~ National Parks Service Annual Report 1978-79 National Parks Service Annual Report 1978-79

Victoria

National Parks Service Report for the year ended June 30 1979

F. D. Atkinson, Government Printer, Melbourne, 1979 No. 35 (i) 12475179-PL National Parks Service 240 Parade East Melbourne. Vie. 3002

The Honourable W. V. Houghton M.L.C. Minister for Conservation,

Sir, In accordance with Section 35 (1) of the National Parks Act 1975 (No. 8702), I hereby submit a report on the activities of the National Parks Service for the year ended June 30 1979. D. S. Saunders Director of National Parks

(ii) Contents 1 Introduction 1 Changes to Minister, Permanent Head, Director 2 New Parks 4 Other Areas managed by the Service 4 Finance 5 Organisation 5 Districts 5 Legislation 6 Regulations 6 National Parks Advisory Council 7 Advisory Committees 7 Fire Protection Committee 7 Second South Pacific Conference on Parks and Reserves 8 Training 10 Administration Branch 12 Resources and Planning Branch 17 Park Management Branch 20 Park Protection Branch 25 Interpretation Branch 27 Appendix 1: Receipts and Expenditure 29 Appendix 2: Organisation Chart 30 Appendix 3: Advisory Committees 31 Appendix 4: Land Under the Control of the National Parks Service 33 Appendix 5: Map of Areas managed by the National Parks Service

Cover picture: The new Snowy River National Park (Photo: R. P. Dunbar) (iii)

Introduction The year ended 30th June, 1979, has been one of most significant progress for the National Parks Service. Legislation passed in the latter part of 1978, which came into force on 26th April, 1979, more than doubled the area of land reserved under the National Parks Act and contained provisions for further substantial increases in reservations as from 26th April, 1980. Funds allocated to the Service by the State Treasury for the year increased by 9.5 percent, some of this money being granted late in the financial year towards the establishment cost of new parks. During the year, a re-definition of limits imposed on staff recruiting resulted in the Service being able to fill some positions referred to as vacant in the last Annual Report. Another 20 new positions were approved for new parks. At the end of June the creation of these positions was being finalised by the Public Service Board. With the great increase in the area of parks, many of the Service's staff have been subject to very heavy workloads. Changes to Minister, Permanent Head, Director Significant changes occurred in the first half of 1979, with changes in Minister, Permanent Head and Director. The Honourable W. A. Borthwick, M.P., Minister for Conservation, who had held ministerial responsibility for national parks since 1972, transferred to the position of Minister for Health after the May 1979 elections. The period 1972-79, which included the establishment of the Ministry for Conservation as a Department of State, has been one of most significant progress in national parks history. This progress is shown by the following figures: 1971/72 1978/79 Parks managed (30th June) 24 47 Area of land in parks (ha) (30th June) 206,198 654,252 Government Grants($) 362,128 5,132,840 Persons employed (30th June) 96 335 Mr. Borthwick was responsible for the National Parks Act 1975, (which consolidated and re-wrote the national parks legislation) and the two 1978 Acts, providing in all for the declaration of 27 new parks (seven to be declared from 26.4.80). All officers of the Service appreciate his leadership and his contribution to the national parks system in Victoria and wish him well in his new post. The Honourable W. V. Houghton, M.L.C. became Minister for Conservation in May 1979. Dr. R. G. Downes retired as Director of Conservation in March 1979. As the first Permanent Head of the Ministry for Conservation from 1973, Dr. Downes gave invaluable guidance and assistance to the National Parks Service during a period of substantial expansion of activities. Dr. Downes had been a member of the former National Parks Authority from 1960 to 1971, and was a member of the National Parks Advisory Council from 1973 to 1975. Mr. J. D. Brookes, M.C., Director of National Parks since 1975, was appointed to succeed Dr. Downes as Director of Conservation and Permanent Head of the Ministry for Conservation. Mr. D. S. Saunders, B. Agr. Se., an officer of the National Parks Service since 1963, and Deputy Director since 1974, succeeded Mr. Brookes as Director of National Parks on 12th April, 1979. 1 New Parks The National Parks Act 1978 brought four new national parks and sixteen new "other parks" under the National Parks Act, and provided for major extensions to five existing parks and minor extensions to another seven parks. These increases are made in two stages, from 26th April, 1979 and from 26th April, 1980. New Parks Declared from 26th April, 1979 Croajingolong National Park (86,000 hectares) This magnificent park takes in all the coastline and hinterland from Sydenham Inlet to the N.S.W. border, incorporating the existing Captain James Cook, Wingan Inlet and Mallacoota Inlet national parks. Rain forest, woodland and heath with spectacular wildflowers are all found there, as are rare animals such as the smoky mouse and the ground parrot. The ocean beaches, rocky promontories, inlets and beautiful coves of the park will make it popular with summer visitors as well as naturalists. Facilities for campers are already provided at Wingan Inlet and Mallacoota. Some other parts of the park are accessible by car, but others only by walking.

Snowy River National Park (26,000 hectares) The Snowy River, a favourite of canoeists with its gorge and rapids, is of course the feature of this park. lt will also be popular with bushwalkers, who can hike through cypress pine, alpine ash, messmate and grey gum forests. The area is an important habitat for the rare brush-tailed rock wallaby. Motorists and their families can enjoy a camp by the Snowy River at McKillops Bridge on the Buchan to Delegate Road, and explore the river. Contrary to its name, the Snowy River is a relatively warm river at this point, and the country round about is a sheltered rain-shadow area.

Tingaringy National Park (18,000 hectares) Banjo Patterson's The Man from Snowy River is set in the Kosciusko country, " ... where the pine-clad ridges raise their torn and rugged battlements on high ... " But it could have been in Tingaringy (which in fact adjoins Kosciusko National Park), for the park includes large areas of cypress pine and white box forest, rare elsewhere in Victoria, as well as alpine ash and white sallee. Bushwalkers will enjoy this remote, inaccessible park, with its rocky peaks and magnificent view towards Kosciusko.

Baw Baw National Park (13,300 hectares) This park takes in the Baw Baw plateau, ideal in winter for ski-touring, and parts of the Thomson and Aberfeldy valleys, but does not include the village and downhill skiing areas, which are to be managed by a committee. Snow­ gum woodlands, heaths and grasslands are the main vegetation types on the plateau; alpine and mountain ash, silver wattle, myrtle beech, ferns and many other plants are found at lower elevations. The Baw Baw plateau is crossed by Victoria's first official long-distance walking track, established between Warburton and Walhalla in 1906. Part of this track is now the southern end of the Alpine Walking Track, which extends from Walhalla to Tom Groggin on the N.S.W. border. 2 Big Desert Wilderness (113,500 hectares) This vast park takes in the sand dunes, plains and heath country of the Big Desert, contains no major roads or tracks, and is considered by the Land Conservation Council to be the best wilderness in western Victoria. lt is a very challenging natural environment, providing an opportunity for those who seek solitude and adventure.

Pink Lakes State Park (50,700 hectares) Apart from the Pink Lakes themselves- a group of scenic salt lakes in the Sunset Country- this park contains the saltbush flats and copi rises of the Raak land system, and also sand dunes and grassland plains, with their characteristic fauna.

Cathedral Range State Park (3,570 hectares) The rocky razor-back ridge of the Cathedral Range, of great geological interest, is already familiar to bushwalkers and rock-climbers; the park also includes the gorge of the Little River. Mountain ash, messmate and peppermints are the dominant tree species. Bushwalking and camping will continue to be popular activities in the park.

Steiglitz Park (655 hectares) This park is centred on the old gold town of Steiglitz, situated between Geelong and Ballarat and south-west of the existing Brisbane Ranges National Park. Spring wildflowers, mining relics and an old cemetery are among its attractions. An historical display has been mounted in the Steiglitz Court House (open on Sunday afternoons), and leaflets to guide people on walks through the old township are available.

Coopracambra State Park (14,500 hectares) Coopracambra lies along the steep sandstone gorge of the Genoa River, on the part of the N.S.W./Victoria border between the source of the Murray River and Cape Howe; and is one of the least known and most untouched areas of the State. lt is a challenging environment for the hiker who enjoys wilderness.

