Marine National Park For more information contact the Parks Information Centre on 13 1963, or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au Wilsons Promontory Marine Park

Management Plan May 2006 This Management Plan for Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park, Marine Park and Marine Reserve is approved for implementation. Its purpose is to direct all aspects of management in the park until the plan is reviewed.

A Draft Management Plan for the park was published in November 2004. Nineteen submissions were received and have been considered in developing this approved Management Plan.

For further information on this plan, please contact:

Chief Ranger East Parks Victoria PO Box 483 VIC 3875 Phone: (03) 5152 0669

Copies This plan may be downloaded from the Parks Victoria website ‘www.parkweb.vic.gov.au’. Copies of the plan may be purchased for $8.80 (including GST) from:

Parks Victoria Information Centre Level 10, 535 Bourke Street VIC 3000 Phone: 13 1963

Parks Victoria Office 171 Nicholson Street Orbost VIC 3888

WILSONS PROMONTORY MARINE NATIONAL PARK AND

WILSONS PROMONTORY MARINE PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN

May 2006

Published in May 2006 by Parks Victoria Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000. Cover: Waterloo Bay, Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park (Photo: Mary Malloy). Parks Victoria 2006, Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Wilsons Promontory Marine Park Management Plan, Parks Victoria, Melbourne National Library of Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Parks Victoria Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Wilsons Promontory Marine Park Management Plan. Bibliography. Includes index ISBN 0 7311 8346 0 1. Parks Victoria. 2. Marine parks and reserves - Victoria - Wilsons Promontory - Management. 3. Conservation of natural resources - Victoria – Wilsons Promontory. 4. Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park (Vic.) – Management. I. Title. 333.783099456.

Acknowledgements Acknowledgement of Country. In their rich culture, Indigenous Australians are intrinsically connected to the continent – including the area now known as Victoria. Parks Victoria recognises that the park is part of Country of the Traditional Owners. Special thanks go to members of the Marine Protected Area Management Plan Advisory Group, which comprises representatives of the following organisations: Australian Marine Science Association, Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Aboriginal Health and Housing Co-operative, Fisheries Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Gippsland Coastal Board, Gunai/Kurnai Council of Elders, Prom Country Regional Tourism Inc., Scuba Divers Federation of Victoria, Seafood Industry Victoria, South Gippsland Conservation Society, Council, Victorian Boonerwrung Elders Land Council, VRFish, Catchment Management Authority and Yerrung Kurnai.

Note: Technical terms used in this plan are explained in the Glossary at the end of the plan

Disclaimers This plan is prepared without prejudice to any negotiations or litigated outcome of any native title determination applications covering land or water within the plan’s area. It is acknowledged that any future outcomes of native title determination applications may necessitate amendment of this plan; and the implementation of this plan may require further notifications under the procedures in Division 3 of Part 2 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth). The plan is also prepared without prejudice to any future negotiated outcomes between the Government/s and Victorian Indigenous communities. It is acknowledged that such negotiated outcomes may necessitate amendment of this plan. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this plan is accurate. Parks Victoria does not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence, which may arise from you relying on any information in the publication. Text printed on 100% recycled paper to help save our natural environment.

FOREWORD

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park, Today the planning area offers exceptional Marine Park and Marine Reserve make opportunities for diving, snorkelling, significant contributions to Victoria’s system swimming, boating and birdwatching in a of Marine National Parks and other marine remote and natural setting, attracting visitors protected areas. At 15 500 ha in area, Wilsons from throughout the state and elsewhere. It Promontory Marine National Park is Victoria’s forms an integral component of the Gippsland southernmost and largest Marine National tourism industry. Park. Implementation of this Approved Plan will The planning area contains biological help protect and conserve the planning area’s communities with distinct biogeographic natural and cultural values, help make the patterns, including shallow subtidal reefs, deep planning area more widely known and subtidal reefs, intertidal rocky shores, sandy appreciated, and ensure visitors enjoy it and beaches, seagrass, subtidal soft substrates and respect its importance for both current and expansive areas of open water. Sixty-eight future generations. species of marine flora and fauna are believed The Government recognises the value and to be at their eastern or western distributional importance of raising community and agency limits within the planning area. participation to achieve integrated The planning area also provides important management of the coastal zone. In doing so, I habitat for several threatened shorebird welcome collaborative initiatives to species, including species listed under management of the planning area, particularly international migratory bird agreements. with Indigenous communities, local Furthermore, is an important community groups and individuals, and key breeding site for a significant colony of over government agencies. 9000 Australian Fur Seals. I am pleased to take the opportunity to thank The planning area has long been part of the those many individuals and organisations who sacred Country of Yiruk for the Gunai / Kurnai contributed to this plan by responding to Indigenous people and Wamoom for the requests for information or views. In Boonwurrung Indigenous people. Seascapes of particular, I thank representatives of the South the park and the surrounding waters and Gippsland Marine Protected Area Management landscapes of Wilsons Promontory are Plan Advisory Group for their valuable traditionally and culturally significant to contribution to the development of the plan. I relevant Indigenous communities. also wish to thank those individuals, groups and organisations who made submissions on The history of the planning area since the Draft Plan and I look forward to the European settlement is also rich in diversity, community’s ongoing support for the involving maritime exploration, commercial management of Wilsons Promontory Marine exploitation, coastal trading and navigation. National Park, Marine Park and Marine Evidence of many of these activities is present Reserve. today in the form of documented history, historic shipwrecks and other maritime infrastructure.

JOHN THWAITES MP

Minister for Environment

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park iii

APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN

This Management Plan has been prepared The plan provides the basis for the future under section 17D of the National Parks Act management of Wilsons Promontory Marine 1975 (Vic.) and is approved for National Park, Wilsons Promontory Marine implementation. Park and Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve. It was finalised following consideration of the

19 submissions received on the Draft Management Plan.

PROF LYNDSAY NEILSON MARK STONE Secretary to the Chief Executive Department of Sustainability and Environment Parks Victoria

iv Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park

INTRODUCTION TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

Victorians are custodians of some of the most insects — the most abundant invertebrates on remarkable, diverse and culturally important land — are almost absent. The dominant marine environments on Earth. These include vertebrates are fish, although mammals and deep open water, shallow embayments, rocky reptiles also inhabit the marine environment reefs, canyons, seagrass meadows, tidal and many birds inhabit both realms. sandflats and mudflats, and estuaries, and they Although they are very different physically support more than 12 000 known species. and biologically, the land, atmosphere and Around 90% of these marine species are found marine environments are interconnected. only in the waters of southern Australia. Water and gases are transferred between Broadly speaking, Victoria has responsibility oceans and the atmosphere. There are animals for the waters which extend off-shore to three with both marine and freshwater life stages, nautical miles and cover around 70 000 square and some species breed in estuaries where kilometres. Marine National Parks and Marine fresh water from the land mixes with oceanic Sanctuaries make up about 5% of this area, but salt water. Fresh water and sediments from protect a range of significant species and catchments far inland are dispersed into coastal important habitats, as well as maritime waters, bringing with them nutrients needed to artefacts and evidence of past Indigenous maintain inshore marine ecosystems but also occupation and use. pollution from human activities. The vast three-dimensional marine The sea interconnects marine habitats over environment has characteristics that are very great distances. Tides and currents move different from those of the land and sediments, plankton and organic matter into atmosphere. The fundamental physical and through habitats, along with flotsam, properties — pressure, temperature, salinity, jetsam, ballast water and oils released from density and availability of nutrients and gases ships on the open seas, or washed from the — are all very different. There are also great shores of other countries. And many marine differences in the types of substrates, and the animals migrate long distances, passing freely physical and biological processes that occur, into and out of Victorian waters and spending such as tides, currents, light penetration, much of their lives in the open ocean. erosion, sedimentation, oxygen uptake, life cycles and even the food chains. A vision for Victoria’s system of Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries The organisms that occupy the marine environment are different as well. On land ‘A world-class system of Marine National vascular plants dominate, but in marine Parks and Marine Sanctuaries that conserves habitats they are very rare, occurring only in the diversity of Victoria’s marine very shallow water on sheltered coastlines. In environments, protected and enjoyed by most marine environments their ecological Victorians and visitors, forever.’ roles in photosynthesis and oxygen production This vision for Victoria’s system of Marine are undertaken by algae, which range in size National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries is from giant kelps to minute single-celled detailed in the Marine National Park and species. Other single-celled organisms such as Marine Sanctuaries Management Strategy diatoms, cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates and 2003–2010 (Parks Victoria 2003a). It is forams, together with invertebrate larvae and described in the following extract: marine fungi, make up most of the abundant marine plankton that is the basis of all marine ‘The vision for Victoria’s system of Marine food chains. National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries is to maintain marine ecosystems in their natural As on land, invertebrates, including molluscs state, enjoyed by visitors and protected from (e.g. octopuses, abalones, snails), crustaceans the effects of inappropriate activities. The (e.g. crabs, lobsters, tiny amphipods) and system will safeguard representative examples echinoderms (e.g. sea cucumbers, sea stars and of undisturbed natural marine habitats, respect sea urchins), dominate the marine fauna but cultural heritage values, and be a place of

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park v Introduction to the marine environment inspiration, enjoyment and renewal for all direct control. Impacts on one marine habitat people. The system will complement our can quickly affect another and human activities world-class national parks system on land. and natural events on land and in the atmosphere can have widespread consequences This vision aims to preserve the diversity of for the marine environment. Boundaries in the our marine environment, its flora and fauna, its ocean can be difficult to define, and the effects natural beauty, and the diversity of activities of human activities can be hidden from view. that may be enjoyed there. It is a vision that Like the atmosphere but in contrast to land, the invites all Victorians to become involved, to marine environment is a common resource take pride in our Marine National Parks and which is rarely in private ownership, and there Marine Sanctuaries, and to share in their are few natural or artificial barriers to stewardship.’ movement. Many of the strategies used to concentrate the impacts of recreational Contribution to the statewide system activities in terrestrial parks (e.g. the creation As Victoria’s largest Marine National Park, of walking tracks and picnic areas) are not Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park feasible in the marine context. makes a vital contribution to Victoria’s system of Marine National Parks and Marine Conserving historic and cultural places and Sanctuaries. It lies within Victoria’s objects is also a challenge because it is southernmost marine waters, and is the only difficult to identify an underwater place or Marine National Park in Victoria that is within monitor activities that take place on the open the Flinders Bioregion. sea or under water. Sea Country and cultural association with, or past use of, underwater Wilsons Promontory Marine Park and Wilsons Indigenous places which were exposed before Promontory Marine Reserve complement this the sea level rose, must also be considered. system and protect other important values in the planning area. The long-term protection of the Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries relies Implications for management on the support and goodwill of the community, together with the help of coastal managers and The differences and connections in the marine government agencies. The plan seeks to foster environment mean that Victoria’s Marine a strong sense of custodianship of the planning National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries must area and to strengthen its protection while be managed somewhat differently from land respecting cultural and community environments. Natural, recreational and associations with the area. cultural values may be affected by the use of both land and marine areas some distance away, over which park managers have no

vi Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park

SUMMARY

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park is The planning area contains some of Victoria’s the largest of Victoria’s 13 marine national most magnificent underwater seascapes in parks, and lies within Victoria’s southernmost numerous diving sites, featuring near-vertical marine waters. The marine flora and fauna of granite ‘drop-offs’ and frequently clear water. this Marine National Park is abundant and It offers exceptional opportunities for diving, diverse, and includes more than 65 species snorkelling, swimming, boating and believed to be at their eastern or western birdwatching in a remote and natural setting, distributional limits (Plummer et al. 2003). attracting visitors from throughout the state and elsewhere. The planning area is readily Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park, the accessible from Melbourne and is an integral adjacent marine park and marine reserve, component of the Gippsland tourism industry. together comprising the planning area, are the only Victorian representatives of marine Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park, protected areas in the Flinders bioregion, and Marine Park and Marine Reserve will be therefore make an important contribution to managed as world-class marine protected areas the statewide system and the National for conservation and appropriate recreation, in Representative System of Marine Protected accordance with their status. They will Areas. contribute to the overall maintenance of marine biodiversity in the Flinders bioregion, Indigenous tradition indicates that the planning protecting a range of marine ecological area is part of the sacred Country of Yiruk for communities and marine flora and fauna, the Gunai / Kurnai people, and Wamoom for including threatened marine mammals and the Boonwurrung people1, who are shorebirds. traditionally and culturally associated with the planning area. Indigenous tradition also Enabling natural processes to occur unimpeded indicates that the planning area contains many will be an important management goal, as will Indigenous places and objects that are integral improving partnerships with Friends and other to the dreaming and culture of the Traditional volunteers, community groups, Indigenous Owners, and are highly significant to communities and other government agencies. Indigenous people. At the time of publication Future management of the planning area will there were several groups asserting traditional be integrated with that of the adjoining ownership of the area. terrestrial areas of Wilsons Promontory National Park. The history of the planning area since European settlement is also rich in diversity, Significant management directions for the involving maritime exploration, commercial planning area are as follows: exploitation, coastal trading and navigation. • Natural processes, including competition, Evidence of many of these activities is present predation, recruitment and disturbance, today in the form of documented history, will be protected to ensure an overall historic shipwrecks and other maritime benefit to the biodiversity and variety of infrastructure. marine ecological communities in the ______planning area. 1 This management plan adopts the spellings used • Identified threats to the natural and cultural by the Native Title Unit, Department of Justice. values of the planning area will be There are a number of alternative spellings and minimised through addressing the pronunciations. For the Gunai / Kurnai these outcomes of ongoing monitoring, risk include: ‘Ganai’, ‘Gun-na’, ‘Kanny’, ‘Kani’, ‘Knai’ and ‘Kannai’. Boonwurrung is a known form of the assessment and, where feasible, name for this Aboriginal tribal group. Boonwurrung complementary adjacent, coastal and may also be spelt in a number of different ways, catchment management. including ‘Boonerwrung’ and ‘Bunurong’. • Research and monitoring will be

undertaken to improve the scientific basis for management, including baseline data

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park vii Summary

collection, marine habitat mapping and • Visitors will be encouraged to adopt threat assessment. minimal-impact techniques and to adhere to industry-developed standards • The Traditional Owners’ cultural lore, appropriate to their activity. interests and rights in the planing area, and aspirations for Country, will be reflected in • Strong collaborative relationships will be the planning area’s management, in developed with the Traditional Owners to accordance with legislation and policies. facilitate the reflection of their cultural lore, rights, and interests and aspirations, • Indigenous places and objects will be in the park’s planning and management. protected in partnership with the Traditional Owners. • Community and interest groups, including relevant Indigenous communities, will be • Maritime and other cultural heritage from encouraged and supported to become the post-settlement period, including actively involved in areas of park places and shipwrecks, will be protected as management that relate to their interests. far as practicable from damaging natural processes and inappropriate recreational • Impacts of illegal harvesting will be activities. minimised through information, interpretation and education, and improved • Visitor safety, understanding and surveillance and enforcement. appreciation of the planning area’s natural and cultural values will be enhanced by the production of an integrated three-year rolling information, interpretation and education plan for the planning area and adjoining Wilsons Promontory National Park.

viii Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park

CONTENTS

FOREWORD iii

APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN iv

INTRODUCTION TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT v

SUMMARY vii

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Location and planning area 1 1.2 Creation of the parks and reserve 1 1.3 Plan development 2

2 BASIS 4

2.1 Regional context 4 2.2 Parks and reserve significance and values 4 2.3 Evidence of past use 6 2.4 The park visitor 6 2.5 Legislation and ECC recommendations 7 2.6 Policies and guidelines 8

3 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 10

3.1 Vision 10 3.2 Zoning 10 3.3 Management directions 11

4 STRATEGIES FOR NATURAL VALUES CONSERVATION 14

4.1 Geological and geomorphological features 14 4.2 Catchment and water quality 15 4.3 Hydrodynamics 18 4.4 Habitats and communities 19 4.5 Landscape and seascape 22 4.6 Marine pests 23

5 STRATEGIES FOR CULTURAL VALUES CONSERVATION 26

5.1 Indigenous cultural heritage 26 5.2 Maritime and other cultural heritage 27

6 STRATEGIES FOR VISITORS 30

6.1 Information, interpretation and education 30 6.2 Access 33 6.3 Recreational boating and surface water sports 34 6.4 Diving and snorkelling 37 6.5 Swimming and shore-based activities 39 6.6 Recreational fishing 40

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park ix Contents

6.7 Tourism services 41 6.8 Aircraft 42 6.9 Public safety 43

7 STRATEGIES FOR AUTHORISED AND ADJACENT USES 45

7.1 Authorised uses 45 7.2 Boundaries and adjacent uses 47

8 STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT 50

8.1 Community awareness 50 8.2 Community participation 51 8.3 Agency partnerships 53

9 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 56

9.1 Delivery and reporting 56 9.2 Plan amendment 56 9.3 Evaluation and review 57

REFERENCES 58

GLOSSARY 62

APPENDICES 1 Management objectives for the planning area 65 2 Submissions on the Draft Management Plan 67 3 Marine ecological communities 68 4 Shipwrecks and other cultural heritage places 69

TABLES

1 Management overlay 11 2 Summary of recreational opportunities 13 3 Provision of visitor information, interpretation and education 32

FIGURES

1 Location End of plan 2 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park, Marine Park and Marine Reserve " 3 Management overlay – Special Protection Area "

x Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park

1 INTRODUCTION

Cove in the east (figure 2). Both these areas 1.1 Location and planning area are bounded by the coastline and extend The planning area is at the southern tip of the seawards 300 m from the mean low water Australian mainland, approximately 220 mark. The marine reserve also surrounds all kilometres southeast of Melbourne (figure 1), islands in the Glennie Group, from the mean and covers a total area of 22 075 hectares of low water mark out to 300 m offshore. These Crown land and waters. islands form part of Wilsons Promontory The planning area comprises: National Park to the mean low water mark. Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve also • Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park extends vertically from the water surface to the (15 500 ha) centre of the Earth. • Wilsons Promontory Marine Park As the landward boundaries of the marine park (5390 ha) and marine reserve are the mean low water mark, all adjoining intertidal areas are part of • Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve Wilsons Promontory National Park and are (1185 ha). managed in accordance with the Wilsons Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park Promontory National Park Management Plan extends along the mean high water mark of the (Parks Victoria 2002a). Conversely, the coastline from the southern end of Norman boundary of Wilsons Promontory Marine Bay to Cape Wellington, and offshore to National Park extends to the mean high water within 300 m of the Glennie Group of islands, mark, so intertidal areas within that park are which is the boundary of Wilsons Promontory covered by this management plan. Marine Reserve (figure 2). The Marine For the purposes of this plan, Wilsons National Park surrounds the Anser Group of Promontory Marine National Park, Wilsons islands (part of Wilsons Promontory National Promontory Marine Park and Wilsons Park) to the mean high water mark and extends Promontory Marine Reserve are collectively to 200 m below the seabed. The Marine called ‘the planning area’. National Park also adjoins Wilsons Promontory Marine Park (figure 2). 1.2 Creation of the parks and Wilsons Promontory Marine Park consists of reserve two areas. The first extends from out to and from there Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park landwards to Norman Bay in the west, ending Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park at the boundary of the Marine National Park. forms part of the system of 13 Marine National The landward boundary is the mean low water Parks and 11 Marine Sanctuaries in Victorian mark. The second area extends 300 m waters. Selection of these areas was based on seawards from the low water mark between more than 10 years of research, investigation Refuge Cove and Entrance Point in the east and community consultation by the former (figure 2). The marine park also surrounds Land Conservation Council (LCC) and and Rabbit Island from the Environment Conservation Council (ECC), mean low water mark to 300 m offshore. These summarised in the Marine, Coastal and islands form part of Wilsons Promontory Estuarine Investigation Final Report (ECC National Park to the mean low water mark. 2000). The recommendations of the ECC The marine park extends vertically from the accepted by government (Government of water surface to the centre of the Earth. Victoria 2002) included establishment of the Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve consists new Marine National Park under the National of three sections. One section of approximately Parks Act 1975 (Vic.). Wilsons Promontory 90 ha lies at the southern end of Norman Bay Marine National Park was included in in the west, and another extends from Cape Schedule 7 of the National Parks Act on 16 Wellington to the southern part of Refuge November 2002 (appendix 1).

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 1 Introduction

When created, much stronger penalties were recommendations (Government of Victoria applied for all forms of fishing, including 2002) and the proclamation of Marine National shellfish collection, in Marine National Parks Parks and Marine Sanctuaries, and were or Marine Sanctuaries, than apply for taking or incorporated into the Draft Plan. damaging fauna, plants or objects from these This Management Plan for Wilsons areas. Promontory Marine National Park, Marine Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park Park and Marine Reserve was prepared by includes areas between the high and low water Parks Victoria, with significant input from the mark that were formerly part of Wilsons South Gippsland Marine Protected Area Promontory National Park or Wilsons Management Plan Advisory Group and other Promontory Marine Reserve. stakeholders. It takes into account existing information, reports and research findings that Wilsons Promontory Marine Park and relate to the park. The plan is informed and Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve supported by a range of best practice On 26 March 1986 the Government, by Order management systems. of the Governor-in-Council, temporarily The strategies outlined in this plan have been reserved Wilsons Promontory Marine Park and guided by the statewide Marine National Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve under the Parks and Marine Sanctuaries Management Crown Lands (Reserves) Act 1978 (Vic.). Strategy 2003–2010 (Parks Victoria 2003a). Wilsons Promontory Marine Park was The plan is a strategic guide for future temporarily reserved ‘for the conservation of management of the planning area. As a public areas of natural interest or beauty or of document, the plan establishes how Parks scientific, historic or archaeological interest Victoria will protect the natural and cultural and areas for public recreation’. Wilsons values of the park, and describes the services Promontory Marine Reserve was temporarily and facilities that will be provided to help reserved ‘for the conservation of areas of visitors to enjoy, appreciate and understand the natural interest or beauty or of scientific, park in ways that are consistent with this. The historic or archaeological interest’. The park plan also serves to inform and encourage and reserve were added to Schedule 4 of the cooperative land management and National Parks Act on 23 April 1986. participation in community-based programs The proclamation of Wilsons Promontory between Parks Victoria and the managers of Marine National Park revoked all of Wilsons areas adjacent to the planning area. Promontory Marine Reserve except for the As a working document for the planning area, coastline of the Glennie Group of Islands, a the plan informs Parks Victoria’s development small area in the southern end of Norman Bay, of Corporate Plans, serves as a framework for and the eastern coastline of the planning area subsequent detailed planning and governs from Cape Wellington to the southern part of management activities. Refuge Cove (section 1.1 and figure 2). Technically the marine reserve remains below The Draft Plan was published for public 200 metres beneath the seabed of the Marine comment in 2004, and 19 submissions were National Park, although this has negligible received (appendix 2). practical implications. Where necessary, further consultation with the community and stakeholders was undertaken. 1.3 Plan development Key changes made to the draft in preparing A Proposed Management Plan (DCE 1991) this final management plan included: was prepared for Wilsons Promontory Marine • refined and more detailed background text Park and Marine Reserve, but was not finalised to assist in understanding of management as the ECC’s Marine, Coastal and Estuarine strategies Investigation had commenced during the development of the plan (ECC 2000). Relevant • greater clarification of the area contained proposals from the Proposed Management Plan within the Special Protection Area have been revised in the light of the Government’s acceptance of the ECC

2 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Introduction

• addition of a provision to allow Licensed • further refinements in differentiating Tour Operators to access Kanowna Island between, and integrating the management closer than 200 m during the Australian of, the planning area and adjoining areas of Fur Seal breeding season, subject to the Wilsons Promontory National Park demonstration of their conduct in relation • permitting Defence Force activities to the environmental protection of the Australian Fur Seal colony, and the • greater detail about plan implementation, provision of an appropriate and quality reporting, performance measuring and interpretive experience to tour participants evaluation at the end of the plan (sections 3.1, 4.4, 6.3 and 6.7) • clarification of the role of Parks Victoria • enhanced and more defined management and other government agencies. strategies This Final Management Plan will direct future • the prohibition of spear fishing management of the planning area until competitions in Wilsons Promontory reviewed. Marine Park and Marine Reserve • strategies to address increasing issues associated with low-flying aircraft (section 6.8)

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 3

2 BASIS

Spectacular and diverse natural environments 2.1 Regional context interspersed with farmland and small rural Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park townships typify the region surrounding the forms part of a representative system of 12 planning area. The granite outcrops and white other Marine National Parks and 11 Marine sandy beaches of Wilsons Promontory contrast Sanctuaries in Victoria, established within the with the extensive tidal inlets of broader context of a National Representative and Nooramunga to the north of the planning System of Marine Protected Areas area. Coastal attractions surrounding the (NRSMPA). Wilsons Promontory Marine Park planning area contrast with the rainforest and and Marine Reserve complement this system. Mountain Ash forests of Tarra–Bulga National The NRSMPA contributes to the establishment Park, in the north of of a global representative system of marine Yarram. protected areas (ANZECC TFMPA 1999). The planning area is in Tourism Victoria’s Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park, Gippsland marketing and promotion region. Marine Park and Marine Reserve are in the Camping and accommodation areas close to Flinders marine bioregion, as identified by the the planning area include and Interim Marine and Coastal Regionalisation for designated overnight camping areas within Australia (IMCRA). This regionalisation Wilsons Promontory National Park, and at Port identified 60 marine bioregions, five of which Albert, Port Welshpool, Port Franklin, apply to Victorian waters (IMCRA Technical Yanakie, Sandy Point and Walkerville. The Group 1998). The planning area protects Gippsland region receives 7% of all tourist approximately 1.1% of the bioregion. visits to Victoria (Tourism Victoria 2002a), The Flinders marine bioregion extends across comprising 1.7 million domestic overnight and includes waters surrounding visitors, 3.6 million domestic day visitors, and ’s Flinders Island and other granite 56 000 international overnight visitors islands. It is characterised by cool wet winters (Tourism Victoria 2002b). and warm summers, predominately granite and The waters of Wilsons Promontory Marine unconsolidated clastic sediments with rocky Park between Entrance Point and Five Mile headlands and promontories interspersed by Beach are part of the Port of Corner Inlet and long sandy beaches, highly variable wave . Port services, including the exposure, and high fish and plant species maintenance of navigation aids in this area, are richness (IMCRA Technical Group 1998). managed by Gippsland Ports. Including Tasmanian waters, the planning area The planning area protects the entire open contains the only marine protected areas in the coastline of Wilsons Promontory, from Flinders bioregion. Shallow Inlet in the west to Entrance Point in Indigenous tradition indicates that the park is the east. It is complemented by a number of part of Country of Gunai / Kurnai and nearby parks, including Corner Inlet Marine Boonwurrung people (section 5.1). At the time National Park, Corner Inlet, Nooramunga and of publication there were several Indigenous Shallow Inlet Marine and Coastal Parks, Cape groups asserting traditional ownership of the Liptrap Coastal Park and the marine protected planning area. area of the National Park and As part of the Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve (Tasmania), as well as a range subcatchment, the planning area is influenced of other natural attractions in the region. by activities in the catchment, within the West 2.2 Parks and reserve significance Gippsland Catchment Management and values Authority’s area of responsibility. All catchment discharges into the planning area The planning area makes a valuable originate in Wilsons Promontory National contribution to Victoria’s parks system, which Park, a highly protected catchment. aims to protect viable representative samples of the State’s natural marine and terrestrial

