25

Conservation2 planning

Conservation planning OBJECTIVE: STRATEGIES: covers the making of To improve the process for Develop, in consultation with the establishing conservation priorities for community and other government judgements about what to NSW to ensure: agencies, agreed criteria for cultural and natural significance to enable the integration of natural, cultural and conserve (priorities for establishment of conservation priorities community values conservation) and how for NSW. best to do this, plus the consultation and transparency Provide leadership to, and work with responsiveness to threats and to other government agencies to establish development of processes change. conservation priorities for NSW as a by which this is done. whole-of-government initiative. Implement conservation priorities through regional planning, consulting with the community and other government agencies at all stages. Improve the process for the development of plans of management by benchmarking against best practice and ensuring that they reflect broader bioregional priorities.

Stripe-faced dunnart, Sminthopsis macrura. K Stepnell/NPWS 26

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR Conservation planning

TARGET: NSW Biodiversity Strategy implemented to Biodiversity planning schedule Status of actions/targets scheduled NSW Coastal Policy for completion since 1999 The NPWS is a member of the NSW Coastal Council, which is responsible for The actions/targets set out in the Biodiversity monitoring the implementation of the NSW government’s coastal policy, a whole-of- Strategy range from developing plans, maps and government approach to protecting and managing the state’s coastal zone. guidelines to community consultation and The NPWS has primary responsibility for the implementation of 24 of the policy’s undertaking biodiversity assessments, but do not strategic actions and reports annually to the council on progress in meeting its necessarily correlate to specific projects. Each responsibilities. The council’s annual reports can be viewed on its website at target is allocated a time-line, and although many www.coastalcouncil.nsw.gov.au. are due in 2003 — the final year of the strategy — none were scheduled for completion in 2002. In June 2001 the NSW Premier announced an $11.7 million coastal package to protect and provide a planning blueprint for the state’s coast. The package includes $8.6

Actions/targets million for a comprehensive coastal assessment (CCA), which is expected to be 24 completed by mid 2005. The assessment will involve the systematic study of the 22 coast’s environmental, social and economic values and will identify those parts which 22 are suitable for development and those which require protection. The NPWS has a key

20 role in the assessment and the following projects have been approved as part of that process: 18 Vegetation Mapping Audit 16 Fauna habitat data audit, evaluation and recommendations for gap filling 14 14 Vegetation Survey and Mapping 12 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Audit and Assessment 10 Decision Support Tools — C-Plan component 8 Decision Support Tools — ‘biodiversity assessment toolkit’ component

6 Determination of Wetlands of High Conservation Value and Their Threats. 5 4 3 3 3 2 2 Establishment of parks and reserves 1 0 This year saw the establishment of 69 new reserves and 73 reserve additions, 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 totalling 480,539 hectares, bringing the total land area under reservation to 7.36 per cent of NSW. In progress/ongoing Much of the area reserved during 2002-03 was associated with the final stages of Achieved reservations of outstanding areas arising from the Regional Forest Agreements in eastern NSW undertaken over the past eight years. This saw the reservation of 36

Murramarang National Park. J Little 27 2 Conservation planning R Kingsford/NPWS

Lake Peery, in the new Paroo-Darling National Park.

additions to forest national parks and nature reserves in north-eastern NSW, and the upgrading of 21 Crown Reserves, formerly under the Crown Lands Act, to State Conservation Areas under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. These reservations helped protect poorly conserved forest ecosystems and to consolidate the boundaries of existing forest national parks and nature reserves in eastern NSW.

