter basis. sites, - nil or very little conflict between Fixed-wing aircraft are used for proposed commercial users and recreational flights (eg. transporting others users of the site, and bushwalkers to and/or from Melaleuca), - nil or minimal impact on values. scenic flights and part of a land/air/sea See WHAMP, 1999, 135 for full set of tour package, as well as for management conditions. works by the DPIWE. Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour and the South Coast are A proposal for an additional landing site regarded as popular scenic flight on Mt Milner, near Bathurst Channel (in attractions. the Recreation Zone) was investigated in 2000. This has since lapsed and no further The WHAMP, 1999 permits floatplanes or proposals have been put forward. other aerial craft that land on water for However, the process for investigating recreational purposes to land on Port additional landing sites in the WHA Davey and selected parts of Bathurst remains open. Harbour (WHAMP, 1999, 135). To date, no requests have been made to the PWS A number of measures have recently been for the landing of floatplanes or other put in place to alleviate public concerns aerial craft in these areas, and no sites on about aircraft activity intruding on visitor Bathurst Harbour have been "selected". experience. However, staff have made several sightings of floatplanes on Bathurst The "Fly Neighbourly Advice" (FNA) Harbour in the past three years. statement, amended 2001, is an understanding between locally-based The use of aircraft to gain access to remote scenic flight and charter operators and the parts of the area is generally incompatible PWS to operate above the TWWHA and with the recreation experiences sought by Mt. Field National Park in an agreed on-ground visitors to such areas. For this responsible manner (see Appendix 2). It reason, as well as concern to avoid provides for Melaleuca Area Zones (see vegetation disturbance, track formation map included in Appendix 2) where and disease introduction in remote areas, additional conditions apply on aircraft landings within the area are strictly during the nesting season of the orange- controlled. bellied parrot. Specifically:

Helicopter landings are currently irregular "from 15 September to 30 April, pilots are and reflect the need for remote PWS requested to avoid:

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(i) repeated passes or circuits above encouraged to follow the “Fly the (Melaleuca Area) zones; Neighbourly Advice” (Appendix 2) (ii) landing helicopters within the when operating in the area. zones; and (iii) hovering helicopters above forested • Liaise with commercial and private areas within the zones." aircraft operators to ensure that their operations cause minimal (Published by Airservices Australia in disturbance to the orange-bellied their Aeronautical Information Publication parrots. See also Fauna (Section – Enroute Supplement, Australia) 3.6).

Management Issues • To help minimise noise and visual disturbance impacts on OBP’s The need to maintain wilderness settings around their nesting and feeding and reduce visual impact in the area has sites: cast doubt on the continuing use of Deep - entry and exit for helicopters Water Landing, Melaleuca Inlet as a wishing to use the Bathurst helicopter landing. See Facilities and Harbour Landing Area should Services - Recreation Zone (Deep Water be via the north-west, and Landing) (Section 4.5.3) for further - helicopters should fly at a lower discussion and resolution. limit of 800m when flying over OBP areas. The provision of on-ground facilities associated with aircraft, including the • Identify and assess the parts of landing area, apron area, shelter and the Bathurst Harbour that could be Deep Water Landing helipad, is discussed made available for floatplanes or in Facilities and Services – Melaleuca other aerial craft that land on water Visitor Services Site (Section 4.5.4). for recreational purposes.

Helicopter use in the area is necessary for • Additional helicopter landing sites search and rescue and remote area should be permitted only when management purposes. Pressure is bound provisions for the protection of site to increase however, for additional values from the impacts of visitors commercial helicopter operations. The have been put in place and the WHAMP, 1999, pages 133-135 provides environmental assessments required guidance for existing and proposed under the WHAMP, 1999 have been helicopter and floatplane activities in the carried out. WHA. 4.4.2 Boating and Diving Access Objective – Air Access A range of motorised and non-motorised • To continue to provide for air access boating craft uses the area. These include to Melaleuca – Port Davey, whilst sea kayaks, canoes, dinghies, yachts, protecting the conservation values and motor-boats, fishing vessels and cruise visitor experiences within the area. vessels. See Visitor Volumes (Section 4.2.2) and Commercial and Recreational Policies and Actions Fishing (Section 5.3) for numbers of boating craft visiting the area by sea. • Aircraft use for management purposes will be carried out in ways The shallow waters of Melaleuca Lagoon that minimise disturbance to visitors are only navigable by dinghies or small and wildlife. vessels and entry must be authorised by the PWS. Yachts and large motorised • Locally based scenic flight and craft are restricted to mooring and turning charter operators are strongly

60 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 at the confluence of Melaleuca Lagoon, (ii) any boat under way, at anchor, Melaleuca Inlet and Melaleuca Creek. moored, or engaged in fishing or in Navigation up the Melaleuca Inlet can be rowing … difficult for deep draft vessels during periods of low tide caused by high Management Issues barometric pressure and low rainfall. Some boating activities have led to Port Davey is one of only a few safe and concern about their possible impacts on accessible places around the west coast of the environment. For example, Tasmania for shelter for vessels during inappropriate anchorages, erosion of river adverse weather conditions. banks in the Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour area and along the banks of the Port Davey is under the control of MAST Melaleuca Inlet, the effect of effluent and is a gazetted port under the Marine release in sensitive environments such as and Safety (Pilotage and Navigation) Bathurst Channel and Bathurst Harbour, Regulations 1977 (as amended). This disturbance to wildlife and impacts on arrangement allows some degree of historic heritage sites. control over vessel operations and requires that all vessels over 35 metres in length Some of the benthic communities in carry a pilot or exempt Master. Bathurst Channel, particularly gorgonians, sea pens near Forrester Point in Schooner The publicity attached to the recent Cove and extending eastwards for about 1 discovery of unusual benthic communities km, and hard bryozoans on the ends of all and fish within Bathurst Harbour and points extending as reef slopes into the Bathurst Channel has led to greatly channel, are extremely vulnerable to increased interest in recreational diving in damage (accidental or deliberate) by the area (WHAMP, 1999, 145). Despite divers and from drifting anchors and the area's isolation and the requirement for chains. night-diving techniques and equipment (due to the darkly stained upper water Loss of wilderness experience by visitors layer), the rewards are considerable. At to the area through motor vessel noise present the level of recreational diving is must also be considered. relatively low but an increase in usage and visitor numbers can be envisaged in the See also Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour future. This includes the possibility of Marine Ecosystems (Section 3.4) for commercial operators targeting Policies and Actions on protection of the recreational divers. marine values. See Facilities and Services – Recreation Zone (Section 4.5.3) and In 1995 a 5 knots speed limit was Appendix 4 for vessel anchorages and dive introduced for boats in Melaleuca Inlet for sites in Bathurst Harbour – Bathurst safety reasons and to minimise bank Channel – Melaleuca Inlet. See erosion. See Soil Conservation, Erosion Environmental Quality – Water Quality Control and Rehabilitation – Streambank (Section 3.11.2) for information on waste Erosion (Section 3.10.1). disposal.

Subsequent legislation provides further In the past few years specialists have guidance for recreational vessels in the discussed the merits of a 5 knots versus 3 area. It is an offence under the Marine knots speed limit for the Melaleuca Inlet, and Safety (Motor Boats and Licences) particularly after evidence of increasing Bylaws 1998, Section 28 (3) (b) to travel at erosion since the five knot limit was a speed faster than 5 knots within 60 introduced in 1995 (Dixon, 1997b, metres of: Bradbury, 2000). Evidence suggests that a 5 knot speed limit is generally sufficient, if (i) any shoreline, river bank, diving it is actively enforced including user platform or marine facility; or education. It is however, critical that

61 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 monitoring of speed limits in the Policies and Actions Melaleuca waterways continues. • Continue to recognise Port Davey as It is important for boats travelling in very a vital bad weather shelter area for sheltered waters (eg. upper Melaleuca small vessels on the west and south Inlet) and navigable rivers to keep their coasts, and provide for safe keel parallel to the surface of the water, in anchorages for such vessels. minimising wake impact on shorelines. Large wake induced waves could also • In accordance with the WHAMP, have serious impacts on the subtidal 1999, a Motorised Boating Area for invertebrate communities of Bathurst the waters of Port Davey – Bathurst Channel. Harbour – Melaleuca Inlet has been adopted in this area plan (see Map The demand for large vessel access to 3). Tasmania's World Heritage Area is only at a formative stage, yet Port Davey • Operators of motorised boats must experienced two visits from cruise vessels comply with the limits on motorised – the Norwegian Star and Oceanic boats within the Davey River, Odyssey in the space of four days during Spring River, North River and Old February 1999. These two ships hosted a River, and note waters that are total of 758 passengers (Harrison, 1999, generally not available to motorised unpub. paper for Tourism Tasmania). boats, as stated in the WHAMP, 1999, p. 61 & 138 respectively. Three further visits occurred during the summer of 2001/02 – two trips by the • Licenses for commercial operations Akademik Shokaleskiy and one by the in the Port Davey – Bathurst Clipper Odyssey. Passenger numbers Harbour area are to be prepared in varied between 40 and 200. accordance with the "Guidelines for the Preparation of Licenses for All visits were licensed and had conditions Commercial Vessel Operations in set on their operations. Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour" (Parks and Wildlife Service, 2002) Guidelines for the preparation of licenses • Maintain the 5 knots speed limit in for commercial vessel operations (Parks Melaleuca Inlet. Modify if and Wildlife Service 2002), including necessary, depending on results of cruise vessels, in Port Davey – Bathurst enforcement (including user Harbour have been developed and are education) and regular monitoring reviewed regularly These guidelines seek of its effectiveness. to provide for protection of the values of this relatively undisturbed and • Authorise and encourage PWS staff scientifically undescribed natural area to enforce compliance with the whilst allowing for controlled tourism Marine and Safety (Motor Boats and access. The guidelines appear as Licences) Bylaws 1998 in the area's Appendix 4 to this plan. waterways. Objective – Boating and Diving Access • Encourage small boat operators to minimise wake impact on shorelines • To continue to provide access for when travelling in very sheltered boating craft within Port Davey – waters and navigable rivers by Bathurst Harbour, whilst protecting keeping their boat keel parallel to and conserving the waterways and the surface of the water and not adjacent environments, sites and operating at planing speed. values.

