Edith Cowan University Research Online Theses: Doctorates and Masters Theses 2008 A changing cultural landscape: Yanchep National Park, Western Australia Darren P. Venn Edith Cowan University Follow this and additional works at: https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses Part of the Nature and Society Relations Commons, and the Place and Environment Commons Recommended Citation Venn, D. P. (2008). A changing cultural landscape: Yanchep National Park, Western Australia. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/28 This Thesis is posted at Research Online. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/28 Edith Cowan University Copyright Warning You may print or download ONE copy of this document for the purpose of your own research or study. The University does not authorize you to copy, communicate or otherwise make available electronically to any other person any copyright material contained on this site. 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A Changing Cultural Landscape: Yanchep National Park, Western Australia DARREN PETER VENN A Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Arts (Geography) for the Faculty of Education and Arts School of Communications and Arts, Edith Cowan University, Mt Lawley, Western Australia USE OF THESIS The Use of Thesis statement is not included in this version of the thesis. ABSTRACT This study depicts the changing landscape of Western Australia’s Yanchep National Park as it has evolved in response to natural processes and human activities. The study also serves to evaluate the level of input Indigenous people have in the management of Australian natural and cultural heritage. The Park was examined by utilising a methodology that combined a cultural geography approach with Structuration Theory. Yanchep National Park is highly suited to this type of investigation because of its close proximity to a major urban centre (Perth) and because of the importance of the area to Indigenous people, resulting in a highly visible cultural heritage within the Park. The aim of this research was to distinguish, describe and classify the complexity of environmental features at the Park. It also served to depict specific systems, patterns and processes in which human manipulations of the Park are involved, together with their implications for the welfare of the surrounding community. Furthermore, the results from this study are used to identify management strategies that could benefit the future of the Park. The potential benefits from the preservation of cultural landscapes are enormous. Such landscapes provide scenic, economic, ecological, social, spiritual, recreational and educational opportunities that help us understand ourselves as individuals, communities and as a nation. Their ongoing preservation can yield an improved quality of life for all and, above all, a sense of identity or place for future generations. iii DECLARATION I certify that this thesis does not, to the best of my knowledge and belief: (i) incorporate without acknowledgment any material previously submitted for a degree or diploma in any institution of higher education. (ii) contain any material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made in the text; or (iii) contain any defamatory material. I also grant permission for the Library at Edith Cowan University to make duplicate copies of my thesis as required. Date ……./……./2008 Signed…………………… Darren Venn iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis is dedicated to my Grandfather Peter Venn (MBE) who I have great admiration and respect for. He has taught me by example to be humble, kind and to enjoy life. Many thanks and much love is released to him and all within my family from past, present and future. This study has also benefited greatly from the co-operation and goodwill of a large number of individuals and organisations. I wish to mention in particular the contributions and support I received from the staff at Yanchep National Park and the Battye Library. I also acknowledge Edith Cowan University for granting me a HECS exempt scholarship to complete this thesis. The substantial contribution of Dr Noel Nannup (Nyoongar elder) to my spiritual and personal development also merits special recognition. I feel privileged to have benefited from his wisdom and inspiration. I am especially grateful to the many friends and family members who offered help and support at various stages throughout