Magazine of National Parks Association of Queensland

Feeling the heat: National Parks Associations across Australia PLUS Commercial walks in national parks ALSO FEATURED Cooloola Great Walk

Eungella Issue 24 Autumn 2019 1 Contents From the President ������������������������ 3 Eungella Week ...... 10 FROM THE PRESIDENT Feeling the heat: National Parks ...... 12 Associations across Australia ��������� 4 The National Park Experience...... 13 The Impacts of Commercial Walks in Spotlight: Ranger of the Month...... 14 National Parks �������������������������������� 6 What’s On...... 15 Cooloola Great Walk ���������������������� 8

Editor Advertising enquiries Marika Strand. Please email [email protected] or phone (07) 3367 0878. Graeme Bartrim Contributor guidelines Advertising policy President, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ) NPAQ invites contributions to Protected Advertisements are required to align with articles. Please email [email protected] for a relevant NPAQ policies. NPAQ reserves the Firstly, best wishes to you all as we 3. Infrastructure owned by an actual ibex her guide indicated that schedule of future editions. right to refuse any advertisement at any time. Advertisement in Protected does not imply settle into a not so new year. government. A private operator the species had long gone. The Iran Contributors, please include contact details NPAQ’s endorsement of products or services. We are pleased to hear positive provides a bond for risk and encyclopaedia suggests that only 5% and brief personal summary. Articles can be murmurings from Government and rehabilitation and a regular financial of the numbers that occurred prior to submitted via email or hard copy. Digital photos Copyright and disclaimer contribution for park management. 1979 remain. should be minimum 300dpi. Departmental officers regarding a NPAQ retains copyright of Protected. Articles substantial increase in funding for 4.Tracks and other infrastructure have Similarly, in a park in Alstonville, NSW Cover image may be quoted provided that appropriate both protected area management and minimal impact and are thoughtfully there are metal trees (picture below). I acknowledgement occurs in the reproduction acquisition. This year's State budget designed to reflect ecological values, am not sure what the motivation of the Image from the Cooloola Great Walk and use of material. Photo: Pru Hansen allocations and release of the eagerly including slope, soil, vegetation type artist was, however, Alstonville is near Articles in Protected do not necessarily reflect awaited Protected Area Strategy will and habitat. the centre of the original Big Scrub NPAQ’s opinion or position. determine how much our optimism is 5. Continual Ranger or guide which has been cleared with only tiny justified. presence. remnants remaining. About NPAQ One of our responses to last year's 6. Mandatory orientation and We are well aware of the extinctions expressions of interest (EoIs) for authentic interpretation with that have occurred to date, with many Mission statement development in Queensland national reinforcement throughout walk focused more predicted. The National Parks Association of Queensland parks was to initiate a petition seeking on conservation, Indigenous values, But unlike other times and places (NPAQ) promotes the preservation, expansion, the EoIs to be withdrawn (on the minimal impact. good management and presentation of National grounds of a lack of consultation, we have a choice as to whether we Parks, and supports nature conservation in apparent piecemeal planning without a 7. User number cap based on allow our biodiversity to decline, one Queensland. Protected Area Strategy in place, and ecological resilience. decision at a time. We have enough Council questioning of Government financial 8. One-way route with controlled and scientific evidence to both understand Staff the issue and also to reverse it. President Graeme Bartrim Conservation Principal Laura Hahn support for commercial ventures in staggered start. parks). Some 3382 citizens have Vice Presidents Yvonne Parsons Operations Manager Marika Strand 9. All waste removed. Or is there going to be a good signed the petition but we have been business opportunity in creating Jacqueline Rose’Meyer 10. Monitoring of selected indicators Contact details unsuccessful in having the EoIs statues and models of Queensland’s Hon Treasurer Neil Williams to determine impact with subsequent withdrawn. biodiversity after it is lost? Hon Secretary Debra Marwedel Office Unit 10/36 Finchley St, Milton QLD corrective action. Councillors David Ball Post PO Box 1040, Milton QLD 4064 We await the next phase in this The threats to our national parks are Suzanne Cooper Phone (07) 3367 0878 process and seek transparency to well documented and without going Julie Hainsworth Web www.npaq.org.au ensure public input. Email [email protected] into detail we can list a few here: Kalam McTaggart Our approach to advocacy received climate change/intensification of fires, ABN 60 206 792 095 strong support from our membership feral and weeds, changes to in a recent survey. The following 10 adjacent land use, and inappropriate points were strongly agreed or agreed Want to get involved with NPAQ? use/over visitation. The article in this with from 95.1% our membership, NPAQ welcomes people from all walks of life and offers a variety of ways to be involved: edition regarding other states and their confirming our direction regarding our • Have fun in the bush – come • Step up – become a National • Connect with us – Facebook, protected areas puts this into context. along on a bush walk or Parks Conservation member Instagram and Twitter continued advocacy: My daughter, Julia, recently visited other activity or a National Parks Protector 1.Private (permanent) • Stay in touch – read regular Iran and, apart from enjoying the • Get your hands dirty – • Donate – support our work updates on our website accommodation located adjacent to or friendliness of the people and the participate in on-ground • Volunteer on exciting projects • Share a bush adventure with near national parks, rather than within. superb architecture, learned a little conservation efforts • Subscribe to Protected and children – download NPAQ’s • Join us – become a member Neck of the Woods via email Kids in National Parks guide 2.Thorough, transparent impact about the country's natural history. assessment undertaken with In the mountains above Tehran she SUPPORT NPAQ AND HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE maintenance of long term nature observed a statue of an Ibex. When BECOME A MEMBER, DONATE OR VOLUNTEER conservation values prioritised. asked about the possibility of seeing www.npaq.org.au/get-involved www.facebook.com/NPAQld @nationalparksassocqld www.npaq.org.au