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• Vessels will not be permitted to 2156 Walking Tracks Part 1 Classification anchor on the reef slopes of the and Signage. The WHA classification is Bathurst Channel wall, particularly used to supplement the Australian on the ends of all points extending Standard where necessary. See Appendix into the channel, and near Forrester 4 for WHA track classification categories. Point in Schooner Cove, to protect the sensitive marine environment. As a result of the Track Assessment Group (TAG) process, parts of the WHA • Develop a programme to monitor Walking Track Management Strategy, in the impacts of divers on the benthic particular the section dealing with quotas community of Bathurst Channel and permits (WHAMP, 1999, 174), is (and elsewhere if necessary). The likely to change. At this stage, it is not introduction of additional measures envisaged these changes will impact on or conditions related to diving as track work within the area over the next required to protect the values of the few years. area, including dive-free areas, diving permits or registration of Melaleuca can be reached on foot using dive tour operators, may be carried either the South Coast Track (T2) or Old out if necessary. Port Davey Track (T3). (The Old Port Davey Track is also referred to as the Port • Develop a Diving Code of Practice Davey Track, though the former is for Bathurst Channel and Bathurst recognised by the Nomenclature Board of Harbour in consultation with the Tasmania as its official name.) diving community. The South Coast Track is internationally • Develop a Sea Kayaking Code of renowned. It covers a distance of 80 km Practice for the area in consultation between Cockle Creek and Melaleuca. It with the community. is suggested walkers allow themselves about 6-8 days to complete the walk. The • Develop and implement an only huts on the South Coast Track and information and education Old Port Davey Track are located at programme for boating and diving Melaleuca. interests to increase their awareness of environmental issues in the The 54 km Old Port Davey Track is used Bathurst Harbour - Port Davey area by walkers between Scotts Peak and and inform them of any restrictions Melaleuca. It is suggested walkers allow and conditions that may apply. themselves 5-6 days to complete this walk.

• Continue to restrict access to Melaleuca is also the usual start and finish Melaleuca Lagoon to the PWS and point for walkers visiting SW Cape. local residents’ vessels to protect Walkers spend 2-5 days on a return walk shallow seabeds. along the coast towards the Cape.

4.4.3 Walking Access For information on day walking opportunities and shorter tracks within the The Walking Track Management Strategy Melaleuca – Port Davey area, see (PWS 1994) is a strategy developed by the Facilities and Services – Recreation Zone PWS for the management of walking (Section 4.5.3). See Information, tracks and walkers in and adjacent to the Interpretation and Education (Section 4.3) WHA. It has been the key document for for proposals for a loop walk at Melaleuca. guiding track management in the area. Management Issues Walking tracks referred to in this plan are classified using the six classes detailed AS A future management issue is the likely continued increase in popularity of the

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South Coast Track - see Visitor Services There are presently no facilities for people Policy (Section 4.1). with special needs ("disabled").

Objective – Walking Access Walking opportunities for comfort and getaway day visitors are limited. It is • To achieve sustainable management of expected the area will become more walking tracks and walkers throughout popular with these visitor types, and the area. therefore suitable walking opportunities should be examined. See Information, Policies and Actions Interpretation and Education (Section 4.3) for proposals for a loop walk at Melaleuca. • To continue to promote and maintain the South Coast Track and Unplanned or poorly planned facility Old Port Davey Track as the development, including tracks, is a primary walking access points to concern in the area due to the potential for Melaleuca. visual impacts on the wilderness recreational setting. Management of the • The South Coast Track will area should seek to avoid or minimise continue to be promoted as one of visual intrusion. the 8 Great Bushwalks of the State as part of the Tasmanian Walking The funding of facilities and services, Tracks Strategy and Marketing including tracks and track maintenance, Plan. where such facilities are used by commercial tourism operators is an issue. • Continue to develop and implement Consideration should be given to a walker education campaign with incorporating a "user pays" component in emphasis on Minimum Impact the lease/licence agreements of Bushwalking practices. commercial tourism operations. See Commercial Tourism Operations (Section 4.6).

4.5 Facilities and Services Objective – Facilities and Services

4.5.1 General • To provide appropriate visitor facilities and services in a remote Facilities and services currently provided wilderness setting, taking into account include interpretation sites (eg. Claytons, the area's natural and cultural values. Bird Observation Hide, airstrip shelter), signs, an aircraft landing area, marked Policies and Actions walking tracks, camp sites, huts, toilets, water taps and rainwater collection tanks, • Provide facilities and services that pontoon and jetties. assist presentation of the area and foster environmentally sustainable Management Issues tourism and recreational use of the area. The Draft Melaleuca Site Plan, (PWS 1995) declared that facilities would be • Protect visitor experience and maintained at the existing low-key scale environmental quality through the and design to complement the surrounding appropriate location, nature, scale natural and historic environment. Any and design of visitor facilities and increase in the level of development must services. retain the essential natural character and ambience of the area.

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• Locate facilities in accordance with Track Management Strategy. This area Table 1: Management Zones for also possesses Aboriginal heritage values. Melaleuca – Port Davey Area (Section 2.3). The WHAMP, 1999 states prescribes that existing structures in the Wilderness Zone • Review current signage in the area, are progressively assessed and allowed to and prepare and implement a sign decay or be removed unless they are of plan in accordance with Table 1 – sufficient heritage, recreational or Management Zones for Melaleuca – management importance to outweigh their Port Davey Area (Section 2.3) and impact on wilderness values (WHAMP, AS 2156 Walking Tracks Part 1 1999, 57). The historic heritage Classification and Signage. significance of the Bond Bay structure is uncertain. 4.5.2 Wilderness Zone Human impacts on the site of the Bond A class 2 track (W2) extends from Parker Bay structure and its surrounds are of Bay to Critchley Parker's gravesite. For concern. These impacts include fires, information on this heritage site, see rubbish (including sheets of tin and an old Historic Heritage and Landscape (Section bath tub) and sawn off trees limbs. 3.7.3). Objective – Wilderness Zone In general, structures in wilderness zones are incompatible with the objectives of • To retain a challenging unmodified this zone. natural setting that suitably experienced and equipped people can A small covered shelter and two water visit for wilderness recreation and for tanks is located back from the beach at its intrinsic values. Bond Bay, within the Wilderness Zone of the WHA. This structure was constructed Policies and Actions in the early 1990s using salvaged materials from a previous house built on a site some • In accordance with the WHAMP, 250 metres to the north in the 1950s (the 1999, no new facilities or tracks will Claytons old house site). It is believed be provided in the Wilderness Zone. government staff stayed in the house Existing walking tracks will be whilst carrying out geological mapping in managed in accordance with the the local area. This old house site is Walking Track Management recognised as a historic heritage site (see Strategy. Table 3). • In accordance with the WHAMP, The existing structure is used by people 1999, the Bond Bay structure will be fishing or boating in the area for the assessed in consultation with the collection of freshwater and for shelter fishing industry and allowed to during harsh weather conditions. decay or removed unless it is of sufficient heritage, recreational or Management Issues management importance to outweigh its impact on wilderness The class 4 walking track (T4) from Spain values. Bay to Stephens Bay is susceptible to track widening and mud formation. 4.5.3 Recreation Zone Commercially guided use of this track does occur. Monitoring of the The Recreation Zone encompassing Port environmental condition of the track is Davey – Bathurst Harbour – Melaleuca necessary. Some erosion control works Inlet (excluding Melaleuca itself – see may be necessary in accordance with the Section 4.5.4) is becoming increasingly popular with visitors. The provision of

65 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 limited facilities for recreational and Nearby James Kelly Basin with its environmental purposes with associated seabirds, waders and seagrass signs, and new walking opportunities to communities is a vulnerable area. better provide for day visitors, may be appropriate in this zone. Local human-induced impacts on the beach (Recreation Zone) and hinterland The Recreation Zone includes the (Wilderness Zone) include campfires, beach/shoreline area around Port Davey – rubbish and evidence of vegetation Bathurst Harbour – Melaleuca Inlet. damage and removal. Further inland is the Wilderness Zone (Map 3). Settlement Point

Management Issues An historic heritage site at the mouth of the Davey River with remnants of the The following is a list of specific localities former local Huon pining industry. The within the Recreation Zone, their current site requires stabilisation before visitors and potential facilities and associated can be directed or encouraged to the site. management issues. It includes facilities See Historic Heritage and Landscape and services within the Motorised Boating (Section 3.7.3). Area, an overlay covering part of the Recreation Zone. Schooner Cove – Watering Bay

Spain Bay Schooner Cove has a beach, campsite and freshwater supply. It is visited by fishing Spain Bay has a sandy beach, good and boating enthusiasts, and on a less anchorage and shelter, and the beach is regular basis, kayakers. Walkers are relatively robust. It is used by fishing occasionally transported here by Par boats, yachts, cruise boats, sea kayaks and Avion to commence their walk to some walkers. The coastal area including Noyhener and SW Cape. Spain Bay and Stephens Bay possesses Aboriginal heritage values. Controlled Unplanned track formation is occurring as guided use (by commercial licence) is people climb the hills in the Wilderness permitted on the Spain Bay to Stephens Zone behind Schooner Cove. Inland Bay track, otherwise access is access is discouraged to protect identified discouraged. vulnerable Aboriginal values and DPIWE long- term flora monitoring sites. Monitoring of informal camping and Appropriate protection measures are marine debris washed up or dumped on the urgently needed. beach should be carried out. See Waste (Section 3.11.4) for further information on Freshwater is available in Watering Bay, marine debris in Port Davey – Bathurst near Schooner Cove, from a waterfall Channel. flowing down into Bathurst Channel. An important sea pen colony has been Bond Bay identified beneath the waterfall. An anchor point attached to the bank for boats The remains of the Old Claytons house, a to tie up to as they collect freshwater has shelter and tap are situated in the adjacent been constructed. Wilderness Zone behind the beach. See Facilities and Services -Wilderness Zone Bramble Cove (Section 4.5.2). Bond Bay was a key area of occupation for the Port Davey tribe, and This site includes a beach, informal access continues to have a connection with the track and campsite with freshwater supply. Tasmanian Aborigines. It is currently used by fishing boats, yachts and kayaks, and would be suitable for

