Department of Parks and Wildlife 2014–15 Yearbook Acknowledgments

This yearbook was prepared by the Public About the Department’s logo Information and Corporate Affairs Branch of the Department of Parks and Wildlife. The design is a stylised representation of a bottlebrush, or Callistemon, a group of native For more information contact: plants including some found only in Western Department of Parks and Wildlife Australia. The orange colour also references 17 Dick Perry Avenue the WA Christmas tree, or Nuytsia. Technology Park, Western Precinct Kensington Western Australia 6151 WA’s native flora supports our diverse fauna, is central to Aboriginal people’s idea of country, Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre and attracts visitors from around the world. Western Australia 6983 The leaves have been exaggerated slightly to suggest a boomerang and ocean waves. Telephone: (08) 9219 9000 The blue background also refers to our marine Email: [email protected] parks and wildlife. The design therefore The recommended reference for this symbolises key activities of the Department publication is: of Parks and Wildlife.

Department of Parks and Wildlife 2014–15 The logo was designed by the Department’s Yearbook, Department of Parks and Wildlife, senior graphic designer and production 2015 coordinator, Natalie Curtis. ISSN 2203-9198 (Print) ISSN 2203-9201 (Online) Front cover: Granite Skywalk, Porongurup National Park. Photo – Andrew Halsall December 2015 Back cover: Spinifex. Photo – Jennifer Eliot/ Copies of this document are available Parks and Wildlife in alternative formats on request.

Yardie Creek, Cape Range National Park. Photo – Jennifer Eliot/Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Department of Parks and Wildlife 2014–15 Yearbook

Senior research scientist Juilet Wege. Photo – Carol Wilkins/Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 1 Contents

Acknowledgments Inside cover Commercial operations and events 24 Support to the Conservation Commission Recovery and management of threatened List of tables and figures 4 Commercial operations licences 24 and Marine Parks and Reserves Authority 35 species and ecological communities, Filming permits 24 significant species and ecosystems 56 Director General’s year in review 5 Other initiatives 36 Naturebank 24 Memoranda of understanding 36 Recovery of threatened species 56 Highlight: Big step towards the creation of Native plants 56 Legislation and policy 25 World and national heritage 36 a Kimberley National Park 8 Threatened Flora Seed Centre 58 Legislation 25 Regional activities 37 Highlight: Building ties with China 11 Native animals 58 Policy 25 Goldfields Region 37 Highlight: Revitalised health and safety Recovery of threatened ecological Recreation activities and trails 26 Kimberley Region 38 program rolled out 12 communities 66 Trails WA 26 Midwest Region 39 Restoration 68 Bibbulmun Track 26 Pilbara Region 40 Operational highlights – Recovery planning 68 Cape to Cape Track 27 South Coast Region 43 Parks Management 15 Mountain biking 27 South West Region 44 Wetland conservation 68 Ramsar and nationally significant wetlands 68 Planning for management 15 Munda Biddi Trail 27 Swan Region 45 Motorised recreation 28 Warren Region 47 Wetlands mapping and evaluation projects 70 Acquisition and administration Wheatbelt Region 48 Management of marine wildlife 71 of protected areas 16 Community involvement 29 Regional parks 48 Management of commercial activities Reserve acquisition 16 Volunteer awards and activities 29 involving native animals and plants 71 Leasing activities 16 Marine operations 49 Tourism and marketing 31 Regulation 72 Apiary site management 16 Highlight: Back on track: repairing the Campground booking Flora and fauna licensing 72 and information system 31 Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail 50 Park presentation and resource Damage and dangerous fauna licences 73 protection 17 Visitor research 31 Operational highlights – Wildlife interaction licences 77 Capital park improvements 17 Visitor use monitoring 31 Offences 78 Royalties for Regions park improvements 18 Visitor survey program 32 Wildlife Management 53 Managing system-wide threats 81 Roads 18 Astronomy 32 Legislation, policy and plans 53 Invasive species control 81 Recreation planning and design 18 Formal management arrangements Biodiversity conservation legislation 53 Western Shield 81 Enriching the visitor experience 20 with Aboriginal people 33 Regional nature conservation plans 54 State Cane Toad Initiative 83 Interpretive planning and design 20 Ngarla 33 Kimberley Science and Conservation Introduced pest animal management 84 Community liaison, consultation Nyangumarta 33 Strategy 54 Management of environmental weeds 85 and advisory services 20 Karajarri 33 Establishment of the terrestrial and Plant disease management 86 Guided interpretive programs 20 Dambimangari 33 marine conservation reserve system 55 Myrtle rust 87 Aboriginal liaison, consultation Miriuwung–Gajerrong 33 Effective management of the Altered hydrology and salinity 87 and heritage 21 Yawuru 34 conservation reserve system 55 Assessment of land and resource Planning and relationship building 21 Burrup (Murujuga) 34 Management planning 55 use impacts on public reserves and Education and training 22 South West Native Title Settlement 34 Management action 55 biodiversity conservation assets 88 Business management 23 Other joint management arrangements Good Neighbour policy 56 Building biodiversity knowledge 89 Park passes and fees 23 currently in negotiation 34 Biological inventory 89 Terrestrial inventory 89 Marine inventory 90 2 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Taxonomy and biotic collection management 92 Forest monitoring and research 102 WA Herbarium specimen database 92 Forest auditing 103 Flora data for WA 92 Monitoring of native forest harvesting 103 Herbarium volunteers 92 Coupe management and Fire and biodiversity research projects 93 environmental protection 103 Information and data management 94 Planning checklists 103 Encouraging public understanding and Coupe demarcation 103 support for biodiversity conservation 94 Protecting water and informal reserves 103 Provision of biodiversity conservation Habitat retention 104 support and advice for private land 94 Protecting crop trees 104 Roadside conservation 94 Protecting soil 105 Healthy Wetland Habitats 95 Rehabilitating landings 105 Urban Nature 95 Protecting threatened flora 105 Land for Wildlife 96 Protecting threatened native animals 105 Nature Conservation Covenants 96 Adaptive management 105 Animal ethics 96 Provision for harvesting, regeneration Highlight: Surveying the islands and growth of forest products 106 of the Kimberley 98 Silvicultural guidance 106 Monitoring of areas subject to timber Operational highlights – harvesting and associated treatments 106 Forest Management 100 Operational highlights – Implementation of approved forest management plans and government Fire Management 108 policies and programs 100 Bushfire season 2014–15 109 Forest Management Plan 2014–2023 100 Prescribed burning 112 Community forest inspection program 101 Operations, planning and interagency Inventory, assessment and modelling cooperation 117 of natural resources 101 Aerial bushfire suppression operations 117 Maintenance and enhancement Bushfire detection 117 of biodiversity and other values 101 Bushfire training and development 117 Health and vitality in natural landscapes 101 Prescribed fire planning and risk Integrated planning support 101 management 118 Management of soil disturbance in timber Bushfire preparedness on unallocated harvesting 102 Crown land 118 Implementation of fauna habitat zones 102 Interagency bushfire management 118 Management system for approvals, Key efficiency indicators 118 monitoring and compliance 102 Glistening triggerplant. Photo – Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 3 List of tables and figures

Table Page Operational area Description 22 106 Forest Management Silvicultural objectives 1 23 Parks Management Breakdown of park pass distribution 23 107 Forest Management Trends in the area of native forest harvested 2 23 Parks Management Fees waived – estimated visits by region 24 109 Fire Management Bushfires in 2011–12 to 2014–15 3 29 Parks Management Register of volunteer numbers and contribution 25 110 Fire Management Bushfire causes in 2012–13 to 2014–15 4 58 Wildlife Management Flora translocations 26 111 Fire Management Area and number of bushfires 5 66 Wildlife Management Native animal translocations 27 121 Fire Management Prescribed burns conducted by Parks and 6 69 Wildlife Management Management plans for Ramsar wetlands in WA Wildlife in local government areas 28 116 Fire Management Area (ha) and number of prescribed burns 7 73 Wildlife Management Flora licences issued for all Parks and Wildlife regions 8 74 Wildlife Management Fauna licences issued 29 116 Fire Management Area (ha) of prescribed burns on each 9 75 Wildlife Management Dangerous fauna licences issued tenure type 10 77 Wildlife Management Damage licences (fauna) issued Figure Page Operational area Description 11 78 Wildlife Management Reported offences 1 32 Parks Management Total visits to Parks and Wildlife-managed 12 79 Wildlife Management Offences under WC Act and Regulations lands and waters 13 80 Wildlife Management Offences under the CALM Act and Regulations 2 32 Parks Management A comparison of annual visitor satisfaction levels and the Animal Welfare Act within Parks and Wildlife-managed lands and 14 92 Wildlife Management Number of specimens held at the WA Herbarium waters 15 103 Forest Management List of coupes sampled 3 113 Forest Management Prescribed burning in the south-west forest regions 16 104 Forest Management Summary of coupe demarcation 4 113 Forest Management Years since fire last occurred in the south-west 17 104 Forest Management Summary of incidents forest regions that was prescribed burnt 18 104 Forest Management Habitat retention 5 114 Forest Management Prescribed burning in all regions from 1978–79 to 2014–15 19 105 Forest Management Crop tree assessment 20 105 Forest Management Crop tree tops disposed and not disposed 21 105 Forest Management Erosion control

4 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Director General’s year in review

2014–15 was a successful year for the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

The challenge of conserving our unique and diverse native animals, plants and ecosystems and making the environment more accessible for people to enjoy and appreciate was the Department’s key mission, and will continue to be.

Working with the community, our scientists, wildlife officers, rangers, planners, firefighters, conservation officers and all our ‘behind-the- scenes’ staff worked tirelessly to conserve the land and water we manage on behalf of the people of Western Australia.

In 2014–15, Parks and Wildlife managed 100 national parks, 13 marine parks and “Never before has there been so much focus and investment on learning more numerous conservation reserves – in all about the natural wonders of this magnificent region, protecting and managing 28 million hectares of conservation estate. More people visited WA’s parks and reserves it in conjunction with traditional owners, and making it more accessible and than ever before, with 18.6 million visits. attractive than ever to tourists.”

Garaanngaddim (Horizontal Falls). Photo – Todd Quartermaine/Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 5 Camping at Osprey Bay campground. Photo – Parks and Wildlife

To meet the growing demand for more Another highlight during the past year was affordable and high-quality camping the progress made under the Kimberley experiences in WA, we created more than Science and Conservation Strategy. The 250 new camp sites, new and improved Department worked with several traditional campgrounds and world-class infrastructure owner groups to progress the development under our four-year Parks for People initiative, of new national and marine parks in the funded by Royalties for Regions. Kimberley, which will cover around five million hectares. The Environment Minister released New campgrounds were created at Logue the final management plan for Eighty Mile Brook Dam near Dwellingup, Gnaala Mia near Beach Marine Park, draft management plan Narrogin and Credo in the Goldfields. Existing for Yawuru Birragun Conservation Park and campgrounds were upgraded, including indicative management plan for the Yawuru Conto in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, Nagulagun / Roebuck Bay Marine Park. Osprey Bay in Cape Range National Park, Miners in Coalseam Conservation Park, Black Never before has there been so much focus Point in D’Entrecasteaux National Park and and investment on learning more about the Nanga Brook in Lane Poole Reserve. natural wonders of this magnificent region, protecting and managing it in conjunction Partnering with the community and tourism with traditional owners, and making it more industry was an integral part of Parks for accessible and attractive than ever to tourists. People. We entered into a community partnership agreement at the new Logue We also forged new partnerships with our Brook campground with a tourism operator, international counterparts, signing WA’s first which provides on-ground management of sister park relationship with China between the facility. This two-year trial partnership will Purnululu National Park and Danxiashan help determine if this type of arrangement National Park. This agreement will help is suitable at other Parks and Wildlife strengthen our relationship with China in campgrounds. tourism and park management as both Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock, Porongurup National Park. Photo – Andrew Halsall

6 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Parks and Wildlife technical officer Sean Garretson releasing a chuditch on Dolphin Island Staff plan their response to the O’Sullivan bushfire in February 2015. Nature Reserve. Photo – Judy Dunlop/Parks and Wildlife Photo – Jennifer Eliot/Parks and Wildlife

World Heritage-listed parks are major Through translocations, breeding programs, The Department was involved in the I would like to thank these volunteers attractions due to their striking landscapes feral animal control and the maintenance suppression of three major bushfires, and Parks and Wildlife staff for their and diversity of species. of cat-free sanctuaries, we continued to including the O’Sullivan fire near Northcliffe. valuable contribution towards protecting implement recovery actions for our most This 98,000ha fire was one of the worst in the the environment. It has never been more The expertise of our scientists and at-risk species, such as woylies, numbats, State’s history and involved almost half the important to work together with the conservation staff was instrumental in Gilbert’s potoroos and western ground total number of Parks and Wildlife staff, as well community to achieve our goals. By doing implementing strategies and programs parrots, and there were significant outcomes as multiple other agencies and volunteers. this, we have achieved significant outcomes to care for the environment. in the conservation of native plants and that are conserving our natural areas and ecosystems. The selfless and dedicated work of volunteers making them places to be enjoyed and The Department’s flagship wildlife recovery was invaluable in our parks, monitoring and appreciated for many generations to come. program Western Shield was reinvigorated, Parks and Wildlife continued to perform its surveying native species, and performing a with fox and cat baiting across 3.8 million role as a lead fire management agency. Last myriad of roles to support Parks and Wildlife’s hectares of WA. In a significant step forward financial year saw one of our most successful operations throughout the State. In 2014–15, in the fight against feral cats and after prescribed burning programs, achieving there were more than 12,500 volunteers more than a decade of research by Parks almost 75 per cent of the prescribed burning registered with the department, with a and Wildlife, the Eradicat® feral cat bait target in the south-west forest regions. In May, contribution of more than 610,000 hours to Jim Sharp was approved for operational use and was $20 million of Royalties for Regions funding projects across the State. Director General integrated into our broadscale baiting program over four years was allocated to further Department of Parks and Wildlife – an exciting development for threatened enhance and expand prescribed burning, to species conservation in WA. help reduce the risk of damaging summer bushfires to the community and environment.

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 7 Highlight Early in 2015 the Mitchell Plateau Joint Venture Big step towards the creation of a Partners in partnership with the State Government terminated the Alumina Refinery (Mitchell Plateau) Kimberley National Park Agreement 1971, paving the way for more than 175,000ha of land in the Mitchell Plateau to be included in the proposed Kimberley National Park.

This proposed park, together with the and terrestrial parks and providing new creation of five new marine parks, is the opportunities for nature-based tourism and cornerstone of the Kimberley Science and Aboriginal employment. Conservation Strategy aimed at protecting the outstanding natural values of the In the past four years Prince Regent National Kimberley and generating positive outcomes Park has been created and the Department for local communities and businesses. is in the process of planning for new marine and terrestrial parks including the The spectacular and unique Mitchell Plateau internationally renowned Horizontal Falls. and Mitchell Falls will be the crown of the Two new marine parks have been created at new Kimberley National Park, which will be Lalang-garram / Camden Sound and Eighty surrounded on its coastal boundary by new Mile Beach, with three more in the planning marine parks. process.

The proposed national park will encompass Partnerships and employment have been the existing Prince Regent, Mitchell River created for Aboriginal people for on-country and Lawley River national parks and is set to management activities such as weed and become Australia’s biggest national park at feral animal control, biodiversity surveys around two million hectares, rivalling Kakadu. and visitor infrastructure maintenance and construction, and three joint management Parks and Wildlife is working with agreements with traditional owners for the traditional owners in the area, the marine parks in the Kimberley have been Dambimangari, Wunambal Gaambera and signed. Wilinggin, to create and jointly manage the proposed national park. Creation of the proposed Kimberley National Park will encourage new tourism ventures The $81.5 million Kimberley Science and in the region and facilitate development Conservation Strategy is a major investment of associated visitor facilities, providing in conserving one of the world’s last great greater opportunities for people to visit this wilderness areas, creating the State’s spectacular part of the world. largest interconnected system of marine

Aeriel view of Mitchell River. Photo – Tourism WA

8 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Premier Colin Barnett, Rio Tinto CEO Sam Walsh and Environment Minister Albert Jacob Kings Cascades, Prince Regent National Park. Photo – Carolyn Thomson-Dans/Parks and Wildlife make the announcement. Photo – Jennifer Eliot/Parks and Wildlife

Rough-scaled python, one of the species that calls the Mitchell Plateau home. Mount Trafalgar looking south-west to Prince Regent National Park. Photo – Ian Radford/Parks and Wildlife Photo – Jennifer Eliot/Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 9 1 2

This page from 1 to 3: 1 Science and Conservation Director Margaret Byrne with Yin Yunlong.

2 Parks and Wildlife Director General Jim Sharp meets with Zhuang Yule, Director of the Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Geng Maolin.

3 Senior research scientist Kelly Shepherd with Yin Yunlong, Xu Zenglai, Zhuang Yule and Geng Maolin.

Photos – Jennifer Eliot/Parks and Wildlife

Opposite page Danxiashan (left) and Purnululu (right). Photo of Danxiashan – Alice Gillam Photo of Purnululu – Sallyanne Cousans

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10 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Highlight Building ties with China

The Department of Parks and Wildlife is forging strong links with China which will benefit tourism, parks and plant conservation research into the future.

In late 2014 the Environment Minister Albert inscriptions, while Purnululu’s Bungle Bungle The institute and its associated Nanjing Parks and Wildlife hosted five scientists from Jacob and Department’s Director General Range, with its magnificent orange and grey, Botanical Garden Memorial Sun Yat-sen have the Institute of Botany and Chinese Academy Jim Sharp travelled to China to establish beehive-shaped sandstone towers, contains a living collection of more than 5000 species of Sciences for a three-day visit to Western an historic sister park relationship between hundreds of archaeological sites highlighting of plants contained in 19 specialised gardens, Australia in early 2015 to discuss collaboration the World Heritage-listed Purnululu and ancient rock art, stone quarries and burial and 700,000 sheets of herbarium specimens. ideas, tour Departmental facilities and receive Danxiashan national parks – a partnership places. The WA Herbarium houses more than briefings on the research carried out at WA’s offering significant cross-cultural tourism 750,000 plant specimens and the Threatened Threatened Flora Seed Centre, Herbarium opportunities. Another landmark cooperative agreement Flora Seed Centre is the principal long-term and molecular laboratory. was signed between Parks and Wildlife’s Plant seed bank for conservation of the State’s The parks are both major visitor attractions Science and Herbarium program and the significant species. Both the China–WA parks and plant science and their striking natural landscapes based Institute of Botany and Chinese Academy of agreements have been signed for an initial on sandstone formations, together with Sciences in Jiangsu Province. The aims of the agreement are to look at period of five years and will see collaboration plant and animal biodiversity, have inspired common research goals in plant taxonomy, on joint activities and projects, sharing of internationally-renowned artworks. These organisations are responsible for resources and conservation, and promotion of information and staff training and development botanic studies and classification, along with research which increases plant conservation opportunities. Danxiashan is renowned for its geology vital plant research. management effectiveness and awareness. and sandstone formations as the inspiration for legends, poems and cliff and stone

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 11 HighlightHeadline here Revitalised health and safety program rolled out

During 2014–15 the Department introduced its newly refined health and safety program to ensure all its staff, volunteers and contractors can safely carry out their many and varied roles.

A compulsory training program was Parks and Wildlife considers safety to be the progressively rolled out to improve the highest priority, and will continue to work to consistency of messaging received by long- educate and empower its staff to achieve a serving and newer staff members. More safe work environment. Plans for 2015–16 than 1400 employees have now received a include, among other things, the rollout of health and safety induction and about 800 a new online hazard reporting system to have also completed more in-depth manual facilitate greater reporting, management handling and health and safety courses. and incident investigation processes, as well as the introduction of a comprehensive The training covers roles and responsibilities, audit procedure to ensure health and safety legal requirements, Department policies and standards are maintained in a consistent guidelines, managing risks, reporting and manner workplace hazards. across all work A network of dedicated management- centres. PPE – WEAR IT appointed safety officers throughout the ! Personal protective equipment Department’s regional offices were coached and clothing (PPE) to deliver the new induction program to The department will provide you with the approriate PPE that is suitable for other staff members. your duties. It is your responsibility to ensure the The Department also approved a new PPE you are provided: policy on alcohol and other drugs to  fits properly  is used correctly

ensure a safe work environment where  is kept in good condition and repaired in-line with the manufacturers instructions employees, contractors and volunteers of EVERY  is appropriate for the task TIME the Department are not exposed to hazards EVERY Talk to your supervisor if you are unsure and risks associated with the use of alcohol JOB! how to use PPE you have been given. WE ALWAYS HAVE TIME TO DO IT SAFELY and/or other drugs. Conservation employee Paul Dunstan demonstrates the method and protective gear required Health and Safety It’s everybody’s business to chainsaw safely. Photo – Peter Nicholas/Parks and Wildlife

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20140823 12 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Director General Jim Sharp addresses the first group of employees to receive the general induction. Photo – Parks and Wildlife

Research scientist Fiona Carpenter dons the appropriate personal Health and Safety Section officers Emma-Lee Finch and Catherine Ynema produced protective equipment and clothing for work in the Sid James Genetic and participated in a training video for Departmental safety officers. Laboratory. Photo – Karla Graham/Parks and Wildlife Image – Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 13 Salmon Holes, Torndirrup National Park. Photo – Sally Bostwick/Parks and Wildlife

Parks and Wildlife ranger Scott Thomson with campground hosts Mount Frankland North National Park. Bill and Rose Boucher, Osprey Bay campground, Cape Range Transporting building materials by helicopter. Photo – Peter Nicholas/Parks and Wildlife National Park. Photo – Jennifer Eliot/Parks and Wildlife Photos – Bill Dempsey/Parks and Wildlife

14 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Operational highlights Parks Management

Public involvement, visitation and • providing visitor information, and designing • proposed Horizontal Falls National Park appreciation of the natural environment and initiating educational and interpretive • Kalbarri National Park on Parks and Wildlife-managed lands activity programs that enrich visitor and waters is coordinated through the experience and help develop greater • proposed Kimberley National Park Department’s Parks Management Service. community awareness and support for • Swan Coastal Plain South The provision of parks and visitor services parks, natural areas, astronomy, nature- • Walyarta, Kurriji Pa Yajula includes: based tourism, and recreation services and policies • Eighty Mile Beach coastal reserves • preparing and implementing management • Wheatbelt Region plans in accordance with the Conservation • undertaking scientific, visitor and social and Land Management Act 1984 (CALM research in cooperation with other • Yawuru Birragun Conservation Park research institutions Act) • Yawuru Northern Intertidal Area • providing services to the Conservation • preparing and implementing recreation • Yoorrooyang Dawang proposed Commission and the Marine Parks and site development plans conservation parks. Reserves Authority. • providing, managing and maintaining Three marine park management plans were appropriate access, recreation This work is carried out by staff around the also in preparation: opportunities and visitor facilities State, with the support of thousands of • proposed Horizontal Falls marine park • protecting natural areas, visitors and volunteers as well as local visitor centres, (which will contain the proposed Northern facilities from bushfire tourism operators and local community organisations. Lalang-garram / Camden Sound Marine • training Departmental staff and volunteers Park) • working with local visitor centres and Planning for management • proposed Roebuck Bay Marine Park commercial tour operators During 2014–15, the Minister for Environment • proposed North Kimberley Marine Park. • involving Aboriginal people in park released the final management plans for management in order to protect the value Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park, Tuart Forest The public contributed to the content of of the land to the culture and heritage of National Park, Leeuwin-Naturaliste capes management plans through public and Aboriginal people area parks and reserves, and Barrow group stakeholder workshops and meetings, newsletters and invitations to comment. • involving Aboriginal people in the provision nature reserves. Aboriginal people were also engaged of visitor facilities and services A further 11 terrestrial management plans through the involvement of Aboriginal native were in preparation. These were for: title representative bodies and Aboriginal park councils. • Albany coastal reserves

Purnululu National Park. Photo – Colin Ingram/ • Esperance and Recherche parks and Parks and Wildlife reserves

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 15 Operational highlights Parks Management

Acquisition and administration The Department also continued to provide • a new lease to Peel-based group Riding Apiary site management of protected areas advice on land proposals referred from other for the Disabled Association of Western At 30 June 2015, there were 3295 apiary organisations, such as the Department of Australia for Mead Farm in Leda. site permits. Of the 1645 on Parks and Reserve acquisition Lands, and advised on issues including the • a new lease to Aspen Parks Property Wildlife-managed lands, 892 were located The formal process of adding land to the use or disposal of unallocated Crown land Management Ltd for Woodman Point on State forest, 74 on timber reserves, 366 State’s system of protected areas continued and surplus Crown reserves. Caravan Park on national parks, 227 on nature reserves, throughout the year. The Department 61 on conservation parks and 25 on other Leasing activities • the surrender of an existing lease to purchased three parcels of freehold land lands vested in the Conservation Commission Lease arrangements are maintained for Australian Craftwood and Timbers Pty Ltd of high conservation value covering 262.6ha of Western Australia. a wide range of purposes. (ACT) at Palgarup to allow for the creation for future addition to the conservation reserve of a new reserve and the granting of a system. Details of these acquisitions and During 2014–15, 640 apiary site permits At 30 June 2015 there were 283 formal new lease over the reserve to ACT for the how they were funded are recorded in the were processed, comprising: arrangements for various uses on Parks and purpose of natural resource processing Department’s 2014–15 Annual Report, which • 17 authorities transferred between Wildlife-managed lands including recreation, and ancillary uses is available on the website: www.dpaw. tourism accommodation, utilities and beekeepers • a new lease issued to Crown Castle wa.gov.au/about-us/annual-report-and- sawmills. The formal arrangements comprised • 23 site permits from applications to occupy Australia Pty Ltd for the construction of yearbook. 161 leases, 58 licences and 64 other types of new or previously cancelled sites a telecommunications tower at Pinjarra. arrangements such as sawmill site permits, The Department’s priorities for purchases • 2 site permit relocations written agreements and memoranda of During the year, a number of other formal were areas containing ecosystems understanding between the Department arrangements expired and, at 30 June, • 583 site permit renewals not adequately represented in existing and various parties. were at various stages of renewal. conservation reserves, areas containing • 15 site permit cancellations. threatened species and ecological The Department entered into 16 formal communities, or additions to existing reserves agreements in 2014–15. Major achievements that would greatly improve their diversity or were: facilitate their management. Other programs and processes led to the acquisition of lands • renewal of the Department’s lease with suitable for inclusion in the conservation Candrin Pty Ltd for the Matilda Bay reserve system, including land ceded to Restaurant in Matilda Bay Reserve the State as a condition of subdivision, land • renewal of the Department’s lease with acquired from negotiated exchanges, and the Perth Dinghy Sailing Club at Matilda reserves no longer required by other agencies Bay Reserve and organisations. Work continued on the • management and maintenance of the implementation of tenure changes proposed Department’s cottages at Myalup and in the Department’s management plans. the village at Dryandra Woodland

Lions Dryandra Woodland Village accommodation. Photo – John Lawson

16 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Park presentation and resource • continuing the remote parks housing protection improvement program in Cape Arid, Karijini and Cape Range national parks and at The Department aims to provide high- Steep Point quality visitor services and facilities that are • upgrading visitor facilities in Porongurup, Gnaala Mia campground, Dryandra Woodland. Photo – Parks and Wildlife planned, designed, developed and managed Mirima and Walpole-Nornalup national in a sustainable way. During 2014–15, the parks Department coordinated the investment of • improvements to long trails such as the $14.1 million of capital funding in parks and Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail reserves around WA. • commencing design works to replace Capital park improvements recreation assets lost or damaged through The Parks and Visitor Services Division bushfires including a temporary bridge capital works program continued to improve across the Murray River on the Bibbulmun and maintain recreation and tourism assets Track in national parks, conservation parks, State • flood recovery works to visitor facilities and forest and other reserves across the State. park infrastructure in Cape Range National Works were typically associated with the Park construction, upgrade and maintenance of • upgrade of visitor facilities in campgrounds roads, trails and camping facilities. Works in Karijini National Park, Dryandra were also undertaken to ensure visitor safety Woodland, proposed Credo Conservation and to protect environmental, social and Park, and Coalseam Conservation Park landscape values at recreation sites. • developing partnership projects with During 2014–15, the Department’s capital mountain bike and four-wheel-drive groups works program focused on the following • continuing to develop the off-road vehicle key areas: area at Pinjar in the City of Wanneroo

• addressing visitor risk management issues • upgrade of visitor facilities at John Graham such as the Fortescue Falls walk trail Reserve in Woodman Point Regional Park. upgrade, Monkey Mia boardwalk deck A description of projects undertaken in each repairs and John Forrest Railway Heritage of the Department’s nine regions is provided Trail repairs to bridges and upgrade of the in the Regional activities section (see pages trail 37 to 49). Television presenter and motorbike enthusiast Charley Boorman joins Parks and Wildlife officer Ewen MacGregor for a ride at Pinjar Off-road Motorcycle Area. Photo – Peter Nicholas/Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 17 Operational highlights Parks Management

Royalties for Regions park improvements New campgrounds have been developed project assists in identifying high priority Recreation planning and design Work under the Department’s two Royalties at Logue Brook, Gnaala Mia (Dryandra road improvement works, planning strategic The Department prepared visitor services for Regions-funded initiatives continued to Woodlands) and at the proposed Credo road requirements, managing road hazards, plans, master plans, concept plans and improve and expand recreation and tourism Conservation Park. Campgrounds have and identifying present and future funding site development plans for many projects facilities in national parks, conservation parks, been expanded and upgraded at Black requirements. across the State. These documents guide State forest and other reserves across the Point (D’Entrecasteaux National Park), Conto Government decision-making, assist with In collaboration with Landgate, the State. (Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park), Miners strategic planning decisions and funding Department continued rectifying road data (Coalseam Conservation Park), Osprey Bay applications, and enable capital works stored in databases from Landgate and The $20 million Conservation Parks Visitor (Cape Range National Park), and Nanga Brook projects to be built to a high standard. Infrastructure and Roads initiative commenced (Lane Poole Reserve). Planning and design is Main Roads WA to ensure its accuracy. in 2010–11 and aims to improve facilities well advanced on other campground projects Collaborative work with local government Many Parks for People initiative projects and road infrastructure at several parks including Lucky Bay campground (Cape Le authorities and Main Roads WA on inter- that were planned and designed in 2013–14 across the State. The initiative is expected Grand National Park), Baden Powell day- regional road construction and maintenance underwent construction during 2014–15, to be completed during 2015–16. Significant use area (Lane Poole Reserve), Big Lagoon work across agency boundaries continued. including Conto (Leeuwin-Naturaliste progress has been made on the construction campground (François Péron National Park) National Park), Osprey Bay (Cape Range A $1 million Main Roads WA grant was of new lookouts at The Gap and Natural Bridge and Potters Gorge campground (Wellington National Park), Gnaala Mia (Dryandra directed towards the annual road maintenance and other facilities in Torndirrup National National Park). During 2014–15, $5.1 million was Woodland), Nanga Brook (Lane Poole program in parks and reserves across the Park with $1.1 million spent this year. Works invested through the Parks for People initiative. Reserve), a campground in the proposed Department’s nine regions. are scheduled to be completed by 2016. Credo Conservation Park, Miners (Coalseam A description of projects undertaken under An additional $1.2 million for the Torndirrup A new initiative to repair or replace bridges Conservation Park) and Logue Brook the Royalties for Regions initiatives in each National Park Visitor Infrastructure initiative in the south-west forest regions progressed campground. Department region is provided in the Regional will ensure that all the works planned and in 2014–15. Many of the timber bridges activities section (see pages 37 to 49). Preparation of construction tendering designed for this site can be completed. This on the Department’s road network were documentation for works is underway for project will deliver two new world-class lookout constructed between the 1960s and 1980s Roads Lucky Bay (Cape Le Grand National Park), structures, a new pathway network with full and are reaching the end of their life span. During 2014–15, the Department’s roads Big Lagoon (François Péron National Park), wheelchair access, new interpretation and In 2014–15, $1.591 million was invested capital works program focused on two key Potters Gorge (Wellington National Park) upgrades to day-use and parking areas. by the Department on replacing several areas – Cape Le Grand National Park access and Baden Powell day-use area (Lane timber bridges with modular, kit concrete Significant progress has been made in road rebuilding and Cape Range National Poole Reserve). Planning is continuing for bridges on Denny, Fisher, Big Tree, Randall, 2014–15 implementing the $21.05 million Park flood repair works. campgrounds at Miliyanha and Star Gazers Gregory, Caldyanup and Shedick roads as Parks for People Caravan and Camping (Millstream Chichester National Park), The Department continued to classify roads well repairing watercourse crossings at Bobs initiative to improve and expand visitor Shannon campground (Shannon National and undertake road inspections and condition Crossing, Stones Brook on Carey Road. The experiences by providing more facilities and Park) and Boranup (Leeuwin-Naturaliste assessments for its 37,000km road network. major refurbishment of the Bannister Road services, in particular establishing affordable National Park). Construction of The Gap and bridge was completed. camping and caravan accommodation, with During 2014–15, this work focused on the Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park is more than 250 new camp sites now available. Swan and South Coast regions. The roads underway and due for completion in 2016.

18 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Site planning and construction drawings are also being prepared for the Swan Canning Riverpark Interpretation Nodes. Detailed design and documentation of small structures including toilets, camp shelters and stair and boardwalk access was also undertaken.

Significant site and master planning and stakeholder consultation was undertaken for Yawuru (Broome) in-town and out-of-town parks, Karara former pastoral leases, Wedge and Grey shack settlements and for recreation opportunities in de-proclaimed water catchments in the south-west. Planning for visitor facilities and park infrastructure in Cape Range National Park was undertaken as part of the flood recovery works and well as design of structures and site planning following the Lower Hotham and O’Sullivan fires.

Planning, training and design advice was Osprey Bay campground, Cape Range National Park. Photo – Sally Bostwick/Parks and Wildlife provided on several leases, licences and projects associated with the Department, including projects dealing with implementing the Department’s semi-permanent site guidelines. Staff represented the Department on working groups including the Coastwest technical assessment group.

Visual impact assessment, recommendations, guidelines and specialist advice were provided for a number of proposals throughout the year, including new communication towers in the South West and Midwest regions.

