September 2002

President's report

Caring for Namadgi

Marlboro Man NPA BULLETIN Volume 39 number 3 September 2002

CONTENTS

Annual General Meeting 3 Bush regeneration progress at Gudgenby 13 Syd Comfort Eleanor Stodart

"'Caring for Namadgi Together"—NPA's Namadgi project. 3 Your Canberra Your Future 14 Eleanor Stodart Syd Comfort

Annual Report—August 2002 4 A new focus for nature conservation 14 Clive Hurlstone Syd Comfort Liquid Assets—two marine parks in NSW 5 Meeting with ACT Planning Minister 15 Len Haskew Clive Hurlstone Marlborough Man and the Man from Snowy River 6 Judy Kelly When suburbs reach Mulligans Flat 15 Clive Hurlstone New VP is earthquake expert 7 Reg Alder Parkwatch 16 Compiled by Len Haskew Huts—environmental challenges 8 Timothy Walsh Book Review 18 Syd Comfort Using the NPA environmental monitoring form 9 Adrienne Nicholson Carnarvon Station, central Queensland 18 Current environmental issues 10 Laurie Westcott Syd Comfort Sullivans Creek Catchment Group 19

Hard labour to Split Rock 11 Len Haskew Martin Chalk Meetings and Calendar of events 20

Cape to Cape...well almost 12 Syd Comfort

National Parks Association of the ACT Incorporated The NPA ACT office is located in MacLaurin Crescent, Chifley. Inaugurated 1960 next to the preschool. It is staffed by volunteers but, at present, not on a regular basis. Callers may leave phone or email messages at Aims and objectives of the Association any time and they will be attended to. Mail from the post office box • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the protection of is cleared daily. fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and cultural heritage in the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the Phone/Fax: (02) 6282 5813 reservation of specific areas. Email: [email protected] • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areas. Address: PO Box 1940, Woden ACT 2606 • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment of, such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by organised field Internet: outings, meetings or any other means. http://www.users.bigpond.com/npaact.ht • Cooperation with organisations and persons having similar m interests and objectives. • Promotion of, and education for, conservation, and the planning Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) of landuse to achieve conservation. Household membership S40 Single members $35

Office-bearers Corporate membership $30 Bulletin only $30 Concession $25 President vacant Vice-president Kevin McCue 6251 1291 (h) Advertising Secretary vacant The Bulletin accepts advertisements and inserts. The standard cost Treasurer Steven Forst 6251 6817 (h), 6279 1326 (w) of an A4 insert is $310 but some concessional rates may be Committee members arranged. Chris Emerv 6249 7604 (h) NPA Bulletin Rod Griffiths 6288 6988 (h) Contributions of articles, line drawings and photographs, including David Large 6291 4830 (h) colour prints, are welcome and should be lodged with the office or Lyndall Young 6286 3277 (h) Syd Comfort (02) 6286 2578. Immediate Past President Deadline for December 2002 issue: 1 November 2002. Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (h) Articles by connibutors may not necessarily reflect association 040 778 3422 (mob) opinion or objectives. Convenors This Bulletin was produced by the NPA Bulletin Working Group. Outings Sub-committee David Large 6291 4830 (h) Printed by Copy-Qik, Canberra, ACT. Bulletin Working Group Syd Comfort 6286 2578 (h) ISSN 0727-8837 Environment Sub-committee Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (h) Cover photo: An early start with the sun on the landward side. contact 040 778 3422(mob) Dunes south of Willyabrup Brook. See page 12. Photo Syd Comfort Annual general meeting 2002

There was a very good attendance at the had served as office-bearers of the office-bearer and committee vacancies. AGM held at Weston on Thursday association for many years. The meeting recognised the importance August 15. The minutes of the 2001 The business then moved to the of member support for the new AGM were accepted and the retiring election of committee members for the Committee during the coming year. President, Clive Hurlstone, made his ensuing year. In the course of this there At the conclusion of the formal part annual report which is printed in full on was wide ranging discussion on future of the meeting, Association members page 3. Treasurer Mike Smith presented directions for the association and Esther Gallant and Barrie Ridgeway the financial report which showed that although all vacant positions were not gave a fascmating presentation on a an operating profit of just over $1 000 filled a nucleus Committee was elected: rafting adventure down the Firth River had been achieved. Both reports were Vice-president, Kevin McCue; in the Yukon that they had undertaken accepted by the meeting. The work of Treasurer, Steven Forst; and Committee last year. An account of this will be a all committee members was recognised members, Chris Emery, Rod Griffiths, feature of a future Bulletin We then and there were individual votes of Clive Hurlstone, David Large and enjoyed one of Adrienne's special AGM thanks to Clive and Mike, both of whom Lyndall Young. The Committee has the suppers. authority to make appointments to fill Syd Comfort "Caring for Namadgi Together"—NPA's Namadgi project Three years and several hiccups down the and Garnet and Hyndes The heritage of the species, pests, issues for managing cultural track and we have finished NPA's Namadgi Australian Capital Territory (1992) for values, fuel and fire and visitors are all project The aim of the project was to cultural values. More recent references covered in some detail. The value of complete a resource document that would included work on wilderness areas such as community group involvement is also assist with the production of the new the National Wilderness Inventory and the discussed. Management Plan for Namadgi National Australian Heritage Commission Section 4 is a list of the main Park. NPA received a grant under the ACT Wilderness Delineation, NPA's study of the recommendations that appear throughout the Government's Environment Grants Program Implementaion Plan planning process first three sections. For ease of reference, for the project, but as it became necessary (February 2001) and a new textbook, Appendix A lists management practices for for members to do the work in their own Protected Area Management Principles and cultural sites resources as they appear in the time it took much longer than planned Practices, by G. Worboys, M Lockwood 1986 Plan. Appendix B lists the points in the The completed document, Caring for and T. de Lacy (2001). NPA members' 1986 Plan that need updating; this list was Namadgi Together, has 59 pages. Several wide experience over many years was also prepared by NPA in 1999 in order to members contributed sections, others made valuable. emphasise how urgent was the need for valuable comments, and I brought it all The NPA document is stnictured in four updating the park's management plan. together, in the process learning to use a new sections, plus references and appendices. I feel that NPA can be proud of this computer (jumping 15 years of technology The first section, on the context of the document Members commenting have said in one hit!). planning process, highlights major changes things like "this is an impressive document5' Even though later than planned, the since 1986 to the governance of the ACT and "a lot of research has gone into this". I document's completion has fortunately been and to the boundaries of the park; and the hope that people outside the association will timed well to fit in with the collation of institution of the intergovernmental also find it impressive, and that it will be responses to the Interim Namadgi Advisory Memorandum of Understanding on the effective in helping the preparation of an Board's Discussion Paper about a new Australian alpine parks, the Ginini wetlands outstanding management plan for our park Management Plan. as a Ramsar site, and the agreement with the The document has been presented to In examining references for the Ngunnawal Native Title claimants. Environment ACT in printed and electronic document we discovered that those written Section 2 provides an overview of the form. Printed copies will be available for for the 1986 Management Plan, or in the natural and cultural values of the park contnouting members and for others who next few years, were still very valuable. Section 3 discusses the needs and issues would like one, and will be distributed to These include the NCDC studies prior toth e of management and is the longest section, organisations such as the Conservation establishment of the park, the Boden and forming about one third of the whole Council of the Southeast Region and Fraser Review of the significance of the document Here we found Worboys et al a Canberra and the Environment Centre natural and cultural features of Namadgi useful support for some of our arguments, Library. National Park (1991) and Fraser's study of such as the value of experienced staff that Eleanor Stodart the northern Cotter (1988) for natural need to be respected and retained so their values; and the Australian Heritage depth of talent can be fully utilised. The Commisson's Submission for Namadgi need for zoning, the significance of National Park Plan of Management (1985) Namadgi's wilderness values, endangered Annual Report—August 2002

The past year began well for the the Bulletin. Adrienne Nicholson took on association. Many of the issues discussed association and much has been achieved this task and did a splendid job. Syd and worked on by the sub-committee arc overall but problems of process and Comfort and Graeme Wicks shared the long running and can go on for years, involvement have come to the fore in the editing whi le contributing members with levels of activity increasing as new last six months. provided a stream of interesting articles. developments occur. An important At the last Annual General Meeting Syd and Graeme continue to use their activity has been a major submission on Judy Kelly was elected Secretary, and persuasive skills in assisting contributors the proposed accommodation members continuing from the previous and editing to make our Bulletin really development and wastewater processing year were joined by Robyn Barker and special. upgrade for Gudgenby Homestead Janet Neale to form a Committee of 10. Our general meetings were addressed prepared by Robyn Barker and Neville Tom Heinsohn was co-opted to the by speakers talking on topics ranging Esau. Other submissions were made on Committee in October and David Large from personal experiences to those of the Gungahlin Drive extension, on in March. national or international importance. heritage legislation reform, and on the The Committee seemed to be working Three talks were by members: Steve Monga National Park Recreation Plan. well until February when a Committee Hill and Brian Slee on walkers' views of The change of government also brought member expressed frustration with the Snowy Mountains; Dianne an opportunity to meet with new process and lack of consultation. Over the Thompson, David Large, Judy Kelly and ministers. Mr Wood and Mr Corbell, to next five months four members resigned Clive Hurlstone on pest management put our point of view on a range of topics. from the Committee. Three members— issues in Kosciuszko National Park; and Commitments have been made by the Jacqui, Janet and Robyn—in letters to the Chris Webb spoke on his research project new government that NPA will be Committee cited dissatisfaction with on kangaroo grazing of tree seedlings in consulted on the future use of Gudgenby process and the management of Namadgi National Park. Homestead. Association business by the President. Three guests spoke on local topics: a In June, NPA completed a resource Because the resignations were sequential community program on greenhouse gas document for the new plan of the Committee had difficulty resolving reduction; Charles Weston and management for Namadgi National Park. the issues raised in the time available. landscaping early Canberra; and using This was done by the project working The resignations had a very negative wetlands in the suburbs to clean up group with a substantial amount of work impact on the functioning of the surface drainage. Mark Gardener gave a and coordination undertaken by Eleanor Committee. presentation on the Galapagos Islands Stodart. It is an important contribution by In hindsight, my view is that after the and Michael Mulvaney on the importance NPA to the new plan of management AGM we should have held an induction of the ACT in conserving the nationally process, which began with a discussion workshop for the new Committee where threatened red gum-yellow box grassy paper issued by the Interim Namadgi expectations were addressed, process woodland. Advisory Board in April. agreed upon, the limitations of a Our Outings Sub-committee put There remains one ACT Government volunteer committee understood and together four terrific outings programs. Environment Grant supported project— communications established. I now see For those participating, some of the "Conservation management on land this as essential if the NPA is to progress. memorable outings were George under the control of ACT forests"—yet to The development of NPA policies also Chippendale's 30th annual Black be completed, which it is planned to needs an agreed consultation process if Mountain nature ramble in October, a finish by December. they are to have enduring legitimacy. morning stroll exploring the geology of Kosciuszko National Park issues have There were, however, many positive the Canberra landscape in May. our first continued to involve members in a range achievements in the last 12 months. venture on snowshoes to the Paralyser of activities, including consultation on the Jacqui Cole developed a comprehensive and Mount Perisher in July, a nine-day new plan of management for the park. membership strategy for the Association pack walk from Mittagong to Katoomba There has also been much discussion and and Neville Essau guided a venture into in May. and a very pleasant car camp at submission writing on feral horse removal preparing a strategic plan for NPA ACT. Coolendel on the Shoalhaven in March. and recreational horse riding in the park. A new display promoting the objectives My thanks go to conveners Max Dianne Thompson and Judy Kelly have and activities of the NPA was completed Lawrence and David Large and outings done much of the work in this area. in March in time for ACT Alive and has leaders. Our Kosciuszko activities are now been to the World Environment Day NPA members wanting to do practical involving close cooperation with the Fair and the Namadgi Visitors Centre and conservation work had a regular outlet for NSW NPA, the Colong Foundation and will be placed in public libraries. The their enthusiasm with the Gudgenby Bush the Nature Conservation Council of material for the display was prepared by Regeneration Group. Tree planting in NSW. We are also working closely with Eleanor Stodart. Adrienne Nicholson. spring and woody weed removal were the the Conservation Council of the Rodger Farrow and Paul Mlakar. main tasks in the last 12 months in the Southeast Region and Canberra on NPA's web page with information on project to return the Boboyan pine Kosciuszko and many ACT issues. the association put together by Robyn plantation site in Namadgi National Park My thanks to Vice President Neville Barker has had to move to a new site and to natural bush. Esau. Secretary Judy Kelly, Treasurer will be extended. NPA's Environment Sub-committee Mike Smith, and Committee members The Bulletin Working Group is presently in recession pending a ventured into desktop publishing this year discussion by members on how best to to take on the compilation and layout of organise the conservation advocacy of the Liquid assets—two marine parks in NSW

