National Parks Act Annual Report 2001-2002 © The State of , Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2002.

A Victorian Government Publication.

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Published by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne Victoria 3002. Customer Service Centre: 136 186 www.nre.vic.gov.au

ISSN 1031-7899

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Source of photographs

Front cover: Weedy Seadragons (Mary Molloy), Sealers Cove (Parks Victoria), Yellow Zooanthids (William Boyle).

Inside report: Parks Victoria, except for page 1 – Western Blue Devilfish (William Boyle). Foreword

Western Blue Devilfish

This annual report on the working of the National Parks There is also an increasing focus in park management Act 1975 (Vic.) for the year ended 30 June 2002 is on working with Indigenous communities. Parks Victoria provided to the Minister for Environment and Conservation, delivered a range of programs in this area aimed at the Hon. Sherryl Garbutt MP, under section 35 of the Act. enhancing awareness of Indigenous culture and improving relationships between Indigenous and other Australians. The year was an important one in the history of the development of the State’s park system. Undoubtedly, the One aspect of visitor services which received particular major highlight was the passage of landmark legislation attention during the year was public liability insurance in June 2002 to create a world-class system of highly associated with adventure tourism. The issue is a national protected marine national parks and marine sanctuaries. one and has affected the types of activities offered The 13 marine national parks and 11 marine sanctuaries, in parks by operators. covering nearly 54 000 hectares or 5.3 per cent of Victoria’s marine waters, will protect representative The year included the second half of the International examples of Victoria’s diverse marine environments and Year of Volunteers 2001, which provided further complement the diverse terrestrial parks system. This opportunity to acknowledge the contribution which represents a very significant achievement in both a so many make in a voluntary capacity to the parks. national and an international context. It also included the first half of the International Year of Mountains 2002, which provides an opportunity to focus Also during the year the Government announced that it on our distinctive mountain parks, such as the Alpine and had accepted the recommendations of the Environment National Parks. Conservation Council’s Box-Ironbark Forests and Woodlands Final Report for a significantly expanded parks and reserves system in north-central Victoria, and that Chloe Munro legislation to establish these new park areas would be Secretary to the Department of introduced in the Spring 2002 Parliamentary Sittings. Natural Resources and Environment

In relation to park management, Parks Victoria delivered a comprehensive range of park management services, the breadth of which is illustrated by the examples in this report. There was again an increased focus on environmental management in parks, with many projects forming part of longer term initiatives.

1 Contents

Foreword 1

Representative System 3 Areas managed under the Act 3 Marine national parks and marine sanctuaries 3

Natural Values Management 4 Planning 4 Research 5 Environmental management 6 Wildfire 9 The Cooperative Management Program 9

Cultural Values Management 10 Indigenous Program 10 Non Indigenous Program 10

Community Involvement 11 International Year of Volunteers 2001 11 Contributions made by volunteers 11 Community Grants Program 11

Visitor and Tourism Services 12 Information, interpretation and education 12 Enhancing park visits 14 Visits to parks 15 Licensed tour activities 15

Supporting Park Management 16 Park management arrangements 16 Finance 16 Staff 17 Legislation 17 Consents, leases and other authorities 17 Offences 18 Advisory bodies 18

Appendix 1 – Land Managed under the National Parks Act 19

Appendix 2 – Pest Plant Control Projects 22

Appendix 3 – Pest Animal Control Projects 24

Appendix 4 – Locations of Parks and Other Areas 24

2 Representative System

Alpine National Park

Areas managed under the Act Marine national parks and marine sanctuaries As at 30 June 2002 there were 108 areas managed under various provisions of the National Parks Act. These The passage of the National Parks (Marine National Parks comprised 92 areas on the main schedules to the Act and Marine Sanctuaries) Act 2002 with bipartisan support (36 national parks, 3 wilderness parks, 31 State parks, in the Autumn 2002 Parliamentary Sittings was an 11 marine and/or coastal parks or reserves, 5 regional unprecedented milestone for marine conservation in parks, 3 historic parks, 2 flora and fauna reserves and Victoria. After more than ten years of investigation, Haining Farm) and 16 non-scheduled areas. Appendix 1 consultation and debate, this historic legislation will lists the areas and appendix 2 shows their location. Their establish on 16 November 2002 a world-class system of total area is approximately 3.09 million hectares, which 13 highly protected marine national parks and 11 marine is nearly 13.6 per cent of the State and more than sanctuaries that are representative of the State’s diverse 35 per cent of public land. marine environments. Totalling 53 776 hectares, or 5.3 per cent of Victoria’s marine waters, this will rectify The Act also defines 19 wilderness zones and 21 remote a major deficiency in the State’s parks system. and natural areas within 13 national parks (appendix 1) and 2 designated water supply catchment areas (those parts of Melbourne’s water supply catchments and their buffers within Kinglake and Yarra Ranges National Parks).

There were no changes to the parks system under the Act during the year.

3 Natural Values Management

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Planning Finalisation of the plans for Terrick Terrick National Park, Beechworth Historic Park and Reef Hills Park will follow Management plans further consultation with the advisory groups being As at 30 June 2002 there were 65 approved management established as part of the Government’s box-ironbark plans covering 34 national parks, 3 wilderness parks, 30 initiatives. State parks and 11 other parks. Monitoring of priority tasks in management plans The Minister released the approved plan for Wilsons continued during the year to ensure that existing plans Promontory National Park in April 2002. Final plans for are being implemented. Yarra Ranges National Park and Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve were approved in June 2002, to be Best practice in park management released in 2002-03. Finalisation of plans for the The former ANZECC (Australian and New Zealand and the Discovery Bay parks Environment and Conservation Council) Working Group (Mount Richmond National Park, Cape Nelson State Park on National Parks and Protected Area Management was and Discovery Bay Coastal Park) continued following reconstituted as the Committee on National Parks and consultation with Indigenous communities and native Protected Area Management under the Land, Water title claimants. Work progressed on the final plan for and Biodiversity Committee of the Natural Resource Nyerimilang Park. Management Ministerial Council. The focus of the committee continues to be the benchmarking and best In October 2001 draft plans for the following areas were practice program for protected area management. released for public consultation: Indigenous involvement in protected area management •Terrick Terrick National Park and performance measurement will also be regularly • Cape Liptrap Coastal Park considered. • Beechworth Historic Park The Department of Natural Resources and Environment • Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve (NRE), which represents Victoria on the committee, • Long Forest Flora and Fauna Reserve. together with Parks Victoria, contributed to the preparation of several best practice reports. A report Work progressed on the draft plan for Cape Conran on public participation in protected area management Coastal Park, and a review of management plans for Baw (led by the Northern Territory) was released during the Baw and National Parks, Warrandyte year. Work continued on finalising reports on the use of State Park and Reef Hills Park commenced. fire for ecological purposes (led by South Australia) and

4 measuring performance in protected area management geology, horticulture, palaeontology, sociology and soils. (led by Queensland). Victoria, on behalf of the committee, Researchers were mostly from tertiary institutions, commenced reviews of existing reports dealing with staff museums, or Government departments and agencies. training and national data standards for protected area visitation. Details of the best practice program can be Examples of the diverse projects covered by the permits found on the website www.ea.gov.au/parks/best-practice. include: •a study of the geochemistry and petrology of granites Research at Wilsons Promontory Research permits •a study of the structure and environmental variables Research, study or investigation carried out in a park within the canopy of tall forests in Kinglake and Yarra under the National Parks Act requires a permit under Ranges National Parks section 20 of the Act, sometimes in conjunction with a • documentation of glow-worm fauna, including permit under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, descriptions of new species, as part of an Australia- Reference Areas Act 1978 or Wildlife Act 1975. wide study •a study of the use of riparian habitats by birds in There were 158 permits issued during the year (66 new temperate forested environments in south-eastern permits and 98 renewed permits). Of the 158 permits, Australia (Kinglake National Park and Bunyip State Park) 132 enabled 346 research activities to be carried out in •a study of the biology, ecology and distribution of the 79 parks (a permit may cover more than one park and Corangamite Water Skink in the Grampians National more than one research activity). The other 26 enabled Park. work to be carried out in all parks if necessary. Research Partners Program Figure 1 shows the number of permits issued in respect of those parks for which there were more than 5 permits Parks Victoria’s Research Partners Program is in its third issued (excluding ‘all parks’ permits). The majority of the year of supporting research for the management of permits related to botany (34), ecology (42) and zoology targeted environmental issues within parks. The partners (75). Other fields included agriculture, anthropology, in the program are the University of Melbourne, the archaeology, biology, conservation, education, engineering, University of Ballarat, Deakin University and the Arthur fisheries, flora and fauna survey, genetics, geography, Rylah Institute for Environmental Research.

