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Volume 28 number 3 September 1991

Life membership for Kevin Frawley Walker's guide to the north Brindabellas NPA BULLETIN volume28number3 September 1991

CONTENTS

Kevin Frawley a life member 5 Namadgi news 19 Fisheries—Lake Burley Griffin 6 A neglected Orroral Homestead 21 Birds—Jerrabomberra Wetlands 7 Books 22 Canberra's tree heritage 8 A rural perspective on conservation 9 Cover Councils and committees 10 Photo: Reg Alder Forest and timber inquiry 14 Remnant rainforest, Green Point, Beecroft Trips 16 Penninsular, Jervis Bay.

National Parks Association (ACT) Subscription rates (1 July - 30 June) Incorporated Household members $20 Single members $15 Corporate members $10 Bulletin only $10 Inaugurated 1960 Concession: half above rates For new subscriptions joining between: Aims and. objects of the Association • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the 1 January and 31 March - half specified rate protection of fauna and flora, scenery and natural features 1 April and 30 June - annual subscription in the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the Membership enquiries welcome reservation of specific areas. Please phone Laraine Frawley at the NPA office. • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areas. The NPA (ACT) office is located in Kingsley Street, • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment Acton. Office hours are: of, such natural phenomena by organised field outings, 10am to 2pm Mondays meetings or any other means. • Co-operation with organisations and persons having 9am to 2pm Tuesdays and Thursdays similar interests and objectives. Telephone: (06) 257 1063 • Promotion of, and education for, nature conservation, and Address: GPO Box 457 Canberra 2601. the planning of land-use to achieve conservation. Contribute to your Bulletin Office-bearers and Committee Contributions of articles (news, description or fiction), President Beverley Hammond 288 6577(h) black-and-white photographs and line drawings areJ (Les Pyke will be President until Beverley returns keenly sought for the Bulletin. Please label phot^R from overseas at the end of September.) graphs with the name of the subject, the name of the Vice-President Dianne Thompson 288 6084(h); photographer and the date. Leave contributions at the 244 7572(w); 244 7934(fax w). office or phone the editor, Roger Green, on Immediate Past President Les Pyke 281 2982(h) (06) 247 0059. The editorial fax is (06) 249 7373. Secretary Len Haskew 281 4268(h) Treasurer and Public Officer Mike Smith Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect 286 2984(h); 248 3624(w) Association opinion or objectives.

Subcommittee conveners Deadline for December issue: 1 November, 1991. Co-Conveners Environment Tim Walsh 285 1112(h); 274 1465(w) NPA Bulletin is produced by Green Words for the Len Crossfield 241 2897(h); 263 2267(w) National Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated. It is Convener Outings produced with the assistance of an ACT Heritage Dianne Thompson 288 6084(h); 244 7572(w); grant. 244 7934(fax w). Convener Namadgi Dugald Monro 231 8776(h) Printed on recycled paper by Union Offset Co Pty Ltd, Fyshwick, ACT. Other Committee members Neville Esau 286 4176(h); 249 9500(w) ISSN 0727-8837 Syd Comfort 286 2578(h) Clive Hurlstone 288 7592(h); 246 5516(w) President's foreword on resources and helping us main­ blaster carrying range from their Standing room only? tain an acceptable living standard cars. Nonetheless there would r It is officially estimated that over and lifestyle. But all this assumes remain an inevitable increase of the next 15 years the population of that we have £he freedom to make patronage in the more distant the ACT-Queanbeyan area will such a choice, having in place the parts of national parks and recrea­ increase by some 100 000 from relevant correct policies on tion areas. We should expect, in 311000 to at least 411000. Over Foreign Affairs, Defence and particular, increased density of the same period the population -of Customs, and the concomitant use of the fringes towards the Sydney is officially estimated to resources of personnel and equip­ wilderness areas. This will place increase by 800 000 to 900 000 and ment. It also assumes we have suf­ pressures on park authorities to the population of Australia to ficient export income. Nonetheless put in more walking paths and increase in the range of 3.1 to 3.8 let us say we get all this right and trails. If these are put in too early million. If these increases worry we have a politically acceptable they could accelerate pressure on some, one can take almost any limit on national population and wilderness areas; if they are put in combination of countries in the immigration. There is no guaran­ too late there could be erosion of |mSouth-East Asian region and the tee that its consequences will fall natural areas by uncontrolled ™ "comparable increase would be evenly across the continent. We wanderings on a wider front. It is many millions. could still have the Canberra and a nice piece of timing—when to Anything that reduces the costs, surrounding region humming embark upon track development. or time, of transport such as fall­ along in growth mode. In the longer term one should ing air fares, improved roads, a The choice more likely before us expect developments such as low very fast train (or an enhanced seems to be either a quickly impact camping with the carrying public railways system propelled spreading city with the open of cooking fuel and stoves (many by the fear of competition) will spaces that are characteristic to believe we should be doing this encourage urban decentralisation. date or an increased density of res­ now) and some kind of rationing of Improved telecommunications idential development with its entry, such as by bookings or fees. technology, thus enabling more to question of which open spaces are If this causes dismay to some, I work at home, will do likewise. It we likely to lose. In material suggest visiting a heavy impact is by no means a flight of fantasy recently circulated by the area such as Wilsons Promontory to envisage the Sydney and 'Sustainable Canberra Project' for which receives huge surges from Canberra regions reaching rapidly a public meeting, statistical tables the metropolis of Melbourne. towards one another as the dec­ showed that by city standards There the unsuspecting can easily be lost in thick vegetation between ades roll by. What are the implica­ throughout Australia, America, a network of high grade and wide tions of the resultant people Europe and Asia, Canberra has a paths, and one can enjoy superb pressures, even give or take a solid high degree of dependence on the "motor car and a very low popula­ overnight back-packing and scen­ variation or two, on the national tion density. This suggests scope ery provided one observes the ifeiark and open areas of the ACT? for prising people from private booking process and time sched­ ^ A solution for some may be to cars towards enhanced public ules from one camp site to the stop the growth of Canberra. If transport, cycling, walking and next. this is not to be done by totalitar­ living near the job in denser hous­ This is not to suggest that ian fiat, a process most unlikely in ing. But however Canberra grows, t Namadgi should become the style democratic Australia, such a solu­ we must expect greater people of Wilsons Promontory; it will tion begs some important ques­ pressure on recreation space and develop its own way of coping. But tions. Which government should Namadgi and other national parks it does point to hope in the longer the question be addressed to, bear­ in our region. ing in mind that the future term future; it's a matter of sophis­ Canberra may he in part (or if we With regard to the Namadgi ticated management. It behoves look far enough ahead, most of National Park, official estimates this Association or its future form to monitor the authorities and Canberra) in New South Wales. show that in the last five years the ensure that their management is Also, who will foot the bill for the number of annual visitors has adequate to the changing demo­ massive public acquisition, or increased from 65,000 to 110,000. graphic scene. Such monitoring freeze, of private land around Annual visitor estimates for the should include strong public com-. Canberra, to a huge radius, to pre­ Murrumbidgee River Corridor have reached 500,000 and for ment if governmental policy vent it being subdivided and sold retards the park service by staff or for residential or commercial Jervis Bay Territory in the 800,000 to 900,000 range. budget cuts which bring it down to development. less than an adequate level. For some a solution may be A sizeable swathe could be cut appropriate limits on national pop­ through the increased numbers ulation and immigration, thereby because of the inability of many to Les Pyke reducing or steadying the pressure get beyond esky and radio cassette NOTES

