VOLUME 26 NUMBER^ September 1989

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Mining the Murrumbidgee

The Wild Man meets Venus on the Shoalhaven NPA BULLETIN VOLUME26NUMBER3 September 1989

CONTENTS

ACT Parks 4 NPA News 5 Mining the Murrumbidgee ACT Government bows out 6 Parkwatch 9 The alps 10 Adventure on the Shoalhaven 12 Books 14 Cover Hut plans 16 Photo: Reg Alder. As in the Association's emblem, an emu and a kanga­ The Yerrabi Track 17 roo tread the sandy shore of Lake Mungo. Sites of At Bournda in June 18 Aboriginal occupation date back to 40,000 years at Ben Hall's cave 20 Lake Mungo. The Aboriginal remains have been found Canoeing the Mongarlowe 21 in the eroding sands; the lake dried up at the end of the last ice age. Recent rains have wet the easternside Education at Birrigai 22 of Lake Mungo, attracting a profusion of birds.

National Parks Association (ACT) Telephone: (062) 571063 Address: GPO Box 457 Canberra 2601. Incorporated Contribute to your Bulletin Inaugurated 1960 Contributions of articles (news, description or fiction), black-and-white photographs and line drawings are Aims and objects of the Association keenly sought for the Bulletin. Creative works will be • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the given a high priority for placement. Please label pho­ protection of fauna and flora, scenery and natural tographs with the name of the subject, the name of features in the Australian Capital Territory and the photographer and the date. Letters to the editor elsewhere, and the reservation of specific areas. should be brief (less than 500 words). Leave • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor contributions at the office or phone the editor, Roger recreation areas. Green, on (062) 470059. • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment OF, such natural phenomena by organised Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect field outings, meetings or any other means. Association opinion or objectives. • Co-operation with organisations and persons having similar interests and objectives. Deadline for December issue: 1 November, 1989. • Promotion of, and education for, nature Material received after this date will be held over for conservation, and the planning of land-use to achieve a later issue. conservation. NPA Bulletin is produced by Green Words for the Office-bearers and Committee National Parks Associaton (ACT). It is produced with Contact the office the assistance of an ACT Community Development Fund grant. Subscription rates (1 July - 30 June) Designed by Design Direction, Phillip, ACT Household members $20 Single members $15 Printed by Highland Press, Queanbeyan, NSW. Corporate members $10 Bulletin only $10 Concession: half above rates ISSN 0727-8837 For new subscriptions joining between: 1 January and 31 March - half specified rate 1 April and 30 June - annual subscription

Membership enquiries welcome Please phone Laraine Frawley at the NPA office. Beware the red dot A red dot on the mailing label means that you are no The NPA (ACT) office is located in Kingsley Street, longer a financial member of the association. Unless Acton. Office hours are: you renew your subscription this will be the last 10am to 2pm Mondays Bulletin you receive. 9am to 2pm Tuesdays and Thursdays COMMITTEE

The complex demands of con­ temporary conservation activity President's foreword will continue to impose strains on voluntary committee members, es­ At the same time as the Federal the Federal Government on co­ pecially those in full time employ­ Government launched its environ­ operative management. As well, ment. Increasingly, they will need ment statement, advice has come an Australian Alps National Parks to be supported by employed staff that the New South Wales Liaison Committee was estab­ with the skills to efficiently carry Government plans to continue lished representing the responsi­ out both specialist and time- moving in the other direction, with ble management agencies. In 1988 consuming routine tasks. Our proposals to further weaken the the scientific significance of the office in Civic with its computer fa­ National Parks and Wildlife alps was the focus of the first cilities, the employment of a pro­ Service — already suffering staff Fenner Conference at the fessional Bulletin editor cuts. (Members will be aware of Australian Academy of Science. (dramatically reducing the seem­ the disgraceful level of staffing al­ This meeting gave endorsement to ingly interminable problems with ready, for many of the parks.) a world heritage nomination for its publication), and recently, the Particularly affected would be the the area. Shortly after, Geoff employment of a part-time admin­ natural resources division of the Mosley, acting as a consultant to istrative assistant have all been service. The NPWS director, John the NPAs of Victoria (which took progressive steps in this direction. Whitehouse, has indicated that the primary role), ACT and NSW It is worth stressing, however, the land conservation branch is prepared a World Heritage nomi­ that the role of such staff is to sup­ likely to be stripped of staff and nation evaluation which was pub­ port voluntary effort not replace it. funds for land acquisition severely lished by VNPA cut. Ultimately this means no new In conclusion, I believe the Meanwhile in Victoria, the 30- reservations nor additions to exist­ Association is in a sound position year-long struggle to achieve a ing areas. Also, the service will to influence conservation policy in continuous alpine park continued, have to withdraw from the valua­ the ACT and region and my best and was finally rewarded in May ble role it plays in 'off-park' conser­ wishes go to the incoming execu­ by the passage of the National vation — such as responding to (i) tive and committee. Parks (Alpine National Park) Bill, clearing and cultivation licence ap­ 1989. In July the proposal for an plications in the Western Division, alpine world heritage nomination (ii) Crown leasehold conversion ap­ was formally put to Senator plications, (iii) environmental Graham Richardson under the sig­ impact statements, and (iv) local natures of the three National and regional environmental plans. Parks Association presidents (rep­ Advertising parks If you visit NSW national parks resenting 13,000 members) and A recent issue of The Australian and other reserves why not spend Brian Egan (President, Australian newspaper featured a supplement a few minutes writing, or faxing in National Parks Council). Stay on the environment. The National support of them. tuned for the next instalment... Parks Associations of the ACT, Hon Nick Greiner, Premier of NSW and Victoria jointly funded an advertisement in this supple­ NSW /|N /(\ /(\ State Office Block, Phillip Street, ment promoting national parks. Sydney NSW 2000 In this, my last president's fore­ Fax (02) 2311110, word, I would like to take the op­ Jervis Bay Telex AA 121269 portunity to thank the other The Association is planning to Hon TimMoore W Minister members of the committee for hold a weekend at Jervis Bay, ten­ for the Environment their support and effort over the tatively scheduled for 28-29 8-18 Bent Street, past three years. I would like to October. The purpose of the week­ Sydney NSW 2000 thank also, those who have con­ end is to combine education and Fax (02) 233 7195 tributed much through sub­ enjoyment, and will help members committees and in other ways. The make comments on the forthcom­ standing of the Association de­ ing environmental impact state­ pends ultimately on the contribu­ ment from the Department of Over the last few years much at­ tion it makes in the conservation Defence on the Navy's proposed re­ tention has been focussed on field and hence on the work of its location to Jervis Bay. alpine area conservation and it membership. There is still plenty has absorbed a good proportion of of scope for more involvement, for ACT Government the current committee's time. example, in the subcommittees. To A briefing paper has been pre­ Following the Association's alpine take one example, the environ­ pared for presentation to the ACT conference late in 1985, a memo­ ment subcommittee needs a few Minister responsible for national randum of understanding was members to focus on ACT plan­ parks and other reserves, Elinor signed between the three relevant ning, especially as it affects nature Grassby. conservation and open spaces. state and territory authorities and Julia Trainor ACT PARKS

Shaping Canl>err a Map and guide for Namadgi Nature Park Several initiatives by the ACT Parks and Conservation Service The March edition of NPA Bulletin ceive further information, includ­ are set to dramatically raise com­ contained background information ing a map of areas currently man­ munity awareness about Namadgi on Canberra Nature Park and out­ aged and those proposed to be National Park. lined the current activities of the added to the park. They will also The Namadgi map and guide ACT Parks and Conservation receive resource statements on was released in July and will fulfil Service in raising awareness of a areas close to where they live and a long standing need. When folded draft management plan for the a questionnaire. out one side forms a poster featur­ park. Parks and Conservation The initial public participa­ ing a beautiful painting by Bev Service officers also addressed the tion phase will be open until Bruen and photographs by Rob March meeting of the Association. the end of October 1989. All Blakers and Henry Gold. The text As previewed in the earlier arti­ written comments received by that covers natural and cultural fea­ cle, the latter half of 1989 will be time will be considered in prepar­ tures, recreation and minimum significant for Canberrans inter­ ing the draft management plan. impact. ested in their local environment. The draft plan (which should be The reverse side is based on the In August each household in prepared by early 1990) will also Australian Surveying and Land Canberra received an invitation to be available for public comment. Information Group 1:100,000 participate in developing a man­ If you would like to find out Australian Capital Territory map agement plan for Canberra Nature more about management planning sheet, redone to highlight the Park. Community organisations for Canberra Nature Park or access roads and walking tracks in have also been invited to ask ser­ would like to register your interest Namadgi. Each of the signposted vice officers to meetings to discuss in participating you can either con­ tracks and six access roads has a the park and the community's part tact the project officer on (062) paragraph of informative text. The in planning for its management. 935327 or the southside office of map and guide is available for $2 Exhibits will be on display in local the park on 861346. from the Namadgi and Tidbinbilla libraries and shopping centres. Bernadette O'Leary visitor centres as well as the ACT Those individuals and groups ACT Parks and Conservation Administration shopfront in Civic. who register their interest will re- Service

Letter to the edito r Jerrabomberra wetlands I welcome the article by Ian ment planning by our service. We CNP planning process for some Fraser entitled 'Jerrabomberra could always use more people and months. We would welcome birdlands' which appeared in the more resources but for the record, NPA's participation and assis­ June 1989 issue of the Bulletin. As we have now had a number of staff tance in the consultative process. is Ian's style, the article is general­ totally dedicated to management It will mean a lot of hard work ly well-researched, well-informed, planning for many months. but also, we hope, a more respon­ communicative and to the point. Namadgi and Bowen Island plans sive planning approach which the I particularly appreciate the fact have been completed. The drafts community perceives as a process that Ian has drawn attention to for Jerrabomberra and the they are able to shape and the relative value of Murrumbidgee corridor have been influence. Jerrabomberra wetlands. They are released and public submissions I believe that we have the op­ not the Macquarie Marshes or the are being reviewed. The new gov­ portunity in the coming months to floodplains of the Magela, but in ernment is keen to push on with achieve a number of important the middle of Australia's largest the process of finalising both goals for conservation and nation­ inland city. They are a rare jewel plans, and staff have been allocat­ al parks in the ACT. I believe that indeed and one whose ecological, ed to the tasks. the new government has demon­ environmental and social values As the chief minister announced strated a strong public commit­ will grow exponentially as the during the World Environment ment to conservation and I modified environment evolves Day celebrations, we will be going welcome the participation of the around Jerrabomberra. to the citizens of Canberra in July NPA in the work which must be I must take issue with one sec­ to begin a major consultative exer­ done to fulfil that commitment. tion of Ian's article. He paints a cise on the management plan for a Greg Fraser gloomy picture of the resources Canberra Nature Park. One officer Director, ACT Parks and being made available for manage- has been dedicated full time to the Conservation Service NEWS