66 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 cruise boat passengers to land, picnic and could be a landing site for cruise boat swim. passengers for the purposes of swimming and picnicking., but should be closely The access track to the campsite is eroding monitored before and after visits are the foredune, the campsite is ill defined conducted. Access inland is discouraged. and there is evidence of vegetation damage and removal and ground Any access from Balmoral Beach to compaction. Balmoral Hill is a concern as the route would be steep and be at risk of eroding. Fragile and vulnerable historic sites associated with the whaling industry are Balmoral Hill readily accessible from the campsite and track. Their protection is critical. See Balmoral Hill rises steeply behind Historic Heritage and Landscape (Section Balmoral Beach. A class 4 track (T4) 3.7.3). leads up the hill from Horseshoe Inlet. This track is relatively well graded and A track (R) extends from Bramble Cove to does not impact on the visual amenity of Toogelow Beach, passing through the the area. Wilderness Zone. Mt Rugby Mt Milner A class 4 walking track (T4) up Mt Rugby Mt Milner is a high hill with good views starts from Bathurst Channel, 1 km east of of the outer Port Davey area. Access to Starvation Bay. Boat-based visitors the top is via a class 4 walking track (T4) mostly use this track. from a small beach in west Bramble Cove. The steepness and location of this track The current track pad is likely to erode and poses significant management problems. be highly visible. Upgrading the track to a The entire track is likely to erode to higher standard (T2) would cater for expose the white gravel, resulting in current and future use by boat-based significant visual impact particularly on visitors but would create a highly visible the lower half of the track. scar. Alternatively, opportunities exist to re-route the track to reduce grades, Unplanned track formations are also minimise visual impacts and retain as a apparent from Starvation Bay. class 4 (T4), but at considerable cost. If use is to increase substantially then the re- An alternative western route from Ila Bay route option should be undertaken. up Mt Rugby has been investigated but would also result in major visual scarring. Balmoral Beach The lack of pad development suggests there is little demand from Old Port Davey Balmoral Beach is a steep beach with a Track walkers to climb Mt Rugby. An old narrow marshy isthmus to Horseshoe Inlet pad is naturally revegetating, and there are behind the beach. The inlet supports no signs of recent access through thick wildlife. The bank off the beach is scrub between Old Port Davey Track and vulnerable to erosion and trampling. the head of Ila Bay. Kayakers use the beach on an irregular basis for camping. Subsequently, an investigation of a track from Eds Cove to Mt Rugby has been It is possible increased visitation may undertaken. There is a practical route that increase bank erosion, create pads through would join the present Southern Route at to the inlet and disturb wildlife. the “Halfway Saddle”. This route would have significantly less chance of visual The beach immediately east of Balmoral scarring when viewed from the waterways Beach has less sensitive hinterland and as much of it is in forest and scrub.

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Commercial use of Mt Rugby should be experience site. However, with increasing discouraged until the route from Eds Cove visitor use of Claytons and nearby tracks, is developed. the provision of a toilet facility may have to be considered. Bathurst Narrows See Historic Heritage and Landscape The camping sites at Farrell Point and (Section 3.7.3) for information on the Joan Point, on the north side and south heritage values and proposed conservation side respectively of the Bathurst Narrows, and community management of Claytons are maintained for the use of bushwalkers site. on the Old Port Davey Track. Farrell Point is also a preferred camping site for Clyde's Hill kayakers. Freshwater is available at Farrell Point. A 200m walk up onto a knoll to the east of Claytons house will take visitors up Fibreglass rowing dinghies are supplied by Clyde's Hill (sometimes referred to as TV the PWS at Farrell Point and Joan Point to Hill). Good views are gained of the assist bushwalkers on the Old Port Davey Celery Top Islands, Bathurst Harbour, Mt Track cross the Bathurst Narrows. Wind Rugby and the Arthur Ranges. The site and tide conditions sometimes make has potential for interpretation of these crossings and landings difficult. features, particularly the Celery Top Islands. Facilities provided at Joan Point and Farrell Point for bushwalkers crossing the Erosion is occurring on a pad being Bathurst Narrows do not include formed to a farther knoll, from which there lifejackets, bailers or operational are no better views. Erosion has also been instruction signs. There is no legislative occurring on the 200m section of track to requirement to provide lifejackets and Clyde's Hill. PWS consider it would be difficult to maintain. Mt Beattie

Claytons Mt Beattie is a 276m peak behind Claytons. It provides a very good Claytons, located near the mouth of the viewpoint at the eastern end of Bathurst Melaleuca Inlet, is accessed by boat. The Channel. Pads up Mt Beattie suggest the site includes a jetty, house - with peak is being visited from Bathurst interpretation panels covering the marine Harbour (referred to locally as “Kings environment, OBPs, anchorages, marine Point”) and bushwalkers from the Old Port debris, bilge and sullage water, history of Davey Track. The pad from Bathurst site, vegetation and the WHA - a shed and Harbour is very steep and unsuitable as a garden. Freshwater is collected off the location for a track. house roof, stored in tanks and piped to the jetty for public use. The house, of cultural An investigation of a track from Claytons heritage value, is maintained by fishing to Mt Beattie has been undertaken. There and boating interests and the PWS. is a practical route that would have Commercial tour operators, as well as significantly less visual scarring than the bushwalkers, fishers and boat operators existing pad. It is also feasible for this frequently visit the site. track to be part of a subsequent reroute of the Old Port Davey Track, avoiding a Given that the area is zoned recreation, has boggy section recommended for rerouting a range of activities available (see also in the Old Port Davey Track Plan and following sections on Clyde's Hill and Mt WHA Walking Track Management Beattie) and a reasonable level of Strategy. infrastructure in place, it may be suitable as a landing, interpretation and key visitor

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Melaleuca Inlet and Melaleuca Lagoon further demand for facilities in an area that is geographically confined by its shallow Channel markers are located along waters, has sensitive shoreline vegetation Melaleuca Inlet and in Melaleuca Lagoon. and nearby wilderness value. They assist vessels in navigating the often- shallow water, and are of some cultural See following section on Melaleuca value being associated with the King Visitor Services Site for water-based and family. The Melaleuca Inlet and Lagoon land-based facilities and services is not seen as a "major recreational associated with Melaleuca Creek, Moth navigational area", and there are no safety Creek and Melaleuca itself. standards for navigation markers in such a location, according to Marine and Safety Forest Lagoon Tasmania (MAST). The Forest Lagoon Camp is located on the Two land-based private moorings are southern shore of Forest Lagoon adjacent located at the entrance to Melaleuca to Melaleuca Inlet. It is operated as a Lagoon. They are part of the residential commercial venture, under a licence held and mining leases for the King/Fenton by Aerotechnology Ltd. The camp residence and Rallinga Mines respectively. consists of a partially enclosed, central An historic timber boat shed and jetty on structure with kitchen, dining and heating Moth Creek is also part of the King/Fenton facilities; water storage tank; camping area residential lease. including tents (on wooden platforms), some bush furniture, toilet, shower, Visual evidence suggests boats are tying storage shed; unformed tracks to the beach up to trees on the bank adjacent to the and through the camp, and a board-walk mooring site used by the Rallinga and track between the camp and Melaleuca Southern Explorer, Melaleuca Inlet. The Inlet. See Commercial Tourism installation of a more permanent post at Operations (Section 4.6) for further this site may be useful to assist boat discussions on the camp. owners and protect the environment. Kayakers have camped several times up Mooring space for larger vessels is from the beach. extremely limited in Melaleuca Inlet and Melaleuca Lagoon. The location of the There is no public boat landing facility public mooring on Melaleuca Creek from near Forest Lagoon Camp. Small vessels Melaleuca Inlet is not clearly defined. either land on the sandy beach, moor alongside a rocky headland which visitors The practice of vessels mooring alongside then walk over to reach the beach, or tie the private facilities of the King, Fenton up to a tree at the base of the wooden and Willson families can create problems steps. A small patch of salt marsh occurs of access for the lessees. These private on the headland. The salt marsh is highly facilities are designed for single vessel use susceptible to trampling and will and may be structurally overloaded with deteriorate with continued use. Damage to additional vessels, especially in windy vegetation and bank erosion may occur as conditions. vessels tie up to trees.

Private boat-based visitors may often not Deep Water Landing be aware of the public jetty and mooring facilities available for smaller craft in the Deep Water Landing is located on the west Melaleuca Creek precinct. bank of Melaleuca Inlet, approximately 1 kilometre northwest of Melaleuca. The The provision of additional mooring site presently serves as a heavy landing facilities on Melaleuca Inlet may help to area for boat-borne goods, as a landing site solve present demand. It will also cause for helicopters (a wooden walkway leads problems of visual intrusion and generate to a helipad) and a storage area for track

69 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 materials and fuel supplies. Phytophthora Policies and Actions wash baths are used while sling-loading track materials by helicopter. • The following low-impact camping sites in the Recreation Zone will be Helicopter landing facilities were only promoted and maintained, and established at Deep Water Landing to be limited facilities (such as a Fuel able to refuel, and to collect and drop off Stove Only Area sign, water supply, supplies. and shore access tracks) may be provided in order to protect the An assessment of alternative sites, environment. Site protection and including Deep Water Landing, for fuel stabilisation works are required storage, helicopter landings and track prior to further promotion at materials storage has been conducted. Bramble Cove and Schooner Cove – see Historic Heritage and The site is clearly visible from Melaleuca Landscape (Section 3.7.3). Where Inlet and its use as a storage site detracts poor weather conditions prevail, from the wilderness values of the camping at other sites may be surrounding area. There is no vegetation permitted. screening of the site from the water. Damage to vegetation and erosion of the - Forest Lagoon inlet bank is evident as boats tie up to trees - Farrell Point and people access the site for management - Joan Point purposes. - Bramble Cove - Balmoral Beach – inland access The Deep Water Landing site is not from Balmoral Beach to suitable as a fuel storage site or as a site to Horseshoe Inlet is discouraged, stockpile materials due to the potential inland access from beach contamination risks to the waterway, and immediately east of Balmoral visual impact and potential environmental Beach is discouraged. impacts. See Environmental Quality – - Schooner Cove – inland access is Dangerous Goods (Section 3.11.5) for discouraged. policies on fuel storage at Melaleuca. - Bond Bay - Spain Bay – inland access is There is no further need for any storage of discouraged. a large quantity of track materials. - Fulton Cove (suggested sea kayak use) A better location for a helicopter- landing site would be in proximity to the Bathurst Harbour Landing Area, in conjunction • Campsite inventories will be with a smaller fuel storage facility. prepared for camping sites within However, any impacts from increased the Recreation Zone to assist helicopter activity on the orange-bellied monitoring environmental parrot must be addressed. See conditions and human impact. Management Issues – Threatened Fauna (Section 3.6.6) for further information on • Regularly review operational the two reports concerning helicopters and instructions and facilities for aircraft impact on the OBPs. walkers using the boat crossing at Bathurst Narrows.