New members Jenny Atton and Keith Johns, Letter from the ANPC Kingston Time has flown by since I started have become clear. These are: Ruth Blackburn, Chifley working for the Australian • mining in national parks Damien Browne, Manuka National Parks Council at the end David and Shireen Brunkhorst, of May. My days at the office have • resource security Kambah been enjoyable and fully occupied. • marine reserves Joan Buckie, Pearce Part of my job is to build up con­ • tourism in national parks B and R Douglas, Aranda tact not only with the member • tourism developments adjacent Jean and Chris Emery, Reid bodies of the Council but also to parks Mr M Grigg, Calwell other conservation organisations. Heins Family, Hughes Accordingly I have spent a lot of • Tully-Millstream hydro-electric Mary Anne Highfield, Garran time on the phone, introducing project in Queensland Ross And Bev Hyland, Holder myself and finding out about the • Murray-Darling Basin. Kathryn Kelly, Chifley concerns of each member associa­ Most of these issues are relevant Gregory and Alison Lewis, Phillip tion. Here in Canberra we have to every state in Australia. This Stella Morahan, Aranda several active conservation organi­ shows the potential for concerterL Bruce Prosser and Necia Burford, sations: the Conservation Council action at the national level. If any^ O'Connor of Canberra and the South-East body has information on any one of Margaret and Ralph Richardson, Region, The Wilderness Society, these issues or ideas to pass on, I Ainslie Australian Conservation Found­ would be pleased to hear from Diana Schneider and John ation, Forestry Working Group them. Kennedy, Kambah and Greenpeace. They are all keen Karen Sismey, Duffy to help the ANPC take a more Anne Forsythe Jane Smith, Kambah active role in helping to preserve Executive officer ANPC Robyn and Bob Stewart, Forrest our national parks system. Phone (06) 257 6103 Polly Templeton, Mawson Another aspect of my job is to Cathie Triffett and Shane pursue issues on behalf of the Harrington, Narrabundah Council. Having spoken to conser­ vation organisations, to NPAs and to Councillors, several priorities VNPA opposed to changes The Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) have spoken Minister to Molonglo out against recent changes to the On 21 July the Association held an Department of Conservation and interpretive walk and viewing of Environment (DCE). They say the lower Molonglo. It was an edu­ these changes could lead to the cative exercise so that members destruction of the National Parks could be better informed on its system and running down of con­ scenery, natural values and the servation programs. effects of urban settlement and The changes, announced on 21 grazing. The Association wishes to June by the DCE Minister, Steve study the Molonglo with Crabb, have defined major restruc­ corridor the objective of formulating a pro­ turing where new divisions will be posal to Government authorities to created and jobs and responsibili­ protect the corridor. ties reallocated. Funding for these The walk was particularly pleas­ new divisions may have to be allo­ ing to members as they were cated from established funds. joined by the Minister for the The VNPA fear that the ten­ Environment, Land and Planning, dency with DCE to treat all Public Mr Bill Wood, who wished to famil­ land as the same, without recogni­ iarise himself with the area. It is tion of the special value of satisfying to have a political repre­ National Parks, is likely to become sentative who makes the time and entrenched. There could also be effort to go into the fieldt o find the the danger that it is the intention facts of a situation. of the Victorian Government to do away with the National Parks Act NPA president Les Pyke and altogether. Minister Bill Wood on Molonglo study walk. Life membership for Frawley The General Meeting of the be one of the most timely strategic Association on 18 July unani­ documents produced by the mously elected Dr Kevin Frawley Association. to Life Membership of the Kevin's career with us coincided Association. To achieve this with mounting pressures on the honour a person has to have a Association arising from environ­ record of meritorious service to the mental issues throughout Aust­ Association. ralia and the world, national Kevin has served the Association parks being part of that scene. in a very active way over seven The Association has come under years. This included three years as pressure to react to requests for President, six years on the action, to invitations to seminars Committee, seven years on the and to the need to make submis­ Environment Sub-Committee inc­ sions to Parliamentary and luding three years as its convener Government inquiries. In convey­ and four years on the Namadgi ing the Committee's recommenda­ Sub-Committee. In addition Kevin tion to the General Meeting the has been President of the current President, Les Pyke, said Australian National Parks Council that 'History might eventually say and the Association's delegate to that Kevin Frawley, with his pro­ the Conservation Council of the fessional skills and the time that South East Region and Canberra. he put in, was the right person at the right time.* During these stretches of duty Kevin Frawley Kevin had a leading organising In its history of some 30 years role in the production of three Report. In addition he authored the Association has elected only reports of major significance: the the recently released Report on 10 Life Members. Eden Woodchip Report, the Alpine the Conservation of the Remnant The Association congratulates Conference Papers, and the Woodland and Native Grassland Kevin and wishes him the best. Northern Cotter Catchment in the ACT, believed by many to Westbourne Woods Do you know Westbourne Woods- we can support the WWAA In 2. Preserve stands in sound that lovely arboretum designed by autumn NPA will arrange a walk health and representative con­ Thomas Weston and planted in the woods, looking especially at dition for as long as possible. ^mainly between 1914-1918 and the management plan's proposals. 3. Provide for replacement of spe­ '1950-1954? It's a wonderful part of The Westbourne arboretum was cies in anticipation of the even­ Canberra's history and used to be planted by Thomas Weston to test tual loss due to decline or freely available to Canberra's pop­ suitable tree and shrub species for death and to maintain replace­ ulation. However since 1962 the the gardens and open spaces of ment stands to ensure the con­ arboretum has been leased to the the planned city of Canberra. A tinuity of the collection and to Royal Canberra Golf Club, so the planting area of 160 hectares was create a variety in age classes. citizens of Canberra can only visit set aside—40 hectares being the the area on specially arranged City Parks Nursery. The remain­ 4. Establish, within the limits of outings. ing 120 hectares were divided into space available, new species that will increase the diversity The Westbourne Woods Action three areas: B for Australian trees Association (WWAA) was formed and shrubs, C for English trees of the collection. in 1980, its aim being to increase and D for a pinetum. Now these 5. Encourage continued interest public awareness of the value of trees are nearing maturity and in the historical, scientific and Westbourne Woods and to protect create tall groves on the once bare educational aspects of the the woods from further encroach­ hillside. Arboretum, and to realise its ment. Sunday morning walks are A plan of management for the heritage potential. conducted on the second Sunday of trees has been produced by ACT The management plan is availa­ each month, commencing at Parks and Conservation Service to ble from the ACT Parks and 9.30am and meeting at the golf try and address the needs of the Conservation Service or you can club entrance, Bentham Street, area. The objectives of the man­ look at a copy in the NPA office. Yarralumla. The second Sunday in agement plan are as follows: November (10th) has been placed Fiona MacDonald on NPA's outings program so that 1. Preserve the National Estate Brand values of the Arboretum. Lake Burley Griffin fisheries Guest speakers for the July meet­ than Brown Trout, but they did and eat native tish. (.On a walk ing of NPA were both from the not grow as rapidly as this species. some days after the talk, one of Wildlife Research Unit, ACT Parks Tthey lived for only about two our NPA members asserted that and Conservation Service. years and returned only 1.3 per he had seen a carp muddying the Biologist Mark Lintermans spoke cent of the total stocked compared water at the shoreline of some on the Lake Burley Griffin Fishery, to 73 per cent of Brown Trout. water way!) while senior ranger Terry Rutzou's Brook Trout were not successful subject was the Jerrabomberra and have not been stocked since III. The arrival of redfin, Wetlands. the lake's first phase. 1983-1991. Redfin arrived in Lake Burley The Lake Burley II. The rise of native fish, Griffin in 1983 after the drought 1976-1983. broke, and the ensuing flooding Griffin Fishery, As stocks of native fish became flowed over from the Yowani Golf commercially available the lake Course dams into Sullivans Creek^ 1964r-1991. was stocked with Golden Perch, The Redfin had reached Yowan^ The Molongolo River, the dam­ Silver Perch, Murray Cod and via a series of farm dams from ming of which in 1964 formed Freshwater Catfish. Trout were Lake George into which they had Lake Burley Griffin, was earlier still stocked in large numbers, but been stocked in 1959 by New known as Fish River because of their returns dropped dramatically South Wales Fisheries. the abundance of the native fish for some reason. This phenomenon They were firstdetecte d in Lake such as Murray Cod, Golden Perch has been noticed for other large Burley Griffin in 1984 when they and Silver Perch; however by the bodies of water, that is lakes, as comprised 0.1 per cent of the time Scrivener Dam was com­ these age. Golden Perch were origi­ catch. By 1990 the figure had pleted and the Lake formed in nally stocked in 1973 and 1974 but grown to 62 per cent, but dropped 1964, the fish population had been an unexplained fish die-off to 36 per cent in 1991. The reason decimated by the collapse of mine occurred in 1974. A further for the decline is not known, but it waste dumps in Captains Flat in 134 500 Golden Perch were is possibly due to the sampling 1938 and again in 1943. Thus, released between 1979 and 1983, techniques used. Only time will when the lake was formed in 1964, the Golden Perch fishery reaching tell if it is an actual decline. fish numbers were very low, but its peak in the early 1980s. Because Redfin are notorious since then it has been stocked with The firstreleas e of Murray Cod predators of fish they are detri­ nearly 1.2 million fish of various took place in 1979, but only 42 000 mental to other fish populations. species to 1991. The lake has been were released to 1984 as this spe­ Fortunately, they are rarely larger stocked with fish because although cies is difficult to rear and breed than 15 centimetres in length, so its primary purpose is as a land­ and stocks are expensive. predation of other species is lim^ scape feature, it is also managed However, as anglers have reported ited to the juveniles of those spe^ as a recreational resource. Present success in catching Murray Cod, cies; unfortunately their small size stocking of the lake is with both the continued stocking of this fish means they are not sought after by native and introduced species. is considered desirable. anglers. In contrast, Carp are sort There are three distinct phases Because of extremely low after by anglers, being table fish in the history of Lake Burley returns, Silver Perch are no longer popular with Asians and Griffin: stocked and neither are Europeans. Freshwater Catfish for the same Provided the correct techniques I. The early years, reason. Occasionally, there are are used, for example lures, reports of Catfish being caught in Golden Perch and Murray Cod can 1964-1976. the Molongolo at Queanbeyan. still be caught in the lake. Murray During this phase the lake was Carp attained high levels in Cod in excess of 15 kilograms have dominated by Brown Trout, Lake Burley Griffin by 1979 and been reported in recent years with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout did well until 1985-86, being the one specimen weighing in at more because these were the only fish most abundant species in the lake. than 45 kilograms. commercially available. Of the It is interesting to know that its Thus Lake Burley Griffin is a three, Brown Trout was the most introduction was accidental, prob­ valuable recreational resource and successful, growing to 40 centime­ ably occurring when it polluted a should be used accordingly. It is tres in one year, living for five release of trout or Golden Perch. continually changing. years and representing 50 to 60 Carp are often considered to be a per cent of the total catch. Over problem species, but there is no the period Rainbow Trout were real evidence to back up the asser­ stocked in much greater numbers tion that they muddy the water and Jerrabomberra Wetlands rose to 112 on 25 May, 1991 and to Musk Duck apparently prefers Jerrabomberra 189 on 19 June, 1991. Thus fluctu­ number one pond. Shelduck and Wetlands ating water levels benefit the bird Pelicans prefer Jerrabomberra population. Pool for feeding but rest on the The Jerrabomberra Wetlands were One proposal for the Wetlands peninsula between the Wetlands formed when water, following the development is that a visitor and East Basin. Darters and filling of Lake Burley Griffin in centre and classroom for school Cormorants are found mainly 1964, flowed back onto the old children be constructed. If these along the Molongolo, but they also flood channels of the Molongolo facilities were constructed it would rest on the peninsula. Darters re­ River. Lying at the eastern end of probably be necessary to monitor use nests in one tree from year to Lake Burley Griffin, they are visitor numbers and activities, as year. Rails and Crakes prefer bounded by the lake, the the wetlands are a small and frag­ Kelly's Pond while Latham's Molongolo River, Dairy Flat Road ile area. Snipe can be found on the penin­ and Jerrabomberra Creek. There are a total of 178 bird spe­ sula from late August to late Interest in the retention and cies listed for the Jerrabomberra January. (Latham's Snipe are a #development of the Wetlands goes Wetlands,, the species falling into seasonal visitor to the Wetlands. back to 1977. A report on issues three groups: Aquatic 73, They leave Japan in July and such as the building of a major Terrestrial 90 and Raptors 15. arrive in north Australia early to arterial road, a bicycle path, sand Thirteen species of duck domi­ mid August en route to Tasmania. and gravel mining, bird numbers, nate the aquatic species while 15 Their numbers peak at the habitat, water quality and recrea­ species of waterbirds have been Wetlands during October- tional, scientific and educational recorded as breeding in the November and decline rapidly as uses, was published in 1982. This Wetlands, Molongolo Reach being summer approaches when they reportforms the basis for the plan­ an important breeding site. Little leave for Tasmania. It is thought ning and development of the area. Black Cormorants, Little Pied that they depart on their 9000 kil­ A draft management plan was Cormorants and Darters have ometre return journey to Japan in prepared in 1988 and in nested in this area for a number of February.) September 1990, under the Nature years, the last two being the most The Jerrabomberra Wetlands, so Conservation Act, 1980, the area prolific breeders. close to the centre of Civic, have was declared as the Jerrabom­ In addition to these three species great potential for use as a centre berra Wetlands Nature Reserve. other common species of aquatic for wetland education for stu­ Canberra Nature Park manages birds, to name but a few, arc- dents, local residents and tourists. the Wetlands and this manage­ Grebes, Pelicans, Ibis, Black It is to be hoped that each group ment has initiated a number of Swans, Maned Duck, Teal, will enjoy, leam about and con­ projects including the rebuilding of Swamphens, Plovers and Gulls. tribute to the conservation of wet­ j^two hides at Kelly's pond, the Some terrestrial species are: lands generally. Jwplanting of trees and shrubs and Galahs, Sulphur Crested Cock­ There is a car park and a walk­ the construction of a footbridge atoos, Easter Rosellas, Kooka­ ing trail at Kelly's Pond accessible over Jerrabomberra Creek to link burras, Rufous Whistlers, Grey from about half way along Dairy walking trails, one near this creek, Fantails, Red Wattle Birds, White- Flat Road. It is advisable to seek the other on the Molongolo side. plumed Honeyeaters and Spotted permission to visit the sewage Kelly's land has been drained, this Pardolotes. Raptors include Black- farms. work including the banking of the shouldered Kite, Brown Goshawks inlet channel and the installation and Australian Kestrels. Frank Clements of a pipe and stop cock to assist in the regulation of the water level. The habitat of the Jerrabom­ The pond is drained in the berra Wetlands is varied and summer. The draining and conse­ includes deep water, shallows, mudflats, reed beds, grasslands, quent refilling in the winter What should you do if enhances the food supply for birds shoreline areas, shoreline trees later on. and, across Dairy Flat Road, lost in the bush? sewage ponds. Each habitat How do people usually After the first refilling of the attracts its specialised feeder, less land, bird numbers and species commonly observed birds like behave if lost? diversity increased dramatically. Grebes, Shovelled Ducks, Pink- Hear the guest speaker The average number of birds for eared Ducks, Hardhead Ducks and from the Australian Federal each monthly count was 29 from Chestnut Teal are usually located Police Rescue Squad at the early August 1989 to 2 April, 1991. at the sewage ponds, the Freckle- General Meeting on 19 When the rains came (after the faced Duck showing preference for dry summer of 1991) the count number three pond, while the Canberra's tree heritage There were 30 of us at the general tlers used to plant trees, some­ scattered snowgums at the edges meeting on 16 May to hear Dr times from other states and some­ of the frost pocket grasslands, Robert Boden's talk on 'Canberra's times as a homesick reminder from which are the counterpart of the Tree Heritage—a look at the origi­ the home country. They still do. In snowgums on the frosty tops of the nal vegetation and the way it has the early days Weston took a Brindabellas; the well defined changed'. Robert touched on the prominent part in this work. Our patches of cypress pine in the long, long history of the Australian speaker dealt with only a small Molonglo Gorge and on the Clear vegetation before he started on his selection, there must be hundreds. Range; and the strips of river she- main theme, which was its history Grasslands, forming a ground oak along the waterways, limited in the neck of our woods since the cover for the woodlands, have been there too by the temperature coming of the Europeans two hun­ altered less than those of the frost range. This species came up again dred years ago. The appearance of pockets, but only slightly so. As for for discussion at question time. the tree cover early last century the woodland trees, although the Robert, acting on Reg Alder's can to some extent be made out Aborigines used them for shelter letter to the Canberra Times, had from the records of explorers. and fuel and for the sale of the gone out specially to Casuarina^^ Robert mentioned several, includ­ honey, bark and animal products Sands to see the unexpectedly^P ing two who furnished authorita­ they found among them, their sudden demise of the trees after tive accounts on the amount and effect was negligible compared destruction of the weir. quality of the tree vegetation. He with the effect of the Europeans, As unexpectedly sudden was the commented that their reports dif­ who cleared them extensively for only hiccough of the evening—a fered from those of a forester in fuel and to provide for unimpeded group of vicious brats (or deprived the early part of this century who cultivation and grazing. These kiddies, according to your point of said there was not a tree in the matters have been fully reported. view) smashed a window of the Territory 'fit for a telegraph pole'. The speaker paid tribute to the room while Kevin Frawley was The reports are supplemented by most recent report done by Kevin moving the vote of thanks. They modern evidence which, with eco­ Frawley and sponsored by our failed to disturb the decorum of logical knowledge and putting two association, on the conservation of the meeting. The President and two together, can be used to remnant woodland and native inspected the damage and reconstruct a scene that vanished grassland in the ACT. returned to his seat without turn­ long ago. It is done from strips and Woodlands are scenically attrac­ ing a hair—which is perhaps no islands of the original vegetation, tive, but if they are to be main­ more than could be expected of for example in cemeteries and at tained in the face of continued him; our speaker remained impas­ roadsides, but even such evidence grazing, some replanting becomes sive; I didn't see the secretary/tea is not always above suspicion, for necessary. lady, but wherever she was 'she it is rare indeed to find any places Lowland hills are under dry nor swoon'd nor utter'd cry'; and that have not been modified in sclerophyll forest. Most of what we Kevin Frawley picked up the^^ some way. see around Canberra is regrowth, thread of what he had been saying^P