Other areas reserved include several small but significant additions to many coastal CASE STUDY reserves including Tilligery and Montague Island nature reserves; Myall Lakes, Wambina, Tomaree, Hat Head, Broadwater, Botany Bay, Ben Boyd, Bouddi, Added protection for the Murramarang, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Jervis Bay and Bournda national parks; and Narran Lakes area Munmorah State Conservation Area. Narran Lake Nature Reserve, located between Around 68% of the area of land reserved this year was in western NSW, reflecting a Walgett and Brewarrina, has been expanded by shift in NPWS focus towards a balanced state-wide approach to protecting samples of approximately 9876 hectares. The reserve, along all NSW ecosystems in the reserve system. The larger western areas include: with the main Narran Lake, is a cultural landscape of significant spiritual importance to Aboriginal Paroo-Darling National Park communities throughout north-west NSW. This new park incorporates a 136,373 hectare addition to the former Peery National The recent acquisition contains a variety of Park, and is the major new park established in 2002-03. Located north-east of landforms and ecosystems, many of which were Wilcannia, it samples a wide range of semi-arid environments associated with the not previously represented in the nature reserve. lower end of the Paroo River floodplain and middle reaches of the Darling River Floodplain.

The park contains a wide diversity of sites of Aboriginal cultural significance, many of L Mazzer/NPWS which were being degraded through continual grazing and erosion. The park contains one of the best collections of remnants of pastoral occupation of semi-arid NSW, forming part of what was originally one property (Momba) in the 19th century.

Oolambeyan National Park This new 21,851 hectare park is located about 60 kilometres south-east of Hay in south-west NSW, the first substantial reserve to be established in this region of NSW. Prior to its reservation less than 0.2% of the Riverina Biogeographic Region was protected within reserves, making it the most poorly conserved region of NSW. The The bed of the Narran River. park samples native grasslands, shrublands, and acacia woodlands on the heavy soils of the Hay Plain, white cypress woodlands on sandy ridges, and numerous swamps and slowly draining linear depressions. Oolambeyan National Park supports a number of threatened species, including the nationally vulnerable plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus), which has its only remaining stronghold in this region.

Ledknapper Nature Reserve This 16,339 hectare reserve north of Bourke in north-west NSW samples areas of spinifex-ironbark and brigalow ecosystems, both now unique to this part of the state. 28

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Additions to Gundabooka National Park CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR This 20,311 hectare addition is seen as the core of the future Gundabooka National TARGET: Park. It brings into the park most of the spectacular Gunderbooka Range, and significant associated Aboriginal sites. Increase in the area of land outside the reserve system formally managed for conservation Additions to Mungo National Park outcomes. This 60,790 hectare addition is the culmination of a program of government land Land under off-park Aboriginal acquisition within the Willandra World Heritage Area. It represents the results of Place declarations several years of negotiation between the government, pastoral lessees, and the mining (’000ha) industry, and sees the bulk of the Willandra Lakes and associated sand dune lunettes 16

15.01 protected within the park. 14.98 14.98 15 14.83 14.83 14 Additions to Sturt National Park 13 This 14,695 hectare addition to Sturt National Park in the north-west corner of NSW 12 protects ecosystems that were not sampled within the existing park, such as the Black 11 Stump Land System (stone-strewn dissected uplands and sandplains) and ranges of 10 slate and phyllite. 9 8 Acquisition of wilderness 7 Dunphy Wilderness Fund 6 The Dunphy Wilderness Fund (DWF) was initially established in September 1996 in 5 memory of Milo Dunphy and his father Myles, to purchase freehold and leasehold land 4 3.27 3.27 3.25 3.25 3.25 to add to existing wilderness. The initial government funding commitment was $1 2.75 3 2.74 million each year for five years from 1996-97 until 2000-01. The Premier extended 2 this commitment with an additional $5 million provided for the fund until June 2005. 1 The fund has exceeded this commitment in two of the seven years of its operation and 0 the total spent to date on Dunphy Wilderness Fund acquisitions is approaching $8.3 Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun million. 00 00 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 03 03 Total during quarter The fund is overseen by the Dunphy Wilderness Fund Reference Group (DWFRG) which includes representatives from the NPWS, Nature Conservation Council of NSW, the Colong Foundation for Wilderness and the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife. The DWFRG provides advice on acquisition criteria, reviews the acquisition program and promotes the fund. As part of the fund’s marketing strategy, the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife CASE STUDY initiated a campaign this year to raise further funds. The Green Gully Appeal aims to encourage donations from both corporate and individual donors to purchase the Dark Point Aboriginal Place spectacular 13,000 hectare Green Gully wilderness property near Armidale, to The Minister for the Environment has declared over enhance the Macleay Gorges wilderness area. seven kilometres of coastline within Myall Lakes Through the Dunphy Wilderness Fund, the NPWS has acquired 49 properties and an National Park as Dark Point Aboriginal Place. additional two properties are in the final stages of purchase. The total area purchased The 647 hectare declaration is formal recognition under the Dunphy Wilderness Fund over its seven years of operation stands at 55,916 of the cultural significance of the area for the hectares. Acquisitions for 2002-03 will form additions to the Washpool, Tuggalo, Worimi people, who have used it for at least 4000 Ettrema, Deua, Cathedral Rock and Timbarra wilderness areas. years. Dark Point contains human skeletal remains and stone objects from areas such as Barrington Tops. It also contains the remains of five mammal Parts of Towra Point, on the southern shores of Botany Bay, have been listed as an Aboriginal Place. species, and 17 aquatic animals. The area will be jointly managed by the NPWS and Worimi Aboriginal community and motor vehicle access has been excluded to protect the sites. NPWS 29 2 Conservation planning