Cape Nelson State Park (210 hectares) The south of Portland will be managed to protect a small stand of soap mallee - a species not recorded elsewhere in Victoria - and to provide opportunities for people to enjoy spectacular seascapes in the vicinity of the Cape Nelson Lighthouse.

Discovery Bay Coastal Park (8,450 hectares) The Discovery Bay Coastal Park stretches from the Bridgewater Lakes near Portland to the South Australian border. The new park is particularly noted for its remote but beautiful coastline and for its vast bare sand dunes. Provision will be made for recreation along the coast and on the dunes.

Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park (15,500 hectares) The Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park extends along the length of the Gippsland Lakes. This park has very high value for flora and fauna conservation and will provide for a wide variety of recreational pursuits such as swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking and walking. 3 (7,600 hectares) The Mount Samaria State Park in the north-east of the State is based on Mount Samaria, which provides a backdrop to Lake Nillahcootie when viewed from the Mansfield-Benalla Highway. Although access is not easy at present, this park will in the future provide wonderful opportunities for recreation, particularly sight-seeing, picnicking and bushwalking. lt will also protect a wide variety of native plants and animals. Other Areas managed by the Service Apart from national, state and coastal parks, and several other areas, the National Parks Service is responsible for two parks not declared under the National Parks Act. These are:

Pirianda Garden (11 hectares) An ornamental garden near Olinda, title to which is held by the Victoria Conservation Trust.

Gellibrand Hill (Woodlands) (266 hectares) The "Woodlands" property is reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act for the conservation of an area of historical interest, with the National Parks Advisory Council as committee of management.

The Service also manages a number of miscellaneous areas, totalling 470 hectares, in conjunction with 19 existing parks.

Details of land managed by the Service are given in Appendix 4. A map showing areas managed by the Service is included in Appendix 5. Finance For 1978/79, the Service received State Treasury funds from both Consolidated Revenue and the Works and Services Account. Funds received were: Consolidated Revenue (Vote Fund) $2,882,840 Works and Services $2,250,000 In April 1979 there was an additional allocation from Consolidated Revenue of $60,000 to meet the cost of vehicles and additional staff to implement the provisions of the National Parks Act 1978. The amount for Works and Services included funds for provision of fire protection facilities and services, and funds for staff housing, which were the subject of special provisions in the previous year. Park revenue and other receipts totalled $1,048,953. This exceeded estimates. Most of this revenue was derived from operation of the Tidal River Resort in Wilsons Promontory National Park and the ski lifts in Mt. Buffalo National Park. A further special grant of $100,000 was made available to the Country Roads Board for use on roads within and leading to national parks. The program of road works is prepared by the Service in consultation with the Board. Appendices included in this report detail expenditure incurred against these funds: Appendix 1 (A) is a statement of receipts and expenditure recorded against the National Parks Fund for the year ending 30th June, 1979. Appendix 1 (B) shows the revenue and expenditure for each of the Districts and Parks. 4 Additional finance not included in the National Parks Fund was made available during the year by Commonwealth and State bodies to provide for the employment of apprentices and persons under the Work Experience Program and the Special Youth Employment Training Scheme, and a grant was received from the Commonwealth for the North West Fire Study research project. Organization The organization of the Service into five Branches remained unaltered. These branches are Administration, Resources and Planning, Management, Protection and Interpretation. An organization chart is given in Appendix 2 and reports from each Branch are included.

Districts The Service currently has eight District Offices in operation, at Fern Tree Gully, Dromana, Geelong, Portland, Horsham, Wangaratta, Bairnsdale and Yanakie. A ninth District Office has been approved for Traralgon and it is hoped that positions will be advertised in the new financial year. Legislation National Parks Act 1978 The National Parks Act 1978 (No. 9247) was passed by State Parliament during the Spring Session. lt received Royal Assent on 19th December, 1978 and came into force on 26th April, 1979. This Act made provision for a total of four new national parks and sixteen new "other parks". With one exception (the proposed Cape Nelson Park) all the new parks were established on the recommendation of the Land Conservation Council. The Act also provides for major extensions to five existing parks and minor extensions to another seven parks. Because of the substantial additions being made to the area administered by the National Parks Service, provision was made for the increase to be made in two stages so that the Service could develop appropriate administrative support facilities to undertake the proper management of such a large increase in the area of land under its control. Details about the new parks are given elsewhere in this Report. Other legislative changes made by the Act included the following: (a) Insertion of a definition of "gun". (b) Correction of an anomaly in section 36 regarding seizure of weapons. (c) Provision for special rules for continued shooting in three new parks being established (Discovery Bay, Gippsland Lakes and Lake Albacutya). (d) Increased penalty from $250 to $500 for unlawfully using a gun in a park. (e) Provision for the Minister to recover compensation from a person in a park causing damage to any rock or other natural feature or any building, structure, facility or thing. (f) Authority for agreements with the Forests Commission in three new parks (Chiltern, Eildon and Wabonga Plateau) for the extraction of forests produce in the circumstances defined in the schedules to the Act. 5 (g) Authorization for an exchange with A.P.M. Forests Pty. Ltd. of certain areas of Reserved Forest for company land to be included in Mt. Worth Park (176 ha) and Morwell National Park (143 ha). (h) Provision for the Director to manage "Gienample" homestead, near Port Campbell, under lease. (i} Continuation of fossicking under permit in three new parks (Warrandyte, Beechworth and Steiglitz}. (j) Provision for the Director to manage land under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

Regulations Several regulations were amended during the year: National Parks (Amendment No. 1) Regulations 1978 and National Parks (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1979 These regulations increased fees payable to members of the National Parks Advisory Council, in accordance with standard adjustments approved for Government activities as a whole. National Parks (Amendment) Regulations 1979 These regulations amend the National Parks Regulations 1975 to provide for- (i) Vehicle fees for Mt. Buffalo National Park. (ii} Deletion of provision for all-parks annual vehicle fees for a year ending 31st December, retaining such fees for a year ending 30th June, only. (iii) Alteration of provision in the regulations about use of poison, trap, snare or net in a national park, so as to ban use or possession. (iv) Prohibition of driving the wrong way along a road, path or trail designated for one-way use.

National Parks Advisory Council The membership of the National Parks Advisory Council consists of the Director of National Parks and six other members appointed by the Governor-in-Council. The six other members are: A representative of the Conservation Council of Victoria (Dr. D. M. Calder, M.Sc., Ph.D.) A representative of the Victoria National Parks Association (Mr. H. G. Bleakley, M.Sc.) A professor or teacher of ecology, biology or earth sciences at a Victorian University (Dr. E. H. M. Ealey, M.Sc., Ph.D.) A representative of the Municipal Association of Victoria (Cr. R. W. Ritchie, O.B.E., J.P.) Two persons with experience in matters affecting the interests of the community (at least one must be a resident from outside the metropolitan area) (Mr. DewarGoode and Mr. H. C. FitzRoy, J.P.) There were no changes in membership during the year. In December the members were re-appointed for a further three-year term with Dr. Calder as Chairman. 6 The functions of the Council are: (a) to advise the Minister generally on the administration of the Act and on any particular matter on which the Council's advice is sought by the Minister. (b) to act as a Committee of Management of any land acquired for the purpose of a park for a maximum period of two years or until an Act of Parliament has reserved that land as a park during that period. (c) to submit an annual report on the performance of its function to the Minister (who must table it before both Houses of Parliament).

Advisory Committees There are three Advisory Committees, for Fraser, Mt. Buffalo and Wyperfeld national parks. Members of the Advisory Committees are listed in Appendix 3. During the year the terms of six such committees (for Fern Tree Gully, Kinglake, Mt. Richmond, Wilsons Promontory, Mallacoota Inlet and Mt. Eccles national parks) expired, and the Minister did not make further appointments. The Service wishes to express appreciation for the assistance and advice given by members of the committees.

