4 Bushland Management Zone

4.1 Characteristics and Values

This is the largest of the six management zones, covering around three-quarters of the Park.

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park is the largest single area of bushland managed by a local council in Sydney’s northern beaches.

Vegetation Communities and Flora

The Park is predominantly a bushland reserve, dominated by Hawkesbury Sandstone vegetation, with six native vegetation communities plus areas of highly disturbed vegetation. The vegetation communities are shown on the following plan and their conservation status summarised in the accompanying Table (P & J Smith Ecological Consultants, 2003 and 2005).

The Park is considered a floristically rich area, for an urban bushland reserve, with over 300 native plant species recorded (including 18 different native orchids).

The Duffys Forest Endangered Ecological Community (left) occurs at several sites in the Park. The uncommon Sandstone Swamp vegetation community (centre) occurs at only one location in the Park’s north. Bloodwood- Scribbly Gum woodland (right) is the area’s major vegetation type, and also very common and well protected in the Warringah LGA.

The most widespread vegetation communities in the Park are Sydney Sandstone Ridgetop Woodland (Bloodwood-Scribbly Gum Woodland) and Coastal Sandstone Heath, which occur on the sandstone ridgetops and slopes. Sydney Sandstone Ridgetop Woodland is the most common, and Coastal Sandstone Heath one of the more common, types of bushland found in Warringah. Both are very well represented in national parks and other reserves across Warringah (with more than 45% of their estimated 1750 extent protected).

Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest (Peppermint-Angophora Forest) occurs widely in the Park, mainly along valleys and creeklines, and is a common vegetation type throughout Warringah. It is very well reserved in Warringah’s national parks and other reserves (with nearly 60% of its estimated 1750 extent protected).

Duffy Forest (Silvertop Ash-Brown Stringybark Forest), a listed endangered ecological community, occurs in four limited areas mainly in the north of the Park. This community was not extensive in the Warringah area prior to European settlement, and only just over 20% of its estimated original 877 hectares remains (13% of which is now protected in national parks and

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 15

Vegetation communities of MWWMP. (Source: Warringah Council GIS database)

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 16

other reserves). This endangered ecological community is protected under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act).

A single small area of Coastal Sandstone Swamp is located in the Park’s north. Although not an endangered community, this vegetation type is rare in Warringah and is believed to have occupied only 80 hectares before European settlement. Of this 68 hectares survives, over 40% of which is protected in Warringah’s national parks and other reserves. This community is of local conservation significance due to its very limited distribution within Warringah.

A vegetation community classified as “artificial wetland” occurs fringing the upper MWWMP reaches of the dam. This is a derived vegetation community, in that it occurs as a result of human modifications to the natural environment. However this community – of Remaining vegetation communities in Warringah, as at 2000. strands of reeds, sedges and other wetland (Source: Smith & Smith, 2005) plants fringed by low trees and shrubs - resembles vegetation found in the naturally occurring Coastal Freshwater Lagoon Swamp community which is a listed endangered ecological community. As a human created vegetation type this “artificial wetland” is not considered threatened, however its similarity to and endangered ecological community makes it of local conservation significance.

A study of Warringah’s natural areas in 2003 allocated a conservation and management priority to each of the area’s natural vegetation communities, within the context of the Warringah local government area and Council’s responsibilities. As shown in the Table below, only the Duffys

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 17

Forest and Freshwater Lagoon Swamp communities were assessed as the highest, Priority 1, conservation areas. Priority 1 areas are endangered ecological community listed under the under TSC Act 1995), or represent potentially important habitat for threatened (TSC Act listed) flora or fauna species, or communities absent or poorly represented in Garigal and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Parks.

The Sandstone Swamp community was rated as a Priority 2 conservation area. These areas are considered important for the conservation of biodiversity at the local level, with a restricted distribution in Warringah or are absent or poorly represented in Garigal and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Parks.

The other 3 vegetation communities – which make up the majority of this management zone and the Park overall – were rated as Priority 3 conservation areas. Priority 3 communities are considered well represented in Garigal and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Parks and common in Warringah.

Two threatened plant species (TSC Act listed) have been recorded on the Park - Angus's Onion Orchid, Microtis angusii (a terrestrial orchid, usually associated with the Duffys Forest community, known from approximately 300 individual plants in the Warringah area) is considered endangered and Seaforth Mintbush, Prostanthera marifolia (a mint bush) considered critically endangered. Angophora crassifolia , a Eucalypt up to 15 metres high, has also been recorded on the Park and is of conservation significance and classed as a rare Australian plant.

The condition of the Park’s bushland is generally good; however there are still around 100 weed species present within the area. Bush regenerators, both volunteer and professionals, rehabilitate the bushland on a regular basis to address areas degraded by weeds and other site disturbances.

The initial community consultation has consistently identified the natural environment as one of the most highly valued aspects of the Park. Respondents valued the diversity of flora and fauna found within the Park (both common and rare or endangered species), the large and unfragmented character of the bushland (extending from valley to ridgetop), and the bushland’s “high quality” (as generally weed-free vegetation) and habitat value. The usage and aesthetic benefits of such a large and accessible expanse of the natural environment in an urban setting were also highly valued – notably the area’s “peace and quiet”, its scenic qualities, and as a place offering a physical, visual and recreational respite from urban living.