Figure 1 – Research permits

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20

18 16

14 12

10

8

Number of permits 6

4

2

0 Parks Alpine NP Otway NP Bunyip SP Kinglake NP The Lakes NP Grampians NP Wyperfeld NP Little Desert NP arra Ranges NP Snowy River NP Y French Island NP French Corner Inlet MCP Lower Glenelg NP Croajingolong NP Croajingolong Mount Buffalo NP Mount Buffalo Hattah-Kulkyne NP Gippsland Lakes CP Angahook-Lorne SP ilsons Promontory NP ilsons Promontory Dandenong Ranges NP W Mornington Peninsula NP 5 Of the research projects initiated in 2001-02, 28 were Threatened species management based in areas managed under the Act. Several large Parks Victoria undertook 23 projects during the year projects were established during the year that will provide designed to increase the viability of threatened species important information for park management by using a in areas managed under the Act. An analysis which large-scale, field-based approach called ‘adaptive identified the level of risk to threatened species in Victoria experimental management’. These included: assisted in determining priorities for the program. Projects •a fox control study in which various management included: techniques will be compared across 6 parks • the completion of a successful program of monitoring (Coopracambra, Grampians, Hattah-Kulkyne, Little the nesting activity of Malleefowl in Hattah-Kulkyne, Desert and Wilsons Promontory National Parks and Murray-Sunset and Wyperfeld National Parks, involving Discovery Bay Coastal Park) – monitoring of native a committed group of volunteers – an increase in prey species will occur in 2002-03 to measure the nesting activity was recorded for most sites in 2001-02 effectiveness of the different techniques in protecting compared to the previous season native fauna • the continuation of the successful program to •a monitoring program involving five estuaries in western reintroduce the Black-eared Miner into Murray-Sunset Victoria, including four in parks under the Act (Glenelg, National Park from wild populations in South Australia Curdies, Aire and Gellibrand rivers) – these will be • the protection of Hooded Plovers at several parks along monitored when they are artificially opened to ensure Victoria’s coastline (including Discovery Bay Coastal Park that progressively better information is collected and Port Campbell, Mornington Peninsula and Wilsons regarding the environmental, social and economic Promontory National Parks) and incorporating fox effects of the timing and manner of the openings control and population monitoring – monitoring was • an assessment of the impacts of fragmentation by undertaken by contract or by Friends Groups in roads and tracks on park values – the management of conjunction with park staff over the year roads and tracks will be informed by a strategic • habitat enhancement and protection for Leadbeater’s assessment of the degree of internal fragmentation of Possum in Yarra Ranges National Park where a new fox the parks and by the outcomes of targeted research on and cat control program has been initiated native species affected by fragmentation processes. • the continuation of the recovery program for the critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeater at Bunyip Environmental management State Park in a joint project involving the Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Team, Parks Victoria, NRE and A significantly expanded program of environmental Healesville Sanctuary – of an additional 15 birds that management was undertaken in parks this year. The were released to the floodplain of Diamond Creek this program is categorised into the following eight year, 11 were observed during the post-release sub-program areas: monitoring program • threatened species management • the release of 20 Eastern Barred Bandicoots from the • ecological management of fire captive breeding program into Woodlands Historic Park • native animal management over the past year – to increase the success of these • catchment and water protection reintroductions the predator-proof fence surrounding • pest plant management the release area was realigned and effective predator and rabbit control programs undertaken. • pest animal management

• grazing management In addition, monitoring protocols for measuring trends in •marine protection. the populations of threatened species at specific sites were developed and piloted. This program includes species Information on the values of, and risks to, the parks such as the Mountain Water-fern (Alpine National Park), system contained in the State of the Parks 2000 report Baw Baw Frog (Baw Baw National Park), Spotted Tree Frog provided a basis for setting strategic priorities. Examples (Lake Eildon National Park) and Leadbeater’s Possum of projects within each of the eight sub-program areas (Yarra Ranges National Park). follow.

6 Ecological management of fire woodlands by koalas in French Island and Mount Eccles An increased emphasis on ecological burning was National Parks which included the relocation of a total continued this year. Parks Victoria, in conjunction with of 1398 koalas and the sterilisation of 718 female NRE, has refined the ecological burning guidelines and koalas established two ecological fire officers to develop • the commencement, in association with the Mount ecological burn strategies, train staff, identify information Eccles National Park relocation program, of a post- gaps and develop tools to facilitate staff undertaking release koala monitoring program designed to assess ecological burning and planning statewide. the effect of relocation and/or surgical sterilisation treatment on the health of individual koalas released to Projects under this sub-program included: the wild – the program will be completed in 2002–03. • ecological burns at Brisbane Ranges, Organ Pipes and Wilsons Promontory National Parks Catchment and water management • the commencement of the development of strategies This sub-program continued to focus on improving the for major ecological fire programs for Kinglake, Lake condition of remnant vegetation and reducing priority Eildon, Little Desert and Lower Glenelg National Parks catchment degradation risks. Projects included: • the preparation of draft ecological burning strategies •a large-scale erosion control and revegetation program for the Grampians and Wyperfeld National Parks at Lake Eildon National Park involving nine major •research projects to determine the fire requirements of erosion sites and using a variety of techniques, three ecological vegetation classes: heathlands in including the construction of sediment control French Island National Park, Moonah and Coast Banksia structures, battering and rock breaching, trickle pipes regeneration in Mornington Peninsula National Park, and drainage structures – more than 10 000 seedlings and box woodlands in Reef Hills Park. were planted to rehabilitate the sites with the help of community and outdoor education groups, and a further 27 hectares were ripped in preparation for Native animal management future planting. The program for the systematic Kangaroo and koala population control programs rehabilitation of degraded sections of the park will continued in parks where there is a demonstrable be staged over the next six years long-term impact on park values caused by over-abundant • the fencing of several bogs in the Cobberas-Tingaringy populations. Programs were undertaken in accordance Unit of the Alpine National Park with an established ecological rationale developed by Parks Victoria with the support of key stakeholders, •a project to protect wetlands from stock grazing in including the Kangaroo and Koala Technical Advisory Discovery Bay Coastal Park, which was commenced Committees. with adjacent land owners supportive of boundary fencing. Projects included: Pest plant management •programs to manage kangaroo populations to meet objectives for vegetation condition in Hattah-Kulkyne, The pest plant control program continued to be a major Murray-Sunset and Wyperfeld National Parks – the area of activity for Parks Victoria. Appendix 2 lists the program at Murray-Sunset National Park, which species and the areas under the Act that were targeted commenced over part of the park in 2000-01, was during the year in projects budgeted at more than $2000. extended this year to all areas at risk from over-browsing. These projects are taking a landscape approach to Eradicating new weed infestations and controlling and improving the vegetation condition of the Mallee parks reducing infestations to maintain or improve environmental and involve the integration of revegetation, pest animal values remained the focus for the program this year. control and native animal management Cooperative programs with land owners and other agencies to integrate pest plant control across land • an assessment of the condition of the vegetation in tenure also continued. Otway National Park and Angahook-Lorne State Park to provide a basis for koala management at these sites – the scale of the issue requires further assessment work in 2002-03 •programs to manage overbrowsing of Manna Gum

7 Strategic initiatives were identified in the State of the Appendix 3 lists the species and the areas under the Act Parks 2000 report to significantly reduce the threat posed which were targeted during the year in projects budgeted by pest plants. Key projects aligned with these initiatives at more than $2000. and implemented in 2001-02 included: • the chemical treatment of English Broom in parts of the Strategic initiatives were identified in the State of the Alpine National Park. A biological control program for Parks 2000 report to significantly reduce the threat posed English Broom also continued in conjunction with the by pest animals. Key projects aligned with these initiatives Keith Turnbull Research Institute, with support from and implemented in 2001-02 included: Goulburn Murray Water, and will continue on a larger •a continuing program of rabbit control in the Mallee scale for the next three years parks to reduce grazing pressure which, in combination • the completion of weed and vegetation condition with the ongoing effectiveness of Rabbit Haemorrhagic mapping for Dandenong Ranges National Park and Disease, has achieved low levels of rabbit abundance. Bunyip State Park – initial results showed that the most Significant vegetation recovery is now being observed serious weed infestations in Dandenong Ranges in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park National Park occur at the park boundary, and the •major dog and fox control programs in Snowy River assessment of Bunyip State Park demonstrated that the National Park to protect the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby park is relatively weed-free and the Long-footed Potoroo •the survey and subsequent treatment of Blackberry over • the control of dogs and foxes, as part of the Mountain the Fraser block of Lake Eildon National Park – the Pygmy-possum protection project, in the Alpine National program is well on the way to achieving the objective Park and Falls Creek and Alpine Resorts of eradicating this weed from identified sites in the park – these were joint projects between Parks Victoria and • the commencement of an integrated program involving the relevant alpine resort management board. the control of 14 pest plant species, boundary identification and fencing in Mornington Peninsula In addition, an adaptive experimental management National Park to reduce identified threats to the project was established as part of the Research Partners Moonah Woodland vegetation community, riparian Program to evaluate the effectiveness of various vegetation along Main Creek, and the Flinders coastline management techniques for the control of foxes. • the control of approximately 620 hectares of Himalayan Projects sponsored by the Rabbit Buster Program included: Honeysuckle in Mount Buffalo National Park and the treatment of 300 hectares of other weed species • the destruction of warrens in Murray-Sunset National (including Blackberry and Tutsan) Park, to reduce grazing pressure and allow regeneration •the treatment of over 8000 hectares of Spartina in • the destruction of harbour in Warby Range State Park Corner Inlet and Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Parks. • an integrated program to destroy warrens and remove harbour in Warrandyte State Park, which involved Pest plants targeted in control projects sponsored by the neighbouring landowners, local councils and NRE Good Neighbour Program included: • the destruction of warrens and the removal of harbour • Blackberry in Burrowa- National Park in Woodlands Historic Park. • Ragwort in Mornington Peninsula National Park • Blackberry and Tutsan in Mount Buffalo National Park Projects sponsored by the Good Neighbour Program included: • Blackberry, Tutsan and St Johns Wort in Cathedral Range State Park • dog and fox control in the Alpine National Park • St Johns Wort in Warby Range State Park • fox control in the Grampians National Park • Boxthorn in Cape Liptrap Coastal Park • dog control in Mitchell River National Park • Paterson’s Curse and Cape Tulip in Woodlands • fox and rabbit control in Murray-Sunset National Park Historic Park. • dog and fox control in Snowy River National Park • rabbit control in Terrick Terrick National Park. Pest animal management The protection of threatened species and communities Grazing management and other significant park values continued to be a focus To help vegetation recovery, cattle grazing was again for the management of pest animals. Cooperative excluded in the 2001-02 grazing season from the area programs continued with private land owners to control of the Alpine National Park burnt in the 1998 Caledonia pest animals that threaten economic or ecological values. wildfire. Environmental condition monitoring undertaken

