December 2005

NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION (ACT) INCORPORATED

The Kelly gang

Strategies, plans and responses

Vale Amanda Carey NPA BULLETIN Volume 42 number 4 December 2000« 5

CONTENTS Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group reaches 11 a milestone From the President 3 Christine Goonrey Hazel Rath Volunteers bar nxine 3 Mt Kelly packwalk, October 20d5 12 Martin Chalk, Judy Kelly NPA responds to draft Namadgi plan 4 PARKWATCH 1 14, 15 Graeme Wicks Compiled by Len Haskew New process for appointing life members 6 Community concerns for natural values in 16 Kevin McCue Molonglo Valley plans Graeme Wicks Vale Amanda Carey and Celebrating a life 7 Brett McNamara and Graeme Wicks Sustainability and Bushfire Recovery Conference 16 Graeme Wicks Message from the Alps/Forests World Heritage 8 Working Group Great Australian Bushwalk 2005 17 Geoff Mosley Max Lawrence Alps nominated for heritage list 9 Thanks for the broken ankle : 18 Graeme Wicks Graeme Wicks i Park or paddock 9 Draft Budawangs strategy: NPA comments 18 David Pfanner Graeme Wicks Challenges for national parks today 10 National Parks Australia Council meets 19 Dr Maxine Cdoper Kevin McCue Canoeing in a wilderness 11 Meetings and Calendar of events' 20 David Pfanner

National Parks Association of the ACT Incorporated The NPA ACT office is in MacLaurin Crescent, Chifley, next to the Inaugurated 1960 preschool. It is staffed by volunteers but, at present, not on a regular Aims and objectives of the Association basis. Callers may leave phone or email messages at any time and • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the protection of they will be attended to. The post office mail box is cleared daily. fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and cultural heritage in Phone/Fax: (02) 6282 5813 the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the reserva­ Email: [email protected] tion of specific areas. Address: PO Box 1940, Woden ACT 2606 • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areas. Internet: www.npaact.org.au • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment of, such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by organised field Subscription rates (I July to 30 June) oudngs, meetings or any other means. Household membership $40 Single members $35 • Cooperation with organisations and persons having similar inter­ Corporate membership $30 Bulletin only $30 ests and objectives. Concession $25 • Promotion of, arid education for, conservation, and the planning of landuse to achieve conservation. Advertising Office-bearers The Bulletin accepts advertisements and inserts. The standard cost of an A4 insert is $310 but some concessional rates may be arranged. President Christine Goonrey 6231 8395 (h) Vice-President' David Large 6291 4830 (h) NPA Bulletin Secretary Sonja Lenz 6251 1291 (h) Contributions of articles, line drawings and photographs, fncluding Treasurer Rod Griffiths 6288 6988 (h) colour prints, are welcome and should be lodged with the office or Syd Comfort (02) 6286 2578. Committee members Chris Emery 6249 7604 (h) Deadline for March 2006 issue: 1 February 2006 Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect association opin­ Steven Forst 6251 6817(h), 6219 5236 (w) ion] or objectives. Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (h), 040 778 3422 (mob) Judy Kelly 6253 1859(h, after 7.30pm) This Bulletin was produced by the NPA Bulletin Working Group. Printed by Copy-Qik, Canberra, ACT. Immediate Past President Kevin McCue 6251 1291 (Ji) ISSN 0727-8837

Conveners j Outings Sub-comrhittee Steven Forst 6251 6817 (h) i 6219 5236 (w) Cover Photo: Steven Forst and David Kelly climbing Bulletin Working Group Syd Comfort 6286 2578 (h) Mt Kelly—view back down to Sam's Creek Environment Sub-committee Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (h) (Story starts page 12) Photo Max Lawrence contact 040 778 3422 (mob) From the President New Pathways Demand Smaller inquiry into the 2003 bushfires; Maria the Council now that cattle grazing has Footprints Taranto from the CRC on Bushfire been banned in the Victorian national This was the theme of a conference on Research, and Sandy Hollway. We did parks and there are mixed views on "Making Canberra Sustainable" a field trip to inspect the new water whether to proceed. It was interesting to presented by Manning Clark House and treatment works at Mt Stromlo. We also see that the Federal Minister attempted the Nature and Society Forum. This had a presentation by the Director of to restore cattle to the Victorian Alps quote from Professor Bob Douglas the Observatory, Professor Penny parks within a few weeks of the NPAC struck me as very apt for more than one Sackett, on plans to restore the area, meeting by offering to cooperate with a reason. Not only can it inspire our including the Heritage listed World Heritage listing. Pm personally personal efforts to walk more softly observatory. As you can imagine, off- very wary of pursuing a listing under across this planet, it also directs us to site back-up of their computer files is current circumstances. look at the activities undertaken in our one of the most important tasks on their My personal highlight of the past name. I am referring, of course, to some regular round of bushfire preparation. few months was on a much smaller of the proposals outlined in the draft Their fire management plan was very scale. On a work party with Martin Management Plan for Namadgi impressive and sits on everyone's desk! Chalk on the Australian Alps Walking National Park which was released on The most interesting presentation Track in October, I saw my first real in- September 6. Some of the things was from Ms Lyn Breuer who chairs the-wild colony of bird orchids or outlined in the draft plan will strike a the SA Inquiry into "Native Vegetation Chiloglottis. Nothing beats the thrill of very large footprint indeed! Building and the Eyre Peninsula Bushfire", being in the bush, of finding its small major fire trails through wilderness which has been asked to investigate the secrets and enjoying its peaceful areas, creating the possibility of role of natural vegetation in the Eyre environment. That's what NPA ACT is commercial, 4WD and bicycle tours Peninsula bushfires. Although 83 per all about. through the wilderness and allowing cent of the land use in the fire-affected Which reminds me of the point groups of up to 400 to use the semi- areas was cropping or grazing, native made by one speaker at the "Making remote Booth Range for events are vegetation took the main blame for the Canberra Sustainable" conference. He some of the things the plan would intensity and spread of the fires. said that we are "eroding public spaces permit. Ms Breuer indicated that scientific by privatisation". There is an increasing examination of the fire areas may Working up the NPA ACT emphasis on commercial and private indicate the opposite, namely that submission on the draft plan has been use of public spaces; on activities such native vegetation actually slowed or the biggest task on our agenda. as 4W driving; large group use and diverted the fire in places. We look However, in addition to this, every competitive events in parks. These uses, forward to the committee's report in NPA member should put in their own by their nature, exclude other people 2006. personal submission so that the from enjoying the public amenity. government will understand how Another big event for us was Associated with this is the discounting serious we are about reducing the hosting the National Parks of Australia of those uses of public spaces which do human footprint on our beautiful park. Council meeting, held in Canberra on not consume resources and produce a Check out the documents on our September 17 and 18. I would like to profit. We know that this narrow view website which we have prepared to help thank Kevin McCue for organising a of the world will eventually pass so it's you make your own submission and very successful and interesting meeting. up to us to ensure that, when economic there you will also find directions on The venue at Manning Clark House rationalism has gone the way of all the where to send it. was friendly and relaxed. Dr Maxine otfier management fads, Namadgi will still be there in all its glory for quiet, Another conference which Chris Cooper, from Environment ACT, and public enjoyment. Emery, Kevin McCue and I attended Dr Bruce Leaver, from the Australian recently was the 10th Annual Alps National Park, spoke to the group Christine Goonrey Conference of the Parliamentary and provided some interesting Environmental and Public Works background briefing on some of the big Committees on Bushfire Recovery and issues facing national parks today. Sustainability. Speakers included In fact, World Heritage listing of the Mr Stuart Elliss who chaired the COAG Alpine National Parks was discussed by

Volunteers bar none

On Saturday October 22 seven on the steeper opposite slope by a on the way (these were chipped out) NPA ACT members answered the call contractor during the preceding and an equal number or orchids (these to work on the Alpine Walking Track. weekend. were left!). With assistance of park ranger All were justifiably satisfied with Should anyone see anything during Ollie Orgill, 14 water bars were placed completing the job and secure in the their travels through the park that might on the eastern slope of the steep section knowledge that this section of track is be a suitable project for volunteer of track some five minutes walk from safe from severe erosion for years to involvement, please contact me at home its intersection with the Cotter Hut come. The group then proceeded up the on 6292 3502. Road. This work complemented the track for lunch on the banks of Sawpit Martin Chalk 32 steps and seven water bars installed Creek and observed a number of briars Volunteer Coordinator