Queen's Birthday honours History Their many friends in NPA were for several years our delegate to of NPA delighted to read in the Queen's the Australian National Parks Birthday honours list of the award Council and for two years its presi­ As part of the research necessary of the Medal of the Order of dent. But to the ordinary member to provide information on public Australia (OAM) to Pat Wardle of NPA he is a kind, helpful friend, recognition of the natural values of and Robert Story: to Pat for servic­ generous with his time and energy Namadgi leading up to its declara­ es to community history and to as is his wife, Sybil. Their open tion as a national park in 1984 Robert for services to conservation house has been the locale for many (NPA Bulletin, June 1989) a con­ and national parks. Both are long­ a gathering for NPA, the Canberra siderable number of the time members of NPA and one Bushwalkers Club and the Association's records had to be doesn't even have to be a member Kosciusko Huts Association. These read through and notated. of the Canberra and District three societies have shown their Historical Society to know of Pat's appreciation of the Storys* willing It seemed that this once-only value in that field. Our warmest involvement in day-to-day affairs effort would be wasted if the docu­ congratulations to both of them. by electing them to life member­ ments were not put in a sequence for easier reference, and an at­ Robert arrived from South ship, both Sybil and Robert in CBC and KHA, and Robert in tempt made to provide some per­ Africa to take up a research post manence to the collection. with the CSIRO Division of Land NPA Hence all the file letters, docu­ Research in nice time for him to To be a life member of three con­ ments, and committee and general size up the local scene and become servation societies must be rare meeting references were copied a foundation member of NPA and we are happy and proud that and now have been bound into a Before long he became a walks Robert's quiet, tireless, valuable hardcover volume. The collection leader and took his turn as work for conservation and national has been titled The Association's President. His enthusiasm and his parks has been recognised publicly role in the declaration of Namadgi expertise in the plant world made with his award of an OAM. National Park. him a valuable member of the Sheila Kruse NPA team which in the early As an extension of this particu­ 1960s surveyed that portion of the lar part of the Association's histo­ ry, a companion volume, NPA ACT which we now know as Another friend of the NPA in the Namadgi and which made the ulti­ Bulletin Extracts, has now been Queen's birthday honours list was made up of collated articles from mately successful recommendation Colin Watson, explorer of the to the government for its preserva­ the NPA Bulletin from their incep­ Budawangs and member of the tion in 1963 to the present. This tion as a national park. He was co- Coast and Mountain Walkers of opted from time to time by the au­ volume of over 300 pages contains NSW and the Budawang the names of all the committee thorities - by the National Capital Committee. Colin was the man Development Commission, for ex­ members since the formation of behind a number of the commit­ the Association in 1963 plus chap­ ample, for its inquiry into the tee's excellent publications includ­ Cotter River catchment and by the ter headings on editorials and ing the recent book, Fitzroy Falls presidents' forewords and all the Australian National Parks and and Beyond (see review on page Wildlife Service for its survey of principal Association projects with 14). He was awarded an OAM for representative papers on the style the Kakadu region before it service to conservation and became a national park. He was of the Bulletin and outing bushwalking. programs. Both volumes trace the develop­ ment of the Association as a force New administrative assistant in the community and should be of considerable interest to anyone re­ The Association now has an ad­ from the college, she studied the quiring detailed knowledge of past ministrative assistant, Ann impact of Thredbo's sewerage on activities and are interesting Taylor, who started work at the the Thredbo River. Since then she enough just to browse through. beginning of July. Ann is working has worked in the chemistry labor­ The volumes are in the NPA office. one day a week, initially for three atory of the Australian War months, preparing submissions Memorial and in the Wilderness and keeping in touch with other Shop in the Griffin Centre. Reg Alder conservation groups. At the moment Ann is organis­ Ann's background is in the ing support for world heritage study of ecology, especially that of nomination for the alps from other fresh water, at Canberra College conservation groups in the region of Advanced Education. In 1983 (see article on page 10). Ann's tele­ and 1984, in conjunction with phone number is 589668. Peter Cullen and Richard Norris ACT Government stops taking sand Mining the Murrumbidgee

he ACT Government will Mountains scheme network) and years, particularly with the con­ take no more sand from the Burrinjuck, and provide irrigation struction of the permanent T Murrumbidgee River, in the water for the Murrumbidgee and Parliament House. Mining the ACT or NSW, when current con­ Coleambally irrigation areas. Murrumbidgee bed and banks has tracts expire. The river was progressively dis­ not been the most logical source, The Chief Minister of the ACT, covered and explored by Charles either in terms of practical eco­ Rosemary Follett, announced this Throsby in 1821, Captain Mark nomics or day-to-day operations, significant conservation measure Curry and Major Ovens in 1823, but nonetheless large quantities of on 21 July. She needs and de­ Hamilton Hume and Charles sand, gravel and loam have been serves letters of support (to the Hovell who crossed it in 1824, and extracted. For several years the ACT House of Assembly, Civic, Charles Sturt in 1829-30. Its his­ significant Besser Boral Vibrapac ACT 2601). torical associations with the devel­ company sited its brickworks in Ms Follett has called for a opment of Australia's pastoralism, the Murrumbidgee Valley, draw­ review of procedures by which the its irrigation and its national capi­ ing its sand supplies from the ACT Government secures supplies tal are enormously rich. river. In recent years sand has of sand and gravel. T am deter­ Murrumbidgee is an Aboriginal been less important in brick- mined that the ACT will not con­ word meaning 'big water'. The making, although considerable tribute to environmental problems poet Henry Lawson once described quantities have been required for beyond our borders' she said. a New South Wales river as a bedding on Canberra construction chain of dry water holes, and the sites. snow-fed Murrumbidgee is one of Sand has been taken from the Last year two academics the continent's most important from the Australian National river at several points in the ACT. and reliable water sources. The Although plans to take the capi­ University, CLEM LLOYD river encompasses a rich diversity tal's urban development across the and DAVID BENNETT, pre­ of habitats and ecosystems in its Murrumbidgee have been aban­ pared a paper on some of the 1600-kilometre course. This paper doned, at least for the immediate focuses on a relatively small sec­ future, Canberra has encroached legal and administrative as­ tion of the Murrumbidgee from the pects of sandmining in the heavily on the fragile river valley, northern border of the ACT to the creating a series of major environ­ Murrumbidgee River. backwaters of the Burrinjuck mental problems. The threat to Dam. Here, the river forms an arc the Murrumbidgee prompted the The paper was delivered at an as it starts to swing from its north­ now-defunct National Capital ecopolitics conference in New erly course to the west. There is no Development Commission to spon­ Zealand in September and at the common name for this portion of sor a Murrumbidgee River Australian Conservation the river but for convenience here Corridor Policy Plan which was re­ it is referred to as the Cavan Foundation Conference in Sydney leased in May 1988. Reach, after the old parish name. in October 1988. They are presently (Cavan has attracted international A draft management plan for preparing a longer version of the notoriety in recent years as the the corridor concluded that extrac­ study for publication. Here are country seat of the international tion of sand and gravel was incon­ some extracts from the paper. newspaper nabob, Rupert sistent with the management Murdoch). objectives of the corridor as a pro­ mong Australia's principal tected area. Although the plan heritage rivers, the refers specifically to the river cor­ AMurrumbidgee is exceeded ridor in the ACT, the territory's in significance only by the Murray boundaries with New South Wales and the Hawkesbury-Nepean. Canberra has encroached are artificial in geographic and en­ Rising on high plains southwest of heavily on the fragile river vironmental terms; there are no Canberra, it skirts the northern valley, creating a series of pronounced features which differ­ fringes of the Australian alps major environmental entiate the river in the ACT from before making a mighty loop to the the Cavan Reach downstream. The problems. west of the national capital. After strictures made in the draft man­ crossing the fringes of the south­ agement plan apply just as much ern tablelands the river meanders to New South Wales as they do to Despite an abundance of other across the south-western plains for the ACT: sources, the Murrumbidgee's bed several hundred miles before join­ has always been a prime source of Several major sand and gravel ing the Murray. Its economic value sand and gravel. Its banks have operations have taken place is immense as its waters feed the also yielded lesser supplies of sand within the corridor in the past. major reservoirs of Tantangara, Bloweringand loam . The building of These have extracted material (through the Snowy Canberra has intensified in recent from within the river channel and related fluvial deposits. Despite closure of these, reha­ bilitation for virtually all such sites is mostly still below ac­ ceptable standards. This is partly because original licens­ ing arrangements did not place as much emphasis on environ­ mental safeguards as would now be considered appropriate . . . The [ACT Parks and Conservation] Service is op­ posed to any resumption of sand and gravel extraction from within the corridor, especially because of adverse effects on water quality and aquatic eco­ systems downstream. [ACT Administration 1988]. The draft management plan pointed out that turbidity was al­ ready a significant water-quality management problem because of the rapid urbanisation of Canberra and it was undesirable to exacerbate this. Processing plants and heavy vehicle access The Murrumbidgee River near Point Hut. Photo: Hedda Morrison. were a necessary adjunct to sand- several degrees of threat to the en­ the Colo River reached a conclu­ mining on the riverbanks and this vironment. There is the distur­ sion just as applicable to the conflicted with recreational use. bance of the river bed, the removal Murrumbidgee: . . despite its River mining operations occupied of sand bars and, if dredging is ex­ small scale the ... dredging opera­ much space and were noisy. If, for tensive, changes in the river mor­ tion could have a disproportionate­ economic or other reasons, it was phology from a series of pools, ly large impact on the river necessary to resume extraction of shallows and riffle zones into a ecosystem through sedimentation, 'corridor resources', detailed envi­ continuous channel. Studies of sec­ decreased water quality and geo­ ronmental impact assessment tions of the upper Nepean which morphological change' (Colo River would be required. have been mined reveal that such Action Group, 1983). morphological changes severely reduce instream turbulence and Environmental remedies nutrient assimilation capacity. 1 The Council Sand extraction causes (Sydney Water Board, 1988) Australian political parties have increased saline intrusion, Assessment of other sandmining expended much money and effort greater mobility of areas on the Colo and in recent years in trying to attract, Hawkesbury Rivers has suggested and hold, the environmental vote. nutrients, blooms of that sand extraction causes in­ blue-green algae, Federal and state governments creased saline intrusion, greater have sought to temper unbridled increased turbidity, mobility of nutrients, blooms of development with some recogni­ destruction of aquatic blue-green algae, increased turbid­ tion of the need for environmental vegetation that stabilises ity, destruction of aquatic vegeta­ planning. New acts and codes have the banks, removal of tion that stabilises the banks, been drafted and new authorities removal of sediment-dwelling food created. National environmental sediment-dwelling food resources for fish, turtles and plat­ issues have been fought out in the resources for fish, turtles ypus. The Murrumbidgee in the Australian High Court and at and platypus. reaches north of the ACT includes UNESCO headquarters in Paris. a number of threatened species in­ The fact remains that fundamen­ cluding the eel-tail catfish tal environmental issues are large­ (Tandanus tandanus), river black- Closing, down sand mining in ly determined by Australia's 900 fish (Gadopsis marmoratus), trout or so local government authorities the ACT took several years and a cod (Maccullochella macquarien- messy court case. In circumstanc­ where the essential development sis), and Macquarie perch consents are given and regulated. es of relatively high demand con­ (Macquaria australasica), as well siderable benefits were bestowed as platypus {.Ornithorhyncus anat- The Yass Council is typical of on sand miners outside the ACT. inus). A study of sand mining on many non-urban local government Undoubtedly sandmining raises continued next page Mining the Murrumbidgee

