June 2004 NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION (ACT) INCORPORATED
Twentieth Anniversary of Namadgi National Park NPA BULLETIN Volume 41 number 2 June 2004 CONTENTS
From the President 3 Progress with the Gudgenby bush regeneration 12
Kevin Met 'itt: Eleanor Stodart
Notice of Annual General Meeting 3 NPA and U atervvatch 13 Martin Chalk The twentieth anniversary of Namadgi National Park 4 Australian Alps Walking Track M Den Robin and \cvillc Esau Graham Scully Namadgi turns 20 6 A whoop from the West 1 5 What is happening iti our catchments? 7 Syd Comfort et al Len Haskew PAkkvvARTI lb Vale John Banks 7 Compiled by Len Haskew
ACT biodi\ersity has faced ""four-pronged attack" 8 Continuation of Namadgi National Park forum 17 Graeme Wicks David Pf inner Interim Namadgi Advisory Board 9
Syd Comfort NPA policy on preserving Aboriginal cultural values 17
Options for the next ACT water source c> Environmental announcements 1 8 Compiled by Graeme H'icks Kosciuszko National Park endangered 10 Davit/ Pfanner Book Review I*' Graeme H'icks Bulletin Working Group news 10 Syd Comfort Meetincs and Calendar of events 20
Public action and political will 1 I htona MacDonald Brand
National Parks Association of the ACT Incorporated The NPA ACT office is in Macl.aurin Creseenl. Clutley. ne\l lo the Inaugurated 1°60 preschool. Il is staffed by \oluntecrs but. al present, nol on a regular basis. Callers may leave phone or email messages al any lime and ihey Aims and objectives of the Association will he attended lo The post office mail ho\ is cleared daily. • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the protection of fauna and Dora, scenery, natural features and cultural heritage Phonc/Fa\: (02) f>282 5813 in the Australian Capital rem lory and elsewhere, and the Email: n pa act n b i g po n d co m reservation of specific areas. Address: PO Bo\ l<>40. Woden ACT 2w»d • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation ;ire;is. Internet: uuu.npaaci.org.au • Stimulation of interest in. and appreciation and enjoyment of. Subscription rates (I July to 30 June) such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by organised field outings, meetings or any other means Household membership $40 Single members S3 5 $30 • Cooperation wilh organisations and persons having similar Corporate membership $30 Bulletin only interests and objectives. Concession $25 • Promotion of. and education for. conservation, and the planning Ad vertising of land use lo achieve conservation. The Bulletin accepts advertisements and inserts. The standard com Office-bearers of an A4 insert is $310 but some concessional rales may he
President Kevin McCue6251 1291 (h) arranged.
Vice-President David Large 62914830 (h) NPA Bulletin Seeretan vacant Contributions, of articles, line drawings and phoiograplis. including Treasurer Steven Forst 6251 6817(h), 6219 5236(w) colour prims, are welcome and should he lodged with the office or Syd Comfort (02) 62X6 2578. Committee members
Chris Emery 6249 7604 (h) Deadline for September 2004 issue: I August 2004 Articles bv contributors mav noi necessarily refleei association Christine Goonrey 6231 8395 (h) opinion or objectives Rod Griffiths 6288 6988 (h) This Bulletin was produced by the NPA Rullelin Working Group. Judy Kelly 6253 1859 (h. after 7.30pm) Printed by Copy-Oik. Canberra. AC I. Lyndall Young 6286 3277 (h) ISSN 0727-8837 Immediate Past President
Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (h), 040 778 3422 (mob) Cover pholO: 77/e Minister for Territories and Local Conveners Government. Mr I ren. at the top of Mount Bimberi. ihv highest Outings Sub-committee David Large 6291 4830 (h) peak in the ACT. during his tour oj \amadgi \auonal Park on Bulletin If orkmg Croup Syd Comfort 6286 2578 (hj the day of us declaration. 3June!°S-l Photo .lane Reid. Environment Subcommittee Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (h) courtesy of the Canberra Times
contact 040 778 3422 NPA Bui.i.iTiN — JUNE 2004 From the President This Anzac weekend (as I write) is least twice and marvelled each time at coordinated response to minimising me justifiably a period of reflection for us its dramatic and rapid recovery. We impact of natural hazards such as all—lest we forget. For members of the hope to reproduce the media release bushfires, droughts and floods and to NPA there are several other memorable distributed by NPA NSW about the eradicating feral weeds and animals. events to recall and commemorate importance of maintaining national This coordination should extend to about now with a similar aim. Coming parks, in the next Bulletin, just in case weather-control projects such as cloud up in the ACT is the 20th anniversary of you missed it. The same process of seeding which may have a much wider the dedication of Namadgi National renewal is occurring now in the impact than imagined. Sadly, the Park, though its actual gazettal did not Namadgi, Kosciuszko and Alpine coordinated Alpine National Parks occur until a few months later, on National Parks so badly burnt in scientific advisory body made up of 3 October 1984. To commemorate the January last year. In this alpine Commonwealth, NSW, Victorian and event Environment ACT has proposed environment die rate of recovery is an ACT representatives mentioned in this a celebration and invited NPAACT's order of magnitude slower than it is on column previously does not seem to participation in the planning process. the coast due to their dramatically exist in practice. Any member with insider or special different climates. Thus many of us At the instigation of that enigmatic knowledge of events leading up to the may not live to see total restoration. We alps campaigner Philip Ingamells, the declaration by Territories Minister Tom should not forget that similar fires Victorian, NSW and ACT NPAs Uren is urged to contact me or Vice raged through these areas in 1939 and propose publishing a special volume on President David Large. A brief 1952 before they were declared the Alpine National Parks for summary of an article by our former national parks. In those two fires presentation to the Ministers foundation and life member Bob Story thousands of stock were burnt in concerned. More details soon, but this can be found in NPA ACT's addition to the wildlife and flora, and kind of joint activity is important and th 40 anniversary Bulletin, published in the lives of many farm workers and very exciting. It bodes well for us March 2000. We will keep you advised volunteers put at risk trying to rescue jointly applying pressure on of events via the email newsletter them. government agencies responsible for Burning Issues. If you are not receiving These three conjoined national maintaining the national parks to align your copy please call Committee their management plans and objectives, members Judy Kelly or Chris Emery. parks in the ACT, NSW and Victoria form a very significant conservation and to coordinate their response plans for dealing with pests and hazards, Monday April 26 was the zone for flora and fauna, landscape and th particularly fires—let us not forget! 125 anniversary of the establishment geography in the southeast of Australia, and their joint management is not only of the first national park in Australia Kevin McCue, President and proudly one of the first in the advisable but surely essential. Having world—the Royal National Park on the the same management aims and goals coast just south of Sydney. I have seen would be a good start. It is also much of this park reduced to ashes at particularly important that we have a Notice of Annual General Meeting National Parks Association of the ACT Inc. All members of the Association are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting to be held at the Uniting Church Hall, O'Connor At 8:00 pm on Thursday 19 August 2004 The business: Minutes of the 2003 AGM Appointment of auditor President's report Election of office-bearers and committee Financial report Any other business Please note that all office-bearer and committee positions become vacant at the AGM and that nominations for the ensuing year are welcome. Following the business, Adrienne Nicholson will be our guest speaker, her topic: Lemurs, Chameleons and Baobabs See back cover for nomination form for office-bearer and committee member positions for the coming year. The twentieth anniversary of Namadgi National Park Deni.se Robin and Neville Esau, the Some 20 years later, those of us action on a national park for the ACT. authors of this article, were tireless ihere on the day still marvel at Tom For the rest of the tour, which campaigners for ihe creation of a Uren's enthusiasm for the proposal. entailed a fleet of official vehicles national park in the ACT and 20 years Poring together over maps laid out on snaking through the tracks and ago. when the establishment of Namadgi the bonnet of the official car. we traced paddocks. Tom appeared fascinated the boundaries that would combine the with ever\ aspect we presented, from the National Park was achieved, thev were Cotter catchment. Blue Gum Creek, and rugged landfonns and vegetation to the respectively Vice-President and the grazing leases of Orroral, Naas. and Aboriginal and cultural history. Immediate Past President of the Gudgenby with the existing reserve to National Parks Association ACT Who True to his word. Namadgi National ensure that the high conservation values Park was declared "within the term of better to recall that singularly of the whole area were protected in a the Parliament". The Gazette notice significant event! major national park. We described how appeared on the da} of the first meeting this expanded park would link with of the Namadgi National Park On a sparkling winter day in late August those across the border in NSW to form Consultative Committee, set up to guide 1983 a group of NPA members had the a complete protected area for the alpine the development of the park's first privilege of escorting Tom Uren. the and sub-alpine flora and fauna of the management plan. Alps. then Minister for Territories and Local Since the gazettal of the park in Government, on a tour of the Gudgenby Most ministers would have said thev 1984. its boundaries have been further Nature Reserve. Our purpose was to would consider the proposal. Instead, to extended and toda} the park covers present our case for transforming the our complete surprise. Tom Uren turned nearly half of the ACT. Not only is it a reserve, and adjacent high value natural to his departmental secretary, the late "National Park for the National Capital" areas in the ACT, into an expanded and John Enfield, and said "Did you follow it now links, through the Australian Alps fully-fledged national park. Here we had that, John? Can you see that this Memorandum of Understanding, with the opportunity to present our proposals happens?" This was an exciting adjoining reserve areas in New South directly to the Minister in the natural moment after so many years of Wales, which in turn link to parks in settinc where thev were most relevant. frustration in lobbying ministers for Victoria, to protect the scenic and biologically diverse alpine and sub- alpine areas of south eastern Australia. It is a magnificent asset for all Australians to appreciate. The management of (his whole area, the Australian Alps National Parks, is now coordinated through the Australian Alps Liaison Committee. Of course, our presentations on that August day in 1983 did not come out of the blue. The declaration of Namadgi National Park was the culmination of a long-running campaign which began in 1960 when the NPA ACT was formed to lobb} for "a national park for the national capital". NPA made its first submission to government in 1963. Over the next twenty years the NP \ remained focused on this objective with many more submissions and presentations lo generally unresponsive ministers and departments. One milestone is worth mentioning. In 1978 the then Minister for Territories. Bob El I icolt. proclaimed the establishment of the Gudgenby Nature Reserve, the forerunner of the present park. This followed another submission by the NPA that the reserve be proclaimed to coincide with the centenary of the dedication of the Royal The Minister for Territories and Local Government. Mr T Uren (right/ in National Park, the first national park u September l H4. with a member of the press party during a tour of dedicated in Australia. The Minister, to the recently approved Namadgi National Park. use his words, was "attracted" to the Photo by courtesy of the ACT Heritage Library. idea and the reserve was proclaimed on 26 April 1978. This was only halfway. 