NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION (ACT) INCORPORATED

Yerrabi Track tenth anniversary

National Parks: new visions for a new century

Tidbinbilla before the nature reserve NPA BULLETIN Vow34number3 September 1997

CONTENTS

President's report 1996-97 3 Wilson's Promontory - The battle goes on 13 Timothy Walsh Eleanor Stodart

More species added to ACT threatened list 13 Annual general meeting 3 Graeme Wicks Yerrabi Track tenth anniversary 5 Parkwatch 14 National Parks: new visions for a new century 6 Bournda car camp 15 Timothy Walsh and Stephen Johnston Trekking in the Karakorum and Tidbinbilla before the nature reserve 8 western Himalayas 16 Eleanor Stodart Len Haskew Counting, culling and conserving our Wildlife 19 Nil Desperandum 9 Syd Comfort Walking in the west coast wilderness — Part 1 10 Pete Tedder

Nursery Swamp Aboriginal rock art site 12 Joss Haiblen

National Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated Inaugurated 1960

Aims and objectives of the Association The NPA (ACT) office is located in Maclaurin Cres, Chifley, • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the next to the preschool and is staffed by Dianne Hastie. Office protection of fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and hours are: 10am to 2pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays cultural heritage in the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the reservation of specific areas. Telephone/Fax: (02) 6282 5813 • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation Address: PO Box 1940, Woden ACT 2606 areas. Membership • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment New members are welcome and should enquire through the of, such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by NPA office. organised field outings, meetings or any other means. • Cooperation with organisations and persons having similar Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) interests and objectives. Household members $30 Single members $25 • Promotion of, and education for. conservation, and the Corporate members $20 Bulletin only $20 planning of landuse to achieve conservation. Concession $15 For new subscriptions joining between: Office-bearers and committee 1 January and 31 March—half specified rate President 1 April and 30 June—annual subscription Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592(h); 6246 5516(w) Immediate past president NPA Bulletin Eleanor Stodart 6281 5004(h) Contributions of articles, line drawings and photographs including colour prints are welcome and should be lodged with Secretary- the office or Syd Comfort (02) 6286 257S. Max Lawrence 6288 1370(h)

Treasurer Deadline for December issue: 1 November 1997. Mike Smith 6286 2984(h) Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect Yvonne Bartos 6231 5699(h) Association opinion or objectives. Len Haskew 6281 4268(h); fax 6281 4257 This bulletin was produced by the NPA Bulletin Working Group Stephen Johnston 6254 3738(h); 6264 3967(w) with assistance from Green Words. Funds provided by the ACT Robin Miller 6281 6314(h); 6201 2191(w) Government under the ACT Environment Grants Program Cover photo assisted in the production of this issue. Approaching the rusting hull of the Svenor at Wreck Bay on Printed by Copy-Qik Printers, Canberra, ACT on Day 7 of the Tasmanian west coast wilderness walk are recycled paper. (I to r) Judith Webster, Annie Tedder and Di Thompson. ISSN 0727-8837 Photo by Pete Tedder President's report 1996-97