Robert gave a general picture of which we can deduce ourselves on and finished strongly. our vegetation from the lowlands the walking tracks if we keep our to the tops of the ranges and then eyes open. One of Robert's slides Robert Story selected about half a dozen types from former days which showed for more detailed discussion, with open country on the south-east slides of each one. side of Black Mountain provided The grasslands of the valley bot­ telling evidence of this. toms are where cold air lodges, On the mountains the forests, so causing winter frosts severe far, have been disturbed much less enough to prevent tree growth and likewise on the tops. We hope except where one gives the seed­ their importance as a protection lings some protection when they for our catchments will keep them are young. This works wonders, as that way even if aesthetic consider­ our street and garden trees attest. ations do not. Under the onslaught of burning, All these vegetation types can be grazing, cultivation and what is divided into communities, of which called development, very little of the number and complexity are a the original grassland remains, to matter for the worker himself to say nothing of the creepy-crawlies decide upon. We were given a that lived there. To moderate what selection which was interesting they saw as a rather stark envi­ because of its distribution, rarity ronment, town planners and set­ or requirements, for example the A Snow Gum on Mt Gingera. Sketch by Jane Rawson. A rural perspective on conservation Born in Canberra and resident in farmers and of course the dogs introduced for rabbit control, properties bordering the Murrum­ depressed conditions of the but which also chased kangaroos bidgee River for 54 years, Mr thirties. and are now not used because of Peter Buckmaster now farms in th The fifties saw extensive pasture the decrease in rabbit numbers. ACT and NSW. He has for many improvement with its consequen­ Fox numbers had built up and years been actively involved in tial gains from higher carrying pigs were worse than ever. rural and community affairs capacity, at least in the short Landholders were very concerned including 25 years membership of term, but with a legacy of long about the build-up of noxious the ACT Rural Lessees Asso­ term problems. In this period also weeds such as saffron thistle, St ciation and is thus particularly general uncertainty about the John's wort and Patterson's curse. well-placed to present a rural per­ future of Canberra, until resolved Lack of enforcement of weed and spective on conservation in the by decisions of the Menzies pest control measures by the ACT ACT. His address to the June 1991 Government, adversely affected authorities contributed to the NPA general meeting was nicely the management of rural leases. problem. There is a need to restrict reserves unless authori­ timed as it coincided with the ties can manage them properly. Legislative Assembly's inquiry Personal observations into rural leases to which both the In expressing some personal views # on conservation issues related to The future of rural leases Rural Lessees and the NPA made There are now 76 long-term rural submissions. rural interest, Peter dealt first with river corridors. Over the leases in the ACT covering 27 000 Historical background years there had been improve­ hectares which in 1988-89 yielded Within ten years of Europeans ments in the area between normal an estimated $16.6 million value first reaching Canberra, that is by and flood levels due largely to con­ of rural produce. However, over 1830, settlers had occupied the servation measures in the headwa­ •the past decade the number of land which now forms the ACT. ters: there was less siltation, there cattle has fallen substantially and sheep numbers have also declined. The land was mainly occupied by was grass to the water's edge with The Rural Lessees Association wealthy landowners who pursued very little movement, even in favours the adoption of policies animal grazing based on shepherd­ floods. However, between the which will achieve long-term via­ ing in the European tradition. river's edge and the property fence bility of rural properties. These Until 1860 very little was done to line there now existed a problem properties are seen to contribute the land which remained in a near area overrun by blackberries and significantly to the national capi­ natural state. Following the intro­ other weeds where there was little tal by providing a very important duction of the Robertson land control of feral animals and very element of the landscape, by con­ reforms in 1860, opening NSW limited regeneration of native tributing historical and heritage rural areas to small selectors, dif­ species. values, and providing a visible ferent farming methods were In grazing properties a number connection with rural endeavour introduced. The remaining years of desirable changes had occurred in this country. • of the century saw extensive clear­ such as the ehmination of most Measures proposed by the ing and ringbarking (controversial gulleying by grassing; there were Association to sustain ACT rural even at that time) and huge more birds and fewer feral cats. activity over the long-term increases in animal numbers. But But on the other hand there had include: security of lease tenure; by the turn of the century a series been a serious loss of eucalypts, compensation on just terms in the of bad seasons, fires, poor markets largely attributable to the earlier event of resumption; amalgama­ and, perhaps most significantly, clearing practices but compounded tion of small leases to farm viable the arrival of the rabbit in plague by the provisions of leases which properties; adjustment of lease proportions, had caught up with required ringbarking and clearing charges to encourage lower stock­ over-stocked and over-grazed land. except in shelter dumps or of ing rates; and government assis­ Graziers had serious problems. timber suitable for cutting into tance in arresting erosion and From 1911 land in the ACT was fence posts. There is now consider­ control of weeds. gradually transferred from various able difficulty in regenerating These steps are needed to ensure forms of NSW holdings to ACT eucalypts due to lack of natural the sustainability of rural proper­ leases, with some land being seeds and regrowth from intro­ ties and the retention of the con­ resumed. A number of factors duced seed which will result in tribution made by them to operated to adversely affect these changes to the landscape. Canberra as the national capital. rural leases right through until Whereas 50 years ago there were Life member Robert Story's vote after World War II. These included few kangaroos, now they are in of thanks to Peter Buckmaster the short terms of initial leases, plague proportions. This change was warmly endorsed by all mem­ the loss of experienced farmers fol­ could be attributed in part to the bers present. lowing resumptions, soldier settler creation of additional reserves and schemes bringing in inexperienced also to the withdrawal of hunting Syd Comfort Peak councils' meeting Peak conservation crganisation Commonwealth Environmental The Minister indicated that the representatives meet with the Protection Agency Commonwealth was still commit­ Federal Minister for the ACF and Greenpeace have made ted to the concept of a Jervis Bay Environment three to four times a some suggestions to the proposed Marine National Park and under­ year to discuss current environ­ legislation. These include provi­ took to examine the proposal to mental issues. The Minister seeks sions for the general public to hand the territory back to NSW in community input and professional enforce legal action, including citi­ the light of our concerns. advice through this forum and rep­ zens directly affected by the legis­ Tully-Millstream resentatives have an opportunity lation and third parties. to raise issues of concern and to The Minister indicated that the lobby the Minister and other gov­ Resource security Task Force report on the proposed ernment officials. The Minister stated that it is the Tully-Millstream hydroelectricity government's policy to limit scheme would be examined by the Peak council organisations resource security to the forestry Commonwealth. This would inc­ include national organisations industry. The Minister undertook lude examination of the environ­ such as the Australian Conserv­ to examine the suggestion that the mental aspects by the Wet Tropics^^ ation Foundation and state-based proposed endangered species legis­ Management Agency and exami^P organisations such as conservation lation be linked to the proposed nation of the scientific aspects by a councils. The Australian National resource security legislation. consultant. Parks Council (ANPC) represents state-based NPAs and other con­ National parks World Heritage servation groups at a federal level. ANPC raised three points under The Minister has asked the states ANPC concentrates on national this agenda item. to identify areas or objects to be issues which relate to national placed on an indicative list for con­ 1. Would the Commonwealth con­ parks—such as resource security sideration for World Heritage sider mechanisms to achieve and mining in national parks— nomination. Listing does not mean standardisation of management and on parks in which the federal nomination is inevitable, nor does planning across all national government is involved, such as it define eventual boundaries. Kakadu. It also assists state NPAs parks? with local issues when lobbying of The Minister said this subject Issues to consider the Commonwealth is required. had been raised through the Some of the issues which were The April meeting was attended Council of Nature Conservation dealt with at the meeting and by Anne Taylor, Project Officer for Ministers but, as some states are which would be appropriate for the the NPA of the ACT. She has writ­ resistant to the idea of national ANPC to consider are: ten an excellent report which I parks, it was not met positively • mining and never pursued. The Minister have summarised here. • management of national parks, acknowledged the lack of unifor­ for example, cross-border man- . mity of management plans and Issues dealt with at the last agement issues—that is, adja- f meeting were: resources for management, but did cent parks on state borders; not give it a high priority. • Commonwealth Environmental management of boundaries— Protection Agency 2. What commitments is the fed­ that is, appropriate land use on national park borders; tourist • Uranium Policy eral government prepared to make to ensure that the objec­ developments • Resource Security tives of the Alpine National • marine reserves • United National Conference on Park memorandum of under­ Environment and Development standing are met? • resource security • Tully-Millstream • National Parks The Minister undertook to exam­ • Tully-Millstream ine the suggestion that the • arid lands • Lake Eyre Basin Commonwealth seek a mechanism • Murray-Darling Basin. to improve management arrange­ • Greenhouse Update ments for the Australian Alps Anne Forsythe • Waste management National Park. • World Heritage 3. Does the government's proposal Do you know about to hand the Jervis Bay Territory to NSW mean it is no caves, their features longer committed to the concept and heritage value? of co-operatively managing the Hear the guest speaker at area and incorporating it into a the General Meeting on 21 marine national park? November. Environment International subcommittee If you don't spend the fourth conservation union Thursday evening of every month participating in meetings of the The International Union for the that this area of wilderness is pro­ Environment subcommittee you're Conservation of Nature and tected. A similar motion was missing out on what has been Natural Resources (IUCN) has its passed regarding the wet tropics called 'One of the most stimulating headquarters in Switzerland and area in Queensland. In the two evenings of my life.' is the peak body for hundreds of and a half years since it was listed The rangeof issues to be tackled conservation organisations around as World Heritage there is still no by the subcommittee continues to the world, including government conservation management plan, be broad. These include the hardy and non-government agencies. A the management agency is seri­ perennials of a marine national week-long general assembly is held ously under-resourced, there is park for Jervis Bay, amended yearly in different parts of the lack of cooperation with the public management plans for Kosciusko world—last year it was in Perth. A and, what is worst, there are over National Park, NSW coastal devel­ considerable number of resolutions 100 development proposals for the opment, planning and environ­ d recommendations were passed area. One of these proposals alone, mental matters in the ACT, track at that meeting covering a wide the Tully-Millstream hydro­ maintenance in the Budawangs range of topics: indigenous commu­ electric scheme, seriously threat­ and mining in national parks. A nities, human population and ens the integrity of the World few of the specific tasks under­ resource demand, environmental Heritage rainforest. Fraser Island taken by members include the restoration and protection in east­ was discussed and the Queensland drafting of a submission to the ern Europe, land degradation, con­ Government commended for recog­ ACT Legislative Assembly servation of wildlife, biodiversity nising its world heritage values Enquiry into the Environmental and marine conservation just to and urged to halt logging by the Aspects of Rural Leases, prepara­ name a few. end of 1991. The issue of resource tion of a submission to the security legislation was brought Specific recommendations con­ Commonwealth's enquiry into up with reference to Tasmanian cerning Australia dealt with planning in the Jervis Bay forests and ACIUCN expressed its resource security, mining in Territory, representations follow­ concern that the Tasmanian national parks, Kakadu, the ing the damaging military exercise Government is planning to put Kimberleys, arid zones, Fraser in the Jervis Bay area and liaison thousands of hectares of National Island and wilderness and forest with the Australian National Estate areas and potential World conservation in Tasmania. Parks Council. The sub-committee Heritage areas into permanent welcomes new members. The Australian Committee for wood supply zones. IUCN (ACIUCN) consists of those You don't have to attend every Australian organisations which The meeting also agreed upon meeting or participate in every belong to IUCN. This committee future directions for ACIUCN: arid issue. You don't really have to as the driving force behind get- land management, biodiversity attend meetings at all in order to ing endangered species legislation (including endangered species) take part in the subcommittee. If enacted. More recently it has been and the marine environment there is an environmental issue responsible for bringing the issue including coastal land manage­ you feel the Association should do of marine reserves into the public ment. something about give the convener arena and is organising a confer­ On 21 October the director- or one of the members a call and ence on this matter—the Fenner general of IUCN, Dr Martin talk it over. conference on marine and estua- Holdgate, will be in Australia to rine protected areas to take place launch their World Conservation Timothy Walsh in Canberra in October. Strategy now titled Caring for the As a representative of the Earth—A Strategy for Sustainable Australian National Parks Council Living. It is hoped that there will I attended the latest meeting held be regional launches around the in July in Canberra. Several issues country so keep your ears and eyes How do you choose were raised which would be of open for this. the best footwear for interest to NPAs. Anne Forsythe bushwalking? The Kimberley region in WA was How do you care for your discussed and a motion passed feet? calling upon the government of WA and the Commonwealth to Hear the podiatrist guest give priority to developing manage­ speaker at the General ment strategies in cooperation Meeting on 17 October. with Aboriginal owners, to ensure ACT Parks and Conservation The ACT Parks and Conservation since it began meeting. Many of Gudgenby Homestead Consultative Committee was these issues were of particular con­ The Committee reviewed a report appointed in November 1989 by cern to the NPA and came to the outlining a variety of proposals for the ACT Legislative Assembly to notice of the Committee as a result the future management of the advise the Minister for Finance of that concern. The Committee Gudgenby Homestead and sur­ and Urban Services and to provide dealt with them in the following rounds. The Committee recom­ both the Minister and the ACT ways. mended that the paddocks around Parks and Conservation Service the homestead be allowed to with a point of liaison and commu­ Extensions to Namadgi revert to natural grassland. nication on issues relating to park National Park A number of suggestions for a management, nature conserva­ The areas known as the North future commercial use of the tion, and outdoor recreation in the Cotter and Mt Tennent/Blue Gum homestead have been made. ACT. Creek/Gibralter Falls were left out However under the existing The Committee consists of eight of Namadgi National Park at the Nature Conservation ACT, 1980. a members appointed in an individ­ time of its declaration. The NPA lease cannot be issued in a ual capacity by the Minister. was of the view that the areas National Park. The new legisla­ Members are: should be included in the Park as tion which has been drawn up &nM • Professor Peter Cullen, Director the reasons for their exclusion are is currently being reviewed by the of the Water Research Centre, no longer valid. The matter was Assembly has provisions for the University of Canberra raised through the Committee and Conservator to issue leases and licences in National Parks. (Chairperson) the following recommendations were made: • Dr Graham Yapp, nominee of In anticipation of this, the Committee developed a policy doc­ the Royal Australian Institute of • the Committee wrote to the Minister and advised that as ument setting out guidelines for Parks and Recreation (Deputy commercial harvesting of hard­ the granting of concessions in Chairperson) wood forests is no longer carried national park and nature reserve • Mr Peter Buckmaster, nominee out in the ACT the impediment areas, based on the Council of of the ACT Rural Lessees to the inclusion of the Northern Nature Conservation Ministers Association Cotter was removed and there­ (CONCOM) Guidelines for • Ms Elizabeth Beckmann, nomi­ fore the area could now be added Concession Management in nee of the Australian National Parks, and relating spe­ • the Committee set up a working cifically to the conditions within Association for Environmental group to investigate rural leases Education (ACT) the ACT. It is hoped that these in the Mt Tennent/Blue Gum Guidelines will be adopted by the • Mrs Heather Crompton, nomi­ Creek/Gibralter Falls area. Environment and Conservation nee of the Institute of Foresters The group determined that the Bureau and that they will be effec­ Australia (ACT) leases do not detract from the nat­ tive in ensuring that unsuitable^ • Ms Jeannie Douglass and Mr ural values of the area, as limited commercial activities are nom Ian Fraser, nominees of the clearing and pasture improvement undertaken in the ACTs National Conservation Council of the has left the natural vegetation of Parks and Nature Reserves. South-East Region and the lease areas largely unmodified. Canberra The leases will not be renewed Jerrabomberra Wetlands • Mrs Anne Taylor, nominee of when they expire in the next ten to The Committee reviewed the draft the National Parks Association 12 years. The working group in management plan and recom­ of the ACT discussions with the Parks Service mended that the emphasis for any identified suitable boundaries for The Committee also has repre­ educational program for the area the areas to be recommended for be on habitat management rather sentatives assisting in an ex- inclusion to the Park. officio capacity from: than nature conservation as the The Chief Minister announced area is not a pristine natural envi­ • Environment and Conservation proposals to gazette the areas as ronment but is highly modified Bureau National Park on World and relies on fairly intensive man­ • Australian National Parks and Environment Day 1991. The propo­ agement practices such as grazing Wildlife Service sal is to be tabled in the ACT and clearing of waterways to Legislative Assembly on August 1, enable it to continue to fulfil its • National Capital Planning 1991 and the areas are expected to Authority; and role as important waterbird be declared under the Nature habitat. • Territory Planning Authority Conservation Act, 1980, by the end The Committee recommended to of 1991. The Committee has developed a the Minister that the area be position and provided advice, guid­ gazetted under the Nature ance and/or recommendations on a Conservation Act, 1980. The area wide range of significant issues 4,5,6,7 October-Pack Walk (2/3/A/C7F) 23 October-Wednesday Walk (1/A) The Dargals Ref; Khancoban 1:50 000 Outings program Leader: Di Thompson 288 6084h 244 7572w Square Rock Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Contact leader by Tuesday. Wander through Broadway and Leader: Olive Buckman 248 8774h Pretty Plains, and upper Tooma River. Visit mountain huts, Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 9am. A pleasant 8km October to December 1991 ruins and old gold diggings. Destination depends on snow: varied walk on tracks to a fascinating rock formation with alternative from Round Mountain. 