NPA BULLETIN—DECEMBER 2005 3 NPA responds to draft Namadgi plan

77»e tone of this management plan is set by the order in which different values are listed and unfortunately 'economic' values tend to be listed first throughout the document. ... in order to reflect the true value of the park, 'economic' should always be listed last throughout the management plan in terms of values! NPA submission. The association supports—even strongly supports—much that is in the draft plan, but there is also much in it to criticise. And—as the above quotation shows—some of the principles on which some of the recommendations and objectives are based are both wrong and out of step with good environmental practices as well as the formally stated objectives for Namadgi National Park. NPA ACT President Christine Goonrey is interviewed by the ABC at the launch of the draft Plan of Matuigement, at the Orroral Homestead in September. Photo Max Lawrence In what follows, the much that is good in the Namadgi National Park global climate change. Some scientists declared wilderness areas; Draft Management Plan gets little or no were predicting that the park's wetlands • stroDg support for remote and natural mention: the focus is on those issues may dry up over the next 40 years and values and recognition of their that need attention and correction. even the potential loss of the much fundamental importance in managing Weeks of concentrated effort from loved alpine ash forests. the park; and the plan's release on September 6 "NPA ACT believes that it's not • opposition to new fire trails in fragile culminated in the delivery of the NPA's just a matter of preserving the natural and sensitive areas and some submission on the draft before the values of the park," she said. "If we proposals on prescribed burning deadline of November 28. The formal want affordable, clean water for many intervals in sensitive areas. response was nearly 40 pages and some generations to come we have to develop The formal response also strongly 14 000 words long. sustainable fire management strategies, advocates adequate research and Prior to that members were manage recreational access, especially monitoring in wilderness areas. informed about the main issues and to wilderness areas, and control feral It points out that the association was involved in the formulation of the animals and weeds. We have to protect formed in 1960 for the purpose of association's response and encouraged the park's rich cultural heritage, both creating "a national park for the to make their own individual responses. Aboriginal and early European." national capital", and that members Media release This initial response was followed lobbied arid campaigned until Ihe park up by: was finally declared in 1984 and have Christine Goonrey, as President, • a special edition of Burning Issues since turned their attention to issued a media release on the day the encouraging members to make preserving and enhancing the park's draft plan was released, noting that the submissions to ensure that voices natural values and those of its community had to get the plan right "if representing members* interests are neighbours. we want our unique national park to be at least as numerically strong as still healthy and beautiful in 20 years* Nature first those of other groups such as 4WD time." "The primary purpose of the drivers, horse riders and potential "Much as Canberrans love the Park, Namadgi National Park is for nature commercial interests; NPA ACT recognises that one of its conservation," the submission states. • documents in Burning Issues and on greatest risks is that we are in danger of "The first priority of this management the website setting out the loving it to death," she said. ""Bikes, plan should be 'to maintain and association's position on points of horses, vehicles, camping, walking, improve the natural and cultural values particular concern; and adventure sports, large groups and of the park for future generations*. This • a members' forum at the October events all take a toll on the fragile is the first and primary principle to general meeting to discuss the draft landscape. Canberrans have to take a which the plan should refer when plan. close look at the impact we have on our conflicts arise between the different The final document incorporated national park, no matter how harmless uses of the park. We are disappointed much of the substance of the forum our activity seems. We need to have that this is not more clearly articulated discussion as well as many ideas agreed limits to our use of the park, in in the draft plan. The plan currently communicated by members to the draft order to preserve it." lacks any such clear statement of plan working group by email and purpose, merely including nature Christine noted that the new draft telephone. The document went through conservation within a list of various came at a critical point in the park's many drafts as new information was other purposes for which the park is future. The park is still affected by the added and new thoughts were taken in, currently used: e.g. to collect water, worst drought and bushfire since but the original thrust was maintained: European settlement began, and its manage fire and enjoy recreation • the maintenance and expansion of fragile ecosystems are threatened by opportunities. "It is not acceptable, in our view, to leave open vague possibilities which theoretically can be resolved further down the track. In the face of climate change, it is foolish to assume a level of robustness in the park's ecosystems upon which we can rely. An arid, degraded and pest-prone park may be the price of our failure over the next 10 years." More wilderness The submission gives prominence to its call for three additional areas to be given wilderness status to better protect the different ecological systems of the park and to provide greater protection to existing wilderness areas. After outlining problems with the existing wilderness system, the submission makes a number of recommendations: Brett McNamara speaks at the launch ofthe plan while ihe Chief Minister • that the existing wilderness zone be Jon Stanhope, and Ngunnawal elder Matilda House listen from the Orroral expanded to include parts of the homestead verandah. Photo Fiona MacDonald Brand Middle Cotter, western portion of the upper Orroral River catchment west Opposition to new fire trails in the of Smokers Trail, and lands Research wilderness area is another point of bordering the eastern part of the There is inadequate commitment to concern. The proposed upgrading of current wilderness zone up to appropriate funding or research, Cotter Hut Road which, in effect, existing fire trails further south such especially for fire management and pest would become a new road, is also as Old Boboyan Road and Grassy control. And almost no reference is opposed. "The rationale for increased Creek Fire Trail; made to birds, the impact of too- width and a straightening of roads and frequent prescribed burning on complex • that the Blue Gum Wild Semi fire trails is based on past fire fighting bird habitats, and the relationship of Remote area be expanded and methods which are rapidly becoming bird habitats in the park and in upgraded to a wilderness zone to obsolete," the submission states. "More surrounding areas. There is no listing of abut Smokers Trail, Bushfold Flats effective methods of fire suppression bird species or invertebrates in the park. and fire trails; and and hazard reduction are being The NPA recommends that "a • that the Booth Range Wilder Semi developed which do not require the use separate section be developed in the Remote area be expanded and of large bulldozers; these roads would management plan which sets a specific upgraded with wilderness to the edge be redundant before the noxious weeds objective for research work in the park; of the surrounding fire trails and the they would introduce had even begun to which acknowledges its important Naas River or Bicentennial Trail take hold. 'Tanker Trails' and 'Float contribution to national and (whichever is westernmost) on the Trails' are effectively 2WD roads—not international work and sets a series of eastern boundary. 4WD 'trails' as implied by use of term concrete objectives for future work 'trails'." Fire management which can contribute to local, national The submission is highly critical of Climate change and international conservation of its many aspects of the proposed fire NPA maintains that there is natural values over the next few management strategy. "We strongly inadequate reference in the draft plan to decades." object to the current landscape managing the park under climate Other omissions classification and distribution as a guide change. Ecosystems, such as herbfields Other omissions from the draft plan for frequent burning," it states. "The and sphagnum bogs, can become concern the protection, maintenance areas indicated are too broad and do not vulnerable under climate change, and and repairs of heritage sites; public reflect the wide diversity of plant the precautionary principle must be scrutiny of park use; an communities and fauna, especially birds applied to activities (such as some implementation, evaluation and and invertebrates. The sweep of this recreational activities, large group reporting mechanism for the plan; area's classification does not take into activities and overuse of some areas required legislative and legal strategies account soil erosion and landscape through commercial exploitation) that (such as land management agreements values, nor the heavy use of such areas could escalate damage to the natural with rural lessees and other land by walkers." values of the park. It says the plan of management also managers); and the need to review the (The precautionary principle means Nature Conservation Act. needs to address the widely held view that where there are threats of serious or The Act should be amended to that forest litter is merely a 'fuel load' irreversible environmental damage, enable the appointment of an and presents unacceptable 'fire hazards' lack of full scientific certainty should independent statutory Conservator who so that it must always be reduced. The not be used as a reason for postponing has no direct role in the management of plan needed to more clearly establish measures to prevent environmental the park, and to reflect changes to and the value of forest litter and soil biota degradation.) as essential elements of the eco-system provide appropriate legal status for and critical to the prevention of soil other areas of the plan of management, erosion and land degradation. (Continued on page 6)

NPA BULLETIN—DECEMBER 2005 5 New process for appointing life members

NPA ACT Committee proposes to suitability of nominees and make a recommendation to the Management establish a clear, fair and transparent recommendation to the Management Committee meeting in July. process for nominating honorary life Committee. 6. The Management Committee members. NPA ACT will call for 2. Draft selection criteria will be proposes any eligible new honorary nominations each year, but does not considered at the December 2005 life members at the annual general expect that the honour will be bestowed Committee meeting and revisions meeting in August for confirmation. every year. There have been 15 such made for confirmation at the The association's constitution states appointments in our 45-year history. February 2006 Committee meeting. that any person who has rendered The process for nominating and 3. Nominations with supporting meritorious service to or on behalf of electing honorary life members will be: material will be called for in Burning the association may, on the 1. A life membership working group Issues and at each February general recommendation of the Committee, be will be formed to include the meeting. elected a life member by a general Immediate Past President and at least 4. Nominations with supporting meeting, and for all purposes shall be one other Committee member and information close at the April considered a financial member of the one or two life members to develop general meeting. association. the process and selection criteria. 5. The Sub-Committee meets through Kevin McCue The working group will assess the May and June and makes a

