Magazine of National Parks Association of

Our first national park What can we learn from our national park history?

PLUS Values based management - a new approach

ALSO FEATURED - The struggle for Mount Etna Caves

- National Park Issue 20 APRIL - MAY 2018 - The elusive night parrot 1 Contents From the President ������������������������� 3 Magnetic Island National Park...... 10 FROM THE PRESIDENT Our first national park ��������������������� 4 The Night Parrot...... 12 Building a legacy ���������������������������� 6 The national park experience...... 13 Queensland’s longest environmental Spotlight: Ranger of the Month...... 14 conflict...... 8 What’s On...... 15

Editorial team Advertising enquiries Reece Pianta, Jeannie Rice and Marika Strand. Please email [email protected] or phone (07) 3367 0878. Graeme Bartrim Contributor guidelines President, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ) Banner: Hill Inlet lookout over the Whitsundays (NPAQ Library) If you have an idea for a Protected article we Advertising policy would love to hear from you. We can help with Advertisements are required to align with 5.6% of the state is presently better protect sufficient examples campaign to secure the Mount reviewing, editing and images. Contributions relevant NPAQ policies. NPAQ reserves the designated national park. of the state’s very diverse flora Etna Caves National Park and are always welcome. Please email admin@ right to refuse any advertisement at any time. npaq.org.au for a schedule of future editions. Advertisement in Protected does not imply These parks were proclaimed and fauna. end mining there. Securing parks Contributors, please include contact details NPAQ’s endorsement of products or services. usually as a consequence of But there are opportunities: is only half the mission, ongoing and brief personal summary. Articles can be much hard work by advocates, We await the government’s management is essential, so we submitted via email or hard copy. Digital photos Copyright and disclaimer public servants, in particular Protected Area Strategy. This will also have a contribution from the should be minimum 300dpi. parks service personnel Queensland Parks and Wildlife NPAQ retains copyright of Protected. Articles be a very important document for Cover image may be quoted provided that appropriate since 1975, and with support the state, setting the direction for Service on their Value Based acknowledgement occurs in the reproduction from senior bureaucrats and Management Framework. A proud history - composite image park management. It will reflect and use of material. politicians. a decision around conserving The lesson from history for me is Photos: NPAQ Library We are presently at a delicate securing a national park is never Left image: Main Range NP, NPAQ Library Articles in Protected do not necessarily reflect biodiversity values and a NPAQ’s opinion or position. stage in the history of the state’s judgement of what expenditure easy and its ongoing management national parks. the state can afford. It is a great requires research and work - our There are specific threats to opportunity for Queensland to association has a vital role to play About NPAQ each park’s biodiversity values. catch up. on both fronts. We work towards Mission statement These include feral animals, The election promise to allocate growing the park estate, improving weeds, overuse and more $500 million to a Land Restoration its management and increasing The National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ) public awareness of park values. promotes the preservation, expansion and good recently “eco tourism” proposals. Fund has the potential to generate That is why we currently have management of national parks in Queensland. National park personnel are conservation benefits. typically passionate about nature several fundraisers underway And the potential conversion of and a $10 membership offering. Council Staff conservation but also under state forest to national park. President Graeme Bartrim Business Development Officer Marika Strand resourced. There is now a risk of Scores of new members from Vice Presidents Yvonne Parsons Communications Officer Reece Pianta long term degradation to sections A Pew Charitable Trust funded all walks of life have expressed Galaxy poll found that 84% Hon Treasurer Neil Williams Conservation Officer Laura Hahn of the existing park estate. their support for our work - a very of Queensland respondents heartening achievement. If you are Hon Secretary Debra Marwedel Project & Office Administrator Jeannie Rice The state’s biodiversity is not believe that more land should be not a member, or know somebody Asst Hon Secretary Jacqueline Rose’Meyer fully represented in the park protected and 75% support at who you think should support Councillors David Ball estate. There is a recognised Contact details least 20% of the state being in our work encourage them to visit Suzanne Cooper need to consolidate the estate to Office Unit 10/36 Finchley St, Milton national parks and reserves. This npaq.org.au to find out how they Julie Hainsworth Post PO Box 1040, Milton QLD 4064 aligns rather well with the Labor can join and get involved. Daniel Kelly Phone (07) 3367 0878 party’s stated goal of 17%. Denis McMullen Web www.npaq.org.au Email [email protected] Community support for national Alexsis Wilson parks needs to be more visible. ABN 60 206 792 095 If you have an History is a great teacher, so in Want to get involved with NPAQ? this issue of Protected we look article idea - we back at a few historical examples NPAQ welcomes people from all walks of life and offers a variety of ways to be involved: want to hear • Have fun in the bush – come • Step up – become a National • Connect with us – Facebook, of how national parks were won. along on a bush walk or Parks Conservation member Instagram and Twitter Neville McMannim remind us how from you! other activity or a National Parks Protector • Stay in touch – read regular Queensland’s first official national • Get your hands dirty – • Donate – support our work updates on our website park was declared, how a push participate in on-ground over many decades opened a We can help with editing, • Volunteer on exciting projects • Share a bush adventure with images and content. conservation efforts • Subscribe to Protected and children – download NPAQ’s successful period of conservation • Join us – become a member Neck of the Woods via email Kids in National Parks guide and protected area growth in Email us to find out how: Queensland. We also examine [email protected] SUPPORT NPAQ AND HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE Queensland’s national parks need you too. a more contentious fight - the BECOME A MEMBER, DONATE OR VOLUNTEER www.npaq.org.au/get-involved www.facebook.com/NPAQld @nationalparksassocqld @NPA_Qld

2Connect and Protect 3 OUR FIRST NATIONAL PARK Remembering Qld’s park pioneers

Neville McManimm National park history enthusiast Images: banner left: Cunninghams Gap undated, Mt Crookneck 1933, below left: Romeo Lahey 1919, middle: Hinchinbrook undated, right: Bunya Mountains undated (all NPAQ library).