400km drive ($80 per good views and exciting inner rock formation. Rock scram­ car). bling optional. A climb of 270m. Ideal for beginners and families. 80km drive ($16 per car). 12 October-Saturday Walk (4/A/B) 26 October-Saturday Walk (1/B/C/E) Cotter Rocks Reft ACT 1:100 000 The Pimple, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Leader: Frank Kelly 2412330h 275 6119w Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 8.00am. A 23km walk Leaden Martin Clark 295 3602h 265 1172w from Orroral Valley up the old bridle track to Cotter Gap, Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 8.15 am. The Pimple is a and up the hill to Cotter Rocks, a spectacular pile of giant rocky outcrop on a ridge to the WeBt of Tidbinbilla Peak. Al­ boulders offering' great views of Namadgi. 100km drive ($20 though a relatively short walk, there is a steep ch'mb of per car). 500m through light scrub and open forest. From the top of the Pimple there are fine views of the ridges West of Tidbin­ 19 October-Saturday Walk (2/A) billa running down to the Cotter Valley, and of the Brinda­ Gudgenby Property Reft Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 bella Range. 70km drive ($14 per car). Leader: Reg Alder 2542240h Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.30am. A walk of 12 km 27 October - Sunday Walk (2/A) to view Yankee Hat paintings, axe grinding grooves on Mid­ Orroral Valley Circuit Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 dle Creek, and relics of early and more recent European set­ Leaden Len Haskew 2814268 tlement. 140km drive ($28 per car). Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.30am. Along the fire Outings guide trail through the forested southern slopes of the valley. De­ Day walks carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. 19-20 October-Weekend Pack Walk (4/A/D/E) scend Smokers Trail for about 2km, then follow open, Pack walks two or more days, carry all food and camping Mt Hoddle Ref: Budawangs Sketch Map grassy valley back to cars. Be prepared for wet feet in boggy requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY Leader: Phil Gatenby 254 3094h and swampy areas. Suitable for beginners. 100km drive WEDNESDAY. Not for beginners. Contact leader by Wednesday. A walk in ($20 per car). Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent. the Western Budawangs visiting Mt Hoddle, and some oth­ Vehicles taken to site can be used for er mountains if time permits. Total climb about 500 metres. 26-27 October-Car Camp (2/D/E) camping. BOOK EARLY WITH LEADER. 300km drive ($60 per car). Yadboro, Belowra Creek Ref: Corang 1:25 000 Other activities include nature rambles, environmental and Leader. Di Thompson 288 6084h 244 7572w field guide studies and ski tours. 19-20 October-Weekend Pack Walk (2/A) Contact leader by Wednesday. Car camp at Yadboro. Clam­ Blowering Dam to Browns Creek ber down gorge on Belowra Creek to see the Dendrobium Ref: Hume and Hovell Trail sketch map orchids, wading in the Creek and along the Yadboro River Walks gradings Leader: Barbara de Bruine 258 3531h 2592642w on both days. River pools and swimming holes. 430km drive Distance grading (per day) Contact leader by Wednesday. An easy overnight walk ($86 per car). 1 - up to 10 km along the Hume and Hovell track along the shore of Blower­ 2-10 km'to 15 km ing Dam totalling 19km. A pleasant and leisurely spring­ 2 November-Saturday Walk (1/A) 3 - 15 km to 20 km time wander through delightful scenery, with an opportuni­ Red Rocks Gorge, Urambi Hills Ref: ACT 1:100 000 4 - above 20 km. ty for fishing for trout. Campsite has picnic tables, water Leaden Dugald Munro 231 8776h Terrain grading and pit toilets. 420 km drive ($84 per car). Meet at Kambah Pool Walkers' carpark at the top of the A - Road, firetrail, track ridge above Kambah Pool (there is a sign) at 9.30am. There B - Open forest 19-20 October-Weekend Canoe Trip is a short (5km) car shuffle. An easy walk on a track to the C-Light scrub Shoalhaven River Ref: Moss Vale, Kiama 1:100 000 spectacular Red Rocks Gorge and then, through paddocks, D - Patches of thick scrub, regrowth Leader: Chris Bellamy 249 7167ah or 286 1307ah up over Urambi Hills. E - Rock scrambling Contact leader by Wednesday. Travel to Tallowa Dam via F - Exploratory. Kangaroo Valley. Depending on water and paddlers, paddle The walks program contains additional information. If upstream 20km into beautiful Shoalhaven Gorge or shoot necessary, contact the leader. Whitewater downstream towards Nowra. Hire or byo canoe. Camp from canoes Saturday night. 400km drive ($80/ car). 2-3 November-Car Camp (1/A) 16 November-Saturday Walk (3/A/B) shire teas for sweet tooths. 300km drive ($60per car). Little Forest Plateau Mount Boboyan Ref: Yaouk 1:25 000 1 December-Sunday Wabi (2/A/E) Ref: Ulladulla 1:100 000, Milton 1:25 000 Leader: Frank Clements 231 70O5h Bungonia Gorge Ref: Caoura 1:25 000 Leader: Di Thompson 288 6084h 244 7572w Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 8.30am. A walk of 18km Leaden Mike Smith 286 2984h and Allan Norman via Hospital Hill and Boboyan Mountain, with a short ex­ Meet at Southwell Park and the corner of Northbourne Ave­ Contact leader by Wednesday. Join Allan Norman (our Bu­ ploratory section. Total climb 300m. Return via Old Boboy­ nue at 8am. A steep walk on track down to Shoalhaven Riv­ dawangs work party ranger) of NPWS for an interpretive an Road. 100km ($20 per car). er and downstream to Bungonia Creek. Follow creek up­ weekend at Little Forest Plateau in Eastern Budawangs, stream through spectacular gorge. Climb out steeply via the an area little visited by NPA. Inspect revegetation project. 17 November-Sunday Walk (3/A/D) 'Efflux' route (400 m up). 220km drive ($44 per car). Contrast the beautiful places visited on the trip with devel­ Corang Peak Ref: Corang 1:25 000 opments at Porters Creek Dam, treatment works, and the Leader: Mike Smith 286 2984h 7 December-Saturday WaUi (2/A) or controversial translator site. 480km drive ($86 per car). Meet at Queanbeyan Swimming Pool car park at 7.30am. 7-8 December-Car Camp with day walks Note early start. A walk in the Budawangs from the Wog Snowy Mountains Flower Walk 9 November- Saturday Walk (2/A/D/E/F) Wog entrance to a peak with 360 degree views. Side trip to Leader: Phil Bubb 248 6769h or 266 5128w Blue Gum Creek Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Admiration Point for lunch (scrub-bashing). Return by Contact leader at least a week ahead to register preference Leader: Les Pyke 281 2982h same route. 250km drive ($50 per car). (both may be possible if transport can be arranged). A sim­ Meet at Kambah Village shops at 9am. An exploratory sce­ ple walk from Charlottes Pass to Watsons Crags or else­ nic walk to the East from Smokers Flat trail. Total distance 16-17 November-Weekend Canoe Trip where on the Western side of the main range to view the 10-12km. Climbs of 200m to be expected. 60km drive ($12 Murrumbidgee River flowers and take in the air. We could stay overnight at Is­ per car). Ref: Tantangara or Cootamundra land Bend (car camp) or at a lodge, depending on the wishes and Tumut 1:100 000 of participants. On Sunday we could spend half a day visit­ 10 November-Sun day Ramble (1/A) Westbourne Leader: Chris Bellamy 249 7167 or 286 1307 both ah ing the new Burrungubugge Hut. 350km ($70 per car). Woods, Yarralumla Contact leader by Wednesday. Depending on water and Ref: Canberra Tourist Map (16th ed.) paddlers, the trip will be above Tantangara Dam or from 2526,27 January-Weekend Canoe Trip Leaden Fiona Brand 247 9538h Jugiong to Gundagai. Overnight camping from canoes (hire Lachlan River Ren Cowra 1:100 000 Meet at the entrance to Royal Canberra Golf Club, Bent- or byo canoe). 300 km drive ($60 per car). Leaden Chris Bellamy 249 7167h ham Street, Yarralumla at 9.30am. A member of the West- Contact leader by Wednesday. Canoe between Cowra and bourne Woods Action Association will lead a two hour walk, 16-17 November-Weekend Pack WaUt (3/BVE/F) Forbes, where the Lachlan River wanders in seclusion be­ explaining the history of the woods, and identifying the Middle Creek, Mt Namadgi vicinity tween river gums reflecting quintessential Australia. River­ trees to be found in it. At 11.30am NPA members are invit­ Ref: Rendezvous Creek 125 000 side camping (hire canoes in ACT or byo). 350km drive ($70 ed to gather at Weston Park (3rd barbecue on right) for Leader: Les Pyke 281 2982h per car). lunch. After lunch we can explore Yarralumla Nursery. Contact leader by Wednesday. Starting Gudgenby, back­ pack to campsite on Middle Ck. Lightpack to Big Creamy 9-10 November-Weekend Pack Walk (1/D/E/F) Flats and exploratory climb of 200m of unnamed mountain Bogong Peaks Ref: Talbingo 1:25 000 (grid ref: 722 492). Total walk 24 km. Drive 130 km ($26 Leader: Phil Bubb 248 6769h 266 5128w per car). Contact leader by Wednesday. This is a short but hard walk Points to note New faces to lead, new places to go. Please help keep our with solid climbs and dense scrub. Long pants, gardening 23-24 November-Car Camp outings program alive by volunteering to lead a walk gloves and gaiters are recommended. The seldom-visited Bundanoon/Morton National Park occasionally. Bogong Peaks provide a spectacular horizon to the West of Ref: Bundanoon 125 000 All persons joining an outing of the National Parks the Brindabellas. We shall scramble up to the wonderful Leader: Len Haskew 281 4268h Association of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects views from Jounama and Big Plain Peaks, camping in the Contact leader by Wednesday. Camp in Morton NP camp­ and as such accept sole responsibility for any injury saddle between them, and maybe visiting the Big Plain ing area. Several walks mainly on tracks to visit lookouts howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of (swampy frost hollow) without packs. Short car shuffle. with spectacular views, fern-lined creeks and overhanging the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders are 400km ($80 per car). cliffs. Perhaps a night stroll to see the glow worms, Devon­ absolved from any liability in respect of any injury or 13 November-Wednesday Walk (1/C/D/F) damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing. West of Smokers Flat Ref: Corin Dam 125 000 The committee suggests a donation of TWENTY cents Leader: Les Pyke 281 2982h per kilometre DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF Meet at Kambah Village shops at 9am. An exploratory walk OCCUPANTS in the car, including the driver, (to the from Smokers Gap (grid ref. 7165). A walk of 7km with a nearest dollar) be offered to the driver by each passenger 200m climb over 2km. 60km drive ($12 per car). accepting transport. Drive and walk distances quoted in the program are approximate distances for return journeys. Consultative Committee has now been declared a Nature Urban open space increased funding agreed upon. Reserve under that Act. management The Committee Chairs discussed our concerns and ended the meet­ City Parks sought the assistance Boboyan pine plantation ing by calling on the Ministers to of the Committee to obtain public The NPA has had a particular demonstrate their commitment to comment on their dry grass interest in the future of this area the MOU by taking further initia­ mowing and irrigation policies. A as demonstrated by the involve­ tives to extend the co-operative working group was set up includ­ ment of our members in a series of approach to management and to ing three members from the work parties removing wilding communicate the concept to the Committee and three members pines from the natural areas sur­ Australian public. rounding the plantation. from other community groups The Committee inspected the with specific expertise. The Issues for the future plantation during a field trip in Working Group discussed a series Some of the issues which the September 1990 and on the basis of options which City Parks might Committee hopes to consider adopt to reduce resource usage in of this was able to make recom­ during the remainder of this year these areas without seriously com­ mendations regarding the planta- are: promising community expecta­ tion's ongoing management and tions. Effective communication • Boboyan road upgrade: a prelim­ eventual removal from the Park. # with, and education of, the wider inary assessment document is The Committee wqjte to the community was identified as an now available from government Minister recommending that the important component in the devel­ shopfronts for public comment. burnt area of the pine plantation opment of future programs and be rehabilitated as soon as possi­ • Decade of landcare: the policies. The group's recommenda­ ble to conform as closely as possi­ Committee will provide com­ tions will be forwarded to City ble to the surrounding natural ments to the ACT Decade of Parks after they have been areas. It also recommended that Landcare Steering Committee on approved by the Consultative all pine regeneration be removed their decade of landcare draft Committee. and that the ACT Forests under­ plan for the ACT. take rehabilitation according to • West Belconnen planning propo­ standards specified by the Service. Alpine national parks sals: The Committee will exam­ Representatives of the Committee ine the proposals once Forestry will not be harvesting met with Alps Advisory the undamaged portion of the documentation is available for Committees from NSW and public comment. plantation until 1993 as it is unec­ Victoria to discuss cross border onomic to do so sooner. The management issues and the effec­ • 'Parkcare': the use of volunteers Committee strongly urged that tive operation of the Memorandum in the management of Canberra the cost of managing the planta­ of Understanding (MOU) which Nature Park. tion until this time be met by exists between NSW, ACT, The purpose of the Consultative forestry and not by the Parks Victoria and the Commonwealth Committee is to provide liaison ^£ Service. to provide a structure for the co­ between the community and the Canberra Nature Park operative management of the Government on issues relating to entire Alpine National Park Members of the Committee have the environment in the ACT. The System. been examining early draft mate­ NPA has already used it effectively rial for the management plan and The recommendations from the to raise issues of concern and has have provided comments to the meeting, which were sent to each seen very positive results in the Service. Discussions over the of^ the Ministers, were for form of the gazettal of areas as boundaries of the Canberra increased resources to be commit­ National Park and Nature Nature Park (CNP) are still going ted to the Alps to enable more Reserve. Members of the NPA on. They will be defined by the effective on-ground management should continue to make use of draft Territory Plan which will be to deal with: increasing visitor this forum to raise new issues and available for public comment numbers; pests, weeds and feral to have input into current issues. when it is released. The CNP will animals; and to maintain water Individual members can do this by be a Nature Reserve within the catchments. contacting a member of the NPA draft Territory Plan which is a Following this meeting the executive, by contacting your category of Public Land identified Chairs of the three Advisory Consultative Committee nominee, in the new legislation. The draft of Committees attended a meeting of or by attending a meeting of the the CNP management plan is the four Environment Ministers NPA Environmental Sub- expected to be released for public responsible for the Alps MOU, Committee or the NPA Namadgi comment early in 1992. held at Namadgi Visitors Centre Sub-Committee. in April 1991. At this meeting the budget for the administration of Anne Taylor the MOU was discussed and Forest and timber inquiry The draft report of the Resource the industry decline was a conse­ ture) is cause for concern, the Assessment Commission's quence of land acquisition by con­ report says. Some forest types, national forest and timber servation agencies. This is an such as those containing brigalow inquiry was released on 5 July to oversimplification of what has in Queensland, have been cleared at rates which threaten their stimulate further discussion occurred, according to the inquiry. survival. about major issues which will It says overcutting coincides with, affect the future use of Australia's and is caused by, the cutting out of Only 20 per cent of our remain­ forest and timber resources. most of the unreserved old-growth ing forest and woodland is in con­ The inquiry is inviting public forest well before significant num­ servation reserves. About 25 per cent is on private land and this is r.nd interest group comments and bers of regrowth sawlogs reach where most clearing takes place, submissions on the draft report harvestable size. with little re-forestation occurring. and will hold a series of further 'This anticipated outcome is Since European settlement about public hearings before prepara­ probably the main reason that half the country's forests have tion of its final report to be pre­ milling quotas have been reduced been cleared or severely modified. sented to the federal government progressively in all states, and this If we continue to clear the land at by 30 November this year. reduction, RATHER THAN the this rate, there will be no forests) In presenting the report, Dr inclusion of timber-producing left in a couple of hundred years. David James said that identifica­ areas in national parks, is the tion and selection of the most main cause of the dwindling Anne Forsythe appropriate options for the use of supply of hardwood logs', the Australia's forest and timber report says. The report also points resources is one of the major out that the Inquiry cannot find Farm resource use issues in Australia any instance in recent decades today. Views had become pola­ where large areas of forest have accomodation in rised and, on occasions, strongly been managed on a sustained yield held views had led to physical basis. Although it has been told the Snowy confrontations. that some state forestry services Happy Valley is a thousand acre According to the Commission, are moving towards a sustained- rural property first settled in 1848 Australia's native forests have yield offtake, it does not believe it by Thomas Locker, the firstover ­ been overcut in most states, caus­ is possible to approach a sustained seer at Lanyon. It is located in a ing an impending shortage in the yield by gradually reducing the cut secluded valley three kilometres supply of hardwood sawlogs. It after such a long period of overcut­ from Adaminaby. In winter the says this prolonged overcutting ting. 