2 Connect and Protect 3 FEELING THE HEAT:

National Parks Associations across Australia

Julia Bartrim Member, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ)

How are national park systems and is inviolable. have on the national parks in their Victoria Fire and climate change were the Western Australia in other states faring? What • Difficulties obtaining accurate jurisdictions given the connectivity About 15 per cent of Victoria is chief concerns for Tasmania’s national When the state government challenges do they face? and meaningful data on the dollars of alpine land between the three national park. parks according to the president announced its colossal ‘Plan for our The National Parks Association of allocated to national parks budgets authorities. of the Tasmanian National Parks Parks’ initiative last month, WA’s peak However, less than 0.5 per cent Association, Nicholas Sawyer. Queensland caught up with the NPAs and on how these dollars were being CEO of the National Parks of the state’s total expenditure goes environmental organisation responded across Australia for their perspectives spent. Association of NSW, Alix Goodwin, towards national parks management, “In the world heritage areas (fires) with enthusiasm. on the biggest issues facing their New South Wales called the wild horse act an according to Matt Ruchel, executive are becoming more frequent, more “We strongly welcome the historic state’s national parks. “international embarrassment” but it intense and larger,” he said. plan to create five million hectares About 9 per cent of NSW is national director of the Victorian National Parks remains to be seen what the long- of new protected areas, which will While bushfire management park, according to Anne Dickson, Association. “The only question is how long it term impacts will be. leave a permanent legacy for our was understandably very much on president of the National Parks This is despite polling conducted by takes before we lose much of what environment and future generations, the minds of many, other common Association of NSW. Australian Capital Territory VNPA in November last year which makes Tasmania special.” while also contributing to regional concerns raised included: About 46 per cent of the ACT is found close to 70 per cent of voters Ms Dickson said NSW’s national Mr Sawyer said that many economies,” Conservation Council of national park. support more funding for threatened • Funding shortfalls; this issue, not parks faced numerous “alarming” Tasmanian flora species were adapted WA director Piers Verstegen said in species and a similar number surprisingly, was raised by every NPA. threats including: recent calls to The ACT possesses one national to fire but “it doesn’t mean they can February. supported increased funding for survive more frequent fires, like a • Pressure to accommodate de-gazette one national park, out-of- park – Namadgi, measuring over national parks. couple every decade”. The plan is in its infancy with increasing visitor numbers. control feral pests and weeds, and 106,000 hectares. The Department of Biodiversity, Mr Ruchel said as well as funding Associations reported activities like “ever increasing visitor numbers”. The management of fire in the He called for urgent funding into Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) shortages, about one million feral deer mountain biking, ecotourism, and Ms Dickson called the controversial park was one of the most significant research for how to best manage fires giving a projected time frame for the have become a big problem in the glamping were all becoming more Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act, issues for the park’s future, according in the state’s national parks. completion of all reservation proposals state’s parks in recent years. popular ways to experience national which came into effect in June 2018 to convener of the National Parks Mr Sawyer said the issue of climate as 2024. They’ve even popped up in parks. “the greatest insult of all”. Association of ACT environment change and associated increase The DBCA declined to comment Melbourne suburbs. • The need for the creation of more Environmentalists say the new law subcommittee and former president, in bushfires was “the big looming on the area of terrestrial vs marine national parks in each state, to protects feral horses at the expense Rod Griffiths. “People have been hitting them with question that makes everything else protected areas that will make up the protect biodiversity and to meet global of native species in Kosciuszko In 2003, when lightning strikes cars,” Mr Ruchel said, adding the look trivial”. plan citing the urgent need to focus targets set by the United Nations in its National Park. started bushfires in Namadgi, the fires deer population had got to this level South Australia on responding to bushfires. partly because of the demands of Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011- Spokespersons for national park ultimately decimated hundreds of The Conservation Council of WA 2020. Canberra properties and burnt much hunting lobby groups. About 4.1 per cent of South associations in Victoria and the ACT Australia is national park, plus a also declined to comment on the of the vegetation in the national park. Peri-urban parks were coming under • Insufficient protections to ensure were also concerned about the further 1.9 per cent of the state is status of the national park system in increasing pressure as well, as visitor national park status is not revoked impact the ‘Wild Horse Act’ would Although the habitat “recovered 'wilderness area' which, in South WA. Note that WA has no national numbers increased on the back of a parks association. remarkably,” according to ACT Australia, have higher levels of “booming” Victorian population. Government senior ecologist Dr protection than national parks. National park systems across the Murray Evans in 2013, since then, “Everybody wants a piece of national country continue to face significant According to spokesperson for the bushfire management has remained a parks,” Mr Ruchel said. and potentially greater challenges very high priority. Nature Conservation Society of South “We’re concerned about plans for than ever before. All NPAs are Australia, Julia Peacock, many South hoping governments will invest more Mr Griffiths said Namadgi was glamping and infrastructure in parks.” Australia national parks are ‘jointly also under pressure to “contribute money into park management. All Tasmania proclaimed’ “meaning exploration and NPAs, except Tasmania, want to see financially to the ACT”. mining may also be permitted”. Over 40 per cent of Tasmania the decline in the rate of creation of However, he said, the more is national park with about half of Ms Peacock said funding statistics new national parks come to an end. proximate Canberra Nature Park this percentage classified as World for parks and other protected areas Western Australia, at least on paper, soaked up many of the visitors who Heritage Area. was “difficult to capture and analyse… looks to be the state making the most might otherwise go to the national (but) has been steadily declining over progress in this area. Tasmania’s premier, Will Hodgman, park. the past decade”. made a special request in January NB – The state of parks in the Northern Mr Griffiths identified the use of to the Federal Government to cover “Of the 17 IBRA bioregions Territory, which has no national parks drones and the increasing popularity the cost of controlling massive fires occurring in South Australia only 9 association, was not covered in this article of mountain bikes as emerging burning in the state’s world heritage are adequately represented in the due to difficulties gaining responses from the concerns. Above: Brumbies. Photo: C. Mendoza via Unsplash. Banner: Bushfire. Photo: M. Held via Unsplash. areas. protected areas system,” she said. relevant organisations. 4 5 THE IMPACTS OF COMMERCIAL WALKS IN NATIONAL PARKS – TWO CASE STUDIES