4 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Basis environments. Protected areas also provide • granite habitats, which are unusual in opportunities for visitors to enjoy and Victorian marine waters, including appreciate natural and cultural values, and extensive heavy reefs with smooth many make important contributions to tourism. surfaces, boulders and rubble and low- Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park is profile reefs assigned the International Union for the • biological communities with distinct Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources biogeographic patterns, including shallow (IUCN) Category II of the United Nation’s List subtidal reefs, deep subtidal reefs, of National Parks and Protected Areas. intertidal rocky shores, sandy beaches, Category II areas are managed primarily for seagrass and subtidal soft substrates ecosystem protection and recreation. Wilsons Promontory Marine Park and Wilsons • abundant and diverse marine flora and Promontory Marine Reserve are assigned the fauna, including hundreds of fish species IUCN Category VI. Category VI areas are and invertebrates such as sponges, managed primarily for the sustainable use of ascidians, sea whips and bryozoans natural ecosystems. • 68 species of marine flora and fauna In 1982 a Biosphere Reserve centred on recorded, or presumed to be, at their Wilsons Promontory National Park was eastern or western distributional limits designated under the UNESCO (United • important breeding sites for a significant Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural colony of Australian Fur Seals Organisation) Man and the Biosphere Program. There are 12 Biosphere Reserves in • important habitat for several threatened Australia, of which four are in Victoria. shorebird species, including species listed Wilsons Promontory Marine Park, Marine under international migratory bird Reserve and parts of the Marine National Park agreements (i.e. those areas that were previously part of • outstanding landscapes, seascapes and the marine reserve) were designated as part of spectacular underwater scenery the buffer zone for the Biosphere Reserve. • opportunities for scientific investigation In recognition of the area’s outstanding values and learning in an area with minimal and its heritage importance, Wilsons human disturbance. Promontory Marine Park, Marine Reserve, and sections of Wilsons Promontory Marine Cultural values National Park (i.e. those areas that were previously part of the marine reserve) have • seascape of high traditional and cultural also been listed on the Register of the National significance to Indigenous people Estate. • cultural places and objects of significance The area included in the planning area is to Indigenous people significant to many people in the community, • part of a past land link to Tasmania especially to the Gunai / Kurnai and occupied and used by Indigenous people Boonwurrung Indigenous people, who are traditionally and culturally associated with the • Indigenous cultural lore and interest area. The land and waters of the planning area maintained by the Gunai / Kurnai and are integral to the dreaming and culture of the Boonwurrung people Traditional Owners. • important maritime and other history Important values for the planning area are • historic shipwrecks, many of which are listed below: listed on the Victorian Heritage Register Natural values • opportunities for community involvement, • Victoria’s southernmost and largest partnerships and participation in Marine National Park management • the only marine protected area within the Flinders bioregion

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 5 Basis

• opportunities for cultural values gold prospecting (section 5.2). Evidence of investigation and learning in an area with these activities is present today, including minimal human disturbance. several shipwrecks and relics of the Refuge Cove station and Sealers Cove timber Recreational and tourism values settlement. • magnificent underwater seascapes Uncontrolled commercial exploitation of the presenting numerous opportunities for marine environment in the 19th century diving and snorkelling resulted in the serious decline of many marine species, including four species of marine • spectacular landscapes and intertidal areas mammals — Australian Fur Seal, New for exploring Zealand Fur Seal, Australian Sea-lion and • opportunities for passive recreation, Southern Elephant Seal. By 1860, when the relaxation and reflection on a wild and sealing trade ceased, all four species were remote coastline almost extinct. Today only the Australian Fur Seal and New Zealand Fur Seal are present in • boat-based camping in a remote and the planning area. unique setting A light station constructed from locally • the southernmost tip of the Australian quarried granite was established at South East mainland Point in 1853 to help guide ships through Bass • interpretation of natural and cultural Strait. This light station and associated values. buildings, among the earliest constructed on the Victorian coast, are still functioning today. 2.3 Evidence of past use The many shipwrecks within the planning area As recently as 10 000 years ago, sea levels are evidence of extensive shipping activities, were about 50 metres lower than today and including early exploration, marine surveys Victoria was connected to Tasmania by a ‘land and commercial use (e.g. fishing, sealing, bridge’ (Wallis 1998). During this time the whaling, timber milling, mining, planning area was a terrestrial habitat inhabited communication and coastal trading). Sheltered by Indigenous people. coves on the eastern coast that were charted as safe anchorages are still in use today. Cultural places and objects within the planning area and adjoining Wilsons Promontory In more recent years the planning area has National Park provide evidence of Indigenous made important social and economic occupation from at least 6500 years ago, contributions. Commercial fishing activities although Indigenous people have occupied included fishing for rock lobster and abalone, these areas for much longer (section 5.1). The and mesh netting (ECC 2000). Recreational Traditional Owners hunted and gathered diving and harvesting of marine life has also seasonally abundant food, including mutton been popular. Commercial and recreational birds, seals, fruit, yams, eggs and shellfish harvesting is still permitted within the marine (Collett 1994). They also fished the streams park and marine reserve. and coastal waters with net or line, or by spear from the shore or from bark canoes (Collett 2.4 The park visitor 1994). The planning area adjoins Wilsons Promontory Until the arrival of Europeans in the area, National Park, which attracts over 380 000 Indigenous people travelled from the mainland visit-days per year (Parks Victoria 2002a). The to various offshore islands, but their utilisation high visitor numbers are due primarily to the of offshore resources was probably not natural attraction of the area, but also in part to extensive (Coutts 1981). the establishment of well-serviced camping and lodge accommodation at Tidal River. The planning area and adjoining land have a history of resource use and commerce dating Tidal River, about 30 kilometres from the main back to the early 19th century, including entrance to Wilsons Promontory National shipping, sealing and whaling, timber Park, is the main destination for most day and harvesting, grazing, tin mining, quarrying and overnight visitors, and has traditionally been

6 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Basis the base from which visitors explore and enjoy Compliance Plan have been developed in the surrounding marine and terrestrial partnership with Fisheries Victoria – environment. Most visitors are from Department of Primary Industries to manage Melbourne or from other parts of Gippsland, compliance with the no-fishing provisions and arrive by road. Boat-based visitors can within the park (section 8.3). also access the planning area from outside Where fishing is allowed, in Wilsons Wilsons Promontory National Park. Visitors Promontory Marine Park and Marine Reserve, are attracted to the area’s remoteness, the Fisheries Act 1995 (Vic.) and Regulations outstanding landscapes and seascapes, and apply. spectacular underwater scenery. Boating, birdwatching, diving, snorkelling, beach The objects and provisions of the National walking, swimming and surfing are popular Parks Act set the framework for management recreational activities in the planning area. of the planning area (appendix 1). Specific legislation and ECC recommendations Lodge and camping accommodation is accepted by government also govern particular available all year at Tidal River. Overnight aspects of management of the planning area, as camping is also permitted at specified coastal described below and in subsequent sections of locations on Wilsons Promontory (Johnny the plan. Souey Cove, Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove, Little Waterloo Bay and Oberon Bay), and The Coastal Management Act 1995 (Vic.) bunk-style accommodation is available at the applies to the use and any development of all light station on (sections 6.2 of the planning area. and 6.3). The Environment Protection and Biodiversity The marine and terrestrial areas of Wilsons Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) applies to the Promontory form one of Victoria’s most whole of the planning area with respect to important tourist destinations and South actions that have, will have or are likely to Gippsland’s biggest tourist drawcard. The have a significant impact on matters of planning area therefore makes a major national environmental significance including contribution to regional and state economies. listed threatened species and communities, listed migratory species in the park. The Gippsland Regional Tourism Development Plan 2004–2007 (Tourism Victoria 2004) sets The Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics the tourism framework for Gippsland, Preservation Act 1972 (Vic.) and the including the planning area. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cwlth) apply to the park 2.5 Legislation and ECC and protect all Aboriginal cultural heritage recommendations values, including places and objects (section 5.1). The planning area is reserved and managed under the National Parks Act. The Act requires The Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth) applies to the Secretary to DSE to preserve and protect the management of the planning area. the natural condition of the park and its A joint application for a native title natural, cultural and other features and, subject determination, which covers the planning area to this, to provide for the use of the park by the among other areas, was lodged with the Native public for enjoyment, recreation and education. Title Tribunal on 17 March 1997 (VG6005/98 Appropriate research activities are also Gunai / Kurnai / Boonerwrung). The provided for under the Act. The National Parks implementation of this management plan will (Park) Regulations 2003 apply to the planning take into account the existence of this and any area. future outcomes of the application. All forms of extraction, including recreational The Parks Victoria Act 1998 (Vic.) enables and commercial fishing and shellfish management services for the planning area to collection, are prohibited within Wilsons be provided by Parks Victoria on behalf of the Promontory Marine National Park under the Secretary to DSE. National Parks Act and regulations. A Statewide Compliance Strategy and a Regional

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 7 Basis

Other legislation, and policies and guidelines offshore areas, other than to meet safety (section 2.6) at both the Commonwealth and and security requirements that cannot be State levels apply to management of the achieved in other ways. planning area and specific activities and uses. R34 Priority be given to establishing monitoring programs for Marine National ECC recommendations Parks to determine the extent to which The former Environment Conservation these areas are meeting their objectives. Council (ECC) in its Marine, Coastal and Estuarine Investigation Final Report, All of the recommendations for Wilsons recommended the creation of Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park were Promontory Marine National Park for its accepted by the Victorian Government without contribution to a comprehensive, adequate and alterations (Government of Victoria 2002). representative system of marine protected Wilsons Promontory Marine Park and Wilsons areas along the Victorian coast (ECC 2000). Promontory Marine Reserve were originally Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park is declared as a result of Land Conservation the only Marine National Park in the Flinders Council recommendations for the South bioregion. Gippsland Area District 2 (LCC 1982) and The ECC also made a number of subsequent Government decisions. The ECC recommendations that relate to the park. The subsequently recommended that these areas be recommendations included: retained, except for parts to be included in Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park RA9 Use of Wilsons Promontory Marine (Recommendation D: Existing Parks) (ECC National Park in accordance with the 2000). general recommendations for Marine National Parks. The ECC also recommended that ‘existing regulations be amended to allow recreational R3 Planning and management relating to harvesting in those areas of the existing traditional interests and uses in coastal Wilsons Promontory Marine Parks (including marine areas to be based on recognition the marine reserve) where commercial and respect for the traditional relationship harvesting is recommended to be allowed’ of Aboriginal people with the land and (Recommendation D1) (ECC 2000). This sea. recommendation was accepted by Government R13 Further research to be undertaken on (Government of Victoria 2002), and biological community composition and implemented when Wilsons Promontory structure, both within and external to Marine National Park was established on marine protected areas, with an emphasis 16 November 2002. on assessing the impacts of harvesting marine fauna. 2.6 Policies and guidelines R14 Assessments to be made and strategies The planning area is also managed in developed for protection of vulnerable or accordance with Parks Victoria’s operational threatened marine species and policies and as appropriate, consistent with communities, using the provisions of the other relevant policies and guidelines Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 including: (Vic.) as appropriate. • Victoria’s System of Marine National R18 Measures to be implemented by Parks and Marine Sanctuaries responsible agencies to reduce the risk of Management Strategy 2003–2010 (Parks marine pest species arriving in Victoria, Victoria 2003a) and to ensure a rapid and effective • Indigenous Partnership Strategy and response in the event of an introduction. Action Plan (Parks Victoria 2005a) R26 Public land and waters continue to be • Guidelines for Working with Aboriginal available for a wide range of tourism and Communities and Protection of Cultural recreational uses. Development should not Sites (Parks Victoria 2002) preclude public access to foreshore and

8 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Basis

• Heritage Management Strategy (Parks • Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland Victoria 2003b) – Coastal Action Plan (GCB 2002a) • National Strategy for Ecologically • Nature Based Tourism — Directions and Sustainable Development (COAG 1992) Opportunities for Victoria 2000–2003 (Tourism Victoria 2000). • National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity (ANZECC • Policy for Sustainable Recreation and 2001) Tourism on Victoria’s Public Land (NRE 2002) • Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy (NRE 1997a). • Victorian Coastal Strategy (VCC 2002) The planning area is also managed within a • Victorian Heritage Strategy — Shipwrecks broader context of a number of other plans and 2005 (Heritage Victoria 2000) strategies, including: • West Gippsland Regional Catchment • Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan Strategy 2004 to 2009 (WGCMA 2004). (GCB 2002b) • Gippsland Estuaries – Coastal Action Plan (GCB in prep).

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 9

3 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

particularly introduced marine pests, pollution 3.1 Vision and inappropriate development. A future visitor to Wilsons Promontory Marine Research and monitoring programs assist National Park, Marine Park and Marine sound management and an increased Reserve finds outstanding marine understanding of the area’s values and environments renowned internationally for ecological processes. their spectacular underwater scenery, distinct combinations of habitats, and biological Opportunities for learning about the natural communities unique to this region. and cultural values of Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park, Marine Park and Marine A visit to the area reveals a fine example of Reserve are readily available through the Tidal Victoria’s world-class system of marine River Visitor Centre, and through a range of protected areas, preserving a diversity of programs for schools and the community. habitats from deep subtidal reef areas These programs contribute to improved visitor supporting massive sponges, whip corals and behaviour, aiding the protection of natural and colonial ascidians to expansive areas of open cultural values. sea. Areas of open sea provide feeding areas for pelagic marine mammals and reptiles, Local and international visitors are attracted to including the and explore the unique marine environments. Leatherback Turtle. Visitors undertake a number of sustainable recreational activities, such as exploring the Indigenous cultural heritage is respected, area by boat, birdwatching, diving and protected and managed through a strong snorkelling, swimming and surfing, which working partnership with Indigenous make a valuable contribution to regional communities, informed by a sound tourism. Divers and snorkellers are awed and understanding of the traditional and cultural inspired as they experience the spectacular and significance of Yiruk / Wamoom Country underwater scenery. to Indigenous people. This significance includes cultural lore and the interests and Community groups and volunteers work rights of Indigenous people in the area. collaboratively with Parks Victoria to foster an appreciation of the values of the planning area. Post-settlement cultural heritage is protected and managed, and there is an increased 3.2 Zoning understanding of historical values and their physical condition. The links between A park management zoning scheme is Indigenous cultural heritage and post- normally used to define areas where various settlement cultural heritage are well types and levels of use are appropriate. understood and are incorporated into However, management zones do not need to be contemporary park management. defined in Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries because the management aims for Community views and aspirations are these areas are clearly outlined in the National respected and are incorporated into the Parks Act and are consistent across all Marine management of the planning area. National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries The remote and pristine nature of Wilsons (section 2.5 and appendix 1). Promontory Marine National Park and the An Overlay, ‘Special Protection Area – adjacent marine park and marine reserve is Natural Values’, is used to highlight additional well protected with seamless management special protection requirements for all islands across the marine and adjacent terrestrial within the planning area, and areas environments. surrounding Kanowna Island. Complementary adjacent, coastal and The overlay characteristics are shown in catchment management is helping to protect table 1. the area from threatening processes,

10 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategic directions

TABLE 1 MANAGEMENT OVERLAY

OVERLAY AREA/LOCATION VALUES GENERAL ACCESS MANAGEMENT AIM

Special Areas detailed in Significant habitat Protect significant Motorised and non-motorised Protection figure 3, and all areas, including sea bird and vessels, including sea-kayaks, are Area – islands, except the breeding areas for Australian Fur prohibited from: Natural beach areas on Great sea birds and Seal habitat areas Values Glennie and Rabbit Australian Fur from impacts – within 200 m of Kanowna Island Islands (<2% of area). Seals. associated with from November to January human (inclusive), except as otherwise disturbance. indicated by a permit or other authority and – within 50 m of Kanowna Island from February to October (inclusive) (section 6.3). Access is prohibited on all islands, except beach areas on Great Glennie and Rabbit Islands (section 6.2). This includes island areas above mean high water mark which are areas of Wilsons Promontory National Park (Parks Victoria 2002a).

The boundaries of the planning area and the improved, in keeping with the West overlay location are shown in figure 2. Details Gippsland Regional Catchment Strategy of the overlay are shown in figure 3. (WGCMA 2004), West Gippsland River Health Strategy (WGCMA 2005), and 3.3 Management directions Gippsland’s Water Quality Action Plan Major management directions for the planning (WGCMA & EGCMA 2005). area are outlined below. • Compliance with legislated provisions that prohibit extractive activities, including Natural values conservation fishing and shellfish collection in the • Natural processes, including competition, Marine National Park, will be achieved predation, recruitment and disturbance, through education, information, will be protected to ensure an overall community support, and improved benefit to the biodiversity and variety of surveillance and enforcement. marine ecological communities in the • Research and monitoring will be planning area. undertaken to improve the scientific basis • Identified threats to the natural and cultural for the management of marine protected values of the planning area will be areas, including baseline data collection, minimised through addressing the marine habitat mapping, and threat outcomes of ongoing monitoring, risk assessment as outlined in the statewide assessment and, where feasible, Management Strategy (Parks Victoria complementary adjacent, coastal and 2003a), and through collaborative research catchment management. links.

• Existing populations of threatened species Cultural values conservation will be maintained, and where appropriate restored, in the long term. • Indigenous places and objects will be protected from interference or damaging • In the long term, the quality of water activities. entering the planning area will be

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 11 Strategic directions

• The Traditional Owners’ cultural lore, • Licensed tour operators will be encouraged interests and rights in the waters and land, to offer a range of minimal-impact and aspirations for Country, will be recreation activities that are consistent with reflected in the planning area’s aims for the planning area. management, in accordance with • Tourist products, services and legislation and policies. accommodation in the region will be • Indigenous cultural lore relating to encouraged to take advantage of the Country will be respected, promoted and planning area as a destination, lessen interpreted in accordance with the views of impacts on planning area values and give the Traditional Owners. visitors to the region a wider range of experiences. • Research into Indigenous and historic cultural heritage of the planning area, Community awareness and involvement including places, objects and cultural lore, will be encouraged and supported as • Strong collaborative partnerships will be appropriate, in conjunction with the developed with the Traditional Owners to relevant Indigenous and wider facilitate the reflection of their cultural communities. lore, rights, and interests and aspirations in the area’s planning and management. • Historic relics and places, including shipwrecks, will be conserved by • Friends, volunteers, educational institutes, protecting them from damaging or Indigenous and other community groups inappropriate activities. will be encouraged and supported to participate in aspects of management that The park visit relate to their interests. • Recreation opportunities will be provided • An awareness and understanding of the in accordance with table 2. planning area and its management, and a sense of custodianship, will be developed • Visitor understanding and appreciation of among local communities and visitors. the planning area’s natural and cultural values will be enhanced by the • Strong relationships will be developed and implementation of an integrated three-year maintained with people, groups and rolling information, interpretation and communities with strong connections or education plan to provide direction for the interests in the planning area as a basis for management of the planning area and encouraging their appropriate participation adjoining Wilsons Promontory National in its management. Park • Collaborative partnerships will be • Management of visitor access will be established with relevant agencies to integrated with management of the ensure ongoing compliance and future adjoining Wilsons Promontory National protection of the planning area. Park and Corner Inlet Marine National • Ongoing opportunities for individuals, Park, Corner Inlet and Nooramunga groups, communities and government Marine and Coastal Parks. agencies will be given to discuss • Recreation activities will be managed to aspirations and issues of mutual concern encourage visitors’ enjoyment and relating to the planning area. understanding, while minimising impact

on planning area values. • Visitors will be encouraged to adopt minimum impact techniques and to adhere to industry-developed standards appropriate to their activity.

12 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategic directions

TABLE 2 SUMMARY OF RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

ACTIVITY PLANNING AREA MANAGEMENT OVERLAY - SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA - NATURAL VALUES

(Percentage of the planning area) (100%) (<2%) Aircraft (landing) (section 6.8) N N Anchoring (section 6.3) Y N Bait collection N N Birdwatching Y Y Boat launching (Norman Bay) (section 6.3) Y N Camping (boat-based) (section 6.3) Y N Diving and snorkelling (section 6.4) Y Y Dog (section 6.5) N N Feeding wildlife N N Fires on beaches (section 6.5) N N Fishing (all forms) – Marine National Park N N Fishing (all forms) – Marine Park & Marine Reserve (section Y N 6.6) Fossil collection N N Intertidal collecting N N Kite boarding / wind surfing (section 6.3) Y N Licensed tours (section 6.7) Y Y Mooring (section 6.3) N N Motorised boating (including personal water craft) (section 6.3) Y N Nature observation Y Y Nature photography/filming / painting, etc Y Y Picnicking Y Y Prospecting and metal detecting N N Rafting / canoeing / sea-kayaking (section 6.3) Y N Sailing (section 6.3) Y N Shell collection N N Sightseeing Y Y Surfing / boogie boarding / surf skiing (section 6.3) Y N Swimming (section 6.5) Y Y Walking (intertidal zone) (section 6.5) Y Y Waterskiing / wake boarding (section 6.3) Y N Whale / dolphin / seal watching (section 6.3) Y N Wreck diving (section 6.4) Y Y Key: Y Yes – subject to overlay prescriptions and conditions prescribed by legislation, licensed tour permits or elsewhere in the plan, as indicated. N Not permitted.

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 13

4 STRATEGIES FOR NATURAL VALUES CONSERVATION

Submarine features of the planning area are 4.1 Geological and largely the result of two groups of processes: geomorphological features A granitic batholith formed by igneous • weathering, erosion and deposition during intrusions during the Devonian period (379– periods of lower sea levels 391 million years ago) is the major geological • submergence during the Holocene structure within the planning area (Wallis (<10 000 years ago) marine transgression, 1998; Birch 2003). Overlying the granite are reaching a maximum between 6000 and Quaternary sediments formed as a result of 4000 years ago (Rosengren 1989). major changes in sea level during the Pleistocene epoch (10 000 – 2 million years The granitic batholith of Wilsons Promontory ago) (Wallis 1998). National Park contains a variety of features of national geological and geomorphological The granitic batholith is one of the most significance (Buckley 1993; Parks Victoria exposed and largest continuous regions of 2002a). It is highly likely that similar features granite on the Victorian coast, and extends to are present in the submarine areas of the north-eastern Tasmania and along its east coast planning area, which is yet to be surveyed (Rosengren 1989; Wallis 1998). extensively. Coastal landforms of the planning area are Because of the robust nature of the granitic influenced more by the pattern of fractures and material, there is little threat to geological and joints in the granite than by its mineralogy geomorphological features from visitors or (Bird 1993). These fractures have guided management activity. dissection, and the bays and headlands, coves, clefts and caves were shaped by stream Aims incision and marine erosion (Bird 1993). • Identify geological and geomorphological Many geomorphological features are intrinsic features of the planning area and protect elements of the Country of Traditional Owners them from potentially damaging human in accordance with their tradition. activities. Wilsons Promontory forms an important divide • Allow natural geological and between the two main sand types in southern geomorphological processes to continue Australia. Yellow lime-rich (over 30% without human interference. carbonate) sands occur to the west and white silica-rich (less than 5% carbonate) sands to • Provide opportunities for appropriate the east (Wallis 1998). There is some overlap research into, appreciation of, and education about geological and of the two types around the Promontory. The geomorphological features. differing sand types influence the nature of marine ecological communities, including sandy beaches and subtidal soft substrates Management strategies (section 4.4). • Identify gaps in knowledge and encourage surveys of the submarine geological and Two major geological studies have been geomorphological features within the undertaken within or near the planning area planning area, including sites of (Tuddenham 1970; Wallis 1981). The significance that interact with submarine topography of the offshore granite hydrodynamic and biological processes. areas resembles that of the adjacent coast (Rosengren 1989). The submerged terrain • Manage identified significant sites to includes bold underwater outcrop slopes and ensure that human-induced impacts are cliffs, massive boulder piles and broad, gently minimised. sloping sand plains with occasional partly • Provide information, interpretation and buried granite boulders (Rosengren 1989). education programs that promote appreciation by visitors of geological and