with several deviations, and with Murrumbidgee River Corridor draft measurement and repair of damage. management plan and presented a Negotiations for another site for next case for more detail in that year's event are continuing. management plan at a public The event raised the profile of hearing of the Legislative Assembly mountain bike use in Canberra Standing Committee on Planning Nature Park generally, and in and the Environment. Members of particular the problems of safety NPA also took part in a workshop and conflict that walkers have with on management plans organised for unorganised recreational use of the Environment Advisory Com­ mountain bikes. NPA is taking part mittee. I would particularly like to in a working group trying to identify thank Ray Polglaze for his considerable contribution to several Once again NPA faced a number of clearly the problems and come up of the submissions, and Clive challenges through the year, had with solutions that can be made to Hurlstone, Stephen Johnston, Robin some notable achievements, and work. Mountain bikes at present are Miller and the other members of the continued its normal range of permitted only on firetrails but in Environment and Namadgi Sub­ activities for members, the general practice they are used on narrow committees who also made large meetings, outings and the quarterly walking tracks with damage to the contributions. Bulletin. tracks and risks to walkers. Parks and Conservation evidently do not One of the major challenges was The committee was very pleased have the resources to maintain the the use of mountain bikes in to see the new Environment tracks or control the bikes. Canberra Nature Park. This had two Advisory Committee set up at last major aspects: the holding of major The second major challenge was to advise the minister, and events and' daily, often individual, our continuing work to achieve the welcomed my participation in the recreation. NPAhas been involved in best possible management plans for Namadgi and Nature Conservation advising the Minister for the ACT public land. During the year, Subcommittee. Environment, Mr Gary Humphries, NPA, with the Conservation Council Although most of our efforts on the location of major events. After of the Southeast Region and towards promoting the protection of site inspections we advised that both Canberra, prepared detailed fauna, flora, scenery, natural first choice (through the bushland of submissions on the draft man­ features and cultural heritage have Black Mountain) and second choice agement plans for Canberra Nature been concentrated on the ACT, we (using the Casuarina Trail on Mt Park and Tidbinbilla Nature also supported Vic NPA in their Majura) were unsuitable on grounds Reserve. We also prepared a brief struggle to protect Wilson's of environmental damage. We submission on the preliminary draft Promontory from development and accepted a compromise for the final bushfire (fuel) management plan, the NSW Government's declaration choice, using the firetrail from the top and continued with consultations of new national parks in the of Mt Majura into the Majura Pines, with Parks and Conservation on the southeast. The efforts of NPA over a number of years have culminated in some Annual general meeting elects new committee significant landmarks this year. The Annual General Meeting of the NPA, held on 21st August, expressed warm Felling of the Boboyan Pines began appreciation of the work of the members of the 1996 committee with particular and we were very pleased to see the mention for retiring president, Eleanor Stodart.The following members were coordination and preparation for congratulated on accepting office for the coming year: rehabilitation so ably handled by the President Clive Hurstone project officer for Parks and Conservation, Ann Connelly. Immediate Past President Eleanor Stodart Secretary Max Lawrence Parks and Conservation and NPA combined to hold a ceremony to Treasurer Mike Smith mark the completion of the work Members Yvonne Bartos, Len Haskew, Stephen Johnstone, Robin Miller. restoring Orroral Homestead. It is Treasurer, Mike Smith, in presenting the financial statements which recorded sixteen years since NPA first set an operating surplus of $9094,drew attention to an outstanding payment for the itself the aim of seeing the lichen study of $6380 which reduces the surplus to $2714. homestead restored. Many members Following a most interesting address by Anne Connelly on the Boboyan Pines have worked on the site directly. rehabilitation project, members enjoyed a delicious gluhwein supper provided by committee members. Continued on page 4 President's report 1996-97 Continued from page 3 Others have lobbied to ensure that the Bulletin by establishing a NPA is finishing the 1996-7 year the work beyond our scope was working group. I thank all members in a strong position. We know there completed. 1 thank Peter Hann and of the working group, in particular will be continuing work to ensure Craig Richardson of Parks and Syd himself and Graeme Wicks. that the conservation of natural and Conservation in particular for the Their efforts in editing and typing cultural values remains of prime success of the ceremony, and up material have cut the costs of importance in the ACT. We Mr Gary Humphries for officiating. producing the Bulletin significantly, anticipate that our main challenge Another smaller ceremony was and the decision to print it by for the coming year will be to work held during the year to mark the photocopying cut costs further. through the implications of the establishment of the Yerrabi Track Greenwords is still supporting NPA Aboriginal native title claims in the 10 years ago. The track was another by preparing the layout at very ACT to ensure that the conservation NPA initiative. reasonable cost. of natural areas is enhanced in a Throughout the year a varied As a necessary backstop to enable framework of harmony between program of talks was arranged for all this activity to run smoothly the different cultural groups. general meetings. Topics ranged committee has met regularly, with Eleanor Stodart from the lighthearted, in a talk by minutes being regularly recorded by Tim the Yowie Man, to the more Max Lawrence. In managing the serious such as the pig program in office Dianne Hastie provides an Heritage listing for j Namadgi by Craig Richardson, and important and valued service to the a vision for Namadgi by Dr Colin general committee, to sub­ brumby yards I Adrian director of Environment ACT. committees and to individual Seven brumby trap yards in | Included also were reports from members when needed. Namadgi National Park were • members who had travelled to areas I thank the Treasurer, Mike Smith, gazetted in June to an interim of natural significance around the for his work in managing the ACT Heritage Places Register. world, from Iceland to the Antarctic. accounts. We are very pleased that The citation states that I thank Len Haskew for arranging we have ended the year without the detailed conservation and the speakers, Adrienne Nicholson for expected deficit. Several factors have management planning policies arranging the suppers and Frank contributed to the turnaround. One are being prepared, with a Clements for ensuring the loud­ has been the generous response of recommendation that these speaker system was set up correctly members to the appeal. As well as policies be informed by Matthew at each meeting. having a direct effect on NPA's Higgins's 1994 report, Brumby An ambitious outings program of financial position the response to the Running in Namadgi. one or more walks nearly every appeal shows members' support for Brumby running is part of weekend and once a month on the committee's work. Another factor Australian folklore and bush Wednesdays was ably arranged by has been the saving of costs on the culture, and the yards represent Max Lawrence. Outings for members Bulletin, and the third has been a tangible link with this ranged from a trip to the Kimberleys, continued support by both federal historical and cultural theme. a 10 day walk through south-west and ACT Governments through the The once extensive activity is Victoria, to many walks in the ACT's Federal Government Grants to now extinct in the ACT natural parks. Canoe and skiing Voluntary Organisations ($4700) mountains. trips, and outings with particular and ACT Environment Grants ($15 Graeme Wicks cultural emphasis added the variety. 000). The grants are backed up by a I thank the leaders who have made large in kind contribution from It is with regret that we record j all the trips possible. members, in time, efforts and the death of Association member | Len Haskew organised a weekend donations. An ACT Heritage Grant, Dr. Peter Barrer on 17 May ! work party on the shearing shed at still showing on the books, is 1997. Peter became known to Tennant Homestead. Clive earmarked for a specific project, the many NPAmembers through his Hurlstone organised displays to preservation of the Nursery Swamp membership of the Environment promote NPA and ACT Parks at ACT Aboriginal paintings. Without the Sub Committee and his Alive and the World Environment government grants NPA would scientific work on the Lower Day Fair, with new photos to keep definitely continue, but we would not Molonglo Valley for which he ! the display up to date. The be able to provide such a full service Christmas party, a special outing for of community input to the wrote a comprehensive eco- I all members, was held this year at Government, or to publish such a logical survey. He willingly | 1 Nil Desperandum, Tidbinbilla, and quality Bulletin covering such a shared his knowledge of this despite the problems of access was a range of educational issues about area and at the time of his death , great success. conservation of natural and cultural was associated with the NPA in Syd Comfort took over organising heritage, or to distribute it so widely. preparing a further study. j Yerrabi Track tenth anniversary Against the backdrop of Sentry Box Mountain and all the other high peaks of Namadgi, NPA members on June 14 enjoyed the social occasion of the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the building of the Yerrabi track. Foul weather right up to Friday night made it appear that the outing would have to be cancelled, but the sun shone even though there still remained a chill wind. The track has worn well and is still popular with the public who come to see the vast panorama of the mountainous area of Namadgi. Photo Reg Alder

