caring for our country Achievements Report NATIONAL RESERVE SYSTEM 2008 –2013 Flooded creek in Fish River, Northern Territory. Source: DSEWPaC National Reserve System

Increases to the National Reserve System are helping to conserve Australia’s distinctive landscapes, plants and animals and build a comprehensive, adequate and representative system of reserves across Australia.

3 Table of contents

Introduction 5

Outcome 1 By 2013, Caring for our Country will expand the area that is protected within the National Reserve System to at least 125 million hectares (a 25 per cent increase), with priority to be given to increasing the area that is protected in under-represented bioregions. 7

Case study: Murray-Darling Basin, New South Wales 9

Case study: Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain, Victoria 13

Case study: Gowan Brae, Tasmania 14

Case study: Fish River Indigenous ownership and management project, Northern Territory 16

Case study: Henbury Station, Northern Territory 17

Outcome 2 By 2013, Caring for our Country will expand the contribution of Indigenous Protected Areas to the National Reserve System by between 8 and 16 million hectares (an increase of at least 40 per cent). 19

Case study: Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, South Australia 22

Case study: Indigenous knowledge improving management of the Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory 25

Case study: Boorabee and the Willows property, New South Wales 26

Outcome 3 By 2013, Caring for our Country will increase from 70 per cent to 100 per cent the proportion of Australian government-funded protected areas under the National Reserve System that are effectively implementing plans of management. 30

Case study: Bally Mountain and Rosegum, Queensland 32

Securing a sustainable environment for the future – Phase II Caring for our Country 2013–2018 33

References 34 Introduction

The National Reserve System is Australia’s network The National Reserve System also plays an important of formally recognised protected areas and is the role in protecting habitat for threatened species and cornerstone of national efforts to provide long-term ecosystems, as well as internationally significant protection of terrestrial biodiversity. It represents World Heritage and Ramsar values. The reserve system Australia’s commitment to protect the land and inland creates large permanently protected areas within water systems vital to the survival of our unique recognised biodiversity corridors, supporting species native species, ecosystems and associated cultural migration through the landscape and building flexibility values, for future generations. The National Reserve for species to respond to future climate change. System includes protected areas across the country established, and effectively managed, by the Australian Funding was provided under Caring for our Country to Government, state, territory and local governments, conservation partners to purchase land for establishing new reserves, support voluntary perpetual conservation Indigenous communities, private landholders and National Reserve System non-government organisations. Strong partnerships covenants on private land and for the self-determined and collaboration underpin the success of the network. declaration and management of Indigenous Protected Areas by Indigenous people. Indigenous Protected The creation of a comprehensive, adequate and Areas make a significant contribution to biodiversity representative National Reserve System also conservation and comprise almost 25 per cent of the complements other measures to achieve National Reserve System. In northern and remote conservation and the sustainable use of the landscape. Australia, funding assisted with protecting key natural The protected area network is a key element in assets, including land of particular cultural relevance meeting the Australian Government’s international to Indigenous Australians. commitment to the 1993 Convention on Biological Diversity. The convention specifies a global target of Some of the most exciting outcomes have come conserving 17 per cent of terrestrial land and inland through opportunities to develop new Indigenous waters by 2020 through ecologically representative and partnerships, to explore innovative ways for combining well-connected systems of protected areas. Australia carbon sequestration and income generation with currently has almost 10 000 terrestrial protected conservation, and to support high quality science areas covering more than 117 million hectares, or which enhances our knowledge and understanding of 15.25 per cent of our land mass, and we are well on Australia’s significant and unique biodiversity. track to meet our international and national obligations. Several challenges were encountered in expanding the The Australian and state and territory governments National Reserve System under Caring for our Country have committed to Australia’s Strategy for the National in under-represented bioregions. One challenge was Reserve System 2009–2030 which establishes a the limited number of suitable properties available for national partnership approach and provides guidance purchase in under-represented bioregions which met on the development and management of the protected funding criteria as well as being consistent with the area network. The strategy complements other conservation interests of partners. policy frameworks including: Australia’s Biodiversity Similarly, the ability to prioritise conservation in Conservation Strategy 2010-2030, Australia’s Native under-represented regions through Indigenous Vegetation Framework and the National Wildlife Protected Areas was constrained by the location of Corridors Plan. land currently held by Indigenous people who are The overarching objective of the National Reserve interested in the voluntary declaration and long-term System is to protect a comprehensive range of management of their land as an Indigenous ecosystems and other important environmental values Protected Area. within each of Australia’s bioregions. Caring for our Some proponents also noted that fixed funding Country prioritised an increase in reservation in cycles limited their capacity to respond quickly to under-represented bioregions: those bioregions land purchase opportunities as they arose. with less than 10 per cent of their extent protected in reserves.

5 The Australian Government identified three key outcomes for the National Reserve System to be delivered under Caring for our Country by 2013. These were:

»» expand the area that is protected within the National Reserve System to at least 125 million hectares (a 25 per cent increase), with priority to be given to increasing the area that is protected in under-represented bioregions »» expand the contribution of Indigenous Protected Areas to the National Reserve System by between 8 and 16 million hectares (an increase of at least 40 per cent) »» increase from 70 per cent to 100 per cent the proportion of Australian Government-funded protected areas under the National Reserve System that are effectively implementing plans of management.

¯ 0 250 500 1,000 km

Caring for our Country projects Under represented IBRA Region Indigenous Protected Area Yes NRS Program No

Outlining the Caring for our Country funded National Reserve System properties and Indigenous Protected Areas with under-represented bioregions. Source: ERIN, DSEWPaC Outcome 1 By 2013, Caring for our Country will Northern and remote Australia contains some of the expand the area that is protected within most important and intact high value landscapes in the National Reserve System to at least the country and was a national priority area in the 125 million hectares (a 25 per cent first five years of Caring for our Country. In this time, the National Reserve System increased within northern increase), with priority to be given to and remote Australia by over 17.5 million hectares with increasing the area that is protected in the addition of 22 National Reserve System properties under-represented bioregions. and declaration of 15 Indigenous Protected Areas in this region. Australian Government investments in the National Reserve System through Caring for our Country resulted in a major increase in the protection of environmentally significant land in collaboration Caring for our Country funding National Reserve System with state, territory and local governments, private assisted with: land owners, non-government organisations and Indigenous communities. »» adding 17 900 997 hectares to the National Reserve System, a total increase of over Caring for our Country supported the acquisition of 18 per cent of the protected area estate some of the largest properties ever purchased for within five years the National Reserve System, including Henbury »» working with government, non-government Station (527 293 hectares) in the Northern Territory and Indigenous partners to purchase, and Witchelina (420 101 hectares) in South Australia. establish and manage 74 new land In addition, the declaration of the Southern Tanami, acquisitions covering 2 291 726 hectares recognised the largest Indigenous Protected Area at 10.16 million hectares. The immense size of these »» supporting Indigenous communities to newly protected areas not only contributes to the declare 28 Indigenous Protected Areas overall extent of the National Reserve System, covering an immense area of over but also helped to achieve better protection of 15 609 271 hectares under-represented bioregions and ensure sufficient »» Caring for our Country also provided funding areas within Australia are protected to deliver to private land covenanting agencies to assist robust, landscape-level outcomes. with identifying, assessing and protecting privately held land. While the completion of In 2008, Australia’s National Reserve System included conservation agreements over private land approximately 98 487 117 hectares (CAPAD08). can take a number of years, funding through With funding from Caring for our Country, the network Caring for our Country has directly supported has expanded by almost 18 million hectares (including the protection of thousands of hectares of those in the process of being formally gazetted as private land across Australia. protected areas): representing an increase of over 18 per cent in the Australian protected area estate during the five year timeframe of Caring for our Country.