Last year the NSW Government threatened or other significant This zone type provides a level of released two Draft Plans of Management species, or sites that contain environmental protection whilst of Marine Parks— Solitary Islands (near important natural and cultural allowing for a wider range of Coffs Harbour) and Jervis Bay. Both features. This zone type provides for commercial and recreational draft plans called for opinions on the highest level of environmental activities. There are two areas of proposed management protection and prohibits all fishing general use zoning, both outside the zones—sanctuary, habitat protection, and collecting activities or activities bay, in the northern and southern special purpose and general use zones. that damage habitat. areas of the marine park. This categorisation was an attempt to Habitat protection zones—15 600 Regulations will prohibit trawling, cater for the multiple commercial and hectares or 72 per cent both fish and prawn, and intensive recreational activities that take place in These are additional areas aquaculture within the embayment of Marine Parks and also to conserve considered representative of each Jervis Bay. Domesticated animals will marine biodiversity and marine habitats. habitat type, high in biological be prohibited in specified areas. The Both zoning plans have now been diversity, important to maintaining cleaning of fish will not be allowed in released, with the Solitary Islands plan ecological processes, key sites for sanctuary zones. Fish feeding, with coming into effect on 1 August 2002 threatened or other significant some restrictions, will be allowed with and Jervis Bay on 1 October 2002. species, or sites that contain the consent of the authority, as will the important natural and cultural Conservationists are disappointed collection of marine plants and animals. features. This zone type provides for with the outcome of the Solitary Islands Personal water craft will not be a high level of environmental zoning. NSW NPA called for at least 25 permitted in sanctuary zones "unless protection and prohibits high impact per cent of the park to be designated as a transiting directly to or from a location activities such as fish and prawn 'no-take' sanctuary zone but when the where the vessel was launched." trawling, whilst allowing many other plan was finalised only 12 per cent of Anchoring and mooring will be subject activities including recreational the park received this classification. to restriction. Also disappointing was the fact that grey fishing. All estuarine systems are nurse shark (listed nationally as protected within sanctuary or habitat At the time of writing (early July) I critically endangered) habitats received protection zones. Substantial areas of have not seen any reaction from inadequate protection. (I have heard the other major habitat types are also conservation organisations such as NSW that the NSW Minister for Fisheries may incorporated v/ithin habitat NPA although there have been weepings be prepared to take further advice on protection zones, within Jervis Bay and lamentations from both commercial this matter). Despite the fact that so and in inshore areas generally out to and recreational fishing interests. little of the park has been declared a the marine park boundary. Perhaps money talks under water, too. For anyone interested in more detail sanctuary zone, the complaints from Special purpose zones—48 hectares or it can be obtained from: both commercial and recreational 0.2 per cent Jervis Bay Marine Park fishermen have been both long and loud. These are areas considered to have Dent Street For Jervis Bay the following zones special management requirements Huskisson NSW2540 have been declared: due to existing infrastructure. The or Sanctuary zones—4253 hectares or 20 two areas are Huskissonn wharves, www. mpa. nsw.gov. au per cent and the naval training facilities at These are areas of the marine park HMAS Creswell. considered representative of each General use zones—1618 hectares or 8 Len Haskew habitat type, highest in biological per cent diversity, significant to maintaining All areas within the marine park not ecological processes, key sites for subject to other forms of zoning.

Annual Report continued from page 4 Association subscriptions Robyn Barker, Jacqui Cole, Steven Forst, Tom Heinsohn, David Large, Members* subscriptions for the 2002-2003 year became due on Max Lawrence, Janet Neale and Timothy Walsh. Thanks also to office June 30. A red marker has been placed on your Bulletin address helpers, Leonie Bubb, Kaye Campbell label if the association's records show that your 2002-2003 and Judith Webster. subscription has not been received. In conclusion I wish to thank all members for their continuing support of the National Parks Association of the ACT. Clive Hurlstone Marlboro Man and The Man from Snowy River... Years ago during a stroll on Red Hill one Many people claim feral horses have the headwaters of three major rivers and bleak Saturday afternoon in winter, we a place in KNP because of their cultural to the catchment area of a reservoir in the came across a kid of about 14 who'd heritage. What does "cultural heritage" park: the Murrumbidgee River and the pulled up for smoko on his horse. He was mean in this case? The horses are the Tantangara Reservoir in the north, and wearing a large army coat and despite his descendents of domestic horses that the Murray and Snowy Rivers in the small stature, struck quite a pose. As we landholders set free when they left the south. broke onto the scene, he dug his heels in Snowy Mountains and high plains. Because the full impact of feral horses and set off at a gallop, turf flying and coat Cattlemen used horses to muster their has not been documented, one would flapping ... a future Marlboro Man. stock in the area before it was formally think the precautionary principle should Cigarette advertisements, powerful gazetted as KNP; they are part of the be applied under a policy of ridding the imagery, traditions, history and Banjo area's early history but they were never park of as many feral horses as possible, Paterson have mingled and fed into horse endemic to it. Brumbies or feral horses do both quickly and humanely. legends which have made the brumby or not have a place in national parks. In their submissions to NPWS on the feral horse almost sacrosanct to many In Guy Fawkes National Park. DNA Draft Wild Horse Management Plan, both Australians. testing showed that those feral horses NPA(ACT) and NPAfNSW), and the The number of feral horses in were not genetically distinct from the Colong Committee, advocated aerial and Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) is general horse population. ground shooting as being the most estimated at 3000. Their range extends Their cultural value has been largely humane and efficient means of dealing from the Pilot and Big Boggy, near Dead based on anecdotal evidence cited in the with feral horses and causing the least Horse Gap in the south, to Long Plain report of the Heritage Working Party on environmental damage. and beyond in the north. From northern the Horses of the Guy Fawkes River This is backed by die English Report KNP they are gaining access to Namadgi National Park to the Minister for the which cites an incident in which "local National Park in the ACT. via Murrays Environment. February 2002. The horsemen" were mustering horses in and Leura Gaps. evidence also shows that local graziers conjunction with a helicopter. Two When the horses spread to the park's used to shoot feral horses because they pregnant mares broke their necks during fragile alpine areas, the NSW National were regarded as pests competing for the muster in December 1995. Mustering, Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) valuable feed. trapping and roping stress the horses, formed a Wild Horse Steering Committee Very few farmers would welcome cause injuries and pose risks to those to prepare a Draft Wi Id Horse having rabbits, goats or pigs protected involved in the activities. The horses' Management Plan to address the because of a cultural heritage value which future once they are removed from the problem. The Steering Committee could be linked with the arrival of the park is uncertain. Do they become pets or includes landholders, representatives first white settlers. Banjo Paterson and go to die abbatoir? from local government and tounst "The Man from Snowy River" have a lot The NPWS's primary duty of care is interests, NPWS staff, and three to answer for. to follow environmental legislation to conservationists: Di Thompson and Anne Feral horses form tracks and trample protect KNP's flora, fauna and Reeves from the Snowy Mountains creek banks, polluting the streams. They biodiversity. Relevant legislation includes Advisory Committee and David enjoy rolling in sphagnum bogs, causing the National Parks and Wildlife Act Campbell representing the Confederation wallows as can be seen in the south near 1974. the Threatened Species of Bushwalkers. the Big Boggy, near Cascades Hut. Such Consen-ation Act 1995 and the The Draft Wild Horse Management habitat destruction is scarcely helping the Wilderness Act 1987. Plan is targeting only the alpine area and northern and southern corroboree frogs The NPWS must also meet its recommends a two-year trial for three whose numbers are already declining. In obligations under international methods of trapping feral horses: roping particular, the southern corroboree frog legislation, one example being the (brumby running), mustering, and yarding (Pseudophryne corroboree) is close to Ramsar Convention to which Australia is using salt licks. The conservationists extinction. Horse droppings which smell, a signatory. The treaty requires protection asked that a special case be made for pollute, attract flies and are vectors for of wetlands which include Blue Lake near aerial and ground shooting but this was weed dispersal, are another Charlotte Pass, and Ginini Wetlands in rejected because the NSW Minister for environmental hazard. the Bnndabellas, ACT which is a close the Environment, Bob Debus, banned In the north of the park, the trampling neighbour of KNP and affected by aerial shooting after controversy arose of feral horses poses a threat to the NPWS's management decisions. when feral horses were shot in Guy limestone areas of Cooleman Plains and Michelle Walters, a student from the Fawkes National Park in October 2000. Yarrangobilly and to two frost hollows, University of Canberra, is completing her In KNP, shooting will only be used to Nungar Plain and Boggy Plain which PhD on the population ecology of feral euthanase the horses. Shooting has not have been designated special scientific horses in KNP. She has estimated that been discussed or considered in the Draft areas requiring protection because of their rate of increase is 8 per cent Plan as a future option. Ironically, the their different landforms. NPWS hired contractors for brumby Protection of water catchment areas in running in the Pilot area during the 1970s KNP is another management requirement but this was discontinued in 1982 because under NPWS. Tltrough their erosion of of environmental and animal welfare creek banks and their droppings, feral concerns. horses are a potential pollution threat to New VP is earthquake expert

Newly elected Vice President Kevin activities have been a good McCue is Director of the Australian excuse for travelling to exotic Seismological Centre, a company places including Antarctica, which he recently established to Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, provide engineering seismology Chile, Turkey and Afghanistan. consulting services to industry and Reg Alder governments. Kevin is also a visiting Professor at Central Queensland University and editor of the newsletter of the Australian Earthquake Engineering Society, a technical society of the Institution of Engineers Australia. The focus of much of Kevin's activities over the past 16 years in Government was the Australian Building Code, contributing to a series Kevin enjoys his pre- of earthquake codes through Standards breakfast cup of tea at Geoff and Australia to minunise loss of life in Den Robins property on the Australian earthquakes. He managed slopes of Mt Dromedary, before an earthquake and tsunami warning setting off on the NPA's Easter system for a decade and was music lovers treat at the Four instrumental in developing earthquake Winds Festival at Bermagui. and tsunami databases. These Photo Reg Alder