4 NPA BuLi.i-.iiN — JUNK 2004 however, to the NPA's vision for a national park. We were fortunate in 1983 that our dream also captivated Tom Uren, who as a veteran Labor politician had the political will and influence as Minister for Territories in the Hawke Government to turn our dream into reality. Tom Uren had a deep appreciation of the natural world and the presence and foresight to recognise the southern ACT as a magnificent natural area and a national park as an inspiring asset for both Canberra and the nation. There have been many changes to the park and to park management since 1984, some of which have already been mentioned. The Namadgi Consultative Committee set up to oversee the first plan of management has evolved into The Interim Namadgi Advisory Board The view from Aggie Gap looking through to the Tidbinbilla Range—all part of with the Aboriginal people of the ACT Namadgi National Park Photo Jane Reid in the Canberra Times 6 June 1984 represented and now playing an active role in the on-going management of the funding, and other resources. Many new animals has never been greater. The park. Since self-government in the ACT, or increased pressures have now arisen NPA will need to remain vigilant and community participation in management including the impacts of inappropriate focused to ensure that the natural values and on-ground activities in the park have recreation and tourism, as well as of Namadgi and our other alpine parks also expanded greatly. NPA now has ongoing problems such as feral animals are conserved into the future. We must continuous involvement in these and plants, the impact of drought and ensure that the current and future ACT activities through representatives and fire, landscape rehabilitation, and lack governments show the same dedication member activities. of adequate management resources. A and commitment to the conservation of new plan must embody a truly our natural heritage as Tom Uren did, sustainable approach to the management albeit as a federal minister, 20 years ago. Where to from here? of the whole park. The declaration of Namadgi A new management plan is overdue. In recent years the impact of land National Park was a cause for great The first management plan, while clearing for agriculture and forestry, and jubilation. Its twentieth anniversary sees adequate for its day, left planning and consequent loss of native habitat, has Namadgi embedded in the hearts of the implementation of many objectives up in dramatically demonstrated the loss of people of the ACT. Our task of the air. It was not updated soon enough, biodiversity in Australia and the protecting it continues indefinitely. and, as typical for other Australian continuing risks we face to save species Den Robin national parks, many management from extinction. The role of adequate Neville Esau priorities were never adequately and representative protected areas as the implemented because of lack of staff, ultimate refuge for our native plants and Pryor's Hut situated below Mount Gingera. Photo Jane Reid in the Canberra Times 6 June 1984. Fire fighters worked hard on 18 January 2003 to save this hut from destruction by bushfire. Namadgi turns 20 The front page of the Canberra Times Environment Day 2004. the 20th which are now under scrutiny both as a of Wednesday 6 June 1984 carried the anniversary of Namadgi will be marked consequence of the 2003 tires and as news that the creation of a national park by events being arranged by part of the revision of the plan of in the ACT had been approved, and Environment ACT. The program is not management now in progress. introduced readers to the term. yet available but it is understood thai If details of the program become Namadgi National Park. The the event will be held in the Namadgi available before this Bulletin is declaration of the park, however, did Visitor Centre on Sunday June 6 and distributed a notice about the event will not take place until later in the year. will provide an opportunity to consider be slipped into each copy. Otherwise October 3. The announcement had been the past, present and fliture of our the program will be available in made on World Environment Day and national park. This is very timely in Burning Issues, the NPA email now, on the weekend of World view of the many aspects of the park newsletter. Thi ,. and ar- Minister for Territories and Local Government, Mr Uren, al the iup ui Mount Bimberi, s. ' win* t the hi&hcsl peak in the ACT, during, his lour of Ihe new national pars yesterday. camp agreed with be a nslmrt AIR- Feder. Ticd assump- 3iely reflect lation. look pbec. No n. r to present eiperiiTK l rcsuJti, lo a working , in a com- the Govcramt h nuclear recommendation i . The Government's ai. By FRANK LONCUURST, City Reporter "cus on OD affirmative-action launched yesterday by tr il sites Access to most of Ihe Colter Forty per cent of the area of the ACT ister, Mr Hawke, and caichmcnt area is currently prohibited is toon to be declared a national park, •Education and Youth the because it is environmentally sensi and Canberrans have a new word (o Ryan, who is also V tive, and the water it produces requires learn. the Prime Minister • minimal treatment because (here is no IT The ward is Namadgi, the Women. B« Abarj&irai name for the mountainous human inifirferericciri the area, which results in the water being provided The paper, whir' n. region af whal is now ihe ACT. and much more economically than thai emmenfs con- as it has been chosen as the name of 1 from Canberra's other source, the women greater' Namadgi National Park. was welcomed d«cy, Coogong Reservoir. 7 The Minister for Terriloncs and Mr Uren said after touring the area business anc" . Other Local Government, Mr Uren, used the applause froi jtlcy,,scn- occasion of,World Environment Day by RAAF helicopter yesterday that at The Govei t, Com- yesterday lo announce lhal he in- this stage he did nol intend changing Hcatih. Mr going soft < tended to declare the existing Gudgen- the existing access or management women and if ihe slan- and Conn Dams, for example, are by Nature Reserve and the adjoining arrangements for thcCottercnichmcnt getting on th -lion, Aus- likely ro remain *s a particularly sensi Cotter River catchment area as a area, but that a policy plan would be ocas. •y. and Mr national park. prepared by his department, the tive catchment area to which access Mr H " protection The name Namadgi was recordedby NCDC. ihe Department of Housing will be slrictiy controlled in order to liamc: ;ity. explorer John Lhotsky in 1834, and and Construction and ihe Capital Ter- safeguard the puniy of the water." proacl ;d from AIR- rcfers to the mountain ranges now ritory Health Commission, which The park Is lo be managed by the .ons of reports was e known individually as the Bimberi, would be issued for public commeni Parks and Conservation Division of ope rat. ribed lo fa:lout Bnndabclla. Tidbinbii.a, Scabby and before final decisions were made. the Department of Territories and ty vital bv Aborigines Booth ranges, in the west and south of "I envisage that ihe management Local Government. •c MouX zone He st the ACT. plan will be based on a scries of 2ones, The poliey and management plans it Erriu field, ofihe p The park will occupy 9-f.OOO hec- each of which would be managed for the park zones will determine 'idence pro- to busi: taies, and-will incorporate most of" the according to specific objective!," he where vehicles will be allowed, and quota: and some higher land in the ACT. including the said. "Whiie the upper Cot.cr Vailcy where camping, bushwalking, fishing, means i that Ihe only extensive areas with sub-olpsne will have an overriding ic in the ro nnd picnicking will be allowed, but will in the lOvcment climate and significant wilier snow proicciion of waier quality, access to also lay down strict rules for which Th. •ring ihe cover. lite various zones within il, and those areas will remain permanently out of far a rviously It is expected to be declared within in Gudgenby Naiure Reserve, will be bounds to the public. adar. a few weeks. Then a compJci man- managed on ihe basis of the objectives In tl c!> to be Another report, the park fa pictures. agement scheme and zoning system and controlled accordingly, lio- incs dur- — Page 26, need will be worked out. "The zones between Btndora Dam w tmmiucc tdilional r * pro- Poll show ck n unity bor Parry polilic -ws by ''• Page I at the Canberra 1 imes oj 0 June reproduced by kind permission of the Canberra Times. 6 NPA Bl ILLL 1 IN — JUNL 2004 What is happening in our catchments? Dr Roger Goode, Senior Projects burn the more fire promoting shrubs recovery following the removal of Manager, NSW National Parks and you get!" It is feared that much of the grazing some 40 to 50 years ago. Much Wildlife Service had been asked to alpine ash forest that has been severely of the Sphagnum was desiccated by the address our February general meeting on burnt is likely to be lost and replaced by drought conditions prior to the fires and the topic After the fires. However, manna gum and mountain gum. it was the Sphagnum that fuelled the because of the ongoing coronial inquiry The status of the soils and catchment fires and resulted in burning of the Roger decided to alter the topic to a conditions at the time of the 2003 fires underlying peat and organic soil. Fire consideration of the regeneration and reflected past fire regimes and penetrated up to 1.5 metres into the rehabilitation work required and being management. Several large catchments peatbeds in many sites destroying their undertaken in the catchment areas of have experienced severe erosion as a water-holding capacities. both NSW and the ACT. result of high intensity rainfall events These communities will recover The January 2003 fires were a huge following the fires. Wallace's Creek where the fires did not bum to this fire event not only in the ACT but in catchment for example has experienced depth, but many sites where the peats NSW and Victoria as well. Roger frequent fireevent s over the past 35-40 burnt to this depth will have to be emphasised this point by showing a map years with suppressed and poor native manually rehabilitated. Based on the of the extent of the fires and pointed out vegetation cover. The soils have been experience of work done on fens and that although they covered an extremely exposed for long periods due to lack of bogs on the Main Range in the 1960s large area they were by no means vegetation and litter cover and were in a and 1970s, it will take at least 35-40 unique. He superimposed a map of the hydrophobic state (shed rainfall without years for these groundwater 1939 fires on the 2003 map and the any soil penetration). Little understorey communities to regain their catchment areas affected were remarkably similar. vegetation groundcover had regenerated water retention capacity. since the previous wildfires (1965, Roger believes that this is an indication Roger screened a series of slides 1972, 1983) as soil-borne seed reserves that such major fires are highly likely to showing the '60s and '70s rehabilitation had been lost, or they had lost viability occur again. projects. Through the use of rock and due to desiccation. The fires further Fortunately, despite the tremendous hay bale dams to control water flow exaggerated the hydrophobic soil impact, Roger feels that 90 per cent of through the destroyed bogs, the condition prevailing against any the area is recoverable in its own right slumping and trenching is slowly being germination and establishment of shrub provided that fires are kept out of the alleviated and it was quite amazing to soil groundcover. parks for some years to come. This is an see what appeared to be a miraculous enormous challenge for park Where these and similar soil and recovery. Fens, swamps and bogs were management. vegetation conditions existed before the severely affected by the 2003 fires and The rate and success of regeneration fires it can be predicted that native major efforts must be made to ensure of the native species will depend on a vegetation will be extremely slow and their rehabilitation. They are in Roger's combination of climatic and other poor and, in some cases, native species words, "the lungs of our catchment factors and not as a response to the regeneration will be overrun by exotic areas" and they will not recover without burning as such. If the prevailing weed species which are better able to help. The ACT and NSW Governments drought conditions end soon and milder, colonise such disturbance areas. have about $1 