NPA responds to draft Namadgi plan (continued fr

such as the use of permits, fees and activity it is becoming increasingly underlying assumption ... that charges. impossible to differentiate between for- commercial activities in the park are Key point buried profit and not-for-profit organisations something to be encouraged. Trying to and there can be no rational assumption make a profit from a public asset like a The submission criticises the setting that this classification actually reflects national park is always a dubious out of the park's management an organisation's capacity to protect exercise and any such profit is often objectives as the basic and inherent and care for the park in its activities." gained only by drawing down public goals of the management plan in the "Apply a system whereby permits, capital and avoiding paying for preface of the draft document, where licences and other strategies to ration or replacement and repairs to public they are not given sufficient restrict park use should be granted by resources. It opens the door to prominence. public process to organisations and commercial exploitation of a public "Burying such a key point in the activities which best reflect the purpose resource, often without adequate preface means that the management of the park and its limited resources." compensation to the public purse." plan fails to establish from the outset "The Strategic aim needs to make "We are even more concerned that that the conservation of natural and clear that the best protection of special privileges are being cultural values is the primary purpose Canberra's water supply relies on the contemplated for commercial operators of the park," the NPA submission highest standard of conservation of the ... There should be no special access states. "'Even so, this section confused area's natural values. This can be done for commercial use of wilderness areas, the issue further by its reference to simply by adding 'whilst maintaining even if they are doing ' wilderness 'water as the primary value of the water the highest conservation values management' projects." resource catchments in the park' and consistent with a National Park.' " "Whatever the justification for does not discuss how the management " ... we note an absolute lack of group sizes of up to 400 being plan will handle any conflict between strategies to protect, maintain and permitted in the Booth Range area, it is the two statutory purposes." conserve the wilderness area. This is a not articulated. In fact the sensitive Quotes show detail serious weakness of the draft plan and nature of the area and the lack of Ihe draft plan is a dctai led must be addressed in the actual information about its ecology are document that covers many separate but management plan. Strategies should referred to and yet groups of up to interrelated issues, and this has been include priority funding for monitoring 400 are to be permitted." matched by NPA's formal response. of illegal vehicle use and low impact "Recommendation: thai the number Such detail is lost in a summary, but the fire management." of full time rangers should be increased following quotes will give an idea of "The Land (Planning and to assist with delivering interpretation the substance of the NPA's position on Environment) Act 1991 and National programs. If casual staff, volunteers or the wide range of issues dealt with. Capital and Territory Plans clearly seasonal rangers are recruited for interpretation. the\ must ha\e training "" ... the table (referring to the place recreational values secondary lo and continuing support to ensure they Upper Cotter Catchment and the natural values of the park. deliver programs to a high standard. Wilderness area) ... which refers to its Recreational activities must be Where 'an ongoing interpretation high wilderness quality only in terms of compatible with the conservation of training program for Aboriginal guides' its water and recreation uses rather than natural (and cultural) values and in is recommended, similar training must fur its own sake. This is a good planning recreational activities, we be given to all staff involved in example of the confusion and failure to need to recognise that Namadgi interpretation." sort out priorities which riddles the National Park is not suitable for large draft plan." groups or intensive recreational use." The complete submission may be "Clarification and definition is "Adding to these concerns {that the read on NPA's website. park is not suitable for large groups of needed for commercial and non­ Graeme Wicks commercial groups. In all areas of intensive recreational use) is an Vale Amanda Carey After a long illness Amanda coordinating a number of Carey is now at peace. monitoring programs, co- Amanda Carey was a authoring several scientific truly inspirational and gifted papers and occasionally person; she will be sadly blowing up rabbit warrens as missed by all those who have part of the vertebrate pest had the privilege of working program! Then there were the with her and calling her a day-to-day tasks associated friend. with the management of Amanda had a strong visitor facilities and delivering spiritual connection to the the operational aspects of mountains of Namadgi; a natural and cultural resource place she called home for a programs. number of years having lived Amanda was closely involved and worked at Glendale with the Australian Alps Depot as the Local Area national parks program as Ranger. Convenor of the Natural Amanda joined the Parks Heritage Working Group. Service in 1996 after a Amanda embodied the spirit of highly successful career as cooperation and goodwill that an Intensive Care Nurse. the Alps program is renowned Amanda often recalled that it for. Her organisational skills was from the ICU windows and leadership will be missed. at Canberra Hospital, when the sun rose with the local Ngunnawal Community But perhaps her most lasting legacy at the end of a long night shift that she on the management of their art sites is her involvement with the Alpine knew one day she would work in the within the park, and played an sphagnum bogs. Amanda provided the mountains. instrumental role in guiding the energy and passion in overseeing this The goal she set herself has been removal of the Boboyan Pines and vitally important work in not only realised, and she will now be at one regeneration of the area. Amanda got a coordinating an interagency response with her beloved Mountains. Amanda huge thrill from seeing the last pine tree but also supervising all the operational has asked for her ashes to be scattered felled and witnessing the regeneration aspects of the project. over the mountains of Namadgi. now underway. Brett McNamara As a Ranger, Amanda undertook a Amanda was involved with a District Manager number of key projects during her time variety of roles and functions some of Namadgi National Park at Namadgi and her legacy is a rich and which included liaising with academics lasting one. Notably Amanda worked on scientific research projects, Celebrating a life To the sounds of rolling thunder, bird family, friends songs and the wind in the trees, and work over 100 family, friends and colleagues colleagues. farewelled ranger Amanda Carey in the She will be open air on Saturday, November 26. missed sorely Although heavy rain fell in other by all of us. parts of the ACT during the celebration She got to live of Amanda's life at the Namadgi her dream of Visitor Centre, none fell there as working in the family, friends and colleagues stood in mountains but the open or sat on logs and hay bales to there was so hear family members and others who much more we loved and knew her speak about her and still wanted to her achievements. talk with her Her work brought her into contact about. She with many NPA members and good knew so much Family, friends and colleagues farewelled Amanda at Namadgi working relationships and friendships about the park, Visitor Centre on 26 November. Photo Sabine Friedrich developed. She was much involved its mountains with the Gudgenby Bush Regeneration and valleys and she loved sharing it certainly one of a kind. Mere words Group, and her death came as a shock with us all. We will remember her cannot adequately describe a truly and with sadness to NPA members who every time we work on 'Amanda's inspirational person." knew her. Slope1 in Gudgenby; may the trees Amanda died on November 23, NPA President Christine Goonrey grow thick and tall in her memory." aged 43. She left a son and a daughter, said in a message on behalf of the Responding to the condolence Harrison and Lauren. association: "We would like to express messages from NPA members, Brett Graeme Wicks our deepest sympathy to Amanda's McNamara said: "Ranger Amada was Message from the Alps/Forests World Heritage Working Group A new working group has been strict criteria of the World Heritage Alpine National Park proposal. formed lo revive the campaign for Convention". They supported a Aware of the vacuum, the Colong ihe Alps and Euealvpi Forests of nomination which included the alps, the Foundation, which had played the South East A ustralia nomination. forests and the coastal areas although, leading role in securing a Blue Ihe campaign was once actively as a short hand, the collective name of Mountains listing, began lo express pursued hy all the main consen-ation "Australian Alps'" was also used. concern about the future of the proposal groups with an interest in the future In 1990 the VNPA, with seed in 2003 (see Colong Bulletin 198. for of the region, but lapsed when other finance from the ACF (donated for this May 2003. which also includes a campaigns were given precedence. purpose by Wild magazine), set up a statement of the values and a map). The The following gives some World Heritage Committee to promote proposal comprises a linked series of background to the campaign and an the nomination. By 1991 there were corridors connecting the coastal, outline of future action. 13 supporting groups. Four years later escarpment and alpine areas. A copy of this had increased to 25 groups. It the map showing the 24 areas in the We believe this revival is urgent included the national parks associations proposal can be found on the Colong because the initiative is otherwise being and the ACF. The Committee in 1991 Foundation's website (www.colongwild taken by a Federal Government which produced the first of several World eniess.org.au). has interests and motives beyond those Heritage Bulletins for the proposal. In July of this year the Board of the o f o bj e c t i v e protection o t" the Most of the campaigning was done by Colong Foundation decided to set up international conservation values of the Doug Humann of VNPA and Geoff the Working Group and the area. Mosley, an ACF Councillor. In NSW membership is currently being extended Anne Reeves provided generous We believe it is particularly to include people representative of assistance. important that the position of the various relevant fields of expertise and groups is clear and united. Following The Committee put the case to the the different regions Minister Campbell's outrageous move media, the conservation groups through Over the last two months the to try to overturn the decision to ban their journals and lectures, the four Working Group has focused on cattle grazing in the Alpine National governments, and the Alpine Ministers nominating the 24 areas for the Park, we have noted some confusion in Council with a fair degree of success, National Heritage List because it is the media over what exactly are the particularly in the case of the ACT. and Federal Government policy to require boundaries of the World Heritage the Oppositions in NSW and Victoria. such listing for anv area included in a proposal. Some have confused the For anyone who would like to consult World Heritage nomination. Ihe support for the Greater Alpine National the expositions of the case as put at this Department of Heritage and Park with this, wrongly believing that time, those in Park Watch No 163. Environment rejected the group's NHL the nomination proposal is limited to Wild No 40 and Habitat Australia 23(2) joint nomination of the 24 areas on the the Alps. We hope the following are typical and. hopefully, a good basis of its interpretation of the EPBC information about the history of the source of campaign reference material. Act as not providing for serial campaign and the aims of the new The work of the Committee was nominations. The same advice has been working group w ill be helpful. suspended in 1996 to avoid a clash with given to the Alps Liaison Committee in The world heritage proposal dates the Greater Blue Mountains Area relation to the Greater Alpine Park back to a submission by the Academy nomination and to allow for input into proposed NHL nomination (Baw Baw of Science to the Land Conservation the comprehensive regional assessment and Mt Buffalo not being contiguous). Council in the early 1980s. By 1987 the process carried out prior to the signing We do hope these background notes Victorian Government was supporting a of the RFAs. As you arc probably will be helpful. This is indeed the most proposed nomination which included aware the concept of the sea to snow challenging and the most potentially the forests of East Gippsland as well as nomination as a "stand-alone" rewarding heritage project in our the Alps. nomination, as developed by the reports history and we look forward to a As usual the lead in identifying the mentioned above, was con finned by the cooperative relationship with you all. values was taken by the voluntary- World Heritage Expert Panel. If there is any further infonnation groups with studies by Broadbent, The campaign should by rights have we can supply please contact either B lakers, Mosley and Cost in. Then been taken up again after the world Fiona McCrossin at the Colong followed a series of official reports by heritage listing of the Blue Mountains Foundation or Geoff Moslev on Boden, Good, Busby and Kirkpatrick in late 2000 and the signing of the 03 9718 2998. and Lennnon, all of which addressed RFAs. However by this stage the NPAs Geoff Mosley what Bob Hawke referred to as "the were giving priority to the Greater More grassland protected 1 he AL I Government is to protect an and the endangered G inninderra Law son is developed. area of grassland in the new suburb of peppercress. a perennial herb. The site The Government in July launched Lawson as an area of high conservation contains about lOOha of grassland. the ACT Native Grasslands value. The area, site of the recently Both the Naval Transmission Conservation Strategy, a blueprint to decomm issioned Belconnen Naval Station and its associated grasslands protect areas of great ecological Transmission Station, is home to a have been nominated for the ACT importance. number of endangered plant and animal Heritage Register and will be assessed Graeme Wicks species, such as the golden sun moth for conservation before the suburb of Alps nominated for heritage list The Australian national parks agencies political processes. to seriously damage the environment". of the ACT, NSW and Victoria are The Alpine National Park in "Cattle were excluded from the pursuing a National Heritage List Victoria was emergency listed for its ACT's national park that forms part of nomination of the Australian Alps for natural values in response to an the Australian Alps decades ago, in its natural values, according to the emergency listing for the Alpine order to protect our vulnerable Executive Director of the Arts, Heritage Grazing Areas licensed in the Alpine ecosystems and ensure the pristine and Environment Division of the ACT National Park. quality of our water catchment," Chief Minister's Department, "However, Victoria is pursuing, Mr Stanhope said. "Victoria's Dr Maxine Cooper. with the ACT and NSW, a nomination announcement earlier this year that it Addressing the National Parks for the listing of all of the Australian was banning grazing in its own alpine Australia Council meeting in Canberra Alps national parks," Dr Cooper said. national parks was a great boost for on September 17 (see pi9), Dr Cooper "It may be of interest to you to know hopes that one day the Australian Alps said the nomination addressed only the that the forests of South-Eastern could be considered for national—and natural heritage values, as it was felt Australia, which includes forests in eventually world—heritage listing. Any that it was not feasible to pursue the Victoria, NSW and the ACT that stretch reintroduction of cattle grazing could nomination of cultural heritage values from the coast to the mountains and seriously undermine those hopes." as this would require considerable beyond, has also been nominated for The Australian Alps National Park consultation with Aboriginal national heritage listing by Peak covering a million and a half hectares communities across the Alps. Environmental Enterprises, a non­ would come into being by A proposal to nominate the government organisation directed by amalgamating existing alpine and sub- Australian Alps national parks to the Mr Geoff Mosley." alpine national parks: the Namadgi National Heritage List was discussed at National Park in the ACT, the the Australian Alps Ministerial Council No to world plan Kosciuszko and Brindabella national in May 2003, and Ministers agreed to parks in NSW, and Victoria's Alpine prepare a nomination. A Commonwealth Government and Snowy River national parks. proposal in October to seek World The Australian Alps Liaison Since 1986, there has been a Heritage listing for the Alps National Committee (AALC) commissioned a Memorandum of Understanding, signed Park, which was contingent on a study to identify the significant values by the various governments responsible scheme to allow cattle grazing in the of the Australian Alps that met for the Australian Alps National Parks. parks, has been rejected by the three nomination criteria. A nomination, The principle of co-operative jurisdictions, which instead have agreed based on scientific research where management has been growing since to seek a National Heritage listing for values of national and international then. the area. significance had been identified, was Many co-operative programs are The ACT Chief Minister, Mr Jon prepared and was now being considered already in place. by each of the jurisdictions. Stanhope, said in response to the Commonwealth proposal that there was Graeme Wicks Achieving listing may take some "no longer any real dispute about the time as each jurisdiction feeds the fact that alpine grazing has the potential nomination through the required Park or paddock Phil Ingamells, an Alps Campaigner for ecologists and scientists, acknowledged been shown that cattle grazing does not the Victorian National Parks 50 years of accumulated scientific reduce the fire risk in the Victorian Association, was the main speaker at evidence of damage to the park. This Alps as claimed, and that the economic the September meeting of the evidence led also to the removal of cost of managing alpine grazing far NPA ACT. Phil was one of those cattle grazing from Kosciuszko exceeds the minimal revenue earned mainly responsible for the successful National Park and Namadgi National from licence fees. two-year campaign to remove licensed Park. Following Phil Ingamells's cattle grazing from Victoria's Alpine Further support for the campaign presentation there was a series of National Park. (See also National came from nine environmental questions regarding the promotion of Parks Australia Council meets, pi9.) organisations and The Age newspaper public interest in the campaign, the The beautiful photographs of alpine ran a strong editorial favouring removal issue of the public subsidy involved in scenery, and pictures of the dramatic of cattle grazing over the "rights" of the licensing of cattle grazing, and the damage caused by cattle formed the cattlemen. lessons learned in Victoria that could be major portion of Phil's presentation. The slide presentation showed applicable to the issue of feral horses in These photographs were a significant abundant visual evidence of how cattle the ACT. factor in persuading the Victorian have damaged the Alpine National David Pfanner Government's decision to remove cattle Park. Some of the major issues covered grazing from Alpine National Park. were how grazing spreads weeds; Another important factor in the damage to ancient peat beds and alpine success of the campaign was strong streams and rivers; the threat to plants scientific support to remove cattle and animals including 20 plants and grazing. Fourteen eminent scientists, plant communities; and trampling of the Carruthers Group of Alpine moss beds and snow patches. It has