When asked to write on the scepticism. parks. member of the Queensland and Black Fellows Knob topic of how we got our first To me, we got our national Robert Martin Collins, raised parliament, gaining a new overlooking Condamine Queensland national park, I parks not just because of at Mundoolun, near Canungra, platform to raise the issue of Gorge, now part of Queen pondered it for a day or so and legislation passed in parliament, saw a lot of our land. He rode protecting our land as he had Mary Falls National Park. 1909 then my mind began to wander. but because we have had, and on horseback to near Taroom seen done in the USA. gave us Millstream Falls and It seems to do that at my age. do have, people who treasure During March 1898, he took Cunningham’s Gap National As a young bushwalker it was and out west to the Channel the idea that the stories and the then Queensland Governor, Park. my feet that used to wander, but Country, from 1873. I and beauty around us exist not just others call him the Father of Lord Lamington, walking up Sadly, it was after Robert Collins like some things in life, it has for us, but for all the generations death in 1913, that the Border gone to my head. Queensland National Parks. Christmas Creek. Finally, in to come. This was, and always During 1878, Collins and his November 1906 legislation was Ranges he favoured became I was once told a tale about will be, a continuous battle brother visited national parks introduced into parliament for in how national parks are picked. with those who only see the in the USA. This no doubt fired an Act to Preserve State Forest 1915. His dream is fulfilled as It was at the bar in parliament now in life. This is our goal: to him up for the years to come, and National Parks to take generations since, and to come, house, after a hectic session show people the world around in his struggle to get protected effect from 1st January 1907. In have and will, enjoy the fruit of when pollies had to vote on to be created National Parks us and open their eyes, mind, land reserves in his home land. March 1908, Witches Falls on his labour. Association of Queensland (NPAQ) whether they would accept and heart to the treasures of Tamborine Mountain became a pay rise recommended by In 1886 he climbed Mt Barney, Romeo Lahey had teamed with for decades to come. The original the great outdoors as they are, and after riding over the yellow our first official national park. Robert Collins to make this petition can be seen at the Qld the independent tribunal. One unspoilt, without turning them member said “we have got pinch, a familiar locality to many So in a short version, this is how dream a reality. Lahey was a State Archives, Box Item 864222. into an artificial theme park for more recent visitors, camped young man in his twenties who something, so let’s give the commercial gain. Queensland got its first national As NPAQ members will know, this people something”. So he threw on the Logan and the next park. We have also had scenic walked the Border Ranges, was not the last any Government a dart at a map of Queensland The first protectors and morning commenced the climb. reserves and beauty spots, land taking photos and gaining was to see or hear of Romeo and where it landed he said, conservationists in this land Our early conservation pioneers usually of smaller area and with support from the local electorate Lahey. He and others founded “that is where we will have a were the indigenous Australian created epic stories well worth far less protection than a fully on a petition to parliament the National Parks Association of national park”. Such tales should peoples. They knew the declared national park. for a national park on the Queensland in 1930 and have be treated with a measure of importance of everything from To me, we got our Border Ranges. This action been the driving force for creating grass, to trees, to animals, to The scramble was then on for was successful in securing national parks not just politicians to get parks in their new national parks and ensuring the layout of the land. All this because of legislation Lamington National Park, and their ongoing protection. had a purpose and if we destroy electorates. became a model to create new a little part of the environment, passed in parliament, but In 1908, new parks were national parks, deployed by So, Queensland had its first it will have a flow on effect. because we have had, declared at Bunya Mountains Romeo Lahey and the soon national parks, though not just by Have you tried to understand and do have, people who legislation - what really gave us the world around you the way treasure the idea that our national parks were the people who treasure the ideal that areas they did, and then shown it to the stories and beauty others? should be preserved in their natural around us exist not just state, unspoilt, not for monetary The explorer Sir Thomas for us, but for all the gain for the few, but for the many Mitchell, was the first white man generations to come. and for future generations, not to see and name Salvator Rosa. just the present. So, don’t slack The beauty of the landscape your further research. off! You are there to carry on the reminded him so much of the dream. Italian baroque painters style. In November 1895, he and Have you made the time to see others followed Christmas Creek up to the top of the Border Neville will be presenting a talk at the next the beauty of the country from a NPAQ member’s meeting on the subject of creek bank or mountain top, and Ranges looking down into NSW. In 1896 he gave a talk to the NPAQ founder Romeo Lahey. wished that others will see the Details are: Wednesday, May 16, 2018, same in years to come? Royal Geographical Society of Qld, describing that walk. Later 7:15pm for 7:30pm start at the NPAQ This is the reason for national that same year he became a Office, 10/36 Finchley St, Milton. 4 5 BUILDING A LEGACY VALUES-BASED, ADAPTIVE, TRANSPARENT PARK MANAGEMENT FOR QUEENSLAND