Susanne Cooper Councillor, National Parks Association of Queensland

Multi-day walks in national parks are and comfortable bedding. Cabins are being immersed in nature. encouraged to urinate in the bush explanation of Indigenous values and In summary, it is clear that becoming increasingly sought after not visible from the main track, and surrounding the camp into the sandy connections to country was given by commercial walks can be designed – especially commercial ‘supported’ public walkers would not be aware of river soils, which are flooded in the a local Aboriginal woman at the start and managed for low impact, walks run by private operators. their presence, as they are nestled in 2. Larapinta Trail, Northern summer wet season. Toilets were of the walk, which provided a valuable particularly around the behaviour of Walkers only carry a day or light pack, the vegetation, with minimal clearing Territory lined with plastic bags and all toilet context. walkers, and the location, design and as accommodation and food are and a low footprint. Their location Located west from Alice Springs, the waste was bagged to be removed Both walks used guides, who also servicing of accommodation. They typically provided, as well as guides. is positioned to take advantage of iconic 223km Larapinta Trail traverses from site and composted. prepared meals. The common model do play a role in making such walks accessible to more people. Such walks make the experience magnificent coastal views. Grey some of Australia’s most spectacular Water is scarce and was supplied for most commercial operators is accessible to a wider range of people water is filtered and discharged. All inland topography. Although the whole by two 3000L tanks. Its use was that guides typically work across a Many co-walkers on multiple-day keen to appreciate the immersion toilet waste is collected in sealed trail takes around 16 days to walk, tightly managed; a small tin was number of walks, often in different walks are over 50, with a long history in nature. However, the impacts of containers. The accommodation commercial operators offer shorter supplied to wash hands after toileting, parts of Australia. It’s usual for guides of active backpacking in their younger commercial walks in national parks are is serviced by helicopters for all versions of the most spectacular and showering was a splash down working in Tasmania in the spring- days. A common feature of this group also coming under increased scrutiny. maintenance, including food. The sections. A 6-day walk was based from a small bowl. The conservative summer months to then move to was the strong appreciation and Two such walks undertaken by the noise and disturbance from helicopter in a campsite located in the sandy approach meant water use was only hotter climates in the winter months knowledge of the bush and national author in the last three years are trips would negatively impact on the bed of a tributary of the Finke River. four litres per person per day for (eg central Australia), reflecting the parks, and supported walks have a presented as examples to illustrate hiking experience for all. Located just outside the national washing and drinking. seasonal variations in both weather role in enabling this cohort to continue park boundary, the base campsite and demand. This means the guides’ enjoying such experiences. diverse models of such walks, with Although the cabin design is low Beds were swags in a tent, although noticeable differences in the impacts impact, the standard borders on was temporary with no permanent depth of knowledge about the area’s However, an emerging issue is for many opted to put their swags in the geology, Indigenous history, flora and and experience. ‘luxury’, with a plunge pool, massage structures, and is removed before commercial walks to increasingly the wet season sets in and the rivers river bed to experience the amazing fauna can be somewhat limited. service, clean sheets, duvets and night sky. All power for the fridge, pitch more toward the luxury end of run high. A small bus was used to The tendency for guides to place the ecotourism market. This means a towels. Food and alcohol were also of freezer and lights was generated 1. Three Capes Walk, Tasmania transport walkers to the start and themselves at the front and back of higher level of servicing (extra traffic), a very high standard. Although such through portable solar cells. There finish of each days walk. the group also means you walk as ‘a plus making it unaffordable for some. The commercially operated Three comforts are welcomed by many, they was no dining room, but seats around pack’. Those who enjoy the solitude of An equity issue arises about having Capes walk along Tasmania’s are not necessary to appreciate the An impressive feature was the an open fire, with wood brought in. walking on their own can be frustrated such facilities on publicly funded remote and wildly scenic southeast natural values and landscape. This effort taken to ensure a low impact No vegetation was cleared around by this arrangement. national parks which, in principle, are coast has only been available since also has the impact of placing the of the site. All waste was sorted into the camp area, as tents were located accessible to all. late 2018, offering the 4 day walk walk into a higher price bracket which four types (compost, cardboard & among the scattered eucalypts. However, on both walks, a strong for groups capped at 14 people. would make it unaffordable for some, plastic, screwable and other) for low impact culture was set by the It also, of course, may compromise The small walking group was capped Accommodation is in state-of-the-art, and attracting those who view ‘luxury’ recycling. Toilet arrangements were guides, with a clear explanation the cardinal principle of national park well designed cabins, with two- facilities as an important motivator for interesting. The motto was ‘every at 8 people. and continued reinforcement of management. bedroom rooms offering clean sheets the walk, rather than the experience of tree is a lavatoree’, and people were The experience was low impact, but appropriate behavior whilst on the very comfortable and enjoyable. An walk.

