National Parks Service Annual Report 1982-83 Ordered to lie on the Table and to be printed by the Legislative Assembly 1 December 1983. Parliamentary Paper No. 120, Session 1982-83. Errata Sheet 1

Page 14 Donations and Assistance from Volunteers. Column 2, paragraph 3, line 9: Delete "Mt. Worth Nati(lnal Park". Page 25 Under Recreation Heading Column I. paragraph 2. line 3: delete "office", substitute "traffic".

Page 34 AppendiX l (b) North East District (foot oi page): Subst;nae amended table below for existing table.

North East Distri~t District Office 3,677 6,481 6,481 Burrowa-Pine Mountain 3,701 3,701 Mt. Buffalo 289,320 297,204 96,420 393,624 W arby Ranges 40 2,058 2,058 Beechworth 12,787 12,787 Chiltem 3,481 11,771 11.771 W abonga Plateau 1,114 1,114 Bogong 13,700 14,659 75,133 89,792 Wonnangatta-Moroka 1.531 1,531

Page 35 Appcn;:!ix I (b) continued. Substitute amended table below for existing table.

Location Park Revenue Wages & General Improvement & Combined Maintenance Development Works Expenditure (including protection) $ $ $ $

UpperGoulburn District District Office 738 Frdser 64,698 70,135 70,135 Eildon 6,588 6,588 Cathedral R<.nge 12,190 12.190 Kinglake 15,982 26,511 3,788 30,299 Mt. Samaria 6,255 6,255

North West District District Office 2,288 317 317 Hattah~Kulkyne 1.554 57,921 57,921 Little Desert 2,635 16,767 16,767 Wyperfeld 7 ,71ll 53,385 4.839 58,224 BigDes.:m 45 747 747 Lake Albacutya 10 21,338 21.338 Pink Lakes !18 9,185 9,185

South West District District Office 766 427 427 Cape Nelson 64 64 Discovery Bay 1,513 25.835 25,835 Lower Glene1g 40,222 62,392 62,392 Mt. Ec..:lcs 2,101 3,451 3,451 Mt. Richmond 7,231 7,231

Geelong-Otway District District Office 7,613 1,686 1,686 Brisbane Ranges 1.202 39,865 39,865 MelbaGully 3,827 3,827 Pm1 Campbell 58,640 45,383 45,383 Werribee Gorge 10,617 10,617 Steiglitz ~ 148 6,076 10,395 16,471 Otway 48,809 48,809 VICTORIA

Annual Report

ofth~

NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE

for the

Year ended 30 June 1983

Ordered by the Legislative Assembly to be printed

MELBOURNE FD ATKINSON GOVERNMENT PRINTER 1983

No. 120 National Parks Service 240 Victoria Parade East Melbourne Vie. 3002

The Honourable R.A. Mackenzie, MLC Minister for Conservation Forests & Lands

Dear Mr. Minister In accordance with Section 35(1) ofthe National Parks Act 1975 (No. 8702) I hereby submit a report on the activities of the National Parks Service for the year ended 30 June 1983.

D.S. Saunders Director of National Parks

2 Contents

Introduction 5 Parks and Other Areas Managed by the Service 7 Finance and Staffing 8 National Parks Advisory Council 9 Advisory Committees 9 Legislatio~ and Regulations 10 Mineral Exploration 11 Staff Development and Training 12 Donations and Assistance from Volunteers 14 Administration Division 22 Resources Division 24 Resources and Planning Branch 24 Research Branch 24 Historical Services Branch 25 Interpretation Branch 26 Management Division 28 Park Management Branch 28 Operations Branch 29 • Park Protection Branch .30

Appendices l(a) Receipts and Expenditure 33 l(b) Park Revenues and Expenditure 34 2 Organisation Chart 36 3 Advisory Committees 37 4 Land Under Control of National Parks Service 38 Map of National Parks Service Areas centre pages

Cover photo: Display area,lnformation and Education Centre, Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory National Park.

3

Introduction

The year ended 30 June 1983 provided a great challenge • Australian Museum of the Year Awards 1983 for the National Parks Service- the challenge being to Best New Exhibition in Australia; (for the manage an expanding and increasingly complex parks Information and Education Centre at Wilsons system while the resources for management continued Promontory). to decrease. • Premier's Prize for the Best Exhibit in the Victorian For the third successive year, the Service's full-time Government Expo Centre, Royal Melbourne Show work force was reduced due to lack of Works and 1982 (in conjunction with Fisheries and Wildlife Services funds. This has occurred despite the fact that Division.) three major national parks and five other parks have • A Merit A ward from the Royal Australian Institute been added to the Service's responsibilities during that of Architects for the Service's interpretive time. Although Rangers have been appointed to all new publications, displays and programs. national parks, the number of full-time employee positions in parks has been reduced by l 0% in the last • The Roadside Conservation Committee A ward for three years. the Euchre Valley Nature Drive in Lind National Park. The Parks Access Employment Initiatives Scheme which was approved and implemented during the year In January 1983 Mr John Brookes resigned from the certainly helped the Service to fulfill its management position of Director of Conservation. Prior to holding responsibilities. However it must be recognised that that position he was Director of National Parks during such schemes are not an adequate substitute for full­ the period 1975-79. In both of these positions, he time trained staff, particularly in the long term. contributed a great deal to the development of the National Parks system in Victoria. There is little doubt that the highlight of the year was the opening of the new Information and Education Centre The constraints on staff and funds at a time of increasing in Wilsons Promontory National Park. The entire responsibility has placed a great burden on staff project, including displays and audio-visuals, was throughout the last 12 months. It is indicative of the funded by Hillview Quarries Pty. Ltd. through the R.E. hard work and dedication of the Service's staff that we Ross Trust. Planning, design and construction of the have continued to protect the valuable parks of this State building was undertaken by the Service and the under these conditions. All of the Service's staff are to Ministry for Conservation architect, and all display and be commended for their efforts in 1982/83. audio-visual material was prepared by Service staff. It has proved to be an outstanding success, as evidenced by visitor satisfaction and a number of awards which the Service has received. Another highlight of the year was the commissioning of the new dairy at Haining Farm, a very important aspect ofthe Service's environmental education program. This was also funded by a very generous private donation, and as a result, the Farm now has a top class rotary dairy which has been specially designed to enable large groups and handicapped persons to readily observe the milking process. Wild fires were a devastating feature of the 1982/83 summer and some parks were affected. Although the Ash Wednesday fires had very little impact on parks, a large fire in East Gippsland during early March severely burnt 45,000 hectares of Croajingolong and Alfred national parks. An earlier fire in December 1982 burnt 16,000 hectares of Wyperfeld National Park. In all, 83 wild fires affected or threatened parks, 71 ,000 hectares of parks were burnt and Service employees spent over 16,000 man-hours on fire suppression, much of it outside parks. The Service was very pleased to receive a number of awards throughout the year, most of these relating to the Service's interpretation work. These were: • Australian Museum of the Year Awards 1983 Best New Exhibition in Victoria; (for the Information and Education Centre at Wilsons Promontory)

5

Parks and other areas managed by the Service

Details of all land managed by the National Parks Crown land under Section 14 of the Crown Land (Re­ Service are given in Appendix 4, and the location of the serves) Act 1978. parks is shown on the map in the centre of this report. Section 19A: Management by the Director of land Under the National Parks Act 1975 there is provision for subject to a management agreement with the Victorian the National Parks Service to manage various types of Conservation Trust. Section 19B: Management by the Director of reserved land. Crown land under Section 18 of the Crown Land (Re­ serves) Act 1978. National Par~ Section 19C: Management by the Director of land In defining National Parks, the Act provides: subject to a management agreement with a public "that certain Crown land characterized by its pre­ authority. dominantly unspoilt landscape, and its flora, fauna Section l9D: Management by the Director of land or other features, should be reserved and protected subject to an agreement with the Commonwealth or permanently for the benefit of the public." another State. At 30 June 1983 the area reserved as National Parks Section 32AA: Management by the Director of "Gle­ under Schedule Two of the National Parks Act was nample" Homestead, leased by the Crown. 685,808 ha. This area has not changed since the ad­ At 30 June 1983, land was being managed under the dition of Wonnongatta-Moroka National Park on July provisions of Sections l9A, 19B, 19D and 32AA of the 1, 1982. Act. Other Parks Significant tracts of land which are being managed by The Act provides: the Service for conservation and/or recreation under one "that certain areas of Crown land with landscape or of the above provisions include Pirianda Garden, Lang­ other features of particular interest or suitability for warrin Flora and Fauna Reserve, Nyerirnilang. Gelli­ the enjoyment, recreation and education of the pub­ brand Hill, Glenample Homestead, Long Forest Flora lic or in matters appertaining to the countryside Reserve and Sorrento First Settlement site. should be reserved permanently and made available In addition, the Service occupied a number of areas of for the benefit of the public and in particular that land or of floor space for offices, depots, workshops, there should be so reserved and made available other management purposes and for staff residences (a) areas with scenic, historical, archaeological, outside parks, under various arrangements made by the biological, geological or other features of scien­ Minister for Conservation. tific interest that are worthy of preservation but, whether by reasons of the limited size of the areas or the limited significance of the features, are not suitable for reservation as national parks; (b) areas that demonstrate man's effect on his en­ vironment whether through his agricultural or pastoral pursuits or otherwise; (c) areas in or adjacent to urban areas of natural beauty or interest or otherwise suitable for rec­ reational use; (d) areas of natural beauty or interest primarily for recreational and educational use but parts of which may be used for primary industry, hunt­ ing, shooting, fishing or other uses appropriate to the areas; and (e) areas in their natural state for scientific study or reference." At 30 June 1983 the area reserved as Other Parks under Schedule Three of the National Parks Act totalled 298,080 ha. This area was unchanged during the year. Other Areas In addition to the parks listed and described in Schedule Two and Schedule Three of the National Parks Act, the Service manages land as provided for in other sections of the Act These include Section 12(1): The National Parks Advisory Council may act as a committee of management of reserved