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR M Van Ewijk M Van NPWS areas for which there is: an adopted an exhibited plan of plan of management management* National parks 68 35 Historic sites 8 2 Nature reserves 77 57 State conservation areas 12 4 Aboriginal areas 1 - Regional parks - 3 Total = 267 166 101 * includes replacement plans of management for seven parks

The plan of management for Yatteyattah Nature Reserve was one of 11 adopted during 2002-03.

Additional freehold and leasehold properties within identified wilderness have been purchased by the NPWS under other land acquisition programs.

Declaration of Aboriginal areas and places The 2002-03 Aboriginal Place program has seen the declaration of five new Aboriginal Places, including South Brother Mountain (Port Macquarie), Farquhar Park

(Taree), Dark Point (Myall Lakes), Mount Mackenzie (Gloucester) and Towra Point CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR (Kurnell). This increases the number of declarations since the Aboriginal Place Program was established in 1999 to 17, and a total of 42 Aboriginal Places throughout TARGET: New South Wales. Tabulam Cemetery, originally investigated as an Aboriginal Place, Increase in the number of plans of management has recently been acquired by the NPWS and will be gazetted as an Aboriginal Area. placed on public exhibition. A further four Aboriginal Place nominations are in the finalisation stage for declaration. Note: A plan may cover more than one park or reserve. After exhibition, plans are amended to reflect public submissions and considered by the Plans of management National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council. This process can vary in duration and complexity, The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 requires that a plan of management be and considerable time may elapse between prepared for each park and reserve. A plan of management is a legal document exhibition and adoption of a plan. The figures in outlining how the area will be managed in the future, and the procedures for the following table reflect the total number of plans exhibition and adoption of a plan of management are laid down in the Act. During the on exhibitions or awaiting adoption in a given last year 11 plans of management were adopted by the Minister for the Environment quarter. for the following 16 areas: No. of plans Myall Lakes National Park and Little Broughton Island and Stormpetrel nature 70 69 reserves 68 68 Yatteyattah Nature Reserve 60 Ben Halls Gap National Park Cape Byron State Conservation Area 50 Newington Nature Reserve 46

Torrington State Conservation Area 40 36 Boronga, Boomi and Boomi West nature reserves 33 31 Goulburn River National Park and Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve 30 Wiesners Swamp Nature Reserve 24 Pilliga Nature Reserve 20 Nadgee Nature Reserve. 10 7 In addition, 48 plans covering 65 areas were placed on public exhibition over the year. 5 4 4 This brings the total number of plans adopted since 1995 to 97, covering 143 areas. 2 00 0 0 The National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council has specific responsibilities under Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun the National Parks and Wildlife Act to consider and advise the Minister for the 2001 2001 2002 2002 2002 2002 2003 2003 Environment on plans of management and any representations received in response Plans on exhibition or awaiting adoption to public exhibition of a plan. The Advisory Council considered and reported on 15 during quarter plans of management for 21 NPWS-managed areas during 2002-03. Plans adopted during quarter 30