million to spend on the more favourable conditions prevail, It is important that in the debate over rehabilitation of these significant natural regeneration will be enhanced prescribed burning and the presumed communities. Roger believes that this is and a return to near-natural condition need for increased hazardous fuel less than a tenth of the amount required. will occur in a short timeframe. reduction, cognisance be taken of the While some money can be raised at present because the fires are so recent in The fires will have exacerbated the fact that in many high country everyone's minds it will become more tendency for snowgums to adopt a catchments fuel loads well in excess of and more difficult to appeal to public many-stemmed "mallee" like those aimed at in fuel reduction burning opinion over the minimum of a 30-year appearance as they have previously been are required to maintain catchment soil time framet o restore the functionality of subjected to too frequentburnin g both in and native vegetation stability. Without these areas. the grazing era and control burning by such stability the capacity of the native the Hume Snowy Bushfire Council. Post vegetation to recover after fires is very Roger concluded his address by fire regeneration will result in the much reduced or may even be lost. This wondering if NPA ACT could have an enhanced growth of a flammable is very much the case in the Wallace's involvement in promoting community leguminous understorey. Positive Creek example. awareness of the imperative necessity to management action will be needed to A number of vegetation communities provide continuing funds to this keep fires out of the area for at least 50 of J united distribution but of essential regeneration and rehabilitation. years to allow the shrubs to senesce and significance in terms of catchment Len Haskew thin out naturally. Resisting the call for hydrology, particularly groundwater "control burning" will be a challenge for communities (fens and bogs) were burnt management. Roger believes that the in the fires. In many of these Sphagnum situation in this area is "the more you spp had just reached a state of rapid Vale John Banks It is with regret that we report that NPA during the '70s, serving on the wife, Margaret, and members of the DrJohn Banks died unexpectedly on committee and becoming President in family. March 22. John was very active in the 1979. Our sympathy is extended to his ACT biodiversity has faced "four-pronged attack" The ACT'b biodiversity faced the '"four- "In the wake of the bushfires. there is lowland woodland and grasslands in pronged attack of fire, drought, clearing pressure (supported by the ACT. and for ongoing for suburbs, and weed and pest recommendations from inquiries) to management of these ecosystems. invasion" during the years 2000 to 2003, undertake more fire fuel hazard The State of the Environment Report the most recent reporting period for the reduction, to expand the tire-trail 2003 w as re I eased in March. It Commissioner for the Environment. network, create lire protection zones and comprised a number of papers dealing In his Shite of the Environment to change the landuse in previously with landuse. air quality, water Report 2003, the Commissioner. DrJoe vegetated areas," he said. catchment quality. climate and Baker, said most of the ecological "An extensive program commenced greenhouse effects. community communities in national parks burnt in in autumn 2003. Such activities have wellbeing. resource use. and progress the 200.i bushfires were expected to re implications for biodiversity towards sustainability. State of the environment reporting started in 1994. establish. conservation through habitat destruction and this was the fifth such report for the Other positives were land and modification. A holistic ACT. management agreements in rural areas management strategy is needed to guide that had the potential to protect hazard reduction activities and respond important remnants of ecological appropriately as the burnt areas Response to extreme events communities, and an increase in the area regenerate." Unlike previous state of the in nature reserves and national parks by environment reports, this report had the 6S8ha with the addition of Lower Recommendations opportunity to illustrate the short-term Molonglo. bringing the total The report recommended that in responses of the ACT to extreme events conservation area in the ACT to consultation with the Commissioner for such as drought, heavy rains, dust 125 203ha(53 per cent of the ACT). the Environment, the ACT Government storms, and bushfires. However, the future for biodiversity should: During the period, drought and in areas marked for urban development • develop long-term research and bushfires combined to place the greatest was less certain, Dr Baker said. Some monitoring programs of at least threat ever to the domestic water supply remnants of valuable ecological 30 years duration into post-fire of Canberra and Queanbeyan. The fires communities could be destroyed, unless recovery of terrestrial and aquatic almost completely burnt out the the AC T Government continued to add components of natural and modified vegetation of the main water supply to the nature conservation system. ecosystems: catchment for the ACT. For the first The ecological communities at • seek funding for the long-term time in decades. Canberrans had to curb greatest risk in the ACT were grasslands research in the above recommendation their water use to comply with water and lowland woodlands, particularly the from the Commonwealth Government restrictions. endangered yellow box-red gum grassy on the basis of the National Research Combined with the Christmas 2001 woodland. Despite the regional and Priority "an environmentally fire, the January 2003 bushfires national importance of these sustainable Australia", announced in destroyed three quarters of the ACT's communities, the threat of clearing for December 2002; pine plantations. They also caused the urban development in the ACT • ensure that biodiversity conservation is greatest damage to property and continued to be real. always integral to ACT Government infrastructure, most of which was At the end of the reporting period planning and management of landuse developed since the last major ACT there were 10 870ha of this woodland in changes, post-fire recovery programs, bushfires in 1951-52. the ACT. of which 2345ha were in and fire prevention programs such as Despite the drought of 2002-03 nature reserves. This was a significant rue! hazard reduction programs, being considered to be one of the worst and high quality component of the expansion and management of the fire on record Australia-wide. February 2002 25 200ha—only 8.5 per cent of the trail network. creation of fire was one of the wettest on record for the original regional extent of yellow box- protection zones; ACT. Then in February 2003. one rain red gum grassy woodland—that remain • assess the contributions of existing storm washed the equivalent of 17 years in the ACT and surrounding region. ACT Government pest plant control of soil and 27 years of ash and charcoal "The ACT Government needs to programs to achieving pest plant from the fire-damaged catchment into carefully evaluate when it is time to control, biodiversity conservation, and Canberra's water supply dams, making forgo the time-limited benefits from catchment management objectives, them unusable for drinking water. further property development, land sales and. if appropriate, trial alternative and rates in favour of a broader programs; Comment economic base and upholding its • implement a post-fire works and The Chief Minister and Minister for regional and national environmental management program to protect water the Environment. Mr Jon Stanhope, said responsibilities," Dr Baker said. supply catchment, aquatic habitat and he was disappointed that the focus given nature conservation values of the to many social issues in the report Fuel hazard reduction upper Cotter River. Murrumbidgee diminished the prominence that had Advice on biodiversity conservation and Molonglo River valleys, and their been given in the past to traditional needed to be an integral part of the tributaries; and environmental issues. planning for fuel hazard reduction • provide resources and support for Continued next pogv activities. improving the system of protected Interim Namadgi Advisory Board Board member Di Thompson reports board has raised some objections, made territory, the plan was sighted and that the board is currently concentrating some suggestions and asked for a report members expressed some concerns. on the Namadgi plan of management, from the ACT Wildlife Monitoring Unit. Look out for this plan. considering issues such as the timing Other fire trail issues. The Draft Parks Victoria visit During this and scope of the next round of public ACT Strategic Fire Access Plan was visit, park management, networking and consultation, and pressure from the released without board input, and the Indigenous issues were amongst issues horse riders to reroute the Bicentennial board is raising such matters as fire considered. Parks Vic have about Trail down Grassy Gully. Di has trails in Namadgi, possible turn-around 40 Indigenous employees and have highlighted other items that have been points, re-alignments and float access. offered places to our workers on their on the board's agenda recently. The future use of Gudgenby yearly Indigenous field workers ACT Roads Tree Removal Homestead. Although nothing is final, workshop. Program. This could involve the thinking is in the direction of restoration Recreation Strategy. There is removal of 50 000 dead and dangerous of the ready cut cottage, a caretaker at pressure to release this document but the trees on rural roads. All the main the homestead and use by such groups board is keen to ensure that the Namadgi roads—Brindabellas, Corin, Apollo, as artists or researchers and limited plan of management has primacy over Orroral, Boboyan, Paddys River—are rental. The board supports this the recreation strategy. affected. ACT Roads are progressing approach. Syd Comfort their consultation phase with Tidbinbilla Master Business Plan. representatives from key groups. The Whilst Tidbinbilla is not in the board's Options for the next ACT water source Actew Corporation has just released a obtaining water from the Tantangara option of constructing the Tennent Dam report which studies three options for Dam. has been open for many years, the time the provision of increased water The corporation hopes to make final has now come when the implications for capacity for the ACT. The three options recommendations to the Government by Namadgi will need re-examination to are: March 2005. enable the NPA to contribute to the • an increase in the capacity of the The report demands close study by consultations on this long-term water Cotter Dam; our association as the decisions in this plan. • building the Tennent Dam in Uie matter could have serious effects on the Naas Valley; and Namadgi National Park. Although the ACT biodiversity has fa d "four-pronged attack" continued from previous page High standards of living did not ACT also had the highest proportion of most conservative of estimates we necessarily mean neglect of the natural households in the country recycling or calculate that we have foregone some environment as the report suggested, and reusing waste. Waste per capita had $300 million in revenue from land sales. it was spurious to assume without fal len over the past decade from That is, by any measure, a strong supporting data that Canberrans' 1.3 tonnes to 0.6 tonnes. commitment to the environment," Mr affluence led to behaviour that He noted that the wood heater Stanhope added. threatened the ACT's longer term subsidy scheme had been introduced in He commended Dr Baker, who had sustainability. January, and newly purchased air announced his decision to retire as "Canberrans are generally more monitoring equipment would be used in Commissioner for the Environment, for aware of environmental issues than an expanded program commencing in his contribution in the position over the people elsewhere in Australia," July to measure particulate air matter. past 10 years. Mr Stanhope said, noting that the A comprehensive approach to the Graeme Wicks Government had recognised many of the conservation requirements of woodland social issues raised in the report and had communities and the plants and animals developed a social plan that set out "a that depend on this habitat would be clear direction for