continued from previous page requirements for taking water Conclusion authorities, its predominantly from the river and protecting the The major environmental bat­ rural area hinged on a small coun­ foreshores. Despite its responsibil­ tles are of course essential and the try town. It differs from similar ity for state-wide environmental victories worthwhile. Despite some councils mainly in the proximity of planning the DEP showed little spectacular successes it seems the ACT which has brought nu­ disposition to intervene in an im­ very likely that the environmental merous Canberra residents within portant environmental issue at the battle is being lost by the accretion its boundaries. This has created local government level. of hundreds of small planning and some problems for the council be­ developmental decisions taken cause Canberra professional each year at the local government people have shown a greater pro­ level. The struggles of the indefati­ pensity to be concerned about en­ gable individual in the environ vironmental issues and apparent mental interest, such as council tolerance of unregulated Jacqueline Rees' confrontation of development. Although the council the sand miners, seem destined to has been brought under greater futility under existing systems of pressure, its fundamental predis­ environmental and planning law. position towards rural interests and an essentially laissez faire ap­ proach to environmental issues has not been fundamentally Conference on altered. rivers The ACT Government's stance on the Murrumbidgee shows that Canberra professional 3 Federal authorities at least some politicians and policy people have shown a Since Federation the Federal advisers no longer see rivers as greater propensity to be Government has accepted respon­ things to dam, drain or dump rub­ concerned about sibility for the Murray River in bish in. Rivers are now valued for recreation and their ability to sus­ environmental issues and conjunction with the NSW and Victorian Governments and for the tain natural environments. apparent council tolerance Murrumbidgee River within the A conference on the state of of unregulated ACT borders. Despite the Australia's rivers will be held at development. Murrumbidgee's importance to the the Australian National Snowy Scheme and to the rural University on 28 and 29 economy, the Commonwealth has Septemeber. This is the second in 2 State authorities not accepted any general responsi­ a series of conferences on issues in Several state authorities were bility for its protection. The water management at the univer­ involved in ostensibly regulating Taemas-Cavan area adjacent to sity's Centre for Continuing and monitoring sand mining: the the Cavan Reach of the Education. The conference is Soil Conservation Service, the MurTumbidgee, described by geolo­ aimed at water users and the Water Resources Commission gists as one of Australia's finest public. (now the Department of Water geological terrains, has been in­ The conference will examine the Resources), the State Pollution cluded on the register of the history, biology, recreation, river Control Commission (SPCC), the National Estate for its early modification, legal and adminis­ Department of Environment and Devonian limestone deposits. The trative structures, competing de­ Murrumbidgee within the ACT mands for rivers, the impact of Planning (DEP). The Soil borders is registered for a variety Conservation Service prescribed uses, waste disposal, and health of unique features. The long and disease. detailed requirements for action to stretch of the Murrumbidgee be­ regenerate mined sites along the tween Burrinjuck and Tantangara The conference is being organ­ river but these were left to the Dams has also been nominated for ised by the Centre for Continuing council to enforce and the council the register as the habitat of Education, the Centre for did not act. The SPCC, traditional­ highly endangered species of Resource and Environmental ly the most active of the state's en­ Australian native fish. This would Studies at ANU, the Water vironmental protection agencies, include the Cavan Reach. Research Centre at the Canberra was responsive to complaints. Undoubtedly inscription on the College of Advanced Education, Violation of the river banks was register would reinforce the case the CSIRO Division of Water not its direct responsibility and against mining the river although Resources and the ACT Planning SPCC officers were not anxious to the practical effect is uncertain. Authority. For further information in tervene on another's turf. The write to the Centre for Continuing Water Resources Commission was Education, ANU, GPO Box 4, [The paper examines other reme­ Canberra, ACT 2601 or telephone either indifferent or ineffectual in dies, including politicians, the (062) 494580. enforcing its permit and licensing legal system, and the ombudsman]. PARKWATCH

Blue Mountains Cuts to NSW Meeting favours for world parks service Nattai park The National Parks Association of In April the Berrima branch of the heritage? NSW says that recent staff cuts to National Parks Association of Fresh from his work on the world the NSW National Parks and NSW held a meeting in Mittagong heritage proposal for the alps, Wildlife Service could spell the on the proposed Nattai National Geoff Mosley has written a world end of the natural resources divi­ Park. Over 70 people, including heritage submission for the Blue sion of the service. Further cuts to farmers and business people, sup­ Mountains, west of Sydney, for the staff and funding for land acquisi­ ported the idea. The main objec­ Colong Foundation. The Blue tion are being considered. This tion to the proposal appears to be Mountains region includes the would mean no new national the possibility of mining coal in Blue Mountains National Park, parks or nature reserves and no the area. Kanangra-Boyd National Park, additions to existing parks. The The Colong Bulletin, May 1989 Wollemi National Park, Jenolan service might also have to aban­ Caves Reserve and proposed na­ don its conservation work outside tional parks at Nattai and the parks: in endangered species, ap­ Victorian law Gardens of Stone, though it is not plications to clear land in western clear whether all of these are in­ NSW, environment impact state­ prohibits mining cluded in the proposal. ments and regional or local plans. in NPs The submission states that the The association has urged con­ Blue Mountains have: In May the Victorian Parliament cerned people to write to Nick passed the National Parks • the best example in the world of Greiner, Premier of NSW, (Amendment) Bill which amends an upland of sedimentary rocks Parliament House, Sydney, fax the National Parks Act to prohibit deeply dissected by rivers over (02) 2312 1110, telex AA 121269; mining in national parks and wild­ tens of millions of years with a copy to Tim Moore, erness areas. The Bill created five • major weathering forces which Minister for the Environment, fax new parks, extended others and are still at work (02) 233 7195. State your views on made specific provision for the • vegetation which is a classic rep­ staffing cuts in the NSW National identification of wilderness areas. resentation of the xeromorphic Parks and Wildlife Service and on VNPA Newsletter, June 1989 (dry) forms which developed as a the need for funds for land result of Australia's isolation and acquisition. changing environment following National Parks Association of Concern for NSW separation from Gondwana NSW • diverse plant and animal life, in­ Crown lands cluding 157 threatened species The National Parks Associaton of • sandstone soils which are among Mining Mount NSW has expressed concern over the most nutrient deficient in the the NSW Government abandoning world Leseuer the conservation policy of the • scenery which blends eucalypt The mining company, CRA, has Crown Lands Office. In 1977, after forest and dissected plateaux plans to mine Mount Leseuer in the expression of public concern • the best open sclerophyll wilder­ Western Australia, the site of a about the alienation and degrada­ ness in the world. proposed national park. tion of former Crown lands, the Dr Mosley writes that world Mount Leseuer is an area of office adopted a policy to retain im­ heritage listing for the Blue coastal shrub and woodlands north portant areas of land in public Mountains could lead to the NSW or Perth. The vegetation is di­ ownership. This policy has kept and Commonwealth Governments verse, with over 800 plant species, about 1.3 million hectares of land, giving greater priority to conserva­ some of them rare. The botanical mostly timbered and of low agri­ tion of the area, particularly the importance led the Australian cultural value, from sale. urgent need for sewage treatment Academy of Science, in 1962, to recommend the area's protection Following a review, the NSW and diversion in the central Blue Minister for Natural Resources, Mountains. Other threats, such as as a national park. In 1976 the Western Australian Environment Ian Causley, has effectively abol­ the raising of the water level in ished the policy. The association Warragamba Dam, coal mining Protection Authority recommend­ ed the same thing. fears that significant areas of land under parks and tourist resort de­ will now be sold. Much of this land velopment in inappropriate places, However, the state Department is potential parkland which will would be more likely to be decided of Mines obstructed the proposal. cost many millions of dollars for in favour of conservation. CRA has now pegged the likely the state to acquire once it has The Colong Foundation is seek­ coal deposits in the area and now been sold. wants to build a private coal-fired ing money to publish the submis­ National Parks Association of power station. sion, illustrated with colour NSW photographs. Conservation News, ACF, June Colong Bulletin, July 1989 1989 THE ALPS

mass of roads, carparks, a gondola Victorian alpine Victorian resorts and a village. Golf has been identi­ fied as a possible summer use for park bill passed expand the area. The Victorian National The legislation to create a The treasure hunt for the tourist Parks Association is mounting a Victorian alpine park, the dollar continues to threaten na­ major campaign against these National Parks (Alpine National tional parks and natural areas. reckless plans. Park) Bill, was finally passed by Despite the good work on the VNPA Newsletter, June 1989 the Legislative Council of the Alpine National Park the Victorian Parliament on 25 May. Victorian Government is still The Alpine National Park will be trying to flog its mountain resorts. NPAs lobby on in a continuous piece from near Plans for the expansion of Falls Mansfield to the NSW border and Creek, Mount Hotham and world heritage will have a total area of 646,000 Mounts Buller and Stirling were With threats such as those in hectares. The park, which incorpo­ announced in April. These resorts Victoria world heritage nomina­ rates the Wonnangatta-Moroka, are all managed by the Alpine tion for the alps becomes more im­ Bogong, Cobberas-Tingaringy and Resorts Commission which has an portant as a means of establishing Wabonga Plateau parks, has still poor record of environmental the region's importance and ensur­ to be proclaimed. management. ing its conservation. As stated in Unfortunately the park, which If implemented the plans would the President's Foreword, the pres­ has the prime purpose of protect­ put ski runs through the homes of idents of the National Parks ing alpine habitats, flora and mountain pygmy possums at Associations of the ACT, NSW and fauna, has been compromised by Mount Hotham and Mount Victoria, along with the Australian National Party amendments to the McKay; replace parts of the alpine National Parks Council, have writ­ legislation. These will extend ex­ walking track with roads; place ski ten to the Federal Minister for the isting logging licences and allow lifts, facilities, roads and carparks Environment, Senator Graham 'once-only' logging in new areas, at Sun Valley and Mount Loch Richardson, urging him to support and will extend grazing permits inside the new Alpine National world heritage nomination for the for seven years. Graziers will be Park; and push nordic skiers out alps. given special licences to engage in of the resorts and into Swinders The letter is an eloquent testi­ tourist activities (that shows how Creek, a catchment area described monial to the conservation value of economically vital the grazing is!). as 'exposed and remote'. the alps, referring to the support Tour operators will have the right Worst of all, Mount Stirling, an for world heritage nomination to exclude the public from huts in attractive cross-country skiing from Geoff Mosley's published pro­ the park - this gives new meaning area across the saddle from the posal, the 1988 Fenner Conference to the idea of locking up national high-rise development of Mount of the Australian Academy of parks. Buller, will be buried under a Science and other governments. The skiing industry will not be impeded by the creation of the park as the resorts remain under the control of the commercially minded Alpine Resorts Commission. The Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands will prepare management plans for the four parts of the park. Weeds, feral animals and soil ero­ sion will be significant issues for managers. Myles Dunphy proposed a Snowy-Indi national park covering part of the Victorian alps in the 1930s. In 1949 the Victoria was made by the Town and Country Planning Association suggested a park of 500,000 hectares. The Victorian National Parks Association has been working on the idea since 1952. Judging by the compromises in the recent leg­ islation, conservationists still have a long way to go in the battle for the Victorian alps. Near Kiandra in Kosciusko National Park. Photo: Hedda Morrison. NEWS