Above: Images from the Larapinta Trail (L to R): some of our group enjoying the magnificent topography of the West McDonnell Ranges; the base Above: Images from the Three Capes Walk (L to R): the wild, majestic scenery; state of the art huts nestled into the landscape; removable containers camp - the ‘dining room’ in the centre consists of chairs gathered round an open fire; the main ‘room’ - comfortable but with a low footprint. Photos: collect sewage waste. Photos: Susanne Cooper. Susanne Cooper. 6 7 PARK IN F CUS Cooloola Great Walk, Great Sandy National Park

Pru Hansen Outdoor Adventure Australia, www.outdooradventureaustralia.com

A veritable playground for adventure sand covering 15 hectares. This slow and steady and let the magical north of Litoria Walkers Camp. Keep an eye out for Ramsey’s hut Cooloola Sand Patch...wow! This mini lovers, the Cooloola Recreation incredible sandy visage combines sounds of the lush rainforest envelop Lake Cooloomera, whilst pretty, is along the way, an old timber cutters desert, complete with its own oasis hut which was abandoned prior to the has to be seen to truly appreciate Area of Great Sandy National Park with spectacular views over Rainbow you. not a place to swim, with snakes truly offers it all, from surfing Double Beach, Double Island Point, and Tin region being classified national park in it. It is a 1km hike to get across That evening sleep at Kauri Walkers plentiful in the reeds as well as being Island Point, to camping, fishing, and Can Bay. 1975… look but do not touch. it… thankfully mostly downhill when Camp – named for the kauri pines home to many ‘acid frog’ species and my favourite pastime, hiking. The heading north to south. This 15.2km section of the hike growing in the region. It is hidden . Dutgee (the Aboriginal word for combination of offerings and proximity boronia shrubs which grow through After crossing this desert, it’s back gives a very good taste of the away in an area that feels a million to major centres make Cooloola one About 600m uphill past the lake Cooloola) Walkers Camp is on the into the bush and a long walk through conditions for the next 4 days. A miles from anywhere, deep in the lies Litoria Walkers camp. Litoria – of the most popular destinations in drop down in elevation during the last Noosa River, making a fantastic way valleys between massive sand rainforest. meaning ‘shore’ or ‘beach’ – is the South East Queensland. quarter of the day takes you to Poona to mark the middle of Cooloola Great dunes with constant presentation of name given to Australia’s largest Cooloola derived its name from the Lake, 12 hectares of fresh water set This campground is generally the Walk with a swim, if you are game. viewpoints in differing directions and busiest of all four campgrounds genera of frogs. The high-pitched Aboriginal name for cypress trees amongst the bushland. When the air Day 4 incredible breezes to the final camp of sounds of the Cooloola sedgefrog ‘Kululu’. Cypress trees once flourished is still, the reflections off the water are due to its proximity to Rainbow and the trip, Brahminy walkers camp. (Litoria cooloolensis) who have What an incredible day despite it through Cooloola Recreation Area. stunning. It is a photographer’s dream Teewah Beaches, providing a great It is a great spot with a picturesque opportunity to catch up with fellow adapted to the acidity in the nearby being the second longest day. A nice However, when early settlers moved with the contrast of the tannin-stained and easy start to the day with a flat view of the sunset over Lake in the cypress were logged and now water against the white sand, and a hikers and shoot the breeze over lake may be heard. Cootharaba to the west, the sunrise dinner before retiring for the night. walk along the banks of the Noosa very few remain. great spot for a break. Day 3 River is a stark change in landscape over the Pacific Ocean to the east, and infamous Noosa in the south Nature, however, has an incredible Poona can also be accessed as a Day 2 A day full of rapidly changing to the previous days’ landscape. The from the common area. Definitely a way of overcoming such events 2km hike from Bymien Picnic Area if One of the more challenging days landscapes, from rainforest beside contorted shapes of the trees native favourite camp spot and an incredible and the Cooloola Recreation Area you are not up to the full Great Walk. the beach to swamp as you near to the low-lying flats of the Noosa both physically and mentally, being place to spend the final night. we see now is enchanting with an After Poona Lake you drop down 20.5km, it is the longest of the the Noosa River. Experiencing these River are beautiful in a macabre kind ever-changing landscape through gradually about 90 meters of days. You will travel mostly through changes over such a short distance of way. It is a spectacle to behold for Day 5 - The last day rainforest, tall eucalypt forest, dry elevation. Then it’s well UP at an angle rainforest full of strangler figs, massive helps you really appreciate how nature sure. 17.3km to go and it’s almost all coastal woodland, heath plains and that feels similar in inclination to the Kauri pines and plentiful wildlife before responds to slight environmental Up into the hills again with a climb of downhill to the pub from here! even across some sandy plains. trajectory of a NASA launch. Take it coming across Lake Cooloomera just changes. about 190 meters and then BAM, the Despite the elevation not being To fully understand how truly anywhere near as high as it is on amazing this region is, the best way any of the previous days, the views to experience it is on the Cooloola and sounds of cars driving along Great Walk. This 5-day hike the beach gently re-introduce the through the Cooloola region of the modern world. You will initially travel stunning Great Sandy National Park through lush rainforest before hitting will challenge you and amaze with the sand for a short section and back stunning views. in through the coastal heath plains of The near 100km hike starts out from Arthur Harrold Nature Reserve. the incredible Carlos Sandblow at Giddy with achievement, head to Rainbow Beach where it’s goodbye to the pub, pull up at a table out the civilisation for a few days. back so as not to scare other patrons Day 1 and settle in for the best feed you have had in days and a well-earned Starting at the northern end of beverage. Cooloola Great Walk in Rainbow Beach, within minutes you reach the The author has endeavoured to ensure magnificent Carlos Sandblow which is that the information presented here is as accurate as possible. However, they or a part of Cooloola sand mass where NPAQ do not accept responsibility for any weather conditions have transformed loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by a forest into a ‘moonscape’ of Above: Poona Lake. Banner: Cooloola sand mass. Photos: Pru Hansen. Above: Cliff view during the Cooloola Great Walk. Photo: Pru Hansen. any person guided by this article. 8 9 EUNGELLA BIRD WEEK