'It is necessary to compensate snow is only a half hour drive and NOT the inclusion of timber- for the previous period of overcut­ away whilst at other times of the producing areas in national parks ting by a substantial period of year Lake Eucumbene is three and conservation reserves undercutting,' the report says. It kilometres. appears to be the main cause of continues, 'It seems that for much Happy Valley is run by Neville the dwindling supply of hardwood of its history, the indigenous and Kate Locker, who used to run! sawlogs. The reduction in supply timber industry has not been in the Travellers Rest Museum at has in turn been an important equilibrium with the supply of its Cooma. Features of the farm factor in the decline in the raw material. It seems that in include a hundred year old shear­ number of timber mills and the most years there have been too ing shed, stone dairy, 1860 hori- number of people employed in log­ many mills for the timber on offer. zantal slab kitchen, barn and ging and milling. This decline is Milling capacity was almost other sheds containing a variety of expected to continue. always greater than the supply of old farming impliments, horse- This does not mean that logs to the mills and hence inevita­ drawn vehicles, domestic utensils Australia is about to run out of bly led to mills closing or and other artifacts. sawlogs. Rather, Australia is in amalgamating.' Accomodation is available in the process of restructuring an Current harvesting practices either the cottage or the farm­ industry from one that is labour- may increase the risk of extinction house. The cottage is an 1860 intensive and based on old- of some animal species and Police Station from Jerangle, com­ growth forest hardwood, to one adversely affect flora, soil and plete with cell for the children. that is equipment-intensive and water, but there is inadequate The original portion of the farm­ based on plantation softwood. information to assess the situation house was built in the 1870's and The inquiry has gained the with confidence. There is some evi­ added to in the 1950's. impression that many industry dence suggesting that regional For a leaflet giving additional representatives were unaware of extinctions of some forest animal accomodation details, booking the effect of past overcutting on species have occurred. arrangements and directions to the present supply of indigenous Australia's deforestation rate the property, call Neville or Kate sawlogs, believing instead that (due mainly to clearing for agricul­ on (064) 542 439 . Developer abandons Canadians TBan the Rainforest Jervis Bay Dams' conservation program South Coast property owner and Environmentalists in Canada and The Queensland and Common­ developer, Mr Warren Halloran, the United States won more time wealth Government's recently through his private company recently when Hydro-Quebec post­ announced a major conservation Realty Realisations Pty Ltd, has poned its $40 billion plan to dam package for Queensland's unique announced the abandonment of some of the wild rivers flowing rainforests, jointly funded to the future development plans for into the James and Hudson Bays. extent of $2.8 milHon for research, Jervis Bay. The first phase of the James Bay management, education and visi­ Recent advertisements have dis­ project, called La Grande 1, tor facilities for Queensland's played prominently the company's created five reservoirs covering 11 rainforests. intention that its Collingwood 335 square kilometres—an area NPA NEWS (QLD), July, 1991. beach Estate, located in reclaimed half the size of lake Ontario. wetlands at Vincentia, represents Water fowl nesting sites, shoreline National estate grants the 'LAST RELEASE OF habitat, caribou calving grounds The VNPA and the National Trust PRIVATE LAND IN JERVIS and snow goose staging areas were have been granted $40 000 to pre­ BAY. destroyed. pare criteria for nominating grass­ Jervis Bay Beacon, May, 1991. When the floodgates were land sites for the Register of the opened in 1984, a water surge National Estate, promote greater Save the rainforest drowned more than 10 000 public awareness of grasslands caribou. The NPA Central Coast Branch's conservation and establish a The Colong Bulletin, May, 1991. joint application with State number of 'Friends' groups. A pro­ Council for a Save the Bush grant ject officer will be employed. The has been successful. The grant will Education kits Association has also been granted fund an NPA study of remnant The release of the environmental a further $20 000 for its 'degrada­ rainforest and associated native education curriculum statement tion processes in National Estate plant communities in the Gosford has shown a commitment of the areas' project being conducted by and Wyong areas. NSW Department of Education to Gerry Rayner. A $20 000 grant National Parks Journal (NSW), promote environmental awareness from the Department of Conserv­ May-June, 1991. to school students—from kinder­ ation and Environment's Green­ garten to year 12. house Community Grants Scheme To assist teacher's and students, for a Linear Corridor Project has Garigal National Park also been received. On 19 April 1991 the NSW NPA NSW plans to produce a Government gazetted the new series of education kits, containing VNPA Newsletter, June, 1991. Garigal National Park. The new information and worksheets. The park is the first declared by the kits will focus on nature conserva­ Radiata Plateau tion, national parks and environ­ Greiner Government, and com­ The World Plan Executive Council mental protection and will be prises some 786 hectares of the of Australia has received develop­ specifically related to the new (Narrabeen Lake catchment, 15 kil­ ment approval from the Blue school syllabuses, including the ometres north of Sydney. Mountains City Council to build a Sciences, Geography, Economics, 50-bed 'academy* on Radiata Garigal National Park is one of English and Arts. the State's smallest which will pro­ Plateau, part of the upper Blue tect remnant Sydney bushland as National Parks Journal (NSW), Mountains which is recognised as represented in the nearby Kuring- May-June, 1991. being of World Heritage gai National Park, a number of significance. prime aboriginal sites and a Green belt Radiata Plateau is located two former feature film set. A more Brisbane's new Lord Mayor, Mr kilometres west of Katoomba, near representative park would have Sorley, has unveiled what he the historic area of Pulpit Hill and included more of the Deep Creek claims is an environmental vision the Explorer's Tree. The area is catchment, adjacent Crown Land, for Brisbane. It includes flora and an important recreational, scien­ the Narrabeen lake foreshore and fauna protection, no 'nett loss' of tific and educational resource and the lake itself, as well as the area wetlands, water quality standards, has some of the last unpolluted known as Red Hill presently being air pollution levels, soil and tree water catchments on the southern cleared for urban development. retention and avoiding the Blue Mountains escarpment, National Parks Journal (NSW), destruction of bushland, along which are close to urban areas. May-June, 1991. with a number of other environ­ At least 18 known "rare and mental issues. There is also an endemic plants are known to occur environmental levy to enable the on the Plateau as well as signifi­ council to buy bushland under cant stands of Blue Mountain ash threat of development, thus form­ forest. ing a 'green belt' around the city. National Parks Journal (NSW), The Colong Bulletin, July 1991. May-June, 1991. No sparrows, starlings, black­ birds or Indian mynahs North West Safaris offer six safa­ ris starting and finishing at Alice Springs. Ours was for 28 days through the Tanami Desert, Broome, the Kimberiey, Bungle Bungles and return to Alice Springs. Early to bed early to rise was the pattern for our 28 days and we duly rose at 5.30am on Friday 3 May and headed north west through the Tanami. There were ten of us in all: Peter and Anthony the two owner drivers, Jill our cook for the tour, three of us from Canberra and four others from South Australia and Queensland. Jill had previously been on three safaris with Peter and Anthony. All three were enthusiastic and Geikie Gorge. Photo by Penny Hebbard. experienced bird watchers and we found their interest extended to anything that grew or lived along along, casting lofty glances at Station camping ground, passing the way. lesser creatures. The Tanami how­ through unseasonably green land­ To be able to refuel at the end of ever offered me much more than scape and unseasonably flowing the first day we had to reach the wide variety of birds. I gained rivers and meeting a group of Rabbit Flat, strategically situated from it my first real lesson in Aborigines fishing at one crossing. in the Tanami Desert, so day one space, and the very different Caranya Station itself had experi­ was a long one—700 kilometres. beauty from the cool and well- enced eight feet of water through The Tanami proved very different treed states I'd lived in until then. its store in a big rain in February. from any ideas I had had about Bleached spinifex on flat, flat land We were able to cool down with deserts. No barren ground here, dotted with termite castles ice creams and cold drinks from for there was a wealth of plant life appeared at the end of this day. the re-stocked store before driving^^ and a great variety of birds. The late afternoon sun highlighted a little further to visit WolUP Reaction by the drivers to any­ the stark beauty of the place. Crater. This huge crater is about thing that looked interesting Rabbit Flat proved to have a 900 metres in diameter and is the brought the vehicles to a halt, roadhouse, the most isolated in the second largest meteorite crater in often a U-turn, to get another or country we were told and very wel­ the world. We scrambled down better look. Binoculars, bird and come at the end of that long, hot from the rim, a very rocky and plant books occupied front seat day. It appeared suddenly against steep slope, to the floor, now positions in our vehicles and were the horizon, an oasis of trees and largely covered by mixed vegeta­ in constant use. That day brought windmill in the spinifex. It is sur­ tion of spinifex, shrubs and small a succession of birds to be viewed, prisingly secure in a land which trees. A large body of water in one to mention a few, wedge-tailed looks initially empty. We were to area supports considerable eagles, red-tailed cockatoos, learn of the riots it has had to cope birdlife. peaceful doves, brown falcons and with here in the desert. Our camp Another place to have experi­ flocks of budgerigars, the latter that night was a little distance enced the February rains was always in ballet formations, turn­ from the roadhouse among some Fitzroy Crossing and our camp ing in unison with flashes of bril­ small trees and long grasses. there included not only a visit to liant green. There were bustards There were so many grasses, all the historic old pub but counting too, endearingly stately birds, true beautiful, and there were flowers frogs in the toilet block. If numer­ aristocrats who showed us they too from the Mulla Mullas, some ous frogs are a sign of well-being, knew they were a cut above all perfumed, to Holly Grevillea just then Fitzroy Crossing must be a other creatures. Walk, not fly, coming into bloom, and many healthy place for we found plenty. seemed to be their motto, as at a kinds of acacias and groundcovers. Life at the old pub abounded too measured pace they strolled Day 2 brought us to Caranya and seemingly every other person Mt Franklin Chalet This joint KHA/NPA Heritage Nursery ski runs which once had yard and a tripwire,triggered by Week walk was a great success. At Harley Davidson or Austin A40 the jostling horses, dropped the Mt Franklin Chalet we were met powered ski tows. A wind-powered gate. by a work party of members of the generator once located on the roof Nearby we found the remains of Canberra Alpine Club (formed in would create fierce vibrations the long V-shaped wings of Jack 1934) and Alan Bagnall gave a fas­ throughout the Chalet in rough Maxwell's trapyard and still fur­ cinating account of its develop­ weather and unless the propeller ther the site of Peter Spotswood's ment. The Chalet, built in the was 'feathered', it would be blown hut built in 1947. summer season of 1937-38 by away into the trees. Pryor's hut was built in the early Canberra contractor Warren The proximity of a 60 year-old 1950s to enable the establishment McDonald, is the oldest unaltered wooden border marker embla­ of an alpine annexe to the building on the Australian main­ zoned with the letters CT (Capital Canberra Botanical Gardens. land especially for skiing. During Territory) gave Alan the chance to Because of ill health Lindsay Pryor the War Dutch squadrons based at draw our attention to the water was unable to be with us but we Fairbairn used the Chalet while catchment demands of the inter­ were fortunate in hearing his on R&R leave. state toilet next to the Chalet. taped interview with Matthew It wasn't hard to imagine cosy, Travelling to Mt Ginini we next Higgins, undertaken as part of the convivial evenings around the viewed the KMC ski lodge site and Namadgi oral history project. piano, dart board and the old fuel the ski run of the Gingera Ski Afterwards some went to look for stove from the Prime Minister's Club which is visible from parts of the Huon pine labels marking the Lodge. Upstairs (don't forget to Canberra against the snow-capped specimens in the Arboretum. use the safety rope), the sleeping Brindabellas. On the walk back to Mt Ginini I compartments were still in good Tom Gregory's brumby trapyard reflected on Professor Pryor's condition with their Baltic pine was built across a well-used description of the annexe: '...a little lining and only the 'Honeymoon brumby pad on the southern labelled collection of rare and Suite' had a door. slopes of Mt Ginini. Matthew endangered species; a collection to Outside we inspected home­ Higgins explained how salt was be visited; a place of preservation.' made skis and the Slalom and used to entice brumbies into the Tony Corp No sparrows, starlings, blackbirds or Indian mynahs was a 'character". Anthony's deter­ charmed by Broome and far from approval was given" also to the mination to get us there to widen disliking what Lord McAlpine has excellent bookshop at Broome. our experiences was justified. The done for/to it. We rather approved Broome was pleasant and the new and up-market tourist com­ his touch. The beach resort is well two full days there were welcome. plex had been scorned in prefer­ out of the township and while They gave the opportunity to * ence for the pub and personalities, there is a fair degree of opulence, explore the township, catch up on and for colour it won hands down. accommodation seems to run also the domestics such as washing and A cruise up Geikie Gorge next to a camping area and the whole generally gear ourselves for the morning before continuing on to concept is beautifully executed adventure stage of the safari. I was grateful for the shops too. My Broome took us along a beautiful and fits well into the surround­ camera had 'died' in Broome and stretch of water flanked by tower­ ings, creating a very pleasant to have some record of the eleven ing cliffs. Carved into a Devonian atmosphere. It is hard to imagine days pretty much away from civili­ age reef, Geikie Gorge had a lot to not enjoying a stay there. The sation I was able to arm myself recommend it, still waters and rebuilding evident in the township seems to have highlighted the fea­ with my first throw-away camera. their reflections, those richly col­ Anthony and Peter had said by the oured cliffs and our first sightings tures of the old town and somehow drawn the whole together. The end of the first week everybody of fresh water crocodiles which would have settled in pretty well famed stairway to the stars was brought the cameras into action. and this proved correct. After out for us, not the right time of the The crocodiles were a bit of a let being something of a Calamity lunar month, but we did manage down for they were very young Jane in the first couple of days I to take in some of the other fea­ ones and small. I found a short- felt I'd started to redeem myself. necked tortoise more interesting tures of the town. One of us vis­ By the end of those first six days it that day. Before leaving the gorge ited the bird sanctuary, we all saw seemed we'd made a great start. we had time for a quick swim and the sunset at Cable beach and the Osprey"s nest on the pier, being wallow in the water before head­ Margaret Pyke ing west for Broome. checked in turn at the latter by I think we were all rather two of the Ospreys. A stamp of Down the Murray In mid February 1991, six pad- dlers set off from Yarrawonga down the Murray heading for the Barmah Forest or beyond. We were blessed with good water levels and in fact as a group we made it as far as Echuca after pad­ dling 265 km over 6 days. We con­ sisted of myself and Rollo from Canberra, Tony from Melbourne, Dave and Veronica from Sydney and Jenny from Newcastle. Jenny was the oldest, a sprightly 63. Most of us were primarily bush­ walkers, that is, new to canoes or kayaks. The party had four kayaks and one canoe. So in perfect weather we launched midday Saturday from the Yarrawonga Shire caravan park below the weir in the same spot where the Red Cross marathon also starts. They average 90 km a day, we expected Evening view from camp site. Photos: Chris Bellamy. to do 30 km a day and in fact did nearly 50! finished with a swim then dinner at Tocumwal. Toke' is a joy to around a campfire. arrive at for the paddler. We We said goodbye to the cars after The next afternoon we hove to at rounded a bend, past an interest­ having shuffled them between ing house boat and sighted the Picnic Point and Yarrawonga and Cobram, our first town. We ended up camping in a lovely grassy town, with its rooftops just peek­ ventured towards Cobram. ing over the well grassed levee Saturday night saw us at the first green park with full facilities and an easy walk to a pub, the Royal, bank in front of us. We tied up at of what proved to be one of many the jetty next to another party's idyllic camping spots by the and an Italian restaurant. You have to eat Italian in Cobram. Of canoes. They were just about to water's edge. We had no trouble head off. We exchanged pleasant­ finding spots with white sandy course we had another swim but then it was warm thirsty weather. ries and then headed off to sample beaches, trees for shade, easy the delights of Toke. Rollo did well access for the boats, facing east for The next day we paddled past and scored all the brown rolls at| the morning sun. The day always more lovely beaches and arrived the town bakery. His luck however ran out at the fruit shop where Jenny moving on the Murray. they must have thought he was a stray from a latter day Kelly gang and threw him out. Jenny did better at the old style hardware store and got some rope to fix her tent whose centre ridge pole had chosen to expire the day before. We discovered that the town boasted three pubs and loaded up with liquid supplies. We bid our farewells and headed off in the late afternoon sun heading for another lovely beach. Who said life is a beach? For most of the journey we had paddled past state forest on at least one side of the river. Near towns we encountered speedboats and water skiers. Away from them we did pass a lot of car campers with tents, caravans etc enjoying Namadgi news A short track has been con­ direct route to the bridge will be Association located an extensive structed from the Namadgi Visitor from the gate on the rise just Aboriginal tool grmding site on Centre to a prominent point on before the car park is reached and Middle Creek. It is beyond the the side of Mt Tennent. The track then on to the rocky knoll beside creek junction at the end of the from the Centre crosses a bridge the creek. grassed section of the valley on over the outlet from the dam, then A viewing platform has been the main arm of the creek where proceeds over the road to climb built at the Yankee Hat Rock the Gudgenby property fence line through open forest to a small Shelter to make viewing easier crosses it. rocky creek and on to a rocky plat­ and to provide a small measure of form overlooking the grassy pad­ protection from dust and physical Reg Alder docks below. Allow two hours for contact. A drip line has also been the return walk. put in place to stop water drain­ The swamp of Bogong Creek age damage to the paintings. Namadgi heritage in below the "Boboyan Forest car park A concrete causeway has been print has been an impediment to easy poured over the second of the NPA members who have an inter­ access to the Yankee Hat Rock Hospital Creek crossings on the est in Namadgi's cultural heritage fehelter Aboriginal paintings. To northern section of the Old might like to have a look at the avoid wet feet and damage to the Boboyan Road access to the winter issue of Heritage Australia swamp it has been necessary to Boboyan Forest car park. (the quarterly journal of the make a circuitous walk around it. Whilst on an investigation to Australian Council of National A bridge is being built over locate the remains of early settle­ Trusts). It contains an article by a Bogong Creek to make for easier ment on the Gudgenby property, NPA/KHA member. and more direct access. The most members of the Kosciusko Huts Down the Murray those lovely beaches. It seemed encountered the Barmah Forest, hard going dodging the speedboats. from the midden heaps of brown the largest remaining red gum The giant house boats which bottles that a lot of campers make forest and a great wildlife sanctu­ abound in the Echuca area, how­ the pilgrimage to the Murray ary. As the river passes through ever, proved to be good for a free during the Christmas holidays. the forest at floor level rather than ride if you could sit your boat prop­ The section from Toke to Picnic in the usual trench, the paddler erly in their wake. The strong cur­ Point was supposed to take three can really enjoy the wildlife too. rent still pulled us along though. days but we did it in two. En route The day we paddled into Picnic Eventually we passed the conflu­ we enjoyed one camp site where Point was our longest at 55 km. En ence with the Goulburn River and we had a lovely vantage point from route we passed the remains of an then what proved to be one of sev­ y^vhich to watch the birds coming old paddle steamer as well as the eral paddlesteamers carrying tour­ IBSown to drink at sunset. The exit for the Edwards River, a 200 ists. Tired, we ended our journey varieties seemed almost endless as km anabranch of the Murray that as a group at Echuca and pulled up they swooped down to the water's keeps the Deniliquin (Deni) rice just short of the town port at a car­ edge and then away. farmers in water. Our attempt to avan park. That night, having Leaving Toke I met George, paddle into it next day proved too done the sights of downtown newly retired from Brisbane, who much like an African Queen epic Echuca, old pubs and all, I lay in was satisfying a lifelong ambition and we took a rest day instead, my tent and went to sleep with the to paddle the Murray from Albury savouring the delights of Deni. sounds of a paddlesteamer throb­ to Swan Hill. George had a whole For me the trip from Picnic Point bing and splashing its way down canoe to himself and he needed it, is hard to beat, with two big lakes river, passing our camp site and having brought almost everything to paddle past, lots of wildlife and showering sparks into the night. including the kitchen sink with a good current to shoosh one along. If you would like to do some pad­ him. I tried to get some photos of the dling this summer in a kayak or a A memorable spot was the Gulf, azure kingfishers but suffered for canoe, you will notice three differ­ near Yielima Station, a massive the lack of a telephoto lens. For ent weekend trips in the latest turn in the river where one almost Rollo, Jenny and Tony the end of NPA walks program. In addition I encounters an inland sea, chris­ the trip came at Barmah where we am considering leading a Murray tened the Gulf by the old paddles- celebrated at the local pub. trip in late November 1991 and a teamer skippers. At the Gulf we Veronica, Dave and I then pad­ Murrumbidgee trip in early encountered our first modern pad- dled our kayaks out of the forest at January 1992, both of one week dlesteamers, as they have come Barmah where we encountered duration. If you are interested ring into fashion as houseboats for more overt signs of civilisation and me on (06) 249 7167. wealthy Melburnians. We also the start of a weekend. We found it Chris Bellamy TRIPS

