Magazine of National Parks Association of threatened species

wild dogs a conservation dilemma understanding threatened species springbrook national park twin falls circuit walk antarctic beech the national park experience - from a child’s perspective

Issue 8 April - May 2016 Connect and Protect1 Mission Statement Contents The National Parks Association promotes From the President 3 the preservation, expansion, good management and presentation of National Wild dogs - a conservation dilemma 4 Parks in Queensland. Understanding threatened species 6 Springbrook National Park 8 Get Involved in NPAQ: Twin Falls Circuit walk, Springbrook 10 NPAQ welcomes people from all walks of life and offers a variety of ways to be involved: Antarctic Beech 12 • Have Fun in the Bush – come along on a The National Park Experience 13 bushwalk or other activity • Get your Hands Dirty – participate in on- What’s On 14 ground conservation efforts Annual Raffle Results 15 • Join Us – become a member • Step Up – become a National Parks Conservation member Council • Be a National Parks Protector – join our President Michelle Prior regular giving program Vice Presidents Tony O’Brien • Donate – support the work of NPAQ Athol Lester • Participate in Exciting Projects – volunteer • Subscribe – receive Protected and Hon Secretary Debra Marwedel Neck of the Woods in your inbox Asst Hon Secret Yvonne Parsons • Connect – Like Us on the NPAQ Hon Treasurer Graham Riddell Facebook page Councillors Julie Hainsworth • Stay in Touch – read regular updates on the NPAQ website Peter Ogilvie • Share a Bush Adventure with Children Richard Proudfoot – download NPAQ’s Kids in National Des Whybird Parks series Mike Wilke Staff Guidelines for Contributors Conservation Principal: NPAQ invites contributions to Protected Kirsty Leckie articles. Please email [email protected] Business Development Officer: for a schedule of future editions. Anna Tran

Contributors, please include contact details Project & Office Administrator: and brief personal summary. Articles can Jeannie Rice be submitted via email or hard copy. Digital photos should be minimum 300dpi. Editorial Team Kirsty Leckie, Jeannie Rice, Michelle Prior Copyright and Disclaimer Contact Details NPAQ retains copyright of Protected. Articles may be quoted provided that Unit 10/36 Finchley Street, Milton appropriate acknowledged occurs in the PO Box 1040, Milton QLD 4064 reproduction and use of material. ABN: 60 206 792 095

Articles in Protected do not necessarily Phone: (07) 3367 0878 reflect the opinion or position of the National Web: www.npaq.org.au Parks Association of Queensland. Email: [email protected] Advertising Enquiries Advertising Policy Please email [email protected] or phone (07) 3367 0878 Advertisements are required to align with relevant NPAQ policies. NPAQ reserves Images the right to refuse any advertisement at any time. Advertisement in Protected does not Cover - Springbrook NP (K Leckie). imply NPAQ’s endorsement of the products Strip p2 - Mountain White gum bark (Eucalyptus dalrympleana subsp. heptantha). (Paul Donatiu). or services.

2 Connect and Protect FROM THE PRESIDENT

Michelle Prior, NPAQ President

Welcome to the April/May edition Unfortunately, in many circumstances, to encourage all sides of debate on of Protected. advocacy is the only means available environmental issues, and ensure freedom of speech. The High Court A controversial federal government to redress an imbalance and provide has recognised the implied freedom report released in May is a vehicle for community members to of political communication in the recommending that the federal engage with often complex legislative, Constitution - what is proposed is government draconically dictate the institutional and policy decision making. tantamount to a restriction on political terms of purpose for environmental This improves the functioning of speech. Environmental issues are Not-For-Profit organisations – that of government and the outcome for the matters of public importance, and supporting ‘practical environment work environment, as well as the community. may not be so easy to dismiss in the community’. In many instances, it is due to past constitutionally. Citizens also have a The House of Representatives advocacy efforts by charitable environment organisations, that right to donate equally to the charity of Committee inquiry into the tax their choice. deductibility of environment Australia’s natural environment 685 submissions were made to the organisations recommends that contributes to the multi-billion dollar inquiry, with the majority objecting to such organisations lose their tax tourism industry today. any plans to impose stricter terms on deductibility status for public donations, There is little logic to the argument environmental organisations than other unless a quarter of donated funds is that only on-ground works benefit the charities. The National Parks Australia spent on remediation work, such as environment and society, as the cost of Council (of which NPAQ is a member) tree planting, weeding, controlling planting a tree and the years it takes to made a submission to the inquiry. pests or wildlife rehabilitation (The grow, hardly offset the value of mature House of Representatives Standing or old growth tree saved from the However, the Committee choose to Committee on Environment: Inquiry bulldozer by the efforts of passionate ignore these submissions, preferring into the Register of Environmental individuals or dedicated organisations. to rely on ideology rather than Organisations). Some also argue that on-ground works, evidence. The Labor members of the committee, found “…. it extraordinary This arbitrary figure would be applied are in fact the least efficient method that government members have to all current NFP environmental of protecting the environment, and in recommended to, in effect, constrain organisations that have DGR some cases, are a way of cost shifting the capacity of environmental (deductible gift recipients) status, environmental repair to volunteers from organisations to engage in advocacy regardless of the purpose for which what should be core responsibilities of work. We completely reject this they were established, eg. advocating corporations and government. undemocratic proposition. Citizens for the protection of the environment, It is also worth considering the should be supported to question education, research, law reform sociological impact. DGR status government decision-making and or reporting wildlife crimes. Many currently acts somewhat as a ‘choke’ corporate power, not manoeuvred into environmental organisations do not on political action by environment silence by legislative and administrative undertake any on-ground work, organisations, who by and large action.” concentrating on preserving nature, not maintain non-partisan positions and, attempting to replace that which has in many instances, work constructively Pause for a moment, and contemplate been destroyed. with governments of all political how many of your favourite national parks in Queensland are the result Environment organisations undertake orientation. By removing DGR status, of advocacy: Lamington, Girraween, a wide variety of work to protect and there is the likelihood that some Fraser Island (Great Sandy), Cooloola conserve Australia’s unique natural sections of the community would (Great Sandy), Daintree, Tamborine, environment. As within any other become disenfranchised and potentially Bunya Mountains, Springbrook, charitable sector, advocacy plays as increasingly radicalised in their efforts to Barron Gorge, to name just a few. All important a function as on-ground work express concerns about environmental achieved through the commitment of (for example, advocating for children’s issues. people supported by the commitment rights and implementing actions to As a democratic nation, advocacy in of communities – advocating for the safeguard children), as does education the environmental sector is essential conservation of nature. or research.