Wedge-tailed eagle. Photo – Jennifer Eliot/ The new public viewing platforms at The Gap, Torndirrup National Park, scheduled to open in 2016. Parks and Wildlife Image – Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 19 Operational highlights Parks Management

Enriching the visitor experience • Valentine Spring, Molley Spring, Middle Community liaison, consultation In the regions, guided tours and/or Spring and Black Rock panels in parks and advisory services interactions were provided at: Geikie Gorge Interpretive planning and design jointly managed with the Miriuwung Consultation with special interest groups, National Park in the Kimberley, Monkey Mia Work continued on providing information to Gajerrong Corporation agencies, individuals and Aboriginal Reserve in the Shark Bay World Heritage visitors to help them interpret, understand • Nanga Brook interpretive trail and shelter communities is a key aspect of site area, Cape Range National Park in the and appreciate WA’s parks and reserves. in Lane Poole Reserve developments and their interpretation on Ningaloo Coast World Heritage area, marine During 2014–15, interpretation project plans and off Parks and Wildlife-managed areas. parks around Broome, Valley of the Giants • Jurien Bay snorkel trail with the local and Coalmine Beach near Walpole, Barna Mia were prepared for major site developments Advice was provided to local authorities, community group in Dryandra Woodlands, and Perup – Nature’s with interpretive facilities including The special interest groups and consultants on the Guesthouse near Manjimup. Regional staff Gap in Torndirrup National Park and Conto • Shark Bay airport panels planning, design and production of signs and also continued to respond, where appropriate campground in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National • Urchin Point and the Block Hut panels displays. and available, to requests for specific Park. on Dirk Hartog Island Guided interpretive programs presentations and guided experiences Sign plans were developed for Logue Brook, • Namelcatchem Well in Namelcatchem Guided interpretive programs continued to be in local areas. Gnaala Mia, Conto, Credo, Nanga Brook and Nature Reserve Middle Island management provided regularly in major areas throughout Osprey Bay campgrounds and Leschenault and interpretation panels the State. These included the Nearer to Peninsula Conservation Park. • Belvidere and John Boyle O’Reilly Nature program provided in Perth’s regional interpretation panels in the Leschenault The Department continued installing or parks, at the Perth Hills Discovery Centre and Peninsula Conservation Park updating signs and displays to enrich visitors’ Yanchep National Park. Educational programs experiences to parks and reserves managed • Nilgen Nature Reserve shelter panels are also run at Penguin Island and the Perth Observatory. by the Department. In 2014–15, 2450 signs • Sandford Rocks Bird Hide interpretive were developed to final production including panels with the local bird group 260 directional and identification signs, 362 visitor risk signs, 1521 management signs, • Millstream trailside interpretation in nine fee signs and 298 interpretation signs. Millstream Chichester National Park.

Interpretive and sign projects of particular note included:

• Whalebone Creek and Point Ann in Fitzgerald River National Park • Kalumburu Junction (stage 1) information and interpretive panels Students take a guided walk during a Nearer to Nature environmental activity. Trail marker at West Beach, Fitzgerald River Photo – Parks and Wildlife National Park. Photo – John Watson

20 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Aboriginal liaison, consultation Planning and relationship building and heritage Building relationships with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal individuals and organisations A high priority is placed on liaising, consulting both within and outside the Department and working with Aboriginal elders, traditional remained a priority. In 2014–15, this included: owners and other stakeholders to enhance management of Parks and Wildlife-managed • providing ongoing cultural advice and lands and waters. During the year the assistance to Department staff regarding Department, with the help of its Aboriginal Aboriginal consultation and involvement Heritage Unit, undertook a wide range of work on Parks and Wildlife-managed lands including: and waters • working with elders in local Aboriginal • providing links between regional and communities regarding traditional land district staff and Aboriginal communities use and protocols • maintaining ongoing relationships with a • liaising with elders conducting Welcome range of agencies and organisations such to Country for Department events as natural resource management groups • advice on traditional owners for Parks • participating and providing executive and Wildlife-managed lands and waters support to the Department’s Aboriginal Employee Reference Group, Access and • assisting inter-agency engagement in the Diversity Committee and Reconciliation regions to support heritage protection Action Plan Committee – organising and participating in NAIDOC • implementing Reconciliation Action Plan community activities strategies by providing opportunities – advising on the use of Aboriginal images for Department staff to participate in in Department marketing material key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – ensuring Aboriginal news, events and events and dates of significance including achievements were promoted in the NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Department and at external forums. Week • developing guidelines for the recruitment Dambimangari Rangers Aaron Mungulu and Ethan Jungine in Lalang-garram / Camden Sound of Aboriginal staff to the Department Marine Park. Photo – Daniel Barrow/Parks and Wildlife • participating in public sector forums focusing on Aboriginal employment.

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 21 Operational highlights Parks Management

Education and training • contributing to the Department’s During the year the Department continued community education strategy for efforts to increase awareness of the culture, customary activities regulations and history and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres developing and delivering training for Strait Islander people. In 2014–15 this was regional staff on customary activities done through: regulations • presenting on the customary activities • the Nearer to Nature program, which regulations to the Aboriginal community provided cross-cultural education programs to 206 schools and community • providing training to enhance community groups totalling almost 9000 people development skills. • training and assistance for Department staff organising Welcome to Country A student learns about Aboriginal culture during a Nearer to Nature activity. Photo – Parks and Wildlife ceremonies for events and providing advice on protocols for acknowledgment of traditional owners at Department meetings and events • delivering the Department’s new Aboriginal cultural awareness training to more than 400 staff throughout the State, as well as to 50 commercial tour operators in Exmouth and Coral Bay • exploring further learning and training opportunities for Department staff in the areas of heritage site training and native title • supporting workplace opportunities for Aboriginal cadet and school-based trainees

Perth Hills Discovery Centre’s Zac Walker Martu community members and Parks and Wildlife staff releasing with Mundaring Primary School student. a radio-collared golden bandicoot at Matuwa (Lorna Glen). Photo – Jennifer Eliot/Parks and Wildlife Photo – Jennifer Eliot/Parks and Wildlife

22 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Business management Park passes and fees Table 1: Breakdown of park pass distribution 2014–15 National park passes are distributed at Type of park pass Number distributed Change from 2013–14 Providing accurate park information, 84 locations around the State including promoting responsible behaviour by visitors 36 Departmental offices and selected national and providing services to the tourism industry parks, and 48 independent retail outlets. Holiday 8013 Increase 505 – 7% are important functions of the Department. Annual Local 4239 Decrease 2413 – 36% In 2014–15, the Department approved Annual All 6372 Decrease 164 – 3% The Commercial Business Unit provided 410 requests for entry fee waivers. The guidance and assistance in identifying new value of foregone revenue was approximately Annual All Concession 4090 Increase 145 – 4% opportunities on Parks and Wildlife-managed $261,346 based on estimated visitor numbers Goldstar 737 Decrease 273 – 27% lands. In 2014–15, a restricted ‘E’ class licence of 53,699 (see Table 2). The Department Note: includes passes invoiced to retail outlets and distributed to Department offices that may not was allocated via a publicly advertised call for offers fee waivers to support aged and yet be sold. expressions of interest to conduct in-water infirm visitors, groups with disability, carers, whale shark interaction tours in Ningaloo educational groups, community service Table 2: Fees waived – estimated visits by region Marine Park. groups and not-for-profit organisations. Region Swan Midwest Pilbara Kimberley Warren South In January 2015, a commercial licence was Coast allocated (via a public call for registrations of Number of 28,538 13,459 2771 332 5699 2900 interest) to a helicopter operator for tours to visitors Breaksea Island on the south coast to meet increased demand for cultural, adventure and eco-tourism experiences on the south coast.

Registrations of interest were also released to operate Wellington Dam Kiosk and Perup – Nature’s Guesthouse. Discussions with potential proponents are continuing. The Commercial Business Unit also releases a registration of interest for commercial tourism leaseholders to improve or upgrade infrastructure and services within their leases. Submissions are currently being assessed.

Breaksea Island. Photo – Gary Wellstead

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 23 Operational highlights Parks Management

Commercial operations of a licence to gain accreditation. Two-month Naturebank and events licence holders are exempt from having to be The Naturebank program involves the accredited. identification and preparation of suitable Commercial operations licences sites on Parks and Wildlife-managed lands More information about commercial Commercial operations are licensed to for sustainable ecotourism initiatives. This operations on Parks and Wildlife-managed monitor and manage the commercial use of program is a partnership between Tourism lands and waters is available on the website: Parks and Wildlife-managed lands and waters WA and Parks and Wildlife. www.parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/for-business/ in accordance with the CALM Regulations. commercial-operations-licensing. In 2010, the State Government announced Royalties for Regions funding over four years At 30 June 2015, 322 commercial operations Filming permits licences were current for activities in marine to support the preparation of Naturebank Commercial filming and photography on lands and terrestrial reserves, up from 308 licences sites. At 30 June 2015, nine sites had and waters managed by the Department at 30 June 2014. These comprised 283 been identified as Naturebank or potential can make a significant contribution towards general ‘T’ class licences, and 39 ‘E’ class Naturebank sites. These were: raising awareness of conservation issues, and licences for operations where the numbers promoting the appreciation and use of parks 1. Purnululu National Park World Heritage of licences granted are restricted. and reserves. area (Kimberley) During the year, 66 two-month licences were 2. Windjana Gorge National Park (Kimberley) The Department does not charge for granted. Two-month licences are used by commercial filming or photography 3. François Péron National Park, Shark Bay seasonal and interstate operators and for applications considered to have a major World Heritage area (Midwest) commercial sporting events. tourism or other benefit to the State, or likely 4. Wharncliffe Mill, Bramley National Park Under the Review of Nature Based Tourism to increase appreciation, awareness and (South West) understanding of parks and reserves. In these recommendations, there is a requirement 5. Cape Le Grand National Park (South cases, applicants are granted permits by the for all licence holders to achieve recognised Coast) quality assurance accreditation. At 30 June appropriate regional staff. Where it is deemed 2015, all operators with licences of 12 months that a commercial filming or photography 6. Millstream Chichester National Park or more were accredited, or had applied for application has no such benefits, charges (Pilbara) accreditation. are applied on a set scale and a commercial 7. Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge, King filming licence is issued. In 2014–15, Leopold Ranges Conservation Park Several accreditation schemes were 64 commercial filming or photography (Kimberley) recognised by the Department. These applications were assessed and approved, of 8. Ngamoowalem Conservation Park, were endorsed accreditation schemes that which 12 were filming licences. assessed businesses and operators to the Aboriginal land close to Kununurra highest level. Newly licensed operators are (Kimberley) Humpback whale. Photo – Rick Dawson/ given six months from the issuing 9. Icy Creek, Lane Poole Reserve (Swan). Parks and Wildlife

24 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Naturebank sites in Purnululu National joint vesting of national parks, nature reserves Park, King Leopold Ranges Conservation and conservation parks with native title Park and Bramley National Park are fully parties, and zoning schemes in marine parks operational. The François Péron National including special purpose and recreation Park site was advertised via an expression of zones that allow some forms of fishing to interest but this did not result in a preferred operate while imposing restrictions on other proponent being identified and direct forms, as intended in approved marine park discussions with potential developers in management plans. collaboration with Tourism WA were ongoing. The site prospectus for the Ngamoowalem During the year, there were a number of Conservation Park site was released and miscellaneous amendments made to the discussions with potential developers are Conservation and Land Management continuing. The proposed Windjana Gorge Regulations 2002 to bring penalties up to date National Park and Cape Le Grand National and better manage inappropriate behaviour Purnululu National Park. Photo – Colin Ingram/Parks and Wildlife Park sites were both discontinued due in parks. New mooring regulations were to environmental and cultural issues. The also made to become consistent with other Millstream Chichester National Park and Icy mooring regulations across the State. Creek sites assessments were completed Policy and the investment attraction process seeking During 2014–15, the development or review potential developers are being developed. of policies continued in the following areas: Legislation and policy • moorings

Legislation • non-Aboriginal cultural heritage The Conservation and Land Management • recreation, tourism and visitor services Amendment Bill 2015 was introduced into – Policy Statement 18 including updating the Legislative Assembly in March 2015. information on the use of drones on The Bill makes provision for a number of CALM Act land. initiatives including extending the maximum • delegations of power under various allowable term of CALM Act leases for legislation. recreation, tourism and other purposes from More information about legislation and the current 21-years, with a 21-year extension, policy is available on the website: www. to a maximum of 99 years, consistent dpaw.wa.gov.au/about-us/36-policies-and- with the periods available under the Land legislation. Administration Act 1997. The Bill also enables Natural Bridge, Torndirrup National Park. Photo – Tourism WA

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 25 Operational highlights Parks Management

Recreation activities and trails Bibbulmun Track The Department continued its strong During 2014–15, the Department continued partnership with the Bibbulmun Track to coordinate the management of outdoor Foundation during the year. Foundation recreation activities consistent with the volunteers continued to show their support for protection of natural and cultural values the much-loved Bibbulmun Track, contributing on the lands and waters it manages. in excess of 21,100 hours to assist in the maintenance of the 1000km walk trail. Work continued with the Department of Sport and Recreation, Outdoors WA, Trails WA, Unfortunately, lightning activity in late January Westcycle, the Australian Trail Horse Riders 2015 resulted in the ignition of numerous fires Association and other key stakeholders on in the south-west. Three of these fires severely important recreation initiatives, including impacted on the Bibbulmun Track, with more the Outdoor Strategy for WA, the Trails WA than 40km of trail burnt out, including the website, the WA State Mountain Bike Strategy complete loss of four camp sites – Brookton, and State Horse Trail Strategy. Possum Springs, Gardner and Dog Pool. Along with the camp sites, the historic Long Trails WA Gully Bridge over the Murray River was also The Department continued to support Trails destroyed. WA, the not-for-profit peak trails body for the State. During the year, the Department Since these devastating fires, staff have assisted in the development of the Trails WA worked hard at installing temporary diversions website, which was launched in October 2013. to re-open the trail, while undertaking The website is a central, searchable portal for assessments and planning rebuilding public trails information across the State. works (see page 50–51). A new rammed earth shelter has been designed to replace During 2014–15 the website has seen the four camp sites that were lost, with continued development and improvement, construction planned for late 2015. A program with Department and Trails WA staff for re-building the trail was developed and training volunteers who are now assisting in commenced, with works being undertaken by researching and uploading additional trails staff, contractors and community volunteers. onto the website. Of the 160 trails listed on the website, 70 are on Parks and Wildlife- managed land, with an additional 20 in the process of being listed.

Summit of Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range National Park. Photo – Karla Graham/Parks and Wildlife

26 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Staff and volunteers continued the collection Strategy 2015–2020 was officially launched by West Mountain Bike Club and the Margaret of trail counter and survey data to allow the the Ministers for Environment and Sport and River Off Road Cycling Association to improve Department and the Foundation to gain a Recreation in June. the maintenance and management of their better understanding of usage and focus local trail networks. management and maintenance to improve The South West Mountain Bike Master Plan the track. More information on the Bibbulmun was completed, identifying and prioritising More information on mountain biking in parks Track is available on the website: www.parks. areas for future development of mountain is available on the Department’s Explore dpaw.wa.gov.au/know/bibbulmun-track. bike opportunities. Detailed environmental Parks WA website: www.parks.dpaw.wa.gov. assessments and trail planning have au/activity/mountain-biking. Cape to Cape Track commenced in the high priority locations Munda Biddi Trail The Department continued its long of Wellington and Bramley national parks. Environment Minister Albert Jacob tests out partnership with the Friends of the Cape The large fires in January 2015 also impacted the mountain bike pump track at Logue Brook Following on from the South West Mountain to Cape Track, with the Friends volunteers heavily on Munda Biddi Trail assets, with campground. Photo – Jennifer Eliot/Parks Bike Master Plan, a steering group was contributing more than 1900 hours of trail more than 70km of the trail burnt, damaging and Wildlife formed and consultants appointed for the maintenance during 2014–15. signage, trail marking, creek crossings and preparation of the Perth and Peel Mountain the Yirra Kartta camp site. The camp site was An audit completed in 2013–14 has been Bike Master Plan, to identify and prioritise the significantly damaged in the fire, but thankfully used in the development of a works program future development of mountain bike trails in is repairable. Works immediately commenced to guide both Department staff and Friends the Perth and Peel regions. post fire on the installation of temporary of the Cape to Cape Track volunteer works re-alignments and detailed planning for The Department’s WA Mountain Bike programs. re-building the trail (see page 50–51). Management Guidelines Working Group Planning was completed and construction completed the development of the draft The Department continued its strong began on a permanent re-alignment of a guidelines which will be released for public partnership with the Munda Biddi Trail section of the track near Joey’s Nose to comment prior to finalisation. The guidelines Foundation, assisting the Foundation in the provide walkers a safer route away from a will provide guidance to Parks and Wildlife’s development of a strategic plan to guide their section of four-wheel-drive track previously management of mountain bike activities, operations and continued development. used by both walkers and four-wheel-drivers. and will also be available for local government and other agencies. The number of maintenance volunteers Mountain biking has been increased by 10 per cent. Several Parks and Wildlife staff have continued The Department continued working in volunteer maintenance workshops were run working closely with the Department of partnership with various mountain bike to train volunteer and new sector leaders, Sport and Recreation, Westcycle and clubs and groups managing their local with more than 90 per cent of the 108 trail the WA Mountain Bike Association in the trail networks. Service agreements were maintenance sections now allocated with management of mountain biking across the developed with the Kalamunda Collective, volunteers undertaking regular inspections State. The Western Australian Mountain Bike Southern Hills Mountain Bikers, the Goat and maintenance. A mountain biker rides through the forest. Farmers, Collie Mountain Bike Club, South Photo – Kerry-Anne DeKlerk

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 27 Operational highlights Parks Management

Staff have also been liaising with the • the completion of a project to construct Foundation and working on the development replica stockyards at the Congelin of a smartphone application for the Munda campground in Dryandra Woodland by Biddi Trail. The ‘app’ has been designed to the Toyota Landcruiser Club of WA and assist riders to plan their rides, providing the the Great Southern District staff ability for riders to view maps and log their • the continuation of track and facility rides, take and share photographs, access improvement works on the Lennard Track information on points of interest, and locate in Wellington National Park by the South services such as accommodation and bike West 4WD Club and Wellington District shops along the length of the trail. staff More information on the Munda Biddi Trail is • maintenance of Yeagerup Beach Track available on the website: www.parks.dpaw. by the Land Rover Owners Club and the wa.gov.au/know/munda-biddi-trail. Donnelly District staff

Motorised recreation • the development of a maintenance program and improvements to the Fawcett During the year, the Department continued Track in Lane Poole Reserve by the working closely with the WA 4WD Association, Armadale 4WD Club and Perth Hills Track Care WA, the Recreational Trailbike District staff. Riders’ Association of WA and Motorcycling Western Australia in promoting responsible The Department continued to collaborate with use of public lands by four-wheel drivers and the Recreational Trailbike Riders’ Association, trail bike riders. including the development of a service agreement for continued maintenance of The Track Adoption program developed in the Metro Road Trail Bike Trail in Flint Block, partnership with Track Care WA and the Perth Hills District along with assisting the WA 4WD Association has continued to see Swan Coastal District with maintenance in the volunteers working alongside staff on projects gazetted off-road-vehicle areas at Pinjar and across the State, including: Gnangara.

• a second clean-up on Dirk Hartog Island More information on four-wheel driving in National Park undertaken by members of parks is available on the website: www. parks. Track Care WA, the WA 4WD Association dpaw.wa.gov.au/activity/4wd-adventure- and Shark Bay District staff motorcycling.

Four-wheel driving in Cape Range National Park. Photo – Jamie Campbell/Parks and Wildlife

28 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Community involvement Table 3: Register of volunteer numbers and contribution

Volunteers are highly valued by the Year Total number New Volunteers New projects Number of Total number Average hours Department because they build of volunteers volunteers active in volunteers of hours per volunteer communication links and understanding registered previous contributing worked between the Department and the community. since 1999 three years 2004–05 7600 1500 28 4000 422,000 106 Volunteers continue to make a significant contribution to the management of parks 2005–06 8230 630 6 3882 470,600 121 and reserves and to a range of conservation 2006–07 9726 1496 8 3250 406,000 125 programs throughout the State. During 2014–15, the Department recruited 1751 2007–08 7784 -1942 9 3439 424,500 123 new volunteers to meaningful and interesting 2008–09 9558 1774 7 4004 426,200 106 opportunities in conservation and recreation activities. A total of 4636 volunteers contributed 2009–10 11,082 1524 23 3038 451,040 148 614,745 hours to projects across WA. 2010 –11 12,759 1677 27 3602 436,216 121

Volunteer awards and activities 2011–12 14,604 1845 51 3838 457,557 119 An annual Volunteer of the Year and 2012–13 16,446 1842 7585 28 4717 564,350 120 Outstanding Service awards function is held to 2013–14 18,327 1881 8989 25 4345 506,285 117 acknowledge the important support provided by volunteers. There was one recipient of the 2014–15 20,078 1751 9904 22 4636 614,475 133 Volunteer of the Year award in 2014, with a further 11 individuals and one volunteer group receiving Outstanding Service awards. 2014 marked the 25th year of the Department’s formal volunteering program. To mark this milestone, Long Service awards were also presented to 29 volunteers who had provided more than 20 years continual service.

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 29 Operational highlights Parks Management

Ongoing volunteer programs and projects such The quarterly community involvement as the Campground Host program, Bibbulmun newsletter continued to be well received Track Foundation, Reptile Removalists, Wildlife and has assisted in recruiting volunteers Rehabilitators, Wildcare Helpline, Honorary by offering cross-promotion of volunteering CALM officers and the WA Herbarium opportunities, advertising new projects and continued to contribute to the conservation, highlighting volunteer achievements. protection and care of the environment and the Department’s recreation goals. At 30 June The newsletter’s look has been updated and 2015, the Department had more than 320 is now available to view or download online. volunteer projects across the State. Circulation through the volunteer database is about 8000 each quarter. The Campground Host program continued to attract volunteers in 2014–15, with 66 Across the State, 22 new projects were new hosts joining the Department. During registered with the Community Involvement the year, 221 campground hosts spent Unit during 2014–15. New projects included: Perth Observatory Volunteer Group Secretary Christine Coulstock and Chairperson Diana Rosman with Parks and Wildlife Director General Jim Sharp and Science and Conservation Director 148,819 volunteer hours, collecting site fees, • Pilbara Islands Nature Reserve Wheatstone Margaret Byrne. Photo – Karla Graham/Parks and Wildlife welcoming visitors and helping to manage Project campgrounds around the State. • Perth Trail Series, across John Forrest, cultural awareness; metropolitan The Wildcare Helpline’s 40 office and Serpentine and Walyunga national parks and regional basic courses in wildlife home-based volunteers fielded 11,100 calls • Donnelly Weed Management Program rehabilitation; and advanced and special in 2014–15 from members of the public to topics for wildlife rehabilitation. • Rehabilitation of peat wetland in the assist with sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. Walpole Wilderness. The Helpline greatly assists the Department’s Nature Protection Branch by filtering and During 2014–15, the Department provided responding to wildlife-related calls, thereby face-to-face training for more than 376 vastly reducing overall calls to the branch volunteers and online training programs and allowing staff to focus on other areas for 194 volunteers, with support from of their work. specialist services within the Department and external agencies. Training included In addition to calls, the Wildcare Helpline the Campground Host Forum; safe work web page – www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/about-us/ practices as part of the Department’s contact-us/wildcare-helpline – which contains corporate induction; risk management; basic first aid for wildlife and other wildlife- basic fire awareness; first aid; cross- related information, received 8885 individual page visits in the same period. Chuditch release. Photo – Kimberley Page/ Parks and Wildlife

30 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Tourism and marketing Parks and Wildlife in partnership with Nature Campground booking and information • the completion of a survey of John Forrest Play WA and Outdoors WA, provided people system National Park to determine visitor use, Key tourism and marketing activities focused with an opportunity to camp with the support The campground booking and information satisfaction and suggestions for changes on the Parks for People initiative. This of staff. More than 100 adults and children system continued to be upgraded and and improvements for the park included: took part in the event at Yanchep. improved. During 2014–15, 8873 bookings • ongoing involvement with Murujuga • working closely with Tourism Western were made through the system. The Department distributed about 20,000 National Park assisting with the selection Australia to support tourism marketing copies of the free booklet National, marine and implementation of visitor monitoring partnerships such as Bauer Media, Britz Visitor research and regional parks in Western Australia – a equipment (e.g. vehicle classifiers) and Driveaway Holidays and a survey tool to determine visitor visitor’s guide to the State during the year. The During 2014–15 a number of visitor research characteristics • supporting the Caravan Industry Department continued to support and engage projects were undertaken, including: Association of Western Australia the recreation and tourism industries through • involvement in the development of • ongoing involvement and support of the with online marketing activities a variety of activities, including: a survey tool for use in the proposed Kimberley Marine Research program • attending the annual Caravan Kalbarri development • regular meetings with the Tourism in investigating human use, values and and Camping Show at Claremont Industry Reference Group to assist with aspirations for Kimberley coastal waters • the completion of an online survey Showgrounds for feedback about the ‘Great Aussie communication between the Department • ongoing involvement in a study at Penguin Camp Out’ at Yanchep National Park. • working in partnership with Koomal and the nature-based tourism industry Island to investigate why visitors use the Dreaming to deliver a Noongar Bush • expanding the publication of Touring WA, sandbar rather than other transport options Visitor use monitoring Barbeque at the newly completed Martins an electronic newsletter featuring articles, • the completion of an online survey In 2014–15, visitor use was monitored at Tank campground in Yalgorup National information and opportunities for visitors to determine the effectiveness of the 396 sites using a variety of methods including Park to enjoy parks Department’s volunteer program and the traffic classifiers and counters, pedestrian • supporting a community partnership with The new ParkFinder WA smartphone expectations, motivations and satisfaction counters, observation surveys and ticket Pemberton Discovery Tours to establish application was launched, making it easier of volunteers, the results of which will assist sales in national parks, State forest and other WA Wilderness Glamping at Warren for visitors to plan their next trip to parks and in the future development of volunteer reserves throughout the State. The total National Park. reserves. Work also started on a Munda Biddi programs reportable visitation to Parks and Wildlife- managed lands and waters during the year In partnership with Nature Play WA, Parks Trail application, plant and animal guides and • ongoing camper visitor satisfaction was 18.67 million increased from 16.88 million and Wildlife ran a ‘free entry to national parks’ a camping checklist application. monitoring in association with Royalties last year (visits reported during 2013–14 promotion over the July 2014 school holidays, for Regions The Department continued to assist with (see Figure 1). for children who held Nature Play passports, improvements to the Trails WA website, a • ongoing involvement in long trail use to encourage families to get outdoors and central, searchable portal for trail information. monitoring, with data being collected enjoy nature. Of the 160 trail listed, 70 are in parks and for the Bibbulmun Track During 2014–15, camping events for first-time reserves managed by Parks and Wildlife, with • ongoing review of the visitor survey campers were held at Yanchep and Warren an additional 20 trails in the process of being and visitor use program national parks. The events, conducted by listed.

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 31 Operational highlights Parks Management

Visitor survey program Figure 1. Total visits to Parks and Wildlife-managed lands Figure 2. A comparison of annual visitor satisfaction levels Steady progress was made to transition and waters within Parks and Wildlife-managed lands and waters the Department’s visitor survey program from Satisfaction paper-based surveys to online data collection benchmark 85% methods. 2005–06 11.65 2005–06 88.9 As part of the visitor survey program, a benchmark visitor satisfaction index has 2006–07 12.05 2006–07 89.3 been adopted to compare visitor satisfaction 2007–08 12.38 2007–08 89.7 levels each year. This benchmark has been set at 85 per cent. 2008–09 13.73 2008–09 88.1 2009–10 14.33 87.2 The 2014–15 visitor satisfaction index, 2009–10 Year averaged from visitor responses to surveys 2010–11 15.37 Year 2010–11 86.8 at selected parks, reserves and forest areas around the State, was 87.9 per cent. This 2011–12 15.59 2011–12 88.8 outcome, with results from previous years of 2012–13 16.17 2012–13 88.0 the survey program, is illustrated in Figure 2. 2013–14 16.88 2013–14 89.1

Astronomy 2014–15 18.67 2014–15 87.9 In June 2015, the Department signed a 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 19 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 community partnership agreement with the Visits (millions) Satisfaction (%) Perth Observatory Volunteer Group Inc. (POVG) to manage the operations at the Note: Data in this graph is taken from the Department’s VISTAT (Visitor Perth Observatory in Bickley. Seed funding Statistics) database and is a true and correct record of best available data was provided to enable POVG to continue from the VISTAT database at the time of preparing the visitation figure for running the public education and outreach the annual report. The VISTAT database is the true source of visitation. As the database is a live database, corrections and amendments are program for the community to learn and made in the database on an ongoing basis so figures presented here experience optical astronomy, space science may differ from those presented in previous reports. and astrophotography. The group will also catalogue and maintain the historically valuable equipment and buildings at the observatory site.

32 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Formal management This was the first ILUA for a marine park in WA arrangements with and includes the important intertidal area at Aboriginal people Eighty Mile Beach. The Department had already established The Department made significant good working relationships with Nyangumarta progress negotiating and creating new people through the marine planning process joint management arrangements under and ongoing on-ground works such as turtle the provisions of the CALM Act, as well as monitoring, fencing, conservation and cultural implementing existing agreements. interpretive signage works. The agreement Ngarla formalises this partnership and provides for the employment of Nyangumarta Rangers. In August 2014 the second Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) for Eighty Mile Beach Karajarri was signed with the Ngarla people, marking Negotiations have progressed with the significant progress in building and formalising Karajarri native title holders throughout partnerships with traditional owners in the 2014–15 and have now concluded. The Kimberley. The ILUA provides for the creation ILUA will provide for the creation and joint and management of the Ngarla parts of Eighty management of the Karajarri parts of Mile Beach and the Jarrkurnpang Nature the Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park, the Reserve. The agreement also allows for the Dambimangari Traditional Owner and Parks and Wildlife employee Adrian Lane. Walyarta Conservation Park, the Jinmarnkur employment of two members of the Ngarla Photo – Peter Dans Parks and Wildlife Conservation Park and the Jinmarnkur Kulja native title group in full-time equivalent positions Nature Reserve. The Department will work in the day-to-day management of the Eighty Mile with the Karajarri people and the Karajarri southern hemisphere’s largest humpback Miriuwung-Gajerrong Beach Marine Park and associated reserves. Ranger program to deliver on-ground whale calving ground, and conserve habitats The Department has a central role in Nyangumarta management operations. for flatback and green turtles, snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, dugongs, implementing the Ord Final Agreement The Department continues to implement the Dambimangari saltwater crocodiles and several species ILUA, in partnership with the Yawoorroong new joint management arrangement with the Joint management arrangements with the of sawfish. The State Government is also Miriuwung Gajerrong Yirrgeb Noong Dawang Nyangumarta people arising out of the ILUA Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation over negotiating an ILUA with the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation (Miriuwung Gajerrong reached between the State and Nyangumarta the Lalang-garram / Camden Sound Marine Aboriginal Corporation in relation to the joint Corporation) and other partners. Both the in May 2014 enabling the creation and joint Park, which commenced in November management of the proposed Horizontal Falls Department and the Miriuwung Gajerrong management of the Nyagumarta parts of 2013, entered their second year. This is national and marine parks and proposed Corporation have joint responsibility for Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park and Walyarta the first joint management agreement for a Great Kimberley National Park. developing management arrangements and Kujungurru Warrarn conservation marine park in WA. The park will ultimately for six new conservation reserves (totalling reserves within Nyangumarta country. cover more than 7000km2 and protect the 150,000ha) in the east Kimberley.

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 33 Operational highlights Parks Management

Yawuru In July 2014, the Department participated An ILUA was signed on 25 February 2010 with in strategic planning for the park and the Yawuru native title holders over 5297km2 of broader National Heritage-listed place with land in and around Broome. The agreement MAC, the Federal Government, Woodside, enabled the creation of terrestrial and marine Rio Tinto, The University of Western Australia, conservation reserves, to be jointly managed Murdoch University and other stakeholders. by Yawuru people, Parks and Wildlife and, South West Native Title Settlement within the Broome town site, the Shire of In 2015 the State and Noongar native title Broome. These areas include terrestrial parties concluded the South West Native reserves around Broome and its north, and a Title Settlement ILUA negotiations and marine park from Gantheaume Point to Cape the Government will now move towards Villaret. implementation of the settlement. The Burrup (Murujuga) South West Native Title Settlement is a Parks and Wildlife planning officer Matt Fossey joins Karajarri elders and rangers at Salt Creek in the proposed Walyarta Conservation Park. Photo – Parks and Wildlife In January 2013, Murujuga National Park comprehensive settlement with the six key was created, covering 4913ha which native title groups covering the south-west, comprises about 86 per cent of the Dampier and includes the establishment of a ‘future 1. Cooperative Management Committees: Other joint management arrangements Archipelago National Heritage place that has fund’ for the Noongar community, creation providing general advice for each Regional currently in negotiation been gazetted on the Burrup Peninsula. The of a Noongar land base, a community Corporation area; and Murujuga National Park is held freehold by development and economic development The Department continued to engage with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC), framework and funding support, a capital 2. Joint Management Bodies: formal joint traditional owner groups across the State leased to the State and jointly managed with works program for a cultural centre and office management bodies under the CALM Act. to implement formal joint management Parks and Wildlife as a national park. The accommodation and a standard heritage agreements. These included negotiations The ILUA commits to establishing six regional Murujuga Park Council, the joint management protection regime. with native title holders in the Kimberley to Cooperative Management Committees and body, comprises representatives from MAC, achieve joint management outcomes under The Department will play a key role in the at least one joint management agreement Parks and Wildlife, and the Minister for the Kimberley Science and Conservation settlement through the provision of joint in each claim area within the first five years, Aboriginal Affairs. Strategy, and with the Gnulli native title and cooperative management agreements and a further joint management agreement claimants in relation to the creation of Work continued with MAC and the Murujuga over the conservation estate. The joint in each claim area within 10 years of the conservation estate and joint management Ranger team, which undertakes on-ground management framework will involve two tiers commencement date. outcomes along the Ningaloo Coast. land management activities. During the year, of formal engagement with Noongar Regional the Department worked with MAC to support Corporations: training, capacity building and authorisation of Murujuga Rangers to strengthen their operational management function in the park.

34 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Support to the Conservation • the completion of a management plan Commission and Marine Parks performance assessment for Nambung National Park and progress towards a and Reserves Authority performance assessment for Karijini The Department of Parks and Wildlife provides National Park support to the Conservation Commission • statutory functions in relation to leases, of Western Australia in accordance with licences and permits, land tenure, mining the CALM Act and the 2011 Operational proposals and ecologically sustainable Relationship Agreement. forest management.