Habitats and Fauna

The Park’s bushland provides habitat for a variety of native fauna - including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. However the diversity and abundance of native mammals on the Park is lower than as recorded for surrounding national park - due to its size, “edge effects” and isolation.

Mammals commonly recorded and within the Park include the Brushtailed Possum, Ringtail Possum, Brown Antechinus, Bush Rat, Long-nosed Bandicoot and Short-beaked Echidna – however the nocturnal habits of many mammal species means they are less frequently seen by visitors. Retiles are more readily observed, with common species including the Eastern Blue- tongued Lizard and Eastern Water Dragon. Lace Monitors, Southern Leaf-tailed Geckos, Diamond Pythons and Red-bellied Black Snakes also occur in the Park. Eastern Long-necked Turtles occur in the dam and other larger waterbodies. Common Eastern Froglets, Eastern Dwarf Tree Frogs and Eastern Banjo Frogs are also common. Australian Bass are found in

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 18

both fresh and saltwater and are native to the Manly Dam area, while the dam was also stocked with Silver Perch in the past and it is believed to still occur in small numbers.

Over 80 species of birds have been recorded in the Park, both waterbirds, and terrestrial species (as well as migrant and vagrant species). The Park’s avifauna includes many increasingly rare species in urban bushland areas, such as wrens and thornbills.

Swamp Wallabies (le ft) have been sighted again in the Park in recent years, Water Dragons and the Brown Antechinus (centre) are relatively common, however the Long-nosed Bandicoot (right) is still absent from the Park most likely due to predation by introduced animals.

Threatened fauna species recorded from within the Park include four terrestrial species - Rosenberg's Goanna, the Red-crowned Toadlet and single sightings of the Koala and the Spotted-tailed Quoll – and two mobile species – the Grey-headed Flying-fox and Eastern Bent- wing Bat. All four species are considered vulnerable (TSC Act listed). The Powerful Owl has also been recorded close to the Park’s boundary and sighted within the Park. The Climbing Galaxias (the most northerly population of this species in Australia) and the Heath Monitor, two uncommon species of interest, are also present. Swamp Wallabies have again been sighted in the Park in recent years. The Park’ links to adjacent natural areas, notably Garigal National Park to the west and to a lesser degree the McCombs Hill area and Condover Reserve in the south-east, are important in reinforcing its habitat values.

Habitat degradation, especially by weed invasion and disturbance, and both feral and domestic animals impact the Park’s native fauna values. Reports from Park neighbours suggest that Rabbits have become an increasing problem within the Park in recent years, and are now regularly seen grazing in the cleared grass margins along the Park’s urban edges. Dogs are allowed on a leash in the Park’s bushland areas. Cats are prohibited from the Park, and are also prohibited from living within some of the adjoining recent residential developments (through covenants).

The Park’s fauna habitats, and the opportunities the area offers to see native wildlife, were identified as valuable during the initial community consultation.

Catchment and Water Quality

Curl Curl Creek discharges into the north-eastern end of the dam and several other small creeklines drain into the dam from the surrounding natural areas.

The Park’s bushland and largely intact riparian vegetation assists in maintaining water quality in the dam and downstream sections of Manly Creek.

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 19

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

The Coastal Darug Aboriginal people occupied the area now known as Manly Warringah War Memorial Park prior to European settlement. There is evidence of their occupation through the presence of rock paintings, rock engravings and axe-grinding grooves with several recorded Aboriginal heritage sites within the Park, most within the Bushland Zone (a number of Aboriginal rock engravings are also located within the Golf Course - Tennis Courts Zone). The entire Park is rated as Extremely High for Aboriginal Potential Areas, according to Council mapping, and other sites are most likely yet to be located and documented in the less disturbed bushland areas.

The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) has legislative responsibility for Aboriginal sites, through the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 . Under this Act landholders/managers have obligations regarding the protection and management of known sites on their lands. The Aboriginal Heritage Office, a specialist agency serving several local councils including Warringah, provides expertise and assistance in the management of Aboriginal sites within the Council area. The park is within the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council area.

Historic Heritage

Two historic survey markers are located in bushland adjacent the Wakehurst Golf Club, dating back to the mid 1850s.

Recreational Use of Tracks and Trails

The Park’s fire trials, and an extensive network of narrower tracks and trails, provide for recreational use of the natural setting of the Bushland Zone.

Mountain bike riding and casual walking are the main uses of the track network. Less frequent uses include jogging or fitness training, dog-walking (on leash), nature enjoyment/appreciation and educational activities.

The Park offers over 16 kilometres of walking tracks, over 7 identified and marked routes, and a single 11 kilometre mountain bike circuit (not all of which was initially approved for mountain bike use under the current 1998 Plan of Management). Approximately 4 kilometres of both networks are located together, on shared-use fire trails and management accesses.