Additional land is expected to be added to the National One of the most successful private land projects was Reserve System by 30 June 2013, with the potential a collaboration between the Australian Government, declaration of eight new Indigenous Protected Areas the Tasmanian Government and the Tasmanian Land comprising more than 12.8 million hectares. These Conservancy, which protected over 4 000 hectares of projects would bring the total expansion of the National private land across nine Tasmanian bioregions, making Reserve System through Caring for our Country to over a significant addition to the National Reserve System. 30 million hectares or around a 31 per cent increase by Caring for our Country provided $1.8 million to support June 2013. the establishment and administration of a total of 85 conservation covenants on private land in Tasmania, conserving these areas of natural value in perpetuity. It is estimated that populations of over 50 threatened plants and habitat for 20 threatened fauna species were secured, making a significant contribution to the long-term protection of biodiversity across this state.

7 The plains of Witchelina, South Australia. Source: DSEWPaC Murray-Darling Basin, New South Wales

Since 2008, the Australian Government and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage have worked in partnership to purchase nine properties for addition to the National Reserve System

using $14 082 997 (GST exclusive) in funding CASE STUDY from Caring for our Country.

These properties cover more than 130 000 hectares and help consolidate a network of reserves in important riparian, wetland and floodplain areas along the Darling, Barwon and Lachlan rivers and their tributaries. Some of the properties were adjacent National Reserve System to existing reserves, improving their connectivity, Murray-Darling Basin, Walker Flat-Nildottie, viability and design, while others established four South Australia. Source: J. Baker new reserve ‘nodes’ in very poorly reserved parts of the Murray-Darling Basin.

The nine properties added over 190 kilometres of river frontage to the National Reserve System, along with several wetlands of national importance which protect riparian and floodplain habitat for a range of nationally threatened flora and fauna species. Some of the threatened species protected in these reserves include the vulnerable Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii), superb parrot (Polytelis swainsonii), slender Darling-pea (Swainsona murrayana), and growling grass frog (Litoria raniformis), and the endangered winged pepper-cress (Lepidium monoplocoides), along with numerous migratory bird species.

Growling grass frog. Source: A. Dudler Slender Darling-pea. Source: J. Baker

The expansion of the National Reserve System under Of the 74 properties purchased with Caring for our Caring for our Country was designed to prioritise the Country funding, 55 properties or approximately increase of the area protected in under-represented 75 per cent of the funding allocation included bioregions. The network successfully expanded in land within under-represented bioregions. 49 of Australia’s 89 bioregions, with significant Similarly, 12 of the 28 new Indigenous Protected increases made in the following under-represented Areas also increased the protection of bioregions: Finke (NT/SA); Daly Basin (NT); under-represented bioregions, with 46 per cent Einasleigh Uplands (QLD); Flinders Lofty Block (SA); of the allocated funding being spent in areas that Burt Plain (NT); Central Arnhem (NT); Great Sandy were poorly represented. Desert (WA/NT).

9 The protection of the Darling Riverine Plains The creation of new conservation nodes also improves (NSW); Gulf Plains (QLD); Mulga Lands (QLD/ connectivity by creating ‘stepping stones’ for species NSW); and Murchison (WA) bioregions was to move across the landscape. They provide new also improved. While these increases represent stable habitats which can be protected with other relatively small changes to the overall level of conservation activities such as local community reservation of poorly conserved bioregions, revegetation work, weed management activities and the newly protected areas all contribute to robust feral species reduction. ecosystems with an increased capacity to deal with challenges such as climate change.

Land purchases also occurred in well represented bioregions. These acquisitions protect important habitat and refuges for nationally threatened species or ecological communities listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), as well as building conservation linkages across landscapes and improving the protection of land adjoining World Heritage areas or Ramsar wetlands. The acquisitions ensure that these internationally significant areas are well buffered and that potential threats are being managed at a broader landscape level.

Einasleigh Uplands. Source: S. Wray Strengthening the National Reserve System also had positive influences on other Caring for our Country priority areas and broader Australian Government Caring for our Country funding of $2 526 666 (GST conservation commitments. exclusive) enabled the acquisition of three National Reserve System properties in Queensland which The expansion of the protected area network has formed a new conservation node in the poorly improved connectivity in the landscape, expanded protected Gulf Plains and Einasleigh Uplands existing reserves and built linkages between reserves, bioregions. The properties of Rungulla, Gilbert River created new conservation ‘nodes’ in areas with no and Eight Mile are jointly managed by the Queensland pre-existing reserves, and provided new and Department of Environment and Heritage Protection permanent protected area ‘anchor points’ on which and protect almost 132 000 hectares of diverse to build additional conservation activities. ecosystems as well as building an important habitat A number of National Reserve System properties link as part of the state-wide Great Artesian Rim acquired under Caring for our Country adjoined corridor along the Gregory Range. existing protected areas or other lands that were Australia’s National Reserve System provides a purchased for inclusion in the National Reserve safety net for Australia’s unique flora and fauna. System. These strategic acquisitions contribute to The expansion of the network under Caring for our habitat corridors across the landscape and improve Country increased the protection of habitat for over ecological linkages which facilitate the natural 214 of Australia’s mammal species, 595 bird species movement of species and gene flow between and 638 reptiles and frog species. Properties with populations, enhancing their resilience to a changing particularly high level of species richness include climate and system-wide threats to biodiversity. Retreat Valley (QLD) with 663 species recorded; In South Australia, Witchelina added over Fish River (NT) with 1 089 species recorded; and 420 000 hectares to the Trans-Australia Eco-link Rosegum (QLD) which, despite being only 264 hectares corridor and is also one of seven properties acquired in size, provides habitat for 1 060 species. under Caring for our Country which contribute to the South Australian NatureLinks corridors, providing important connectivity and resilience in the landscape. National Reserve System

Gilbert River, Queensland. Source: S. Potts, DSEWPaC

Wongaloo is a $1 675 760 (GST exclusive) acquisition National Reserve System properties acquired under in Queensland and is an important breeding site for Caring for our Country also contain a number of brolga (Grus rubicunda) and magpie geese (Anseranas endemic species, known to occur only on these semipalmata), as well as being the location of the specific parcels of land. Endemic species include largest concentration of brolga recorded in Australia 20 invertebrate species, 11 vascular plants, one fish (approximately 12 000 birds). This acquisition, along and one reptile species. Darkwood in New South Wales with others, also improves the protection of habitat used is especially significant as it provides habitat for six by migratory species, including those of international endemic invertebrates. significance. The wetlands on Wongaloo provide a significant refuge for the migratory Latham’s snipe (Gallinago hardwickii), which utilises this valuable foraging ground on its annual migration from Japan and far-eastern Russia.

Wongaloo wetlands, Queensland. Source: DSEWPaC Brolga, Western Australian Rangelands. Source: B. Furby

11 Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory are nationally listed as vulnerable. Of the properties acquired under Caring for our Country, 21 contain known koala habitat. One of the largest was Wairuna, purchased in June 2010 with over $5.2 million (GST exclusive) in Caring for our Country funding in partnership with the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. Wairuna protects almost 19 000 hectares of prime koala habitat. Since 2008, Caring for our Country also provided over $7.1 million to local councils in South-East Queensland, much of which has assisted with the protection of koala habitat.