Fire Protection Committee The Joint Forests Commission/National Parks Service Fire Protection Committee met five times during the year. Members of the Fire Protection Committee for the past twelve months were: F.C.V.- Mr. V. Cleary (Chief, Division of Forest Protection) Mr. B. Johnston (Fire Protection Officer) N.P.S.- Mr. J. R. May (Chief Park Management Officer) Mr. R. G. Yorston (Senior Park Protection Officer) The Committee reviewed the 1978/79 Fire Protection Works Program, and recommended its adoption by the Service. The Committee also examined and recommended a budget for proposed works for the 1979/80 financial year. During December the Committee visited the proposed Croajingolong Park and other parks in the District.

Second South Pacific Conference on National Parks and Reserves The Second South Pacific Conference on National Parks and Reserves was held in Sydney from 24th to 27th April, 1979. The location and date had been selected to coincide with the centenary celebrations on 26th April of 's first national park, Royal National Park. Victoria was represented at the conference by the Director of National Parks. The conference was preceded by a tour of Queensland national parks, and followed by a tour of Victorian parks. 7 Training Summer School of Park Management Three of the Service's District Officers, J. Twentyman, R. Jones and A. M. Bruton attended the Sixth Summer School of Park Management held at the Canberra College of Advanced Education in February 1979.

Certificate of Applied Science (Conservation and Resource Development) Three Rangers, L. Clough, A. Roadknight and M. Wood graduated with the certificate of Applied Science (Conservation and Resource Development) from the Creswick School of Forestry. A further seven Rangers commenced the course.

Park Management Training Courses A feature of training during the year was the implementation of a program of short courses on Legal Action and Court Procedure, Firearm Safety and Skills, Work Safety and Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle Techniques. These courses are conducted by both Service and non-Service specialists in field locations for local staff. A total of sixty Service staff have attended two-day courses on Legal Action and Court Procedures held in the Nepean, North West, North East and South Gippsland Districts. The course covered apprehension, reporting and prosecution of persons infringing the Regulations. Thirty-three Service staff attended half-day courses on the safe and efficient use of firearms. Two officers have been trained to assist in the instruction of drivers in the safe use of four-wheel-drive vehicles. The Service's instructor, Mr. W. Fox, Chief District Ranger, Geelong District, attended the Victoria Police four­ wheel-drive training course.

Fire Protection Training Thirty-seven Service staff and employees attended various courses on fire protection held by the Forests Commission, Victoria, during the year. The courses attended were: Basic Fire Control (30 officers) Fire Management Techniques (2 officers) residential Basic Instructors Course (3 officers) courses Administrative Support Officers Course (2 officers) At Forests Commission District centres, Service employees are given training in the use of equipment, fire suppression methods and safety precautions. In some areas Country Fire Authority and Service personnel undertake joint training exercises to enable the C.F.A. units to gain experience in park areas.

Safety A formal policy on safe working conditions and practices in parks and offices was adopted, and implementation of the policy has commenced. Mr. J. Ferguson of the Ministry for Conservation has assisted with training sessions, safety seminars, inspections and reports on works areas and investigations of accidents. Local accident committees have been set up and the overall administration of safety within the Service has been upgraded. 8 The Motor Accident and Safety Committee considered a total of 63 accident reports during the year. Reversing and four-wheel-drive operation were found to be the major factors involved in accidents. Officers involved in major accidents were evaluated by Officers of the Mechanical Branch, State Rivers and Water Supply Commission. Management Development The public Service Board's Management Development course was attended by Ms. J. Lennon, Senior Planning Officer and Mr. R. Crocker, Senior Interpretation Officer. Weeds and their control Three officers are continuing with a twenty-three week part-time course held at Burnley Horticultural College. Effective presentation Nine officers attended a three-day course on effective presentation conducted by Training Officers from the Ministry for Conservation. Puppetry Eight rangers participated in a two-day workshop in environmental puppetry. Training for District Staff District Superintendents met several times during the year to discuss management policies throughout the State. Chief District Rangers attended a two-day conference in Melbourne in November to discuss management functions and techniques. In August, a training course was conducted for clerical officers from District Offices to inform them of the range of current administrative procedures and to make more effective communication between Head Office and District Offices.

9 Administration Branch In January, Mr. G. C. Willingham left to take up a position with the Department of Minerals and Energy. Mr. K. A. Mawdsley, formerly Assistant Secretary, Environment Protection Authority, was appointed to the position of Secretary and commenced in May. The Administration Branch continues to play an important role in helping the Service to achieve its objectives. Much of the Service's day-to-day activities depend on the Administration Branch being able to respond to demands from Management and the Technical Branches, particularly in respect to staffing matters, stores and purchasing, office services and finance. New systems and methods introduced last year were refined and consolidated this year. The Facsimile equipment which was introduced last year on a trial basis in an attempt to provide better communications between Head Office and the District Offices was removed. While there were some advantages in using this equipment, its continued use could not be justified after a cost/benefit evaluation was made. Finance Administration Branch staff visited Parks and District Offices to evaluate financial procedures, particularly those for revenue collection and accounting. As indicated in Appendix 1, revenue provides a major source of Service funds for use in park development works and maintenance programs. The financial recording and reporting format was further improved to provide up-to-date information on expenditure. Further expansion of the expenditure recording system was required with the creation of the new parks.

Staff The total number of people employed in the Service as at 30th June 1979 was 335. These employees are distributed as follows: Head Office 75 District Offices 46 Parks 214 Of these staff, 156 were Public Servants and 179 exempt employees. No new positions were created in the 1978/79 Budget. However, 20 positions were created in connection with the new parks established in April1979. . As at 30th June 1979 there were 50 established staff positions vacant. Staff ceilings were introduced in May 1978, and this delayed the filling of many vacant positions. The Service participated in an additional Apprenticeship scheme and received approval to employ 19 additional apprentices in various trades. Over 230 school children were employed during the year under the Work Experience Program. Intakes 4 and 5 of the Special Youth Employment Training Program gave 16 employees training for future employment.

Stores and Purchasing During the year Stores Branch staff visited a number of District and Park Offices to advise on the Stores Control Manual which will be implemented in 1979, and to inspect existing stores control procedures. 10 Some 2,400 orders were processed at Head Office during the year, and a further 6,400 orders were placed by the Districts. The number of orders issued decreased from last year's total by 1 ,050, the first time that the level had decreased since records have been kept. This situation arose because of the large commitment of funds carried over from the previous financial year, which meant that less money was available for new projects. A total of 165 applications were made for Tender Board approval for the purchase of equipment and materials during the year, the expenditure on these applications being $567,338. Infringements Reports were submitted on fifty-three incidents of alleged breaches of regulations administered by the National Parks Service. These reports involved forty-eight separate offenders and concerned the carrying and use of firearms, taking dogs into parks, removing ferns, riding horses, the use of vehicles and motor bikes, failure to pay fees, causing damage to property, littering and obstructing and assaulting an authorized officer. Nine offenders were prosecuted in relation to twelve offences. All prosecutions were successful, with one case withdrawn. Warnings were issued relating to twenty-nine offences. Where offences were committed resulting in damage to National Parks Service property, and action was taken, the offenders were requested to compensate the Service for repairs. This was made possible under the National Parks Act 1978 and has been very successful. Occupancies Permits were granted to 25 apiarists for 27 bee sites during the year. The lease of the Tidal River Cafe at Wilsons Promontory National Park was taken over by the lessees of the Store for 12 months prior to re­ advertisement in 1979/80. Permits to operate Mobile Refreshment Vans at three ocean beach sites in Cape Schanck Coastal Park were issued in September. , Permits to deliver fuel, milk and campers' requisites to Fraser National Park were renewed. The permit for a toboggan hire service at Dingo Dell snowfield, Mt. Buffalo National Park was renewed. The lessees of the kiosk at Sorrento Ocean Beach in Cape Schanck Coastal Park surrendered the lease a year before it was due to expire. The building has now been altered and renovated to accommodate a park office. A new lease for the kiosk will be advertised in 1979/80.

11 Resources and Planning Branch The Branch is organized into three sections, Planning, Investigations and Research. Two positions were created during the year, a research biologist and a planning officer. In addition one person worked in the Branch during the year under the S.Y.E.T.P. scheme, and six vacation students were employed by the Branch to assist in investigations and general resources work.