8 in burnt areas in October 2001 supported the decision Activities during the year under the program included: not to permit cattle to return to three particular fire-affected • planning and preparation for the hosting by the licensed areas for which a decision was required for the Australian Alps Liaison Committee of a conference and 2001-02 grazing season. celebrations for the International Year of Mountains, to be held at Jindabyne, New South Wales in late Wildfire November 2002 Parks Victoria works in partnership with NRE to play a •a research study assessing the economic benefits of significant role in preventing and suppressing wildfire in the Australian Alps national parks to the community areas under the Act. As in the previous four years, below • the ongoing management and control of English Broom average rainfall resulted in the Bureau of Meteorology •a research project into feral horse ecology in the predicting that Victoria could face a severe fire season. Australian Alps However, this did not eventuate. • an assessment of the impact of cattle grazing on stream health in sub-alpine ecosystems There were 67 fires recorded during the year in areas under the Act. These burnt approximately 34 500 •a study seeking input on the development of projects hectares. The largest fire, caused by an escaped for the protection and management of Indigenous prescribed burn, burnt 28 800 hectares in Wyperfeld heritage across the Australian Alps National Park in April. Most of the fires were caused • an evaluation and review of minimal impact codes by lightning (32) or were deliberately lit (10). for different recreation activities • an evaluation and revision of the Australian Alps Prescribed burning education kit This season some 78 prescribed burns were completed • the development of new community service affecting 27 048 hectares under the Act. These included announcements incorporating recognition of the 63 fuel reduction burns affecting 25 419 hectares and International Year of Mountains 2002. 15 ecological burns affecting 1629 hectares of land under the Act.

The Australian Alps Cooperative Management Program

The Australian Alps National Parks Memorandum of Understanding between the conservation Ministers of Victoria, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and the Commonwealth aims to promote cross border cooperation in the protection and enjoyment of all of the Australian Alps national parks. The program continues to be recognised as an international example of cross border management and cooperation.

Parks Victoria, along with conservation agencies from the other jurisdictions, contributed to the program by funding grants to the Australian Alps Liaison Committee for works across the Alps. Parks Victoria staff played an active role in managing projects within the Recreation and Tourism, Community Relations, Natural Heritage and Cultural Heritage working groups. Although the Commonwealth has ceased providing a direct financial contribution, it maintains support through the contribution of staff time.

The United Nations declared 2002 as the International Year of Mountains to increase awareness of the importance of mountain regions and their sustainable management.

9 Cultural Values Management

Areas under the Act include a very diverse range Also during the year, NRE and Parks Victoria assisted of culturally significant sites, both Indigenous and the State Government in native title mediation with non Indigenous. These assets and values need to be the Wotjobaluk People of the Wimmera area and protected to ensure that future generations have the central-western Victoria over their native title opportunity of enjoying and understanding the legacy determination application. The parks under the Act within of the past. the claim area are Little Desert and Wyperfeld National Parks, Big Desert Wilderness Park, -Tooan Indigenous Program State Park and Lake Albacutya Park. The mediation is taking place within the auspices of the Government’s Protecting and interpreting Indigenous cultural sites and commitment to the mediation of native title issues and places in a culturally sensitive way requires a partnership the Guidelines for Native Title Proof in Victoria, which with the Indigenous community. This relationship was maps out a clear and cooperative approach to the further developed during the year through a number mediation of native title land claims. of initiatives by Parks Victoria. Non Indigenous Program Parks Victoria undertook the second year of a major cross-cultural training program in which prominent The 2001-02 year saw the continuation of a modest but Aboriginal elders and community members meet with steady program of activity of non Indigenous heritage Parks Victoria staff for two days of training in Indigenous conservation in areas under the Act. Projects included culture and history. In the first year of the program research, planning, site conservation and movable 2000-01, 150 staff attended the training and in 2001-02 heritage management planning. The continuation of a a further 230 staff attended. More than one third of strategic approach to the conservation of heritage places Parks Victoria’s staff now have a greater knowledge of continued, with 2001-02 being the second year in which Indigenous heritage as a result of the program. there was a focus on projects contributing to the priority ‘Mining’ theme. Indigenous staff numbers in Parks Victoria’s workforce increased during the year and now total 30 ongoing staff. Specific activities included: Many of these staff work in areas managed under the • the preparation of an Australian Alps Mining Sites Act. Parks Victoria received a certificate of commendation Management Strategy, with the financial support from the Commissioner of Public Employment for its of the Australian Alps Liaison Committee Indigenous Recruitment Program. • the release of a draft Future Directions Management Plan for the Collins Settlement Site at Sorrento, in A significant initiative was the integration of the operation conjunction with the Mornington Peninsula Shire of the Grampians National Park Information Centre and the • the preparation of Heritage Action Plans for historic Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre. A site management huts in the Alpine National Park, Heatherlie Quarry team made up of staff from Brambuk and Parks Victoria (Grampians National Park), Wilsons Creek (Lake Eildon now coordinates the day-to-day provision of information, National Park), Mount Buffalo Chalet, the Warby Falls interpretation programs and education services. Over Easter Weir and Race (Warby Range State Park) and 2002, Parks Victoria and Brambuk Cultural Centre staff Beechworth Historic Park jointly delivered, for the first time, the school holiday program to thousands of visitors. • the completion of Heritage Maintenance Plans for the historic buildings at Steiglitz and Woodlands Historic Other activities relating to specific parks included: Parks • significant consultation with Indigenous communities • the preparation of a business plan for Glenample during the preparation of management plans Homestead and a Heritage Action Statement for •protection works at 13 sites of Indigenous cultural Zumsteins Pisé Cottages in the Grampians significance in four parks – Grampians, Hattah-Kulkyne, • ongoing maintenance and repair works and condition Little Desert and Mornington Peninsula National Parks monitoring at historic forts at Point Nepean • six archeological surveys in Alpine (Bogong and (Mornington Peninsula National Park) and at sites in Wonnangatta-Moroka Units), Little Desert, Mitchell Whipstick State Park and Steiglitz and Woodlands River and Wilsons Promontory National Parks and Historic Parks Bunyip State Park • the further integration of heritage places into Parks • ongoing discussions with the Yorta Yorta Nation Victoria’s central Asset Management System and the regarding interpretation at the Dharnya Centre adjacent development of a methodology for the assessment to Barmah State Park. of the condition of heritage assets • the development of a Movable Cultural Heritage Policy and implementation program to coordinate the cataloguing and care of heritage objects. 10 Community Involvement