During 2014–15 this support included provision Support is provided to the Marine Parks and of corporate services to the Conservation Reserves Authority (MPRA) in accordance Commission Service Unit. This helped the with the CALM Act and a memorandum Conservation Commission to achieve: of understanding. During 2014–15, the • the delivery of the Commission’s statutory Department assisted the MPRA by providing responsibilities in management planning policy advice, developing indicative and final under the CALM Act, through the management plans for proposed marine Management Plan Review Committee parks and reserves and executive support services. • finalisation of management plans for the Barrow Group Nature Reserves, Leeuwin- Highlights for the year included: Naturaliste capes area parks and reserves and Tuart Forest National Park • the release of the final management plan for the Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park • the preparation of two new position statements in accordance with its • a periodic audit of the implementation policy functions under the CALM Act, of the management plan for the Rowley namely: The protection of surface and Shoals Marine Park groundwater biodiversity values of lands • an annual performance assessment vested in the Conservation Commission workshop for WA marine parks and of Western Australia and Monitoring reserves. strategy for assessing the implementation Cave Point lookout, Fitzgerald River National Park. Photo – Peter Hartley/Parks and Wildlife of management plans prepared under the CALM Act 1984.

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 35 Operational highlights Parks Management

Other initiatives The MOU between the Department and Leave The establishment of the Purnululu World A series of World Heritage interpretive and No Trace Australia is also ongoing, with further Heritage Area Advisory Committee was orientation signs were designed for Charlie Memoranda of understanding projects to promote visitor behaviour that has endorsed by Cabinet in December 2014, Sappie Park for the Shire of Shark Bay. A number of significant partnerships that minimal environmental impact. with the inaugural meeting to take place The State Government established Western are formalised through a memorandum in August 2015. During 2014–15, the successful partnership Australia’s first sister park relationship – of understanding (MOU) continued to be between Parks and Wildlife, Conservation The implementation of the Shark Bay World between China’s Danxiashan National Park maintained. Volunteers Australia, the Department of Heritage Property Strategic Plan 2008–2020 and Purnululu National Park, both World In 2014–15 negotiations were held with Education and Rio Tinto continued with continued, and six vacancies on the Shark Heritage areas. pastoral lessees throughout the State in Rio Tinto’s Earth Assist program which won Bay World Heritage Advisory Committee The Department provided information to regard to areas to be excluded from their a 2015 Premier’s Award for Excellence in were endorsed. inform the State’s response to the proposed leases for conservation purposes when the Public Sector Management. Several projects were completed under the National Heritage listing and assessment of leases are to be renewed on 1 July 2015. The partnership between the Department and Caring for our Country-funded Shark Bay the Lesueur-Coomallo and Fitzgerald River- As a result of these negotiations, 11 pastoral Fairbridge Western Australia Inc. continued to World Heritage Area Communication Strategy. Ravensthorpe areas. lessees agreed to negotiate MOUs with provide opportunities for cooperation between These included the installation of interpretive Parks and Wildlife so the areas proposed for the two organisations on employment and and orientation signs and shelters at various exclusion could remain in their leases and training outcomes for young Aboriginal sites in Monkey Mia Conservation Park and be jointly managed with the Department for people. Projects involving Fairbridge the proposed Edel Land National Park. conservation purposes. Eight MOUs were Aboriginal trainees were undertaken at successfully negotiated and signed by the Wellington National Park, Dryandra lessees. Three MOUs were progressed Woodland and other areas. and are currently awaiting execution by World and national heritage the lessees. A further memorandum is currently being developed and negotiations Day-to-day management of three World with the lessee continue over its execution. Heritage areas – Shark Bay, the Ningaloo The memorandums address on-ground Coast and Purnululu National Park – management activities such as fencing and continued. fence maintenance, visitor signage, and The Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Advisory conduct of conservation-related activities Committee established in February 2014 has such as flora and fauna surveys. now had four meetings, and existing programs A longstanding MOU continued with the to manage the World Heritage area continue, Department of Corrective Services, allowing in addition to promotion and presentation prisoners to make a valuable contribution to projects to communicate World Heritage Departmental projects and the community. listing and the values of the area. Soft corals at Ningaloo World Heritage Area. Photo – Tourism WA

36 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Regional activities and Aboriginal involvement in the Great at Credo, 2000 hours at Lake Mason and Western Woodlands Strategy. 2000 hours at Goongarrie former pastoral Goldfields Region • Joint management for conservation and stations. • The joint management project with the multiple-use of the Adelong pastoral lease • Work continued on the Credo homestead Wiluna Martu and the local community adjacent to Goongarrie was progressed recreation site, including ongoing continued at Matuwa (Lorna Glen) and with the Menzies Aboriginal Corporation. maintenance work and improvements Kurrara Kurrara (Earaheedy), and included • The Credo Working Group was established to the homestead and upgrades to the flora and fauna management, research, with assistance from the GLSC to shearer’s quarters. The work involved fence maintenance, erosion control, progress Aboriginal involvement and joint painting and repairs, installation of a shed, road maintenance and fire management management of Credo. Several meetings new air-conditioning systems, electrical contract work. Additional work was were held. work and water supply. undertaken in the adjacent Birriliburu • The multi-use field study centre at Credo native title determined area and Indigenous • Work on the new Parks for People was completed and is being used by the Protectecd Area (IPA). Considerable work campground at Credo continued, in CSIRO for conducting research and by was done to progress the creation of an consultation with local Aboriginal groups other organisations for training purposes. IPA over Matuwa and Kurrara Kurrara with through the GLSC. Local Aboriginal development of a management plan. workers have been employed by the • Two Remote Regions Nature Conservation Department on a contract basis to work on Program projects were conducted in the • Joint management activities with the the campground development. The camp region at Credo and Matuwa and included: Tjuntjuntjara Aboriginal community in sites and access roads have been cleared the Great Victoria Desert and Spinifex – Parks and visitor services work and and constructed. Key infrastructure has native title determined area included the roadworks at the homestead sites. been installed including fire rings, tables repair and maintenance to two existing At Matuwa flood mitigation work was and toilets. shed tanks, weed control and reserve undertaken on the predator-proof management. • A joint management training project with enclosure and around the homestead the Wiluna Martu, GLSC and Spinifex complex. • The land management officer position ranger groups and Parks and Wildlife staff and project officer within the Goldfields – At Credo erosion mitigation works were took place during April, with 35 rangers Land and Sea Council (GLSC) facilitated completed and more than 2000 tyres taking part in the four-day training program consultation, monitoring and clearance were removed from water courses and at Credo. The rangers were trained in first work relating to fire management with disposed of according to Department aid and AusChem weed spraying with a the various Aboriginal groups in the of Environment Regulation guidelines. practical assessment. Goldfields. The positions were funded – The caretaker’s house at Matuwa was through the Great Western Woodlands • Campground hosts and volunteer renovated and a new deck area added Strategy. This project is now complete caretakers contributed more than 5000 to the office. volunteer hours at Matuwa, 5000 hours Matuwa (Lorna Glen former pastoral station). and has led to ongoing ranger programs Photo – Jennifer Eliot/Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 37 Operational highlights Parks Management

– The bunkhouse at Matuwa was painted and continued to undertake weed and feral • The Yawuru Rangers have completed and upgraded, including the addition animal control, biodiversity surveys and significant track and trail management of partitioning to allow for additional visitor services-related projects in West projects within the Minyirr Park Conservation accommodation space. Kimberley parks. Reserve. A major capital works project – The rubbish tip area at Goongarrie • The Armbangardi Ranger group has been constructing steps and boardwalks over was consolidated and tidied up. established on Carson River Station to Cable Beach dunes began by contractors supervised by the Yawuru Rangers. • The access roads to Goongarrie station undertake fire, weed and maintenance and Cave Hill recreation site were duties required by the Pastoral Lands Board. • A school holiday program and community upgraded after a severe rain event. • A rock art conservation training course events were conducted to focus on marine was undertaken with five traditional and terrestrial reserves within Yawuru • Inspections were undertaken at all recreation conservation estate. sites to assess visitor risk. Quarterly and owner groups throughout the Kimberley. annual reviews were carried out to monitor The groups were shown conservation • A school holiday program was conducted progress on actions taken to mitigate techniques and supplied with conservation at Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park in July toolkits. 2014 and April 2015 focusing on the marine hazards. Yawuru Ranger Jason Fong measures a environment in the local area. • Data on the number of visitors to recreation • A fit-for-purpose 20m vessel for the shorebird at the proposed Yawuru Nagulagun / Roebuck Bay Marine Park. Photo – Parks sites was gathered and uploaded to the northern Kimberley marine parks was • Remedial road works on Crab Creek Road and Wildlife Department’s VISTAT database. commissioned, allowing regional staff to to reduce soil erosion and management of undertake joint management operations water drainage. Kimberley Region with traditional owners on sea country. • A guided walk entitled ‘Unlocking Mirima’ • Engagement and negotiations continued • Work continued on developing four was hosted twice weekly during the peak with native title and other Aboriginal management plans for the Yawuru tourist season in Mirima National Park. groups to facilitate the implementation of conservation estate, two of which were • Extensive upgrades were made to the Kimberley Science and Conservation released for public comment on tourist facilities within Mirima National Strategy. 19 June 2015. Park including new hybrid toilet, cement • Negotiations continued with the Bunuba • Four trainee Yawuru Rangers employed pathways, interpretive shelter upgrade, Dawangarri, Williggin and Balangarra within the Yawuru joint management team new bollards and rest area seating. Aboriginal corporations in relation to an continued their training for Certificate II and • A new hybrid toilet was installed at Molly ILUA and joint management agreement III in Conservation and Land Management. Springs, along with upgrades to existing for native title-determined lands. One trainee completed Certificate III with carpark, visitor facilities and access road. • Under the Kimberley Science and another completing Certificate II. The • A new road was constructed and the Conservation Strategy the Bunuba Ranger studies included cultural components such car park upgraded at Black Rock in program continued to grow. Rangers as formal language lessons and informal Ngamoowalem Conservation Park. Kimberley bauhinia or jigily tree (Bauhinia started their training for Certificate II and training opportunities with senior Yawuru cunninghamii). Photo – Greg Keighery/ III in Conservation and Land Management people. Parks and Wildlife

38 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 • New visitor picnic facilities were installed • A geotechnical and structural assessment in Ngamoowalem along the spring creek of lookout facilities was conducted in access track Coalseam Conservation Park. • A new boardwalk and viewing platform • Under the Parks for People initiative, at Mini Palms, Purnululu was constructed planning progressed to create replacing the old infrastructure that was opportunities for camping and recreation closed to public access in March 2014. at the Karara group of six former pastoral • Airstrips at Bellburn Purnululu, Mount properties, Coalseam Conservation Park Hart and Windjana (King Leopold Ranges and Big Lagoon campground in François Conservation Park) were upgraded. Péron National Park. At Coalseam, roadworks have been undertaken and new Midwest Region visitor infrastructure constructed to expand Miners campground. Plans for a new • Public comment on the draft management Sunset over Dirk Hartog Island. Photo – Carolyn Thomson-Dans/Parks and Wildlife plan for Kalbarri National Park was received campground at Big Lagoon were made and the plan revised. A final plan was available for public comment. approved by the Conservation Commission • In the Shark Bay area, the hot tub was of WA in April 2015 and was forwarded to refurbished and 24-hour power installed the Minister for Environment for approval. at the Peron Homestead precinct in • A Royalties for Regions business case François Péron National Park and remedial was submitted for the Kalbarri Skywalk works were undertaken on the Monkey Mia and National Park Tourist Road and boardwalk. Infrastructure project, in collaboration • Construction commenced on sheds at with the Mid West Development Steep Point and Dirk Hartog Island to Commission, Tourism WA, Department of provide accommodation for staff in these Commerce and Telstra. The project includes remote locations. completing the sealing of the Loop / Z • Road and building repairs were undertaken Bend Road, construction of a cantilevered following Tropical Cyclone Olwyn. lookout over the Murchison Gorge and the establishment of mobile broadband communications in the gorge area. • At Kalbarri National Park, new walk trails were built at Red Bluff (Bluff to Beach Trail) and Z Bend (4 Ways Trail).

Looking out across the Murchison River, Kalbarri National Park. Photo – Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 39 Operational highlights Parks Management

• A community engagement strategy was • In the Moora District, an increase in visitor reviewed and continued to be implemented numbers, illegal camping and unlicensed for the Dirk Hartog Island National Park off-road vehicles, particularly in the vicinity of Ecological Restoration Project (Return the shack communities of Wedge and Grey, to 1616). Work implemented included a required significant management in coastal second Dirk Hartog Island National Park reserve areas. Staff attended meetings community open day, facilitating an island with the Wedge and Grey community clean-up with community involvement, associations and other key stakeholders presentations to the Malgana Native Title to discuss a range of management issues. Working Group, development of a photo Parks and Wildlife took possession of seven book about the project for guests at Dirk shacks due to non-renewal of licences. Hartog Island Lodge, development of a • The State Government endorsed a new brochure on island protection and preliminary planning report on the future The wheelchair-accessible lookout over the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. biosecurity and design of three new management of Wedge and Grey. The Photo – Parks and Wildlife pages for the World Heritage website implementation of the preliminary plan and www.sharkbay.org. the development of a final plan are ongoing. Pilbara Region • School holiday activity programs were • Regional staff supported Return to 1616 • Dieback interpreters and Yued community undertaken, with activities ranging from through the planning and design of • The Parks and Wildlife Strategic Directions members assessed the proposed World Heritage talks to sandcastle temporary accommodation for the cat 2014–17 document and the Parks alignment for the Mount Peron walk trail and Wildlife Pilbara Specific Priorities competitions. eradication team at Sandy Point. in Lesueur National Park. A survey of Business Plan were presented to Shire of • Significant staff involvement with all aspects • Operations continued to be refined to declared rare flora is in progress. Ashburton, City of Karratha and the Pilbara of the whale shark industry and commercial improve efficiency at the Pinnacles Desert • New picnic tables were constructed for the Development Commission to provide tour operator industry was ongoing. Discovery Centre in Nambung National Park Stockyard Gully recreation site and picnic dialogue and open discussion regarding • A custom-designed Aboriginal cultural and the Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience facilities were refurbished at Kangaroo the future of the area, build relationships awareness training course was delivered in the Shark Bay World Heritage area. At Point in Nambung National Park. and promote the Parks for People initiative. Monkey Mia the shop and theatrette were to all whale shark operators and staff relocated and refurbished. At the Pinnacles • Visitor interpretation panels were installed • Stage 2 of Milyering Discovery Centre providing a better understanding and new directional signage was installed to at the Nilgen Nature Reserve lookout and improvements began with new interpretive appreciation for the cultural significance encourage use of the discovery centre and boot cleaning stations were installed at conceptual displays and designs of the area to Aboriginal people. a billboard was installed on Indian Ocean trailheads in Lesueur and Badgingarra developed. Drive to promote visitation. national parks to mitigate the risk of • Staff provided displays, information and a introducing dieback. • National park ranger talks began at the tour of the marine park vessel Cetea during Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre during the annual Exmouth Whale Shark Festival school holidays and long weekends. in May 2015.

40 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 • In 2014–15, about $1.14 million was • Concept design style and drawings were invested in the repair of damage to visitor completed and presented to the Murujuga infrastructure by severe flooding in Cape Park Council for the establishment of a Range National Park as a result of ex- viewing platform and boardwalk at Deep tropical cyclone Jack. Damaged assets Gorge to protect culturally sensitive sites included the Milyering Discovery Centre, and to raise education and awareness of accommodation, roads, campgrounds the cultural significance of the Burrup for and other visitor facilities. Aboriginal people. • Under the Parks for People initiative, the • Main Roads signs for Murujuga National redevelopment of Osprey Bay campground Park were created and installed along the in Cape Range National Park was North West Coastal Highway. completed, delivering 30 new camp sites, • In Karijini National Park, further important Conzinc Bay, Murujuga National Park. Photo – Parks and Wildlife with three new two-cubicle toilets, picnic structural and safety improvements were tables, shelters in a new sunset viewing made to Oxers Lookout walkway and area, upgraded access roads and a 3km lookout as well as an extension to the connecting walk trail to the neighbouring Fortescue Falls walk trail. Sandy Bay. • Upgrades to Weano Gorge recreational • Concept plans and designs were area began with the replacement of old completed for the upgrades at Miliyana and bollards and car park furniture being Star Gazers campgrounds in Cape Range replaced – minimising visual impact National Park, as part of the Parks for on the natural beauty of the site. People initiative. Ready-for-tender drawings and construction details were finalised. • Upgrades and replacement to the Mount Bruce recreational area began with the • Rationalisation and standardisation of repair and replacement of walk trail moorings at the Tantabiddi boat ramp markers, toilet, directional signage and has begun with three additional public other car park infrastructure. moorings installed. • Work started on replacing the Joffre and • Joint management of Murujuga National Kalimina lookouts in Karijini National Park Park on the Burrup Peninsula continued incorporating the new design developed with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation in consultation with structural engineers under a formal joint management and stakeholders. agreement. The Murujuga Park Council met several times to progress park planning and management. Parks and Wildlife ranger Scott Thomson welcomes Jonathon Scott-Lee to Osprey Bay, Cape Range National Park. Photo – Jennifer Eliot/Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 41 Operational highlights Parks Management

• Significant road damage to remaining • Significant erosion stabilisation works unsealed roads within Karijini National were undertaken within the Delta of Park were repaired (made accessible to Millstream in an effort to minimise the four-wheel-drive vehicles only) as a result potential impact that erosion of the bank of flooding. Plans to undertake sealing of may have on visitor facilities and camping the remaining roads commenced. experience – particularly at Deep Reach • The Shire of Ashburton, in consultation and Jirndawurrunha pools. with Parks and Wildlife, completed the • Ngurrawaana Aboriginal Rangers sealed section of road between Joffre completed a number of projects in Gorge and the western entry point into Millstream Chichester National Park, such Karijini National Park. as facility maintenance, erosion control • Parks and Wildlife and the Shire of works and various other fee-for-service Roebourne continued to oversee arrangements. improvements to recreational shacks on • The replacement of toilets at Dales the Dampier Archipelago. These included campground in Karijini National Park structural improvements to meet Australian continued with seven toilets being standards and waste water treatment completed to a new and higher standard system improvements. compared to the design and style used • Improvements to staff housing in Millstream previously. Chichester National Park were completed, • The canyoning guide for Karijini National with fencing, sheds and other basic living Park for Class 6 sections of Karijini gorges structures built. was reviewed by the State’s Visitor Risk Hamersley Gorge, Karijini National Park. Photo – Parks and Wildlife • Boardwalks and platforms at Management committee, with input from Jirndawurrunha pools were replaced, Outdoors WA, and endorsed for use as • Capital asset maintenance was carried • Support for community involvement in providing safer pedestrian access a guide for non-commercial applicants out across all parks and reserves, and the management of parks continued, with to this part of the park. wishing to undertake the Class 6 sections. progress was made on capital works the placement of campground hosts and • Staff continued to be actively involved • New interpretive and directional signage projects in Cape Range, Millstream volunteers in key national parks such as with the management and oversight of was completed and installed throughout Chichester and Karijini national parks. Cape Range and Karijini. most locations within Millstream commercial tourism lease areas, including Chichester National Park. Extensive measures to mitigate bushfire risk to consultation on interpretive artwork and visitors at Sal Salis in Cape Range National Aboriginal significance and translation was Park and Karijini Eco Retreat in Karijini undertaken to maximise visitor experience National Park. and appreciation.

42 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 South Coast Region and advertising. Unfortunately despite • During the centenary celebrations of the • The Royalties for Regions-funded the efforts two men were washed in and departure of the ANZAC fleet from Albany, improvement project at The Gap and drowned at Salmon Holes on 18 April 2015. a focus was put on park management and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park Just over a week later another rock fishing- the provision of world-class park facilities in was put to tender and awarded in October related drowning took place at Gull Rock the parks around Albany. Parks and Wildlife 2014. Site preparation and procurement National Park on 26 April 2015. staff from neighbouring regions provided of materials has delayed on-ground • The annual Art in the Park event run by the assistance to cope with the surge in visitor construction but works are well advanced Friends of the Porongurup Range was held numbers over that weekend. with an expected completion date in 2016. in April 2015 at the Castle Rock picnic area. • A staff housing refurbishment project at • A memorial lookout at Two Peoples • Engagement with traditional owners Cape Arid National Park was completed, Bay Nature Reserve has been built to continued on a range of matters in with the upgrade of the senior ranger’s commemorate Parks and Wildlife firefighter Esperance and Albany, which resulted in house and an upgrade to the power supply Wendy Bearfoot who lost her life as a result visits to parks across the South Coast to for the ranger’s station. of a bushfire at Black Cat Creek near Two undertake customary activities. • Under the Parks for People initiative, the Peoples Bay in 2012. The Department is • The Albany District held three family civil works for the Lucky Bay picnic area continuing to liaise with Wendy’s family information days at Two Peoples Bay and campground redevelopment was put to finalise the lookout. Nature Reserve to provide information on to tender and completed. The project is • Work was finalised on the Castle Rock conservation and encourage discussion due to be finalised in the 2015–16 financial picnic area upgrade in Porongurup about Aboriginal connection to country. year. The upgrade to the campground will National Park, including the development provide additional camp sites and new • Further work on the Albany coastal of an improved visitor meeting area and facilities including an ablution block and reserves management plan was interpretation node. barbecue shelters, along with a separation undertaken with the South West Aboriginal of day-use and overnight camping. • As part of the State Government rock Land and Sea Council to bring the fishing safety initiative, a collaborative plan to final draft stage, with additional • Three electronic fee entry stations were safety campaign including staff from consultation done to facilitate local installed on the South Coast, at Bluff Knoll Parks and Wildlife, the Department of Noongar representation at a community in Stirling Range National Park, East Mount Fisheries, Recfishwest and volunteers, engagement session. Barren in Fitzgerald River National Park and was put in place to manage the annual at the main entrance to Cape Le Grand • Campground hosts continued to assist influx of visitors over the Easter weekend at National Park. staff at key parks in the region with Salmon Holes in Torndirrup National Park. positive results including improved visitor • Three kilometres of the entrance road The campaign includes the installation of satisfaction. in Cape Le Grand National Park was anchor points at key areas along the south upgraded through the Department’s coast for use by rock fishers, as well as • Visitor numbers continued to increase capital works program. multi-lingual signage, information material in all major national parks during peak and off-peak periods. Torndirrup National Park. Photo – Tourism WA

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 43 Operational highlights Parks Management

South West Region – Planning for a new campground at • The upgrade of Falcon Road in Wellington Boranup in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National National Park was completed, with the Park is ongoing. widening and sealing of the final 1.2km – Facilities were improved at the Mount of road. Lennard Mountain Bike Trail network • Under the Parks for People initiative: in the Wellington National Park with the completion of a new toilet block, – The new $3 million campground and improved access to the car park and associated visitor facilities at Logue a second trailhead. In consultation Brook Dam were completed. This with mountain bike clubs, planning for project has provides five camping loops additional trails at Lennard and near providing 126 new camp sites, each Collie is progressing. with a fire pit and picnic table. The new – At Leschenault Peninsula Conservation facilities also include nine toilet blocks, Caravanning on the banks of Lake Brockman, Logue Brook Dam campground. Park, Belvidere campground was five barbecue shelters, a mountain bike Photo – Parks and Wildlife pump track, a new waste dump station expanded, with 14 new camp sites and improvements to roads and paths. constructed. Information and directional The campground is being managed by signs throughout the park were updated the Lake Brockman Tourist Park under and replaced. a community partnership agreement. • Working with local staff, the Margaret River – Planning for the development of a new Off Road Cycling Association completed campground and upgrade of day-use a concept plan for the development of a facilities at Potters Gorge in Wellington further 16km of trails in Bramley National National Park was completed and works Park and adjoining State forest. Detailed commenced. This project will provide trail design is underway and construction about 50 camp sites, five toilet blocks will begin in September 2015. and three barbecue shelters. • The Crooked Brook Forest celebrated – The $1.1 million expansion of the Conto 20 years of dedicated work by community campground in Leeuwin-Naturaliste volunteers and Wellington District staff National Park was completed. This that has seen the development of a very project provides 29 new camp sites, popular recreation facility with universally three toilet blocks and two camp accessible trails, picnic facilities and kitchens along with improved access interpretation. The original toilet block that roads and information signs. had become severely damaged by termites was also replaced. One of the new camp sites at Conto campground, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Photo – Ryan Scott/Parks and Wildlife

44 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 • Working partnerships continued with the • Displays and activities were organised at Swan Region including a Recreational Trail Bike Riders’ South West 4WD Club and Wellington a range of events to promote the Nearer • Lane Poole Reserve has seen considerable Association stakeholder clean-up event. Region 4WD Care Group. Under the to Nature and Western Shield programs redevelopment largely funded through • The Swan Region and the Recreational Trail Department’s Track Adoption program, the and to raise awareness of the role of the Royalties for Regions and Parks for Bike Riders’ Association Track Adoption clubs worked with park rangers to repair Department. These included professional People. The Nanga Brook campground program MOU continued for the Pinjar Off- erosion, rehabilitate damaged areas and learning events at Eaton and Dunsborough redevelopment was opened to the public, road Motorcycle Area, including monthly remove car bodies and other rubbish along primary schools and the Geography with minor works still being undertaken. maintenance and clean-up programs. Lennard Track in Wellington National Park Association of WA conference, displays at The tender for the construction of the • In partnership with Nature Play WA, and at Bob’s Hill in Brunswick Plantation. the South West Science Spectacular and Baden Powell day-use development was Outdoors WA and the Caravan Industry • Nearer to Nature school programs Eaton Foreshore Festival, a school holiday advertised. Western Shield program at local libraries Association, Parks and Wildlife held the first continued to be delivered at Wellington • Six historic railway bridges in John Forrest and participation in the Dunsborough Great Aussie Camp Out event at Yanchep Discovery Forest and Wharncliffe Mill near National Park were restored, including Jane Primary School ‘Bay OK Day’. An excursion National Park during Outdoors October Margaret River. Sustainable forestry and Brook Bridge on the Railway Heritage Trail. to Bunbury Opal Gardens, an aged care 2014. Families shared camp cooking, fire excursions were also conducted at the The bridges were replaced with special facility, also reached out to an audience guided walks and cultural storytelling Dwellingup Forest Heritage Centre and pre-cast concrete decks containing an beyond the region’s usual spectrum. around the camp fire. An introductory incursions were conducted in schools. A imprint of the original timber decking as camping event was also held at Martins total of 3647 students participated in 123 • Fifty-one rock fishing anchors and 35 an interpretive historical link. Tank in Yalgorup National Park. Participant Nearer to Nature – South West excursions abseiling anchors in Leeuwin-Naturaliste • The toilet block at John Graham Reserve feedback was extremely positive for these and incursions, a significant increase from and Wellington national parks were load in Woodman Point Regional Park was events with the Swan Region planning to the previous year. tested. A consultant geotechnical engineer refurbished. expand to three similar events in 2015–16. • The Nearer to Nature activity ‘Monitoring was engaged to conduct risk assessments • A major signage refurbishment project was • The staff at Yanchep National Park have marsupials’, which contributes to Western at the cliff sites at Huzzas, Hamelin Bay rolled out at Yellagonga, Herdsman Lake, worked hard to develop partnerships Shield research, continued to be popular. and Bunker Bay. Woodman Point, Beeliar and Rockingham with local land developers with one local Five out of eight available trapping nights • Tree pruning was undertaken at major Lakes regional parks. developer funding free local park passes were booked by schools, including one recreation sites to minimise risk to for Yanchep National Park for all new • The Pinjar Off-road Motorcycle Area was home school cooperative. Infrared cameras visitors. Sites included Honeymoon Pool, residents. filmed a feral cat in September 2014 Potters Gorge, Chapman Pool, Sues further developed with the completion of however in May 2015, in addition to several Bridge, Conto, Boranup and Point Road the ‘Short and Curly’ advanced skills area. • During the year volunteers continued to mardo, a large male chuditch was trapped. campgrounds, Hoffman Mill, Leschenault Other developments included track grading participate in a wide range of activities Peninsula, Wellington Discovery Forest, and the improvement of signs, car parks in the Swan Region and provided many Wharncliffe Mill, Lake Brockman Tourist and paths. thousands of hours support. Two new campground hosting locations were Park and Crooked Brook Forest. • At the Metro Road Off-road Vehicle introduced at Penguin Island and Walyunga Area, further interim trail works and National Park. The 2014 Volunteer demonstration trails were developed, of the Year awards resulted in Swan

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 45 Operational highlights Parks Management

Region volunteers being awarded with re-align and re-open prior to the busy two Outstanding Service Awards, one winter season began. Long Service Award and the prestigious • Visitor Risk Management (VRM) continued Volunteer of the Year award. to be a key focus for the region with • Eight community advisory committees for both VRM refresher training and full VRM regional parks were convened on courses being conducted during the year. 32 occasions during 2014–15. • Implementation of the coastal risk • The Swan Region continued to work closely assessment report recommendations at with key regional stakeholder organisations Penguin Island began and geotechnical including the Peel Development surveys were done to assess cave and cliff Commission, Alcoa of Australia, the cities risks on the island and the surrounding of Wanneroo and Swan, the WA Planning Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Structural Commission, Outdoors WA, the WA 4WD engineering reports were obtained for Association, TrackCare, the WA Mountain a range of structures and arboricultural Bike Association, the Recreational Trail Bike inspections assessed tree hazards at a Riders’ Association of WA, Canoeing WA range of sites across the region. and Motorcycling WA. • Extensive planning for improved parks and • Mountain biking continued to be a major visitor services began across the Swan focus with planning commencing on the Region including: Penguin Island. Photo – Michael Clitheroe Perth–Peel Mountain Bike Master Plan – Master planning and comprehensive and upgrade works continuing at Langford visitor surveying at John Forrest National Park in Jarrahdale and other mountain bike Park circuits. – Review of the Gnangara Park Concept • The Swan Region continued to manage Plan planning for future activities more than 250 recreational events including the Oxfam TrailWalker at Mundaring, Hot – Development of concept plans to offer Rods in the Park at Yanchep National Park camping and short-term RV camping at and the Dwellingup 100 mountain bike event. Henry White Oval in Yanchep National Park. • The Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail were severely impacted by significant bushfires in February 2015. Urgent work to assess damage for insurance claims was undertaken and significant work to Young riders receive technique tips from an experienced trail rider at Pinjar Off-road Motorcycle Area. Photo – Parks and Wildlife/RTRA

46 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Warren Region • More than 150 recreation sites were • Warren Region approved and monitored • Under the Parks for People initiative, formally inspected for risks and hazards and nine events including surfing, motorised initial recreation master planning for treatments carried out on a priority basis. recreation, yachting, camping and cycling the expansion and upgrade of Shannon • Refurbishment of Moores Hut within events. campground is close to completion. D’Entrecasteaux National Park began, • Nearer to Nature and several tailored This project will provide new camp sites including the replacement of flooring and educational programs were delivered to for tents, camper trailers, caravans and relining of walls. more than 360 school children in Frankland campervans, and additional amenities • Maintenance grading was completed on District. including toilets and shelters. about 400km of recreation site access • More than 1000 students participated in • The Parks for People redevelopment roads. Outward Bound recreation-based camping of Black Point campground in • Coastal stabilisation work was undertaken activities within the Walpole-Nornalup and D’Entrecasteaux National Park was on the Banksia camp access track, beach D’Entrecasteaux national parks. completed, providing 13 new camp sites, car park and along tracks in Walpole- • Parks and Wildlife staff conducted site upgraded access roads and new toilets. Nornalup and D’Entrecasteaux national interpretive tours of the Valley of the Giants • Parks and Wildlife continued planning parks. three times a day, seven days a week for the Tree Top Walk Revitalisation • Trail maintenance work was carried out throughout the year. Project, with new commercial and visitor on the Bibbulmun Track and included • More than 20 interpretive projects were experience opportunities being investigated the oiling of timber infrastructure and completed, including site interpretive and and concept designs prepared. This is installation of and repairs to steps, management signage projects, park notes an initiative that is identified in the Great small bridges, shelters and toilets. and publications, displays for community Southern Development Commission events, a community information day and Blueprint for future development in the • Several bridge refurbishment projects were updates to web based information. region. completed. Maintenance work including decking repairs, termite control, addition • Construction was completed on the new of running boards and kerbing, improved floating jetty at the Walpole town boat launch signage and vegetation management. site within Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park. This is a joint Parks and Wildlife • The management of horse riding and the and Department of Transport Recreational provision of trails within the Warren Region Boating Facility Scheme project. were reviewed in conjunction with the Department of Water. Consultation also • Planning and design work continued for took place with several horse riding groups proposed new canoe launch area near to explore riding opportunities within Walpole-Nornalup National Park. This work Shannon National Pak. will be jointly funded by the Department Valley of the Giants. Photo – Tourism WA and the Shire of Denmark.

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 47 Operational highlights Parks Management

Wheatbelt Region visitor experience by providing a safe viewing platform, picnic facilities and • Now in its 12th year, Barna Mia nocturnal redevelopment of the parking area to tours continued to provide a distinctive minimise impacts of visitation. wildlife encounter experience to visitors to Dryandra Woodland. It also provided an • In Wongan Hills Nature Reserve, the opportunity for visitors to learn more about Wongan Hills Bushcare Group continued the Department’s Western Shield program. to assist the Department with maintenance on the Mount Matilda walk trail. • Under the Parks for People initiative, work continued on a new campground in • The access road into Totadgin Dryandra Woodland that will provide 30 Conservation Park was gravelled, allowing camp sites, a new access road, toilets and for better access for all types of vehicles. a barbeque shelter. The name is Gnaala • The Central Wheatbelt District assisted the Mia, a Noongar word for ‘Our home’. Shire of Westonia to install a bird hide and • The Toyota Land Cruiser Club of WA relevant interpretative material at Sandford continued to assist with volunteer Rocks Nature reserve. The Department also maintenance work in Dryandra Woodland. assisted with the production of an updated trail brochure which guides the public In addition, an historic stockyard on the Visitors enjoy an animal encounter at Barna Mia Nocturnal Animal Sanctuary, Dryandra old Dwarda-Narrogin railway line at the through the nature reserves walk trail. Woodland. Photo – Gary Tate Congelin town site was rebuilt. Regional parks • The Lions Club of Narrogin installed two • Work continued on riparian rehabilitation • Work continued on rehabilitating large short walk trails at the Contine Hill day- • Regional Parks Branch continued to liaise with the Department of Planning works at Greenfields and Masons Landing areas of Yellagonga Regional Park as part use site to link with the interpretive shelter in the Canning River Regional Park, in of an offset package for the Eglinton Estate installed in the previous year. and WA Planning Commission regarding the establishment of the proposed Peel, partnership with the Swan River Trust. project. • The Great Southern District provided Preston River to Ocean and Northern • Post-fire weed control works, rehabilitation • The water supplementation program representation on a local tourism and Leschenault regional parks. and repair of damaged infrastructure was continued at Thomsons Lake Nature development committee to progress a • Liaison with the Department of Lands and undertaken at the Taylor-Gibbs block and Reserve in Beeliar Regional Park. The cultural walking trail on a nature reserve near Shirley Balla Swamp in Jandakot Regional program is being undertaken in conjunction Pingelly, in partnership with the community. the City of Canning was undertaken to progress the land assembly for Canning Park following the Banjup fire of February with the Water Corporation to maintain • A cover for the historic well at River Regional Park. Land assembly tasks 2013. water levels and improve waterbird habitat. Namelcatchem Nature Reserve in the Shire are underway for Herdsman Lake Regional • Work continued on the rehabilitation of of Dowerin was installed and interpretation Park to enable the creation of the proposed land in Beeliar Regional Park associated provided to describe the history of the Herdsman Lake Nature Reserve and with the Fiona Stanley Hospital and Health feature. The project has enhanced the Herdsman Lake Conservation Park. Precinct.