Mapping and Aerial Photos With new and extended parks under Service control, the Ministry's drafting section has started a program to prepare A3 and A4 sized maps of the new areas. These maps will be available to the public. The 1: 2,000,000 scale map of Victoria showing existing parks, new parks and additions to existing parks was revised. A topographic map for Mt. Samaria State Park, scale 1: 25,000, was produced by Associated Aerial Surveys Pty. Ltd., using aerial photo information. A similar map for Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park is currently in preparation. Neither of these areas had previously been covered by large scale mapping.

PLANNING SECTION Staff During the year two planning officers (Mr. R. Mason and Mr. D. Foster) left the section to take up positions outside the Service. Mr. G. Hedges was transferred from the Park Protection Branch to fill one vacancy, and the other position is in the process of being filled. The Senior Planning Officer, Ms. Jane Lennon, was seconded one day per week throughout the year to the Ministry for Conservation to assist in the work of the Victorian National Estate Committee.

Management Plans The management plan for Mt. Worth State Park was published in December 1978. Management plans are in the final stage of preparation for Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, Melba Gully State Park and Wilsons Promontory National Park. Interim management plans are in the final stage of preparation for Kinglake National Park, and Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park. Interim plans are underway for Mt. Samaria State Park, Cathedral Range State Park and Croajingolong National Park. A preliminary report on management requirements for Baw Baw National Park was prepared.

Planning Permit Applications As in previous years, a considerable proportion of the Section's work has been involved with commenting on planning permit applications for developments proposed adjacent to park boundaries and also commenting on freehold land proposed for purchase for addition to parks. Permit applications have ranged from a caravan park near the entrance to Mt. Buffalo National Park to a mini-bike track adjacent to Nepean State Park and housing applications adjacent to Kinglake National Park, and Croajingolong National Park. 12 Land Acquisition The Section has continuing involvement with the Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Public Works Department and the Ministry for Conservation in the acquisition of land. This has occurred in relation to Stejglitz, Brisbane Ranges National Park (New Chum Area). Kinglake National Park, , Nepean State Park (Arthur's Seat), Snowy River National Park, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park and Discovery Bay Coastal Park.

Leases and Permits In conjunction with the transfer of management to the Service of the twenty new parks, one planning officer has been almost fully engaged on examining leases and permits which were formerly granted by the Department of Crown Lands and Survey and the Forests Commission, Victoria for these areas.

Development Projects The Planning Section was involved in liaison with the Service's Design Committee and in site inspections for the following projects in park areas: Gellibrand Hill Park- Somerton Road picnic area; ranger housing. Organ Pipes National Park- Toilet block and picnic shelter. Croajingolong National Park - Visitor information centre and office at . Wilsons Promontory National Park Tidal River camping area redevelopment. Lower Glenelg National Park Nelson information centre. Port Campbell National Park Information centre and office in Port Campbell; proposed restoration of "Gienample" homestead.

Zoning Scheme After much consideration, a new zoning scheme for national parks and other parks was approved in April1979 to cover all categories of parks under the National Parks Act 1978. There are seven zones viz. Natural Area, Wilderness, Historic, Reference, Education, Development and Special Use. The Natural Area Zone is divided into 5 sub-zones (Special Protection, Conservation and Recreation, Special Recreation, Special Management and Limited Resource Use) and the Historic Zone is divided into 2 sub­ zones (Conservation and Education, and Special Protection); the other zones are not divided into sub-zones.

INVESTIGATIONS SECTION Vegetation Surveys Detailed surveys were undertaken and vegetation maps prepared for Lysterfield Lake Park, Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park, Mt. Samaria State Park and Croajingolong National Park. Information on vegetation in parks in the South Gippsland 2 Study Area was provided to the Land Conservation Council. Reports on vegetation, plant identification and advice on vegetation and flora were given to people engaged in projects within the Service and the Ministry. Detailed resource information was provided to the Planning Section to assist in the preparation of management plans.

12475179-2 13 Land Conservation Council The Service has prepared submissions for the North Central and Alpine Study Areas and the submission for South West 2 Study Area is in progress. Field inspections relevant to these study areas were carried out. Other On-site assessments of land values and capabilities were made at Snowy River National Park, Warby Range State Park, Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park and Warrandyte State Park. Reports were prepared on the geomorphology and geology of Croajingolong National Park. In addition, the Section provided comments concerning a number of developments and proposed uses of land adjacent to parks.

RESEARCH SECTION Mr. P. Cheal was appointed to the new position of Research Biologist, bringing the total of permanent staff in the Section to four. Mr. N. Byrne replaced Ms. S. Taylor, who resigned, as Recreation Research Officer. Research projects were of two categories- projects by external workers under permit, and those commissioned or conducted by personnel of the Service. Research Permits Permits issued for formal studies in parks, mainly tertiary or post­ graduate studies, totalled 89, which is a similar number to the previous year. This included 64 new projects and 25 projects continuing from previous years. Of these, 72 dealt with biological aspects, 9 with geography/earth-science, 6 with recreation and 2 with history/pre-history. Sixty-three reports and progress reports on studies were received, including two theses. Departmental Projects The study of fire and its effects in north-western parks, undertaken with financial assistance from the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, was concluded during May 1979. This study is described later in this report. New major studies commissioned for parks were: an evaluation of the recreation resources of the Snowy River for management as a wild river (draft report completed). an environmental design study of Lysterfield Lake Park in conjunction with Ministry for Conservation - Environment Studies Group (in progress) an archaeological study of Discovery Bay Coastal Park under a National Estate grant in conjunction with Victorian Archaeological Survey (in progress). History A number of projects begun last year were continued, including preparation of a report on the history and conditions of Cape Otway Signal Station and the collection of historical information for the Cassilis area, in conjunction with the Land Conservation Council. Inventories of historic resources were made for Mt. Samaria State Park and Croajingolong National Park. In addition, areas were inspected and assessed in two Land Conservation Council Study Areas, North Central and South Western 2, to assist in identifying sites of historical significance and the need for management. 14 Other work involving the Historian included liaison and field inspections with the Historical Sub-committee of the Institution of Engineers, regarding sites with significant mining history. Recreation Two students were employed during the summer vacation to help document visitor-use at Mallacoota Inlet, Tamboon Inlet and near Sydenham Inlet. This complements previous studies conducted in the area now incorporated into Croajingolong National Park. Reports are being finalized for these studies and also for studies conducted last year at Lower Glenelg National Park and Discovery Bay Coastal Park for which additional information has been obtained. The systematic record of park visitor statistics was continued and extended as outlined below.

PARK VISITOR USE 1978/79 The systematic recording of visitors to parks (referred to in the 1977/78 Annual Report) has been continued and extended in order to improve the accuracy of figures for the level and timing of visitor use in parks. This information is helpful in park planning for recreation, arrangement of works projects for facilities and maintenance, and conduct of park interpretation or educational programs for visitors. Three groups of visitors are recorded - day visitors who visit the park but do not stay in the park overnight, campers and lodgers who stay one or more nights within the park. Figures for camper nights are derived by multiplying campers by the number of nights they stayed in the park. Nights spent in lodges or other accommodation within the parks are also included. The total of these three figures gives the number of visitor days. During the year, the total number of visitor days in the parks was estimated to be 4,160,000. This included 460,000 camper nights. However, these figures refer only to the 41 parks which the Service managed prior to April1979. Anyone wishing to quote these figures should first consult the Service so that the basis of the figures and their associated level of accuracy can be fully explained.