Throughout the year, volunteers and community groups Individuals also contributed through programs supported environmental works, the protection of cultural administered by Conservation Volunteers Australia, values and visitor services in many areas under the Act. including the Green Corps program. Projects included: More than 60 community and Friends Groups continued • historic site and walking track maintenance in to give substantial support during the year. Mornington Peninsula National Park • an integrated pest plant and revegetation program International Year of Volunteers 2001 in Barmah State Park The financial year included the second half of the • weed mapping at Nyerimilang Park. International Year of Volunteers (IYV), declared by the United Nations. In response to the IYV, Parks Victoria Community Grants Program developed a program of events and activities focused on volunteers and Friends Groups who through their The 2001-02 Parks Victoria Community Grants Program activities make a substantial contribution to achieving distributed 55 grants totalling $294 880 to community park and conservation outcomes. groups for a range of projects undertaken in parks managed under the Act. Grants were made to groups including: One of the initiatives was a program of exchange visits between Friends groups from across the State to • Friends of Arthurs Seat State Park – for interpretation recognise and thank volunteers and to encourage the signs at Seawinds Gardens exchange of ideas and information between groups. The • Friends of Chiltern Box-Ironbark National Park – for the program included a visit to Brisbane Ranges National Park preservation of fauna in the national park and Steiglitz Historic Park, hosted by the Friends of • Friends of Dandenong Ranges National Park – for the Brisbane Ranges. control of Pittosporum and Banana Passionfruit in the headwaters of Blind Creek Contributions made by volunteers • Friends of Wyperfeld National Park – for an interpretive Examples of the many contributions made by volunteers trail at Wonga Campground and continuation of during the year include: revegetation and protection of the Pine Buloke • the continuation of the Camp Host program, which community provides the opportunity for individuals to obtain •Mount Buffalo Field Naturalists – for vegetation practical experience in park and visitor management mapping in Mount Buffalo National Park. while assisting visitors in campgrounds – the Camp Host program is now running in 12 parks under the Act • the promotion of minimal impact practices and the provision of information about the alpine environment to remote area walkers by volunteer track rangers, who were located at and in the Alpine National Park (as well as the Mount Wills area) over February and the Easter long weekend • the contribution by the Friends of the Cobberas to the protection of the alpine environment by installing a fence at the Native Cat Feral Horse Exclusion Plot in the Alpine National Park • the continuation by Community Connections, a disability support group, of their work at Kinglake National Park, which included track clearing of the Lyrebird Circuit, Masons Falls • the installation of walking track signage along the Lerderderg River by the Friends of Lerderderg State Park •a monitoring program by the Gippsland Ornithological Association involving bird banding in Nyerimilang Park.

11 Visitor and Tourism Services

Otway National Park

Information, interpretation and education Interpretation Interpretation is the process of communicating natural The provision of current and relevant information to and cultural values to visitors and the public. It is carried visitors, potential visitors and other interested members out both as face-to-face activities and by other means of the public, plus high quality interpretation and such as signs, publications and other media. education programs, are key aspects of park management. Information, interpretation and education programs are Face-to-face interpretation programs were run in several used to help manage visitor behaviour and public safety, parks under the Act during the year. Activities included conserve and protect park values, and promote innovative sessions on Indigenous food and medicine, understanding of and support for park management campfire nights, children’s activities, slide shows and policies and practices. guided walks with themes ranging from endangered species Information management to Indigenous rock art. These were conducted by Parks Victoria staff, summer rangers, camp hosts and Comprehensive information services continued to be other volunteers. It is estimated that more than 15 000 delivered through Parks Victoria’s 24-hour information people participated in these activities, all of which were telephone number 13 1963. Parks Victoria also provided aimed at enriching the visitor experience whilst increasing an increasingly wide range of visitor information on its people’s awareness and appreciation of the parks and website www.parkweb.vic.gov.au. Parknotes were their values. distributed in both paper and electronic form and cover all national parks and many of the other areas under the Act. Examples of face-to-face programs run during the year are included in Table 1.

Table 1 – Interpretation programs

Park Examples of activities Participants

Alpine NP, Mount Buffalo NP Junior Rangers, guided walks, audio visual session, spotlight walks, campfire nights 1 255 Cape Conran CP Guided walks, slide shows, rockpool rambles, children’s activities 595 Dandenong Ranges NP Children’s activities 1 143 Grampians NP Guided walks, slide shows, spotlight walks 8 000 Kinglake NP, Lake Eildon NP, Nature walks, spotlight walks, campfire nights 255 Cathedral Range SP Mornington Peninsula NP Nature walks, heritage walks 291 Wilsons Promontory NP Junior Rangers, Indigenous cultural talks, rockpool rambles, spotlight walks 4 883

12 One of the best examples of providing Indigenous Staff also conducted school holiday programs, presented interpretation to park visitors has resulted from the 15 workshops at conferences and provided professional merger of operations between the Grampians National development for teachers to assist in relaying key themes. Park Information Centre and the Brambuk Aboriginal A CSFII-compliant resource kit was developed on CDROM Cultural Centre, which occurred during the year (see for distribution to 1000 State primary and secondary Cultural Values Management). Over Easter 2002, staff schools. The kit provides a wealth of classroom and from both organisations for the first time jointly delivered field-based activities and information to help young the school holiday program to thousands of visitors. people learn about Victoria’s national parks, wildlife, flora and cultural heritage. In addition to the face-to-face programs, a range of interpretation and risk signage was installed. Park notes The three education centres located in Dandenong and information boards were also upgraded in a number Ranges, Grampians and Wilsons Promontory National of parks to provide better visitor information. Examples Parks continued to provide a valuable service to schools of new interpretive signage or displays include: across the State, delivering quality curriculum-based • information posters at Dandenong Ranges National activities related to environmental and cultural values and Park, covering the history, flora, fauna and walks, park management. There were more than 15 000 as well as an explanation of the removal of the pine fee-paying student numbers (Table 2). The addition of plantation non-fee paying students (e.g. Environment Corps participants and local outreach programs) increases • new displays at the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park visitor the total to around 16 000. centre, the updating of information shelters throughout the park, and a self-guided walking trail around Lake The program is close to its capacity and Parks Victoria is Mournpall reviewing demand for the programs as well as their style, • orientation and interpretive signage at Lake Eildon and content and length. In the interests of equity, students Yarra Ranges National Parks and Cathedral Range and are being reached in different ways through outreach Lerderderg State Parks services; for example the Education Officer from the • orientation signage at the Organ Pipes National Park Dandenong Ranges Visitor Centre visits schools visitor centre as well as interpretive signage within the neighbouring the national park. park •a self-guided cultural interpretive walk at Woodlands Some of the highlights of programs run at the centres Historic Park. in 2001-02 included: • career information days Education • participation with local schools in Clean-up Australia In 2001-02, Parks Victoria’s Education Program continued Day and Arbour Day activities to raise awareness of the natural and cultural values of • work experience program support parks and to meet outcomes identified in the Curriculum •professional development programs for teachers Standards Framework (CSFII) and the Victorian Certificate • an expansion of the marine and Indigenous content of Education. The education team comprised extension at Wilsons Promontory. education officers at the Grampians and Wilsons Promontory National Parks, a seconded teacher (through An updated curriculum package was produced, a new the Department of Employment, Education and Training’s uniform distributed and certificates awarded to the Teacher Release to Industry Program) at the Dandenong Victorian Youth Development Program Environment Corps Ranges National Park, and a program coordinator. schools in recognition of their work during the International Year of Volunteers. With 638 115 ‘hits’, Parks Victoria’s education website www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/education was the primary tool for disseminating information on its educational services.

Table 2 – National park education centres – student numbers

Wilsons Promontory NP Grampians NP Dandenong Ranges NP

Total fee-paying student numbers 6 529 5 558 2 921

13 Enhancing park visits Risk management works undertaken during the year included: Visitor facilities • the replacement of Horsetrap Creek Bridge Works undertaken during the year to provide new or (Croajingolong National Park) improved visitor facilities and to minimise visitor impact • risk mitigation works at The Balconies and Reeds on natural and cultural values included: lookouts (Grampians National Park) and at Thunder • the installation of new toilets at Cleve Cole and Caves Lookout (Port Campbell National Park) Federation huts in the Alpine National Park and the •repairs to storm damage on the Cape Schanck completion of the first year of the Alpine toilet renewal boardwalk (Mornington Peninsula National Park) and works in the park the Cape Conran Jetty (Cape Conran Coastal Park). • the completion of the final stage of the Tidal River Wastewater Treatment Plant, Wilsons Promontory Access to Parks Program National Park, which will be commissioned in The long-term program aimed at improving park access 2002-03 roads continued during the year. Major projects undertaken • the reconstruction of the seal viewing platform in areas under the Act are shown in Table 3. at Cape Bridgewater, Discovery Bay Coastal Park. Four Wheel Drive Program A new Asset Management System was established during the year. The system, based on models from Tasmania, Four Wheel Drive Program funding was allocated to projects in 21 parks under the Act: Alpine, Burrowa-Pine Mountain, New Zealand and other jurisdictions, will underpin the Errinundra, Grampians, Hattah-Kulkyne, Little Desert, sustainable delivery of services and assist Parks Victoria Mitchell River, Mount Buffalo, Murray-Sunset, Wyperfeld to meet visitor service targets and improve site safety. Port and Yarra Ranges National Parks, Bunyip, Carlisle, Cathedral Campbell and Wilsons Promontory National Parks are part Range, Dergholm, Lerderderg, Mount Lawson and of the Asset Management System statewide trial. Whipstick State Parks, and Cape Conran Coastal Park, Lake Albacutya Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park. Access and risk management The safety of park visitors is a paramount objective for These projects enabled four-wheel drive access to be Parks Victoria. With a diverse range of park settings and maintained and environmental outcomes to be improved recreational activities to manage, and an ageing suite by upgrading track surfaces, improving drainage and of park facilities and infrastructure to maintain, a broad repairing creek crossings and bridges. Significant ranging and systematic approach to visitor safety has achievements included the completion of works to been developed.