Emma Henderson Manager – Values-based Management Framework, QPWS

Queensland’s national parks areas of QPWS’ management. The Values Based Management Framework The cycle begins with the planning social values. The management framework for priority and high profile contribute to conserving In particular, the report outlined process. A clear understanding plan and resource document are parks and developing a management Queensland’s rich biological recommendations to formalise a of why each park is special is designed to work together to provide effectiveness evaluation (MEE) program diversity, Aboriginal and Torres comprehensive planning process established through a values the comprehensive planning for a based on the International Union Strait Islander culture and and ensure a consistent approach to assessment – often through a park. for Conservation of Nature –World heritage, and European cultural planning that aligned to international workshop involving experts and QPWS has adopted this approach Commission on Protected Areas heritage while also providing best practice protected area regional staff. Key values and to facilitate an adaptive management framework to assist us evaluate our social and economic benefits to guidelines; formalise a monitoring QPWS’s vision for them are identified process. Management plans are performance as park managers and the wider community. At present and evaluation framework; and in the form of a desired outcome. To intended to be more static direction feed back into the management cycle, Queensland boasts over 1,000 develop appropriate performance date, QPWS has undertaken values setting documents which undergo allowing us to continuously refine and protected areas, including five indicators that represent the agency’s assessments on approximately 130 a comprehensive consultation improve our management. World Heritage sites. achievements in managing protected parks, which equates to around process and are reviewed every QPWS is also gearing up to release a Over 100 years of park management areas in line with the objectives of the 30% of the protected area estate five to ten years. More detailed and Queensland State of the Parks (QSOP) in Queensland has seen a lot of Nature Conservation Act 1992. managed by QPWS. operational management objectives report based on the values assessment good work done by generations The Values Based Management Management plans under the VBMF and actions are then contained data collected through implementing the of dedicated park managers. Framework (VBMF) was developed in its effectiveness by monitoring the have a different look and feel to in thematic strategies which can framework to date. This initial report will Queensland Parks and Wildlife response to these recommendations condition of the spring over time to previous plans. The new format be reviewed regularly and specific provide a snap-shot of the key values Service (QPWS) is united by and was launched on 2 November determine if impacts from pigs have is designed to provide a succinct actions adapted as we assess the and their desired outcomes, along with a passion for protecting the 2016 during the public consultation been reduced. This doesn’t mean that overview of all the key values effectiveness of our management in the current condition and threats to environment and managing our phase of the Hinchinbrook Island other values are forgotten, but rather identified for a park, their current achieving our objectives. these values, for a selection of parks targets management to identified world class protected area system National Park Management Plan. The and desired condition, along with The VBMF also introduces a across the state. priorities. Protecting key values such as so that future generations also have VBMF is an adaptive management threats and the condition trend. monitoring framework for all key Looking into the future, the QSOP will the opportunity to experience these approach which focuses on managing ecosystems or habitat for threatened The plans also identify strategic values through annual ‘health be the primary mechanism for reporting unique and special places. park values. This approach aligns with species also benefits other values management directions, which set checks’ using a simple, standardised on how well Queensland’s protected However, a lot has changed since international best-practice and reflects - including species using the same the high level management direction and repeatable methodology. area estate is being managed at the Queensland declared its first national a global shift towards managing habitat or maintaining aesthetic values required to achieve the desired So far health checks have been state-wide level; and our effectiveness park in 1908. QPWS now manages for values, rather than the more for park visitors. outcome for the value. Thematic successfully trialled on a sample of in protecting key values and achieving many more hectares of protected traditional approach which focused What is the QPWS VBMF? strategies sit under management parks. Undertaking health checks management goals. Future QSOP plans and contain further detail and area across a hugely diverse range on managing issues or threats, Park management under the VBMF is on all key values will eventually reports will include outcomes of the of environments and ecosystems. sometimes blind to the impact they measurable objectives for the on be incorporated into annual work QPWS MEE program. a dynamic process, where a cycle of ground management action needed. QPWS manages different tenures, pose to a park’s values. planning, prioritising, doing, monitoring, programs as implementation of the QPWS’ vision is to deliver a protected from national parks to state forests, A resource document will also be evaluating, and reporting allows us to VBMF continues to be rolled out. area system that is one of the best in and includes over two million There is no doubt that managing developed to capture the park’s full threats is important, however if our adapt our management in a transparent context, including a park overview Where to next? the world. A protected area system that hectares of land jointly managed is resilient, adaptable and valued by the with traditional owners. We welcome aim is to improve the condition of a way as we learn more and improve and history as well as a description In 2018 QPWS will focus on value then the management focus over time. Its focus is on keeping our of the other natural, cultural and progressing planning under the new community. The VBMF provides QPWS more visitors than ever and have a with the framework for doing just that. diverse range of stakeholders with may need to shift from just managing park values healthy by making sure we an element such as fire or a pest identify the key values on every park growing expectations, and at times References: conflicting views as to how parks species at a park level, to specifically and then if management is required, should be managed. Add to this managing threats to the condition targeting our efforts towards those Queensland Audit Office, 2010, “Sustainable emerging management issues and of the park’s values. For example, a values. All key values will be monitored management of national parks and protected traditional approach to managing pigs annually for changes in condition over areas: A Performance Management Systems challenges such as climate change audit” www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/ and changing tourism trends; and on a park may involve broad scale time, regardless of the management tableOffice/TabledPapers/2010/5310T3234.pdf aerial baiting across a landscape. they receive. Monitoring data is then increasing pressure to demonstrate The final management plan and visitor strategy not only conservation outcomes but This approach is expensive and often used to assess the effectiveness of the for Hinchinbrook Island are available on the also value for money. difficult to determine its effectiveness management directions identified in the Department’s website at https://www.npsr.qld. in protecting park values. Under a management plan. In some cases this gov.au/parks/hinchinbrook/ Back in 2010 the Queensland value focused management program, may mean actively managing certain Auditor General released a report a targeted approach may involve only values while only monitoring others. to Parliament on the sustainable baiting the area around key values, This allows us to determine if we have Images: a values based approach at Currawainya management of national parks and NP 2012 (left) 2017 (right) (Stephen Peck) banner: for example a spring ecosystem. This got our management right or if we need (Marika Strand); left: Tony protected areas which identified approach is likely to reduce costs to adapt what we are doing to achieve Groom in his natural habitat (supplied); below: room for improvement in certain Lamington National Park (NPAQ Library). and allows us to adequately assess the outcomes we want. The Hinchinbrook Island National Park management plan from 1999 (left) compared to the new look values-based management plan 6 7 MOUNT ETNA: QUEENSLAND’S LONGEST ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICT Sometimes it’s a rocky road to protect our natural places. Carol Gistitin Images: banner: Mark Marathon [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons; below: Carol Gistitin.