14 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for natural values conservation

geomorphological features, including provision of visitor facilities and infrastructure Indigenous perspectives (section 6.1) (in particular Tidal River), the catchment of the planning area has endured minimal human • Encourage further research to identify induced disturbance since European geomorphological features of special settlement. Given the relatively undisturbed significance to the Traditional Owners and nature of the catchment and minimal protect them from damaging or catchment-related influences, the quality of inappropriate activities (sections 5.1 and water entering the planning area is generally 8.2). exceptional. • Consider the significance of However, certain activities within and adjacent geomorphological features to Traditional to the planning area have the potential to cause Owners in planning and implementing detrimental impacts on the quality of water management activities and interpreting entering the planning area, and subsequent features (sections 5.1 and 6.1). impacts to the planning area’s natural values. Wilsons Promontory National Park receives 4.2 Catchment and water quality over 380 000 visit days per year (section 2.4). Potentially threatening processes originating Catchment influences from the catchment (in particular in and around The planning area lies within the Wilsons Tidal River) and associated with such visitor Promontory subcatchment (South Gippsland pressure include: accelerated erosion from Basin) of the West Gippsland Catchment visitor trampling, chemical and other Management Authority (WGCMA) area pollutants, litter, bacterial contamination, and (WGCMA 2005). All discharges into the increased stormwater flows from hard-surfaced planning area originate in Wilsons Promontory areas. Although these pollution sources have National Park, and include Tidal and Darby the potential to enter the planning area, the risk Rivers, Miranda, Sealers, Hobbs, Cove, to public safety and/or natural values within Freshwater, First Bridge, Ferr, Picnic, Roaring the planning area is thought to be negligible. Meg, Frasers, Growler and Whisky Creeks, Nevertheless, potential sources of catchment and numerous intermittent creeks. pollution, particularly from Tidal River, will The entire subcatchment is managed under the be assessed on an ongoing basis through provisions of the National Parks Act, and is regular monitoring by WGCMA, and a highly protected from adverse catchment targeted monitoring program will be developed activities that might otherwise result in should the need be identified. industrial, agricultural or domestic pollution. The wastewater collection and treatment Furthermore, additional zones and overlays system at Tidal River has been upgraded to within Wilsons Promontory National Park ensure that only tertiary-treated effluent is afford a higher degree of protection to the discharged into the settlement ponds. Seepage catchment (Parks Victoria 2002a). As an from the settlement ponds generally travels example, the general management aim for the southwest towards Norman Bay. Groundwater Mount Vereker Creek Natural Catchment Area at this site will therefore be monitored is to maintain or enhance the area’s essentially continually for potential contamination, and to natural condition and preclude certain ensure compliance with Environment activities, including the making of roads (Parks Protection Authority (EPA) licence conditions. Victoria 2002a). Other sources of pollution for the planning The Wilsons Promontory subcatchment is area include human waste disposal facilities at significant in that it is one of the few areas in the South East Point Lightstation and other Victoria where rivers and streams are largely visitor sites in Wilson Promontory National unmodified by drainage and engineering Park. An upgraded system for human waste works, free of introduced fish and aquatic disposal is planned for the Lightstation (Parks weeds, and relatively free of additional Victoria 2002a), and composting toilets have nutrients and chemical pollutants (Parks recently been installed at Sealers Cove and Victoria 2002a). Aside from prescribed Refuge Cove to prevent pollution from these burning, past logging of the Sealers Creek sources. catchment, historic stock grazing, and the

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 15 Strategies for natural values conservation

Aside from monitoring in accordance with Marine pollution EPA licence requirements for the wastewater The proximity of the planning area to heavy collection and treatment system at Tidal River, ship movement makes it vulnerable to oil or existing water quality monitoring programs in chemical spills. The impact of such an event the catchment of the planning area are limited. could be catastrophic. Shipping lanes through WGCMA will be commencing monthly water or near the planning area are mapped on RAN quality monitoring in Tidal River in 2006 Hydrographic Service charts (AUS 801), and (WGCMA & EGCMA 2005). There is scope an Inshore Traffic Zone exists to reduce the to expand an existing Waterwatch program to possibility of ship collisions (section 7.1, key sites in the area, including Sealers Creek figure 2). The planning area is also frequently and other creeks in the southern section of used by recreational and commercial vessels. Wilsons Promontory National Park (section 8.2). These sites would be used as reference In recent years, a minor oil or other chemical points for comparison with other Waterwatch spill has occurred within or adjacent the monitoring sites outside the catchment of the planning area approximately every 1–2 years planning area. (Mackenzie pers. comm. 2004). Fortunately, all spills of heavy oil that have occurred in the The Integrated Coastal Planning for region have dissipated offshore or have been Gippsland — Coastal Action Plan (GCB cleaned up before reaching the coast. However, 2002a) emphasises the importance of an in the last 10 years there have been two minor integrated approach to planning and spills that have come ashore at Waterloo Bay management of the marine and coastal and Oberon Bay, although the clean-up effort environment. It seeks to achieve integration required was minor. It is quite likely that between municipal planning schemes (South further minor spills have occurred within the Gippsland Shire Council), public land policy planning area, but have not been detected. No and public land management plans in other collisions, strandings or leaks are known Gippsland. to have affected the planning area. The West Gippsland Regional Catchment A number of recent vessel strandings, sinkings Strategy (WGCMA 2004) applies to land and and mishaps within the planning area have water within the region administered by the resulted in the removal, salvage or on-site West Gippsland CMA, including the planning destruction of the vessels. area. The strategy aims to provide a strategic management framework for the protection of Localised pollution may result from bilge natural values within the catchment, including discharge of recreational or commercial coastal and marine environments. vessels in sheltered harbours such as Refuge Cove. Plastic pollution and other beach- West Gippsland CMA’s River Health Strategy washed litter originating from vessels or shore (WGCMA 2005) identified the Wilsons also pose a threat to the marine environment, Promontory subcatchment as having high including injury or death of marine wildlife environmental and social values. The River through entanglement or ingestion (section Health Strategy aims to protect existing high 4.4). environmental and social values. The purpose of the strategy is to find a balance between the Marine Safety Victoria has responsibility, protection, maintenance and enhancement of under the Marine Act 1988 (Vic.) and the the environmental value of a natural river National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea system and the processes required to sustain by Oil and Other Noxious and Hazardous river health, while protecting, maintaining or Substances, to ensure that there is an effective enhancing additional social and economic response to marine pollution incidents in values important to the local community. Victorian waters. The Victorian Marine Pollution Contingency Plan (VICPLAN) Gippsland’s Water Quality Action Plan (MSV 2002) has been prepared by Marine (WGCMA & EGCMA 2005) aims to protect Safety Victoria to meet this responsibility. and preserve surface water quality throughout Under VICPLAN, Toll Westernport is the west and , by identifying water delegated regional marine pollution control quality issues and prioritising actions to agency for the western section of the planning address these issues across the region. area (west of South East Point), and Gippsland

16 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for natural values conservation

Ports is the delegated regional marine pollution in South Gippsland (sections 7.2, 8.2, and control agency for the eastern section (east of 8.3). South East Point) (section 8.3). The • Liaise with relevant agencies, particularly Westernport Region Marine Pollution the West Gippsland CMA, to ensure that Contingency Plan (Toll Westernport n.d.) the management objectives of the planning describes the arrangements made for the area are considered in catchment and Westernport region, and the Gippsland Region other plans for the area, including the: Marine Pollution Contingency Plan (Gippsland Ports 2005a) describes y West Gippsland Regional Catchment arrangements made for the Gippsland region, Strategy (WGCMA 2004) to provide effective emergency response y West Gippsland River Health Strategy during a marine pollution incident under (WGCMA 2005) VICPLAN. y Gippsland’s Water Quality Action All wildlife is protected under the Wildlife Act Plan (WGCMA & EGCMA 2005). 1975 (Vic.), and DSE has the responsibility for collecting, assessing, cleaning and • Support actions of the Regional Catchment rehabilitating wildlife affected by marine Strategy, the Integrated Coastal Planning pollution. DSE has developed the Wildlife for Gippsland –Coastal Action Plan, the Response Plan for Oil Spills (NRE 1997b) to River Health Strategy and Gippsland’s deal with such situations. Water Quality Action Plan that seek to reduce catchment-derived impacts and The EPA is also responsible for restricting the implement the planning area’s vision and pollution of State waters, and works closely directions. with Marine Safety Victoria (Parks Victoria 2003a). • Liaise with South Gippsland Shire Council and relevant agencies to ensure that Aims planning area management objectives are • Ensure the integration of future planning considered, as appropriate, in relation to and management for the planning area and the Integrated Coastal Planning for adjacent catchment. Gippsland – Coastal Action Plan (GCB 2002a). • Maintain a high quality of water within the planning area and surrounding waters to • Regularly assess potential sources of ensure that natural biological and physical catchment pollution, particularly from processes can occur. Tidal River, and develop a targeted monitoring program should the need arise. • Minimise the impacts on water quality within the planning area from activities • Ensure that management actions in within the catchment. Wilsons Promontory National Park address identified threats to water quality Management strategies from catchment-related activities, including erosion, sedimentation, waste • Work collaboratively with West Gippsland disposal and pollution, particularly in CMA, South Gippsland Waterwatch and relation to Tidal River and other high use the community to monitor water quality visitor sites. and condition of the catchment, rivers and streams discharging into the planning • Through the implementation of the Wilsons area. Promontory National Park Management Plan (Parks Victoria 2002a), upgrade the • Work collaboratively with community and sewage waste disposal system and government organisations, including the associated infrastructure at the South East Gippsland Coastal Board, West Gippsland Point Lightstation. Ensure any future (if CMA and South Gippsland Shire Council, any) discharges into the planning area to ensure the integration of future planning from this facility meet appropriate EPA and management of the planning area and standards to protect the environmental adjoining public and nearby freehold land values of the planning area.

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 17 Strategies for natural values conservation

• Work collaboratively with Toll Australian coast and the colder waters of Westernport and Gippsland Ports in the central and western Victoria (Wescott 1995). event of oil or chemical spills, in The tidal range is about 2.5 m (Bennett & Pope accordance with the Victorian Marine 1953) and tides are mostly semi-diurnal with a Pollution Contingency Plan (VICPLAN), marked diurnal inequality (i.e. two low tides of the Westernport Region Marine Pollution different height, and two high tides of different Contingency Plan, and the Gippsland height, within a 24-hour period) (King 1973). Region Marine Pollution Contingency Tidal currents around the planning area are Plan (section 8.3). strong and have a major influence on the • Liaise with Marine Safety Victoria to distribution of marine flora and fauna (M. ensure that natural and cultural values of Rodrigue pers. comm. 2004). the planning area are considered in any The western coast of the planning area is review of the shipping lanes and the generally subject to a south-west swell, and the Traffic Separation Scheme. Investigate and eastern coast to a south-east swell (Wescott promote alternative options for the Traffic 1995). The only major current in the planning Separation Scheme which would further area is the very weak termination of the East minimise potential risks to the values of Australian Current (Wescott 1995). the planning area (section 7.1). Accelerated changes to the hydrodynamic • In the event of an oil spill, work regime could have an impact on natural values, collaboratively with DSE to minimise the not only within the planning area but more impacts on wildlife affected by marine broadly. Potentially threatening processes pollution, in accordance with the Wildlife include sea-level rise, altered current flows and Response Plan for Oil Spills (NRE 1997b). breakwaters. • Routinely and as appropriate, remove Because human-induced changes to local plastic pollution and beach-washed litter hydrodynamic processes could affect the from the planning area. values of marine protected areas, any proposals for new infrastructure, including artificial 4.3 Hydrodynamics reefs, will generally be inappropriate in Marine The Flinders bioregion has less exposure to National Parks or Marine Sanctuaries. Natural swells than other bioregions, but is subject to hydrodynamic events such as storm surge and strong current flows and high winds (Parks regular sand erosion or deposition are Victoria 2003a). These winds can create considered to be ongoing natural processes. substantial surface waves, affect local currents and cause turbidity. Strong and complex tidal Aims patterns also occur in the planning area. • Allow natural hydrodynamic processes to Water depth in the planning area reaches 30 m continue without human interference. around many headlands (Oberon Point to • Minimise impacts on planning area values South East Point), and 75 m further offshore from human-induced changes to local between the Anser Group and Forty Foot hydrodynamic processes. Rocks. Surface water temperatures range from 12°C Management strategies during the cooler months (May to September) • Investigate the importance of to 19°C during the warmer months (November hydrodynamic processes, through the to March). These temperatures are collation of tidal data, current velocities significantly lower (2–3°C) than would be and direction, particularly with respect to expected at other locations in the same latitude the geomorphological and biological on the Victorian coast, and are comparable to values within the planning area. sea temperatures in Tasmanian waters (Bennett • Following the identification of existing & Pope 1953). Wilsons Promontory is hydrodynamic processes, model future significant in that it marks the boundary potential changes to hydrodynamic between the warmer waters of the eastern processes caused by accelerated sea-level

18 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for natural values conservation

change, and identify potential impacts on fauna, trampling, and oil and other chemical park values. spills. • Provide advice on planning applications The Victorian Government established a long- for developments that could affect park term subtidal reef monitoring program in 1998. hydrodynamic processes as appropriate. Since 1998, up to 22 sites have been surveyed over seven censuses (Edmunds et al. 2003). • Advise visitors about the dynamic nature Thirteen of these sites are in Wilsons of currents and tides in the planning area Promontory Marine National Park, ten are in order to minimise the risk to personal within the marine park and five are within the safety and impacts on natural and cultural marine reserve. Over 300 different species in values (sections 4.4 and 6.9). total have been observed in and around Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park 4.4 Habitats and communities (Edmunds et al. 2003). As monitoring continues and longer-term datasets are Marine ecological communities accumulated, the program will be able to more Marine ecological communities represent a adequately reflect average trends and ‘community-level’ classification approach to ecological patterns occurring in the system. give an overview of the larger, more visible and common species within the planning area Refuge Cove appears to support a higher (Plummer et al. 2003). abundance of algae than similar subtidal locations in the region (M. Edmunds pers. Six marine ecological communities are comm. 2003). Further investigation is required represented within the planning area, reflecting to determine the cause, and whether it is a the diversity of habitats: sandy beach, intertidal natural occurrence. rocky shore, subtidal reef, seagrass, subtidal soft substrate and pelagic communities Introduced marine pests (section 4.6), oil and (appendix 3). These habitats provide important other chemical spills (section 4.2), pollution substrate, food, shelter, and spawning and (section 4.2), anchor damage (section 4.4) and nursery areas for a variety of marine flora and harvesting (section 6.6) are some of the main fauna. processes with potential to threaten the ecological values of subtidal reef areas. Beach-washed materials in sandy beach habitats are a significant source of food for The distribution and abundance of seagrass scavenging birds, and contribute to the detrital communities within the planning area has not cycle that nourishes many of the invertebrates, been studied recently. However, four species such as bivalves, living in the sand. However, of seagrass are known to be present within the beach-washed litter washed from beaches planning area. The occurrence of a species of within and outside the planning area threatens Posidonia on the eastern side of Great Glennie the values of sandy beach habitats, and many Island is significant as it is one of only a few marine organisms can ingest litter or become offshore occurrences of this species (Wilson et entangled in it. Oil and chemical spills and al. 1990). other sources of pollution are also major Seagrass communities are particularly threats to marine ecological communities, susceptible to threatening processes such as particularly sandy beaches (section 4.2). pollution (e.g. oil spills, effluent discharge and Dominated by steep granite boulders, the catchment-derived nutrients), marine intertidal rocky shore provides habitat for introduced pests, and mechanical changes (e.g. lichens, various brown algae, chitons and inappropriate anchoring). Because of the large ascidians (appendix 3). Because the intertidal number of recreational boats staying overnight area offers the greatest opportunity for visitors at Refuge Cove, an ongoing program for to explore marine life without going minimising the risk of marine pest introduction underwater, careful management is required to and subsequent spread within the planning area ensure protection of natural values from (section 4.6), and monitoring for impacts human disturbance. Key threatening processes associated with anchoring in the cove is a include illegal harvesting of marine flora and priority.

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 19 Strategies for natural values conservation

It is believed that the invertebrate fauna listed under the Japan–Australia Migratory diversity is rich in subtidal soft substrate Bird Agreement (JAMBA). habitats, and that it varies from place to place A number of threatened marine fauna have because of differences in wave action, level of also been recorded within the planning area, competition and sediment composition including the Australian Fur Seal, Southern (Plummer et al. 2003). Right Whale and Leatherback Turtle. Species characteristic of the open sea or Kanowna Island and Anderson Islets support a pelagic environment include those that are breeding population of 9000 to 10 000 pelagic (actively swimming) and planktonic Australian Fur seals (R. Kirkwood pers. comm. (drifting with the current) (Edgar 2001). Tiny 2004), which feed in Wilsons Promontory planktonic organisms play an important role in Marine National Park and surrounding waters. nutrient cycling, dispersal of species and A small breeding colony (about 50 animals) of providing food for larger animals, both within New Zealand Fur Seals is also present on the planning area and more broadly in the Kanowna Island. About 50 Australian Fur marine environment. Seals inhabit Norman Island and feed in Illegal harvesting, oil and chemical pollution, Wilsons Promontory Marine Park. dumping wastes, cleaning ship holds, the Other marine mammals recorded within the introduction of marine pests and mechanical planning area include the Humpback Whale, changes are significant threats to pelagic Andrew’s Beaked Whale, Pilot Whale, Sperm species. Whale, Goose-beaked Whale, Common Dolphin and Bottlenose Dolphin. Marine flora and fauna Although the dominant flora and fauna of the Marine mammal viewing occasionally occurs, planning area consist largely of a mixture of usually by independent boat operators taking species from adjacent bioregions, eastern and advantage of chance encounters with whales southern province species appear to be more and dolphins, and to a lesser extent as part of prevalent than western province species (Parks organised boat tours. There are restrictions on Victoria 2003a). Sixty-eight species of algae, the distance that visitors may approach these invertebrates and fish are thought to have their animals (section 6.3). In addition, the distributional limits at or near Wilsons Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Promontory Marine National Park (Plummer et Dolphin Watching 2005 (Australian al. 2003). Government 2005) aims to minimise the impacts of whale and dolphin watching by The planning area includes feeding areas for a providing advice on watching whales and number of threatened birds (Parks Victoria dolphins in the wild, including observations 2002a), including the Hooded Plover, White- from the land, water or air, as well as activities bellied Sea-eagle and Caspian Tern, which are such as swimming and diving, touching and listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee noise. (FFG) Act. Many of these birds roost and breed on nearby islands and feed within the Whales and dolphins passing though the waters of the planning area. Because the birds planning area could become stranded, are particularly susceptible to disturbance by entrapped, entangled or wounded. The humans, access to all islands in the area is Victorian Cetacean Contingency Plan (NRE restricted (see also Parks Victoria 2002a) 1999a) details arrangements for responding to (section 6.2). such incidents. The planning area also protects feeding areas The Australian Fur Seal colony on Kanowna for species of ‘national environmental Island is susceptible to human-induced significance’ under the Commonwealth disturbance at most times of the year. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity long, steep slopes of the islands’ coastlines Conservation (EPBC) Act. The Caspian Tern make seals susceptible to injury if they are and White-bellied Sea-eagle are listed under disturbed by the presence of boats or other the China–Australia Migratory Bird unexpected activity, because the seals may Agreement (CAMBA) and the Caspian Tern is panic and flee into the water. During the breeding season (November–January), seal

20 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for natural values conservation pups can be crushed in such a stampede (C. Whole-of-habitat management may also result Mackenzie pers. comm. 2004). in the protection of species not yet identified because of their rarity or cryptic nature. Boating distance restrictions under the Wildlife Act and the Australian National Guidelines for Marine plants and animals in the planning area Whale and Dolphin Watching 2005 (Australian are significant to the Gunai / Kurnai and Government 2005) do not apply to boats Boonwurrung people. Indigenous people of the approaching seals. However, to minimise area may have particular cultural, spiritual, disturbance to the Australian Fur Seal colony traditional or totemic connections to certain on Kanowna Island from boating activity, marine species. distance restrictions are placed on boats around the most significant population on the island Aims (section 6.3, table 1, and figure 3). In addition, • Protect marine ecological communities and to further inform management of the indigenous flora and fauna, particularly Australian Fur Seal colony on Kanowna threatened species. Island, an integrated research project will be developed to assess appropriate and • Increase knowledge of marine ecological sustainable visitation to Kanowna Island. communities, flora and fauna to aid management, protection and appreciation. All forms of extraction, including recreational and commercial fishing, are prohibited within • Increase knowledge of key threatening Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park. processes to marine ecological communities, flora and fauna, to limit Fishing is permitted within Wilsons impacts. Promontory Marine Park and Marine Reserve, in accordance with the provisions of the Management strategies Fisheries Act (section 6.6). The feeding of animals, including fish and birds, is not • Map habitats at scales suitable for permitted within the planning area. The management purposes, in accordance with collection of shells and other organisms, dead statewide habitat mapping programs. or alive, from the intertidal areas is also • Continue to implement the long-term prohibited (section 6.5). subtidal reef habitat monitoring program, Current ecological research and monitoring is consistent with relevant statewide marine targeted at collecting baseline biological habitat monitoring programs. information that will be used to understand • Initiate an investigation of the cause of long-term changes in populations, abundances, higher algal abundance in Refuge Cove. community structures and ecological processes Implement an ongoing water quality during the life of this plan. Where appropriate, monitoring program, if appropriate. research and monitoring compares areas outside the boundaries of the planning area, • Implement priority actions from approved with those inside. This work will assist in action statements or recovery plans to identifying indicator species and habitats. The address threats to threatened species or results, available on Parks Victoria’s website, communities listed under the FFG and will enable an assessment of the ecological EPBC Acts. condition of the planning area to be made. • Ensure that all significant sightings of All species within the planning area listed as marine flora and fauna are recorded on threatened or protected by international Parks Victoria’s Environmental agreements or legislation are either birds or Information System. large transient marine mammals (e.g. Southern • Protect the planning area values from Right Whale). This reflects the current identified threatening processes, including vertebrate focus of threatened species the introduction of marine pests (section management. Managing marine ecological 4.6), pollution (section 4.2), and, illegal communities within the planning area, rather harvesting (section 6.6). than threatened species, is also likely to protect and enhance threatened species populations.

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 21 Strategies for natural values conservation

• Undertake regular risk assessments to management activities of the various assess major threats to marine ecological Commonwealth, State and local government communities and species, and implement agencies and a commitment to community actions as necessary. consultation at all levels of planning. • Encourage research into the impacts of The Landscape Setting Types for the Victorian key threatening processes, including Coast (VCC 1998a) and Siting and Design marine introduced pests, pollution and Guidelines for Structures on the Victorian illegal harvesting. Coast (VCC 1998b) are designed to assist coastal land managers and the community to • Develop an integrated research project to implement the Victorian Coastal Strategy. This assess appropriate and sustainable boat- ensures sympathetic development that based visitation to Kanowna Island complements the surrounding landscape and (section 6.3). results in sensitive design and development • Manage visitor activities to minimise along the Victorian coast. impacts on planning area values, Landscape setting types on the Victorian coast particularly in relation to compliance with are used to broadly characterise different no-fishing provisions (section 6.6) and landscape types (VCC 1998a). The planning access and distance restrictions for the area occurs within Landscape Setting Type 29, protection of marine mammal populations Wilsons Promontory. (section 6.3). The special considerations for this landscape • Promote awareness of minimal impact setting type include the following: techniques for marine mammal observation; including those detailed in • Development in the area must respond to the Australian National Guidelines for and be sympathetic to the outstanding Whale and Dolphin Watching (Australian environmental and scenic values of the Government 2005) (section 6.1). area. • Permit anchoring in the planning area but • Development should be avoided, as it will monitor any impacts, particularly on spoil the wilderness quality. sensitive marine ecological communities in • Areas adjacent to ‘The Prom’ also require high use areas (eg. seagrass communities special landscape protection and at Refuge Cove), and implement appropriate planning controls to ensure management actions as necessary (section that development does not impact on 6.3). landscape values. • Encourage research into Indigenous The planning area has some of Victoria’s most cultural lore relating to flora and fauna of magnificent underwater seascapes at numerous the planning area, and reflect outcomes in diving sites (section 6.4). The granite the management of the planning area in landforms of the adjoining Wilsons accordance with Park Victoria’s policies Promontory National Park continue (sections 5.1, 6.1 and 8.2). underwater. In some areas there are vertical • Respond to cetacean incidents in cliffs, in others large slabs with or without accordance with the Victorian Cetacean cracks (O’Toole & Turner 1990). Boulder Contingency Plan (section 8.3). slopes with rocks varying from 20 centimetres to 10 metres across are common. Large 4.5 Landscape and seascape boulders tumbled on each other have created caves and swim-throughs (O’Toole & Turner The Victorian Coastal Strategy (VCC 2002) 1990). The western side of the planning area establishes the framework for long-term has larger drop-offs and bigger boulders than ecologically sustainable management of the the eastern side, which often has shallower Victorian coast. The strategy uses Integrated slopes (O’Toole & Turner 1990). Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) principles to integrate planning and management across There are breathtaking views of different the land – sea interface. This involves the landscapes and seascapes from within the coordination of coastal and marine planning area and the adjacent Wilsons

22 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for natural values conservation

Promontory National Park. Such views include Because the landscapes and seascapes of the pristine offshore islands, white sandy beaches, planning area are predominantly natural, they lichen-covered boulders, sheer granite cliffs are vulnerable to inappropriate development. and spectacular mountain ranges. The natural The South Gippsland Planning Scheme (SGSC splendour of the Wilsons Promontory 1999) provides a statutory framework for landscape is a major attraction for visitors both managing proposal and developments for land to the park and to South Gippsland. adjacent to the planning area. South Gippsland Shire Council administers the planning The planning area is significant in that it scheme, including the assessment of surrounds the offshore islands of Wilsons developments that could have an impact on Promontory. These islands are relatively landscape and seascape values. Parks Victoria remote from vehicular access and from boat provides input into planning applications to ramp access points. They are also all ensure the protection of planning area values. unoccupied and without roads or tracks. These islands have been identified through the Wilderness Special Investigation Descriptive Aims Report (LCC 1990) as having high remoteness • Preserve and protect the landscape and from settlement and access value, and high seascape values of the park, including the aesthetic and biophysical naturalness values. natural character, aesthetic qualities and Furthermore, 12 of the islands are designated values of significance to Indigenous as the ‘Wilsons Promontory Islands Remote communities. and Natural Area’; to protect their remote and • Minimise the visual impact of natural attributes and prevent new and developments and management activities, incremental developments, including the including those adjacent to the park. construction of new structures (Parks Victoria 2002a). There has been no specific Management strategies investigation into the ‘wilderness’ values of Victoria’s marine environment. Nevertheless, • Provide input into landscape character the waters of the planning area are one of the assessments undertaken by South few notable exceptions along Victoria’s Gippsland Shire Council to ensure that coastline that are remote from urban or rural landscape values within and associated development or not subject to the direct with the planning area are recognised. influence of recreational use, commercial • Liaise with South Gippsland Shire to utilisation, domestic or industrial runoff or ensure that future planning applications effluent disposal (LCC 1990). give due consideration to the land and The landscapes and seascapes of the planning seascape values of the park, including the area are an intrinsic element of Country of the Landscape Setting Type’s special Traditional Owners. considerations (VCC 1998a). There are no public utilities or infrastructure • Consider the significance of landscape to within the planning area. Related land-based the Traditional Owners in planning and infrastructure built on the adjoining Wilsons implementing management activities and Promontory National Park includes interpretation and education programs navigational aids and associated infrastructure (sections 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 and 8.2). at Lighthouse Point, Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove, Waterloo Point, South East Point and 4.6 Marine pests (section 7.1). Over 100 exotic marine species are known to Tidal River village, walking tracks and other have become established in Victorian marine items of infrastructure within the national park waters (Hewitt et al. 1999). Some have become are visible from within the planning area. marine pests. Future development within the national park, There are no records of introduced marine and on freehold land visible from the planning pests or diseases within the planning area. area, has the potential to threaten landscape However, given natural or human-aided and seascape values. dispersal and suitable environmental conditions, a number of Victoria’s introduced