Table 3 – Park access road projects

Park Work undertaken

Brisbane Ranges NP Re-forming and resurfacing of Hut Road Chiltern Box-Ironbark NP Surfacing of Mount Pleasant Road and Rileys Road Croajingolong NP Surface repairs to Point Hicks Road Dandenong Ranges NP Reconstruction of The Georgian Road to improve access to the Olinda section of the park Grampians NP Re-forming and grading of surface of Halls Gap-Mount Zero Road. Patching, sealing and shoulder repairs to Mount William Road and access roads within major tourist precincts Lake Eildon NP Realignment and surface repairs to Jerusalem Creek Road Lerderderg SP Re-forming and resurfacing of Mount Blackwood Road Lower Glenelg NP Completion of resheeting of Wanwin Road between Dartmoor and Wilson Hall Mornington Peninsula NP Realignment of Truemans Road to improve traffic safety The Lakes NP Resurfacing of Lake Reeve Road Werribee Gorge SP Surface grading and gravelling of Myers Road Yarra Ranges NP Grading and drainage repairs to Lady Talbot Drive

14 re-open the Caledonia Track and the re-forming of badly Public liability insurance issues eroded sections of Davies Plain Track, both in the Alpine During 2001-02 many adventure tourism operators that National Park. were considered to be high risk by insurers were unable to obtain public liability insurance via normal private Maps showing the seasonal track closures in parks and insurance providers. To assist these operators the State forests across the State were produced for distribution Government announced funding for a program that from information centres, work centres and via offered cover to these operators for a limited time. This stakeholder groups and Parks Victoria’s website. offer was available only to Victorian Tourism Operators Association (VTOA) members. Visits to parks

In the past, Parks Victoria estimated the number of Parks Victoria worked with the industry, including VTOA, visits to areas under the Act using ‘intercept’ techniques and other Government departments to assist operators (e.g. traffic counters) and overnight-stay bookings. where practicable. This assistance included changes to the Counting did not occur at all visitor sites. As reported last licence system to set up a ‘non active’ licence. This year, Parks Victoria arranged for an external audit of the allowed operators who were experiencing difficulty to methodology used; this found that the methodology complete all the paperwork and then decide when (and if) did not accurately estimate the number of visits made they intended to continue operating; such a licence is to parks. In response to these findings Parks Victoria valid until 30 June 2003. developed a new system in 2000-01, which complies with Australian Standards 806 (Performance Auditing) Supporting the industry and 808 (Planning Performance Audits). A number of activities during the year were aimed at improving the level of support to the industry. These A broad-based community survey involving 12 000 included: people from Victoria (7200), interstate (4000) and • the Tour Operator Advisory Committee (TOAC), chaired overseas (800) is now used to impute the total number by Parks Victoria, which met on several occasions – of visits. The new system commenced in September 2001. TOAC continues to provide a whole of industry forum Based on 9 months data and an estimate for the first for discussion and consideration of issues relating to 3 months of the year, it is estimated that 27.6 million operators visits were made to areas managed under the Act in • the holding of a number of workshops conducted by 2001-02. These preliminary results will be further tested in contact officers and tourism industry partnership staff September 2002 when a full year’s data becomes available. to provide tour operators with an opportunity to meet Due to the introduction of the new visitor counting and discuss current issues and to outline any future system, direct comparisons cannot be made between changes the 2001-02 figure and historical visitor number data. • the development of a licensed tour operator induction Licensed tour activities program to encourage sustainable business practices • further enhancements to the Tour Operator Licensed tour operators continued to play a valuable role Management System (TOMS) – for example, the in providing recreation and education opportunities in implementation of an automated system to ensure parks and reserves. As at 30 June 2002 there were 257 contact officers kept all public liability insurance operators licensed to operate in areas managed under information on operators up-to-date the Act. Although this figure is similar to the number in •a review of the demerit point system for tour operator 2000-01, there has been a change in the type of tours licences with input from VTOA and government offered. The number of operators offering low risk departments – at the conclusion of the review a revised activities has increased, and the number of operators demerit point system was endorsed and implemented. offering higher risk activities has decreased. This is related to public liability insurance issues which featured nationwide during the year.

15 Supporting Park Management

Wyperfeld National Park

Park management arrangements In December 2001, the Secretary and the Minister entered into a new five-year Management Agreement with Parks The Secretary to the Department of Natural Resources Victoria in respect of land to be managed by Parks Victoria, and Environment is responsible under the National Parks including the areas under the National Parks Act. The new Act for ensuring that the parks and other areas under the Agreement aims to streamline the process for specifying Act are managed in accordance with the Act. management services. The services to be provided by Parks Victoria in 2001-02 were developed by NRE and Parks Victoria, established under the Parks Victoria Act Parks Victoria staff in collaboration and were included in 1998, is responsible through a management agreement Parks Victoria’s 2001-02 business plan. There was again for managing the parks and other areas under the an increased focus on the natural values management National Parks Act on behalf of the Secretary. Parks program. Victoria’s Annual Report for 2001-02 provides detailed information on its operations for the year. Finance

The Parks, Flora and Fauna Division of NRE, on behalf Expenditure for 2001-02 in relation to areas managed of the Secretary, is responsible for overseeing the under the Act was $65.4 million (Table 4), compared with arrangements with Parks Victoria and providing strategic $70.7 million for 2000-01. The difference includes the policy advice to the Minister and the Secretary. Under the effect of various assets managed by Southern Hydro in Act, the Director of National Parks (who is the Chief the Alpine National Park being reclassified as Southern Executive Officer of Parks Victoria) provides advice to the Hydro assets for the purposes of the capital asset charge, Minister and the Secretary about the operational elements and a reduction in asset investment funding because of park management. various capital works previously included had been completed. On the other hand, there was an increase in salaries and the operating budget in 2001-02.

Table 4 – 2001-02 expenditure ($000) for National Parks Act areas

Salaries & Operating Asset Other* Total on-costs investment funding Parks Directorate, NRE 1 525 1 388 289 13 566 16 768 Parks Victoria 22 058 18 830 5 312 2 428 48 628 Total 23 583 20 218 5 601 15 994 65 396

*Other expenses include: – Parks Directorate, NRE: capital asset charge, depreciation – Parks Victoria: community grants, environmental initiative, environmental research and strategy initiative, Good Neighbour Program, Rabbit Buster Program, road and track maintenance (Four Wheel Drive Program, VicRoads).

16 Staff Consents, leases and other authorities

As at 30 June 2002, Parks Victoria had 1040 direct Consents under section 27 (public authorities) employees, comprising 866 full-time staff, 98 part-time The following consents were given under section 27 of staff and 76 casual employees. They were involved in the Act to enable particular public authorities (defined in managing a wide range of areas, including areas under the Act or declared for the purposes of the Act) to carry the Act, various Crown land reserves and metropolitan out works in particular parks, subject to conditions: parks and waterways in Melbourne. Several staff work • Angahook-Lorne State Park – for Barwon Region Water in more than one type of area. It is estimated that 262 Authority to construct and maintain a water treatment rangers (including 24 chief rangers) and 95 field service plant backwash disposal pipeline at Aireys Inlet officers were engaged in managing areas under the Act. The seasonal ranger program was run again during the • Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve – for Optus Mobile year, with 42 rangers based in areas under the Act. Pty Ltd to co-locate a telecommunications facility on an existing electricity supply pole Various staff from across NRE but particularly in the Parks, • Mornington Peninsula National Park – for Sorrento Surf Flora and Fauna Division also contributed to the parks Lifesaving Club Inc. to construct and operate a program. clubhouse at Sorrento ocean beach.

Legislation Leases Amendments to the National Parks Act The following leases under the Act were granted or transferred during the year: There were no amendments to the Act during the year • Bunyip State Park – lease granted to Brighton Grammar other than a minor statute law revision. School to operate a pre-existing school camp National Parks (Marine National Parks and •Mount Buffalo National Park – leases for Mount Buffalo Marine Sanctuaries) Act 2002 Lodge, Cresta and Dingo Dell transferred from Budsoda Pty Ltd to Sarnen Pty Ltd The National Parks (Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries) Act 2002 received the Royal Assent on 18 •Mount Buffalo National Park – transfer of shares in June 2002, following its passage through the Legislative Victorian Snow Resorts Pty Ltd (lessee of Mount Buffalo Council early on 13 June 2002. The Act comes into Chalet) from Budsoda Pty Ltd to Sarnen Pty Ltd operation on 16 November 2002, when it will establish •Yarra Ranges National Park – lease for O’Shannassy 13 highly protected marine national parks and 11 marine Lodge transferred from Barjaq Pty Ltd to Get Off Drugs sanctuaries along Victoria’s coast totalling 53 776 hectares. Naturally Inc.