Walking Track Network

There are 7 identified and promoted walking tracks within the Park – the Park Circuit Walk around the dam and adjacent slopes, the Wildflower Walk and Nature Trail radiating from the day-use area, McCombs Hill track near the Park entry, Curl Curl Track and Eva’s Track in the far north, and the Heath Track looping off Allambie Heights.

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 20

Several link tracks connect the walking track network to surrounding residential streets on the Park’s eastern and southern boundaries. As a result the Park is very “permeable”, with multiple access points for nearby residents and visitors, which adds to its levels of use and value for walking.

The tracks vary in distance and degree of difficulty and include a mixture of narrow, single tracks and fire trails. They also vary in the attractions and experiences offered – such as bushland, wildflowers, waterside scenery, waterfalls, and panoramic views.

Although actual user numbers are not available, walking and associated activities are believed to be the largest and most frequent recreational use of the Park. Recreational or social walking, short walks from the picnic areas, dog-walking (on-leash) and fitness training are popular activities. Walking tracks in the Park’s east, around the picnic areas and the Park Circuit Walk receive the highest levels of use. Usage levels are lower on the northern tracks and beside Wakehurst Parkway.

Of a weekday, walkers typically access the area both before and after work (or school) as well as in during the middle of the day – usually for short walks and relaxation. Walking for relaxation, as a family activity, social walkers, retirees “keeping fit” and dog walkers are common users. The Park’s tracks are a popular fitness and training venue. Walking groups also use the Park, as well as “special interest” walkers – such as occasional guided tours, bird- watchers, photographers, and school or educational groups. People undertaking longer walks are more common on the weekends, when walkers also radiate out from the day use area and local residents have the time to “explore” and enjoy more distant parts of the Park.

The Circuit Walk is the longest single walking route promoted on the Park, as a 7.3 kilometres loop around the dam taking approximately 3 hours. Although it is not depicted as a walking track in the Park’s brochure and other visitor information, walkers also make use of the section of single track running north-south between Wakehurst Parkway and the Wakehurst Golf Course, as well as all parts of the fire trail network and tracks along the urban boundary, to create a longer outer walking loop around the majority of the Park (and longer than the “inner loop” of the Circuit Walk).

Walking tracks in the Park’s far north – the Curl Curl Track and Eva’s Track – are shorter, self- contained, routes with no longer loop walk offered in this northern bushland area at present.

The accessibility of the Park’s track network, appeal of walking within the bush and also beside the dam, the “peace and quiet” of the bushland, and the family-friendly character of the tracks (including being able to walk with children riding their bikes, and a non-threatening setting for less experienced bushwalkers) were identified strongly as Park values during the community

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 21

consultation process to-date. The “dog friendly” character of the Park, and the extended track network and large area it offers to walk dogs, were also valued.

Mountain Bike Circuit

The current 1998 Plan of Management identifies mountain bike riding as a “restricted activity” and restricts mountain bikes (and bicycles) to “public roads, car parks and fire trails and other designated areas”. The Plan also includes the goal to “investigate the use of cleared fire breaks to link fire trails and provide a circuit track for mountain bike riding”.

In early 2010 Council became aware that parts of the 11 kilometre mountain bike circuit then in use were not approved for mountain biking under the 1998 Plan or Management. Council initially closed parts of the circuit, with shared single track, to mountain biking on 12 February 2010. Council then reversed this decision at a meeting on 23 February 2010 and, by resolution, used the other “other designated areas” provision of the 1998 Plan to designate “under the Manly Warringah War Memorial Park Plan of Management, those parts of the track, that prior to 12 February 2010 were used as bike track as available for the purpose of bike riding”.

This had the effect of authorising mountain bike (and bicycle) use on the entire 11.2 kilometre circuit previously in use, and shown in Council’s Park information. As part of the same resolution Council prohibited walkers, due to public risk and safety concerns, from two sections of narrow single track that form part of the mountain bike circuit – approximately 1.7 kilometres of the Trig Track on the Park’s western (Wakehurst Parkway) boundary and a shorter section of single track in the Park’s north-east (below Churchill Crescent) – with appropriate warning/advisory signs to be erected. This situation remains in place today. However the prohibition of walkers from these sections is extremely difficult to enforce (in terms of on-ground management), and walkers are known to still be using these track sections regardless of the warning signage (especially in the Churchill Crescent area).

The approved 11.2 kilometre mountain bike circuit is located mainly around the periphery of the Park and comprises sections of the fire trail system, fire breaks at the rear of private properties, sections of single track (now exclusively for mountain bike use) and off-Park sections along residential streets. The circuit provides a variety of conditions for mountain bike riders, including some technical sections, and the route overall is rated as requiring a high to

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 22

medium level of technical ability.

The mountain bike circuit has become an attraction at the regional level and beyond. It is estimated that up to 500 riders per day use the track in peak demand times on weekends, plus regular weekday use (Gondwana Consulting 2008, p. 4). The volume of mountain bike riding within the Park, as well as the frequency of use, both appear to be increasing. Anecdotal reports suggest that after work and weekday use has increased, and the availability of high power LED lights has seen the emergence of night riding in recent years – with an increase in rider numbers into the evening/night, associated noise and light disturbances for adjoining properties, and unknown impacts for the area’s native fauna.