48 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 • Twenty-six cygnets were released from developed for each of the State’s marine Thomsons Lake into Lake Kogolup in parks in accordance with the relevant Beeliar Regional Park. Thomsons Lake management plans for those areas. The often dries up before the cygnets have COPs aim to maximise efficiency and fledged and so they need assistance to achieve a whole-of-Government approach find another water source. to effectively managing education and • Work was undertaken to manage the interpretation, patrol and enforcement, impacts of coastal erosion at Cape Peron and research and monitoring services. in Rockingham Lakes Regional Park. Parks and Wildlife’s marine program took a • The 2010–15 midge management significant step forward in the past 12 months partnership for Yellagonga Regional with the delivery of its first vessel suitable Park continued to be implemented in for staff to stay on overnight, Warndoom. conjunction with the cities of Joondalup The vessel delivers on a commitment by The Ngari vessel at Ngari Capes Marine Park. Photo – Matt Dasey/Parks and Wildlife and Wanneroo. During the past year a new the State Government to jointly manage the partnership agreement for 2015–20 was Kimberley marine parks and reserves with Both Warndoom and Ngari were secured developed. the respective traditional owners. The vessel with the assistance of Royalties for Regions type was chosen for its suitability to conduct funding. Marine operations joint management activities with traditional owners and indigenous rangers. Safety, Replacement vessels were constructed for The Department continued to implement its navigation and communications equipment use in the Walpole Nornalup Inlet and Jurien operational functions throughout the State’s are incorporated into the work platform to Bay marine parks. They will provide safe marine parks and reserves system, including meet stringent safety standards. A dedicated and effective work platforms for education boating and diving activities. vessel crew of master, engineer and first and compliance activities as well as marine In 2014–15 Parks and Wildlife worked with mate have been employed to meet the research and monitoring programs. the Department of Fisheries to sign off on requirements for manning a vessel of this size standardised templates for collaborative and are the first permanent vessel crew to join operations plans (COP) and associated the Department’s marine program. reporting. The purpose of a COP is to deliver The Department also added a new vessel more effective and efficient management to the Ngari Capes Marine Park in the south- of the State’s marine reserves through west. The Ngari is a purpose-built vessel greater cooperation and integration which has the range and capacity to work the between the two departments where they coastline from Busselton to Augusta. It will be have joint responsibilities or an overlap of the primary marine park management vessel responsibilities. Annual COPs were jointly in the region. Yawuru Rangers on board the Jangabarri. Photo – Jennifer Eliot/Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 49 Highlight Back on track: repairing the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail

Volunteers begin the big task of clearing up the remains of Long Gully Bridge. Photo – Parks and Wildlife

The O’Sullivan, Helena and Lower Hotham fires in February caused significant damage to the Munda Biddi Trail and Bibbulmun Track but as soon as the smoke cleared a concerted effort to re-open the popular trails began, with volunteers at the heart of it.

The image of the Lower Hotham fire damaged. Both tracks suffered significant Within weeks of the fire, a diversion was This program’s new approach to track destroying the historic Long Gully Bridge damage to signage, trail markings and creek created to allow the 2015 Epic End-to-End maintenance has focused on increased over the Murray River this year sent shudders crossings. ride to go ahead as planned in April and now community engagement and ownership, down the spines of a dedicated community of the majority of trail sections have been re- and it saw staff and volunteers re-mark burnt people focused on creating world-class hiking Parks and Wildlife staff, the Bibbulmun Track opened on the original alignment. Works on sections south of Northcliffe, allowing that and mountain bike tracks in the south-west. and Munda Biddi Trail foundations and their the Yirra Kartta camp site are ongoing. section of track to be opened on its original volunteers have worked hard to repair the alignment on 8 May. It was a sign of the devastating impact that damage caused by the fires. A new approach was taken to fix the these bushfires would ultimately have; a trail Bibbulmun Track, and the newly created On 19 June, the track was re-opened in its of destruction that included two bridges, On the Munda Biddi Trail, the number of Maintenance Support Volunteer Program, entirety, making end-to-end walks possible 40km of track and four camp sites along volunteers increased by 10 per cent and developed in partnership with the Bibbulmun again for the first time since the fires started the Bibbulmun Track. several volunteer maintenance workshops Track Foundation, has led the charge with in late February 2015. were run and now more than 90 per cent Parks and Wildlife. There was similar devastation on the Munda of the 108 trail maintenance sections have Biddi Trail, where 70km of trail between allocated volunteers undertaking regular Northcliffe and Walpole was burnt and the inspections and maintenance. Yirra Kartta camp site was significantly

50 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Volunteers receive training at Gringer camp site. Photo – Parks and Wildlife

The remains of the Brookton camp site along the Bibbulmun Track. Photo – Parks and Wildlife

Fire destroys the historic Long Gully Bridge. Photo – Leigh Sage/ Volunteers from the Maintenance Support Volunteer Program take a break from repairing Gardner camp site. Parks and Wildlife Photo – Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 51 Terns. Photo – Holger Woyt/Parks and Wildlife

Western ground parrot. Humpback whale. Photo – Rick Dawson/Parks and Wildlife Photo – Alan Danks/Parks and Wildlife Numbat. Photo – John Lawson

52 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

The conservation, protection and threatened or iconic, while allowing the The Bill will also include provisions for management of WA’s rich biodiversity is sustainable use of flora and fauna greater flexibility and certainty for private strategically coordinated through the Wildlife • reducing impacts of key threatening landowner conservation initiatives with a Management Service, which oversees a processes focus on encouragement, while removing range of programs and activities. This service unnecessary regulatory barriers. is built on scientific and technical knowledge • effectively targeting scientific investigations accumulated over many decades, which to improve biodiversity knowledge and The Conservation and Land Management continues to develop and grow. integrating scientific discoveries into Act Amendment Bill 2015 was introduced improved wildlife management into the Legislative Assembly on 12 March Ongoing processes of biological survey, • effective collection, storage, custodianship 2015. This Bill makes provision for a number specimen collection and classification and long-term management of information of proposed initiatives, including: are complemented by developing and and data • combining the Conservation Commission Boab flower. Photo – Greg Keighery/ implementing recovery plans for species with the Marine Parks and Reserves • promoting public and stakeholder Parks and Wildlife and ecological communities under threat, Authority into a single Conservation and awareness and understanding of wildlife identifying and acquiring land that supports Parks Commission representative ecosystems, managing areas conservation issues, and engaging and • enabling joint vesting of national parks, for their conservation values, managing encouraging people to be involved in the nature reserves and conservation parks broadscale threats to conservation, conservation and management of wildlife. between the Conservation and Parks ensuring native plants and animals are used Commission and native title parties sustainably, and continuing to promote public Legislation, policy and plans awareness of the value and vulnerability of Biodiversity conservation legislation • zoning schemes in marine parks, WA’s natural assets. including special-purpose and recreation The Department gave a high priority to zones, that allow some forms of fishing the drafting of the proposed Biodiversity The Wildlife Management Service is divided to operate while imposing restrictions on Conservation Bill throughout the year in into the following areas: others, as intended in approved marine keeping with the Premier’s commitment, • development and implementation of park management plans made in his address to Parliament on legislation, key policies and strategic plans 17 February 2015 for the Bill to be introduced • the roles of regional park coordination, • establishment and effective management into Parliament in the forthcoming year. management planning and management of the terrestrial and marine conservation The Bill is being drafted to replace the to be legislated functions of the reserve system Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 with modern Conservation and Land Management Act • maintenance of intact and healthy conservation provisions and will include (CALM Act) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ecological communities, including greatly increased penalties for persons • legislated recognition that fire wetlands, and viable populations of having significant impacts on high-priority management, including prescribed burns, species, especially those that are native plants and animals, including is an integral part of the land management threatened species, whales and dolphins. functions of the CALM Act CEO

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 53 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

• extending the maximum term of CALM Act The strategy provides the framework for the leases for recreation, tourism and other conservation of the Kimberley’s spectacular purposes from the current 21 years, with natural values and opportunities for Aboriginal a 21-year extension, to a maximum of 99 employment and nature-based tourism. It is years, consistent with the periods available being delivered through partnerships with under the Land Administration Act 1997 traditional owners, landholders, industry and • miscellaneous amendments to address non-government organisations. several minor anomalies and omissions The strategy takes a landscape-scale in the CALM Act. approach to conservation, and delivers Regional nature conservation plans increased resources to manage threats Each of the nine Parks and Wildlife regions caused by fires, feral animals and weeds operates under a five-year nature conservation irrespective of land tenure through the regional plan. This collectively provides the Landscape Conservation Initiative. A basis for improved integration and coherence dedicated monitoring program reports on of Departmental activities and functions conservation resource condition, principally in the North Kimberley bioregion. Better aimed at conserving WA’s biodiversity at a Yawuru Rangers collect benthic samples at Man-galagun/Crab Creek as part of a study into management of fire has reduced both the regional scale. These plans provide guidance mudflats and shorebirds. Photo – Jennifer Eliot/Parks and Wildlife on priority areas for biodiversity conservation. intensity and size of fire and shifted the Substantial progress was made in 2014–15 on majority of fires from late to early dry season. More information on the Kimberley Science developing plans for 2015–19 for each region. Almost 20,000 cattle have been removed with reductions of up to 44 per cent in some and Conservation Strategy is available on the Kimberley Science and Conservation areas, and the size of high priority weed website: www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/management/ Strategy infestations has more than halved. This kimberley-strategy. The State Government’s Kimberley Science initiative has also been successful in bringing and Conservation Strategy was released in back threatened mammals to parts of the June 2011, with an implementation budget of Mitchell Plateau. Mammals detected during $63 million over five years and a commitment annual monitoring included the northern quoll to ongoing funding for key initiatives. An (Dasyurus hallucatus), golden bandicoot additional $18.5 million was committed in (Isoodon auratus), golden-backed tree rat 2013 to create the proposed Kimberley (Mesembriomys macrurus), brush-tailed National Park, marine and national parks at rabbit rat (Conilurus penicillatus), scaly tailed Horizontal Falls and to extend the proposed possum (Wyulda squamicaudata) and monjon North Kimberley Marine Park to the Western rock wallaby (Petrogale burbidgei). Australian/Northern Territory border. Indopacific bottlenose dolphin. Photo – Simon Allen

54 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Establishment of the terrestrial Management Plan 2011, Parks and Reserves Management action ensuring the long-term health and marine conservation of Yanchep and Neerabup Management The Department undertook a wide range and resilience of the ecosystem. reserve system Plan 2012 and the Forest Management Plan of management actions across the State to • Aerial goat control operations at Kalbarri 2014–2023. protect biodiversity, some of which included: National Park and Watheroo National The formal conservation reserve system More information about lands and waters Park to reduce impacts from grazing on comprises national parks, nature reserves, • Intensive management work at Matuwa managed by the Department is available in the sensitive vegetation. conservation parks, marine parks, marine in conjunction with the Wiluna Martu 2014–15 Annual Report: www.dpaw.wa.gov. • Removal of African boxthorn on Beagle nature reserves, marine management areas Ranger team, including prescribed burning, au/about-us/annual-report-and-yearbook. Islands Nature Reserve, a breeding site and miscellaneous conservation reserves mammal reintroduction, predator control, for the Australian sea lion, working in referred to in the CALM Act. tracks and firebreaks and general reserve Effective management of the management. conjunction with a local volunteer group. conservation reserve system In 2014–15, the Government continued to • Continuation of the Tutanning Adaptive • Erosion control work below Deep Reach progress the establishment of parks and Management planning Management Project to maintain at least Pool in Millstream Chichester National reserves under the Kimberley Science and Park, to prevent erosion gullies from During 2014–15, one final marine 90 per cent of the alpha and beta flora Conservation Strategy. As a first step towards breaching the toe of the pool and leading management plan and three terrestrial diversity of the kwongan by establishing an creating the proposed Kimberley National to significant lowering of the water level, management plans were released, while a appropriate fire regime and controlling the Park, the Government reached agreement as well as possibly the cessation of flow further 13 were in preparation. See page 15 encroachment of sheoak. with Rio Tinto and Alcoa of Australia to in Chinderwarriner Pool. Both Deep for details. • Development of a tool to assist with long- terminate the Alumina Refinery (Mitchell Reach and Chinderwarriner pools are term prescribed burn planning. Initially for Plateau) Agreement 1971 for bauxite mining at integral parts of Yindjibarndi country and A five-year periodic audit of the use at Tutanning Nature Reserve, the tool the Mitchell Plateau (see page 8). A ratifying mythology, and key visitor nodes within implementation of the Rowley Shoals is now being trialled for other important Bill was introduced to Parliament on 25 March the park. The erosion control project Marine Park Management Plan 2007–17 conservation lands. 2015, which will enable about 175,900ha was completed by the Marine Parks and is a collaborative effort between Parks of the Mitchell Plateau to be included in the Reserves Authority, with assistance from the • Completion of a prescribed burn at and Wildlife, the Department of Water, Kimberley National Park. The Government Department. Dryandra Woodland to gather data to NRM Rangelands Pilbara Corridors, also progressed marine and terrestrial reserve refine and improve the processes for the Ngurrawaana Rangers, Yindjibarndi proposals at Eighty Mile Beach with the A list of approved management plans is restoration of Gastrolobium thickets, which Aboriginal Corporation and traditional signing of Indigenous land use agreements available on the website: www.dpaw.wa.gov. are important for the persistence of healthy owners. with Nyangumarta, Ngarla and Karajarri au/parks/management-plans/approved- populations of native animals in this area. • Continuing trials to integrate the newly traditional owners in 2014–15. management-plans. • Continued senescence monitoring of registered Eradicat® feral cat bait with fox Work continued to implement tenure kwongan heath in Wheatbelt reserves and baiting to develop improved baiting regimes proposals outlined in the Dryandra Woodland implementation of recovery activities in to protect native animals from feral cat and Management Plan 2011, Lane Poole the Wongan Hills to prevent further loss fox predation in different environments. Reserve and Proposed Reserve Additions of diversity in the short term, as well as

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 55 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

• Strong engagement with the community, former Charnley River pastoral lease subject Memorandum of Understanding between the and taxonomic review demonstrated their including Indigenous ranger groups, and to traditional owner approval. Federal Minister for the Environment and the adequate conservation status. collaboration with scientists to survey responsible state and territory ministers. biodiversity ahead of the cane toad Approximately 25km of cattle-proof fence At 30 June 2015, there were 422 extant frontline and investigate mechanisms to was constructed between the Parks and The common assessment method is based threatened flora species listed, with 15 listed mitigate their impact on native wildlife. Wildlife-managed ex-Nanutarra pastoral on the International Union for Conservation as presumed to be extinct, and 3038 taxa lease (part of the Cane River conservation of Nature Red List categories and criteria, listed on the Department’s priority flora list. • Collaboration with natural resource reserve cluster) and the Minderoo pastoral with assessments being undertaken at the management and community groups and lease, to prevent cattle from straying onto the national scale. These categories and criteria During 2014–15, 695 new records were Indigenous rangers to control weeds and conservation area. are already applied in WA so the common added to the Threatened and Priority Flora pest animals across the State, to reduce assessment method will reflect current database, of which 324 were records of new their impacts on threatened plants and Recovery and management practice in this State. populations. animals. of threatened species and Recovery actions were implemented for a Good Neighbour policy Native plants ecological communities, suite of threatened flora. Highlights included: The implementation of the Department’s Eight species were added to the State significant species and • A total of 283 species of threatened and Good Neighbour policy continued list of extant threatened flora: Androcalva ecosystems priority flora comprising 883 populations during 2014–15, including weed control, bivillosa, Austrostipa bronwenae, Austrostipa were surveyed or monitored and 53 introduced animal control programs and fire Recovery of threatened species jacobsiana, Caladenia granitora, Eremophila microtheca, subsp. narrow leaves, new populations of threatened flora and management. The Threatened Species Scientific Leucopogon nitidus, Leucopogon sp. 129 new populations of priority flora Committee’s recommendations from 2014 for In the Kimberley Region, work continued with Ongerup and Stylidium applanatum and were located. Of particular note was changes to the State lists of threatened native traditional owners, pastoral lease holders and one (Scholtzia sp. Bickley) was added as the discovery of new populations of the plants and animals under the WC Act were non-government organisations to implement a presumed extinct species. One species critically endangered ironstone brachyscias gazetted on 2 December 2014. prescribed burning, feral animal and weed (Stachystemon nematophorus) was removed (Brachyscias verecundus), many- flowered commersonia (Commersonia management programs across property The Department participated in a national from the list of threatened flora as it was apella), Stirling Range daviesia (Daviesia boundaries. working group to develop a common determined to be more common and secure pseudaphylla) and Guichenotia assessment method for listing threatened than previously thought. Banksia verticillata A grant agreement was signed with the seorsiflora. In addition, new populations species, with the objective of establishing was upgraded from vulnerable to critically Australian Wildlife Conservancy under of the endangered spiky adenanthos a single national threatened species list endangered as it is severely impacted by the Kimberley Science and Conservation (Adenanthos pungens subsp. pungens), to align the threatened species lists under a range of threatening processes. Four Strategy to provide funding for the Ecofire Bremer boronia (Boronia clavata), column the Federal Environment Protection and nomenclature changes were also endorsed. fire management program and the Tableland hakea (Hakea aculeata) and reedia (Reedia Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Conservation Partnership Project. Under the A further 60 taxa were added to the spathacea) were located. Act) with the State lists under the WC Act. agreement, the Department also authorised Department’s priority flora list, and 21 taxa The implementation of the single national feral animal and weed control activities and were deleted from the list after more survey threatened species list will be through a biological survey to be undertaken at the

56 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 • Volunteers from the Department and the threatened flora species, including the WA Native Orchid Study and Conservation critically endangered Acacia unguicula, Group collaborated on the Adopt an giant andersonia (Andersonia axilliflora), Orchid project to survey and monitor 26 yellow mountain bell (Darwinia collina), threatened and priority orchid species, wing-fruited lasiopetalum (Lasiopetalum with 78 populations monitored and 18 new pterocarpum), Stirling Range beard heath populations discovered. Other volunteers (Leucopogon gnaphalioides), Pityrodia assisted Departmental staff in conducting scabra subsp. scabra and granite a survey during which an historical tetratheca (Tetratheca deltoidea). Fencing population of the critically endangered has enabled previously heavily grazed Grevillea acropogon was relocated. plants to regrow and set seed. Marble gum. Photo – Judy Dunlop/Parks and Wildlife Volunteers in the Albany and Great • Rabbit control was undertaken to Southern districts assisted in conducting protect many threatened flora species, • Fire management protocols and Tutanning boronia (Boronia capitata surveys for many threatened flora species. including the critically endangered procedures were developed for 42 subsp. capitata), stilted tinsel lily • Phosphite applications were carried out to Aldersyde banksia (Banksia ionthocarpa threatened flora species. (Calectasia pignattiana), Drummond’s control Phytophthora dieback, targeting 13 subsp. chrysophoenix), western woolly conostylis (Conostylis drummondii), threatened flora species including seven cyphanthera (Cyphanthera odgersii • Recruitment burns were carried out to native foxglove, Wongan cactus and critically endangered taxa in Stirling Range subsp. occidentalis), yellow mountain bell, stimulate new growth of populations Norseman pea (Daviesia microcarpa). National Park and Albany coastal area and Cunderdin daviesia (Daviesia cunderdin) of the critically endangered Yornaning Three new translocation sites were populations of Lambertia echinata subsp. and white-flowered philotheca (Philotheca wattle (Acacia insolita subsp. recurva), established for the critically endangered echinata in Cape Le Grand National Park basistyla). Rabbit control included the Acacia pharangites, native foxglove Mingenew everlasting (Schoenia filifolia near Esperance. A study was completed fumigation of rabbit warrens and baiting (Dasymalla axillaris), Wongan cactus subsp. subulifolia) and one new site each investigating the effects of long-term of threatened flora habitat. (Daviesia euphorbioides), hookpoint poison (Gastrolobium hamulosum), the for mallee box (Eucalytpus cuprea) and phosphite application on the health of • Weed control was undertaken for 29 endangered Acacia chapmanii subsp. beaked eremophila (Eremophila rostrata cactus banksia (Banksia anatona) habitat threatened flora species over 461ha, australis, majestic spider orchid and subsp. trifida) in 2014–15 (Table 4). Infill with no adverse impacts observed on plant including Acacia volubilis, grass conostylis scarp darwinia (Darwinia apiculata) and planting at 17 translocation sites previously health and community composition. (Conostylis misera), blue tinsel lily the vulnerable Gastrolobium graniticum. established for 12 critically endangered • Aerial canker monitoring continued for (Calectasia cyanea), majestic spider orchid A scientifically based prescribed burn in taxa was also undertaken. Additionally, Albany banksia (Banksia verticillata) (Caladenia winfieldii), Grevillea althoferorum Gunyidi Nature Reserve in the Midwest 51 established plant translocation sites and round-leaf honeysuckle (Lambertia subsp. fragilis, Grevillea bracteosa subsp. Region investigated the seed germination containing 32 taxa were monitored. orbifolia) populations, as part of a larger howatharra, wing-fruited lasiopetalum, response of Acacia cochlocarpa to fire. • Environmental impact assessment advice south coast aerial canker research project. round-leaf lasiopetalum (Lasiopetalum was provided for 112 projects with the rotundifolium), white-flowered philotheca, • Post fire monitoring was carried out • Fencing to protect plants from grazing potential to affect threatened or priority Northampton midget greenhood for seven threatened flora species: and trampling was constructed for 26 flora across WA. (Pterostylis sinuata) and granite tetratheca. Wundowlin wattle (Acacia sciophanes),

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 57 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

Table 4: Flora translocations undertaken as part of the implementation of recovery Threatened Flora Seed Centre researching seed from a range of species and interim recovery plans in 2014–15 The Department’s Threatened Flora Seed for use in direct seeding and nursery propagation. Four hundred and thirty-nine Species Activity Number of Centre is an active member of the Australian translocations Seed Bank Partnership, a national network batches of seed were processed for 90 of conservation seed banks working towards species, with 102 sent to nurseries and Schoenia filifolia subsp. subulifolia Established new translocation sites 3 conserving Australia’s plant species and 155 used for direct seeding. Data relevant to more than 830 seed collections made for Eremophila rostrata subsp. trifida Established new translocation site 1 building and sharing knowledge to support restoration. this project have been accessioned and all Eucalyptus cuprea Established new translocation site 1 remaining seed not used in restoration will A total of 215 seed collections representing be banked by the end of the year. Acacia cochlocarpa subsp. Infill planting 1 121 species were banked at the seed centre cochlocarpa during 2014–15. One hundred and forty-five Native animals Acacia unguicula Infill planting 1 collections were from threatened flora, with At 30 June 2015, there were 247 extant 89 of these from critically endangered taxa. threatened fauna species, 19 presumed to Darwinia whicherensis Infill planting 2 Twenty-seven collections (22 taxa) were made be extinct and 13 listed as otherwise specially under the Millennium Seed Bank fieldwork protected, with a further 189 species on the Daviesia cunderdin Infill planting 1 fund and 18 collections made for the Global Department’s priority native animals list. Daviesia ovata Infill planting 1 Trees Project, through funding obtained One species, Carter’s freshwater mussel through the Australian Seed Bank Partnership (Westralunio carteri), was added to the WC Eremophila nivea Infill planting 1 from the Garfield Weston Foundation, Act list of specially protected (threatened) in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gastrolobium papilio Infill planting 2 fauna. The western ringtail possum Gardens, Kew. Eight collections were made (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) was upgraded Grevillea maccutcheonii Infill planting 2 through funding from Main Roads WA, while from vulnerable to endangered following Departmental flora conservation officers were a review of its conservation status that Grevillea maxwellii Infill planting 1 responsible for making 90 collections. Nine demonstrated the ongoing decline in this collections (five critically endangered taxa) Lambertia echinata subsp. Infill planting 2 species. Four nomenclature changes were were made for translocations, and collections occidentalis also endorsed. of a further 21 critically endangered taxa Lysiosepalum abollatum Infill planting 1 were withdrawn from the seed bank During 2014–15, 169,430 new records were Petrophile latericola Infill planting 2 and germinated for use in Departmental added to the Threatened and Priority Native translocation projects. Animal database and/or the Fauna Survey Returns system, with 33,775 of those for Assistance continued to be provided to the threatened or priority fauna species. Swan Region’s Banksia Woodland Restoration Project for processing, germinating and

58 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Recovery actions were implemented for many removed in 2014–15. As part of island biosecurity actions on Pilbara islands. This threatened native animal species during the biosecurity, surveys for introduced black five-year project is a collaboration with year. Highlights included: rats were conducted which have so far not James Cook University (JCU), Townsville detected any black rats on the island or in and commenced in 2012. A database • The Dirk Hartog Island National Park the communities of Denham, Useless Loop containing information on the biophysical Ecological Restoration Project (Return and Monkey Mia. Other activities included attributes, biodiversity values, levels of use, to 1616) is supporting the progressive vegetation monitoring using remote and threats on more than 600 islands has removal of pest animals including sensing, annual weed control/eradication been compiled and new data continues to goats, sheep and feral cats and invasive works and monitoring of weed surveillance be collected and added to the database as Ta ta lizard. Photo – Matt Swan/Parks plant species before reintroducing areas. There was also continued work in it becomes available. Pilbara island habitat and Wildlife native animals. The ambitious and community engagement and provision maps are being developed, biosecurity groundbreaking project to restore Dirk of information, including finalisation and risks are being calculated for each island, Hartog Island to its former state is distribution/installation of biosecurity and estimates of implementation costs supported by $11.54 million from the brochures and signs. are being determined. The model to assist Gorgon Barrow Island Net Conservation decision-making is being developed by Benefits (NCB) program. During 2014–15, a Surveys were conducted for three JCU researchers and is currently being significant project milestone was achieved threatened bird subspecies endemic tested and refined. Ultimately, it will be with completion of a cat-proof fence across to Dirk Hartog Island: rufous fieldwren used to identify the most cost-effective the island to assist with cat eradication. (Calamanthus campestris hartogi), southern biosecurity actions for high priority islands. Following baiting south of the fence in May emu-wren (Stipiturus malachurus hartogi), Once released publicly, the model can be 2014 and subsequent trapping, no cats white-winged fairy-wren (black and used for other island groups or mainland have been seen in the area since October white subspecies) (Malurus leucopterus areas to help prioritise management 2014. Efforts moved to development of leucopterus) and one threatened reptile, the actions. A second database containing essential project infrastructure north of the western spiny-tailed skink (Egernia stokesii information on introduced plants on all of fence, with a temporary accommodation badia). Monitoring programs are being WA’s island has also been compiled. base established at Sandy Point and more established for these species. than 100km of low-impact access track • The Barna Mia Nocturnal Animal established to assist with detection and Three environmentally sensitive moorings Sanctuary, located in Dryandra Woodland monitoring of cat activity in the northern were established at Dirk Hartog Island near Narrogin, opened its second part of the island. An aerial cat baiting for mooring the project’s purpose-built enclosure and has been successfully program was conducted during May 2015. landing vessel Wirruwana and an engineer- running tours in both enclosures designed cyclone tie-down point was showcasing several nocturnal native Since 2010 the Department has conducted established in Denham for the vessel. animals being protected under the 13 aerial shooting campaigns on the island Department’s Western Shield wildlife with a total of 7440 goats and straggler • Another NCB-funded project is developing recovery program. sheep removed, including 24 goats a tool for prioritising and implementing Australian sea lions. Photo – Peter Nicholas/ Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 59 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

• The Operation Rangelands Restoration (Perameles bougainville bougainville), during the year. A collaborative research of the rediscovery of Gilbert’s potoroo project continued at Matuwa (Lorna Glen), banded hare-wallabies (Lagostrophus project between the Department and Edith (Potorous gilbertii), which was attended by as part of an environmental offset funded fasciatus fasciatus) and burrowing bettongs Cowan University has produced likely the Australian Government’s Threatened by the Gorgon Project. Reintroduced at Wadderin Sanctuary and the privately species distribution models based on Species Commissioner, Gregory Andrews. populations of bilbies (Macrotis lagotis), managed Faure Island Wildlife Sanctuary these records. Efforts to obtain additional The annual census of this critically brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecular), (Australian Wildlife Conservancy). Trimouille northern quoll data are continuing via endangered animal continued in natural mala (Lagorchestes hirsutus), golden Island, the location of a mala translocation partnerships with consulting ecologists, and established populations on the south bandicoots (Isoodon auratus) and boodies in 1998, was resurveyed in 2014 for the industry, pastoralists and traditional owners coast. Potoroo numbers have decreased in (Bettongia lesueur) were monitored and first time since 2003, with more than in the Pilbara. the enclosure populations at Two Peoples all are persisting and breeding well. 200 animals sighted indicating a healthy • Offset funding was also used to progress Bay Nature Reserve and Waychinicup Baiting for feral cats in 2014 was shown population has established. the implementation of recovery actions National Park, with research showing that to be 30–60 per cent effective and also • Offset funding from Pilbara resources for the bilby. These include establishing a carpet pythons are a significant predator reduced wild dogs by 25 per cent. A projects was used to progress the Pilbara-wide regional monitoring program of potoroos at both sites. Growth in the PhD project studying the interactions of implementation of recovery actions for to enable mining lease monitoring Bald Island population has slowed, as it dingoes and feral cats continued as did a several Pilbara threatened species. The programs to compare population trends, reaches the limits of the island’s resources. study on the density, movement patterns is working to improve understanding of and to examine the impact of mining Community support through the Gilbert’s and interactions of wedge-tailed eagles the abundance and distribution of this infrastructure on survivorship and Potoroo Action Group provided funding to (Aquila audax) with reintroduced fauna. endangered species throughout Pilbara population viability. Parks and Wildlife for field cameras and Studies into the effect of burrowing activity habitat, where it faces threats such as two GPS pods for tracking potoroos. on soil nutrients and plant composition • Dibbler (Parantechinus apicalis) recovery industrial development, pastoralism, altered continued to progress in 2014–15 have continued, and investigations fire regimes and introduced predators. into the importance of bilby burrows to through the establishment of new wild Elsewhere in Australia, northern quolls are populations, with 55 dibblers from the other species begun in 2015. Native title threatened by cane toads, so research (exclusive possession) was declared breeding program at Perth Zoo released has also focused on modelling the priority into a 150ha introduced predator-free over Matuwa and adjacent Karrara habitat for quolls with respect to the Karrara (Earaheedy) properties in 2014 enclosure at Whiteman Park north of Perth. likely occurrence of cane toads in the Additionally, 22 dibblers from the breeding and an Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) next 10–20 years. Work undertaken in agreement and management plan was colony were released at Peniup reserve, 2014–15 included standardised monitoring west of Fitzgerald River National Park, to finalised in 2015 to allow the dedication of northern quoll populations across of the IPA. Martu Traditional Owners and continue to build that population. Numbers the Pilbara, focusing on Departmental of dibblers on Whitlock Island, Jurien Bay Parks and Wildlife will continue to manage tenure and pastoral land that is historically this rangeland property together for have increased, however capture numbers under-surveyed. A further 650 northern remain low for all other locations. conservation and cultural purposes. quoll records have been added to the • Monitoring continued of translocated NatureMap database from historical • The Gilbert’s potoroo recovery team held a Looking for signs of native animals in Matuwa populations of western barred bandicoots records, literature and surveys undertaken function to celebrate the 20th anniversary (Lorna Glen). Photo – Jennifer Eliot/Parks and Wildlife

60 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 • Seventeen numbats (Myrmecobius translocated out of Perup Sanctuary to fasciatus) from the Perth Zoo breeding Kingston forest sites to help boost the program were released into Dryandra unfenced Upper Warren population. A Woodland in 2014 to reinforce the declining workshop found that introduced predators wild population. Community support played a key role in woylie decline and that through Project Numbat provided funding it was difficult to determine the extent of to Parks and Wildlife for 15 radio collars disease as an additional factor. Murdoch and several radio tracking flights following University and partners continued research the release. Initial survival rates were high on the possible link between trypanosome with only four reported mortalities, all due parasites and woylie declines, resulting to native predators. Surveys by Project in multiple scientific publications during Numbat volunteers of numbat diggings 2014. Annual monitoring of woylies at key found that diggings were widespread sites under the Western Shield program at Boyagin Nature Reserve and were continues. observed at several sites within Dryandra’s • The predator-proof sanctuary for black- Montague Block. Numbat sightings from flanked rock wallabies (Petrogale lateralis members of the public have indicated a lateralis) at Nangeen Hill Nature Reserve in significant range expansion for the Perup/ the central Wheatbelt has allowed the local Parks and Wildlife scientists Kym Ottewell, Tara Hopley and Craig Pentland release a black-flanked Kingston population. rock wallaby at Mount Caroline in the Wheatbelt. Photo – Parks and Wildlife population to increase from 22 to 45 within • An intensive camera trapping trial has two years in the absence of introduced been underway at Dryandra Woodland predators. With the assistance of WWF to refine and improve the use of this Australia, intensive monitoring of local technology for mammal surveys, for both populations indicated that the Nangeen native and introduced animals. This work Hill population has several age groups that has broad application for biological survey, are absent from nearby populations where establishment of baseline monitoring data, fox control is conducted but cat control assessing the effectiveness of introduced is not. A study of the role of feral cats in predator control and could be used in eliminating these younger age classes in programs such as Western Shield or the Wheatbelt is ongoing. Revegetation FORESTCHECK. and weed control is also ongoing to • Work to conserve and maximise the improve the species’ habitat. Parks and genetic diversity of the remaining wild Wildlife and WWF provided funding to woylie (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi) conduct genetic analysis of rock wallaby populations continued, with 182 animals samples to better understand the genetic Golden bandicoot. Photo – Jennifer Eliot/Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 61 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

structure and inform future translocations. • The South Australian Department • The South Coast Threatened Birds • Census surveys were undertaken for Community support through WWF also of Environment, Water and Natural Recovery Plan was nationally adopted the noisy scrub-bird across the Albany provided funding for a complete census of Resources, with assistance from Parks in 2014. This incorporates recovery management zone, which includes Two all Wheatbelt populations of rock wallabies. and Wildlife and funding from the actions for five threatened south coast Peoples Bay and Mount Manypeaks Foundation for Australia’s Most Endangered birds; western ground parrot (Pezoporus nature reserves, Waychinicup National Parks and Wildlife staff from Karratha and Species Ltd (FAME) undertook a second flaviventris), western bristlebird (Dasyornis Park and Angove River. The Bald Island Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa Rangers located translocation of chuditch (Dasyurus longirostris), noisy scrub-bird (Atrichornis sub-population is continuing to grow several new populations of black-flanked geoffroii) from WA sites to the Flinders clamosus), western whipbird (western with a higher number of territorial males rock-wallabies in the Little Sandy Desert Range in South Australia. In total, heath) (Psophodes nigrogularis heard calling in 2014. Monitoring of the through camera monitoring and scat 76 individuals have been sourced from nigrogularis), western whipbird (western western bristlebird also occurred on Mount surveys in 2014–15. Monitoring of other Fitzgerald River National Park, Julimar and mallee) (Psophodes nigrogularis oberon), Gardner. Further survey and monitoring rock-wallaby populations indicated that Perup forests for the two translocations. and one presumed extinct species, rufous occurred for Australasian bittern (Botaurus the translocated population at Jilikurru is Follow-up monitoring of the original bristlebird (western) (Dasyornis broadbenti poiciloptilus) in freshwater wetlands across persisting and has expanded beyond their translocated population showed that most litoralis). the south coast using remote cameras and 2013 release site. founder animals survived and were • Western ground parrot recovery efforts listening devices. Long-term monitoring by the Department successfully reproducing. Monitoring of continued, with no further decline being • Efforts to recover Carnaby’s cockatoo in Cape Range National Park in the Pilbara chuditch populations continued as part of detected in the Cape Arid National Park (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) continued has identified rock wallabies in numerous the Western Shield program at multiple population on the south coast and good with the completion of research projects gorges and gullies through the western sites across the south-west. An numbers of parrots heard calling in 2014. tracking the movement of rehabilitated side of the park, with several groups assessment of the conservation status of Monitoring and threat management of the birds, six land purchases using offset showing evidence of active breeding. the species has been initiated. wild populations continues with substantial funds incorporating 2600ha of Carnaby’s • In collaboration with the Great Victoria volunteer participation, and community cockatoo habitat into the conservation In the Esperance District, a survey was Desert Biodiversity Trust, workshops to support via Friends of the Western Ground estate, and several projects targeted conducted of the translocated rock-wallaby review the status and gaps in knowledge Parrot Inc. A small captive population of at improving habitat quality. Long-term population at Cape Le Grand National Park for the sandhill dunnart (Sminthopsis ground parrots previously held on the monitoring of breeding sites in the and genetic material collected from black- psammophila), malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) south coast has been transferred to Perth Wheatbelt continued and the use of flanked rock-wallabies and Recherche and southern marsupial mole (Notoryctes Zoo to expand knowledge of captive artificial nest hollows has been shown rock-wallabies (Petrogale lateralis hacketiii) typhlops) were undertaken. The principal breeding this species. Cat baiting trials to be effective. As part of a Strategic from Salisbury and Mondrain islands in the output from each workshop was the continued in Cape Arid and Fitzgerald Assessment of the Perth and Peel Regions, Recherche Archipelago. clarification of research priorities to inform River national parks, with support from Parks and Wildlife carried out a revision of the management of each species in the State NRM and the Federal Government’s Carnaby’s cockatoo feeding and roosting Great Victoria Desert. This information is Biodiversity Fund. Results to date are habitat and remnant vegetation using being used to draft species research plans encouraging, with a significant decrease in remote sensing techniques and completed and guide the investment of offset funds cat activity recorded. a population viability analysis (PVA) for and corporate sponsorship contributions Carnaby’s cockatoo. in the Great Victoria Desert.