NORTH-WEST PARKS FIRE STUDY The one-year study into fire and its effects in the three north-western parks (referred to in the Annual Report for 1977/78) was completed and a draft report titled "Fire in the National Parks of North-West Victoria" was prepared. This report is divided into four major sections: (i) Fire history maps. These were prepared for most of the public land of north-western Victoria, using data from satellite imagery, conventional aerial photography and Forests Commission fire reports. The fire records were further analysed to determine the main seasons of fire occurrence, areas burnt, causes and other aspects of fire behaviour. The behaviour of fires in north-west Victoria is then discussed, in the light of the available climatic data, past fire management and requirements for future fire management in the parks. (ii) Vegetation. This is classified using a floristics-based technique and 13 distinct Associations are described and characterised. The responses of each of these distinct vegetation types to fire is then described and future vegetation management in the parks discussed. (iii) Fauna. Birds and their habitat requirements are analysed using census plots and transects of representative vegetation types. The 15 responses of the bird fauna generally, and certain rare species in particular, to fires are then discussed and future habitat management considered. A one-month reptile survey was conducted in Wyperfeld National Park and the results are incorporated in the report. (iv) Recommendations. A set of recommendations for each park was prepared. Habitat manipulation by the planned application of fires is proposed for specified areas, the objective being to maximise habitat diversity and species number for both the flora and fauna. The need for protective works against fire around the park perimeters and facilities is recognised and appropriate recommendations are made. A list of suggested future research topics is appended. The results of the studies confirm that different vegetation types respond differently to fire. In all cases studied the number of plant species present per unit area is much greater soon after fire, particularly in some mallee eucalypt communities where an abundance of vigorously growing herbs and shrubs is only present in recently-burnt vegetation. A few species in mallee and heathland are, however, restricted to long-unburnt areas and some dominant trees and shrubs in woodlands can be eliminated by fire. Bird species in the mallee are, by contrast, consistently much more plentiful in long-unburnt vegetation than in younger stands. Some species, such as the striated grass-wren and rufous-crowned emu-wren, are restricted to old and dense Triodia understorey which only develops in long-unburnt mallee. However, many species are represented by very few individuals and densities and breeding success for many birds are greatest in the highly productive mallee of intermediate age (around 15-20 years) after fire. The Servi'Ce is currently considering the results and recommendations given in the report.

16 Mr Borthv,ick. Min1ster for Conservation until May 1979, (centre rear) with a group of park 11sitors on a guided v.alk a! Cape Schanck Coastal Park.

Visitors enjoying Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk at Wilsons Promontory National Park, one of 20 self-guiding walks provided by the Service. Primary school children ,.,,,n ,c, friendly Cii!f at Ha1rM1Q Farm. a educational dairy farm· 12.nagea by the National Parks se,·v,ce

White-water canoeists in the Snowy River National Park (Photo: R. P. Dunbar). The beach at Seal Creek in the new Croajingolong National Park (Photo: R. P. Dunbar).

Peaceful Lake Crosbie in the new Pink Lakes State Park west of Ouyen. A ,, ~ cy·, the Glenelo River, con,st' wnrk 1n Lower Glenelg National ParK

John Gregory Lodge, one of two new group lodges at T1dal River in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Park Management Branch The Park Management Branch is responsible for the daily management of parks, including the design and implementation of development works and programs aimed at improving the quality of parks. The State is currently divided into eight Districts, each containing several parks, although the acquisition of new parks will necessitate an increase in the number of Districts. Conservation and Revegetation Programs Past disturbances to natural systems and habitats in parks has necessitated continuing revegetation programs. As the National Parks Service now controls about one-third of Victoria's ocean coastline, a major part of vegetation works involves coastal ecosystems. Works undertaken in coastal areas include: Revegetation Surveys in the Nepean and South West Districts to determine revegetation needs on denuded and modified areas. Extensive dune stabilising at several sites in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, involving relocation and construction of walkways and stairways, fencing, brushing, planting, and maintenance of previous work. An erosion stabilization program at Millers Blow (Discovery Bay Coastal Park), completed with assistance from Soil Conservation Authority staff. At Wilsons Promontory National Park, further rehabilitation of camp sites at Tidal River, to be followed by replacement of damaged trees and shrubs in the campground. Marram grass planting, brushing and fencing at London Bridge, Gunnamatta, Sorrento and Portsea car parks, restoration of Coppins Track, planting of seedlings at The Pines Picnic Area, Cape Schanck Coastal Park and landscaping of the "Seawinds" entrance, Nepean State Park. Other conservation works during the year included the following: campground rehabilitation and revegetation of some ski areas and batters at Mt. Buffalo National Park; repairing of severe damage to bridges and walking tracks caused by torrential rain in Tarra Valley National Park; campground rehabilitation in Fraser National Park; continuation of the revegetation program in Organ Pipes National Park where trees, shrubs and grasses are now well established; top dressing and regrassing of campsites, and sowing of grass at the old foreshore amenities site in Port Campbe!l National Park; erosion control works and planting at Masons Falls Picnic Area, Kinglake National Park; at Warrandyte State Park, sections of eroded river bank at Jumping Creek reserve have been grassed, and planting has been undertaken at the car park and canoe ramp area. Fauna Protection Public access was again temporarily restricted in the Werribee Gorge to protect the peregrine falcons. Regular observations, in conjunction with the Fisheries and Wildlife Division, continued in the breeding season. Development Works Major works carried out in parks by the Park Development Section include: Little Desert National Park Part construction of the campground access road. Kinglake National Park - Surfacing of car park and construction of concrete water tanks to service the Frank Thompson Reserve. 17 Pirianda Garden - Construction of a vehicle turning loop in Hacketts Road, Olinda. Wilsons Promontory National Park - Further stabilization of sand sections of the Lighthouse Track. Gellibrand Hill - Construction of the car park to service the Somerton Road picnic area. Brisbane Ranges National Park - Reconstruction of the car park at Anakie Gorge. Development Works undertaken by Park Staff included improvements to a wide range of facilities, the construction of small camping and picnic areas, erection of information shelters, interpretation, direction and regulation signs; and boat landings at the Princess Margaret Rose Caves and Wilson Hall (Lower Glenelg National Park). Wo.rks in parks undertaken by other government agencies include: Mallacoota Inlet National Park - The Public Works Department constructed new jetties at South West Arm. Goanna Bay and Genoa River. Mt. Buffalo National Park- A three lane entrance road was constructed by the Country Roads Board to a design prepared by the Service's Park Development Officer.

Buildings The appointment of a Buildings Officer has improved the Branch's capacity to undertake construction and maintenance of buildings. With assistance from the Ministry for Conservation's Environmental Architecture Group the following projects were completed: Cape Schanck Coastal Park- A toilet block at "The Pines" Picnic area and conversion of part of the Sorrento Kiosk to an office and information centre. Wilsons Promontory National Park - A prototype prefabricated cabin for evaluation as a means of meeting a demand for basic accommodation. King lake National Park- A toilet block at Frank Thompson Reserve. Cann River- An office and information centre. Mt. Buffalo National Park - An entrance station was erected following completion of the three lane entrance road; major maintenance work on Tatra Inn included re-roofing and modifications to the water-heating installation. Lower Glen.elg National Park - The house formerly known as Huebner's was converted to an office, information centre and residence. A depot is also being developed. Melba Gully State Park- A depot building at Lavers Hill.

