Magazine of National Parks Association of Queensland

Recovery: Threatened species recovery Nature-based recovery PLUS October state election Think outside ALSO FEATURED Cling gobies

Ranger spotlight Issue 29 Spring 2020 1 Contents From the President ������������������������ 3 Think Outside ...... 10 FROM THE PRESIDENT October Election ��������������������������� 4 Cling Gobies ...... 12 Threatened Species Recovery �������� 6 The National Park Experience...... 13 A Nature-based Recovery? ...... 8 Spotlight: Ranger of the Month...... 14 What’s On...... 15

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 Welcome to the Spring edition of of conditions to ensure key risks are 1960s, yet it has taken decades and schedule of future editions. right to refuse any advertisement at any time. Advertisement in Protected does not imply Protected and wishing you all safety being managed well. For ecotourism large sums of government educational Contributors, please include contact details NPAQ’s endorsement of products or services. and good health in these uncertain in parks to be accepted in the long funding to significantly reduce the and brief personal summary. Articles can be times. term, assurance and responsiveness number of smokers in Australia. Self- submitted via email or hard copy. Digital photos Copyright and disclaimer In this edition you will find articles of operators must be of the highest interest was clearly at stake in that should be minimum 300dpi. standard. The failure of Queensland NPAQ retains copyright of Protected. Articles about the upcoming election, case. Our declining biodiversity does Cover image may be quoted provided that appropriate threatened species recovery, nature- coastal national park island resorts is a not have such an obvious link to our acknowledgement occurs in the reproduction based recovery, a ranger spotlight, salient reminder. self-interest, however, many studies Recovery and regeneration. Photo: Jack and use of material. Bassingthwaighte. and more. The article about the It is often said that the conservation now show the links between national Articles in Protected do not necessarily reflect election prepared by Larissa Cordner movement is weakened because parks and human mental and physical NPAQ’s opinion or position. is timely given the State will be going it is disunited, yet it is a reality that health. Continuing to do little now and to the polls in two months. We groups do have a range of views - this into the future will be consequential for are concerned that the promised is evidenced both by the number of us and for biodiversity. Science keeps About NPAQ Protected Area Strategy with funding groups and by the effort required to reminding us of this. is still not released, let alone being prepare any kind of joint statement. Our Purpose As this is my last note as President, implemented. Typically, one end of the spectrum The National Parks Association of Queensland I wish to thank all Councillors, staff is of the view that an action should (NPAQ) promotes the preservation, expansion, Advocacy is an important function of and volunteers for their work and good management and presentation of National not proceed and the other end that the Association and there is constant goodwill over the past three years. Parks, and supports nature conservation in consideration around how to be most it should be well managed. It seems Queensland. that the radical and revolutionary ideas Deb Marwedel, Neil Williams and effective. Recently we sought member Yvonne Parsons who are also stepping Council Staff views on a policy regarding ecotourism are as valuable as the pragmatist who works on making the best of the down from Council are recognised President Graeme Bartrim Conservation Principal Laura Hahn and national parks. Although the present situation. One sets the longer- in particular for their wisdom and Vice President Yvonne Parsons Operations Manager Marika Strand proposed policy was generally term goal while the other optimizes generosity. People giving of their time Hon Treasurer Neil Williams supported, a wide range of views was united in knowing the importance of expressed. We have formed the view in a much shorter time frame. Both Hon Secretary Jacqueline Rose’Meyer Contact details conserving our biodiversity for its own that it is better to be a contributor can generally agree on a high level Asst Hon Secretary Debra Marwedel Office Unit 9/36 Finchley St, Milton QLD sake and for community and visitor to the ongoing debate around objective, however, divergence can Councillors David Ball Post PO Box 1040, Milton QLD 4064 enjoyment is vital to the Association. I ecotourism in parks rather than be on occur when considering action, Suzanne Cooper Phone (07) 3367 0878 wish every success to the Association the sidelines. The main goal is to grow responses and priorities in real time. Julie Hainsworth Web www.npaq.org.au The recognition of smoking being bad as a robust protected area estate Email [email protected] the park estate and ensure its proper Andrew Thompson for human health was news in the becomes a reality for the state. Colleen Thornton ABN 60 206 792 095 management for the long term. It is generally true that the approval process for new development Want to get involved with NPAQ? proposals consumes much money, NPAQ welcomes people from all walks of life and offers a variety of ways to be involved: time and energy and often generates • Have fun in the bush – come • Step up – become a National • Connect with us – Facebook, more heat than light. It is also generally along on a bush walk or Parks Conservation member Instagram and Twitter true that such processes conclude other activity or a National Parks Protector • Stay in touch – read regular with the public being assured that • Donate – support our work • Get your hands dirty – updates on our website all is well as the development will participate in on-ground • Volunteer on exciting projects • Share a bush adventure with proceed but with a myriad of stringent 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 conditions. A common weakness is that during construction and operation SUPPORT NPAQ AND HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE there is inadequate policing of BECOME A MEMBER, DONATE OR VOLUNTEER compliance and insufficient refinement www.npaq.org.au/get-involved www.facebook.com/NPAQld @nationalparksassocqld www.npaq.org.au

2 Connect and Protect 3 QUEENSLAND’S NATIONAL PARKS AND THE OCTOBER ELECTION

Larissa Cordner, Member and Marketing, Communications and Engagement Committee member, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ)