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 23 Strategies for natural values conservation marine pests have the potential to colonise the control measures may be attempted for planning area. Furthermore, many other marine established pest populations generally as part pests, not yet established in Victorian waters, of a coordinated regional or national response. have the potential to establish in the planning However, experience elsewhere has shown that area through national and/or international proposals to control established marine pests vessel traffic. need to consider fully their likely effectiveness. The interconnectedness of the The planning area is vulnerable to ship-borne marine environment and the ability of many pest introductions (in ballast water or as marine pests to migrate over long distances fouling organisms on hulls) because of its mean that control measures may be feasible proximity to international and domestic only in limited circumstances. For example, shipping lanes, and the large volume of using techniques that are successful on land, domestic and international vessel movements such as physical removal by hand, might make within its waters. There is also the potential for the situation worse, as some marine pests translocation of exotic species through natural regenerate fully from fragments dislodged means, commercial fishing activities in the during removal. Where implemented, control marine park and marine reserve, and via measures will meet national guidelines for recreational activities. Translocation may managing marine pests. Because of the occur through boat hull and equipment fouling, possibility of misidentifications or use of contaminated fishing gear and diving exacerbating the pest problem, control equipment, or the release of contaminated measures will need to be part of authorised bilge water. programs. In some cases, further nationally There is an increased risk of marine pest coordinated research is required into control incursions into some of the sheltered coves measures. within the planning area, including Refuge Victorian marine pest emergency management Cove, Home Cove and , arrangements (Interim Victorian Protocol for which are used as safe anchorages or stopovers Managing Exotic Marine Organism for yachts, naval vessels, interstate and Incursions) (NRE 1999c) will form the basis domestic fishing vessels and recreational for responding to new introductions and powerboats (section 7.1). Refuge Cove in existing incursions of marine pests. The particular is a popular destination and stopover adoption of the Waste Management Policy for boats of various sizes (section 6.3). (Ships’ Ballast Water) (EPA 2004) for Impacts from introduced marine pests are as Victorian waters will help reduce the risk of diverse as the species themselves, and include marine pest incursions from ships’ ballast altered nutrient cycles and competition with water. Emergency responses to marine pest native species. There may also be economic outbreaks in Victoria are managed as part of impacts (e.g. on commercial fisheries) and agreed national arrangements for marine pest social impacts (e.g. on public health and emergencies. The Consultative Committee for safety). Introduced Marine Pest Emergencies provides Marine pests can have a devastating impact on national oversight. Parks Victoria actively Marine National Parks and Marine supports the protocol, by adopting best practice Sanctuaries. The introduction of marine pests within the organisation and educating and into Victorian waters is listed as a potentially informing the community about prevention threatening process on Schedule 3 of the Flora measures. and Fauna Guarantee Act. Victoria’s Vessel cleaning and maintenance guidelines to management priorities in relation to marine help prevent the spread of marine pests (DSE pests are set out in the relevant Action 2004) aim to reduce the risk of spreading Statement (NRE 1999b). marine introduced pests by providing practical Prevention of marine pest invasions is the most solutions for vessel operators for cleaning gear effective management option. Prevention and hulls. Supporting initiatives include EPA involves reducing the risk that a pest will be Victoria’s Cleaner Marinas Guidelines (EPA introduced to the planning area. In a very 1998). limited number of cases, with specific criteria,

24 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for natural values conservation

Parks Victoria Rangers, Fisheries Victoria and formalising arrangements for Fisheries Officers, community-based prevention, reporting, monitoring and organisations (e.g. dive clubs) and other park response. visitors play an important role in the • Undertake authorised pest programs only monitoring and early detection of marine where research indicates that control or introduced pests in the planning area (section eradication is feasible and likely to be 8.2). effective or as part of a coordinated regional or national response. Aims • Minimise the risk of introduction of • Avoid translocation or new introductions marine pasts by human activities, and their by promoting boat-cleaning and subsequent establishment in the planning maintenance protocols for all recreational area. boats and contractors in accordance with the DSE brochure ‘Aquatic Pests: Treat • Establish arrangements for the detection of ’em mean – keep your boat clean’ (section new incursions within the planning area in 6.3). support of Victorian marine pest management arrangements. • Ensure that management vessels operating in the planning area are maintained in • Implement national or Victoria-wide accordance with the Victorian boat- control arrangements as they relate to the cleaning protocols (DSE 2004). planning area. • Liaise with Gippsland Ports to ensure that Management strategies boat-cleaning protocols are included in contracts, licences or permits for • Support DSE in educating Parks Victoria contracted vessels operating in the Port of Rangers, Fisheries Victoria Officers and Corner Inlet. the community to identify existing and emerging marine pests. • Encourage recreational divers to adopt protocols to ensure that diving equipment • Encourage community groups, is clean (section 6.4). researchers, licensed tour operators and contractors to integrate the identification • Liaise with Fisheries Victoria and of marine pests into their activities and to commercial fishers to minimise the report any sightings. potential for the introduction of marine pests. • Ensure that the detection of marine pests is reported in accordance with Victorian pest • Ensure that any new marine infrastructure management arrangements and recorded within the planning area is treated to on Parks Victoria’s Environmental remove any marine pests. Information System and other relevant • Include boat-cleaning protocols in databases. contracts, licences or permits for • Manage all marine pest incursions in the contracted vessels, research vessels and planning area in accordance with the licensed tour operator vessels operating Interim Victorian Protocol (NRE 1999c) within the planning area. (section 8.3). • Establish an ongoing program to minimise the risk of marine pest introduction and subsequent spread that addresses improving the understanding of the potential means of introduction and spread

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 25

5 STRATEGIES FOR CULTURAL VALUES CONSERVATION

occupation, from about 1500 years ago, of 5.1 Indigenous cultural heritage Great Glennie Island. Reports of such visits, Indigenous tradition indicates that the waters however, are rare, and it is generally thought surrounding Wilsons Promontory are integral that off-shore ocean resources were largely to the dreaming and culture of the Gunai / untapped by Indigenous people (Coutts 1981). Kurnai and Boonwurrung Indigenous people. At the time of European settlement, the Indigenous tradition indicates that the planning Traditional Owners had a strong association area is part of the sacred Country of Yiruk for with the area. European settlement, and use of the Gunai / Kurnai people, and Wamoom for 1 the land and waters of the planning area, the Boonwurrung people . At the time of substantially altered this historical association, publication there were several Indigenous with a subsequent loss of traditional culture. groups asserting traditional ownership over the planning area. The planning area contains evidence of a range of places and objects of particular significance Yiruk / Wamoom contains a strong spiritual to the Indigenous community, most of which energy known as Marin-e-bek or Wea-wuk, are at or near the high water mark. It is also which pervades the environment and all life in likely that many cultural places have been it. This energy extends beyond Yiruk / preserved beneath the waters of the planning Wamoom to the surrounding areas and is a area. powerful protector highly respected by the Traditional Owners. As significant Indigenous places and objects within the planning area become known, some Throughout periods of changing sea levels, the may require active management to ensure their Traditional Owners have maintained a strong protection, while others may be relatively and continuing association with the planning secure because of their location. Degradation area for thousands of years. This association is by erosion and pillaging of material are major present today. threats to the integrity of these cultural places The planning area and surrounding areas and objects. Protection of many of the places provided important areas for shelter, food and objects within the intertidal area is collection, story telling, toolmaking, teaching addressed in a site protection strategy prepared and learning. Children were taught important for Wilsons Promontory National Park (Parks techniques for the hunting, collection and Victoria 2002c). Monitoring and management preparation of seasonally abundant food and of cultural places and objects will be other resources, including fruit, yams, eggs, determined in collaboration with relevant shellfish and other animals. These resources Indigenous communities. were found in both marine and terrestrial All Indigenous places and objects are protected environments. Stories were shared, and under the Archaeological and Aboriginal children developed an ongoing spiritual Relics Preservation Act and the Aboriginal and association, understanding and respect for the Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. area. It is an offence to damage, interfere with or There are historical records of Indigenous endanger an Aboriginal site, place or object travel from the mainland to various off-shore without obtaining prior written consent from islands surrounding Wilsons Promontory. For the scheduled Aboriginal community. Issues example, Smyth (1878) reported an Aboriginal relating to the protection of such cultural journey from Wilsons Promontory to Rabbit heritage and the involvement of the scheduled Island, and Jones (1987) describes the seasonal Aboriginal community are approached in accordance with these Acts. ______At the time of publication, the Minister for 1 Unless stated otherwise, information is based on oral history provided by relevant Indigenous Aboriginal Affairs was recognised as the communities. scheduled Aboriginal community. Aboriginal Affairs Victoria is to be contacted in relation to

26 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for cultural values conservation cultural heritage matters in the planning area Wilsons Promontory Site Protection (section 8.3). Strategy (Parks Victoria 2002a) and manage research, surveys, protection and Issues relating to Native Title are dealt with conservation actions, interpretation and according to the Native Title Act (section 2.5). promotion in accordance with the strategy. Some knowledge of Indigenous cultural lore (including perspectives of environment, • Assess annual management programs to landscape and stories) and customs (relating to integrate relevant Indigenous practices resource use and land/water management) has and minimise the potential impact of been lost to some extent since the arrival of management activities on Indigenous Europeans. However, much detailed cultural heritage, in consultation with the knowledge has been retained through the oral Traditional Owners and the scheduled history of descendants, historical documents, Aboriginal community. archaeological and anthropological research. • Ensure that all management activities are More Indigenous stories, and much more about in accordance with the Native Title Act. the significance of places, people in the landscape, timelines, travel routes, the • Respect Indigenous cultural lore, and the traditional use of natural resources, and land Traditional Owners’ aspirations for and water/sea management practices, could be Country, and in collaboration with them discovered. and the scheduled Aboriginal community, and in accordance with Parks Victoria’s Parks Victoria respects the Traditional operational policies, reflect the Owners’ cultural lore, interests and rights in Traditional Owners’ cultural lore, the land, and aspirations for Country and seeks interests and rights in all aspects of to reflect these in planning and management planning and management (sections 4.1, (Parks Victoria 2005a). 4.4, 4.5, 6.1 and 8.2).

Aims • Identify, record and assess the risk of Indigenous places and objects and cultural • Protect Indigenous cultural heritage from lore relating to the park, in liaison with interference or damaging activities. AAV and in collaboration with relevant • Nurture Indigenous cultural lore relating to Indigenous communities. the planning area. • Assess and identify Indigenous cultural heritage suitable for promotion and Management strategies interpretation in collaboration with • Protect Indigenous places and objects relevant Indigenous communities and in from disturbance and damage in liaison with AAV and the Gippsland partnership with the Traditional Owners Cultural Heritage Unit (sections 6.1 and and in cooperation with the scheduled 8.2) Aboriginal community, AAV and the Gippsland Cultural Heritage Unit • Maintain confidentiality in respect of (sections 8.2 and 8.3), and in accordance Indigenous cultural lore, places, objects with: and aspirations, in accordance with the views of the Traditional Owners (sections y the provisions of relevant legislation 6.1 and 8.2). including the Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 5.2 Maritime and other cultural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait heritage Islander Heritage Protection Act The history of the planning area since y Parks Victoria’s Guidelines for European settlement is rich in diversity, Working with Aboriginal Communities involving maritime exploration, commercial and Protection of Cultural Sites (Parks exploitation, coastal trading and navigation. Victoria 2002b). On 1 January 1798, during their epic • Incorporate new information about whaleboat voyage from Port Jackson (Sydney Indigenous cultural heritage into the Harbour), and his crew were

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 27 Strategies for cultural values conservation probably the first European explorers to sight During the 1850s Sealers Cove was established Wilsons Promontory, although escaped as a shipping port for timber milling operations convicts had reached the Glennie Group in (Lennon 1974). The industry was organised 1796 (Hunter 1895). During the return voyage quickly and become productive within a year. to Port Jackson, Bass landed at Sealers Cove, Timber shipments ceased relatively quickly which he considered suitable as a site for a (around 1860), with the demand for timber sealing station to take advantage of the large during the gold rush period exhausting seal populations on the nearby islands (Hunter supplies (Lennon 1974). A later mill operated 1895). The coves on the eastern coast of for a short time in the early 1900s, but was Wilsons Promontory were subsequently burnt out in 1906. Evidence of this operation is charted as anchorages, and ships sheltered in present today, including the remains of a jetty them during south-west gales (Lennon 1974). visible at low tide (appendix 4). In the early 1800s an intensive sealing industry Granite was quarried at Refuge Cove during developed in Bass Strait, attracting ships from the 1880s for the new entrance to the as far away as Europe and America. So . The quarry is visible on the intensive was the exploitation that by 1832 the eastern shore of South Cove, Refuge Cove, industry was no longer profitable (Townrow where there is evidence of rock drilling, rock 1997). removal and landing infrastructure within Wilsons Promontory Marine Park (appendix Commercial whaling was another short-lived 4). industry within the planning area. Groups of whalers operated out of bays and coves of the Commercial fishing also has flourished during islands and shores of Bass Strait, including various times around Wilsons Promontory, and Refuge Cove (formerly Lady Bay) and Sealers still occurs today in parts of the planning area, Cove within the planning area (Lennon 1974). although not within Wilsons Promontory These shore-based whaling stations quickly Marine National Park. In the 1860s Chinese destroyed the Bass Strait herds, and by the fishermen worked along the coastline of 1840s most whale hunting had moved into the Wilsons Promontory, using Sealers Cove as Antarctic seas. one of their home ports (Loney 1982). Soon afterwards, Port Welshpool and Port Albert Whalebone and other material associated with developed as major fishing ports, and many these industries have been found in Refuge small craft worked around Wilsons Cove during underwater surveys (R. Anderson Promontory to harvest a great variety of fish pers. comm. 2004) (appendix 4). (Loney 1982). The remains of a whaling station of State By the 20th century lucrative crayfish and heritage significance are located within abalone industries had developed. These Wilsons Promontory National Park at Refuge industries continue today in Wilsons Cove. This is perhaps the only surviving Promontory Marine Park and Wilsons whaling station in Victoria (Townrow 1997). Promontory Marine Reserve. Remains of a possible sealing or timber cutting site are also present at Home Cove, including The treacherous coastline and large volume of the rarely exposed remains of a jetty (appendix shipping in the 19th and 20th centuries resulted 4). Further survey work is required to in many collisions, strandings and shipwrecks determine the historical use of this site (R. in the region (appendix 4). At least 28 Anderson pers. comm. 2004). shipwrecks have occurred in the planning area, and 14 of those have been located. Some of Refuge and Home Coves are significant in that these are listed on the Victorian Heritage they represent two of only four remaining sites Register (Heritage Victoria 2004). associated with the sealing and whaling industry in Victoria (Townrow 1997). By the 1850s there was a critical need for a Historical records also indicate a possible lighthouse on the coast. The Wilsons whaling station at Bareback Bay, but no Promontory Lightstation, which is still remains have been located there (R. Anderson operational today, was built on South East pers. comm. 2003). Point and commenced operation in 1859. It is one of the earliest lightstations constructed on

28 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for cultural values conservation the Victorian coast, and is listed on the Aims Register of the National Estate. A dump site on • Conserve and protect places and values of the eastern side of South East Point contains historic significance associated with debris, building materials and wreckage below maritime exploration, commercial the landing steps. A landing site on the western exploitation, coastal trading and side of South East Point contains mostly intact navigation. landing and cargo handling infrastructure (appendix 4). Management of this maritime • Encourage learning and understanding heritage infrastructure is guided by the about the historic heritage of the planning Conservation Plan, Wilsons Promontory area, particularly as they relate to the Lighstation, Victoria (Nelson et al. 1993) and historic theme ‘Shipping along the Coast’. the Wilsons Promontory Lighstation Conservation Plan (RBAACC 1999), and is Management strategies integrated with management of Wilsons • Manage places and values of historical or Promontory National Park (Parks Victoria cultural significance in accordance with 2002a). the provisions of the Heritage Act, the Historic and cultural places are managed in Burra Charter of Australia ICOMOS, the accordance with the Heritage Act 1995 (Vic.), provisions of the Heritage Act, the Historic the Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Shipwrecks Act and Parks Victoria’s Cultural Significance (the ‘Burra Charter’), Heritage Management Strategy. Australia ICOMOS 1999), and the Heritage • Continue to work collaboratively with Management Strategy (Parks Victoria 2003b). Heritage Victoria in accordance with the Heritage Victoria (DSE) has primary Memorandum of Understanding for the responsibility for the management of management of cultural heritage in shipwrecks within the planning area. Parks Marine National Parks. Victoria has established a Memorandum of • Liaise with Heritage Victoria to document Understanding with Heritage Victoria that heritage values and assess the risks to identifies respective roles and responsibilities those values. Ensure that such information with regard to maritime protection, compliance is entered into Parks Victoria’s Asset and interpretation of shipwrecks, shipwreck Management System. artefacts and other archaeological sites within the planning area. • Prepare a heritage action statement for the planning area in close consultation with ‘Shipping along the Coast’ is a priority Heritage Victoria and community groups, historical theme identified in the Heritage to guide the management of the heritage Management Strategy (Parks Victoria 2003b). places and values (appendix 4). Wilsons Promontory and the planning area comprise one of three areas along Victoria’s • Integrate the promotion of maritime and coast with a high concentration of shipping- other heritage values related to the key related historic sites, and are a focus for historic theme ‘Shipping along the Coast’ interpretation programs on this theme. into existing and new information, interpretation and education programs for marine and terrestrial areas of Wilsons Promontory (section 6.1).

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 29

6 STRATEGIES FOR VISITORS

and Telegraph Saddle. Information for boat 6.1 Information, interpretation and users is also presented on information panels at education Port Welshpool, Port Albert, Toora Beach and Providing information, interpretation and Shallow Inlet, and boundary markers assist education can help orientate and inform with orientation. visitors, increase visitor enjoyment and The Visitor Centre at Tidal River is the main satisfaction, foster an understanding and site for the distribution of orientation and park appreciation of the planning area’s special information for both the marine and terrestrial natural and cultural values, build protected areas, and is the major facility for understanding of management activities, and contact between park staff and visitors. help visitors to experience the park in a safe and appropriate manner. Parks Victoria Marine themes form a significant part of the delivers information, interpretation and Visitor Centre’s interpretive displays, and education to visitors by various means, popular Ranger-led activities such as ‘rockpool including its website, ranger patrols, Marine rambles’ are run during peak visitor times. Notes, signage, tourism brochures and other There are opportunities for Indigenous publications, displays, and licensed tour Traditional Owners and private operators to be operators. These services may be developed more involved in such activities in the and provided in collaboration with other planning area (sections 5.1 and 6.7). agencies. Rangers and Fisheries Officers have direct Having a representative system of Marine contact with visitors and can supply orientation National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries in and regulatory information, and interpret Victoria presents a unique opportunity to features of the marine environment. educate visitors and the broader community Appropriate educational visits to the planning about the features and benefits of a statewide area are encouraged and supported by a variety system of marine protected areas. Initiatives to of education programs through the Education raise awareness and understanding of the Centre at Tidal River, which is the only Parks system in a statewide context will be delivered, Victoria Education Centre that focuses on and a range of information, interpretation and marine education. A qualified teacher has been education products specific to the key features based at Tidal River since 1990, delivering of the planning area will also be provided. formal programs and offering professional There is considerable potential to raise public development for teachers, assistance in interest in and awareness of the planning area, organising visits to the planning area, and and to promote appropriate opportunities to assistance with curriculum development. Parks Victorian, interstate and overseas visitors. Victoria staff assist the Education Officer Parks Victoria’s information and interpretation during peak school visitation periods. The programs are integrated with statewide and minimal impact guidelines (Parks Victoria regional marketing strategies of Tourism 2003c), available on the Parks Victoria Victoria (e.g. Tourism Victoria 2002a, 2002b, website, www.parkweb.vic.gov.au, aim to 2004). minimise the potential impact of education and interpretation programs, which may involve Pre-visit orientation information is available at trampling in the intertidal areas (section 6.5). accredited information centres and other local outlets on approaches to the planning area, The booklet Exploring Wilsons Promontory: a including the Foster, Yanakie and Tidal River Guide to Visitor Services, Interpretation and offices of Parks Victoria. Parks Victoria’s Education (CNR 1995) was prepared in 1995 website also supplies pre-visit orientation to provide broad direction for Wilsons information to a wide range of visitors. Promontory National Park, Marine Park and Marine Reserve. A three-year rolling Additional orientation information is available information, interpretation and education plan in Marine Notes and on information panels at is now required to reflect contemporary park Tidal River, Refuge Cove, Five Mile Carpark

30 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for visitors management practices and key directions in y the contribution of Wilsons this area, including key messages for Marine Promontory Marine National Park to National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries, and Victoria’s system of Marine National the historic theme ‘Shipping along the Coast’. Parks and Marine Sanctuaries This plan will include reference to the y biological communities with distinct development of an education program to biogeographic patterns (section 4.4) educate licensed tour operators, education providers and other visitors of the purpose and y fishing regulations in the marine park management objectives of the Special and marine reserve Protection Area surrounding Kanowna Island y marine pests (section 6.3). y water quality and pollution A Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries resource kit gives educators, y minimal impact use of coastal and students, community and Friends groups a marine environments. comprehensive collection of materials for • Promote greater public understanding and communicating the importance and values of appreciation of, and respect for, marine national parks. Indigenous culture by incorporating information about Indigenous cultural Aims lore, places and objects in information, • Promote and encourage visitors’ interpretation and education programs, in discovery, enjoyment and appreciation of accordance with the views of the the natural and cultural values of the Traditional Owners (sections 5.1 and 8.2). planning area in a safe and appropriate manner through information, education • Provide appropriate opportunities and and interpretation. encourage and support relevant Indigenous communities to participate in • Encourage public support for the planning developing and delivering information, area and management practices. interpretation and education services • Provide opportunities to learn about and (sections 5.1 and 8.2). understand the cultural and spiritual • Where appropriate, use Indigenous significance of the planning area to the language for natural features, plants and Traditional Owners. animals in interpretive material and signs. • Promote an awareness of past European • Provide visitor information, interpretation cultural activities in the park. and education materials that promote greater public understanding and Management strategies appreciation of post-settlement cultural • Produce an integrated three-year rolling heritage (section 5.2), including the key information, interpretation and education historic theme ‘Shipping along the Coast’. plan to provide direction for management • Liaise with State and regional tourism of the planning area and adjoining authorities to ensure that the planning Wilsons Promontory National Park. area is appropriately promoted in regional • Provide and support high-quality visitor information centres and State and opportunities for the range of user groups regional tourism strategies. to discover, experience and understand the • Update relevant Marine Note brochures park’s natural and cultural values, in and information panels in accordance with accordance with table 3. Target visitors table 3. across the range of user groups, through a range of tourism, information, • Develop an education program that interpretation and education media. specifically aims to educate Licensed Tour Operators, education providers and other • Deliver messages about the following visitors of the purpose and management natural values and themes: objectives of the Special Protection Area surrounding Kanowna Island (section 6.7).

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 31 Strategies for visitors

TABLE 3 PROVISION OF VISITOR INFORMATION, INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION

SITE MAIN FOCUS FACILITY / SERVICE / TOOL MANAGEMENT ACTION

General Pre-visit orientation Internet site (‘Parkweb’), Maintain information Accredited Information Centres Planning area Orientation information, Guided tours by licensed tour Liaise with licensed operators promotion of natural and operators cultural values and appropriate use Ranger patrols Maintain Information, interpretation and Develop and maintain education programs Orientation information, Ranger and Fisheries Officer Maintain, collaborate with fishing regulations, marine patrols Fisheries Victoria introduced pests, pollution, minimal-impact use PV Foster office Pre-visit orientation Personal information, Update and maintain information brochures, Marine Notes Wilsons Promontory National Park Entrance Station, Basic orientation information Marine Notes Update and maintain Yanakie Visitor Centre, Tidal Basic orientation information Staff/visitor interaction, Marine Update and maintain River Notes Park information Information panels Update and maintain Interpretation Interpretation Develop and maintain Contribution of Wilsons Audiovisual presentations, Develop and maintain Promontory Marine National information, interpretation and Park to the statewide system. education programs Marine habitats and Audiovisual presentations, Develop and maintain communities information panels, information, interpretation and education programs Indigenous culture Ranger-led activities, Involve Indigenous people in information panels all aspects of programs Maritime cultural heritage – Information panels, Develop and maintain including ‘Shipping along the information, interpretation and Coast’ education programs Fishing regulations Marine Note, Ranger patrols, Maintain Fisheries patrols Marine introduced pests Information, interpretation and Develop and maintain education programs, Ranger patrols Pollution Information, interpretation and Develop and maintain education programs, Ranger patrols Minimal-impact use Information, interpretation and Develop and maintain education programs, Ranger patrols Education Centre, Marine education Education programs, Encourage use Tidal River information displays, park visit assistance, curriculum development, Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries Resource Kit

32 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for visitors

Table 3 (contd.)