3 WILD DOGS - A CONSERVATION DILEMMA

Neil Douglas, NPAQ Member

This article examines the environmental roughly westwards from the western is also evidence that they reduce over- and economic effects of wild dogs and Darling Downs, passes to the north populations of kangaroos. However, how the animals can be controlled. of Roma, Charleville and Quilpie, then they tend to be more vicious and turns south to the state border west indiscriminate than dingoes and may Background on wild dogs of . The area south of pose a greater threat to humans in The term “wild dog” includes both feral this fenceline is meant to be wild dog settled areas. They readily hybridise domestic dogs, dingoes and hybrids free – but does enclose some national with dingoes and the offspring may of both. However, wild dogs and parks and other protected areas where be more aggressive than either. dingoes are treated differently under dingoes were part of the pre-European Generally, the “purest” strains of the Nature Conservation Act, with environment. dingoes are in remoter or more dingoes being a protected species isolated areas (e.g. Fraser Island). Despite part of Queensland being on the conservation estate land. In The degree of hybridisation is greater enclosed by the barrier fence, the common with feral dogs, dingoes are in more closely settled parts of the Department of Employment, Economic not protected in other areas. country. Development and Innovation (DEEDI) Dingoes were introduced into mainland estimates that predation by wild dogs Methods of controlling wild dogs Australia about 4,000 years ago1. It is still causes annual agricultural losses On a smaller scale, wild dog control claimed in many quarters that dingoes of $33 million. as it relates to the led to the extinction of other predatory estate in Queensland is described species such as the Tasmanian Tiger The main areas where dingoes still in the DNPSR’s Operational policy and Tasmanian Devil on the mainland, occur on the mainland are Queensland – Management of Wild Dogs on although this has not been definitively north of the barrier fence, most of the QPWS Estate. This describes the proven. However, it is virtually certain except the south- circumstances where dog control that by the time Europeans arrived west, a narrow coastal strip in New will be carried out; planning and in 1788, an equilibrium had been South Wales and eastern , and consultation processes; and the types reached and few if any additional the non-arid parts of of control measures that are approved. extinctions occurred as a result of (other than the wheat belt). They Control is undertaken only where clear dingoes alone. have been largely eliminated from the agricultural and pastoral lands of NSW, justification exists and there will be The arrival of Europeans led to the Victoria and . no significant detriment to threatened introduction into the environment of or non-target species – including the 1 many more predatory species such as Research has demonstrated that viability of core dingo populations. cats, foxes and feral dogs, and a wave dingoes are a top predator, whose The policy seeks a “tenure blind” of extinctions of small and medium presence suppresses the activities approach where, if possible, sized mammals followed. Deaths were of second-order predators such as agreement is obtained with caused not only by physical attacks, cats and foxes that prey on smaller neighbouring landowners to conduct but in some cases also by competition mammals. Johnson et al. contend control activities not only in the for food or the spreading of diseases that many remaining native mammals protected area concerned but also on and parasites. would benefit from the positive management of dingoes, and that adjacent land. The policy states that, Starting in the second half of the this should be given priority. This is at unless there are special circumstances nineteenth century, the particular focus odds with those who want dingoes such as inaccessibility of terrain, of settlers was on controlling, and if eliminated from pastoral areas to control measures actually on a possible, eliminating dingoes – as they protect grazing animals. conservation estate itself will be limited were regarded as killers of livestock. to within 50 metres inside its boundary. Queensland, and Feral domestic dogs do share some Types of control measures used are South Australia erected barrier fences useful attributes with dingoes in that trapping, shooting, perimeter baiting to keep dingoes out of grazing areas. they also help control cats and other and broadscale baiting. The first two In Queensland, the fence now runs medium sized exotic predators. There