To follow up this letter, the The first meeting of the adviso­ Victori an Nation al Parks ry committee was held on 25 New reserve Association is seeking community August. support. Write to Senator protects wort Richardson at Parliament House, The NSW Government has estab­ Canberra, expressing your views Steel path lished a nature reserve near on the conservation of the alps of Queanbeyan to protect the button the ACT, NSW and Victoria. completed wrinkle wort, Rutidosis leptorhynchoides Organise others to do the same. National Parks and Wildlife . It is the first reserve set Service workers have completed aside in NSW to protect an endan­ The July environment state­ the elevated steel-mesh walkway gered plant. The daisy grows in ment simply stated that the from the boundary of Thredbo small groups in NSW, the ACT Victorian, ACT and NSW govern­ resort lease to Rawsons Pass and Victoria. One population on ments were investigating the below Mount Kosciusko. The five- Capital Hill was destroyed by the Australian Alps to see whether kilometre path has cost $700,000 construction of the new they meet the strict criteria for and taken five summers to build. Parliament House. world heritage listing. No support or action from the Commonwealth The path has been built to pre­ There are only three popula­ was foreshadowed. vent further erosion on this popu­ tions of the button wrinkle wort in lar track. About 45,000 people NSW. All are near Queanbeyan. walk the route each year, with Two are threatened by suburban New Kosciusko about 1400 people on busy development. In May the NSW summer days. The old track has Minister for Environment, Tim advisory been restored with hay and grass Moore, announced that the third, seeds. containing about 1600 plants, committee The steel mesh allows water would be fenced into the 2.24- The New South Wales Minister for and sunlight to reach the plants hectare Queanbeyan Nature the Environment, Tim Moore, has below which will grow to be level Reserve. appointed a new advisory commit­ with the walkway. The steel was The reserve, mainly red gum tee for Kosciusko National Park. chosen to cope with the falls of woodland, adjoins the old This follows his dissolution of all winter snow. Queanbeyan tip in the suburb of national park advisory committees Kosciusko Thredbo has prom­ Letchworth. The NSW National and state recreation area trusts in ised to extend the walkway to the Parks and Wildlife Service will March (see NPA Bulletin, June top station of the Crackenback seek community cooperation in the 1989). chairlift. management of the reserve. It The new members of the NSW National Parks and could be used by schools for envi­ Kosciusko National Park advisory Wildlife Service ronmental education. committee are: The last ACT population of Christopher Handbury, a Cooma button wrinkle worts is threatened dentist, chair Visitor centre by development. Milo Dunphy, from the Total NSW National Parks and Environment Centre on target Wildlife Service George Freuden, representing the The spacious new visitor centre for NSW Ski Association Namadgi is being built on the Roger Green, representing the Naas Road 2 kilometres south of Australian Conservation Tharwa on target for completion at Book on Foundation the end of this year. Ann Koeman, a Thredbo lodge The centre will feature interpre­ Throsby Park operator tative displays and an inspiration­ The NSW National Parks and George Martin, a Tumbarumba al audio visual. These projects are Wildlife Service and the newspaper editor well into the design stage. The Wingecarribee Shire Council have Donald Maxwell, representing Parks and Conservation Service is published a book on Throsby Park farmers and graziers pleased to have NPA contributing Historic Site and the history of the Bob Ross, representing the to a display on the establishment Throsby family. Dr Charles Wilderness Society of the park. Throsby came to New South Wales Grahame Wells, of the National in 1802, pioneered settlement These initiatives represent a southwest of Sydney and explored Parks Association of NSW. great opportunity to set a stan­ the southern tablelands and the In his letter to appointees Mr dard of care for Namadgi that will Limestone Plains. Moore said, 'Areas of conflict with enable the park to cope well with park neighbours is a matter of spe­ increased numbers of visitors in Throsby Park - An account of cific concern to me and I would the 1990s. the Throsby Family in Australia like the committee to consider at Joss Haiblen 1802-1940 was written by Rachel Roxburgh and costs $14.95. an early stage ways in which any ACT Parks and Conservation existing conflicts can be resolved.' Service ADVENTURE

The Wild Man of Bungonia meets Venus on the Shoalhaven n page 88 of Fitzroy Falls We travelled by mail coach (few and Beyond (reviewed by could afford to own a car) from Nowra O Stephen Johnston on page to Nerriga to make camp 14) there is a brief account of a on a grassy flat just downstream three-week walk of mine in from the Endrick bridge. Tents up, January 1941 from Nerriga to it started to rain and before we Tallong and Joadja to Wentworth hadfinished unpackin g we were Falls. inundated with about 20 centime­ The exploration turned into a tres of water coming from a previ­ real adventure with the breaking ously dry gully, swirling over the of the drought, turning the nor­ flat and through our floorless mally placid rivers into flooding tents. Feverishly, near naked, we torrents. In the war years it was began chasing articles of food and difficult to take your holidays as clothing across the flat to hang and when it suited you best. With them on any convenient branch. a lull in the work between convert­ Rescuing eggs was particularly dif­ ing ships into troop transports I ficult. The rain stopped but the was told, Wou better have some Endrick continued to rise over­ leave, Alder' and so I cast around night and next morning it was ob­ Bearing gifts in an old sugar bag, for some companions to accompa­ vious that our plan to walk the Wild Man of Bungonia, Bill ny me on a walk I had planned for downstream past a gorge was out Wells, dresses up in his Sunday some time. of the question. best - note grimy shirt collar - to So it was not because of any impress the ladies. Plans were changed to walk to charm on my part that the only Photo (1941): Reg Alder. the Shoalhaven junction over the walkers immediately available ridges and by lunchtime we were were two schoolteachers. The news might ask? The original number at clambering down a very steep spread and soon I was to have five Nerriga was four but because of ridge to rejoin the Endrick about a companions, all female. The record illness Joan went home after the kilometre from the junction. To my of 'four women' in Fitzroy Falls first night. She rejoined us later at great surprise the Endrick was and Beyond is slightly incorrect Mittagong, accompanied by Win, clear and placid - had I made a and I think they deserve names: for the second leg of the walk. So mistake? This seemed impossible Doris Young, Edna Stretton, Mary there were three companions in so we settled down to lunch pon­ Stoddart, Joan Athill and Winifred the first week and five on the dering where last night's water Duncombe. Why now five you second and third weeks. had gone. Were we on another river? It was soon answered as suddenly, with a roar, a wave of filthy water about a metre high came down theriver. Last night's flood!

'Feverishly, near naked, we began chasing articles of food and clothing across the flat