John Brinnand

Imagine an isolated strip of tropical EBW is a labour of love by WildMob honeyeater. the faces of the observers. Greedily, I try to take in both. As lenses focus rainforest about sixty by three and Birdlife Mackay, two organisations By the afternoon of the following kilometres, surrounded by cleared with a deep respect for wildlife, the on the unassuming bird and shutters day the Eungella honeyeater was in rapid-fire, I visualise the coffee table pastures and swathes of dry eucalypt environment, and the community. At the bag, so to speak. The Mackay forest. Give it a bit of altitude, let’s say the welcome dinner in the Eungella book that someone someday will birders, a jolly lot who, fortunately, create of portraits of folk enraptured an average of 800 metres, and almost Hall, catered by the local resident’s take birding more seriously than all of its annual rainfall in summer. group, we were assigned a head with nature. I predict that many of the they take themselves, led us to one book’s subjects will be bird watchers. Now bless it with almost 900 species guide from WildMob and experienced of the many places where remnant of plants and a spectacular array of volunteers from Birdlife. rainforest borders farmland. Here, a In one sense it was ideal to see wildlife, including 227 recorded bird Two things were clear from the good number of climbing pandans the Eungella honeyeater early on species (one of which is endemic), start: firstly, despite its bird-focussed (Freycinetia excelsa) snaking up the as we could then relax and take and presto - Eungella National Park! title, EBW would introduce us to trunks of fig trees and tulipwood, in everything the national park has to offer: platypus, bettongs, frogs, Approximately 90 kilometres west many more aspects of the natural were flowering late in the season. The butterflies and much more. By the of Mackay in Central Queensland, and cultural environment; and attractive orange and red bracts cup end of the week we had seen a Eungella National Park and the secondly, while the organisers were a stamen of impressive proportions combined total of 125 bird species, associated Clarke Connors Range relaxed and negotiable about the that the Eungella honeyeater find and, encouragingly, the Eungella is home to the endemic Eungella program, lateness would not be irresistible. honeyeater in three different locations. honeyeater (Bolemoreus hindwoodi). accommodated. Our hosts alerted us to the Eungella It isn’t an especially attractive bird, Walking back to our digs through honeyeater’s high-pitched bubbling Surveys of the Eungella honeyeater but its singularity attracts many. So, a refreshing blanket of drizzle-mist, I call and moments later it was out date from 1939. More recently, in September last year, thirty keen commented that EBW looked more and proud for all to see. At such infrequent counts by QPWS and Above: Eungella honeyeater. Photo: John Brinnand. birdwatchers from around the country promising in the flesh than it had on moments I face a dilemma. Thrilling regular surveys by Birdlife Mackay temperatures across Australia. Efforts I tip my lid to all these wonderful congregated for the second annual paper and we had been pretty much as a first sighting is, there is another (1994 to the present) differ in their Eungella Bird Week (EBW). guaranteed a sighting of the Eungella sort of wonderment to be found on estimates of the total population but to preserve tracts of rainforest and people and to WildMob, Bildlife agree on the trend: since 2000 the to forestall the logging of eucalypt Mackay and QPWS. However, it was population has declined by about one forest are laudable, but without a the bird art competition by students third. Drought and land clearing are substantive and immediate reduction of Eungella State School that really the identified culprits; in particular, the in greenhouse gas emissions inspired me. These children, eager continued loss of a winter food source and serious money committed to to appreciate and preserve their local from flowering eucalypts, especially preserving biodiversity, it’s difficult habitat face global environmental the lemon scented gum (Corymbia to imagine the Eungella honeyeater challenges on a scale that humanity citriodora). surviving in the wild. has never seen. As they presented It’s certainly exciting to see any rare While some species may succumb their artworks to the assembly of aged creature, and people travel the world to extinction without notice I am sure adults, I recalled the words of the for just such an experience, but it can this would not be the case for the anthropologist Margaret Mead: never also be very disturbing. The WWF Eungella honeyeater. During EBW we doubt that a small group of thoughtful report, Living Planet, reveals that from were introduced to many residents committed citizens can change the 1970 to 2012 the Earth’s population committed to conservation, including world. Indeed, it is the only thing that of non-human vertebrates decreased some who campaigned to establish has. by 58 percent. In the same period Eungella National Park, others who human vertebrates doubled. look after it, and property owners who Eungella Bird Week was a superb If CO2 emissions maintain their maintain their land for wildlife. We experience and Eungella National current trajectory, the Bureau also learned from citizen scientists Park a treasure. My only regret is that of Meteorology forecasts more passionate about rainforest flora, we stayed in accommodation rather severe and prolonged droughts orchids, owls, platypus and much than the excellent campgrounds, but Above: A view from Eungella National Park. Photo: Einalem via Wikimedia Commons. Banner: Ferns in Eungella National Park. Photo: Kimberly Booth and significantly increased summer more. there’ll always be next time. via Wikimedia Commons. 10 11 WILDLIFE THE NATIONAL PARK FEATURE EXPERIENCE Eungella honeyeater Personal reflection on why our parks must be valued (Bolemoreus hindwoodi)