4 WILD DOGS - A CONSERVATION DILEMMA

are suitable only for small populations, perimeter of Eurong township on Conclusion primarily because of their labour Fraser Island. This is a rather unusual The Agriculture and Environment intensive nature. Traps must be of an case in that its purpose is to prevent Committee of the Queensland approved, humane type. Steeljawed human – dog interactions, rather than Parliament currently has an inquiry into traps are banned. Perimeter baiting to protect endangered wildlife within it. barrier fences (dog and rabbit) that is generally the favoured approach, According to Hayward and Kerley2, are maintained by the Queensland with broadscale baiting allowed only fencing is likely to be used increasingly Government. It is focusing mainly on for protected areas situated inside the as threats to grow, despite the costs, benefits and effectiveness Wild Dog Barrier Fence where there high establishment and maintenance of these fences from an agricultural is a significant threat to endangered costs. Private conservation point of view, and whether fences species but at the same time no organisations such as the Australian should be expanded into other areas. likelihood of non-target species being Wildlife Conservancy are also currently However, one term of reference deals harmed. Ground laying of baits is fencing off some large areas of with unintended impacts on native preferred, with aerial baiting permitted bushland to protect endangered small species. only if there are particular difficulties mammal populations. with the former. Fluoroacetate (1080) The management of the wild dog is the favoured type of bait; strychnine Although fences can be critical for the problem on and near the conservation is not permitted. survival of severely threatened species estate is complex. Dingoes need to in semi-natural situations, they also be managed somewhat differently from The DNPSR policy does not refer have disadvantages. Studies both feral dogs in that, overall, they pose to fencing as a means of wild dog in Australia and elsewhere show that a lesser danger to native species. control, but there are a few instances they impede the movement of wildlife However, under some circumstances, where fencing is currently used within and therefore can limit access to food, even feral dogs can serve a useful protected areas – these are discussed interfere with breeding processes (by purpose by keeping smaller but vicious in the next section. limiting choice of mates) and block predators like cats and foxes in check. The Wild Dog Management Strategy escape routes in bushfires or floods. Each case needs to be assessed on 2011-16 issued by Biosecurity Overpopulation of non-target species its merits. Queensland (part of DEEDI) in 2011 (or even target species themselves in References goes into more detail on the subject favourable circumstances) can also 1. Johnson, C., Isaac, J. and Fisher, D. (2007). at a statewide level and is broadly in occur. Rarity of a top predator triggers continent— agreement with the QPWS policy. wide collapse of mammal prey: dingoes and Work has been done in South Australia marsupials in Australia. Proc. R. Soc. B, 274, The dilemma of barrier fences on the use of one-way gates to 341-346. There are two notable examples in mitigate overpopulation in fenced 3 2. Hayward, M. and Kerley, G. (2009). Fencing Queensland of barrier fences being areas . Several designs have been for conservation: Restriction of evolutionary erected around parts of some national trialed, most based on an angled flap potential or a riposte to threatening processes? parks to protect endangered species. in a rectangular passage that can Biological Conservation, 142, 1-13. A 20 km long fence has been built be pushed outwards by a departing 3. Crisp, H. and Moseley, K. (2010). One-way in Epping Forest National Park to animal but blocks entry in the other gates: Initial trial of a potential tool for preventing prevent dingo attacks on the surviving direction. The size of a system can overpopulation within fenced reserves. population of northern hairy-nosed be varied so as to be selective of Ecological Management & Restoration, 11, 139-141. wombats. 25 square kilometres of the species allowed to depart, and has been some designs allow locking of gates Images enclosed in an electrified fence to to temporarily block egress for such Fraser Island Dingo. Source: Glen Fergus reasons as the presence of high protect a bilby population – mostly A portion of the Australian dog fence near from cats, but also from wild dogs. numbers of predators outside or Coober Pedy. Source: Wikipedia There is also the fence around the decreased overcrowding inside.

5 UNDERSTANDING THREATENED SPECIES

Kirsty Leckie, Conservation Principal

Conserving threatened species freshwater, marine, terrestrial and highest modern record of mammalian and ecosystems is a complex subterranean ecosystem types of extinction along with a large task. the world at a global level by 2025. proportion of extant mammals under Applying this approach via robust and threat. McDonald et al. (2014) goes Pressure from development, climate repeatable assessments ensures a further urging urgent and targeted change and introduced species rigorous technical base. Threatened actions to avoid further extinctions. present challenges to scientists and ecosystems lists can then be protected area managers. In this These points serve to highlight the developed at the regional, national edition of Protected, the International importance of ensuring rigor in both and sub-national levels. This is Union for Conservation of Nature the formation and ongoing review particularly relevant for Australia. (IUCN) Red List and the associated of the threatened species and assessment process are examined Australia has been described as a ecosystems list and any subsequent as one tool to inform conservation megadiverse country with a very application of this information in planning. high percentage of endemic species conservation policy and management (Walsh et al. 2012). For example in Australia. The IUCN Red List and IUCN Red 45% of Australia’s birds and 89% List of Ecosystems Ensuring the representation of of Australia’s reptiles only occur in species across taxonomic groups The IUCN has been assessing the Australia. Added to this is a wide array Legislation for threatened species is global threat status for species and of anthropogenic pressures resulting intended to encapsulate and afford ecosystems for over four decades in one of the highest extinction rates protection to species which meet (Brito et al. 2010). Results from (Cork et al. 2006; Lindenmayer, 2007; the assessment criteria. In practice assessments are published publically and Kingsford et al. 2009). and periodically updated. Over the however, there is a tendency for past decade, a quantitative system Underscoring this is the recently bias towards an uneven allocation of has been developed to enhance the released Action Plan for Australian conservation efforts. Mammals. The Action Plan flags objectivity and comparability of red Walsh et al. (2012) describe this lists. that point that Australia has the The IUCN Red List and assessment process endeavours to be both quantitative and comprehensive, making it an essential data set for informing conservation planning (Lamoreux et al. 2003). In parallel, the newly developed IUCN Red List of Ecosystems is a valuable addition to the toolbox of conservation managers providing criteria to examine ecosystems and their functionality. Rodrigeuz et al. (2014) state the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems aims to systematically assess all 6 UNDERSTANDING THREATENED SPECIES