Realising our plight, since we were then on the wrong side of the Endrick, we rapidly went down to the junction, as success for the walk depended on being on the western bank of the Shoalhaven. The Shoalhaven had already risen and with the water at about a Lake Louise, or Louise Reach, on the Shoalhaven River in 1939. Floods metre deep we just managed to later destroyed grassy banks and flats. Photo: Reg Alder. <17/)18/19 November-Ski Lodge Weekend 26 November-Sunday Walk (3/A/C) Charlottes Pass Ref: Kosciusko 1:100 000 Stockyard Spur to Mt Gingera Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Leader: Ian Haynes Ph 51 4762 Leader: Len Crossfield Ph 41 2897 Outings program Contact by the 3rd of November to confirm accommodation book­ Meet at the comer of Eucumbene Drive and the Cotter Road at ings. Arrive Friday evening or by 09.00am Saturday. Do your own 8.30 am. A steep (very) dimb up Stockyard Spur (900 metres total) October 1989 to January 1990 thing, join an organised walk, or just relax. Bring sheets pillow slips then along the ridge to Mt Gingera. Magnificent views doud permit­ (or sleeping bags) and food (cook your own). NPA Members only. ting. 100 km drive. 420 km drive. 2 December-Saturday Walk (3/A) 18/19 November Pack Walk (3/F) Rendezvous Creek Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Bundanoon Area Ref: Bundanoon 1:25 000 Leader: Dlanne Thompson Ph 88 6084 H 89 5043 W Leader: Philip Gatenby Ph 54 3094 Meet at Kett St next to the Kambah Village Shops at 8.00 am. A 16 Contact leader by Wednesday for details of this exploratory walk in km walk mostly on tracks, to Nursery Swamp via Rendezvous Morton National Park, near Bundanoon. No tracks, steep climbs Creek. 300 metre climb. 100 km drive. and rock hopping are likely. 300 km drive. 3 December-Sunday Walk (2/A) 19 November-Sunday Walk (1/A) Canberra Skyline Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Mt Ainslle-Duntroon-Mt Pleasant Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Leader: Peter Roe Ph 91 9535 Leader: Gary Schneider Ph 54 9801 Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 09.00 am. A 12 km walk up and Meet at the car park behind the War Memorial at 10.00 am. An over Mt Taylor (200 m) and across to Farrer Ridge. Up to Mt Wan- easy day walk (approx. 5 hours) with excellent views of Canberra niassa Trig then return to the cars by a round trip. and RMC Duntroon. Visiting General Bridges'grave, Chengi Chap­ el, Duntroon Chapel, Duntroon House (outside only), and the Dun­ 10 December-Sunday Christmas Party troon Dairy. Bring your lunch and binoculars. Orroral Valley Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Leader: The President 22 November-Mid week Walk (2/A) Meet at Orrcral Valley picnic grounds at 3.00 pm. For the annual Lyons to Lyneham by Bush Ref: ACT 1:100 000 NPA Christmas get together. Members and friends welcome. Leader: Les Pyke Ph 81 2982 Outings guide Meet at the comer of Archibald and Dryandra Streets, Lyneham at 14 January 1990-Sunday Walk (1/B) Day walks carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. Pack walks two or more days, carry all food and camping re­ 9am (car shuffle). Walk from Oakey Hill (Woden) to Scrivener Dam Corroboree Frog Search Ref: ACT 1:100 000 to Green Hills Pine Forest, Black Mt and Bruce Ridge. quirements. CONTACT LEADER BY Leader: Will Osborne Ph 51 3829 WEDNESDAY. Meet at the comer of Eucumbene Drive and the Cotter Rd at 08.30 Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent. Vehicles 25/26 November-Pack walk (4/A) am. A walk in the Ginini Flats Area in search of the Corroboree taken to site can be used for camping. BOOK Cascades Hut Ref: Thredbo 1:50 000 Frog with the expert. 100 km drive. EARLY WITH LEADER. Leader: John Hutton Ph 58 7334 Other activities include nature rambles, environmental and Contact leader by early for details as there is a limit of 10 on this field guide studies and ski tours. trip. The plan is to follow the Cascades Trail over the Thredbo Riv­ er to Cascades Hut. Then to explore the area arround the hut be­ Walks gradings fore returning via Horse Flat.420 km drive. Points to note Distance grading (per day) 26 November-Sunday Walk (1/A/C) New faces to lead, new places to go. Please help keep our outings 1 - up to 10 km program alive by volunteering to lead a walk occasionally. Tele­ 2-10 km to 15 km Ginini Swamp Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 phone the walks convenor, Steven Forst, on 516817 (h). 3-15 km to 20 km Leader: Lyle Mark Ph 86 2801 All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Association 4 - above 20 km. Beginners/Family walk. Meet at the comer of Eucumbene Drive of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and as such accept and Cotter Rd at 06.30 am. A 6 km walk from Mt Ginini through Ar­ sole responsibility for any injury howsoever incurred and the Na­ Terrain grading boretum No. 26 and across Ginini Flats / Swamp. Lunch at Ginini tional Parks Association of the ACT, its office bearers and appoint­ A - Road, firetrail, track Cascades. 100 m return climb to Mt Ginini summit at a leisurely ed leaders are absolved from any liability in respect of any injury or B - Open forest pace, but is optional. 120 km drive. damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing. C - Light scrub The Committee suggests a donation of FIVE cents per kilomet­ D - Patches of thick scrub, regrowth re (to the nearest dollar) be offered to the driver by each passenger E- Rock scrambling accepting transport. Drive and walk distances quoted in the pro­ F - Exploratory. gram are the approximate distances for return journeys. The walks program contains additional information. If necessary, contact the leader. 1 October-Sunday Walk (1/A/B) 15 October-Sunday History Drive / Walk (1/A) 4/5 November Pack walk (1/A) Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 History Tour - Various Sites Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Qullty's Mountain Ref: CMW Budawangs Leader: Lyle Mark Ph 86 2801 Leader: Doreen Wilson Ph 88 5215 Leader: Fiona Brand Ph 47 9538 Meet at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Information Centre at 10.00 Meet at Chisholm Shopping Centre at 9.00 am for a tour of the axe Contact leader by Wednesday for details. A walk along the Endrick am. A 6 km walk at a leisurely pace across the eastern slopes and gnnding grooves, canoe tree, rock shelter and Farrer's grave. Bring River to camp at the foot of Quilty's Mountain. Beautiful scenery meadows of the reserve. An excellant walk for the beginner and lunch. 40 km drive. and wildflowers. Only 10 km per day on tracks. 300 km drive. the whole family. There is an optional climb to a lookout peak for the more ad venturous. 60 km drive. 21/22 October-Car Camp 4 November Saturday Walk (1/A) Weddln Mis - Grenfell Ref: Grenfell 1:100 000 Black Mtn Nature Ramble Ref: Canberra Street Map 4 October-Wednesday Mid week Walk (1/A) Leader: Reg Alder Ph 54 2240 Leader: George Chippendale Ph 81 2454 Mt Arawang Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Contact leader early for details. Camping and walks in the area to Meet at the Belconnen Way entrance to Black Mountain Reserve Leader: Margaret Aston Ph 88 7563 see flowers and birds. An easy drive of 420 km. at 09.30 am. A morning ramble to see the birds and flowers. Suita­ Meet at the top end of Kathner Street Chapman at 09.30 am. A ble for those aged 4 to 80. Bring your morning tea, your camera, or very easy 4 km morning walk around Mt Arawang part of Canberra 21 October-Saturday Walk (3/A/B) binoculars. Finishes at midday. Nature Park. Bring binoculars to look for birds and the views of Naas River Historic Sites Ref: Colinton 1:25 000 Canberra. Joint KHA / NPA walk Michelago 1:25 000 5 November Sunday Walk (1/D) Leader: Maurice Sexton Ph 88 3699 Glnlnl Falls Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 7 October Saturday Walk (1/B) Steven Forst Ph 51 6817 H 74 8426 W Leader: Lyle Mark Ph 86 2801 Murrumbidgee River Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Meet at Tharwa Village Shop at 8.30 am. A joint kHA / NPA Not for beginners. Meet at the corner of Eucumbene Drive and the Leader: Margaret Aston Ph 88 7563 walk in the Naas River area to visit historic sites. Cotter Rd at 07.00 am. A 8 km walk from Mt Franklin to the falls Meet at the comer of Eucumbene Drive and the Cotter Rd at 09.30 Further details available closer lo the date of the walk. and return A demanding 550m climb. Worth it for experienced am. An easy 6 km walk through lightly timbered private property 80 km drive. walkers who wish to see this 180m set of falls and cascades. 120 following Bulgar Creek. Lunch at the Murrumbidgee River. Lots of km drive. horses and maybe a wallaby or two. Suitable for beginners and 22 October-Sunday Walk (3/D) families. 16 km drive. Mt Gibraltar Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 8 November-Wednesday Mid week Walk (1/A) Leader: John Hutton Ph 58 7334 Isaacs Ridge Ref: ACT 1:100 000 8 October-Sunday Walk (2/A/C} Meet at the Visitors Centre Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve at 09.00 am. Leader: Margaret Aston Ph 88 7563 Tidbinbilla Peak- the Pimple Ref: Tidbinbilla 1: 25 000 A climb to the Pyramid and then onto Mt Gibraltar with spectacular Meet at the top end of Cabarita Street O'Malley at 09.30 am. A 4 Leader: Len Crossfleld Ph 41 2897 views over Tidbinblla Nature Reserve. A steep climb of 200 metres km walk easy morning walk up Isaac's Ridge. Meet at the comer of Eucumbene Drive and the Cotter Rd at is involved. 8.30am. A 14 km walk with a steep climb (total 700m) to the peak, 11/12 November Car Camp then some rock scrambling along the ridge to the pimple. Returning 28/29 October-Car Camp Berrima - Box Vale Track Ref: Burragorang 1:100 000 via Camel's Back. Splendid views.60 km drive. Jervis Bay Ref: Jervis Bay 1:100 000 Leader: Peter Roe Ph 91 9535 Leader: Neville Esau Ph 86 4176 Contact leader by Wednesday for idyllic car camp. Arrive by lunch 12 October-Thursday Sub-committee Meeting Tim Walsh Ph 95 7052 time Saturday and spend the afternoon walking arround the out­ Walks Program for January to March 1990 Contact leader by the 14th of October to allow confirmation of skirts of Berrima. Sunday an historic walk along the Box Vale Leader: Steven Forst Ph 51 6817 H 74 8426 W camp site/accommodation requirements. A weekend trip to Jervis Track, possibly continuing along the Nattai River to Mittagong for This Meeting is to be held at Steven Forst's place, 46 Wybalena Bay partly to enjoy the delights of the nature reserve its beaches the more adventurous. Grove Cook, from 7.30 pm. The contents of the next outings pro­ and headlands And partly to inspect with officers of the Parks and gram will be discussed, along with any other business. All Conservation Service some of the areas likely to suffer from the 12 November-Sunday Walk (4/D) welcome. proposed Naval development in and around the bay. Numbers lim­ Base of Kelly Peak Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 ited. 400 km drive. Leader: Frank Clements Ph 31 7005 14/15 October-Pack walk (4/D) Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 8.00 am for a walk to the saddle Namadgi Peak Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 28/29 October-Canoe trip below Kelly Peak (705455). Sleep climbs and some rough bush. Leader: Frank Clements Ph 31 7005 Shoalhaven River Ref: Braidwood 1:100 000 Distance 22 km. 100 km drive. Contact leader by Wednesday for details. Leader: Chris Bellamy Ph 49 7167 Camping high up on Middle Creek. 100 km drive. Contact leader by Monday 23rd for details. This is trip is based on the postponed trip for the long weekend in the last program. A ca­ noe trip from Warn Bridge, near Braidwood to Oallen Ford, subject to water levels. BYO canoe or rent one River grades 1 and 2 with car based camping overnight. Suitable for beginners. 150 km drive. We carried on to Bungonia Gorge to find it also in flood with about 60 centimetres of water in the normally dry gorge. On the way out along the Shoalhaven we passed the long stretch of water, unbroken by rapids, now known as Louise Reach. In January 1939 on my first visit to the Shoalhaven, I remarked that this particular stretch of water looked like Lake Louise in Canada. I had been con­ ditioned by the Canadian Pacific Railway travel poster of the pine- tree-lined lake. The long line of casuarinas on the banks created the illusion. The name stuck, changed a little by the Central Mapping Authority in giving it a more appropriate designation for a stretch of a river. The origin could Portaging Watto - weight 90 kilograms - four kilometres down to Louise probably be added to the diction­ Reach on the Shoalhaven River in 1942. Three trips up and down 600 ary of place names (page 118) in metres were needed to carry all the gear. Photo Reg Alder. Fitzroy Falls and Beyond. The rain continued for the remainder of the wade across the head of a rapid. ing to my companions and propped time until we reached Tallong. Rain came again and with it the the doors. Next morning he came Shoalhaven continued to rise. We back, all cleaned up, a clean hat, a On the second leg the camped high on a sandy bank and near white shirt and a vest, albeit Wollondilly was in flood with diffi­ noting the potential of the river to somewhat food-stained. The prin­ cult, wide rapid crossings. Later, flood over it, I spent an uneasy cipal culinary delight that he going up Murruin Creek, we came night observing whether a white brought us was a brown chunk of across a deserted farm which had rock on the other bank was being paste which he said was his soup peaches for picking and a weed covered. stock — made by boiling down a known as fat hen growing around It was obvious that our plan to sheep in a kerosene tin. It was ac­ the house. Win said it was as good walk and swim down the cepted with apparent gratitude as spinach. Since we had now been Shoalhaven was out and the flood but soon consigned to a convenient on spartan foods for a week and a showed no signs of abatement. So I bush as his standard of hygiene half, we made a good meal of the decided to climb out since we had seemed low. fat hen with our dried peas, potato the Block Up to negotiate and and bully beef. This was followed up with peaches. The next day all none of us knew what other haz­ The flood showed no signs ards there might be in between. of us, except Win, were incapaci­ The only map we had was the of abatement... The only tated with griping pains. After a southeast tourist map of which a map we had was the south­ short distance we called it a day. section is reproduced. We had east tourist map.' Bodies lay where they fell. Win little to go on. said it could not have been the fat hen, it must have been the peach­ The northern ridge at a large es — we all had weak stomachs. We creek junction had a faint track recovered overnight and went on and after reaching the plateau on to find the Kowmung River pris­ a wider path we met a lone horse­ tine with fine weather and good man - our 'wild man of Bungonia'. walking and camping for the re­ He was dishevelled and dirty and mainder of the three-week walk to created some misgivings in my Wentworth Falls. mind as he led us to shelter, espe­ cially as he seemed to have taken Reg Alder a liking to one of the girls and called her 'a pocket Venus'. He left For further reading on the eccen­ us and we settled down to sleep on tricities of Bill Wells see The Man the floor to the sound of rain on from the Misty Mountains - J.H. the iron roof. His appearance and Sturgiss, The Budawang manner was such that with my Committee, 1986, pages 137 to 140. imagination of all manner of even­ tualities, I half expected him to come back after dark. I said noth­ BOOKS