7 Finance and Staffing

Finance Staff The total number of people employed in the Services as In accordance with Government policy and as provided at June 30, 1983, was 387. These employees were for in the Public Account (Trust Funds) Act 1982, the located as follows: National Parks Fund was abolished restrospectively to Head Office 70 1st July, 1982. All revenue from the Service's activities District Offices 45 is now paid direct into the Consolidated Fund rather than into the National Parks Fund as in the past. Parks 272 Of these 387 employees, 218 were in Public Service During 1982/83 funds totalling $11, 148,000 were positions and 169 were in positions exempted from the received from the State Treasury to provide for the Public Service Act. recurrent and capital works of the National Parks In addition to these employees, as at 30 June 1983, 29 Service. employees were engaged at Mt. Buffalo National Park on a seasonal basis for the 1983 snow season, and 145 This compared to receipts in l981182of$9,706,000 and persons were employed on various Employment In­ represents a 14% or $1.44 million increase in funds. itiatives "Parks Access Projects" throughout the State. The main components of this increase can be identified During the year approval was given for the establish­ as: ment of the following eight positions: Fire control $144.500 Ranger Grade IV Bogong National Park Ranger Grade II Bogong National Park (two Establishment of $470,000 ($100,000 Vote positions) new parks $370,000 Works) Ranger Grade I Bogong National Park Salary $553,000 (excludes policy item Ranger Grade IV Wonnangatta-Moroka covered above). National Park Ranger Grade III Wonnangatta-Moroka National The Works and Services allocation, after excluding Park additional funds made available for Fire Control costs Ranger Grade II Wonnangatta-Moroka National and the establishment provision for Lysterfield Lake Park (two positions) Park, Wonnangatta-Moroka National Park and Bogong As at 30 June 1983, 15 established staff positions were National Park, remained constant at $3.67 million and vacant. therefore did not cover the effects of inflation. Throughout the Service 379 school students were em­ Revenue at $1.717 million (within $3000 of the pub­ ployed during the year both at Head Office and in the lished estimates) was down from a peak in 1981/82 of parks under the Work Experience Program. $1.791 million, reflecting the poor snow season at Mt. Although eight new ranger positions were created dur­ Buffalo National Park in 1982 and the low level of Lake ing the year, the number of full-time employees in the Eildon which greatly affected the revenue from Fraser parks continued to decline due to lack of funds. The National Park. effect of this decline was offset to some extent by the temporary Employment Initiatives Schemes, but these During the year the Service actively sought funds from schemes were not always in those areas where park other sources and, as a result of this, a further $1.32 maintenance is suffering through lack of staff. million was available during the year for works in parks. The sources of these funds are listed in Note 5 of Register of Interests Appendix 1(A). The most significant ofthese additional The Director of National Parks, D.S. Saunders, is the sources were the Employment Initiatives Programs only appointee or officer of the National Parks Service ($733,498) and private donations ($341,384). to have completed a Register of Interests; this is lodged Money received from these sources made possible some with the Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands. important capital and maintenance works that otherwise could not have been undertaken. In line with the Government's commitment to the intro­ duction of a system of Program Budgeting, planning has been undertaken in developing the Service's Pro­ gram Structure. This has involved the definition of objectives, developing program descriptions, ident­ ifying performance measures and allocating costs to programs. Details of revenue and expenditure for the year ended 30 June 1983 are provided in Appendices 1(A) and 1(B).

8 National Parks Advisory Council During the year the Government reconstituted the Membership of these Committees is shown in Appendix membership of the National Parks Advisory Council. 3. Details of activities of the committees are set out Dr. Malcolm Calder resigned as member selected to below. represent the Conservation Council of Victoria and was appointed in the capacity of "a professor or teacher of Fraser National Park ecology or earth science at a University in Victoria Mr. H. C. FitzRoy continued as Chairman of this Com­ nominated by the Minister for Conservation". Dr. mittee, the members of which also act as Committee of Calder was re-appointed as Chairman. Management for the Eildon Water Reserve, which Mr. Geoffrey Durham (a Melbourne solicitor and includes the lakeshore frontage to the National Park. former President of the Victorian National Parks As­ Mr. J. Ritchie joined the committees as the represen­ sociation), Mr. Trevor Pescott (President of the Gee­ tative of the Victorian Piscatorial Council. long Field Naturalists Club and the Western Victoria The record low levels of Lake Eildon following the long Field Naturalists Association) and Mr. Geoffrey Wes­ drought produced problems for both committees. A cott (a former Director of the Conservation Council of temporary boat launching service was authorised to Victoria) were appointed as new members. operate during January and Easter as the existing boat Mr. H.G. Bleakley. Cr. R.W. Ritchie, OBE, and Mr. ramps were left high and dry. The Water Reserve D.S. Saunders, Director of National Parks, continue as Committee provided $3.000 towards the cost of pro­ members. viding a new low level boat launching ramp which was completed in May. Mr. D.W. Goode, Mr. H. C. FitzRoy and Dr. E.H.M. Ealey retired from the Council. Mount Buffalo National Park Mr. Goode has had an official association of 26 years in The Hon. I. A. Swinburne CMG continued as chairman an honorary capacity with the management of Vic­ and the membership remained unchanged. toria's national parks; as a member of the National Parks Authority (1957-71), the National Parks Advis­ Two meetings were held during the year, on 15/8/1982 ory Committee (1971-75) and the National Parks Ad­ and on 12/12/1982. On both these occasions an inspec­ visory Council (1975-81). Mr. Goode's association tion was held of various aspects of the park, and con­ with National Parks preceeded the establishment of the sultations held with the Director and the District National Parks Authority - he was an active par­ Superintendent. ticipant in public meetings and in deputations to the On the initiative of the Advisory Committee, the coun­ Government during the 1950s as a result of which the cillors and staff of Myrtleford and Bright Shires were National Parks Act was first passed by the State Par­ invited to an informal gatherings at the park on liament. During those 26 years he has contributed an 12/l/1983. This day was very successful and of benefit enormous amount to the establishment of national parks to all. in Victoria. Following earlier initiatives by the Advisory Com­ Dr. E.H.M. Ealey, Reader in Environmental Science at mittee, this year saw a review and further implemen­ Monash University had been a member of the National tation of the emergency road procedures, covering both Parks Advisory Committee and the National Parks winter and summer operations. Advisory Council since 1971. Mr. H.C. FitzRoy, JP, had been a member of the Wyperfeld National Park - Council since it was established in 1975. Mr. FitzRoy Lake Albacutya Park continues an association with National Parks as Chair­ Membership was unchanged during the year, with Mr. man of the Advisory Committee for Fraser National H.E. Tarr as Chairman. Park, a position he has held since 1961. Two meetings with combined inspection were held Mr. Goode, Dr. Ealey and Mr. FitzRoy all gave very during the year. The Committee advised the Director on valuable advice and assistance during their terms with a number of issues, including grazing at Lake Al­ the Advisory Committee and Council. bacutya, closer liaison with Wyperfeld National Park neighbours, and aspects relating to the major fire which The Council reports separately to the Minister on its burnt 16,000 hectares in December 1982. activities. Lysterfield Park The Committee continued to be very active, meeting on six occasions, Cr. K. Browne (City of Berwick) con­ Advisory Committees tinued as Chairman and the membership remained un­ changed. During the year the Committee continued to The six existing advisory committees continued to assist the Service in development plans for the Park and function during the year. The Minister also appointed a in November work began on Stage 1 of the Recreation new committee for the First Settlement Site at Sorrento. Development.

9 The Committee continued to hear deputations from seemed necessary from time to time. The committees groups interested in recreation activities at Lysterfield. normally advise the District Advisory Committee (which in turn advises the Soil Conservation Authority) Nyerimilang Park on stocking rates, grazing periods, and related grazing and catchment protection matters. The Service, through Mr. Alex Larkins is Chairman of this Committee, its representatives, can submit matters to the which met three times during the year. committees. The Committee reviewed desirable land acquisition and Late in 1982 the Soil Conservation Authority re­ a proposed Nungurner Hills Development, and made a organised its committee system for the area along the submission to the Land Conservation Council Gipps­ following lines: land Lakes Hinterland Study. The Committee inves­ Committee NPS Representative tigated establishment of a resources and local history Alpine District M. Gardiner, District library in the homestead, internal displays, signs, an Advisory Committee Superintendent, North East information box and a donations box. Community in­ District volvement was encouraged. Bob Hodgson, a member of the Committee, carried out work on the recon­ Mansfield Local G. Evans, Chief Ranger, struction of the log dairy, with assistance from a mem­ Committee Upper Goulburn District ber of the Friends of Nyerimilang group. Snowy-Bennison-Dargo F. Noble, District Local Committee Superintendent, Central Hattab-Kulkyne Parks Gippsland District Cr. J. Kane was appointed Chairman, succeeding the Bogong Local Committee M. Gardiner, District late Cr. J. Gibbs, who had died in June 1982. Cr. Superintendent, North East Valmai Gibbs of the Walpeup Shire Council was ap­ District pointed to the Committee. Three meetings and two inspections of parks were held during the year. The Gelantipy-Nunniong­ l.K. Smith, District Committee advised the Director on a number of import­ Benambra Advisory Superintendent, East ant issues relevant to the park management plan which Committee Gippsland District is being prepared. First Settlement Site Sorrento The Minister for Conservation appointed an Advisory Legislation and Regulations Committee for Victoria's First Settlement Site at Sorrento, and the committee met for the first time time Legislation on 29 April. No legislation relating to national parks came into effect Members of the Committee are: during the year. Cr. Dorothy Houghton, Flinders Shire Council (Chairman) Extensive correspondence and discussions took place Mr. J. Ritchie, Sorrento-Portsea-Blairgowrie Con­ during the year in relation to mining legislation. Ul­ servation Group timately, a Mines (Amendment) Act 1983 was passed Mr. P. Collins, Nepean Historical Society but had not come into effect as at 30 June. A provision Mrs. Margorie Tipping, Royal Historical Society of in this Act provides for changes in section 40 of the Victoria Natiqnal Parks Act, which relates to mining titles. The Mr. Simon Molesworth, National Trust of Australia effect of these changes will be that one type of mining (Victoria) title (exploration licence), normally issued for grati­ Mr. J.D. Twentyman, National Parks Service. cules of land (i.e., for networks of lines representing divisions of meridians and parallels) can be granted Victoria's First Settlement Site at Sorrento was the first where the graticule includes a park or part of a park. official settlement in Victoria, from October 1803 until However, that part of the licence area which is relevant early in 1804. to a park has no force or effect without the consent of the The Committee had two meetings, giving attention to Minister and tabling in Parliament. The reason for this draft management and interpretation plans, interim change is that it will enable licences to be issued more management arrangements and access rights. On the quickly where a park is included in the licence area, but controversial problem of the future of the house on the it does not confer any additional rights to the licensee. site, the committee met Historical Society members and other interested persons to discuss the various options. National Parks (Amendment) Regulations 1982 (SR No. 258/82) Bogong National Park, Wonnangatta-Moroka The above National Parks Regulations apply to national National Park, Cobberas-Tingaringy National Park parks declared under the National Parks Act. The am­ Advisory Committees have not been formerly ap­ ending regulations, which came into effect on 28 July pointed for these parks. However, agreement has been provide for new vehicle fees for national parks; for a reached with the Soil Conservation Authority for the new Clause 402A in the Principal Regulations to control Service to use local committees appointed by the Dis­ illegal plantings in parks; and for a new Clause 523 to trict Advisory Committee for consultation and advice as require the secure anchoring of beach umbrellas.

10 Park (Amendment) Regulations 1982 The above park Regulations apply to parks, other than national parks, declared under the National Parks Act. The amending regulations, which came into force on 28 July, provided for new vehicle fees for Cape Schanck Coastal Park and Nepean State Park; for a new Clause 302A in the Principal Regulations to control illegal plantings in parks; for a new Clause 427A regarding traffic travelling the wrong way on a one-way park road; and for a new clause 422 to require the secure anchoring of beach umbrellas.