Riders typically use the entire loop, often completing a number of circuits, as well as congregating at more technical sections. The wider sections of the circuit – fire trail and sections along open/grassed boundary fire breaks – are used for multiple purposes including bush walking, dog walking, jogging and scenic viewing.

The circuit is highly valued as a recreation asset by the mountain biking community – citing the route’s length, mix of challenging sections and range of standards (that cater for a variety of skill and fitness levels), that it’s a loop track with easy navigation, offers safe riding (without 4WDs or trailbikes), proximity to picnic areas and facilities, and high levels of management. The sections of single track are especially valued by mountain bikers, as offering a sense of being “immersed in nature” and a feeling of “being out in the bush”.

An Assessment of Mountain Bike Impacts at Manly Warringah War Memorial Park was prepared in 2008 (Gondwana Consulting, 2008). At the time there was a perception that the high level of use by mountain bikers, and the nature of mountain biking itself, was generating a variety of adverse environmental impacts. This assessment concluded that – the greater majority of the route (75.8%) was in fair condition or better. Notably a large proportion of the route (over 4 kilometres, or nearly 40%) is located on fire trails and management accesses. The route’s alignment provides a range of condition, impact mitigation and sustainability benefits. Current track treatments and improvements – such as drainage, board-and-chain (“corduroy”), sandstone surface (“armouring”) and track containment measures – have assisted in reducing the impacts of the track on the natural environment.

Few collisions or conflicts between rider and walkers are reported to the Park managers each year. Anecdotally however it would appear that accidents and incidents (most only involving mountain bikers) do occur frequently, however no serious injury appears to have been sustained to-date. The fire trail and management access sections of the circuit, as well as those areas along cleared/grassed fire breaks on the Park boundary, provide sufficient room and visibility to allow riders and walkers to share these routes. Single track sections present a somewhat greater risk – due to the narrower track widths, usually little or no passing or step-off space, sharp or blind corners, loose or uneven track surfaces and steeper slopes in places. The narrow bridge over Manly Creek, upstream of Mermaid Pool and downstream of the dam wall, is a particular hazard as it cannot safely accommodate both mountain bikers and walkers together (however this site is on a section of the mountain bike circuit located outside the Park).

Mountain biking on those sections of the circuit along the Park boundary (in the Urban Edge Zone, but more appropriately discussed here) – on cleared/grassed fire breaks, where the route can be as close as 2 metres from houses’ rear fences in places – disturbs Park neighbours.

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 23

The noise from bikes and riders (especially at obstacles/jumps or technical sections where rider gather), loss of privacy, dust generation, antisocial behaviours and responding to occasional injuries can all disturb and detract from the amenity of Park neighbours. These problems are exacerbated by increasing levels of mountain bike use and growing numbers of night riders.

Mountain biking within the Park is closely managed, in terms of both on-site management and the provision of information to mountain bikers about track conditions and closures (notably wet weather closures). Mountain bike riders are expected to use the circuit in one direction only (as traffic in both directions can be especially hazardous on the more narrow track sections), as well as to comply with the Mountain Bike Code of Conduct.

A five year work programme was proposed to address safety issues, critical route upgrading and maintenance along with less urgent improvement works. The works programme has been progressively implemented and opportunity exists to seek further involvement from the Mountain Biking community, both in relation to track planning and maintenance (both for existing and any new tracks).

Mountain bike riders are one of the Park’s more organised user groups, with a number of mountain biking associations representing users’ interests and high levels of communication among the Park’s many mountain bike users.

Visual Amenity

The Park’s bushland provides a “green space” within a largely urban setting. Once in the Park, the overall scene is largely of a natural bushland area, and a calm waterway. From many vantage points within the park, particularly within the lower catchment area, it is hard to see evidence of the surrounding urban development. Bushland details - such as vegetation textures, flowers and rock formations provide aesthetics at the small scale. The Park is also aesthetically pleasing for many neighbours who overlook the area.

The Park’s visual as a natural green space in an urban environment, and the largely undisturbed skyline giving a feeling of “being in the middle of nowhere”, were identified as important values during the initial community consultation.

4.2 Issues

Flora, Fauna and Catchment Issues

Special management/protection of endangered ecological communities, vegetation types of local conservation significance, and threatened or significant species.
Continued impacts/pressures from weeds and feral/domestic animals, requiring on-going management effort.
On-going “edge” disturbance and pressures on the Park’s bushland, habitats and fauna – such as garden plant “escapees”, fertiliser and runoff from surrounding areas requiring on- going management efforts and community awareness/assistance.
On-going need for water quality management/improvements, and neighbour education, in areas surrounding the Park, to maintain good water quality in feeder creeks and the dam.
Absence of larger native mammal species reduces the biodiversity value of the Park.
Fragmentation of bushland by tracks – both formal/approved and informal or trample tracks.