Bournda—the lucky few The weather forecast for the June long weekend was for rain, rain and more rain, all down the east coast. Nothing undaunted Charles and Audrey Hill and I had a pleas­ ant drive on the Friday morning, meeting slight rain Cooma onwards. Views coastwards were lost in cloud and rain increased but we arrived at the Bournda recreation area to find NO RAIN! Also awaiting us were leader Syd Comfort and Barbara—who had taken a slightly longer route via Perth, Melbourne and the coastal road! Margaret Aston soon joined us, having left Canberra in pouring rain but finding NONE IN BOURNDA! There WAS a three hour heavy downpour (after we had retired) Friday night, which certainly gave my new tent a more than full test, but we awoke to dry skies. Saturday morning saw most mem­ bers climbing to the trig (only put­ extremely heavy seas bashing Bega road was cut for some hours, ting on raincoats for a few against the high cliffs, tumbled but we enjoyed no daytime rain in minutes), while Margaret and I rocks and rocky islands of the camp and even saw the stars for a shopped for necessities in coast line. Views down to each of few moments on a number of occa­ Tathra—meeting more rain, but the little bays were almost mes­ sions at night (plus a possum). NONE IN BOURNDA on return! merising as we kept waiting for Tuesday morning Charles, Adrienne Nicholson arrived the next really big one and the Audrey and I returned, finding lunch time Saturday (making a next and the next. vast floods, rushing rivers, fallen total of seven out of the 12 This track is memorable for its trees, rocks and debris and signs expected) and that afternoon some varying scenery—open heathlike of the heavy rain everywhere. of us took the delightful walk areas where we saw and experi­ Views were again denied us ooj along the beach and around the enced epacris, correa and boronia; Brown mountain and in Coom^ N.W. side of Bournda Lagoon. Our melaleuca forming an arch for over lunch we learned that they turning point was a new low foot­ parts of the track; dropping into had received rain constantly since bridge which has replaced the old delightful little bays (and climbing the previous Wednesday (six days) suspension one, lost in floods out); headlands with jumbled but NOT IN BOURNDA for the some two years ago. rocks below receiving the full force lucky, lucky few. (Needless to say no one believed us on our return!) Sunday—still NO RAIN IN of the huge waves and so on. Again we only donned raincoats BOURNDA—we all set off along Olive Buckman the beach (the Wallagoot Lake for a few moments of the walk. entrance being open) and then Margaret kindly met us at the started the delightful Kangarutha Tathra end where we all wolfed track—high on the coast for the tea and scones before returning to most part—to Tathra. the camp area—STILL NO RAIN IN BOURNDA! We did have a Members should note that Some of us had done this two small downpour that night but years before in pouring rain, so the general meeting of 21 after we had retired. that it was a joy to not look north November will be held in and inland at the black clouds, Monday saw us all slowly walk­ the rehearsal room but concentrate on our own dry­ ing—and birds watching—to the upstairs in the Griffin ness and the lighter skies towards Scotts Bay area, then Adrienne Centre instead of the New Zealand. If the rains were (very reluctantly) dragged herself spoiling others' weekend, they cer­ away and back to Canberra. usual ground floor room. tainly did not do so for ours, in All weekend we heard reports of Same time 8 pm. fact we had an added bonus of floods within a few miles and the A decade of neglect The history of the Orroral Valley main building could be an excel­ goes back to between 1826 and lent project for the Association to 1830 when a squatter, William undertake. At that time he could Herbert, staked a claim over a run not have envisaged how long it in the valley. The property passed would take to even make a start. through various owners until In that year, on representation about 1849 when it was acquired from the Association, a fence was by Charles McKeahnie. repaired and posts were installed Archibald, the son of Charles along the front verandah to pre­ and Elizabeth McKeahnie, was left vent further sagging. in Scotland when his family emi­ In 1982 the Association received grated in 1838 and joined them in a grant for the preservation of the 1851. Archibald married Mary homestead and preparation of a McMillan in 1864 and the birth of conservation plan. The assistance their first child is recorded in of the Can berra C oil ege of 1865. Other children were all born Advanced Education (as it was t Orroral in 1867, 1873 and 1877. then) was sought and it was made It could be assumed that they a student project. In October 1982 would have commenced the con­ about 30 members attended to struction of a substantial building clean out the homestead so that ft to house the family and oral his- . the students could measure and tory has it that Archibald built the assess the building. In March of Rotten cornerpost and collapsing present Orroral homestead in that 1983 a further work party carried masonry, Orroral Homestead. period over ten years. A map of out some temporary repairs such 1885 records a small triangular as placing covers over the chim­ ing, the main building could have plot near the junction of the neys, straightening up the sagging collapsed like the adjoining Orroral River and Sawpit Creek as back verandah, and some minor kitchen building. The main sup­ a reserve for the preservation and drainage work. porting posts of the structure have regrowth of native timber. It could Since then, apart from assis­ all rotted at ground level and the be presumed that there had been a tance at an archaeological dig, the walls only gain their lateral stabil­ sawmill there and the timber for Association's ability to carry out ity and support from the end and the homestead milled at the site. further restoration has been pre­ internal walls. The house was occupied until vented by bureaucratic delays It would appear now that those 1950 and from then suffered con­ while further investigations and of us in the Association who have siderable damage by being used as reports are made on the structure some skills will not be permitted a store for hay and junk with and methodology of working are to carry out any of the work that a access to the grazing stock. considered. In the meantime no person skilled with hand tools In 1981, Ross Carlton, then a stabilisation work has been car­ could do. The Association mem­ committee member and later ried out and if it were not for the bers are to be relegated to only President of the Association had a substantial stonework around the cleaning up operations, which is a vision that the restoration of the chimneys at each end of the build- lot less than participation in a sta­ bilisation program which many of us thought we would be involved The collapsed kitchen of Orroral Homestead. Photos: Reg Alder. in. After all Archibald McKeahnie was a grazier who was handy with the tools and in the bush carpen­ ter category. If Association members are not to be permitted to carry out this essential and urgent work to pre­ vent the collapse of the building, when will something be done before it is too late to preserve this precious relic of the early settle­ ment in our national park? The notice on the gate has the slogan 'Caring for our cultural heritage'. A decade of neglect hardly represents this care. Reg Alder BOOKS Introducing old friends