Beyond Pigeon House and Beyond That remarkable group, the only be tested when you follow pieces that advance your knowl­ Budawang Committee, has done it them, Hallyar's notes appear very edge a long way and to which you again. detailed and are complemented by refer years later. I had never rec­ Following the great success of clear maps which would be an ognised that a complexity of vege­ their book Pigeon House and ideal companion to the Central tation patterns needs a complexity Beyond, the committee has pro­ Mapping Authority 1:25,000 topo­ of fire strategies but then my ig­ duced a companion volume, graphic maps. norance was, and unfortunately Fitzroy Falls and Beyond, covering still is, shared by many who the northern half of Morton should know better. National Park, to mark the park's If every large national park Good's chapter in Fitzroy Falls 50th anniversary. The committee in Australia had such a and Beyond is just as significant has maintained the same success­ and I have referred to it a number ful formula and appearance: a col­ comprehensive guide book of times when talking to people lection of contributions by experts I am sure the conservation who trot out one of Australia's in their field who have long associ­ cause would be advanced great environmental half truths, ations with the Shoalhaven area, that 'fire is good for the bush'. complemented by numerous colour considerably. and black and white photographs Good provides a concise descrip­ and well-drafted small-scale maps. tion of his computer-based re­ Terry Barratt, Nowra district source model, Preplan, and a Interestingly, as with the previ­ superintendent of the New South telling critique of the consequenc­ ous volume, the section on natural Wales National Parks and Wildlife es of adhering to a one- history is left till last, preceded by Service, has made some valuable dimensional fire-management chapters on the influence of points in his chapter on park man­ strategy based entirely on 'hazard people, recreation and the agement. An excerpt is worth reduction burning*. He says some National Parks and Wildlife quoting because the general success was achieved by regular Service. It seems to me the natural themes have relevance to all na­ burning of the plateau, ridge fo­ attributes of any area should tional parks: rests and woodlands in Morton always be examined first, before Changing traditional patterns of National Park 'to the extent that one considers human influence. use and ways of viewing prob­ some of the dry, exposed plateau Yet it's a minor criticism. Fitzroy lems is possibly the most diffi­ woodlands were left with little or Falls and Beyond provides a cult task, and this applies no understorey or ground-storey wealth of information which is equally to the bushwalker, the species'. worth reading from cover to cover off-road-vehicle recreationist or It is fitting to conclude by quot­ and can then be referred to many the casual day visitor. For ex­ ing from the book's preface by times in the future. ample the Budawangs present a Mark Morton, son of M.E. Morton If every large national park in number of intractable problems MLA, after whom the park was Australia had such a comprehen­ flowing from their popularity named: 'Fifty years have passed sive guide book I am sure the con­ with bushwalkers and an inheri­ since the concept of the primitive servation cause would be advanced tance of fire trails of dubious reserve was implemented. Much considerably. Too often however value. The difficulties here can management knowledge and ex­ we get glossy coffee table books be used as a positive lesson for pertise have been developed since, that are pretty to look at but have the future of Ettrema. For ex­ particularly with the creation and only the most superficial descrip­ ample, the scenic attractions of subsequent growth of the National tions of the parks' features. the Budawangs have been Parks and Wildlife Service, under Furthermore they make little or added to by the production of whose care the area has been no reference to the history behind specialist bushwalking maps placed. It is to be hoped that the the parks' dedication - the battles, and many other publications on publication of this book will assist the delays, the castigation of park the subject. The tendency to em­ in its own small way the better proponents and, even after gazet­ ulate this tradition should be management, better understand­ tal, the attempts to excise areas avoided as far as Ettrema is con­ ing and better appreciation of a for mining, logging and dams. All cerned. Also, unlike the unique and beautiful part of our these facets of Morton's history are Budawangs, action to close un­ country'. well covered in Fitzroy Falls and necessary trails in the Ettrema Stephen Johnston Beyond . area should not be delayed. After reading Tom Hallyar's Stephen Johnston is a journalist at chapter on bush walking in the When I reviewed Pigeon House the University of Melbourne. area I was tempted to immediately and Beyond for the NPA Bulletin I apply for six months leave of ab­ made special comment on the sence and head north. Although chapter by Roger Good on fire the adequacy of walk notes can management. It was one of those AND OTHER PAPER PRODUCTS

European times, settlement, the of Australia. Volume 1A, General New book on search for gold and more recent Articles, is a selection of back­ times, following family stories ground essays which serve as a whales through the years. The book costs companion for the other volumes. The Australian National Parks $19.95. Volume IB, Mammalia, covers the and Wildlife Service has published families of native and introduced the first field guide to cetaceans in mammals. Australian waters, a 48-page book Database of The casebound books are availa­ called Whales and Whale ble from AGPS bookshops or Watching in Australia. It has been threatened AGPS mail order, GPO Box 84, produced for the growing number Canberra 2601. Volume 1A is of people who watch whales and mammals $44.95, volume IB is $79.95. dolphins from headlands, boats The Hawthorn Institute of and aeroplanes. Education in Melbourne has pre­ The book has beautiful colour il­ pared an educational database of The world's lustrations by Tony Pyrzakowski 1179 threatened mammals for of 23 species of whales and dol­ school students and conservation­ greatest phins and a distribution map for ists. The database, prepared by Dr each species. Biology, history and Colin Macpherson, is linked to il­ environment conservation information is given lustrations and information in a and good spots to watch for whales reference book, Rare Mammals of statement are listed. the World, by John Burton and For those who missed it, the A set of guidelines on protecting Bruce Pearson. The database oper­ world's greatest environment whales from disturbance by boats ates on Apple He and IBM- statement, delivered by the Prime or aircraft is included. compatible microcomputers. The Minister, Mr Hawke, at The book is available from the package, which costs $80, includes Wentworth in July, contained a Australian National Parks and a teacher and user guide which de­ number of references to national Wildlife Service, GPO Box 636, scribes activities in many fields. parks and closely related matters. Canberra ACT 2601, for $9.95, in­ For further information tele­ Apart from platitudes and descrip­ cluding postage. Telephone (062) phone Ms Kar-Tin Lee on (03) 810 tion, this contained a number of 466211. 3349. Order from Ms Anne De significant commitments: Ravin, Hawthorn Institute of • Through co-operation with Education, Private Bag 12, the states, the government will High country Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, indicat­ continue to work towards a nation­ ing the type of computer. al strategy to ensure all ecosys­ women tems are represented in a reserve Two sisters, Gladys Weston, 92, network' (page 21). and Emily McGufficke, 89, have The complete • An additional $1.3 million in told the stories of their lives in the 1989-90 and $1.35 for 1990-91 for mountains in a book published in Australian fauna the Western Tasmania Wilderness Queanbeyan recently. The book in­ For those who like the fullest and National Parks. cludes poems, drawings and photo­ latest knowledge of Australian an­ • $750,000 for research into the graphs of huts and the landscape. imals, the definitive reference crown-of-thorns starfish in the The book is called If that man work is gradually becoming Great Barrier Reef. comes here, I'll shoot him - available. • Discussions with state govern­ Reminiscences of High Country The Australian Biological ments on world heritage nomina­ Women, as told to Rosemary Resources Study is a project which tions for Shark Bay in Western Curry. It is available for $4 from aims to provide an encyclopaedic Australia and the Nullarbor Plain Rosemary Curry, George Forbes reference to all known terrestrial in Western Australia and South House, Collett Street, Queanbeyan and aquatic animals in Australia. Australia. 2620, or from the Canberra and The work is being prepared from • Funding for the national wild­ District Historical Society. research by scientists and from erness inventory 'will be increased the CSIRO, universities and mu­ to allow rapid completion of all seums around Australia. In ten areas of Australia' (page 23-24). History of volumes the Fauna of Australia The inventory has been completed will describe the biology, taxono­ in Tasmania and Victoria and is Braidwood my, evolution and history of dis­ under way in north Queensland After nine years' research a former covery and economic significance and South Australia. teacher of economics and com­ of Australian animals. Illustrated The full statement is contained merce, Netta Ellis, has written keys to the family level are in a 62-page booklet entitled Our and published a history of included. Country Our Future, available Braidwood and surrounding areas The Australian Government from the Department of Prime called Braidwood, Dear Publishing Service has produced Minister and Cabinet, Barton ACT Braidwood. The book covers pre- the first two volumes of the Fauna 2601. PLANS

SJctlcA Plan oS cJzznes J?j»&yj>Jui7i?j> J?u£ Site

oJhj£AaZ£.

James Brayshaws Hut site, Namadgi National Park Position: Map reference: Yaouk 1:25000 FA 791299. Measured from a wooden post labelled G544 on a sharp angle of the Old Boboyan Road, the edges of the site bear 234°M and 235C'M and the distance is approximately 500 metres. Description: The hut foundations measure 9.76 by 3.66 metres. The small cutting on the southern side is ap­ proximately 0.6 metres deep. The original positions of the scattered stones shown could not be determined. The post hole shown is the only one that could be positively identified: there may be others on the site. The timber shown is in a rotting condition and comprises bush construction poles three metres in length. Two cut holes were found in the northern arm of the creek, approximately 12 metres from the southwest corner of the hut on bearings of293°M and 330°M.

Boboyan (also known as Tin Dish) SJc&tch JyUixz jBoboz/aJiScJtool Site School site located near theBoboyan Road, Namadgi

National Park V-• ... •. Position: Map reference: Shannons Flat 1:25000 FA 792278. The site is located in re­ growth and bears 052°M from the chimney of Brayshaws Hut. It is approximately 100 */teJr metres from the road along a bearing of 260°M. Description: On the eastern side two posts stand beside a pile of blue granite cut stones. An edge of laid stone is visible at the western $ side. Two set stones and a post hole are visible on the northern side and two post holes and three set stones on the southern side. Information and sketch plans by K O Johnson and A Fenton based on observations made during a heritage walk on 23 April 1989 to /act conducted by the National Parks Association of the ACT. THE TRACK

The Yerrabi Track working party, from left, Alastair Morrison, Barbara Bell, Brian Hammond, Glyn Lewis, Carolyn Armstrong, Peter Dunstan, Dave Rush (seated), Syd Comfort, Charles Hill, Bob Watchorn, Craig Richardson. Reg Alder took the photographs. Detour on the Yerrabi Track A group of NPA members re­ very pleasant and happy occasion. history notes to supplement the cently helped a team from the Apart from the bogginess now brochure have been prepared by ACT Parks and Conservation remedied the track remains in several Association members. Service construct a detour on the good shape. There has been no Alastair Morrison Yerrabi Track. Heavy rains had vandalism and all the information waterlogged the grassy flat on the signposts remain intact. The track A four-year-old veteran of the track eastern side running down to is attracting considerable numbers inspects the wombat home. Little Dry Creek. The original of visitors track went through the grassy flat including and a detour to avoid the boggier school and places was needed. Boy Scout This was undertaken on 24 May groups on by a group of five service staff, led environme by Rob Watchorn, and supported nt aware­ by seven Association members. ness The new section of track now di­ walks. The verges to the north. Two short Parks and boggy stretches are crossed by 26 Conservati log steps and a small bridge. The on Service walking surface of the logs was has issued covered with wire mesh to prevent a new bro­ slipping. The log bridge over Little chure for Dry Creek has also been improved the use of by the addition of a further timber the public. member. The task was blessed Detailed with beautiful weather and was a natural TRIPS