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 24

Impacts of easement/access maintenance – such as vegetation clearing/trimming, trail upgrading and erosion – due to the actions of other Authorities (such as the Rural Fire Service, NSW Fire Brigades, electricity utilities and Sydney Water).
Isolation of the Park by residential areas and Wakehurst Parkway, restricting fauna movement.
The presence and scents of dogs in and near bushland areas, even when restrained on a leash, can distress or deter wildlife and modify their natural behaviour.
Enforcement of “no-cats” covenants in adjacent residential areas is problematic.
Balancing bushland protection with other management objectives – such as recreational use, fire management and easements.
Sewage overflows can adversely impact on water quality within the Park.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

Protection of known and as yet unrecorded or newly located, Aboriginal heritage sites.
Involvement of Aboriginal people in protecting and presenting the Park’s Aboriginal heritage.

Recreational Use of Tracks and Trails

Sustainable management of the existing track and trail network – such as drainage, erosion, vegetation clearance, track surface maintenance and signposting issues – from both track maintenance and use.
Future track and trail options to safely and sustainably accommodate walkers and mountain bike riding – on existing track networks (as shared use, preferred use or exclusive use tracks) and new route possibilities.
Future use of single track sections on the mountain bike circuit in the Park’s north-east (Churchill Crescent and Cootamundra Drive area) that are now closed to walkers, limiting access to the Park’s walking track network.
Mountain bike traffic now directed through the Cootamundra Drive Reserve and playground.
Mountain bike activity on the Park boundary adjacent to housing often disturbs or inconveniences residents and reduces privacy/amenity, and these problems appear to be increasing.
Increasing mountain bike usage levels and extended usage periods.
Emergence of night riding - with greater rider safety risks, additional disturbance of Park neighbours and unknown effects on wildlife.
Park users are not aware of the mountain bike “code of conduct”, and its administration/enforcement is problematic relying on the co-operation and goodwill of Park users.
Mountain bikers’ desires for greater/other uses of the circuit – such as being able to ride in the other direction on quieter days, access to or creation of additional on-Park single track sections/links, to hold an annual race day or special events, and to connect the circuit with bicycle commuting routes.
Differing aspirations for the mountain bike circuit, and other tracks, within the Park among the mountain biking community – some seeking a more technical and challenging route, while others seeking to maintain a largely beginner and family standard circuit.
Several sections of the mountain bike circuit are beyond the Park boundary (and not technically under the direction of this Plan) – such as along surrounding residential streets beyond the Park’s southern and south-western boundary (with the Manning Street area as a priority), and the Mermaid Pool bridge – with the possibility of realigning some tracks to

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 25

inside the Park. However the re-routing of major off-Park, or on-road sections, of the circuit to within the Park – and a more bushland setting – would require careful route investigations and environmental assessments.
Community attitudes are divided on the need for off leash dog areas within the Park and support for the status quo requiring dogs in the bushland areas to be on a leash.

Visual Amenity

Protection of the Parks’ skylines and viewsheds will require provisions/measures in planning instruments beyond this Plan of Management as well as negotiation with utility providers and other agencies.

4.3 Management Options/Directions

The overall management intent for the Bushland Zone is to maintain the majority of the Park as natural bushland and a scenic landscape, protecting communities and species of high conservation value, while providing for sustainable dispersed recreational and educational uses without significant impact on natural processes.

Primary Management objectives within the Zone are to:  protect communities and species legislated as having high conservation value;  maintain and enhance the natural systems, biodiversity, habitat, and scenic values of a large natural bushland area; and  provide sustainable opportunities for dispersed track-based recreational and educational uses without significant impact on natural processes.

Secondary or supporting management objectives are to:  maintain links to adjacent or nearby natural areas.  assist in managing water quality in Manly Dam.  accommodate occasional special uses or activities, with prior approval.  assist in maintaining the Park’s undeveloped bushland skyline, as seen from internal vantage points and use areas.

Management Options – Recreational Use of Tracks and Trails

Resolving the future use of the track and trail network, between mountain biking and walking (and related uses), is a key issue for the Bushland Zone and the Park as a whole. It provided the impetus for this review of the 1998 Plan of Management.

The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) is at present considering a new approach to the management of mountain biking that includes providing mountain bike tracks in a small number of national parks - where the location is suitable, there is strong demand for the activity, and environmental impacts can be managed. As part of this process the DECCW has prepared a discussion paper, describing the agency’s proposed approach, and has undertaken considerable research into mountain biking in natural areas and the possible impacts and sustainable management of this activity. Warringah Council has also undertaken its own review of the considerable literature available on mountain bike tracks and their management.

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 26

The DECCW has identified “cross-country” and “all-mountain” riding as the most appropriate styles of mountain biking to occur in NSW’s national parks. The Park’s present mountain bike circuit precisely matches the DECCW’s description of a “cross-country” trail.