NPA BULLETIN—DECEMBER 2005 9 Challenges for national parks today

The following is an edited protecting the park's values, and of proud and important part of our version of part of the opening course working with park users so that national identity. address hv the Executive everyone who visits the park adopts a Protecting nature, protecting Director of the Arts, Heritage stewardship role. ourselves. Improving our and Environment Division of the Planning and implementing understanding of the ecological systems A CT Chi ef Mm is t er 's effective fire management strategies and cultural values through research Department. Dr Maxine Cooper, that are commensurate w ith the and monitoring is essential. In the US 1 at the Satioiiat Parks Australia protection of the key values of the park. understand that there has been some ('tinned annual conference in This is an extremely complex area and significant trade-offs between Canberra on l~-!S September will be an evolving process as we managing for people (eg, visitor 2(105. (See also National Parks gather know ledge and understanding services in all ils forms) and in the Australia Council meets. plV.) through research and monitoring application of resources to research and programs. monitoring (ie, knowledge building) The ACT Government has just released And finally, balancing human use has not been undertaken at the same the Namadgi National Park Draft of the park with the protection of rate as the provision of visitor services. Management Plan. Namadgi National natural and cultural values. Parks are Is this scenario true for parks in Park surrounds the people of Canberra for people but the kinds of activities Australia, particularly in many of our every day—it provides a beautiful and the numbers of people engaged in icon parks'? It is unlikely that, in visual backdrop to our urban existence, activities in the park must not be to the general, more funding for research in it is the source of the water we drink detriment of the important values we're national parks vvill be available, so we and the clean air we breathe. It is a trying to protect and we need lo ensure have to work closely with our tertiary living museum of our natural and built that the range of activities are institutions and be strategic and clever heritage, a place of recreation and compatible with each other. in directing and extending where our education for 160 000 visitors a year. The United States National Park limited research dollars should go. Here It's been 20 years since the last System Advisory Board, in July 2001. in the ACT. we are already doing this. Namadgi National Park management released a report: Rethinking the Increasing our know ledge base is plan was drafted. As you would expect National Parks for the 21st Centun: paramount to ensuring that biodiversity the preparation of (he new management The Board took a long, hard look at is maintained and enhanced and to plan has drawn out divergent park management in an attempt to provide the basis for adaptive community views. And. as always, we identify where the National Parks management. are faced w ith the challenge of Service should focus so that they can be Pursuing and teaching balancing community use and successful in their goals and meet sustainability. The important element expectations with the protection of the future challenges. of sustainability identified by the US natural and cultural resources that Many of the issues identified by the Advisory Board is that the park service reside in the park. US Advisory Board ring true for should monitor and interpret the The challenges for the future of Australia. They include: ecological foot pr i n t of park Namadgi that we've learnt through this Building our pathways to development and attempt to reduce it. planning process are common to many learning. The US Advisory Board says What does this mean for Australia? parks throughout A ustralia. They that it is time to re-examine the This is challenging—there are pressures include: "enjoyment equals support" equation for development in our national parks, Working in partnership with our and to encourage public support at a but where should it be? Should the local Aboriginal peoples. Namadgi"s higher level of understanding. We need development focus be on park 0 Aboriginal heritage stretches back at to embrace community education at a neighbours' properties If we are to least to the last ice age. Relics of the higher level by successfully have development in parks, it must be long Aboriginal habitation of this communicating the importance of sustainable. country are found in identifiable quarry protecting our natural and cultural Finally—ensu ring institutional and camp sites and in some of this assets. National parks need to be capacity. Three key elements of region's most outstanding rock-art sites. understood as an essential element of institutional capacity identified by the Working w ith the Ngunnawal to human geography—just like we have US Advisory Board are professional cooperatively manage Namadgi is as towns, cities and farmland to meet our development and training: diversity of much about reconnecting the people human needs, we also have national talent: and adequate funding and with country and fostering parks. Parks ... provide essential eco- resources. ... Fd like to add two opportunities for reconciliation, as services for human wellbeing. Our more—flexibility and know ledge. providing them with a say about the parks are much more than a "consumer Flexibility I believe is important as we interpretation, identification and product". are constantly going through protection of their important heritage Bringing Australia's history alive. organisational change and we need to places. Parks should not be treated as islands. be able to do this and increase Working effectively with Ihe They are the heart and soul of our efficiencies while still getting the job community in a host of areas such as history — both indigenous and done. To facilitate change, well working with neighbours on common European. There are so many secrets developed systems and information land management issues; working with about our history hidden away in our management is essential. those who have a connection to the park national parks—it's time we revealed through their history or commitment lo them all so (hat national parks occupy a NPA OUTINGS PROGRAM December 2005 — March 2006

Outings Guide Distance grading (per day) Terrain grading 1 — up to 10 km A— Road, firetrail track E— Rock scrambling 2— 10 km to 15 km B— Open forest F— Exploratory 3— 15 km to 20 km C— Light scrub 4— above 20 km D— Patches of thick scrub, regrowth

Day walks Carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. Pack walks Two or more days. Carry all food and camping requirements. CONTACT LEADER EARLY. Car camps Facilities often limited. Vehicles taken to site can be used for camping. CONTACT LEADER EARLY. Other activities include nature rambles and environmental and field guide studies. Passenger transport. The committee suggests a donation, to the nearest dollar, of THIRTY cents per kilometre. This is based on four occupants in the car including the driver. When odd numbers arise, the total contribution is divided by the number of cars. The amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader. Drive and walk distances quoted in the program are approximate distances for the return journeys.

Points to note

Please help keep our outings program alive by volunteering to lead outings. New leaders are welcome. The outings convener 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.

In voluntarily participating in these activities conducted by the NPA, participants should be aware that they could be exposed to risks that could lead to injury, illness or death, or to loss of, or damage to, their property. These risks could include but are not limited to slippery and or uneven surfaces, rocks being dislodged, falling at edges of cliffs or drops or elsewhere, risks associated with crossing creeks, hypothermia, heat exhaustion and the risks associated with any of the Special Hazards listed on the Attendance Record and Risk Waiver Form provided by the leader at the start of the activity.

To minimize these risks participants should endeavor to ensure that the activity is within their capabilities and that they are carrying food, water, equipment, clothing and footwear appropriate to the activity. Participants should advise the leader if they are taking any medication or have any physical or other limitation that might affect their participation in the activity. Participants should make every effort to remain with the rest of the party during the activity and accept the instructions of the leader. By signing the Attendance Record and Risk Waiver Form participants agree that they understand these requirements and considered the risks before choosing to sign the form and waiver any claim for damages arising from the activity that they might have against the club, the leader or any other participants in tort or contract.

NPA OUTINGS PROGRAM — DECEMBER 2005 - MARCH 2006 15 January 2006, Sunday Walk 29 January, Sunday Walk Muellers Peak Snowy Mountains - Wildflower I 10 December Saturday Work Party Leader: Brian Slee ramble from Charlotte Pass | and Christmas Party Grading: 2 A/C Leader: Steve Hill j Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Map: Perisher Valley 1:25 000 Grading: 2 A/C/E | Contact: Syd Comfort 6286 2578, j Contact: 6281 0719 (h) or Map: Perisher Valley 1:25 000 Contact: or I [email protected] or | [email protected] 6231 9186 [email protected] \ Clive Hurlstone 0407 783 422, j Depart Wanniassa Shops, Langdon With all the recent rain, this year should | [email protected] I Avenue (cnr Rylah Cr., opp. Red Rooster) 6.30 am. Park at Charlotte be great for the wildflowers. We drive i Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre, j Pass, descend to and cross Snowy to Charlotte Pass carpark (2Vi hours) • Tharwa at 9:15 am or at Yankee Hat j River, climb Mt Clarke, contour south and wander around the moraines j car-park at 10:00 am. Work in the j of Mt Northcote and climb Muellers surrounding Hedley Tarn, and the Blue i Gudgenby Bush Regeneration area j Peak (latter optional). After break Lake, pop up to Carruthers Peak for | replanting, weeding etc following | descend to Lake Albina for lunch. some views as well as more i removal of pines. Tools for the • Return via Northcote Pass and Club wildflowers. and then down to Club | morning's work will be provided, as • Lake Creek. Great Views, Lake to return along Club Lake creek to | will a Christmas lunch in the shade of wildflowers. Several steep climbs. the cars. There are over 30 species of ; the regenerated trees. Afternoon tea at Jindabyne. Book with wildflowers unique to the Snowy leader as weather check is essential. Mountains and many can be found in Numbers limited. 420km drive, $120 bloom around this area. The walk will per car plus $16 for vehicles without require fitness, will be largely off track entry permit. and vvill involve regular climbs. It •] Sunday 11 December j; brings with it an early start and late return to Canberra, but the sights are 22 January, Sunday Walk I Honeysuckle Creek j- supremely rewarding. Contact Steve Brindabella Ramble Hill by Friday evening to register and Leader: Steven Forst for details of the meeting place. This | NPA Christmas partyjj Grading: 3 A walk will proceed only if the weather is Map: ACT 1:100 000 likely to be clear. 400km drive. Join fellow members and friends at jj Contact: 6251 6817(h) $120 per car 6219 5236(w) or I [email protected] the association's Christmas Party at jt Meet at the forest car park on Uriarra 5 February, Sunday Walk the Honeysuckle Campground. All £ Ramshead Range area Road near Cotter Road at 8.30 am. A II the usual features; bring a picnic !• Leader: Margaret Power walk in the mountain forest along Old It lunch and share nibbles and drinks =• Grading: 3 A/C/E Mill Road and Warks Road in the •| (hopefully Santa vvill provide • Map: Perisher Valley, Chimneys Brindabella Range. Visit the cooler. ;| Christmas cake too). Take a short ; Ridge 1:25 000 south-facing folds of the Brindabella walk to see the regeneration Contact: 6253 0131 (a.h.) or Range including areas that escaped ;|l between Honeysuckle and |; [email protected] significant damage during the fires, ;!j Booroomba Rocks. |! Drive to Thredbo and start walking from and other regrowth areas. 85km drive, ;jj Contacts: NPA committee |; the village, following the Metritis $25 per car. Nature Track to the top of the chairlifts. From here we'll set off along the track 25 January, Wednesday Walk 18 December, Sunday Walk that goes to Mt Kosciuszko but after a Cascade Hut Contact: Neville Esau 62864176 short distance we'll turn onto the Dead Leader: Brian Slee or [email protected] for Horse Gap track. After about half an Grading: 3 A information hour we'll leave the track to walk across Mid week walk in conjunction with Map: Chimneys Ridge 1:25 000 open bushland and do a bit of rock CBC and FBI. Leader and destination Contact: 6281 0719 (h) scrambling and climbing to explore TBA [email protected] some of the area around the Ramshead Range and to find a good scenic spot for Depart 6.45am Wanniassa Shops, 26-29 January, Joint Pack Walk lunch. In the afternoon we'll return Langdon Ave (cnr Rylah Cr, opp. Red with Family Bushwalkers across open bushland until we meet up Rooster). Drive 5km south of Thredbo Ettrema Gorge with the Dead Horse Gap track again. to Dead Horse Gap. Follow Australian Leaders: Pat and Eric Pickering We'll then follow the track down to Alps Walking Track (Cascade Trail) via Grading: 3 B/D/E Dead Horse Gap, taking time to enjoy Crackenback River and Bobs Ridge to Map: Touga, Yalwal 1:25 000 the views along the way. From the Gap Cascade Creek. Lunch among Contact: 6286 2128 or we'll follow the Thredbo River back to snowgums at the much-loved hut. Feral [email protected] the village and our cars. This will be a horse area. A couple of steep climbs in Four days in this interesting and the 17 km walk but great views of long day. with an early start (6.30am). remote 400 metre deep gorge. Rock Chimneys Ridge and Rams Head Range scrambling, swimming in crystal-clear and chance to check recovery after 2003 pools and magnificent views. Total fires. Afternoon tea in Jindabyne. climb up to 800 metres. Contact (continued) Drive 420km. $ 120 per car, plus S16 for leaders by 12 January for details. vehicles without park entry permit 375km drive, $110 per car.