Mount Etna, 22 km north of quarry. These activities were not seeds of environmental conflict save Mount Etna. Exploration in the Blue are in conflict. At Mount Etna , is a cavernous perceived to conflict with the between the mining company, revealed the presence of rare Mountains, and the Franklin a reconciliation process and pyramid-shaped hill in a belt reserve, and a geologist’s memo Cement Macroderma gigas bats and River in . Sabotage, rehabilitation of the quarry site of limestone. It attracts bats in March 1939, considered (CQC), and speleologists with of a cave named Bat Cleft, the sit-ins, shareholder action, began and all mining ceased and, since the mid-twentieth that the mountain did not merit their allies. Mount Morgan maternity cave for Miniopterus boycotts and blockades were on 13 March 2004. On 27 century, speleologists (those reservation for scenic purposes. bats. Cavers became genuinely all considered – though the September 2008 at a celebration who study or explore caves) Limited began limestone mining enthusiastic about their objective was to enlist public of the centenary of national parks During World War II a large cave on Limestone Ridge in 1963; and limestone miners. was used for munitions storage allies, producing magnificent opinion, not to alienate it. Locally in Queensland, Cement Central Queensland Cement Contestation between these and Mount Etna became photographs, supporting jobs were more important to formally handed the former groups led to the longest a secret training base for Limited (CQC) opened a quarry research and appealing to more people than bats, so the mine site of CQC to the then environmental conflict in commando troops. on Mount Etna in 1966. the mining company and the campaign had to find support Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland – from passive Government for bats’ protection. where it mattered – in to add to the Mount Etna National protest to direct action Caving and limestone mining The spectacular emergence and Canberra, and Mount Etna Park. The contest at Mount Etna with blockades and caves A new generation of young Landscapes will flights from Bat Cleft to which was listed on the Register of the between profit and protection, destroyed – over 40 years students in the late 1950s and be contested CQSS began guided tours, National Estate in 1981. when in 1989 conservationists from the 1960s until 2009. 1960s with more opportunities gained wide publicity. The imminent destruction of were routed by the cement Central Queensland Cement to travel, found the caves, while profit and Letter writing and lobbying two bat habitat caves was industry, was resolved and the Limited (CQC) was the discovered their richness protection are in politicians brought small gains, the impetus for direct action. mine site is now National Park. limestone miner, opposed by and beauty and the diversity but CQC stood its ground What followed was a campaign the University of Queensland of the flora and birdlife of the conflict. on its right to mine, though which deployed media, protest, Speleological Society (UQSS) dry rainforest. The University Mount Morgan Limited (which interstate reinforcements and and Central Queensland of Queensland Speleological no longer needed lime flux) accusations of trespass from References and further reading (Note): Speleological Society (CQSS). Society (UQSS) was formed and Bats and cavers relinquished its leases on CQC. After six weeks CQC J. K. Sprent (ed), Mount Etna caves: a collection of papers concerning Although speleologists and bats encouraged the local cavers to Quarrying initially spoiled the Limestone Ridge. A positive and the campaigners called a several aspects of the Mount Etna and coexist as cave users, they are found the Central Queensland mountain’s symmetry but as it step was the proclamation in moratorium which included a Limestone Ridge caves area of Central incompatible with limestone Speleological Society (CQSS). moved to the cavernous face 1976 of a National Park over the halt to mining and the blockade Queensland, St Lucia, University of mining. Mount Etna and nearby it threatened caves valued for former leased area. However, was lifted. Queensland Speleological Society, At the time, central Queensland 1970 Limestone Ridge have aesthetic was looking for new enterprises their beauty and as bat habitat. the recreation reserve on Mount When CQC dismissed a Betty Cosgrove, Shoalwater Bay: and recreational value and to absorb unemployed men and Bats have had ‘bad press’ but Etna was rescinded in June scientific report submitted by the support semi-evergreen vine their protection under the Fauna 1977. Observing activity on settlers in a Queensland wilderness, produce growth in the district. Mount Etna Committee (formed Rockhampton, Central Queensland thicket, a rare relict vegetation Conservation Act became the the mountain, conservationists by CQSS and its allies), the University Press, 1996 community. The significance So limestone mining on Mount strongest argument in efforts to feared that CQC would move its Etna began and with it the moratorium collapsed. CQC Drew Hutton and Libby Connors, A of fossil deposits has also quarry to the cavernous north shocked the community and history of the Australian environment been recognised. The caves face near Bat Cleft. This drove the media by commencing a movement, Melbourne, Cambridge had been visited by tourist the contest to a more radical program of blasting the caves. University Press, 1999 parties since 1886, and were phase. Accused by the media of Neil Lewis and Nicholas Mangos, ‘Legal Rockhampton’s first tourist Direct action: blockades and needless destruction, CQC lost rights for natural things’, Alternative law venue. They are the closest blasts support. A change in company journal, 19/4, 1994 caves to Brisbane and attracted William J. Lines, Patriots: defending The cavers’ attempts to mobilise ownership brought a new speleologists from southeast attitude to conservation which Australia’s natural heritage, St Lucia, Queensland. Recreation public opinion were largely University of Queensland Press, 2006 ineffectual against Queensland’s better fitted community attitudes reserves were proclaimed in and the policies of the newly Judith Wright, The coral battleground, 1920 but did not prevent the government-supported cement Melbourne, Nelson, 1977 monopoly. But in the 1970s elected State Labor government mining of guano, deposited by under Premier Wayne Goss. bats in their long occupation, and early 1980 they learned and the development in the from the tactics of campaigners Landscapes will be contested 1930s of a small limestone who saved the Colong Caves while profit and protection