she was feeding it her hand - it took a couple of bites at her fingers Two views of Bournda and was reluctant to let go of this ournda State Recreation boat club on the northern shore of tasty dish! I patched Doreen up Area has been a regular Lake Wallagoot intending to walk with bandaids and sympathy and B venue for NPA June long part, if not all, of the coastal track. hoped her anti-tetanus jabs were weekends for a number of years. It A strong wind shipped across the up-to-date. is a beautiful camping spot beside lake and the rain seemed to be Lake Wallagoot, southeast of closing in again. This put a few off Bega. The other attractions of the the walk and a smaller group set On Monday we were area, in addition to the lake, are a off. rewarded with one of those long surf beach; a smaller, After an hour or so it did swampy lake behind the dunes become rather unpleasant walking balmy, bright, sparkling (good for birding); also a walking in these windy wet conditions. We days that are like a track around an interesting stopped to consider whether to sapphire gem set in the lagoon; and an 11-kilometre coast­ turn back. Eventually the majority dull pewter collar of al walking track to Tathra. were for continuing the walk while overcast and rainwashed Usually, Ian and Jean Currie Syd and Graham kindly offered to weather. have been the hosts but as Ian was return to the cars and drive recuperating from an operation, around to Tathra to meet us. Syd and Barbara Comfort kindly The rain began to ease as we hosted the weekend. plodded on across headlands, On Monday we were rewarded down into gullies, out onto rocks with one of those balmy, bright, When John and I left Canberra sparkling days that are like a sap­ on the Saturday morning to drive and across small beaches. One of these beaches consisted of huge phire gem set in the dull pewter to Bournda it had been raining collar of overcast and rainwashed hard all night. The temperature weathered pebbles and was aptly named Boulder Beach. We were weather. The day shone and daz­ was 4 degrees and there was a zled with vibrant colour. cover of snow on the Tidbinbilla now really enjoying the experience Range and the Tinderries. It was of seeing the ocean and coast in a In the morning John and I very cold. We were relieved to wilder mood. walked south to Bournda Lagoon. find it was warmer at the coast. At the end of our walk, loud It was interesting to see this in a cackling laughter heralded our different phase — the first time we Reg was graciously waiting to had seen the lagoon some years receive the Saturday morning con­ emergence from the bush — the laughter came from a group of ago it had been dark and still, the tingent. That afternoon he led a melaleuca trees mirrored perfectly few of us on a stroll north along men who stood drinking outside the local amateur fishermen's in its black surface. Another year the beach to the lake entrance. and at another season I had seen Following the recent high rainfalls club. We had a sneaking suspicion it might be us - a band of bedrag­ the lagoon shallow and clear with at the coast, the lake was open to golden, sandy banks visible be­ the sea with a deep, strongly flow­ gled, muddy walkers - that caused their mirth. neath the sun dappled water. Now ing channel. We wandered along with a strong tidal influence, it its edge looking for a possible Syd and Graham were at the was different again. The first part crossing. As the channel flowed carpark waiting and suggested a was mud flats but further up into the lake it spread out wider Devonshire Tea. What a wonderful where the tide was slight the dark and shallower. Reg exclaimed that idea! They even had a venue in reflections prevailed. his feet were breaking a crusty mind — a little converted church surface on the seabed and sinking called The Parish Pantry. I'm not Water birds were fewer than on into a quicksand beneath. He per­ too sure how the proprietors previous occasions but we did see severed until the water tickled his viewed the arrival of our dirty, a bright, flitting azure kingfisher. thighs (most of us would have damp party but took it in their We knew the suspension bridge been in up to our waists by then) stride - after all, business is busi­ was down but were curious to see but as it was still getting deeper ness. When they did run out of what had happened to it, so kept he had to give up. scones they supplemented the fare on walking along the little track beside the lagoon. The fragile foot­ Back at camp a pleasant and with homemade banana cake. We really appreciated sitting cosily in bridge lay broken and twisted, half peaceful evening was enjoyed buried in the muddy creek bed around the camp fire. During the the warm and tucking into scones, cake, tea or coffee. with much debris caught in it. A night it rained heavily. Most of us large tree had fallen onto the se­ were snug and dry but Olive was curing lines at one end of the less fortunate having trouble with ur camp fire gathering that bridge and pulled the concrete a leaking tent! night was less peaceful than base right out of the soft earth. On Sunday morning the weath­ Othe previous evening as The whole bridge must have then er was still tending to heavy show­ Doreen decided to hand-feed a sagged and flood waters done the ers. As the lake entrance was not friendly little possum. The possum rest of the damage. I wonder if it negotiable we drove around to the took it all too literally and thought TRIPS

will be replaced — this is the third met by the rushing waters from left Games Bay to plod up well time it has been washed away. Bournda Lagoon, aptly named The made log steps and along the John and I lingered at Bournda Jewel in the Crown of the area. headland, often through dense until about 3pm and although we Our intrepid leader braved the thickets of shrubs and trees. Each travelled unhurriedly to Cooma, narrowest point until depth and time a creek flowed into the sea with a stop at the cake shop at currents drove him back. While he on our right we had to drop, drop, Bemboka, we were unable to avoid tried again further into the lagoon drop to areas such as Boulder Bay getting caught up with all the traf­ we studied the map, knowing that and Wild Horse Bay. Exceptional fic returning from the official open­ the suspension bridge inland was rain had caused the creek cross­ ing of the ski season. washed away, thus leaving only ings entering the sea to have wid­ Nevertheless, a June long week­ one alternative, a long climb and ened, which added to the end at Bournda had once again bash through the dense melaleuca challenge of the track. proved to be a happy and refresh­ scrub to get around the lagoon and Eventually we glimpsed Tathra ing experience. rejoin the beach. Eventually there ahead and the track finally made Judith Webster was nothing else to be done: off a very long descent to Kianinny with boots, socks, slacks while Syd Bay, emerging near the local ama­ aturday morning two vehicle kindly returned to the depths to teur fishermen's club. loads were off to Merimbula, lead us across a reasonable area, Olive Buckman S wondering at the large gath­ quite wide and up to our hips. We ering of locals in the main street. three females used a log Was it part of the nearby forestry held horizontally be­ group's conservation rally? No! We tween us — a far better had clashed with the annual idea than a stick which, Merimbula Jazz Festival and after when used vertically, a short wait we heard The Saints gets swept by the cur­ Come Marching In, well and truly rent. We then split led by children with their own again, some to plod along small editions of washboards, et Bournda beach, barefoot­ cetera. ed and slackless, trying to dry out while most left the beach for the long winding road inland. A shoal of about 10 to 12 dolphins very close to shore n Sunday nine giving us a wonderful hardy souls at­ display. Otempted the Kangarutha track. During the first part, Leaving the excitement we over an open headland, drove to Tura Head, noting a vast the rain came down in nearby subdivision for a country buckets and at an early estate, which brought various re­ lunch near Games Bay, actions from our group. After Syd kindly offered to lunch five of us walked the length return and bring his ve­ of the headland and, finding no hicle to Tathra should way down the rocks, returned to any decide to continue. cross a recently cleared area and At one point most had eventually drop to Tura beach. voted to return when a The weather was delightful as we shaft of sunlight came plodded the length, noting the tre­ through and suddenly mendous erosion of the cliffs minds (male and female) caused by recent exceptionally were changed. Graham heavy rains, we presumed. Huge also offered to return to areas were washed away in gul­ enable us to have enough lies, bringing down white sand and vehicles waiting at water to lie in small lakes between Tathra, leaving seven of the cliffs and the high water mark. us plodding on. Eventually Bournda Island was The track is well made reached and what a bonus! A shoal and delightful and would of about 10 to 12 dolphins very BOURXDA STATE be sheer heaven to walk RECREATION AREA close to shore giving us a wonder­ on a lovely sunny day. Scoi* l ' Hr-__| ful display. Even as it was the rain N.pfc.WalVj- Jut^e. Rounding the headland we were eased considerably as we TRIPS