A view of the northern Brindabellas. Photo: Ray McJannett. On first opening Above the Cotter, calling the book a driver's guide. The book is set out into sets of I felt transported into another From the first sentence the drives, walks and short excur­ world. Thefine drawing s by Helen authors set out to make the reader sions. The distances are short and Fitzgerald are perhaps reminis­ feel at home in the bush, to avoid the directions thorough. Each cent of the drawings in Winnie the the idea that bushwalking is an drive or walk isrichly illustrate d Pooh, the long lists of plants and intimidating adventure only with drawings and the photo­ animals suggested Watership undertaken by the young and bold. graphs of Ray McJannett. Down (though there was not a They give a rather unflattering I have done a number of the rabbit in sight). description of their physical condi­ walks but looking at the book I After browsing through the book tion so you can relax. 'If we can do resolve to do them again, to take a for a while, I realised that I was it, you can.' closer look at all I had missed. not suffering from some sort of The friendliness of the book Mount Franklin assumes a differ­ English homesickness born of too could be a product of knowing the ent meaning covered by ski runs many foreign books in my youth. two authors well. But I suspect and people, as it was in the 1940s. The transport was due to the that visitors to Canberra who have One walk I must do is to the book's denseness and rich texture never met Ian or Margaret could Bendora arboretum (walk number that is often missing from fictional pick up this book and start to pen­ 7). I live in a street called Cassinia or non-fiction works about the etrate the territory's bleak and but I have never identified the Australian landscape. As the grey image. Friendliness is in the plant in the wild. Now I knovj^k cliche goes, Australia is a wide conversational tone of the writing where to go. The same applies if^F brown land: one of its most distinc­ and the folksy layout of the pages. you want to blackwood or blanket tive features is space (or distance It's in the snippets of history bush, corroboree frogs or yellow- tailed black cockatoos. The walks from one watering hole to the buried in the botanical are all timed and there are maps next). descriptions. by Kim Tatnell. Ian Fraser and Margaret Those descriptions contain the McJannett have done us a great sense of a closely settled land­ Above the Cotter is recommended service by interpreting the land­ scape. It is not settled by humans for visitors and for those who scape in another way; they have but by an amazing variety of regard the Brindabellas as home. taken a close look at a smallish plants and animals that the book Wherever you may happen to live. part of it, the northern identifies for ignorant visitors. Brindabellas. They have described This is not the sort of walker's Roger Green its by-ways and by-by-ways. And guide that just gives directions for Above the Cotter: a driver's and they have made it all feel like the route. This is a traveler's guide walker's guide to the north home. that hospitably and idiosyncrati- Brindabellas, by Ian Fraser and So I was transported to another cally takes you by the hand and Margaret McJannett. Canberra world—given that weekends are lovingly introduces you, by name, and South-East Region Environ­ another world spent in another to old friends along the route. It is ment Centre. $13.65. Available at place from where we spend the no wonder that the Environment a discount at NPA meetings. working week. But it was not a Tours, run by the authors for the foreign world. It was just up the Conservation Council and the road. Environment Centre, are so I suppose that is one reason for popular ABORIGINAL ROCK ART IN KAKADU