bias towards ‘charismatic’ flora and stopping any further decline. Miller, R.M., Barrow, E.G., Bland, L.M., Boe, K., Brooks, T.M., Oliveira-Miranda, M. A., Spalding, fauna in listing and legislation, which M. and Wit, P. 2015. A practical guide to the The future application of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems may then have a flow on effect to criteria. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B. 370:2014003. Protecting threatened species is conservation efforts being applied. Taylor, M.J., Sattler, P.S., Evans, M., Fuller, R. likely to remain a complex challenge This may be cause for concern if A., Watson, J. M., & Possingham, H. P. (2011). for conservation managers for the What works for threatened species recovery? the resulting threatened species lists An empirical evaluation for Australia. Biodiversity foreseeable future. Utilising tools & Conservation, 20(4), 767-777. doi:10.1007/ fail to fully encapsulate the status of s10531-010-9977-8. like the IUCN listing and assessment underrepresented species. Walsh, C.W., Watson, J.E.M., Bottrill, M.C., process helps to ensure recovery Joseph, L.N. and Possingham, H.P. 2012. Trends and biases in the listing and recovery Given conservation efforts are often plans are well targeted. Coupling planning for threatened species: an Australian based on the species flagged in these case study. Flora & Fauna International, Oryx, these processes with continuing to 47 (1), 134-143. lists, populations of underrepresented expand protected areas could help species may suffer further decline increase the number of successful Images in the interim. On a related note, as Banner L: Double-eyed Fig Parrot (Coxen’s). recoveries and help avoid further Source: Birdworld Kuranda, Qld Walsh et al. (2012) explain, there extinctions. Banner R: Christmas Bells (Blandfordia is also lost potential for recovery, grandiflora) at. Limeburners Creek NP, NSW. References Source: John Tann and therefore achieving the greatest A practical guide to the application of the IUCN Page 6: Golden tailed Gecko. Source: Atlas of conservation effort possible. Red List of Ecosystems criteria. Philosophical Living Australia website transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences, 19 February Page 7: Richmond Birdwing Butterfly. Source: Dr It is vital therefore, that conservation 2015, Vol.370(1662), pp.20140003. Don Sands CSIRO scientists and land managers bear Brito, D., Ambal, R.G., Brooks, T., De Silva, N., this bias in mind when assessing Foster, M., Hao, W., Hilton-Taylor, C., Paglia, A., Rodriguez, J.P., Rodriguez, J.V. 2010. How threatened species and ecosystems similar are national red lists and the IUCN Red List? Biological Conservation, 143, 1154-1158. under a common method. Cork, S., Sattler, P., and Alexandra, J., 2006. Biodiversity: Theme Commentary Prepared for Protected areas and recovery of the 2006 Australian State of the Environment threatened species populations Committee. Department of Environment and Heritage, Canberra, Australia. Once a species or ecosystem Kingsford, R.T., Watson, J.E.M., Lundquist, C.J., Venter, O., Hughes, L., Johnston, E.L., et has been identified and listed as al. 2009. Major conservation policy issues for threatened, the next challenge is biodiversity in Oceania. Conservation Biology, 23, 834-840. recovery. Taylor et al. (2011) noted Lindenmayer, D. B. 2007. On Borrowed Time: that protected areas contribute to the Australia’s Environmental Crisis and What We Must Do About It. CSIRO Publishing, stabilisation or recovery of threatened Camberwell, Australia. species. McDonald, J.A., Carwardine, J., Joseph, L.N., Klein, C.J., Rout, T.M., Watson, Protected areas afford populations of J.E.M., Garnett, M.A., McCarthy, M.A., and Possingham, H.P. 2014. Improving policy threatened species a greater chance efficiency and effectiveness to save more species: A case study of the megadiverse of recovery due to the elimination country Australia. Biological Conservation, 182 of certain anthropogenic pressures 102-108. Rodrigues, A.S.L., Pilgrim, J.D., Lamoreux, J.F., (clearing, grazing etc). Including the Hoffman, M., and Brooks, T.M. 2006. The value expansion of protected areas in of the IUCN Red List for conservation. TRENDS in Ecology & Evolution, Vol. 21, No. 2. recovery plans for threatened species Rodriguez, J.P., Keith, D.A., Rodriguez-Clark, and ecosystems is a positive step for K.M., Murray, N.J., Nicholson, E., Regan, T.J.,