The DECCW discussion paper outlines the potential impacts of mountain biking in natural areas – including disturbance of soils and vegetation, reduced water quality, disturbance of wildlife, damage to cultural and historic features, and damage to park infrastructure. It notes that impacts are far greater on unauthorised tracks than on planned and approved routes, and that most disturbance occurs during initial track construction. The planning, design, construction and maintenance of mountain bike tracks to “best practice sustainable track standards” is acknowledged as “vital” to minimise impacts on the environment, and other park users and optimise the experience for the user”.

The proposed DECCW policy gives preference to improving and modifying existing tracks, rather than constructing new tracks. It also acknowledges the greater appeal of “single track” for riders. Single tracks also have the least environmental “footprint”. For example, the construction of 6.5 kilometres of a “typical” single track (with a 900 millimetre wide track surface and vegetation clearance “corridor” of 1.5 metres wide at shoulder height) would require clearing only 1 hectare of vegetation. Off-site impacts, beyond this “corridor”, could be managed and minimised – as DECCW recommends – through careful route section and planning, track design, construction and management. The DECCW suggests adopting the International Mountain Biking Association’s (IMBA) track standards, as an interim measure, while the agency is formulating its own track planning, design and construction code.

The DECCW acknowledges the potential for user conflict on single tracks, but suggests that “preferred-use” tracks – which do not exclude other users but make it clear that the route is designed for a specific use – are a preferable solution as opposed to “single-use” tracks. Track design (sightlines, avoiding blind corners, design to control/limit speeds, etc), user advice and behaviour requirement, signposting and “communication”, and opposing travel directions (riders one way and walkers the other) are some of the options suggested by the DECCW for increasing user safety on single tracks carrying both rider and walker traffic.

Some possible options for managing mountain bike and walker usage on the existing track and trial network include the following.

Option 1 – Status Quo (post February 2010 situation)

Maintaining the “status quo”, with the entire currently designated mountain bike circuit and walkers restricted from the 1.7 kilometres of single track along the Trig Track on the western (Wakehurst Parkway) boundary and the 200 metre section of single track in the north-east (below Churchill Crescent), with both sections signposted on-site and advised in Council information as no walker access.

Implications:  The simplest “no change” option.  No new track construction – and associated impacts and management demands - required.  Retains 7 walking tracks routes and 1 mountain bike circuit, as is the case now.  Loss of a direct connection to the main track/trail network for residents in the Churchill Crescent and Cootamundra Drive areas.

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 27

Tracks/routes discussed at Options 3 and 4.

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 28

 Loss of an extended Park perimeter circuit or outer loop route for walkers, due to missing western (Wakehurst Parkway) and eastern (Churchill Crescent connection and eastern urban edge) links, but an “outer” perimeter circuit is not a high demand route for walkers.  Likely low levels of walker compliance.  On-going management responsibility to ensure that advisory/warning signs are in place.  Compliance and enforcement of walker restrictions is impractical.  Perpetuates mountain bike traffic through the Cootamundra Drive Reserve and playground (and on Mermaid Pool bridge).  Does not address other management issues – such as neighbour disturbance, on- road/ex-Park track sections and riding experience.

Option 2 – Shared-use and Risk Management

Retaining the entire currently designated mountain bike circuit and allowing for the shared-use, by both mountain bikers and walkers, of all single track sections – notably the 1.7 kilometres of single track along the Trig Track on the western (Wakehurst Parkway) boundary and the 200 metre section of single track in the north-east (below Churchill Crescent), both now closed to walkers.

This option will require employing a “risk management” approach, and “preferred-use” strategy in sections, involving the targeted upgrading of problem track sections (notably along the Trig Track on the western [Wakehurst Parkway] boundary) to improve sight lines and safety as well as appropriate user advice/warnings and required behaviours (with codes of conduct for both riders and walkers).

Implications:  Returning to the pre February 2010 situation, but with improved risk management and user advice.  Track safety audit and careful redesign of hazardous sections required, minor budget/resources commitment.  Some limited route realignment and minor new track construction required, minor budget/resources commitment but ongoing track management demands largely unchanged.  Retains and reinstates all previous track routes, links and experiences for all users.  Requires improved advice to users regarding shared use, associated risks and user responsibilities – both on-site and in Council information – and on-going management role/responsibility.  Requires additional monitoring, compliance and enforcement efforts – as well as periodic risk assessments – to ensure Council is fulfilling its duty of care.  Unlikely to fully address issues of mountain bike traffic through the Cootamundra Drive Reserve and playground (and on Mermaid Pool bridge), and major neighbour disturbance.  Does not address other management issues – such as on-road/ex-Park track sections and riding experience.

The following 2 options include modifications and additions to the current track network – as shown on the following plan – that could be considered in combination, as well as in association, with Options 1 or 2 above.