The rock paintings in Kakadu reflecta cultural tradition spanning tens of thousands of years. During this time, there has been a distinct sequence of styles, many of which are almost unknown to the general public.

A few major galleries such as Nourlangie and Ubirr are easily accessible by vehicle. Hundreds of others are accessible only on treks of three days or more. Willis's Walkabouts offers trips which visit many such sites throughout Kakadu, the rest of the Top End and the Kimberley. Even in areas where our guides have been walking for ten years or more, we continue to find as yet uncatalogued art sites.

Ifyouarereasonablyntandincerestedinseeingawealth of Aboriginal rock paintings inaccessible to the average tourist, write or phone for our free brochure.

Willis's Walkabouts 12 Carrington Street MILLNER NT 0810 'Ph:(089) 85 2134 Fax: (089) 85 2355

New edition of The Conservation Council of the Canberra South-east Region and Canberra bushwalks Graeme Barrow has produced a third edition of his popular title, presents a 25 Family Bushwalks In and Around Canberra. The book describes walks mainly in the city d around the ACT. Five of the walks are on the escarpment to the east—in Deua National Park, at Majors Creek and in the Budawangs. islh suae The new edition has colour pho­ tographs and a clean layout. The walk descriptions say how to get at the Yarralumla Woolshed there and features that mark the on Friday 13th September route but the two maps only give a very broad overview of the region. 8pm to midnight Except for the simplest track walks, for example to Mount $6.00 student & L.E.S.S. concessions • $8.00 others Majura or Boboyan Trig, topo­ graphic maps should be pur­ chased. The book points out which ones to buy. Music by Skedaddle The book is a useful brief intro­ duction to easy walks around the All dances called, no partners required ACT. for further information call Georgie or Rodney on 25 Family Bushwalks In and Around Canberra, third edition, by Graeme Barrow. Dagraja 247 7808 Press, 52 pages, $9.95. Calendar SEPTEMBER Thursday 5 Committee meeting, 7.30pm, 35 Millen Street, Hughes. Les Pyke, 281 2982(h). Thursday 12 Namadgi subcommittee, 7.30pm. 7 Verdon Street, O'Connor. Babette Scougall, 248 7008(h). Thursday 26 Environment subcommittee, 7.30pm, 43 Fitchett Street, Garran. Tim Walsh, 285 1112(h); 274 1465(w) OCTOBER Wednesday 2 Outings subcommittee, 8.00pm, 41 Maranboy Street, Fisher. Dianne Thompson, 288 6084(h); 244 7572(w); 244 7934(fax w). Thursday 3 Committee meeting, 7.30pm, 21 Hyndes Crescent, Holder. Beverley Hammond 288 6577(h). Thursday 10 Namadgi subcommittee, 7.30pm, 16 Goodparla St., Hawker. Phil Gatenby 254 3094. Thursday 24 Environment subcommittee, 7.30pm, 43 Fitchett Street, Garran. Tim Walsh, 285 1112; 274 1465(w).

NOVEMBER Friday 1 Deadline for December NPA Bulletin. Thursday 7 Committee meeting, 7.30pm, 21 Hyndes Crescent, Holder. Beverley Hammond 288 6577(h). Thursday 14 Namadgi subcommittee, 7.30pm, 35 Millen St. Hughes. Contact Les Pyke on 281 2982. Thursday 28 Environment subcommittee, 7.30pm, 43 Fitchett Street, Garran. Tim Walsh, 285 1112; 274 1465(w).

NPA Bulletin National Parks Association of the ACT POSTAGE GPO Box 457 Canberra 2601 SURFACE PAID Registered Publication No. NBH0857 MAIL AUSTRALIA

General meetings Held at 8pm, room 1, Griffin Centre, Bunda Street, Civic.

19 September A spokesman from the Australian Federal Police Rescue Squad will speak on the squad's operations and services and points for bushwalkers from its experiences with searches and rescues in the bush. 17 October Mr Richard Lee of the ACT Podiatry and Sports Podiatry Centre will give an illustrated talk on 'Footcare and Footwear for Bushwalkers'. His talk will include points of interest in choosing shoes and boots and for members with children.

21 November (Please note this meeting will be held in the Rehearsal Room upstairs in the Griffin Centre instead of the usual Room 1) Mr Andy Spate will give an illustrated talk on caves: their features, heritage values and conservation questions.

Primed by Union Offset Co Pty Ltd, Canberra