SITE MAIN FOCUS FACILITY / SERVICE / TOOL MANAGEMENT ACTION

Wilsons Promontory National Park Refuge Cove, Five Orientation and general Information panels, Marine Update and maintain Mile Carpark, Notes Telegraph Saddle Marine National Park information

Whole of park Fishing regulations, marine Ranger Patrols Maintain (adjoining Marine pests, pollution, minimal- National Park, marine impact use Interpretation programs park and marine reserve) Boat Ramps outside planning area Port Welshpool, Port Orientation information Information panels Update and maintain Albert, Toora Beach and Shallow Inlet boat ramps

• In conjunction with Fisheries Victoria, direction for the location and scale of boating continue to provide information, use and development on the Gippsland coast, interpretation and education material including the planning area. In doing so, it through land and water based patrols to identifies infrastructure and actions needed to achieve voluntary compliance of implement this, and other aims. regulations, and where necessary Tidal River is only suitable as a launching site enforcement. for very small boats (GCB 2002b) (sections • Integrate the Marine National Park, 6.3 and 6.4). The Wilsons Promontory marine park and marine reserve into the National Park Management Plan (Parks high-standard marine education program Victoria 2002a) does not make provision for offered from Tidal River by a qualified additional boat launching facilities within the teacher, and promote the program to national park. schools, teachers and students. Sandy Point provides for the launching of • Continue to allow sustainable educational small boats across the beach into Shallow Inlet use by school and community groups. (GCB 2002b). Yanakie and Toora Beach are local boat ramps providing boating access for • Ensure school and formal interpretative part of the tidal cycle. The Gippsland Boating groups adopt minimal impact guidelines. Coastal Action Plan (GCB 2002b) identifies developing Yanakie as a regional ramp that 6.2 Access can service the needs of the boating Visitors can gain access to the planning area community that frequent the isthmus of the by boat or other craft, or by vehicle and then Promontory on both its eastern and western foot from within Wilsons Promontory National side. Park (section 7.2). Many boats from distant Both Port Welshpool and Port Albert are locations arrive in or pass through the planning regional boating centres, providing all-tide area. The majority of visitors are from ocean access for larger boats (GCB 2002b). Melbourne, the or local areas. The choice of boat launching site often Nearby boat ramps or beach launching areas depends on the destination side of Wilsons are located at Norman Bay (Tidal River) Promontory. In some weather, access to the (section 6.3), Sandy Point, Duck Point planning area for most vessels may be (Yanakie), Toora Beach, Port Welshpool and dangerous. Visitors must therefore familiarise Port Albert. The Gippsland Boating Coastal themselves with the inherent and often Action Plan (GCB 2002b) aims to provide

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 33 Strategies for visitors changing weather and sea conditions of the provided within the adjacent Wilsons planning area (section 6.9). Promontory National Park. All land-based visitors access the planning • Continue to prohibit public access to all area from within Wilsons Promontory National Wilsons Promontory National Park islands Park, commonly from Tidal River. Carpark within the planning area, except the beach facilities and walking track access is provided areas on Great Glennie and Rabbit at Tidal River, Telegraph Saddle, Five Mile Islands. Track, Squeaky Beach, Picnic Bay, Whisky Bay and . Management of these • Continue to allow small watercraft to be facilities is provided for in the Wilsons launched at Norman Bay in Wilsons Promontory National Park Management Plan Promontory Marine Park, subject to (Parks Victoria 2002a). permit conditions and the provision of appropriate signage and information To protect significant natural values, the (section 6.3). Wilsons Promontory National Park Management Plan (Parks Victoria 2002a) 6.3 Recreational boating and prohibits public access to all islands within the surface water sports national park, except the beach areas on Great Boating is a popular recreational activity Glennie and Rabbit Islands. Consistent with within the planning area. The main associated this provision, access to all islands within the activities are scuba diving and snorkelling planning area will be restricted, excluding the (section 6.4), sightseeing, picnicking, camping beach areas on Great Glennie and Rabbit aboard vessels, and fishing in the marine park Islands. Access restrictions also apply to and marine reserve (section 6.6). Sea-kayaking boating close to the Australian Fur Seal colony is also becoming an increasingly popular on Kanowna Island, and to personal water craft activity and is often associated with camping within Norman Bay (sections 3.2 and 6.3). at designated remote campsite locations Historically, landings have been used as access adjacent to the Wilsons Promontory shoreline. points to and from the planning area and Other surface water sports include surfing, surf Wilsons Promontory National Park. Parts of skiing, canoeing and water skiing (table 2, the eastern landing continue to be used for section 3.3). Most of these activities are management of the South East Point concentrated close to Tidal River at Norman Lightstation precinct, although public access Bay (Wilsons Promontory Marine Park) and by boat is not permitted. beaches further north. Facilities for these activities are generally Aims limited and are provided largely within • Provide for the use and enjoyment of the Wilsons Promontory National Park (Parks planning area. Victoria 2002a). Navigational aids are located • Minimise the impact of access on natural at Lighthouse Point, Sealers Cove, Refuge and cultural values of the planning area. Cove, Waterloo Point, South East Point and Citadel Island (section 7.1). Management strategies State Environment Protection Policies prohibit • Ensure that pre-visit and directional vessel operators from discharging sewage, oil, information is appropriate to enable safe garbage, sediment, litter or other wastes to and enjoyable access to the planning area surface waters in any Victorian State waters. (section 6.1). While the EPA has primary responsibility for pollution management, Parks Victoria supports • Liaise with appropriate recreational the provision of waste receiving and pump out groups regarding regulations and facilities at marinas, ports, and other suitable seasonal restrictions on access (section sites. 6.3). As in all Victorian coastal waters, a boat speed • Ensure that access to the planning area is limit of 5 knots applies to vessels (including integrated with facilities and access PWCs) in specified circumstances (MSV 2003). Apart from boating restrictions within

34 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for visitors the Special Protection Area (see below, and anchorage for boats of various sizes. It section 3.2), these speed restrictions are provides for unique boat-based camping considered sufficient to minimise or avoid opportunities, and is a popular site for impacts on natural values (primarily roosting exploring the planning area and surrounding birds and Australian Fur Seals) and conflicts national park. During busy periods there may with other users. Parks Victoria works be up to 30 vessels at any one time within the collaboratively with Marine Safety Victoria to cove, although four to six boats is more ensure compliance with these regulations common. Boat-based visitors may camp on (section 8.3). board their vessel within Wilsons Promontory Marine Park, or at a designated site on shore in Small boats can be launched and landed at the Wilsons Promontory National Park (Parks northern end of Norman Bay when conditions Victoria 2002a). At present a permit is are suitable, subject to a permit system. Boats required only for camping on shore. However, (e.g. surf-skis, sea-kayaks) that do not require because of the popularity of the site, increased the aid of a vehicle and/or trailer in launching, visitation could warrant instituting a permit and/or can be carried from nearby car parks system for boat-based camping. This will be within Wilsons Promontory National Park, do monitored over time. not require a permit. Boats using Refuge Cove may cause anchor The northern end of Norman Bay beach damage to seagrass communities, the (incorporating Wilsons Promontory National introduction of marine pests, and damage to Park to mean low water mark) is also popular vegetation from stern lines (in the adjoining for other surface water sports, including National Park). Monitoring is therefore surfing, windsurfing, swimming and other required to ensure such activities do not shore-based activities (section 6.5). For safety compromise park values (section 4.4). The reasons (section 6.9), and as a means of Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan (GCB monitoring use and impacts, boat launching 2002b) suggests that permanent swing from this location has been controlled by a moorings should be considered in Refuge permit system for some time (Parks Victoria Cove for safety reasons and to limit anchor 2002a). To avoid conflicts with other users, dragging. However, permanent moorings permits are not issued for the launching of would significantly reduce the aesthetic values personal water craft (PWC). PWCs touring the of the area and would be costly to install and coast may, however, enter Norman Bay, maintain in such a remote location. subject to speed restrictions under the Marine Furthermore, the benefits to park values are Act. Bathing is also not permitted in Norman not clear, and other solutions may achieve the Bay between launching signs, when the signs same outcome. Nevertheless, permanent swing are displayed and boats are being launched or moorings will be considered as one of the retrieved (section 6.5). many potential options for managing boating Conflicts have occurred in the past in Norman activity and protecting natural values within Bay between water skiers and/or operators of Refuge Cove. PWCs, and other visitors (e.g. surfing, surf The Australian Fur Seal colony at Kanowna skiing, canoeing, swimming) (DCE 1991). The Island and Anderson Islets, and the haul-out permit system for vessel launching, and the sites at Norman Island, are susceptible to Marine Act provisions restricting vessels to a disturbance from boating activity, particularly maximum speed of 5 knots within 200 metres during the breeding season (section 4.4). A from the shore, are considered sufficient to Special Protection Area has therefore been minimise future conflicts in Norman Bay. designated around Kanowna Island to restrict Water skiing and use of PWCs in Refuge Cove the approach of motorised and non-motorised have also led to conflict with other users of vessels to these areas (table 1 and figure 3). In Refuge Cove. Similarly, compliance with this this Special Protection Area, motorised and speed restriction is considered sufficient to non-motorised vessels, including PWCs and minimise future conflicts in Refuge Cove. sea-kayaks, are prohibited from: The Wilsons Promontory coastline is a popular recreational boating attraction, with Refuge • within 200 m of Kanowna Island from Cove being a significant destination and safe November to January (inclusive), except as

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 35 Strategies for visitors

otherwise indicated by a permit or Aims authority (section 6.7) • Provide opportunities for recreational • within 50 m of Kanowna Island from boating and appropriate surface water February to October (inclusive). sports while protecting natural and cultural values. Licensed tour operators may be permitted to access the Special Protection Area under • Promote safe boating and water safety certain conditions (section 6.7). within the planning area. To further inform management of the • Provide opportunities for marine mammal Australian Fur Seal colony on Kanowna observation while ensuring their long-term Island, an integrated research project will be protection. developed to assess appropriate and sustainable visitation to Kanowna Island Management strategies (section 4.4). Furthermore, an education • Permit boating and surface water sports in program will be developed to educate licensed the planning are in accordance with tour operators, education providers and other tables 1 and 2, and the 5 knot speed visitors of the purpose and management restriction within: objectives of the Special Protection Area surrounding Kanowna Island (section 6.1). y 50 m of a swimmer Sea-bird breeding colonies on islands are also y 100 m of a vessel or buoy with a diver susceptible to disturbance throughout the year. below signal To protect the sea-bird breeding colonies, the y 200 m of the shoreline Special Protection Area also applies to y 300 m of a whale or dolphin. accessing all Wilsons Promontory National Park islands within the planning area, except • Incorporate information about boating the beach areas on Rabbit and Great Glennie and associated activities into information, Islands (table 1 and section 6.2). interpretation and education material Non-motorised water craft may be used in all (section 6.1). areas of the planning area, except in the area • Encourage safe and appropriate boating north of Fifth Ramp on Norman Bay during practices in the planning area through peak season (Saturday of November information, interpretation and education Melbourne Cup weekend until 30 April) and programs (sections 6.1 and 6.9). within the Special Protection Area during the times specified in table 1 (Parks Victoria • Prohibit the installation of infrastructure, 2002a). including jetties, groynes, boat ramps or permanent moorings, except those Marine mammal viewing occurs occasionally required for environmental protection, in the park, usually by independent boat navigation, and/or essential boundary operators taking advantage of chance identification. encounters with whales or dolphins. Under the Wildlife Act and the Wildlife (Whale) • Continue to allow vessel launching at the Regulations 1998, recreational vessels and northern end of Norman Bay, subject to PWCs must not approach within 100 metres of permit conditions, access and public any whale or dolphin, while a minimum safety, and provide appropriate signage distance of 30 metres applies to swimmers and and information, in accordance with the 50 metres to people on surfboards. The management plan for Wilsons Promontory Australian National Guidelines for Whale and National Park. Dolphin Watching 2005 (Australian • Continue to prohibit the launching of Government 2005) also provides advice on personal water craft from Norman Bay. watching whales and dolphins in the wild (section 4.4). Other conditions apply to • Continue to provide for boat-based licensed tour operators and commercial vessels camping within the planning area. (sections 6.7 and 7.1). Monitor levels of use, particularly at Refuge Cove, and continue to integrate

36 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for visitors

management of the Refuge Cove boat- assist in the minimisation of potential based camping area with the permit disturbance to flora, fauna and visitors, system for overnight hike camping at particularly at Norman Bay, Refuge Cove Wilsons Promontory National Park. and Kanowna Island. • Through patrol recording, analysis and • Continue to ensure that appropriate staff questionnaires, establish vessel visitation are authorised under the Marine Act. levels, vessel type and stay durations at • Liaise with Victoria Water Police and Refuge Cove for future management. Fisheries Victoria to implement the 5 knot • Investigate possible impacts associated speed restriction in order to protect park with boating in Refuge Cove, including values and visitor safety. mechanical damage from anchors (section 4.4), the introduction of marine pests 6.4 Diving and snorkelling (section 4.6) and damage to on-shore Snorkelling and scuba diving enable visitors to vegetation. experience underwater habitats and view • For the protection of the Australian Fur species and habitats that are difficult to Seal colony and in accordance with the observe from the surface, particularly smaller Special Protection Area (table 1, figure 3), or cryptic animals such as seahorses, pipefish, restrict access by non-motorised and sea urchins, nudibranchs, sponges, octopus and motorised boats from: cuttlefish. y within 200 m of Kanowna Island from The waters of the planning area offer a variety November to January (inclusive), of outstanding locations for diving and except as otherwise indicated by a snorkelling. Dives generally range in depth permit or other authority from 2 to 50 metres. Thirty-four dive sites are described in detail in the guidebook Down y within 50 m of Kanowna Island from Under at the Prom (O’Toole and Turner February to October (inclusive). 1990). Opportunities for shore-based scuba • Develop an integrated research project to diving within the planning area are limited, assess appropriate and sustainable boat- especially because of the area’s remoteness based visitation to Kanowna Island and limited access from the shore. However, (section 4.4). there are many boat-based diving opportunities. • Develop an education program that specifically aims to educate licensed tour Access for shore-based scuba diving is operators, education providers and other difficult in all areas except Pillar Point. The visitors of the purpose and management nearest tank-filling facility is at Inverloch, but objectives of the Special Protection Area divers are permitted to operate tank-filling surrounding Kanowna Island (section 6.1). compressors at a specified location at Tidal River, and the northern end of the north beach • Continue to restrict access to all islands at Refuge Cove (Parks Victoria 2002a). Shore- within the planning area, except the beach based snorkelling is popular along Pillar Point areas on Rabbit and Great Glennie Islands from either Norman or Squeaky Beach, and (figure 2). along Leonard Point from Picnic Bay. • Permit surface water sports, including the Seasonal factors play a significant role in dive use of surfboards, surfskis, sailboards, opportunities within the planning area. kayaks and canoes, at all beaches, except Prevailing winds are from the west, and during for the area north of Fifth Ramp at the winter months when water is colder, water Norman Bay, from Saturday of the turbidity significantly limits dive opportunities November Melbourne Cup weekend until on the western coast. Diving is often possible 30 April inclusive and between signs when on the eastern coast when weather conditions vessels are being launched or retrieved. are not conducive to diving on the western • Actively enforce established vessel speed coast. Pillar Point may be a suitable location and distance restrictions under the for a self-guided underwater swim. Fixed Marine Act and the National Parks Act, to

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 37 Strategies for visitors structures that define such an underwater swim Scuba divers diving from boats anchored will not be permitted. outside the seasonal exclusion zones around Kanowna Island (table 1) may approach closer Potential impacts associated with diving to these islands provided that they are under include anchor damage (section 4.4), marine water and observe any other restrictions pest introduction (section 4.6), seabed applying to approaching marine mammals disturbance from fins, intertidal trampling, (section 4.4). illegal taking of flora and fauna (section 6.6) and the removal of artefacts or other disturbance to shipwrecks and other cultural Aim sites (sections 5.1 and 5.2). Educating divers • Provide opportunities for diving and about minimal-impact practices, particularly snorkelling in the planning area while those new to these activities, will help protecting natural and cultural values. minimise impacts and assist with management of the planning area. Management strategies Divers should refer to the Dive Industry • Continue to encourage visitors to explore Victoria Association (DIVA) Code of Practice the planning area by diving and for Commercial Providers of Recreational snorkelling. Snorkelling & Scuba Diving Services in • Investigate possibilities for the Tidal River Victoria (DIVA 2004) or the Scuba Divers store/café to provide a service for the hire Federation of Victoria (SDFV) Codes of of snorkelling equipment and dive tank Practice: General Operating Guidelines for filling. Implement these services subject to Recreational Scuba Diving and Related commercial viability and existing Activities (SDFV 2005). Snorkellers should infrastructure functionality. refer to the Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, and Wildlife Swims – Adventure Activity Standards • Integrate minimal-impact messages into (ORC 2004 at www.orc.org.au). existing information, interpretation and education programs (section 6.1). The SDFV Codes of Practice include a Code of Practice for Boat Launch and Retrieval at • Promote compliance of snorkellers and Tidal River (Wilsons Prom) (SDFV 2005). For recreational scuba divers with relevant safety reasons (section 6.9), and as a means of codes of practice and Adventure Activity monitoring use and impacts, boat launching Standards. from this location has been controlled by a • Support dive clubs and industry permit system for some time (section 6.3). representatives to develop codes of Divers launching boats at Norman Bay, Tidal practice that promote environmentally River, must adhere to permit conditions, and responsible diving practices. are encouraged to adhere to the SDFV / Code of Practice. • Encourage divers with a permit to launch boats at Norman Bay, Tidal River, to Collaboration with the dive industry and adhere to the SDFV ‘Code of Practice for education of users will help to minimise Boat Launch and Retrieval at Tidal River’ impacts from diving, and to increase (section 6.3). awareness and understanding of the value of the planning area. Divers need to be aware of • Provide information to park visitors the no-take fishing provisions in the planning describing potential dive sites and marine area and can also assist with the detection of life occurring within the park (section 6.1). unrecorded cultural places and objects and the • Encourage divers and snorkellers to presence of introduced marine pests (section participate in Reef Watch and other 4.6) and other threatening processes. Parks community-based marine monitoring Victoria will continue to support SDFV, dive programs (section 8.2). clubs, and industry representatives to develop codes of practice that promote environmentally • Encourage divers to ensure that diving responsible diving practices. equipment is kept free from marine pests (section 4.6).

38 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for visitors

• Investigate options for a self-guided the Marine National Park because of the underwater swim at Pillar Point, difficulty in accessing the shore. supported by off-site information. The collection of shells or other living or dead organisms is prohibited within the planning 6.5 Swimming and shore-based area, including the intertidal areas of Wilsons activities Promontory Marine National Park and Wilsons Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park Promontory National Park adjoining the includes intertidal areas as far as the mean high marine park and marine reserve. water mark. However, the landward The lighting of fires within Marine National boundaries of Wilsons Promontory Marine Parks and Marine Sanctuaries, including any Park and Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve beaches or islands, is not permitted, except on are the mean low water mark, so the adjoining board a vessel that is seaward of the high water intertidal areas are within Wilsons Promontory mark. National Park and are therefore covered by the management plan for the Wilsons Promontory Dogs are not permitted within the adjacent National Park (Parks Victoria 2002a). Wilsons Promontory National Park, and therefore have no access to the planning area Sunbathing, nature observation, walking, through the national park. rockhopping and climbing, and picnicking, are some of the potential activities within the Dogs are permitted to be aboard vessels within intertidal areas of Wilsons Promontory Marine the planning area, provided they are confined National Park. to a vessel and are under control. Unless adequately managed, trampling by Aim visitors and other potentially damaging shore- based activities could threaten the natural and • Provide for appropriate shore-based cultural values of intertidal areas (sections 4.4, activities while protecting natural and 5.1 and 5.2). Although current impacts cultural values. associated with shore-based activities in the planning area appear minimal, constant Management strategies monitoring will be required. Minimal Impact • Permit shore-based activities in Education/Interpretation Guidelines (Parks accordance with table 2. Victoria 2003c) aim to minimise the potential impact of education and interpretation • Manage shore-based activities to reduce programs (section 6.1). impacts on intertidal reefs and minimise damage associated with trampling, Swimming and water sports (section 6.3) are through: particularly popular at Norman Bay within Wilsons Promontory Marine Park. y promoting use of Parks Victoria’s Minimal Impact Guidelines including Potential conflicts with other uses in Norman avoiding unnecessary trampling, Bay, especially boat launching and landing, replacing rocks in their original will continue to be managed jointly with the location and not disturbing or management of Wilsons Promontory National damaging flora or fauna Park (section 6.3). y conditions placed on tour operator Surfing is also popular at Squeaky Beach, permits Picnic Bay, Whisky Beach and Darby River, and swimming occurs at all accessible y regular patrols during popular periods beaches. Safety is an issue in the more remote and times to encourage and affirm locations (section 6.9). appropriate visitor use. Shore-based diving (section 6.4) and rock • Integrate minimal-impact messages for fishing (section 6.6) are popular activities in sensitive intertidal areas into existing and adjoining the marine park, especially at information, interpretation and education Picnic Point, South Picnic Bay and Pillar programs (section 6.1). Point. Little shore-based diving takes place in

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 39 Strategies for visitors

• Continue to restrict swimming, bathing Parks Victoria works collaboratively with and other shore-based activities between Department of Primary Industries – Fisheries the vessel launching signs at Norman Bay Victoria to ensure compliance with relevant when signs are displayed (section 6.3). legislation and regulations. Parks Victoria Rangers and Fisheries Victoria Fisheries • Monitor impacts from trampling in high Officers seek to achieve voluntary compliance use and sensitive intertidal areas of the with regulations, and where necessary Marine National Park and take enforcement, through the East Region appropriate action to minimise any Compliance Plan (Parks Victoria 2005b). impacts. Fishcare is a program of community education • Minimise impacts on cultural heritage and participation activities to promote places and objects within the intertidal sustainable fishing and care for fishing areas of the Marine National Park. environments. Parks Victoria works • Allow dogs in the planning area if collaboratively with Fishcare to promote confined to a vessel. responsible fishing behaviour and sustainable fishing practices. 6.6 Recreational fishing Prior to proclamation of the marine park and All fishing is prohibited in Wilsons marine reserve in the 1980s, these areas were Promontory Marine National Park. Severe occasionally venues for organised fishing penalties apply under the National Parks Act competitions. Because of the high potential for for all forms of fishing in, as well as the taking detrimental impacts to sensitive natural values or damaging of flora, fauna or objects from, and in accordance with the proposed plan Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park. (DCE 1991), fishing competitions have not been permitted in Wilsons Promontory Marine Recreational fishing (including spear fishing) Park or Marine Reserve. is permitted in Wilsons Promontory Marine Park and Marine Reserve, subject to the Angling competitions are generally considered Fisheries Act and regulations. Commercial incompatible with the aims and objectives of fishing is also permitted in the marine park and areas managed under the National Parks Act. marine reserve (section 7.1). Wilsons Promontory Marine Park and Marine Reserve are not ideal locations for angling Government acceptance of the ECC’s final competitions, however proposals for such recommendations (Government of Victoria events may be considered. Spear fishing 2002) has resulted in further opportunities for competitions, especially where intensive fishing in the marine park and marine reserve, fishing of reef-dependent species occurs, may including the former ‘line fishing only’ zones remove local populations of adult fish and and the area around the Glennie Group of have irreversible affects on recruitment rates Islands. (Nevill 2005). Spear fishing competitions will Recreational fishing occurs from both the therefore continue to be prohibited from the shore and vessels, and is mostly targeted at fin planning area. fish species. Divers also target Black and Organisers of angling fishing competitions in Green Lip Abalone and Southern Rock Wilsons Promontory Marine Park and Marine Lobster. Reserve require a permit issued under the The majority of fishers access the planning National Parks Act with specified conditions to area from Tidal River and walking tracks minimise impacts to natural and cultural further to the north, or by boat from Port values, and recreational opportunities (section Welshpool (section 6.2). 7.2). Since July 1999, a recreational fishing licence New or emerging fisheries within the marine has been required for all forms of recreational park or marine reserve also have the potential fishing (including line, net, yabby, spear to impact on sensitive species, particularly fishing, bait and shellfish collection) in all reef-dependent species. Compliance with Victorian marine, estuarine and fresh waters. legislation is essential to ensure that natural processes in the planning area can continue

40 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for visitors with minimal human interference, and to • Ensure that information, interpretation ensure that particular species are not exploited and education programs incorporate in the marine park or marine reserve. information relating to recreational fishing provisions, including boundaries Aim between the Marine National Park ‘no- • Provide opportunities for sustainable fishing’ area and the marine park and recreational fishing while minimising marine reserve (section 6.1). impacts on the marine park and marine reserve. 6.7 Tourism services Parks Victoria's licensed tour operators play a Management strategies key role in nature-based tourism in Victoria by • Ensure compliance with the prohibition of offering guided park tours and supported all forms of fishing and resource recreation activities, and information that harvesting within Wilsons Promontory promotes park values and appropriate use. Marine National Park. Activities in the planning area offered by • Work collaboratively with Fisheries licensed tour operators include boating, diving, Victoria to manage fishing in Wilsons sightseeing and wildlife viewing, surf schools Promontory Marine Park and Marine and sea-kayaking. Most operators are not Reserve in accordance with the Fisheries locally based, and their clients come mainly Act and regulations. from the Melbourne metropolitan area. • Raise visitor awareness of legal Access to the planning area for licensed tour requirements regarding the collection of operators is often limited by adverse weather bait, bag limits, seasons and licence or sea conditions, and this has restricted the requirements. number of operators working in the area. • Work with angling clubs and interest The activities of licensed tour operators are groups to maintain recreational fishing managed by licence conditions that detail opportunities while minimising impacts on access, permitted activities and site-specific the planning area’s values. restrictions. Site-specific restrictions include reference to the distance restrictions for the • Support the objectives of Fisheries Special Protection Area surrounding Kanowna Victoria in the ecologically sustainable Island (section 6.3). management of fishing activities. Subject to the demonstration of their ability to • Support the Fishcare program to promote meet specified criteria in relation to responsible fishing behaviour and environmental awareness and protection of the sustainable fishing practices. Australian Fur Seal colony on Kanowna Island, and the ability to provide an • Liaise with Fisheries Victoria in the appropriate and quality interpretive experience regulation and management of any angling to tour participants, licensed tour operators completions, and new or emerging may be permitted to approach closer than 200 fisheries that might affect the marine park, m during the breeding season (November to particularly as they relate to reef- January inclusive). This provision has the dependent species. potential to create an enhanced level of visitor, • Consider applications for angling community and tourism industry awareness competitions on a case-by-case basis, and and advocacy of this issue, via the manage such events to minimise impacts to development of a managed and sustainable marine ecological communities, ecological tourism product. This product (the managed processes, and individual species (section visit during the breeding season) has the 7.1). potential to be a spectacular and engaging component of boat tours to the area. An • Continue to prohibit spear fishing education program focusing on licensed tour competitions in the planning area. operators, recreational boaters, education providers and other visitors will be developed

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 41 Strategies for visitors to complement this provision (section 6.1). • Continue to work with licensed tour Operators must also adhere to industry operators and the tourism industry to standards for safety (section 6.9). assist with the delivery of appropriate park Tourism Alliance Victoria is a membership- information. based industry association with a • Permit licensed tour operators to access representative and professional development the Special Protection Area closer than role for tourism businesses. Parks Victoria 200 m around Kanowna Island during the works collaboratively with Tourism Alliance breeding season (sections 4.4 and 6.3), Victoria in administering the Tour Operator subject to the: Licensing system across Victoria’s public land estate, including the planning area. y demonstration of their conduct in relation to the environmental There are opportunities for relevant Indigenous protection of the Australian Fur Seal communities to add to the tourism experience colony on Kanowna Island in the planning area by developing and delivering interpretive and educational tours y demonstration of an appropriate and on Indigenous cultural heritage and values. quality interpretive experience provided to tour participants. Aims • Encourage licensed Indigenous tour • Encourage the provision of appropriate operators to add to the tourism experience tourism services to improve the quality and by developing and delivering interpretive range of recreational experiences available and educational tours on indigenous to visitors. cultural heritage, cultural lore and customs. • Ensure that licensed tour operators recognise and respect the natural and • Monitor licensed tour activities to ensure cultural values of the planning area, that park and reserve values are not including Indigenous cultural heritage compromised, and amend licence values. conditions if necessary.