7 PARK IN F CUS

Springbrook National Park

Denis McMullen, NPAQ Member

The road from Nerang climbs or bursting into bloom in spring, or the the Little Nerang Creek Gorge. The gently to the Springbrook autumnal carpeting of the forest floor new suspension bridge provides a safe Plateau through eucalypt forest of multi-coloured fruit of Lillipillies and and wonderful range of viewing points. and sections of lush . It Blue Quandongs. The occurrence There is then an easy walk along the is a fitting scene of welcome to of such rich natural resources as the track circling back up to the viewing an area unique to Australia. Macadamia tree helps us understand platform above the falls. the importance and inherent value Springbrook National Park is a The Twin Falls offer an equally of this land to traditional owners, the constituent of the Gondwana World exhilarating visit. A four kilometre track, Yugambeh. Heritage of Australia. beginning from Tallabana picnic area or Despite being relatively small, the park To see Springbrook at its best, visit the glorious Canyon Lookout, passes provides an important link in the chain after a significant period of rain. behind the waterfall and takes visitors of Gondwana Rainforest that crown the Waterways across the park produces through some narrow, but tall, rock highlands from north of Muswellbrook brilliant displays in the many falls, cleft structures. The track then passes in NSW, almost to Clifton in South-east with Purling Brook Falls (with a 109 through areas of tree ferns and palms. Queensland. Springbrook girdles four metre drop), being the paragon of the You also pass the pink Brushbox general, once separately managed, park. The quality of the walking tracks (Lophosteman confertous). Individual areas: Springbrook Plateau, Mount are exemplified by the four kilometre trees have been carbon dated to Cougal, the Natural Bridge and access track that starts from the picnic 1,500 years old. and viewing areas above the waterfalls. Numinbah. The Natural Bridge sits The second falls requires some The track passes through open separately to the west of the three dextrous stepping to avoid a shower. eucalypt forest down an escarpment other areas of National Park. The view along the line of the falls to to enter the gorge at the John Stacey At 22.7 km2 Springbrook is not a large the forest track beyond is captivating. suspension bridge, which now crosses park. Compared with Lamington (206 There is an easily navigable back up km2) it is rather small and with its four to the Canyon Lookout with stunning components, rather dispersed. One vista views. of Springbrook’s more unique features The ‘Best of All’ Lookout provides is the Gondwana themed rainforest, views that exemplifies the Tweed and the dry and wet sclerophyll caldera and the arc of precipitous forest at lower elevations. Magnificent cliffs of the ancient volcano which is waterfalls have carved rock pools responsible for the mountains of the across the park alongside remarkable . The walk to the lookout views of , and the goes through a grove of Antarctic surrounding caldera with Numinbah Beech (Lophozonia moorei). Coming Valley and the Gold Coast in the not- across them on a day of mist, reveals so-far distance. writhing roots, moss and lichen The rainforest of Springbrook holds covered trunks with twisted limbs a veritable rich floral diversity - Figs that visually describe the age of their flowering throughout the year, Flame ancient owners, some thousands of Trees dropping their foliage in winter years old.

8 A short drive from Springbrook plateau It makes one wonder, how vast this outstanding examples of major takes visitors to the impressive Natural whole feature must have been! stages in the Earth’s evolutionary Bridge in the . The history, ongoing geological Rainforests of Eastern Australia are power of erosion is clearly on display and biological processes and a prime example of an area high here, as the falling water has undercut exceptional biological diversity. in value to UNESCO, as they hold the lip of the fall to create a cave A wide range of plant and animal a huge number of relict species beneath the falls. Subsequent erosion lineages and communities, with alongside unique flora and fauna has carved a hole in the creek’s bed ancient origins in Gondwana, that are located nowhere else in the above the falls. many of which are restricted world. In the Jurassic period (180 largely or entirely to the Gondwana The Natural Bridge cave is also the million years ago), until the middle Rainforests, survive in these home of glow worms which provide a of the Miocene period (~11 million reserves.” (Australian Government stunning display at night, particularly in years ago), the country was covered submission). damper weather. with dominated by tree ferns, Araucarias, such as The park may be small in hectares, but What is so special about this the Hoop Pine or the Bunya Pine. its relicts have existed in the mountain environment that it is worthy of the Flowering plants, angiosperms, which areas as species for hundreds of highest level of protection granted by a include trees such as the eucalypts, millions of years. These species World Heritage listing? radiated from a common ancestor have survived the aridification of the The landscape is dominated by the more than 200 million years ago long Australian continent and date back Tweed shield volcano, “which despite before the splitting of Gondwana. to when Australia was once part of its age (30.5-23.5 million years) is This geological record can be Gondwana, and are now preserved probably one of the best preserved observed in the Gondwana Rainforest as natural history Springbrook National for its age in the world.” (World entities such as Springbrook. The Park. Heritage Listing) The volcano has been UNESCO documentation speaks Images eroding over the last 23 million years, of how Springbrook and the other Springbrook NP (K. Leckie) leaving behind a vast caldera. World heritage elements “represent Mount Warning, a plug formed of harder rock, is the result of lava within the cone cooling. This has resisted erosion, and now stands alone as the centre of a vast ‘saucer’ circled by a broad deep valley, eroded below the level of the lowest basalts left by volcanic eruption. Precipitous cliffs form an arc around the central point of Mount Warning. The resulting formation of, the Tweed Caldera, is one of the major examples of this landform in the world.

9 FEATURED WALK Twin Falls Circuit Walk Springbrook National Park Kirsty Leckie, Conservation Principal

Springbrook National Park is a accessible and suitable for children of will feel more engaged with the natural spectacular, though relatively primary school age. environment. small park located approximately The Twin Falls lookout is a four Continuing along the track, conditions 1.5 hours drive from . kilometre circuit winding down to the can get a little trickier for younger There are a wide array of trails base of Twin Falls before returning adventurers as the track can become and circuits to explore ranging in to the summit and picnic grounds. slippery underfoot. Equipping children difficulty from novice to expert. Beginning at a picnic ground and car in suitable clothing and footwear is an Dominated by cliffs of resistant, park area, the track is well maintained easy way to overcome this. Sturdy volcanic based underlain though tricky in places. comfortable walking shoes and by thick sequences of basalt, lightweight clothing will make the whole Quiet and observant walkers may the park is home to many experience safer and more enjoyable. spot Red-necked Pademelons and waterfalls. There are several sections of the Twin the large black Land Mullets. The Falls circuit where the track narrows With an annual rainfall of over 3000 Land Mullet, the world’s largest and it may become necessary to walk mm, Springbrook is one of the wettest skink, enjoys basking in sunny warm single file. Remember to set a pace places in South-East Queensland. positions beside the walking track. that matches the slowest member of This is worthwhile remembering when Looking for wildlife is a great way to the group (usually the youngest) so planning a trip! get younger walkers to take notice of that everyone feels part of the team. Though there are many tracks to their surroundings, and observe the choose from, an excellent family walk environment. It can also make the Whilst the wildlife can be a star is the Twin Falls circuit. This is easily experience more enjoyable as children attraction, the beautiful rainforest