Daryl Barnes and Graham Armstrong Jackie Rose’Meyer Birdlife Mackay Vice President, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ)

Inland from the coastal town of honeyeater relies on resources like Observations in the days following Since moving to Queensland six eastern yellow robin on the ground, Mackay in central Queensland and nectar, honeydew, manna and lerps, the November fires indicated most years ago our family has made and it always makes the kids smile bordering the Pioneer Valley, is the which progressively become available of the damaged habitat occurred countless holidays and day trips to when they hear the loud whip of the Clarke Range. Recognised as a Key across its range throughout the year. in adjacent state forests with the Queensland’s national parks. There eastern whipbird. Biodiversity Area by Birdlife Australia, To add to the frustration of locating ‘true’ rainforest areas only marginally are so many choices. The rainforest tracks are perfect it is home to the endemic Eungella the honeyeater, the birds are in almost affected around the fringes. Small Our most frequent and favourite day walks for introducing children to honeyeater (Bolemoreus hindwoodi). constant motion, flying in and out numbers of Eungella were trip though has been to a reserve, bushwalking. There are 2 km of This honeyeater has the smallest of flowering trees or vines, stopping encountered at various locations, with not a national park. Located on the walking tracks which are very distribution of any mainland Australian but briefly to feed and often hiding random sightings reported throughout Sunshine Coast, Mary Cairncross manageable, with a large proportion bird and is listed as Vulnerable under amongst dense vegetation. Only the national park and in the Eungella Scenic Reserve is a short one hour of this being wheelchair and stroller Queensland’s Nature Conservation the patient observer and dedicated township, where native garden plants and 10-minute drive from Brisbane. accessible. The track is shaded by Act. photographer will enjoy the pleasure of attract occasional birds. A few times a year the five of us will the tree canopy and the walks are still In Eungella National Park, from 500 seeing a stationary bird. However, the longer-term effect set off to Mary Cairncross followed by very enjoyable in the rain. Two of our of the fires and other factors on the lunch in Montville or Maleny. three children have been fascinated metres above sea level to the summit In the dry winter months, the birds Eungella honeyeater will need to be by the leaches brought out in the rain, of Mt Dalrymple (1,227 metres), is a are known to forage to the south The reserve comprises 55 hectares determined through formal population not so much the third who was the narrow stretch of plateau rainforest. in Crediton State Forest and to the of subtropical rainforest overlooking surveys in coming months and years. source of their food. This plateau is critical habitat for the north in Cathu State Forest. Concerns the Glass House Mountains. It has The national profile of the Eungella Eungella honeyeater. a huge range of plants and animals At the edge of the forest is an about the effect on the honeyeater honeyeater is increasing and we that make their home in this reserve. Since the recognition of the Eungella of continued small scale, selective are slowly learning more about the Education Centre, the Rainforest honeyeater, in 1983, as a separate logging of these forest areas led to potential threats it faces. A concerted The kids always take great delight in Discovery Centre, and a public species from the more northern surveys being conducted in the winter effort to understand the bird more spotting the red legged pademelon, recreation area with BBQ’s and a , efforts have been months of 2014-2016 by members of completely is required to help ensure ‘butterflies’ (the pink underwing moth) playground. The Rainforest Discovery land was donated to the Sunshine made to learn more about its habits, the Mackay branch of Birdlife Australia its future. and on occasion we have seen Centre is very interactive and keeps Coast Council in 1941 with the aim of movements and population size. and a Mackay Conservation Group Another important step has been snakes, including the red bellied black the family entertained whenever we preserving the rainforest. The reserve However, much remains to be learned. analyst. the recent inclusion of higher snake. return. It includes habitat rooms, is managed by the Sunshine Coast microscopes and all kinds of The most significant obstacles The work was funded by the altitude Eungella honeyeater habitat The bird population is diverse. We Council with the support of a number information. to this endeavour are the rugged Mackay Regional Council and Mackay in a Banding of Bushbirds project. find that we see and hear more bird of very helpful and informative local Recently, three Eungella honeyeaters inaccessibility of much of the Clarke Conservation Group. From this work life when we visit the reserve early in The area is not protected as a volunteers. were caught and banded, an Range and the bird’s mobility. An the day. We are often lucky to see the national park, it is a reserve. The the Eungella honeyeater population important first step in understanding One of the many things I like about opportunistic feeder, the Eungella was estimated to be upward of 5,000 the bird’s movements. Local birders visiting Mary Cairncross Reserve is individuals. The report also included continue to visit the more accessible the gold coin donation system to a consideration of the potential effect areas of Eungella National Park, support conservation work at the of climate change on the timing, including areas affected by fire, and reserve. I have often wondered how frequency and abundance of flowering reassuringly, the Eungella Honeyeater our national parks could introduce events in the Clarke Range and continues to be seen and heard in something similar to help contribute how that could impact the Eungella unburnt areas. to the protection of, and education honeyeater. Through the Mackay and Whitsunday about, our national parks. More recently, the Eungella environmental groups, and members of the local community, interest in the honeyeater has had to contend with As a family the time we spend Eungella honeyeater has increased rampant bushfires in Crediton and together in nature are some of the over the years. The Mackay Branch of best quality times we have – no Cathu State Forests. The result of an Birdlife Australia has provided labour, unprecedented dry spell in November support and enthusiasm. We now urgency or distractions; so much to last year, the fires burnt into the have an improved knowledge of the see and share together; and beauty rainforest habitat of Eungella. About bird and public awareness has also and peacefulness you just don’t get The endemic Eungella honeyeater. Photos: The authour’s family enjoying Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. Photos: Jackie Rose’Meyer. Daryl Barnes and Graham Armstrong. 