The Act will also establish a management and enforcement Variations to the following leases at Port Campbell framework for the marine national parks and marine National Park were also made: sanctuaries, and will amend the Fisheries Act 1995 to • variation of the lease granted to Tolloch Ard Pty Ltd to create a compensation scheme for eligible commercial reduce the leased area of the Port Campbell National fishing licence holders and charter boat operators. Park cabin and camping ground to allow for the rebuilding of the Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club Regulations clubhouse The National Parks (Fees and Charges) Regulations 1990 • variation of the lease granted to the Port Campbell Surf were replaced by the National Parks (Fees and Charges) Lifesaving Club to enable the demolition of the existing Regulations 2001 (S.R. No.146/2001) on 18 December clubhouse and the rebuilding of a new clubhouse. 2001. The regulations cover the payment of fees or charges for park occupation permits and the use of park Permits services, facilities and goods, and set park entry fees The following permits were among those granted during relating to five parks. They also provide for annual passes the year: and exemptions and discounts from entry fees. • Cape Conran Coastal Park – for the management of The Park Regulations 1992, which were due to expire on the cabins, campground and day visitor facilities 30 June 2002, were extended until 29 June 2003. Work •Croajingolong National Park – for the management of continued on developing the replacement regulations. the Thurra River and Mueller Inlet campgrounds pending the finalisation of a new lease National competition policy review • Port Campbell National Park – to the Port Campbell The Final Report by the independent consultant on the Surf Lifesaving Club for a radio communication aerial. national competition policy review of the Act as it relates to commercial activities in parks was completed. The review will be finalised in 2002-03.

17 Consents under section 40 (mining and The Council comprises the Secretary (or nominee), the extractive activities) Director of National Parks (the Chief Executive Officer The following consents were given under section 40 of of Parks Victoria) and eight non-government members. the Act in relation to the following mining and extractive As at 30 June 2002, the membership of the Council activities in parks, and were tabled in both Houses of was as follows: Parliament: Convenor • Alpine National Park – renewal of mining licences 5262 Mr Arnis Heislers and 5263 under the Mineral Resources Development Members Act 1990 in relation to Red Robin Mine Mr Tim Allen •Tyers Park – granting of a search permit under the Mrs Debra Bray Extractive Industries Development Act 1995 to enable Omya Southern Pty Ltd to search for limestone Mr John Burley (replaced Mr Rod Gowans as Secretary’s nominee on 21 May 2001) •Tyers Park – granting of a work authority under the Mr Tom Guthrie Extractive Industries Development Act 1995 to enable Mr Ian Harris Boral Bricks Pty Ltd to continue to extract shale. Cr Jan Palmer Offences Mrs Deirdre Slattery Mr Mark Stone (Director of National Parks) A total of 246 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINS) were Dr Barbara Wilson. issued requiring the payment of $22 500 in fines for infringements against the Act or the Park Regulations Alpine Advisory Committee 1992. The most common offences were: The Alpine Advisory Committee advises the Minister • bringing a vehicle into a park or an area of a park on various matters relating to the Alpine National Park. which is closed to vehicles (81) During the year it provided advice on an application • bringing a dog into or allowing a dog to remain in a to transfer a grazing licence. park except in accordance with the regulations (52) • lighting or maintaining a fire except as prescribed (34) The membership of the committee expired during the • entering or remaining upon any part of the designated year and as at 30 June 2002 was in the process of being water supply catchment area in Yarra Ranges National reconstituted. The membership of the Committee as at Park (28) 31 March 2001 was as follows: • illegal camping (17). Convenor Mrs Mary Howson NRE prosecuted 10 individuals for committing 15 offences Members under the Act or Regulations in areas under the Act. Mrs Jenny Barnett Mr Neville Lester The main offences related to the carriage or use of a Cr Linda Barraclough Mr Gerry Rayner gun in a park (5) and entering a restricted catchment area in Yarra Ranges National Park (6). These prosecutions Mr Dean Belle Mr Ian Roper resulted in fines totalling $1165 being imposed on Mrs Sue Charles-Jones Mr John Scales 5 defendants in relation to 7 offences, and 5 defendants Mr David Evans Mrs Sue Reynolds being placed on good behaviour bonds in relation to 8 Mr Jack Hicks Mrs Deirdre Slattery offences. In addition to the prosecutions, warning letters Mr Duncan Johnston Mr Doug Stevenson were issued in relation to another 11 offences. Vacant Advisory bodies VicWalk nominee (following the death of Mr Bill Morgan in 2001). National Parks Advisory Council The main functions of the National Parks Advisory Council Other advisory committees are to advise the Minister generally in relation to the Section 14 of the Act enables the Minister to establish administration of the Act and on particular matters on advisory committees to make recommendations to the which its advice is required under the Act or is sought by Secretary relating to the care and control of a park or the Minister. The Council’s Annual Report for 2001-02 parks. There were no such committees in existence as provides additional information on the Council and its at 30 June 2002. Parks Victoria has established several operations during the year. separate advisory groups to assist it in its management of particular parks.

18 Appendix 1– Land Managed under the National Parks Act

The areas of the parks shown in this appendix are as C. State Parks (Schedule Two B) at 30 June 2002 and are the same as at 30 June 2001. State Park Area (ha) A. National Parks (Schedule Two) 1. Angahook-Lorne 21 359 National Park Area (ha) 2. Arthurs Seat 572 3. Barmah 7 900 1. Alfred 3 050 4. Black Range 11 700 2. Alpine 660 550 5. Bunyip 16 560 3. Baw Baw 13 530 6. Cape Nelson 210 4. Brisbane Ranges 7 718 7. Carlisle 5 600 5. Burrowa-Pine Mountain 18 400 8. Cathedral Range 3 616 6. Chiltern-Box Ironbark 4 320 9. Dergholm 10 400 7. Churchill 271 10. Enfield 4 400 8. Coopracambra 38 800 11. Holey Plains 10 641 9. Croajingolong 87 500 12. Kamarooka 7 367 10. Dandenong Ranges 3 215 13. Kara Kara 3 868 11. Errinundra 26 875 14. Kooyoora 3 593 12. French Island 11 100 15. Langi Ghiran 2 695 13. Grampians 167 219 16. Leaghur 1 580 14. Hattah-Kulkyne 48 000 17. Lerderderg 14 250 15. Kinglake 21 600 18. Melba Gully 65 16. Lake Eildon 27 750 19. Moondarra 6 292 17. Lind 1 370 20. Mount Arapiles-Tooan 5 061 18. Little Desert 132 647 21. Mount Buangor 2 400 19. Lower Glenelg 27 300 22. Mount Granya 6 140 20. Mitchell River 11 900 23. Mount Lawson 13 150 21. Mornington Peninsula 2 686 24. 2 800 22. Morwell 396 25. Mount Samaria 7 600 23. Mount Buffalo 31 000 26. Mount Worth 1 040 24. Mount Eccles 5 470 27. Paddys Ranges 1 675 25. Mount Richmond 1 733 28. Warby Range 7 600 26. Murray-Sunset 633 000 29. Warrandyte 676 27. Organ Pipes 134 30. Werribee Gorge 575 28. Otway 12 900 31. Whipstick 2 303 29. Port Campbell 1 750 30. Snowy River 98 700 Total – State Parks 183 688 31. Tarra-Bulga 1 522 32. Terrick Terrick 3 770 33. The Lakes 2 390 D. Other Parks (Schedule Three) 34. Wilsons Promontory 49 000 35. Wyperfeld 357 017 Other Park Area (ha) 36. Yarra Ranges 76 003 1. Bay of Islands CP 950 Total – National Parks 2 590 586 2. Beechworth HP 1 130 3. Cape Conran CP 11 700 4. Cape Liptrap CP 4 175 B. Wilderness Parks (Schedule Two A) 5. Discovery Bay CP 10 460 6. Gippsland Lakes CP 17 600 Wilderness Park Area (ha) 7. Haining Farm 66 8. Lake Albacutya Park 8 300 1. Avon 39 650 9. Langwarrin FFR 214 2. Big Desert 142 300 10. Lysterfield Lake Park 1 397 3. Wabba 20 100 11. Murray-Kulkyne Park 3 530 Total – Wilderness Parks 202 050 12. Reef Hills Park 2 040 13. Steiglitz HP 469 14. Tyers Park 1 810 15. Woodlands HP 704 Total – Other Parks 64 545

CP Coastal Park FFR Flora and Fauna Reserve HP Historic Park 19 E. Other parks and reserves (Schedule Four) G. Remote and Natural Areas (Schedule Six)