62 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 • The Department and BirdLife Australia In winter 2014, Birdlife Australia volunteers continued to band Carnaby’s cockatoos assisted in planting banksia seedlings and encouraged people to report and and other native plants at Anketell Road in photograph banded birds. The sixth Great Jandakot Regional Park. Cocky Count was held in April 2014, • Western swamp tortoise (Pseudemydura with 290 sites surveyed by more than umbrina) populations at Ellen Brook, Twin 600 volunteers. Results were released Swamps, Mogumber and Moore River in August 2014. Minimum population nature reserves were stable in 2014 with estimates from the greater Perth-Peel monitoring demonstrating that the number region were 7154 birds, while 4227 white- of adult tortoises in the wild has been Environment Minister Albert Jacob and school student Jade release tailed black cockatoos were counted above 50 individuals for three years. This outside this area. The 2014 Count was the western swamp tortoises into Twin Swamps Nature Reserve. represents significant progress towards a Photo – Parks and Wildlife first focused roost count survey for forest key recovery plan objective. The captive red-tailed black cockatoos (Calyptorhyncus breeding program at Perth Zoo continued banksii naso) across the south-west of WA to provided juveniles for translocation, with and confirmed the presence of this species a further 68 juveniles released into Twin throughout the inner metropolitan suburbs Swamps and Moore River nature reserves of Perth. The seventh Great Cocky Count throughout the year. The 500th juvenile was held on 12 April 2015. Birdlife Australia, tortoise was released at an event attended with assistance from Parks and Wildlife, by the Environment Minister. A new facility coordinated and hosted a symposium at Perth Zoo was completed. for Baudin’s cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii) and forest red-tailed black • A collaborative project between the cockatoos. Offset funding was sourced by Department and Murdoch University the Murdoch University research team lead examined genetic variation between the by Dr Kris Warren to track black cockatoos threatened Pilbara olive python (Liasis across forested areas in the Swan Region. olivaceus barroni) and the northern subspecies of olive python (L. o. olivaceus). • The Jandakot Banksia Woodland This work, which was funded by BHP Restoration Project established 50ha of Billiton Iron Ore, demonstrated that the banksia woodland through topsoil transfer, two olive pythons are genetically distinct. planting and direct seeding to provide new Carnaby’s feeding habitat. The project also funded weed control across an area of more than 600ha and fencing for approximately 1000ha of feeding habitat. Five-day-old nestling Carnaby’s cockatoo in tree hollow. Photo – Rick Dawson/Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 63 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

• A number of projects on marine turtles key Ningaloo coast beaches. A lower- were undertaken in 2014–15, including: than-average nesting season was – Further work on a project focusing recorded during 2014–15, with 1174 on the composition, distribution and nests identified. Of these nests, 53 per seasonality of marine turtle nesting in cent were from green turtles (Chelonia the Kimberley that began in 2013 as part mydas), 37 per cent from loggerheads of the Kimberley Node of the Western and eight per cent from hawksbill Australian Marine Science Institution turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). A nest (WAMSI). This project is led by Parks predation study was undertaken for the and Wildlife and is being undertaken first time to gain more accurate data by a consortium of researchers and on the impact of introduced predators Aboriginal groups. on turtle nests. Twenty green turtle nests were monitored daily throughout – In the Kimberley, flatback turtle (Natator incubation (58–75 days), with between depressus) nest monitoring continued zero and five per cent predation by on Eighty Mile Beach in partnership introduced predators recorded. One with traditional owners, pastoralists and incidence of suspected fox predation volunteers. Flatback turtle populations was captured on camera. Sixteen of the were also monitored at Cape Domett nests (and an additional 12 unmonitored to determine population viability in nests) were exhumed after hatching, conjunction with Miriuwung-Gajerrong with 38 per cent showing low levels and Balanggarra traditional owners. of egg damage, mostly attributed to – At Dirk Hartog Island National Park, ghost crabs and other natural causes. ongoing monitoring of nesting The average hatching and emergence loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) success rates were 81 per cent and 77 continued, assisted by a remote camera per cent, respectively. system. The extended monitoring – The Dampier Archipelago supports period showed that Dirk Hartog Island the largest hawksbill turtle rookery supports one of the world’s largest in the Indo-Pacific and one of the nesting loggerhead turtle populations. biggest in the world. Turtle monitoring – The Ningaloo Turtle Program funded by on Rosemary Island, which lies within Parks and Wildlife, Woodside and BHP the archipelago, primarily focused on Billiton continued, with 47 volunteers hawksbill turtles and continued to add contributing 3470 hours in identifying to knowledge of spatial trends, turtle nests by the track count method along mortality and growth rates. Rosemary Green turtle. Photo – Adam Williams/Parks and Wildlife

64 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Island has been a focus for hawksbill • With funding assistance from South West turtle tagging and monitoring research Catchments Council, Parks and Wildlife since the mid-1980s. The project is undertook surveys at 66 sites containing undertaken by Parks and Wildlife staff white- and orange-bellied frogs (Geocrinia and volunteers. alba and G. vitellina, respectively) in 2014. – The West Pilbara Turtle Program, One hundred and forty seven captive- funded by Rio Tinto, is a cooperatively reared white-bellied frogs from the Perth managed, community-based program Zoo were released at a new location in that monitors flatback turtles at Witchcliffe forest, while 111 captive-reared Wickham beaches. Volunteers from orange-bellied frogs from Perth Zoo were Karratha and Wickham monitored released at two new sites south of the nesting, false crawls, hatching and Blackwood River. Monitoring of Witchcliffe nest interference by predators and sites where translocations have previously humans. Volunteer numbers continued occurred has provided the first conclusive to increase, reflecting the value of this evidence that captive-reared white-bellied program to the local community. frogs are mating and reproducing in the wild. – In response to a pilot study undertaken in 2013 on Mundabullangana Station • The proportion of hairy marron (Cherax in the Pilbara, flatback turtle rookery tenuimanus) to smooth increased at a trial monitoring continued in 2014–15 to site that had smooth and hybrid marron Flatback turtle heading back out to sea after nesting. Photo – Alison McCarthy/Parks and Wildlife determine the impacts of predation intensively removed. The captive breeding by feral cats and foxes. Sixty-nine program for hairy marron continued in 2014 are planned for September 2015. Central monitoring sites were installed, at the Pemberton Freshwater Research Wheatbelt District staff played a critical role 31 of which were monitored using Centre. in realigning a proposed shire road to avoid remote cameras while the other 38 • A survey of the only known population of Barbalin Nature Reserve and butterfly were physically monitored from egg the critically endangered arid bronze azure habitat. laying until after hatching. Eggs on all butterfly (Ogyris subterrestris petrina) in monitored nests were counted and Barbalin Nature Reserve in the Wheatbelt recorded at the time of laying and has shown a significant increase in range exhumed after hatching to determine and adult males were also spotted in the nesting success. Early data indicate that nearby Wundowlin Nature Reserve. The foxes are the primary nest predator with yearly monitoring transects have now been the majority of nest incursions occurring extended to record this expansion over in the week leading up to hatching. time. Surveys into remnant vegetation on Arid bronze azure butterfly. Photo – Hayden private land and mark-recapture studies Cannon/Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 65 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

Table 5: Native animal translocations undertaken as part of the implementation of Recovery of threatened • Site visits were made to 104 occurrences recovery and interim recovery plans, and other conservation initiatives in 2014–15 ecological communities of TECs and PECs and data was collected about habitat, composition, condition Species Translocated from Translocated to The Threatened Ecological Communities and threats leading to the development or Chuditch (Dasyurus geoffroii) Upper Warren, Julimar Flinders Range, South Scientific Committee met twice during the improvement of recommended recovery Forest, Fitzgerald River Australia year and considered 36 nominations for actions. National Park changes to the lists of threatened ecological • Environmental impact assessment advice Dibbler (Parantechinus Perth Zoo Whiteman Park, Peniup communities (TECs) and priority ecological was provided for 108 projects, with the apicalis) Reserve communities (PECs). At 30 June 2015, there potential to affect TECs or PECs across WA. were 66 extant TECs, three listed as ‘totally Numbat (Myrmecobius Perth Zoo Dryandra Woodland, • At Lake Cooloongup and Walyungup near destroyed’, and 339 PECs listed by the fasciatus) Karakamia Sanctuary Rockingham, the Department’s Regional Department. Orange-bellied frog Perth Zoo Blackwood River area Parks Unit continued a project to control (Geocrinia vitellina) Highlights of work done to protect TECs and weeds including sharp rush (Juncus acutus), giant reed (Arundo donax) and Tammar wallaby (Macropus Karakamia Sanctuary Whiteman Park Woodland PECs are outlined below. Some activities, eugenii derbianus) Reserve, Paruna Wildlife such as weed control, fencing, surveys and cotton bush (Gomphocarpus fruticosus) Sanctuary data analysis were completed with assistance and began a new project targeting pampas from non-government organisations, grass (Cortaderia selloana), Geraldton Western ground parrot Captive facility on South Perth Zoo carnation weed (Euphorbia terracina) and (Pezoporus flaviventris) Coast volunteers and externally sourced funds. dune onion weed (Trachyandra divericata). Western swamp tortoises Perth Zoo Twin Swamps Nature • A total of 181 occurrences of TECs or This weed control, and major works (Pseudemydura umbrina) Reserve, Moore River Nature PECs were added to the Department’s targeting impacts from off-road vehicles Reserve Threatened and Priority Ecological at Port Kennedy Scientific Park, were White-bellied frog (Geocrinia Perth Zoo Witchcliffe forest Community database. New occurrence undertaken to benefit the ‘Sedgelands in alba) information was added or boundary holocene dune swales’ TEC. mapping revised for six TECs and 15 Woylie (Bettongia penicillata Perup Sanctuary Greater Kingston National • In the Swan Region, works were PECs, assisting in resolving their status ogilbyi) Park undertaken in 27 reserves to benefit and providing improved information for Woylie (Bettongia penicillata Kanyana Perup Sanctuary 23 TECs and six PECs, including weed land-use planning. This included 57 ogilbyi) mapping and control, installation and repair occurrences of two PECs in the Kimberley of fences and gates, improvement and Region, 61 occurrences of a PEC in the installation of reserve signage, rubbish Pilbara Region, and 31 occurrences of removal and revegetation of degraded the ‘Subtropical and temperate coastal areas. The effectiveness of up to 10 years saltmarsh’ PEC. of Watsonia management in two woodland TECs and two claypan TECs was

66 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 determined through mapping and quadrat continued and weed control was also flora inside and outside enclosures has so vegetation condition was monitored, and scoring. Ten floristic quadrats established completed in a nature reserve to benefit far indicated that fencing enabled heavily rabbit control completed, together with a in claypan TECs in 1997 were relocated the Blackwood alluvial flats PEC. Six grazed plants to reproduce and set seed. review of groundwater monitoring. and rescored to assess threats and quadrats were established to clarify Seed has been collected from critically • In the Midwest Region, goat control was management effectiveness. Six quadrats the presence of TECs. endangered flora (e.g. Latrobea colophona) completed at Watheroo National Park were established to clarify the presence • A prescribed burn was conducted in within enclosures that have recovered from and Pinjarrega Nature Reserve to reduce of TECs, and a further six quadrats the south-west coastal grasslands PEC grazing. Rabbit baiting was implemented grazing and provide habitat protection for installed to monitor post-fire recovery in and quadrats monitored to determine to protect 25ha of the montane TEC and the bentonite lakes TEC. Control of Juncus the fire-sensitive Callitris preissii-dominated fire response as part of the Warren signage was installed to inform the public acutus was completed at Lake Thetis to TEC. A plan to manage Phytophthora Region’s Quarram Adaptive Management about the research and fencing installed help protect the lake’s stromatolite TEC. dieback disease was completed, signage Fire Project. Sensor cameras were also to protect the area and deter visitors from Reserve inspections were completed to installed and tracks closed in a banksia installed to monitor illegal access into this trampling vegetation. assess management effectiveness for TEC and two PECs in the Gingin area. PEC. Media promotions highlighted the • In the Wheatbelt Region, work continued three TECs in nature reserves, and four Monthly bore monitoring was completed, damage caused by motorbikes through on a revised recovery plan for the Toolibin occurrences of PECs were surveyed. pig traps installed, and a series of small the Mount Lindesay TEC. Monitoring was Lake TEC Recovery Catchment and a Significant liaison with a research institute fences constructed to control the impacts completed in the ‘Reedia swamps of the groundwater monitoring and rationalisation was completed regarding mapping the of surface water and associated weed Warren Region’ PEC following bushfires to report was completed. Photo point Posidonia australis complex seagrass invasion in a claypan TEC. Hydrological determine its recovery. Water monitoring monitoring was also established and meadows assemblage, and liaison was monitoring was continued in a mound was also completed every two months in periodic survey, rabbit control and culling undertaken with a mining company, spring TEC to track water quality and falling seven occurrences of this PEC, and grant of kangaroos completed on the floor conservation groups, other government groundwater levels. Dieback mapping, funds utilised to initiate chemical analysis of Toolibin Lake. Infill planting on land agencies and land managers about a dieback plan and construction of four of soil and water, and peat rehabilitation purchased by the Department (Miller’s conservation management of the Mount wash-down points were completed in through mulching and furrowing. The fire Block) was completed to help improve Gibson banded ironstone formation PEC. Lowlands Reserve to benefit a wetland response of the ‘Sphagnum communities catchment health for the Lake Toolibin and banksia woodland PEC. • In the Pilbara Region, a broadscale of the Tingle Forest’ PEC was monitored TEC. Monitoring of groundwater in 200 program to reduce the impact of • In the South West Region, annual following a prescribed burn. A new bores in the catchment continued, with donkeys, horses and camels on the phosphite spraying of the Busselton occurrence of the Frankland Augusta improved efficiency in collecting data fragile vegetation of the Fortescue Marsh ironstone TEC was completed to control microbial PEC was located. through an upgraded telemetry system. PEC continued. This was complemented dieback disease. An extensive Typha • In the South Coast Region, fencing In partnership with a community group, by a collaborative partnership between and Watsonia control program was of 5km2, including eight enclosures, unnecessary tracks were closed, bollards, Parks and Wildlife, the Pilbara Mesquite commenced in Byrd Nature Reserve to was completed on Bluff Knoll within signs and a new parking bay installed, and Management Committee, Roy Hill Iron Ore, improve the condition of a claypan TEC. the montane heath and thicket TEC. a walk trail constructed with boot hygiene Fortescue and Roy Hill Station, in which An ongoing bulbous weed control program Monitoring established to compare stations at Birdwood Nature Reserve to 20,679 Parkinsonia aculeata plants were in Waterloo Nature Reserve that contains floristics, structure, growth and protect a claypan TEC and component removed upstream of the marsh. two claypan and woodland TECs was reproduction of critically endangered threatened flora. At the Lake Bryde TEC,

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 67 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

Monitoring of the potential impacts of mine Restoration rufous bristlebird (western) (Dasyornis of WA’s 12 Ramsar sites now have endorsed dewatering on the Coolibah-lignum flats: The Banksia Woodland Restoration Project is broadbenti litoralis). Recovery plans for the ecological character descriptions (ECD). A Eucalyptus victrix over Muehlenbeckia PEC undertaking restoration of natural habitats in western ringtail possum and the white-bellied draft of the final ECD, Becher Point Wetlands, in Karijini National Park continued, with no the Perth metropolitan region as an offset for and orange-bellied frogs (Geocrinia alba and is complete and endorsement is being sought. threshold criteria being exceeded. vegetation clearing at Jandakot Airport. This G. vitellina) were submitted to the Australian The Department provided logistic and project aims to create and restore habitat for Government for adoption following public • In the Kimberley Region, significant technical support for research by Murdoch the Carnaby’s cockatoo and grand spider review periods. industry sponsorship was secured for University’s Marine and Freshwater Research orchid. New banksia woodland has been a project in the Roebuck Bay TEC under More information on recovery planning is Laboratory into the submerged aquatic plant established through topsoil transfer and the Eighty Mile Beach and Walyarta available on the website: www.dpaw.wa.gov. communities, nutrient status and ecological planting (40ha) and direct seeding (12ha) at Conservation program. The project au/plants-and-animals/threatened-species- health of the Vasse and Wonnerup estuaries. Forrestdale Lake and along Anketell Road in is focusing on invertebrate fauna as a and-communities. descriptor of life in the sediments and as a Jandakot Regional Park. So far, more than Biannual monitoring of waterbirds across the food source for shorebirds. Mud sampling 150 species of native plants are growing in Wetland conservation Lake Warden and Lake Gore Ramsar sites for benthic invertebrates was continued in these areas. The project has also funded at Esperance continued and confirmed the the Roebuck Bay TEC. more than 600ha of weed control and fencing Ramsar and nationally significant success of managing water levels to maintain of more than1000ha. Restoration of banksia wetlands • In the Goldfields Region, the PEC ‘Yellow a variety of waterbird habitats. woodland took place at 20 sites with funding sandplain vegetation of the Great Victoria Twelve WA wetlands are listed under the from a community grants program. In the Muir-Byenup Ramsar wetlands, a Desert with diverse vertebrate fauna’ was International Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention). The work of completing State project commenced to investigate the inspected. Recovery planning and Federal government approvals for hydrogeochemistry of peat wetlands to assess • Two papers assessing the level of risk to The implementation of the existing recovery updated Ramsar information sheets (RIS) for the risks of further acidification, particularly two TECs using new international criteria plan for the Scott Ironstone Association was all 12 Ramsar sites continued (Table 6). During in light of continued declines in rainfall and developed for ecosystems were published reviewed, and plan was updated. the 2014–15 period, the revised RISs for increased fire vulnerability. Field investigations in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Becher Point and Vasse-Wonnerup Ramsar began in 2014, involving collection of peat The South Coast Threatened Birds More information on threatened flora, native sites were endorsed by the State and Federal cores and analysis of physical and chemical Recovery Plan was adopted by the animals and ecological communities is governments and provided to the Ramsar properties. This work will also inform fire Australian Government under the EPBC available on the website: www.dpaw.wa.gov. Convention Secretariat for uploading onto management around peat wetlands and Act. This incorporates recovery actions for au/plants-and-animals/threatened-species- the convention’s website. A final draft of the contribute to a better understanding of the five threatened south coast birds: western and-communities. revised Ord River Floodplain RIS has been hydrology of this important wetland suite and ground parrot (Pezoporus flaviventris), completed using the new online template and other similar wetland areas. Also within this western bristlebird (Dasyornis longirostris), was submitted to the Federal government wetland suite, wetlands previously sampled noisy scrub-bird (Atrichornis clamosus), for forwarding to the Ramsar Secretariat for aquatic invertebrates 10 and 20 years ago western whipbird (western heath) (Psophodes for comment. Western Australia is the first were resampled to determine the effects of nigrogularis nigrogularis), western whipbird Australian jurisdiction to review a RIS using declining rainfall and groundwater tables on (western mallee) (Psophodes nigrogularis the Convention’s new online format. Eleven this element of the Muir-Byenup wetlands. oberon), and one presumed extinct species,

68 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 The Department continued to be responsible Table 6: Management plans for Ramsar wetlands in WA for coordinating proposals for the possible nomination of nine wetlands for Ramsar Ramsar site Ramsar Ecological Management plan information character listing. Candidate areas are: sheet description • Lake MacLeod Ord River 2015 (in 2008 Ord River and Parry Lagoons nature reserves management plan 2012 • Lake Gregory Floodplain progress) • Cape Range subterranean waterways Lakes Argyle 2015 (in 2010 • Lake Ballard and Kununurra progress) • Millstream pools Roebuck Bay 2009 2009 Draft for review by Yawuru Park Council: Roebuck Bay Intertidal Reserve-Joint draft • east Hamelin Pool in the Shark Bay World management plan 2013 Heritage area Roebuck Bay Ramsar Site management plan (Roebuck Bay Working Group 2009) • Ellen Brook swamps system Eighty Mile Beach 2009 2009 Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park management plan 2014–24 • tributaries of the Lower Blackwood River Eighty Mile Beach Ramsar Site management plan (in preparation) (formerly Spearwood Creek) Forrestdale and 2009 2009 Thomsons Lake Nature Reserve management plan 2005 • Fortescue Marshes. Thomsons lakes Forrestdale Lake Nature Reserve management plan 2005

The Department continued to work with Peel–Yalgorup 2015 (in 2007 Peel–Yalgorup System Ramsar Site management lan, Peel–Harvey Catchment Council 2009 System progress) other states and the Federal Government Yalgorup National Park management plan 1995-2005 in developing a national wetlands policy Final in preparation, Swan Coastal Plain South draft management plan 2014 regarding the implementation of international Toolibin Lake 2014 2006 Recovery plan for Toolibin Lake, Toolibin Lake Recovery Team and Technical Advisory agreements. Toolkits for identifying, classifying Group 1994 and managing high ecological value aquatic Final draft: Toolibin Lake recovery plan 2013 review, Toolibin Lake Recovery Team and ecosystems were finalised and made publicly Technical Advisory Group 2013 available. Vasse–Wonnerup 2014 2007 Busselton Wetlands Conservation Strategy, WAPC 2005 More information on internationally and System Final in preparation, Swan Coastal Plain south draft management plan 2013 nationally significant wetlands is available Tuart Forest National Park management plan 2014 on the website: www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/ Lake Warden 2009 2009 Final in preparation, Esperance and Recherche parks and reserves draft management management/wetlands. System plan 2012 Becher Point Wetlands 2014 Draft 2014 Rockingham Lakes Regional Park management plan 2010 Lake Gore 2009 2009 Final in preparation, Esperance and Recherche parks and reserves draft management plan 2012 Muir–Byenup System 2009 2009 Perup management plan 2012

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 69 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

Wetlands mapping and evaluation More information on wetland management projects and mapping is available on the website: During the year, the Department maintained www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/management/wetlands. and added data to the corporate and Parks and Wildlife continued to monitor publically available wetlands mapping layer, groundwater and the biological responses of the Geomorphic Wetlands Swan Coastal fringing and wetland vegetation at a selection Plain dataset which covers an area of of Wheatbelt wetlands to threats such as 364,960ha from Moore River in the north to salinisation and climate change for the State Dunsborough in the south and east to the Salinity Strategy, with the focus on higher base of the Darling escarpment. Statistics conservation value wetlands, including those have been updated for wetland extent and in recovery catchments. Summary analyses of values including management categories and aquatic invertebrates and waterbirds from the wetland type. The Department finalised and fauna component of this program have begun. released a draft document ‘A methodology for the evaluation of specific wetland types The 1977–2013 report on depth, salinity and on the Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia’ pH status and trends of 103 wetlands included and received requests from stakeholders, in the South West Wetlands Monitoring including environmental consultants, Program, also conducted by the Department A Parks and Wildlife officer measures the pH and temperature of the water in a wetland landholders and State and local government under the State Salinity Strategy, was near Cervantes. Photo – Parks and Wildlife agencies, to modify wetland mapping in the completed. This report highlighted wetlands dataset (management category, classification in national parks and nature reserves where Reports on some of these wetlands have or boundary reviews). changes were of particular interest or concern, been published, some of which are available such as the Warden and Tordit-Gurrup Mapping layers are also available for on the website: www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/ Ramsar wetlands. Water level and rainfall were Cervantes to Coolimba Coast, Cervantes management/wetlands/127-mapping-and- also continuously monitored at nine high-value to Eneabba, Cervantes South, Wheatbelt, monitoring/223-surveying-monitoring- wetlands, including key breeding sites for Darkan to Duranillin and Augusta to Walpole, wetlands. the threatened Australasian bittern, to help while other wetland mapping layers where develop an improved understanding of likely endorsement of methodology is yet to consequences of predicted climate change, occur include the Leeuwin-Naturaliste particularly rainfall decline, on wetlands of Ridge, Donnybrook to Nannup, Manjimup south-western Australia. to Northcliffe, Cottesloe Coastal Plain and Margaret River East.

70 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Management of marine wildlife in the number of fur seal sightings reported by 2014. The aerial surveys provided the basis for In 2013, the Department decided not to renew the public. setting commercial harvest quotas for 2015. the Management Plan for the Commercial During 2014–15, the Department responded Harvest and Farming of Crocodiles in Western to 30 whale and dolphin incidents. In April 2015, a senior wildlife officer The aerial survey results for the South East Australia, due to declining levels of interest These involved 57 individual animals represented the Department at an International Zone indicated that the estimated populations from industry. Currently, there is only one from eight species: southern right whale Whaling Commission Workshop in the United of both western grey and red kangaroos in licensed crocodile farm remaining in the (Eubalaena australia), long-finned pilot States on large whale entanglement response this zone had dropped below the thresholds State and it has significantly scaled back its whale (Globicephala melas), pygmy sperm management and contributed to improving contained in the management plan. As commercial farming operations. whale (Kogia breviceps), humpback whale welfare management protocols. such, the Department was unable to set a (Megaptera novaeangliae), sperm whale commercial harvest quota for this zone for The Department continued to implement Management of commercial activities 2015. Following a more detailed analysis of the management plan for the commercial (Physeter macrocephalus), striped dolphin involving native animals and plants (Stenella coeruleoalba), bottlenose dolphin this data and a review of historical harvest harvesting of protected flora, which was The Department ensured that wildlife-based (Tursiops spp.) and the first record in WA of figures, a reduced quota was set in the South approved by the Federal Government under activities occurring during the year were Omura’s whale (Balaenoptera omurai). The East Agricultural and Nullarbor management the EPBC Act in July 2013. A noticeable licensed and managed in accordance with the Omura’s whale was only the second time this areas in March and June 2015, respectively. downturn has been seen in this industry in Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act) and species has been recorded in Australia. recent years. associated regulations, and were investigated There was one mass stranding of 23 long- to ensure compliance with legislation and the finned pilot whales in 2014–15. Ten of this licences issued. group were successfully returned to the sea. Quotas and commercial harvests for 2014 Twelve humpback whales and one southern were: right whale were reported entangled in fishing • western grey kangaroo (Macropus gear and marine debris during 2014–15. Five fuliginosus) – quota: maximum of 197,600; whales were successfully disentangled, while harvest: 97,459 the fate of the others is unknown as distance • red kangaroo (M. rufus) – quota: maximum from shore or unfavourable conditions of 85,000; harvest: 40,681 prevented intervention. • euro (M. robustus) – no commercial There were 15 reported seal incidents harvest during 2014. involving five species: Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea), New Zealand fur seal Under a nationally approved kangaroo (Arctocephalus forsteri), sub-Antarctic fur management plan, aerial population surveys seal (A. tropicalis), leopard seal (Hydrurga of kangaroos were undertaken in the South leptonyx) and southern elephant seal East Zone between August and September (Mirounga leonine). There was an increased 2014 and the South West Zone in October An Omara’s whale carcass found at Exmouth. Photo – Geof Parry/Channel 7

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 71 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

Regulation states. Another incident involved four foreign nationals who were apprehended after illegally Flora and fauna licensing taking 128 reptiles in the Kimberley, Pilbara In 2014–15, there were 1808 flora licences and Midwest regions and attempting to and permits issued, a slight decrease of smuggle them out of the country through the 3.7 per cent from the previous year. This post to Thailand, Russia and Hungary. included 265 commercial purposes licences, A total of 389 Western Australian reptiles 153 commercial producer and nurseryman were seized, including south-west carpet licences, 1157 scientific or other prescribed python (Morelia spilota imbricata), black purposes licences, 22 sandalwood licences headed python (Aspidites melanocephalus), and 207 permits to take Declared Rare Flora Stimson’s python (Antaresia stimsoni), (Table 7). The Department also issued 7996 pygmy python (Antaresia perthensis), fauna licences (other than damage, but children’s python (Antaresia childreni), death including non-commercial), a decrease of adder (Acanthopis pyrrhus), shingleback 6.3 per cent from the previous year (Table skink (Tiliqua rugosa), western blue tongue 8). The interest in keeping pet herpetofauna (Tiliqua occipitalis), ornate rock dragon (reptiles and frogs) increased slightly (4.4 per (Ctenophorus ornatus), Pilbara rock monitor cent), with 4575 people currently licensed for (Varanus pilbarensis scincoides), stripe tailed up to three years. The number of avian fauna Stripe-tailed pygmy monitors were found concealed inside a children’s book in a smuggling attempt. pygmy monitor (Varanus caudolineatus), Photo – Matt Swan/Parks and Wildlife licences issued continued to decline with spiny tailed skink (Egernia sp.), knob tailed 2351 licences issued, a 17 per cent decrease gecko (Nephrurus levis), spiny tailed gecko on the previous year. (Strophurus sp.) and oblong turtle (Chelodina Incidents of prohibited reptiles being brought oblonga). Prohibited species seized included into or kept illegally in WA continued to a northern carpet python (M. s. variegata) increase. During 2014–15, the majority of from Darwin, three central bearded dragons illegally kept reptiles were seized in the (Pogona vitticeps), three coastal carpet metropolitan area but the numbers in regional pythons (M. s. mcdowelli) from New South areas rose substantially, particularly in the Wales/Queensland, one jungle python (M. Midwest and Kimberley. These included s. cheynei) from Queensland and one hybrid three separate instances in which a single python commonly referred to as a ‘Jag’ individual was apprehended for illegally taking (Morelia cross). 206 reptiles from the wild in the Wheatbelt, Midwest and Kimberley regions, to export them to more lucrative markets in the eastern Sandplain geckos. Photo – Matt Swan/Parks and Wildlife

72 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Damage and dangerous fauna licences 24 licences for little corellas (Cacatua Table 7: Flora licences issued in 2014–15 The Department received eight reports of sanguinea), 24 licences for western long-billed potential problem crocodiles within crocodile corellas (Cacatua pastinator), seven licences Flora licences No. issued for eastern long-billed corellas (Cacatua control zones and another three reports Commercial purposes 265 outside these zones in the Kimberley. Three tenuirostris), five licences for ringneck parrots licences were issued to remove saltwater (Barnardius zonarius), five licences for galahs Commercial producers 153 crocodiles from the wild because they posed (Eolophus roseicapilla) and three licences for Sandalwood (from Crown land) 1 a threat to the public, resulting in three Australian ravens. Eleven licences were also Sandalwood (from private land) 22 crocodiles being destroyed and two others issued to scare, trap and relocate or destroy being relocated to a crocodile park. One waterfowl causing damage. In total, 108 Forest produce (from Crown land) 3 damage licences were issued for birds, an licence was issued to remove and relocate Scientific/prescribed purposes 1157 freshwater crocodiles from lakes Kununurra increase of 14 per cent from 2013–14. and Argyle but no animals were trapped. Take declared rare flora 207 More information is available on the website: Total flora licences 1808 Nineteen dangerous fauna licences were www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/plants-and-animals/ issued for aggressive magpies (Cracticus licences-and-permits. tibicen), nine for kangaroos, four for Australian ravens (Corvus coronoides) and two for kookaburras (Dacelo novaeguineae) (Table 9). A number of dangerous fauna licences were issued to mitigate the risk of aircraft strike at Perth, Jandakot and regional airports. These licences applied to a range of mostly bird species, but also included red kangaroos and western grey kangaroos.