Yvonne Bartos, Reg Alder and Colin MacAlister enjoying Yerrabi sunshine Joan Goodrum (above) and Photo Max Lawrence Andrew Lyne (top) at the anniversary. Photo Max Lawrence National Parks: new visions for a new century This two day conference organised • the contracting out of non-core be developed. Overseas, anglers' and by the Nature Conservation Council services such as garbage removal; hunters' clubs have been driving of New South Wales and the • greater on-ground presence; forces in the creation of reserves. National Parks Association of New • rangers now require university Change is coming and managers South Wales on 18-19 July 1997 degrees; and conservationists need to was held in Sydney to coincide with • greater emphasis on plans of harness this rather than merely the fortieth anniversary of the management and strategies to oppose. association. deal with the challenge of One of the most depressing papers The conference was well worth­ ecotourism; of the conference was given by Doug while, well attended and well • a clearly defined structure which Humman, Director, Victorian organised. The NCC and the NPA takes into account the service's National Parks Association. Mr are to be commended for taking the greater off-park responsibilities. Humman gave a lucid and at times initiative and for attracting a wide Ms Kruk freely admitted that frightening account of how the range of speakers. Almost all the conflicts about park use, such as the current Victorian Government is papers were of a very high standard right of access by recreational threatening the long held basic and were well presented rather than groups, were increasing but assumption that national parks are just being read. The government emphasised that all these were dealt first and foremost for nature officers who spoke were frank and with in an ecologically sustainable conservation. He explained how the gave detailed descriptions of then- development framework. Government was allowing the ideas and policies to prepare for the Peter Valentine from James Cook commercialisation of Victorian challenges of the new century. The University gave a paper he and parks to dominate planning proceedings will be published Peter Hitchcock had prepared decisions. The case of the develop­ shortly and will make fascinating dealing with such matters as ment proposals for Wilson's and relevant reading for all those Promontory demonstrates just how interested in protected areas and • how much land needs to be set vulnerable the parks system is. their management. aside to protect our biodiversity; John Wamsley of the private • the changing nature of con­ The Hon Pam Allen MP, the New enterprise Earth Sanctuaries chain servation and the role private South Wales Minister for the of parks made a sweeping and enterprise can play. Environment, opened the con­ unsubstantiated claim that Peter Valentine showed how ference by questioning whether the traditional national parks had failed private enterprise can generate three million visitors who visited in their basic tasks and said revenue for park management but New South Wales national parks in privately funded and managed warned against parks becoming 1994 were really advocates for reserves could do much better. national parks or whether most places for the rich and the foreign. Tourism in national parks was remained oblivious to the challenges He explained how government enth­ ably dealt with by Penny Figgis, facing managers. She announced usiasm for commercial operations in Vice President of the Australian that in conjunction with the 30th United States parks had now grown Conservation Foundation, Graeme anniversary of the New South Wales sour due to over-visitation and Woyboys of the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service inappropriate development and National Parks and Wildlife Service later this year a symposium would activities. and Simon McArthur - a private be held similar to the recent United The next session was headed consultant. States Parks Service Vail Agenda - Parks - Public and Private, Ms Figgis warned of inappropriate to examine how New South Wales Corporate and Contracted. Gary developments vrithin national parks can best plan the management of its Sturgess, former head of the New and the danger of management national parks estate into the next South Wales Cabinet Office, gave a being for commerce first and nature century. provoking and at times contro­ conservation second. She advocated versial paper on the need for the Robyn Kruk, Director-General, an increase in the supply of national conservation community to accept New South Wales National Parks parks; the expansion of private the reality of the political world they and Wildlife Service, followed her parks, joint management agree­ now operated in. Governments have Minister with an equally stim­ ments with private land owners and not, and will not, match the ulating address. She outlined recent continued emphasis on the fact that dedication of new parks with improvements in the service, 'birds do not sing for us alone' and adequate resources. New means of including that 'visitation to a park is a managing protected areas need to privilege not a right'. Mr Woyboys outlined the extent of control over the resorts and be able parks and reserves that encompass land in New South Wales reserved to levy rates within the park. the nation's biodiversity and offer (5.4 percent) and explained that by Jim Starling of the New South the chance to study parks scien­ the year 2005,28 million visitors per Wales National Parks and Wildlife tifically in a setting that is also a year were expected. He explained Service and Adrian Davey, a source of inspiration. how the New South Wales National member of IUCN's Protected Areas Aboriginal owned and managed Parks and Wildlife Service was Commission, spoke to the topic national parks and the need for dealing with this issue by Resource Classification and more comprehensive marine commissioning a nature tourism Management Planning - do they reserves was dealt with by Aden and recreation strategy. This will be matter? Mr Starling explained the Ridgeway of the New South Wales launched for public comment evolution of management planning Land Council and Di Tarte of the shortly. Management will be based within the New South Wales Australian Marine Conversation on ecologically sustainable use, new National Parks and Wildlife Service Society respectively. Mr Ridgeway staff skills will be developed and and how management plans are summarised the intent of the New management resources allocated to used to provide a framework against South Wales Aboriginal Ownership cope with the challenges of the which proposed activities can be Act 1996. He explained that only inevitable increase in visitor compared to assess their parks of cultural significance would numbers and impacts. sustainability. be returned to Aboriginal traditional owners. He explained that joint Simon McArthur said that the Adrian Davey explained how management with the New South tourism industry could not afford to national parks are only one of the Wales National Parks and Wildlife destroy the environment but ways in which biodiversity can be Service would allow traditional traditional approaches to carrying preserved and that new methods knowledge to be used in managing capacity had failed to predict the needed to be introduced to com­ parks. He said that hunting and impact of visitors. He explained how plement traditional approaches. He gathering would be carried out in Kangaroo Island was being used as also emphasised that social accordance with the National Parks a test case to develop a system that acceptance of parks needed to be and Wildlife Act and relevant plans monitors and manages tourism. promoted to reduce unresolved of management. Public access was The state and future of Kosciuszko conflicts over land use. guaranteed and the land cannot be National Park was discussed by The role of the New South Wales sold or mortgaged or declared Peter Prineas, Nature Conservation National Parks and Wildlife Service threatened species hunted or Council Chair, Ashley Blondell, Advisory Council and of regional collected. Ms Tarte pointed out that Director of Perisher Blue Resort and committees was discussed by Robert temperate waters around Australia Robyn Sevenoaks, a member of the Pallin, Peter Metcalf and Joy Pegler. are poorly represented in reserves Snowy River Council. It was generally felt that greater and that all States are negligent in Mr Prineas outlined the govern­ community involvement in national their dedication of new areas. ment subsidies given to ski resorts parks management was essential Larger marine national parks are in Kosciuszko National Park in and Mr Pallin recommended the needed urgently and within these terms of road upgrades, soil establishment of a board structure should be reasonable 'no take' areas. conservation and sewerage for the service. operations, and the like. The Nature Parks for Biodiversity and Science The topic Parks for the public, for Conservation Council felt that no was discussed by Harry Recher of cultural heritage and for wilderness additional development should take Western Australia and Dan Lunney was addressed by Meredith Walker, place within the park and that of the New South Wales National an heritage planning consultant, Jindabyne should be the main Parks and Wildlife Service. Christine Bourne of Public Land accommodation centre. Professor Recher gave an alarming Users Alliance and Keith Muir of the The errors of the past can be report on the lost of species in Colong Foundation. Ms Walker corrected by the Master Plan which Australia and the almost hopeless stressed the need for greater will permit a farther 987 beds in the future we face in regard to pre­ recognition of the cultural values of park, according to Mr Blondell. Ms serving our biodiversity. parks and the need to preserve Sevenoaks expressed the concern of Dan Lunney pointed out that evidence of human occupation. The local government over the in­ some scientists still do not other two speakers gave predictable creasing urbanisation of Kosciuszko acknowledge the importance of speeches from very different National Park and the effect this national parks and are often corners. was having on regional population indifferent to the struggle to have Timothy Walsh centres. She said visitors to the park them created and adequately and Stephen Johnston use shire facilities but do not managed. Scientists need to do more contribute to their cost. She believes to ensure that future generations that local government should have are given a magnificent system of Tidbinbilla before the nature reserve