Mineral Exploration

During the year attention has been given to a substantial number of applications for leases, licences and permits under the Mines Act, the Extractive Industries Act and the Petroleum Act in areas managed by the National Parks Service. Recommendations were given to the Department of Minerals and Energy regarding proposed parks and regarding areas managed other than under the National Parks Act, and appropriate recommendations were also made to present land managers of proposed parks. The Minister for Conservation made the de­ cisions shown in the table below regarding applications forwarded to the Service by the Department of Minerals and Energy for consideration under Section 40 of the National Parks Act. It should be noted that the Minister's refusal of consent often means that only a small part of the licence area is unavailable to the applicant. In addition, the Minister in the case of three applications relating to Cobberas-Tingaringy Proposed National Park: a. Recommended to the Minister for Minerals and Energy that ELA 1303 for mineral exploration should exclude park areas. b. Concurred with the renewal ofEL432, 456,570 and 641 (mineral exploration). c. Recommended to the Minister of Forests that a marble quarry should not be permitted. Applications for Mining and Mineral I<:Ylnloration Reference Park Affected Decision EL 1240 Snowy River N.P. Consent refused in existing park. 1241 (mineral exploration) SL 2613 Snowy River N.P. Consent refused within existing park. (mineral exploration) ELA 1031 Gippsland Lakes Minister refused consent. (mineral exploration) EILA 1032 Brisbane Ranges (quarry) Minister refused consent. SLE 2629 Bogong N.P. Not consented to by Minister. 2630 (mineral exploration) SLA 2475 Bogong N.P. Not consented to by Minister. (mineral exploration) SLA 2846 Chiltern S.P. Not consented to Minister.

11 Staff Development and Training

Certificate of Applied Science - Conservation and Clerical Assistants and Typists Course Resource Development Seventeen clerical officers and typists stationed in coun­ The number of Service Rangers who have completed try centres attended a course at Hawthorn. The course the Certificate course increased to twenty-eight with the included discussions on various Service administrative graduation ofT. Buttle, I. King, R. Jarvis, D. Foster procedures as well as sessions by Ministry for Con­ and A. Rampal. In addition, five Rangers completed the servation personnel and Accounts Section staff. second year and five commenced the first year of the course. Driving Training A total of 24 staff received instruction and assessment in safe driving techniques for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Summer School of Park Management The assistance of the Department of Defence in pro­ Chief Park Management Officer J. Allinson and Dis­ viding driver instruction facilities is greatly appreciated trict Superintendent R. Leivers attended the Tenth by the Service. Summer School of Park Management at the Canberra College of Advanced Education in February, 1983. Firearms Training Twenty field staff received instruction in the safe use of Senior Staff Development firearms at training courses conducted at Portland, J.R. May, Assistant Director (Management) attended a Eildon and Werribee. course on Practical Organisational Management at the Mitchell College of Advanced Education, Bathurst, Other Training New South Wales, in February, 1983. Officers of the Service conducted training sessions for non-Service persons who are appointed Honorary Au­ thorized Officers under the National Parks Act. These Middle Level Staff Development appointments cover specific responsibilities in Cape A number of middle level staff based at Head Office and Schanck and Discovery Bay Coastal Parks. a number of District Superintendents attended a variety of management oriented courses conducted by the Pub­ Personal Accident and Safety Committee lic Service Board and the Ministry for Conservation. The Personal Accident and Safety Committee met at the close of each quarter. This Committee comprises the Assistant Director (Management), the Secretary, a Summer School in Archaeology Ranger and the Ministry for Conservation's Safety P. Johnstone (Technical Assistant Historical Services Officer. Branch) attended the Victorian Archaeological Sur­ The Committee's terms of reference are as follows: vey's Summer School in Archaeology at Corinella. He gained the certificate issued by the Survey as an Ama­ 1. To advise management about ways of achieving the teur Archaeologist. objectives set out in the Service's Safety Policy. 2. To review individual accidents and their implication concerning practices and conditions within the Fire Protection Training Service. The Forests Commission, Victoria conducted a number 3. To assist the District Safety Committees with their of frre protection training courses during the year which individual safety program and to share innovations Service Officers attended. The courses were: and recognized problems with staff located in the Basic Fire Control Course - 15 Rangers field. Basic Instructors Course - 2 Rangers 4. To prepare statistics that will assist management and Fire Management Techniques - 2 Rangers Service staff to monitor the success of the Safety Program. A perpetual trophy is awarded to the In addition a number of Districts conducted formal District that has achieved the best safety result for pre-frre season training topics including fire behaviour, the year. map reading, and safety and survival.

First Aid Training Six. staff gained their St. Johns Ambulance First Aid Certificate during the year. One Ranger attended the Australian Ski Patrollers' Association First Aid course to renew his Certificate. In addition, three Rangers attended a pre-season course in First Aid, Search and Rescue conducted by the Lake Mountain Nordic Safety Committee.

12 Accident Statistics (a) Lost Time Accidents DISTRICT: EG CG MEL. NE NW SW HO MWF* Total No. of Lost Time 5 lU 2 6 4 4 11 4 5 2 3

120 64 5 11 14 47 64 16 17 32 ~ 10 *Mobile Works Force Overall result: 56 Lost Time Accidents. Days Lost: 403. Lost Time Accident Frequency: 69.

(b) Accident Trends

Injury Type No.ofLTA No. ofNTLA Percentage LT A Percentage NL TA Total Total

Back 9 7 16.0 14.3 Eye 10 8 17.9 16.3 Neck 2 3.6 Leg/Knee/ Ankle/Foot 15 9 26.8 18.4 Arm/Shoulder/Elbow/Hand 14 19 25.0 38.8 Head 3 1 5.4 2.0 Trunk 1 4 1.7 8.2 Other 2 1 3.6 2.0

Total 56 49 100% LT A-Lost Time Accidents NTLA-No Time Lost Accidents

13 Donations and Assistance from Volunteers As mentioned in the previous Annual Report, very As in previous years all Friends have been active and generous donations were made to the National Parks have provided valuable assistance and support to the Service to enable construction of an Information and Service and to Rangers in Charge in the management of Education Centre at Wilsons Promontory National Park parks. The oldest group, the Friends of Organ Pipes, and a new dairy at Haining Farm. Both of these projects received the Premier Innovative Award from the Gar­ were completed during the year and are now operating den State Committee, a very well deserved award. successully. In April this year the National Parks Service and VNPA convened a conference at Gellibrand Hill Park bringing together the co-ordinators of all the Friends groups. Information and Education Centre of Wilsons During the conference, representatives of each group Promontory presented a brief report on the issues confronting their The Information and Education Centre was financed by particular group and a summary of the works under­ a very generous donation from Hillview Quarries Pty. taken in their park. Following brief reports by officers Ltd. through the R.E. Ross Trust. It was designed by of the Service an open forum discussed the future of the the Service and the Ministry for Conservation architect Friends. A similar conference is planned for 1985. and constructed by National Parks Service staff and There are now fifteen Friends Groups for the following local tradesmen. The displays in the Centre, many of parks managed by the National Parks Service: which are three-dimensional and • •hands on'', cover the Baw Baw National Park geology, history, flora and fauna of the park. A ''Wild­ Brisbane Ranges National Park life Walk" among "granite" boulders, designed espe­ Gellibrand Hill State Park cially for children, includes a hollow tree, animal spot­ Kinglake :N"ational Park ting diorama, a touch table and a seal birth scene. Lysterfield Lake Park History scrapbooks, reference notes and children's Mt Buffalo National Park books are provided in a reading area. Mt Worth National Park Mt Worth State Park Three audio-visual programs, covering Victoria's Nyerimilang Park national parks, Wilsons Promontory and park manage­ Organ Pipes National Park ment, were created, and are shown regularly in the Otways National Park centre's 120-seat theatrette, one wall of which is decor­ Nepean State Park ated with a 10 metre mural depicting the Prom's habitats Warrandyte State Park and painted by art students from Foster High School. Wilsons Promontory National Park The Centre was opened by the Minister for Con­ Wonnangatta-Moroka National Park servation, the Hon. Evan Walker, on4 December 1982. Wyperfeld National Park Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs Haining Farm Dairy and Staff The Federation has had another active year in parks with The new dairy at Haining Farm was commissiond by the track clewaring and construction projects being held in Hon. Evan Walker on 21 April 1983. This 16-bail Bogong National Park during October November 1982 rotary unit was specially designed to allow large and March 1983. Works were completed on the Stair­ groups, including handicapped persons, a close view of case Spur, Bungalow Spur and Razorback Tracks. the milking process in a modern, efficient dairy. Do­ nated funds were used to construct the dairy and a Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers further generous donation has allowed the Service to During the year the Australian Trust for Conservation continue to employ a farmhand on the property for the Volunteers contributed over 700 man days to the next two years. National Parks Service in carrying out projects in parks. Projects were carried out in national and state parks and National Parks Caravan included vermin-proof fencing in Hattah-Kulkyne The Victorian National Parks Association, through National Park, bridge construction in Lower Glenelg their Excursions Group, generously donated over $600 National Park, walking track realignment in Baw Baw to enable the Service to undertake essential main­ National Park and salvage and reconstruction in Croa­ tenance on our Display Caravan. jingolong National Park. Weed removal, walking track construction and erosion control works have been pro­ Friends of Parks jects carried out in a total of eleven parks managed by During the year the number of "Friends" groups, the Service. which are organized under the auspices of the Victorian National Parks Association, increased to fifteen. New Army Reserve groups formed were Friends of Mt. Buffalo, Lyster­ During October 1982 thirty members of the 39th Elec­ field, Wonnangatta-Moroka, Otway and Brisbane trical and Mechanical Squadron RAE assisted by the Ranges. 91 st Forestry Squad replaced Corrigan Swing Bridge at

14 Bulga National Park. The bridge, spanning Macks Creek, was built alongside the existing bridge which functioned as a work platform. Following the com­ pletion of the new bridge, the old bridge was removed. The bridge was constructed with minimal environ­ mental damage. The cost of materials met by the Ser­ vice was approximately $18.000.

The above activities highlight the contributions made by volunteers throughout the year in support of the National Parks Service. It is not possible to list all the groups and individuals who have given freely of their time and effort; however, the Service recognizes their contributions and thanks all those involved.

15 Mr. G. W. Fewster (lefl), representing the R. E. Ross Trust, and the Honorable Evan Walker, Afinister for Conservation, officially open the Wilsons Promontory Itiformation and Education Centre, 4 December 1982. Exterior of the Centre, which is at the entrance to the Tidal River camping area. The design and materials of the Centre blend into the surroundings.

16 The new rotary dairy at Haining Farm, commissioned by the Honorable Evan Walker on 21 Apri/1983.

The National Parks Service/Fisheries and Wildlife Division prize-winning display at the Royal Melbourne Show 1982. Show visitors are looking at birds from a hide.