NPA OUTINGS PROGRAM — DECEMBER 2005 - MARCH 2006 The walk is all about views. It is a 19 February, Sunday Walk 25 - 26 February, Pack Walk reasonably strenuous walk, covering Snowy Mountains—Rolling Rock Flats about 16km, with total ascents of 700- Grounds and Granite Peaks Leader: David Large 800m. Contact leader by Friday evening Leader: Steve Hill Map: Corin Dam, Rendezvous to register and for details of meeting Grading: 3 B/C Creek 1:25 000 place. 400km drive, $120 per car + $16 Map: Geehi Dam: 1:25 000 Grading: 2 A/B/C/D for cars without a park entry permit. Contact: 6231 9186 or Contact: 62914830 or [email protected] [email protected] A day of fabulous views from Walk from Orroral Picnic Area along 11 February Saturday Work Party different perspectives. This will the AAWT to Cotter Gap then up to Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group proceed only if the weather is likely to Split Rock and across to Rock Flats for Contact: Syd Comfort 6286 2578, be clear. We drive to Guthega (214 overnight camp. On Sunday, drop down [email protected] ,or hours) and follow the foot track up to upper Rendezvous Creek and come Clive Hurlstone 0407 783 422, from the Guthega Dam to Consett out at Nursery Swamp Carpark. Short [email protected] Stephen Pass. Continue north along car shuffle. We will see how this area Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre, the first half of the Rolling Grounds to has recovered from the 2003 fires. Partly on track, with some cross Tharwa at 9:15 am or at Yankee Hat the Granite Peaks. There could still be country. 100km drive, $30 per car car-park at 10:00 am. Work in the plenty of wildflowers around at this Gudgenby Bush Regeneration area altitude (1,900 metres). The walk will replanting, weeding etc following require good fitness, will be all off 4-5 March, Canoe Trip removal of pines. Tools provided. track and will involve some climbing. Talbingo Reservoir It brings with it an early start and late Leader: Mike Bremers return to Canberra, but the sights are Grading: Suitable for beginning 12 February, Sunday Walk awesome. Ring Steve Hill by Friday canoists The Big Hole and Marble Arch evening to register and for details of Maps: Ravine 1:25 000 or Leader: Steven Forst the meeting place. 400km drive, $120 Yarrangobilly 1:100 000 Grading: 3 A per car. Map: Kain 1:25 000 Contact: 6292 3408(h) Contact: 6251 6817 (h) 6219 5236 6283 2052(w) 22 February, Wednesday Walk (w) or [email protected] Paddle 4km from O'Hares Rest Area Leader: Mike Smith Meet at Canberra Railway Station at (Sue City} to a lovely campsite Contact: 6286 2984 or 8.00 am. After crossing the Shoaihaven accessible only by water by lunchtime [email protected] River, a walk on track mainly through on the Saturday. Then an optional Mid Week walk in conjunction with afternoon paddle, walk and/or rest. open forest to visit the large sink hole CBC and FBI. Destination TBA Return to cars Sunday morning. over 110m deep, known as The Big Suitable for beginners. BYO canoe or Hole. Then continue on to the Marble hire (try Wetspot in Fyshwick). If Arch, a limestone feature at the entrance 25 February, Saturday Work interested ring leader by previous to a narrow limestone gorge. 180km Party Monday to organise transport and drive, $54 per car. Naas Creek/Brays haws Hut area canoes. Limit: 10 people. 500km drive, Leader: Martin Chalk $150 per car. Contact 6292 3502(h) 19 February, Joint Sunday Walk 6268 4864 (w) with Family Bushwalkwers or [email protected] 4 March, Saturday Navigation Gorges of the ACT This work party has two areas of Exercise. Continuation Leader: Pat and Eric Pickering operation. Firstly, the right hand bank Navigation Exercise - Hills & Grading: 2 E of Naas Creek between the Mt Clear Valleys of Naas Creek Maps: Corin Dam, Williamsdale Camp Ground and the Boboyan Rd Leader: Martin Chalk Contact: 6286 2128 or has a number of briars. These will be Grading: 1 A/B/C/E [email protected] tackled by cutting and dabbing. Map: Yaouk, 1:25 000 From Ingledene Forest near Angle Secondly, a minor infestation of Contact: 6268 4864 (w) 6292 3502 Crossing we will walk along Reedy Broom has occurred in the vicinity of (h) Creek Gorge to a magnificent Brayshaws Hut. These will be or [email protected] swimming hole on the Murrumbidgee removed. All equipment will be Meet at the Namadgi Visitors' Centre River for a swim. If the weadier is not provided. All we need is willing car park at 9.00am. This walk will start too hot we shall visit the hidden Guises helpers to endure what is likely to be a along the grassy flat of the Naas Creek Gorge. These gorges are listed as sites rewarding but hot day. Meet at the valley and will progress to the subtle of significance in the ACT. Rock- Namadgi Visitor Centre at ridges and forested hilltops to the south hopping and possibly river crossings. 9:00am. I60km drive, $48 per car. west of the valley. It will build on the Only a short climb back to the cars. navigation exercise held in December Swim time will be lenghthened and the by concentrating on the use of map and walk shortened if the weather is hot. Not compass in close country. If you wish much shade so an umbrella is a good to participate in the navigation exercise, idea! A car shuffle will be involved. please bring your own maps and Meet at Kambah Village at 8.20am. compass - no GPS receivers thank you. Drive 60km, $18 per car If this is not you, come along for the walk any way. 160km drive, $48 per car.

NPA OUTINGS PROGRAM — DECEMBER 2005 - MARCH 2006 5 March, Sunday walk 18-21, March Packwalk 24-26 March, Pack Walk Snowy Mountains - Mount Gulf and Nungar Plains Hoddles Castle Townsend and a pond Leader: David Large Leader: Philip Gatenby Leader: Steve Hill Maps: Tantangara and Denison Grading: 3 A/D/E Grading 4 A/C/E 1:25 000 Map: Endrick 1:25 000 Map: Perisher Valley 1:25 000 Grading: 2 A/B Contact: 6254 3094 or Contact: 6231 9186 or Contact: 6291 4830 or [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Hoddles Castle offers great views of Easy walking around the Gulf and By Popular demand. You read about this nearby parts of the Budawangs. The Nungar Plains. An opportunity to visit walk in the NPA Bulletin mid year. This walk starts at the Nerriga entrance to a number of huts that survived the will proceed only if the weather Morton National Park and is partly on 2003 fires. Start from near Tantangara conditions are likely to be safe. We tracks. Some creek crossings and rock

1 Dam and visit Townsends Hut and go drive to Charlotte Pass ( 2 4 hours) and scrambling through cliff lines will also on to Pedens Hut, camp on the walk along the track towards Mt be involved, as will a number of climbs Murrumbidgee with side trip to Love Kosciuszko. About two kilometers of up to 200 metres. Contact the leader Nest in the Salleys. Then follow the along we leave the track and head west by the Wednesday before the walk. 240 boundary track over Jadar Mount across the Snowy River to Muellers km drive. $72 per car. down to Brayshaws Hut and on to Pass on the Main Range. Follow a foot Gavels Hut. We will go across to pad to Mt Townsend. then drop down 29 March, Wednesday Walk Schofields Hut and return to cars via the eastern side towards Lake Albina to Leader: David Large Circuits Hut. This walk can be done in a large pond for fabulous views, and Contact: 62914830 or three or four days and can include a scramble back towards the northern end [email protected] climb of Mt Nungar. Please advise of Muellers Peak to return. The walk Midweek walk in conjunction with CBC interest to allow final route to be will require very good fitness, will be determined. 300km drive, $90 per car. and FBI. Destination and meeting place mainly off track and will involve TBA. significant climbing. It brings with it an early start and late return to Canberra, 19 March, Sunday Walk but the sights are absolutely worth it. Munyang Peak Contact Steve Hill by Friday evening to Leader: Brian Slee register and for details of the meeting Grading: 2 A/B/C place. 400 km drive, $120 per car Map: Nimmo Plains and Kalkite Mountain 1:25 000 11 March Saturday Work Party Contact: 6281 0719 (h) or Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group [email protected] Contact: Syd Comfort 6286 2578, Depart Wanniassa Village. Langdon [email protected] ,or Avenue (cnr Rylah Cr., opp. Red Clive Hurlstone 0407 783 422, Rooster) 7.15am. Drive via Cooma, [email protected] take Rocky Plain Road (toward Eucumbene Dam), Nimmo Road and Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre, Island Bend Fire Trail to Gungarlin Tharwa at 9:15 am or at Yankee Hat River. Park at bridge, cross it and head car-park at 10:00 am. Work in the south-east to Botherum Hut for a Gudgenby Bush Regeneration area break. Wade across Gungarlin River replanting, weeding etc following and continue across Botherum Plain to removal of pines. Tools provided. Kalkite Gap. Climb south to Munyang Peak trig (1644m). Lovely spot, rarely 11 March, Saturday Walk visited. Return same route. If Goulburn Historic Walk sufficient time, visit ex-CSIRO hut. Leader: Col McAlister Afternoon tea at Cooma. Book with Grading: 1 A leader as vehicles with basic 4WD are Map: Goulburn Street Map required for fire trail. Drive: 300 km, Contact: 6288 4171 S90 per car. We will take in some of Goulbum's historic sites. This is the weekend of the 22 March, Wednesday Walk Rose Festival and the sites to be visited Leader: Adrienne Nicholson will depend on what is open and Contact: 6281 6381 interests of participants. Fees/donations Midweek walk in conjunction with will apply at some sites. Meet at 8.30am at the ACT Netball car park just past the CBC and FBI. Destination TBA. Dickson traffic lights on Northbourne Ave. 200km drive, $60 per car.

NPA OUTINGS PROGRAM — DECEMBER 2005 - MARCH 2006 Canoeing in a wilderness NPA members attending the August small lakes. Navigation is no problem include deer, beaver, wolves (heard not General Meeting were treated to a using maps and compass. This area has seen), painted turtles, chipmunks and stunning slide show and talk by Esther been designated by National red squirrels. Among the birds present Gallant. Her presentation focused on Geographic as one of the world's were bald eagle, loon, mergansers, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area 50 greatest places to visit and is chickadees. A recording of the eerie Wilderness (BWCAW), a land of significant for its bird population. A bubbling, hooting call of the loon was waterways in the Superior National permit system regulates the number of played Since the area was visited in Forest of northeastern Minnesota and visitors. There are about 200 000 early spring and autumn, insects were the adjacent Quetico Provincial park in visitors annually, but group size is not a problem as they can be at other southwestern Ontario. Millions of restricted to 10. There are 60 specified times. acres have been set aside here as entry points which, along with camp The equipment taken for visits to wilderness accessible only by canoe or sites and recommended portages, are BWCAW was especially interesting to kayak. Esther has made five trips to noted on available maps. Motorised see in the photographs. The lightweight these magnificent forests and craft and overflights by airplanes are Kevlar canoe weighed only 39 pounds. waterways that stretch for 150 miles banned Items that were carried in the canoe or along the meandering US-Canadian Conifers (firs and spruce) and birch on backs included paddles, tent, three border. make up the majority of tree species in packs weighing 40 pounds each, life Native Americans are known to the wilderness area. Esther's jackets, rope, tarp, stove, food and fuel have used the area for 9000 years, photographs showed some of the many for two weeks, cameras, rain gear, wash leaving behind impressive rock art wildflowers present, especially the basin, billy, solar shower, and bear pictographs of moose, spirit figures, beautiful orchids, a favourite treat for barrels. Since all gear had to be carried wolves and canoes. Historically, the deer. on portages, Esther on one trip BWCAW area was an important trade Although black bears were never estimated she walked a distance greater route in the fur trade before the beavers seen, they are present and a nuisance. than the distance paddled. were almost eliminated due to the Campers are warned that food and other For a trip of any length, rain is demand for pelts for the beaver hat items favoured by bears must be unavoidable but the magnificent trade. secured in special ways since bears can photographs of sunrises, sunsets, The 1.1 million acres of BWCAW climb trees. Food must be suspended on wildflowers, and waterfalls made it contains over 1000 lakes and 1200 ropes between two high trees and/or seem every day was a sunny one. miles of canoe routes along and through secured in "bear barrels". David Pfanner rivers, islands, waterfalls, and large and Other animals seen in the area

Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group reaches a milestone

After seven years of hard work the mattocks, loppers, saws, weeding as well! GBRG can look back with some wands and a small backpack sprayer. The GBRG, having completed their satisfaction as the last section of felled GBRG was successful in obtaining a main objective, is now looking to the pines was burnt earlier this year. In small grant to buy some new equipment future of the group and considering August two work parties were held to and these new tools will be a very their long-term goals. There will always hand broadcast seed into some of the welcome addition as we continue to try be weeding and there are many gaps in more inaccessible burnt areas, using and win the weeding battle. the slopes and valleys where drought, Eucalyptus stellulata and E. viminalis. At a recent committee meeting, poor soils and other variables have Some mechanical seeding was plans for work parties over the next six influenced the regeneration of native performed by park service personnel months were discussed. The summer seeds and seedlings. The group is but there was still a need for GBRG months will require lots of weeding to planning to examine what methods of members to do their part in getting the be done, especially after the recent planting have been most successful, job done. We had two very pleasant rains, but by autumn we hope to plant which species have survived the long sunny days for the work parties which some seedlings of acacias, banksias and drought and what methods of weed made it all the more enjoyable. eucalypts in areas near to tracks and control have worked effectively. We Generally the cooler months are the roads so that they can be watered. hope that our experience will be of use time for seeding with the warmer GBRG welcomes new members to to other groups and plan to collate this months devoted to weeding. This year join in the activities. There is still a lot information for future projects. our weeding chores will be improved of work to be done but we always have Hazel Rath with the purchase of new tools— time for some fun and social interaction

The NPA ACT and the Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group are both having Chi Parties. See Outings Program for details (10th and 11th December). Mount Kelly packwalk, October 2005

sculptures in themselves. Last year we had been caught in light rain that had highlighted the olives, greens and salmon pinks of the tree trunks. I'd been fooled into thinking they'd been black sallys but no. this time in the drv weather they revealed themselves as snow gums, or so we thought. Down to Sam's Creek which was flowing strongly. We managed to cross via a log through the thicket of dead ti tree, remnants of the 2003 fire. On the other side we stopped for a cup of tea which Steven boiled up on his little stove. It was a welcome drop and had been doubly welcome last year when we were cold and damp after walking in the rain. A tea room orchestra of frogs chorused in the background, giving a drowsy, rhvthmical beat lo the afternoon.