Objective – Recreation Zone • Manage existing tracks in the Recreation Zone as follows. • To provide a range of recreational experiences in a moderately challenging, largely natural setting for suitably equipped people.

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- Bramble Cove access track to avoid a boggy section of track camp site – minor erosion and maintain at class 3 (T3) control works. standard.

- Mt Milner (from west Bramble • The development of new tracks or Cove) – re-route to a sustainable the re-routing of existing tracks grade and maintain at a class 4 must adequately address the (T4). possible presence and spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi. - Balmoral Beach/Balmoral Hill – maintain walking track from • Monitor environmental conditions Horseshoe Inlet up Balmoral and site visitor use, and if necessary, Hill as class 4 (T4). Monitor provide a toilet facility at Claytons. pad development from Balmoral Beach up Balmoral Hill, and if • Preferred boat anchorage sites have pads develop, measures will be been identified in the more sheltered taken to discourage use. waters of Bathurst Channel and Bathurst Harbour which minimise - Mt Rugby – investigate a dinghy impact on the fragile marine landing site at Eds Cove. ecosystems of the area, and in Construct a class 4 track (T4) Melaleuca Inlet - see "Guidelines from Eds Cove up Mt Rugby, for the Preparation of Licenses for then close and rehabilitate the Commercial Vessel Operations in existing track. In the meantime, Port Davey-Bathurst Harbour" and once a track from Claytons (Parks and Wildlife Service 2002). to Mt Beattie has been All boating craft are encouraged to constructed, encourage walkers use these sites. [Note: In bad to climb Mt Beattie as an weather alternative anchorage may alternative preferred be necessary. These are noted as experience. Monitor future "professional anchorages (various commercial use of Eds Cove weather conditions)" on Map 5 in route once constructed. Appendix 4.]

- Clyde's Hill – maintain existing • Monitor the environmental and track at class 3 (T3) standard visitor use impacts on the identified and carry out erosion control preferred boat anchorages and, works. Close and rehabilitate following consultation with relevant pad being formed to farther groups, amend these sites if knoll. necessary.

See Commercial Tourism Operations • Anchoring in Watering Bay is not (Section 4.6) for policy on tracks suitable encouraged due to the presence of for commercial use. an important sea pen colony beneath the waterfall. Anchorage is • Investigate, and develop if permitted however in extreme appropriate, the following new weather conditions when there are walking tracks and reroutes in the no other safe anchorages nearby, Recreation Zone. but must be in the flat shallow area of the bay (>10 m depth) away from - Construct a track from Claytons the cliffs. to Mt Beattie to class 3 (T3) standard in 2002/03. • Boats are to use the anchor point in - The rerouting of a section of the Watering Bay close to the waterfall Old Port Davey Track between to tie up when collecting freshwater Melaleuca and The Narrows to

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from the waterfall. will be determined in a Melaleuca precinct site design - See Melaleuca • Divers are urged to use the Visitor Services Site (Section 4.5.4). recommended dive sites shown on Map 5 in Appendix 4 that 4.5.4 Melaleuca Visitor Services Site demonstrate the unique benthic communities of the area. The Melaleuca Visitor Services Site (Map 4) provides the focus for visitor facilities • Remove the informal channel and services for the wider area. markers from Manwoneer Inlet to discourage motorised boating The Melaleuca landing area (known access. officially as the Bathurst Harbour Landing Area) is a private airfield, as distinct from • The channel markers in Melaleuca a licensed airport such as Hobart Inlet and Melaleuca Lagoon will be International or Cambridge that must be maintained to aid navigation and to available for conditional public use. It is protect their cultural value. owned and maintained by the PWS. Private landing areas are the same as • No additional mooring facilities will private property for which all users must be constructed in Melaleuca Inlet. have the owners' prior permission.

• A sign will be erected to advise the Adjacent to the landing area is an aircraft public not to use the private apron area and shelter. The shelter moorings of the Willson and King structure caters for bushwalkers, families located at the entrance to commercial operators, PWS management Melaleuca Lagoon. and the Orange-bellied Parrot National Recovery Program. A septic tank (with • Install posts to discourage trees uncontained overflow) toilet is located being used at mooring sites used by close by. the Rallinga and Southern Explorer. The Deny King Bird Observation Hide, close to the landing area, was built in • The PWS and commercial operator 1990-91 by PWS. It provides a key visitor for Forest Lagoon Camp will co- experience at Melaleuca, is a valuable operate to ensure camp facilities, interpretation resource for visitors to services and operations pose Melaleuca and provides shelter. minimal impact on the environment. The Charles King Memorial Hut, a second • Cruise operators will be required to walker's hut and the Melaleuca camping use either the beach access at Forest site provide accommodation for visitors Lagoon and avoid trampling over and users of the wider area. A small the headland salt-marsh, or tie up at informal camping site is located between the base of the steps on Melaleuca the Charles King hut and Melaleuca Inlet. Lagoon. A septic tank toilet is close by. Freshwater is available from water tanks. • Activities at Deep Water Landing will discontinue, materials removed, The Melaleuca camping site is the structures dismantled and the site principal camping area in the Melaleuca rehabilitated. The helipad will be Visitor Services Site. It is mainly used by relocated to the vicinity of the bushwalkers and as overflow from the two Bathurst Harbour Landing Area. huts. The storage of non-residents’ fuel supplies will be located near the The Old Port Davey Track and South Bathurst Harbour Landing Area. Coast Track converge at the Melaleuca The exact location for these facilities Visitor Services Site. Smaller tracks

72 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 provide visitor access between the airstrip, The WHAMP, 1999 provides policy bird hide, walkers' huts and campsite, guidance on the Bathurst Harbour Landing toilet and pontoon on Melaleuca Creek. Area. Access to the bird hide also serves as the vehicle access to the King's and Fenton's “Allow the extension of the existing private residence and lease area further up airstrip, providing that it does not intrude the track. to within 30 metres of Moth or Melaleuca creeks and maintains the same alignment The public pontoon facility at Melaleuca as the present airstrip. [This decision is Creek currently provides for several small based on safety grounds to allow the safe craft. The facility is used by PWS for operation of aircraft that currently use the management purposes, Par Avion for their strip, not to allow faster or larger wilderness tours and members of the aircraft.]” public. (WHAMP, 1999, 205)

A small jetty is located at the mouth of In early 2001, the PWS commissioned a Melaleuca Creek. It was used by Par consultant to carry out an inspection of the Avion for mooring their vessels prior to Bathurst Harbour Landing Area to ensure the construction of the public pontoon it complies with the requirements of Civil upstream. Aviation Advisory Publication No. 92-1(1) (the "CAAP") for day operations by all Management Issues aircraft with a Maximum Take-off Weight not greater than 5,700 kg. (Airports Plus The development of facilities and services Pty. Ltd. for PWS, 2001). The consultant's in the Melaleuca Visitor Services Site report, Bathurst Harbour Landing Area should seek to maintain or enhance the Operational Report, made 13 uniqueness and special qualities inherent recommendations to improve the safety of in the area. These include its wild and operations at the landing area. These remote nature, high natural scenic values, included the: threatened fauna (notably the OBP) and gateway to experience WHA values - establishment of clearways at including the unique marine flora and either end of the runway, fauna associated with Port Davey – - provision of a 450m runway with Bathurst Harbour. It is these the full length being of prepared characteristics which attract and satisfy the runway pavement, majority of visitors to the area. They set - removal of the embankments on the Melaleuca Visitor Services Site apart either side of the runway strip, from other WHA visitor destinations. - enlargement of the apron area to accommodate additional aircraft, The maintenance of existing facilities at - appropriate signing of the landing Melaleuca, including the toilets and area to protect walkers and walkers' huts should be complemented aircraft, and with attention being given to visitor safety. - development of an Emergency Occupational health and safety issues are Response Plan to ensure a also a concern. controlled rescue and recovery response in the event of an Facilities and services developed should accident. cater in particular for the comfort (day and (Airports Plus Pty. Ltd., 2001, 4-5) multi-day) visitor and the getaway visitor. These people seek natural settings, being The present apron area is adequate for two with family and friends, and opportunities aircraft. However, observations indicate for adventure or challenge. there are often more than two aircraft on the ground at any one time, with up to six aircraft during peak summer periods. The above report suggests that the