The many members and friends who neighbours downstream. One of the attended General Meeting for July oral histories gave the information were informed and entertained by that 'running water cleans itself local historian, author and NPA within 30 yards'. In times of drought member, Matthew Higgins, who and food shortage it was not gave an excellent presentation on unknown for cattle to be 'agisted' in the life and times of the Tidbinbilla the Cotter catchment. The legality Valley, in the days before the nature was a relatively minor problem but reserve. getting there was a major hurdle as the country was so steep and rough Matthew began with some evoc­ that the horses had to be led! Stock ative slides and sound tapes that were also taken to summer snow depicted Tidbinbilla as it is today, leases in what is now Kosciuszko and he also advised us to climb The National Park. Often no tents were Pimple if we had not already done taken on the long journey and so, and enjoy the magnificent views everyone slept under tarpaulins that it offers. with the smallest in the middle! The Tidbinbilla Valley has had a long period of human occupation Queanbeyan was the town' for the with the Birrigai Rock Shelter site Tidbinbilla locals and the journey showing evidence of Aboriginal was a long five hours by horse and Bessie Woods at Paddy's River, occupation over 21 000 years ago. cart. Indeed, the tyranny of distance' early 1930s. Photo Matthew European occupation is much was a problem faced by all. Matthew Higgins briefer with George and Sarah Webb told us stories of a midwife crossing settling there in 1839. A plaque to flooded creeks to be in time for a birth by Yugoslavs. Reminders of this commemorate their arrival has been and of the difficulties of getting help industry may be found at Nil erected in the nature reserve. The when a serious accident occurred. On Desperandum and near the rock Webbs were followed by the the positive side most families were wallaby enclosure. Cunninghams and then in the 1890s related in one way or another so if a Eventually the valley had a came the free selectors including the creek flooded, for example, those communications link to the rest of caught could usually shelter with a Green, Hatcliffe and Maloney the world via a 'party line' tele­ relative for the time being. families. Descendants of some of phone, which if reminiscences are these families still live in the Despite the relative isolation, the correct was neither private, nor in Canberra area and their oral Tidbinbilla community enjoyed a a very good state of repair. The first histories (recorded by Matthew) good social life. Woolshed dances bitumen road came with the enlivened the presentation. The were frequent, especially in the days construction of the Deep Space 1890s saw the first mail run and the 1 of the 'Queen competitions and Tracking Station and the bitumen opening of the Rock Valley School. many properties had a tennis court. link to Tharwa came in the 1980s. This era also saw extensive clearing. We heard of one lady, though, who The old photographs and the By the 1920s the area had become gave up tennis forever after a mouse recorded memories that Matthew predominantly pastoral with a lot got into her underwear! presented really brought the past of sheep and some cattle. The valley also had its own alive to those of us present at the Matthew has recorded many fas­ 'industrial area'. There was a timber meeting. Perhaps some of the most cinating memories of the pastoral mill which supplied sawn timber for poignant memories were those that sale in Queanbeyan, as well as era such as the droving of6000 head were used to conclude the pres­ timber for local buildings and an of sheep from Wagga to Mt Domain entation. Matthew asked former extension to the Paddy's River Station by just the one family, residents of the valley what bridge. The mill was located near the including a two year old boy. And the Tidbinbilla meant to them. Here are people of those days weren't as present day Walking Trails carpark a selection of the responses; concerned about contamination but little evidence of it remains. In ...water and running streams from sheep dips as we are today. It the 1940s and 50s eucalyptus were the essence of the place. was common practice to place the distilling was carried out in, to us, dip close to a creek so that water would seem rather primitive ...the sense of community and could be easily obtained and then conditions but because there were no belonging. in times of heavy rain the dips 'overheads' it was considered to be ...the views of the main range and overflowed into the creeks, which more profitable than farming. The the valley. were also the drinking water for early distillers were Czechs followed Len Haskew Nil Desperandum

Chris de Bruine made this sketch of Nil Deperandum homestead during the Association's 1996 Christmas party. It was bought at auction later that afternoon by Jan and Phil Gatenby who have kindly made it available to This Creed the Bulletin. My cathedral is the alpine ash Henry Gillman had Nil Desperandum built in 1892 and carved the name My chapel is built of granite tors; above the door. Eccentric and litigious, Gillman also had a poetic streak Lyrebird's song is winter's hymn, and of Nil Desperandum wrote: And communion is feast of forest Tho' many cities J have seen, now I dwell 'neath the blue-gum tree, scent nor change would I for palace walls my home in forest free. On wet eucalytpus morning. Nil Desperandum is its motto - always mine in days that's past I've graved it on my homestead flag, and nailed it to the mast. My prayer is the exclamation made On reaching the summit view; My aisle is the track that wends over And onward, upward and unending. NPA Christmas Party 1997 Sunday, 14th December

at Nil Desperandum in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Baptismal streams bring renewal At the end of a long, hard day. And in the snowgum camp at dusk Car convoys will depart for the homestead from Tidbinbilla main Is the peace that surpasseth all entrance gates at 11 am and 12 noon. Picnic lunch (BYO), guided understanding. walks and Christmas auction. M.H. Further details are in the Outings Program. Walking in the west coast wilderness — Part 1

In February 1997, a party from the efficient transport to the start point, each would give the other if Family Bushwalkers Inc. walked subsequent resupply, and safely anything was to go wrong in such a from Moores Valley airstrip on the extracting the usually tired party at remote area. So we took the trouble west coast of Tasmania to Port the end. to meet several times informally to Davey, taking 10 days. After two The wild card on the west coast is talk about gear, rations, the days' rest at Melaleuca, where we the weather, for the region is fully topography and the possible explored the surrounding country­ exposed to cold fronts from the hazards. We also physically side in day walks, the party moved roaring forties which on average prepared by walking together to the vicinity of The Narrows pass through every 5-10 days. several times before the trip. crossing of the Bathurst Channel, On this trip we used Par Avion for An edited and greatly abridged with the intention of climbing the the initial and final air movements, version of track notes of the first eight west face of Mount Rugby (770m) and resupply at Melaleuca on days of the trip follows. Part 2, and familiarising ourselves with Day 10. A float plane from Wild­ covering the second eight days, will Bathurst Harbour. erness Air, Strahan, was also used be published in the next issue of the The party included Kathy Saw, for resupply on the fifth day, landing NPA Bulletin. Judith Webster, Annette and Mike on the Giblin River for the first time. Day 1, February 7: Moores Valley Smith, Di Thompson, Tim Walsh, To cross the open waters of Port to Mount Osmund David Large, and Pete and Annie Davey to Melaleuca, Par Avion used Our two light aircraft are airborne Tedder. The trip lasted 16 days, the 17m vessel Southern Explorer on from Hobart at 1.35pm. Even excluding stopovers in Hobart. which we travelled in relative though I had seen quite a bit of this In these mini-expeditions to an luxury after 10 days of walking. country before my feeling of area as remote as the Tasmanian The other factor necessary for a excitement is mixed with respect as west coast, one of the key success trouble-free and happy adventure we pass over the craggy mountains, factors is logistics: by that I mean was the mutual support and care broken country and thick wet forests. Lake Pedder floats by underneath, and the Frankland Mountains snake down to Scotts Peak Dam. A white slash of quartzite appears dead ahead and the pilot confirms it as our destination. Landing at 2.30pm, the pilots were off as soon as we could unload.