The bliss of simplicity We followed Sam's Creek near its / )n Ml h'c!l\ MI/ii mil. Steven, .huh: Kevin. Sonja. Murray and David bed, negotiat ing a few spongy Photo Wax Lawrence sphagnum areas while others in the patty wisely chose the higher route The October long w eekend was had a brief stop at the banks of a creek which avoided the sphagnum. About looming and we were in the mood for a as we approached the ascent to the 45 minutes after crossing Sam's Creek packwalk that Jidn't involve a long saddle flanking Mount Gudgenby. and passing a lone tarn, we pitched our drive. Mount Kelly with Steven Forst The ascent is moderately steep and tents where the trees gave way to a seemed ideal even though we had gone steady but pleasant on a cool day as it grassy open area. Last year we'd there at the same time last year with takes you through the eucalypt forest. spotted a heap of rusty nails that looked Steven. The magic of the place called. The track going up is definite but hard as ii" they'd been used for putting up a There were seven of us. EJesides our to find on the return. Yellow pea yard many years ago. leader we were: Max Lawrence. Sonja flowers and the purple I lardenbergia The creek was close by and all Lenz, Kevin McCue. and three Kellys: added their splashes of colour to the seemed perfect, except that Steven had Dave. Judy, and Murray. The weather scene as we toiled upward and gained left his collapsible tent poles at home. forecast was fine for the weekend and the grassy saddle for lunch. He managed to pitch his tent with some we set off on a mild Saturday morning, Then it was down to a creek and ingenuitv. using my aluminium walking leaving the cars at the Yankee Hat following the fire trail undulations to sticks. carpark. After we had negotiated the Sam's Creek, past the spectacular Fire permits are mandatory in Gudiienbv Bush Regeneration area, we granite boulders that are bushland Namadgi National Park, but because we were camped just over the border in NSW in Scabby Range Nature Reserve we didn't need one. We could relax and enjoy the bliss of simplicity • a camp tire, ginger wine, various nibbles, an easy meal and an early bed. We beard the evening chorus of frogs plus the confidential warhlings and varied calls of lyrebirds. Mopokes were calling but Kevin was certain they were dingoes or feral dogs. Next morning we were off bv 8:30 and heading for Mt Kelly. The 2003 fire has left the forest in various shades of black and grey but the trees and understorey are regenerating w ell enough. In a year or so. scrub bashing might be mandatory. Steven was trying to find the route

Kevin and S<>Wtt en lay a hrcitk mi (iudi>enh\ Saddle i'luiw \lti\ IOWICIKV

12 NPA BULLETIN—DECEMBER 2005 he'd followed during a solo walk in February but it was proving evasive. We seemed to be following almost the exact route of the previous year: negotiating Sam's Creek and tributaries various times before climbing a ridge and heading in a north-westerly direction. We finally reached the top of the ridge with a full view of Mt Kelly, and a partial view of Mt Morgan to the west. A pesky wind had risen and bullied us while we rested and gazed at our destination. We soon headed down the spur, crossing open country with snow grass where we saw what looked like rabbit droppings but were identified as sheep droppings. I wonder how long is it since sheep were up near Mt Kelly? It's strange to think of them there. As we started up the boulder-strewn and bush-covered slopes of Mt Kelly, Kevin and Max spotted stone Steven, Judy, Murray and Sonja approaching Mt Kelly, day two. Photo Max Lawrence arrangements that marked the ACT/ NSW border and Max told the tale of Mouat, (think Mouat Street, Lyneham) join the Canberra Bushwalking Club, and up a rocky slab or two. We gained a surveyor who'd camped out in the who had also worked towards having a the top where the wind was blowing area for months with his hardy wife. As national park declared. with renewed zest. we continued our climb, Kevin spotted We hadn't meet up with the a wedge-tailed eagle, soaring with the Canberra Bushwalkers whose route had No acrobatics wind currents. been too ambitious for us, but we did Kevin had his eye on the cairn on reach the top of Mt Kelly in strong top of a rock, separated from the rest of At the top wind just before the weather broke with the rocky summit by a deep gulch, but When we finally reached the top of sleet and ram. was dissuaded from attempting any Mt Kelly, the wind made standing For our 2005 lunch, we huddled in acrobatics with a reminder that Sonja upright almost impossible. We had a the shelter of rocks, just under was waiting for him back at the saddle. sweeping 360 degree panoramic view Mt Kelly's trig point where we'd We looked back at Mt Kelly which had of blue peaks, some rounded, others hurriedly taken a few photographs of felt the full fiery blast on its flanks jagged, folding away into the distance. the windswept party. Down below lay in 2003. Mt Namadgi and the other They included Mts Morgan and Murray the burnt-out sphagnum bogs with surrounding hills were reduced to their and the dip where the Cotter runs. evidence of the restoration work that harsh, unyielding rocky faces and Away to the south we could see part of Amanda Carey, a ranger with outcrops, the softening effect of the snow flecked Main Range which Environment ACT, had helped to vegetation all but erased. merged with the clouds, Jagungal with coordinate. To the south lay the Orroral Valley, snow on its shoulders, and Table Top. Lunch was short and then came a showing yellow and grey in the Each peak was a memory of past choice: climb the smaller peak to the distance. Time to go. About one and a walks from the 1960s onwards, years west of Mt Kelly or climb Mt Burbidge half hours later, we joined Sonja and with different people and groups, which looked rather forbidding with its Steven who were pleased to see that the coming full circle to when Dave and I large expanses of bleached rock and wind hadn't spirited us away. We started introducing our children to the dead snow gums. And the wind kept headed downwards through thickets of pleasures and rigours of walking. blowing. ti tree, towards the beautiful open frost In March 1960, NPA members Five of us decided to head for hollow that has a lovely golden glow in Fiona MacDonald Brand, Julie Henry, Mt Burbidge while Sonja and Steven the late afternoon light. and my father, Robert Story, with Alan waited at a saddle below Mt Kelly with We spotted a flame robin just on the Bagnall from the Canberra Alpine rocks and trees that provided a little edge of the hollow and yes, we had also Club, marvelled at the view from the shelter. seen one last year as we emerged from top of Mt Kelly. From their vantage After Max and Dave consulted the the ti tree thickets in the face of flurries point, they visualised the extent of what map and took bearings, we descended of sago snow. they thought should be a National Park to a lower saddle. The effects of the The frost hollow is a very peaceful for the National Capital. 2003 fire revealed themselves starkly spot with the sound of frogs inviting Nancy Burbidge, CSIRO scientist with the tree skeletons and the you to sit down and take a nap or set up and botanist, had been the main backdrop of granite. camp. Inevitably coming to the frost protagonist for the idea and her Max had clear memories of an hollow raises questions of the old track namesake, Mt Burbidge, lies to the east uncomfortable scramble up Burbidge that used to run to one side of the open ofMt Kelly. from the southern end, followed by area. It is marked on old maps and To celebrate Namadgi National rock and scrub along the top to the provided a good route back to the lower Park's 20th birthday, Steven's intention highest point. He led us towards the reaches of Sam's Creek. for the 2004 Mt Kelly walk had been to northerly end, in between the boulders (Continued on page 14) Parkwatch Pest management in Southern programs where problems have been Sand pad monitoring has been Highlands national parks identified. initiated in Bugong National Park to Weed control has been undertaken further assist the Brush-tailed Rock- in Murramarang National Park and the wallaby Recovery Program. National Parks staff and contractors Blackbutt Road area in Conjola Deer control is a complex and conducted many weed and feral animal National Park. Bitou bush control has difficult issue. Southern Highlands staff control programs during the year and been carried out in Cullendulla Creek have been researching deer control will continue with these works: Nature Reserve, Tollgate Islands. Seven strategies in vulnerable areas in the Mile Beach National Park and northern pan of Morton National Park. Fox control continues in the Comerong Island Nature Reserve. Kangaroo Valley area as part of the Woody weed eradication has been Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Protection Madeira vine has been targeted at undertaken at Cecil Hoskins Nature Program. Other control areas include the Coomanderry Swamp section of Reserve and extensive native species Jervis Bay National Park (in partnership Seven Mile Beach National Park, with plantings will occur when the drought with staff from Booderee National the assistance of volunteers. breaks. Volunteers continue to Park) and Beecroft Peninsula. Tree of Heaven and blackberry undertake weed control in the Bundanoon Section of Morton National Goat control programs were control was undertaken at Yalwal and Park and in Robertson Nature Reserve. conducted in the Shoalhaven Gorge. McKenzie Station in Morton National These groups have been operating for Tarlo River National Park and around Park. several years and Jo a magnificent job. the brush-railed rock-wallaby colony Coral tree and lantana has been near Banaby. targeted throughout the region with The fight continues . . . Several new pig traps w ere special emphasis on Minnamurra Highlands to e

Mount Kelly pack walk, October 2005 'continued from page 13)

We couldn't find it but simply even been identified? What is the best delicious coffee and milkshakes outside followed the edge of the frost hollow to way of protecting these areas? the Lanyon cafe, under a tree. the south west and then into the forest. We eventually roused ourselves for We enjoyed a frank critique about About half an hour from our camp we the last stretch. Once we reached the Nolan and Streeton. To express ami- passed a waterfall, the water flowing saddle, the track we'd followed in was Nolan sentiments at Lanyon is fast and plentifully, a welcome sign of elusive. Other animal tracks criss-cross tantamount to treason or blasphemy the good rains that had fallen. the area, giving false leads but finally you'd think, but no tree branch Jell on Camp that night was punctuated by we reached the cars just after 3:00pm us and it was Streeton who seemed to the sounds of the mopokes again (no, on Monday afternoon. be the firm favourite. Kevin, not dogs of any kind), and dear 1 noticed that the pace had It was an ideal way to end a lovely reader, you wouldn't believe it. the quickened after lunch and was feeling walk into Namadgi and beyond Long fleeting commentary of the grand final just a little tetchy. Evidently Steven was may the frogs keep croaking and the of the rugby league; then from the other concerned that he'd specified Sunday as sphagnum bogs hold their own. a side of the fire we were brought sharply our return date, not Monday, so he was peaceful retreat from life's frantic pace. back to the 21st century with a snippet eager to reach the log book and sign us Thank you, Steven. of sobering news— Bali. off before any alarm was raised. The Judy Kelly Our little escape bubble had burst plus was that with extra time up our for a while ... then the camp fire, sleeves, we finished the walk with smoke, and the sounds of the frogs brought us back to the bush and to bed. Return \\ a Ik Next morning after a slow, leisurely breakfast, we set off on our return, well above Sam's Creek. Ihe day was warming up fast and after a break near Sam's Creek crossing, we returned the way we'd come in. with lunch and a doze just below the grassy saddle. I was glad the day wasn't any boner Summer is forecast to be hot and dry. not an inviting prospect. What effect will global warming have on Namadgi and its neighbour, Kosciuszko'.' What will happen lo the sphagnum bogs, the frogs, snow gums and many other species that haven't