A total of 486 licences were issued for the control of animals causing damage (Table 10), including 18 licences for emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae), 364 licences for western grey kangaroos (a slight increase of 1.9 per cent in licence numbers but a reduction of 7.2 per cent increase in the number taken), five licences for red kangaroos, two licences for euros, four licences for agile wallabies, Estuarine crocodile. Photo – Tim Willing

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 73 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

Table 8: Fauna licences issued in 2014–15

Fauna licences No. issued Dealing (emu eggshells) (Reg 13) 3 Collection (Reg 17) 501 Farming (Reg 14) 8 Bird/bat banding (Reg 23) 149 Crocodiles: Education and public: Processing (Reg 7) 1 To take marine interaction (Reg 15) 248 Skin dealing (Reg 10) 0 To take other (Reg 15) 203 Farming (Reg 14) 1 To hold (Reg 16) 139 Kangaroos: Avian fauna: Take for sale (Reg 6) 418 Trap (Reg 11) 1 Processing (Reg 7) 17 Species trapped commercially: Deal in carcasses (Reg 8) 19 Twenty-eight parrot (Barnardius zonarius) 31 Skin dealing (Reg 10) 6 Red-capped parrot (Purpurceicephalus spurious) 7 Export interstate: Western rosella (Platycercus icterotis) 61 Skins of fauna (or other dead fauna) 45 Keep and breed in captivity (Reg 12) 2351 Fauna (live) 190 Keep in captivity (Reg 12A) 60 Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) 40 Deal (Reg 13) 39 Export overseas: Breed for commercial purposes (Reg 14) 0 Skins of fauna (or other dead fauna) from WA 11 Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians): Emu eggs or products (personal items) from WA 0 Keeping 2603 Fauna (avian) from WA (live) 0 Dealing 36 Import from interstate: Farming 1 Skins of fauna (or other dead fauna) into WA 3 Taking 7 Australian fauna (live) 286 Removing 437 Live exotic birds and other animals 145 Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae): Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) 25 Processing (emu eggshells) (Reg 7) 3 Total fauna licences 7996 Dealing (Reg 8) 0

74 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Table 9: Dangerous fauna licences issued in 2014–15

Dangerous fauna No. of Authorisation Black kite (Milvus migrans) 2 destroy 34 Hoary-headed grebe 1 scare only licences licences (Poliocephalus policephalus) Black-shouldered kite (Elanus 1 *destroy issued axillaris) 1 scare only Laughing kookaburra (Dacelo 1 *destroy Australasian shoveler 1 *destroy novaeguineae) 1 scare only Black swan 1 *destroy (Anas rhynchotis) 1 scare only (Cygnus atratus) 2 scare only Little black cormorant 1 *destroy Australian bustard 2 destroy 40 (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris) 1 scare only (Ardeotis australis) Brown falcon (Falco berigora) 1 *destroy Little corella (Cacatua 3 *destroy 90 Australian hobby 1 *destroy 2 scare only sanguinea) 1 scare only (Falco longipennis) 1 scare only Carnaby’s cockatoo 1 scare only (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) Little eagle (Hieraaetus 1 *destroy Australian kestrel 1 *destroy morphnoides) Collared sparrowhawk 1 *destroy 1 scare only (Falco cenchroides) 2 scare only (Accipiter cirrocephalus) 1 scare only Long-billed corella (western) 1 *destroy Australian magpie 17 destroy 23 (Cacatua pastinator) Crested pigeon 1 *destroy 1 scare only (Gymnorhina tibicen) 2 scare only (Ocyphaps lophotes) 1 scare only Long-billed corella 1 *destroy Australian magpie lark 1 *destroy (eastern states species) Emu (Dromaius 1 *destroy 4 1 scare only (Grallina cyanoleuca) 1 scare only (Cacatua tenuirostris) novaehollandiae) Australian pelican (Pelecanus 1 *destroy Maned duck 1 *destroy 2 Estuarine (saltwater) crocodile 3 destroy 4 conspicillatus) 1 scare only (Chenonetta jubata) 2 scare only (Crocodylus porosus) 1 trap & relocate 3 Australian raven 2 *destroy Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) 1 *destroy Eurasian coot 1 *destroy (Corvus coronoides) 2 scare only 1 scare only (Fulica atra) 1 scare only Australian shelduck 1 *destroy Pacific black duck 1 *destroy 16 Freshwater (Johnston’s) 1 destroy 10 (Tadorna tadornoides) (Anas superciliosa) 2 scare only crocodile (Crocodylus 2 scare only Australian white ibis 3 *destroy 50 johnstoni) Peregrine falcon 1 scare only (Threskiornis molucca) 1 scare only Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) 3 destroy 156 (Falco peregrinus) Pink-eared duck 1 *destroy Banded lapwing (Banded 3 *destroy 18 Great cormorant 1 *destroy (Malacorhynchus plover) (Vanellus tricolor) 3 scare only (Phalacrocorax carbo) 1 scare only 1 scare only membranaceus) Barn owl (Tyto alba) 1 *destroy Great egret (Ardea alba) 1 *destroy Purple swamphen (Porphyrio 1 *destroy 1 scare only 1 scare only porphyrio) 1 scare only Baudin’s cockatoo 1 scare only Grey teal (Anas gracilis) 1 *destroy (Calyptorhynchus baudinii) 1 scare only

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 75 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

Table 9: Dangerous fauna licences issued in 2014–15 (continued...)

Dangerous fauna No. of Authorisation Wedge-tailed eagle 1 *destroy licences licences (Aquila audax) 1 scare only issued Welcome swallow 1 scare only Red kangaroo 1 destroy 20 (Hirundo neoxena) (Macropus rufus) Western brush wallaby 1 destroy 5 Red-capped plover 1 +destroy 5 (Macropus irma) (Charadrius ruficapillus) Western grey kangaroo 7 destroy 73 Red-tailed black cockatoo 1 scare only (Macropus fuliginosus) 1 scare only (Calyptorhynchus banksii) Whistling kite 3 destroy 9 Red wattlebird 1 destroy 1 (Haliastur sphenurus) (Anthochaera carunculata) 2 scare only Richard’s pipit (Anthus 1 scare only White-faced heron 1 *destroy 2 novaeseelandiae) (Egretta novaehollandiae) 2 scare only Square-tailed kite 1 *destroy Willie wagtail 1 scare only (Lophoictinia isura) 1 scare only (Rhipidura leucophrys) Straw-necked ibis 4 *destroy 53 Yellow-billed spoonbill 1 *destroy (Platalea flavipes) (Threskiornis spinicollis) 2 scare only 1 scare only Swamp harrier 1 *destroy * While this licence covered a wide variety of species, only 147 (Circus approximans) 1 scare only birds were actually taken. These included Pacific black duck (16), Tree martin 1 *scare only Australian wood duck (2), white-faced heron (2), straw-necked ibis (3), banded lapwing (18) and galah (106). (Petrochelidon nigricans) Twenty-eight parrot 1 *destroy + Eggs of red-capped plover were destroyed as birds were nesting on airfield runway. (Barnardius zonarius) 1 scare only

Carnaby’s cockatoos. Photo – Rick Dawson/Parks and Wildlife

76 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Table 10: Damage licences (fauna) issued in 2014–15

Dangerous fauna No. of Total number Silver gull (Chroicocephalus 1 scare only Wildlife interaction licences licences licences of each species novaehollandiae) At 30 June 2015, 103 whale watching boat issued authorised to tour operators were licensed in WA. While Straw-necked ibis 1 scare only be taken these tours were primarily focused on (Threskiornis spinicollis) Birds humpback whales, southern right whales Twenty-eight parrot 5 destroy 120 were also part of whale watching activity in Australian raven 3 destroy 32 (Barnardius zonarius) the lower south-west, particularly at Albany, (Corvus coronoides) Waterfowl Augusta and Esperance. Pygmy blue whales Australian white ibis 1 scare only (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) were Australian shelduck 1 scare only (Threskiornis molucca) also regularly encountered adjacent to Cape (Tadorna tadornoides) Baudin’s cockatoo 2 scare only Naturaliste. Magpie goose 1 destroy 100 (Calyptorhynchus baudinii) (Anseranas semipalmata) Parks and Wildlife issued one beach-based Carnaby’s cockatoo 1 scare only Maned duck 2 destroy 15 and 82 boat-based dolphin interaction (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) licences, three in-water dolphin interaction (Chenonetta jubata) 2 scare only Emu (Dromaius 17 destroy 615 licences and two boat-based dugong 2 trap and relocate 70 novaehollandiae) 1 trap/euthanase 100 (Dugong dugon) interaction licences. Thirty- Pacific black duck 1 destroy 40 seven boat-based Australian sea lion and Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) 5 destroy 4070 (Anas superciliosa) 1 scare only New Zealand fur seal interaction licences Little corella 20 destroy 5880 were issued. Three wildlife interaction licences Purple swamp hen 1 trap and relocate 4 (Cacatua sanguinea) 4 scare only were also issued to film marine wildlife for Mammals documentaries. Long-billed corella (central west) 23 destroy 13,500 (Cacatua butleri) 1 scare only Agile wallaby (Macropus agilis) 4 destroy 1300 Long-billed corella (Lake Muir) 2 scare only Euro (Macropus robustus) 2 destroy 75 (Cacatua pastinator) Northern nail-tail wallaby 1 destroy 200 Long-billed corella (eastern states 6 destroy 1400 (Onychogalea unguifera) species) (Cacatua tenuirostris) 1 scare only Pale field rat (Rattus tunneyi) 2 destroy 850 Red-capped parrot 1 destroy 20 Red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) 5 destroy 310 (Purpureicephalus spurious) Western grey kangaroo 363 destroy 15,679 Red wattlebird 2 destroy 20 (Macropus fuliginosus) 1 trap and relocate 20 (Anthochaera carunculata)

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 77 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

Offences The Department’s management of the Table 11: Number of reported offences in 2013–14 and 2014–15 The Department provided guidance to sandalwood industry and the detection of members of the public visiting Parks and illegal or unsustainably harvested sandalwood 2013–14 reported offences 2014–15 reported Wildlife-managed land regarding the legal from the wild continued throughout 2014–15, offences requirements of parks and conservation with numerous reports of illegal sandalwood Finalised figures At 30 June 2015 legislation. During 2014–15, 449 caution harvesting being received. Parks and Wildlife Total offences reported 1263 1236 notices were issued for minor offences. again joined forces with the WA Police to deal The number of infringement notices issued with these activities. This approach resulted Court convictions 53 23 in the apprehension of two people for taking during the year decreased from 604 to 482 Court dismissals 0 0 (Table 10). Written reports were prepared sandalwood illegally during 2014–15 and led for 305 offences under the WC Act and to the identification of a major syndicate that Infringement notices 604 482 its Regulations, and the CALM Act and its is believed to have been involved in the illegal Letters of warning 17 12 Regulations, an increase of 60 per cent take and export of in excess of 100 tonnes Caution notices 548 449 on the previous year. sandalwood overseas, worth an estimated $2 million. Inquiries are continuing and the No further action 6 10 Action in 23 matters under both statutes was alleged offenders face possible criminal Pending 27 259 completed, with prosecution pending in 259 charges of stealing and laundering. others. Withdrawn 11 1

The unlawful taking of black cockatoos from Restitution the wild continues to pose a serious threat to Total court fines $31,350 $16,400 the conservation of these birds, particularly Total court costs $3641.60 $1202.50 Baudin’s cockatoo, which has suffered significant losses in fruit growing areas of the Infringement penalties $77,3 6 0 $58,755 south-west. A number of reports of alleged illegal shooting have been investigated during 2013–14 figures have been finalised since the 2013–14 Yearbook was published. the past 12 months but with little result. The keeping of pet herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) remained a popular activity and the number of investigations regarding the unlawful taking, possession and keeping of reptiles continued to rise.

78 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Table 12: Offences under the Wildlife and Conservation Act 1950 and Regulations that occurred in 2014–15

Charge Reported Convictions Fines $ Costs $ Dismissed Withdrawn Letter of Caution No further Pending offences warning notice action Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 Illegal taking or possession of protected 260 20 13,500 900.90 3 5 8 224 fauna Illegal importation, selling or taking for sale 28 1 19 1 7 of fauna Illegal taking of protected flora 3 3 Illegal taking of rare declared flora 6 5 1 Illegal selling of protected flora 2 2 Offences against wildlife officers Failing to comply with licence conditions 40 1 400 31 8 Wildlife Conservation Regulations Offences relating to the acquisition, 30 1 500 150.80 24 5 possession, control and disposal of fauna Wildlife Conservation Reptile and Amphibian Regulations Offences relating to reptiles and amphibians 10 9 1 Totals 379 22 14,400 1051.70 9 88 10 250

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 79 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

Table 13: Offences under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 and Regulations and the Animal Welfare Act 1929 that occurred in 2014–15

Charge Reported Convictions Fines $ Costs $ Withdrawn Infringement Letter of Caution No further Pending offences notice warning notice action

Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 and Regulations Illegal taking or possession of forest 12 1200 1 6 5 2 produce Offences against officers 2 2 Offences relating to marine parks and 1 200 reserves Offences relating to disease risk areas Occupy CALM land 2 200 1 1 Offences relating to activities on State 835 57,155 474 3 352 6 forest, nature reserves and national parks Animal Welfare Act 2002 Cruelty to animals 2 1 2000 150.80 1 Total 857 1 60,755 150.80 1 482 3 361 9

80 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Managing system-wide threats and Veterinary Medicines Association for its adaptive management project that is refining innovative feral cat bait, Eradicat®. This will methods for long-term operational use of the Invasive species control enable further operational trials of Eradicat® bait. Results from the trial are beginning to Western Shield to be undertaken in south-west forest areas, indicate environmental benefits with positive During 2014–15, the Western Shield wildlife building on information gathered from current response evident in fauna, such as quenda recovery program continued to implement trials across select sites in the arid, semi-arid (Isoodon obesulus) in Cape Arid National Park. broadscale fox and feral cat baiting for and south coast regions, and provides an In the Wheatbelt Region, work began on native animal conservation. About 3.8 opportunity to integrate feral cat baiting with an enhanced introduced predator control million hectares of conservation reserves existing fox baiting programs. program at Dryandra Woodland, focused on and State forest were baited, using more The Department contributed to completing controlling feral cats to safeguard the future than 1.1 million baits (about 600,000 fox the Commonwealth Government’s feral of the wild woylie and numbat populations. A Parks and Wildlife officer weighing an animal. baits and 500,000 feral cat baits). Corporate cat eradication program being conducted This work is combining use of Eradicat® with Photo – Rebecca Campbell/Parks and Wildlife sponsorship was provided to the program by on Christmas Island, which is using the existing fox baiting under Western Shield Alcoa, Tronox and Western Areas Ltd. Eradicat® bait. as well as undertaking targeted feral animal A major internal review of the program was trapping. In the Pilbara Region, Parks and Wildlife finalised in 2014–15. The review highlighted staff continued to implement the Fortescue Sponsorship from Tronox has also the importance of controlling foxes and Marsh Baiting Plan. This project is delivering enabled the start of an operational trial feral cats, and the significant in-roads a feral cat control program to the high value to integrate Eradicat® with fox control in being made to sustain and restore native conservation area and completed the third the northern coastal sand plains. This animal populations in various areas across year of operation in 2014. project is examining the effectiveness of the State. The program’s achievements this integrated baiting model in promoting include at least a 55 per cent reduction in In the South Coast Region, a cat baiting trial recovery of native animals in this type of fox abundance in south-west baited areas, (South Coast Integrated Fauna Recovery environment. Monitoring of both native and and stable or sustained improvement of a Project) entered its fifth and sixth year in introduced animals using new methods, number of native animal species populations, areas, including Cape Arid and Fitzgerald including remote cameras, will also be a key including chuditch, quokka and western River national parks and its second year in component of the project. brush wallaby. Populations of at least 53 Two Peoples Bay and Mount Manypeaks threatened mammal and bird species remain nature reserves and Waychinicup National Training in native animal management and the in Western Shield baited areas. The program Park. The trial aims to test the effectiveness safe and effective use of 1080 baits continued has also seen 37 successful translocations of Eradicat® in the south-west high rainfall to be provided to Parks and Wildlife staff and of threatened native animal species, zone, in the habitats of a suite of threatened volunteers. Departmental staff continued to contributing to their recovery. and priority native animals, including the monitor native animals across Western Shield critically endangered western ground parrot sites and work also continued to establish Numbat. Photo – Doug Coughran/ In December 2014, the Department received and Gilbert’s potoroo. Feral cats and native predator monitoring at some sites. Parks and Wildlife registration from the Australian Pesticides animal species were monitored as part of this

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 81 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

The 1080 bait preference study continued at Bungelup Beach in Cape Range National Park near Exmouth, which supports a significant loggerhead turtle rookery. This study uses three types of baits – Probait® fox baits, dried meat baits manufactured in Exmouth and egg baits – and monitors uptake using remote cameras. Various techniques, such as tethering baits, were employed to reduce uptake by non-target species.

An Eradicat® baiting program was initiated in Cape Range National Park with the aim of Quokkas photographed on a remote-sensing improving the effectiveness of the existing fox camera. Photo – Parks and Wildlife baiting programs and to reduce cat predation on black-flanked rock wallaby, and three species of turtle nesting along the Ningaloo coast. The monitoring program comprised two independent methods: satellite collaring of feral cats and foxes prior to the baiting program, and monitoring of feral cat and fox activity using remote camera stations. The absence of foxes observed during the 2014–15 monitoring could be attributed to the apparent success of Eradicat® baits in controlling foxes across the broader Cape Range National Park environs.

More information on Western Shield is available on the website: www.dpaw. wa.gov.au/management/pests-diseases/ westernshield.

Fox caught in a camera trap. Parks and Willdlife officer Rebecca Kay releases a chuditch. Photo – Rebecca Campbell/ Photo – Parks and Wildlife Parks and Wildlife

82 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 State Cane Toad Initiative • The cane toad detector dog has been • Databases of sightings and cane toad Cane toads (Rhinella marina) are a declared working from freight depots and tourism distribution continued to be maintained, pest under the Biosecurity and Agriculture locations and travelling the Kimberley to with the Department’s cane toad webpage Management Act 2007 (BAM Act). Parks and promote the ‘check your load for a toad’ updated regularly. Wildlife is the lead agency in Western Australia message to help reduce numbers of • Newsletters were produced twice a year for cane toad management and since 2005 hitchhiker toads. and regular contributions were made to the has undertaken a range of actions. • A three-year operational plan is in Department’s social media pages. The Cane Toad Strategy for Western preparation for the Kimberley islands with • Cane toad and biodiversity information Australia identifies key actions for the a focus on research to reduce breeding sessions were presented to schools and management of cane toads in the State, with success of cane toads on islands and community groups using the Cane Toad a focus on quarantine, research, education, mitigate their impact on native animals. Education Manual. communication and mitigating the impact of • More than 20 live cane toad drop-off points • Cane toad information brochures, signs, this pest animal on WA’s native wildlife. were maintained throughout the east and posters continued to be developed Kimberley at various locations, including and distributed. To implement the strategy, the Department tourist sites at El Questro Station, Home engages with the community, including Valley, Parry’s Farm and Purnululu National • Media events were organised to raise Indigenous ranger groups, and works Park. awareness about cane toad identification Captured cane toads. Photo – Parks and collaboratively with scientists undertaking and hitchhiker toad risks. Wildlife • Ongoing support and assistance was research that aligns with the goals of the • The Department continued to provide the strategy. provided to cane toad-related research projects. A collaborative project between community with cane toad identification, Key activities during 2014–15 included: the Department and the University reporting and sighting services via the of Sydney, with the involvement of Wildcare Helpline, email and phone • Inventory surveys were conducted in Balanggarra Rangers, on the Forrest River response. The Department has a rapid advance of the cane toad frontline in the floodplain has revealed that goannas response strategy to positively identify and Kimberley Region to provide information exposed to small non-lethal toads survived destroy cane toads found in the south- on areas proposed for joint management longer when toads invaded their habitats. west. with traditional owners under the Kimberley Work on northern quolls in Mitchell River Science and Conservation Strategy. More information on cane toad management National Park in the north Kimberley has The surveys involved Aboriginal ranger is available on the website: www.dpaw. indicated that they display at least short- groups, Bush Ranger cadet units, primary wa.gov.au/management/pests-diseases. term taste aversion learning and further school students, volunteers, the Western trials are planned to examine how long this Australian Museum, universities and Parks may last. and Wildlife staff. Reggie the cane toad detector dog and Parks and Wildlife handler Andrew Rethus. Photo – Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 83 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

Introduced pest animal management industry across the rangelands. The Midwest Feral Pig Action Group control activities operations using 1080 baits in Lesueur Parks and Wildlife collaborated with the Region assisted with bait manufacture throughout these regions. The South West National Park, Badgingarra National Park, Department of Agriculture and Food WA and distribution on former pastoral leases Region undertook monitoring and trapping Coomallo Nature Reserve, Moresby Range (DAFWA) and Recognised Biosecurity managed by the Department. The Goldfields of feral pigs at 30 sites covering 20,000ha. Conservation Park and a number of sites Groups (RBGs) to implement coordinated and Wheatbelt regions continued to contract Parks and Wildlife’s South West and Warren associated with Declared Rare Flora, and broadscale feral donkey, camel, horse, cattle licensed pest management technicians regions contributed to the State NRM-funded liaised with adjacent landowners to ensure and pig control programs. Fencing of priority and undertake contract management work feral pig control project managed by South coordinated management and to increase biodiversity areas was undertaken in the through the RGBs to manage wild dogs West Catchments Council. Trials to detect the effectiveness of control measures. Kimberley and Pilbara to reduce the impact and feral predators on unallocated Crown feral pigs using a thermal camera mounted The Great Southern District continued to of these pest animals through exclusion. land and Parks and Wildlife-managed land on a UAV began but with limited success. adjacent to pastoral leases and farmland. Ongoing trials with the Department’s thermal control rabbits by baiting and fencing at sites Cattle mustering programs were undertaken The South Coast Region continued camera mounted in a fixed-wing aircraft where threatened flora has been determined in Millstream Chichester National Park in to provide support through resource are planned for 2015–16. The Midwest to be at risk from grazing by this pest animal. the Pilbara Region, with about 150 cattle contribution to the Declared Species Groups Region carried out feral pig poisoning removed, and in King Leopold Ranges in Ravensthorpe and Esperance to assist Conservation Park and on Carson River with wild dog control programs, as well Station in the Kimberley. Aerial culling was as advice on environmental assessment also undertaken in Purnululu National Park of the State Barrier Fence extension. The and the Ord River Regeneration Reserve. Wheatlbelt Region provided support to the Eastern Wheatbelt Declared Species Group Large feral herbivore control continued at and the Central Wheatbelt Declared Species Fortescue Marsh. This partnership with the Group, in conjunction with DAFWA. Pilbara RBG has seen 106 feral donkeys removed and nine VHF telemetry collars Aerial shooting of feral goats was carried out fitted to female donkeys. Remote camera in national parks and nature reserves in the monitoring has shown a significant reduction Midwest Region and an on-ground shooting in feral donkey activity near available water. program in Cape Range National Park Ten feral horses were fitted with satellite removed about 60 goats. collars giving a greater understanding of feral horse movement patterns, including home Throughout the year, the Department ranges. The satellite collar information will continued to take part in cooperative be assessed to establish if feral horses are management of feral pigs across the South suitable as ‘Judas’ animals. West, Midwest and Warren regions. Feral pig control activities included monitoring, The Department continued to support wild trapping and poisoning. Significant input dog control efforts by RBGs and the pastoral and support was provided to Southern Feral goat in Kalbarri National Park. Photo – David Pearson/Parks and Wildlife

84 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Management of environmental weeds tagasaste (Chamaecytisus palmensis), During 2014–15, work continued on a rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora), rough species-based prioritisation project that aims tree fern (Cyathea cooperi), boxing glove to prioritise weed species for control in each cactus (Cylindropuntia fulgida var mamillata) of the Department’s nine regions. The project and other cactus species, dolichos pea enables weeds to be assessed based on (Dipogon lignosus), Paterson’s curse (Echium their invasiveness, impacts, potential and plantagineum), Veldt grass (Ehrharta calycina), current distribution and feasibility of control. African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula), The results from these assessments will also Geraldton carnation weed (Euphorbia potentially help other land managers. terracina), hesperantha (Hesperantha falcata), Victorian tea-tree (Leptospermum laevigatum), Parks and Wildlife officer Sandy Benson and Ngurrawaana Ranger Colin Mack weeding Of the weed species assessed, 14 species African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), ice in Millstream Chichester National Park. Photo – Peter Nicholas/Parks and Wildlife have been identified as a high priority for plant (Mesembryanthemum sp.), cape tulip control as eradication is achievable, and (Moraea flaccida), tree tobacco (Nicotiana another 181 species identified as a priority for glauca), date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) and Chichester National Park in the Pilbara management due to their high environmental blackberry (Rubus sp.), harlequin flower gallons curse (Cenchrus biflorus). Rubber were monitored for invasion of this weed impact and rapid invasiveness. As it is not (Sparaxis bulbifera), Tamarix sp., verbesina vine has been specifically targeted in a into natural vegetation. The results to date possible to control all infestations of these (Verbesina encelioides), Watsonia sp., collaborative program involving government suggest that that an initial ‘lag phase’ of species, priorities for management will Bathurst burr (Xanthium spinosum) and arum departments, community and industry invasions is transitioning into a period be assessed through the Department’s lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica). groups, pastoralists and members of the of rapid expansion. The management proposed asset-based prioritisation process. public. The Aquila Project coordinated by the implications of these results are diverse and Across the Kimberley, Parks and Wildlife This process aims to maximise the efficiency Friends of the Fitzroy volunteer group and include considerations relating to native nature conservation officers and the and effectiveness of weed control efforts part of the broader West Kimberley Rubber wildlife, tourism, mine site rehabilitation and Miriuwung-Gajerrong, Yawuru, Bunuba, through a consideration of priority weed Vine Eradication Project, is using members of agroforestry. Wilinggin, Balanggarra and Wunambal species, biodiversity and other values at the public to review aerial photos posted on Gaambera Aboriginal native title groups risk from these weeds and an assessment a website, to locate rubber vine infestations The long-term date palm control program implemented weed control programs for a of available resources, so appropriate in the Fitzroy River Valley. Parks and Wildlife continued at Millstream Chichester National range of species, including mission grass management actions can be applied continued to use CyberTracker software Park, with the on-ground work undertaken (Pennisetum polystachion), hyptis (Hyptis by each region. on hand-held devices for mapping and by the Ngurrawaana Rangers. Rangers suaveolens), prickly acacia (Acacia nilotica), recording weed data with great success. from the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation The main environmental weeds targeted stinking passionflower (Passiflora foetida), received training in weed identification and for management by Parks and Wildlife bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypifolia), Together with Mount Gibson Mining, began mapping priority weed species in in 2014–15 included silver wattle (Acacia grader grass (Themeda quadrivalvis), Parks and Wildlife funded a research Murujuga National Park, near Karratha, with dealbata), Sydney golden wattle (Acacia mimosa (Mimosa pigra), parkinsonia project on stinking passionflower, which a strong focus on the distribution of stinking longifolia), ruby dock (Acetosa vesicaria), (Parkinsonia aculeata), taro (Colocasia was undertaken by CSIRO. Several passionflower. bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides), esculenta), calotrope (Calotropis procera), sites in the Kimberley and at Millstream

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 85 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

Shark Bay District continued to control Thirty-one monitoring quadrats were Esperance, including Victorian tea tree in isolated infestations of Verbesina encelioides established to investigate the impact of weed Warrenup Nature Reserve in partnership with on South Peron unallocated Crown land and management on plant recovery and diversity South Coast NRM. buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) on Bernier after fire in banksia woodland. Island with the intention of eradicating them More information on control of invasive before they become established. The Goldfields Region continued to work plant species is available on the website: closely with the Goldfields-Nullarbor Regional www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/management/pests- Parks and Wildlife’s Swan Region continued Biosecurity Association, Rangelands NRM diseases. research into environmental weeds invading and DAFWA through a cactus working group native plant communities. In spring 2014, to target the eradication of Weeds of National Plant disease management field work began as part of a project to revisit Significance (WoNS) species of cactus within The Department worked on a range of 15-year-old floristic plots in seasonal clay- the Great Western Woodlands and Goldfields plant disease management projects and based wetlands in the western Wheatbelt Region. Parks and Wildlife continued to initiatives in 2014–15. The ability to effectively to investigate change over time, including engage with local governments and the mitigate the risks of Phytophthora dieback the impacts of weed invasion. The results of community regarding the control of cactus (a plant disease caused by the soil-borne a three-year study into appropriate control species, major infestations of which are pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi) to our techniques and the impacts of Watsonia outside lands managed by the Department. unique environment is greatly enhanced invasion on an endangered shrub, Diplolaena In 2014–15, the focus was on areas around with accurate and current information on andrewsii in John Forrest National Park were Kalgoorlie and in the Shire of Menzies. where the pathogen already occurs in the published and weed management trials landscape. Phytophthora Dieback Interpreters commenced in the coastal shrublands on Restoration continued in previously infested are uniquely skilled and trained to map Penguin Island. Implementation of weed sites along the Warren and Donnelly rivers occurrences of P. cinnamomi. In September management and restoration plans continued where blackberry had declined. This work is 2014, the Department’s Ecosystem Health at 22 priority sites across the region. Weed being undertaken by the Warren Catchments Branch launched a new system for registering management notes on FloraBase continued Council, in conjunction with Parks and departmental and private sector dieback to be updated and two weed management Wildlife and CSIRO, with funds from the interpreters and monitoring standards of workshops were run for district and regional Federal Biodiversity Fund. interpretation. This system is ensuring that staff. consistent, high-quality information on disease During 2014–15, the Department’s South occurrence is available to land managers As a part of the Banksia Woodland Coast Region continued work in partnership inside and outside the department. Restoration Project, weed management action with the Friends of the Porongurup Range plans were implemented for 20 bushland to control weeds in and around Porongurup At 30 June 2015, a new half-day training areas. Eight species of serious environmental National Park. The long-running project course developed and delivered by the weeds were sprayed in more than 600ha of targeted species such as blackberry, red Department had trained 500 departmental Collecting seed of the critically endangered urban bushland, with a major focus on veldt valerian (Centranthus ruber), dolichus pea personnel to achieve Green Card Level 1: Banksia anatona in the Stirling Range. grass control in 320ha of banksia woodland. and introduced acacias. Weed control also Awareness and Basic Phytophthora Dieback occurred in key reserves near Albany and Hygiene. Photo – Sarah Barrett/Parks and Wildlife

86 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Parks and Wildlife’s Vegetation Health Act-listed Eastern Stirling Range Montane Altered hydrology and salinity promote population recovery and the Service (VHS) analyses soil, plant and water Heath and Thicket TEC, Shrublands on Key activities undertaken under the Natural effectiveness of this is being monitored. samples for presence of Phytophthora spp., Southern Swan Coastal Plain Ironstones TEC Diversity Recovery Catchment Program in Measures to control feral pigs, which have and in 2014–15 processed more than 1900 near Busselton, and the Montane Mallee 2014–15 included: emerged as a recent management issue, samples collected by the Department’s Thicket of the Stirling Range TEC. have been put in place with the aim of disease interpreters, private contractors • At Buntine-Marchagee in the Midwest employing additional control options in and land managers from across the State’s Innovative Phytophthora control techniques Region, work to protect important 2015–16. Research was completed into south-west. In addition to Phytophthora continued to be employed at two infestations biological assets continued. During the environmental controls on reproduction cinnamomi, seven other Phytophthora in Fitzgerald River National Park in an effort to the year, about 2000 seedlings of a and recruitment of robin redbreast bush species were identified in association contain further spread of P. cinnamomi. There local provenance species (Eucalyptus (Melaleuca lateritia), an important plant with dying native flora. Two of these were areas continue to be monitored by the South pyriformis) were added to supplement the component of the claypan TEC. Coast Region. already extensive revegetation program reported as new occurrences for WA, • At Lake Bryde in the Wheatbelt, significant under provisions of the BAM Act. The at the Hodgsons’ fresh-brackish wetland Myrtle rust progress was made towards developing VHS continued to work in partnership with complex. Direct seeding trials were also Myrtle rust (also known as eucalyptus and a draft recovery plan. The catchment has the Centre for Phytophthora Science and completed to introduce species that are guava rust) is a fungus of South American a diverse range of stakeholders, who are Management at Murdoch University to difficult to propagate, which will further origin that arrived in New South Wales in represented by a stakeholder group that is DNA-sequence recent and historical WA add to the area’s species diversity. 2010 and has since rapidly spread along the regularly consulted as part of the planning isolates from the VHS culture collection. Revegetation was targeted at water eastern seaboard and into northern Australia. process. A Parks and Wildlife advisory management and over the past six years It affects plants from the Myrtaceae family, of group addressed technical aspects of Parks and Wildlife collaboration continued the survival and continued growth of which more than 1500 species occur in WA. the plan. Recovery actions during the on the Western Australian State Phytophthora revegetation has been very good in spite of By June 2015, myrtle rust had been detected past year included 90,000 seedlings Dieback Management and Investment successive years of below-average rainfall. in all states and territories except South planted on 66ha of public and private Framework, funded by State NRM and Results from a drilling program have been Australia and WA. land, in partnership with the Department’s administered by South Coast Natural compiled and ongoing monitoring will form Remote Regions Nature Conservation Resource Management Inc. The project the basis for the assessment of the threat In March 2014, the Department developed Program. Monthly and biannual bore has identified an indicative top 100 priority of altered hydrology to the biological values a plan, aligned with the DAFWA State monitoring is ongoing, a bore monitoring protection areas. In 2014–15, the focus was associated with the Hodgsons’ wetlands. Contingency Plan, in preparation for a myrtle database and recording tool have been on reviewing and endorsing plans for rust incursion onto lands managed by Parks • In the Drummond catchment in the developed and Lake Bryde Natural on-grounds works for eight of these areas. and Wildlife. Departmental personnel have north-eastern Swan Region, on-ground Diversity Recovery Catchment staff Treatment of critically endangered flora and received training to ensure they are aware works were undertaken to address the began testing this tool. Once completed ecological communities with phosphite of the threat, can recognise the symptoms threat of surface water wash bringing landholders will be able to request data continued. This systemic compound has and know how to respond if myrtle rust is weeds and stubble mulch into the reserve from bores on their properties. Vegetation been shown to protect susceptible plants detected. Updates on myrtle rust distribution and south-western claypan from heavy health was assessed across the reserve from the impacts of P. cinnamomi. Aerial and spread are regularly provided. summer rainfall events. A trial burn of and observations of the TEC showed a phosphite spraying treated the EPBC Acacia chapmanii was undertaken to stable population of the lake bed plant

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 87 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

Muehlenbeckia in East Lake Bryde and collaborative projects under the Future Farm Lake Bryde and improving health of the Industries Cooperative Research Centre can population in Lakeland Nature Reserve. be found on the website: www.dpaw.wa.gov. • At Toolibin Lake in the Wheatbelt, the au/management/salinity. recovery catchment planning process Assessment of land and resource is close to completion. Monitoring of use impacts on public reserves and catchment hydrology and biodiversity biodiversity conservation assets continued with an extensive photo- During 2014–15, the Department continued monitoring program being undertaken. its significant role in providing advice to Improvements to the groundwater pumping proponents and decision-making authorities system on the floor of the lake have on a range of major resource and other continued and 23,000 native seedlings development proposals affecting Parks and Grasstrees in Mount Frankland North National Park. Photo – Peter Nicholas/Parks and Wildlife were planted on former agricultural Wildlife-managed lands and waters, other land purchased by the Department areas of conservation value and significant material extraction proposals in State forests providing advice under sections 24 and at Miller’s Block, upslope of Toolibin species and ecological communities. The at Gnangara. The Department also provided 24A of the Mining Act 1978 and section 15A Lake, to manage surface water flows aim was to guide the effective management significant input to around 2000 land-use of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy and connect conservation reserves. of development projects and activities to proposals, including town planning schemes, Resources Act 1967, on access to lands Significant maintenance work occurred at maintain or improve nature conservation structure plans, subdivisions, development and waters managed under the CALM the diversion gates to arrest potential soil outcomes for lands and waters managed applications and native vegetation clearing Act. The Department provided advice and erosion and scouring from surface flows under the CALM Act and species protected permits across the State. The Goldfields recommendations on whether, and under diverted around the lake. under the WC Act. Region hosted several visits to the Helena- what conditions, access (mining tenements • In the Lake Warden catchment near Aurora range area by interested groups. and ‘entry onto land’) to areas of CALM Esperance, the effective management of This included advice on a range of mining and petroleum exploration and Act-managed lands and waters should be the Lake Wheatfield gravity pipeline saw a The Department also facilitated decision- development projects on land managed granted. continuation of the previous improvements making processes under the Fish Resources by the Department, such as the Cyclone in waterbird numbers and riparian Management Act 1994 relating to an Parks and Wildlife also fulfilled various Mineral Sands Project in Great Victoria vegetation. The Department continued expansion of Ocean Grown Abalone Pty responsibilities for advice and decision- Desert Nature Reserve, seismic survey in biannual monitoring of waterbirds across Ltd’s greenlip abalone aquaculture operation making under the provisions of State Beekeepers Nature Reserve, Ocean Reef the Lake Warden and Lake Gore Ramsar in Ngari Capes Marine Park. Agreement Acts for resource development marina proposal in Marmion Marine Park, sites and confirmed the success of projects affecting land managed by the proposed iron ore mining in Mount Manning managing water levels to maintain a variety Parks and Wildlife provided support in Department, in particular bauxite mining and – Helena-Aurora Ranges Conservation Park, of waterbird habitats. implementing the responsibilities of the rehabilitation activities in State forests of the and the Christmas Creek and Cloudbreak Minister for Environment, the Conservation south-west by Alcoa and Worsley Alumina More information on salinity management iron ore project expansions near Fortescue Commission and the Marine Parks and and coal mining and rehabilitation activities work conducted in Parks and Wildlife Marsh, as well as a number of basic raw Reserves Authority in considering and by Yancoal Australia and Lanco Griffin Coal.