The airstrip does not appear to be maintained. Its heyday was mining exploration in the sixties. I walk away from the party, and the silence emphasises the derelict nature of the place. A leaning windsock, long since reduced to the circular frame without fabric, tells how in­ frequently this remote airstrip is now used. We move off at 3.00pm south along the 4WD track. It is hot and humid, and the broad vista is of drab button grass and undulating hills. An occasional copse breaks the monotony. At 6.20pm we are to the east of Mount Osmund, and find a reasonably flat site and water at a creek junction. li^ptember Saturday daywalk 2CJ^ 28 September Sunday daywalk 2A/C NPA outings program '^VBog' Refs: Miclrclago, Colimon 1:25 Tennent Ridge Ref: Williamsdale 1:25 000 Leader: Matthew Higgins Phone: 6247 7285 Leader: Frank Clements Phone: 6231 7005 September 1997 - December 1997 The walk commences at the end of the bitumen at Gudgenby, crosses It is thought the Dunne brothers, for whom the Tennent Homestead Dry Creek and climbs up and over rhe Boorh Range to an interesting was built, stayed at a hut high up on the ridge above the homestead frost hollow known as 'The Bog' high on the eastern side. This is the while the homestead was being built. This walk visits this site, and site of an old stock camp, and features a hut (now collapsed) and entails climbing the first section of the Alpine Walking Track from Outings guide fencing. The walk is entirely ofTtrack, involves a total climb of around the Namadgi Visitors Centre. The climb is 630m overall, and is Day walks carry lunch, drinks mid protective clothing. 800 metres, and includes some patches of fairly dense scrub to get steep in parts. Meet at the Kambah Village shops at 8.30am. 40kms, Pack walks two or more days, carry all food and camping require­ through. Book with leader. Numbers limited. lOOkms, $20 per car. $8 per car. ments. CONTACT LEADER BY WEDNESDAY. Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent. Vehicles taken 19-21 September three day packwalk 2A/C/E 3-6 October four day packwalk 2A7D/E/F lo site can be used for camping. BOOK EARLY Monolith Valley Ref: Corang 1:25 000, CMW Budawangs Mt Namadgi Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 WITH LEADER. Leader: David Large Phone: 6291 4830 Leader: Mick Kelly Phone: 6241 2330

Oilier activities include nature rambles, cnvironnicnr.il and field guide Joint NPA/FBI walk. On Friday start at Wog Wog entrance, walk to Commence at Orroral Friday afternoon, camp at or near Coccer Gap. studies and ski tours. Mt Bibbenluke camping area or cave. Daywalk on Saturday to On Saturday walk to Big Creamy Flat via Pond Creek and Little Monolith Valley, returning via Mt Cole. Walk out on Sunday. Creamy Flat, set up camp, climb and explore spot height 1711. Sunday Points to note Packwalking all on tracks, daywalk over footpads, rock and light scrub. climb Mt Namadgi, inspect rock arrangements, and if time and weather Please help keep our outings program alive by volunteering to lead outings. Contact leader by 15 September. 250kms, $50 per car. permit, explore towards Mt Burbidge. Return to camp. Monday return New leaders arc welcome. Tlic outings covenor is happy to suggest locations to cars via 'the rocky ridge' and Rendezvous Creek. Some tracks, suitable for a walk if you do not have something in mind yourself. Feel 20 September Saturday daywalk 4A/B/C firctrails, but also expect scrub and regrowth with some rock free to send in suggestions for outings to the association's office as soon as Cotter Rocks Ref- ACT 1:100 000 scrambling. Numbers limited, please contact leader by 25 September. you think of them, with a suggested date. Leader: Mick Kelly Phone: 6241 2330 80kms, $16 per car. All petsous joining an outing of the National Parks Association of the Meet at 8.00am at Kambah Village shops. A return walk of 23km ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and as such accept sole responsibility from the Orroral gate, mostly along a fire (tail and tracks, with some 3-6 October four day packwalk 2D/E/F for any injury howsoever incurred and rlic National Parks Association of scrub on the final climb to the summit. lOOkms, $20 per car. Moore Creek, William Falls Ref: Yalwal 1:25 000 the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders arc absolved from any Leaders: Pat and Eric Pickering Phone: 6286 2128 liability in respect of injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing. 24 September midweek daywalk Joint NPA/FBI walk. An interesting and rugged section of Morton The committee suggests a donation of TWENTY cents per kilometre Namadgi graves National Park. An exploration of Bundundah Creek, including at least DIVIDED BYTHENUMBEROF OCCUPANTS in the car, including Leader: Graham Scully Phone: 6230 3352 two waterfalls. Some scrub, rock hopping and scrambling; climbs to the driver, (to rhe nearest dollar) be offered to the driver by each passenger The September edition of our series of monthly mid-week walks. This 300m. Should be lots of spring flowers. Contact leaders before accepting transport. Drive and walk distances quoted in the program are walk will be the first of a number Graham is organising jointly with 25 Septcmber.for derails. 400kms, $80 per car. approximate distances for return journeys. the Genealogy Society, the purpose being to visit and photograph graves in Namadgi. Other walks in the scries will be held at 12 October Sunday daywalk 3 A Walks gradings approximately one month intervals October - December, and will be Orroral Loop Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Distance grading (per day) additional to our other scheduled monthly mid-week walks. Contact Leader: Beverley Hammond Phone: 6288 6577 1 - up to 10 km Graham for details. Climb on fire trail from Orroral Gate. After lOkms descend on 2- 10 km to 15 km Smokers Trail, then return down the valley, visiting yards and ruins 3 - 15 km to 20 km 27-28 September weekend packwalk 3A/B/C/F of Rolly's Hut. Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.30am. 80kms, 4 - above 20 km Mt Lowden - Mt Palerang Refs: Bendoura, Bombay 1:25 000 $16 per car. Terrain grading Leader: Stephen Johnston Phone 6254 3738 A - Road, firetrail, track An exploratory, mostly offtrack, walk along some very promincnr [1 - Open farest mountains of the Great Divide - Lowden, Major and Palerang. An C- Light scrub interesting range of vegetation, and spectacular views from Palerang. D - Patches of thick scrub, regrowth Walk will be deferred if weather unsuitable. Phone leader early for E- Rock scrambling details and bookings. 120kms, $24 per car. F - Exploratory 18 and 19 October October Sunday daywalk 9 November Sunday daywalk 1A Namadgi work party Void Flats Ref: Williarnsdale 1:25 V Lowden Forest Park Ref: Batcmans Bay Forestry Map Leader: Len Haskew Phone-. 6281 4268 Leader: Col McAlister Phone: 6288 4171 Leader: Beverley Hammond Phone: 6288 6577 This work party is planned to be a cut and dab .mack on brims. We've Meet at Kainbali Village shops at 8.30am. Follow the Alpine Irack Meet at Canberra Railway Station at 9am. Drive via Cjpiains Flat to done a lot of this work in the past with a great deal of success, but, Irotn Booroomba Rocks carpark m Bushfold Flats, visiting Rcid's and l.owden Forest Park in Tallaganda State Forest, and take some of the even so, a lot remains to be done. Come for one or both days. If you Russ's Huts, and lunching on Blue Gum Creek. Return the same way. short signposted walks along ierny creeks before settling down to a decide to stay for both. At this stage it would seem that we'll lit able to or alternatively return via Tennent fire trail and a short car shuffle. nice barbecue or picnic lunch. Bring your own everything (including camp reasonably close ro our cars. Please phone leader to register your 60kms, $12 per car. salt). The Park is the site of an old logging operation, and the Forestry participation. Commission has prcsci ved some relics, including a water wheel which 1 - 2 November weekend canoe trip was used to generate electricity. )20kms, $24 per car. 18 October Saturday daywalk IA Tallowa Dam (Kangaroo Valley) Black Mountain Nature Ramble Ref: Canberra Street Directory Leader: Kevin Frawley Phone: 6271 2883 (w), 6282 2973 (h) 15 to 23 November extended packwalk 3A Leader: George Chippendale Phone: 628 I 24 54 Flatwater trip up Shoalhaven River arm for overnight camp and return. Hume and Hovell Track (southern end) Ref: H&H guide book Meet at 9.30am at the Beiconnen Way entrance to Black Mountain Impressive gorges, campsites with sandy beaches. Canoe hire in Leader: David Large Phone: 6291 4830 Reserve, several hundred metres east of Caswell Drive. A morning Kangaroo Valley ii required. Suitable for fit beginners. I'hone leader Joint NPA/FBIwalk. Walk from Henry Angel trackhead near ramble to learn something of the plants of the Reserve. Suitable for all by Wed 29 October. 430kms. $86 per car. lumbarumba to Woomargama. Total distance is I 22kms, about 7-8 ages. Firing your morning tea. Finish before lunch. days walking. F.xpect to walk up to 2()kms per day. Transport to and 2 November Sunday daywalk 2A I'mm ihe action will be via public transport as Inr as possible: 20 - 24 October packwalk 2A Brandy Flat and beyond Ref: Michelago 1:25 000 Countrylink to Tumbarumba, Vic Rail Irom Woomargama. Logistics Great North Walk Ref: CNW Discovery Kit Leader: Col McAlister Phone: 6288 4171 require that leader receives expressions of interest no later than I (from NSW CALM) Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 8.30am. A pleasant walk on fire November. Leader: David Large Phone: 6291 4830 trails from Gudgenby back to Glendale with lunch at Brandy Flat Joint NPA/FBI walk. Four/five day packwalk from Hawkesbury River hut. Fine views of both the Booth and Billy Ranges. An initial descent 15 November Saturday daywalk 2A/C/D/E to Yarramalong. Total walking distance about 4*5kms, plus side trip to followed by a steep climb, but thereafter easy walking. Suitable for The Pimple Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 Somersby Falls. Public transport will be used to get to and from the beginners. Small cat shuffle involved. 90kms, $ 18 per car. Leader: Matthew Higgins Phone: 6247 7285 action. Contact leader before Monday 1 3 October. Perhaps the best daywalk in the ACT. We shall ascend by the Red Mill