the ACT's Social released shortly, Mr Stanhope said. The Orphan chair development over the next decade or so, Lowland Woodland Conservation with immediate actions, goals and Strategy was released as a draft for Sonja Lenz (6251 1291) is still priorities—and importantly, a series of public comment in 2003. looking after a foldaway chair indicators and targets." The decision to include an additional which was abandoned after the Mr Stanhope said mat, according to lOOOha of yellow box-red gum grassy association's Christmas Party at the the Australian Bureau of Statistics, woodland at Gooroo and Callum Brae Namadgi Visitor Centre. She would Canberra had the highest proportion of into Canberra Nature Park had had an welcome a call from the owner. people concerned about environmental enormous financial opportunity cost for problems of any state or territory. The the Government. "In fact, by even the Kosciuszko National Park endangered No one hearing Dianne Thompson's talk the park. Sustainable recreation is a case that this be carefully monitored and to the General Meeting of the NPA on in point, a thorny issue that is shared assessed. The karst country in particular March 18 could doubt that the natural with Namadgi National Park. There is needs protection from horses. Pigs are values of Kosciuszko National Park are no holistic approach to the alpine another source of environmental damage being badly threatened. No one is in a regions, and quite apart from problems to the park from feral animals. better position to know the nature of the associated with alpine resorts. Di Thompson said that unfortunately threat than NPA's Di Thompson. She is Kosciuszko NP is now subjected to the self-interests of big business, a member of the Snowy Mountains year-round impact from tourists who commercial enterprise and individuals Region Advisory- Committee and also a flock into the area for an increasing have at times dominated discussions. In member of Kosciuszko's Plan of number of special events, especially at addition to the political pressure these Management Community Forum. Christmas and Easter. groups can apply, they have the ear of Her address comes at a critical time The mind-set of many on the the media. There is no doubt that the since consultations on the Plan of Community Forum is to accommodate employment and recreational aspects of Management for the park are expected more and more people. Removing park stakeholders must be recognised, to culminate with the release of the draft accommodation from the park is now a but there is a very real danger that the plan in about a month's time. lost cause, apparently, and the problems natural values of the park that attract The Community Forum of 21 people in providing toileting for the growing visitors to this area are being irreparably drawn from principal interest groups has number of visitors can only be imagined. undermined. been able to find common ground on a On the other hand, some of the These problems will be of great number of principles such as protection highest negative impacts on the park's concern in the preparation of the of the natural values of the park, respect environment come from a relatively Namadgi National Park Plan of for Aboriginal culture, recognition of small number of special interest groups, Management which is expected to be cultural heritage values, and education, particularly the horse riders' groups, released in the near future. Fortunately research and monitoring. The problem mountain bikers, and the growing Di Thompson will be in a good position that emerged from Di's talk was that number of those demanding the to apply the lessons of Kosciuszko there is sometimes conflict in the opportunity for extreme sporting events. National Park since she is a member of implementation of some of these agreed Planners are faced with some difficult the Interim Board of Management of principles. Unfortunately, the three choices regarding what facilities should Namadgi NP. The speaker concluded conservationists on the Community be provided to park users. with the need to keep talking and to Forum have to influence other strengthen community participation. Her Other serious threats come from feral stakeholders such as resorts. Snowy- colour photographs accompanying the animals and introduced plants and Hydro Limited, tourism, shire councils talk were outstanding. weeds. Despite claims to the contrary, and horse riders. feral horses do not occur in only small David Pfnnner The bulk of the talk on Kosciuszko groups but in much larger ones as well. NP was devoted to an outline of serious The damage they do is obvious to those issues surrounding the natural values of familiar with the park but it is important Bulletin Working Group news In reviewing the March issue the group she now has a new computer with David Planner offered to write up considered that the reproduction of the additional software she laid this issue general meetings with Len Haskew to photos was uniformly good. With out using Word but may be able to use cover when David is unavailable. images being received in different Publisher for the ne.xt issue. Graeme Wicks offered to monitor forms, often in colour, achiev ing Most of the meeting was given over official press releases. satisfactory black and white prints in the to planning the June issue so as to give The group would welcome to its Bulletin remains a problem despite the prominence to the twentieth anniversary ranks any member interested in assisting use of modern scanners. The issue was of Namadgi National Park. An early with the Bulletin in any way. posted out by Robert Abel I. Jenny deadline was agreed so that the Bulletin Syd Comfort Morrison and Timothy Walsh. Adrienne could be distributed by the end of May. Convenor Nicholson told the meeting that although Plan of management Bulletins for Heritage Libraiv' As reported in the March Bulletin the ACT Heritage Library At the time of writing (early May) the end of June remains a is seeking some back copies to complete its holding of the target for the release of the Namadgi plan of management. NPA Bulletin. The missing issues are Vol3 No7. Yol4 Nol. However, it appears more likely that it will not be available Vol5 No3. Vol7 No3. Vol8 No4. Vol38 No2. Members able until July. to help could ring Syd Comfort on 6286 2578. NPA OUTINGS PROGRAM June-September 2004 Outings Guide Walk grading Terrain grading Distance grading (per day) A— Road, firetrtail track 1 —up to 10 km B —. Open forest .2—10kmtol5km C —; Light scrub 3—15 km to 20 km D — Patches of thick scrub, regrowth 4 — above 20 km E — Rock scrambling F — Exploratory Day walks Carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. Pack walks Two or more days. Carry all food and camping requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY PRIOR WEDNESDAY OR AS INDICATED IN THE PROGRAM. Car camps Facilities often limited or non-existent. Vehicles taken to site can be used for camping. BOOK EARLY WITH LEADER. Other activities include nature rambles and environmental and field guide studies. Points to note Please help keep our outings program alive by volunteering to lead outings. New leaders are welcome. The outings convenor is happy to suggest locations suitable for a walk if you do not have something in mind yourself. Feel free to send in suggestions for outings to the association's office as soon as you think of them, with a suggested date. All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Association of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and as such accept responsibility for any injury howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders, are absolved from any liability in respect of injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing. Passenger transport. The committee suggests a donation, to the nearest dollar, of THIRTY cents per kilometre. This is based on four occupants in the car including the driver. When odd numbers arise, the total contribution is divided by the number of cars. The amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader. Drive and walk distances quoted in the program are approximate distances for return journeys. 26 (May, Environment Day walk A relatively easy walk, mainly on 20 June, Sunday daywalk Wednesday walk track, but involving a little rock Split Rock (Cotter Rocks) Leader: David Large scrambling along the Leader: Martin Chalk Grading: 3A Grading: 3A/B/C/E Murrumbidgee Corridor from the Contact: 6291 4830 Maps: Corin Dam and Rendezvous confluence of Tuggeranong Creek david.large® bigpond.com.au Creek 1:25 000 to Red Rocks. We might divert to Mid-week daywalk to celebrate Contact: 6292 3502 (h), the 'canyon1 on the way (some Environment Day 2004. A walk 6268 4864 (w) or mild rock scrambling to do this). from Cooleman Ridge lo Isaacs mcha!kfS)tpg.com.au This was one of the most scenic Shops via Mts Arawang and To make the most of the winter stretches of the river, but has been Taylor, Fairer Ridge, Mt solstice, we will leave Kambah badly bumed and the recovery Wanniassa and Isaacs Ridge. Meet Village shops at 8:00am and drive process is well underway. Meet at at end of Kathner Street. Chapman to the Orroral Gate. The first half the Urambi Hills carpark near the at 9.00 am. of this walk is on tracks through corner of Athllon and Learmonth regenerating forest. After this Drives at 10:00am for a pleasant warm-up and a breather at Cotter day. Drive Okms. $0. 29-30 May, weekend packwalk Gap the final climb to the Rocks Sentry Box Mountain and Naas will work out the last of those Creek winter chills. The views from Leader: Phil Gatenby 12 June Saturday work party Cotter Rocks are worth the Grading: 2C/D/E Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group effort—a breathtaking place for Map: Yaouk 1:25 000 Contacts: Syd Comfort 6286 2578 lunch! We will return via the same Contact: 6254 3094 Clive Hurlstone 0407 783 422 route, but with less effort. philip.gatenby(2)dewr.gov.au clive.hu rlstone^S)csiro.au A walk from the Yaouk Valley, Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre. climbing the Boboyan Divide and Tharwa at 9:15am, or Yankee Hat 23 June, midweek daywalk then on to Sentry Box Mountain. carpark at 10:00am. Tools will be Wednesday walk The views from the top are provided. Leader: Mike Smith spectacular. We will also visit the Contact: 6286 2984 headwaters of Naas and Grassy msmithfSnetspeed.eom.au 12-14 June, long weekend carcamp Creeks. A climb with packs of Midweek daywalk in conjunction Bournda National Park about 600m is involved on the first with FBI and CBC. Final details to Leader: Adrienne Nicholson day. Contact leader for details by be notified by email, or contact Grading: 1A (or less!) Wednesday 26 May. Drive leader. Not more than $ 12 per car. Map: Wolumla 1:25 000, Bournda 170kms. $51 per car. National Park pamphlets Contact: 6281 6381 27 June, Sunday daywalk A delightful camping ground by 30 May, Environment Day Sunday Southern ACT Huts Lake Wallagoot in the Bournda daywalk Leader: Brian Slee National Park with mod cons Yankee Hat Paintings, Yerrabi and Grading: 1A/B/C Shanahans including a shelter shed and hot Maps: Yaouk and Shannons Flat Leader: Col McAlister showers. Opportunities for coast 1:25 000 Grading: 2A and forest walks and good bird Contact: 6281 0719 Map: Namadgi National Park Map watching. Can mess about in briansleefgiiprimus.com.au and Guide boats. Do as little or as much as Depart Kambah Village at 8:30am Contact: 6288 4171 you like to enjoy this interesting and drive to Brayshaws Hut on Three short walks to view and scenic part of the coast. For Boboyan Road. Walk due west to restoration works on three tracks details contact Adrienne by Grassy Creek and upstream to affected severely by the fi res. preceding Wednesday. Leader will Waterhole Hut. After morning tea. Lunch at Boboyan Trig (Yerrabi be going down on Friday. Drive proceed down Grassy Creek to Track), with a final cuppa at 400kms. $120 per car. plus Westermans for a lazy lunch at the Cuppacumbalong. Meet at camping fees ($8.00 per adult per lace-curtained homestead. Return night) and NSW Park entry fee Kambah Village shops at 8:00am. to Brayshaws. A short walk ($7.00 per car per day) if you have Drive 120kms, $36 per car. suitable for one of the shortest no NSW annual pass. days of the year. Bring gear for 6 June, Sunday daywalk making tea/coffee. Drive 120kms. Red Rocks on the Murrumbidgee $36 per car. Leader: Steve Hill Grading: 1A/C/E Map: Tuggeranong 1:25 00U Contact: 6231 9186 landshilfa;webone.com.au 30 June, midweek daywaik 24 July Saturday work party Meet at rear of Chisholm shops