8 9 PARK IN F CUS Magnetic Island National Park

Denis McMullen Councillor - National Parks Association of Queensland

Magnetic Island lies eight on the Manly ferry in Sydney, up 52% of its land mass. Well- The koalas are seen in the soaring on high white-bellied kilometres off the coast of “seven miles from Sydney, but a developed walks are the key eucalyptus trees, common sea-eagles, Brahminy kites and Townsville. The island has been million miles from care”. Regular feature of the park. brush-tailed possums are ospreys. blessed with fringing reefs, giant local commuters support this regularly seen at night with the The best way to get to know Wildlife on the Island includes assistance of a good torch. granite tors and boulder-strewn attitude, saying, “once the ferry allied rock-wallabies, particularly “Maggie” is by using the vistas. Named by Lieutenant starts, you can feel the tensions The presence of death-adders, extensive walking tracks. found on the lower reaches of which are ambush predators as he sailed past relaxing.” Mount Cook, and koalas. Koalas in 1770, it is suggested that requires some caution as they The most popular track is the The island has undergone were brought to the island in hide under leaf layers but the Forts Walk, which is a 4km he observed deviations in his significant development over the 1930’s to protect them compass while in proximity islands green tree snakes are return track that takes you to recent years and the first from hunting as part of a State both picturesque and harmless. the historic remains of the years to the island. Cook attributed impression on arrival is of a Government plan to open up an this deviation to deposits when Magnetic Island played a wide range of accommodation export trade with the London fur Bird life on the Island is prolific. key part in Australia’s defence of iron on the Island. This options for tourists around market by providing a bounty on Commonly seen are bush became the reason for the its during World War II. The Island Picnic Bay. Some of these are each koala skin. Today, koalas stone curlews which have was fortified as a coastal battery subsequent naming, however top quality, high-rise apartment can be seen in the eucalyptus adapted and forage around the phenomenon has not been to protect the shipping that hotels with facilities including trees along several walks. eating areas. Their nocturnal serviced Townsville which was a confirmed by later investigations. cry is unnerving. Over 180 huge swimming pools and Just off the island itself, major defence force site. Today birds have been recorded on Magnetic Island is not, like many excellent restaurants. Longer extensive sea grass meadows this walk provides a trip through include diving on the fringing the Island. Common birds Barrier Reef Islands, built on term island resident tend to provide food and habitat for history and breathtaking views reefs. This could be snorkelling, include rainbow lorikeets; coral. It is, like other islands in feel that the homely, village sea turtles and . The of the Palm Island group to the but training is available for helmeted friar birds; laughing the Cumberland Island group feel of the past has been lost. sandy beaches also provide north and south to Bowling those who wish to access the such as Hinchinbrook and But the visitor will find a range nesting sites for the turtles. and blue-winged kookaburras; Green Bay National Park. beauties of the reef through Whitsunday, one of a series of offerings to suit a range of orange-footed scrub fowl; scuba diving. Courses up to Open eucalypt woodland of The Forts Walk track starts at of seamounts, in this case resources. Unfortunately, there sunbirds and spotted drongos, the level of diving instructor are bloodwoods, stringy barks, Horseshoe Bay Road at the turn reaching a height of 479 metres is no significant camping facility and grey ironbarks cover southern boobook owls. On the available. above sea level at its peak in on the Island. beach you may see silver gulls, off to Radical Bay. The track much of the Island whilst hoop ascends, sometimes steeply to Sea kayaking tours are available, Mount Cook. These seamounts For visitors wanting a more pines are found on headlands, crested terns, sandpipers, and were formed by outpourings follow a ridge behind both bays led by experienced guides natural experience, the often growing spectacularly before arriving at the remains of and catering for all levels of of molten granite from a Magnetic Island National Park amongst large boulders. Given hotspot in the mantle as the the fort complex. experience. The tour around is concentrated in the centre of the islands location in the dry the headlands and through the plate moved northwards many the island and at 27km2 takes tropics it lacks rainforest areas. The Nelly Bay to Arcadia track millions of years ago. Magnetic bays brings a wider range of the is a 5km one-way moderate Island’s beauty. Island shares Townsville’s “rain walk which goes through vine shadow” which provides an thickets, climbs gradually to For those who want something average 320 sunny days each the saddle between Nelly and gentler, walking along the year. Horseshoe Bays and then foreshore is very pleasant. The Island can be reached follows the ridge to views over by ferry from Townsville which Horseshoe Bay. is used by both the 2000 At this point the track splits into permanent residents of the two with one going to Arcadia island as well as the visitors and and the other to Horseshoe Bay tourists who use the island for road which leads onto other Images: banner: Magnetic Island from Castle rest and recreation. tracks. Hill (NPAQ Image Library); Left: Horseshoe Bay (Reflexio - Wikimedia Commons) This ferry trip captures The Island also offers a range Right: Fort Observation Post (Twistie.man something of the flavour formerly - Wikimedia Commons), Far Right: Cath of activities that will appeal to a Ellerman-Bull described by marketing posters wider range of people. These 10 11 WILDLIFE THE NATIONAL PARK FEATURE EXPERIENCE The night parrot Personal reflection on why our parks must be valued (Pezoporus occidentalis) Images: banner: our little expedition heads Nick Leseberg Nick Leseberg Reece Pianta off; inset right: pegs marking cabins, common UQ PhD candidate areas and walkway; inset left: canopy view. National Parks Association of Queensland staff Bush Heritage Australia Night Parrot researcher PHOTOS: REECE PIANTA Image:

In late February, NPAQ staff and The night parrot was first and birding communities were been found in Diamantina and Main Range, like so many Queensland national parks, is Councillors took a daytrip to Main recorded by Europeans abuzz. Goneaway National Parks and Range National Park, Goomburra on Charles Sturt’s 1844 on a couple of nearby pastoral home to outstanding walks, Thanks to a period of intense wildlife and views. Unfortunately, section, 85 kilometers southwest expedition to central Australia research that followed, we leases. Birds have also been of Brisbane. and encountered occasionally found in central Western but also not unlike many now know that night parrots Queensland national parks, it is The immediately striking thing throughout central Australia in western Queensland seem Australia, and very recently, until the early 20th century. what are very likely to be night under under threat from invasive about this park is its proximity relatively sedentary and species, climate change, visitor to horse studs, grazing property It then seemed to vanish for predictably vocal, occupying parrots have been recorded reasons unknown, although calling at a site in the southern intensification and ecotourism and park adjacent ecotourism areas of long-unburnt spinifex, activities. enterprises. Even on the weekday the finger was pointed, sometimes for extended . For some time now, NPAQ staff when we were there the park had even then, at the spread of periods. Year round, the parrots Superficially the habitats where pastoralism, feral animals and have had briefings from the project recreational visitors including a call to each other in the first these birds occur are quite caravanning couple. This park changed fire regimes. different and provide many proponent and government officers hour after sunset, and again just about the proposal for construction is already well serviced, and For much of the 20th century before sunrise. In May 2016, a unanswered questions about its despite the water over the road at the only evidence of the bird’s population distribution. of two commercial camp sites and access could not be restricted GPS tagged male was found to a new track penetrating the heart several crossings, remained easily existence was an intermittent be travelling several kilometres Conservation of the night parrot accessible. Main Range’s proximity to this proposed track, but the trickle of reports; some certainly of the park itself. People who know purpose of the track is to provide from his roost to feed on grassy will require an appreciation this area well have been leading to Brisbane makes it well trafficked authentic, some undoubtedly floodplains, stony pavements of how modern conservation but it remains well maintained. a space for privately operated not. These reports came from voices raising concerns about the guided walks. and small drainage lines, on one techniques can be adapted for proposal, and NPAQ has been an eclectic mix of explorers, night clocking up at least 40 Our first stop was the proposed the species. As populations lobbying the government to prevent Woodcutters Ecolodge site. The group split at this point – half graziers, jackaroos and kilometres. are likely to be widely spaced following the Ridge track, moving Indigenous landholders. commercial infrastructure in Main When we arrived marker pegs Further research is underway and isolated, it is doubtful that Range National Park. Much of were easily visible spread out of the heavily rainforest area Hard evidence of the night by the Threatened Species Australia’s protected area estate this work has been an academic throughout the area of the now onto drier and rockier terrain, and parrot’s continued existence Recovery Hub of the National alone will conserve the species. exercise, deploying documentary long abandoned logging camp. half completing the Cascades was found in 1990 beside a Environmental Science Instead, integrated conservation evidence and maps. Even within our small group there circuit, deeper into forest area dusty highway near Boulia in Program to track and confirm measures implemented jointly was debate about the merits with more than a dozen creek western Queensland. Walter between state authorities and NPAQ knows all too well, however, crossings and a spectacular the bird’s behaviour in dry that the only real way to get a of this site. It was not pristine Boles, an Australian Museum periods and develop a more private landholders will be rainforest – the old loggers had waterfall. ornithologist and probably one required. sense of what a place is like is to complete picture of its habitat. go there. cleared area for their purposes. Walks always give me time to of few people who knew what Investigations are also underway Pleasingly, in the region But these marker pegs mapped think – it is true that on balance he was looking at, spotted on threats facing the bird. We where the birds have recently out proposed permanent private the proposal is from a respected the desiccated carcass of a know that cat numbers are been found in Queensland, structures on national park land player in the