8-9 November weekend packwalk 2A/D/E track, then the ridge to neat Tidbinbilla Peak. Then to the Pimple 22 October Wednesday daywalk Southern Namadgi Peaks Ref: Yaouk 1:25 000 and up to Tidbinbilla Mountain. Descent via Lyrebird Ridge. Steep Leader: Mike Smith Phone: 6286 2984 Leader: Mick Kelly Phone: 6241 2330 climbs and mostly olftrack - not for beginners. Book with leader. 70kins, $14 per car. The October edition of our series of mid-week walks. Plume leader The walk starts from Old Boboyan Road carpark through pines to for details, which will be determined nearer the date. Gudgenby Saddle, where we will take a sidctrip (climb!) to Mt Gudgenby summit. From the saddle we will head on into the Naas 16 November Sunday afternoon tea 25 October Saturday daywalk 2 C/D catchment, and set up camp on Sheep Station Creek. Sunday we will Syd and Barbara's Garden Ginini Falls Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 climb Sentry Box, and return to cars via Old Boboyan Road and Leader: Syd Comfort Phone: 6286 2578 Leader: Mike Smith Phone: 6286 2985 Hospital Creek hut. Walk is mainly on tracks and trails, hut will involve Spend a quiet afternoon browsing and afternoon cca-ing around Syd Meet at corner of F.ucumbene Drive and Cotter Road at 8am. Walk some challenges, "lbt.il distance is about 23ltms, and there are steep and Barbara's award winning garden in Mawsnn. 1 heir address is 87 climbs (widiout packs) of up to 600m. Suitable for fit beginners. from Ml Franklin to the 180m falls and return. A demanding and Shacklcton Circuit, and NPA visitors arc most welcome after 2..30pm. Contact leader by 29 October. lOOkms, $20 per car. constant 550m descent and ascent through fallen timber. 120kms, Fake the nppni utility lot a social get together with your lellow $24 per car. members. 23 November Sunday daywalk 2A/E ccmbe^ (Saturday) Bungonia Gorge Ref: Caoura 1:25 000 ft ibilla work party Leader: Mike Smith Phone: 6286 2984 Leader: Max Lawrence Phone: 6288 1370 Victorian National Parks Association Conference

Meet nt the netball carpark near Southwell Park, Northbourne Avenue Maintenance and cleaning up work will take place in the Nil Victoria's National Parks The Next Century at 8.00am. A steep walk on track down 10 the Shoalhaven River, then Desperandum homestead and immediate environs, not only with a downstream to Bungonia Creek. Follow creek upstream through view to getting ready for tomorrows Christmas party, but also with a to be held at the University of Melbourne spectacular Bungonia Gorge. Climb (400m) out via the stecp'ErTlux' view to helping the long term conservation of this wonderful remnant route. 220kms, $44 per car. of our bush heritage. Those who wish to do so may be able to sleep 24-25 October 1997 overnight prior to the Christmas Party. Phone leader for details and 26 November Wednesday daywalk to register your participation. Through plenary sessions and workshops, this Leader: Col McAlister Phone: 6288 4171 important conference will consider issues vital to the The November edition of our scries of mid-week walks. Phone leader 14 December (Sunday) management of national parks into the next century. Christmas Party for details, which will be determined nearer the date. Further details may be obtained from: Contact: Max Lawrence Phone: 6288 1370 PR Conference Consultants 30 November Sunday stroll lA Following on from last year's happy occasion, this year's Christmas Brooks Hill Reserve party will again be at Nil Desperandum inTidbinbilla Nature Reserve. PO Box 326 Deepdene Delivery Centre, Vic,3103 Leader: Len Haskew Phone: 6281 4268 Because of access problems (a number oflockcd gates Through private Telephone (03) 98169111 Facsimile (03) 98169287. Meet at 10.00am at Canberra Railway Station for a drive to Bungendorc, property), it will again be necessary to form car convoys starting from and a leisurely stroll around Brooks Hill Reserve which is just above the just outside of the main entrance gates to TNR. Convoys will leave (own. The Reserve is 71 ha of crown land set aside to conserve a remnant from this venue at 11am and 12noon sharp, so dont be late or you'll of native vegetation and its wildlife habitats. It is managed by the Brooks miss out. Convoys will also be organised for the trip out, starting at Hilt Reserve Trust, who invite visitors to use the Reserve for passive 3pm. Bring a picnic lunch, and any goods or gear you want to sell in recreation, such as walking (no need for distance or terrain grading!), our auction (and money to buy other peoples' stuff that takes your bird watching, nature study and other forms of quiet enjoyment of fancy!). There will also be guided walks around some of the Nil nature. We'll have lunch at the Reserve and afternoon tea somewhere in Desperandum environs, which include a eucalyptus still, a garden, Bungendore. 90kms, $18 per car. and even a very old koala enclosure!