in Wednesday walk Bushfire Recovery Work Party car park at 9:00am. A walk from Leader: Rob Forster Contact: Martin Chalk, 6292 3502 Theodore to Mt Rob Roy and then Contact: 6249 8546 [email protected] on to Guises Creek. All on fire trail [email protected] Our bi-monthly work party. or open woodlands. A car shuffle Midweek daywaik in conjunction Yerrabi Track, repairing steps or perhaps do this as a circuit walk. with FBI and CBC. Final details to down to the tor and removal of be notified by email, or contact thistles from the Mura Swamp. leader. Not more than $12 per car. Under the direction of Phil 7 August, Saturday daywaik Gatenby 6254 3094 Mt Tennent and lunch at Cuppacumbalong 4 July, Sunday daywaik Leaders: Pat and Eric Pickering Gooroo Nature Reserve 25 July Sunday daywaik Grading: IA Leader: Syd Comfort Enchanted Hill Map: Williamsdale 1:25 000 Grading: 2A Leader: David Large Contact: 6286 2128 Map: Hall 1:25 000 Grading: 2A [email protected] Contact: 6286 2578 Map: Tuggeranong 1:25 000 Joint walk with FBI. We walk [email protected] Contact: 6291 4830 from the Namadgi National Park Gooroo adjoins Mul 1 igans Flat [email protected] headquarters up the Alpine Nature Reserve and is the latest A moderate walk from Monaro Walking Track to the fire tower on woodland reserve in the ACT. A Crescent to top of last Tralee Hill Mt Tennent and return. Distance walk to Old Joe Hill for (Comms Tower), then through lOkms; climb of 750 metres, all on commanding views of Canberra some pleasant woodland with a track. We allow 4 hours for the and its nature reserves. See very stand of Black Cyprus Pines to trip, returning in time for a lunch large Yellow Box, Blakely's Red railway which we follow past of soup and crusty bread at Gum and Scribbly Gum trees. McAlister Cutting then up Cuppacumbaling at 1:00 pm. It Meet at ACT Netball Centre Enchanted Hill for lunch and back carpark, Northboume Avenue, does not matter if you don't make to cars following the power line Lyneham at 9:00am. Gold coin it to the top. Everyone walks at (undulating). Meet at 9:00am at donation to drivers. their own pace for the four hours. rear of Chisholm Shops for short If the weather is wet, we can car shuffle. change into dry clothes at the 10 July Saturday work party Visitor Centre or have the lunch and no walk! Contact Pat or Eric Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group 28 July, midweek daywaik by Wednesday 4 August so that a Contacts: Syd Comfort 6286 2578 Wednesday walk booking can be made a [email protected] Leader: Col Mcalister Cuppacumbalong. Drive 60 km. Clive Hurlstone 0407 783 422 Contact: 6288 4171 [email protected] Meet at 9:00am at North Curtin ($6). Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre, District Playing fields (off Dunston Tharwa at 9:15am, or Yankee Hat St.) Walk through parkland to carpark at 10:00am. Tools will be 8 August, Sunday daywaik Oakey Hill and then onto Mt provided. Cathedral Rocks Taylor. Return through "green Leader: Col McAlister areas" of Chifley, Lyons and Grading: 2A/C Curtin to complete a pleasant walk 18 July Sunday daywaik Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25000 through Canberra's suburbs and Demandering Hut Contact: 6288 4171 hills: plenty of kangaroos and Leader: David Large Meet a Kambah Village shops at possibly a wedge-tail eagle of two. Grading: 2A 8:30 am. A climb from the Orroral Map: Colinton 1:25 000 Coffee at Curtin shops a strong campground of some 400 metres to Contact: 6291 4830 possibility. Walk in conjunction hill 1316, then down to the [email protected] with FBI and CBC. massive formation of Cathederal NPA has accepted responsibility to Rocks for lunch. Return via caretake Demandering Hut in the Orroral track to campground. 70 Naas Valley. An opportunity to 1 August, Sunday daywaik kms, $21 a car. have an easy walk from Mt Clear Mt Rob Roy campground to look at this hut and Leader: David Large make an assessment of whether Grading: 2/3A any maintenance work is required. Map: Tuggeranong and Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre at Williamsdale 9:00 am. Drive 80 kms $24 per 1:25 000 Contact: 6291 4830 car. [email protected] 14 August Saturday work parry 22 August Sunday Walk Fosters Mountain is on the western Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Mt Tennent area. edge of the Budawangs. The walk Group Leader: Martin Chalk starts at the Nerriga entrance to Grading: 2A/B/D/F Contacts: Syd Comfort 6286 2578 Morton National Park and is partly Map: Williamsdale 1:25 000 scorn fortr^netspeed.com.au on tracks. Some rock scrambling Contact 6292 3502 Clive Hurlstone 0407 783 422 across creek gullies and through clive.hurlstoncfficsiro.au mchalkfo)t pg.com.au cliff lines will also be involved, as Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre, Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre at will a climb of about 300 metres. Tharwa at 9:15am, or Yankee Hat 9:00 am for a walk along Bushfold Contact leader by the Wednesday carpark at 10:00am. Tools will be Flat then up the northern ridge of before the walk. Drive 320 kms. Mt Tennent to the 1008 metre spot provided. $96 per car. height. Return via Tennant Homestead and a short car shuffle. 15 August Sunday daywalk This walk will offer commanding 11 September Saturday work party Orroral Valley circuit views across Canberra and a Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Leader: Mike Smith chance to see how Mt Tennent is Contacts: Syd Comfort 6286 2578 Grading: 2/A/C recovering plus a look at the scomfort (o3netspeed.com.au Map: Corin Dam 1:25 000 cultural "remnants" at Bushfold Clive Hurlstone 0407 783 422 Contact: 6286 2984 Flat and Tennant Homestead. $7 clive.hurlstonef&csiro.au msmit hfifnetspeed.com.au per "shuffle car". Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre, Meet at Kambah Shops at 8:30 am. Tharwa at 9:15am, or Yankee Hat A walk from the Orroral Gate carpark at 10:00am. Tools will be along Cotter Hut Road until saddle 28-29 August Weekend Pack Walk provided. at weather station. Climb to Fosters Mountain unnamed rocky peak 1339 metres Leader: Phil Gatenby for lunch and exploration. Grading: 2A7D/E Continue on to Sawpit Creek and Map: Endrick 1:25 000 return along valley track via site of Contact: 6254 3094 Rowley's Hut. Total 400 metre Philip. Gatenby^dewr.gov.au climb. 100km drive ($30 per car). Public action and political will Fiona has sent this article from Adelaide where she is staying with her daughter. Fiona has been very interested in the Angove Conservation Reserve which is close to her daughter's home, and sees some parallels between the processes which led to the establishment of the reserve and public action in Canberra to protect Black Mountain bushland from road development. Angove Conservation Reserve is in Tea Tree Gully and was established on land held by the Angove family since the 1880s. In 1889 Dr Angove built a home and planted a vineyard on his farm. He often walked on to Butterfly Ridge to look towards Adelaide and to observe and sketch birds and insects. In 1993 the Angove family decided to sell the property and a developer was Looking into the Angove Conservation Reserve, Tea Tree Gully, Adelaide. Photo soon found to purchase it for the Fiona MacDonald Brand construction of housing estates. One section of the former farm had never and Housing Department and lobbied to section which had much earlier been been cleared and proved to be one of the have the scrubland area acquired and set cleared for the establishment of a few remaining patches of Adelaide aside as a conservation reserve. vineyard. The trees planted are native to Plains scrubland. Fortunately in 1994 the South Australian the area: blue gums (Eucalyptus Conservationists in Tea Tree Gully Government purchased the 5.4ha site in leucoxylori); drooping she oak enlisted support from the Environment order to conserve this valuable natural (Allocasuarina verticillata)\ and native environment. In September of pine (Callitris preissii). The lizards of that year the Angove the area are bearded dragons and skinks Conservation Park was but they are preyed upon by local cats declared and the Friends of and boys! One of the Friends monitors Angove Scrub undertook to the frog population in the creek which help maintain it and to educate flows through the reserve after the school groups, and others, in winter rains. the area's values. On occasions the Department of At present there are 172 Corrective Services allows prisoners to native plant species in the work under direction in the dozens of reserve with spider orchids and reserves along the fringe of Adelaide. In donkey orchids flowering in the the 200ha Ansteys Hill Reserve spring. There are also 83 feral prisoners are eradicating feral plants plant species! Sadly 13 native and in past years prisoners have worked species have disappeared since in Angove Conservation Park. a 1980 botanic survey. There It was a pleasure to meet up with the are 19 species of native birds, small group of Friends at their April including the beautiful rainbow meeting. They were most welcoming to and musk lorikeets which feed a stranger, there was interesting on blossom, and New Holland discussion, and reports were presented and white plumed honeyeaters. including one from Ranger Eva. The Friends hold bimonthly As you have read, this is a story of meetings and monthly work "public action and political will" which parties. They are constantly successfully saved a unique area from weeding out feral plants—the destruction. As we watch the public work party I attended was action group in North Canberra struggle grubbing out olive trees. The to save bushland on Black Mountain environment ranger, Eva, was and adjacent ridge reserves we hope in attendance and worked hard that political will and legal processes alongside the Friends. Over will match the aspirations of the "Save Grubbing out the stump of a feral olive tree in the the past 10 years the Friends the Ridge" group. Angove Conservation Reserve. Photo Fiona have worked with school Fiona MacDonald Brand MacDonald Brand groups planting trees in a Progress with the Gudgenby bush regeneration this rate, felling will need to continue through August or longer before the last pine will be felled. Regeneration in the area seeded after the Jan "03 fires (between the Old Boboyan Road and Bogong Swamp) is doing remarkably well considering the year we have had. Seedlings of all five eucalypt species have germinated, with the rounded blue juvenile leaves of the candlebarks being most conspicuous. Some wattles and a few banksias also are present. Seedlings vary in size from a few centimetres to almost a metre tall depending on which shovver of rain triggered their germination. Blackberries and briar roses are a problem everywhere but are so bad in this area that they threaten to take over parts of it. Unfortunately none of the post fire weed money was spent in the Boboyan pines area—briars to the north were sprayed // won i be long before Mt Gudgenby will be fully visible from the Old Boboyan instead. Clive Hurlstone and I spent a day Road: pines still to be felled, logs awaiting transport out, with a cleared and mapping the blackberries and briars and we burnt (albeit rather weedy) area for seeding-planting in the foreground. think we have now convinced the park Photo Martin Chalk management to take some action. Unfortunately also, the willows in Bogong The best news about the regeneration outwards, with about half the area Swamp have clearly made a comeback and project is that felling of the pines is in felled (as of IS April). The large block now form a solid mass of stems about two its last stage; we have been told so, left adjacent to the Old Boboyan Road metres high. They were supposed to have and we dare hope that it's right was tackled briefly in the north eastern been tackled in early 2003. but because ACT Forests actually needs corner before operations moved to the unfortunately again, the understandable the timber now. Felling on the slopes south eastern corner, where a view to postponement then was not followed by of Yankee Hat has begun in the Frank and Jacks Hut has been opened action this year. middle of the block and is workimj up. and a large pile of logs stacked. At Eleanor Stodart Update May 7 I have just been given an update on the progress of the current felling of the pines in the Gudgenby regeneration area bv ranger. Darren Roso. He estimates that the felling is approximately 70 per cent complete with nearly all of the pines west of Bogong Creek (below Yankee Mat) cut out. Apparently the machines being used cannot