Management strategies 6.8 Aircraft • Ensure all tour operators using the park Domestic flight charters and sightseeing tours are licensed and promote awareness of are offered in the local area. Light aircraft and Adventure Activity Standards and Minimal helicopters have flown over the planning area Impact Guidelines. and this experience has been used for opportunistic wildlife sightings. Under the • Encourage and assist licensed tour Wildlife (Whale) Regulations, fixed-wing operators to provide a range of aircraft and helicopters must stay a minimum appropriate activities that enhance the distance of 300 m from whales. Restrictions experience of visitors and are compatible also apply to flying heights under with the protection of natural and cultural Commonwealth legislation. values. There is the potential for low-flying aircraft to • Work collaboratively with licensed tour disturb seals and sea birds within the planning operators and Tourism Alliance Victoria area, particularly the breeding colony of to ensure: Australian Fur Seals on Kanowna Island y the provision of a high-quality service (section 4.4). ‘Fly Neighbourly’ agreements can specify appropriate flying times, y that activities adhere to minimal- behaviours and activities to ensure the natural impact practices as specified in the values of the planning area and experiences of licence conditions visitors are protected, whilst continuing to y that information conveyed to visitors is provide opportunities for flying activities. consistent with the objectives for the Such an agreement may be negotiated for the planning area. planning area if the level of low-flying aircraft

42 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for visitors usage over the planning area deems this of Victorian beaches in 1996 rated their safety necessary. as being in one of four hazard categories: safest, moderately safe, low safety and least Fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters are not safe (Short 1996). Beach hazard ratings vary permitted to take off or land in the planning for the planning area depending on the area, except for emergency response and location, although the relative risk at each site management purposes. will also vary depending on circumstances such as weather and sea conditions, and tidal Aim movements. Visitors need to be aware of • Monitor and minimise the impact of fixed- safety risks and familiarise themselves with the wing aircraft and helicopters on the natural specific dangers associated with their chosen values of the planning area. activity in the planning area before arriving.

Management strategies All powered recreational vessel operators operating in State waters are required to have a • Monitor the level of activity and use by current licence. Recreational boating accidents fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and are highest in Victoria during January, and implement ‘Fly Neighbourly’ agreements most fatalities are associated with aluminium if required. dinghies (MSV 2003). Marine Safety Victoria • Liaise with scenic flight operators and Air conducts safety and awareness programs for Services Australia as necessary to recreational boat users, and the Victorian encourage sensitive flight practices over Recreational Boating Safety Handbook the planning area. contains necessary safety information and outlines the requirements for operating a • Prohibit the landing of fixed-wing aircraft recreational vessel in Victoria (MSV 2003) and helicopters in the planning area, (section 6.3). except for emergency response and management purposes. The Admiralty Sailing Directions Australian Pilot charts recommend anchorages within the 6.9 Public safety planning area at Norman Bay, Oberon Bay, Home Cove (Waterloo Bay), Refuge Cove, Because of the nature of the coastline and the Sealers Cove and Miranda Bay (UKHO 1999) changeable and often severe weather and sea (section 7.1). conditions in the area, there are inherent dangers associated with water-based activities. The responsibilities for responding to Numerous emergency incidents have occurred emergency incidents in Victoria and Victorian within the planning area including shipwrecks, waters are outlined in the Emergency vessels in distress or sinking, stranded vessels, Management Act 1986 (Vic.). Parks Victoria is injured and trapped fishers, diving incidents, not the lead agency for most emergency and drownings and near-drownings. Public response situations. Instead it supports other information and education are one of the most agencies, including the Department of effective ways to promote safety (section 6.1). Sustainability and Environment, Marine Safety Safety messages are presented to visitors Victoria, the Country Fire Authority, the State through signs, Marine Notes and interaction Emergency Service and Victoria Police, in with Rangers. emergency incidents where required (section 8.3). In general, the planning area is not safe for inexperienced visitors. Strong winds, difficult Relevant agencies respond to incidents within currents and tides, slippery rocks, venomous the park in accordance with the Municipal fauna, large waves and shipping traffic are Emergency Response Plan. Parks Victoria’s potential dangers. response to emergency incidents during normal operating activities within the park will The exposed coastal environments around be guided by the Wilsons Promontory National Wilsons Promontory are among the most Park Emergency Management Plan (Parks dangerous areas in Victoria for boating and Victoria 2005c). This Emergency Management associated activities, particularly during strong Plan defines emergency response arrangements and rapidly changing sea conditions. A survey

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 43 Strategies for visitors for all potential incidents within the planning area, including the dynamic nature of tides area. and currents, through the use of Marine Notes, the Tidal River Information Centre, The waters of Wilsons Promontory Marine Ranger interaction, information signage Park between Entrance Point and Five Mile and ParkWeb. Beach are part of the Port of Corner Inlet and Port Albert. Under the Port Services Act 1995 • Encourage visitors to comply with (Vic.), Gippsland Ports is the Local Authority Adventure Activity Standards as developed with respect to State waters for the port, and by the Outdoor Recreation Centre, and manages the safety and environment of the appropriate codes of practice relevant to port consistent with the Safety and their activity, including those developed Environment Management Plan (Gippsland for diving and snorkelling (section 6.4). Ports 2005b). • Cooperate with and support responsible To assist in achieving safe practice, Adventure agencies, including local Victoria Police, Activity Standards are being developed by the ambulance officers, Coastal Patrol, outdoor recreation industry for all adventure Marine Safety Victoria and other activities, including diving and snorkelling emergency services, in emergency (e.g. ORC 2004) (section 6.4). The Outdoor response and to implement the Wilsons Recreation Centre will facilitate the Promontory National Park Emergency development and update of these standards. Management Plan. Visitors are encouraged to comply with these standards, or other standards relevant to their • Liaise with South Gippsland Shire Council activity such as the Scuba Diving Federation to ensure that Municipal Emergency of Victoria codes of practice (section 6.4), and Response Plans make adequate provision undertake the required training and for likely incidents in the planning area. accreditation before undertaking their chosen • Regularly review the Wilsons Promontory activity within the planning area. National Park Emergency Management Surf Lifesaving Victoria maintains an Plan to ensure that protocols are identified Inflatable Rescue Boat with trained lifesavers to address all potential incidents within providing surf lifesaving services on Norman the planning area. Bay over the Christmas holiday period. • Ensure that relevant Parks Victoria staff have adequate levels of training in Aims emergency procedures. • Promote visitor safety and awareness of • Liaise with Marine Safety Victoria and safety issues and risks within the planning Gippsland Ports on input into the planning area associated with access and use. and implementation of marine safety • Promote and observe safe practices, and initiatives within the planning area and cooperate with emergency services. adjacent waters, including the implementation of the Safety and Management strategies Environment Management Plan for the • Increase visitor awareness of safety issues Port of Corner Inlet and Port Albert. and potential hazards in the planning

44 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park

7 STRATEGIES FOR AUTHORISED AND ADJACENT USES

Regulations have been designed to prevent the 7.1 Authorised uses collision of large commercial vessels at sea, Subject to specified conditions to minimise and have been adopted into Victorian law impacts on natural and cultural values, and under the Marine Act and into Commonwealth public safety, a number of uses and activities law under the Navigation Act 1901 (Cwlth). may be permitted in the planning area. Circumstances may arise (e.g. weather, sea The Admiralty Sailing Directions Australian state, material state of vessel, competency and Pilot charts recommend anchorages within the capacity of crew, etc.) where a vessel planning area at Norman Bay, Oberon Bay, undertaking the right of innocent passage Home Cove (Waterloo Bay), Refuge Cove, through Australia’s territorial seas will seek to Sealers Cove and Miranda Bay (UKHO 1999). stop and anchor in cases of force majeure or Some smaller ships and many recreational distress. yachts and other vessels use Refuge Cove as Vessels carrying a priority species (as defined an anchorage and scenic stopover, and to a under the Fisheries Act) are not permitted in lesser extent Oberon Bay and Home Cove. Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park However, as no anchorage is considered safe unless travelling by the shortest practicable in all conditions, it is the responsibility of each route from a point outside the park to another vessel’s Master to judge whether such point outside the park. In the event of an anchorages are safe for their vessel. emergency (force majeure) such vessels may Considerations include prevailing and need to shelter in the park where there is not expected weather, sea state, tidal conditions, alternative. and vessel draft in relation to available depth, anchor characteristics and holding power of Navigational aids and associated infrastructure the seabed type. are located within the adjoining Wilsons Promontory National Park at Lighthouse Point, Marine Safety Victoria is considering Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove, Waterloo Point, declaring some of the recommended South East Point and Citadel Island. anchorages in the planning area as ‘safe Maintained by Marine Safety Victoria, access havens’ for the purposes of regulating is provided to most of these locations through commercial vessel activities (S. Turner, pers. the planning area. However, with the exception comm. 2005). Safe havens are applicable only of South East Point and Citadel Island to Class C vessels (i.e. trading or fishing (maintained by Parks Victoria and AMSA vessels restricted to offshore operations within respectively), permission is required from the a range of 30 miles from sheltered waters or a Secretary to DSE, with conditions to minimise safe haven) and allow such vessels to extend effects on the planning area and visitors for their operating range along the coastline maintenance operations and access through the without unduly compromising safety. planning area. Should new technology render Shipping accidents because of collision could certain navigational aids redundant, access have harmful impacts on natural and cultural may no longer be required through the values of the planning area. The Convention planning area. on the International Regulations for Preventing Commercial fishing is permitted in Wilsons Collisions at Sea 1972 (Collision Regulations) Promontory Marine Park and Wilsons identifies an Inshore Traffic Zone in the Promontory Marine Reserve, subject to southern end of Wilsons Promontory Marine licence. Fishing is exclusively boat-based, and National Park (figure 2). Westbound shipping targets Green and Black Lip Abalone, traffic must navigate to the north of Forty Foot Southern Rock Lobster and various fin fish Rocks, whereas eastbound traffic navigate to and demersal species. The provisions of the the south of and the Moncoeur Fisheries Act apply, and Fisheries Victoria has Group of Islands (Admiralty Chart AUS 802). the primary role for ensuring that fisheries are Rule 10 (Traffic Separation Schemes) of the sustainable (section 8.3). Collisions Regulations applies. The Collision

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 45 Strategies for authorised and adjacent uses

Petroleum extraction, exploratory drilling, Aim mineral exploration and mining, and invasive • Manage authorised uses and permitted searching for or extraction of stone and other activities in accordance with the National materials, are prohibited in the planning area Parks Act, and minimise their impact on under the National Parks Act. Petroleum park values. exploration, such as seismic survey, from an aircraft or from a vessel, that is carried out in a Management strategies manner that does not detrimentally affect the • Manage authorised uses in accordance seabed or any flora or fauna of the planning with the requirements of legislation and area may be allowed with the consent of the Parks Victoria’s operational policies. Minister. However the Government has recently announced that it will not release any • Monitor authorised activities to ensure further areas in Victoria that contain Marine that conditions of authorisations are met. National Parks or Marine Sanctuaries for Assess the effectiveness of conditions of petroleum exploration. There is no petroleum authorisations in protecting the planning exploration permit over the planning area. area and seek review of authorisations if Construction of pipelines or seafloor cables necessary, to arrest impacts. may be permitted with the consent of the Minister in some circumstances. • Liaise with Marine Safety Victoria regarding potential implications of the Protected areas are generally avoided as creation of ‘safe havens’ for commercial locations for Defence Force training exercises, vessels in the planning area. although they occasionally host search and rescue, field navigation and incident response • Liaise with Marine Safety Victoria activities. Activities are subject to a permit regarding current and future with conditions and are undertaken in arrangements for the Inshore Traffic Zone. accordance with the Australian Defence Forces Encourage the movement of the zone to an Maritime Activities Environmental area further south, outside the existing Management Plan to ensure that planning area Marine National Park boundary. values are protected. • Promote the requirement for vessel All research and monitoring in the planning operators carrying priority species on area by external organisations or individuals board their vessel, who enter or shelter requires a research permit under the National within the park in an emergency to notify Parks Act. Permits are issued by DSE. Fisheries Victoria, where possible. Subject to a permit issued under the National • Work collaboratively with Marine Safety Parks Act specifying conditions for Victoria in obtaining permission from the minimising impacts to natural and cultural Secretary to DSE for access and values and public safety, organised events and maintenance to navigational aids and functions may occur within the planning area. associated infrastructure within the Potential events may include surfing and planning area and adjacent Wilsons sailing competitions. Promontory National Park. Parks Victoria recognises the significant role • Liaise with Marine Safety Victoria and that the filming and photography industry AMSA to minimise potential impacts to the plays in the social and economic well-being of planning area associated with accessing the community; and in providing for these navigational aids and associated activities seeks to ensure protection of the infrastructure in the adjacent Wilsons natural and cultural values of the planning Promontory National Park. area. This is achieved through a permit system • Permit events and functions that: for all filming and photography conducted as part of a trade or a business. Amateur y do not impact on the natural and photographers or people taking film or video cultural values of the planning area for personal or hobby interest do not require a y do not unduly disturb or disadvantage permit. other visitors

46 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for authorised and adjacent uses

y do not unduly increase liability risk here it extends 300 m from the mean low water exposure mark on Great Glennie, McHugh and Dannevig Islands. The boundary then extends y can be appropriately managed with in a south-easterly direction from the Citadel available resources. Island Beacon to the centre of (and • Support events or functions that provide surrounding Cleft Island 300 m from the mean community benefits or complement values low water mark). It then follows a south- of the planning area. easterly direction towards Forty Foot Rocks. At a bearing (figure 2), the boundary takes a • Ensure all events include north-easterly direction towards a bearing that acknowledgement of, and where possible intersects the eastern boundary of the Marine involve Traditional Owners. National Park. The eastern boundary of the • Ensure relevant Indigenous communities Marine National Park extends from the on- are consulted and involved in the planning shore boundary marker at Cape Wellington in of relevant events. the north, to a bearing in the direction of the centre of Rodondo Island. Wilsons Promontory • Manage filming and photography in Marine National Park extends to 200 m below accordance with Parks Victoria the seabed and adjoins Wilsons Promontory operational policies. Marine Park and Marine Reserve. • Permit Defence Force adventure training Wilsons Promontory Marine Park consists of or field navigation exercises in the two areas. The first extends from Shallow Inlet planning area in accordance with Parks out to Shellback Island and from there Victoria’s operational policy and relevant landwards to Norman Bay in the west, ending permit conditions. at the boundary of the Marine National Park. The landward boundary is the mean low water 7.2 Boundaries and adjacent uses mark. The second area extends 300 m seawards from the low water mark between Boundaries Refuge Cove and Entrance Point in the east As fishing is prohibited in Wilsons (figure 2). The marine park also surrounds Promontory Marine National Park, but Norman Island and Rabbit Island from the permitted in the adjacent marine park and mean low water mark to 300 m offshore. marine reserve, clear boundary identification is These islands form part of Wilsons paramount. Together with yellow on-shore Promontory National Park to the mean low markers, significant and easily identified water mark. The marine park extends landforms are used in literature to vertically from the water surface to the centre communicate the boundaries of the Marine of the Earth. National Park to visitors. Because of the difficulties and costs associated with Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve consists installation and maintenance, in-water of three sections. One section of approximately boundary markers are not feasible. 90 ha lies at the southern end of Norman Bay Furthermore, in-water boundary markers in the west, and another extends from Cape would be difficult to see in the planning area Wellington to the southern part of Refuge and would create a shipping hazard. Cove in the east (figure 2). Both these areas are bounded by the coastline and extend On-shore boundary markers are located within seawards 300 m from the mean low water the adjacent national park, at the southern ends mark. The marine reserve also surrounds all of Norman Bay and Cape Wellington – the islands in the Glennie Group, from the mean western and eastern boundaries respectively low water mark out to 300 m offshore. These (figure 2). islands form part of Wilsons Promontory The Marine National Park boundary extends National Park to the mean low water mark. from the on-shore boundary marker at the Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve also southern end of Norman Bay in a south- extends vertically from the water surface to the westerly direction towards to the most centre of the Earth. northerly point of Great Glennie Island. From

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 47 Strategies for authorised and adjacent uses

Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve and the offshore islands of Wilsons Promontory are Wilsons Promontory Marine Park are managed included within the Wilsons Promontory under identical legislative provisions; there is Islands Remote and Natural Area Overlay. no practical difference in the way the two areas Shellback, Norman and Rabbit islands adjoin are managed. As this is at times confusing to Wilsons Promontory Marine Park at the low both park managers and visitors, information, water mark; islands within the Glennie Group interpretation and education programs will of islands adjoin Wilsons Promontory Marine need to be integrated to ensure seamless Reserve at the low water mark; and, islands management of both these areas, particularly within the Anser Group of islands adjoin as it relates to fishing regulations. Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park at the high water mark. Activities within the Adjacent uses planning area, particularly those close to the Management of the planning area is integrated shore, need to consider the adjacent Remote with that of the adjoining Wilsons Promontory and Natural Area Overlays, and management National Park. Information, interpretation and prescriptions in the Wilsons Promontory education programs in particular seek to National Park Management Plan (Parks communicate information and regulations Victoria 2002a). across the entire marine and terrestrial Within the western end of Norman Bay, protected areas of Wilsons Promontory, Wilsons Promontory Marine Park adjoins the without allowing the variety of land and water Recreation Zone of Wilsons Promontory tenures to confuse messages (section 6.1). National Park. Activities within the planning The Wilderness Zone of Wilsons Promontory area, particularly those close to the shore, need National Park adjoins a majority of the eastern to consider the adjacent Recreation Zone and portion of the marine park on the eastern side management prescriptions in the Wilsons of Wilsons Promontory. Activities within the Promontory National Park Management Plan planning area, particularly those close to the (Parks Victoria 2002a). shore, need to consider the adjacent State waters and the underlying seabed Wilderness Zone and management adjoining the planning area are currently prescriptions in the Wilsons Promontory unreserved Crown land. The Government Wilderness Zone Management Plan (NRE accepted the ECC’s recommendation that a 1995) and Wilsons Promontory National Park Coastal Waters Reserve be established under Management Plan (Parks Victoria 2002a). the Crown Land (Reserves) Act for the major Additional to the Wilderness Zone, the portion of Victoria’s marine area not otherwise Vereker Creek Reference Area Zone adjoins designated for a particular purpose, to provide Wilsons Promontory Marine Park at the for a diverse range of activities that are southern end of Five Mile Beach, and the compatible with long-term sustainable use Entrance Point Reference Area Zone adjoins (ECC 2000). the marine park at the northern end of Wilsons The Bass Basin Candidate Marine Protected Promontory (Parks Victoria 2002a). Another Area (MPA) is close to the planning area to the Reference Area Zone – the Anser Island south-east. This candidate MPA forms part of Reference Area Zone – is surrounded by the network of candidate MPAs in Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park to Commonwealth waters in the South-east the high water mark (Parks Victoria 2002a). Marine Region. Activities within the planning area, particularly those close to the shore, need to consider the Aims adjacent Reference Areas and management • Ensure the integration of management of objectives and prescriptions of the Reference the planning area with adjoining land and Areas Act 1978 (Vic.) and the Wilsons waters in accordance with principles for Promontory National Park Management Plan ecologically sustainable development. (Parks Victoria 2002a). Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park • Ensure that necessary boundaries are adjoins the Southern Wilsons Promontory clearly identifiable. Remote and Natural Area Overlay. Twelve of

48 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for authorised and adjacent uses

• Minimise confusion by simplifying land Promontory Islands Remote and Natural tenure in the planning area. Area Overlays; and, the Wilsons Promontory Recreation Zone Overlay. Management strategies • Ensure that boundaries of Wilsons • Ensure that information, interpretation Promontory Marine National Park are and education programs for the planning clearly identifiable from the land and sea, area are integrated with those of the with supporting information, adjoining Wilsons Promontory National interpretation and education programs Park (section 6.1). (section 6.1). • Ensure that management of the planning • Integrate information, interpretation and area complements the aims and objectives education programs that relate to fishing for the adjoining Wilsons Promontory regulations for the marine park and National Park, including those for the marine reserve to ensure seamless Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Zone; the management of the two areas (section 6.1). Vereker Creek, Entrance Point and Anser Island Reference Area Zones; the Southern Wilsons Promontory and Wilsons

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 49

8 STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT

Traditional Owners continue to have a strong 8.1 Community awareness affinity with the area today (section 5.1). Raising the community’s awareness of the Opportunities exist, through information, planning area’s values is an essential step in interpretation and education programs, to build developing its sense of custodianship for the broader community awareness of the park and engagement in the area’s significance of the park to Indigenous management. Community members are more communities (section 6.1). This will aid in the likely to develop a sense of custodianship for development of greater respect and recognition the planning area if their views and values are of Indigenous culture in the broader respected and park-related social networks are community. encouraged and supported. A strong connection with the planning area among Aims visitors and in the local and wider community • Build a shared sense of ownership and assists in broader public education, raising custodianship for the planning area in awareness and reaching others in the community groups and individuals. community. • Increase the community’s awareness and Increasing awareness in the community of a understanding of the planning area’s number of key threatening processes and other values, management activities and management issues in the planning area assists catchment impacts. in minimising the potential for further impacts. Management issues that would benefit from Management strategies greater community awareness include: • Ensure that information, interpretation • introduced marine pests (section 4.6) and education programs for the planning • adherence to fishing regulations in area (section 6.1) include messages to Wilsons Promontory Marine Park and raise awareness of values and Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve management, including: (section 6.6). y introduced marine pests (section 4.6), Information, interpretation and education with particular emphasis on the programs play an integral role in raising importance of preventing community awareness of these issues. Parks introductions, and early detection of Victoria aims to communicate the benefits of a introductions healthy parks system and its contribution to the y adherence to fishing regulations in health of individuals and society through the Wilsons Promontory Marine Park and ‘Healthy Parks Healthy People’ program. Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve. The Coast Action / Coastcare program works • Publicise to the broader community the with a variety of volunteer groups and coastal work of Friends, volunteers and community organisations to build broader community groups. community awareness and understanding of marine and coastal issues and to achieve on- • Encourage and support community-based ground works. There are opportunities for all projects aimed at communicating the parts of the community to participate in Coast benefits of marine conservation and Action / Coastcare facilitated activities, protection. including interpretation and education • Promote opportunities for community programs (section 6.1). members to become directly involved in Indigenous tradition indicates the planning interpretation and education programs, area is part of the Country of the Gunai / including face-to-face interpretation and Kurnai and Boonwurrung people. The volunteer programs (section 6.1 and 8.2).

50 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for community awareness and involvement

• Promote the benefits of assisting Indigenous Traditional Owners have conservation programs to community considerable interest in and aspirations for the groups in line with ‘Healthy Parks Healthy planning area as part of Country. They are also People’ objectives. an important potential source of traditional knowledge about the area that has yet to be • Encourage and support volunteers and documented. A strong working relationship community groups to further develop an with the Traditional Owners will be essential understanding of the planning area’s to the reflection of their cultural lore in the values, including Indigenous cultural planning and management of the planning heritage and its significance to the area, and reconciliation of their interests and Indigenous communities (section 5.1). aspirations with those of other members of the community. 8.2 Community participation Reef Watch is a non-profit project developed The participation of community groups and by the Australian Marine Conservation Society individuals in the management of the planning and funded by the Federal and State area is pivotal in effective long-term planning, Government through Coast Action / Coastcare. use and care of the planning area’s values. The project calls on the voluntary assistance of Volunteers and community groups make Victorian divers (both scuba and snorkel) to valuable contributions to park management help describe and monitor marine life in a projects. They bring diverse and valuable variety of habitats. Parks Victoria endorses the information, knowledge, skills and experience Reef Watch program as a mechanism for the to the planning area that may otherwise not be involvement of the community in marine available to park managers. Volunteers also monitoring. bring great enthusiasm and add valuable resources to assist with the care of parks. Such South Gippsland Waterwatch is a community- groups are committed to marine protected area based water quality monitoring program. There conservation and awareness of environmental are currently no water quality monitoring issues. programs in the catchment of the planning area. However, there is scope to expand the The interests of community groups in the Waterwatch program to other key sites within planning area may often overlap and may not the catchment, including Sealers Creek and be complementary. There can be considerable other creeks in the south (section 4.2). mutual benefits where such groups work together and with Parks Victoria to achieve Other groups, such as local dive clubs and the common goals. South Gippsland Conservation Society, can supply important resource information on the Community participation in the investigation planning area. Volunteers introduce increased and monitoring of the planning area is valuable capacity, diversity in skills and great to management from both an ecological and a enthusiasm to the planning, use and care of social perspective. With appropriate training parks. and support, community-based surveys conducted by volunteers can supply useful Operating since 1979, Friends of the Prom information on easily recognised species and have been active in conservation programs and habitats. Such surveys can produce valuable projects in the adjacent national park. Friends information that complements more detailed of The Prom are interested in extending their scientific surveys of the planning area. activities to the planning area. Community involvement in monitoring the Members of local dive clubs and other planning area is also valuable in developing interested divers have a wealth of information awareness and the profile of natural, cultural in the form of knowledge, marine natural and social values, as well as building history and underwater photography. Members community custodianship (section 8.1). Such of the Scuba Divers Federation of Victoria information collection and sharing is likely to (SDFV), representing many local dive clubs lead to a more rapid detection of unexpected or across the State, have been diving the planning unusual natural events and marine pest area recreationally for many years. introductions.