Koalas. Source: D. Lunney

The importance of formally protected areas for the The acquisition and ongoing conservation of long-term survival of threatened species was confirmed Munwonga (NSW) improved protection of three by a study undertaken by World Wildlife Fund and nationally threatened ecological communities: researchers from the University of Queensland. the endangered Weeping Myall Woodlands; The study indicates that formally protected areas the endangered Coolibah-Black Box Woodlands of contribute to the stabilisation or recovery of threatened the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt South species, while outside these areas most threatened Bioregions; and the critically endangered Natural species continue to decline as their habitats decline in grasslands on basalt and fine-textured alluvial plains of both area and condition. northern New South Wales and southern Queensland.

Many properties purchased under the National Just over half of all properties purchased with support Reserve System include known habitat for nationally from Caring for our Country are expected to contain at threatened species, with potential habitat for least one nationally threatened ecological community. 110 threatened species likely to exist on the properties. The reservation and ongoing management of these Threatened species known to occur in the new reserves communities will help ensure their long-term survival. included the critically endangered southern bent-wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii bassanii); the endangered Caring for our Country funding improved the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), Tasmanian Devil conservation of internationally significant World Heritage (Sarcophilus harrisii) and Gouldian finch (Erythrura areas and Ramsar wetlands through protection gouldiae); and the vulnerable grey-headed of additional areas, improved reserve boundaries flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) and malleefowl and creation of opportunities for more effective (Leipoa ocellata). The protection and ongoing management. The South Australian Government management of their habitats is contributing to the received $290 667 (GST exclusive) in funding support recovery of these threatened species and the to purchase an addition to the World Heritage listed long-term survival of the essential ecological Naracoorte Caves National Park. This magnificent systems which support them. addition, known as ‘the Sand Cave’ for its massive underground sand cones, forms part of a complex of Nationally threatened ecological communities also limestone caves renowned for their extensive fossil received greater protection as a result of Caring record. The purchase of the Sand Cave also improves for our Country funding. National Reserve System the protection of habitat for the critically endangered properties are known to support a number of southern bent-wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii threatened ecological communities, including the bassanii). Caves such as the Sand Cave are critical to critically endangered Natural Temperate Grassland of the survival of the bat as they provide shelter, protection the Victorian Volcanic Plain (VIC); and the endangered and a place for overwintering. Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens (VIC, NSW and TAS), Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla dominant and co-dominant) (QLD and NSW) and Weeping Myall Woodlands (QLD, NSW and VIC). Other purchased properties which have improved the As part of this collaborative approach, the Australian protection of World Heritage include: Government provides up to two-thirds of land purchase and establishment costs, with partners providing the »» $5 200 260 (GST exclusive) for Wairuna (QLD), remaining funds and bearing the responsibility for which contains almost 1,500 hectares of the in-perpetuity management. As a result, the program Wet Tropics of Queensland has so far leveraged over $50 million from partners, »» $2 319 296 (GST exclusive) for Gowan Brae (TAS), not including the long-term cost of management. which adjoins the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area and contains a small area of the site Caring for our Country funds offered an exciting within its boundary opportunity to explore new land partnership models with Indigenous communities, including at Fish River »» $1 064 209 (GST exclusive) for Skullbone Plains in the Northern Territory and Gowan Brae in Tasmania. (TAS) which adjoins the Tasmanian Wilderness These projects support Indigenous people to formalise »» $900 000 (GST exclusive) for Darkwood (NSW) their ownership and re-establish ties with culturally which shares a boundary with the Gondwana significant land. These projects harness funding

Rainforests of Australia. from governments and not-for-profit organisations National Reserve System to purchase land for conservation with the express Three National Reserve System properties funded intention of returning the title of the land to Traditional through Caring for our Country either contain Ramsar Owners, along with the long-term responsibility wetlands or adjoin them. Wongaloo in far north for conservation management of the properties. Queensland contains part of the Bowling Green Bay The partners involved in these projects continue to Ramsar site and improves protection of habitat for a work together to establish appropriate conservation large numbers of migratory birds. management frameworks as well as exploring new A strong partnership approach continues to underpin income-generating mechanisms. the growth of the National Reserve System, with Caring Conservation partners in the National Reserve for our Country funding supporting a wide range of System were eager to explore opportunities for organisations to establish new protected areas. combining carbon sequestration under the Australian 101 projects with over 25 different partner organisations Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative with have been funded over the past 5 years with the aim of income generation and conservation. The Fish River purchasing or protecting private land. project and the Henbury Station project, both in the Northern Territory, are examples of innovative ways of thinking: combining carbon income opportunities with conservation and the expansion of the National Reserve System.

Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain, Victoria

Natural Temperate Grasslands across Australia have been greatly reduced through agricultural clearing, grazing and urban expansion. Caring for our Country funding CASE STUDY of $2 020 565 (GST exclusive) supported a series of partnerships with state government and non-government organisations to purchase five properties in the Northern Plains Grasslands and Riverina areas of Victoria.

The five properties purchased protect nationally threatened species, conserve threatened ecological communities, including Natural Temperate Grasslands, and have increased the level of reservation in this under-represented bioregion by Natural temperate grasslands in Victoria. over 4000 hectares. Source: J. Baker

The reserve network consists of a mixture of public and private reserves, and is being managed at a landscape-scale with land managers working cooperatively to ensure management approaches are integrated across property boundaries and land tenures.

13 Gowan Brae, Tasmania

Gowan Brae is a spectacular 6 881 hectare property with intact alpine bogs, highland grasslands and pristine rivers in the heart of Tasmania’s central highlands. Caring for our

Country invested $2 319 296 (GST exclusive) CASE STUDY to support the acquisition of this property. The Tasmanian Land Conservancy worked closely with the Indigenous Land Corporation, Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania, and the Australian Government. This partnership enabled the long-term conservation of the property as Johnsons lagoon, Gowan Brae, Tasmania. Source: G. Gardner well as offering a significant opportunity for Tasmanian Indigenous communities to re-establish active ties to culturally significant land.

The unique partnership approach increased the protection of important and iconic species as well as helping to engage Indigenous people in land management, re-connecting them with country. The Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania described the new partnership model as representing “a model of reconciliation and ongoing partnerships never before witnessed in this state”.

Gowan Brae is a significant refuge for threatened species and ecological communities and forms a crucial link with the adjoining Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the nearby Tasmanian Midlandscapes corridor and other conservation reserves.

The property protects the nationally endangered Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens ecological community and supports six nationally threatened species, including a healthy population of the endangered Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) and wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax fleayi), both of which are endemic to Tasmania. This large network of protected areas will help species adapt and become more resilient to climate change and other threats.

Wedge-tailed eagle. Source: B. Furby, DSEWPaC Tasmanian Wilderness, High Rocky Point. Source: A. Mann Fish River Indigenous ownership and management project, Northern Territory

A groundbreaking model for expansion of the National Reserve CASE STUDY System, Fish River is a $13 million former pastoral property purchased through a partnership approach between the Indigenous Land Corporation and conservation groups, the Nature Conservancy, Greening Australia and Pew Environment Group. Caring for our Country provided $11 million (GST exclusive) for the property. The express intent of the partnership is to return the property to Traditional Owners to manage for Gouldian finch, Queensland.Source: D. Watts conservation in perpetuity.