Marlborough Man... continued from page 6

per annum, depending on conditions; a years to reduce the population to 850. A the ACT, Victoria and New South severe winter or prolonged drought slow business. Wales. could lower the rate of increase. Other indicators of the trial's success At the Kosciuszko National Park An indicator of the trial's success or otherwise will binge on the extent of Plan of Management Community Forum would be if the rate of removal of feral environmental damage and the cost in Tumbarumba (25-26 July 2002), horses from the park exceeded their rate involved in hiring contractors. Costs are NPWS senior staff acknowledged the of increase. This is doubtful when only not yet available nor are the contract significance of environmental legislation 13 horses have been removed from the terms because the process has not been in dealing with weeds and introduced salt lick yard at Dead Horse Gap over put out to tender and the Draft Plan has animals. There was also recognition that three months during 2000/2001. Roping still to be signed by the Director General feral horses would have to be looked at in Victoria has a low removal rate of ofNPWS. in relation to the park as a whole. We one horse every one to two days, Kosciuszko National Park needs to will have to see just how this translates depending on a rider's skill. be managed as a whole, with attention into the future management of feral Draft Plan estimates are that if 150 being paid not only to the alpine area horses. horses were removed each year from but to the adjacent subalpine and Judy Kelly southern Kosciuszko (where there are montane areas. Management should also about 1400 feral horses), it would take 8 treat KNP as an integral part of the Alpine National Parks which straddle

A new walking path in path commences near the toilet block based on guides used by the Family at the tracking station picnic area. Bushwalkers and the Canberra Orroral Reg Alder Bushwalking Club, who have been A lmking path between the picnic consulted in its preparation. It is area at the former Orroral Tracking Walkers guide hoped the new guide will become a Station and the current start of the model for other organisations. Our The association has drafted a new fire trail to upper Orroral Valley is thanks go to Martin for the excellent Walkers* Guide for the information under construction. When this path is job done on the document. of members intending to participate completed, the present car park and in outings from our program. This David Large the short gravel access road from the Outings convenor has been written by Martin Chalk of bitumen road will be closed. The new the Outings Sub-committee and is Huts—environmental challenges

Most people now accept that historic use was minimal, but. as overall visitor recreational nodes. This is fully in line mountain huts, of the type found in the numbers increase, so the hut to hut trip with the Huts Code, which states that Australian Alps, are a legitimate part of is placing unsustainable burdens on huts huts are for temporary refuge only and Australia's European cultural heritage. and their environs. Thus toilets, where not for routine accommodation. The Few would now argue, as was done they exist, are often full to overflowing code states that they should not be relied some years ago. for their removal en (endangering the local water supply) and on but only used in an emergency. Full masse. Their existence, use and firewood supplies are being reduced. It camping equipment should alwavs be maintenance is governed by national is not uncommon to find that live timber carried in mountain areas. parks legislation in the relevant has been cut for firewood because the Hut visitors are certainly going to have jurisdictions. Guidance for their use is traditional supply of fallen timber has to reduce, and possibly cease altogether given in the Huts Code for Visitors in been used up. in certain areas, their collection of the Australian Alps National Parks The depletion of an area's timber for firewood near huts. Groups like the promulgated by the Australian Alps firewood, in the form of living trees, NPAs and KHA need to develop a code Liaison Committee and in the aims and fallen twigs and branches and logs of practice in this regard. Fallen timber objectives of the National Parks means that both vertebrate and provides habitat for flora and fauna and Associations of Victoria, the ACT and invertebrate species have reduced cannot continue to be destroyed at the NSW (NPAs). The Kosciusko Huts habitat and suffer accordingly. current rate. The use of fuel stoves to Association (KHA) has a long history of The hut to hut trip also means that cook and the replacement of open fires championing their cause and assisting in substantial tracks are being created in huts with pot bellied stoves for their maintenance. However, where, due to the fragility of the alpine emergency use (despite the authentic environmental problems associated with vegetation, none should exist. heritage arguments) will have to occur. their existence do exist and these need Regrettably, horse riding is seen as a Maintenance teams need to consider to be urgently considered against the legitimate activity in certain parts of the very carefully whether they should fundamental principle that, in Australia, Victorian Alpine. Kosciuszko and continue to source repair timbers from national parks are created first and Namadgi National Parks. With the the park itself. The time has probably foremost for the conservation of the increase in popularity of this activity, arrived when timber needed should be natural environment and to maintain equestrian visits to huts, legitimate and obtained from local sawmills or other Australia's biodiversity. illegitimate, are increasing. This is off-park sources. leading to the construction of overnight Bushwalkers and cross-country skiers yards, the destruction of natural are going to have to accept that not Illegitimate users vegetation near huts for campfires and every trip in the park needs to involve a Some present-day users of huts in the fouling of watercourses. This is visit to. or camp by. a hut (as attractive national parks are breaking the law by especially noticeable in the Victorian as this often is). Self-sufficiency in the being in a national park and conducting alpine parks and the southern and bush means just that. Hut visits may certain activities. Pig shooters and four- northern parts of Kosciuszko National have to be restricted to those of genuine wheel drivers (the latter in areas they are Park (KNP) where there appears to be historic interest or life-threatening barred from) have been responsible for little control over the use of the park by situations, rather than part of every trip. the destruction, usually by fire, of a horseriders, with devastating Visits to huts by horseriders must be number of huts in recent years. Firm consequences. severely limited. One group, horseriders, action must be taken by park managers Some huts, mainly those associated with cannot be allowed to construct modem and legitimate users of the parks to stop hydro-electric schemes or more recent yards near huts and destroy living these incursions and bring those construction activities, have no historic vegetation for their camp fires, as is responsible to justice. or cultural merit. Often, due to their increasingly happening. In addition, they proximity to roads, they attract vandals cannot be allowed to foul drinking water Legitimate users who damage the huts and surrounds. supplies and degrade creek banks. Huts with no historic or cultural merit There are currently many legitimate must be removed from the park and their users of huts in national parks. These The solutions precincts regenerated. Some culturally include parks staff, bush walkers, Legitimate users of national parks, important and/or fragile huts need to be members of conservation organisations including the NPAs and KHA, must kept locked and not made available as such as NPA and KHA. cross-country accept that they do not have an recreational destinations. skiers, search and rescue personnel and, automatic right "to love (he huts to The Huts Code is somewhat ambiguous where permitted, mountain bike and death." In the interest of the values of about the lighting of fires in huts. It horse nders. national parks and the future wellbeing suggests that stoves be used for cooking of the huts they may have to limit their and fires only be lit to keep warm. It is The problems visits (as bushwalkers are having to time that fires only be lit in emergencies. The problems associated with huts relate consider limiting their visits to certain At present camp tires are not to be lit in to their overuse and misuse. What is fragile natural areas in the Budawangs). alpine areas above 1800 metres. It is happening is that rather than provide a Groups, including clubs and youth time to extend this to include alpine "port in a storm" huts are increasingly associations, schools, colleges and parks as a whole. seen as a destination in their own right. commercial users need to be This may not have mattered when park discouraged from using huts as Using the NPA environmental monitoring form Out and about on Black Mountain on beneath the power line, to regain a main may have some effect on the attitudes of one of our irregular but fairly frequent track some hundreds of metres further contractors and sub-contractors who expeditions, my friend said she had down the gully. The saddening fact is require access to services crossing something to show me; adding that I that all this damage was within about reserve land. Additionally, as ever- would be appalled. I only half took this 30m or so of constructed service diminishing resources affect what in and followed obediently, as I always tracks/fire trails. surveillance can be expected of parks do! We went to a big flat rock area staff, information we may have could be where we often go to check out various NPA ACT ENVIRONMENT MONITORING FORM just part of a jigsaw which enables orchid species through the seasons. effective action to be taken. There had been rain over the last few Several environmental issues arise weeks and most things were doing very from this. Vehicular access into the well. But she had been right; I was bush obviously increases greatly the r« liked iBadB mi shocked by what I was shown—great irpcni ran nl reu£lrl chances of spreading weeds or diseases. muddy ruts gouged out where a thin soil Black Mountain has remained relatively layer had existed, and lichen patches AN* UK • V"T ya. •aacnnl free of weeds to date, but this may not scraped off where there had not been Irj. £u* OnL r«r liaj a remain the case without appreciation of any soil cover. how special this situation is. In this I came home so disturbed that, with lUniuiiiUibii'i particular case, the meagre soil cover at the new NPA reporting form in hand, I me site is probably in danger of telephond the Parks and Conservation washing away completely because the Service of Environment ACT to report surface cover and soil structure was so CB yat. •vrtt at *10J Cf(*4** the damage. Discussion on whether it badly affected. might have been trail bike damage lu*0 am ivxtj .ttml If the damage was caused by spurred me to check again so I went someone with a right to be in the back to see if my initial reaction had reserve, it is saddening that they had not been justified. As it was definitely opted to walk to see whatever it was vehicle damage to this fragile site, I Dpi mmd 1*4 Wafer they needed to see! As an almost bare took notes on, and photographs of, the rock, this area was obviously fragile at damage and again contacted the ranger any time, but was particularly so service. (It makes no difference as far following the rains. While I appreciate The ranger had a really good look at as the damage is concerned, but there that there may be times when the area the damage and said he would be was probably more chance of tracing beneath power or telephone lines may preparing a report to his seniors, whom vehicle entry to the reserve than there need to be accessed for maintenance he would bring out to see the area. He was of trail bikers there illegally.) work requiring vehicles and/or borrowed a couple of my photographs to machinery, for routine checks it should I was impressed by the response be included in his report. I was also able not be necessary to drive directly under from the service; they called me back to provide additional information, at his the line if it is clearly visible from a and made an appointment for me to take request: a group of people who are made road, or where only minimal a ranger to the damage site. We were regularly out and about on Black walking is required to carry out a check. able to see where a vehicle had left the Mountain narrowed the time frame maintained service road and headed during which the damage must have Where public utilities exist on or downhill through the bush under a been caused; and we prepared a list of over reserved or protected lands, I hope power line. Damage was obvious but terrestrial orchid species known to occur that contractors must demonstrate an relatively minor until the tracks reached both on the rock site itself and within its appreciation for any special the large sloping rock with its shallow proximity (some 14 species). requirements in carrying out their work, (in parts non-existent) soil cover. Here and for their contracts to include clauses The ranger has informed me, in the vehicle driver had apparently lost specifically addressing the protection of general terms, of the reaction within the traction and there were muddy ruts (up the environment. Those who cannot department, and I believe that reports of to 15-20cm deep) churned back and meet such requirements should not be this kind are worthwhile, even though forth where he or she had tried to re­ given these contracts. charges may not result nor fines be establish control. It seemed that the imposed. The knowledge that such Adrienne Nicholson vehicle had then continued downhill, destruction is noted and followed up tracking through the undergrowth

Huts—environmental challenges continued from page 8 Summary timber supplies has to come to an end. Legitimate users must themselves Current practices are just not impose limits before managers are Those who love, care for and visit ecologically sustainable. The halcyon forced to do so for them. huts in national parks are going to have days of a few bushwalkers and skiers to accept that continued unlimited Timothy Walsh and KHA members being the sole access to huts and their environs and visitors to the alpine parks are over. unlimited use of their surrounding Current environmental issues