ecotourism space, night parrot by the road side. low in the landscape where landholders have demonstrated reserved for private commercial but there are more variables than A piece of road-kill. Though the parrots occur, and foxes a general willingness to assist use – further undermining the that. How do you develop criteria other tantalising reports followed are absent. Work by the TSR with night parrot conservation, conservation role of national parks. that measures the merits of one verifying its continued existence, Hub, supported by Bush provided this can be balanced We moved on to the area where commercial activity in a national the night parrot remained Heritage Australia, is looking with the demands of managing park against another? Australia’s least-known bird. the proposed future Gainsdale at the impact of dingoes on their land for profit. Given that scenic rim trail would intersect with NPAQ will continue active In 2013, on a cattle station in cats. It will also be important, most night parrots are likely the existing public track (around advocacy to the Queensland western Queensland, naturalist now that grazing is excluded to occur on private land, the one third of the way along the government and we will soon be John Young not only saw from some of the areas where goodwill of private landholders Cascades Circuit within the World releasing leading practices, a the mythical Night Parrot, he the birds occur, to monitor any will be an important component Heritage rainforest area). This model for ecotourism in national recorded its call, photographed changes this causes in resource whatever the direction night location was less ambiguous as to parks. We welcome your feedback one, and even took a short availability and its impact on the parrot conservation takes. its costs and merits. The pristine on this and any of the other video! After more than a century parrots. rainforest is to be intersected by a ecotourism proposals on foot at of hope both the scientific Since 2013, night parrots have private walking track. Clearly public the moment across our state. 12 13 WHAT’S For more details and activities, visit our website: RANGER OF N www.npaq.org.au/events THE MONTH NPAQ activities Insights into the diverse backgrounds and day-to-day More details npaq.org.au/events F Tullawallal Circuit, Binna Burra activities of Queensland’s park rangers Date: Saturday, 5 May 2018 Meet: Contact Geoff for details Æ Eprapah Environmental Training Centre Chris Mitchell Cost: $5 per person NPAQ fee Date: Sunday, 22 April 2018 Diamantina National Park Leader: Geoff Lowes 0411 502 306 Meet: 7.30am on the corner of Redlands Rd and Coburn Avenue, Point Bring: binoculars, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water. Cost: $5 per person NPAQ fee A very lovely walk with a gentle contour that qualifies as a friendly family 5 Chris Mitchell is Ranger-in- grazing was a very new concept for km circuit walk. More details to follow. Charge at Diamantina National whole communities. Leader: Lesley Joyce 07 38187646 or 0423 109 788 Park. After completing a Rural Can you describe your favourite Directions: From Cleveland/Redland Bay Road, turn east into Colburn Science degree, he worked as national parks experience? Avenue at Victoria Point. Drive for approx. 450 metres & directly opposite Æ Wolston Creek Bushland reserve a cotton consultant in Emerald, Waking up in a swag in the middle the Sharks Sports Club, there is a well formed gravel road off to the left. Date: Sunday, 20 May 2018 then did a stint of contract of a remote park. The feel of the This area has a great variety of birds in a very easily traversed site. Meet: 7.30am at the end of Sumners Road Wolston Creek Bushland mustering around Longreach. early morning and sense of isolation Bring: binoculars, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, chair, morning Reserve - Riverhills A meeting with QPWS ranger, is fantastic. Mind you, you soon get tea (lunch optional) Cost: $5 per person NPAQ fee Tim Pulsford, who at the time reminded by the flies that things are Leader: Geraldine Buchanan 07 3349 1109 was establishing an office in going to heat up fairly quickly. F Mt Mitchell and Mt Cordeaux Longreach, Chris decided to Bring: binoculars, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, chair, morning What is the best part about working Date: Sunday, 22 April 2018 try a different life path. He in a National Park? tea (lunch optional) successfully applied for a Meet: 8.15am Cunningham’s Gap carpark, . We will be following Wolston Creek leading to the Brisbane River. This is a While much of the work in more position as a Wildlife Ranger in Grade: Easy well vegetated area with a variety of habitats. the Central West… and the rest remote parks is undertaken by only is history. one or two people, you are part of a Cost: $5 per person NPAQ fee larger team of dedicated people, with Ô Berrinba Wetlands a shared ethos of conservation. I enjoy Leader: Fiona Campbell, [email protected] 0414 664 089 Date: Wednesday, 23 May 2018 How long have you worked in QPWS ranger Chris Mitchell (above). the challenge of working in remote national