Fish River Station is making an important contribution to Closing the Gap on Indigenous disadvantage by supporting Indigenous access and ongoing connection to their land, and creating new DARWIN employment and business opportunities. Fish River IPA At over 178 116 hectares, Fish River is located 150 kilometres south of Darwin and includes a WA NT QLD 120 kilometre frontage along the Daly River, one of

" Batchelor the largest rivers in northern Australia. The addition of the property to the National Reserve System will increase protection for the under-represented Daly Basin bioregion from 2.5 to 9.32 per cent. Like Henbury Station, the property forms part of the Territory Eco-Link wildlife corridor which runs through the Northern Territory and links directly into South Australia’s corridor network.

Fish River Five nationally threatened species are known to Indigenous Protected Area occur on the property, including the endangered northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) and Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae), and the vulnerable masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli). It also supports

0 100 a huge diversity of fish such as the vulnerable km 50 freshwater sawfish (Pristis microdon) and critically

Location of Fish River Indigenous Protected Area. endangered spear-toothed shark (Glyphis glyphis), Source: ERIN, DSEWPaC and is home to fourteen migratory species protected under international conventions.

The Indigenous Land Corporation is working with local Indigenous communities to understand all the values present on the property and to establish a long-term conservation framework. Since the acquisition of Fish River, fire management practices have combined traditional knowledge with satellite tracking and mapping technology, enabling a significant decrease in the number and ferocity of wildfires on the property. As part of this process, Fish River was recently approved as the site of Australia’s first Indigenous savannah burning project under the Australian Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative. These exemplary burning practices are an example of how improved burning regimes are being used to not only enhance land condition, but also support the ongoing management of conservation areas. Income generated from trading carbon credits will support the Indigenous community to deliver ongoing conservation management. Henbury Station, Northern Territory

Henbury Station is a spectacular property in Australia’s arid Red Centre. The $13 million former pastoral property was purchased by CASE STUDY R.M. Williams Agricultural Holdings with funding support from Caring for our Country. Henbury is the largest property ever purchased for the National Reserve System with Australian Government assistance, covering well over 500 000 hectares or 5 000 square kilometres. National Reserve System Henbury is located within the Territory Eco-Link wildlife corridor and increased the protection of the Finke bioregion in Australia’s protected area estate by over 5 per cent. Two of central Australia’s largest rivers, the Palmer and Finke, meander through the property and provide critical refuges for wildlife and plants in this arid environment. The ancient Finke River, reputedly the world’s oldest river, runs for 100 kilometres across the property and is home to three fish species that are found nowhere else in the world, including the tiny Finke goby (Chlamydogobius japalpa). The spectacular Henbury Station, Northern Territory. The endangered southern marsupial mole Source: DSEWPaC (Notoryctes typhlops) and vulnerable black-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis MacDonnell Ranges race) are some of the threatened animals found on the property. Red gum, desert oak and mulga woodlands, shrublands and hummock grasslands provide habitat for other threatened species such as the vulnerable Latz’s wattle (Acacia latzii) and thick-billed grasswren (Amytornis modestus).

In addition to providing long-term protection of Australia’s biodiversity, the Henbury Conservation Project is also breaking new ground in the emerging carbon economy. R.M. Williams Agricultural Holdings is working to establish a model for carbon farming and long-term biodiversity conservation in Central Australia’s rangelands. With the removal of grazing pressures, the company is actively managing the former pastoral property to control fire, water, weeds and feral animals to support the regeneration of native vegetation. The project is providing direct employment opportunities for local people, including local Indigenous people, and income from the carbon credits will help fund Henbury’s long-term conservation.

17 In addition to partnerships, a critical component A range of lessons have been learned over the past underpinning the success of the National Reserve five years which will have implications for the future System has been a robust scientific framework. expansion of Australia’s National Reserve System. The importance of supporting scientific exploration While there has been a significant expansion in the to ensure a good understanding of the Australia’s protected area network over the first five years of biodiversity and the values protected in our newest Caring for our Country, there were several factors that reserves is reflected in the outstanding success of the influenced the success of the program, including: Bush Blitz program. »» constraints on the availability of suitable land in Bush Blitz is a four year multi-million dollar partnership some under-represented bioregions where between the Australian Government, BHP Billiton and land is highly fragmented, in poor condition, Earthwatch Institute Australia. Caring for Our Country not on the market or not available for purchase invested $3 750 000 (GST exclusive) in the program. for conservation. Applications received for these Bush Blitz takes a national approach to species areas often do not adequately meet the National discovery and biodiversity information gathering. Reserve System assessment criteria and do not It is discovering and documenting plants and animals offer good value for money in selected National Reserve System properties across »» limited availability of high conservation value the continent, helping to complete Australia’s national properties within the timeframe of an annual biodiversity picture. It is estimated that over 75 per cent funding cycle for a competitive grants rounds of Australia’s biodiversity is still largely unknown. process By June 2013, Bush Blitz will have successfully »» long lead times between the application and undertaken biodiversity discovery expeditions approval phase of a land acquisition which on approximately 70 National Reserve System can result in missed opportunities as premium properties. Scientists have already reported more properties are quickly sold to other buyers or are than 500 species that are new to science from these otherwise withdrawn from the market expeditions. The species newly discovered to date »» proponents withdrawing applications because include 174 true bugs, 65 spiders, 85 moths and five they cannot consolidate the upfront one third vascular plants. Of these new species, more than funding required to support the purchase within 100 have been formally named and described in the the available timeframe. scientific literature. Ongoing management of protected areas represents Data on non-vascular plants and invertebrates has the highest overall cost for National Reserve System been identified as critically deficient. These groups partners. The increasing costs of management are are also some of the most biologically important as likely to constrain the ability of both government and they are the building blocks of a healthy ecosystem. non-government partners to expand the network and is Bush Blitz focuses on these underrepresented a disincentive for smaller private sector proponents who groups and, in doing so, is providing important lack a significant philanthropic backer. Some partners biodiversity information to support land restoration, have been exploring innovative approaches to generate conservation planning, environmental health income, such as carbon sequestration and sale of monitoring, biosecurity and weed and pest carbon credits, biodiversity offsets and eco-tourism management initiatives. This will help inform a activities, to overcome these constraints. coordinated national approach to the protection and management of biodiversity.

Overall, the delivery of an expanded reserve system through Caring for our Country has been cost-effective, efficient and has invested in projects which contain very high biodiversity and cultural values, occur in priority bioregions and offer good value for money. Outcome 2 Many properties developed research and management partnerships with government and non-government By 2013, Caring for our Country will agencies, helping to strengthen overall environmental expand the contribution of Indigenous stewardship. Protected Areas to the National Reserve Indigenous land management and traditional ecological System by between 8 and 16 million knowledge are intrinsically connected and when hectares (an increase of at least 40 per cent). appropriately implemented, can lead to exceptional conservation outcomes. At 31 March 2013, The Indigenous Protected Areas program began in the declaration of 28 new Indigenous Protected 1997 with funding from the former Natural Heritage Areas added over 15.6 million hectares to the National Trust. The aim was to support Indigenous landowners Reserve System, meeting the ambitious target of to develop and declare their lands as part of Australia’s between 8 and 16 million hectares and almost doubling National Reserve System. Funding was expanded the pre-existing area under conservation management. under Caring for our Country with a $50 million There are currently 53 Indigenous Protected Areas commitment over five years to assist Indigenous covering more than 36 million hectares across National Reserve System Australians with voluntarily dedicating and managing Australia and consultation on other land is underway. their land for conservation. Indigenous Protected Areas It is anticipated that up to eight additional properties are one of Australia’s most successful integrated may be declared before 30 June 2013. The declared conservation initiatives and have environmental, social areas comprise nearly a third of the National Reserve and economic benefits. They protect culture and System, help link conservation areas together, and will country while providing a pathway to meaningful jobs play an important role in the National Wildlife Corridors and positive health, education and social outcomes. Plan. Indigenous Protected Areas are a community Therefore, the initiative has also contributed to the led, flexible and culturally appropriate framework for Australian Government’s Closing the Gap agenda. engaging with Indigenous communities.