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Progress for CRA reserves CASE STUDY Draft Plans of Management for six of the new Comprehensive Regional Assessment (CRA) reserves in the Monaro area are currently being developed. An initial Towra Beach nourishment Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment has been made for Bobundara, Ironmungy, The Towra Point wetlands represent the largest and Myalla, Paupong, Wullwye and Nimmo nature reserves to determine the likelihood of most diverse estuarine wetland complex remaining finding significant cultural sites. This information, combined with vegetation survey in the Sydney region. As a result of developments data for the reserves and public input, will form the basis of a draft plan of in Botany Bay, Towra Beach has been subject to management due to be completed by the end of 2003. accelerated erosion since the early 1970s, resulting in dramatic foreshore recession. Under grant funds provided by the NSW Threatened species planning Environmental Trust, the NPWS in conjunction with the Towra Point Steering Committee has Recovery plans commenced a beach nourishment project to Twelve recovery plans have been prepared by the NPWS and approved by the NSW restore the foreshore alignment of Towra Beach. Minister for the Environment in the last 12 months, bringing the total to 52 plans The Waterways Authority is managing the project covering 67 threatened species, populations and ecological communities. on behalf of the NPWS and has commissioned the preparation of an Environmental Impact An additional 24 draft plans have been placed on exhibition and a further 22 plans Statement for the proposal. are complete and awaiting exhibition. Another 150 plans are currently in various stages of preparation. Overall, approximately 335 threatened species, populations and The proposed works involve removing 60,000 ecological communities have some form of recovery planning in action. A summary of cubic metres of sand from the downdrift areas of the outcomes of recovery planning are described in the recently revised NPWS Towra Spit and Towra Spit Island and placing it publication Saving our threatened native animals and plants — recovery and threat along Towra Beach to form a dune along the most abatement in action. severely eroded section of the beach. The dune would be high enough to prevent wave over-wash Recovery plans approved by the Minister for the Environment during the past year into Towra Lagoon and wide enough to provide include: Eriocaulon carsonii; black-eared miner (Manorina melanotis); brush-tailed protection against erosion for at least 10 years. rock-wallaby Warrumbungles population (Petrogale penicillata); downey wattle (Acacia pubescens); Illawarra greenhood orchid (Pterostylis gibbosa); Elaeocarpus sp. Rocky Creek; Zieria lasiocaulis; Coxens fig parrot (Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni); giant fern (Angiopteris evecta); Lord Howe Island woodhen (Gallirallus sylvestris); yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis); and granite boronia (Boronia granitica). As the largest remaining habitat for the Mitchell’s rainforest snail (Thersites mitchellae), Stotts Island Nature Reserve has been declared as Critical Habitat. Invasive weed species such as madeira vine, cats claw creeper and groundsel pose the CASE STUDY greatest threat to the habitat values of the island. Extensive weed control and bush regeneration were undertaken in 2002-03 to control this threat. Giant fern Fewer than 50 individuals have been recorded of the northern sub-species of the Implementation of the recovery plan for the giant eastern bristlebird. A cooperative recovery program has been established involving fern (Angiopteris evecta) is now in its second year. the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, various universities, other organisations Only one individual of the species is known to and individuals. Population monitoring of all known territories is conducted annually exist within NSW, and its genetic material has been to assist in the understanding of this species and its recovery requirements. This collected and is stored in the DNA Bank at year’s survey detected about 12 birds within NSW — the low count probably related Southern Cross University. Other recovery actions to prevailing drought conditions. currently under way include growing giant fern Approximately 24 sub-populations of the endangered small-leaved tamarind are propagules, which will be established and used for known to survive in NSW and the NPWS undertook recovery actions in close population expansion and the establishment of consultation with private landholders in three areas of key habitat in 2002-03. Work second population. Ongoing site management for included weed control and bush regeneration as well as fencing one population from this species has included the drafting and the threat of cattle. Further recovery actions are planned over the next few years. implementation of a habitat rehabilitation and maintenance program, including weed control and bush regeneration. Stotts Island Nature Reserve is the last remaining habitat of the Mitchell’s rainforest snail. M Smith/NPWS 31 2 Conservation planning