handle the largest trees and these are still standing ready to be hand felled. There is a large area behind Frank and Jack's Hut as yet untouched. Both the felling and the extraction of logs are very weather dependent so the dry conditions have facilitated operations since work began. If the weather remains favourable the task could be completed by the end of June Clive beside one of the logging machines, indicating the size of the log stack SFC beside the Old Bobovan Road. Photo Eleanor Stodart NPA BULLETIN — JUNE 2004 NPA and Waterwatch The bushfire recovery work party scheduled for February 28 was planned as a weeding activity at Coree Falls. However, arrangements were changed at the request of the Brindabella National Park management, so an alternative activity was undertaken on Hospital Creek. As a part of the ACT Waterwatch program, I have been monitoring the water quality in this and two other creeks in the Gudgenby area on a monthly basis since May last year. Eight qualities are measured and over time there has been some variability particularly in air and water temperature, but such variability has been cyclical or explainable. But in November the phosphate level at Hospital Creek showed a slight increase. This increase doubled each month throughout the summer. Such was this trend that it was of interest to the Waterwatch coordinator, so I suggested that the At the end of a day sampling from pools along Hospital Creek in February, the February work party would be an combinedNPA/Waterwatch group reached the dry "swamp" below Frank's opportunity to investigate the source of Hospital Creek Hut. Photo Nigel Philpot the increase. The offer was seized and three NPA The group sampled water for One of the Waterwatch members is a members were joined by 10 Waterwatch phosphate levels at each pool, the creek PhD student and had demonstrated the volunteers to walk from the northern having ceased to flow. At each location biological pool phenomenon under swamp near the Gudgenby bush the levels were either at the limit of laboratory conditions but had never regeneration area to the southern swamp measurement or beyond it. The water in heard of it occurring naturally— near Frank's Hospital Creek Hut. I the pools fell broadly into two types: Hospital Creek gave her much should note that the swamps now biological pools of black water with gratification. resemble grassy, weedy flats—maybe extremely high levels of phosphates; and Some on-site theorising suggested they will take on their former character phytoplankton pools of green water with that these elevated levels were caused after some rain. high levels of oxygen. by the degeneration of organic matter in these pools (the science was rather more complex than this!). However, this does not explain the elevated levels that I observed from November to January, when the creek was flowing well and had been since the fires. Nevertheless, the day proved an interesting joint exercise between the NPA and Waterwatch and showed a part of the ACT to some who had never ventured south of the Orroral Valley. Yet again, the fires seem to have highlighted a natural process that hitherto has been taken for granted and now presents a challenge in its understanding. Martin Chalk Nigel Philpot samplingfrom one of the pools representing Hospital Creek which had ceased to flaw. Photo Adrienne Nicholson NPA BULLETIN JUNE 2004 13 Australian Alps Walking Track Have you ever wondered how many a logbook and comment on a group 1 have been doing the track with people do this walk each year? I challenging walk almost completed. I over the past six years, a total of certainly have, but how on earth can one collected what statistics I could, and 50 walking days: Tim Walsh. Judith get an accurate idea of the numbers of they are summarised in the table Webster. Phillip Crampton. Brian Slee walkers each year? following (see foot of page 15). and Norman Morrison. In October 2003 at Oldfields Hut I In 2003. there were four groups In the previous years others who had time to browse the logbook and recorded before the January fires, none walked with us were Phil James. Den realised that it is the last opportunity for between then and October and at least and Geoff Robin. Mick Kelly and Eric AAWT walkers to note their progress in one later in December. This was the and Pat Pickering. Walkers' comments 26 3 (itiOver the past X hvi'/.v iu" 've been through wilderness areas. 21 4 02The amazing life-<- hanging experience ot spending 2 \alional Parks. State fore.\ts and Reserves, and we've been in months with my most beautiful mate in the \\ arid, the Uweh areas with huts around every earner, and in areas without a unse/f consciousness of flame robins in ihe trees and an hut. track or marker for days. echidna burrowing a new home The whole way we've debated whether each type of human 29 4 02Liz Leysluin. Il has been a great OialLnge menially ihe impact is appropriate and that debate is far from resolved. discovery of one's abilities. I want lo comment that it is uncommon and extremely 24 5 02 Tom Bell. Brisbane. interesting to find the doLiimenialion kepi in this hut 10 9 O2.lason Beecherofi. this /ournev has been vvrv good lo me. regarding "notes for caretakers" and "extracts from XPWS the experience of traversing solo in winter has been management brief amazing. Thanks for thai ami also for this endearing and well kepi 3 12 02Jill Leyiar. day 39. Higlis. /usi managing il on my own. hut... lows, bail weather from McDonald lo Magdala and If hite s Victoria is the lough pari. 1000 vertical metres per day to Jagungal making views noil existent for the first two weeks, slow trackless bush, battling down a H 12 02Ben Perrett. dav 43. Congratulations Jill, although if vou timber graveyard with a lading torch till 2am. leeches bv the are going to claim lo have walked the enure trail, then your thousands (one temporarily blinded met. one hour plus night husband should not have driven you from McAllister searching for water down dry creeks, and having to settle jor Springs lo Ml Hotham. you missed the (^ro.wcut Strw. Ml drinking out of wheel ruts Buggery. Ml Speculation. Ml Despair, ihe Razor and Viking, 16 I 01 Group of 4 from Walhalla, lejl 31 davs ago. had il all. dealt and Bany Saddle. with it a/I. Money being raised for St Vincents Hospital J> / 03 Hannah lltteneke and Katy Tenner. N weeks Melbourne 9 I 03 Kathryn MeCallum. I tried to can. h Hannah and Kan. I 2 2 01 Franz Koller, Germany. Walking the Alpine Track Jrom was too slow. Murrays Gap lo Blue Waterholes 2 I 03 Bee Robinson, thanks for no-one telling me how hard 23 4 01 Australia is a great country. Cardona (Argentinai ihe Mitia to Bullev (.'reek section was. othenvise I'd never 1 6 01 Leonie and Phil Bubb on 32"'' day of walking from have started the walk. Walhalla on AAWT I have shared a love-hate relationship with John Seisman. 30 10 Hi Ron ( nine and Blue Phillips, day 30 AAWT with his "lightly timbered pleasant campsites' (read 10 11 01 Coogee Rover Crew. Canberra-Wallutlla. great hut. swamp), "well defined \'E spur " ire ad five \ E spurs, none shame about the elections well defined", 'clear brumby trails " (readpaths thai vanish 2~ II 01 Andy Col/ins. Berowra, I'm walking from Sydney lo Ml into prickly bush), "slightly overgrown ft re trails" Head Kostn/szko, "00k impenetrable 6 ft scrub). However, without him I would 6 12 01 Rob Horsfteld. day 34 AAWT. long day from H uses hut have gone thirsty in ihe Barries, and would never have 2d 2 02Jason Williams. day 26. iracknoles on heard of the 1.1 If T. so thanks JS geocmes com juggleboitom I would be most appear not to call in to the Namadgi interested to get ideas on Visitor Centre I have written to the how to more accurately centre suggesting that an A4 laminated estimate the number of notice be fixed at the stile at the end of walkers. In the latter part of the walk informing walkers that there is 2003 there was an ABC a log book in the Visitor Centre. A documentary on Certificate of Completion is also Koscuiszko National Park available at the centre. I have also which in passing estimated contacted the Australian Alps Liaison that around 12 walkers Committee, with no response. completed the track each Graham Scully year. As many walkers Note: see table on page opposite Revenge of the forest; a track marker succumbs. Photo Graham Scully 14 NPA Bui. IN JUNE 2004 A whoop from the West Who would have thought that a notice in the Outings Program about a local ACT walk would have brought a response from nearly 4000 kilometres away? It did. And this is how. Max Lawrence set out his proposed walk: 18 April, Sunday daywaik Gibraltar Creek Hills Leader: Max Lawrence Grading: 2C/E ... As you drive up Corin Dam Road towards Woods Reserve there is a rugged little range on your left across Gibraltar Creek. Our object is to walk along that range, taking in three of its prominent peaks. The distance is not great, but this is a physically challenging walk with climbs totalling 700m, steep grades and rock scrambling. Good views Max's group looking into the valley of Blue Gum Creekfrom the Gibraltar over Gibraltar Creek, Paddys River Hills. Photo Max Lawrence farmlands, and Booroomba.... homestead and garden and south down through some of the old programs for the property to the rock slabs on the hill inspiration. And there, on one of the NPA member, Stephen Johnston, I nicknamed Falcon Hill after being programs a few years back was this walk now a Perth resident sent Max the dive bombed by falcons when I visited by Stephen Johnston ... following message: (another scrubby climb). 1 think I gave Stephen tied the loose ends: / was amused to read that you will up on the easternmost bump and / had forgotten that 1 had put that be leading a walk to the Gibraltar Hills retreated down to the creek and back up walk on the program because it never on 18/4. Your description reflects my to the car again. came off!! Can't remember why but past curiosity with those hills which Of course that was at least four maybe people had more sense than I ... prompted me to do the walk one years ago and the fires would My walk was just a recce. So assuming weekend. The climb from Gibraltar presumably have incinerated all that you get a few takers, yours will be the Creek up to the ridge was not too scrub so it would be interesting to see it first actual NPA walk along the demanding - the usual grunt - and the now. I hope you have a good walk.... Gibraltar Hills... ridge to start with was reasonably open Max replied: On April 18 Max had 12 takers and forest. But, oh dear, once I got into the thus takes the honour of leading the first bumps I encountered some of the You know, I thought that walk of NPA walk along the almost Cassinia thickest Cassinia scrub I'd ever seen. As mine was original. I've looked at that free Gibraltar Hills. I remember it, the saddles between the range for years and marvelled at the growth thereupon, and I thought after bumps were relatively open little Syd Comfort (with rather a lot of the fires, here's my chance ... But then I patches where you could admire the help from Max and Stephen) view down onto the Booroomba wondered what to call it, and had a look Australian Alps Walking Track continued from previous page Summary of groups walking the AAWT 2001 to 2003 (South to north unless indicated otherwise) 2001 2002 2003 Group No No in group* Days to Oldfields No in group Days to Oldfields No in group Days to Oldfields 1 4 31 1 m 2f 54 2 2 I m 26 1 f 45 3 2 2m,f 60 1 f 53 4 2 32 1 m ** 2m 48 5 2 39 I m 6 (5m, 10 50 6 4 6f 39 7 I 34** Im 43 8 2m,f 2 months * gender not recorded; f female; m male; ** north to south PARKWATCH Amazon rainforest drunk on Government announced that it will lo ensure cleaner and greener National proceed with cloud-seeding in the alpine Parks and State Forests throughout carbon dioxide area of Kosciuszko National Park and Queensland. Environment Minister Strange tilings are happening in lush new legislation is due to be passed this Dean Wells said the Sustainable Parks Amazonian rainforests and rising levels week excising ski resort roads. initiative, outlined in the EPA Annual of carbon dioxide could be the cause, The National Parks Association of Report, had seen a variety of innovative scientists announced today. NSW (NPA) and Nature Conservation solutions adopted into Park Even in pristine rainforests Council of NSW (NCC) are alarmed infrastructure and management. unaffected by human activities such as over a plan announced today by the 'Each year more than 13 million logging or burning, researchers have Minister for Agriculture that will