Option 3 – Mountain Bike Track Realignment (New Single-use Tracks)

Creating new sections of mountain bike only track, on new or realigned routes, to avoid or minimise issues or short-comings with parts of the existing designated circuit. Possible locations for new/realigned track sections are – the south-eastern boundary (from Southern

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 29

Cross Drive in the north, past Nyrang Road, to Maroa Crescent in the south) and the southern boundary (north of Warringah Road and part of Manning Street). Neighbour disturbance, user conflicts and safety issues could be addressed in these sections through the creation of an alternative bike-only route separate from the existing alignment, which would then become the walker-only route, in the cleared/grassed Park boundary strip or roadside nature strip (in the case of Manning Street). In effect these areas would become sections of duplicate track. The alignment of these new bike-only tracks would be offset a short distance into the adjacent bushland, and carefully routes, designed and constructed as single track as favoured by mountain bikers.

Implications:  Eliminates or significantly reduces neighbour disturbance, user conflicts and risks on the realigned (duplicate) track sections.  Improved mountain bike experiences and safer setting for walkers.  Significant cost/resource demands – for the planning, design and construction of approximately 300 and 750 metres of new single track.  Increased on-going track maintenance/management demands.  Requires on-site advice to users re access and use limitations on differing track sections, with occasional compliance and enforcement follow-up.  Would require clearing 0.2 hectares of vegetation (for a maximum of 1,500 metres of new track, allowing an additional 50% track length for a curving route and design details) – predominantly in the Park’s two most common vegetation types (and in highly disturbed vegetation adjoining Maroa Crescent).  Area of Duffys Forest endangered ecological community along northside of Manning Street, opposite Balgowlah North Public School, would require special routing and design attention – an additional expense.  Would extend the zone/depth of “edge disturbance” along those sections of track to be located in the bushland margins – due to direct and indirect impacts from track constructions, usage and maintenance.  Potential for scenic views over dam and Park from realigned mountain bike track at upper end of Sothern Cross Drive.  Does not address issues of mountain bike traffic through the Cootamundra Drive Reserve and playground (or on Mermaid Pool bridge).

Option 4 – Duplicate Track Sections (New Single-use Tracks, for Riders or Walkers)

This option entails creating new sections of single-use track, for either mountain bikers or walkers, to duplicate critical sections of existing narrow or hazardous single track and provide for user separation. The following options and locations are shown, conceptually, on the accompanying plan.

A priority location for track duplication would be in the Churchill Crescent and Cootamundra Drive area – extending approximately 850 metres from the fire trail junction south of the tennis courts access, past the Cootamundra Drive Reserve and playground, through to Jennifer Avenue. In addition to providing safer separation of users, re-organising the track network in this area – with the mountain bike route further away from the Park boundary – would also reduce neighbour disturbance issues and conflicts/hazards at Cootamundra Drive Reserve and playground. Most of the vegetation at the head of the drainage line and small valley in this area is assessed as “highly disturbed”. Track reorganisation could also make use of the dead-end fire trail section south of Yuruga Place directing walkers onto an “upslope” route, while mountain bikers use the existing lower “corduroy” track to and over the rock ledge (which is both an attraction and technical section for riders).

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 30

A short, 120 metre, section of track duplication is also required midway along Southern Cross Drive, to connect an existing walking track (and possible alternative walkers link, separate from mountain bikes) back to the cleared area and shared tracks along the Park boundary. This link already exists in part, as an informal “trample” track, and also accesses a rock shelf offering views south-west across the dam and Park.

A lower priority section for track duplication would be the 1.7 kilometres of single track of the Trig Track on the western (Wakehurst Parkway) boundary. This route does not receive high levels of walker use, possibly because of the track’s character and the presence of mountain bikes but also perhaps due to its remoteness from residential areas and the unappealingly walking environment adjacent to busy Wakehurst Parkway. Despite this, it does form an important connection in any extended Park perimeter circuit route for walkers. Track duplication in this area would be problematic, due to the narrow strip of bushland (between the golf course and road) and challenging terrain in places. As an alternative to duplicating this entire section of track, a walkers-only link could be established from the Circuit Track near the head of the dam upslope past the northern end of the golf course to the fire trail entry on Wakehurst Parkway – a distance of approximately 750 metres. Such a connection would still offer an extended “outer” walking route, and access the higher parts of the Park’s western side, while avoiding the traffic intrusions and mountain bike activity along the Trig Track.

A short, 150 metre, section of duplicate track south from the Kirkwood Street water tanks to the high standard (unsealed) shared path through Bantry Reserve would be a higher priority than the Trig Track further north – as it provides access to an appealing lookout with views south- east over the golf course and dam towards Manly Beach.

Implications:  Eliminates or significantly reduces user conflicts and risks on the duplicated track sections.  Improved mountain bike experiences and safer settings for walkers.  Reduced neighbour disturbance in the Churchill Crescent and Cootamundra Drive area, and mountain bikes removed from the Cootamundra Drive Reserve and playground.  Very significant cost/resource demands – for the planning, design and construction of approximately of new single tracks – depending on length of any new track development.  Would require clearing of up to 0.65 hectares of vegetation (for a maximum of 4.2 kilometres of new track, allowing an additional 50% track length for a curving route and design details) – in the Park’s two most common vegetation types (and in highly disturbed vegetation in the Churchill Crescent-Cootamundra Drive valley).  Direct and indirect impacts from track constructions, usage and maintenance.  Multiple track, especially in close proximity to each other, increase bushland fragmentation and extend the zone/depth of “edge disturbance” where located close to bushland margins.  The possible section of new track, upslope north of the golf course, is through an area of intact and previously undisturbed bushland.  Considerably increased on-going track maintenance/management demands.  Requires on-site advice to users re access and use limitations on differing track sections, with occasional compliance and enforcement follow-up.  (Does not address issues of mountain bike traffic on Mermaid Pool bridge.)