17 69036/83~2 Burnt boardwalk at Wingan Inlet, Croajingolong National Park, after the wildfire ofMarch 1983.

Facilities which were partly burnt in the Croajingolong fire. Some facilities were spared ... iil.s was the paper!

18 Boardwalk and wooden staircase at Cape Schanck, looking towards the lighthouse. The boardwalk was partly built under the State Government's Employment Initiatives Program.

Jetties at Wilson Hall on the Glenelg River, Lower Glenelg National Park, also built under the Employment Initiatives Program.

19 Principc the Ne:

1.Kinglake N.P. 11 Ste•glitz Historic Park 21.Discovery Bay C.P. 2.Yea R1ver Park 12.Wembee Gorge S.P. 22.Lower Glenelg N.P 3.Warrandyte S.P. 13.0rgan P1pes N.P. 23.Little Desert N.P. 4.Haming Farm 14.Gellibrand Hill Park 24. Big Desert Wildem 5.Fern Tree Gully N.P. 15.Melba Gully S.P. 25.Wyperfe!d N.P. 6.Pirianda Garden 16.0tway N.P. 26.Lake A!bacutya Pa 7.Churchill N.P. 17.Port Campbell N.P. 27.Pink Lakes S.P. 8.Nepean S.P. 18.Mt.Eccles N.P. 28.Hattah·Kulkyne N. 9.Cape Schanck C.P. 19.Cape Nelson S.P. 29.Murray.Kulkyne PE 1 O.Brisbane Ranges N.P. 20.Mt.R•chmond N.P. 30.Cathedral RangeS .• ~as managed by :~1 Parks Service 30 June 1983

-··- District Boundary * District Office N.P National Park S.P State Park C.P Coastal Park F & FR. Flora and Fauna Reserve ® 0 30 60krn

40.Boqona N.P. 56.Mt.Worth S.P. 41 .Wonnangatta-Moroka N.P. 57.8aw Baw N.P. 42. Tingaringy N.P. 58.Nyerimilang Park 43.Snowy River N.P. 59.Langwarrin F.& F.R. 44.Coopracambra S.P. 60 Sorrento Historic Site 45.Aifred N.P. 61.Long Forest F.&F.R. 46 Lind N.P. 62.Lysterfield Lake Park 31 .Eildon S.P. 47.Croa]ingolong N.P. 32.Fraser N.P. 48.Gienaladale N.P. 33.Mt.Samaria S.P. 49.The Lakes N.P. 34.Wabonga Plateau S.P. 50.Gippsland Lakes C.P. 35.Mt.Buffalo N.P. 51.Holey Plains S.P. 36.Warby Range S.P. 52.Bulga N.P. 37.Beechworth Historic Park 53.Tarra Valley N.P. 38.Chiltern State Park 54.Morwell N.P. 39.Burrowa·Pine Mountain N.P. 55.Wilsons Promontory N.P. Administration Division The Administration Division is responsible for pro­ Service staff co-operated with the Police, Country Fire viding clerical support for the field and professional Authority and the Fisheries and Wildlife Division in the staff in head office, district offices and the parks. detection of some offences. No new positions were established within the Admin­ Forty-seven offenders were prosecuted for offences istration Division this year. The vacant position of including improper use of vehicles (mainly trail bikes), Administrative Officer Class 'C' at Mount Buffalo indecent and offensive behaviour, failing to give name National Park was redesigned to Clerical Assistant and address, causing damage to park facilities and Grade Ill. vegetation, littering, having and using firearms in Mr. Bill Hadden commenced duty as Executive Officer parks, interfering with wildlife, and having dogs in Class 'C2', Management Division. District clerks were parks. appointed to the vacant positions at Horsham, Colac Four reports relating to the lighting of fires in a park on a and Traralgon. day of total fire ban were referred to the police for necessary action. Resignations Thr~ long-serving members of the Service's staff re­ Warnings were issued on fifty-seven offences and six signed or retired during the year. All three contributed a matters are currently under consideration. great deal to the park system, and their efforts were Stores and Purchasing widely appreciated. A total of9,443 orders were placed during the year at a Gary Anderson, Ranger in Charge, Fraser National value of $4,189,150. Park, resigned after 17 years with the Service at both The breakdown of the number and total value of orders Wyperfeld and Fraser National Parks. issued by each District Office and by Head Office was Bill Garner, Ranger in Charge, Churchill National as follows:- Park, retired after 20 years with the Service. District Number of Orders Betty Gilbert, District Clerk, Central Gippsland, retired Issued Total Value after seven years with the Service at both South Gipps­ Melbourne 1319 $272,146 land and Central Gippsland District Offices. Nepean 656 125,013 Geelong-Otway 561 115,369 Office Accommodation South West 491 95,180 The South Gippsland District Office was relocated from North West 659 172,322 Yanakie to Foster in line with the Service's policy to North East ll14 257,627 locate such offices in the local business district. The Upper Goulburn 505 118,907 Service's East Gippsland district office was relocated Central Gippsland 465 105,200 with other Ministry agencies to a new office in South Gippsland 648 147,025 Baimsdale. East Gippsland 927 147,196 Office accommodation was provided at Swifts Creek Sub total 7345 1,555,985 for the Ranger for the Omeo section of Bogong National Head Office 2098 2,633,165 Park, and in the Chiltern Court House for the Ranger for Chiltern and Beechworth Parks. TOTAL 9443 $4,189,150 Office accommodation was provided in the new Infor­ mation Centre at Tidal River for park staff of Wilsons Promontory National Park. During the year, 122 requisitions were approved by the Depot Facilities State Tender Board for the purchase of non-contract Facilities were provided at South Tawonga for the Mt stores and materials valued at a total cost of $97 5,569. Beauty section of Bogong National Park. These facili­ ties include both a depot and an office. Land was purchased at Whitfield to provide a depot for Vehicles and Plant Wonnangatta-Moroka National Park. The Service's fleet of vehicles and plant as at 30 June 1983 was as follows: Housing Two-wheel-drive (Light) 37 Housing was provided for Ranger staff at Apollo Bay, Glenmaggie Point, and Chiltern. The Service arranged Two-wheel-drive (Heavy) rental of an Education Department house at Nelson. (includes buses) 15 Land was purchased at Mt. Beauty and Whitfield to Four-wheel-drive (includes four-wheel-drive trucks) lOO provide for Ranger housing. Tractors 41 Infringements Motor Cycles 20 One hundred and ten offences involving one hundred Boats '18 offenders were reported for alleged breaches of legis­ Caravans 21 lation within areas managed by the National Parks Trailers 120 Service. Plant 19 22 Seven vehicles were added to the vehicle fleet. These Occupancies were arranged over areas managed by the were purchased specifically for the new parks, Bogong Director of National Parks under the provisions of the National Park (three vehicles) and Wonnangatta­ Crown Land Reserves Act 1978. These included graz­ Moroka National Park (three) and Lysterfield Lake Park ing at Gellibrand Hill Park. (one). District Offices now administer permits for beekeeping Revised specifications were prepared for four-wheel­ within parks and occupation of huts on the Glenelg drive vehicles and tractors. These specifications were River. prepared to ensure that the Service is able to select the vehicles and plant most suited to meet the extreme D Records Management operating demands required. The Motor Vehicle" Safety and Accident Review Com­ Freedom of Information mittee met each quarter to review motor vehicle acci­ Three applications were received and processed in dents to identify the reasons for these accidents and to accordance with the Freedom of Information Code. take appropriate action to try to prevent accidents. Preliminary listings of documents held by the Service were prepared for publication as required under the Freedom of Information Act. Occupancies The number of licences and permits issued increased Registry again this year. All transport and vehicle files (approximately 600) were incorporated into the central registry system. Eight leases under Section 19(2) of the National Parks Act 1975 to allow the tenancy of buildings within parks Data Processing remained operative. The lease of the Kiosk at Fern Tree The Service installed two microcomputers towards the Gully was surrendered twice during the year. The kiosk end of the financial year; one at the Foster District has now been closed and another use for this building is Office and the other at Head Office. The Foster com­ being investigated. puter is a single-user Option 2, and the Head office Twenty-one permits under Section 21 (I}( c) of the computer is a larger multi-user Micromation currently National Parks Act 1975, allowing commercial opera­ supporting three work stations. The latter computer is tions of a temporary nature within parks, were operative for shared use by NPS and F&WLD. at some stage during the year. It is anticipated that the Software packages obtained include database and word numbers of these permits will rise sharply next year processing facilities, in addition to a BASIC compiler. following acceptance of the Service's newly formulated policy for licensing commercial recreation activities in These computers will update administrative techniques parks. and provide quick access to valuable management data. They will become part of the Government's accounting Thirty-five grazing licences were issued or renewed and financial control system as well as providing a under Section 25A of the National Parks Act 1975 to facility to maintain and regularly update information for allow for the continuation of grazing as recommended stores/equipment control, records management, per­ by the Land conservation Council in Bogong, sonnel, salaries, and vehicle operations. They will also Wonnangatta-Moroka, Snowy River and Tingaringy be used to establish inventories of the physical re­ National Parks: twenty-two licensees grazed approxim­ sources in parks. ately 4000 head of cattle in Bogong National Park at a fee of $3.00 per head; eleven licensees grazed approximately 2,200 head of cattle in Wonnangatta­ Moroka National Park at a fee of $1.50 per head; one licensee grazed cattle in Tingaringy National Park and one grazed cattle in Snowy River National Park. In some cases part or all of these fees were paid to other Departments. Other licences renewed under Section 25A were for hut sites (Croajingolong and Lower Glenelg National Parks) and water storages (Mt. Buffalo National Park). Twenty-four grazing and occupancy licences were issued or renewed under Section 26A of the National Parks Act 1975 to allow for the continuation of pre­ viously existing activities in new or recently declared parks other than National Parks. Leases were signed for and on behalf of two Surf Life Saving Clubs for twenty year tenancies over clubhouses at Portsea and Gunnarnatta in Cape Schanck Coastal Park.