88 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Building biodiversity knowledge funded through the Kimberley Science and Aerial and ground surveys were completed A project to improve the use of camera Conservation Strategy. on 50 island nature reserves under the traps as a survey and monitoring tool is Biological inventory Pilbara Islands Project, which is funded by underway at Dryandra Woodland. This is the Through a partnership with the Terrestrial Terrestrial inventory a Wheatstone Project offset. Data collected first detailed examination of the application Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), 38 The Kimberley Island Biodiversity Survey included marine turtle and seabird nesting, of camera traps for monitoring mammal AusPlots Rangeland sites were established was completed with the final publication weed distribution, plant species (specimens communities undertaken by the Department and sampled in the Coolgardie, Pilbara and of the hardback volume ‘Biodiversity from nine islands were lodged with the WA and has so far resulted in recommendations Little Sandy Desert bioregions. Thirty of Values on Selected Kimberley Islands, Herbarium), and the intensity and nature of regarding camera placement, camera these sites were associated with the Great Western Australia’ (Records of the Western public visitation. Pale field rat (Rattus tunneyi) models, settings and software. Along with Western Woodlands Supersite at Credo or Australian Museum, Supplement 81). The and Lakeland Downs mouse (Leggadina refining this methodology, the project has the South Western Australian Transitional final publication of the Pilbara Biological lakedownensis) were recorded on some produced a baseline detection index and Transect, which extends from Mount Roe Survey is close to completion, with a islands. No exotic ants were recorded and an indication of habitat use for a number of in the Warren bioregion to Wanjarri Nature further chapter published on the riparian minimal visitation impacts were observed. significant threatened mammals in Dryandra, Reserve in the Murchison. Many plant flora and plant communities (Records of Islands located close to the mainland appear as well as for feral cats and foxes. species of scientific and conservation interest the Western Australian Museum, Part B of to be at risk from invasive species, such as were recorded and a large volume of soil and The Department continued to undertake Supplement 78). The final chapter examining parkinsonia, and fox prints were detected on vegetation data was collected, analysed and biodiversity surveys ahead of the cane toad compositional patterns of the terrestrial Tent Island in Exmouth Gulf. Collaboration provided to the TERN Aekos facility and the frontline. Six surveys were completed in fauna, and wetland flora and fauna, as well with James Cook University, UWA and the National Soils Archive. conjunction with Bunuba, Wilinggin and as conservation reserve representativeness, WA Museum extended the surveys to include cultural and archaeological aspects. Balanggarra traditional owners. was recently accepted for publication. With support from Fortescue and BHP Billiton Iron Ore, the field data collection Wetland vegetation communities and In partnership with the Balanggarra and A biological survey was undertaken in the phase of the Fortescue Marsh floristic and amphibians were surveyed at a range of Dambimangari traditional owners, Parks Peterswald map sheet area located in the vegetation mapping project was completed. wetlands along the Jurien coast. These data and Wildlife completed biodiversity surveys northern Great Victoria Desert. This is one One hundred and twenty-eight permanent will inform conservation planning in reserves of a further three islands off the north of a number of map sheets identified by the floristic plots were sampled on the marsh. such as Beekeepers Nature Reserve, Kimberley coast, and an adjacent mainland Federal Government as areas where little Subsequent identification of plant collections including assessment of gypsum mining site in the Berkeley subregion. A total of 131 biodiversity information exists. A total of 64 has documented 360 taxa, including two proposals and sustainable water resource vertebrate species (24 mammals, 29 reptiles, terrestrial vertebrate species were identified, new species, new populations for 11 priority planning. five frogs and 73 birds) and 359 plant taxa including 12 native and four introduced taxa and recorded major range extensions were detected on the islands, as well as mammals along with 48 reptiles. Fifty- for 19 taxa. The survey has also documented 65 vertebrates and 115 plant taxa at the eight birds were also recorded. This work unique plant communities on gypsum dunes mainland location. Results further highlighted continues to resolve the large gaps that exist not previously known from the marsh. The the importance of the islands as conservation in our knowledge of species distributions, final phase of the project is to complete a refuges, with new populations of threatened status and patterns throughout the State. vegetation map to underpin conservation mammals and many species endemic to the planning for this nationally important wetland. north Kimberley discovered. Surveys were

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 89 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

The Department continued to take the lead in Work continued on developing a consistent fieldwork concentrated on Ngari Capes, from Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine the coordination of biotic and abiotic data for approach to reporting vegetation statistics Shark Bay, Marmion, Shoalwater Islands, Park on the south coast to Lalang-garram wetlands, including mapping wetland type, across the State. Statewide statistics are Ningaloo and the Barrow/Montebello islands / Camden Sound Marine Park in the extent and distribution in the landscape using available from several different vegetation marine reserves to monitor seagrasses, Kimberley. the geomorphic wetland classification system. mapping products, including the Regional algae, corals and fish communities. WAMMP During the year, the Department assessed Forest Agreement mapping, the Statewide also now hosts a marine scientist focusing The Department’s marine scientists the accuracy of the wetlands mapping layer Beard-Hopkins mapping, and detailed on the implementation of monitoring in continued to implement diverse research for the Swan Coastal Plain (Geomorphic mapping on the Swan Coastal Plain. A review proposed and established marine reserves projects that address key management- Wetlands Swan Coastal Plain dataset) at of the Swan Coastal Plain mapping is being in the State’s Kimberley region. related knowledge gaps in WA’s marine 14 sites over the 364,960ha of the dataset. undertaken to provide better integration parks and reserves. These include a of this mapping product with the Regional The Department continued to host the collaborative study with The Australian Surveys of threatened and priority flora, Forest Agreement mapping, and enable the node leadership and science coordination National University, AIMS and UWA to native animals and ecological communities production of a compiled set of vegetation of the Western Australian Marine Science examine the ecological significance of were undertaken or coordinated by the statistics using the most accurate and up-to- Institution’s (WAMSI’s ) $12 million Kimberley lagoonal macro-algae at Ningaloo Marine Department. Details are provided in date data available. In the past 12 months, Marine Research Program. This research Park that has provided new knowledge on the threatened species and ecological the review of the southern Swan Coastal Plain initiative will inform and support the planning the role of algae as a key habitat for juvenile communities recovery section of this was completed and mapping products will be and management of new marine parks fish in coral reef ecosystems. Fieldwork was publication. released over the coming months. and reserves in the Kimberley, through 25 also undertaken with collaborators from integrated science projects, supported by UWA and the WA Herbarium to determine Information gathered through Biodiversity Marine inventory an estimated $18 million co-investment by the diversity and distribution of poorly Audit II on threatened and priority plants The Department continued to focus on WAMSI partners. The research is providing understood intertidal reef communities at and animals, and threatened and priority the development and implementation of new knowledge on marine habitats, Ngari Capes Marine Park, where 16 sites ecological communities has been compiled the Western Australian Marine Monitoring biodiversity and ecological processes across were surveyed during the summer of 2015. into a database, which is now available for Program (WAMMP), which informs the the Kimberley, including information on In the south-west, research on spatial and Parks and Wildlife staff to inform management adaptive management of WA’s marine parks human use and values, with final findings temporal patterns in the distribution of planning and action. The audit information and reserves and threatened marine fauna. planned for publication in 2017. Parks and benthic invertebrate fauna of the Walpole provides a snapshot in time of the condition WAMMP works with the Department’s Wildlife staff also work on specific projects, and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park undertaken of biodiversity assets, the pressures they regional marine management staff, and including a survey of marine turtle nesting in collaboration with Edith Cowan University are subject to, management effectiveness external collaborators like the Department beaches in partnership with traditional concluded, with remaining work focused on and future management requirements of Fisheries, Australian Institute of Marine owners and research into key ecological data analysis and publication. The project for ecosystems across the 54 Interim Science (AIMS) and CSIRO, to measure processes associated with fish and coral revealed a diverse faunal assemblage, while Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia trends in the condition of key marine recruitment. additional surveys identified 49 algal species subregions of WA. Parks and Wildlife staff biodiversity assets, the human pressures in the same marine park. This baseline data can now access updated information on acting on them and the Department’s In late 2014, WAMMP provided updated for invertebrates and algae can now be threatened plants and animals and ecological management response. During 2014–15, synthesis reports of long-term monitoring for communities in each subregion and Statewide. WA’s marine parks and reserves extending

90 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 used to measure change through ongoing field trips and an aerial survey to determine monitoring and reporting. the abundance and distribution of dolphins in near-shore Pilbara waters. Fieldwork was Other research on the structure of mangrove also conducted at Depuch Island, waters communities in Shark Bay Marine Park near Onslow, Exmouth Gulf and Shark and intertidal reef communities in Marmion Bay as part of a regional-scale study of the and Shoalwater Islands marine parks was connectivity and recovery potential of Pilbara prepared for publication. More than 100 marine ecosystems following natural and invertebrate species, predominantly molluscs human-induced disturbance, to improve the and echinoderms, were identified on intertidal understanding of marine flora and fauna in reefs of metropolitan marine parks, as well the Pilbara region. This included identifying as more than 110 species of algae. These critical habitat for humpback whales, dugong studies are being used to establish suitable and inshore dolphins and the development Oyster Stacks, Ningaloo Marine Park. Photo – Peter Nicholas/Parks and Wildlife indicator species and a baseline assessment of a threatened species information and of reef condition for ongoing monitoring, protection program to inform improved evaluation and reporting. conservation management. habitats and communities, ecological processes and large marine fauna. Implementation of research and monitoring A review of historical research relevant to associated with industry offset programs management of the proposed Dampier continued during 2014–15. The North West Archipelago marine reserves was completed Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program during 2014–15 as part of a Pluto offset. funded by a Gorgon Project offset undertook A multi-faceted research and monitoring research to investigate acoustic tracking program, also funded through a Pluto of hatchlings in an altered light environment, offset, is nearing completion and will the impact of marine debris on turtles in provide information to support improved northern Australian waters and the impact management of the marine ecosystems of of climate change on marine turtle the Dampier Archipelago and the associated incubation. Additional work focused on pressures that result from increased assessing the impacts of fox predation on development. Another Pluto offset saw turtle nests at Mundabullangana Station, near the start of long-term monitoring in the Port Hedland, and assisting with monitoring proposed marine reserves and planning flatback turtles at Eighty Mile Beach Marine was undertaken to establish a number of Park. management-related marine ecological research projects that will focus on key Parks and Wildlife scientist Andrew Halford Research undertaken under a Wheatstone undertakes genetic sampling of a small Project offset involved three boat-based crocodile. Photo – Daniel Barrow/Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 91 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

During 2014–15, collaborations were Taxonomy and biotic collection Table 14: Number of specimens in different taxonomic groups in the continued or established with WA-based management WA Herbarium collection. marine science research programs that link The number of plant specimens held at the to Departmental management priorities, Western Australian Herbarium increased Taxonomic Group Number of specimens Increase since June 2014 including the Pilbara Marine Conservation by 1.16 per cent (a net increase of 8668 (June 2015) Number Percentage Partnership, which is led by CSIRO and UWA specimens), bringing the total number and undertakes research on key marine of specimens held to 759,797. Myxomycetes 942 31 3.4 habitats, species and ecological processes Fungi 25,381 1301 5.4 and how they respond to environmental At 30 June 2015, the collection at the pressures at a regional scale. Collaborations WA Herbarium comprised specimens from Lichens 18,078 125 0.7 were also continued with Apache Corporation all major groups of plants, algae, mosses, Algae 23,500 72 0.31 and were established with AIMS to study coral lichens and fungi (Table 11). Liverwort and hornworts 2108 1 0.05 in Ningaloo Marine Park and the $5 million During the year, 484 specimens were loaned CSIRO/BHP Billiton Ningaloo Outlook Project. Mosses 6913 7 0.1 to other institutions and 115 specimens were received on loan from other herbaria. The Ferns and fern allies 3752 36 0.97 WA Herbarium forwarded 1222 specimens to Gymnosperms 2068 11 0.54 and received 1137 exchange specimens from Flowering plants 677,0 55 7148 1.07 other Australian and international herbaria. Total 759,797 8732 1.16 The reference herbarium of vascular plants, which had 14,775 specimens representing 11,702 taxa, was used by 1108 visitors during the year.

WA Herbarium specimen database Records of all specimens incorporated in the WA Herbarium are entered into the WA Herbarium specimen database, WAHerb. During the year 8732 specimen records were added to WAHerb, including 961 priority flora and 211 threatened flora. The total collection of priority and threatened flora comprised 48,091 specimens.

Angianthus globuliformi, the 10,000th known species to be named in the Western Australia’s native plant species record. Photo – Mike Lyons/Parks and Wildlife

92 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Fire and biodiversity research projects on-ground tree-hollow surveys will be used to Parks and Wildlife partnered with the link fire with mammal distributions. Addition of Biodiversity Fund, Charles Darwin University artificial nest boxes will also be used to test for (CDU) and Australian National University nest hollow limitations in areas with higher fire to investigate the impacts of fire regimes frequency and lower mammal abundance. on breeding success of the Gouldian finch The Department’s Central Wheatbelt (Erythrura gouldiae) in the Kimberley. Gouldian District provided assistance for the Wongan finches have been observed to abandon Hills State NRM funded threatened flora breeding sites that are burnt too often or fire management project, which included too hot, in the year following a fire. This joint collecting seed from critically endangered project is looking at whether finch declines and endangered plant species, analysing are related to reduced sorghum seed quality soil seed banks, and quantifying and testing due to impacts of fires on soil nutrient status. the viability of canopy-stored seed from Detailed spatial fire maps derived from GIS common serotinous species under threat remote sensing imagery (2006–15) were used of becoming locally extinct in long unburnt to stratify seed collections across the full fire areas. The project is also testing the viability frequency gradient to look at effects of fire of old seed collections of common species on seed quality. A burning experiment was stored under less than ideal conditions to gain also established to test for effects of fires of some understanding of potential seed bank differing intensity on seed availability. Finch longevity of threatened species in the same feeding experiments will link seed quality and Containment line at a fire burning at Purnululu National Park. Photo – Parks and Wildlife genera. fire frequency with feeding preferences of the birds. The adaptive management project continued fire on a two to three-year rotation, and the More information on fire and the environment in Quarram Nature Reserve in the Warren second to be exposed to a ‘normal’ six to is available on website: www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/ A joint Parks and Wildlife, Melbourne Region, with the aim of protecting and eight-year rotation. Fences were erected management/fire/fire-and-the-environment. University and CDU project has been initiated promoting the structure and ecological around half of the plots, to exclude native to investigate the role of fire mosaics and integrity of a native grassland PEC through herbivore grazing and determine the impact of tree hollow distributions in determining the introduction of experimental fire. It is post fire grazing by herbivores in grasslands. abundance patterns among threatened believed the existing infrequent fire regime has The plots are monitored annually during the arboreal mammals. This project is being promoted the encroachment of shrubs into flowering period, recording flora species undertaken in the north Kimberley and the the PEC by allowing them additional time to and an estimate of abundance. A prescribed Northern Territory (NT) in conjunction with mature and store large amounts of seed in the burn was undertaken in 2014–15 and follow the Kimberley Science and Conservation soil, and then rapidly out compete grasses. up monitoring is planned to determine the Strategy and NT monitoring programs. GIS Two monitoring plots have been established success of the trial. techniques using remote sensed fire data and in the PEC; the first area to be exposed to

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 93 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

Information and data management seminars. The focus of the research and and mining land managers and the Aboriginal • in conjunction with Parks and Wildlife’s NatureMap provides access to high-quality Supersite is the ‘OzFlux’ climate station at community) through shared knowledge and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) biodiversity data through an internal web Credo former station that will monitor the best practice. It focuses on landscape-scale Branch, used the results of roadside portal. In 2014–15, the focus on historical energy, water and carbon balance of mature activities that connect across management vegetation surveys to develop roadside regional surveys continued, with the addition of eucalypt woodland. The Supersite also links boundaries providing coordinated responses conservation value maps and an invertebrate and waterbird data from 16 aquatic with the ‘AusCover’ initiative of TERN (led to biodiversity threats, including coordinated accompanying report for the shires of projects and over 20 years of survey. Other in WA by Curtin University), that develops fire management, and mitigating the spread Cranbrook and Kalamunda new datasets included a long-term Goldfields calibrated and value-added remote-sensing of invasive weeds and feral animals through • distributed signs for eight new Flora Roads fauna survey, quenda community survey and products using ground-based measurements coordinated mapping, data management and declared by two local governments on the Pilbara threatened fauna. New theme-based in the Great Western Woodlands and other targeted on-ground control. recommendation of the RCC content included a summary of findings on supersites. Provision of biodiversity conservation • contributed significantly to a group vegetation response to fire within the Great The Department continued to work with support and advice for private land addressing the decline of a large number Western Woodlands. Occurrence records now the Goldfields Land and Sea Council in the Roadside conservation of trees in rail corridor vegetation total around 3.4 million, an increase during the Kalgoorlie area, providing casual employment Parks and Wildlife’s administration of the year of 207,840. Industry and private individuals • undertook a range of activities to raise opportunities for Aboriginal rangers during Roadside Conservation Committee (RCC) continue to dominate user registrations for awareness of roadside conservation bushfire mitigation operations, cactus control continued, with funding support from Main access to NatureMap, with total registrations and engage with stakeholders, including and reserve management activities. Roads WA. The RCC seeks to facilitate best increasing by 12 per cent to 1953. presenting a display at the WA Local practice management of remnant vegetation in In the Kimberley, more than 200 traditional Government Association’s Local Redevelopment of the Fauna File database, transport corridors through raising awareness, owners were engaged in on-country land Government Convention, and speaking used to manage native animal survey and liaison and cooperation. The RCC met four management works and training and over at two public forums about RCC’s role in monitoring data, continued. The upgraded times during 2014–15. 63 casual fee-for-service jobs were created addressing roadside weed management system will make information easier to access for Aboriginal people under the Kimberley During the year the RCC: • improved public access to RCC’s and improve analysis and reporting capacity. Science and Conservation Strategy. Biological conservation value mapping data through • delivered training workshops on best surveys, weed control and fire management the Western Australian Local Government The Department began developing a survey practice roadside vegetation management programs were undertaken. Association’s Environmental Planning Tool database, BioSys, starting with data from for senior staff and work crews of the (an online spatial data viewer used by many the Landscape Conservation Initiative shires of Williams, Mukinbudin, Kellerberrin, The Pilbara Region continued to work in local governments). This has made data on undertaken under the Kimberley Science and Cranbrook and Pingelly, and similar training partnership with Rangelands NRM and weeds and habitat values available through Conservation Strategy. for a business contracted by a range of Greening Australia to undertake activities a GIS application for the first time local governments for roadside vegetation Encouraging public understanding and with landscape-scale benefit for the Pilbara control • prepared several publications on a range support for biodiversity conservation Corridors project. This five-year project is of topics relating to roadside vegetation The Credo Field Study Centre and Supersite funded through the Federal Government’s • conducted roadside vegetation surveys in management near Kalgoorlie, which opened in October Biodiversity Fund. The project is a the shires of Kalamunda and Cranbrook, 2013, continued to be used for research and collaboration with people in the Fortescue including training volunteers in survey and River catchment of the Pilbara region (pastoral mapping techniques

94 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 • prepared and distributed a publication volunteer insurance to conduct restoration management and provided technical advice of the threatened native wild rose (Diplolaena about the Ministerially-endorsed Roadside activities, a weed spray unit and the chemical on 196 occasions. Much of the work involved andrewsii) across its range on public and Environmental Weeds List herbicide to control weed infestations, adaptive management and research trials, private lands continued. Work continued with the Lowlands Conservation Committee • continued to respond to enquiries and including kikuyu (Cenchrus clandestinus), and liaison with land managers to implement on the development of interim management concerns from local governments and couch grass, Lotus spp., Allium spp. and the results of the trials in 20 high-priority sites. common fig (Ficus carica). guidelines for the Lowlands Bush Forever site. individuals regarding roadside conservation Technical support continued for managers matters. Two draft voluntary management agreements of clay-based wetlands TECs, with an annual Parks and Wildlife is coordinating the Perth More information about roadside conservation were prepared in 2014–15 for the management workshop and field day at Bandicoot Brook Banksia Woodland Community Restoration and the RCC is available on the website: of a large seasonally inundated wetland on Reserve, Waroona. In spring 2014, work Grants program to support community efforts www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/management/off- a property on the Gingin Brook, which is commenced to gain an understanding of to restore and manage banksia woodland. reserve-conservation/roadside-conservation. habitat for the threatened freshwater mussel, change over time in clay-based wetlands on A total of $300,000 was awarded to 20 Westralunio carteri, and a 13ha seasonally the Darling Plateau and address management community conservation projects, which will Healthy Wetland Habitats inundated wetland in the Shire of Capel. The implications through relocating and rescoring take place over a 28-month period ending in Healthy Wetland Habitats is a voluntary off- latter is listed under the Directory of Important 10 floristic plots established in the early September 2016. reserve conservation program that provides Wetlands of Australia for supporting roosting 1990s. technical and financial assistance to private and refuge sites for populations of migratory Urban Nature launched the Find a land managers for the management of shorebirds listed under international migratory Training and technical support for bushland Conservation Group web application (www. wetlands of high conservation value on the bird agreements. management included six workshops dpaw.wa.gov.au/find-a-conservation-group) Swan Coastal Plain, funded through a Main and field days, nine lunchtime seminars, to help people locate and get in touch with Roads WA environmental offset. Management More information about Healthy Wetland 15 presentations, four newsletter articles, groups actively working to protect and action planning and funding of up to Habitats is available on the website: www. two reports, an abstract and two scientific manage bushland in their local area. It takes $10,000 are offered to eligible landholders. dpaw.wa.gov.au/management/off-reserve- publications. About 1900 copies of the the form of a searchable Google map and will Since the program started in 2006–07, 90 conservation. quarterly newsletter Bushland News were work on a computer, tablet or smartphone. expressions of interest have been received distributed to support community involvement The app is interactive and easily updatable and 23 agreements signed. Under these Urban Nature in bushland conservation and management. and currently includes 152 groups which, in agreements, landholders have collectively The Urban Nature program provides technical combination, work to conserve and manage committed to revegetation works on 45ha of advice and on-ground support to land Work with the Friends of the Shoalwater 32,000ha of bushland, wetlands and natural wetland, weeding on 139ha of wetland and managers working to protect, manage and Islands Marine Park continued on the areas across the Swan Region. the installation of 4.8km of fencing to protect restore biodiversity in the Swan Region and restoration of plant communities on Penguin wetlands from stock. beyond. Island and in 2014, populations of the More information about the Urban Nature Australian hollyhock (Malva preissiana) program and a list of grant recipients are A voluntary management agreement for Working with more than 76 stakeholders from were re-established through a series of available on the website: www.dpaw.wa.gov. the Waterbird Conservation Group to assist community groups, private landholders, local direct seeding trials. Endemic to offshore au/management/off-reserve-conservation/ in conservation management of Folly and government, State agencies and universities, islands, the Australian hollyhock became urban-nature. Maramanup pools near Baldivis was finalised Urban Nature conducted 105 on-ground extinct from the island in the 1970s. Weed and funding was provided to purchase activities to facilitate best-practice bushland management trials to facilitate the recovery

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 95 Operational highlights Wildlife Management

Land for Wildlife More information about LFW is available on Animal ethics reports. Active projects covered the following The Land for Wildlife (LFW) program is the Parks and Wildlife website: www.dpaw. The Animal Welfare Act 2002 prohibits the broad areas of research (in order of number a non-binding voluntary management wa.gov.au/management/landforwildlife. use of animals for scientific purposes without of projects): native animal monitoring, general agreement between the Department and a licence issued under the provisions of research, translocations, surveys, education, Nature Conservation Covenants private land managers. A total of 2046 the Act. The Department holds a licence to feral animal control research and marine The Nature Conservation Covenant properties are registered in the program. use animals for scientific purposes and, as research. program assists private landowners with During 2014–15, 45 new properties were such, staff in the Department are required to the conservation of bushland of high nature The Department’s Animal Ethics Committee registered with LFW and at 30 June 2015, comply with licence conditions and abide by conservation value by placing a protective also assesses projects on behalf of the the total area of LFW sites was 284,473ha. the Australian Code of Practice for the Care covenant on the land’s title, and providing Centre for Whale Research, Australian Wildlife The decrease of around 50,000ha from and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, management advice and assistance through Conservancy, WA Museum and the Federal 2013–14 was largely accounted for by 8th Edition, 2013. Under the code, the incentives and a stewardship program. Department of Agriculture. It has memoranda the transfer of a property from LFW into Department has operated an Animal Ethics of understanding with the following institutions Government ownership. Committee since 1990 to ensure that all staff At 30 June 2015, 186 covenants had for jointly managed projects: The University involved in any aspect of the care and use Parks and Wildlife staff visited 65 properties, been cumulatively established over 240 of Western Australia, Murdoch University, of animals for scientific purposes are aware of which 44 were new properties, and 21 titles and 20,224ha of land, which support Edith Cowan University, The University of of, and act in accordance with, the code, were formally revisited for stewardship several threatened species and ecological Queensland and James Cook University. which promotes the ethical, humane and matters. During these visits, staff recorded communities, as well as wetlands (including responsible care and use of animals. 20 occurrences of rare or threatened native Ramsar-listed wetlands), Bush Forever sites In order to ensure conditions of licences are and registered Aboriginal sites. A further 44 being adhered to, members of the Animal animals, flora or ecological communities. In 2014–15, the Animal Ethics Committee covenants were in negotiation. Ethics Committee also conduct periodic comprised 11 members made up of LFW organised five displays at agricultural inspections of physical facilities for the care departmental staff and external individuals, shows or similar events, and gave 30 talks Since 2014, the majority of covenants and use of animals. Currently, there are nine including veterinarians, scientists, those with at workshops, seminars, schools or other prepared and registered by the Department’s animal housing facilities approved by the a commitment to the welfare of animals and groups. Four editions of Western Wildlife were covenant program have been as a result of a Animal Ethics Committee, although not all community members. The Animal Ethics produced. LFW staff contributed 10 articles subdivision condition. The south-west of WA currently contain animals. During 2014–15 Committee met six times to review project to print media and gave two radio interviews. has been a large focus of the covenants being inspections were carried out at four of these documentation. Applications are assessed put forward and continues to be a key focus facilities. During 2014–15, the operating model area. by the Animal Ethics Committee using the for LFW was reviewed to focus on more principles set out in the Code of the three Rs: efficient delivery and greater integration with More information about the Nature reduction, refinement and replacement. other off-reserve conservation programs. Conservation Covenant program is available The Animal Ethics Committee assessed and The Department will continue to provide on the website: www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/ approved more than 300 items in 2014–15, central coordination of the program and management/off-reserve-conservation/ consisting of new applications, amendments is investigating options for a community nature-conservation-covenant-program. to existing projects, renewals for existing partnership arrangement for delivery of projects, annual reports and adverse event regional engagement.

96 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Karijini National Park. Photo – Conservation Commission

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 97 Highlight Surveying the islands of the Kimberley

Islands in the Buccaneer Archipelago. Photo – Mark Cowan/Parks and Wildlife

98 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Years of research on the unique islands of the Kimberley has highlighted a wealth of biodiversity values and resulted in a new book, Biodiversity values on selected Kimberley islands, that will help inform planning and management decisions into the future.

Prior to 2007 the biological values of many The final paper in the book integrates the of the remote and spectacular Kimberley biological data obtained during the surveys islands remained unknown. to identify common biogeographic patterns among the plant and animal groups, to help That changed when scientists from Parks of provide a basis for conservation priorities for Wildlife and the Western Australian Museum the surveyed islands. teamed up with the Balanggarra, Uunguu, Dambimangari, Mayala and Bardi-Jawi With a few exceptions, the islands have A survey team sets traps on Long Island, an island in the Buccaneer Archipelago. traditional owners and began surveying remained almost free of invasive species Photo – David Pearson/Parks and Wildlife these islands. and are less altered by fire than the adjacent mainland, but this remote coastal region The Kimberley Island Biodiversity Survey, has seen increasing human activity in recent which began in 2007, has doubled years, bringing a range of potential risks to knowledge of existing species on a number its natural values. of islands and provided the first-ever data on seven other islands and island populations of Biodiversity values on selected Kimberley many vertebrates were discovered, including islands provides baseline information for three endangered mammals. planning of conservation management under the Kimberley Conservation and The results from the surveys on 24 islands Science Strategy and is informing the were collated in 10 scientific papers, which processes being used ultimately became the book, documenting to protect the plant and animal species believed to be at significant risk from threats, such as toxic cane toads, A magnificent green tree frog recorded cultural existing on the Kimberley mainland. during a survey of Augustus Island. and natural values of the Photo – Mark Cowan/Parks and Wildlife The papers describe island biogeographic Kimberley. patterns for each of the plant or animal groups that were surveyed, while another paper details Aboriginal connections, values and knowledge of the Kimberley islands.