\<»!ia. Kevin Murray finding Judvl and Steven happily on the home straight I'hoio Max Lawrence Parkwatch Garden escapers—landscape likely due to climate change. Government is addressing the issue, Listen to Doctor Mike Weston, there is concern that this process has the wreckers Head of the Research and Conservation potential to drag out well beyond the Plants escaping from Australia's home Department with Birds Australia, and necessary timeframes. Scientists gardens are inflicting ugly damage on he will tell you that birds are letting us corifirm that the investigation proposed the nation's landscapes, National Parks know that climate change is happening can be undertaken within a year rather and Nature Reserves. Home gardeners now. In an interview on ABC radio than the proposed two-and-a-half year and gardening advisers must be Dr Weston explained that bird timeframe. conscious of the harm their choice of migration patterns are an extremely In addition, the policy presently plants can have on our native bush, and accurate measure of climate change. focuses on yield and excludes quality be vigilant in preventing escapes. "There are some birds that migrate issues associated with logging. The Scientists round Australia report with very precise timing," he said. Australian Medical Association wants scores of new weed invasions every "Some seabirds, when they return to industrial and agricultural activities in year, many being plants which have their colonies, for example, you can water catchments to be independently escaped from home gardens. Some basically set your watch by them; you monitored—their concern is related to invasive plants can cause greater know that they're going to come in on a the contamination of water by logging damage than that caused by feral particular day every year." and associated activities in Tasmania. animals, taking over an entire Change in migration patterns, he Wilderness, Winter 2005 landscape, wiping out the native concludes, points to fundamental vegetation and drastically changing the changes in the world's climate. Recovery at the Prom mix of birds, animals, reptiles and habitat, June 2005 insects it can support. They out- Biologists from La Trobe University compete native plants for water, light or recently spent two days at Wilsons nutrients, and increase the frequency The case of the missing logs Promontory examining how the flora and intensity of bushfires. The illegal logging of Snowy River and fauna of the park have responded Some are poisonous to native and National Park during the 2003 bushfires to, and are recovering from, disturbance domestic animals, others cause human drew scathing criticism from the by fire. allergies. Auditor-General in his report released In the majority of burnt areas the Among the many garden favourites in May. The report confirms that the litter layer has been burnt back to which have gone feral are: Agapanthus, logging was illegal, breaching three mineral earth. There are many broom, Singapore daisy, bridal creeper, separate Acts; that the logs went extensive patches of re-sprouting grass- asparagus fem, ivy, purple morning "missing"; and that the "fire-break" trees, and since their simultaneous glory, periwinkle, Japanese made the area more fire prone and put flowering is stimulated by fire, spring Honeysuckle, seaside daisies, gazanias, fire-fighters' lives at risk. However, no should be a spectacular sight! ericas, arum lilies, pampas grass, one will be prosecuted for the offences. A walk from Norman Bay to Little pigface and Italian lavender. Wild, Spring 2005 Oberon Bay showed that the flanks of Responsible gardening includes Mt Little Oberon had fire of high replacing any invasive species with safe Victoria's new water policy: intensity with little understorey remaining, and even the vegetation of plants. There are hundreds of beautiful logging in catchments plants, many of them natives, which the rocky outcrops (mainly Burgan, can be grown as alternatives to the In the depths of Victoria's montane Kunzea ericoides), along with the invasive species. Lists of substitutes are forests lie Melbourne's water encrusting lichens of the granite available in most States and Territories. catchments. The Thomson River, which boulders, was not spared The fire It also involves safe disposal of flows into Melbourne's largest spread to the ocean's edge in most garden rubbish—not just dumping it reservoir, begins its journey on the places. over the back fence or in the bush. It often snow-capped Baw Baw plateau. Observations from the trip included: means covering your trailer when you From here it meanders through grassy • the speed at which some plants are go to the tip, so bits don't blow off and fens, finally dropping down into the re-sprouting. Amazingly, tree-ferns establish along the roadside. People forested catchments. Yet logging rates and ground ferns are among the first wh ose h om es a dj oin the bush or in these catchments are some of the plants to re-sprout in moist areas parkland need to take particular care— highest in the State. Trees that grow • the fire has burnt in a mosaic-like and weed the bush as well as their back after logging use twice as much pattern according to vegetation and garden! water as an old growth forest—meaning fuel type, wind speed and NPA News, May 2005 half as much water is left for cities, topography, as well as other towns, farms and aquatic ecosystems. variables Three years ago, the Victorian • few birds were seen in burnt areas, Birds on the move Government acknowledged there was a except for White-throated Something odd is happening in the bird problem: water was estimated to start Treecreepers, Eastern Yellow Robins world. In Melbourne, the presence of running out in Melbourne by 2012. and Grey Currawongs Crested Pigeons, known for making a They also accepted that logging • spiders and ants were very seldom distinctive squeaking sound as they take reduced water supply and that logging seen. Their recolonisation may take off, is increasing in the streets and was occurring in catchments that some time. parks. In the Snowy Mountains, Flame supplied 60 per cent of Melbourne's Robins have started arriving weeks drinking water. Despite this, the Bracks Update, July 2005 earlier than normal. The migration Government is proposing more research patterns of our birds is changing, and and another lengthy process. Compiled by Len Haskew according to bird watchers, it's most Although the Victorian State Community concerns for natural values in Molonglo Valley plans

Natural and cultural heritage and able to survive if the west and central Plan "has retained key environmental environmental management issues have zones would be for the breeding sites to and habitat corridors such as the featured strongly in community be protected, while the land around Yellow Box-Red Gum Grassy consultations for the development of them is developed. Woodland that runs south west from the Molonglo Valley Draft Structure The raptor population of the Weetangera. and the wildlife corridors Plan. Current planning provides for Molonglo Valley comprises the wedge- adjacent to William Hovell Drive and development in three zones in an area tailed eagle, the little eagle, black- along the Molonglo River corridor". reaching from William Hovell Drive to shouldered kite, whistling kite, white- Studies have already included the Uriarra and Cotter roads and from bellied sea-eagle, brown goshawk, investigations into the potential impacts the ridge above the Tuggeranong collared sparrowhawk, the peregrine of urban development on birds of prey Parkway to west of the Coppins falcon, the brown falcon, Australian and the pink tailed worm lizard. "These Crossing road. hobby and the nankeen kestrel. studies identified important habitat Initial development is planned for Ms Harrup said proposals for the areas and nesting sites, which have the East Molonglo zone which is eastern section were "acceptable", since been incorporated into wildlife contained within an area bordered by that section mainly covers former pine corridors in the current planning for the the Cotter Road, Tuggeranong Parkway plantation areas and is reasonably structure plan," it says. and William Hovell Drive. This will central to existing urban development. Hills, ridges and significant views provide for 20 000 dwellings and a And there were potential positives. The should be protected, the authority says, population of 44 000. It is expected that Molonglo River valley in the eastern and significant trees and tree stands this will absorb Canberra's population zone is highly degraded in parts and should be retained where possible. A increase in coming years and, according urban development in the area may give survey of Aboriginal and European to the ACT Planning and Land the opportunity to carry' out restoration heritage is being undertaken and any Authority, "the central and western work. sites that are identified "vvill be areas would not need to be developed in appropriately protected". Consultation results the foreseeable future". Public comments were due to close However, it is these west and Natural and cultural heritage and on November 28 and it was expected central zones that are the main concern environmental management comprised that the Molonglo Valley Planning of the Conservation Council of the 24 per cent of the issues raised in Studies would be finalised by the end of South-East Region and Canberra workshops and written submissions December 2005. Formal consideration because they include an important earlier this year. Urban growth made up of a preferred plan through a woodland wildlife corridor running 40 per cent, and recreation and the built Preliminary Assessment, a Draft south of the Belconnen suburbs, and and social environment issues Amendment to the National Capital because the valley is home to aggregated 36 per cent of the total. Plan and a Draft Variation to the 12 species of birds of prey. Ten of the The planning authority says Territory Plan will also include a species breed in the valley and the other environmental corridors and formal consultation process. two may breed there, but all need large endangered habitats "'need to be Graeme Wicks open spaces for hunting. protected". It states in a public The council's Director, Trish information pamphlet that current Harrup, says the birds would not be planning for the Molonglo Structure Sustainability and Bushfire Recovery Conference

Three NPA ACT committee members the use of the word "prevention" in territories, the fire season will be (Christine Goonrey, Kevin McCue and public discussion can be misleading. longer. Chris Emery) were invited to attend the This message was reinforced by The conference also heard three-day "Tenth Annual Conference of another delegate, Jim Gould, who is presentations on the environmental Parliamentary Environment and Public Research Leader, Bushfire Behaviour response to the recovery from the ACT Works Committees" hosted in Canberra and Management at CSIRO, who made 2003 bushfires and short and long-term in September. The conference was the following points: strategies, the recovery process for chaired by Mick Gentleman. Chair of • Fire as an ecological process has ACT Forests and the need to involve the ACT Standing Committee on shaped our landscape. It is our role the community, the redevelopment at Planning and Environment. to manage how we live with fire. the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, the best Summing up at the end of the • Our capacity to manage fires is way to deal with spontaneous conference, Mr Gentleman recalled the sometimes as low as five per cent. volunteers, and related topics drawing statement by the Chair of the National • We need to be mindful of the fact on experiences in South Australia and Bushfire Inquiry, Stuart Ellis, that that we in Australia are in a Victoria as well as the ACT. bushfires were part of the ecological continuous fire season. Graeme Wicks system, and that there was no such • Climate change studies indicate that thing as being Fireproof, containment this one season will become more was "more hope than reality", and that intense and for individual states and Great Australian Bushwalk 2005 The Great Australian Bushwalk, inaugurated last year by our sister organisation the NPA of NSW, was held again in all State capitals and many regional centres on Sunday 16 October 2005. In Canberra we had a very hard act to follow. Last year something like 650 people had registered for the two walks in the northern sections of Canberra Nature Park. On the Big Day then it poured rain in the middle of the drought, but the wet mob of walkers arriving at a soggy Mulligans Flat were generally a very happy lot, and the event was pronounced a big success. This year's Canberra event was again Bigger Than Ben Hur. It was based on three separate walks in the Murrumbidgee Corridor, using Pine Island as a base. Walkers were taken by ACTION bus to their respective starting points, and then walked back to Pine Island where they were fed by Rotary and entertained by a bush band. The long walk was 23km from Casuarina As was the case last year, NPA was shorter walks NPA leaders included Sands along the new walking track greatly assisted in running this year's Steve Hill, Syd Comfort, Gary constructed following the 2003 fires, event by strong support from the ACT Thompson, Barbara Edgar, Beverley the medium walk was 9km along part Government, especially Environment Hammond, Jacqui Cole and Sue of the same track from Kambah Pool, ACT. As well as providing grant Chadwick. and the short walk was 4.5km from funding for the event, Environment NPA volunteers who helped keep Point Hut Crossing. ACT provided staff to help plan and things running at Pine Island, notably coordinate the logistics. by checking hundreds of walkers in and In this regard, special out and running the NPA display, mention should be made included Christine and Michael ' of the excellent work Goonrey, Clive Hurlstone, John done by Kylie Lahiff, Webster, Di Thompson, Adrienne Emily Crimmins and Nicholson, Kathy Saw, Pat Miethke, Margaret Wade. On the Chris Emery, and Sabine Friedrich. Big Day many rangers Chris especially was very active in and staff members also handing out NPA brochures, and very gave generously their quickly had a selection of photos up on own time to lead our website. Hopefully all of this will walking groups and translate into a boost to our ensure that the wheels membership. turned smoothly. All in all, a very successful day, and National sponsor Paddy one that served to significantly raise Pallin provided special NPA's profile in the community. shirts to walks leaders and organisers. In total 642 people participated, Max Lawrence comprising 71 who did the 23km, 343 NPA volunteers who did the 9km, and 228 who did the turned up in large 4.5km short walk. There were lots of numbers. We had families walking together, including primary several strollers on the short walk. The responsibility for the weather was cool and cloudy, but dry— 23km walk, which an excellent day for walking. The was led by Steven country was unbelievably GREEN. The Forst Martin Chalk, company was congenial, and a good Philip Gatenby and time was had by all. Brian Slee. On the