7 December Sunday daywalk 1A/B 21 December Sunday daywalk 2A/B Treasures in timber Reg Alder's 80th Refs: Yaouk, Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Long Point Ref: Caoura 1:25 000 If you are at all interested in our native trees (and non- birthday bushwalk Leader: Col McAlister Phone 6288 4171 native trees) and the beautiful timber that we have Leader: Matthew Higgins Phone: 6247 7285 Meet at the netball centre just past the Dickson traffic lights on growing around us, you should get along to the 15th

Come and help us celebrate the big 80 far our beloved snowy-haired Northbourne Avenue at 8.00am. Drive to Long Point near Marulan, annual exhibition of the Woodcraft Guild of the ACT, icon of the mountains. Walk will commence at Yankee Hat carpark then walk down a track into the Shoalhaven Gorge. Excellent views 'Treasures in Timber', to be held from 20 to and proceed to falls on Middle Creek, with side trips. A gentle walk of the river on the way down. A swim, and then lunch on a sandy 28 September 1997, 10 am to 4 pm, in the Crosbie conducive to the celebratory occasion. Meet at Kambah Village shops beach. A long haul back up to the cars. 250kms, $50 per car. Morrison Building, Australian National Botanic at 8.30am. lOOkms, $20 per car Gardens. In conjunction with the exhibition, Botanic 4 January Sunday walk 3A Gardens staff will conduct tours of the gardens pointing Mt Gingera via Stackyard Spur Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 out species used in items in the exhibition. If you would Leader: Col McAlister Phone: 6288 4171 A challenging 900 metre climb for fit walkers. Starting from Corin like to know more, please contact the Guild Secretary Dam car park we go to Pryors Hut and then (optional) on to on 6281 6548. Mt Gingera. The first 500 metres is unrelentingly steep but the rewards, Ken Free particularly the views and changing vegetation, make h all worthwhile. Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.00am. 120 kms, $24 per car. tea tree and leatherwood forest up to 20m high. Typically, the creek is guarded by a fringe of thick bauera and tea tree scrub which once pierced, perhaps with some effort, leads into a forest of mature trees with such a thick canopy that little secondary growth is observed and movement down the sides of the gully is easy. The wonder and beauty of the forest and creek make it a suitable place for lunch. As we emerge from the fringe scrub, moving towards Nomeme Creek, we observe that blue skies are with us and the wind is backing S-SW. Finally we overlook the bay and observe the belt of timber indicating the creek about 800m distant. This was called 'rest and resupply'. While some held the float plane steady, Rather than take the inland route - others formed a human chain to unload supplies at Giblin River on Day 5. we are fed up with button grass — Pictured are (I to r): Mike Smith, Annie Tedder, Annette Smith, David we head for the beach directly. It is Large (in background), Di Thompson, Tim Walsh and the Wilderness Air a mistake because it leads us into a Pilot, Graham Bird. Photo by Pete Tedder thick wet swamp in which progress is slow and tiring. Day 2, February 8: Mount Osmund tea tree comes right down to the Several things must be done to Elliott Bay (14km, 7hrs) beach. Annie and I decide to find a before tomorrow's resupply oper­ The ground falls gently towards Low route through the scrub to the ation. The plan is that Wilderness Rocky Point and we get our first button grass, because tomorrow Air will land a float plane on the glimpse of the sea. The belt of timber walking along the rocks will no Giblin River. This is an inaugural along the Lewis River is soon longer be an option. Ten minutes landing for them, and an important apparent. The trail, which has later, we emerge onto the button event for us. Moreover, the day after, degenerated, suddenly plunges until grass plains with Elliott Hill in full we must cross the Giblin River, and a left turn displays the paradox of view. We return and have a cold preparing for this hazard has been an iron bridge across the deeply wash together as we may be an important part of our planning. indented Lewis River. carrying leeches, which are out in Mike, Tim, Annie and I walk to the Over lunch, we agree that a force after the rain. mouth of the Giblin River and test campsite on the coast is preferable About 5.20pm we are chatting the crossing. We are relieved to find to this dank site, so we follow a faint around the fire, when a vigorous it an easy 30-50m chest-high wade track to a point where we can squall comes through the camp and with hardly any current. On the way observe Elliott Bay, then down a the temperature drops rapidly. At back, the rendezvous for the ridge onto the beach. the cove, white horses are in full resupply is checked. It is on a bend gallop, and the wind has backed to After dinner, Judith entertains us of the river where there is a large the SW. By 7.00pm, the continuous with some poems until around flat sandy bank between two huge rain chases us to an early bed, but 7.00pm, when fatigue and in­ dunes. The river is about 30m wide not before storm guys are erected. creasing rain sends us off to our and no snags can be seen. When In retrospect, the weather of the tents. their engines are off, float planes last 24 to 36 hours is a benchmark Throughout the day, we had have a lot of windage and are very example of the approach of a typical startled several ground parrots and awkward to control by hand. I check cold front. four yellow-tailed black cockatoos. the current and make a mental note Not much else in the way of fauna, Day 4, February 10: The Pophole- to ask the stronger members to give except the ever-present Tasmanian Nomeme Creek on Nye Bay this task their priority. currawongs. (8km, 8hrs) Around the campfire, we discuss Day 3, February 9: Elliott Bay to Off by 8.15am. Easily reaching the the resupply operation and agree on The Pophole (6km, 5 dilatory hrs) button grass plains, we push on who does what. There is an air of The Pophole is a tiny cove at the through occasional light rain to expectancy and excitement in us all. northern end of a long sweep of Unmarrah Creek, which is deep-set pebbly beach. A thick fringe of coast in a steep-sided gully populated by Continued on page 18 Nursery Swamp Aboriginal rock art site