23 Resources Division The Resources Division is responsible for planning, people engaged in projects within the Service and the resource investigations, research, interpretation, pub­ Ministry for Conservation. A procedure for rapid re­ licity and historical aspects of the parks system. connaisance of vegetation is being developed for use in The four branches in the Division are Resources and the preliminary planning of new parks. Planning, Research, Historical Services and Other resource studies were concerned with the com­ Interpretation. pilaton of inventories of natural resources vegetation units, mammals, endangered flora and fauna, and D Resources and Planning Branch physiographic units in the State and the extent to which these are represented in the park system. Staff Mr. Peter Rennick was appointed as a project officer Land Conservation Council based in Bairnsdale with the majority of his program Submissions were prepared by the Service for the South involved in planning. Gippsland Area, District 2, Gippsland Lakes Hinter­ land, South West I (Review Study Areas) as well as Planning Special Investigations of the Hill End and Alpine Study Areas. The Service is also involved in the preparation of ~ork proceeded on Interim Management Plans for new parks and various other management and action plans information for the Murray Valley Study Area. for existing parks. Logging Agreements A draft plan for Bogong National Park was produced for An agreement in accordance with Section 25B of the release for public comment during August 1983. A National Parks Act for the taking and selling of forest detailed report on huts in the Bogong National Park was produce was drawn up and ratified for Wonnangatta­ compiled. The 1974 Plan of Management for Gelli­ Moroka National Park. Studies of fauna values are brand Hill Park was revised to provide a development continuing in Chiltern State Park in preparation for an plan for the park. An action plan for development areas agreement on forest produce for this area. at Mount Buffalo National Park was prepared. A major task has been to commence the gathering of Mapping resource information for the proposed South Gippsland A range of maps of Service areas has been produced in Marine and Wildlife Reserves, in conjunction with the recent years. There have, however, been few base maps Fisheries and Wildlife Division. of parks produced and an intensive mapping program Several site plans for developments associated with was undertaken during the year by the General Drafting Employment Initiative schemes in parks involved the Service of the Ministry for Conservation to help over­ input of the branch. come this problem. A total of 32 base maps were drafted, ready for checking at field level. Many small­ There is an ever-increasing workload associated with scale maps were also produced or updated for inclusion planning permit applications, planning scheme in information and interpretation publications, and amendments, leases, licences and permits, together several coloured display maps were prepared for use in with consents to public authorities and consideration of Service information centres. exploration and mining leases and licences.

Investigations Research Branch The section has been involved in many issues relating to The branch, with a staff of three, is responsible for new parks proposed by the government, but not yet initiating, co-ordinating and supervising research and implemented, including: monitoring projects in parks. External projects are field inspections and reports commenting on mining conducted under authority of permit. To assist in the applications, occupancies and non-conforming planning, interpretation and management of parks, out­ uses; side assistance in sought and certain projects are - preliminary investigations necessary for the commissioned. implementation and management of new parks, including legislative requirements, resource inven­ Research Permits tories, and mapping; Over 100 permits for projects were issued, 70% being - provision of comments to public inquiries on mat­ for new projects, and over 70 reports, including re­ ters relating to parks and proposed parks, and other search theses, were received. Biological and ecological government inquiries and committees. projects (88%) predominated over geological, archaeological and other projects. Resource studies Biology A detailed survey of the floristics of Otway National Monitoring ecological effects of fires has continued and Park was carried out. Vegetation reports were com­ is being extended to areas burnt by tpe extensive wild­ pleted in conjunction with other projects in the Division fires last summer at Wyperfeld, Croajingolong and and advice on vegetation and flora were provided for Alfred National Parks.

24 Study is continuing of the interaction between grazing recording systems, particularly at the more recently animals and fire on remnant grassland-woodland plant declared parks. There were significant decreases in the communities at Gellibrand Hill Park to aid rehabili­ winter use of Mt. Buffalo National Park due to lack of tation and management of the area. An aerial census of snow, in the use ol' Fraser National park due to the low kangaroos in parks of north-western Victoria was con­ level of water in Lake Eildon, in the summer use of ducted as part of regular annual monitoring. Particular some of the inland parks due to the hot, dry conditions areas were also surveyed from the ground to provide and in the parks in far east Gippsland due to the exten­ data for management. In addition, studies were initiated sive bushfires. of kangaroo diet, movement, breeding and population age structure at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park to assist in future kangaroo population management consistent D Historical Services Branch with planned habitat rehabilitation and the conservation of flora and fauna. The Historical Services Branch deals with a wide range With the assistance of a National Estate grant, a two of historical matters within the Service. This work falls year study of Mallee fowl commenced at Wyperfeld into three categories: National Park. The study aims to determine the con­ 1. Surveying and locating historic features in parks by servation status of Mallee fowl and identity factors field inspection and documentary research. Investi­ affecting their distribution and abundance so that ap­ gations during the year included the proposed propriate action can be taken for their conservation. Castlemaine-Chewton Historic Area (site surveys Following on from last year's survey to ascertain status and report to assist preparation of a Management of fauna in timber production areas at Chiltern State Plan); Lower Glenelg National Park (assessment of Park, research involving the Forests Commission was historical value of certain occupancies); Nyeri­ begun of the habitat requirements of the Squirrel Glider milang (oral history); Fraser National Park (land to provide guidelines for future management. settlement history); Langwarrin Reserve (field Other major projects included the preparation of survey of historic sites and relics). management plans for Scientific Reference Areas, and 2. Maintaining and augmenting the Service's historical a detailed survey of vegetation and wildlife together records, including: with providing management guidelines for Langwarrin • Collections of historical photographs and slides Flora and Fauna Reserve. and of contemporary photographs and slides of historic features. Recreation • Collections of copies of historical maps and plans The main emphasis was given to continuing liaison with of parks, localities and buildings. major user groups on recreation issues, liaison with all • A library of reference works. major tertiary colleges offering recreation courses, and • A Register of Historic Sites, stored on computer improving the basis for determining park visitor (development stage only). statistics. The collections of historic photographs of Wilsons The reliability of recording visitor activity in parks was Promontory, Fraser, Wonnangatta-Moroka and improved by the development of a relatively low-cost Lower Glenelg National Parks and Gellibrand Hill office recording device which operates on changes in Park were considerably enlarged. the inductance of a wire loop buried beneath the road 3. Providing technical advice to park staff to assist in surface. This new style of counter can be installed in restoration, protection and presentation of historic either sealed or gravel roads, is less subject to vandal­ features, in co-operation with the Research Archi­ ism and results in a more accurate record of traffic volume than the traditional pneumatic tube traffic tect of the Historic Buildings Council and archi­ counters. tectural consultants. The features concerned have been "Woodlands" Homestead complex in Gelli­ A number of other authorities concerned with visitor brand Hill Park, Nyerimilang homestead and farm monitoring have expressed interest in adapting the buildings and "Glenample" homestead near Port Service's computer based recording system for visitor Carnpbell National Park. Further restoration work use. has been carried out at "Glenarnple" to make the At several parks, the data collected on visitor use was building weatherproof. At "Woodlands" the major expanded to give an improved estimate of total visitor works have been external painting, installation of use for the park. plumbing and wiring and new internal and external For the 1982/83 year, 6.94 million visitor days were fittings. recorded in parks managed by the Service. This total Reports prepared by the Branch during the year was made up of 567,000 campernights (an increase of included: 0.6% over the previous year), and 6.38 million day 1. Gellibrand Hill Park Development Plan visitors (8 .5% increase). Overall, the level of visitor use 2. First Settlement Site Sorrento Proposed Manage­ increased by 7. 8 per cent. Much of this increase is ment Plan attributed to the fine weather over the December­ 3. Castlemaine-Chewton Historic Area Resources January holiday period and significantly improved Survey.

25 The Branch was also involved in: the role of .the Service, and an interview with the • preparation of a new historical display at Ranger-in-Charge, Wilsons Promontory National Park. "Woodlands"; Other brochures and information sheets were updated • preparation of the history section of the display in the and reprinted as required. The Service now has nearly new Information Centre, Wilsons Promontory 50 self-guided walks and drives, and checking and National Park; revising the associated leaflets has become an important • arranging the history section of the display in the task for the Branch. Park office, Fraser National Park; A new venture this year was the joint publication with • compilation of "Parknotes" on the history of Fraser the Victorian National Parks Association of a booklet National Park and Werribee Gorge State Park; "Discovering the Prom on Foot". Released in time for • negotiations for the transfer of the former St. the summer holidays, the booklet gives detailed notes Thomas' Roman Catholic Church from Norlane, for four nature walks (Lilly Pilly Gully, Squeaky Geelong to its original location in Steiglitz Historic Beach, Millers Landing and Mount Oberon), shorter Park; descriptions of all other tracks in the park, and bush­ • preliminary arrangements for the running of the walking hints. Successful sales are encouraging the Victoria Archaeological Survey's Summer School in Association and the Service to consider other joint archaeology in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park and publications. Murray-Kulkyne Park. The Superintendent represented the Director on the Information Centres Archaeological Relics Advisory Committee (formed Our biggest project this year was the design and produc­ under Section 5 of the Archaeological and Aboriginal tion of major displays in the Wilsons Promontory Relics Act) and was seconded to the Department of Information and Education Centre at Tidal River. Planning for six months to prepare a series of review In April, the Centre was judged the Best New Exhibi­ papers on heritage administration in Victoria. tion in Australia in the 1983 Australian Museum of the The Historian was appointed Convenor of a Steering Year Awards. It also received the Best New Exhibition Committee, responsible to the Gardens and Environ­ Award for Victoria. These awards suggest that the ment Committee of Victoria's 150th Anniversary Cel­ "involvement" approach developed in Royal Show ebrations, to investigate the feasibility of a long displays and in other information centres is being recog­ distance walking track following Major Mitchell's nised as a successful one. 1836 journey in Western Victoria. The Port Campbell Information Centre gained a new exhibit during the year-a number of objects recovered from the wrecks of the "Loch Ard" and "Schom­ 0 Interpretation Branch berg", donated by a group of local divers. Minor maintenance and additions were carried out at the other The Interpretation Branch is responsible for publica­ Information Centres. tions, displays, publicity, public relations and educa­ tion. A major role of the Branch is to assist and train Displays field staff in interpretation. Our 1982 Royal Melbourne Show display also won an award: the Premier's Prize for the best exhibit in the Publications Victorian Government Expo Centre. Rising costs and increasing demand have led to a This year we worked in conjunction with the Fisheries decision that "Parknotes" sheets will be produced for and Wildlife Division to create a Wetlands Walk in the all parks, and that some folded brochures will not be Expo Centre's central courtyard. A bird hide was set up retained. Parknotes sheets, while not as attractive as and visitors could see ibis, swamphens, ducks and other printed, folded brochures, can be typewritten or type­ waterbirds in realistic surroundings; potoroos and set, are quick and cheap to produce, and can readily be stone-curlews were housed in other enclosures; and altered and updated. there were frog-call boxes, smellie tubes, feelie boxes During the year, new Parknotes sheets were produced and the obligatory billy tea. A small picnic area land· for the Big Desert Wilderness, Cape Schanck Coastal scaped with native trees loaned by the Natural Re­ Park, Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park, Hattah­ sources Conservation League provided an oasis where Kulkyne National Park, Lake Albacutya Park, Mt. weary Show visitors could relax for a while. Over Eccles National Park, Princess Margaret Rose Caves, 60,000 people went through the walk. and Wyperfeld National Park. Camping guides, also on Parknotes sheets, were produced for Cathedral Ranges, Display Van Croajingolong, Discovery Bay, Hattah-Kulkyne, The National Parks display caravan was in frequent use Lower Glenelg, Mt. Buffalo and Wyperfeld. New around Victoria during the year. At events such as the nature walk leaflets were written for Eildon State Park Geelong and Red Hill Shows, the Beechworth Easter (She-oak Creek), Lower Glenelg National Park (River Festival and Ballarat Funday, townships such as Alex­ View) and Mt. Eccles National Park (Crater Rim). A andra, Loch Sport and Mallacoota, in the City Square series of 12 environmental activities for Highfield was and at schools in many country towns, it proved to be a also printed, as were an updated reference list, notes on popular attraction for adults and children alike, and an