Over recent months the NPA has been member Di Thompson is a member of material have been assembled and now engaged in a wide range of issues the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Steering that the project on Namadgi has been related to the environment particularly Committee. completed (see above), effort can be in the local area. Some of these have directed to the ACT forests project. This called for active responses at crucial Plan of Management for would complete outstanding NPA Environment Grant commitments. times whilst others require monitoring Kosciuszko National Park. over a continuing period. In this article I have attempted to summarise the major A review of the plan of management is Black Mountain Reserve current areas of involvement of the under way. a process that is expected to The association had expressed concern association and to indicate where these take about two years. Wide-ranging that the proposed western route of the issues stand at the present time. consultation is being undertaken and has included a presentation at an NPA Gungahlin Drive Extension would general meeting. A community forum intrude into Black Mountain Nature Namadgi National Park (to which, association members Judy Reserve. The Government has given an The association has recently completed Kelly and Di Thompson belong) and a assurance that the proposed route would a major resource document on Namadgi scientific committee will have input into be contained within the Caswell Drive which Eleanor Stodart outlines in her a draft plan to be made available for easement and thus be outside the article on page 3 of this Bulletin. This public comment. reserve. report will provide a valuable base for responding to the plan of management Monga National Park East O'Malley housing revision now under way. Recent steps in development the plan of management process have Recreation Plan been the issue of a discussion paper and The association responded to a request The NPA has opposed the planned the submission of responses to this by from the NSW National Parks and O'Malley housing development which the public. The plan of management Wildlife Service for public comment on would threaten an important red review is perhaps the most significant recreational use of the newly declared gum/yellow box grassy woodland area. matter facing the association in the near Monga National Park. Subsequently the The Government has deferred the future. Other particularly significant and service issued an interim recreational release of this land for housing continuing matters concerning Namadgi plan, a copy of which is held by the following a recommendation from the include the involvement of the association, but no further action has so Commissioner for the Environment and Aboriginal community in the far been taken. is undertaking further investigation. management ot the park, currently through the Namadgi Interim Advisory Mulligans Flat Board, and the regeneration of the ACT Bushfire Fuel Boboyan pine plantation area. The Management Plan The association has been very current status of the latter work is set out concerned about the impacts from the A bushfire fuel management plan for the on page 13. Feral horses are discussed adjacent suburban areas on the ACT is produced every two years and below. Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve. In the NPA has, in past years, been active addition to raising these concerns in responding to this both in its own directly with Government. NPA is right and within the Conservation participating in a working group with Gudgenby Homestead Council. A new plan has just (mid the Conservation Council to examine The NPA has strongly opposed August) been released and is open for these impacts. Clive Hurlstone has commercial operation of the homestead public comment. summarised the current situation on and questioned the approval of works on page 15. the septic system. The Government has Transgrid indicated its opposition to the development of the homestead as a The association was active in following Horse riding commercial enterprise but, subject to up the excessive clearing under The NPA has raised with the Minister obtaining necessary clearances, intends Transgrid power 1 i nes and has a the assessment of horse trails in to proceed with the update of the septic continuing interest in the long term Canberra Nature Park and indicated the system. The Commissioner for Land and management issues that have been raised association's opposition to any new Planning has directed that the Interim and the settlement reached between the trails in the park. A specific issue Namadgi Joint Advisory Board through Government and Transgrid. concerns the Gundaroo Road which is provisions of the Namadgi National part of the Bicentennial Horse Trail. Park Management Plan endorse any Project on conservation Except for a section near the ACT future use of the site. management in ACT forests border a new road is to be built and the Old Gundaroo Road will become a The ACT Government has approved an multi-purpose recreational route and Feral horses Environment Grant for the NPA to carry the horse trail. The association is Judy Kelly's article on page 6 gives a prepare a project paper on the keen that the Mulligans Flat Reserve is comprehensive picture of the current conservation management of bush protected when the trail alignment is feral horse problem in Kosciuszko and remnants in land under the control of determined. its relationship to Namadgi. Association ACT Forests. Some notes and research NATIONAL-PARKS ASSOCIATION (ACT)'INCORPORATED NPA OUTINGS PROGRAM September-December 2002

Outings Guide Walk grading Terrain grading Distance grading (per day) A—Road, firetrtafl track 1—up to 10 km B — Open forest 2 — 10kmto 15 km C—Light scrub 3—15 km to 20 km D—Patches of thick scrub, regrowth 4 — above 20 km E—Rock scrambling F — Exploratory Day walks Carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. Pack walks Two or more days. Carry all food and camping requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY PRIOR WEDNESDAY OR AS INDICATED IN THE PROGRAM. Car camps Facilities often limited or non-existent. Vehicles taken to site can be used for camping. BOOK EARLY WITH LEADER. Other activities include nature rambles and environmental and field guide studies.

Points to note

Please help keep our outings program alive by volunteering to lead outings. New leaders are welcome. The outings convenor is happy to suggest locations suitable for a walk if you do not have something in mind yourself. Feel free to send in suggestions for outings to the association's office as soon as you think of them, with a suggested date.

All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Association of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and as such accept responsibility for any injury howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders, are absolved from any liability in respect of injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing.

The committee suggests a donation, to the nearest dollar, of THTRTY cents per kilometre, DIVrDED BY THE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS in the car, including the driver, be offered to the driver by each passenger accepting transport. Drive and walk distances quoted in the program are approximate distances for return jouneys.

8 September, Sunday daywaik Namadgi National Park from a different 14 September, Saturday work party Sentry Box Summit perspective. We start opposite Yaouk and Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Leader: Steve Hill climb up a steep, but entirely manageable Phone: Eleanor Stodart (6281 5004), or Grading: 2C/D/E spur to a rocky peak of 1696m. We then Syd Comfort (6286 2578) Map: Yaouk 1:25 000 visit and explore the summit region Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre Tharwa Phone: 6231 9186 (1727m) and return the same way. The at 9.00am, or Yankee Hat carpark at Due to popular demand, this is a repeat of climb of 600 metres is steepish in parts, is 10.00am. Weeding, wilding removal or Max Lawrence's walk from last year. A off track and involves some mild rock other work fir rehabilitation of the chance to see fabulous views from a scrambling. Meet at Kambah Village Boboyan pines area. Tools will be surprisingly interesting monolith in the shops at 7.30am for a stupendous day. provided. region, and to see the southern end of 170km, $55 per car.

NPA OUTINGS PROGRAM— SEPTEMBER / DECEMBER 2002 15 September, Sunday daywalk 29 September, Sunday daywalk 12 October, Saturday morning walk Mt Coree Heritage walks, Booroowa and Cooma Black Mountain spring walk Leader: Ken Free Cottage, Yass Leader: George Chippendale Grading: 2A/B Leader: Col McAlister 9.30 am to about 12.00md. Meet car park Map: Cotter Dam 1:25 000 Grading: 1A opposite end of Wangara Street, Caswell Phone: 6295 8894 Map: Booroowa Street Directory Drive, Aranda. Bring morning tea, wear a A day walk from Blundells Flat car park Phone: 6288 4171 hat. Children welcome. Usually a slow via the Arboretum following Pabral Road An easy stroll on the flat Shamrock trails walk with time to chatter. to Mount Coree, about 700 metres climb of Booroowa, the highlight being St over some 8 kilometre distance. After Patrick's Church with outstanding stained 12 October, Saturday work parry lunch, follow the border to Two Sticks glass windows and marble altars. After Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Road and return to cars. Meet at comer of lunch in the park, or one of the pubs or Phone: Eleanor Stodart (6281 5004), or Eucumbene Drive and Cotter Road at cafes, a brief walk along the river bank. Syd Comfort (6286 2578) 8:30am. 60km, $18 per car. On the way home visit Hamilton Hume's Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre Tharwa home, Cooma Cottage, just outside Yass. at 9.00am, or Yankee Hat carpark at 21 September, Saturday daywalk There is an admission charge to Cooma 10.00am. Weeding, wilding removal or Lake George Cottage unless you are a member of The other work for rehabilitation of the Leader: Margaret Aston National Trust. Devonshire Teas are Boboyan pines area. Tools will be Grading: 1A availabe there. Meet in carpark at the ACT provided. Map: ACT 1:100 000 Netball Centre, Northbourne Ave, Phone: 6288 7563 Lyneham at 8.00am. Return drive 230km, 13 October, Sunday daywalk Meet at Canberra Railway Station at $70 per car. Mt Morgan 8.30am, or in Bungendore at the coast Leader: Steve Hill road junction at 9.30am. An easy walk 28-29 September, weekend packwalk Grading: 3A/E along the lake road with time for bird Rock Flats and Beyond Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 watching. Bring lunch, binoculars and Leader: Martin Chalk Phone: 6231 9186 your NPA Field Guide to (he Birds of the Grading: 3A/B/D/F A chance to see fabulous views from one ACT. Finish with coffee at the Maps: Rendezvous Creek and Corin of the most spectacular mountain tops in Woodworks cafe if interested. 85km, $25 Dam 1:25 000 the region, including over much of the per car (ex Canberra). Phone: 6292 3502 (h), 6268 4864 (w) Kosciuszko and Namadgi National Parks. The inbound track for this walk will We climb up the Lone Pine trail before 21-22 September, weekend day pack follow that used in the June walk to Split turning left towards the summit at some walk Rock. Once atop the ridge above Cotter high alpine frost hollows. We tour the Royal National Park Coast Walk Gap we will turn left to visit the unusual many view spots on the summit to look Leader: David Large formations at Rock Flats. We will finish over the things that matter to us. The Grading: 2A the day with an exploratory descent to climb of nearly 700 metres is steepish in Map: RNP 1:30 000 Little Creamy Flats for a night in this parts, but is mainly on track and no Phone: 6291 4830 secluded valley. The second day will be a serious bush bashing is involved. Meet at Walk from Bundeena to Otford. relatively easy walk out via the track to Kambah Village shops car park at 7.30am. Experience the spring wildflowers and Pond Creek Flats then to Cotter Gap and Return drive 210km, $70 per car. magnificent ocean views in Royal back to Orroral Gate car park. Call leader National Park. We will see how the Park for further details and bookings—numbers 19 October, Saturday afternoon walk has recovered from the bushfires earlier will be limited. Drive 85km, $25 per car Mt Arawang this year and in 1994. Depart from Leader: Margaret Aston Canberra early, arriving at Bundeena 5-7 October, long weekend packwalk Grading: 1A mid-moming then walk through to Mt Talaterang Map: ACT 1:100 000 Garie YHA hostel. This is a Wilderness Leader: Steven Forst Phone: 6288 7563 Hostel with basic facilities. On Sunday Grading: 1A/C, 2B/C/E, 1A/C Meet at the top of Kathner Street, walk to Otford then by train and ferry Map: CMW Budawangs Chapman at 1.30pm. An easy walk around back to Bundeena. Numbers limited to Phone: 6251 6817 (h), 6219 5236 (w) Cooleman Ridge and Mt Arawang. Bring 12 as hostel has only two 6 person Contact leader by preceding Wednesday. binoculars and a nibble to enjoy amongst dorms. Bring sleeping sheet and evening The drive to start this easy pack walk is the lovely Bulbine Lilies. 0km, $0 per car. meal and breakfast as well as lunches punctuated with stops at Fitzroy Falls for for both days. An opportunity to have an morning tea and Cambrawarra lookout for 23 October, Wednesday daywalk overnight walk in the "European" style! lunch. It is a short 2 1/2 hour walk in to Leader: Ken Free Drive 500kms, $150 per car. plus hostel the camp site at top of Ngaiyung Falls. A Phone: 6295 8894 spectacular spot with views into Pigeon fees and train/ferry fares. October mid-week walk. Phone leader for House Gorge. A day walk on Sunday to details, to be determined near the date. Mt Talaterang. Walk out Monday. Return 25 September, Wednesday daywalk drive 500km, $ 150 per car. Leader: David Large 27 October, Sunday daywalk (start of Phone: 6291 4830 daylight saving) September mid-week walk. Phone leader Boxvale Track, Forty Foot Falls and for details, to be determined near the date. Sixty Foot Falls, Mittagong Leader: Col McAlister

NPA OUTINGS PROGRAM—SEPTEMBER / DECEMBER 2002 Grading: 2A on Happy Jacks Road, past Barney's 16-17 November, weekend packwalk Map: Mittagong 1:25 000 Creek, then walk 2km to camp near Long Point and Bungonia Gorge Pbone: 6288 4171 Brooks Hut for 2 nights. Visit Happys Hut Leader: Steven Forst Start walk at Boxvale carpark and follow in afternoon. Second day walk/cycle to Grading: 2A/E, IA the route of an historic railway passing Far Bald Mountain (1750m) and perhaps Map: Caoural:25 000 through cuttings and an 80 metre tunnel Happy Jacks Pondage, depending on Phone: 6251 6817 (h), 6219 5236 (w) (please bring a torch). Return through weather and inclination of group. Return Contact leader by preceding Wednesday. tunnel and cuttings, then descend to visit to Snowy Gap Day 3. A steep walk down Long Point Forty Foot Falls. Next follow the Nattai Mountain bike required. Road is well- overlooking the Shoalhaven River gorge River upstream, pass under the F5 surfaced gravel with some climbs—leader to a camp site on grassy river banks. In the Freeway and visit the Sixty Foot Falls is no cycling champ, so effort required afternoon of the first day we walk and before ending up in Mittagong. Short car will be modest! Timed to miss Melbourne rock scramble into the bottom of shuffle required. Should be plenty of Cup frenzy but radio is permitted. Contact Bungonia Gorge without packs before waratahs and other wildfiowers. Possible leader by I November for arrangements. returning to camp. Next day visit several Gibbergunyah Reserve at Welby, 360km return drive, $110 per car. pleasant spots by the river before starting depending on tune and enthusiasm. Meet the climb out to the cars. Return drive in carpark at the ACT Netball Centre 9 November, Saturday work party 220km, $65 per car. Northbourne Ave, Lyneham at 8.00am. Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Return drive 360km, $110 per car. Phone: Eleanor Stodart (6281 5004), or 23-26 November, Saturday to Tuesday Syd Comfort (6286 2578) 4-day packwalk 30 October, Outings Sub-committee Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre Tharwa Bundundah/Danjera area meeting. at 9.00am, or Yankee Hat carpark at Leader: Mike Smith tantactDavjd Large 6291 4830. 10.00am. Weeding, wilding removal or Grading: 2C/D/E other work fir rehabilitation of the Map: Sassafrass 1:25 000 30 October.Wednesday daywaik Boboyan pines area. Tools will be Phone: 6286 2984 Leader: Adrienne Nicholson provided. A four day/3 night pack walk in the Phone:6281 6381 Morton National Park. Day 1, camp at Second NPA mid-week walk this month. 10 November, Sunday daywaik junction of Boohjah and Danjera creeks Phone leader for details, to be determined Canberra sculpture walk after short but spectacular scramble down near the date. Leader: Col McAlister into gorge. Afternoon will be free to Grading: IA explore up Danjera Creek or just relax at 3 November, Sunday daywaik Map: Canberra Street Directory great swimming pool. Day 2, cross over Mt Herlt Phone: 6288 4171 tops to hidden camping cave on Leader: Pat Miethke A stroll around some of the many Bundundah Creek, including a crawl Grading: 3A/D sculptures in the ANU, Civic and through the "wombat hole". Afternoon we Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 (possibly) Anzac Parade. Plenty of time will check out a magnificent area of Phone: 6241 2798 (evenings) for coffee in Civic. Meet at National (? flowering) rock orchids across the The hill on the southwest side of Museum of Australia carpark, end furthest creek. Day 3, a leisurely stroll back to the Rendezvous Creek at GR 739478, with from Museum, at 9.00am. 0km, SO per car Boolijah/Danjera campsite with side trips big rock slabs on its northern side, is to Danjera Falls and other lookouts. Day known to those who have been around for 9-10 November, weekend packwalk 4, climb out of gorge and return to cars for a while as Mt Herlt. The only time I Mt Bimberi and Mt Murray lunch (hamburgers, etc) in Nerriga. attempted to go along its summit ridge I Leader: Philip Gatenby Some scrub bashing, scrambling and was attacked by a ferocious hailstorm and Grading: 3A/C/E climbs of 300 metres involved. Contact retreated. This time I intend to sneak up Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 leader at least a week ahead for more on it from Gudgenby via the SE end of the Phone: 6254 3094 details and/or to book. Numbers limited. ridge. After the initial 300m steep climb This walk is planned to start at Yaouk Gap Access by 4WD vehicles will be required. there is a 4km long, slowly rising ridge to and to include some of the ACT's highest 400kms, $120 per car. (The trip could also the summit. When the going gets too peaks. The first part of the walk will be on be run as a 3-day trip, but with a less scrubby or we get tired of the views, we a fire trail, but most will be off tracks. A leisurely day 3 return to the vehicles). will drop down into Rendezvous Creek climb of over 800m will be involved. and amble home. Meet at Kambah Village Contact leader by Wednesday 24 November, Sunday daywaik shops at 7.30am. 130km, $40 per car. 6 November. Drive 200km, $60 per car. Mount Lincoln Leader: Martin Chalk 4-6 November, Monday to Wednesday 16 November, Saturday daywaik Grading: 2A/B/C/F Cycle/Packwalk Bulls Head to Bendora Arboretum Map: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Far Bald Mountain Leader: Rob Forster Phone: 6292 3502 (h), 6268 4864 (w) Leader: Brian Slee Grading: 3A Leave Kambah Village shops at 8.00am Grading: 3A/B/F Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 for a day in the hills to the west of the Maps: Nimmo Plain, Old Adaminaby, Phone: 6249 8546 Tuggeranong Valley. Start walking from Toolong Range 1:25 000, or A pleasant walk on forest trails to the the Smokers Trail carpark and proceed Khancoban, Eucumbene 1:50 000 Arboretum for lunch, returning by a around the ridge to Mt Lincoln for Phone: 6281 0719 (h) different route. Meet at carpark comer of magnificent views across Blue Gum Creek Drive to locked gate at Snowy Gap, 9km Cotter and Uriarra Roads at 8.30am. towards Canberra. The return will be SW of Eucumbene Dam and cycle 19km Drive 80km, $24 per car.

NPA OUTINGS PROGRAM—SEPTEMBER /DECEMBER 2002 direct to the car park across the forests and edge of the tablelands east of Cooma, 22 December, Sunday daywalk frost hollows of Jumbuck Flat. 60km, involving a long descent of 900 metres Paddy Rushs Bogong $ 18 per car. (and return) to the Brogo River, with Leader: Brian Slee wading, swimming and some rock Grading: 2B/C 27 November, Wednesday daywalk scrambling. Solitude guaranteed. Contact Map: Chimneys Ridge 1:25 000 or Leader: Rob Forster leaders by 2 December for details. Thredbo 1:50 000 Phone: 6249 8546 Phone: 6281 0719 November mid-week walk. Phone leader 14 December, Saturday work party Depart Kambah Village shops 7.00am. for details, to be determined near the date. Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Drive past Thredbo and park at Dead Phone: Eleanor Stodart (6281 5004), or Horse Gap. Follow Brumby track east 30 November-1 December Syd Comfort (6286 2578) along ridge toward Brindle Bull and then Beginners weekend packwalk Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre Tharwa north through open forest, cross Friday Smokers Trail carpark to Orroral gate at 9.00am, or Yankee Hat carpark at Flat Creek and climb to open summit of Leader: David Large 10.00am. Weeding, wilding removal or Paddy Rushs Bogong (1920m). Relatively Grading: IA other work for rehabilitation of the unvisited area. Great views west to Main Map: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Boboyan pines area. Tools will be Range and Thredbo, and east to Drift Hill. Phone: 6291 4830 provided. Wildflowers feature on this longest day of A pack walk designed especially (but not the year. Return by similar route. exclusively) for first-time pack walkers. Afternoon tea at Jindabyne. Return drive An easy walk along bush tracks. We will 420km. $ 120 per car plus $ 15 park fee for visit trap yards on the way and spend the cars without permit. night in the upper Orroral Valley, passing a camp location that may need a future work party for restoration. Interested walkers should contact the leader by mid November to discuss gear requirements. It may be possible to arrange loan of packs, Forecasts for the January 2003 stoves, tents, sleeping bags, etc. Meeting long weekend. place and transport arrangements to be Brian Slee will lead a Sunday daywalk in advised. Drive 80km. $24 per car. Kosciuszko National Park (Southern Ramshead wildflowers) on 26 January 1 December, Sunday daywalk 2003. Snowy Mountains, Mt Twynam and Adrienne Nicholson is planning a car Watsons Crags camp for Thredbo Diggings the same Leader: Steve Hill We are planning for our Christmas Party weekend. The campers' options will be to Grading: 4A/C/E this year to be at Orroral Homestead in be as active or inactive as participants Map: Perisher Valley 1:50 000 the Orroral Valley. Bring picnic lunch desire. Phone: 6231 9186 and refreshments and let's celebrate A day of great views not available from The leaders of these outings will liaise together. We'll have the usual fund- Mt Kosciuszko. This will proceed only if enabling any energetic but laid back car raising auction so bring along your the weather is likely to be clear. Drive to campers to join up with the more frenetic useless treasures (or useful items, of Charlotte Pass car park (2 1/2 hours) and Sunday travelling day trippers. Details of course). Details will be in the next follow the Main Range track to Blue Lake these outings will be in the program in the Bulletin. lookout. We climb Mt Twynam (2196m— next Bulletin. third highest "peak") for great views. Trek Contact: David Large 62914830 west to the spur known as Watson's Crags, including a view from a peak marked as 2136 metres, for views of the Wednesday Walks Western Snowys which cannot be matched. To top it off, we visit Carruthers Members should be aware that some years ago the different Canberra Peak on the way back so we can see where walking groups decided to cooperate in organizing Wednesday walks. we have been. The walk will require good Accordingly, Family Bushwalkers lead on the first and third Wednesday in fitness, will be largely off track and will each month, Canberra Bushwalkers on the second Wednesday and NPA on involve regular climbs which are steep in the fourth and (when there is one) the fifth Wednesday of each month. Walkers from any group are welcome to walk on any Wednesday. parts. It brings with it an early start and late return to Canberra, but the sights are The contact for the Canberra Bushwalking Club is Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164. supremely rewarding. Ring leader by Friday evening to register and for details Leaders for Family Bushwalkers for the next few months are: of meeting place. 400kms, $ 120 per car. 4 September Eric Pickering 6286 2128 18 September (medium) Doug Finlayson 6281 5810 7-9 December, 3-day packwalk (jointly 2 October (medium) Andrew Walker 6254 6904 with Family Bushwalkers) 16 October (medium) Bob Hodgson 6255 2189 Brogo River 6 November (medium) Eric Pickering 6286 2128 Leaders: Pat and Eric Pickering 20 November (medium) Doug Finlayson 6281 5810 Grading: Exploratory 4 December (medium) Peter Wellman 6288 5985 Maps: Puen Buen and Yowrie Phone: 6286 2128 A hard, exploratory, 3-day walk on the

NPA OUTINGS PROGRAM—SEPTEMBER / DECEMBER 2002 Hard labour to Split Rock

The winter solstice was crisp, clear and windy and the group of 12 keen to explore Split Rock. I explained that a total climb of around 1000m would be required to achieve our goal but none was perturbed. After 2Vi hours walking and two 300m, steep climbs we arrived at Cotter Gap to see the mass of Split Rock towering yet another 300m above us. Some faces showed momentary dismay at the work that lay ahead—dismay that was quickly replaced by determination. The scramble to the ridge top was demanding but uneventful. Things only became a little untidy when I relied on my memory to skirt the undergrowth and find an easy way to the rock—the undergrowth had become a forest in the last seven years. The Split Rock was, however, no less impressive. Also, the place I call "Luncheon Ledge" was still easy to find. With food for the body and views for the soul each of us was reluctant to leave our sunny vantage point, but the solstice sun was calling. Martin Chalk Margaret Power napping on Luncheon Ledge. Photo Martin Chalk

Current environmental issues continued from page 10

Tracks strategy remnants managed by agencies other the NPA made a comprehensive than Environment ACT, and by rural response to these proposals. The new ACT Tourism and Environment ACT leaseholders are of significant natural government is preparing a draft bill have invited interested groups in the value and need to be incorporated into concerning these heritage matters which ACT to meetings to consider issues conservation plans. These concerns have is expected to be released for public related to recreational trails and how been raised with Government. consultation later this year. they might be improved. The NPA has been involved in these meetings. Syd Comfort Heritage legislation Management of non-urban and In 2001, before the elections, the ACT off-reserve land Government released a discussion paper on proposals to reform procedures for The association recognises that some heritage registration and protection and woodland and grassland and bush Cape to Cape—well almost The Westrail bus dropped me at the Yallingup community ha)] and I set off in the direction of the beach, a route which was very nearly my downfall as it passes through the verdant grounds of the Caves Hotel and close to the hotel itself. Established in 1927. it has retained its style and elegance and tempted me 10 abandon the walk plan and spend the time more agreeably within its walls and bounds. Further reflection forced me to realise that my footwear choices of hiking boots or bare feet would hardlv be tolerated within this establishment so with reluctant steps I moved towards the beach to resume my original plan to walk on the Cape to Cape Track. Officially opened in April 2001 the Cape to Cape Walking Track was planned by the WA Department of Conservation and Land Management Cape Freycinet. with a glimpse of the walking track. Photo Syd Comfort (CALM) and is the result of much hard work by official and community groups contained within the national park, by car. taxi or hitching. There are stores since the mid 1990s. It winds along the which to my mind is a great at Yallingup. Prcvally and Gracetown. spine of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste conservation achievement. As may be The track is well marked so that National Park for 135 kilometres from expected there is much that could still be navigation should never be a problem. the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse in the done to upgrade the track but it now has Some sections are over hard or rocky north to Cape Leeuwin lighthouse in the end-to-end alignment and is signposted surfaces, some over grassed areas but south. Except for a few small town areas over its length. much is through sandy vehicle tracks or the whole length of this coastline is Most of the track is within sight of along beaches. After all it is Western the coast but there are some loops which Australia. Particularly in summer or in sweep inland, the longest of these being windy conditions these sections could be Section 1 through the Boranup karri forest. It hard going but at least on the shoreline Cape Naturaliste makes use of old 4WD vehicle tracks, relief in the blue water is at hand. to Wyadup constructed paths and natural beach Although full use has been made of old 20km sections. Although this is basically a vehicle and fishing tracks some new coastal walk, the route has been selected trackwork has been done including long to enable walkers to experience the runs of steps on cliff faces and a tine great variety of scenery and vegetation 16m bridge over the Boodjidup Brook. which is a feature of this section of the Walkers are rewarded with an Section 2 coast. overwhelming variety of views on the Wyadup to Overnight camping is permitted on theme of the interfaces between land, Cowaramup Bay \\ the track but I note that the Friends of sea and sky. and with inland vistas, 27 km the Cape to Cape Track suggest on their beautiful and varied in their own right website that as the track is in a sensitive and sufficient to ensure that the charm landscape, walkers should consider of the coast does not pall. Along the staying off the track at night rather than coast the views are of alternating granite Section 3 camping. There is good vehicle access headlands, sheer limestone cliffs and Cowaramup Say! Margaret River so it is easy to arrange to be collected at long stretches of wild, sandy beaches !o Redgate the end of the day and be taken to your backed by extensive dune systems. The Beach accommodation. However. recently track passes through a variety of 31km facilities at a number of the camp sites vegetation types from the coastal heath have been improved so perhaps there is which dominates the windswept western a change in thinking. A "fuel-stoves slopes to the jarrah-marri woodlands in Section 4 /' Boranup only" policy applies to the whole track. the north and the magnificent karri forest Redgate Beach in the south. I particularly noticed the to Hamelm Bay Along much of the track there is a parrot bush still in flower and the 29km feeling of being remote between sea and sky but in fact one is never far from ubiquitous peppermint which grew as a settlement nor from the Caves Road metre high shrub on exposed sites but as which runs the length of the track only a a tree in sheltered gullies. Walking in the last week of May, I enjoyed brilliant Section 5 few miles inland. This means that access coastal scenery every day and revelled in Hamelm Bay to to the track by car is easy from many Cape Leeu'.vm intermediate points. Westrail buses run 29km on this route but except for Yallingup use of the bus would involve a short run Bush regeneration progress at Gudgenby

There is one spot on the road to successfully. We are hoping that this weeding about half the plantation area Gudgenby where you used to glimpse will happen in spring so that we will already under regeneration would the Hospital Creek block of the old then be able to spread seed. Because of probably need spraying for blackberries. Boboyan Pine Forest. For a while you the delay the plantings in the Olympic Briars are very common over most of saw a blackened burnt area. Later it was Landcare exclosure will be even more the area. The large ones are gradually a barren patch. Now it hardly stands out. valuable as a screen around the Yankee being sprayed and we weed out the That area was seeded four years ago and Hat carpark. Most seedlings there are smaller ones and some of the regrowth, some of the saplings are about three doing well. so that the area will gradually become metres tall. The larger candlebark The area that was felled last summer clear of them. saplings are changing from juvenile to and autumn was disappointingly small, We have removed a few hawthorns, adult foliage and so changing colour so there is still twice that area remaining but fortunately they have not been a from blue grey to grey green, but we still to be felled, but we are hopeful that it serious problem. We are generally not see new seedlings emerging. can be done next summer. One tackling smaller weeds such as scotch We have now spread seed in four encouraging sign is the fact that the road thistles at this stage. St Johns wort, different years, and we are confident down to Bogong Creek has been graded however, occurs in patches and some that the seed will continue to genmnate to provide better access for the fellers spraying has been done. over time. For example, the area behind and logging trucks. The two blocks that The Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Frank and lacks Hut that was seeded have been felled should be burnt ready Group received a grant of about $14 000 two years ago by NPA work parties, and for seeding next autumn. from the Natural Heritage Trust this which did not look very encouraging last Our experience weeding has year. We plan to spend a large part of year, is now looking good. Those confirmed that it is a very important this in employing a contractor to fell the seedlings that grew in the first year are activity. The main weeds that we deal large wildings in the bush surrounding now almost a metre tall, and many small with are pine wildings, blackberries, and the regeneration area. We are also seedlings that germinated this year are briars. The wildings just require regular looking at having some interpretive filling in the gaps. The area that did not weeding sessions to make sure that we signs made for the loop walk from the burn very well, near the Yankee Hat keep up with new germinations. The Yankee Hat carpark through the carpark, did bum well enough down blackberries are more of a challenge, regeneration area, as this walk passes near Bogong Creek for some seeding to and seed in the ground will probably several different stages of the be done, and many seedlings have keep germinating for several more years. regeneration as well as going through germinated here. We are confident that our regular work two quite different patches of natural The remaining logs in that partly is limiting the need for spraying to bush. localised areas while allowing the burnt block will now have to be Eleanor Stodart bulldozed together in order to be burnt regeneration to grow. Without regular

Cape to Cape continued rrom page 12 the inland grasstree and forest sections. Clearly full enjoyment of the track able to go this track provides a Interestingly, the only long distance requires careful planning. wonderful opportunity to appreciate one walkers I saw on the track were two Fortunately the tools for planning the of the most spectacular parts of the stately emus. trip are readily available and are of a Australian coast; what is more, the So much for the rewards but what of high order. They are found in a series of whole of it enjoys the protection of the practicalities? The availability of five track maps and notes published by being within a national park. water heads the list. There are few CALM and in a first class guidebook reliable year-round streams and springs produced by Cape to Cape Publishing. References so that walkers need to have a water Both publications provide a great deal plan appropriate to the season. Much of of information about the track and the Cape to Cape Walk Track (a series of the track is exposed especially to the natural and cultural heritage of the areas five pamphlets), West Australian west and south west so wind conditions traversed. In addition, the guidebook Department of Conservation and Land need consideration. Summer heat on the contains 22 full-page 1:25 000 maps Management, 1998-2001. inland sand tracks and long sections on covering the coast from Dunsborough to The Cape to Cape Track Guidebook, by soft beaches with a headwind can make Augusta and step-to-step route notes Jane Scott and Ray Forma, Cape to for bard going. Some of the beach supplemented by colour photos of many Cape Publishing, 2001 sections are much easier if tide and sea sections of the track. Friends of the Cape to Cape Track conditions allow walking on the lower, I must confess that I did not complete website and pamphlet—the map with hard sand. Another consideration is the track but covered sufficient in five this article has been taken from the crossing the streams they flow into the days to be able to recommend it either as latter. sea. Sand bars provide crossings at a through walk or for a series of day many of these but others need checking, walks. The track would present very Syd Comfort in particular, that of the Margaret River different aspects in the four seasons where an alternative route is available where so the time of year for walking is when the beach crossing is unsafe. an important issue. But whenever you are

NPA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2002 13 Your Canberra Your Future

The ACT Government has initiated a Canberra Plan will, in addition to the followed to involve all those with a review of the overall plan for Canberra spatial plan, comprise The Canberra stake in the future of the city, in which, it is hoped, will reflect changes Social Plan and the Canberra Economic developing the spatial plan. The next that have taken place since the last White Paper. These three elements will stage in this process is gathering major planning revision was undertaken provide a comprehensive framework to community feedback on this paper and and will position the Territory to cope meet goals of sustainabiliry in the years will be progressed through the media, by with future trends. Recently a visiting ahead. delivering brochures throughout OECD planning group studied Your Canberra Your Future explains Canberra and conducting discussions, Canberra's development and now that "spatial planning is about how we workshops and surveys. A timetable for Canberra will be one of six OECD cities use space (ie the land and environment the spatial plan indicates that the plan to undertake a revision of their city of the ACT) and deal with the unique should be ready to go to the Legislative plans. Thus the international spotlight needs and characteristics of places to Assembly in mid to late 2003. will be on [his Canberra initiative. The meet the changing needs of the Development of the social plan and the Government is emphasising community. It is about managing economic white paper will also be sustainabiliry (social, economic and competing uses for space and making required to achieve compatibility environmental) in the plan which will places that are valued and have identity. between the three planning elements. have a horizon of 25 to 30 years. The It is also about the sustainable use of our At this stage I cannot see just how development of the plan will follow a environment". The spatial plan will the spatial plan will relate to the existing corroborative approach. provide a planning framework that will Canberra plans—The National Capital A discussion paper titled Canberra respond to many aspects of Canberra Plan and the Territory Plan—both of Your Future: Changes and Challenges including: which have statutory authority, with the has been issued as the initial step in • the future urban form of Canberra; National Capital Plan (a Commonwealth developing "The Canberra Spatial Plan" • the impact of sustainablity imperatives instrument) establishing the overarching which will form part of an overall on development patterns; planning framework for Canberra. strategic plan to be called "The • the impact of economic development However as the spatial plan process is Canberra Plan". This paper recognises on the physical layout of the city; pursued there will be significant that Canberra is facing significant • the integration of land use planning environmental impacts through such change which will interact with designs, with transport and the promotion of matters as transport strategies and the layout and structures developed in the public transport; and maintenance of open spaces which will past. Changing demographic and • the critical elements of the natural and require involvement to ensure community needs. environmental built environment which should be recognition of relevant environmental pressures and globalisation are just a maintained and protected for the "bush issues. few of the challenges to be faced. This capital". Copies of Your Canberra Your publication initiates a process to identify Recognising that successful planning Future are available free of charge from these changes and, as a community, to process relies on the input of the people ACT Shopfronts. develop strategies to anticipate and deal it will affect. Your Canberra Your with these issues in the future. The Syd Comfort Future sets out the steps that will be