Other park or reserve Area (ha) Remote and natural areas are located within several national parks, as set out below. The areas of the remote 1. Bunurong MP 1 660 and natural areas are included in the areas of the relevant 2. Corner Inlet MCP 18 000 parks in Part A of this appendix. 3. Deep Lead FFR 1 120 4. Nooramunga MCP 15 000 National Park Remote and Area (ha) 5. Shallow Inlet MCP 2 000 Natural Area 6. Wilsons Promontory MP ) 1. Murray-Sunset South Sunset 24 000 7. Wilsons Promontory MR ) 10 000 2. Wyperfeld Hopping Mouse Hill 32 100 Total – Other parks and reserves 47 780 3. Little Desert Little Desert 16 400 4. Grampians Victoria Range 14 000 FFR Flora and Fauna Reserve 5. Serra Range 11 200 MCP Marine and Coastal Park MP Marine Park 6. Major Mitchell Plateau 6 900 MR Marine Reserve 7. Baw Baw Baw Baw Plateau 6 500 8. Alpine The Governors 8 100 9. Macalister 33 300 10. Dandongadale 3 700 F. Wilderness Zones (Schedule Five) 11. Bundara-Cobungra 13 700 12. Bogong 16 300 Wilderness zones are located within several national parks, 13. Davies Plain 10 500 as set out below. The areas of the wilderness zones are 14. Suggan Buggan 17 800 included in the areas of the relevant parks in Part A of this 15. Upper Snowy 11 800 appendix. 16. Mount Buffalo North Buffalo 6 500 17. Burrowa-Pine Mount Burrowa *6 200 National Park Wilderness Zone Area (ha) Mountain 1. Murray-Sunset Sunset 126 900 18. Errinundra Brodribb 7 700 2. Minook 38 700 19. Coopracambra 8 100 3. Galpunga 35 700 20. Croajingolong Rame Head9 800 4. Mount Cowra 23 500 21. Wilsons Wilsons Promontory 450 5. Wyperfeld North Wyperfeld 97 900 Promontory Islands (11) 6. South Wyperfeld 61 300 Total – Remote and Natural Areas 265 050 7. Chinaman Flat 29 800 8. Alpine Mount Darling-Snowy Bluff 40 400 *Stated incorrectly in the Act as 6500 ha. 9. Razor-Viking 15 700 10. Indi 13 800 11. Cobberas 10 000 12. Buchan Headwaters 30 000 13. Tingaringy 7 900 14. Snowy River Snowy River 27 000 15. Bowen 17 500 16. Coopracambra Genoa 19 400 17. Croajingolong Sandpatch 15 600 18. Cape Howe 7 100 19. Wilsons Wilsons Promontory Promontory 21 800

Total – Wilderness Zones 640 000

20 H. Other areas (non-scheduled) Unproclaimed areas

Area Section Area (ha) Legislation provides for the following future additions to of Act the parks system. 1. Bald Hills BR 19B 1 2. Collins Settlement Historic Site 19B 1 Act/park Section of Act Area (ha) 3. Flinders FR 19B 1 National Parks (Amendment) Act 1989 4. Flinders Natural Interest Reserve 19B 4 1. Moondarra SP 29(3) 178 5. Johanna BR 19B 64 6. Long Forest FR 19B 283 National Parks (Yarra Ranges and Other Amendments) 7. Lower Glenelg SLR and PPR 19B 24 Act 1995 8. Main Ridge FR 19B 64 2. Melba Gully SP 31(b) 8 9. Moreep BR 19B 10 National Parks (Marine National Parks and Marine 10. Nyerimilang Park 19B 200 Sanctuaries) Act 2002 11. Recreation Reserve, Otway 19B 1 3. Bunurong MNP *24 2 100 12. Wychitella FFR 19B 3 780 4. Cape Howe MNP 24 4 050 13. access 19C 35 5. Churchill Island MNP 24 670 14. Commonwealth land adjacent 19D 31 6. Corner Inlet MNP 24 1 550 to Woodlands Historic Park 7. Discovery Bay MNP 24 2 770 15. Loch Ard and Cape Otway 32 1 8. French Island MNP 24 2 800 Public Cemeteries 9. Ninety Mile Beach MNP 24 2 750 16. Glenample Homestead 32AA 8 10. Point Addis MNP 24 4 600 Total – Other Areas 4 508 11. Point Hicks MNP 24 4 000 12. Port Phillip Heads MNP 24 3 580 BR Bushland Reserve 13. Twelve Apostles MNP 24 7 500 FFR Flora and Fauna Reserve FR Flora Reserve 14. Wilsons Promontory MNP 24 15 550 PPR Public Purposes Reserve 15. Yaringa MNP 24 980 SLR Scenic Lookout Reserve 16. Barwon Bluff MS 24 17 *Areas to which sections 19B, 19D and 32 apply are not subject to the general provisions of the Act. 17. Beware Reef MS 24 220 18. Eagle Rock MS 24 17 19. Jawbone MS 24 30 20. Marengo Reefs MS 24 12 Summary – Land managed under the National Parks Act 21. Merri MS 24 25 22. Mushroom Reef MS 24 80 Category No. Area (ha) 23. Point Cooke MS 24 290 National Parks (Schedule Two) 36 2 590 586 24. Point Danger MS 24 25 Wilderness Parks (Schedule Two A) 3 202 050 25. Ricketts Point MS 24 115 State Parks (Schedule Two B) 31 183 688 26. The Arches MS 24 45 Other Parks (Schedule Three) 15 64 545 Total – Unproclaimed areas 53 962 Other parks and reserves (Schedule Four) 7 47 780 Other areas (non-scheduled) 16 4 508 SP State Park MNP Marine National Park Total 108 3 093 157 MS Marine Sanctuary *Section 24 comes into operation on 16 November 2002.

21 Appendix 2 – Pest Plant Control Projects

Park Target species

Alpine NP Blackberry, Blue Periwinkle, Cape Broom, Common Evening Primrose, Dutch Elm, English Broom, Ox-eye Daisy, Paterson’s Curse, Pine, St Johns Wort, Soft Rush, Spear Thistle, Sweet Briar, Sycamore Maple, Twiggy Mullein, Tutsan, Vipers Bugloss, Willow, Yarrow Angahook-Lorne SP Bitou Bush/Boneseed, Bluebell Creeper, Coast Tea-tree, Giant Honey-myrtle, Sweet Pittosporum Arthurs Seat SP Berry-flower Heath, Bitou Bush/Boneseed, Blackberry, Blue Psoralea, Bluebell Creeper, English Broom, Furze/Gorse, Paterson’s Curse, Rock Rose, Sallow Wattle, Slender Thistle, Spear Thistle, Sweet Pittosporum Barmah SP Arrowhead, Bathurst Burr, Blackberry, Californian Burr, Cape Broom, Golden Dodder, Horehound, Madeira Winter Cherry, Paterson’s Curse, Pepper Tree, Saffron Thistle, Sweet Briar, Weeping Willow Baw Baw NP Blackberry, Grey Sallow Bay of Islands CP Agapanthus, Bitou Bush/Boneseed, Coast Tea-tree Beechworth Park Blackberry, Bridal Creeper, Paterson’s Curse Brisbane Ranges NP African Boxthorn, Angled Onion, Blackberry, Blue Periwinkle, Boneseed, Bridal Creeper, Caper Spurge, Chilean Spear-grass, Dutch Elm, English Broom, Fennel, Furze/Gorse, Giant Honey-myrtle, Hemlock, Horehound, Monterey Pine, Pepper Tree, Pittosporum Bunyip SP Blackberry, English Broom, Holly, Ragwort, Spanish Heath, Sweet Pittosporum Burrowa-Pine Mountain NP Blackberry, English Broom, St Johns Wort Cape Liptrap CP Boxthorn Cathedral Range SP Blackberry, St John’s Wort, Tutsan Chiltern Box-Ironbark NP St John’s Wort, Bridal Creeper, European Privet Coopracambra NP Blackberry, Crack Willow, Heraldic Thistle, Pampas Grass, White Poplar Corner Inlet MCP Cord-grass Croajingolong NP African Boxthorn, Blackberry, Bridal Creeper, Blue Periwinkle, Cape Ivy, New Zealand Mirror-bush, One-leaf Cape Tulip Dandenong Ranges NP Blackberry, Bluebell Creeper, Cape Broom, Cestrum, English Broom, Holly, Maple, Ragwort, Sweet Pittosporum, Sycamore Maple, Tutsan, Wandering Jew Deep Lead FFR Bridal Creeper, Horehound, Bathurst Burr Dergholm SP African Feather Grass, Blackberry, Cape Tulip (two-leaf), Monterey Pine Discovery Bay CP African Daisy, Bridal Creeper, Boneseed, Cape Tulip, Hemlock, Polygala Enfield SP Furze/Gorse, Blackberry Errinundra NP Blackberry French Island NP African Boxthorn, Aloe, Annual Flatweed, Annual Veldt Grass, Apple of Sodom, Bitou Bush/Boneseed, Blackberry, Bridal Creeper, Brown-top Bent, Cape Tulip (one-leaf), Cluster Pine, Couch, Dipogon, Gorse, Monterey Pine, Oxylobium, Paspalum, Sallow Wattle Gippsland Lakes CP African Boxthorn, New Zealand Flax, Wheel Cactus Grampians NP Blackberry, Bridal Creeper, St John’s Wort Hattah-Kulkyne NP African Boxthorn, Horehound, Erect Prickly-pear Holey Plains SP Ragwort