26 excellent way of publicising the Service and its acti­ Branch members attend meetings of the Museum Edu­ vities. The Victorian National Parks Association again cation Association of Victoria and discuss common assisted the Service by generously providing over $600 approaches and problems, and the closer association for maintenance of the van. with other educational institutions is proving mutually beneficial. Holiday Programs For seven years now, special holiday programs of Efforts to obtain the services of seconded teachers are guided walks, slide talks and children's activities have continuing. The demand for services and materials is been run in the more popular national park areas, and growing, and existing park and Branch staff cannot these continued over the past year. meet it adequately. Partly through budget constraints and partly as a result Awards of ranger training and increased experience, park staff In addition to the Museum of the Year awards and the are taking more responsibility for planning and running Royal Melbourne Show award, the Service also the programs, although Head Office and temporary received: staff are still involved. • A merit award from the Royal Australian Institute of Over the summer holidays, activity programs were Architects (Victorian Chapter) for our interpretation conducted in eleven parks (Wilsons Promontory, Port publications, displays and programs. Campbell, Cape Schanck, Nepean, Mt Buffalo, Fraser, Lower Glenelg, Discovery Bay, Mt Eccles, Melba • A Roadside Conservation Committee Award for the Gully and Otway) and various interpretive services Euchre Valley Nature Drive in Lind National Park. provided in many other parks. More than 21,000 people took part in the various activities organised by per­ manent and temporary staff and volunteers. During Easter, rangers organised programs in 20 parks. Over 4,000 people were involved in activities including kiteflying and history walks as well as the more usual nature walks and billy tea and damper sessions. Some 2,000 children became Junior Rangers during summer and Easter by completing various projects such as involving their families in nature walks, drawing animals and their tracks and collecting rubbish. Later in the year a newsletter was produced and sent to all these Junior Rangers to maintain their interest in national parks and conservation.

Media Publicity Summer programs obtained considerable media cover­ age, particularly in newspapers in south-west Victoria, on radio and TV in the north-east, and on radio on the Momington Peninsula. The Wilsons Promontory In­ formation and Education Centre also received good media coverage, especially as a result of the Museum of the year Award. Among other items featured at differ­ ent times were the new suspension bridge built by Army Reserve engineers in Bulga National Park, the work of the Friends ofGellibrand Hill Park, and (more recently) the Park Access Programs.

Education Services to schools and tertiary institutions include provision of display and study materials, assistance in planning excursions to parks and talks to teacher and student groups by park, district and head office staff. Tertiary students and institutions have also assisted the Branch in developing educational material. Frankston T AFE College provided display charts and other material for Highfield, and students at Victoria College (Rusden Campus) developed materials at Wilsons Promontory, Highfield and Raining Farm during term holidays. In addition, two teacher volunteers are work­ ing on a Teacher's Guide for Gellibrand Hill Park.

27 Management Division The Management Division is responsible for the general • Mt. Samaria State Park. The Camphora camping operation and maintenance of the parks system, for area and walking track project was commenced. technical and developmental support and the protection Completed work includes construction of camping of parks. The Division has three branches: Park areas and formation of walking tracks (part E. LP.). Management, Operations and Park Protection. • Fraser National Park. A new boat ramp was con­ Activities in all areas under the Division's control tructed as a joint venture with the Eildon Water expanded during the year, assisted by the filling of two Reserve Committee to provide launching facilities senior positions in the new organisational structure; when the water level in Lake Eildon is low (part these appointments were Mr. J. Allinson as Chief Park E.I.P.). Management Officer, and Mr. I. Nisbet as Management Officer. Nepean District The Division is responsible for the implementation of • Significant weed and erosion control activities were the Park Access Employment Initiatives Program in undertaken, along with contruction works on public parks. Launched in January, this program enabled the access tracks and a large boardwalk and steps com­ Service to participate in the State Government's plans plex at Cape Schanck (part E.l.P.). A horse riding for employing and re-training long term unemployed trail at Langwarrin Reserve was completed. people, which it did by means of several important South Gippsland District developmental and maintenance projects scheduled for • Mr. R. Leivers was appointed as District completion by 30 September 1983. In the following Superintendent. pages, where projects have been partly or wholly funded by one of the Employment Initiatives Programs, • A new Information and Education Centre was com­ this is indicated by the letters E. I. P. pleted at Tidal River and opened by the Minister in December 1982. 0 Park Management Branch North East District • The 1982183 drought and very cold 1982 winter This Branch is responsible for the day to day running caused a shortage of water supply and freezing of and maintenance of the parks, staff selection and train­ supply lines on Mt. Buffalo, along with significant ing and the co-ordination of volunteer group activities. vegetation damage throughout the district. Poor Field operations are controlled by ten District Super­ snowfalls in the 1982 winter resulted in a big reduc­ intendents under the direction of the Chief Park tion in winter visitor numbers and ski lift ticket sales. Management Officer. • Works completed included a new day visitor toilet Some notable events in parks included: block and further improvements to the power genera­ South West District tor and hot water and heating system at Tatra Inn on • Construction of jetties on the Glenelg River; com­ Mt. Buffalo. mencement of a new Visitor Information Centre and • Extensive renovation of the historic Chiltern Police access steps at the Princess Margaret Rose Caves; a Residence was carried out by Service tradesmen. new residence at Nelson; a disabled persons pathway This will be a residence for the ranger in charge of at Mt. Eccles; construction and upgrading of visitor Chiltern State Park. access and facilities and extensive fire protection works (mostly E.l.P.) • Ranger staff have been appointed for Bogong National Park. • Three Southern Right Whales were sighted at Discovery Bay in August 1982. Central Gippsland District Upper Goulbum District • Baw Baw National Park. Toilets, board walks, bridges and nature walks were constructed, and the • Kinglake National Park. Establishment of ''The Toboggan run grassed and covered with jute Gums" camping area, involving construction of matting. access roads, car parks, campsites, toilets, fireplaces and landscaping of surroundings was well advanced • Bulga-Tarra Valley National Park. A new suspen­ (mostly E.I.P.). sion bridge and gravity feed water supply were built by the Army's 39th Squadron of Electrical/ Toilets for disabled persons were provided at Mechanical Engineers to designs prepared by Ser­ Masons Fails and The Gums. vice staff. • Eildon State Park. The Jerusalem Creek camping • Wonnangatta-Moroka National Park. Rangers are area project is nearing completion. Works on this being appointed to the park and a residence was project have involved construction of campsites and purchased at Glenmaggie Point for occupation by the toilets, construction and resurfacing of access roads, Ranger-in-Charge. Three truck loads of rubbish landscaping, fencing and revegation of rehabilitated were airlifted from the park by a National Safety areas. Council helicopter.

28 East Gippsland District • Survey, design and partial construction of a depot • Extensive works to establish and improve visitor site and car parks at Lysterfield Lake Park. Drain­ access and facilities, including construction of toilets age, water supply 1nd sewerage effluent lines were and camp sites were carried out at various locations installed at Lysterfield Lake Park in the initial stages (part E. LP.) of a $2.5 million development program (part E. I. P.). Melbourne District • Grading and minor resheeting works were carried The district has been heavily involved in the park out on Jerusalem Creek Road in Eildon State Park. access program, will 11 projects employing 71 • A failed crossing over Barrys Creek on the Five Mile people. Track in Wilsons Promontory National Park was • Lysterfield Lake Park. Water supply, drainage and replaced with a small bridge. soil conservation works were undertaken (part • Renovations of rangers' residences at Albacutya and E.l.P.). Chiltern and the start of construction of new resi­ • Extensive weed and vermin control works at various dences at Bright, Mt. Beauty and Nelson. locations (part E.I.P.). • Technical direction and supervision of the construc­ • Gellibrand Hill Park. Extensive works, including the tion of an information centre at Wilsons Promontory restoration of Woodlands Homestead, soil erosion National Park, a rotary dairy at Raining Farm and control, weed eradication and fencing projects were renovation of the kiosk at Sorrento. commenced (mostly E.I.P.). • The commencement of the construction of a caves • Raining Farm. A 16-bail rotary dairy with associated entrance building and three motor huts at Princess services was completed using donated funds. Margaret Rose Caves and the restoration of Wood­ Gee!ong-Otway District lands and Nyerimilang Homesteads (mostly E.I.P.). • New camping areas and visitor facilities have been The Environmental Section constructed in the Brisbane Ranges National Park This section is responsible for the technical design of and Otway National Park, along with extensive conservation works in parks and for liaison with other upgrading of existing facilities in several locations government departments concerned with conservation (part E.I.P.). works in parks. • St. Thomas' Roman Catholic church was returned to A formal agreement exists between the Service and the its original site in Steiglitz in December, 1982. Soil Conservation Authority for jointly approaching a North-West Distict wide range of ecological and environmental problems • Extensive weed and vermin control programs were in parks. The resultant co-operation had defined priority undertaken during the year, including rabbit control problem areas requiring erosion control works needing at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, wild dog control at special funding beyond the capability of either Agency. Wyperfeld National Park and goat control at Pink The Ministry for Employment and Training responded Lakes State Park. to these joint approaches by granting $245,341 under • The drought caused damage to tracks in sandy areas, the Employment Initiatives Program, providing while the combined effect of drought and severe employment for 29 people. winter frosts caused considerable damage to flora Erosion control works are being undertaken in the and fauna. following parks: • Unusual sightings included a Bustard in Little Desert • Cape Schanck Coastal Park ($103,333)- employ­ National Park, a pair of sea eagles passing through ment for 10 people for 20 weeks planting marram Lake Albacutya Park and an Australian Coral Snake grass and defining footpaths and car parks in the Rye found in rnallee near Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. Ocean Beach area of the Park (E.I.P.). • Discovery Bay Coastal Park ($62,000) employ- ment for I 0 people for I6 weeks on a program to prevent two dunes from encroaching into private 0 Operations Branch land. The program was devised after a review of I 0 years' work in the area by both Agencies (E.I.P.). Park Development Section • Gellibrand Hill Park ($51 , 666) -employment for 5 This section is responsible for major development people for 20 weeks to arrest and restore massive works in parks and for ensuring the proper maintenance gully erosion of over 5 hectares (E.I.P.). of major park assets, such as roads, buildings, plant, • Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park ($28 ,342)-employ­ vehicles and major mechanical equipment. Specifica­ ment for four people for 16 weeks consolidating the tions for construction or purchase of new assets are also primary dune system by the provision of access prepared. tracks and camping areas (E.I.P.). Works carried out by the Park Development section Other erosion control measures have been instigated include: from existing budgets. The following list indicates the • Upgrading of tourist tracks in Lower Glenelg park and associated works based on plans formulated National Park and Discovery Bay Coastal Park. under the joint agreement.