the study. I could not have completed it if it were not for them. I wish to mention in particular my fiancé Melissa, my brother Sean, Nana and Bob (Lynette & Robert Dearle) and give a special thanks to my mother and father, Annette and Michael Venn, for their unconditional support and encouragement throughout not only this study, but throughout my life. I am also greatly indebted to Dr Hugo Bekle, my supervisor, who made himself available at all times to render any assistance required. His advice, patience and support in the formulation, writing and editing of this thesis is acknowledged with gratitude. v Table of Contents Page Use of this Thesis ii Abstract iii Declaration iv Acknowledgment s v Table of Contents vi List of Figures ix List of Tables ix List of Plates ix List of Maps x List of Footnotes x CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Philosophy of National Parks 1 1.2 Background to the Study 7 1.3 Significance of the Study 11 1.4 Purpose of the Study 11 1.5 Research Problem and Questions 11 1.6 Definitions of Terms Used 12 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 14 2.1 Introduction 14 2.2 Philosophy of National Parks 14 2.3 Methodology 15 2.4 Indigenous Documentation 18 2.5 Colonial Exploration 19 2.6 Settlements and Development 20 2.7 Conservation at Yanchep National Park 21 2.8 Indigenous Management Literature 22 2.9 Oral Histories 23 2.10 Aerial Photography and Maps 24 2.11 Summary 24 CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY AND MATERIALS 25 3.1 Introduction 25 3.2 Geographical Approaches: A Brief History 25 3.3 Research Design 26 3.4 Data Collection 29 3.5 Limitations 30 3.6 Summary 32 CHAPTER 4 PHYSICAL LANDSCAPE 33 4.1 Introduction 33 4.2 Landforms 33 vi Page 4.2.1 Spearwood Dune System 35 4.2.2 Quindalup Dune System 35 4.2.3 Caves 35 4.3 Water and Wetlands 37 4.3.1 Groundwater Component 37 4.4 Vegetation Communities 38 4.4.1 Vegetation Associations 40 4.4.2 Tuart Association 42 4.4.3 Jarrah Association 42 4.4.4 Banksia Woodlands 42 4.4.5 Heathlands 43 4.5 Wildlife 43 4.5.1 Mammals 43 4.5.2 Birds 44 4.5.3 Reptiles and Amphibians 45 4.5.4 Fish 45 4.6 Summary 45 CHAPTER 5 THE INDIGENOUS CULTURAL LANDSCAPE 47 5.1 Introduction 47 5.2 Interpretation of the Indigenous Cultural Landscape 47 5.3 Summary 58 CHAPTER 6 THE EUROPEAN CULTURAL LANDSCAPE 61 6.1 Introduction 61 6.2 Period of Early Exploration 1829 – 1900 63 6.3 First Establishment of the Built Environment 1901 – 1931 65 6.4 Rapid Development 1932 – 1939 72 6.5 Outbreak of War 1939 – 1946 77 6.6 Post-War Years 1947 – 1956 78 6.7 Summary of Cultural Impact Upon the Landscape 81 CHAPTER 7 MANAGEMENT OF YANCHEP NATIONAL PARK 75 7.1 Introduction 83 7.2 National Parks Board 1956 – 1980’s 83 7.3 CALM and the Department of Environment and Conservation 1985 – 2008 85 7.4 Indigenous Input to Natural and Cultural Heritage Management 92 7.5 Framework for Evaluating Various Management Models of Indigenous Input to 95 Natural and Cultural Heritage Management 7.6 Evaluation of Management Models of Input to Natural and Cultural Heritage 97 Management 7.6.1 Uluru – Kata Tjuta 98 7.6.2 Minyirr Park 100 7.6.3 Western Australian Historical Model 102 7.6.4 Western Australian Contemporary Model 102 7.6.5 Nunavut Land 104 vii Page 7.7 Summary of Evaluation 108 7.8 Recommendations for Indigenous Input to Yanchep National Park 109 7.9 Issues 110 7.9.1 Endangered Species 110 7.9.2 Gnangara Mound Groundwater 111 7.9.3 Environmental Impacts Upon the Landscape 111 7.9.4 Gnangara Park 113 7.9.5 Urban Sprawl 114 7.9.6 Koalas 115 7.9.7 Pool and Golf Course 116 7.9.8 Fire 117 7.10 Objectives 118 7.10.1 Endangered Species 118 7.10.2 Gnangara Mound Groundwater 118 7.10.3 Environmental Impacts Upon the Landscape 119 7.10.4 Gnangara Park 120 7.10.5 Urban Sprawl 120 7.10.6 Koalas 120 7.10.7 Pool and Golf Course 121 7.10.8 Fire 121 7.11 Summary 122 CHAPTER 8 CONCLUSION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES 124 8.1 Review of Study 124 8.2 Limitations 127 8.3 Guiding Principles for Future Management 128 BIBLIOGRAPHY 130 APPENDICES 143 Appendix I Cultural Heritage Listed Sites 144 Appendix II Main Issues of Draft Management Plan 146 Appendix III Yanchep and Neerabup National Parks Management Plan Issues 149 Paper Appendix IV Gnangara Park Concept Plan 157 Appendix V Register of Indigenous Sites at Yanchep National Park 159 Appendix VI Western Australia Tindale Tribal Boundaries 166 Appendix VII ‘Environment and