Torres Strait

Darwin

Mackay Island

Brisbane

Perth

Sydney Adelaide Canberra Kangaroo Island Melbourne

North west North

0 500 1,500 km Hobart 250 1,000 2,000

Protected Areas

Map showing the declared and consultation Indigenous Protected Areas as at May 2013. Source: ERIN, DSEWPaC

19 70 Natural Heritage Trust I Natural Heritage Trust II Caring for our Country

60

Hectares (millions) 50

40 Caring for our Country IPA Targets – adding between 8 and 16 m hectares 30

20

10

0 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Declared IPAs Consultation projects

Declared Indigenous Protected Areas and consultation projects. Source: DSEWPaC

An evaluation of the Indigenous Protected Areas In 2012, Traditional Owners dedicated 10.16 million program in 2006 found that it had been very successful hectares of their lands in Warlpiri country to the at harnessing the aspirations, knowledge and skills Southern Tanami Indigenous Protected Area in the of Indigenous landowners in delivering conservation Northern Territory. The Southern Tanami contains management. The initiative has built upon and several threatened fauna species such as the supported local Indigenous governance of land and vulnerable greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis or walpajirri) led to a sense of empowerment. and vulnerable great desert skink (Liopholis kintorei or warrana). Caring for our Country provided around Indigenous Protected Areas have been an effective $1.4 million for consultation and management activities. mechanism to substantially increase the area of land Other support is provided by the Central Land Council, that is managed under conservation principles, the international environmental organisation of the and added an additional 3.6 million hectares to Nature Conservancy, the Indigenous Land Corporation, under-represented bioregions in the National Reserve the Northern Territory Natural Resource Management System. For example, the declaration of the Southern Board, and the Australian Government’s Aboriginals Tanami Indigenous Protected Area in 2012 changed Benefit Account. The Southern Tanami is the largest the status of the Great Sandy Desert bioregion from protected area in the network, greater than the size under-represented (8.34 per cent) to well-represented of Tasmania, and is rich in cultural and natural values, (14.81 per cent) in the protected area network. The size contributing to connectivity in the Trans-Australia and location of many Indigenous Protected Areas has Eco-Link corridor. enhanced habitat connectivity for wildlife in a number of corridors identified by the National Wildlife Corridors A major responsibility of the Walpiri rangers is using Plan, resulting in increased ecosystem resilience to traditional patch burning to rejuvenate land, provide threats and pressures. New protected areas declared wildlife habitat and reduce destructive wildfires. under Caring for our Country comprise 13.7 per cent of Contemporary science is also used to help reduce the Northern Territory portion of the Trans-Australia wildfires by employing helicopters and satellite imagery Eco-link, an internationally significant wildlife corridor to target remote areas and for monitoring purposes. which stretches more than 3 500 kilometres from Arnhem Land to the Great Australian Bight. The rangers also participate in wildlife surveys, monitoring of bilbies, weed and feral animal control, The management of Indigenous Protected Areas and maintaining the quality of wetlands. helps protect habitat for approximately 100 nationally threatened species, including the only known habitat for five nationally threatened species, one of which is critically endangered. Indigenous Protected Areas are governed by management plans which are developed by Traditional Owners in collaboration with partners and stakeholders. Maningrida Nhulunbuy Darwin Caring for our Country funded a guidance document which was published in 2011 to assist property managers with developing adaptive management tools, practical on-ground works, and monitoring and Katherine evaluation frameworks: Our country our way: guidelines for Australian Indigenous Protected Area management " Kununura plans. This material assisted with building the capacity of Indigenous land managers to report on progress of projects funded by Caring for our Country and NT to develop broader natural resource management QLD skills. Under Caring for our Country, consultation with

" Tennant Creek Traditional Owners and establishment of operational National Reserve System plans increased dramatically. The time lag between

Mount Isa WA initiating a consultation project and achieving an Southern Tanami Indigenous Protected Area Indigenous Protected Area declaration typically takes one to five years, and therefore, the program is expected to further add to the National Reserve System by the end of the first phase of Caring for our Country. Alice Springs Consultation is the key to the success of the initiative by empowering local Indigenous communities to participate in decision-making and identify aspirations 0 600 km for their land. 300

Location of Southern Tanami Indigenous Protect Area. Source: ERIN, DSEWPaC

Southern Tanami Indigenous Protected Area declaration ceremony. Source: M. Schooneveldt

21 Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, South Australia

In the remote north-west corner of South Australia’s arid Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands are five Indigenous Protected Areas which create a CASE STUDY vast wildlife corridor of 4.3 million hectares: Walalkara, Watarru, Kalka-Pipalyatjara, Antara-Sandy Bore and Apara-Makiri-Punti. The corridor includes the Tomkinson, Mann, Everard and Musgrave ranges and part of the Great Victorian Desert. Indigenous people who live within these regions are Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara and Ngaanyatjarra speakers who collectively call themselves ‘Anangu’. Caring for our Country provided around $2.5 million to support consultation and management activities on APY Lands.

Anangu rangers are supported by Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Inc to manage natural resources in the Indigenous Protected Areas. Anangu rangers are funded by the Working on Country component of Caring for our Country. One component of their work is the warru recovery program for the nationally vulnerable black-footed rock wallaby (Petrogale lateralis APY ranger Eric Abbott adjusts the Warru fence. MacDonnell Ranges race), which involves reintroduction Source: G. Sanders of captive bred warru, monitoring their survival rates, patch burning to provide suitable habitat, and controlling feral predators. Monitoring has demonstrated that populations have stabilised and some colonies of the species are recovering. The conservation efforts will have lasting benefits for biodiversity as well as social welfare and economic opportunities. The warru recovery team were recognised for their achievements with a national NAIDOC award in 2011.

A range of positive socio-economic and cultural benefits are experienced by Indigenous communities involved in Indigenous Protected Areas, contributing to Closing the Gap policy objectives. The integration of Indigenous Protected Areas and Working on Country programs under Caring for our Country created employment in remote areas where few other opportunities exist. Project reporting from 2008—2013 indicates that around 70 per cent of communities had economic and development benefits from participation in the program. Beyond the direct economic benefits following declaration and management of an Indigenous Protected Area, there are considerable social and cultural outcomes arising from conservation activities. These benefits include strengthening of communities, families and inter-generational cohesion and improved transmission of traditional culture to younger generations. Communities also reported an increased sense of empowerment as landholders, increased pride and happiness, and greater appreciation for Indigenous

Spinifex grassland in the Tanami Desert. Source: A. Fox, DSEWPaC traditions and cultures by the wider community. Furthermore, almost 90 per cent of Indigenous Protected Areas reported an improvement in the health “We also want to develop cultural and wellbeing of their communities as a result of activity areas where we’ve got a heap environmental management activities of lomandra grass growing: we can collect it and do some basket weaving. Indigenous community involvement in natural In another area we might have bush resource management has real and tangible foods to eat and in another area some outcomes for health, having both private and scar trees with links to the past. public benefits. Projected cost savings for primary So we’re using the landscape to bring healthcare is $268 000 annually, based on a study that cultural aspect back to life. population of 298 Indigenous participants for hypertension, diabetes and renal disease (AIATSIS Three Indigenous rangers are currently 2011). Other research has also identified a reduction doing land management work and in the rates of drug and alcohol abuse, particularly we recently acquired Caring for our during the week when people are working, and National Reserve System Country funding for an additional five reduced crime rates. School participation in positions. We’ve already got young Indigenous Protected Areas activities has had people putting up their hands to work positive flow-on effects for school engagement and in these positions”— Karen Potter, educational outcomes, increasing the relevance manager of Boorabee and the Willows of education for schoolchildren. In addition to Indigenous Protected Area environmental benefits, the active engagement and personal investment of Traditional Owners in Indigenous Protected Areas has assisted with conserving and renewing cultural practices and landscapes.

Great desert skink. Source: S. Wilson

23 Warddeken Rangers, the old teaching the young. Source: T. Guymala Indigenous knowledge improving management of the Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory CASE STUDY

The integration of Indigenous knowledge into management operations in the Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area has delivered benefits for the environment and local community. In conjunction with around $1.7 million from Caring

for our Country, Bush Heritage Australia and WWF National Reserve System supported Warddeken Land Management to develop a five-year management plan.

Rangers at work, Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area. Source: Warddeken Land Management Ltd

" Milingimbi Warddeken adjoins Kakadu National Park and " Yirrkala " Oenpelli " Darwin contains endemic plants and several threatened

" Batchelor species such as the endangered northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) and vulnerable Arnhem Warddeken Indigenous " Pine Creek Protected Area " Angurugu rock-rat (Zyzomys maini). Important rock art " Numbulwar " Katherine heritage dates back thousands of years. " Ngukurr " Mataranka Regular bush camps and cross-country walks are

" Wyndham held ‘on country’ and incorporate fauna surveys, " Timber Creek with Traditional Owners and rangers working " Borroloola

NT closely with scientists to monitor fauna to guide WA future management. Cultural activities link young

IndigenousQLD youth with older generations to learn

0 125 250 500 km aboutDoomadgee their country through song and dance, "

" Lajamanu mapping of cultural sites undertaken by Indigenous rangers and cultural site protection activities. Location of Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area. Source: ERIN, DSEWPaC Warddeken Land Management collaborated with industry and scientists to develop an innovative carbon abatement scheme to position itself for entering future carbon markets. Land managers successfully combine traditional ecological knowledge with western science to protect the natural and cultural values of the property.

Warddeken Ranger leading young men on a hunting expedition using spears made as part of Warddeken’s ‘Material Culture’ project. Source: D. Maclaren

25 Boorabee and the Willows property, New South Wales

On the Boorabee and the Willows property, the declaration of the Indigenous Protected Area created new business and employment prospects CASE STUDY at the same time as managing land sustainably and reviving traditional ecological knowledge and culture.

Rangers have received training in conservation and are working with Elders to restore traditional fire management and to map cultural heritage sites and dreaming stories. Ngoorabul Elders’ transmit cultural knowledge to Indigenous children in the region and connect them with their country. For example, koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are totemic species for the Ngoorabul people. Koala surveys led to community sportlight tours, mentoring and culture camps in collaboration with Glen Innes High School. Children are learning about culture through the environment, including through dreaming creation stories and bush food and medicine.

Boorabee and the Willows Indigenous Protected Area Ranger Aaron Livermore. Source: M. Gant

Conservation activities include traditional fire management to protect threatened species and ecological communities in the long-term, including the critically endangered white box-yellow box-Blakely’s red gum grassy woodland and derived native grassland. Indigenous families are able to fish and collect traditional foods such as witchetty grubs, cod and mookrum berries. The Nagoorabul Knowledge Centre is nearing completion and was developed with input from Elders to focus on cultural education for community members and visitors.

White box-yellow box-Blakely’s red gum grassy woodland and derived native grassland. Source: H. Mills Many Indigenous Protected Areas are being monitored The rangers who work at the Dhimurru Indigenous to determine the effectiveness of management actions. Protected Area in the Gulf of Carpentaria use In many properties, rangers use a geo-spatial electronic CyberTracker software to simply and quickly collect device to enter information on a program called information on the plants, animals and cultural ‘CyberTracker’. The program can link biophysical data values of their country. Rangers monitor and protect input with voice recordings and photos, with location wildlife such as marine turtles, grow native plants for coordinates also being recorded. Rangers can then regeneration, record and remove ghost nets washed up download the data from their synchronised devices to on beaches and work with quarantine staff to inspect a computer database where it is used to generate ships. The North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea reports as spreadsheets, graphs or overlays on maps. Management Alliance (NAILSMA) provides training in As remote telecommunications improve, there are plans CyberTracker technology for northern Indigenous ranger to make the application available on smartphones, groups through their I-Tracker network. In Dhimurru, tablets and laptops. the software was tailored to use Yolngu names for specific tasks such as recording cultural sites. The CyberTracker technology is building community Information collected helps the rangers to report on National Reserve System capacity to undertake monitoring, yet there needs to be activities they undertake for the Caring for our Country greater focus on providing support to develop robust program, including Working on Country and ghost nets. monitoring indicators and frameworks. Dhimurru has developed collaborative partnerships with the Parks and Wildlife Service of the Northern Territory and other environmental and research agencies. Rangers are also developing a cultural mapping and information management system which takes into account the storage and use of culturally sensitive data. The collection of meaningful data by Dhimurru rangers and neighbouring Indigenous ranger groups is becoming a valuable tool for researchers and other sea and land management agencies across northern Australia. Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area received around $1.7 million from Caring for our Country.

Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area, turtle measuring. Source: B. Rose

27 Dhimurru Rangers inputting CyberTracker data on a turtle beach patrol. Source: V. Drysdale, Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation " Nhulunbuy Dhimurru IPA

" Gunyangara " Gove Peninsula

" Yirrkala

NT QLD National Reserve System Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area

0 40 km 20

Location of the Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area. Source: ERIN, DSEWPaC

Indigenous Protected Areas are internationally Property managers meet at least once every year to recognised as highly successful models for Indigenous share knowledge and to strategically consider the communities to be actively involved in conserving land program. A review in 2006 found that the program as a formal component of a national protected area was very cost-effective in contributing to the system. Indigenous Protected Areas fulfil a requirement conservation aims of the National Reserve System. under the international Convention on Biological Indigenous Protected Areas represent an effective Diversity’s Program of Works for Protected Areas. way of managing large areas of land in remote and inaccessible regions, using local people and local The Indigenous Protected Areas initiative was guided knowledge. Further investments in the initiative could and informed by an effective Indigenous advisory employ a co-investment partnership model with the mechanism and flexible partnership approach. philanthropic and private sectors. Indigenous groups were supported to articulate and pursue their land management objectives through an accountable payment for environmental services model. Communities were generally willing to engage and committed to working on their country.