see people enjoy the wonders of noticed dramatic differences in the five years of cloud seeding within Queensland's protected areas and the growth patterns of trees over the past Kosciuszko National Park. Cannons initiative aims to minimise the impact 20 years. stationed in the park will fire silver they have on the natural environment. That could distort the forest's fragile halide crystals into clouds, seeking to The program includes the introduction balance, affecting rare plant and animal induce rain over the alpine areas of over time of a range of sustainable species, researchers from Panama and Kosciuszko. waste, energy and water systems and Brazil reported in today's issue of the Cloud seeding is currently illegal, technologies to provide serv ices and journal .Suture. and the Government would need special manage these areas. It also includes The big winners in the light were legislation to see the seeding proceed. infrastructure for rangers that live and spindly canopy trees and shrubs, such as The Commonwealth Government work in Queensland's National Parks." the manbarklak, sclerobium and parkia. rejected a similar proposal in 1994 Mr Wells said. which are fast growing and whose wood following negative National Parks and Mr Wells said five Parks throughout is of light density. Wildlife Service advice. the State — Carnarvon. Fitzroy Island. The losers were slow-growing, dense "The cloud seeding plan is an Girravvcen..Glen Rock and Moreion tropical hardwoods, such as the eroton engineering fix lo give more snow and Island, had recently been audited to and oenocarpus. that live in the dark rain for interests that already cause determine how efficiently power, water forest interior. environmental damage such as ski and waste was managed. Other Their decline is significant, because resorts. Murray River irrigators and initiatives planned for elsewhere in the these slow growers are bv far the biggest Snowy Hydro." said Andrew Cox. NPA State included the adoption of more absorbers of carbon. They are the Executive Officer. efficient waste management strategies in species that give the Amazon its 'Communities east of Kosciuszko. the remote Cape York region and on reputation as a vital 'sink' that can suck such as Bombala and Cooma are also Fraser Island. QPWS is also working up C02. likely to suffer from more severe towards a renewable energy program to Levels of C02 have risen by 30% in droughts." progressively convert all remote, off- grid National Parks to cost effective the past 200 years because of emissions 'At the same time, the NSW renewable energy power systems. from vehicles and industry, and rapid Government is pushing through forest burning, particularly in the legislation, dubbed the Road Kill Bill, SPA Sews Fehruuiy 2004 tropies. that will excise 130km of roads leading Much of the increase in C02. which to the ski resorts of Perisher, Charlotte Kangaroos turn up noses at plants use from the air as a carbon Pass and Thredbo and hand it to the source for photosynthesis, has occurred RTA. Parliament is expected to pass the gum leaves since l%0. bill this week." Kangaroos are fussy eaters. They won't The scientists suspect the rising C02 'Once the RTA get control, we eat gum leaves or anything that grows levels are fertilising the rainforests and predict vehicle speed limits will near them because they don't like the increasing competition for light, water increase, not decrease. This will smell. Australian research has found. and nutrients in the soil. So the big fast- increase the already tinaccepiably high So conservationists could plant gum growing trees have an advantage and are numbers of dead wombats and wallabies trees near rare plants to give them a outpacing the smaller ones. and other animals." better chance of surv iv ing. the The researchers believe the odd The NPA and NCC say the 'Road researchers say. change in growth patterns could also be Kill Bill' will bring the ski resorts one The Curtin University of Technology a signal for an overall change in step closer to their goal of minimal researchers from Western Australia rainforest ecology. environmental control. publish their results in the Journal of Vt'itw in Science; Environment und 'Yet these rushed proposals fly in the Chemical Ecology. Suture Thursday. II March 2004 face of a new Plan of Management for Other studies have shown red Kosciuszko National Park, due to be kangaroos avoid plants that contain Conservationists alarmed over released in the next month.' said Rob quinine. But this is the first study to Pallin. NCC Chairperson. show how kangaroos respond to Kosciuszko Cloud Seeding and Adventure Pro February; 201)4. essential oils in Australian trees. Road Excisions Proposals The researchers looked at western grey kangaroos in W hiteman Park, Conservationists say the Carr Cleaner and greener parks northeast of Penh, and how they fed on Government's actions this week have New and emerging sustainable-use plants from the Myrtaceae family, which sounded alarm bells that recreational technologies are being adopted by the skiing and developer interests are out of State Government as part of an initiative control in Kosciuszko. Todav Continuation of Namadgi National Park Forum The April general meeting of the NPA Members recognised the Aboriginal vehicles in NNP. Attempts to clarify and was devoted to the second forum on occupation of Namadgi for thousands of edit the draft policies proved difficult policies concerning Namadgi National years and the many sites of special and time consuming even though Park. It is expected that a revised plan of cultural significance that made a members were generally agreed on the management for the park will be spiritual linkage to the land. There is a principles involved. For example, there released for comment in July and the need for special protection of these sites. was agreement that wilderness areas NPA is preparing itself for a response to For example, fuel and fire management should not have any roads at all and issues that will undoubtedly arise. practice must preserve the integrity of vehicles should not be allowed to travel The two areas of concern discussed indigenous cultural sites. off road. Needed clarification of policies at the April forum were: There was general agreement also centered on: l.the preservation and protection of that to strengthen the cultural life of What vehicles, of what type, should Aboriginal cultural values; and Aboriginal people associated with the be permitted on which roads, in which 2.roads and vehicles. park, the NPA ACT supports training areas, and under what circumstances? President Kevin McCue led the and employment of indigenous staff in Which roads should be closed, discussion on preserving Aboriginal Namadgi, and looks forward to rehabilitated and revegetated? cultural values. A lively discussion of improved communication with Since the meeting the Committee has the draft policies followed and despite Aboriginal people, their councils and followed through the policies discussed differences of opinion on various issues traditional groups to promote better and settled on a policy on the and wording, there was general understanding. preservation of Aboriginal culture which agreement on several principles in the Former President Clive Hurlstone is set out below. draft. presented the draft policies on roads and David Pfanner NPA policy on preserving Abo riginal cultural values 1. NPAACT recognises that preserving the natural and cultural should preserve the integrity of Aborigines have occupied the ACT values of Namadgi National Park. indigenous sites and ensure their region for thousands of years. There 2 . NPA ACT recognises the interest of protection. are many sites of special significance Aboriginal communities associated 5. NPA ACT supports cross-cultural for Aborigines both known and yet with the ACT to pursue traditional training, special programs, to be uncovered. Namadgi National cultural activities within the Park. employment of indigenous staff in Park and the other ACT nature 3 . NPAACT will foster better the Park and associated activities to reserves and recreation areas are communication with Aboriginal (i) strengthen the cultural life of especially important, having been people, their councils and traditional Aboriginal people of the area, least disturbed over the last 200 groups to promote mutual and years. We should protect and understanding and greater (ii) increase knowledge, under enhance Aboriginal cultural and collaboration between us. standing and empathy with the spiritual links to the land, especially 4 . NPA ACT insists that fire and litter indigenous values of the Park. within the context of protecting and management policies and practices PARKWATCH continued from previous page includes eucalypts (gum trees), The toxicity doesn't extend to other paperbarks and bottlebrushes. marsupials, such as koalas and Member's The essential oils this family produces, possums, which eat gum leaves. advertisements such as eucalyptus oils from gum trees, Lamont added that their findings could are toxic to bacteria in the kangaroos* help in the regeneration after serious Association members are guts. These are the bacteria that help the events like bushfires. welcome to advertise in the animals digest their food, said one of the Lamont said that eucalyptus, Bulletin persona] items such researchers, Professor Byron Lamont. bottlebrush or paperbark seedlings as bushwalking gear, free of 'Anything with essential oils in it seems planted beside more delicate species charge. Please send ads to to deter the kangaroos feeding on them,' would give these species a better me. Lamont told ABC Science Online. chance of surviving by protecting the Syd Comfort Tf these kangaroos eat these essential plants frompredators . oils they lose their appetite and get sick. News in Science: Environment and If they eat a lot of the essential oils they Nature Thursday, 25 February 2004. eventually starve,* Lamont said. Compiled by Len Haskew Environmental announcements Water strategy released infrastructure in the future. ACTEW in the ACT. and is the ACT's first action has already undertaken an initial plan that addresses the conservation The Chief Minister and Minister for the assessment into possible infrastructure needs of an endangered ecological Environment. Mr Jon Stanhope, has options to augment supply and will soon community and the threatened plants launched "Think water, act water", the release its report on "Options for the and animals dependent upon it. strategy for sustainable water resource next ACT water source". This is the first of three conservation management in the ACT. A copy of "Think water, act water" strategies to protect threatened species. "Water is our most precious is available on the (hinkwater website at The second focuses on native grasslands resource, so it is vital we address the www.thinkwater.act.gov.au or and threatened grassland animals and water issues facing the ACT both now from Environment ACT on 6207 9777. plants, and is being prepared for release and into the future." Mr Stanhope said. for public comment later this year. A "The strategy outlines a number of key third strategy covering fish, aquatic and targets for the ACT to achieve, Nature reserve named riverine communities will be prepared in including: The Government has announced that the 2004-05. • reducing per capita mains water usage ACT's newest nature reserve, located in The Lowland Woodland by 12 per cent by 2013. and 25 per East Gungahlin. is to be Goorooyarroo Conservation Strategy can be accessed cent by 2023. This will be achieved Nature Reserve. This was once the name at w w w . e n v i r o n m e n t. a c t. u o v . a u through water efficiency, sustainable of an extensive area west of Lake on the web. or copies can be obtained by water recycling and use of stormwatcr George that included Old Gundaroo, calling at the Environment ACT and rainwater: One Tree Hill (Hall) and other land Helpdesk at Macarthur House. north of Ginninderra Creek and • increasing the use of treated 12 Wattle St. Lyneham. ACT 2602. wastewater from 5 per cent to 20 per stretching to behind Mount Ainslie. cent, by 201 3; lYIyna trapping program • ensuring that the level of nutrients and Cats to be contained sediments entering ACT waterways is Public support has been sought for a Cats in the new suburbs of Bonner and no greater than from a well-managed pilot program aimed at removing Forde will have to be contained within rural landscape; and common Indian myna birds from some house properties at all times to protect • reducing the size of