Threat abatement plans CASE STUDY Several vertebrate pests and weeds have been listed as key threatening processes under the Threatened Species Conservation Act. These include predation of native Critical habitat for the little penguin fauna by foxes, feral cats, plague minnow (Gambusia holbrooki) and black rats (Lord Howe Island only), competition and grazing by rabbits, competition by feral Several areas in Manly have been declared as honeybees, importation of red fire ants and invasion of native plant communities by critical habitat for the little penguin (Eudyptula bitou bush. minor) under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, protecting the species’ nesting areas and A draft threat abatement plan has been prepared for predation by feral cats and will foraging habitat from the detrimental impacts of be available for public comment later in the year. human activities. The plague minnow (Gambusia holbrooki), a small introduced fish common In October 2000, a recovery plan was approved for throughout NSW waters, has been listed as a key threatening process and a draft the endangered population at Manly, the only threat abatement plan has been prepared by the NPWS. known breeding population on the NSW mainland. On 20 December 2002, the Minister for the Foxes Environment declared several areas at Manly — including known and potential nesting areas and Planning for fox control for the conservation of native fauna in NSW is directed by the likely foraging habitat — as critical habitat for the Fox Threat Abatement Plan. The plan was endorsed by the Minister for the little penguin. A regulation accompanying the Environment in December 2001 and the second year of the plan has now been declaration prohibits a number of activities within implemented across the state by the NPWS, State Forests of NSW and the Department the critical habitat area, including companion of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (formerly Land and Water animals (such as dogs and cats); fishing between Conservation). sunset and sunrise during the breeding season; Implementation of the plan represents a fundamental change in fox control, in tampering with or damaging nest boxes, nesting particular identifying priorities for management across all land tenures by pin- burrows, or moulting penguins; and approaching pointing which threatened species are at greatest risk of population impacts from fox within five metres of a little penguin on land. predation and at which sites fox control for these species is most critical. Eighty-one priority sites for fox control have been identified, providing recovery actions for 34 threatened species (11 mammals, 15 birds and 8 reptiles). Undertaking collaborative tson/NPWS

fox control programs across all land tenures at these sites is the central action of G Rober the plan. In addition, the plan identifies best practice guidelines for fox control, which seek to maximise the effectiveness of control programs while minimising the impact of control methods on non-target species. It also identifies research actions to refine these practices. Finally, the plan outlines monitoring programs to measure the response of threatened species to fox control by testing critically whether threatened populations targeted for fox control are limited by fox predation. Such monitoring programs are fundamental to improving the effectiveness of the management of threatened species.

CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR Bitou bush TARGET: The NPWS has been appointed the lead agency to coordinate the preparation and implementation of the National Bitou Bush and Boneseed Strategic Plan. A progress Increase in the number of threatened species report on achievements towards actions listed in the national plan was prepared recovery plans and threat abatement plans placed for the Australian Weeds Committee (see the National Weeds Strategy website on public exhibition. www.weeds.org.au). Key achievements in New South Wales were: No. of plans 120 preparation of a state-wide strategy and drafting of the Bitou Threat Abatement 117 Plan 110

formation of several regional and local bitou bush taskforces and preparation of 100 regional and local bitou bush management strategies 93 90 mapping of the distribution and abundance of bitou bush along the entire NSW coastline 80 78 stakeholder agreement to establish and implement northern and southern 70 64 containment zones for bitou bush in NSW to support the continued drive to 60 eradicate bitou bush from Queensland 54 52 50 48 continued release and monitoring of biocontrol agents with a major focus on the 46 tortrix leaf-roller moth. 40 39 37 31 High-priority actions identified in the national plan are to coordinate and implement 30 on-ground works to eradicate bitou bush from sites of high conservation significance 23 25 and prepare state-wide management strategies, or where appropriate threat 20 19 abatement plans. A draft threat abatement plan has been prepared for NSW and will 10 8 9 be available for public comment later in the year. 3 0 0 Jun Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep 2001 2001 2002 2002 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 Total during quarter Plans exhibited awaiting adoption Plans adopted 32