29 Outcome 3 The development of Interim Management Guidelines for a property commences soon after purchase. By 2013, Caring for our Country will The Guidelines define the property values, identify increase from 70 per cent to 100 per cent major threats, and set out the immediate conservation the proportion of Australian government- management strategy to be applied to ensure the protection of the values. funded protected areas under the National Reserve System that are effectively Plans of Management must be developed within implementing plans of management. two years of land purchase and provide a broad, overarching and long-term management framework Funding for the establishment of new protected areas which clearly defines the conservation values of through the National Reserve System program is the property, the major threatening processes, provided on the basis that the natural and cultural identifies the underlying relevant management values on the land will be protected and managed policies and frameworks, and contains detailed for conservation in perpetuity. The development of management actions. The development of these appropriate and effective management frameworks documents often involves a community consultation for each property, including the development of a process in which members of the community, Plan of Management, is fundamental to this process. neighbours and other interested parties can also The National Reserve System and Indigenous Protected contribute to the management approach. Areas programs both fund and address management planning differently. The two year timeframe for development of a formal Management Plan recognises the complexity of these The Indigenous Protected Areas element of the Caring documents and the range of issues that need to be for our Country provides funding support (usually two considered in finalising a long-term management or three years) to assist Indigenous parties to consult framework. Interim Management Guidelines are with Traditional Owners about declaring their land as therefore a critical component to ensure protection of a Indigenous Protected Area, identify management property values while a more comprehensive document issues, and negotiate a decision-making framework is developed. Given the time needed to develop a Plan to enable management arrangements. A draft Plan of of Management, properties acquired in the last two Management is produced through this process. years of Caring for our Country will not have completed this part of the conservation planning process. If Indigenous communities decide to declare an Indigenous Protected Area as a result of a consultation At March 2013, 65 or 89 per cent of the 74 properties process, a Plan of Management is required before the purchased under Caring for our Country have Interim declaration is accepted and the area is added to the Management Guidelines in place, with one project not National Reserve System. Therefore, all Indigenous yet due to deliver Interim Management Guidelines. Protected Areas have Plans of Management in place at Plans of Management were due for 52 land acquisition the time of declaration. projects. Of these, 18 or 35 per cent have final Plans in place, with all other projects progressing towards All properties acquired for the National Reserve System finalising Plans of Management. with Caring for our Country funding require a formal management framework to be established. Proponents are required to develop Interim Management Guidelines within three months from the time of property purchase, and a Plan of Management within two years of purchase. For some non-government organisations, the Australian Government has provided funding to assist with the development of a Plan of Management and other management tools but in most cases, the development of these documents is the responsibility of the new land owner. In some cases, existing management plans and operational guidelines for an adjoining protected area may provide an appropriate level of guidance for management of the property until it is formally incorporated into the existing reserve. Developing management The nature, scope and legal status of management plans for protected areas also vary plans can be complex across jurisdictions with some requiring formal parliamentary endorsement or public consultation Establishing a new protected area and associated phases which can be complex and time-consuming. management frameworks can be complicated Most state and territory agencies are also regulated by the size, biogeography and remoteness by a series of statutory and administrative of properties. Many National Reserve System requirements that must be met in addition to those properties purchased under Caring for our Country required under Caring for our Country funding are large properties located within remote and arrangements. This may include threat abatement rugged locations which can be logistically difficult plans, cultural heritage management, operational to access and undertake on-ground works. plans and regional plans. These locations also tend to be subject to more Resource constraints for planning processes and extreme seasonal weather patterns and combined National Reserve System with natural disasters, such as major floods the implementation of on-ground activities have and cyclones, can result in major delays to the been identified as a concern for most protected development of management frameworks. area managers. However, a recent review of the majority of properties purchased with funding The need to resolve tenure and property rights support under Caring for our Country indicate issues, complex administrative processes and that most conservation priorities are still being natural disasters also impact on developing managed effectively while Plan of Managements are management plans. For some National Reserve developed. This management is guided by Interim System properties, complex property rights can Management Guidelines, existing regional planning cause significant delays to the formal protection of frameworks and a range of pre-existing operational the land and completion of Plans of Management. plans such as species recovery plans, weed This includes the resolution of issues such as management strategies, feral species management grazing leases and mining tenements, access and regional fire management plans. In addition, rights, water rights and Native Title interests. the vast majority of new National Reserve System properties owners have indicated that on-ground The creation of a new protected area can also management actions have led to a decline in involve a series of on-ground works to transition major threats to key biodiversity and cultural the land from pre-existing land use towards values. In particular, significant gains were made conservation for biodiversity purposes. Preparation in maintaining or improving ecosystem health and may entail de-stocking of farm animals, building native species populations. access roads, erecting fencing and ensuring there is adequate water infrastructure. These processes While good progress has been made in managing can take time to complete and can have an National Reserve System properties, unavoidable impact on the overall timing of the development of delays and complexities in the development and management frameworks. implementation of Plans of Management meant that the full outcome could not be achieved within the first five years of Caring for our Country. However, funding has supported tangible and important gains in the protection of key biodiversity values and a rapid expansion in the number of protected areas under Caring for our Country.

31 Bally Mountain and Rosegum, Queensland

Bally Mountain and Rosegum are two properties purchased by the Gold Coast City Council in 2010 with over $2.8 million in Caring for our Country funding for inclusion in Australia’s

National Reserve System. The properties CASE STUDY are recognised as part of the Bally Mountain Conservation Area, a cluster of six properties including four other Council owned properties, which together protect approximately 730 hectares. The area contains outstanding biodiversity and natural beauty, and is home to several hundred plant and animal species, including species such as the vulnerable koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), endangered glossy black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) and the endangered smooth Davidson’s plum (Davidsonia jerseyana). Glossy black-cockatoo. Source: B. Furby, DSEWPaC

Bally Mountain and Rosegum have been formally declared as koala refuges under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992. These two National Reserve System properties have a higher degree of legal protection than some of the other properties in the Bally Mountain Conservation Area, consistent with National Reserve System standards. On-ground management also differs between the properties, with activities permitted on the properties defined in accordance with the relevant nternational Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categories.

The Bally Mountain Conservation Reserves Management Plan determines how each of the six properties within the cluster is to be managed together for conservation. It is intended that this Plan will guide management over a 10 year period, at which point the plan will be reviewed and amended as required. The Plan was developed in consultation with the Australian Government and other key stakeholders to ensure it addressed management of flora, fauna, bushfire, recreation and cultural heritage, as well as providing specific information on mining threats and potential commercial activities.

To develop the Plan of Management, a draft was prepared, reviewed in conjunction with the Australian Government and then placed on public display for comment. Council also utilised a two phase public consultation process that included two separate mail-outs to residents, radio and newspaper articles, an online ‘Have Your Say’ page and emails to various stakeholders. The feedback received during the public consultation process was overwhelmingly supportive of the preservation and long-term conservation of these properties.

Throughout this process, the Council consulted directly with a large number of parties including: the South East Queensland Council’s National Reserve System Partnership, the National Reserve System Reserves Advisory Committee, the Australian Government, the Divisional and other Gold Coast City Councillors, several sections within Gold Coast City Council, various community groups, and the residents of the Gold Coast.