73 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 recommended enlarged apron area could Site inspections have revealed issues accommodate a total of six aircraft. relating to the huts, camping area and toilet. These include occasional The report by Ecology Australia, Aircraft overcrowding of the huts in summer, loss and Human Activity at Melaleuca and the of vegetation cover, firewood collection Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema and campsite expansion, unmarked routes chrysogaster), 2000, recommends "any between the campsite and Melaleuca Inlet proposed development at Melaleuca that and the unfavourable condition of the potentially involves direct or indirect toilets. impacts to the OBP should be subject to an environmental impact assessment." (2000, Public safety is at risk as current 42). An extension of the landing area, alignments of the tracks in the MVSS introduction of twin engine aircraft to require visitors to cross the Bathurst Melaleuca and increased helicopter Harbour Landing Area to access various activities at Melaleuca are listed as facilities and services and to pass through development proposals that would require an operational tin mine. Parts of the South specific assessment. Coast Track and Old Port Davey Track utilise official mining roads on the Upgrade of the toilet near the landing area Rallinga Mine lease area. is urgently required. The report by Airports Plus Pty. Ltd considered that As the current mine operators have although the toilet is not regarded as a expressed their intention to explore and hazard to aircraft, it is difficult to mine tin in the northeast portion of their maintain, is not user friendly and poses lease in the next few years, it is proposed issues of environmental quality. to realign part of the South Coast Track to remove it from the mining lease area. It The shelter near the landing area is will also pass around the perimeter of the currently being used for the storage of a Bathurst Harbour Landing Area, removing wide range of items related to the the current need to cross the landing area management and use of facilities at (see Map 4). Melaleuca. Bushwalker supplies (including food and fuel for cooking Issues of public liability, where walkers stoves), rubbish, food for the OBP continue to use the mining access roads, Recovery Programme, the Walker are being discussed. Registration Book, a mailbox, interpretation material and fuel for The banks of Melaleuca Creek adjacent to commercial aircraft are all currently stored the pontoon are being denuded and eroded in the shelter. A metal cage outside the by ropes as dinghies and other craft are shelter is used for the storage of additional tying up to vegetation and the stanchion fuel and is not bunded. This situation is rather than to the pontoon. It is uncertain considered a health and safety issue whether or not the site can physically needing attention. sustain improvements to the pontoon facility. The storage of sea-kayaking equipment for commercial tours on a long-term basis The jetty at the mouth of Melaleuca Creek needs to be determined. is deteriorating. Its use has declined with the construction and use of the public The future of the Bird Observation Hide pontoon 500 metres upstream on the needs consideration. With recent Melaleuca Creek. investigations into the impacts of aircraft, helicopters and visitors on the OBP, the PWS encourages continued use of the location of the Hide may become an issue. public pontoon facility and adjacent Alternative funding sources to the NHT formalised boardwalk access to/from the Program should also be explored. landing area by visitors. It also seeks to avoid a proliferation of structures along

74 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 the waterways in consideration of visual - a fuel storage facility, and aesthetic values of the area. - realignment of parts of the South Coast Track and Old Port Davey A gravel reef, or bar, exists at the mouth of Track, and Melaleuca Creek. Yachts venturing into - interpretation and education the Creek have become stuck on the reef (including signs). in the past. There is no buoy or signage to See Environmental Quality – warn boating craft of this feature and the Dangerous Goods (Section 3.11.5) for resulting shallow waters. information on the storage of fuels and other dangerous goods at Melaleuca. Objective – Melaleuca Visitor Services See Recreation Zone (Section 4.5.3) Site for information on Deep Water Landing. • To provide a range of appropriate low- key visitor facilities and services at the • Maintain the existing bushwalkers Melaleuca Visitor Services Site to huts at Melaleuca at essentially their complement the area's unique natural present standard. If appropriate, and cultural values. undertake minor improvements.

• An inventory of the Melaleuca Policies and Actions camping site will be prepared and maintained to assist monitoring • As a high priority, implement the environmental conditions and recommendations of the Bathurst human impact. Harbour Landing Area Operational Report, March 2001 as appropriate, • The Melaleuca camping site will be subject to requirements set out in contained within its present Assessment of Use and Development boundaries. Proposals (Section 4.7). • Maintain signage to remind visitors • Develop a proposal for the to respect the privacy of the Fenton introduction of a landing fee to and King families and not enter offset proposed changes to the their residential lease area adjacent Bathurst Harbour Landing Area to the bird hide. and ongoing maintenance costs, in consultation with commercial • Monitor environmental and visitor aircraft operators. impact on and around the public pontoon facility, Melaleuca Creek • As a high priority improve toilet and, if necessary, improve the facilities in the Melaleuca Visitor facility. Services Site to meet environmental health requirements. • The jetty at the mouth of Melaleuca Creek will be removed and the site • A Melaleuca precinct site design will rehabilitated. be prepared for proposed developments and activities in the • Improve existing signs at the mouth Melaleuca Visitor Services Site, of Melaleuca Creek to indicate including: shallow waters and the presence of a - alterations to the landing area and gravel reef or bar. adjacent aircraft apron area, - commercial and visitor storage needs and facilities, - upgrade of toilets, - helicopter landing site,

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4.6 Commercial Tourism In January 1995, the PWS prepared a draft Temporary Standing Camp Policy, which Operations was to be reviewed three years later, and if revised, to be approved by the Director of Commercial tourism operations refer to PWS. A temporary standing camp (TSC) those operations that provide commercial was defined as having the following visitor services within areas managed by features. the PWS. These were formerly known as concessions. - It must be constructed of materials that will demount easily and Commercial operations in the area include: which are in keeping with the environment – tent-based - guided tours - sea kayaking, structures are appropriate – a TSC bushwalking (South Coast Track, is not a hut. Old Port Davey Track and other - May include sleeping tents, tracks) and cruise boat tours; kitchen/dining shelter, and toilet - scenic flights; areas. - Forest Lag camp; - Disturbance of the ground surface - special events eg. yachting must be minimised. - The site is not to be used The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1970 permanently. It may be occupied requires all commercial operators to obtain seasonally. All materials and a lease or licence from the Minister for all facilities must be removed from areas covered by the Act. The payment of the site when it is not in use. a fee is required. Licenses are presently - The TSC's are to be kept as small granted to seven commercial operators to as possible. (Maximum sizes occupy land and/or operate in the considered to be desirable are Melaleuca – Port Davey Area. stated in the draft Policy.)

The WHAMP, 1999 provides guidance for The WHAMP, 1999 recognises the commercial tourism operations in the facilities of the Forest Lagoon camp as WHA and in nearby Visitor Services including a landing, walkways, a cooking Zones and Sites. Briefly, this includes a shelter, toilet, shower and accommodation preference for facilities and services tents. It states that the camp site is to be outside the WHA, private capital generally operated in accordance with the investment in Visitor Services Zones and PWS's Temporary Standing Camp Policy, Sites, high quality interpretation, however the above noted facilities may monitoring and regular inspections of remain year round (WHAMP, 1999, 181). operations, support for a range of guided tours and accreditation for guided tour Management Issues operations. A number of the commercial tourism For information on the PWS Strategic licenses to operate in the area are currently Framework for Visitor Services, see under review. Their renewed approval Visitor Services Policy (Section 4.1). will take into account as far as possible current and future management issues for Forest Lagoon Camp the area. This will include compliance with the WHAMP and this plan. It is The camp at Forest Lagoon in the intended the affected licenses are reviewed Southwest National Park has been in and/or renewed as soon as possible. existence for some time prior to WHA listing in 1982. It did not, however, The use of commercial tourism licence become "semi-permanent" till the early fees to assist with area management 1990s. It is used year round as a lunch warrants consideration. Licence fees stop for day tours and for camping. could contribute to site protection,

76 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 stabilisation works and conservation of Policies and Actions species (eg. tracks, heritage sites and OBP's), particularly in areas used by • As a high priority, review all commercial tourism operators and where licenses held by commercial tourism they may gain a commercial advantage. operators operating in the area and ensure consistency of licence Proposals have been put forward in the conditions. This includes updating past to develop private lodge of aircraft operator licenses in line accommodation at Melaleuca. These with the recommendations of the proposals have generally been opposed by Bathurst Harbour Landing Area bushwalkers and conservationists who Operational Report, 2001, Airports believe that such developments would Plus Pty. Ltd. impact upon their traditional use and the remote tranquil nature of the area • Review commercial licence fees (Melaleuca Visitor Survey, 1993). levied for approved operations which have a high environmental With respect to the provision of facilities impact, require specific monitoring, and services in general, the majority (71%) require expenditure by the Crown of respondents to the Melaleuca – Port specifically for the benefits of that Davey Survey 2001 wanted the area to approval (e.g. jetties), have a risk stay exactly as it was. Little was that rehabilitation or restoration mentioned on accommodation. works may be required and require Maintenance of the present walkers' huts exclusive use of a particular site at Melaleuca and Claytons house was (lease). considered important. • Establish a system for the regular A PWS Ranger or Site Officer should monitoring of commercial activities accompany or be able to meet large cruise for compliance with licence vessels, organised fleets of yachts and arrangements and acceptable larger vessels for special events, and industry standards. smaller guided tours. Their role is to educate visitors on WHA values, monitor • Forest Lagoon camp will continue to area usage and impact, and promote be recognised as a "temporary" appropriate boating practices. Cruise camp in accordance with the companies often request a Ranger as part WHAMP, 1999 and the Temporary of their visit and are prepared to pay for Standing Camp Policy. PWS will the service. ensure management techniques are adopted to minimise impacts of the The PWS’ Temporary Standing Camp camp on the surrounding Policy should be finalised. environment and provide for a quality visitor experience.

Objective – Commercial Tourism • A meeting should be held at least Operations once a year between the PWS and commercial tour operators or their • To manage commercial tourism representatives to discuss issues of operations in the area in a sustainable concern and future proposed works manner so as to maintain and enhance for the area. the natural and cultural values of the area and the quality of visitor • All commercial licensees are experience, and in a manner which is encouraged to have training in responsive to market demands. interpretation and become accredited with the National Ecotourism Association of

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Australia. - Mt Beattie (once a track is constructed from Claytons) • All existing commercial visitor - Mt Rugby (after the service operators are required to construction of a route from Eds have a Commercial Visitor Service Cove) Licence. - Clyde's Hill - Spain Bay to Stephens Bay • Encourage commercial operators and their staff to be well informed of the area's values and climatic 4.7 Assessment of Use and conditionsprior to visiting the area for recreation or management Development Proposals purposes. The PWS and DPIWE will assist with training where The WHAMP, 1999 sets out a process for practicable. considering new proposals, including new developments, activities and management • Aboriginal heritage guidelines for actions in the WHA (WHAMP, 1999, 67). boat-based visitors should be It also seeks that adjoining areas be developed by PWS in consultation managed in ways that are sympathetic to with the Aboriginal community, the objectives of management of the Tasmanian Heritage Office and WHA. commercial tourism operators. The Ministerial Council, which provides • Encourage the provision of advice under the WHA’s New Proposals commercial facilities and services to and Impact Assessment (NPIA) process, is be developed or located within the not legally responsible for the adjacent Melaleuca Visitor Services Site in SWCA (including Melaleuca), therefore preference to the adjacent WHA. the use of the NPIA process outside the WHA is inappropriate. • The PWS' Guidelines for the Preparation of Licences for Development proposals in parks and Commercial Vessel Operations in reserves will soon come under the Land Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour Use Planning & Approvals Act XXXX. (2002) will be used when preparing such licences. PWS is currently reviewing its internal Project Proposal assessment system for works in parks and reserves. The revised • All large vessels and fleets of vessels system will be applicable to use and visiting the area or participating in development proposals at Melaleuca. an organised event in the area are encouraged to have a Ranger on board or accompanying all shore Management Issues visits for education and Where a proposed use or development is interpretation purposes at the to be located in an area which is part expense of the company involved. WHA and part SWCA, the various assessment processes will need to be • Tracks suitable for commercial integrated. operator use are: - South Coast Track (including Objective – Assessment of Development SW Cape Track) Proposals - Old Port Davey Track - Mt Milner (from west Bramble • Proposed uses and developments are Cove) - Balmoral Hill (from entrance of assessed to ensure any adverse, Horseshoe Inlet) cumulative or potential impacts of the

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use or development on the natural or cultural environment are minimised.

Policies and Actions

• Any new development or activity in the WHA portion of the plan area will be assessed in accordance with the WHAMP, 1999, “New Proposals and Impact Assessment” process.and relevant Federal and State legislation.

• Future use and development proposals in the SWCA will be assessed in accordance with PWS policy and any relevant Federal and State legislation.

• An integrated assessment process, meeting WHAMP, Federal and State legislation requirements, will be carried out for future use and development proposals that affect the WHA and SWCA.

79 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

5. Primary Production

5.1 Mineral Exploration and combined with the size and distribution of the resource preclude large-scale mining. Mining The method of mining is strip mining and For information on the current rehabilitation. A series of strips, 6m wide consolidated mineral lease see and approximately 100m long, are created Introduction – Leases and Licences as proven payable areas are systematically (Section 1.3.1). For information on worked over. The peat overburden and mining rehabilitation, see Rehabilitation of vegetation are removed and placed Mining Areas (Section 3.10.3). Map 4 – alongside the strip. Gravels, containing Melaleuca Visitor Services Site shows the the cassiterite, are dug up, trucked to the lease area of Rallinga Mine Pty. Ltd. plant and processed. Tailings are returned to the empty strips, and the overburden The mines at Melaleuca were developed to and vegetation from the next strip are exploit reserves of cassiterite (tin oxide) replaced on the tailings. In this manner, discovered in 1935. Cassiterite is the rehabilitation of worked areas is carried mineral from which nearly all tin metal is out continuously as part of the mining obtained. process.

Rallinga Mine Pty. Ltd. has operated an The current lease requires Rallinga Mine alluvial tin mine at Melaleuca Pty. Ltd. (the “lessee”) “to conduct all continuously for 27 years. The tin is a mining operations and surface activities on very pure form, which is rare, and is easy the leased land in accordance with the to smelt. Rallinga Mine Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan dated 9 The mine produces approximately 5-6 February 1991.” The lease expires 1 tonnes per year of cassiterite. Peter and August 2003. Barbara Willson, who presently work the mine, set up Rallinga Mine Pty. Ltd. in Melaleuca has a rich mining history. Its 1974. They make 2-3 trips a year to historic values continue to attract tourists. Hobart in their boat “Rallinga” to freight concentrates and buy spare parts and Management Issues stores for the mine and household. The concentrates are then shipped to Brisbane Sensitive area management practices are for smelting. A very small amount of gold required for mining at Melaleuca. Issues is also mined. of concern to PWS and DPIWE relating to mining operations at Melaleuca include: The estimated cassiterite resource is the impact of mining on the unique peat sufficient to sustain a further 15 years mounds of the area, water quality (from 2002) of mining at the current rate monitoring, occupational health and safety (Dennis Burgess, MRT, pers. comm.). standards, changes to the vegetation and a There are no plans to increase production. rehabilitation bond.

The scale of mining is predominantly A review of the 1991 Draft Development "lifestyle" (i.e. small-scale, done for Proposal and Environmental Management enjoyment of living in the area and suits Plan for Rallinga Mine has commenced. the nature of the area). The remote An assessment of the mining heritage on location, difficulty of access (only small the Rallinga lease has been completed and boat access) and harsh climatic conditions, was funded by the Rehabilitation Trust Fund and MRT.

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5.3 Commercial and Any renewal of the current Rallinga Mine lease (Mineral Resources Development Recreational Fishing Act 1995) by Mineral Resources Tasmania and renewal of the current residential lease Management of all commercial and for Peter and Barbara Willson (Crown recreational fishing vessels, must operate Lands Act 1976) by PWS, both of which in accordance with the appropriate expire in August 2003, should be management plans and fisheries rules, conducted at the same time. under the Living Marien Resources Management Act 1995. Objective – Mineral Exploration and Mining The Minister administering the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995 • To ensure mining at Melaleuca is authorised to exercise his/her powers recognises and protects the sensitive under that Act in relation to the granting of environment of the area and is carried licences to take fish, providing such taking out at the current scale and type of does not involve physical disturbance of operation. the sea floor and provided that no licence, permit or other authority shall be issued Policies and Actions for marine farming within the WHA. This does not preclude commercial diving for • As a priority, liaise with Mineral shellfish and other organisms, rock lobster Resources Tasmania in the fishing, gill and seine netting, trap fishing preparation and implementation of or line fishing (WHAMP, 1999, 195). a revised environmental management plan for the Rallinga 5.3.1 Commercial Fishing Mine lease area. The outer part of Port Davey and the areas • Following the cessation of mining at of exposed coast immediately outside Port Melaleuca, consider the inclusion of Davey are important fishing locations, the Melaleuca – Cox Bight corridor especially for rock lobster and abalone and of the SWCA into the SWNP. particularly by fishers with smaller vessels. Some commercial fishing occurs around the Breaksea Islands and the entrance to Bathurst Channel, mainly for 5.2 Marine Farming rock lobster and abalone, as well as low intensity gill netting. Most fishing boats As a result of a plan developed in co- seldom go beyond the Narrows or operation with the inter-agency Marine Claytons. Farm Management Committee, aquaculture is currently not permitted For the years 1995-2000 the "scalefish" within the WHA because of conflicts with (here, includes sharks, rays and recreation and conservation values cephalopods) catches in Port Davey were (WHAMP, 1999, 187 & 195). recorded separately. Very few fishers reported catches from these locations, although more fishers may have caught Policies and Actions fish for personal consumption or for bait. The main species caught were two species • In accordance with the WHAMP, of trumpeter followed by flounder. 1999, no farming of marine or freshwater species will be permitted. 5.3.2 Recreational Fishing (WHAMP, 1999, 187 and 195). There are no figures available for recreational fishing in the area. A low level of recreational fishing is undertaken

81 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003 in the area, mainly in inner and northern Port Davey/Bathurst Harbour Estuary, Port Davey rather than in outer Port 1988-89, was that gillnetting should be Davey, and in Bathurst Channel/Bathurst banned in Bathurst Harbour and Port Harbour. This, however, depends very Davey. He concluded that his fish survey much on where the weather permits illustrated dramatically the great effect of recreational fishing. Yachts undertake gillnetting on local fish stocks (Edgar, some line fishing and occasionally put out 1989, 73). Advice from Marine nets. A commercial tourist operator has Resources, DPIWE, suggest that the issue been known to occasionally set pots for of gillnetting in this area can be addressed rock lobsters. The Willsons set nets for through the development of a Scalefish fish for personal consumption. Management Plan.

Management Issues For information on the marine values of Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour see Port It is important that Port Davey receives Davey – Bathurst Harbour Marine ongoing recognition as a vital bad weather Ecosystems (Section 3.4). shelter area for small vessels on the west and south coasts. The anchorages on the Objective – Commercial and Recreational northern side of Port Davey are very Fishing important. • To provide for the continuation of Many fishers have actively worked the sustainable commercial and Port Davey area over the past century. A recreational fishing in Port Davey – strong sense of belonging to the area has Bathurst Harbour subject to the been developed within these people. protection of the area's natural and cultural values and the outcomes of During the time that the vessels are in the any marine protected area dealt with in area, they will shelter overnight in the accordance with Government policy. most appropriate anchorages, dependent on wave direction, wind direction, and Policies and Actions most importantly where fresh water is available nearby. As most boats have a • In accordance with the WHAMP, ‘wet well’ (where part of the hull is open 1999 commercial fishing of to the seawater to keep the lobsters alive) freshwater eels, whitebait, lamprey or pump the water through lobster holding or other freshwater or estuarine tanks, it is imperative that the water species will not be permitted in the available to the captured lobster be fresh WHA (WHAMP, 1999, 188). seawater, not fresh water. As the fresh water above the halocline will move from one side of Port Davey to the other (dependent on wave and wind action), it is not unusual for a boat to also move from one side to the other to avoid the fresh water (even several times in a night) if the conditions dictate this.

See Boating and Diving Access (Section 4.4.2) for restrictions on upriver access, and Facilities and Services – Recreation Zone (Section 4.5.3) for preferred boat anchorage sites.

One of the major recommendations of Graham Edgar, in his unpublished paper, Hydrological and Ecological Survey of the

82 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

6. Involving the Community

Community support for the management closely with the Tasmanian Heritage of the area has been significant over the Office . past 50 years, and continues to be so today. Several community groups and Objectives – Community Support organisations, such as the Launceston Bushwalking Club, regularly visit or make • To develop community appreciation of use of the area, as do local residents. and support for the area's values. Commercial and recreational fishing interests visit Claytons, occasionally • To promote a positive image of the staying for up to a week during bad area and its contribution to the weather conditions. community.