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

CASE STUDY

Glenrock Lagoon A Simpson/NPWS The Glenrock Lagoon cultural landscape — conservation management and cultural tourism plan aims to provide the NPWS and the community with a sustainable and achievable management approach to the cultural landscape of Glenrock State Conservation Area, north of Sydney. The document identifies an active management zone as a focus for interpretation, cultural and tourism opportunities, and conservation actions. The plan also focuses long term conservation objectives based on the integrated assessment of natural, historic, Aboriginal and community heritage values.

CASE STUDY

Innes Ruins The nationally significant Innes Ruins near Port Macquarie was gazetted as a Historic Site in March 2003. The Innes mansion was a rare example of a colonial estate built on a grand scale. It now consists of a set of ruins spread out over Removing noxious weeds from the Tollgate Islands Nature Reserve, 8 kilometres south-east of Bateman’s Bay. several kilometres, including a house, garden and stable complex, workers’ accommodation, a village, boat house, home farm, brick-making areas and a log road. The site has high Cultural heritage planning archaeological integrity and provides a remarkable The NPWS continued to focus on integrated landscape planning for cultural opportunity to investigate the life and work of the heritage projects, undertaking a number of large scale and complex planning 80 or so people who lived on the estate during projects that have identified, assessed and provided planning and policies for the the 1830s and 1840s. integrated management of a comprehensive range of natural, Aboriginal and Management works will focus on protecting the historic heritage values. Examples of projects completed or currently in preparation site’s physical fabric and developing techniques for include Bantry Bay Explosives Depot Conservation Management Plan, Garigal minimal intervention to stabilise the standing National Park; Trial Bay Gaol Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan, elements. The site provides accessible ecotourism Arakoon State Conservation Area; Hartley Historic Site Conservation Management opportunities near the high growth centre and Plan; and Hill End Historic Site Masterplan. popular tourist destination of Port Macquarie. Strategies have been completed for all 19 NPWS regions across the state and documents have been prepared with input from regional management and CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR staff in a two-day workshop. The strategies identify TARGET: long term conservation and management outcomes for Regional cultural heritage strategies developed for NSW by June 2003. a range of known Aboriginal and historic places and Note: There are a total of 19 NPWS regions. landscapes across each region. The strategies prioritise places and landscapes for 16 16 active management for a range of significance values 15 15 and risk management issues and highlight places that

14 require further consultation with local Aboriginal and 13 13 broader communities to ensure that community priorities and needs are being considered in park 12 management. 11 10 10 Cultural heritage planning and risk management 9 Over the last 12 months a number of planning projects 8 have incorporated the identification and assessment of risks to assist in best practice management of cultural 6 6 6 heritage places in line with the NPWS Risk 5 5 Management Strategic Plan. Risk assessments have been undertaken at Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon State 4 4 4 3 Conservation Area; Seaton’s Farm, Weddin Mountains National Park; and incorporated in the planning for 2 2 2 2 2 22 2 the management of fabric for the Coastal Cabins in 1 1 1 Royal National Park. 0 0 0 0 0 000 Sep 2001 Dec 2001 Mar 2002 Jun 2002 Sep 2002 Dec 2002 Mar 2003 Jun 2003

Plans not commencedPlans under way Draft plans developed Plans completed 33 2 Conservation planning