urban storm water Canberra suburbs during the autumn. native wildlife in the nature reserves at flows so that frequent flows are no The Acting Minister for the Mulligans Flat and Gooroo. larger than those prior to development. Environment. Mr Bill Wood, said the A comprehensive study of domestic "The strategy addresses a range of program, which would be carried out in cat behaviour was undertaken in the issues, including variables affecting the two suburbs, was being run by Canberra area in 1998 which showed 1 future of the ACT's water resources Environment ACT. the ANL and the about 75 per cent of domestic cats (population growth, climate change, Canberra Ornithologists Group. It might hunted. It showed that cats were bushfire impact); water supply options; be expanded across the ACT if opportunistic when hunting, and water use efficiency: water quality; successful. water sensitive urban design: catchment concluded that the proportion of native "The myna is regarded as the rat of management; riparian zone species taken would be higher in natural the bird world and. like rats, they're environments. management; and education and highly adapted to the urban environment Estimates were that cats predated community partnerships. and can reduce or eliminate native about 4S0 000 animals in the Canberra "It also considers how what happens species, particularly in woodlands." Mr urban environment each year, including in the ACT affects water management Wood said. up to 27 per cent of the standing crop of across the region and downstream. We The trap system developed by the native birds. will review the environmental How ANU researchers has been extensively guidelines this year and will also The reserve at Mulligans Flat is evaluated to ensure no adverse impacts participate in the cap of water diversions home to four bird species listed as will be suffered by native wildlife, and as a commitment to our role in looking vulnerable under ACT threatened the birds trapped would be destroyed after the Murray-Darling Basin. species legislation—the hooded robin, humanely according to strict animal brown treecreeper. varied sittella and the "The strategy identities that an ethics guidelines. white-winged triller. Integrated Water Supply Strategy will "One of the keys to the pilot's be developed to guide provision of ACT "In addition to some of the success will be strong community water to neighbouring parts of NSW. vulnerable bird species in these areas, support and 1 urge Canberrans to there are also populations of the rare "The Government will offer a range support this important volunteer black form of the shingleback. echidna, of incentives to households to encourage program and help eradicate the myna." eight different frog species. 11 other improvements in water efficiency in the Mr Wood said. mammal species and 14 other reptile house and garden. To register, contact the Environment species." Mr Stanhope said. "Regulations will also be introduced Help Line on (02) 6207 9777 or visit the to ensure new buildings are constructed Environment ACT website at to minimise water use and make reuse of Conservation strategy released www.environment.acl.gov.au . wastewater practical. The final draft of the ACT Lowland Compiled by Graeme Wicks "The strategy takes into account that Woodland Conservation Strategy was these water efficiency measures may be released on April 29. It details actions unable to save enough water to avoid the for integrated management, protection need to construct further water supply and enhancement of lowland woodlands Book Review Wet & Wild My 1966 edition of Snowy how a blackfish lays and fans its eggs, or Mountains Walks, published by the why lizards shuffle from foot to foot— By Mark Lintermans and William Geehi Club, says, "In some respects, the enriches the reader's understanding of Osbome, Environment ACT, Canberra, insects are the most interesting feature the complex freshwater environment. 262pp, $34.95. of the Kosciusko (sic) fauna," and notes, One of the beauties of the book is that as in a paragraph that downplays the the reader gains more knowledge, more This is a very useful addition to the dangers of copperheads and white- questions spring forth: How does that books and guides that help you know lipped snakes (make up your own mind), frog change colour? Why do some what you are looking at in the bush. that the large funnel web spider of the snakes lay eggs while others give birth Subtitled "A Field Guide to the High Country, whose burrows are to live young? How can turtles become Freshwater Animals of the Southern frequently seen near streams and dormant?" Tablelands and High Country of the elsewhere, is "very aggressive and Turtles indeed! One of the maxims I ACT and NSW", it is exactly that—an should be kept at arm's length." have carried with me since I was a boy invaluable guide to have with you in the My experience in the mountains is is: Turtles have flippers; tortoises have field. But it is a weighty little tome, that you see more insects in a day than feet. There are no freshwater turtles in more suited for the pack than the pocket. all the rest of the animals put together, Australia. So for many years I have been It is a pleasure to handle and read, and and a book that deals with them as well mildly distressed to hear people— because of its design and content, a as Wet & Wild deals with its chosen including scientists who I thought great book to be studied and enjoyed at subjects would be a little treasure. should have known better—refer to home. What Wet & Wild covers, it covers freshwater turtles. I wish I had been able It deals concisely and very well. The layout of each section to read a guide like this a long time ago. comprehensively with the fish, frogs, makes it easy for reading and quick The authors give the solution to the reptiles, birds, mammals, and a few of reference. The pages are colour-coded— problem comprehensively and concisely: the invertebrates found in and associated brown for birds, green for fish, and so 'The family Chelidae includes aquatic with freshwater habitats. Early on, the on. The general introductions to the or semi-aquatic turtles. These turtles are authors clearly state the range and sections covering the different groups of usually called tortoises in Australia to limitations of their work, and are quite animals are concise and informative. distinguish them from the large marine comfortable with their inclusions, turtles, but they are not true tortoises. omissions and inconsistencies. Common Each creature is given a separate True tortoises are not found in Australia. sense prevails. section in which the common and scientific names are given, where found, Chelid turtles are found only in They write: "The guide focuses on identification, biology and habitat, Australia, New Guinea and south vertebrate species—animals with distribution and abundance, potential America and are characterised by being backbones—but some of the larger and threats (where applicable), and able to bend their head and neck more striking invertebrates are also references for further reading. The sideways between their upper and lower covered, such as yabbies and freshwater colour photographs of each of the shell. Their limbs have the appearance crayfish. Both native and alien species specimens listed are excellent. of normal legs and are not paddle- are included. ... Terrestrial animals There is an informative section on shaped. Three species occur in the which you may occasionally see in the nine different types of freshwater region covered by this guide; however, freshwater situations are excluded. habitats of the Southern Tablelands and only one species, the Eastern Snake- Sometimes the distinction between the High Country, and a worrying list of necked Turtle, is widespread." terrestrial and freshwater species is the threatened freshwater animals. As blurred. Wombats and goannas, which Informative as Wet & Wild is, I well as a comprehensive table of are obviously not truly freshwater but found as I was going through it that I contents, the book has an index of are often seen near rivers.Bot h wombats was prompted to refer to the NPA's common names, an index of scientific and goannas are covered in this guide." Field Guide to the Birds of the ACT and names, a glossary, and about 30 pages of its Reptiles & Frogs of the Australian Leaving out insects and spiders was references for further reading. Capital Territory to compare and a considered decision, but their omission The Foreword is by Professor Peter supplement the information. I found that is luifortunate, nevertheless. They are Cullen, Chief Executive of the the three publications complement each important in the ecology of streams, Cooperative Centre for Freshwater other very well. But we could do with ponds, bogs, swamps, and wherever else Ecology. 'The wealth of detail in this two more guides—one on mammals that there's water, and they're often very guide makes its subjects intriguing to the don't go near the water and another on visible and beautiful, and some are quite reader," he writes, "Delving into the insects and spiders. unusual and localised. book and learning about each animal— Graeme Wicks New members The association extends a warm All members are invited to message to volunteer your skills and welcome to the following new members. participate in the wide range of NPA enthusiasm to assist the association in its Kate Maurer & David Heap... Gundaroo activities. See the outings program for aims and objectives. Brian Bishop & Deb McWherter ...Cook regular activities and outings; check the Bulletin for working groups and Gerald Bennett Queanbeyan subcommittee opportunities; contact Phil & Jeni Pritchard Gilmore conveners, email the office or leave a Caroline Perkins Nicholls. [National Parks Association Calendar June July August September General Meetings Public Holidays Mon 14 . General meetings • Thu 17 | Thu 15 Thu 19 1 Thu 16 Third Thursday of the month Committee meetings 1 Thu 3 i Thu 1 Thu 5 Thu 2 8:00pm Gudgenby Bush Regeneration " Sat 12 Sat 10 Sat 14 Sat 1 1 Uniting Church hall Bulletin Working Group 1 ! Tues 8 : 56 Scrivener Street Namadui NP 20,h anniversary Sun 6 O'Connor Further details 1 Annual General Meeting; " Yankee Hat carpark 10:00am. Clive Hurlstone 6283 7592 (h). 040 77S 3422 (mob); 1 Syd Comfort 6286 2578 Thursday 17.June 2004 Thursday 15 July 2004 Thursday 19 August 2004 Think water, act water—sustainable Managing grassy woodlands in Annual General Meeting water management far the ACT. the Bush C 'apital. The AGM agenda is set out on Karen Civil, Water Resources Steve Taylor. Canberra Nature Park page 3 of this Bulletin. Strategy Implementation Team. Ranger. Parks and Conservation The guest speaker will be NPA member Environment ACT. Service. Environment ACT. and inquisitive traveller. Adrienne The government recently released its On April 29. Jon Stanhope M LA. Nicholson whose subject is strategy for sustainable water resource Minister for the Environment, Lemurs, chameleons and baobabs. management—Think water, act water. announced the name of the latest Madagascar has been described as one This presentation will provide an addition to Canberra Nature Park— of the most ecologically rich countries in overview of the measures in the strategy Goorooyarroo. Goorooyarroo- the world. Sadly, it is also one of the to address the provision of reliable, Mulligans Flat contains some of the best most economically poor, placing a quality water for the ACT for the long examples of yellow box-red gum grassy major burden on its natural heritage and term—out to 2050—including a range woodland. It is one of the largest biodiversity. Lemurs and chameleons of rebates and incentives to be offered to reserves of this habitat type and is home are two reasons to go to Madagascar, assist with water conservation in the to a number of threatened species. Steve but the visitor will find much, much home and warden. Taylor will have photos taken in the area more of interest in this amazing red last spring to accompany his talk. land. Nominations for NPA office bearers and committee 2004/5 Nominations are sought for office bearers and committee members to be elected at the AGM on August 19. This form can be photocopied and used for nominations We nominate for the position of. in the NPA ACT for 2004/5 Proposed by (signature) Seconded by (signature) I accept the nomination (signature) Date NPA Bulletin If undelivered please return lo: SURFACE POSTAGE National Parks Association of the ACT PAID PO Box 1940 MAIL AUSTRALIA WODEN ACT 2606 Print Post Approved PP 248831/00041