Many members of walking clubs and boat • Continue to encourage community clubs helped Deny King with the building involvement in the management of the of the bushwalkers’ huts at Melaleuca. area. See Historic Heritage and Landscape, Exploration and Mining (Section 3.7.3) for Policies and Actions further information on the walkers huts. • Facilitate existing community A Friends of Claytons Group was formed voluteers and encourage new in late 2001 and carried out extensive volunteers to be involved in the maintenance work on Claytons House and management of the area. garden. • Partnerships will be developed with Many fishers have been actively involved communities and groups that wish in the removal of marine debris from the to be involved in the management of shores of the waterways. the area. This may include, but is not limited to, Wildcare, the Management Issues Community Huts Partnership Program and the continuation of the The area is remote from urban or small Melaleuca – Port Davey Advisory rural communities and access cannot Committee or similar committee. always be guaranteed due to weather conditions. • The PWS will liaise with Tasmanian Heritage Officer regarding the The maintenance of facilities and historic maintenance of facilities, sites and heritage places in the area is a continuing places where known or potential issue. The PWS is limited in terms of heritage values may exist. money and resources, and is keen to involve the community in the management See Historic Heritage and Landscape of the area. (Section 3.7.3) for specific policy on the Claytons historic heritage site. Maintenance of culturally significant structures must provide for protection of heritage values. In some instances, conservation plans or strategies have been prepared to provide information or direction for undertaking maintenance works. In such matters, PWS will liaise

83 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

7 Administrative Matters

7.1 Public Safety and Risk adequate maintenance of facilities and infrastructure and minimise the Management risk to public safety.

The PWS is concerned to protect visitors • Take appropriate action to warn the from undue, unnecessary and unreasonable public of potential hazards to hazards. Education aimed at promoting visitors and appropriate ways of understanding of natural hazards and the avoiding or minimising risks. possible consequences of disregarding them is a major part of how this is • As a temporary measure, install achieved. signs at the Bathurst Harbour Landing Area to warn the public of Responsibility for search and rescue potential aircraft movement within the WHA and SWCA lies with the hazards to their safety. Tasmania Police and the State Emergency Service. The PWS assists the Police when called on to do so. 7.2 Staffing Management Issues Day to day management of the area is the Until the proposed realignments of parts of responsibility of the Southern District, the Old Port Davey Track and South Coast PWS, based at Huonville. Additional Track are completed (see Melaleuca temporary staff eg. track construction Visitor Services Site (Section 4.5.4), signs workers, are regularly employed. should be installed where these tracks meet the Bathurst Harbour Landing Area Due to current staffing numbers and to warn the public of potential hazards to budgets, there is no staff based their safety. No such signs currently exist. permanently at Melaleuca over the busy summer period. Objective – Public Safety and Risk Management A hut, built in the late 1980s, is located at Melaleuca to accommodate PWS staff. It • To protect visitors from unnecessary is also used on occasion to house the and unreasonable exposure to hazards volunteers working on the Orange-bellied without detracting from visitors' Parrot National Recovery Program. quality of experience. Management Issues Policies and Actions It is suggested the area needs a full-time • Establish a risk management system on-site presence and surveillance during that provides for regular the summer period by PWS. This will identification, inspection, reporting become more critical as visitor numbers and amelioration of existing and increase, with subsequent use of facilities potential risks to public safety. and services and impact on the environment. • Maintain and where necessary improve the existing asset management program to ensure the

84 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

Policies and Actions

• As a priority investigate ways of staffing Melaleuca full-time during the summer period.

85 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

Glossary and Abbreviations

Glossary

Biodiversity (biological diversity) The variety of life forms: the different plants, animals and microorganisms, the genes they contain and the ecosystems they form. It is usually considered at four levels: genetic diversity, species diversity, ecosystem diversity and community diversity (Australian Natural Heritage Charter)

Bund An embankment or wall which may form part or all of the perimeter of a compound. (The Storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids, AS 1940-1993, Standards Australia)

Conservation All the processes and actions of looking after a place so as to retain its natural and cultural significance and always includes protection, maintenance and monitoring. Australian Natural Heritage Charter: Standards and Principles for the Conservation of Places of Natural Heritage Significance, 1997, Australian Heritage Commission and Burra Charter, Australia ICOMOS Inc., 1999)

Fuel Stove Only Area (FSOA) A FSOA is an area where only fuel stoves may be used for cooking or warmth and where open campfires are not allowed. The only exceptions to this are:

- in emergencies where a fire is needed for survival reasons, and - in designated fire sites (usually located in Visitor Services Zones or Sites with supplied fireplaces).

Geodiversity The range of earth features including geological, geomorphological, palaeontological, soil, hydrological and atmospheric features, systems and earth processes. (Australian Natural Heritage Charter)

Introduced Species A translocated or non-native species occurring at a place outside its historically known natural range as a result of intentional or accidental dispersal by human activities.

Threatened Species A species listed in the Schedules of the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995.

Visitors Generally speaking, there are three groups to consider. - Shortstop visitors – who stay in the park/reserve for a short time and want to be in the natural setting as soon as they step from their car, bus or boat. - Comfort seekers – who stay in the park longer than the shortstops and place more emphasis on being with family and friends. - Getaways – who stay the longest time in the park and look for opportunities for adventure or challenge.

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(Strategic Framework for Visitor Services in Tasmania’s Parks and Reserves, undated, PWS, DPIWE)

Watering Bay Previously known as Waterfall Bay: Database of the Nomeclature Board.

Note: Refer to the Burra Charter (Australia ICOMOS Inc., 1999) and The Conservation Plan (Kerr, 2000) for definitions of historic heritage and cultural landscape terms.

Abbreviations

AMSA Australian Maritime Safety Authority CRIMP Centre for Research on Introduced Marine Pests (part of CSIRO) DPIWE Department of Primary Industry, Water and Environment DTPHA Department of Tourism, Parks, Heritage and the Arts. EMPCA Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 EPBCA Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 EPP Environmental Protection Policy (prepared under the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994) FNA Fly Neighbourly Advice guidelines IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature MAC Melaleuca Advisory Committee MARPOL International Convention on Pollution from Ships (known as the MARPOL Convention) MAST Marine and Safety Tasmania MPAC Melaleuca – Port Davey Advisory Committee MRT Mineral Resources Tasmania NCB Nature Conservation Branch (Resource Management Division, Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment) NPWA National Parks and Wildlife Act 1970 OBP Orange-bellied parrot PEV’s Protected Environmental Values (within the State Policy on Water Quality Management (1997) PWS Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (part of the Department of Tourism, Parks, Heritage and the Arts). RMC Resource Management and Conservation Division (part of DPIWE) TALC Tasmanian Aboriginal Land Council THO Tasmanian Heritage Office (part of the Department of Tourism, Parks, Heritage and the Arts). SWCA Southwest Conservation Area SWNP Southwest National Park TWWHA Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area WHA World Heritage Area WHAMP Tasmanian Wilderness WHA Management Plan, 1999

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References

Airports Plus Pty Ltd (2001) Bathurst Harbour Landing Area Operational Report, March 2001; prepared for Parks and Wildlife Service, Mt Rumney, Tasmania, (unpubl) Airservices Australia (1999) Fly Neighbourly Advice: Tasmanian World Heritage Area and Mt Field National Park; AIC, H8/99, Aeronautical Information Service, Airservices Australia, Canberra. Barrett, N., Edgar, G., Mooney, P. (1998) A preliminary investigation of the distribution, range and extent of reef habitats and communities in Port Davey, March 1998; Bradbury, J. (2000) Rivers draining into Bathurst Harbour – Port Davey: Interim bank stability and erosion monitoring report, (October 2000), Nature Conservation Branch, Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Tasmania, (unpubl) Davies, Driessen, M. (1999) Surface Water Quality at three key locations in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Wildlife Report 97/2. Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation (1994) Ecotourism: Adding value to tourism in natural areas - A discussion paper on nature based tourism, Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Hobart. Dixon, G. (1997) Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour area: streambank monitoring program, (December 1997), Unpublished Paper, Earth Science Section, Parks and Wildlife Service, Tasmania. Ecology Australia Pty Ltd (2000) Aircraft and Human Activity at Melaleuca and the Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster), May 2000; report prepared for Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania, Fairfield, Victoria. Edgar, G.J. (1989) Hydrological and Ecological Survey of the Port Davey/Bathurst Harbour Estuary 1988-1989; Zoology Department, University of Tasmania, Hobart. Edgar, G.J., Barrett, N.S., Graddon, D.J. (1999) A Classification of Tasmanian Estuaries and Assessment of their Conservation Significance using Ecological and Physical Attributes, Population and Land Use. Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute Technical Report No. 2. 205 pp. Edgar, G.J., Cresswell, G.R. (1991) Seasonal changes in Hydrology and the Distribution of Plankton in the Bathurst Harbour Estuary, Southwestern Tasmania. 1988-1989; Papers & Proc. Royal Society of Tasmania, Vol. 125, pp. 61-72. Evans, K. (1993) Shore-based Whaling in Tasmania: Historical Research Project, Volume 1: A Social and Economic History, Report for Parks and Wildlife Service, Hobart. Gee, H., Fenton, J. (Eds) (1983) The South-West Book: A Tasmanian Wilderness.Aust. Conserv. Found., Melbourne. Green, C., Painter, R. (1997) A Survey for Aboriginal Values at Cox Bight and Melaleuca: A Report to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Land Council and the Parks and Wildlife Service; Unpublished Report; Hobart. Harrison, D. (1999) Cruising Access and Docking in World Heritage Areas (Port Davey) – Tasmania; June 1999, Paper prepared as part of the Public Policy Honours Internship Program, prepared for Tourism Tasmania, Hobart. Kostoglou, P. (1995) Shore Based Whaling in Tasmania: Archaeological Research Project, Volume II: Results of Fieldwork, Report for Parks and Wildlife Service, Hobart. Macphail, M.K., Pemberton, M., Jacobson, G. (1999) Peat Mounds of Southwest Tasmania: Possible Origins; Aust. Jrnl. of Earth Sc., Vol. 46, pp. 667-677

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Marsden-Smedley, J.B., Kirkpatrick, J.B. (2000) Fire management in Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area: Ecosystem restoration using Indigenous-style fire regimes?, in Ecological Management & Restoration Vol. 1 No. 3, December 2000, Tasmania. Mineral Resources Tasmania (1991) Draft Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan: Rallinga Mine Pty. Ltd., Melaleuca, South-West Tasmania, Mineral Resources Tasmania, Hobart. Parks and Wildlife Service (1994) Walking Track Management Strategy for the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Volume 1 Main Report January 1994; Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment and Land Management, Tasmania. Parks and Wildlife Service (1995) Temporary Standing Camp Policy (Draft); January 1995, Internal Paper, Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment and Land Management, Tasmania. Parks and Wildlife Service (1997) Melaleuca – South West Cape Fire Management Plan; Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment and Land Management, Tasmania. Parks and Wildlife Service (1999) Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Management Plan, 1999; Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Tasmania. Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Guidelines for the Preparation of Licences for Commercial Vessel Operations in Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour Summer 2002/03. Unpublishe internal document. Parks and Wildlife Service, Marine Resources Division (1998) Proposal for a Marine Reserve at Port Davey/Bathurst Harbour, October 1998 (Internal Document); Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Tasmania. PLOMLEY, N.J.B. (Ed.) (1966) Friendly Mission: The Tasmanian Journals and Papers of George Augustus Robinson, 1829 – 1834. Tas. Historical Research Association Hobart Tas. Ryan, L. (1996) The Aboriginal Tasmanians; (2nd Ed.);Allen & Unwin, St Leonards, NSW. Tassell, C., Wishart, E. (1992) Melaleuca Heritage Documentation; Tech. Rept. 1992/3; Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.