Marine park planning CASE STUDY Marine protected areas in NSW include marine parks (managed by the Marine Parks Authority), the marine components of national parks and nature reserves (managed Maynggu Ganai by the NPWS), and aquatic reserves (managed by NSW Fisheries). The NSW Maynggu Ganai, meaning “people’s land”, was the Government is presently developing a representative system of marine protected name chosen by the local Wiradjuri community for areas as part of a national system. the new Historic Site at Wellington. Also known as Marine park planning is undertaken by the Marine Parks Authority, which consists of the Wellington Valley First Settlement Site and the Director-General of the Premier’s Department (Chairperson), the Director-General Convict Stockade, Aboriginal Mission and of the NPWS and the Director of NSW Fisheries. The authority ensures that the Agriculture Station, the site is considered of principal aim of conserving marine biodiversity and maintaining ecological processes national significance for its rich shared history. can be met while also allowing for sustainable multiple use of marine parks. A focus group representing the local community was formed to consult and collaborate with the The NPWS contributed to a number of marine park planning activities during NPWS on the site’s ongoing management, meeting 2002-03, including: regularly throughout the year. Funding for an finalisation and implementation of the zoning plan for Solitary Islands Marine Archaeological and Conservation Management Park, with 8650 hectares (12%) of the park now protected in sanctuary zones Plan has been approved to provide management options on how to best conserve and interpret finalisation and implementation of the zoning plan for Jervis Bay Marine Park, the site. with 4253 hectares (20%) of the park now protected in sanctuary zones establishment of Cape Byron Marine Park, the fourth marine park for NSW further development of a draft zoning plan for Lord Howe Island Marine Park, following analysis of submissions from public exhibition of draft zoning plans in 2001-02 further development of bioregional assessments for NSW sections of the Manning Shelf, Hawkesbury Shelf, Batemans Shelf and Twofold Shelf marine/coastal bioregions continued development of a permit system, a geographic information system strategy and a marine parks education strategy further work on mapping and assessment of marine ecosystems and habitats on NPWS reserves integrated management planning for marine components of NPWS reserves through park plans of management.

Marine parks are managed to both maintain marine biodiversity and allow for sustainable use. I Shaw 34

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Other conservation planning CASE STUDY An agreement between the NPWS and TransGrid for the inspection and maintenance Hill End of TransGrid infrastructure within the reserve system was adopted by both agencies Over the last two years, the NPWS has been in October 2002. The agreement sets up consultation and notification processes to working towards a change in the management of ensure that NPWS staff are aware of maintenance and inspection work proposed in a the Hill End Historic Site — a move away from the reserve. Features include: addressing threatened species and cultural heritage issues; ‘museum’ approach to the site and towards its only being applicable to the maintenance and inspection of existing transmission lines management as a living community. and communication sites; and the progressive preparation of environmental management plans. The Hill End Blueprint: managing for community, culture and heritage, under-pinned by the need for The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority was corporatised on 28 June 2002 to a balance between the life of the community and become Snowy Hydro Limited (SHL), jointly owned by the NSW, Victorian and heritage management, will guide the management Commonwealth Governments. Throughout this first year, the NPWS and SHL have of the Hill End Historic Site for the next five years. worked closely to implement the new regime, including the Snowy Park Lease, Roads The plan will be subject to annual review and a Maintenance Agreement and Snowy Management Plan. major review at the end of the five years. The NPWS will also produce a Plan of Management for Marine mammals the site in 2003-04, which will be guided and The NPWS has statutory responsibility for ensuring the protection of marine informed by the blueprint. mammals in NSW waters, and is involved in research to better understand possible impacts on animal welfare behaviour. An NPWS study in response to the growing interest in marine mammal watching tours has found that the marine mammal A Bennett observation industry operating in NSW is made up of approximately 100 commercial operators who run tours out of 14 regions on the NSW coast to watch whales, dolphins and seals. Only a small number of these operators derive a significant proportion of their income from mammal watching tours, as the majority are charter fishing boat operators who conduct tours as an adjunct to their charter fishing operations.

Implementation of the Ramsar Convention in NSW

Clarke Street, Hill End, in the morning mist. The NPWS implements the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in NSW, both on NPWS-managed lands and on an array of private and state lands. During 2002-03, the NPWS successfully negotiated the nomination of two new wetlands to the convention, and extended a third site, bringing the total Ramsar sites in the state to 11. Work is continuing to update the NSW Ramsar nominations strategy and work with the community and state and national governments to continue to identify new sites for nomination, and to support management planning to retain the ecological condition of sites which are already listed. NSW is leading Australia in the recognition of Ramsar wetlands on private land.

Major whale-watching centres include Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Humpback whale. M Egan