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 51 Strategies for community awareness and involvement

The South Gippsland Conservation Society is Parks Victoria to achieve shared goals for active in protecting natural resources from the planning area. environmentally damaging development • Continue to encourage and support through undertaking on-ground activities and volunteer groups in the planning area, education. The Foster Branch of the Society including activities such as marine flora pursues local issues and activities relevant to and fauna monitoring, marine the planning area and employs an Education photography and community education. Officer for the area, based at Foster. Other volunteer organisations, including the • Continue to build a strong relationship South Gippsland Environmental Education and with the relevant Indigenous communities. Interpretation Centre, Field Naturalists Club of In particular, seek to further develop a Victoria, Birds Australia, Conservation close inclusive working partnership with Volunteers of Australia, and tertiary and work the Traditional Owners and cooperation experience students, have assisted with, or are with the scheduled Aboriginal community. interested in, various projects that benefit the • Together with the management of Wilsons planning area. Promontory National Park, seek to Parks Victoria’s research partnerships will be establish a Memorandum of expanded to incorporate priorities for the Understanding (MoU) and working planning area (Parks Victoria 2003a). Tertiary protocols with the Traditional Owners, student research into the planning area can be and the scheduled Aboriginal community, undertaken as part of Parks Victoria’s research regarding the assessment of annual works partnerships. programs (section 5.1). Opportunities to develop networks and • Support volunteer and community groups alliances between interest groups, community in sourcing funding for appropriate organisations and volunteers will be community projects to benefit the planning encouraged. Friends of The Prom have shown area. an interest in forming an association with • Encourage and support the Coast Action / members of SDFV. Coastcare program within the planning area, particularly focusing on marine and Aims coastal ecology and threatening processes. • Support and encourage the active • Support alliances and networks between participation of community groups and all groups interested or involved in the volunteers in protection, conservation and management of the planning area. monitoring projects to enhance management of the planning area. • Encourage the Friends of The Prom to expand their interests to the planning area. • Provide opportunities for, and encourage, tertiary students to undertake volunteer • Liaise and cooperate as appropriate with work experience and research consistent the relevant Indigenous communities in with aims for the planning area. dealing with Indigenous cultural issues that relate to the planning area. • Inform, enrich and strengthen the planning area’s management with the community’s • Encourage community involvement in Reef tradition and customs, especially the Watch monitoring and recording Traditional Owner’s cultural lore. programs. • Encourage water quality monitoring Management strategies programs by South Gippsland Waterwatch • Seek to establish, maintain and strengthen in the catchment of the planning area, relationships with Friends and volunteers including Sealers Creek and other creeks and other community groups that use or to the south. have a particular interest in the planning area. Encourage and support such groups • Develop a long-term volunteer strategy to work together with each other and that incorporates the skills and interests of volunteer groups, individuals and tertiary

52 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for community awareness and involvement

students in research and management West Gippsland Catchment Management activities, consistent with operational Authority is responsible for ensuring policies. protection and sustainable development of land, vegetation and water resources within the 8.3 Agency partnerships region, including preparation of the Regional Although Parks Victoria is responsible for Catchment Strategy that specifically addresses overall management of the planning area, other the impacts of land use and management on agencies are responsible for planning, the planning area (section 4.2). managing or regulating certain activities in the The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) planning area. has primary responsibility for environmental All activities relating to the planning area that protection of all waters in Victoria and is are carried out by Parks Victoria or other responsible for administering and enforcing agencies need to accord with all legislation and the Environment Protection Act 1970 (Vic.), government policy and, as far as practicable, including all activities relating to the discharge be consistent with agencies’ policies and of litter and waste to the environment (section guidelines. To ensure this occurs, park staff 4.2). This includes the Tidal River treatment must work closely with staff of relevant plant and South East Point Lightstation. EPA agencies and collaborate in implementing Victoria also develops State Environment activities where appropriate. Protection Policies (SEPP) for State waters. DSE establishes parks, oversees the Parks Victoria is a support agency for Marine management of land and resources of Safety Victoria at a statewide and regional Victoria’s coastal Crown land and waters, and level for marine pollution incidents, provides strategic direction and policy advice contributing on-site response and incident for the management of the planning area, management as well as technical advice. including marine flora and fauna values and Marine Safety Victoria is responsible for threatening processes. Parks Victoria is a administering the Marine Act, including the support agency for responses to oiled wildlife planning and implementation of pollution and cetacean stranding or entanglement response and marine safety initiatives (sections (section 4.4), operating at the direction of 4.2 and 6.9) and compliance with boating DSE. speed restrictions under the Marine Act (section 6.3). Toll Westernport is the delegated As part of agreed service delivery regional marine pollution control agency for arrangements, Fisheries Victoria – Department the western section of the planning area (west of Primary Industries has primary of South East Point), and Gippsland Ports is responsibility for enforcement to ensure the regional marine pollution control agency compliance with the fishing prohibitions under for the eastern section. the National Parks Act in the Marine National Park, and for fishing compliance in the marine South Gippsland Shire has a key role in park and marine reserve. Parks Victoria will administering the planning scheme for land continue to collaborate with Fisheries Victoria nearby the planning area, including assessing and Victoria Police in activities such as developments that could have an impact on the cooperative Ranger and Fisheries officer values of the planning area. Parks Victoria patrols and support arrangements in provides input into planning applications to accordance with the regional compliance plan ensure the protection of planning area values. (Parks Victoria 2005b). Through Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV), The Gippsland Coastal Board provides for the the Department of Victorian Communities long-term strategic planning of the eastern (DVC) has responsibility for administering coast of Victoria, including the preparation of legislation protecting cultural heritage Coastal Action Plans (section 4.2). It provides (sections 2.5 and 5.1). AAV and the Gippsland direction and policy advice to facilitate Cultural Heritage Unit advise Parks Victoria sustainable development of the east coast of on Indigenous matters. Victoria through implementation of the Heritage Victoria (DSE) is the central Victorian Coastal Strategy (VCC 2002). government agency which provides

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 53 Strategies for community awareness and involvement information and advice about places listed on National Park; the fishing regulations the Victorian Heritage Register and in the marine park and marine Archaeological Inventory. It supports the reserve; and the Regional Compliance Heritage Council through research, Plan recommends additions to the Register and y Gippsland Coastal Board on any issues permits for alterations to heritage future planning and strategies that places. relate to the planning area The Minerals and Petroleum Division y West Gippsland CMA to reduce the (Department of Primary Industries) is impacts of land use and management responsible for the sustainable development of of the catchment on the planning area, the extractive, oil and gas, pipelines, and the implementation of appropriate geothermal energy, minerals exploration and actions in the Regional Catchment mining industries in Victoria, through the Strategy and Regional River Health provision of policy advice, regulation and Strategy promotion. y EPA Victoria to minimise impacts Tourism Victoria is the State government associated with discharge of waste authority responsible for developing and into the environment, including from marketing Victoria to Australian and the Tidal River treatment plant and international travellers. The planning area is South East Point Lightstation within Tourism Victoria’s Gippsland marketing and promotion region. Prom y Marine Safety Victoria on input into Country Tourism is the Regional Tourism the planning and implementation of Authority, and Prom Coast Tourism is the marine safety initiatives within the Local Tourism Association. Parks Victoria will planning area and adjacent waters, work with State and regional tourism including compliance with boating authorities to ensure that the park is zone and other regulations (section appropriately promoted in regional visitor 6.3); potential implications of the information centres and in regional tourism creation of ‘safe’ havens for strategies. commercial vessels (section 7.1); and, current and future arrangements for Victorian agencies work cooperatively with the Inshore Traffic Zone (section 7.1) the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Heritage on the management y Toll Westernport and Gippsland Ports of regional ecosystem conservation issues. for marine pollution control and response Aim y South Gippsland Shire regarding the • Enhance management of the planning area administration of the planning scheme by collaborating with other agencies to to minimise impacts from future ensure that they give appropriate development in adjacent coastal and consideration to park values in planning catchment areas and implementing activities that relate to the planning area. y AAV on compliance with relevant cultural heritage legislation Management strategies y AAV and Gippsland Cultural Heritage • Work collaboratively with all agencies to Unit on issues relating to Indigenous implement the plan vision and directions. affairs In particular, work with: y Heritage Victoria on heritage y DSE regarding future planning and management and compliance with the management, including protection of Heritage Act marine flora and fauna from y State and regional tourism authorities potentially threatening processes to promote the planning area y Fisheries Victoria to implement the appropriately in regional visitor fishing prohibition in the Marine

54 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Strategies for community awareness and involvement

information centres and in regional • Maintain communications with Minerals tourism strategies and Petroleum (DPI), the petroleum y Commonwealth Department of the industry and other agencies with respect to Environment and Heritage on the petroleum activities near the park. management of regional ecosystem • Update contingency plans for marine conservation issues. pollution incidents, such as oil and chemical spills, and cetacean / wildlife incidents as required, and communicate arrangements to staff, relevant agencies and interested parties.

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 55

9 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

Systems (ISO 14001), the framework ensures 9.1 Delivery and reporting that the future condition of values is A range of approaches will be used to considered in identifying threats and implement strategies in this plan. Some will be developing actions to ameliorate them. Over undertaken as part of routine management time the success of actions is reviewed against activities such as ranger visits; others will be set objectives to ensure ongoing learning and addressed as part of regional programs refinement of management. The selection of undertaken across the State each year. actions and treatments of threats are guided by A priority list of all the strategies in the plan the precautionary principle. Management will be used to guide routine management, and options are evaluated on the basis of least identify detailed actions in annual regional impact on the environment. Treatment of programs. Priorities for regional programs vary threats with a potential for serious damage that from year to year depending on available is not addressed in the plan will not be resources and government priorities. postponed for lack of information. At the end of each year, progress towards Parks Victoria will use a variety of means to implementing strategies in the plan will be report to the community about the progress of reviewed and the priority list updated. Staff implementation of the plan. The primary report internally against ‘on time and within means will be through routine liaison between budget’ delivery of regional programs and Parks Victoria, interested groups and whether the completed strategy has achieved individuals from the local community and the objective. Parks Victoria reports annually relevant government agencies. In addition to to Government on the overall delivery of giving regular updates, there will be regional and divisional programs. This broader opportunities for input by interested members reporting on management performance is of the community into annual priority setting available in annual reports prepared on the and feedback on management performance. National Parks Act and Parks Victoria. Events such as Park open days and community and volunteer forums will offer similar During implementation of the plan Parks opportunities for reporting and discussions Victoria will work in partnership with about annual programs. Traditional Owners and the scheduled Aboriginal Community. On-going The results of monitoring and research work collaborative activities with the relevant will continue to be available to the community Indigenous communities, interested members as technical reports available on Parks of the community, scientists and agencies in Victoria’s website www.parkweb.vic.gov.au. realising the vision and management directions Parks Victoria will also report on evaluation of for the planning area will be especially the plan (section 9.3) at the start of the new or important as outlined in previous sections of revised plan, through routine liaison and the plan. community forums and in the subsequent draft Implementation of the plan will be consistent plan. with Parks Victoria’s commitment to Future reporting on the Statewide Strategy sustainable practices, which involves the (Parks Victoria 2003) and State of the Parks delivery of operations, services and facilities in reports, which will be available on the Parks an ecologically and socially responsible Victoria’s website, will also include manner with minimal use of expendable information on management performance in resources and minimal generation of waste. the planning area. In implementing the plan, management will 9.2 Plan amendment respond to monitoring and research information as it emerges. Parks Victoria’s During the 10-year life of the plan, environmental management framework makes amendments to the plan may only be made by this possible. Based on the International the Secretary to DSE, following an authorised Standard for Environmental Management

56 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Plan implementation process which includes community consultation. Protecting cultural values • Progress towards working with Traditional Circumstances that might lead to amendment Owners in managing the park and in of the plan include: protecting and interpreting Indigenous • the results of monitoring or research, cultural heritage. management experience or new • Timely management intervention to information (such as greater understanding minimise damaging activities and threats. of new threatening processes) which indicate the need for a change in Managing recreation and visitor use management direction • Managing impact from visitors, including • significant changes in visitation or use individuals and school and tour groups. • a change in policy that calls into question • Meeting community expectations in plan objectives relation to Parks Victoria’s management of • new legislation (such as significant the park. boundary changes). • Improving community and visitor The plan may also be amended if an activity, awareness. development or use which conflicts with the provisions of the plan is approved by Providing for research and promoting government (such as native title outcomes). understanding • Improving understanding of the 9.3 Evaluation and review composition and distribution of habitats and ecological processes. Periodically through the life of the plan Parks Victoria will assess overall progress towards • Ongoing Traditional Owner and other implementing the strategies in the plan and community participation. also assess progress towards achieving the plan • Clear identification of major knowledge vision and directions. These evaluations will gaps. inform a decision about whether a new or revised plan is required. The achievements of Methods for evaluating the benefits of the plan the plan will be assessed by considering are likely to be refined over time. Parks performance areas such as: Victoria partners with external research agencies to establish benchmarks and Protecting natural values indicators for major communities and habitats. • Overall improvement in biodiversity. Through sound monitoring and assessment methods this monitoring and research work • Compliance with no-fishing provisions and will strengthen the basis for comparing park regulations. management performance over time. • Timely management intervention to minimise threats. • Minimal impact of permitted uses.

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 57

REFERENCES

ANZECC 2001, National Strategy for the Ecologically Sustainable Development Conservation of Australia’s Biological Steering Committee. Diversity, Australia and New Zealand Collett, B. 1994, Wednesdays closest to the full Environment and Conservation Council, moon, Melbourne University Press, Environment Australia, Canberra. Carlton. ANZECC TFMPA 1999, Strategic Plan of Coutts, P. J. F., 1981, Coastal archaeology in Action for the National Representative Victoria. Part 1, The morphology of coastal System of Marine Protected Areas: A Guide archaeological sites, Proc. Roy. Soc. Vict. for Action by Australian Governments, 92: 67–80. Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council Task Force on DCE 1991, Proposed Management Plan - Marine Protected Areas, Wilsons Promontory Marine Park (including Wilsons Promontory Marine Australia ICOMOS 1999, The Australia Reserve), Conservation and Environment, ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural State of Victoria. Significance with associated guidelines and code on the Ethics of Co-existence, DSE 2004, Aquatic Pests: Treat ‘em mean - Australia ICOMOS Inc., Burwood, keep your boat clean, Department of Victoria. Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne. Australian Government 2005, Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin ECC 2000, Marine, Coastal and Estuarine Watching 2005, Department of the Investigation Final Report. Environment Environment and Heritage, Canberra. Conservation Council, East Melbourne. Bennett, I. & Pope, E. C., 1953, Intertidal Edgar, G. 2001, Australian Marine Habitats in zonation of the exposed rocky shores of Temperate Waters, New Holland Victoria, together with a rearrangement of Publishers, Sydney. the biogeographical provinces of temperate Edmunds, M., Hart, S., Jenkins, S. & Elias, J. Australian shores, Aust. J. Mar. 2003, Victorian Subtidal Reef Monitoring Freshwater. Res., 4: 105–109. Program: The Reef Biota at Wilsons Birch, W. P. (Ed) 2003. Geology of Victoria. Promontory National Park, Parks Victoria Geological Society of Australia Special Technical Series No. 6, Parks Victoria, Publication 23. Geological Society of Melbourne. Australia (Victoria Division). EPA 1998, Cleaner Marinas: EPA Guidelines Bird, E. C. F. 1993, The Coast of Victoria: the for protecting Victoria’s marinas. EPA shaping of scenery, Melbourne University Publication No. 624, Environment Press, Carlton. Protection Authority, Melbourne. Buckley, R. W. 1993, Sites of Geological and EPA 2004, Waste Management Policy (Ships’ Geomorphological Significance along the Ballast Water), EPA Victoria, SouthBank, Victorian Coast, Geological Survey of Victoria. Victoria. GCB 2002a, Integrated Coastal Planning for CNR 1995, Exploring Wilsons Promontory: a Gippsland - Coastal Action Plan, Guide to Visitor Services, Interpretation Gippsland Coastal Board, Bairnsdale. and Education, Department of GCB 2002b, Gippsland Boating Coastal Conservation and Natural Resources, Action Plan, Gippsland Coastal Board, Melbourne. Bairnsdale. COAG 1992, National Strategy for GCB in prep., Gippsland Estuaries–Coastal Ecologically Sustainable Development, Action Plan, Gippsland Coastal Board, Council of Australian Governments, Bairnsdale.

58 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park References

Gippsland Ports 2005a, Gippsland Region LCC 1982, South Gippsland Area District 2 Marine Pollution Contingency Plan. Final Recommendations, Land Gippsland Ports, Bairnsdale (unpublished). Conservation Council, East Melbourne. Gippsland Ports 2005b, Safety and LCC 1990, Wilderness Special Investigation Environmental Management Plan: South Descriptive Report, Land Conservation Gippsland Ports of , Corner Council, East Melbourne Inlet and Port Albert, Gippsland Ports, Lennon, J.L., 1974, Wilsons Promontory in Bairnsdale (unpublished). Victoria: its commercial utilization in the Government of Victoria 2002, Government 19th century, Vict. Hist. Mag. 45(4): 179- Response to the Environment Conservation 200. Council’s Marine, Coastal and Estuarine Loney, J., 1982, Shipwrecks and Sea Investigation Final Recommendations, Adventures Around Wilsons Promontory, State Government Victoria, Melbourne. Neptune Press, Newtown, Victoria. Heritage Victoria 2000, Victorian Heritage Love, D. 2003, Shipwrecks on the East Strategy, Shipwrecks 2000-05, Heritage Gippsland Coast: exploring the fate of 129 Victoria, Department of Infrastructure, ships lost along the East Gippsland Coast Melbourne. from Corner Inlet to Cape Howe between Heritage Victoria 2004, Victorian Heritage 1797 - 1945, Don Love and Heritage Register On-line, Victoria, Meerlieu, Victoria. (www.doi.vic.gov.au/doi/hvolr.nsf), MSV 2002, Victorian Marine Pollution Department of Infrastructure, Melbourne. Contingency Plan (VICPLAN), Victorian Hewitt, C.L., Campbell, M.L., Thresher, R.E., (National Plan), Marine Safety Victoria, and Martin, R.B. 1999, Marine Biological Melbourne. Invasions of Bay, CRIMP MSV 2003, The Victoria Recreational Boating Technical Report Number 20, CSIRO Safety Handbook, Marine Safety Victoria, Marine Research. Melbourne. Hunter, J. 1895, Bass’s Voyage in the Nelson, I., Miller, P. & Sawyer, T. 1993, Whaleboat. In Historical Records of New Conservation Plan Wilsons Promontory South Wales (ed. F.M. Bladen). . Lightstation Victoria, Prepared for the IMCRA Technical Group 1998, Interim Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Marine and Coastal Regionalisation for Australian Construction Services, Heritage Australia: an ecosystem based and Environment Group, Victoria / classification for marine and coastal Tasmania Region. environments, Interim Marine and Coastal Nevill, J. 2005, The impacts of spearfishing: Regionalisation for Australia Technical notes on the effects of recreational diving Group, Version 3.3, Environment Australia, on shallow marine reefs in southern Commonwealth Department of the Australia, OnlyOnePlanet Australia, Environment, Canberra. Hampton, Melbourne, Jones, R. 1987, Bass Strait in prehistory. In (www.ids.org.au/~cnevill/marine), accessed Bass Strait, Australia’s Last Frontier, pp. 21 June 2005. 27-41. ABC Sydney. NRE 1995, Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Jordan, D.J. 1995, East Coast Shipwrecks: Zone Management Plan, Department of A thematic historical survey, Maritime Natural Resources and Environment, Tidal Heritage Unit, Heritage Victoria, River, (unpublished). Melbourne. NRE 1997a, Victoria’s Biodiversity: King, R.J. 1973, The distribution and zonation Directions in Management, Department of of intertidal organisms in Bass Strait, Proc. Natural Resources and Environment, Roy. Soc. Vict. 85(2): 145–162. Victoria.

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 59 References

NRE 1997b, Wildlife Response Plan for Oil Parks Victoria 2005a, Indigenous Partnership Spills, Department of Natural Resources Strategy and Action Plan, Parks Victoria, and Environment, East Melbourne. Melbourne. NRE 1999a, The Victorian Cetacean Parks Victoria 2005b, East Region Compliance Contingency Plan, Department of Natural Plan, Parks Victoria, Bairnsdale Resources and Environment, East (unpublished). Melbourne. Parks Victoria 2005c, Wilsons Promontory NRE 1999b, Introduction of Exotic Organisms Emergency Response Plan, Parks Victoria, into Victorian Marine Waters, Action Tidal River (unpublished). Statement No. 100, Department of Natural Plummer, A., Morris, L., Blake, S. & Ball, D., Resources and Environment, East 2003, Marine Natural Values Study, Melbourne. Victorian Marine National Parks and NRE 1999c, Interim Victorian Protocol for Sanctuaries, Parks Victoria Technical Managing Exotic Marine Organism Series 1, Parks Victoria, Melbourne. Incursions, Department of Natural RBAACC 1999, Wilsons Promontory Resources and Environment, Melbourne. Lightstation Conservation Plan, Prepared NRE 2002, Policy for Sustainable Recreation for Parks Victoria by RBA Architects and and Tourism on Victoria’s Public Land, Conservation Consultants, St Kilda. Department of Natural Resources and Roob, R., Blake, S. & Parry, G. 1999, A report Environment, East Melbourne. for the Environment Conservation Council, ORC 2004, Snorkelling, scuba diving, and Marine and Coastal special investigation. wildlife swims – Adventure Activity Additional offshore survey of selected Standards, Outdoor Recreation Centre, areas, Marine and Freshwater Resources Melbourne. Institute, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne. O’Toole, M. & Turner, M. 1990, Down Under at the Prom, Field Naturalists Club of Rosengren, N. 1989, Sites of Geological and Victoria and Department of Conservation Geomorphological Significance in the and Environment, Melbourne. South Gippsland Marine and Coastal Park (Vol. 1), Report prepared for the Parks Victoria 2002a, Wilsons Promontory Department of Conservation, Forests and National Park Management Plan, Parks Lands, Yarram. Victoria, Melbourne. SGSC 1999, South Gippsland Planning Parks Victoria 2002b, Guidelines for working Scheme, South Gippsland Shire Council, with Aboriginal Communities and . Protection of Cultural Sites, Parks Victoria, (unpublished). Short, D. 1996, Beaches of the Victorian Coast and Port Phillip Bay: A guide to their Parks Victoria 2002c, Wilsons Promontory Site nature, characteristics, surf and safety, Surf Protection Strategy, Parks Victoria, West Life Saving Australia Ltd, Bondi Beach and Gippsland District. Coastal Studies Unit, School of Parks Victoria 2003a, Victoria’s System of Geosciences, University of Sydney, Marine National Parks and Marine Sydney. Sanctuaries: Management Strategy 2003– Smyth, R. B. 1878, The Aborigines of Victoria: 2010, Parks Victoria, Melbourne. With notes relating to the habits of the Parks Victoria 2003b, Heritage Management natives of other parts of Australia and Strategy, Parks Victoria, Melbourne. Tasmania, Compiled from various sources Parks Victoria 2003c, Minimal Impact for the Government of Victoria, Vols. 1 and Education / Interpretation Guidelines for 2, John Ferres, Government Printer. Victoria’s Marine National Parks and Staniforth, M. 1985, A maritime Marine Sanctuaries, Parks Victoria, archaeological survey of the coast of Melbourne (unpublished). Wilsons Promontory National Park,

60 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park References

Victoria Archaeological Survey Occasional and structure of an S-type granitoid, MSc Report Series 21. thesis, Monash University. Toll Westernport (n. d.), Westernport Region Wallis, G. 1998, The Geology of Wilsons Marine Pollution Contingency Plan, Toll Promontory, Victorian Naturalist, 115 (6): Westernport, Hastings. 300–306. Tourism Victoria 2000, Nature Based Tourism Wescott, G.C. 1995, Wilsons Promontory – Directions and opportunities for Victoria Marine and National Park, Victoria, 2000–2003, Tourism Victoria, Melbourne. University of New South Wales Press, Sydney. Tourism Victoria 2002a, Strategic Business Plan 2002–2006, Tourism Victoria, WGCMA & EGCMA 2005, Gippsland’s Melbourne. Water Quality Action Plan, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and East Tourism Victoria 2002b, and Gippsland Catchment Management Gippsland Discovery 2002/04 Regional Authority, . Marketing Program, Tourism Victoria, Foster. WGCMA 2004, West Gippsland Regional Catchment Strategy 2004–2009, West Tourism Victoria 2004, Gippsland Regional Gippsland Catchment Management Tourism Development Plan, Tourism Authority, Traralgon, Victoria. Victoria, Melbourne. WGCMA 2005, West Gippsland River Health Townrow, K., 1997, An Archaeological Survey Strategy, West Gippsland Catchment of Sealing and Whaling Sites in Victoria, Management Authority, Traralgon. Heritage Victoria, Department of Infrastructure, Melbourne. Wilson, R. S., Poore, G.C.B. and Gomon, M.F., 1990, Marine habitats at Wilsons Tuddenham, W.G. 1970, The Coastal Promontory and the Bunurong coast, Geomorphology of Wilsons Promontory, Victoria: Report on a survey, 1982, Victoria: implications concerning Technical Report 73, Department of Quaternary sedimentation around the shores Conservation & Environment, Fisheries of Bass Strait, unpublished MSc thesis, Division. Sydney University. UKHO 1999, Admiralty Sailing Directions: Personal communications Australian Pilot Volume 2, 7th edition, Anderson, R., 2004, Maritime Archaeologist, United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, Heritage Victoria, Melbourne. England. Edmunds, M., 2003, Principal Ecologist, VCC 1998a, Landscape Setting Types for the Australian Marine Ecology, West Victorian Coast, Victorian Coastal Council, Brunswick. Melbourne. Kirkwood, R., 2004, Research Biologist, VCC 1998b, Siting and Design Guidelines for Phillip Island Nature Park, Phillip Island. Structures on the Victorian Coast, Victorian Coastal Council, State Mackenzie, C., 2004, Ranger / Team Leader, Government of Victoria, Melbourne. Parks Victoria, Tidal River. VCC 2002, Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002, Rodrigue, M., 2004, Marine Education and Victorian Coastal Council, State Interpretation Officer, Parks Victoria, Government of Victoria, Melbourne. Melbourne. Wallis, G.L. 1981, The Geology of the Turner, S., 2005, Manager, Marine Safety Wilsons Promontory Batholith, Victoria: a Inspectorate, Marine Safety Victoria, study of the composition, emplacement, Melbourne.