A New Focus for Nature Conservation The ACT Government has published a A computer-based comprehensive philosophy for land and water paper titled A Sustainable Bush Capital natural information management system management. in the New Millennium which outlines will be established which will To improve the community its directions for nature conservation in incorporate existing data and provide for partnership, the paper proposes to the ACT. Recognising the importance of increased information storage and clarify the role of volunteer groups and our natural environment for a vital and management capability. The integrated provide better resources for their work. sustainable Canberra community the system will serve both government and Better information and education paper identifies four areas where there the community and in the longer term services will be provided for both will be an enhanced focus. These are: will allow information to be extracted community and schools. These goals • more staff in the field; via the Internet. will be met through the development of • the right information for your patch; Recognising the key value of a a nature conservation communication • working smarter for better planned approach to conservation, the strategy which will set the policy conservation outcomes; and Government aims to develop a strategic framework and forward agenda for • supporting our community partners. and regionally coordinated approach to education, information and volunteer Field services capability will be determining conservation priorities, support programs. augmented by recruiting additional allocation of management resources and Further information about these personnel and changing rosters to better support for conservation work. The initiatives is available through the meet seasonal work demands. paper sets out in some detail how this is Environment ACT Helpline Administrative responsibilities will be to be done and includes a commitment (6207 9777) or its email or the web. rearranged to release staff for field to review statutory Action Plans for Syd Comfort duties and there will be provision for threatened species, and the promotion of additional vehicles and equipment. an integrated catchment management Meeting with ACT Planning Minister

The President and Vice-president of the NPA spoke to the Minister about the plan to help set conservation priorities association met Simon Corbell on Labor election platform policy proposal will be an important development. 29 May to discuss topics raised in a for an integrated nature conservation On horse riding, we spoke to the letter from NPA ACT that included plan for the ACT. Minister about the assessment of freeways in Black Mountain Reserve, The plan is to be based on a existing horse trails in Canberra Nature urban impact on Mulligans Flat Reserve, geographic information system (GIS) Park and NPA's opposition to any new conservation management of non and will show major habitat and status trails. In planning for any new trails reserve land and horse riding in distribution of endangered and outside the reserve system, NPA stated Canberra Nature Park. threatened species and communities, and that conservation values of possible On the potential intrusion of the areas for priority works and sites where routes must be taken into consideration. Gungahlin Drive Extension into Black major works are planned or being NPA also raised with the Minister Mountain Reserve, NPA ACT was undertaken. The plan, to be developed the lack of information coming from his assured that the proposed road in conjunction with community and office on the proposed auction of land in developments were outside the boundary professional groups, will be readily East O'Malley, an important Red gum- of the reserve. accessible. yellow box woodland site, and asked The NPA's concern about the The management of non-urban off- that conservation groups be kept protection of Mulligans Flat Reserve reserve land is an important issue for informed about what was happening. from the threats brought by urban NPA. Woodland and grassland remnants Clive Hurlstone development are to be taken up by a and bush managed by other government Conservation Council initiated working agencies and rural leaseholders are a group (as explained in When suburbs significant component of the ACT's reach Mulligans Flat below). biodiversity, and using an integrated

NPA packwalkers at Yerranderie on the Mittagong to Katoomba walk, Judith Webster in the old Bake House at May 2002. Back row (I to r) Len Haskew, Ross Walker (leader) and Yerranderie. Kathy Saw. Front row, Neville Esau, Tim Walsh, and Judith Webster. Photos Max Lawrence

When suburbs reach Mulligans Flat An article in the March 2001 Bulletin Environment ACT and PALM has been and the assessment for conservation highlighted NPA's concern about urban set up to look at the potential impacts of values of land to the east of Mulligans development in North Gungahlin. An people, pets and increased numbers of Flat. The next meeting will look at what ACT Planning and Land Management weeds on Mulligans Flat Reserve and has come from the consultation process. (PALM) report on development how these impacts could be reduced or Clive Hurlstone proposals for North Gungahlin eliminated. following a public consultation process At the three short meetings held so will be released soon. far the group has determined its scope of A the request of the Conservation discussion and been briefed on the Council, a small working group development of Gundaroo Road, including representatives from Horsepark Drive, boundarymanagement, PARKWATCH Namadgi matters there was to gain an understanding of Kiewa Valley Hydro-electricity Scheme the excellent recent initiatives put in and to conservation authorities. Burning After exrensive negotiations, the last of place by the Barraba Council for was banned, grazing was subjected to the pine trees in the Boboyan Pine protecting the natural environment in controls and exclusions, and eventually Plantation are being removed! Logging their Shire. national parks were created. Alec commenced in January and is expected One of these initiatives is the Costin. my "Man", came to learn at to be completed by April. Thereafter the Barraba Bird Routes—a chain of tourist Maisie's cradle of alpine science in area will optimistically be known as the walks and drives along public lands that 1947. His intensive work over the next Boboyan Forest. Native plant provide wonderful opportunities for bird 30 years took place mostly on the NSW regeneration in previously logged areas watching. This was the brainchild of side, much of it in the Main Range of of the pines is progressing well, with NPA member Russ Watts—a strong Kosciuszko where the Snowy River saplings now 1.5 to 2 metres tall.* advocate for conservation in the area. rises. He built the case for the removal Another project which is about to come The Council agreed to his proposal and of grazing from the alpine area and for to fruition is the removal of graffiti from assisted its establishment by publicising the evolution of Kosciuszko State Park one of Namadgi's rock art sites: The the routes with attractive signage, into the conservation-oriented national graffiti was detected during annual brochures and web postings. The Bird park we know today. photo monitoring in Januaryl999. Rock Routes have not only had the effect of More than 50 years later, Costin is Art Conservator Kelvin Officer attracting tourists to the Shire, but also still at it—studying how snow shapes the confirmed that the charcoal motif providing the local residents with a landscape up on Mt Twynam in detected was a recent addition and sense that their part of the world is quite conditions many people would find negotiations commenced with the local special. confronting. Aboriginal community as to the most appropriate management response. The National Parks Journal April 2002 News from the Australian Alps consensus was that the motif should be in the International Year of removed. The Minister has agreed with The Man from Snowy River the Mountains 2002 and signed off on that decision and and the Woman from Pretty removal can now be undertaken. Rock Clear-fell versus fire Art Conservator Bruce Ford wi 11 Valley The National Forest Policy states as supervise the project and an invitation The Man from Snowy River is still one of its broad goals "the management will be extended to the Ngun(n)awal alive. He's still roaming about the head­ of the permanent forest estate in an Community to assist. The art site is in a waters of the Snowy River. No, I'm not ecologically sustainable manner so as to remote area of Namadgi so for the crazy. It's just that, like many around conserve the ful I suite of values, benefit of Elders who may be unable to the Australian Alps. I've got my own including biological diversity." Does walk to the site, the removal process will theory—you could call it a scientific clear-fell harvestings—the usual forestry be video recorded. The project will be theory. My "Man" is a true legend but system employed in many forest types in the first of hopefully many more joint he only arrived on the scene after the south-east Australia—meet this goal? projects between Environment ACT and Woman from Pretty Valley. So I'll start the local Aboriginal community. with her. Keely Ough. of the Victorian Department of Natural Resources and Stella Grace Maisie Fawcett slipped Namadgi National Park staff recently Environment, identified the impacts of unnoticed into the foothills near Omeo participated in an excellent Cross clear-felling on the regeneration of in 1941. She was a trained ecologist Cultural Awareness course at the understorey plants in the towering Wet and. believe me. there weren't many Birrigai Education Centre, near Forests of Victoria. These forests are women (or men) in that field back then. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, dominated by mountain ash and other In fact most science done in the Alps up enthusiastically presented by Graham eucalypts and are highly valued for their to Maisie's time was what you might Moore and Robert Clegg. from wood. water, recreation and call "exploration" science. For 100 years Ngangaana Wiradjuri. The course was a biodiversity. explorers and naturalists had made personally challenging experience for Clear-felling, favoured since the collections and recorded observations as many and it certainly provided them 1960s, removes in one operation all part of their travels. with a better understanding of the trees on a coupe other than those Maisie changed all that. She came to richness of Aboriginal culture and retained as possible fauna habitat or for believe that the cause of the erosion heritage. Members of the Namadgi the protection of steep slopes and gullies she was studying lay higher up Interim Advisory Board were also in streams. Regeneration is achieved by the mountains. In the mid 1940s she attendance and contributed to the burning logging debris, often partially established her legendary plots at Pretty success of the course by sharing their piled into windrows or slash-heaps, to Valley and Rocky Valley on the Bogong knowledge and experiences. create a heat-sterilised, mineral-earth High Plains, beginning a rigorous from the ALPS Autumn 2002 seedbed. Eucalypt seed is then sown. objective experiment which continues Ough compared the recovery of * Eleanor Stodart s article on page 13 today—one of the longest running understorey flora after clear-felling with ecological investigations in Australia. reports on the current position. that after natural disturbance by the Ash By excluding cattle from fenced-off Wednesday wildfires, about a decade Acting locally to protect the areas, and precisely measuring paired plots inside and outside the fence for environment each type of vegetation community, The State Council of NPA [NSW] held Maisie demonstrated the vegetation its March meeting in Barraba on the damage and soi I erosion caused by northwest slopes of New South Wales. grazing and burning. Her findings were One of the mam purposes in meeting of concern to managers of the new PARKWATCH cotttin r from page 16 earlier. In 1993-94, she collected data trees and shrubs, retaining of some Mullet at the Bribie Island Research from 29 forest sites burnt in 1983 and understorey and overstorey to provide Station outside Brisbane are in the from 13 similar sites regenerating after protection and seeds, and minimising vanguard of the search for an Australian clear-felling. weeds. version of what is common practice in Results showed that the plant species ecos Jan-Mar 2000 the Middle East and Asia. composition a decade after wildfires of So far the attention has centred on various intensities was significantly Filter fish key towards cleaner the Mullet, a scavenger that munches different to that in forest understorey through what scientists would politely regenerating after clear-felling. In clear- waterways call the lowest trophic levels in the food felled areas, weed and sedge species Environmental Scientist, Dr. Gideon chain; another way of putting it is they occurred more frequently than on Sagi, says in Israel the carp is viewed can do quite nicely by sewage treatment wildfire sites and silver wattle was much quite differently to its family in plants. more abundant. In wildfire regeneration, Australia. Over there it's an agent for Rabbit Fish have been used in resprouting shrubs, tree ferns and most environmental enhancement rather than studies for their appetite for algae, but ground-fern species were more degradation. With Israel's highly perhaps the greatest advance has been abundant. productive horticulture dependent on made with Banana Prawns cleaning up Ough suggests forest management drip irrigation, water quality is of the intensive aquaculture operations. could be improved by retaining areas in utmost importance to keep down ABC Regional News 5 May 2002 the coupe from which machinery is maintenance costs and ensure the excluded, but timber extracted, precious flow is uninterrupted. Compiled by Len Haskew broadening seed collection and sowing It's a beautiful solution that's just operations to include some understorey starting to gain momentum in Australia.