Boronia wilsonii, a species that grows on sandstone outcrops. Photo – Mike Lyons/ Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 99 Operational highlights Forest Management

The Forest Management Service ensures The focus was on ensuring timber the provision of economic, social and harvesting operation are compliant with the cultural benefits from State forest and timber requirements of the plan, including meeting reserves, while conserving biodiversity, new silvicultural guideline requirements to maintaining soil and water values, and retain additional habitat elements such as sustaining health, vitality and productive large marri trees. capacity of the forest for current and future generations. Work began on developing working arrangements between Parks and Wildlife Consistent with the statutory purpose of and the Forest Products Commission (FPC) State forest and timber reserves as defined with the aim of clarifying the roles and in the Conservation and Land Management responsibilities of each agency. Act 1984, forest management is provided for on an ecologically sustainable basis. The plan provides economic opportunity This includes implementing Government for the industry to access an allowable cut 3 policies, and providing for the harvesting, of jarrah sawlogs of 160,000m , should regeneration and growth of forest products markets eventuate. Accessing this upper in accordance with the current forest limit requires approval by the Minister for management plan. Environment. Implementation of approved All old-growth forests continue to be forest management plans protected under the plan. and government policies More information on forest management and and programs the Forest Management Plan 2014–2023 is available on the website: www.dpaw.wa.gov. Forest Management Plan 2014–2023 au/management/forests/managing-our- The Forest Management Plan 2014–2023 forests/161-a-plan-for-managing-our-state-s- came into effect on 1 January 2014. The south-west-forests. plan was prepared by the Conservation Commission through the agency of the Department and was released by the Minister for Environment on 6 December 2013.

Paperbark, Mount Manypeaks Nature Reserve. Photo – Peter Nicholas/Parks and Wildlife

100 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Community forest inspection program • continual updating of the jarrah (Eucalyptus Maintenance and enhancement likely to result in the movement of soil (and Community forest inspections provide marginata) inventory with measurement of of biodiversity and other values potentially, as a consequence, Phytophthora community representatives with the a selection of inventory plots dieback) on lands managed by Parks and opportunity to inspect aspects of the harvest • undertaking vegetation mapping to Measures undertaken to sustain or Wildlife. An area of 28,468ha was mapped of native forest trees from areas of State forest inform silvicultural decisions, old-growth enhance biodiversity and other forest to assist the planning of roadworks, timber first-hand, and to learn more about relevant forest assessments, Phytophthora values included the provision of information harvesting and other disturbance operations. management systems and processes. dieback disease impact predictions and about Phytophthora dieback and maps of This included 12,035ha previously mapped the protection of poorly represented its occurrence, to enable operations to be that were re-checked. Members of the voluntary conservation vegetation complexes undertaking field undertaken with the lowest risk of spreading movement, representatives from local Integrated planning support measurements to monitor the log removals the disease. Other Forest Management government and staff from the Forest and silvicultural standards associated with Service responsibilities included implementing The maintenance and enhancement Products Commission (FPC), Parks and timber harvest operations, and maintain an approvals, monitoring and compliance of biodiversity and other values across Wildlife and the Conservation Commission current and accurate data management system for disturbance landscapes requires a high level of integrated inspected areas of Helms forest block in the operations on State forests and timber planning within Parks and Wildlife. This south-west in 2014. • providing specialist services to Parks reserves, and setting standards for the outcome was supported through: and Wildlife divisions, the FPC, other management of a range of values. Eighty-five Government agencies, natural resource Inventory, assessment and disturbance operations, covering 6750ha • planning support to Regional and Fire management groups and external clients modelling of natural resources of State forest and timber reserves, were Management Services Division to guide (services included aerial photography, evaluated and monitored for compliance the selection and management of public A wide range of technical services related to photo- interpretation, photogrammetry, with the environmental outcomes in the firewood and licensed flora harvesting the inventory, assessment and modelling of vegetation and disease mapping surveys, Forest Management Plan 2014–2023. areas natural resources was provided within Parks and database design and development) • monitoring and collating information about and Wildlife and to the FPC, Conservation The Department’s Regional and Fire • deploying and integrating modelling areas burnt by bushfire and prescribed Commission and external clients. Major areas Management Services Division delivered other software and developing natural resource fires across the forest, to support fire of activity included: sustainable forest management outcomes, models to support the Forest Management planning and reporting and the Science and Conservation Division • gathering and analysing wood inventory Plan 2014–2023 undertook research to inform management of • assisting Regional and Fire Management data to assist the FPC, Parks and Wildlife • upgrading and developing forest resource biodiversity, ecosystem health and vitality, and Services Division to evaluate the and the Conservation Commission in management systems to support the soil and water values. biodiversity assets at risk from disturbance planning, managing and monitoring timber Forest Management Plan 2014–2023. when assessing proposals for roads, utility production in State forest and timber Health and vitality in natural landscapes corridors and other infrastructure. reserves Mapping the presence of symptoms of • continual interpretation of digital images of the plant disease caused by Phytophthora State forest acquired between 2009 and dieback was carried out during the year 2013, to map forest characteristics and to determine its occurrence. Hygiene stratify areas for wood inventory requirements were specified for activities

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 101 Operational highlights Forest Management

Management of soil disturbance in timber location of five fauna habitat zones was harvesting finalised. The zones cover a gross area of The protection of soil during timber harvesting 846ha of State forest. and other disturbance operations improved Management system for approvals, considerably during the Forest Management monitoring and compliance Plan 2004–2013. The Forest Management All operations in State forest require Plan 2014–2023 carried forward a trafficability consideration and approval. Department staff index and operational requirements to be monitored the compliance of operations with applied in different risk periods to protect soil the conditions of approval and environmental during timber harvesting. The Department management standards. The planning continued to manage an approvals process checklist for disturbance activities which for access during moist soil conditions. was reviewed and updated to account Authorisation of access to 26 forest coupes for additional requirements of the Forest for potential harvesting areas during Management Plan 2014–2023 is used for winter and spring was granted based on this purpose. consideration of the risk associated with soil attributes. Access was not granted to areas Where non-compliance in timber harvesting with an inherently high risk of soil disturbance. operations is identified, the proponent may be issued with an incident report (IR). Where A review of the soil disturbance monitoring Common clematis, Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout. Photo – Bron Anderson/Parks and Wildlife the non-compliance is considered to require conducted from 2005 to 2014 led to the a formal communication, investigation development of a revised soil disturbance and response by the proponent a works Forest monitoring and research carried out in the Donnelly District. During monitoring procedure with increased focus on improvement notice (WIN) is issued if the non- The FORESTCHECK program continued autumn 2014, monitoring was also undertaken identifying and mapping the tracks created by compliance can be rectified by further field to monitor the effects of timber harvesting at seven new sites established in the eastern heavy vehicles. works, or a management letter (ML) is issued on biodiversity. The program samples part of the Blackwood District, and at one existing and two new sites in the Perth Hills Implementation of fauna habitat zones if it cannot. In 2014–15, staff issued 18 IRs and macrofungi, cryptogams, vascular plants, seven WINs. Of the values affected for IRs, invertebrates, terrestrial vertebrates, birds, District. The Forest Management Plan 2004–2013 six related to biodiversity, six to soil and water, forest structure and coarse woody debris. introduced fauna habitat zones in State The analysis of data from the 10-year four related to ecosystem health and vitality forest and timber reserves. The network monitoring period 2002–12 was completed and two related to productive capacity. Of the Seven FORESTCHECK sites in the eastern was refined for the 2014–2023 plan. Since and associated scientific papers are in WINs issued, three related to soil and water, Blackwood District and one existing and two the plan commenced in January 2014 the preparation. A review process was initiated to two related to ecosystem health and vitality new sites in Perth were sampled in spring design, analysis, survey and liaison work was assess the capacity and process of delivery and two related to biodiversity. 2014 to complete the annual monitoring cycle. undertaken for fauna habitat zones adjacent Monitoring trials using cameras to detect for FORESTCHECK into the future. to proposed disturbance activities, and the terrestrial vertebrates in karri forest were

102 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Forest auditing Table 15: List of coupes sampled.

A range of forest management activities Coupe Region Status Species were audited in 2014–15. These audits examined the processes for monitoring native Ellis Creek Warren Active Jarrah forest timber harvesting operations in the Upper Capel South West Active Jarrah Swan, South West and Warren regions for Yeticup Warren Active Jarrah compliance with requirements of the Forest Management Plan 2014–2023. Amphion Swan Dormant Jarrah

Monitoring of native forest harvesting Timber harvesting operations in State forest and timber reserves in the area of the Forest Planning checklists Protecting water and informal reserves Management Plan 2014–2023 continued to be Planning checklists must be completed by the Informal reserve boundaries, including river approved and monitored in accordance with FPC and approved by the Department before and stream zones, should be protected during guidance documents that specify a range of timber harvesting can begin. All coupes all phases of the harvesting operation. requirements, including silvicultural practices, sampled had correctly completed planning protection of soil and water values and checklists for each relevant harvesting The stream zones and reserve boundaries of demarcation of informal reserves not available operation. Each section of the checklist had three coupes were sampled for compliance. for timber harvesting. Field monitoring of been addressed and approval signatures were No incidents were recorded in two coupes. these operations was undertaken by regional in place. One minor incident totalling 5m was recorded Parks and Wildlife staff. in one coupe. This incident involved machine Coupe demarcation activity crossing into a reserve boundary. No Coupe management and environmental Management boundaries, including the major incident was recorded for any of the protection coupe, and informal reserves such as river, sampled coupes. The FPC conducts harvesting operations on stream, areas of old-growth forest and travel Department-managed land where compliance route and diverse ecotype zones, must be Stream zones were demarcated at or above identified and demarcated before approved the prescribed width requirement. is required with a range of environmental Swamp bottlebrush. Photo – Peter Nicholas/ standards. This audit assessed a sample timber harvesting operations begin. The Parks and Wildlife of these environmental management and management boundaries of three coupes protection elements in selected active coupes were assessed and all required boundaries and one dormant coupe in jarrah forest. were correctly demarcated.

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 103 Operational highlights Forest Management

Table 16: Summary of coupe demarcation Table 18: Habitat retention

Stream zone Other reserves Total Standing habitat Length assessed (m) 2346 1576 3922 No. of Area No. of No. of Average Average Average coupes sampled primary secondary no. of no. of number of Length correctly 2346 1576 3922 assessed (ha) habitat habitat primary secondary all habitat marked (m) for habitat trees in trees in habitat habitat trees / ha Percentage correct 10 0 10 0 10 0 trees samples samples trees / ha trees / ha Table 17: Summary of incidents 4 22 189 146 8.6 6.6 15.2 Stream zone Other reserves Total Length assessed (m) 2346 1576 3922 Ground habitat Number of minor incidents 1 0 1 No. of coupes Area sampled (ha) Number of habitat Average number assessed logs in samples of habitat Length of minor incidents (m) 5 0 5 logs per hectare Number of major Incidents 0 0 0 4 22 29 1. 3 Length of major incidents (m) 0 0 0

Percentage of edge protected intact 99.8 100 99.9 In the four coupes sampled, the average Damage was defined as: number of primary and secondary habitat • exposure of more than 100 square trees was above the required retention rate. centimetres of cambium Habitat retention marking, but provide for the sustained All coupes had at least the required retention To ensure the availability of suitable refuge availability of hollows through time. These rate for both primary and secondary habitat • felling, breaking or uprooting of a crop tree hollows for native animals after timber trees also contribute the structural diversity trees. For ground habitat requirements, all four • removal of more than 30 per cent of the harvesting, habitat trees and ground logs are in the coupe) coupes achieved the required, or were above, crown. retained. The requirements for habitat trees the retention rate. • one ground log per hectare (logs with a As well as avoiding physical damage, all and ground logs were: diameter greater than 10cm and a length Protecting crop trees debris created by a harvesting operation greater than 3m). • five primary habitat trees per hectare (trees Marked crop trees are required to be should be removed from the base of crop that have a moderate to high probability of protected from damage during harvesting trees. bearing hollows) operations. • six to eight secondary habitat trees per hectare (trees that have a lower probability of bearing hollows at the time of tree

104 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Table 19: Crop tree assessment Table 21: Erosion control

No. of coupes No. of crop No. of No. of Compliance No. of coupes Length of Length of Length of track Compliance assessed trees assessed crop trees crop trees assessed snig track track meeting not meeting undamaged damaged assessed specification specification (m) (m) (m) 4 396 383 13 97% 4 4152 4152 0 100% Table 20: Crop tree tops disposed and not disposed

No. of crop trees No. of crop tree tops No. of crop tree tops Compliance Rehabilitating landings Adaptive management assessed disposed disposed There is an annual program in place to The Wungong Catchment Environment and rehabilitate log landings. At the completion Water Management Project conducted in the 396 372 24 94% of harvesting, landings are ripped and 12,845ha Wungong Catchment near Jarrahdale scarified and then seeded and fertilised concluded in 2013–14. A closure plan prepared All of the four coupes assessed were below highest level of completed tops disposal was when conditions are right. Preparation between Parks and Wildlife and the Water the allowable five per cent limit for crop 95 per cent and the lowest level 93 per cent. work for landing rehabilitation, ripping and Corporation plan, which identified outstanding tree damage. The highest level of damage scarifying was undertaken in most completed work and a timeline for this work to be carried recorded was four per cent and the lowest Protecting soil coupes sampled, except where products still out, is being implemented where resources three per cent. When log extraction is completed in any remained on the landings. permit. feller’s block, and prior to machinery leaving, As well as avoiding physical damage, all spreader banks must be constructed across all Protecting threatened flora debris created by a harvesting operation extraction tracks and disturbed firebreaks with Before any activity is undertaken on should be removed from the base of crop exposed soil to minimise the risk of soil erosion. Department-managed land resulting in the trees. This task is commonly known as ‘tops The minimum size and angle of banks is set removal of native flora, field searches are disposal’ and is designed to protect crop and the prescribed spacing is dependent on required to determine whether threatened trees from fire damage. All woody material the slope and soil type. flora is present. Records of field searches for greater than 75mm in diameter must be the presence of threatened flora populations removed at least 1m from the bole of the were available for all coupes assessed. crop tree. Protecting threatened native animals Of the four coupes assessed, two achieved, Areas planned for harvesting were assessed or were above, the compliance level of 95 per in a desktop study against a matrix that cent, with the remaining two just below. The determined the probability of habitats of Red-capped robin. Photo – Matt Swan/ threatened native animals occurring, which Parks and Wildlife was incorporated into the Fauna Distribution Information System.

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 105 Operational highlights Forest Management

Provision for harvesting, Table 22: Silvicultural objectives regeneration and growth of forest products Forest type Silvicultural objective Area cutover (ha) Jarrah Release of regeneration (gap) 760 Silvicultural guidance Establishment of regeneration (shelterwood) 1490 A suite of supporting documentation continued to be developed and published Promote growth on retained trees (thinning) 500 through 2014-15, including procedures relating Single tree selection (retention in 890 to jarrah and karri silvicultural and supporting Phytophthora dieback areas) reference material for jarrah forest silviculture. Selective 1430 Copies of the guidelines and supporting documents are available on request at www. Subtotal 5070 dpaw.wa.gov.au/management/forests/ Karri Establish jarrah/karri regeneration – managing-our-forests/167-silviculture. Establish regeneration (clearfall karri) 290 Training of relevant personnel continued in the Establish regeneration (partial karri clearfall) – application of silvicultural practices and the implementation of monitoring procedures. Promote growth on retained trees (thinning) 480

Monitoring of areas subject to timber Subtotal 770 harvesting and associated treatments Wandoo Establishment of regeneration – Monitoring was undertaken in areas subject Promote growth on retained trees (thinning) – to commercial timber harvesting, silvicultural treatments and forest disturbance activities Subtotal – under the direction of the FPC. In the 12 Other forest type Other (mining and clearing for utilities) 910 months to December 2014, 6750ha of To t a l 6750 native forest were harvested with silvicultural objectives outlined in Table 19. Jarrah silvicultural objectives for 1070ha harvested in 2014–15 or previous years were achieved by follow-up treatment during the year. Karri regeneration was completed on 360ha harvested in either 2014–15 or previous years.

Rowell’s Pool, Mount Frankland South National Park. Photo – Peter Nicholas/Parks and Wildlife

106 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Table 23: Trends in the area of native forest harvested

Jarrah forest Jarrah/wandoo Clearfelled or Karri forest 1995 17,8 3 0 30 2410 - forest cut to seed Thinned 1996 22,320 50 1300 60 trees 1997 18,240 60 1870 60 (ha) (ha) (ha) (ha) 1998 19,250 60 1,970 320 1976–77 32,320 1170 2610 - 1999 14,200 50 1890 360 1977–78 26,020 740 4450 - 2000 20,570 10 1310 70 1978–79 25,540 530 2710 - 2001 15,760 - 1380 120 1979–80 25,150 860 2110 60 2002 13,260 30 700 350 1980–81 22,930 1440 2080 180 2003 8520 - 720 485 1981–82 24,680 610 2180 320 2004 8860 - 330 920 1982–83 23,740 330 990 190 2005 6220 30 460 1070 1983–84 21,540 580 1490 260 2006 8440 300 400 1130 1984–85 20,010 1440 2360 500 2007 8120 60 560 1000 1985–86 22,640 650 1590 340 2008 7280 0 390 660 1986 19,340 1150 1090 490 2009 8990 10 740 920 1987 17,18 0 1380 1310 700 2010 4520 0 400 1220 1988 23,400 490 1180 840 2011 *6120 30 740 850 1989 15,130 200 1510 910 2012 6760 0 370 650 1990 12,960 100 1560 340 2013 5880 0 290 560 1991 10,910 - 1920 230 2014 5070 0 290 480 1992 13,990 30 1540 310 1993 14,250 40 1630 80 Total includes small areas of other forest types cleared for mining or landings. 1994 14,050 50 1440 - * The figure given in the 2011-12 Yearbook (7500ha) was incorrect as it included clearing for mining.

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 107 Operational highlights Fire Management

Karri forest burnt by the O’Sullivan bushfire in February 2015. Bushfire at Cheynes Beach near Albany in November 2014. Photo – Parks and Wildlife Photo – Lachie McCaw/Parks and Wildlife

108 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Bushfire season 2014–15 Table 24: Bushfires in 2012–13 to 2014–15

The 2014–15 bushfire season was marked by Number of bushfires** Area burnt (ha)* significant bushfires in Bullsbrook, O’Sullivan and Lower Hotham. Category 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15

In total, Parks and Wildlife staff attended and State forest monitored 825 bushfires throughout the State – native hardwood 120 104 186 1457 426 56,736 in 2014–15, which burnt about 2,569,695ha. – softwood plantation 90 78 76 510 196 5507 For regional details about the number of fires attended and area burnt, see Table 24. National parks 136 121 154 238,467 1,5 37,710 938,621 Nature reserves 52 58 68 1,004,689 92,389 569,982 About 24 per cent of all bushfires attended by the Department were caused by lightning, Other Department reserves 69 57 92 672,768 247,181 167,012 slightly below the 10-year average of about 23 Other Crown lands 37 45 36 992,114 164,429 393,467 per cent. About 37 per cent were deliberately lit or arson-caused, below the 10-year Private property 138 113 179 531,870 25,056 65,456 average of about 43 per cent. For more details Unallocated Crown land 34 31 34 2,035,519 142,232 372,914 about the causes of fires attended by the Department, see Table 25. To t a l 676 607 825 5,477,394 2,209,619 2,569,695

Two of Parks and Wildlife’s five pre-formed Only includes data from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015. * Area (ha) burnt by bushfires in the tenure type. incident management teams were deployed in ** Number of bushfires that started in each tenure type and fire cause. full to bushfires in 2014–15.

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 109 Operational highlights Fire Management

Table 25: Bushfires causes: in 2012–13 to 2014–15

Number of bushfires** Per cent Cause 2 012–13 2013 –14 2014 –15 2 012–13 2013 –14 2014 –15 Deliberately/illegally lit 248 223 304 37 37 37 Escapes – non Department burning 2 5 8 0 1 1 Escapes – Department burns 24 23 51 4 4 6

Accidental – timber industry 6 6 3 1 1 0 Accidental – other industries 44 26 39 6 4 5 Accidental – recreationists 58 97 78 9 16 9 Lightning 193 141 200 28 23 24 Unknown 77 61 120 11 10 15 Other causes 24 25 22 4 4 3 Total 676 607 825 100 100 100

Only includes data from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015. ** Number of bushfires that started in each tenure type and fire cause.

110 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Table 26: Area and number of bushfires attended and monitored by Parks and Wildlife for all regions 2014–15

Region State forest State forest National Nature Other Other Crown Private Unallocated Total native softwood reserves Department lands property Crown land hardwood plantation reserves South-west forest regions Area (ha) * 39,682 5492 473 939 10,253 1724 14,126 698 73,387 Swan Number ** 96 61 54 15 40 13 88 6 373 Area (ha) * 1373 15 499 0 719 1298 3 3907 South West Number ** 68 15 17 3 29 52 6 190 Area (ha) * 15,671 78,254 456 951 5276 338 100,946 Warren Number ** 21 20 6 1 10 2 60 Subtotal Area (ha) * 56,726 5507 79,226 1395 10,972 2675 20,700 1039 178,240 Number ** 185 76 91 24 69 14 150 14 623 Other regions Area (ha) * 281,452 445,348 28,710 314,397 274,701 1,344,608 Kimberley Number ** 9 4 10 6 4 33 Area (ha) * 573,644 3606 127,113 48,173 33,828 76,435 862,798 Pilbara Number ** 43 7 8 10 1 8 77 Area (ha) * 2324 1744 23 20,215 9733 1098 35,137 Midwest Number ** 3 7 3 4 15 1 33 Area (ha) * 1200 113,293 8008 19,223 141,724 Goldfields Number ** 2 17 2 4 25 Area (ha) * 116 1 117 Wheatbelt Number ** 5 0 5 Area (ha) * 10 774 4479 194 1196 418 7071 South Coast Number ** 1 6 4 2 13 3 29 Grand total (all regions) Area (ha) * 56,736 5507 938,620 569,981 167,012 393,468 65,457 372,914 2,569,695 Number ** 186 76 154 68 92 36 179 34 825

* Area (ha) burnt by bushfires in the tenure type (slight discrepancies in totals may appear due to rounding). ** Number of bushfires originating in the tenure type.

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 111 Operational highlights Fire Management

Prescribed burning In 2014–15, the Department achieved 147,082ha of prescribed burning in the south- Parks and Wildlife has legislative responsibility west forest regions, including about 6,381ha for bushfire preparedness on the land it burnt for pine plantation protection. Forty- manages (generally parks, reserves and seven per cent of the planned fire activities State forest) and unallocated Crown land and were undertaken in the spring and early unmanaged reserves outside metropolitan summer period (September to December and town site areas. Bushfire preparedness 2014), 39 per cent in autumn (April to June activities include the preparation and 2015), 12 per cent in winter (July and August implementation of an annual prescribed 2015) and two per cent in summer (January to burning program on these lands. March 2015).

Prescribed burning on Parks and Wildlife- Figure 3 shows the achievement of prescribed managed lands throughout the State is burning in the south-west forest regions undertaken to reduce the occurrence from 2002–03 to 2014–15. The relatively low and impacts of large, intense bushfires; to level of burning for several years during this protect and conserve community assets and period reflects the impacts of reduced rainfall biodiversity values; and to regenerate and and often unfavourable weather conditions protect forest ecosystems following harvesting experienced in those years. While these operations or other disturbances. In many conditions were again experienced to a Staff conduct a prescribed burn in the Wheatbelt. Photo – Parks and Wildlife cases these outcomes are achieved together degree in spring 2014, a relatively favourable within a prescribed burn. autumn season in 2015 compensated and area burnt had not been burnt for at least 10 allowed a significant increase in prescribed years and 89 per cent of burns contained The indicative burn target for 2014–15 in the burning in 2014–15 relative to recent years. south-west forest regions was 200,000ha. some fuel that had not been burnt for 10 years To meet this objective, the Department’s The average area of burning achieved by the or more. burn planning process identified potential Department in the south-west forest regions areas in excess of 200,000ha as available for over the previous 10 years has been about prescribed burning in the south-west forest 139,494ha per annum. regions for the 2014–15 burning seasons. The surplus burn area provides the flexibility to Figure 4 shows the number of years since safely take advantage of favourable burning fire last occurred in south-west forest regions conditions as they occur in different parts of vegetation/fuel that was prescribed burnt in the south-west. 2014–15. Approximately 78 per cent of the

112 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Figure 3: Prescribed burning in the south-west forest regions, 2002–03 to 2014–15

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000 Area burnt (ha) 50,000

2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2010-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Year

Figure 4: Years since fire last occurred in the south-west forest regions that was prescribed burnt in 2014–15

60,000 29 Area of burns 50,000

40,000

50,000 14

40,000 Area burnt (ha) 13 9 8 37 10,000 6 8 6 0 1 2 1 0 0

9–11 0–2 3–5 6–8 12–14 15–17 18–20 21–23 24–26 27–29 30–32 33–35 36-38 Unknown Years since last fire (Number on bar refers to number of burns)

Prescribed burning in Yanchep Pine Plantation. Photo – Leigh Sage/Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 113 Operational highlights Fire Management

The application of prescribed fire by Parks The Department completed about 1.98 In the Wheatbelt Region, early rain in March In 2014–15, the combined total area of and Wildlife outside the south-west forest million hectares of prescribed burning in and April in 2015 increased soil and litter prescribed burning undertaken throughout regions has increased markedly since the Kimberley, Pilbara, Midwest, Goldfields, moisture which enabled burning to start earlier the State was 2,124,809ha. Figure 5 shows July 2003, when the Department became Wheatbelt and South Coast regions. Many than usual. Eighteen burns were conducted the area prescribed burnt in all Parks and responsible for bushfire risk prevention and of these burns were open-edged and wind- on land managed by the Department from Wildlife regions since 1978–79. preparedness over large areas of unallocated driven with aerial ignition. These burns provide Kojonup in the south to Bonnie Rock in the Crown land and unmanaged reserves. the habitat diversity necessary to conserve north, with 2,518ha burnt. Most burns were Significant progress has been made in the biodiversity and establish protective buffers between 100 and 200ha, with almost Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields regions in to limit the spread of bushfires. The burns 100 per cent of planned burns carried applying prescribed fire across the landscape were carried out on Parks and Wildlife- out during the season. to achieve biodiversity conservation outcomes managed lands as well as on unallocated and to minimise the potential extent of Crown lands and unmanaged reserves in damaging bushfires. these regions.

Figure 5: Prescribed burning in all regions from 1978–79 to 2014–15

9,000,000

8,000,000

7,000,000

6,000,000

5,000,000

4,000,000 Area burnt (ha)

3,000,000

2,000,000

1,000,000 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2010–11 2014–15 1978–79 1997–98 1987–88 1981–82 1991–92 2009–10 1979–80 1992–93 1982–83 2007–08 1996–97 1986–87 1980–81 2001–02 1990–91 1994–95 1988–89 1993–94 1998–99 1989–90 1995–96 1984–85 1985–86 1983–84 1999–00 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2008–09 2000–01 Year

114 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Table 27: Number and area (ha) of prescribed burns conducted by Parks and Wildlife in local government areas in 2014–15

Local government authority Number Area (ha) Shire of Collie 9 13,878 Shire of Nannup 8 4920 City of Albany 3 360 Shire of Coolgardie 2 21 Shire of Narrogin 1 128 City of Armadale 5 2814 Shire of Coorow 1 351 Shire of Northampton 2 180 City of Busselton 1 899 Shire of Cuballing 1 79 Shire of Pingelly 2 117 City of Cockburn 1 10 Shire of Dandaragan 4 350 Shire of Plantagenet 4 14,895 City of Gosnells 2 353 Shire of Dardanup 2 1664 Shire of Ravensthorpe 4 2273 City of Greater Geraldton 2 194 Shire of Denmark 8 15,944 Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale 4 1065 City of Mandurah 1 141 Shire of Derby-West Kimberley 4 279,212 Shire of Tammin 1 29 City of Swan 4 2684 Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup 8 2156 Shire of Toodyay 6 8129 City of Wanneroo 11 2987 Shire of Esperance 5 204 Shire of Victoria Plains 1 478 Shire of Ashburton 5 35 Shire of Gingin 9 5131 Shire of Wagin 1 22 Shire of Augusta- 3 448 Shire of Halls Creek 2 360,080 Shire of Wandering 3 9923 Margaret River Shire of Harvey 7 974 Shire of Waroona 3 296 Shire of Beverley 3 9269 Shire of Irwin 2 673 Shire of West Arthur 3 4509 Shire of Boddington 4 4944 Shire of Kalamunda 7 4681 Shire of Westonia 1 379 Shire of Boyup Brook 2 2559 Shire of Kellerberrin 1 15 Shire of Williams 2 299 Shire of Bridgetown- 7 3555 Greenbushes Shire of Kent 1 468 Shire of Wiluna 3 2775 Shire of Broome 1 354 Shire of Kojonup 1 84 Shire of Wongan-Ballidu 1 52 Shire of Bruce Rock 1 24 Shire of Kulin 1 128 Shire of Wyndham- 10 1,327,6 9 3 East Kimberley Shire of Capel 3 745 Shire of Manjimup 22 17,16 4 Shire of Yilgarn 4 693 Shire of Carnamah 2 240 Shire of Moora 1 1 Shire of York 2 502 Shire of Chapman Valley 1 101 Shire of Mundaring 6 907 Shire of Chittering 2 698 Shire of Murray 9 7868

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 115 Operational highlights Fire Management

Table 28: Area (ha) and number of prescribed burns for all Parks Table 29: Area (ha) of prescribed burns on each tenure type and Wildlife regions 2012–13 to 2014–15 in 2014 –15

South-west forest regions 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2 014 –15 Swan Area (ha) 9978 21,225 62,793 State forest 71,787 Number 46 52 61 National parks 1,215,526 South West Area (ha) 5918 21,975 28,920 Nature reserves 31,221 Number 22 22 34 Conservation parks 256,030 Warren Area (ha) 7572 35,034 55,369 Softwood plantation 6381 Number 19 37 39 Unallocated Crown land 92,811 South-west forest Area (ha) 23,468 78,234 147,0 82 regions subtotal Other Crown land, other Parks and Wildlife Number 87 111 134 451,053 reserves and private property Other regions 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 Total area (ha) 2,124,809 Kimberley Area (ha) 5,030,846 3,308,225 1,9 67,3 3 9 Number 7 12 17 Pilbara Area (ha) 8017 61,485 35 Number 8 7 4 Midwest Area (ha) - 1,897 2091 Number - 6 15 Goldfields Area (ha) 968,206 19,032 2796 Number 3 4 6 Wheatbelt Area (ha) 10,568 549 2,518 Number 9 7 18 South Coast Area (ha) 6247 862 2948 Number 10 13 13 Other regions subtotal Area (ha) 6,023,884 3,392,050 1,977,727 Number 37 49 73 Grand total (all regions) Area (ha) 6,047,352 3,470,284 2,124,809 Number 124 160 207

116 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 Operations, planning and interagency cooperation

Aerial bushfire suppression operations Parks and Wildlife contracted eight fixed- wing water bombers from November 2014 to April 2015. The aircraft provided rapid aerial suppression capability in the South Coast, Midwest, Wheatbelt and south-west forest regions, including the Perth outer-metropolitan area, giving significant assistance to ground crews in the initial attack on bushfires. Fixed-wing water bombers were used on numerous bushfires that threatened residential Water bomber. Photo – Leigh Sage/Parks and Wildlife areas across the south-west. These aircraft attended 190 bushfires and dropped 2291 loads. More details can be found in the Bushfire training and development operational areas including the use of 2014–15 Annual Report which is available on The Fire Management Services Branch two-way radios, storage and use of fire the website www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/about-us/ development and education section blankets and burnover drills. annual-report-and-yearbook. conducted 23 formal fire management training The aviation operations section provided courses involving 260 participants. Course Bushfire detection training to 142 aerial operations personnel participants were predominantly from Parks of which 41 participants were from external Parks and Wildlife provided an effective and Wildlife, including campground host organisations from Adelaide, Northern bushfire detection system in the most bushfire volunteers, but also included personnel from Territory and the Kimberley. More than prone areas of the south-west forest regions the Forest Products Commission (FPC), 150 water bomber reloaders across through fixed lookout towers and a fleet of the Department of Fire and Emergency 40 operational bases were also trained, 10 ‘spotter’ aircraft. Spotter aircraft flew services (DFES) and local governments. with the majority of these participants from 4989 hours for aerial surveillance and volunteer bushfire brigades and local State 456 hours in support of aerial suppression Annual mandatory pre-season training Emergency Service units. operations during the year. More details was undertaken across the Department can be found in the 2014–15 Annual Report in preparation for the 2014–15 fire season. More details can be found in the 2014–15 which is available on the website: www.dpaw. A total of 784 Parks and Wildlife and FPC Annual Report which is available on the wa.gov.au/about-us/annual-report-and- personnel participated and met training website:www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/about-us/ yearbook. requirements in operational and non- annual-report-and-yearbook. Mount Chudalup fire tower, D’Entrecasteaux National Park. Photo – Parks and Wildlife

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 117 Operational highlights Fire Management

Prescribed fire planning and risk pastoralists. The use of planned fire for management developing landscape-scale, mosaic patterns The Department continued to engage and of burnt and unburnt patches continued to collaborate with the Office of Bushfire Risk yield benefits for mitigating large bushfires, Management (OBRM) in the constant pursuit protecting biodiversity and cultural values, of improvement. An assurance program and achieving designated nature conservation conducted by OBRM to scrutinise the outcomes. Department’s burn planning processes again Interagency bushfire management occurred throughout the year in a number of regions. During 2014–15, significant Parks and Wildlife fire management resources were dedicated to Bushfire preparedness on unallocated improving interagency bushfire management Crown land arrangements through the Interagency Since 1 July 2003, the Department has Bushfire Management Committee (IBMC) and had responsibility for the coordination and associated sub-committees. Details about Ground crew reloading a water bomber. Photo – Parks and Wildlife on-ground management of bushfire risk the sub-committees servicing the IBMC are prevention and bushfire preparedness works included in the 2014–15 Annual Report which on 89 million hectares of unallocated Crown is available on the website www.dpaw.wa.gov. land and unmanaged reserves outside the au/about-us/annual-report-and-yearbook. Perth metropolitan area and town sites. Outside the IBMC, Parks and Wildlife initiated Work undertaken by Parks and Wildlife in and participated in substantial interagency 2014–15 included the construction and liaison with DFES, local government and other maintenance of firebreaks, modification of government departments on fire management vegetation in strategic buffers, open-edge related matters. prescribed burning and large-scale aerial Key efficiency indicators ignition. Efficiency indicators are currently under review In the Kimberley, Pilbara and Goldfields for both prescribed burning and bushfire regions, the Department continued to make suppression. good progress in engaging and building Pre-bushfire season safety training. partnerships with stakeholders, including Photo – Karla Graham/Parks and Wildlife Aboriginal communities and neighbouring

Pre-bushfire season fitness training. Photo – Peter Nicholas/Parks and Wildlife

118 Department of Parks and Wildlife Yearbook 2014–15 20150304 1215 100