Residences The provision of housing for field staff and maintenance of existing residences continued to be a major part of the Branch's activity. The program included the completion of a second house at Cann River, the conversion of a single bedroom flat to a three bedroom house at Yanakie and major alterations to the house at Nelson to be used as a residence, office and information centre. Following discussions with the Public Works Department on ways of reducing housing costs in remote areas and increasing the rate of 18 construction, the purchase of kit homes to be erected by park staff, and complete pre-fabricated homes, is being arranged. Vehicles and Plant The purchase of additional and replacement vehicles and plant continued during the past year with the major items including the following: 1. A diesel tipper for Cape Schanck Coastal Park 2. Two small tippers for Port Campbell National Park 3. A crawler loader for the Mobile Works Force 4. Two special four-wheel-drive tractors (Wyperfeld National Park and Mobile Works Force) 5. Nine additional four-wheel-drive vehicles for new parks 6. Two river trucks for Lower Glenelg National Park. Table 1 Vehicles and Plant Establishment at 30/6/79 Vehicles and Plant 30/6/78 30/6/79 2 Wheel Drive (light) 60 55 4 Wheel Drive (incl. trucks) 57 70 Trucks and Buses 14 16 Tractors 32 34 Motor Cycles 16 18 Caravans 20 24 Trailers 74 68 Boats 15 17 Plant 11 15 299 317 Note: 60% of light 2-wheel-drive vehicles have four-cylinder engines. Technical Services Signs The workshop at Fern Tree Gully has been improved, and a small sign workshop has been set up in the South West District. A large number of major entrance signs and walking track information signs have been produced. A field day was held at the Organ Pipes National Park to test staff reaction to the new green and ivory colour scheme and alternative styles. A Signs Manual has been completed and distributed. All new signs will conform with the new specifications and existing signs will be converted when maintenance is due. Weed and Vermin Control Vermin and weed control programs continued in conjunction with the Vermin and Noxious Weeds Destruction Board. Blackberries and rabbits are a major problem, particularly in some of the new parks. Some of the new parks also have high populations of feral animals, particularly dogs, cats, pigs and goats, which will also be a major management problem. The root rot fungus P. cinnamoni is spreading in the Brisbane Ranges and Croajingolong national parks. Measures to minimise the spread of the fungus have been intensified. Intensive mapping of exotic plants was carried out at Wyperfeld and Fraser national parks. Voluntary groups such as Friends of Organ Pipes, Friends of Nepean Parks, Friends of Wyperfeld, various school groups and natural history clubs provided valuable assistance with weed control programs and with other management projects. 19 Park Protection Branch The Park Protection Branch, is responsible for fire protection, enforcement of regulations relating to fire lighting and radio communications.

Fire Suppression The Service attended 36 fires which affected parks during the year, including large fires at Wingan Inlet (now part of Croajingolong) and Lower Glenelg National Parks which required maximum commitment by all suppression organisations. The known or suspected causes of fires for the year are summarized below: Deliberately lit 12 Lightning 9 Burning-off escape 2 Caused by park visitors 2 Other 5 Unknown 6 TOTAL 36 Details of the fires attended are listed in Table 3. Statistics on fire occurrence in parks over the past ten years have been collected and details are given in Table 4. lt is interesting to note that, of all the known or suspected causes of fires which have affected parks in the last 12 years, only four percent have resulted from the activities of visitors in parks. The most frequent cause, accounting for 42% of fires, is deliberate lighting. Lightning caused 14% of fires, while 10% of wildfires had escaped from protective burning, generally from neighbouring land.

Fire Protection Plans All parks under Service control must have fire protection plans. Existing plans and new plans are being reviewed in accordance with procedures approved by the joint National Parks Service/Forests Commission Fire Protection Committee. During the year, the fire protection plans for Organ Pipes and Morwell national parks were approved and considerable progress was made towards finalizing plans for most other parks.

Radio Communications The Service has continued to establish and improve very high frequency (VHF) radio communication networks in parks and districts. During the year 13 VHF mobile radios and 3 UHF radios were purchased. Of the 13 VHF sets, 10 were installed in mobile vehicles allotted to the new parks. The 3 UHF sets have been supplied to provide remote control facilities for bases being established at Mt. Everard and the Cann River Office. The remote-controlled base at Mt. Richmond was completed and base stations for Mt. Everard, Little Desert and Bacchus Marsh have been partially completed. Thirty two sets of crystals were purchased to operate on Forest Commission frequencies. 20 Table 2 Summary of Fires Occurring in Parks or Attended by National Parks Service Staff During 1978/79 Fire Season

Area of Total Area Cause or Suppression Park Affected Fire No. Date Park burnt Burnt Where fire started Suspected Forces (ha) (ha) Cause Lower G lenelg 1 10.10.78 Hut Hut Park (Hut) Carelessness by hut N.P.S. occupier suspected. 2 26.11.78 Spot Spot Park Arson (Harris Road) 3 3.12.78 4 4 Park (Crn. Heath & Arson N.P.S./C.F.A. Mt. Deception Rd.) 4 2. 2.79 2,600 Unknown, Pine Forest in Unknown N.P.S./F.C.V./ burnt large S.A. C.F.A./ area in S.A. Softwood Mallacoota Inlet 1 12.10.78 24 24 Park Unknown N.P.S./F.C.V./ C.F.A. I\) ...... 2 24.10.78 0.3 0.3 Park Arson N.P.S./F.C.V. Cape Schanck 1 26. 1.79 0.4 0.4 Park near Arson N.P.S./C.F.A. London Bridge 2 17. 3.79 Spot Spot Park Arson N.P.S./C.F.A Warby Range 1 26.11. 78 Nil Spot Private property Lightning N.P.S. (being purchased by NPS). 2 28.12.78 Nil Spot Taminick Gap- Campfire Escape N.P.S./F.C.V./ Priv. Property C.F.A. 3 31. 3.79 24 97 Public Reserve Burning Log N.P.S./F.C.V./ C.F.A. Werribee Gorge 1 10. 1.79 6 6 Park & Private Unknown N.P.S. Property (Continued next page) Table 2 (continued) Area of Total Area Cause or Where fire Park Affected Fire No. Date Park burnt Burnt Suspected Suppression started (ha) (ha) Cause Forces Discovery Bay 1 26. 3.79 3 48 Roadside, Tarragal Motorcycle caught N.P.S.IF.C.V.I Caves fire on roadside C.F.A. Brisbane Ranges 1 9. 1.79 Nil 0 2 State Forest Lightning N.P.S.IF.C.V.I C.F.A. 2 30. 4.79 Nil 10 State Forest Uncertain- N.P.S.IF.C.V. probably accident Fern Tree Gully 1 8. 3.79 1 1 Government Road Arson N.P.S.IC.F.A. 2 12. 3.79 6 6 Park (near Arson N.P.S.IF.C.V.I Tobruk Avenue) C.F.A. 3 12. 3. 79 1 1 Park (near Arson N.P.S.IF.C.V.I S.T. Track) C.F.A. Wilsons Promontory 1 5. 4.79 Building Building Works area Electrical N.P.S.IC.F.A. 12. 3.79 Spot Single Tree 1\,) Morwell 1 North side of Park Lightning N.P.S. 1\,) Little Desert 1 22. 5. 79 Nil 162 Crown land adjacent Burning off N.P.S.IF.C.V.I to Park escape C.F.A. Wingan Inlet 1 7. 1.79 800 23,147 State Forest Lightning N.P.S.IF.C.V.I C.F.A. Fraser 1 16. 3.79 Nil 1 Eildon Water Unknown N.P.S. Reserve Hattah Lakes 1 9. 1.79 Spot Spot Park Gas stove left N.P.S. Campground-tent unattended Cape Nelson 1 3.11.79 1 1 Park Shire staff N.P.S./ burning off Shire staff (continued next page) Table 2 (continued) Area of Total Area Cause or Park Affected Fire No. Date Park burnt Burnt Where fire Suppression started Suspected Forces (ha) (ha) Cause Churchill 1 16. 1.79 Nil - In Police Unknown N.P.S. Paddocks Holey Plains 1 29.12.78 Nil 6 Outside Park Arson N.P.S./F.C.V./ C.F.A./A.P.M. 2 10. 1.79 0.4 0 4 Park Lightning N.P.S./A.P.M. 3 14. 1.79 0.2 0 2 Park Lightning N.P.S.IF.C.V. 4 14. 1.79 1.2 1.2 Park Lightning N.P.S./F.C.V. 5 18. 1.79 0 5 0 5 Park Lightning N.P.S.IF.C.V. 6 28. 1.79 Nil Spot Rubbish tip Unknown N.P.S.IF.C.V. outside park 7 1. 2.79 0.1 0.1 Park Lightning N.P.S./C.F.A. 8 12. 2.79 Spot Spot Park Arson N.P.S. 9 19. 2.79 1 1 Park Arson N.P.S./F.C.V. ~ 10 1. 3.79 Nil 2 Outside Park in Arson N.P.S.IF.C.V. w Fire Protected Area TOTALS: 36 3,474