Association news New members restoration. The Christmas Party this Apology year will give us an opportunity to see The association extends a warm In the last Bulletin, the heading for how the restoration work has stood the welcome to the following new members Eleanor Stodart's excellent write-up on test of time and allow us to make an and invites them to participate in a walk in the Aranda Bushland was assessment on whether a work party (or inadvertently omitted (page 12). Of association activities. parties) should be scheduled in 2003 for course, the heading should have read Peter and Pauline Snell Bonython ongoing maintenance. Frost hollow to forest walk, Aranda Anne McCarthy Jamison Bring a picnic lunch and Bushland. Our apologies to Eleanor and Sandra Riddell Kaleen refreshments and let's celebrate confused readers. Lyndall Young Phillip Christmas together. Also, don't forget to Mark Metherell Garran bring along donations of gear and Rod Griffiths and goodies for our fun(d)-raising auction! Amanda Caldwell Fisher Calling all volunteers World Environment Day As ever, the Bulletin working group's Festival desire for volunteers knows no bounds. Each issue, we rely on members for The association took part in the articles, photographs, shaggy-dog Environment Day Festival in Civic on stories, etc. Even serious and June 5 by presenting our display. Our educational items are most welcome. thanks to all members who helped in There are opportunities to assist with setting up the material, and in staffing the actual writing and editing of the stand throughout the day. material; for helping with "desk- All members and their families and topping" (someone with appropriate friends are cordially invited to the NPA Christmas Party skills would be very valuable); and for association's This year we will hold our end of year people who can give a few hours function at the Orroral Homestead. Over quarterly to help with the packing and Christmas Party a period of 15 years, from 1982, the dispatch (the exercise of envelope- NPA obtained grants and undertook stuffing can be turned into an to be held on restoration of this historic homestead occasion!). with extensive consultation and many Anyone interested in assisting the Sunday December 15 work parties. group should contact the Bulletin It is now five years since Orroral working group convenor (see page 2). For details see the Outings Program Homestead was opened after the (and adjacent news note) Book review ecoView changing conditions in which • A new day celebrates solar energy, organisations such as the Environment • A new housing choice for the ACT. ecoView Volume 1 Number I. Centre need to be less reliant on • Where now in the race to No Waste. Published by the Canberra and government funding. The focus is on • Nappies and the environment, South East Region Environment raising social awareness on • Nature coast or charcoal coast. Centre, four times a year. environmental issues and developing • Keeping the heat in, pathways for change through discussion Canberra has a new environment • Nest box success, and and cooperation. magazine, ecoView. Subtitled • There's magic in manure. Sustainable Living in the ACT and Gerry expects that this magazine will There are also some detailed book South East Region of NSW the magazine become "a forum for discussion on a reviews and a calendar of environmental is a very attractive publication, well laid broad range of issues, from government events. Contributions of letters, articles out and illustrated, and with an eye­ policy to household design, from and suggestions for future issues are catching coloured cover. It has been alternate power to grey water reuse, invited, no doubt as part of the editor's produced with the assistance of funds from soil degradation to feral animals desire that the centre talks with its made available by the ACT Government and many more". He sees the need for readers rather than at them. under the ACT Environment Grants making changes for a sustainable future Although ecoView is a free Program and has been supported by a and believes that the centre's member publication and obtainable by adding number of advertisers. groups have the skills to provide the one's name to the mailing list, support is tools for doing this. invited through donations or by In the editorial, the President of the becoming a Friend of the Environment Environment Centre, Gerry Gillespie, Perhaps the scope of the magazine Centre and the Conservation Council. outlines the hopes that this magazine can best be gauged by scanning the table will assist in meeting the centre's of contents. Here is a selection: Syd Comfort principal aims and at the same time meet • Finding opportunities in wildlife tourism. Carnarvon Station, Central Queensland

A couple of years ago, the Australian Carnarvon station is remarkably wheel driver and a person with first aid Bush Heritage Fund (ABHF)) purchased diverse, containing 17 regional certification. the 59 OOOha cattle property, ecosystems of which seven are Already some people are considering Camaravon Station, abutting the well- Endangered and one is considered of participating in this visit and if there arc known Carnarvon National Park (which Concern. Some of these are found in the other members interested I would be includes Carnarvon Gorge) in central adjoining national park but most of the pleased to hear from them. I can be Queensland. Endangered ones are not. The property, contacted by ABHF is a national non-profit sitting in an enormous valley which email: lauriew_autoyahoo.com organisation created to preserve contains the source of the Warrego phone: 6254 4263: or Australia's biodiversity by protecting River, has been spared heavy grazing by post: 92 Shumack St. the bush. Since 1990 ABHF has been cattle and retains a lot of its native Weetangera 2614. vegetation. raising money from the public to create Laurie Westcott a network of reserves across Australia I am interested in visiting Carnarvon by buying privately owned land of high Station under the ABHF "Volunteer conservation value and ensuring its Ranger" program during April or May long-term protection. Three of its 13 2003 as a means not only of General land reserves are close to Canberra— experiencing what Carnarvon Station Tarcuna Hills (Tarcutta). Brogo (Bega has to offer but hopefully also to visit Meetings Valley) and Burrin Burrin the adjoining Carnarvon National Park. I (Braidwood)). am wondering if there are other NPA Carnarvon Station is ABHF's largest members who might be interested. Uniting Church Hall purchase to date and protects grassy Participation would involve giving Parkinson Street, Weston woodlands, the focus of Queensland's two weeks of our time to the operation, estimated 400 OOOha per year land- maintenance or research activities of the "Third Thursdays", 8.00pm clearing activities. Carnarvon Station station in return for accommodation (we and the adjoining national parks are part may have to provide our own food) Note: There is noGeneral of the mesotherm archipelago, a series while we are there. Program activities Meeting in either of high altitude areas associated with the might involve us in undertaking weed December or January Great Dividing Range as it runs through control or fencing, building, upgrading Queensland. The retention of large areas of facilities, surveys, seed collection or of woodland along this archipelago is bush generation. A group consists of critical to the maintenance of the eastern two to a maximum of 10 people and Australian bird migration system. preferably includes a competent four- The Sullivans Creek Catchment Group

The Sullivans Creek Catchment Group (SCCG) is a community group formed by members of the community and government instrumentalities such as ACT Landcare and ACT Waterwatch. Its primary aim is to improve the long- term health of the Sullivans Creek catchment area. Sullivans Creek is a significant tributary of the Molonglo River and hence the Upper Murrumbidgee. The state of this catchment area has significant environmental impacts, not only locally but also downstream in the Murray Darling Basin. The SCCG has as one of its major objectives to restore the urban sections of Sullivans Creek from its present state as a concrete stormwater drain to a more natural and effective system of wetlands and vegetated channels. The long-term strategic vision for the health of the The David Street wetland.. Photo Len Haskew catchment includes a number of on-line and off-line wetlands from the main • landscape enhancement both visually graded edges will be lined with channel and tributaries of the creek. and for the opportunity of increased water plants. The wetlands are to The group depends upon enthusiastic recreational opportunities for the have a maximum depth of no more volunteers and receives its funding from local community; than 2m. both the government and private sector. • the interception and breakdown of • Velocity flows will be minimised The group has the good fortune to have harmful pollutants in urban and booms and fences may be used a dedicated full-time coordinator, Jennie stormwater and significant reduction to exclude the public from any Gilles, who addressed the November of nutrients such as phosphorus and potentially dangerous areas. 2001 general meeting of our association. nitrogen. Such wetlands also trap • The presence of wetlands will not Jennie centred her talk on a sediments that have harmful increase flooding. demonstration wetland project being pollutants attached to them and trap • Bacterial infection is not considered constructed on urban open space in suspended solids thus reducing a safety issue as the area will not be O'Connor adjacent to David Street. faecal and other bacterial used for recreational swimming. Upon completion this wetland will be contaminants; • The correct size and siting of the handed over to the territory for ongoing • stormwater flows are reduced during wetland will permit all organic maintenance. Community Housing storms and so the risk of flooding to matter to be fully processed Canberra and CIC Pendon, who are downstream properties is reduced; eliminating the possibility of odours. jointly involved in the City Edge • aquatic ecology is conserved by • Since there is a stable base-line flow housing development, are funding this providing habitat for a diverse range in Sullivans Creek, drying out will project. of species including water birds, not be an issue. This project is probably best frogs, tortoises, native fish, yabbies Both Jennie and the SCCG are described as a "constructed urban and water bugs. Many water plants confident that their efforts will serve as wetland". It comprises shallow ponds, establish themselves and provide an encouragement to others to institute designed to enhance the interaction habitat for these species and add to similar projects within their own urban between physical, chemical and the visual effect of the area; and environment leading, in the long run, to biological processes operating within the adoption of stormwater control the urban stormwater system. Through • water is conserved in the system. measures which are more attractive in the establishment of ponds with Local residents (and probably sufficient surface area and limited depth, government instrumentalities too) had appearance and improve the health of oxygenated conditions in the water are concerns about the health and safety our struggling river systems. promoted and sustained by the growth of aspects of urban wetlands. Jennie is sure More information about the group emergent water plants. that these concerns, both real and and its activities may be obtained from: Jennie Gilles, phone 6125 8168. Such a constructed urban wetland imagined, have been addressed. has many potential benefits both for the • Mosquito nuisance can be reduced Len Haskew environment and, in this case, the by careful design ensuring the property developer. These include: elhnination of sheltered pools of • an increase in property values by up stagnant water. to 100 per cent for properties with a • Safety issues for children will be water frontagean d by 70 per cent for minimised by ensuring that there are properties with a view of the water; no steep banks, and the gently General Meetings National Parks Association Calendar

Thursday 19 September 2002 Activity Sept Oct Nov Dec Firewood. A Burning Issue Public Holidays Kathryn Maxwell. President, Mon 7 Wed 25 Conservation Council of the Thu 26

South East Region and Canberra. Committee meetings ; Thu 5 Thu 3 . Thu 7 Thu 5 From collection to burning, the use of firewood has environmental impacts. Environment Sub-committee To be advised What are they, and can they be meetings reduced to make firewood use more General meetings Thu 19 Thu 17 : Thu 21 — sustainable? Kathryn has been I

1 involved both locally and nationally Gudgenby Bush Regeneration I Sat 14 Sat 12 1 Sat 9 Sat 14 with the campaign to make the Bulletin working group 2 Tue 15 : firewood supply industry more

environmentally responsible and will Christmas party 1 Sun 15 have some interesting things to say about the long process to bring about Further details Yankee Hat carpark 10 am, Eleanor Stodart 6281 5004

2 3 change. Syd Comfort 6286 2578 See outings program

Thursday 21 November 2002 Thursday 17 October 2002. key stakeholder groups. She will also A proposal for future use of public Sustaining the Bush in the Bush Capital. speak about future directions for nature land in the Goulburn region. Dr Maxine Cooper, Executive conservation and park management in John Briggs. Southern Directorate Director, Environment ACT. the ACT: NSW NPWS In the short time since Dr Cooper • the new fuel fire management plan for For the last 5 months John has been became Executive Director, there have the ACT and its implications for working on a NSW Government been some important policy innovations Namadgi; project to consider future use of Crown in Environment ACT such as A land and state forest in the Goulbum Sustainable Bush Capital in the New • joint management in Namadgi; region. John will outline the process and Millennium, A New Focus for Nature • Namadgi management plan (process, discuss the recommended conservation Conservation in the ACT. Dr. Cooper progress to date, issues identified); outcomes which are expected to have will speak on these developments and • Alps Cooperative arrangements been on public exhibition during the challenges of present and future (benefits, future direction, inclusion of September and October. conservation management in the ACT, TNR, biosphere proposal). especially the role of the community and

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