It is said that opportunity presents on opportunity, there is also a saying second wave, it has not been lost (who managed the land before it was itself not often, and opportunity did that ‘opportunities are like buses, on the Queensland Government that gazetted as a national park) was a indeed seem to present itself for there is always another one coming’. national parks are a key economic contributing factor. Without national Queensland’s protected areas at The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown asset for the state, offering regional park protection, the northern hairy- the 2017 state election. open the door of opportunity to employment and sustained income nosed wombat could already be During the February 2017 election Queenslanders to reconnect with through domestic tourism. extinct today. campaign, then Deputy Premier nature close to home. Many sought As the focus in society at the minute New national parks will support Jackie Trad said: reprieve in protected areas, to find is on economic recovery, we should Queensland’s rich and diverse wildlife; solace and inspiration to survive “A re-elected Palaszczuk not lose sight of the role protected further invest in Queensland’s tourism a very real human need that was, Government will release and areas play in restoring endangered industry and progress state and and still is, necessarily deprived of implement a Queensland Protected wildlife populations. In a number of national protected area promises. us through social distancing. ‘The 2 Area Strategy that will establish a instances, protected areas such as In the Lost Opportunities report natural places fill up our bucket’ my world leading protected area system national parks have provided the last released in February 2020, five 6-year-old son says, or as I like to that effectively conserves the State's refuges for threatened species. For Queensland conservation groups unique natural assets for the benefit of say ‘quenches that part of us that has example, the northern hairy-nosed including NPAQ, identified 175 all Queenslanders. an evolutionary need to connect with wombat is found only in Epping properties with very high biodiversity nature’. Forest National Park, north-west value that could have been bought Above: Wet sclerophyll forest, Mount Windsor National Park. The strategy will set the direction of Rockhampton. The last wombat and protected since 2015, but were Banner: South Johnstone River, Tully Gorge National Park. Photos: Kerry Trapnell. for the management and growth We have seen a revived Queensland census at Epping Forest National not. An inadequate acquisition budget allow the purchase of land for national weeds and feral animals. of Queensland's protected area government focus much of the Park estimated a population of about for the Department of Environment park protection, to secure high estate for the next ten years, better COVID-19 economic recovery on Opportunities will present one hundred and sixty-three northern and Science, and now exacerbated priority properties needed to save connecting the community with their domestic travel to our national parks. themselves once again in the lead up hairy-nosed wombats. by a delayed Protected Area Strategy, ecosystems and species threatened protected areas as well as sustainably Beautiful pictures of Queensland’s to the election, and then the question is leaving our state behind. by habitat loss and degradation. growing and managing our existing natural assets are plastered on This was the remaining population that needs to be asked: to what Parks management budgets must protected area estate.” billboards and buses looping the following the demise of the species In fact, over these last three years, extent is the government prepared to CBD and outskirts, showing off in its original range. It is unclear why funding for the purchase of land also be substantially boosted to support nature outcomes in a time of As the time lagged between that our splendid national park assets the wombats were able to survive at for new national parks has been ensure parks are resourced and unparalleled societal upheaval? election and the upcoming October managed to save nature as best and begging of us to visit. As the Epping Forest National Park, but it is dramatically cut, from nearly $20 1 election this year, it has become https://statements.qld.gov.au/ economic recovery continues and likely that the positive and deliberate million per year over the period 2012- they can in the face of the escalating apparent that the opportunity was not statements/79998 we grapple with the possibility of a management by the Dennis family 15, to less than $6 million per year climate crisis. Additional investment made the most of – three years and subsequently. is critical to protect habitat through 2 https://npaq.org.au/current-issues/lost- waiting for the Queensland Protected active land management, including opportunities-for-new-national-parks-in- In the lead up to the 2020 election Area Strategy, not yet released and far tackling destructive fire, noxious queensland/ from being implemented. in October, the campaign to increase the protected area estate National Parks Association of Queensland's election asks At present, Queensland’s land- in Queensland is in full swing. The for the upcoming October state election: based protected areas cover just over NPAQ is focused on bipartisan 8 per cent of the state. Of this 8 per • Premier and Treasury support of the State’s National Park Estate outcomes for national parks, and for their inherent biological importance, value to the community cent, about 70% are State lands such the alliance of environment groups as national parks (owned, managed and fundamental importance to the tourist industry and regional working on the issue in Queensland employment. or jointly managed Indigenous land), is ever growing. NPAQ recommends while about 30% are protected areas an ambitious strategic expansion of • Release and implement a fully funded Queensland Protected Area on private land (Nature Refuges and the Queensland national park system Strategy to provide a clear pathway to achieving strategic protection Special Wildlife Reserves), which to save our unique wildlife, while also of 17% of the State (a long standing commitment); include sufficient are owned and managed by private boosting the state’s nature tourism management funding to ensure the integrity of the National Park Estate individuals, businesses and not-for- economy. and to build threatened species and climate change resilience. profit organisations.1 It is reasonable to expect the • Prioritise a nature based regional economic stimulus for Black Summer As a paradox to the opening quote Above: The author's family enjoying Mount Barney National Park. Photo: Supplied. allocation of an acquisition budget to Bushfire ecosystem and COVID-19 recovery in national parks. 4 5 QPWS BUSHFIRE RECOVERY PROGRAM FOR THREATENED SPECIES

Dr Tracey Churchill Bushfire Recovery Program Coordinator, Threatened Species Operations, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service & Partnerships, Department of Environment and Science

An unexpected change of scenery will facilitate a faster approach to post- Wildlife and Habitat Bushfire Recovery survey, with other groups, like snails, that are in significant decline or Fleay's barred frog, spotted-tailed The Australian bushfire season fire evaluation in the future. program, guided by their Expert yet to be assessed. They include genetically isolated. The QPWS fire quoll, brush-tailed rock-wallaby, of 2019/20 was unprecedented in Planning the journey Panel. Researchers, non-government moss dependant bugs, rainforest severity mapping has steered project Hastings River mouse, New Holland terms of its scale and intensity. In organisations and community groups dwelling king crickets, wetland reliant efforts to fire sensitive communities mouse and long-nosed potoroo. By To prioritise recovery efforts for flora dragonflies and leaf-litter dependant that were burnt, as well as to more working closely with QPWS, other Queensland, over 7 million hectares also received Commonwealth funding and fauna classified as threatened spiders. The tiny pelican spiders fire-tolerant vegetation types that Commonwealth grant recipients are was burnt, including important for threatened species recovery on under the Queensland Nature (genus Austarchaea) are especially were subject to very extensive or delivering complimentary activities habitats for more than 600 threatened both public and private lands across Conservation Act 1992, QPWS of conservation concern, being an severe fires. The 2019/20 fires burnt to those underway on national parks plant and animal species. According southern Queensland. considered the overlap of their ancient lineage with multiple short- significant areas of fire-sensitive to contribute to a more effective to the Bureau of Meteorology, 2019 The QPWS-led Bushfire Recovery known and potential distribution with range species endemic to different ecosystems, such as remnant semi- landscape-wide approach to wildlife was Australia’s hottest and driest year Program has projects focussed on fire extent. Scientific experts then localities across the Gondwana World evergreen vine thickets at Oakview recovery. For example, the natural on record. In southern Queensland, the recovery of 52 priority threatened reviewed the maps and identified Heritage Area and which are little National Park, and rainforests - resource management group the preceding extensive drought plant and animal species across important on-ground actions that changed from their fossilised relatives including the high-altitude temperate Healthy Land and Water have been exacerbated the impact of these four locations: Gondwana World could ensure their persistence in the of 150 million years ago. rainforests (over 1300 metres above undertaking urgent weed control bushfires on our native biota, which landscape and support their recovery. Heritage Area; Great Sandy and Sharing the challenge sea level) of Mount Superbus in Main projects in was already experiencing limited water The outcomes were checked against Noosa National Parks; Oakview Range National Park. and adjoining areas to help QPWS availability, habitat cover and food a broader scale analysis undertaken and Nangur National Parks, and; In collaboration with the Queensland manage this immediate threat to the resources. by the Australian Government for Bulburin National Park. In addition, Herbarium, each QPWS Bushfire The conservation status of the priority species in the QPWS projects regeneration of native plant species. species listed as threatened under experts at the Queensland Museum Recovery project is being led by a The Queensland Parks and Wildlife vary from ‘Near Threatened’ in In the coastal wallum and heath the Commonwealth Environment considered which invertebrate highly qualified scientist to plan and Service (QPWS) rangers had to close Queensland (such as the Albert’s of and the Protection and Biodiversity species had restricted distributions deliver priority recovery actions. These many parks, clear fallen burnt trees, lyrebird) to ‘Critically Endangered’ at Cooloola section of the Great Sandy Conservation Act 1999. QPWS then and other attributes that made them include: protecting any critical unburnt and ensure safe access for the on- the national level (the Nangur skink). National Park, the recovery needs established a program dedicated vulnerable to the impacts of severe refugia from fire in the short term; ground post-fire assessments. Control The Gondwana Rainforests World of species such as the wallum of specific weeds and pest animals to the recovery of fire impacted fires across these areas. A total undertaking surveys to establish the state of priority threatened species’ Heritage Area contains the most sedge frog, southern emu-wren was initiated to help protect key threatened species with funding of 47 spider, insect and crayfish populations; targeting weed and pest biota for post-fire evaluation with and oxleyan pygmy perch are being biodiversity values. QPWS and other from the Australian Government’s species were identified for initial animal control to protect habitat and 22 threatened plant species, and assessed. At Bulburin National Park, staff from across the Department of reduce predation, and; supporting 13 vertebrate species including: the nationally endangered Bulburin Environment and Science established programs to augment populations the eastern bristlebird, rufous nut is being surveyed in collaboration a process to map fire extent and scrub-bird, Coxen's fig-parrot, with university students and to ensure severity within protected areas. By the conservation of genetic variability comparing satellite imagery before for this species, the Macadamia and after a fire, an area was allocated Conservation Trust is establishing to one of five severity classes (unburnt populations of Bulburin nut outside to extreme) which was field checked of the park. QPWS will continue to to ensure accuracy. The level of collaborate with organisations that fire scorch or consumption of the can help the recovery of threatened canopy (e.g. trees in a forest; shrubs species and protect them from the in a heathland) was a key part of the risk of future bushfires. The proactive assessment. The spatial patterns of management of fire hazards or fire severity were then overlaid with complimentary pest control programs regional ecosystems, as well as on properties adjoining protected the locality records and predicted areas, such as by private landholders habitats for native species, to assess and First Nations people will be an ecological impacts and provide essential part of ongoing efforts recommendations for QPWS park to protect our unique biodiversity, management. The lessons learnt, and Above: Silver headed Antechinus Antechinus argentus at Bulburin National Park; Photo: Harry Above: Ringed thin-tailed gecko Phyllurus caudiannulatus at Bulburin National Park; Photo: Harry especially those most at risk from the the assessment methodology created, Hines. Banner: Burnt habitat in the Cooloola section of Great Sandy Park; Photo: Tracey Churchill. Hines. impacts of a changing climate. 6 7 A NATURE-BASED RECOVERY FOR QUEENSLAND?

Russell Watkinson Member and Advocacy Committee member, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ)

The COVID-19 pandemic Principle 1: COVID-19 is a symp- in Queensland is estimated at $5.6 ment and business to fund protected ture considerations centred on revital- invest in finishing the acquisition of our has brought a huge impact on tom of the wider environmental cri- billion6. Rather than simply a cost, area programs that will provide local ising Queensland’s parks and protect- protected area estate and properly re- Queensland, Australia and the rest of sis - i.e. unsustainable development protected area expenditure should be employment opportunities, including ed areas estate (see Figure below). sourcing management, so we deliver Approximately $4.4 billion is delivered the world. How we emerge from the leading to environmental degradation regarded as an investment in a range First Nations employment, through improved opportunities for ecotourism protecting our biodiversity and devel- into Queensland’s economy from devastating impacts on our economy, and fragmentation of ecosystems. of benefits that provide a healthy and regional businesses, better health environment, social cohesion and return on the dollar. oping better visitor facilities. expenditure associated with national In Queensland, Cubbie Station has park visitors supporting 4,400 full-time outcomes and secure increased jobs personal health will set the direction in 2 NPAQ consider that our national water licences for 460 giglalitres ; new The Way Forward 5 for the long term. Queensland for decades. parks system has been underfunded jobs . Mental and physical health ben- coal development in the Galilee basin Three phases of action are proposed efits derived from Australia’s national The Global Scene for decades and now is the time to The time is upon us to advance a is estimated to impact 6285 kms of to address the pandemic and recent parks are estimated at around $29 3 re-invest in our protected area system transformative relationship with nature. A recent article in the IUCN Parks streams ; and koala habitat destruc- bushfires: Rescue, Recover and billion10. Bringing all these sectors to advance the Governments’ com- journal1 examines the impact of the tion increased by 7% to over 17,000 Rebuild. together into an integrated Protected References 4 mitment to bring the protected area pandemic on protected and con- hectares between 2012 and 2018 . Areas Strategy could be a powerful 1 Hockings, M. et al (2020). COVID‐19 and Rescue: In Queensland, parks have estate up to 17% from the current protected and conserved areas. IUCN Parks served areas across the world through These examples suggest we may not driver for enhancing Queensland’s benefitted from COVID-19 restrictions 8%, alongside adequate long term Journal, Vol 26.1 May 2020. direct and indirect impacts. Where have the balance right. economy and environmental wellbeing 2 and closures allowing rangers time to funding to ensure better management. Davis, A. et al. (2018). When rivers run dry. will conservation feature in the policy Principle 2: We must commit with associated job opportunities. The Guardian. https://bit.ly/2OLPADO. assess bushfire impacts and plan im- Queensland’s National Parks budget responses to rebuild economic growth to and act to achieve a healthy 3 Australian Government (2018). Assessing mediate remedial measures needed to for the entire State, excluding cap- and human wellbeing? The paper out- sustainable planet - i.e. COVID-19 impacts of coal resource development on water aid recovery. The Commonwealth has ital funds, is currently $319 million, resources in the Galilee subregion: key findings. lines three scenarios on how protect- shows us that human-animal-eco- https://bit.ly/2Bg7WK7. allocated $200 million for Wildlife and less than half the cost of an 11 km ed and conserved areas could fair in system health is intricately linked. An 4 WWF (2020). Destruction of koala habitat Habitat recovery with $1.95 million upgrade of the Bruce Highway9. This global recovery: integrated approach could generate after listing as vulnerable in 2012. https://bit. allocated to Queensland for immedi- appears a low commitment to re- ly/2E41M0Q. 1. A return to normal i.e pre-pan- significant jobs and better rebuild the 7 5 ate rescue works . The Queensland sourcing one of our most important Driml, S & Brown, R (2019, Dec 2). demic situation, economy incorporating custodianship Government has allocated $8.9 million Queensland’s National Parks: an economically State assets. important tourism resource. Presentation to the 2. A global economic depression of nature as a core component. for a Jobs Boost from upgrading Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference, Rebuild: ‘Never waste a crisis”. The and decline in conservation and envi- Principle 3: Protected and con- existing park infrastructure8. This is Cairns. pandemic provides an opportunity to 6 ronmental protection, served areas provide broad bene- very modest given the overall value of Karasinski, J. (2018). The Economic Value re-think Government priorities and to of Australia’s insect crop Pollinators in 2014/15. fits to society, subject to enormous these natural assets. Curtin University. https://bit.ly/30tk5UE. 3. A new and transformative relation- put national parks and private protect- ship with nature. stress due to societal response to Recover: With the Government 7 Australian Government (2020). Media ed areas onto a firm financial footing Release: Wildlife and habitat recovery funding COVID-19 - i.e. better recognise how emphasis on rebuilding the economy, The last scenario envisages a new whilst providing new job opportunities, for Queensland National Parks, 1 June 2020. conservation areas help our response reducing “red/green tape” and “jobs- Looking after the environment and https://bit.ly/2BipZiR. nature- and climate-friendly future for particularly in regional areas. to climate change, supply clean air jobs-jobs” we must ensure that the rebuilding our economy should go 8 Queensland Governnment (2020, June 16). our planet based upon humanity’s A Nature-based Recovery and water, mental and physical health, role of protected areas in supporting hand in hand and we must take this Media Release: National Parks funding to create relationship to nature. Is this just a jobs as part of economic recovery plan.. https:// and provide livelihoods via tourism mental and physical health, regional A comprehensive Protected Areas opportunity to argue for a better inte- bit.ly/2CnqlWc. “green dream”? Could a nature-based and rural businesses. Queensland employment through visitation and Strategy is still outstanding despite grated approach. “There is no well- 9 Queensland Government (2019). recovery scenario have potential for needs to better account for these tourism, and environmental services this being an election commitment being without nature’s wellbeing”11. Queensland Budget (2019-2020) Service Queensland? Delivery Statements, Department of Environment benefits to the economy and allocate such as pollination of crops and clean made in 2015 and re-stated in 2018. So, let’s base our recovery from the and Science, https://bit.ly/3eM1Wqc, pg 23, Applying a Global Perspective to budgets for protected areas man- water are fully recognised, and not Whilst the delay has been disappoint- pandemic on re-connecting with and; Departmentn of transport and Main Roads https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au. Queensland agement accordingly. For example, threatened by relaxing regulations. ing, perhaps the response to the pan- nature and building on Queensland’s 10 Layt, S (2019, November 13). The Simple The paper specifies three principles national parks visitor associated NPAQ has proposals to help people demic could now include the expan- strategic advantage of spectacular way national parks are worth $145 billion to the to guide a pandemic recovery in line spending in Queensland is estimated reconnect with nature through grass- sion of the Protected Areas Strategy national parks, World Heritage areas economy, Times. https://bit.ly/3jqQYtZ. with a nature-based recovery together at $4.4 billion, a nine-fold return on roots activities in parks. We, and oth- into a more integrated Government and private conservation areas which 11 Richardson, M (2020, July 8). A New Relationship with Nature: what it means and 5 with three phases of actions. How investment ; the economic value of ers such as the Pew Foundation, also Policy document that brings together underpin a large segment of our what we can do. Nature Connectedness could this apply to Queensland? all pollinators contribution to crops are formulating proposals to Govern- health, tourism, business, and agricul- economy and general wellbeing. Let’s Research Blog. https://bit.ly/2WIUaaC. 8 9 THINK OUTSIDE and discover Queensland National Parks!

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS)

Following months of park closures a group of experienced mates looking dose while keeping a safe social wildlife and protected areas. The allows campers to identify their ideal to download on iOS and Android. and restrictions across the state, to go off the grid, or a couple looking distance. site also has a new series of walking camping experience within a few Queensland Parks and Wildlife the Department of Environment for a quiet nature escape. Queensland Around 150 inspirational blogs on and hiking content with all the tools, hours’ drive from key centres across Service has also teamed up with and Science (DES) is inviting tips and tricks to get Queenslanders the state, covering all tourism regions. National Parks want to inspire all the Think outside website have been Google to bring the outdoors inside! Queenslanders of all ages and prepared for their next (or first) hike Queenslanders to ‘Think outside’, get carefully crafted to take the think-work All that’s left to do is gather friends Thanks to the Google Trekker fitness levels to get back outdoors in Queensland’s parks and forests. out and active, and create memories out of planning your next Queensland and family, get a camping permit, pack technology, virtual travellers from and explore their ‘own backyard’ With so many different activities and to last a lifetime in the magnificent National Parks trip, with plenty of up the tent, camper trailer or caravan anywhere in the world can explore of national park treasures. In June, locations to choose from, spending protected areas in our state. While itineraries, recommended activities and head off to create memories to some of Queensland’s most-loved a new phase of the Think outside more time in nature should be on the primary focus of the campaign and information to help Queenslanders last a lifetime - after all, camping is a national parks - right from the comfort campaign was launched, promoting every Queenslander’s 2020 bucket is on families, there’s lots of tailored find their next outdoor experience. 1000-star experience! of their own homes. day and overnight visitation to information that will appeal to other list. Queensland National Parks and Visitors can pick from short walks Experiencing parks virtually With a 22kg Google Street View audiences. Before embarking on your next Trekker backpack strapped to joining efforts to bring back visitation and multi-day hikes to kayaking along Queensland Parks and Wildlife Finding your next ‘green exercise’ outdoor adventure, always remember their back, QPWS staff hiked up to different regions across the state. our stunning pristine coastlines and Service is continually looking at new to check Park Alerts, read up on any mountains, through valleys, into The campaign is jam-packed with With spring just around the waterways, or exploring the history ways to educate and build advocacy changed conditions due to COVID-19, forests and around heritage sites, new information focusing on active corner, it’s the perfect time to put and biodiversity of parks and forests and awareness for protected areas pack enough food and water, and be capturing 360 degree vision as they experiences, such as walking, hiking, on the hiking boots and embrace across the state. There are plenty through digital channels. A brand- sun safe all year round. went. They also captured footage kayaking, and much more, to help Queensland’s natural treasures. of activities to keep the whole family new Queensland National Parks from a vehicle driving along national Queenslanders embrace nature during Spending time in nature is not only a entertained with day-trips to one of the Camping to connect with family ‘Naturally Queensland’ e-newsletter park roads. Thanks to their efforts, the milder months by participating great way to connect with family and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and friends was launched in June, promoting virtual travellers can now explore in ‘green exercise’. To get started, friends and explore new destinations; (QPWS)-managed attractions across Queensland National Parks are park visitation, QPWS attractions and World Heritage rainforest, historic visitors can find inspiration on the stepping outside and connecting with the state. Join Park Rangers for wildlife places of exceptional beauty, educational pieces. The e-newsletter forts and heritage sites and even Think outside campaign website, sign the natural world is one of the best shows and presentations at David incredible biodiversity and natural also features QPWS Ranger profiles to limestone caves deep underground! up to the new Queensland National ways to look after our mental and Fleay Wildlife Park at West Burleigh and cultural significance. From World highlight the diverse roles of our Park The sites include walking tracks and Parks e-newsletter and follow the physical well-being. What’s more, a or Walkabout Creek Discovery Heritage rainforests to pristine islands Rangers across the state. Sign up to boardwalks, cycling trails and scenic Queensland National Parks Facebook walk in nature is also a great way to Centre at The Gap, in south-east and coastlines, rugged outback hear more Queensland National Parks lookouts in national parks around the and Instagram pages for latest news reach 10,000 steps a day! With more Queensland, explore underground oases and ancient mountain ranges, stories. state. Visit the website for all the links and campaign updates. than 13 million hectares of protected lava tubes and caves in the Outback, camping in one of Queensland’s parks The MyRanger app is another to Google Maps for the park locations Continuing from its first instalment areas across the state, including over or experience natural encounters and forests is a special experience - innovative approach to enhancing captured. in 2019, the campaign still has a 1000 national parks, state forests on a Ranger-led wildlife tour at Mon sometimes right on your doorstep! the visitor experience through Think outside! strong focus on camping and provides and conservation parks, more than Repos or Mount Etna. There are With around 500 camping areas, new technologies. The pilot app is With so many different tools to a range of helpful tips and tools to 400,000km² of marine parks, and five plenty of activities to keep the whole Queensland National Parks serve designed to act as a ‘Ranger in your choose from, finding inspiration make planning a camping trip easy–– World Heritage Areas, Queensland family entertained while also learning up an impressive menu of camping pocket’, offering Ranger-guided virtual for your next outdoor adventure is whether you’re a family of novice National Parks provide countless more about the conservation and locations for all experience levels. The tours, interactive maps, augmented easy! So head to the Think outside campers looking for an easy getaway, opportunities to get your daily nature preservation of Queensland’s unique Think outside website offers useful reality, species information and campaign website and start exploring! tips and helpful advice when it comes gamification elements. Visitors can to finding and booking the right camp explore two parks - Springbrook Resources site, packing the camping essentials, National Park and David Fleay Think outside website: www.lifesbestmoments. and heading off to experience the Wildlife Park - learning about ancient des.qld.gov.au natural magnificence of Queensland’s Gondwana rainforest, the local wildlife Facebook: www.facebook.com/qldnationalparks parks and forests. With the school and threatened species, all from the Instagram: www.instagram.com/qldparks holidays just around the corner, Park Ranger’s perspective. At David e-newsletter: parks.des.qld.gov.au/things-to-do/ there’s plenty of time to get the family Fleay Wildlife Park, visitors can also newsletter organised for a Queensland National follow a cultural tour narrated by the MyRanger app: parks.des.qld.gov.au/things-to- Parks camping trip, and find a holiday local Indigenous Ranger and learn do/virtual-tours/myranger-app Above: (L to R): National Park; Hiking with mates. Photos: Queensland Government. Google Trekker in . Photo: spot closer to home this season. about traditional land use and cultural Google Trekker: parks.des.qld.gov.au/things-to- Cameron Jones © Queensland Government. Banner: National Park. Photo: Greg Cartwright © Queensland Government. Information on the campaign website practices. The MyRanger app is free do/virtual-tours/google-street-view-trekker 10 11 WILDLIFE THE NATIONAL PARK FEATURE EXPERIENCE Cling Gobies Personal reflection on why our parks must be valued

Brendan Ebner Suellen Hopkins TropWATER, James Cook University Member, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ)

Among the most stunning of fish in Congratulations to the National multitude of ropes and pulleys as it generous Johnny Walker and his the streams of tropical Queensland Parks Association of Queensland on was lowered and then hoisted back first trip to , the are the cling gobies. The males of celebrating its 90th anniversary! into its usual resting position high in extraordinarily wise Norm Traves these species are brightly coloured I was essentially born into NPAQ the garage. and his dislike of packing a wet tent for weeks to months each year. These (it was to be avoided always!) and just short of 50 years ago. Day walks, Very few long weekends were high-end dress standards are most through NPAQ the embattled and regular weekend camping trips and spent at home. I remember an notable in male versus male contests thoroughly determined John Sinclair. yearly extended outings were the only Easter spent in glorious sunshine, and serve to attract mates during the Sadly, all have passed away in recent holidays I had ever known growing up. paddling about Woody Island on a breeding season. About ten species years, but their legacies continue There were many early morning starts surf ski with my skin covered with a have now been recorded in Australian like so many NPAQ member’s where my sister and I were woken in salt crust and I remember another, waters. the dark for toast and vegemite eaten stories and achievements. It was attempting to shelter under canvas at mentioned at John Sinclair’s memorial The smallest of these species is in the kitchen before piling into the Mount Spirabo in torrential rain that Birdsong’s cling goby which rarely van to head to a weekend campsite service that John, together with necessitated an emergency departure my father George Haddock as the attains 4 cm in total length. Indeed, and far too many tent setups and from the campsite before the creek most of the cling gobies reach only pull downs to remember precisely. NPAQ representative to the Fraser Above: Typical cling goby habitat, a stream at Cape Tribulation, north of the Daintree River. rose and we would have been Island Advisory Committee, made a 4 to 6 cm in length. Of the larger Memories of extended outings, Banner: Male rabbit-head cling goby. Photos: Supplied. isolated for days. It was the trip when formidable force when it came to the species, the most common is the bouncing across the crystal-clear things did not go to plan that was preservation and protection of K’gari. rabbit-head cling goby which achieves Country in Wooroonooran National Fiji. creeks of Salvator Rosa National Park reminisced of the most. There were When George died so unexpectedly a whopping 11 cm in length as a Park (near Babinda) or in Jabalbina All cling gobies are no-take in the back of a short wheelbase so many tales told of the early days. I 12 years ago now, a vast knowledge male and 13 cm or so as a female. Country in Emmagen Creek within the species in Queensland under the Landcruiser, rain in the Grampians, am unable to recall exact details but of Queensland’s National Parks was The rabbit-head cling goby can be just north of Fisheries Act and three species celebrating my 10th birthday in the Cape Tribulation. most involved trains and cattle trucks, lost, but fortunately the opportunity observed with the aid of a snorkel (including Birdsong’s cling goby) are Stirling Ranges of Western Australia flooded creeks, boggy tracks, fires for our family to spend time together mask, in fast, flowing water and These fish occupy stream habitats vulnerable species under the Nature until travelling the Canning Stock and food and fuel drops. in those National Parks was not. I especially through the wall of bubbles and are usually found in steep coastal Conservation Act. The Opal cling Route and standing atop a red dune would have wished for him to be with underneath toppling cascades. The streams in high rainfall areas. The goby is listed as critically endangered covered in flowering Thryptomene in Whilst I recall some spectacular us and showing us the way but at rabbit-head and indeed many of the Wet Tropics is the stronghold for cling nationally under the EPBC Act. This my mid 20’s. Of course, there was scenery and the beauty of the native least these places were preserved cling gobies specialise in grazing gobies in an Australia context but this species has recently been recorded also the annual pre-Christmas picnic flora and fauna, it really is the people for all to appreciate. Whilst we have thin biofilm surfaces on rocks. If you is just a small subset of the distribution breeding in a stream in Yirrganydji and the associated transportation and the many characters that also not managed to participate in NPAQ are keen to see them in the wild, the of the cling gobies which are of the canoe to and from that upper come to mind. I feel fortunate to Country just north of Cairns. Ladies outings with many excuses including rabbit-head can sometimes be seen widespread in tropical island streams reach of the Brisbane River. It was the have been influenced by many of will be happy to know that it is the a young family, a dog and weekend on the upstream of the main swimming in the tropical Pacific region including female who initiates the ritual followed canoe’s yearly outing and involved a them growing up. The exceedingly hole at the ‘Boulders’ in Bunna Binda Indonesia, the Solomon Islands and sport, our family have been able to by the male wasting no time in explore some of these special places performing a high energy courtship. together. At age 4, George’s grandson He jumps from the top of rock to rock happily walked the 10km around the and uses the high points to capture base of Uluru and at age 6, walked valuable light that has crept through the 25km route through the Carnarvon the rainforest canopy. This facilitates Gorge to Big Bend and back. The a display of blue iridescence angled spirit of NPAQ certainly lives on in toward the female (https://www. those legs! youtube.com/watch?v=omjuck8DiLM). In these increasingly unpredictable And then off to a cave where the male times, the preservation of our will spend a couple of days tending National Park Estate is as important the eggs before hatch. The larvae drift as ever and the Associations work down on the fast flow and out to sea is still far from done. Maybe after our to grow before returning to a coastal time in isolation these areas will be stream to commence juvenile and Photos: Supplied by the author. appreciated even more… Above: Iridescent blue in the lead up to courtship, a male cling goby at 4 cm total length. adult life. 12 13 For more information on activities & RANGER WHAT’S events, visit our website: SPOTLIGHT N www.npaq.org.au/activities-events Insights into the diverse backgrounds and day-to-day NPAQ activities NPAQ Annual Vale activities of Queensland’s park rangers NPAQ was very saddened by the passing Social Walk - Gold Creek Reservoir General Meeting of the following members: Date: Thursday 17 September 2020 Rene Burgess Life member Lily Rees. Lily joined NPAQ Meet: 9:30am at the carpark at the end of Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS) in 1955 and became a life member in Gold Creek Road, Brookfield 2020 1972. Cost: $5 Life member Len Fraser. Len joined Leader: Len and Laurelle Lowry (0428 335 Date: Wednesday 23 September 2020 Rene Burgess is Acting Ranger in Most of all, I relish the quiet, solitary NPAQ in 1965 and became a life member 572 or [email protected]) Time: 7:00pm start Charge of Marine Operations in the places where I can reconnect and in 1973. Location: Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Great Barrier Reef and Marine Parks reset - the Simpson Desert (Munga- Vegetation Management Group Auditorium or online (see details below) Member David Vial. David joined NPAQ Region, based on the Sunshine and Thirri National Park); Bladensberg in 2007 and was great support while Date: Saturday 19 September 2020 NPAQ President Graeme Bartrim warmly Fraser Coast. National Park; lighthouses (Woody, invites all members to attend the AGM. A his wife, Michelle Prior, was president of Double Island Point and Sandy Meet: 9:00 am at Jolly's Lookout carpark at NPAQ. Why did you decide to become a D'Aguilar National Park report of the past financial year's activities Cape on K’Gari); and the variety of will be presented, and the Council elected Life member Val Sandercoe. Val and ranger? Leader: Angus McElnea (0429 854 446 or landscapes encountered along the for the coming year. her husband Ken joined NPAQ in 1947 [email protected]) There was no decision-making Cooloola Great Walk. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, the and became life members in 1954. involved, it was just inevitable. A Val enjoyed many NPAQ outings and Then, on the water, there are those meeting can also be attended online. Please deep-seated fascination (bordering Day Walk - Echo Point, Lamington meetings over her long membership with perfect glass-out days on the ocean; email [email protected] to receive the link on obsession, I am told) about the National Park to the online meeting. the association. a trip on our marine parks vessel, natural world’s form and function, and Date: Saturday 17 October 2020 Life member Alison Johnman. Alison Reef Ranger, to Lady Musgrave and how each living thing is dependent on Meet: 8:00 am at O’Reilly’s Green joined NPAQ in 1956. Lady Elliot islands, coming eye-to- the next, has piqued my curiosity and Mountains Car Park eye with inquisitive marine wildlife Conservation Partner member Dr Michael innate desire to protect it since my Above: QPWS Ranger Rene Burgess, Great Cost: $5 like seabirds, manta rays, humpback NPAQ events Shera. Michael and his wife Davida joined earliest childhood memory. Sandy National Park. Top: Hervey Bay. Photos: Leader: Ron Owen (0490 762 414 or NPAQ in 2017. and Southern right whales, leaping Queensland Government. [email protected]) How long have you worked in dolphins and dozy dugong. These We send our sincere condolences to or forest to the community who enjoy NPAQ November Member’s national parks? experiences still take my breath away, their friends and families. the area you help manage. Vegetation Management Group Meeting every time! Not very long in comparison to the Date: Saturday 24 October 2020 Date: Wednesday 18 November 2020 What is your top tip for visitors to footsteps of most Rangers I humbly What is the best part about Meet: 9:00 am at Jolly's Lookout carpark at Time: 7:15pm for 7:30pm start parks for bushwalking? D'Aguilar National Park follow—only since 2006. working in a National Park? Venue: To be confirmed Leader: Angus McElnea (0429 854 446 or Which parks have you worked in? The best part is the sheer variety of Do some ‘legwork’ before you leave Below: Lake Wabby, K'gari (Fraser Island), Great [email protected]) home on where you’re planning on Sandy National Park. Photo: Kerry Trapnell. I’ve worked in North and South work and learning experiences! The many opportunities to watch and walking - the distance, resources, Cooloola Recreation Area, in the Birdwatching - Moggill learn; and connect Mother Nature’s terrain and vegetation type. Check Great Sandy National Park; and I’m Conservation Park intricate dots. the weather forecast and web now working in the Great Sandy Date: Sunday 25 October 2020 Marine Park. I also value the chance to network pages (especially Park alerts) prior Meet: 7:30 am at Chalcot Road, Anstead with other Rangers, as well as visitors What is your most memorable to departure for information that may Cost: $5 and children, cross-pollinating moment? impact your plans. Tell someone Leader: Lesley Joyce (0423 109 788 or knowledge and skills. And inspiring who cares about your bushwalk - [email protected]) The call offering me a position as a others to nurture and protect. communicate a contingency plan in ranger!! I also love the constant adjustment case things don’t exactly to plan. Vegetation Management Group Can you describe your favourite required to achieve the delicate Date: Saturday 21 November 2020 What is your top tip for campers? national parks experience? balance of providing opportunities Meet: 9:00 am at Jolly's Lookout carpark at It’s impossible to single out just one and places for people to connect Respect - the environment, self, D'Aguilar National Park experience! As is the case with with nature on the one hand; and the others, public property and the effort Leader: Angus McElnea (0429 854 446 or [email protected]) every Park Ranger, I consider myself protection of that very same (sacred) required to maintain facilities for all to blessed by a plethora of opportunities thing on the other. enjoy, for our future generations. Birdwatching - Sandy Camp Road and experiences, all of which have left The best part is the opportunity NPAQ thanks Rene for taking time to Date: Sunday 22 November 2020 lasting impressions. I am grateful for to be inquisitive about the natural answer our questions. We appreciate Meet: 7:30 am at Sandy Camp Road, every single day that I wear Herbie on environment—learning about, and the work all QPWS rangers undertake in Wynnum West my shoulder. from nature— and presenting the park protecting Queensland’s national parks. Cost: $5 Leader: Ian Peacock (0416 943 280 or [email protected]) 14 15 Celebrating 90 years.

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