10% of the national park was burnt. increased. anywhere else. 12 13 For more information on activities RANGER OF WHAT’S & events, visit our website: THE MONTH N www.npaq.org.au/events Insights into the diverse backgrounds and day-to-day NPAQ activities NPAQ 2019 NPAQ events activities of Queensland’s park rangers NPAQ May Member’s Meeting Glenlogan Lakes Bird Watching Easter Camp at Date: Wednesday 15 May 2019 Shellie Cash Date: Sunday 24 March 2019 Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS) Meet: 7.30am, St Jude Cct, Jimboomba Grade: Easy Girraween Venue: NPAQ Offices: 10/36 Finchley Cost: $5 Street, Milton Numerous activities will be arranged for Leader: Geraldine Buchanan (3349 1109 or Shellie Cash is Ranger-in-Charge at all members and to suit all fitness levels. [email protected]) Currawinya National Park in western What is the best part about These range from long to short walks, flat NPAQ November Member’s Queensland. She has always loved working in a National Park? to hilly tracks to off track walks. Self-drive Meeting being outdoors studying different The best part would have to be that Coomera Circuit tours of the district will be provided for Date: Wednesday 20 November 2019 animals. Growing up on a farm gave any non-walkers. Bring all your camping I get to work every day in a place Date: Sunday 7 April 2019 Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start her a passion for land management requirements, including drinking water. where most people only get to visit for Meet: 8:10 am for an 8:30am start, Binna Arrive from Thursday 18th and depart before Venue: NPAQ Offices: 10/36 Finchley and, after completing high school, their holidays. As a Park Ranger, there Burra carpark 10am Tuesday 23rd. Street, Milton Shellie took on a traineeship with are so many different things that you Grade: Intermediate The campsite, with easy access for Tents QPWS in Rockhampton. It didn’t take have the opportunity to do, and no Cost: $5 caravans and campers, is on flat private her long to realise that she had found day is ever the same as the next. I like Leader: Frank Freeman (0427 655 514 or property. Camping facilities will be basic. her perfect job. Non-potable creek water may be available that one day I will be digging holes [email protected]) and can be used for showering etc. Pit Vale How long have you worked in or fixing an old building and the next toilets will be provided, evening Happy NPAQ is saddened by the passing national parks? I could be fighting a fire or trapping Kumbartcho Bird Watching Hours are planned and a night time camp of John Sinclair, founder of affiliate Date: Sunday 14 April 2019 I’ve been with QPWS for 11 years and identifying different rodents and fire provided. We will have a Saturday night group FIDO (Fraser Island Defenders now. I have met some interesting folks reptiles. Meet: 7.30am at Kumbartcho car park, 15 dinner at a local Tavern. Organisation). A renowned Queensland and made some great friends along Bunya Pine Ct., Eatons Hill Members who would like to attend but conservationist, John led campaigns to What is your top tip for visitors to the way. I love being able to share Grade: Easy do not have camping gear can book protect Fraser Island from sand-mining parks for bushwalking? my knowledge and utilise the many Cost: $5 accommodation in the district. Should you and logging, and have it declared a World wish to book, do so quickly due to high different skills that I’ve picked up from My top tip is to know how long the Leader: Jocelyn Dixon (3378 8486 or Heritage Area. demand on the Easter weekend. Cabins are [email protected]) NPAQ was also recently made aware of colleagues over the years. trail is going to take to walk. The best available at Sommerville Valley Tourist Park Ranger Shellie Cash checking springs the passing of member Lorraine Best. way to do that is to check details at Storm King Dam. Which parks have you worked in? monitoring cameras at Currawinya National Lorraine was a regular volunteer with the Park. Photos: Queensland Government. on the web site, and check with the Priors Pocket Bird Watching I’ve worked in many different parks Date: Thursday 18 April - Tuesday 23 April vegetation management group at Jolly’s local ranger once you’re on site. Date: Sunday 19 May 2019 in Queensland. On the east coast, 2019 Lookout. turtle came up (in the middle of the There is nothing worse than having Meet: 7.30am, Priors Pocket - Moggill I’ve worked at places such as Grade: Various from easy to hard NPAQ has also learned of the passing of day) to lay her eggs. I had never seen to walk back in the dark because it Grade: Easy Rockhampton, Byfield and Agnes Meet: Girraween - exact location details will member Mike Wilke. Mike had previously a turtle egg before, let alone a turtle Cost: $5 Water. I’ve also spent time in our took longer than expected. Also take be supplied upon nomination. served as an NPAQ Councillor. laying her eggs. I think I must have enough water and have comfortable Leader: Lesley Joyce (0423 109 788, 3818 Cost: $50, children $25, free under 10 western parks such as Clermont, 7646 or [email protected]) We send our sincere condolences to Girraween, Welford and Currawinya watched her for an hour or more— shoes. Leader: Ian Peacock (ianpeacock@hotmail. their friends and families. after all, turtles are not the quickest com) National Park (my current position). What is your top tip for campers? Even though the place where I animals on land! Go online and find out what facilities grew up, and still call home, is Can you describe your favourite and activities are near the camp site Rockhampton, the western areas national parks experience? keep calling me back. you propose to camp at. That way My best experience would have to be you won’t be disappointed and won’t What is your most memorable seeing the wildflowers and hiking the have to book another site. Also, you moment? walking tracks at Girraween National should never go without bug spray My most memorable moment would Park. The landscape there is like and extra toilet paper! have to be seeing my first marine nothing I’ve ever seen—the biggest turtle come up the beach to nest. rocks you’ll ever see and so many We were working on the beach different kinds of pretty little flowers. I NPAQ thanks Shellie for taking time to at Deepwater National Park, on love it. answer our questions. We appreciate Queensland’s central coast, putting the work all QPWS rangers undertake in out baits for foxes, when a loggerhead protecting Queensland’s national parks.