N.P.S. National Parks Service F. C. V. Forests Commission, Victoria C.F.A. Country Fire Authority Softwood Softwoods Holdings Pty. Ltd. A.P.M. APM Forests Pty. Ltd. Table3 Table of Numbers of Fires Grouped by Suspected or Known Causes Year Ending 30th June CAUSES 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 TOTAL % Visitors to Parks 1 - - 1 - - 4 1 - 2 9 4

2 1 2 2 3 3 - - 2 7 9 32 14 Deliberately Lit 8 2 2 3 3 18 23 8 8 - 11 12 98 42 Escape Burning Off - 1 - 1 2 3 - 11 - 4 2 24 10 Unknown 1 1 2 - 5 6 11 4 1 4 6 41 17 Other Known Causes 3 - - 2 1 3 2 - 3 4 5 5 28 13 I\.) """ TOTALS: 14 5 6 7 7 32 37 19 30 8 31 36 232 100 Interpretation Branch The Interpretation Branch is responsible for publications, displays, education, park interpretation and public relations. While the highest priority in the Branch continued to be the production of information brochures and nature walks, emphasis is gradually shifting to other activities. In future, more time will be devoted to the production of educational material and to the installation of information boards and displays in parks. Greater assistance will also be given to park staff involved in interpretation. Publications The production of information leaflets, nature walks, nature drives and other publications (such as bird, mammal and plant lists and walking track notes) continued. During the year, new leaflets were published for Cape Schanck, Croajingolong, Discovery Bay, Bulga, Churchill, Glenaladale and Kinglake, and a leaflet describing Victoria's nine new parks was produced for 26th April, the date on which they were officially declared. The March 1979 issue of Victoria's Resources, published by the Natural Resources Conservation League, contained articles (mostly by Service staff) on many aspects of national parks. This is now a valuable source of information. particularly for teachers and students. One other interesting publication was a special map for children of the Tidal River area at Wilsons Promontory National Park. Park rangers established a new nature walk in Fern Tree Gully National Park, and staff in all parks are being encouraged to develop self-guiding walks and drives and other aids to interpretation. Displays The branch provided or helped with displays in schools, suburban shopping centres and country shows, and also at Garden Week. Most displays incorporated photographs and a brief text on portable panels, though slide shows operated by the viewer were used in some displays. Media Publicity The major event for the Service in 1978/79 was the declaration of the new parks, and this was given wide coverage in newspapers and on radio and television. For example, the May Country Bulletin supplements in every country newspaper in Victoria carried articles on the new parks. World Environment Day 1979 featured national parks and natural places as its theme. School children from George Street Fitzroy and from the Fern Tree Gully area helped to celebrate the day, and this too received media coverage. District officers and park staff appeared on several radio and television shows and provided local newspapers with information whenever possible. lt is important to keep the public informed of what the Service is doing and to counter false or misleading statements.

Seasonal Programs This year the Service employed eight university students to work with head office and park staff in information programs in the parks during the summer and Easter holidays. Four of the students were at Wilsons Promontory, two at Mount Buffalo and one each at Fraser and Cape Schanck. Many holiday-makers in these parks went on guided walks or 25 spotlight walks, attended slide talks, and entrusted their children to the rangers for special children's activities. At Wilsons Promontory and Mount Buffalo a new Junior Ranger program was started. Children received a signed certificate on completing a number of projects relating to caring for and understanding the environment. Branch staff will maintain contact with the Junior Rangers through a regular newsletter. Information Centres Coinciding with the declaration of Croajingolong National Park, a new information centre and office at Cann River was opened in April. The Branch installed a display there, consisting of colour photographs, maps, an aerial photo-mosaic of the coast and items of natural history and historic interest. Other information centres and displays are planned for Sorrento, Nelson and Port Campbell. Staff Training Late in 1978, Branch staff conducted an Interpretation and Extension unit in the Certificate of Applied Science course taken at Creswick by park rangers. All aspects of interpretation were discussed, and rangers gave talks in several Ballarat schools as part of the unit. Education National parks continue to be popular places for school groups to visit. Among the more popular parks are Wilsons Promontory, Wyperfeld, Kinglake, Hattah Lakes, Organ Pipes and Haining Farm, but most of the areas managed by the Service see at least some students during the year, and rangers are often asked to give talks to school groups. Highfield, a former grazing property near Cape Schanck now managed by the Service, was opened for school and other groups in February. With its wide range of readily accessible habitats and landscape types, comfortable accommodation, and proximity to Melbourne, it is already proving popular with schools. A teachers' guide is in preparation and it is hoped that an in­ service course will soon be held to develop study-unit outlines. During the year, contacts were maintained with a wide range of State primary and secondary and independent schools, and with State Colleges and universities. This enables materials such as slide kits and study units on national parks to be tested in a variety of educational situations. Talks on national parks were given to other groups as diverse as cubs, civilian widows, historical societies, Rotary Clubs and early planning for retirement groups. lt is vital to maintain people's knowledge of and interest in national parks, and talks are one way of achieving this.

26 Appendix 1 (A)

National Parks Fund Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year Ending 30th June 1979 RECEIPTS $ $

Balance 1st July, 1978 13,414 Contribution from Consolidated Funds Existing Services 2,882,840 Additional Services 60,000 2,942,840

Contribution from Works & Services Account Staff Housing 190,000 General Works, New Parks Establishment and Development Projects 1,714,000 Fire Protection 346,000 2,250,000

Other Receipts Park Revenue 990,313 Staff Rental 50,970 Other Revenue 7,670 1,048,953

$ 6,255,207

EXPENDITURE $ $

Administrative Expenses Salaries, Overtime & Payroll Tax 2,496,521 General Expenses 633,195 3,107,553

Maintenance Work & Development Park Labour & Maintenance 1,555,487 (including Payroll Tax)

Improvements and Development Works (inclu

Balance 30th June, 1979 33,937 $ 6,255,207

27 Appendix 1 (B) Statement of Park Revenues and Expenditure on Park Works and Development for the Year Ended 30th June 1979

LOCATION PARK REVENUE EXPENDITURE ON WORKS AND DEVELOPMENT

WAGE & IMPROVEMENTS & EASTGIPPSLAND DISTRICT $ GENERAL DEVELOPMENTS & TOTAL MAINTENANCE WORKS EXPENDITURE District 398 45,409 10,829 56,238 Cann River 3,337 46.298 49,635 Glenaladale 1,637 1,637 Gippsland Lakes 1 ,916 16,785 9,848 26,633 Mallacoota Inlet 1,530 8,888 36,224 45,112 Wingan Inlet 335 914 1,249 Holey Plains 1,871 661 2,532 SOUTH GIPPSLAND DISTRICT District 14,424 6,624 21,048 Bulga Tarra Valley 3,124 324 3,466 Morwell 6,612 1,199 7.811 Mt. Worth 988 6.772 8,018 14.790 Wilsons Promontory 123.277 85,253 18,747 104,000 Tidal River 369,831 477,156 112,208 559,364 MELBOURNE DISTRICT District 35,871 43,049 78,920 Churchill 5.053 5,053 Fern Tree Gully 11 ,431 38,030 9,453 47,483 Haining Farm 33,495 33,023 6,266 39,289 King lake 13,984 28,723 29,087 57.810 Warrandyte 9,197 2,874 12.071 NEPEAN DISTRICT District 9,212 9.212 Arthurs Seat 13,424 34,351 34,351 Cape Schanck 63.625 98,747 114,573 213,320 Greens Bush 19,813 18,743 38.556 NORTH EAST DISTRICT District 9,450 13,038 13,038 Burrowa-Pine Mountain 10,707 712 11.419 Fraser 63,671 67,240 25,543 92.783 Mt. Buffalo (inc. Tatra) 235,534 229,715 101,815 331,530 Mt. Samaria 6,553 6,463 13.016 Warby Range 6,296 5,106 11 ,402 NORTH WEST DISTRICT District 8,852 8,852 Hattah Lakes 295 15,840 424 16,264 Little Desert 112 20,917 22,481 43,398 Wyperfeld 9,177 29,644 8,894 38,538 SOUTH WEST DISTRICT District 618 13.325 13,325 Discovery Bay 3,575 3,084 6.659 Lower Glenelg 20 18,188 39,943 58,131 Mt. Eccles 1,549 217 1,766 Mt. Richmond 2,601 307 2,908 GEELONG DISTRICT District 22,531 22,531 Brisbane Ranges 1,752 11,099 11 ,099 MelbaGully 1,333 7,414 8,747 Port Campbell 34,808 31,301 5,918 37,219 Werribee Gorge 5,073 1,388 6.461 Organ Pipes 12.409 7,078 19.487 Woodlands 887 3,954 20,275 24,229 TOTAL $990,313 1,489,363 733,019 2,222,382 28 Appendix 2

NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE

ORGANISATION CHART

DIRECTOR OF NATIONAl PARKS D. S SAUNDERS I ASSISTANT TO DIRECTOR J T MCDONALD DEPUTY DIRECTOR I I VACANT

---, I t5 CHIEF PARK MANAGEMENT SENIOR PARK PROTECTION CHIEF RESOURCES AND SENIOR INTERPRETATION SECRETARY OFFICER OFFICER PlANNING OFFICER OFFICER K A. MAWDSLEY I I J. R MAY R G M. YORSTON I CA WEIR C R CROCKER ------

PARK MANAGEMENT RESOURCES AND PLANNING BRANCH INTERPRETATION BRANCH ~STRATION I BRANCH PARK PROTECTION BRANCH BRANCH l INCLUDES DISTRICT OFFICES AND PARKS- Appendix 3

Members of Advisory Committees as at 30th June 1979 Fraser National Park Chairman: Mr. H. C. FitzRoy. J.P. Members: Mr. Mr. M. S. Wood Mr. J. C. F. Wharton Mr. N. Cole Mr. R. F. Smith Mr. A. W. Ford Mr. T. Lech

Mt. Buffalo National Park Chairman: Hon. I. A. Swinburne. C.M.G. Members: Mr. R. M. Rollason Mr. K. J. Feltscheer Mr. A. W. Ford Mr. H. J. Caldwell Mr. R. M. Walpole Mr. A. H. Richardson Mr. P. Dickens

Wyperfeld National Park Chairman: Mr. H. E. Tarr Members: Mr. R. P. Falla Mr. I. 0. Maroske Mr. W. G. D. Middleton Mr. W. J. Sleep Mr. R. E. Gosling Cr. B. A. Boehm

30 Appendix 4

Land Under the Control of the National Parks Service

A. NATIONAL PARKS Parks and Parks and areas at areas at 30.6.78 30.6. 79

Hectares Hectares 1. Alfred ...... 2.300 2,300 2. Brisbane Ranges ...... 1,182 7,470 3. Bulga ...... 80 80 4. Captain James Cook ...... 2,750 5. Churchill ...... 193 193 6. Fern Tree Gully ...... 459 459 7. Fraser...... 3,100 3,750 8. Glenaladale ...... 183 183 9. Hattah Lakes (Hattah-Kulkyne) ...... 17,800 17,800 (1) 10. Kinglake ...... 5,836 5,836 (2) 11. The Lakes ...... 2,380 2,380 12. Lind ...... 1,166 1,166 13. Little Desert ...... 35,300 35,300 14. Lower Glenelg ...... 27,300 27,300 15. Mallacoota Inlet ...... 5,318 * 16. Morwell ...... 140 140 17. Mount Buffalo ...... 11,000 11 ,000 (3) 18. Mount Eccles ...... 400 400 19. Mount Richmond ...... 1,707 1,707 20. Organ Pipes ...... 85 85 21. Port Campbell ...... 700 700 22. Tarra Valley ...... 140 140 23. Wilsons Promontory ...... 49,000 49,000 24. Wingan Inlet ...... 1,900 . 25. Wyperfeld ...... 56,500 100,000 26. Burrowa-Pine Mountain ...... 17,300 17,300 27. Baw Baw ...... 13,300 28. Croajingolong ...... 86,000 29. Snowy River ...... 26,000 30. Tingaringy ...... 18,000 TOTAL- NATIONAL PARKS ...... 244,219 422,989 (4)

• Incorporated in Croajingolong National Park (1) Will be increased to 48,000 ha from 26.4.80 (2) Will be increased to 11,270 ha from 26.4.80 (3) Will be increased to 31,000 ha from 26.4.80 (4) From 26.4.80 total will be 483,623 ha. (continued next page)

31 Appendix 4 (continued) B. OTHER PARKS Parks and Parks and areas at areas at 30.6.78 30.6.79

Hectares Hectares 1. Cape Schanck C.P...... 944 944 (1) 2. Warrandyte S.P...... 218 218 3. Haining Farm ...... 64 64 4. Holey Plains S.P...... 10,450 10,450 5. MelbaGullyS.P...... 48 48 6. Mt. Worth S.P...... 221 423 7. Nepean S.P...... 908 908 (2) 8. Warby Range S.P...... 2,775 2.821 9. WerribeeGorgeS.P...... 217 375 10. Cape Nelson S.P...... '176 210 11. Discovery Bay C. P...... • 8,450 8,450 12. Gippsland Lakes C.P ...... '15.500 15,500 13. Mt. SamariaS.P...... 7,600 7,600 14. PiriandaGarden...... '11 *11 15. Gellibrand Hill ...... *266 '266 16. Big Desert Wilderness ...... 113,500 17. Cathedral Range S.P ...... 3,570 18. Coopracambra S.P ...... 14,500 19. Pink Lakes S.P...... 50,700 20. Steiglitz P ...... 655 New areas from 26.4.80 21. Beechworth ...... 1,130 22. Chiltern ...... 4,250 23. Eildon ...... 24,000 24. Lake Albacutya ...... 10,700 25. Murray-Kulkyne ...... 1,550 26. Wabonga Plateau ...... 17,600 27. Yea River ...... 220 TOTAL- OTHER PARKS ...... 48,882 231,263 at 30.6. 79 290,936 at 26.4.80

* Managed by the National Parks Service but not declared under the National Parks Act. S.P. State Park C.P. Coastal Park (1) Will be increased to 1,075 ha from 26.4.80 (2) Will be increased to 1 ,050 ha from 26.4.80 C. CROWN LAND (RESERVES) ACT RESERVES Lands managed in conjunction with 19 existing parks (as at 30th June): 470 ha.

Total area of land managed (as at 30th June, 1979): 654,722 ha.

32 Appendix 5:

New and Existing Areas Managed by the National Parks Service

~ Existing national parks and ! '\:J!t) other aNas managed by the National Parks Senoice L Organ Pip~~• N.P. 14. Moont Etdr6 N.P. 2. Km&!ake!' N.P. **·0 15 r~P"' ~~- S.P. i 3. Warrandyte S.P. 16. M~.-nl Richmond N.P. 4. P1ti1nda Gtt~n 17. Di1100~ry &y C,P. (i.. Haining ¥arm US. Lower Glo;one!g N.f. 6. Ff'rh Tr"' Gully N.P. 19. Little De~~oert N.P i 1 Chul\thdl N.P. 20. Wypcrl'e'ld N.P. 0 ~ 8. NepunS.P. u 21. lhtU!h l.akeaN.P. n 0 9. C~pt &h1Mk C.P. •• 22. Frl.le'r N,P. n l Bl,jD.. eri 10. WmiboHI Gorte SJ• 23. Mount S.maria S.P. ~ WUdfl!meA 11. Br:isba~ Ranf~Pi N.P 0 2•t Mtv.ontButhlo N.P. ••O 12. Mtlba Gully S.P. 25. Wu.by JhnpS.P 13. Pan Camp;..U N.P. 26. Bunowa ·Pine Moun~ain N.P.

Parks o( btu thou• 1000 llerlar<'~ art< mown A w w Ir----. ,, \ '" .,, . nr.,... i SnO'IIIy . ~, I ., Riw ~ Cooprac•mbra Natlott.a ~te P•rk f C.athedn:l Raft!Je i State PaR ...... "''liJ'.. Ctnn r 28, ...... 27 \ !~ ..6 " ~ Q I~ J()' l~ GO 1~ kl'll '==='~"'=