22 Park Target species

Kara Kara SP St John’s Wort Kinglake NP Blackberry, English Broom, Holly, Tutsan Lake Eildon NP Blackberry, Horehound, Paterson’s Curse, St John’s Wort Langi Ghiran SP Stinkwort, Cootamundra Wattle, Toowoomba Canary-grass Leaghur SP Paterson’s Curse, Horehound, Spiny Rush Lerderderg SP Gorse, Blackberry Long Forest FFR Prairies Ground Cherry, Erect Prickly-pear Lower Glenelg NP Monterey Pine, Blackberry, Tufted Honeyflower Lysterfield Lake Park Blackberry, Sweet Pittosporum, Bluebell Creeper Mitchell River NP Ragwort, Ox-eye Daisy, Spear Thistle Mornington Peninsula NP Blackberry, Boneseed, Boxthorn, Bridal Creeper, Californian Thistle, Cape Ivy, Coast Tea-tree, Dipogon, Italian Buckthorn, Monterey Pine, Myrtle-leaf Milkwort, Ragwort, Sallow Wattle, Sea Spurge, Slender Thistle, Spear Thistle, Sweet Pittosporum Mount Buffalo NP Blackberry, Crack Willow, Fleabane, Grey Sallow, Japanese Honeysuckle, Himalayan Honeysuckle, Soft Rush, St John’s Wort, Tutsan, Twiggy Mullein Mount Worth SP Ragwort, Blackberry Murray-Sunset NP African Boxthorn, Bitou Bush/Boneseed, Bridal Creeper, Paterson’s Curse, Prickly-pear, Stinkwort Organ Pipes NP Artichoke Thistle, African Boxthorn, Chilean Spear-grass, Serrated Tussock, Sweet Briar Otway NP Banana Passionfruit, Blackberry, Ragwort, St John’s Wort Paddys Ranges SP St John’s Wort, Paterson’s Curse Port Campbell NP Blackberry, Pampas Grass, Ragwort Shallow Inlet MCP Blackberry, Ragwort, Sweet Pittosporum Snowy River NP Blackberry, St Johns Wort, Ox-eye Daisy, Paterson’s Curse Tarra-Bulga NP Blackberry, Ragwort Terrick Terrick NP Boxthorn, Horehound, Paterson’s Curse, St John’s Wort, Soursob The Lakes NP Boxthorn, Horehound, Ragwort Wabba WP Blackberry Warby Range SP Horehound, Paterson’s Curse, St John’s Wort Warrandyte SP Angled Onion, Blackberry, Bridal Creeper, Chilean Spear-grass, Montpellier Broom, Panic Veldt Grass, Serrated Tussock, Soursob, Square-stem St John’s Wort, Sweet Pittosporum, Sweet Vernal-grass, Wandering Jew Werribee Gorge SP Paterson’s Curse, Serrated Tussock, Wild Mignonette Wilsons Promontory NP Blackberry, Coast Tea-tree, New Zealand Mirror-bush, Spear Thistle Woodlands HP Cape Tulip, Paterson’s Curse, Serrated Tussock Wyperfeld NP Bridal Creeper, Caltrop, Horehound, Paddy Melon, Paterson’s Curse, Silverleaf Nightshade Yarra Ranges NP Blackberry, Cestrum, St John’s Wort

23 Appendix 3 – Pest Animal Control Projects

Park Target species Park Target species Alpine NP Dog, fox, goat, pig, rabbit Kinglake NP Dog, fox, goat, pig Barmah SP Fox, pig, rabbit Lake Eildon NP Fox, rabbit Baw Baw NP Fox, rabbit Langwarrin FFR Fox Brisbane Ranges NP Fox, goat, pig, rabbit Leaghur SP Fox, rabbit Bunyip SP Dog, fox Lerderderg SP Fox, goat Burrowa-Pine Mountain NP Fox Little Desert NP Fox, rabbit Cape Conran CP Fox Mitchell River NP Dog, goat Cape Liptrap CP Fox Mornington Peninsula NP Fox, rabbit Cathedral Range SP Fox, pig Mount Arapiles-Tooan SP Fox, rabbit Chiltern Box-Ironbark NP Fox, rabbit Mount Samaria SP Rabbit Coopracambra NP Fox, pig Murray-Sunset NP Fox, goat, rabbit Croajingolong NP Pig Organ Pipes NP Rabbit Dandenong NP Fox Paddys Ranges SP Rabbit Deep Lead FFR Rabbit Port Campbell NP Fox, rabbit Dergholm SP Fox, rabbit Snowy River NP Dog, fox Discovery Bay CP Fox, rabbit Terrick Terrick NP Fox, rabbit Errinundra NP Pig The Lakes NP Fox French Island NP Goat Warby Range SP Fox, rabbit Grampians NP Fox, rabbit Werribee Gorge SP Fox, rabbit Hattah-Kulkyne NP Fox, rabbit Wilsons Promontory NP Fox, rabbit Holey Plains SP Fox Woodlands HP Cat, fox, rabbit Kamarooka SP Rabbit Wyperfeld NP Dog, fox, rabbit Kinglake NP Dog, fox, goat, pig Yarra Ranges NP Cat, dog, rabbit

Appendix 4 – Locations of Parks and Other Areas

1. Hattah-Kulkyne NP 42. Glenample Homestead 81. Baw Baw NP and Mount St 2. Murray-Kulkyne Park 43. Loch Ard and Cape Otway Public Gwinear access 3. Murray-Sunset NP Cemeteries 82. Moondarra SP 4. Big Desert WP 44. Port Campbell NP 83. Tyers Park 5. Wyperfeld NP 45. Otway NP 84. Mount Worth SP 6. Lake Albacutya Park 46. Angahook-Lorne SP 85. Bunurong MP 7. Little Desert NP 47. Mornington Peninsula NP 86. Morwell NP 8. Mount Arapiles-Tooan SP 48. Flinders NIR 87. Tarra-Bulga NP 9. Dergholm SP 49. Flinders FR 88. Cape Liptrap CP 10. Black Range SP 50. French Island NP 89. Shallow Inlet MCP 11. Deep Lead FFR 51. Bald Hills BR 90. Corner Inlet MCP 12. Grampians NP 52. Main Ridge FR 91. Wilsons Promontory NP 13. Lower Glenelg NP 53. Arthurs Seat SP 92. Wilsons Promontory MP 14. Discovery Bay CP 54. Collins Settlement HS 93. Wilsons Promontory MR 15. Lower Glenelg SLR & PPR 55. Langwarrin FFR 94. Nooramunga MCP 16. Mount Richmond NP 56. Churchill NP 95. Holey Plains SP 17. Cape Nelson SP 57. Lysterfield Lake Park 96. Gippsland Lakes CP 18. Mount Eccles NP 58. Bunyip SP 97. The Lakes NP 19. Mount Napier SP 59. Haining Farm 98. Mitchell River NP 20. Langi Ghiran SP 60. Dandenong Ranges NP 99. Nyerimilang Park 21. Mount Buangor SP 61. Warrandyte SP 100. Snowy River NP 22. Kara Kara SP 62. Organ Pipes NP 101. Errinundra NP 23. Paddys Ranges SP 63. Woodlands HP and adjacent 102. Lind NP 24. Kooyoora SP Commonwealth land 103. Cape Conran CP 25. Wychitella FFR 64. Kinglake NP 104. Alfred NP 26. Leaghur SP 65. Yarra Ranges NP 105. Coopracambra NP 27. Terrick Terrick NP 66. Cathedral Range SP 106. Croajingolong NP 28. Kamarooka SP 67. Lake Eildon NP 29. Whipstick SP 68. Mount Samaria SP BR Bushland Reserve 30. Enfield SP 69. Reef Hills Park CP Coastal Park 31. Lerderderg SP 70. Barmah SP FFR Flora and Fauna Reserve 32. Long Forest FR 71. Warby Range SP FR Flora Reserve 33. Werribee Gorge SP 72. Chiltern Box-Ironbark NP HP Historic Park HS Historic Site 34. Moreep BR 73. Beechworth HP MCP Marine and Coastal Park 35. Brisbane Ranges NP 74. Mount Granya SP MP Marine Park 36. Steiglitz HP 75. Mount Lawson SP MR Marine Reserve 37. Carlisle SP 76. Burrowa-Pine Mountain NP NIR Natural Interest Reserve 38. Recreation Reserve, Otway 77. Wabba WP NP National Park 39. Melba Gully SP 78. Alpine NP PPR Public Purposes Reserve 40. Bay of Islands CP 79. Mount Buffalo NP SLR Scenic Lookout Reserve 41. Johanna BR 80. Avon WP SP State Park 24 WP Wilderness Park Land managed under the National Parks Act 30 June 2002

Existing parks/areas greater than 1000 ha

Existing parks/areas less than 1000 ha