parks? PHOTOS: CHRIS MITCHELL & QLD GOVERNMENT and isolated areas where you have to Directions: From Brisbane, take the Cunningham highway towards Meet: 9:30 am at the Berrinba Wetlands Interpretive Centre working in the Southern Region, be self-reliant. Warwick. Drive through Aratula and up the range. Cost: $5 per person NPAQ fee I began working for QPWS at the we trialed programs to report on start of 1989 as a Wildlife Ranger. What is your top tip for visitors to Bring: Hat, sunscreen, 2 litres water, rain jacket, morning tea, lunch, Leader: Len and Laurelle Lowry 0428 335 572, management and conservation parks for bushwalking? sturdy walking boots. [email protected] Which parks have you worked in? outcomes. This resulted in my move to central office for 5 years to Most of the western parks aren’t great We will tackle Mt Mitchell first before crossing the highway to tackle Mt Bring: binoculars, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, morning tea The main park I’ve worked in is places to bushwalk—they are more Cordeaux. A stop off at Aratula for afternoon tea is an added extra. The (lunch optional) Diamantina. I‘ve worked several work in the Pest and Fire programs, while working on programs to link about four-wheel-drive experiences. walk is on graded track that could be rough in places. Expect steep drop We are planning a circuit walk of about 4km on the concrete pathway. The roles since 1989—Wildlife Ranger, However, visitors should get out and offs where care is needed. Park Ranger at Diamantina, District park planning and management level walking allows for having a chat along the way. evaluation. take short walks away from their Manager, and Botanist with the vehicles. Just make sure you always Queensland Herbarium, all based in When the Ranger-In-Charge have water with you. This way you will Longreach. I then moved to the Gold positon at Diamantina became get the ‘feel’ of the country—you can’t NPAQ events available, after a few (short) Coast as Operations Manager—that do that from inside an air-conditioned Historical enthusiast Neville McManimm will present a talk on NPAQ’s was a change in scenery! I was discussions with my wife, we took cab. NPAQ Member’s Meeting up the opportunity and moved back founder, Romeo Lahey. He will base the presentation on Lahey’s 1915 looking after the World Heritage What is your top tip for campers? The next NPAQ member’s meeting: parks of Lamington and Springbrook here in June 2013. talk entitled “Some Reasons Why National Parks Should be Established Experience camping away from water Date: Wednesday, May 16, 2018 as well as Mount Tamborine, What is your most memorable in Qld”. Neville will be able to show copies of Romeo’s original slides Nerang, and South Stradbroke moment? and waterholes. While a number Time: 7:15pm for 7:30pm start Island (with the Gold City Council). of animals congregate around the Venue: NPAQ Office, 10/36 Finchley and present some of his original words, along with modern images and Then I moved into the (more sedate) I think my most memorable period water, there is a whole ecosystem interpretation. role of running the monitoring and was when I was involved in the that survives on little or no water. The St, Milton evaluation program for parks in the identification and establishment of only way to learn about these special Southern Region, encompassing an a substantial area of new national ecosystems is to immerse yourself area from Fraser Island in the east to parks in the early 1990s. These in them—even if only for a night. Currawinya in the west (yeah! back were exciting times. It was great Remember to bring water and a fly Not yet a member? to the dry country). to work with a visionary team veil. Join now to support and I learned a great deal about Join now for just $10 During the early part of my career, conservation prioritisation in a our national parks. part of this job involved the on- very short time. There were many NPAQ thanks Chris for taking time to (regular price $45) ground field work to identify potential challenges—setting aside new answer our questions. We appreciate new national parks with a team conservation areas in a landscape the work all QPWS rangers undertake in NPAQ: connect & protect. established by Paul Sattler. While previously used for broadscale protecting Queensland’s national parks. Visit npaq.org.au to find out more.

Image Demi-Rose Walter $10 offer for new individual members only. Renewals will be at full price. New members will receive electronic version of publications. 14 15 BOOK NOW!

for National Parks Association of Queensland ...“the Land Below the Wind” 15 - 26 OCTOBER 2018

EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT Sabah is, quite Book by “ 20th April 2018 simply, Borneo at SAVE $50 its natural best! per person ”

BOOK NOW!

For enquiries and bookings please contact National Parks Association of Queensland or Uplift Tours and Travel:

Uplift Tours and Travel National Parks Association of Queensland Phone: 1300 484 510 or 07 3283 1966 Phone: 07 3367 0878 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

16www .uplifttoursandtravel.com