10 along the Twin Falls Circuit is worthy of the falls form a path to follow and Recommended resources of attention too. Majestic Brushbox afford a chance to hone balancing Shilton, P (2005). Natural Areas of Queensland. Goldpress, Mt Gravatt, and Blackbutt trees tower above in skills! Queensland. the canopy, whilst tree ferns and From the base of the falls, the trail NPAQ, (2015). Getting Kids into National Helmholtzia lillies cluster around Parks: Region. meanders uphill back to the picnic waterfalls and gullies. Walking QPWS. Parks Discovery Website: grounds. The canopy opens and the www.queenslandnationalparks.com.au through the rainforest at Springbrook rainforest gives way to more open is a fantastic way to see rainforest woodland, providing glimpses of the Image and woodland plants in all of their spectacular view across the plateau Banner and images below: Twin Falls track, splendour. Fans of Jurassic Park Springbrook NP (K. Leckie) and beyond. can marvel at Queensland’s very The Twin Falls circuit is a great walk The author has endeavoured to ensure that own ‘prehistoric’ looking attraction. the information presented here is as accurate Children will enjoy crossing streams, to tackle as a family group. Given the as possible. However, they or NPAQ do not accept responsibility for any loss, injury clambering through rocky overhangs occasionally tricky terrain, walkers or inconvenience sustained by any person guided by this article. and meandering along the trail down to should allow approximately two hours the base of Twin Falls. to complete the circuit. There are plenty of beautiful places to stop and The base of the falls offers more rest, along with lots of interesting opportunity for adventure. Intrepid sights to keep all ages engaged. walkers can venture behind the curtain of water tumbling from above. A series of stepping stones around the base

11 WILDLIFE FEATURE

Antarctic Beech

Daniel Kelly, Contributor

Nothofagaceae (family), It is easy to admire the Antarctic Beech its current state. There is no fossil the ‘Southern Beeches’, are when you come to understand the evidence of any Lophozonia surviving pertinently named for their history of the species. The Antarctic through suckering. With the predicted similarity to the Northern Beech has existed through the splitting changes to temperature and rainfall due Hemisphere Beech genus of a supercontinent, the aridification to climate change, there is a significant (fagus). of Australia, multiple ice ages and a chance trees in the Northern most huge distance of continental drift. The part of its range will die off in the next Distributions of this tree family is one of limits of the species can be observed 100 years. Like the Great Barrier Reef, the leading clues that allowed modern in where it preserving this species in its natural science to come to the conclusion was once considered ‘functionally form for posterity may no longer be that four continents: Australia, South extinct’, meaning the population atop possible. America, Africa and Antarctica once Tullawallal were only reproducing formed a supercontinent on the References through ‘suckering.’ This has caused south pole that was covered in lush, Schultz, L (2008), Conservation Genetics of a the trees at Tullawullal to show a mallee Gondwana Relict Rainforest Tree, Nothofagus temperate rainforest. moorei (F. Muell). Krasser. School of Natural type formation where they have grown Resource Sciences, Queensland University of The species is scattered among from basal shoots. Functional extinction Technology, Brisbane. temperate zones and mountain tops isn’t true for the rest of the species Australian Government, Department of Environment website, Australian Biological down the East Coast of Australia range which allows for more optimal Resources Study from Lamington National Park to the flowering conditions. Finding an age to Atlas of Living Australia website, Nothofagus moorei (F.Muell.) Krasser Antarctic Beech Barrington tops in New South Wales. put on some trees is quite difficult, but it Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, Plantnet website, A mature specimen can reach ~50 is estimated that some of the suckering Nothofagus moorei (F.Muell.) Krasser metres tall with a thick trunk sitting on individuals in Lamington National Park Images a contortion of root buttressing giving are 2,500-3,000 years old. That means Banner: Antarctic Beech (Y. Parsons) an apt indication of an archaic lifespan. that some of these individual trees were Below: Antarctic Beech (R. Owen) Flowers of N. moorei are unisexual. alive before many modern religions Both will appear on an individual tree came into existence. during a season of flowering. Following In 2013, the taxonomic name of The the pattern of many other temperate Antarctic Beech changed from genus plant species, its flowers appear close Nothofagus to genus Lophozonia. to the end of its branches in Spring. This etymology still hasn’t gained full A small, spikey, four pronged fruit is use yet. However, it was deemed produced that opens on the branch necessary as there was too much during December to February and biological variation between the different releases a winged nut. Although the tree species in the original genus to not reproductive process of the Antarctic warrant a split. Make no mistake, these Beech isn’t a show of colour like that of temperate mountain-top titans remain the Illawarra Flame Tree, in contrast it part of the family Nothofagaceae exemplifies the subtle existence of the and still retain their Gondwanan relict species which makes it all the more rare status. Climate change represents a and special. significant threat to this species given