Top right; Some of the Great Australian Bushwalkers negotiating a rocky creek crossing on the longest walk Above; Walk leaders and their flocks catching the buses arranged to take them to the various walk starting points. Right; All walkers had to register before participating, and report in on completion of their walk Photos Max Lawrence Thanks for the broken ankle NPA ACT member Ben Selinger has great physio gave him some remedial over an hour just to get to the nearest demonstrated a great capacity to look crutch training, and he was looking mobile phone access point to ring for an on the bright side of a broken ankle. He forward to returning to walking in the ambulance. The injured walker was in a found many positives in the help he bush as soon as possible—"possibly lot of pain and we knew it would not received from members and many sticking to 'easy' for a while", only be a difficult site for the others following an accident on a "It's the first bone I've ever broken ambulance officers to get to but that it Sunday Walk in the Orroral Valley in in many decades of bushwalking, so I would be a bit tricky getting him out on August. count myself very lucky indeed to have a stretcher. But on the way back from In a message to fellow walkers a avoided the almost inevitable for so ringing we were able to flag down few days after the accident, he said: long," he wrote. David's ute and to our great relief he "My sincere thanks for all your help President Christine Goonrey wrote was able to establish radio contact and support on last Sunday's walk at to the District Manager, Namadgi between us, the ambulance and the Orroral. Going for help at speed, National Park, Brett McNamara, to Visitor Centre, and organise the rescue coming back up again with the rescue, record the association's thanks "for the effort. David was a great calming staying and chatting and watching over sterling effort of three Parks and influence with his expertise and good me for almost four hours and finally Conservation Service rangers", with humour, and we knew we were OK that really hard walk down with the particular thanks to David Whitfield, when we were joined by two of his stretcher. All very, very much who was working in the area at the ranger colleagues with the ambulance a appreciated. I hope the strain of the time. short distance behind. The hardest part going out and the carrying out were not Christine's letter states that was still ahead: getting the accident too much. Sarah, the ambulance lady, Mike Smith, the party leader, made the victim in the stretcher down to the and the park rangers were really terrific accident victim as warm and ambulance on the road through 1.5km and the story of the locked gate will no comfortable as possible and dispatched of rough bush. However, with good doubt initiate an upgrade of three volunteers to get help. She teamwork, and to our great relief, we all arrangements." continues: made it out safely before dark.' " Ben said the Canberra Hospital "Kevin McCue expressed the Graeme Wicks operated with efficiency and care and a feeling of the group later: 'It took us Draft Budawangs strategy: NPA comments

The association has responded with • Toilets of minimal construction are entrances are sufficiently hardened to some detailed as well as general proposed to address pollution. cope with the level of use even at the comments on the Draft Budawangs • Walkers will be required to keep to potential risk of encouraging more Walking and Camping Strategy. In a designated tracks and camping areas use." However there was concern for covering letter to the NSW National in the former artillery impact area. the need to re-establish linkage at the Parks and Wildlife Service, Christine • Walkers will be encouraged to keep Endrick entrance to main tab significant Goonrey pointed out that the NPA ACT group sizes small, to a recommended access to a major portion of the park. had been involved for many years in maximum of eight and an absolute The proposed strategy of no new tracks bushwalking in the Budawangs and in maximum of 12. was supported provided some form of conducting work parties to improve the • A permit system is proposed for access towards the Vines and/or Round environment there. popular routes at peak times. Mountain was re-established from the An estimated 16 000 walkers visit • Minor track works such as Endrick entrance. the central sections of the Budawangs relocation, water diversion or The association also documented its each year, and a further 20 000 walk to hardening will continue to be support for group size and walker Pigeon House Mountain. undertaken where necessary to registration. It recognised, however, A summary of main points in the prevent erosion and track braiding. that this could cause difficulties for draft, thanks to the Autumn 2005 issue The NPA's submission stated that some groups, as would the of The Bushwalker (see Len Haskew's the overall theme of the draft strategy implementation of the proposed PARKWATCH extract in the September (acceptance of popular established registration system. The NPA called for 2005 Bulletin) is as follows: walking routes and camp sites and an advertising campaign and on-site • It continues the existing ban on managing their use to minimise information to redirect groups to close camping and wood fires in Monolith environmental damage, while aiming to alternative walks and/or camping areas. Valley, Hidden Valley, the Castle minimise disturbance and maximise Among other observations were: Saddle, the Vines and along the Two wilderness experience in the remainder • the proposed tent camping Rivers track within wilderness. of the Budawangs) was a desirable restrictions appear to be no different • It prohibits camping in rock goal—but it was believed that in some to existing arrangements; overhangs except for a number of areas it would be necessary to be more • the proposed camping caves provide listed sites. proactive in the measures considered. a range of options for those inclined • It bans wood fires in all caves and Entrances and access were an to use them; overhangs. important consideration. "On the • the moves towards the use of fuel • Maximum tent numbers and a fuel whole, the range of entrances to the stoves is necessary in a number of stove only requirement are imposed park is good and aids the dispersion of areas, but fallen wood is relatively in five popular camp sites that are foot traffic," the NPA noted. "Given the plentiful away from camping areas suffering significant damage. level of use, it is essential that these (continued on facing page) National Parks Australia Council meets The National Parks Australia Council Alps, and projects for the bushfire how that translates into building codes. (NPAC) annual conference was held in Cooperative Research Centre (CRC). The Nature Conservation Society of Canberra on the weekend of The conference was adjourned for South Australia has produced a set of 17-18 September 2005. The NPAC is the NPAC AGM which saw the re­ biodiversity training manuals or the national umbrella group for State election of the current executive and regional bushland monitoring manuals and Territory national parks agreement for NPAC to rejoin the for parkland groups, agencies and associations and their equivalents. World Conservation Union (IUCN). individuals. Kevin McCue has a copy Christine Goonrey arranged the The treasurer submitted the audited should anyone be interested to check it venue at Manning Clark House in accounts. out. Forrest which was just perfect, the large Phil Ingamells gave a presentation John Macris explained the glass windows of the conference room on the Alps National Park and spoke establishment of the Eastern Highlands overlooking a classic Canberra winter about the Victorian Government's Conservation Blueprint in NSW to garden. recent commendable decision to end improve the conservation links between Christine introduced Dr Maxine cattle grazing in the Victorian Alps public or private land and the parks and Cooper to the President (Anne Reeves), National Park (see also Park or reserves through binding written Secretary and Public officer (David paddock, p9). He pointed out the need agreements with government. Helen Campbell) and Treasurer (Leon for NPAC to support the tri-state Vonow outlined a similar, as yet Misfeld) of NPAC, and the NPA Alpine Park concept which would unfunded, program that will operate in delegates from Tasmania (Anne require common legislation to be South Australia. VNPA has funding to McConnell), Victoria (Phil Ingamells), adopted by the three governments. develop site-specific plans: eg, for a NSW (John Macris), Queensland NPAC agreed to monitor progress. catchment to achieve desired (Martin Taylor), ACT (Kevin McCue) Discussion led by Anne then environmental outcomes. and the Nature Conservation Society of followed on issues of changing public There was much more and we all South Australia (Helen Vonow). Anne attitudes to national parks and the roles continued the exchange of information Reeves opened the meeting and that national parks play including and ideas over lunch at the National welcomed Dr Cooper who spoke about • limiting the size of some parties Botanic Gardens before delegates plans for National Heritage Listing of using the parks departed for home. the Australian Alps national parks (see • dealing with park users who are anti- The strength of NPAC is its Alps nominated for heritage list, p9, park in attitude such as some outdoor coordinating role, getting NPAs and Challenges for national parks recreational users or those with together to discuss issues of common today, pIO). different understanding of what interest and national significance, and Minutes of the 2004 meeting were national parks are for its potential for strengthening approved and actions arising from the • compatible versus non-compatible environmental outcomes by collective minutes included agreement to uses lobbying of governments. It is up to the • revamp the NPAC website with • the need for application of value- delegates to ensure that this interesting Martin Taylor offering to be web based assessment. and useful meeting translates into master On Sunday morning the meeting actions. • support the Mittagong Forum with a resumed to discuss the state of the Christine Goonrey facilitated the small donation. NPAC website, the need for a new meeting by organising the wonderful Delegates each gave an annual letterhead, sharing of software and a venue. She, Sonja Lenz and Judy Kelly report and then Di Thompson gave a business plan. Discussion then moved arranged and prepared lunch and short report on the Management Plan to marine parks and their current morning teas and hosted billets. Sonja for Namadgi. inadequate protection. also chaired the election committee, After lunch in Dymphna Clark's Helen Vonow focussed discussion and several NPA ACT members heritage kitchen, Bruce Leaver led a on management of fires in national participated in the meeting at various discussion of issues being considered parks and protected areas where asset times. by the Alps Liaison Committee protection often overrides conservation Kevin McCue including heritage listing of, and a values. In NSW there was appreciation scientific advisory committee for, the of the concept of "living with fires" and

Draft Budawangs strategy: NPA Vale Allen Atkins It is with regret that we note the comments (continuedfrom facing page) passing of long-time member Allen Atkins, who was aged 86. Noela, and camping caves and it is unlikely environmental damage: composting that any overall ban on lighting fires toilets are now a more economically Allen's widow, expressed her would be successful; feasible alternative than they have appreciation of a message of sympathy on toilets, a number of areas are very been and are probably worth further sent by the association on behalf of| heavily used and are likely to need consideration; and members. substantial efforts to provide off-road motor cycles traveling at "During our early years in Canberra facilities and harden sites, while the speed on the western fire trails in the we enjoyed our activities with your placement of low impact toilets at Budawangs are of concern to group—the walks and work parties and popular camping sites deep within walkers. Xmas activities," she wrote. the park is an unfortunate but Graeme Wicks "Everyone made us feel very necessary addition to help minimise welcome." National Parks Association Calendar

Dec 05 Jan 06 Feb 06 Mar 06

Sun25 Mon 2 No general meeting in either Public holidays Mon 26 Mon 20 Thur 26 December or January Tues 27

Next General Meeting General meetings — — Thur 16 Thur 16 Thursday 16 February 2006 Committee meetings — Tues 7 Tues 7 8:00pm NPA Christmas party Sun 11 Uniting Church hall 1 56 Scrivener Street Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Sat 10 Sat 11 Sat II O'Connor Bulletin Working Group 2 TBA

Further details 1 Yankee Hat carpark 10:00am, Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (h) 040 778 3422 (mob) 2 Syd Comfort 6286 2578 General meetings

Thursday 16 February 2006 Thursday 16 March 2006 New members Walking the Bibb! Howard's environment agenda: NPA ACT welcomes the following new preservation or just plain politics David, Tim and Neville members. The Bibbulmun Track is 965km long Andrew Macintosh, Research Fellow, Jeff and Jenny McGrath Kambah and runs from Perth to Albany. It is The Australia Institute Jill and Don White Gordon unique in Australia. NPA members Andrew's talk will discuss the Meg Boyd Downer David Large, Tim Walsh and Neville Howard Government's handling of the Bruce Gall Wallaroo Esau completed their "end to end" in environment and heritage portfolio, with Gemma Dodds Bonython 2005 and will talk about their particular emphasis on the question of Andrew Snedden Garran experiences. whether the Federal Government's Judy Collett Turner environment achievements have been We hope to see you at meetings or more about politics than substantive upcoming outings. environmental outcomes. A focus on terrestrial issues including reserves and biodiversity policy will be of particular interest to NPA members.

NPA ACT Bulletin

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