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 61

GLOSSARY

Algae (seaweed) – plant-like organisms that use Crown land – land belonging to the State. light energy to create food. Unlike plants, algae are Cultural lore – tradition about stories, songs, not differentiated into roots, stems and leaves. rituals, ceremonies, dances, art, customs and Commonly called seaweed. spiritual beliefs. Ascidian (sea squirt) – common type of solitary or Customs – observances and practices of people colonial marine animal. (includes land management and resource use) in Ballast water – water carried in a ship’s tanks for accordance with tradition. stability. Normally discharged to the sea when the Demersal – fish living near the sea bottom. ship is loaded, and can be contaminated with pollution or exotic organisms. Devonian period – Geological time period from 360 to 405 million years ago. Biodiversity – the natural diversity of all life: the sum of all our native species of flora and fauna, the Dreaming – in Indigenous usage has meanings that genetic variation within them, their habitats and the differ between people, but generally encompasses ecosystems of which they are an integral part. and explains Aboriginal creation and defines and explains the rules governing relationships between Bioregion – an area with particular underlying the people in accordance with their tradition. environmental and ecological features. Ecologically sustainable development (ESD) – Bivalve – type of mollusc possessing two shells development that improves the total quality of life (e.g. scallop, mussel). both now and in the future, in a way that maintains Bommie (bombora) – a rocky reef over which the ecological processes on which life depends. waves break. Ecosystem – a dynamic complex of interacting Bryozoan (lace coral) – common small colonial organisms and their associated non-living marine animal, flat or upright, occurring in many environment. colours. Effluent – a liquid, partially or completely treated Canopy – structural overstorey (e.g. of kelp). or in its natural state, released into the environment from a water or sewage treatment plant. Catchment – the area of land that drains to a watercourse or estuary. Exotic marine organism / species – see Pest. Chiton – any marine mollusc of the class Flotsam – In maritime law, applies to wreckage or Amphineura, having a shell of overlapping plates. cargo left floating on the sea after a shipwreck. The common phrase flotsam and jetsam is now used Catchment – the area of land that drains to a loosely to describe any objects found floating or watercourse or estuary. washed (respectively) ashore. See also Jetsam. Coast – in broad terms, the sea and the seabed to Force majeure – an unforeseeable course of events the State limit (three nautical miles, or 5.5 km) and excusing a person from the fulfilment of a contract. the land and inland waters within the coastal catchment. Foreshore – generally, the land between a coastal road and the low water mark. Coastal action plan (CAP) – plan that identifies strategic directions and objectives for use and Geomorphology – the scientific study of landforms development in the region or part of the region to and geological formations and the processes that facilitate recreational use and tourism, and to shape them. provide for protection and enhancement of Habitat – the preferred location or ‘home’ of an significant features of the coast, including the organism. marine environment. Heritage – a place, activity, cultural way of life, Coastal zone - includes coastal waters and those structure or group of structures that have aesthetic, areas landward of the coastal waters where there are historic, scientific or social value for past, present processes or activities that affect the coast and its or future generations. values. High water mark – the landward boundary of high Coastline – generally, the line along which the land water mark is the average of the highest tides meets the sea. (spring and neap). Country – in Indigenous usage, all of nature, culture and spirituality relating to an area.

62 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Glossary

Holocene epoch – the most recent geological threatened species and communities; migratory period covering from 12 000 years ago to the species protected under international agreements; present. the Commonwealth marine environment; and, nuclear actions. Hydroid – small tentacled animal related to corals and sea-jellies. Common but often overlooked. Mollusc – broad group of animals including snails, sea slugs, squid, octopus, cuttlefish and mussels. Indigenous cultural heritage – the cultural lore, places and objects of significance to Indigenous Neap tides – tide occurring twice every month people in accordance with tradition. between spring tides, but slightly lower. Indigenous people – people who are descendants Pelagic relating to the surface waters of the marine of Aboriginal Australians. environment. Infrastructure – physical structures that facilitate Pest - exotic organisms (plants, animals or the human use of an area (e.g. roads, paths, toilet pathogens) that, if introduced outside their natural blocks). or previous distribution, they cause significant changes to habitats, food chains, ecosystems or Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) – a human health by feeding on or competing with framework that attempts to integrate planning and native species. Can refer to either terrestrial or management in a region (e.g. Victoria) across the marine species. land and sea interface and the private and public land interface, to treat the coastal zone as one Photosynthesis – the process by which organic biophysical entity. molecules are made from carbon dioxide and water, using light energy. This process is essential for the Intertidal zone – the area between low and high growth and survival of plants and algae. tide levels, which is subject to daily changes in physical and biological conditions from tide Pleistocene epoch – Geological time period from 2 movements. million years ago to 10 000 years ago. Invertebrate – an animal without a backbone at Quaternary period – Geological time period from any stage of development (e.g. worms, sponges). 2 million years ago to present. Jetsam – In maritime law, applies to cargo or Relevant Indigenous communities – includes the equipment thrown overboard from a ship in distress Traditional Owners, and any scheduled Aboriginal and either sunk or washed ashore. The common Community/s for areas included in the park. phrase flotsam and jetsam is now used loosely to Scheduled Aboriginal Community – body or describe any objects found floating or washed bodies scheduled under the Aboriginal and Torres (respectively) ashore. See also Flotsam. Strait Islander heritage Protection Act relating to Lichens – any plant organism of the group the park. Lichenes, composed of a fungus and an alga in Sediment – insoluble material carried in water, symbiotic association. consisting mainly of particles derived from rock, Marine National Park – in Victoria, highly soil and organic material; such material that has protected areas reserved and managed under settled out of the water, onto the seabed. Schedule 7 of the National Parks Act that represent Semi-diurnal – Two high tides and two low tides the range of marine environments in Victoria, and in a lunar day (24 hour period). in which no fishing, extractive or damaging activities are allowed. Sewage – household or commercial waste water that contains human or trade wastes. Marine protected area – a marine area that has some form of protection and is managed for Soft coral – coral without solid calcareous cases for conservation objectives. structure. Generally colonial and found on hard surfaces. Marine Sanctuary – in Victoria, a small, highly protected area reserved and managed under Sponge – multicellular, filter-feeding animals Schedule 8 of the National Parks Act to protect which occur in a variety of forms. Sponges are the special values, and in which no fishing, extractive simplest form of invertebrate life. or damaging activities are allowed. These areas complement Marine National Parks. Spring tides – occur twice every month at new and full moon and are the highest tides. Matters of National Environmental Significance – defined by the Environment Protection and Stakeholder – an individual or group that has a Biodiversity Conservation Act to include: World vested interest in, or may be affected by, a project or process. Heritage Properties; Ramsar wetlands; nationally

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 63 Glossary

Threatening process – a source of potential harm Abbreviations or a situation with a potential to cause loss. ANZECC – former Australian and New Zealand Tradition – the body of knowledge, belief and Environment and Conservation Council. ANZECC customs that is passed from generation to was represented by government Ministers and generation. guided national policy and programs relating to the management of the environment and its Traditional owners – communities of people that conservation. reasonably assert an association with the park area that is based on direct descent from the original CRIMP – Centre for Research on Introduced Indigenous custodians of Country, in accordance Marine Pests. with Indigenous tradition. CSIRO – Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Translocation – the transfer of pests from one area Research Organisation. to a new area. DSE – Department of Sustainability and Whip coral (sea whip) – specialised whip-like Environment. form of coral. Commonly lives in deep water on ECC – former Environment Conservation Council hard and soft surfaces. (see VEAC).

EPA – Environment Protection Authority (Victoria). NRE – former Department of Natural Resources and Environment. VEAC – Victorian Environmental Assessment Council.

64 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Appendices

APPENDIX 1 MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES FOR THE PLANNING AREA

managed in accordance with the objects of Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park this Act in a manner that will – Management objectives of the National Parks Act for marine national parks included on (i) preserve and protect the natural Schedule 7 of the Act, are in Sections 4 and environment and indigenous flora 17D of the Act and are listed below. and fauna of the park and any features of the park which are of For an up-to-date copy of the National Parks geological, geomorphological, Act, refer to Victorian Acts on the Victorian ecological, scenic, archaeological, Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary historic or other scientific interest; Documents website www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au. and 4. Objects of the Act (ii) promote the prevention of the The objects of this Act are – introduction of exotic flora and fauna into the park; and (a) to make provision, in respect of national parks, State parks, marine national parks (iii) provide for the eradication or control and marine sanctuaries – of exotic flora and fauna found in the park; and (i) for the preservation and protection of the natural environment including (b) subject to paragraph (a) – wilderness areas and remote and (i) provide for the use, enjoyment and natural areas in those parks; understanding of Marine National (ii) for the protection and preservation of Parks and Marine Sanctuaries by the indigenous flora and fauna and of public; and features of scenic or archaeological, (ii) promote and understanding of the ecological, geological, historic or purpose and significance of Marine other scientific interest in those National Parks and Marine parks; and Sanctuaries; and (iii) for the study of ecology, geology, (c) prepare a plan of management in respect botany, zoology and other sciences of each marine national park and each relating to the conservation of the marine sanctuary. natural environment in those parks; and Wilsons Promontory Marine Park and (iv) for the responsible management of the Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve land in those parks; Management objectives for the Wilsons Promontory Marine Park and Wilsons (c) to make provision in accordance with the Promontory Marine Reserve included on foregoing for the use of parks by the Schedule 4 of the National Parks Act, are public for the purposes of enjoyment, included in Sections 4(b) and 4(c) of the Act recreation or education, and for the (as listed below). encouragement and control of that use. 4. Objects of the Act Section 17D Marine national parks and marine sanctuaries of the National Parks Act 4(b) to make provision, insofar as is provides that the Secretary, subject to this Act appropriate to each such park, for the will ensure that each marine national park and protection and preservation of indigenous marine sanctuary is controlled and managed in flora and fauna and of features of scenic accordance with the objects (above) in a or archaeological, ecological, historic or manner that will – other scientific interest; and subject to such provision as is made under sub- (3)(a) The Secretary, subject to this Act will paragraph (i), to make provision for the ensure that each marine national park and public to observe, experience or otherwise marine sanctuary is controlled and become acquainted in those parks with the

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 65 Appendices

countryside and rural skills activities and (ii) preserve and protect features in the pursuits and for carrying on, in those park of scenic, archaeological, parks and for those purposes, agricultural, ecological, geological, historic or horticultural, or other agrarian projects other scientific interest; and botanical, biological, ecological, (iii) enable the park to be used by the geological, zoological, or other scientific public for the enjoyment, observation studies or projects; and and study of the countryside and its 4(c) to make provision in accordance with the pursuits, its flora and fauna, its foregoing for the use of parks by the ecology and geology and other public for the purposes of enjoyment, features; and recreation or education and for the (iv) control exotic flora and fauna in the encouragement and control of that use. park; Section 18 Other Parks of the National Parks (b) ensure that proper and sufficient Act provides that the Secretary, subject to this measures are taken to protect each Act—ensure that the park or reserve is park from injury by fire; controlled and managed in accordance with the objects (above) in a manner that will— (c) promote and encourage the use and enjoyment of parks by the public; 2(a) ensure that each park is controlled and and managed in accordance with the objects of the Act in a manner that will, insofar as is (d) prepare a plan of management in appropriate to the park – respect of each park. (i) preserve, protect and re-establish indigenous flora and fauna in the park;

66 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Appendices

APPENDIX 2 SUBMISSIONS ON THE DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN

A total of 19 submissions were received on the Note: Eight submissions are included which draft plan (November 2004 – February 2005) related to all Victorian Marine National Parks from the following organisations and and Marine Sanctuaries, and no submissions individuals. were marked confidential.

ORGANISATION / GROUP SUBMISSION INDIVIDUALS SUBMISSION NO. NO.

Submissions from groups Total: 14 Submissions from individuals Total: 5 Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, 2 Andrew Chapman 4 Gippsland # Graeme Creed 5 Bird Observers Club of Australia 14 John Dickie 3 Department of Defence 17 (Commonwealth) # Dr Matt Edmunds # 7 Department of Primary Industries # 16 Roger Fenwick 12 Department of Sustainability and 8 Greg Hunt MP 6 Environment (Gippsland) # Environment Protection Authority # 19 Gippsland Coastal Board 18 Gippsland Ports 11 Heritage Victoria 1 Scuba Diving Federation of 13 Victoria # South Gippsland Conservation 10 Society Tourism Victoria # 15 West Gippsland Catchment 9 Management Authority

# Denotes submissions relating to all Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries.

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 67 Appendices

APPENDIX 3 MARINE ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES

MARINE MARINE MARINE LOCATION SUMMARY DESCRIPTION ECOLOGICAL NATIONAL PARK / COMMUNITY PARK MARINE RESERVE

Sandy beaches Yes No All intertidal sandy beach areas Characterised by non-vegetated areas with a between the mean high and low water variety of sand grains and types, controlled (approx. 5% of mark within Wilsons Promontory largely by the degree of exposure to wave planning area) Marine National Park, including Little action. Oberon Bay, Oberon Bay, Waterloo Bay, Home Cove, Little Waterloo Bay, Fauna species include a variety of North Waterloo Bay. macroinvertebrates, the most notable being the Soldier Crab.

Intertidal rocky Yes No All rocky shore areas of Wilsons Dominated by steep granite boulders, and shores Promontory Marine National Park therefore often only as wide as the tidal between the mean high and low water range itself. (approx. 10% of marks. planning area) Typical organisms include lichens, various barnacle species, chitons, ascidians and various large brown algae, small fish and shore birds such as the Sooty Oystercatcher. Subtidal reef Yes Yes Shallow reef: All reef areas from the Shallow reef: Dominated by dense canopy mean Low Water Mark to 30 m depth, cover of Crayweed and Ecklonia kelp. High and to 20 m depth on vertical walls. species richness of mobile invertebrates and large variety of fish species. (approx. 35% of planning area) Deep reef: Reefs deeper than 30 m, Deep reef: Support massive sponges, whip and 20 m from vertical walls. corals, soft corals and colonial ascidians. Particularly prevalent on bommies, pinnacles and reefs with a high exposure to currents, such as around Cleft Island. Seagrass Yes Yes-MP Wilsons Promontory Marine National Four species of seagrass have been recorded Park from four different families. (approx. 10% of planning area) Oberon Bay, Waterloo Bay, Home Provides habitat for a variety of invertebrate Cove, Refuge Cove (<20 m depth) fauna (eg. isopods, bryozoans, hydroids, sponges, crustaceans) and fish (e.g. Goat Wilsons Promontory Marine Park Fish). Leonard Bay (<20 m depth) Subtidal soft Yes Yes All sub-tidal surface areas not Bare sand, silt, mud and shell grit, substrates comprised of seagrass or sub-tidal supporting communities of sponges, reef. bryozoans and red algae. (approx. 40% of planning area) Depths of 20–50 m. Open sea Yes Yes All areas submerged by water and Pelagic species include whales (e.g. throughout the water column. Southern Right Whale), dolphins, seals (e.g. Australian Fur Seal), turtles (e.g. Leatherback Turtle) and fish (e.g. Barracouta, Great White Shark). Planktonic species include a myriad of microscopic forms and larger animals (e.g. sea jellies). Sources: Wilson et al. 1990; Roob et al. 1999; Edmunds et al. 2003; Parks Victoria 2003a; Plummer et al. 2003; M. Edmunds pers. comm. 2003

68 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Appendices

APPENDIX 4 SHIPWRECKS AND OTHER CULTURAL HERITAGE PLACES

NAME LOCATION COMMENTS

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park

Shipwrecks – Location Known

Cheviot Waterloo Bay Lost on 24 February 1854. Ex whaling vessel. Listed on the Register of the National Estate. Hannah Thomson Oberon Bay In 1923 the Bronzewing went ashore in Oberon Bay and the Hannah Thompson was taken around to salvage it. The Hannah Thomson also went ashore and they were both total wrecks.

SS Gulf of Carpentaria Carpentaria Rock Struck Carpentaria Rock (then uncharted) between Cleft and Anser islands. Sank on 15 September 1885. SS Lady Mildred 1 km south of A 2200 ton screw steamer. Sank in 1909. Waterloo Point Undentified – South Point South Point Unknown vessel found at South Point in 1960. May be the 125 ton schooner Favourite, which disappeared in May 1852. Unidentified – Anser Island South West side of Unknown vessel that may have been a coal carrier. Anser Island Unidentified - South West Point South West Point

Shipwrecks – Location Unknown

Bronzewing Oberon Bay In 1923 the Bronzewing went ashore in Oberon Bay and the Hannah Thompson was taken around to salvage it. The Hannah Thomson also went ashore and they were both total wrecks.

Gertrude Waterloo Bay Artefacts and coal have been found in Waterloo Bay and are believed to indicate the nearby location of the site of the wooden collier barque Gertrude - main site not yet located. Richard and Ann Waterloo Bay Wooden schooner sunk in South Waterloo Bay, 1855. Sandra Oberon Bay Ketch burnt at anchor in 1947. Sophia South East Point Anchored off South East Point Lighthouse carrying building materials. Blown ashore and wrecked on 23 April 1858 during a sudden storm.

Trident Oberon Point Driven ashore on sand by a gale. Heavily salvaged and refloated twice, but driven ashore on 23 June 1904. Unidentified – Oberon Point Oberon Point

Valient Oberon Bay Ketch blown ashore. Maritime Infrastructure Home Cove jetty Waterloo Bay Rarely exposed remains of jetty piles – most likely timber-cutting related

Refuge Cove archaeological Refuge Cove Includes whalebones, coal, rarely exposed remains of timber jetty piles, site debris and artefacts from 19th century activity, shipwrecks and 20th century use. Refuge Cove quarry Refuge Cove Intertidal site – evidence of rock drilling, rock removal and landing infrastructure. Sealers Cove jetty Sealers Cove Often exposed jetty piles relating to timber-cutting infrastructure.

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park 69 Appendices

Appendix 4 contd.

NAME LOCATION COMMENTS

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park contd. South East Point Lighthouse South East Point, east Includes dumped debris, building materials and wreckage below landing dump site side steps. South East Point Lighthouse South East Point, west Mostly intact landing and cargo handling infrastructure site landing side Wilsons Promontory Marine Park Shipwrecks – Location Known Elm Grove Five Mile Beach Driven ashore on sand in a gale. Meg Merrilies Entrance Point While carrying a cargo of coal from Tasmania to Port Albert, the brigantine was anchored at Corner Inlet windbound. Forced onto a reef when the anchor chain broke 23 May 1856. Miranda Miranda Bay Driven ashore on sand in a gale from anchor. Tomatin Miranda Bay Ran ashore in extremely heavy gale.

Clyde Entrance Point Vessel burnt and sank while at anchor – crew away fishing. Shipwrecks – Location Unknown Fury Rabbit Island Ran ashore. Lady Young Entrance Point Vessel sank on 14 July 1865 in WNW wind on hitting a sandbank.

Natal Sealers Cove Ran ashore on 11 July 1865 after dragging anchors. Sara Hunter Tongue Point Driven ashore on 16 June 1919 after dragging its anchors. Truganina Refuge Cove Ran ashore on rocks on 25 November 1842. Some infrastructure salvaged. Strandings Alexandra Rabbit Island Vessel refloated.

Drumblair Waratah Bay – North Vessel refloated. of Shellback Island Strathgryfe North-east of Vessel refloated. Shellback Island Anchorage:

Rabbit Island anchorage Rabbit Island Fishermen have recovered lost anchors and chains over the years after snagging nets on them. Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve Shipwrecks – Location Unknown Curlew Great Glennie Island Driven onto rocks off Great Glennie Island on 27 September 1915. Mandarin Five Mile Beach Foundered at sea near Five Mile Beach in March 1866. Wreckage found on Five Mile Beach and north of Rabbit Island. Nil Desperandum Great Glennie Island Foundered at sea on 22 September 1870. Strandings Dandenong McHugh Island Stranding only – vessel refloated. Sources: Heritage Victoria (2004); R. Anderson pers. comm. (2004); Love (2003); Jordan (1995); Staniforth (1985); Loney (1982)

70 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park and Marine Park Bass

Kilcunda Wilsons Promontory Marine

Bunurong Marine Park National Park, Marine Park

Wonthaggi 0 and Marine Reserve

Bunurong Mar

National Park LOCATION

Inverloch BASS Figure 1

ine Kilometres G/7100

Venus

Bay 15

Inlet Fisher

Bunurong Marine Park HIGHWAY

Anderson

Res

erve

ies

LEONGATHA

Cape Liptrap

Coastal Par 30

Cape Liptrap

k

Coastal Park

Cape Liptrap

Fish Creek

Meeniyan

Waratah Bay

Shallow Inlet Ma and Coastal P

Marine Reserve

Marine Park Promontory

Promontory

Marine National P

Wilsons Pr

Wilsons

Wilsons

ark

S

rine O

U

T H

omontor

Foster

G

Corner Inlet Marine and Coastal Park I

P

ark

P y S

Toora

L

A

N D

Promontory

Tidal River

National

Wilsons

Park

Welshpool

National Par

Tarra - Bulga

Port Welshpool

Nooramunga Marine and Coastal P

Wilsons Promontory Marine Promontory Park

National Park

Corner Inlet

k

Marine

H

Reserve Wilsons I G

Marine

H

W

ark A

Y

Yarram

Alberton HYL Port Albert AND HIGH WA Ocean / Coastline Other roads Highways Other parks and reserves Fisheries Reserve Other Marine Protected Areas Other Marine National Parks Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve Wilsons Promontory Marine Park Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park Park Boundary Y

S O U T H G I PP SL AN Information Infrastructure

Cartography by Spatial D HW Y M E E N IY A N NOORAMUNGA MARINE oint - Entrance P AND COASTAL PARK DOUGHBOY ISLAND P RO MOUNT M O SINGAPORE N CORNER INLET MARINE AND COASTAL PARK TO R Y ENTRANCE POINT REFERENCE AREA Duck Point GRANITE ISLAND Tin Mine R OAD Cove SHALLOW CORNER INLET MARINE MOUNT Hunter Point INLET MARINE NATIONAL PARK HUNTER AND Chinaman COASTAL PARK Long Beach

BENNISON ISLAND MOUNT MARGARET G/W/R LONG ISLAND Three Mile Beach B a rr y C h

C i MOUNT Three Mile Point CORNER r n

e a

ISLAND e m ROUNDBACK

k a n Johnny Souey Point C Millers r e e Landing k

RABBIT ISLAND

Miranda Bay

WILSONS WILSONS PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK

Five Mile Beach

SHELLBACK ISLAND VEREKER CREEK D Darby arby REFERENCE AREA Riv Bay er P R O M O N

T Tongue Point O MOUNT

R

Whisky Y MOUNT LATROBE LEONARD Bay Sealers Cre ver ek Ri Sealers Cove l Picnic Point a id T MOUNT W/R NORMAN ISLAND Leonard Point ROAD RAMSAY Horn Point Leonard Bay TIDAL Pillar Point RIVER Refuge Cove Norman Bay MOUNT OBERON Y 39˚ 02' 28" S W/R Brown Head 146˚ 19' 38" E Most northerly point of Great ler MOUNT Norman Point ow Glennie Island on High Water Mark Gr WILSON Cape Oberon Creek Wellington Bay Y Ramsbotham Rocks 39˚ 04' 00" S Waterloo 146˚ 28' 47" E GREAT Bay GLENNIE Oberon Point ISLAND MOUNT Ck MOUNT Waterloo TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEME g BOULDER Point GLENNIE NORGATE e W/R For all ships operating in or near this GROUP M scheme, compliance with Rule 10 of The International Regulations for Preventing DANNEVIG Collisions at Sea, 1972 is mandatory.

ISLAND g

Sea Eagle n CITADEL i

MCHUGH ISLAND r

ISLAND W Bay a o

R ffic Zone LAND STATUS & USE Citadel Island South Beacon East ANSER ISLAND W Inshore Tra Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park 39˚ 06' 54" S ANSER Fenwick Point (fishing prohibited) 146˚ 14' 12" E GROUP Bight Carpentaria Rock WATTLE ISLAND Wilsons Promontory Marine Park ANSER ISLAND (fishing permitted) Anderson Islets REFERENCE AREA Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve Wilsons Promontory Marine KANOWNA ISLAND National Park, Marine Park (fishing permitted) 0 See Figure 3 Corner Inlet Marine National Park Management Overlay. and Marine Reserve Other Marine and Coastal Parks 39˚ 10' 52" S Wilsons Promontory National Park 146˚ 24' 58" E 39˚ 11' 10" S Reference Areas VICTORIA 146˚ 22' 40" E

Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Zone 2 Figure

Kilometres Wilsons Promontory Remote and Natural Forty Foot G/7100.1 Areas. (includes Wilsons Promontory Islands Remote TASMANIA

Rocks 5 and Natural Area and the Southern Wilsons Promontory Remote and Natural Area) Shore boundary marker Y (colour indicated by letter) RODONDO Traffic Separation Zone ISLAND Navigational light G/W/R (colour indicated by letter) Inshore Traffic Zone 10 (direction of travel) Ocean / Coastline

Latitude and Longitude values are based on WGS84 Cartography by Spatial Information Infrastructure Figure 3 MANAGEMENT OVERLAY beach areas on Great Glennie and Rabbit Islands (section 6.2). intertidal areas on all islands within the planning area, except NB: Special Protection Area Overlay also includes access to exposed Special Protection AreaSpecial Protection - 0 Ocean / Coastline during February to October (inclusive) No vessels within 50 metres of Kanowna Island during November to January (inclusive) No vessels within 200 metres of Kanowna Island Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park Natural Values G/7100.2

Metres 300

(Skull Rock)

Cleft Island 600

Anderson

Islets

(significant habitat for

Australian Fur seals)

KANOWNA

ISLAND Information Infrastructure Cartography by Spatial