29 • Wilsons Promontory National Park: dune stabiliza­ To prevent .further lake bank erosion while providing tion at Shallow Inlet. for safe water skiing at Bridgewater Lakes, the Service • Werribee Gorge State Park: gully erosion control. began trials to reinstate part of the original reed bed by • Lysterfield Lake Park: bank erosion and slope transplanting Baumea juncea from areas in the lake. grooming. Reed regrowth has been encouraging and the results • Hattah Lakes National Park: dune grooming and will continue to be monitored. The Service is also revegation. attempting to protect the banks from erosion by creating • Warrandyte State Park: soil analysis for regeneration a sand beach which will accommodate recreational of native vegetation. pressure. The technique is being investigated further for application in other parks. A formal agreement between the Ministers responsible for the Vermin and Noxious Weeds Board and the Investigation into new materials and products suitable National Parks Service provides for the co-operative for the Service's requirements for signs has continued. production of plans to control vermin and noxious Symbols are being installed instead of worded signs weeds, assessment surveys and eradiction programs. where appropriate and in conformity with the inter­ Planning work included: national practice of simplifying and standardising signs in recreation areas. • Otways National Park- a field survey to map the extent and type of weeds present. • Fern Tree Gully National Park- following detailed Park Protection Branch field survey, a plan for the control of blackberries has commenced. Radio Communications • Lysterfield Lake Park. A detailed field survey of Investigations of suitable sites to establish or improve weed infestation was completed and is the basis for radio network for the Geelong-Otway District, Otway preparation of a control plan. National Park, Wonnangatta-Moroka National Park, • Discovery Bay Coastal Park. A plan for the control East Gippsland District and Snowy-Tingaringy of rabbits was completed and is being implemented. National Park were completed. The Service is grateful to Philips TCM for their assistance in testing to establish The wide ranging nature of weed and vermin problems radio link control systems for the Geelong-Otway in parks has necessitated investigations into the follow­ District. ing topics: Submissions concerning environment effects state­ • Control of wild dogs in Snowy-Tingaringy National ments on the location of radio stations and antennae Park including an examination of the Regulations supporting towers were prepared and it is expected that controlling the type and size of baits previously used. new guidelines will enable compatible users to concen­ • Evaluation of vaious herbicides and the issue of trate installations on a smaller number of prominent safety guidelines for field staff. hills. • Development of a safety frame to enable spotlighting Quotations for new equipment for new facilities and to to be conducted from tray vehicles. upgrade existing systems were called from major manu­ • Management of deer hunting on land managed by the facturers. Tender Board approval for purchase is ex­ Service. pected early in the new financial year. The proposed • Continuing trials of radio telemetry equipment to equipment was selected in consultation with the Forests track herds of goats. Commission and considering the needs of other To achieve effective and durable fencing for both the agencies in the Ministry for Conservation. protection of flora and fauna and the exclusion of Effective communication from new district offices at vermin, fencing guidelines covering a wide variety of Bairnsdale and Foster required the relocation of remote situations are being developed. control facilities from former sites. The Port Campbell base was also relocated to a better site, while modifica­ The success of rabbit control in Hattah-Kulkyne tions and improvements were carried out on equipment National Park, and the result of monitoring the effects at Yanakie and Cann River. of excluding kangaroo and rabbit grazing on regenera­ tion vegetation have led to the preparation of a habitat Fire Protection Committee management proposal aimed at restoring native flora The membership of the Fire Protection Committee and fauna in 5700 hectares of the park. remained unchanged during the year, being: Following an approach from the Shire of Rosedale National Parks Service regarding possible control of mosquitoes, the eco­ Mr. J.R. May, Assistant Director (Management) logical effects of control methods are being Mr. R.G. Yorston, Senior Fire Protection Officer investigated. Forests Commission, Victoria Because of its responsibility for the management of Mr. S. Dun can, Chief Division of Forest Protection about one-third of Victoria's coastline, the Service is Mr. B. Johnston, Fire Protection Officer assisting the Fisheries one Wildlife Division in the An inspection and meeting was held at Wonnangatta­ preparation of guidelines for dealing with whale Moroka National Park to discuss the development of a strandings. fire protection plan for the park.

30 Fire Prevention An allocation of $530,000 from Works and Services • Alfred National Park, 4 March, 1983 2,200 ha Fund was made for the purchase and maintenance of were burnt by the second fire at Cann River. Several visitor faciliti :s were destroyed, but despite the equipment and the provision of necessary access and severity of the fire, some of the sub-tropical rain­ prevention works. The continuation of the drought from forest appears to be unaffected, or only partially the previous year and the heavy autumn rains caused the burnt. postponement of some planned fuel reduction burning and associated works. Fires in Wyperfeld National Park • Croajingolong National Park, 4 March, 1983 - burned through areas in which fuel reduction bums had 42,800 ha were burnt by the same fire which burnt ht>~n scheduled. Alfred National Park. Despite the extreme condi­ Fire Suppression tions, protection works and past fires slowed the The 1982/83 year was one of the most serious for fire in progress of the fire helping the fire fighters to save the history of the State. Service personnel attended 91 the town of Mallacoota from destruction. The wildfires of which 83 affected or threatened parks. Wingan Inlet camping area was badly burnt, with all These 83 fires burnt 7 I ,056 hectares. Only 37 fires but one of the visitor facilities destroyed. Damage to started in parks; 46 fires threatened or burnt into parks. access roads and stream crossings has necessitated In excess of I 6,000 man hours were logged on fire considerable rebuilding. Sustained determined control activities, the highest ever recorded by Service efforts by Service personnel were required to save personnel. facilities at the Thurra River camping area. Ship­ Considering the enormous loss of life and property wreck Creek facilities were not badly damaged. across the state, the Service was fortunate that only six The ongoing risk to visitors of trees and branches parks suffered from extensive fires, these being: falling onto roads and camping areas, the destruction • Wyperfeld National Park, 13 December 1982 - of facilities and the shortage of water caused the over 16,000 ha were burnt when gusty winds carried temporary closure of the park. spot ftres beyond the control lines from another ftre. • Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, 10 March, 1983- • Coopracambra State Park, 7 February, 1983 2,000 ha were burnt by a fire suspected of being 4,350 ha were burnt, including an area previously deliberately lit. Camping areas were badly affected burnt in 1980. It is an indication of the severity of the and access roads damaged by extensive suppression drought and prevailing weather conditions that this activities aimed at stopping the fire's spread to the area with substantially reduced fuel loads was burnt Loch Sport residential area and other property. again. Only two of the six fires started in parks; these were at • Mt. Buffalo National Park, 17 February, 1983 - Wyperfeld and Gippsland Lakes. 1,400 ha were burnt by a fire which. threatened an area previously burnt in 1972. Only remarkable The following tables show the number, cause and extent of fires attended by Service personneL efforts by the fire suppression forces contained this fire. • Fires originating in parks Size Number Cause Area of Parks Burnt (ha) Up to I ha 26 13 lightning, 5 deliberate, 4 I bum-off escape, 1 visitors, l accidental, l other, 4 unknown 1-100 ha 7 4 lightning, 1 deliberate, 97 I bum-off escape, 1 visitors Over 100 ha 4 3 lightning, 1 deliberate 19,700 37 19,801 • Fires originating outside parks which affected or threatened parks Size Number Cause Area of Parks Burnt (ha) Up to 10 ha 20 6 lightning, 3 deliberate, 0. I 2 3 bum-off escapes, 6 other, 2 unknown 10-100 ha 11 1 deliberat.._ 3;s'um-off 71 escapes, 4 other, 3 unknown Over l 00 ha 15 3 lightning, 2 deliberate, 51 , 184 2 bum-off escapes, I other, 7 unknown 46 51,255

31 The .value of having Service personnel equipped and trained for first attack prior to the arrival of other fire fighting services was highlighted under the extremely dangerous conditions of 1982/83. To be able to contain outbreaks quickly is an essential part of ensuring visitor safety. as well as saving parks from serious damage. Of the 37 fires that started in parks, 26 were controlled before damaging more than l ha, while 7 others were contained in less than 100 ha, the largest being 80 ha. The Service records its appreciation of the devotion and diligence of its staff who played a major role in control­ ling wildfire both within and outside parks. Service personnel were directly responsible for saving several people and houses outside national parks during the season. The Service also gratefully acknowledges the efforts of the Forests Commission, Country Fire Authority, Lands Department, Fisheries and Wildlife Division, State Emergency Service, National Safety Council, Armed Forces and volunteers in controlling fires and minimizing the damage to Victoria's parks.

32 Appendix l(a) National Parks Service Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for year ended 30/6/83

RECEIPTS $ $ Balance Nil Contribution from Consolidated Fund 6,961,000 Contribution from Works and Services Account 4,187,236

11,148,236 PAYMENTS Administrative Expenses Salary, allowances & payroll tax 5,505,909 General Expenses I ,454,950 6,960,859

General Maintenance works Wages I ,576,230 Other costs 572.792 2,149,022

Park Fire Protection and Control Wages 363.405 Other Costs 273,742 637,147

Plan and Equipment 273,375 Housing-Purchase & Maintenance 302,249 Establishment Costs 335,300 (Bogong, Wonnangatta-Moroka, and Lysterfield) Other 489,812 4,186,905

Expenditure 1982/83 11,147,764 Unspentasat30/6/83 472

11,148,236

Revenue Paid into Consolidated Fund Park Revenue 1,570,471 Other Revenue 147,265

I ,717,736

NOTES: ( 1) Audit Comments on the financial statements and accounts of theN ational Parks Service are included in the Auditor General's Report to Parliament. (2) In accordance with A.A.S.6the following information is provided: (a) Statements have been prepared on a cash basis. (b) No use has been made of •'going concern'' or' 'accrual'' basis in the preparation of these statements. (c) No changes were made during the year to the treatment of any Expenditure Items. (3) During the year the National Parks Fund was abolished. Because of this, no figure has been shown for the balance brought forward I 17/82 or for balances carried forward 30/6/83. The balance carried forward shown in the 1982/83 annual report, $18,434, related wholly to the excess of donations overrelated expenditure during 1981/82. Expenditure and matching donations for projects funded by private sources have not been included in the statement above. (4) During the year recoups totalling $290,737 were paid into National Park expenditure items. Typically these payments included: - proceeds of motor vehicles sales - funds received from other departments to be spent on their behalf. ( 5J Excluded from the above statement are the following payments made from other Trust Accounts: State Additional Apprenticeship Scheme $172,280 National Employment Strategy for Aboriginals 25,344 Victorian Natural Disasters Relief Account 52,500 - Employment Initiatives Programs 733,498 - Lighthouse Track-Wilsons Promontory 3,365