NPAQ Outback Parks Tour 2016. Photo: Wendy Bell. 14 15 OVERLAND THROUGH UGANDA, KENYA AND TANZANIA

DEPARTING BRISBANE 22 JUNE 2019 | RETURNING 18 JULY 2019

RGSQ TRAVELLER are offering GEOGRAPHY, GAME GEOGRAPHY PARKS & GORILLAS as part of our ongoing programme of geography on the ground in Africa - overland GAME PARKS through three countries - Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, to take place starting 22 June 2019. & GORILLAS “This is a completely new RGSQ Traveller Fully escorted from Brisbane by itinerary offering many of the national park jewels of Central and East Africa, Leo Scanlan, Tour Leader, seasoned unsurpassed wildlife viewing, breathtaking

traveller with a great love of Africa views of The Great Rift Valley, superb views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli, and a and former RGSQ President. whole list of great conservation and historical stories as well.” Leo Scanlan, Tour Leader EXPRESSION OF INTEREST INCLUSIONS

• All international air travel ex Brisbane* HIGHLIGHTS • Accommodation and tipping for site guides UGANDA and drivers • Transport • All meals as per itinerary, except when in transit • Fully escorted from Brisbane Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park, • Guided site tours + 4x4 Excursions in national parks Kampala, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park + Entrance fees and permits to national parks where we hope to meet the mountain gorilla families; • Bottled water while on tour TANZANIA PRICE $15,968* per person twin share; Lake Victoria, Serengeti National Park and single supplement $2,223*. Ngorongoro Conservation Area; Terms and conditions apply. Subject to change. KENYA FOR A COPY of the extended itinerary please contact RGSQ Traveller on 07 3368 2066 or email Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National [email protected] or visit www.rgsq.org.au. Park with unmatched views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Nakuru, Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West, ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT, now that we are Sheldrik’s Elephant Orphanage and release centre 16 getting closer to the departure date. Voi, and The Giraffe Centre Nairobi. Date of Publication - 11/03/2019