12 THE NATIONAL PARK EXPERIENCE why national parks should be valued, told through the lens of children The Leckie Family

Town planners and night and they could go swimming environment. in the waterfalls. There was a giant psychologists had been Why are national parks important? exploring the potential benefits waterfall, and we got to go right of making natural spaces freely under it. I also saw a strangler-fig, Thor (9 years old) “National Parks are available to children to play it grew right around the tree. There really important to make sure kids and explore for decades. The were roots snaking right up the tree!” and adults have beautiful places to visit near where they live. People can release of the book Last Child Chawla (2015) stresses the importance see all the beauty there is in nature. in the Woods (Louv, 2005) of these types of nature-based You can hear all of the sounds and articulated the disadvantages of experiences in enabling children to you can touch the waterfalls and all children losing access to ‘wild develop a sense of affiliation and of the plants. It’s wet and muddy, areas’ once part of the fabric connection with nature. Being able to but really fun!” of towns and cities. ‘Nature- walk through and observe places like deficit disorder’ was flagged as Springbrook National Park enables Lorelei (6 years old) “So that people a critical issue by Louv (2005), children to develop this connection can go there, see the animals as children began to spend less with nature. Ward (2014) adds that one and appreciate how important it time outdoors. of the primary benefits is that children is to look after all of the different In a review of literature dating back to become better observers and feel more environments. The animals don’t the 1970s, Chawla (2015) examined connected to the natural world. have to be afraid. You can see where all of the creatures makes their the different ways that contact with Tips for visiting National Parks nature can contribute to the health homes.” Lorelei (6 years old) “My best tips for and well-being of children. Dixon and Ward (2014) stresses the importance visiting a National Park are to bring Naussbum (2012) explored this further, of introducing children to nature, and your own food and water. Don’t highlighting the role that nature plays asks ‘how can children care about wear thongs and bring a towel if in children acquiring an appreciation nature if they haven’t experienced it you are going to go swimming. You of the environment. This subsequently firsthand?’ Queensland is home to shouldn’t pick any of the flowers leads to developing the ability to feel many beautiful national and marine and try to be quiet. You don’t want and express concern for other species. parks. Regardless of where you call to scare away all of the birds and home, there are a wealth of parks to In this edition of Protected, this concept animals. Some animals sleep in the visit. These areas protect our natural is explored further by interviewing two daytime you know.” children, aged 9 and 6 years of age, and cultural heritage and provide an to gain a child’s perspective on the Children learn about the natural amazing opportunity to get the next National Park Experience. environment through exploration and generation engaged and ready to get engagement. Being immersed in involved in conservation. Favourite parts rainforest whilst walking in Springbrook References National Park can provide many Thor (9 years old) “There were lots Chawla, L (2015). Benefits of Nature Contact for of pretty waterfalls and beautiful opportunities to children like Lorelei Children Journal of Planning Literature November nature. All around us there was cool to observe the natural world. These 2015 30: 433-452. plants. I even saw a kingfisher! We experiences present opportunities Cheng, J. C-H and Monroe, M. C. (2012). Connection to Nature: Children’s Affective were allowed to walk through caves, to explore and understand how Attitude toward Nature, Environment and balance on rocks and walk parts of ecosystems work, threats to wildlife Behavior. Vol.44(1), p.31-49. big cliffs. It was really dangerous and how humans protect these Dixon, R., and Nussbaum, M. C. (2012). environments. Cheng and Monroe Children’s Rights and a Capabilities Approach. walking right next to the cliffs, but Cornell Law Review 97 (3): 549-93. really cool.” (2012) suggest that learning, Louv, R. (2005). Last Child in the Woods. Chapel understanding and experiencing Hill, NC: Algonquin Books. “I would tell my friends to go nature could positively influence bushwalking there as they could Ward, C. (2014). Connecting young children with children’s attitude towards the natural nature. Teaching Young Children, 8(1), 24-27. see glow worms if they went at