33 (6) Also excluded are the following donations which were rece1ved tor and spent on spectlttc proJects: - Education and Information Centre Tidal River $259,057 - Haining Farm Dairy 79,650 - Haining Farm-Employment ofFarmband 6,760 - Kinglake Free Access Trail 2,687 Display Caravan 608

Appendix l(b) Park Revenues and Expenditure out of Works and Services Account on Park Works and Developments for Year ended 30 June 1983

Location Park Revenue Wages & General Improvement & Combined Maintenance Development Works Expenditure (including protection) $ $ $ $ Melbourne District District Office 5,071 5,071 Churchill 5,014 5,014 Fern Tree Gully 13,985 74,138 74,138 Haining Farm 57,663 40,585 38,872 79,457 Organ Pipes 36,711 36,7ll Warrandyte 13,408 13,408 Lysterfie1d 3,098 169,177 172,275 Gellibrand Hill 5,350 31,234 9,942 41,176

Nepean District District Office 2,066 12,161 12,161 Nepean 16,010 58,807 58,807 Cape Schanck 89,780 93,603 46,399 140,002 Greens Bush 14,705 72,937 72,937 Langwarrin 8,031 8,031

South Gippsland District District Office 6,685 6,685 Mt. Worth 3,425 18,125 18,125 Wi1sons Promontory 816,551 578,409 17,290 595,699

Central Gippsland District District Office 5,572 11,271 I 1,271 BawBaw 140 40,330 4,622 44,952 Bulga-T arra 14,161 16,956 31,117 Morwell 5,076 5,076 Holey Plains 13,956 13,956 Wonnangatta-Moroka 560 12,739 90,991 103,730

East Gippsland District District Office 4,299 13,474 13,474 LindlAlfred 1,740 1,740 Croajingo1ong 14,639 42,655 42,655 Glena1adale 4,306 4,306 Nyerimi1ang 1,220 1,220 Gipps1and Lakes 7,537 39,683 3,627 43,310 Snowy-Tingaringy 24,619 24,619 Coopracambra

North East District 6,481 6,481 District Office 3,677 3,701 3,701 Burrowa-Pine Mountain 297,204 96,420 393,624 Mt. Buffalo 289,320 2,058 2,058 W arby Ranges 40 12,787 12,787 Beech worth 11,771 11,771 Chiltern 3,481 l,ll4 1,ll4 Wabonga Plateau 14,659 75,133 89,792 Bogong 13,700 1,531 I ,531 Wonnangatta-Moroka

34 Location Park Revenue Wages & General Improvement & Combined Maintenance Development Works Expenditure (including protection) $ $ $ Upper Goulbum District District Office 738 70,135 70,135 Fraser 64,698 6,588 6,588 Eildon 12,190 12,190 Cathedral Range 26,511 3,788 30,299 King lake 15,982 6,255 6,255 Mt. Sarnaria North West District 317 317 District Office 2,288 57,921 57,921 Hattah-Kulkyne 1,554 16,767 4,839 16,767 Little Desert 2,635 53,385 58,224 Wyperfeld 7,718 747 747 Big Desert 45 21,338 21,338 Lake Albacutya 10 9,185 9,185 Pink Lakes 88 South West District 427 427 District Office 766 64 64 Cape Nelson 25,835 25,835 Discovery Bay 1,513 62,392 62,392 Lower Glene1g 40,222 3,451 3,451 Mt. Eccles 2,101 7,231 7,231 Mt. Richmond Geelong-Otway District 1,686 1,686 District Office 7,613 39,865 39,865 Brisbane Ranges 1,202 3,827 3,827 MelbaGully 45,383 45,383 Port Carnpbell 58,640 10,617 10,395 10,617 Werribce Gorge 6,076 16,471 Steiglitz 148 48,809 48,809 Otway

35 Appendix2 National Parks Service Organization Chart

as at 30 June 1983

Director of National Parks D.S. Saunders

Assistant Director Secretary Assistant Director Park Management K.A. Mawdsley Resources & Planning J.R. May l.C. Weir

Chief Park Senior Fire Operations Management Protection Officer Officer Officer J. Hill J. Allinson R. Yorston I Assistant Research Chief Superintendent Senior Chief Supervisor Resources Historical Interpretation Park A. Heislers & Services Officer Management Planning J. Lennon R. Crocker Officer Officer I. Nisbet P. Lawson I District Superintendents 10 Officers

36 Appendix3 Members of Advisory Committees as at 30 June 1983

Fraser National Park Chairman: Mr. H.C. FitzRoy, J .P. Members: Mr. M.S. Wood Mr. R.M. Smith Mr.A.W.Ford Mr. T. Lech Mr. I. May Mr. J. Ritchie Mount Buffalo National Park Chairman: Hon. I.A. Swinburne, C.M.G. Members: Mr. R.M. Rollason Mr.A.W.Ford Mr. R.M. Walpole Mr. A.H. Richardson Mr. P. Dickens Mr. G.V. Watts Wyperfeld National Park/ Chairman: Mr. H.E. Tarr Lake Albacutya Park Members: Mr. R.P. Falla Mr. 1.0. Maroske Mr. W.D.G. Middleton Mr. W.J. Sleep Mr. R.E. Gosling Cr. R.A. Boehm Lysterfield Park Chairman: Cr. K.R. Browne Members: Cr. B.M. Seebeck, MBE, JP. Mr. J.A. Dawson Cr. M. Douglas Mr. D.W. Robinson Mr. R. Russell Mrs. D.E. Tutt Mr. N.T. Wale Mr. I.C.A. Weir Mr. D.N. Hodges Nyerimllang Park Chairman: Mr. A. Larkins Members: Mr. P. Bury Mr. H.Gunn Mr. B. Hodgson Cr. D. Kugelmann Ms. M. LeCheminant Mrs. E. Verrier Hattah-Kulkyne Parks Chairman: Cr. J. Kane Members: Mr. J.B.T. Dean Mr. I. George Cr. V.Gibbs Cr. A.R. Vine First Settlement Sorrento: Chairman: Cr. D. Houghton, MBE Members: Mr. P. Collins Mr. S. Molesworth Mr. J. Ritchie, OBE Mrs. M. Tipping, MBE Mr.J. Twentyman

37 Appendix4 Land under the control of the National Parks Service A. National Parks Parks & Areas B. Odter Parks Parks & Areas (Schedule Two) at30/6/83 (Schedule Three) at30/6/83 Hectares Hectares ~------I. Alfred 2,300 24. WarbyRangeS.P. 3,320 2. BawBaw 13,300 25. WarrandyteS.P. 384 3. Bogong 81,000 26. Werribee GorgeS .P. 375 4. Brisbane Ranges 7,485 27. Yea River Park 5. Bulga 80 6. Burrowa-Pine Mountain 17,300 Totai-OtherParks 7. Churchill 193 (a) Includes "Factors"land(379ha)-incourseof 8. Croajingolong 86,000 acquisition by Crown (Possession taken under contract). 9. Fern Tree Gully 466 10. Fraser 3,750 S.P. =State Park C.P. =Coastal Park 11 . Glenaldale 183 H.P. = Historic Park 12. Hattah-Kulkyne 48,000 C. Other Rese"es Parks & Areas 13. Kinglake 11,290 (Not under Schedule Three) a130nl83 14. The Lakes 2,380 Hectares 15. Lind 1,166 16. Little Desert 35,300 I. ''Gienarnple'' Homestead 8 17. LowerGienelg 283 2. LangwarrinFlora&Fauna 18. Morwell 31,000 Reserve 206 I 9. Mount Buffalo 400 3. Long Forest Flora & Fauna 20. MountEccles 1,707 Reserve 174 21. MountRichmond 85 4. Mornington Peninsula Reserves 22. Organ Pipes 12,750 75 23. Otway 1,750 5. Nyerirnilang Park 200 24. Port Carnpbell 26,200 6. Pirianda Garden ll 25. SnowyRiver 140 7. Sorrento Historic Site* I 26. Tarra Valley 18,000 8. Land purchased for extension to 27. Tingaringy 49,000 Burrow a-Pine Mountain 28. Wilsons Promontory 107,000 280 29. Wonnangatta-Moroka 100,000 9. Land donated for extension to 30. Wyperfeld Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park 340 10. Miscellaneous Reserves 280 Total-National Parks Total other Rese"es 1,575 *Shown in error in 198l/82 Annual Report as 5 ha. B. Other Parks Parks & Areas (Schedule Three) at30/6/83 Hectares Summary - Land under the Control of the National I. BeechworthH.P. 1,130 Parks Service 1983 2. Big Desert Wilderness ~---~---~-~-~--~~-~-~---~-----~ 113,500 Hectares 3. Cape Nelson S.P. 210 4. CapeSchanckC.P. 1,075 National parks 685,808 5. Cathedral Range S.P. 3,570 Other parks 298,080 6. ChilternS.P. 4,250 Other rese"es 1,575 7. CoopracarnbraS.P. 14,500 Total area 985,463 8. DiscoveryBayC.P. 8,530 9. EildonS.P. 24,000 •0. Gellibrand Hill Park 645 (a) 11. GippslandLakesC.P. 16,IOO 12. Haining Farm 66 13. HoleyPlainsS.P. 10,450 4. LakeA!bacutyaPark 10,700 1S. Lysterfield Park I,I50 & MelbaGullyS.P. 48 17. Mt. SarnariaS.P. 7,600 18. Mt. WorthS.P. 1,000 19. Murray-Kulkyne Park 1,550 20. NepeanS.P. I ,149 21. PinkLakesS.P. 50,700 22. Steiglitz H.P. 658 23. WabongaPiateauS.P. 21,200

D Atkinson Government Printer Melbourne No. 120-69036/83-Price $2.00 Errata Sheet 2 Page 38 Appendix 4 Land under the control of theN ational Parks Service. Table A. National Parks Substitute amended table below for existing table. A. National Parks Parks & Areas (Schedule Two) at 30/6/83 Hectares I. Alfred 2,300 2. BawBaw 13,300 3. Bogong 81,000 4. Brisbane Ranges 7,485 5. Bulga 80 6. Burrowa-Pine Mountain 17,300 7. Churchill 193 8. Croajingolong 86,000 9. FemTreeGully 466 10. Fraser 3,750 I I. Glenaladale 183 12. Hattah-Kulkyne 48,000 13. Kinglake 11,290 14. TheLakes 2,380 15. Lind 1,166 16. Little Desert 35,300 17. LnwerGienelg 27,300 18. Morwell 283 19. MountBuffalo 31.000 20. Mount Eccles 400 21. Mount Richmond 1,707 22. Organ Pipes 85 23. Otway 12,750 24. PortCampbell 1,750 25. Snowy River 26,200 26. Tarra Valley 140 27. Tingaringy 18,000 28. Wilsons Promontory 49,000 29. Wonnangatta·Moroka 107,000 30. Wyperfeld 100,000

Total-National Parks 685,808 Table B. Other Parks (column 2) The area of no. 27, Yea River Park, should be 220 hectares.

F D Atkinson Government Printer Melbourne