natter among homely clutter. The Weddin Mountains rise A miserable refuge more than 790 metres and the park is an important national asset because it conserves plants for Ben Hall and animals once common on the ou reach Ben Hall's cave at them. cleared plains. Its strange name is the halfway point of a semi­ A teenage desperado, Johnnie derived from an Aboriginal work Y circular track. The path Bow, who rode with Ben Hall, once meaning to stop or remain. The climbing up to it is rocky and worked on a nearby property, now Wiradhuri people lived in this dusty and the bolthole itself is not state forest, and is said to have area but today there is little evi­ visible until you are within about had a hideout cave by what today dence of their 40,000 years of 50 metres of it. is called Bows Gully. A Jack Bow, occupation. presumably Johnnie, faced the This refuge of a luckless bush­ A second national park can be ranger, betrayed to meet a bullet- hangman's rope for his part in the £14,000 Eugowra Rocks coach rob­ visited while you are in this dis­ ridden death at the age of 27, is lo­ trict. The Conimbla National Park cated in what today is the Weddin bery, but the sentence was com­ muted to life in gaol. is further east - in hills about 18 Mountain National Park about 18 kilometres outside Cowra which kilometres southwest of Grenfell Apart from these historical curi­ itself is about 55 kilometres from in the central west of NSW. osities Weddin Mountain National Grenfell on the Mid Western (The shade of an embittered Ben Park has attractions of a natural Highway. Hall, who nevertheless demanded kind. A walking track takes you The Wallaby and Ironbark walk­ the gold of others with humour through black pine, ironbark and ing tracks, which link to take you and courtesy, might be amused to acacia stands to lookouts which on a 90-minute stroll to dangerous know that today this region of present lingering views of faraway cliffs overlooking the spectacular 19th century hold-ups is yielding hills and spreading plains dotted Cherry Creek ravine, are a lure to more riches than Hall could have with silver dams and brown and visit Conimbla. The trees below imagined, through its Golden West green fields. and opposite are a watercolourists' tourist promotion designed to re­ A group of Sydney birdwatchers mix of greens while stark red lines lieve the law-abiding car-borne of hunting treecreepers, honeyeaters on the cliff face are layers of sedi­ plastic dollars). and lorikeets with cameras and bi­ mentary rock. A National Parks and Wildlife noculars, was anxious to know if I It pays to study the directions in Service handout says that 'It is had spotted any peregrine falcons National Parks and Wildlife widely believed that Ben Hall used at Euraldrie Lookout high above Service leaflets about Conimbla the cave for shelter and to hide his the carpark. The answer had to be and to take road maps with you belongings while also being able to 'No', although apparently the birds because route and track signs are watch anyone approaching from drift in currents above Euraldrie, poor or non-existent - vandals long distances.' while another vantage point is have been active by the look of it. called Peregrine Lookout. The cave has a wide opening Conimbla covers 7,600 hectares and provides shelter from rain, of open forests and dry heaths. It sun and wind. But the roof de­ provides what is called a 'sample scends alarmingly after the first Ben must have possessed of the unique flora and fauna of few metres and you can only the Hervey Range-Warrumba crawl. It looks a miserable place in exceptional eyesight or bush sense to be alert to the Mountain systems of the Central which to have to spend more than West'. Many species of shrub birds a few minutes of your time. searching traps. and parrots are said to inhabit The hills and gullies about here Conimbla but in the four hours I are thickly forested, the plains are spent there scarcely a twitter was some distance away. Ben must eddin Mountain National to be heard. have possessed exceptional eye­ Park is within easy driv­ sight or bush sense to be alert to W ing distance of Canberra. Graeme Barrow the searching traps. Perhaps he Take a route through Yass, Young used the whole of this hilly area as and Grenfell - a distance of about a vantage point. 210 kilometres. Grenfell has tidy The Weddin Mountain National town status, but is more notable Park has other reminders of vil­ for being the birthplace of Henry lainy. Some timbers and remnant Lawson; an obelisk marks the site mud walls of Jack Tarr's Inn, used of his tent home. It also has an ex­ by the bandits for supplies and as traordinary general store, a throw­ a place to shed their horses, are back to the pre-supermarket near the track to Ben's cave al­ fifties, in which on a Saturday though my recent brief visit did morning townspeople gather to not allow me time to search for lean on the broad counter and Canoeing the Mongarlowe Coastal threats - 1 down, 40 to go here is the Mongarlowe the falls in the section near In 1988 the Bega Valley Shire you say? Well, the Woodleigh are worth a look from Council, in spite of large protests, W Mongarlowe commences the road. It is the first track to the decided to introduce a new 7(L) its 60-kilometre trip just west of right after driving across the tourist zone which would have al­ Araluen and crosses over the bridge over the Mongarlowe, head­ lowed 11,000 hectares of relatively Kings Highway six kilometres ing coastwards. A good starting unspoilt rural land from Bermagui inland from the Clyde Mountain. point 14 kilometres upstream of to Tathra to be subdivided into From thence it gathers speed and Mongarlowe village is from the two-hectare lots. The present much more water heading north Braidwood side of the Kings zoning restricts subdivision to 40 for the village of Mongarlowe after Highway bridge, although a little hectares or more. crossing over Clyde Road. bush bashing in your canoe will be In one of the NSW Mongarlowe village still basks necessary in the first two kilome­ Government's first actions to re­ from the glories of the gold rush tres. The next access point is the strain development, the Premier, days. Probably the biggest thing in ford five kilometres upstream from Nick Greiner, vetoed the zoning. town these days is the the village where the river crosses However, one of the 40 or so Mongarlowe River which last the Clyde Road. Near the ford a other tourist developments pro­ autumn was lapping the underside track leads to a good bush- posed for the NSW coast threatens of the village bridge. From thence camping site. land near Narooma. Eurobodalla until rolling into Charleyong some With a very wet autumn this Shire Council is considering a pro­ 36 kilometres downstream, the year the river was flowing fast in posal to rezone a 25-hectare beach­ river is not very accessible by all sections. The large rock pools front property south of Narooma to road, except perhaps for Half were linked by some very enjoya­ allow the construction of a resort Moon Flat. Charleyong nestles at ble grade-2 rapids. Through much and convention centre. The proper­ the junction of the Shoalhaven and of this section were lovely green, ty borders picturesque Lake Mongarlowe Rivers. forest-clad small gorges. We also Bullengella which contains impor­ So that's where the Mongarlowe encountered quite a few platypus tant Aboriginal sites. The is, but why canoe it? Whilst be­ obviously unused to people in Narooma Now or Never tween Monga and the Highway orange canoes as they came up Association and the Coastwatchers the river is a squeeze to canoe in, closer to check us out. Association have vigorously op­ The 36-kilometre section posed the rezoning. from Mongarlowe to Total Environment Centre Charleyong and then the Newsletter, May 1989 Shoalhaven is probably more reliable in summer as it has quite a few creeks joining it. The rate of fall in Bug bites bitou the gradient is however Caterpillars have been released on more gradual. To do this the north coast of New South section one would need to Wales in an attempt to biologically plan to camp overnight control bitou bush. Bitou bush is along the way. the scourge of native vegetation on If you would be interested sand dunes and is rapidly moving in canoeing some of the down the south coast of the state. Shoalhaven starting from More physical control methods about Warri Bridge near using hundreds of volunteers can Braidwood, I am organising barely keep up with the weed's a weekend trip for the week­ spread. end of 28-29 October. If you The caterpillars of the moth, have a little experience but Comostolopis germana, are expect­ no canoe, they can be easily ed to attack stem tips and damage hired in Canberra. It is new leaves and flower bud stalks. hoped to rely on car-based The release of the caterpillar fol­ camping at night. lows three years of research by Chris Bellamy CSIRO in South Africa, the home Chris Bellamy can be tele­ of bitou bush. The program has phoned on (062) 497167 at been supported by the NSW home or 662869 at work. National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Soil Conservation AraluerT Service and the Department of ^ggannoggra North Agriculture. go to Birrigai and the program is Environmental education carried on both at school and at home after the residential part at Birrigai is over. at Birrigai It is surprising how few of the Children are running off into the The programs are designed with children have experienced walks bush looking for boxes of hidden important common characteristics in the bush before their stay at treasure, or racing along carrying including the following: Birrigai. Many also have no con­ buckets of water which is pouring • the activities are exciting, cept of a wilderness-style national park but seem to picture a nation­ out of holes in the bottom, or full of discovery and adventure; al park as a cross between the Big crawling around under trees look­ • they emphasise major eco­ Pineapple and a recreation park ing at the undersides of toadstools logical understandings including with a dentist's mirror. If you complete with swimming pools, energy flow, cycling, change and slippery slides and golf courses. called in at Birrigai, the ACT's interrelationships; outdoor education school near • there is an easily recognised All members of the staff- office, Tidbinbilla, you might see any or pattern linking all the activities teaching, kitchen, administrative all of these activities going on together; and maintenance - cooperate to amid laughter and excitement and • they focus on building good ensure that every aspect of living you could be excused for thinking feelings for the earth and its life as at Birrigai for the duration of the that it is just some good fun and programs is relevant to their aims. well as basic understandings of relaxation for children away from The staff has been commended for how it works. all the serious learning that goes the excellent quality of its work on back in the normal classrooms To help the students to transfer and we in the ACT are very fortu­ in Canberra. This is far from the their new knowledge and ideas to nate that our children can experi­ truth. The outcome of the pro­ their everyday lives some of the ence these programs so readily. grams run at Birrigai is vital for materials needed are prepared in Lois Perry the continued well-being of us all. the classroom before the students Most of us in NPA are con­ cerned with the deterioration of our environment and feel perhaps Recycle your that one of the things needed is an increase in the quantity and quali­ precious rubbish ty of environmental education in The ACT Recycling Campaign is trying to encourage and inform people our schools. If that is so, we should about the value of recycling what is usually described as garbage. all be heartily encouraged by these Information on recycling can be obtained from the Environment Centre or programs run at Birrigai. They are the Conservation Council in Kingsley Street, Acton. The Recycling available for students in ACT Campaign meets at 12.30pm every Friday in the Peace Centre, which ad­ schools, both primary and joins the NPA office and the Environment Centre. secondary. The campaigners are also trying to convince the ACT Assemby and Concerned at the fragmented ACT Administration that recycling is popular. Write to Assembly mem­ nature of most environmental edu­ bers andring th e ACT Administration's recycling section on 462158 for cation programs in existence, the information on recycling. Institute of Earth Education, with its chairman, Steve van Matre, a professor of environmental educa­ Places to recycle in the ACT tion at Aurora University in north­ Paper Glass Al cans Garden Oil PET plastic ern Illinois, started afresh; the Ainslie tip x x x institute develops coherent pro­ Phillip Avenue grams aimed at helping people live more harmoniously and joyously Belconnen tip x x x x with the natural world. At present Parkwood Road th e staff at Birrigai run two of these programs on a regular basis and Birrigai is acting as a pilot Belconnen depot x x x x school for a third. Jolly Street The two programs, Earihkeepers Phillip depot x x x x and Sunship Earth, have the same aims: to help participants discover Botany Street how life functions ecologically; what that means for them in their Mugga Lane tip own lives; and what they are going off Hindmarsh Drive to have to do to lessen their impact upon the earth. continued on page 23 New BOGONG BOOK & GIFT SHOP members Canberra and South-East Region Environment Centre Kingsley Street Acton Phone 473064 The following new members are welcomed to the Association: Heather Allsop, Woden; Nick and Narelle Blackaby, Flynn; John Hook, Florey; John Hutton and Jan Warden, Evatt; Graeme Powell, Kingston; Ken Thomsen, Stirling; Ian Tranter, Kale en; Robert W. Olney, Chifley. Bill Holesgrove A former member of the Association, Bill Holesgrove, died in June at the age of 84. Bill came to Canberra eight years ago and, shortly after, joined the Association. He took a great inter­ est in the Bulletin. Bill was a very active bushwalk­ er, with the Coast and Mountain Walkers, and very keen on conser­ vation. He was a president of the NSW Federation of Bushwalking Clubs and served on groups re­ sponsible for Kosciusko and Bouddi National Parks. He worked Books (flora, fauna, peace, energy, politics, Aboriginal issues, cooking) on campaigns to get parts of the Posters (160 different designs) Blue Mountains protected by na­ tional park. Stationery Clothing (big range of printed t-shirts and winter tops, kids' sizes too) Gifts (local crafts, soft toys, puppets) Household (soaps, detergents -non-animal tested, incense, oils) Recycle Third-world tea and coffee continued from page 22 Pesticides and household All proceeds to the Environment Centre chemicals - ACT Administration 463270. Metal - See 'Scrap metal mer­ SUPPORT YOUR ENVIRONMENT CENTRE chants' in the Yellow Pages. Bottles - Banks are in a number Advertising rates of suburban shopping centres. Trading post Paper collection - The Canberra Black-and-white camera-ready Paper and Cardboard Recycling Here is a chance to add to your artwork: Company (telephone 805993) col­ gear or find a buyer for items you $140 full page lects once a month. no longer need. At future general $75 half page Recycled paper - Edwards meetings an area will be set aside $50 one-third page Dunlop and Ball in Tennant for members to place items of $2 per column centimetre Street, Fyshwick sells Australian lightweight camping, walking or Add 50 per cent for typesetting Paper Mills' Re-right, a light grey skiing gear for sale. Just bring and design. 80 gram non de-inked paper suita­ along your items labelled with Subtract 10 per cent for annual ble for photocopiers, laser printers your name and the price you seek bookings. and other uses. A ream of A4 Re- and any helpful details, such as Inserts supplied: $120 for 10 right costs $9.75, excluding tax. size. No large, heavy items please. grams or less. The Wilderness Shop in the We ask of course that all items be For further information tele­ Griffin Centre, Civic, sells West removed after the meetings. phone Laraine Frawley on (062) German Ecopaper which is more Look out for it at the 571063 before 2pm on Mondays, expensive. Tuesdays and Thursdays, or Roger next general meeting. Green on 470059. Advertise in the NPA Bulletin

Get your message to more than 600 adventurous, well-read, often-photographed members and their friends.

See rates on page 23.

For further information telephone Laraine Frawley, (062) 571063, on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday mornings, or Roger Green, on 470059, at other times.

NPA Bulletin POSTAGE National Parks Association of the ACT GPO Box 457 Canberra 2601 PAID Registered by Australia Post AUSTRALIA Publication number NBH0857

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

September-Thursday 21 Sue Hanley, president of the Jervis Bay Protection Committee, will speak about the campaign to protect Jervis Bay.

October-Thursday 19 Senator Norm Sanders, who is the Australian Democrats' Senate candidate for the ACT, has been invited to speak about environment policy for the ACT. This is subject to confirmation.

November - Thursday 16 Michael Bryden, professor of veterinary anatomy at the University of Sydney, will speak about large sea mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals.