ANNUAL REPORT 2006-2007 Copyright © Parks Victoria 2007 Acknowledgement of Country and Indigenous traditional Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Australia. owners Parks Victoria respectfully acknowledges the original custodians of ISSN 1448 – 9082 ISSN 1448 – 9090 (Online) what is now known as Victoria; their rich culture, deep affinity with Published on www.parkweb.vic.gov.au the land and spiritual connection to it. Parks Victoria is committed to establishing strong relationships and partnerships with the This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process descendants of the original custodians to facilitate their active except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. involvement in the future management of protected areas in Victoria. General Disclaimer This document may be of assistance to you, but Parks Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the information it contains is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this document. For further information telephone the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au Front Cover Images (clockwise from top left) Bouldering at Grampians National Park. Photographer Mark Watson. Playing in the rock pools at the Mornington Peninsula National Park. Great Ocean Walk – overlooking the Twelve Apostles. White water rafting on the Mitta Mitta River. Photographer Mark Watson. CONTENTS 2About Parks Victoria 31 Enhancing the Visitor Experience Parks Victoria is responsible for sustainably managing much 3 Chairman’s Message of the recreational infrastructure in parks and waterways across 4 Chief Executive’s Message the State. The provision of information services, educational programs and interpretation also contributes to visitor enjoyment. 6 The Year at a Glance Parks Victoria encourages Victorians to take an active role in 9 Managing Wildfire and Other Emergencies the management of parks and reserves through our community We made a major contribution to the recovery of fire-affected engagement and volunteer programs. It is also the major provider areas through research, conservation works and asset rebuilding, of nature-based tourism in the State. and perhaps most importantly through partnerships and 45 Responsibly Managing our Resources communication with local communities. In order to be effective in our role as custodian of a 13 Caring for the Natural Environment magnificent collection of parks and reserves on behalf Protecting and enhancing the parks and reserves is critical of all Victorians, Parks Victoria is committed to providing to conserving biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future. accountable management, developing staff, and incorporating Parks Victoria undertakes planning, research and on-ground the best of international park management practice into our activities as part of its natural values program. daily work. 25 Protecting our Cultural Heritage 58 Financial Report Parks Victoria manages the most extensive and diverse collection of cultural heritage places in the State, sites that evoke our past through images of Indigenous culture, early settlement, coastal shipping, colonial defence, mining, natural treasures and historic huts. Protecting our shared heritage enables us to learn from the past and help shape the future. PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2006-07 1 ABOUT PARKS VICTORIA Vision 31 metropolitan parks An outstanding park and waterway system, protected and enhanced, 61 other parks (including regional and reservoir parks) for people, forever. 2,789 natural features reserves and conservation reserves Purpose 8,400 Aboriginal Affairs Victoria registered Indigenous We exist to: cultural heritage sites/places • conserve, protect and enhance environmental and cultural assets; 2,500 (non-Indigenous) historic places •responsibly meet the needs of our customers for quality 3.96 million hectares (17% of Victoria) – total area of parks information, services and experiences; and reserves •provide excellence and innovation in park management; and Significant environmental values protected in parks • contribute to the social and economic well-being of Victorians. (Percentage of Victorian total) Who we are 1,464 threatened flora species (88%) Parks Victoria was established in December 1996 and is a statutory 280 threatened fauna species (89%) authority that reports to the Minister for Environment and Climate 32 threatened communities (89%) Change. During the reporting period the responsible Minister was the Hon. John Thwaites MP, the Minister for Water, Environment 115 reference areas (80%) and Climate Change (formerly the Minister for Environment). Under the Parks Victoria Act 1998, Parks Victoria’s responsibilities are to Visitor services and facilities1 provide services to the State and its agencies for the management 76.1 million visits per year, comprising: of parks, reserves and other land under the control of the State. 45.3 million to parks and Since its establishment, Parks Victoria has developed a strong reputation nationally and internationally as a leading park 30.8 million to piers and jetties around the bays management agency. Parks Victoria has: 1,570 visitor sites 120 workcentres (75% of them in regional Victoria) 14,000km roads 1,010 direct employees, of whom: 3,673km walking tracks 850 are trained emergency wildfire response personnel who work in partnership with the Department of 53 visitor centre buildings Sustainability and Environment (DSE) 447 viewing lookouts What we manage 617 park structures Parks Victoria is the custodian of a diverse estate of significant 46 playgrounds parks in Victoria, and is also responsible for the recreational 945 pedestrian and vehicular bridges management of Port Phillip Bay, Western Port and the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers. The park estate comprises: 96 piers and jetties 40 national parks 303 vessel platforms, e.g. piers, landings, marinas, wharves 13 marine national parks 68 water access points, e.g. boat ramps, rowing launches and slippings 11 marine sanctuaries 957 navigation aids 3 wilderness parks 27 state parks 1. Due to the effects of recent fire and flood, the facilities and assets data from last year’s report remains the most accurate. Visitor statistics have been updated. 2 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2006-07 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Rob Gerrand, Chairman. Dear Minister, creation of new regional parks with the new Mullum Mullum Regional Park and Barwon River Parklands; extending bike On behalf of the Parks Victoria Board, I am pleased to submit paths around Melbourne; and the commitment to create a new Parks Victoria’s 2006-07 Annual Report to you. Parks Victoria has Cobboboonee National Park and Forest Park and extend the had another year of achievements in natural values management, Alpine parks to create a Great Victorian Alpine National Park. tourism and, especially, fire. Parks Victoria and our parks estate continue to benefit greatly The 2006-07 fire season was a long and challenging one for us from the many thousands of hours of work contributed by volunteers, all. On behalf of the Board, I commend the efforts of Parks Victoria both from community groups caring for a particular park or place staff directly involved in fire fighting, in support, recovery and and under co-operative arrangements with recreational user groups. rehabilitation roles, as well as those keeping the parks open and Ten volunteer groups celebrated over 25 years of voluntary service operating during the peak summer visitor period. The fire season in parks and reserves this past year. The Board thanks them all for and the recovery period highlighted the essential and ongoing role such wonderful service. that Parks Victoria plays in fire-affected communities and with our Networked Emergency Organisation partners. The tasks of post-fire Our involvement with Indigenous communities continued to gather recovery, including community and stakeholder consultation, park strength. The Board had the privilege of attending the Gunditjmara rehabilitation works and the development of access strategies, were Native Title Determination at Mount Eccles National Park with all met with consummate professionalism. an 11 year struggle for recognition ending in elation. With 60 Indigenous staff now employed by Parks Victoria, we are proud The Board is delighted that Parks Victoria has taken action of these special relationships built on a foundation of education on climate change by becoming carbon neutral, and taking full and respect. responsibility for its carbon dioxide emissions. With organisational and personal responsibilities being central to combating climate Whenever the Board visits work centres around the State, we are change, it is with pride that we see Parks Victoria taking a leading always struck by the level of commitment and professionalism role in the community and promoting ongoing sustainability of all Parks Victoria staff in their roles as land managers and strategies. community leaders. On behalf of the Board, I would like to take this opportunity to commend staff across the entire State for their Parks Victoria’s international program, including the continuing efforts over what has been an extremely challenging year. I also seasonal group exchange with Parks Canada, has again been thank my Board colleagues, including Noel Harvey and Clarice successful in further enhancing our