The draft plan was amended where appropriate to become the final Plan of Management. Both versions of the Plan were taken to Gold Coast City Council meetings to allow the Councillors to have input into the process and to formally adopt the plan. The resulting Bally Mountain Conservation Reserves Management Plan is an example of a high quality, thorough and cost-effective planning process which incorporated the views and input of all key stakeholders. The final Plan meets all of the Australian Government requirements by clearly identifying the values of the protected area, assessing the condition and integrity of the values, and providing a comprehensive management approach to conserve the ongoing integrity of the protected area.

The Council has been positive about the benefits of the project, especially in regards to the process of establishing nature refuge status for Bally Mountain and Rosegum, as the skills and knowledge from this project can now be applied to other projects and shared with other councils. This has been a positive process for all parties involved and has ensured the reserves will continue to be managed to maximise ecological values and connectivity, and protect the cluster’s important cultural and biodiversity values. Securing a sustainable The strategic expansion of the National Reserve System also provided significant social, economic, cultural environment for the future and scientific benefits and services to the Australian — Phase II Caring for our community.

Country 2013—2018 One of the outstanding benefits was the creation of new opportunities for Indigenous people to reconnect The achievements of the National Reserve System with their traditional lands and take up new employment program in the first phase of Caring for our Country are managing these lands. significant. Over the last five years, 17 900 997 hectares across 49 bioregions were added to the National The Australian Government remains committed to Reserve System, equating to an over 18 per cent the network of parks, reserves and protected areas increase in protected areas. which comprise the National Reserve System. The Sustainable Environment stream of the second There were 101 projects with over 25 partners phase of Caring for our Country will be guided by successfully undertaken, building on a strong strategic objectives, including protection of Australia’s National Reserve System foundation of collaborative partnerships between conservation estate. Further information is available at: the Australian Government, state, territory and local www.nrm.gov.au/about/caring/prospectus.html. governments, non-government organisations, private land-owners and Indigenous people. Future investments in the National Reserve System will complement other policy platforms to maintain The National Reserve System supported many healthy and productive environments. In particular, positive outcomes which will continue into the future, the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2030 including increasing the protection of habitat for and National Wildlife Corridors Plan are significant threatened species and ecological communities, landscape-scale approaches to connect land and strengthening the protection and management of strengthen the resilience of Australia’s biodiversity. internationally significant World Heritage and Ramsar sites, improving fire management practices, reducing feral animal populations and weed infestations, and helping to improve resilience to broad scale threats such as climate change.

Overview of the Caring for our Country Sustainable Environment stream Strategic objectives Investment themes

Maintenance of ecosystem services, »» Protecting the Great Barrier Reef including ecological and cultural »» Conserving and protecting species and ecosystems (matters of national values, now and into the future environmental significance) »» Restoring and maintaining urban waterways and coastal environments »» Building natural resource management community skills, knowledge and engagement

Protection of our conservation estate »» Building the National Reserve System »» Protecting Ramsar sites and values »» Protecting World Heritage sites’ outstanding universal value and integrity »» Building natural resource management community skills, knowledge and engagement

Enhanced capacity of Indigenous »» Building Indigenous peoples’ capacity for natural resource management communities to conserve and protect »» Building natural resource management community skills, knowledge and natural resources engagement

33 The progress in achieving a comprehensive terrestrial References network of protected areas in the first phase of Caring for our Country means that priorities for investment can AIATSIS (2011). The Benefits of Caring for Country. now shift to marine ecosystems which also contain a Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, vast array of biodiversity. Continued support for the Population and Communities. Prepared by Dr Jessica National Reserve System will place greater emphasis K Weir, Ms Claire Stacey and Dr Kara Youngetob, on supporting the implementation and management Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait of marine reserves in Commonwealth waters, and Islander Studies (AIATSIS), Canberra, June: the implementation of bioregional plans to improve www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/workingoncountry/ the resilience of marine ecosystems. Caring for our publications/pubs/benefits-cfc.pdf. Country will also continue its support for Indigenous communities to increase and manage Indigenous Altman, J. et al. (2011). Indigenous cultural and natural Protected Areas. resource management futures. Topical Issue No. 9/2011. Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANU: Along with Caring for our Country, continued investment www.caepr.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/Publications/ through the Biodiversity Fund will enhance habitat topical/TI2011_9_CFOC_Final_Web.pdf. connectivity and vegetation and reduce the impacts of pressures on biodiversity. ANAO (2011). Performance Audit, Indigenous Protected Areas. The Auditor General Audit Report No. 14 2011– 12. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra: www.anao. gov.au/~/media/Uploads/Audit%20Reports/2011%20 12/201112%20Audit%20Report%20No%2014.pdf.

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Campbell, D., Burgess, C., Garnett, S. and Wakermand, J. (2011). Potential primary health care savings for chronic disease care associated with Australian Aboriginal involvement in land management. Health Policy. 99:83–9.

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Gilligan, B. (2006). The Indigenous Protected Areas Programme: 2006 Evaluation. Department of Environment and Heritage, Canberra: www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/publications/pubs/ ipap-evaluation.pdf.

Dunlop M. and Brown P.R. (2008). Implications of Climate Change for Australia’s National Reserve System, A Preliminary Assessment. CSIRO, Department of Climate Change, Department of Environment Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. EPBC Act: Taylor, M.F.J et al. (2011). Building Nature’s Safety www.environment.gov.au/epbc/index.html Net 2011: The state of protected areas for Australia’s ecosystems and wildlife. WWF Australia: Hill, R. et al. (2011). Our country our way: guidelines www.wwf.org.au/?2750/Building-Natures-Safety-Net- for Australian Indigenous Protected Area management 2011-The-State-of-Protected-Areas-for-Australias- plans. CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, DSEWPaC: Ecosystems-and-Wildlife. www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/ipa/toolkit/ management.html. Urbis (2012). Social Outcomes of Working on Country. Final Report for the Department of Sustainability, Hill, R. et al. (2012). A typology of Indigenous Environment, Water, Population and Communities engagement in Australian environmental management: (DSEWPaC): www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/ Implications for knowledge integration and workingoncountry/publications/pubs/woc-social.pdf. social-ecological system stability. Ecology and Society 17.1: 23. Weir, L.K., Stacey, C. and Youngetob, K. (2011). The Benefits Associated with Caring for Country: Hunt, J., Altman, J.C. and May, K. (2009). Social A Literature Review. Prepared for the Department of National Reserve System Benefits of Aboriginal Engagement in Natural Resource Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Management, CAEPR working paper No. 60/2009. Communities (DSEWPaC) by the Australian Institute of Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANU. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS): IBRA 6.1—Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/workingoncountry/ Australia (IBRA). www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/ publications/pubs/benefits-cfc.pdf. science/bioregion-framework/ibra. Whitten, S. et al. (2011). A compendium of existing Indigenous Protected Areas: and planned Australian wildlife corridor projects and www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/ipa. initiatives, and case study analysis of operational experience. Report for SEWPaC. CSIRO Ecosystem Indigenous Protected Areas Monitoring and Evaluation Sciences: www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/wildlife- Database 2008–2012. Department of Sustainability, corridors/publications/pubs/compendium.pdf. Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC). World Heritage: www.environment.gov.au/heritage/ about/world. National Reserve System: www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/index.html.

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Smyth, D. (2011). Review of Working on Country and Indigenous Protected Area Programs through telephone interviews. Final Report for the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC): www.environment.gov. au/indigenous/workingoncountry/publications/woc- interviews.html.

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