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 31

Management Directions

The following are some of the more routine management directions and actions, typical of those employed in managing natural areas (in urban settings) that are proposed for the Bushland Zone, and hence for much of the Park.

Many are existing management practices already in place on the Park.

Flora, Fauna and Catchment Issues

Manage the greater majority of the Bushland Zone to enhance the Park’s natural environment and habitat values, support native flora and fauna populations and to ensure high water quality standards are achieved for the dam – through existing strategies for weed and feral animal control, stormwater and pollution management, fire management (including the use of fire as an ecological management tool) and neighbour education/awareness.
Undertake special management measures as/where required for the conservation areas of the Duffys Forest endangered ecological community, other vegetation communities of conservation significance, and threatened or significant flora and fauna species within the Park.
Use bush regeneration as a primary form of weed control and continue to implement a prioritised weed control programme.
Participate in co-ordinated regional feral animal control programmes, as well as Council control initiatives.
Negotiate improved weed control programmes, managed water and fertiliser use, and staged removal/replacement of introduced plant species within the catchment on land not managed by Park staff – in particular Wakehurst Golf Course (see section 9), Aquatic Reserve and the Frenchs Forest Business Area.
Support bushland corridors/links surrounding the Park – with Council, national park and other lands.
Manage fire trails and to reduce bushland and water quality impacts, and for recreational use and visitor safety.
Monitor impacts on fire trails, management accesses and other tracks by other agencies/authorities, collaborate in work programming and implementation as needed.
Negotiate maintenance agreements, standards or protocols with agencies carrying out works on or adjoining the Park - to ensure protection of the Park’s natural areas and minimise visual intrusion/impacts. Liaise with Sydney Water regarding improved management of sewer mains through the Park.
“Consolidate” the Park’s boundary to minimise the amount of bushland edge exposed to pressures/degradation – including possible addition of the two large land parcels north of the Water Reservoir on Wakehurst Parkway.
Avoid the addition of narrow, irregular or outlying land parcels to the Park where these do not offer major conservation benefits.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

Ensure Aboriginal heritage sites are appropriately managed throughout the Park, as consistent with the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 . Actively manage those Aboriginal heritage sites being impacted by visitor access or natural factors (such as runoff of overgrowth).
As now occurs, use the lack of visitor knowledge of the location of and access to Aboriginal heritage sites as the principal management tool and means of protecting these places.

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 32

Actively involve Aboriginal people in protection and presentation of the Park’s Aboriginal heritage. Provide interpretive and educational material/resources regarding the Park’s use by Aboriginal people, surviving Aboriginal evidence (generically) and continuing importance for Aboriginal people today
Investigate possible Aboriginal sites that may be accessed for visitor appreciation – where supported by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water as well as appropriate Aboriginal people/groups (e.g. the Metropolitan LALC and Aboriginal Heritage Office) and only where adequate management can be provided to protect and present these sites.

Recreational Use of Tracks and Trails

Maintain a variety of safe and sustainably managed walking tracks – of differing track standards, distance/duration and character – within the Zone to offer a choice of walking experiences.
Ensure all new track and trail proposals, including major modifications to existing tracks/trails, are subject to the appropriate levels of environmental assessment and approvals.
Investigate the development of a walking track link between Curl Curl Track and Eva’s Track in the north of the Park, to provide a greater variety and continuation of walking tracks in that area.
Rationalise and upgrade the Park’s northern entry points, from the Aquatic Reserve playing fields.
Provide convenient access for walkers to the open lookout point above the south end of Wakehurst Golf Course (east of the Water Reservoir).
Manage the mountain bike circuit – in keeping with current best practice planning and maintenance guidelines – through a rolling programme of track maintenance, developed in consultation with users, aimed at ensuring the network’s sustainable management, minimising environmental impacts, catering for a cross section of riders, and providing for rider and visitor safety.
Ensure the approved mountain bike tracks are clearly identified to all visitors and appropriate behaviour messages, and codes of conduct, are promoted and enforced.
Use volunteers in track maintenance and development, on approved projects and under the supervision and direction of Park managers.
Night mountain bike riding will not be permitted in the Park, as the environmental impacts of night riding are poorly understood and the degree of impact of this activity on wildlife is as yet unknown.
Provide opportunities for environmental education along the mountain bike track network and other trails.
Continue to allow the use of the Bushland Zone, and other terrestrial Park areas, for special uses – where consistent with the area’s values – with prior approval and where other users are not unduly disadvantaged or excessive demands are not placed on Park management.

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park PoM, Issues & Directions Discussion Paper – FINAL 33