13 8:30am for an 8:45am depart, at Diamantina NP, Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Cunningham’s Gap car park next to toilets. Quarry Conservation Park, Lochern NP, WHAT’S Welford NP, Idalia NP, Lara Wetlands and a Welcome to Country and Australian Age of Æ Birding -Dan Stiller Dinosaurs Tour and Dinner. Reserve, Larapinta The tour will begin and finish in Longreach N Sunday 19 June 2016 but with optional return flights to Longreach or Fly and Train return to Brisbane included Location: Dan Stiller Reserve, Axis Place, in the price. Larapinta For any queries and a detailed iinerary, NPAQ Activities Grading: Easy please contact Wendy Bell. Leader: Geraldine Buchanan (07 3349 Ï Vegetation Management 1109, or [email protected]) Group Fee: $5 (members) $10 (non-members). Saturday 21 May 2016 This will be our first visit to this section of NPAQ Events Location: Meet at Jolly’s Lookout carpark, Dan Stiller Reserve leading off Axis Place, Annual General Meeting and D’Aguilar National Park Larapinta. BCC has made a circuit track Annual Awards Dinner which includes a section close to a lagoon. Grading: various Hopefully, we will see water birds and bush Wednesday 21st September 2016 Leader: Angus McElnea (0429 854 446, or birds. However, summer is continuing and [email protected]) Details to be provided closer to the date. with little rain we are going to have to be Get your hands dirty! Come and spend a very observant. couple of hours to help with lantana control and revegetation work in the Boombana and Vale Jollys Lookout sections of D’Aguilar National F Social Walk - Morelia Park, west of Brisbane. Section, D’Aguilar NP Our sincere condolences to the families and friends of Susan (Molly) Blake who Wednesday 22 June 2016 recently passed away. Æ Birding - Pooh Corner Location: Morelia Section, D’Aguilar NP, Mt Bushland Reserve, Wacol Nebo Rd, Mt Nebo Sunday 22 May 2016 Grading: Easy Bequests Leader: Len and Laurelle Lowry (07 3355 Location: Wacol Station Rd, Wacol 7288, 0428 335 572, onthewallaby@live. NPAQ wishes to thank the estate of Susan Grading: Easy com.au) (Molly) Blake, and the estate of Dorothy Ivar Leader: Geraldine Buchanan (07 3349 Fee: $5 (members) $10 (non-members). McNeill for their generous bequests. 1109) The Morelia Section has two walks - the Fee: $5 (members) $10 (non-members). Morelia Track which can be combined with Susan joined NPAQ in 1951 and became the Atrax Circuit. a life member in 2005. Dorothy, also a life This reserve covers 138hectares. The circuit member, joined NPAQ in 1948. The Morelia Track leads to the Mount Nebo track of 3.8km wanders through eucalyptus, Lookout with outstanding views into the casuarina and open forest woodlands. NPAQ is honoured that Susan and Dorothy Samford Valley and out to . have shown their commitment and faith in Meet at Environment Centre, Wolston Road, At this time of year the air is crisp and the our organisation, through the generous gifts Sumner. UBD 197 K15 views spectacular. of their legacies. As the walk is only 4 kilometres return (1.5 F Day Walk - Mount hours) with a steady climb of only 125 Cordeaux track, Main Range metres, it is an easy walk. Sunday 29 May 2016 After the walk we will return to the Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre to stroll Location: Mount Cordeaux, Main Range around the redeveloped grounds before National Park having lunch in the picnic area. Grading: Intermediate Leader: Geoff Lowes - ([email protected]. au or 07 3870 0783) Upcoming Activities Mount Cordeaux is 1135 m above sea ½ level. Branching off the Rainforest circuit, Extended Activity – the Mt Cordeaux track zigzags through Central West Qld National rainforest to the exposed upper slopes, Parks ending at a lookout. Saturday 27th August to Sunday 4th The cliff face of Mount Cordeaux is September 2016 spectacular. Leader: Wendy Bell (ph 07 3300 2473) Track distance is 6.8km return. A unique opportunity to explore some of Allow approx 2.5hours walking time. Queensland’s remote National Parks in the luxury of a fully airconditioned 4WD There is limited group access on the track The Annual Raffle was drawn on 30th and lookout, so this will be limited to a max coach and staying in en-suite motel accommodation. April by David Thorpe, Non-Executive of 10 people.nominating. Director of Heritage Bank. This tour has been especially designed For more information, or to register for NPAQ members and supporters to JOIN, DONATE, for an activity, please go to our emphasise the major Western National website: Parks with some other interesting feature SUBSCRIBE, VOLUNTEER which we will be passing en route. www.npaq.org.au/events www.npaq.org.au Highlights will include Bladensburg NP,

14 Thank you to our generous NPAQ Annual sponsors: Raffle

Congratulations to the winners:

1st Prize: Scenic Rim Trail package for two Winner: Jennie Minifie (#1543) 2nd Prize: Yuraygir Coastal Walk for two Winner: Sarah and Dave Harris (#1377) 3rd Prize: One night in an Acacia Room at Lodge for two Winner: Deborah White (#2463) 4th Prize: Two nights in a Beach Shack at Allure Stradbroke Resort for two Winner: Ann Tracey (#403) 5th Prize: One night in a Mountain View Room at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat for two Winner: Phil Marwedel (#46) 6th Prize: Two adult passes to Australia Zoo Winner: Graham Riddell (#291) 7th Prize: A two year subscription to Out and About with Kids magazine Winner: Kay Nicol (#525) 8th Prize: A two year subscription to Go Camping Australia magazine Winner: Des Whybird (#173) 9th Prize: A two year subscription to Go Camping Australia magazine Winner: Josephine Bennett (#2542) 10th Prize: A one year subscription to Great Walks magazine Winner: Lisa Douglas (#3181) 11th Prize: A one year subscription to Great Walks magazine Winner: Roger McDonald (#480) 12th Prize: $50 voucher for Avid Reader Bookshop in West End, Brisbane Winner: Sarah and Dave Harris (#1375) 13th Prize: $50 voucher for Rosco Canoes and Kayaks in Woolloongabba, Brisbane Winner: Stephanie Allen (#1052) 14th Prize: An Easy Oven Winner: Trudy van Dam (#1267) 15th Prize: An Easy Oven Winner: Tony Parsons (#1981) 16th Prize: A one year subscription to Wild: Australia’s wilderness adventure magazine Winner: Hugh Luckhurst-Smith (#1747) 17th Prize: A one year subscription to Wild: Australia’s wilderness adventure magazine Winner: Mark Dwyer (#883) 18th Prize: A one year subscription to Wild: Australia’s wilderness adventure magazine Winner: Dona Ratnaweera (#1941)

Thank you to all the folk who bought and sold raffle tickets.

15 COME EXPLORE OUR BACKYARD

EXPERIENCE THE TRUE AUSTRALIA.

The Scenic Rim Trail by Spicers Retreats is an experience touched by early pioneers. The trail winds through a number unlike anything else in Australia. of unique environments, each home to Australia’s famously This unique four day hike explores the of diverse flora and fauna. South East Queensland’s High Country; a stunning collection Whilst the terrain is rugged and remote, you can expect of mountains, ridges, escarpments, forests and ancient luxurious accommodation, gourmet food and wine, and volcanic plateaus surrounded by World Heritage listed attentive service every step of the way. national parks. Simply put, the Scenic Rim Trail by Spicers is unlike any walk Led by our experienced and knowledgeable guides, you’ll currently offered in Australia. enjoy a rare opportunity to explore land previously only

To find out more about the Scenic Rim Trail contact us today on 13 77 42, or visit scenicrimtrail.com

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