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Appendices

Appendix 1: Introduced Terrestrial Flora

Garden Species with a High Risk of Invading Native Vegetation

Species Identified for Species of Heritage Species not Assessed for Removal Significance Heritage Significance Berberis darwinii Allium schoenoprasum Ajuga reptans Cytisus palmensis Cotoneaster sp. Digitalis purpurea Equisetum sp. Chamaecyparis Fuchsia magellanica lawsoniana Erica sp. Fragaria sp. Mentha spp. Genista sp. Prunus sp. (cherry plum, Myosotis discolor purple leaf) Muscari armeniacum Rosa sp. (rose, single Vicia faba salmon pink) Rhododendron ponticum1 Sorbus aucaparia Tropaeolum majus

1 The Rhododendron hybrids in the residents' gardens at Melaleuca and in the garden at Claytons pose no threat of escape or risk of invading native vegetation, and are of considerable cultural significance, so should be retained.

Introduced Species Observed in Natural Areasive Vegetation in the Area

High Priority for Eradication or Control Not a Priority for Eradication or Control Euphorbia paralias (sea spurge) Cakile edentula Cirsium arvense Cakile maritima Cirsium vulgare Chemopodium glaucum Rubus fruticosus Juncus articulatus Leontodon taraxacoides Poa annua Rumex brownii Sagina procumbens Ammophila arenara would be a priority if it is found in the area.

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Appendix 2: Fly Neighbourly Advice Tasmanian World Heritage Area and Mt Field National Park

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (WHA) and Mt Field National Park area are administered by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (TPWS), Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment. The WHA contains a number of Sensitive Areas (SAs).

1.2. The aim of Fly Neighbourly Advice (FNA) is to promote the harmonious relationship between aviation activities and environmental and conservation interests.

2. FLY NEIGHBOURLY ADVICE

2.1. There is an understanding between locally-based scenic flight and charter operators and the TPWS to operate in the WHA and Mt Field area in an agreed responsible manner. Other pilots undertaking sightseeing flights in the WHA or Mt Field area should obtain information on FNA areas, tracking details, operating altitudes, and specific areas to be avoided from:

The Director Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Department of Tourism, Parks, Heritage & The Arts 134 Macquarie St HOBART TAS 7000 (contact: Planning Officer, World Heritage Area Ph. 03 6233 2112 Fax: 03 6224 0884

2.2. Advice on operating in the WHA and Mt Field area is also available from most flying schools and charter operators based at Cambridge, Launceston, Devonport, Wynyard, and Strahan. 2.3. The FNA area is approximately bounded by the following (refer WAC 3556 – Tasmania):

Commencing South of Deloraine at Meander, then Miena – Derwent Bridge – Wayatinah – Westerway – Whale Head – then coastal to Low Rocky Point – Mt Sorell – Mt Beecroft – Meander.

2.4. The Sensitive Areas (SAs) are: Cradle Valley, Traveller Range, Mt Ossa to Mt Rufus, Frenchmans Cap, Mt Anne Lake Judd area, Mt Orion and Arthur Range, and Federation Peak.

2.5 The general minimum overfly altitude for the WHA and Mt Field area is 4000FT AMSL, terrain permitting. To minimise the impact of noise:

91 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

a. operate aircraft at the highest possible altitude and lateral distance from the feature being observed that will allow satisfactory observation from the air; b. in sensitive areas, avoid prolonged flight and sudden changes in engine management (safety permitting); and c. endeavour to cross walking tracks and the Franklin River at right angles.

2.6. Flight in and through the SAs should be kept to a minimum, and aircraft should be operated at an altitude and configuration that will minimise noise and visual impact for ground observers. 2.7. Recommended operating altitudes in the WHA and Mt Field area do not apply if these altitudes would jeopardise the safe conduct of the flight. 2.8. Melaleuca Area Zones. Additional conditions apply during the nesting season of the Orange Bellied Parrot which breeds in the three Melaleuca Area zones located within the WHA: a. From 15 September to 30 April, pilots are requested to avoid: (i) repeated passes or circuits above the zones; (ii) landing helicopters within the zones; and (iii) hovering helicopters above forested areas within the zones. b. Information on zone areas and operating in this area can be obtained from: Project Officer Melaleuca Area Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service Ph: 03 6233 6033

3. IMPLEMENTATION

3.1. The WHA Fly Neighbourly Advice (FNA) has been coordinated through the Tasmania Regional Airspace Users Advisory Committee (RAPAC) and the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.

92 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

93 Melaleuca – Port Davey Area Plan 2003

Appendix 3: Walking Track Management Strategy - Track Classification Categories

T1 – Track grade 1. Mostly <15o. “Boot” standard. May be rocky and uneven in places. Mostly clear of scrub across width of track.

T2 – Track grade 2. Mostly <20o. “Wet boot” standard. Stabilisation or hardening mainly for environmental purposes. Mostly clear of scrub across width of track.

T3 – Track grade 3. Maximum gradient is limited by environmental considerations only. Minimal surfacing and drainage done. Scrub clearance is sufficient to facilitate fairly easy navigation under normal conditions.

T4 – Track grade 4. Similar to T3, though scrub clearance is minimal. Markers should be low-key and tracks may be difficult to follow in places

94 Map 1 - Location of Melaleuca - Port Davey Area

Burnie Devonport

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Kilometres Melaleuca - Port Davey Area 1 March 2002 147°E

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t Mt Fulton r

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Fulton Cove N Melaleuca Lagoon Melaleuca South Coast Track Moth Creek Bathurst Harbour North Inlet Public Pontoon Melaleuca Inlet Kings Knob Eds Cove Celery Top Islands Creek Melaleuca Claytons Corner Lagoon Forest ck

Beattie Creek a Mt Rugby

Bathurst Narrows Tr

Mt Beattie y ve a D rt o P ld O Mt Rallinga Ila Bay Casilda Cove Joan Point Balmoral Hill Balmoral Beach Farrell Point

River l Horseshoe Inlet

Spring e

Joe Page Bay n

n a

Parker Bay

h

C

t

ck s a r y Tr ave u

t D h

or t P Manwoneer Inlet

Old a B Mt Stokes Island Munday Map 3 - Melaleuca Port Davey Management Zones

Hixson Point

r r

e Schooner Cove

n Hannant Inlet

l i

Waterfall Bay

M

Mt Point Forrester Lourah Island Bramble Cove Noyhener Beach Turnbull Island Toogelow Beach Spain Bay Berry Head North Passage South Passage Islands Breaksea Mutton Bird Island Kathleen Island Shanks Islands Stephens Bay Payne Bay Davey River Whalers Point Knapp Point Settlement Point Earles Point Piners Point Brooks Reach Bond Bay Port Davey Hilliard Head

ry a d n u o B k  James Kelly Basin r a P

l Kilometres a n tio a Scale: 1:100,000 Head Davey N st e w th

u 0 2.5 5 o S North Head 1 March 2002 Plan Area * Recreation Zone Wilderness Zone Motorised Boating Area Major Walking Tracks Rivers / Creeks Visitor Services Site * For the purposes of this plan, plan area extends landward to 100 metres beyond mean high water mark. Zoning from WHA Management Plan 1999 Map 4 - Melaleuca Visitor Services Site

10 20 Claytons & Forest Lagoon The SWCA/SWNP boundary is situated 30.48 metres from the high water mark of Melaleuca Lagoon and Melaleuca Inlet.

Public Moorings t King's Mooring Inle ca Melaleuca Lagoon Deep Water leu Willson's la P) 10 (in SWNP) Me N Landing SW Mooring (in Charles King Memorial Hut (Walkers' Hut) O ld 20 Po 1 (T 0 he rt D N av arr ey ows Tr 1 ac 2k k PWS Staff Quarters m) Public 10 Campsite Walkers' Hut Pontoon King's Residence reek Melaleuca C (Private Lease) S h e Deny King Bird l B te a r Observation Hide L t a h n u d rs in t g H A a r rb 10 e o a u r

1

0

0

1

0 1 Willson's Residence (Private Lease) 10 M

o t h

C

r S e (C o e u k 1 o t 0 h x Melaleuca Visitor Services Site B C

(draft boundary) i o 0 g 1 a h s Southwest National Park t t 1 T 1 0 0 Southwest Conservation Area r k a

m c k Rallinga Mine Pty Ltd Lease Area ) (within SWCA)

0

1 Buildings Walking Tracks 1 1 0 0 Proposed Track 0 3 1 0 0 Vehicular Tracks 2 40 Creeks 0 250 500 2 10 Water Features 0

3  Metres0 - Scale 1:12,000 10 Metre ContourKings Interval Knob 1 March 2002 50 10 40