In 1996 the ACT Parks and successful outcome as a result of Australia in shelters of similar size Conservation Service commissioned Clive Hurlstone's commendable to Nursery Swamp has shown that a plan of management for the efforts on behalf of the NPA. groups of over six can inadvertently Nursery Swamp Rock Art Site. The The remainder of the rec­ come in contact with the art while plan was prepared by Dr Kelvin ommendations are being imple­ jockeying for position. The plan Officer who was able to draw upon mented by Namadgi staff. They are: recommends a maximum of six his long association with the site people at the shelter and the including his Namadgi pictures • to establish a monitoring program approach signage will remind report of 1989. including photographic and on- groups to divide their groups the-ground techniques, The plan of management was accordingly. • to continue the policy of not contributed to and endorsed by the In addition, staff at Namadgi feel promoting the site to the public, Ngun(n)awal custodians. The that the object of keeping the access • to contact Dr J Flood and her recommendations have been track indistinct would be well served publishers regarding non- received with enthusiasm by staff at by keeping group size small in the promotion, Namadgi National Park and 1997 first place. This point was stressed • to obscure the access track, has proved a busy year of in the letters to organised groups. particularly where it leaves the implementation. The plan flags 600 people per year Nursery Swamp walking track The recommendations flow from as an acceptable level of visitation and for several hundred metres the determination that the site after which site hardening would be thereafter, merits a high level of protection due necessary. This would potentially • to contact organised groups to its: compromise the site's status as a encouraging them to use alternate reference site. The visitors book will • spiritual significance to the sites and to restrict group sizes, be monitored as an index of visitor custodians, and • to involve the local Aboriginal numbers. • scientific significance as a community in activities relating to There is great scope for confidence reference site in contrast with the the site, in the future integrity of the site in more impacted upon rock art sites • to provide a two-stage signage the extremely supportive early at Yankee Hat and Rendezvous approach to the site which both feedback from organised groups. Creek. provides interpretation and Recognising NPA members' long A major recommendation was to reinforces policy including standing interest in the art site and conduct a specialist study into the restriction of group size to six the Nursery Swamp area, I welcome factors promoting lichen growth on people, and any comments or offers of the art, with a view to developing a • to install a visitors book near the assistance. control program. The NPA was site. successful in securing an ACT I am happy to say that all these Joss Haiblen, Ranger Heritage Grant for the first stage of measures have been either initiated Namadgi National Park this study (see NPA Bulletin June or completed. (Since this article was written, NPA 1997). The first observation period The plan of management's has been awarded a grant for took place over 10 days in May 1997. recommendation to restrict group Stage 2 of this project - Editor) The final three observation periods sizes at the art site relates to depend on the news of a Stage 2 ACT protection of the site in several Heritage Grant. I am confident of a ways. Research elsewhere in

Obituary Graham Gladstone Gutteridge Graham passed away, at home, on 16 August 1997 aged 50 years. A long time member of the NPA, he will be remembered by walkers for his enthusiasm for bushwalking, the cracking pace he often set and his sense of humour on the track. Members will look back with pleasure on the good company he brought to our walks. He was an enthusiastic supporter of NPA work parties and on many occasions helped out with his technical skills. He drew particular satisfaction from seeing the completion of the Orroral Homestead restoration in April this year, reflecting his involvement in this task Graham was elected to the NPA Committee in August 1992 and over a period contributed to the work of the Environment Sub Committee. He was also involved in other walking and environmental groups in Canberra. He will be sadly missed. Syd Comfort More species Wilson's Promontory — added to ACT threatened list The battle goes on The Management Plans for will be their environmental The ACT Government in June Wilson's Promontory National impact and why can't they be put added five bird species and the Park, (see article in the June issue on land immediately outside the park? flightless Perunga Grasshopper to of the Bulletin) were finally its list of threatened species. released in early July and show • why hasn't the lighthouse reserve been incorporated into the park? In the ACT, the classification that the "Victorian Government has • how will commercial operators be vulnerable to extinction or learnt little from the enormous public outcry which greeted the selected and how will their endangered with extinction release of the initial plans. The activities be controlled along the indicates the degree of threat to the government remains determined to Great Prom Walk? well-being of a species in the wild. commercialise the park by allowing Certain aspects of the plan can be Ecological communities may only be private funding of major supported and welcomed as useful declared as endangered. infrastructure developments. In the conservation measures, according to The new additions bring to 19 the words of Doug Humann, at that VNPA, but the commercially driven number of species in the ACT listed time director of the "Victorian NPA, development proposals do not augur as being vulnerable to or endangered 'this is about a Government well generally for the Prom and the with extinction. Natural temperate prepared to sacrifice Victoria's future of nature conservation in grassland and yellow box/red gum premier national park and the Victoria. What is happening in grassy woodland are both listed as integrity of the whole park system Victoria makes it all the easier for endangered ecological communities. on an ideologically driven agenda all state and territory governments The newly listed birds are the to allow private enterprise the to allow the incremental com­ Regent Honeyeater (endangered), opportunity to establish whatever mercialisation of our cherished and the Swift Parrot, Superb profit can be made.' Some of the national parks. Once allowed a foot Parrot, Hooded Robin and the more objectionable proposals in the park door, developers will Brown Treecreeper (all vulnerable). include: always want just one more The Perunga Grasshopper expansion to ensure 'commercial (vulnerable) joins the Golden Sun • allowing major privately funded viability'; as the snow fields continue Moth (endangered) to become the developments inside the park; for to show. Do your bit now by writing second insect on the list. example the 45 bed privately to the Victorian Minister for Reptiles listed as vulnerable are owned exclusive cabin complex at Conservation, the Hon Marie Tehan the Striped Legless Lizard and the Tidal River and a lodge near MP, Parliament House, Melbourne Corroboree Frog. The Eastern Halfway Hut on the track to the expressing your concern at her Lined Earless Dragon is listed as lighthouse, commercial proposals for Victorian endangered. • the track being put in for part of national parks, and the Prom in Aquatic species include the the Great Prom Walk which will particular. Macquarie Perch and Trout Cod carve its way through the high (endangered), together with the quality southern wilderness from Timothy Walsh Two-spined Blackfish and the the lighthouse to Waterloo Bay, Murray River Crayfish (vulnerable). • expansion of the Development Plants on the list comprise Area for Tidal River. Gentiana baeuerlenii (a subalpine A number of important questions Red dot herb unique to Namadgi), about the Victorian government's Does your NPA Bulletin have Prasophyllum petilum (a leek proposals remain, including: orchid), the Button Wrinklewort, a red spot on the address and the Small Purple Pea. All are • what is the specific design and label? If it does, this will be listed as endangered. location of the new 45 bed the last Bulletin you receive commercial cabin complex and Although listed as a vulnerable until you renew your Halfway Hut lodge? How will this species, the Brush-tailed Rock commercial development be membership. If you have Wallaby may no longer occur in the serviced? already paid and have a red ACT. It was once relatively plentiful • what will be the design of the spot, please contact Dianne in places like Tidbinbilla and upgraded food services at Tidal Namadgi. in the office on 6282 5813. River? Graeme Wicks • what are to be the additional buildings at the entrance? What PAKKWATCH Buying back the bush Water supply undrinkable Acquisition of land for conservation purposes, is an after logging example of a voluntary conservation measure - a non­ One of the most troubling ramifications of Victorian profit organisation that arranges acquisition through logging operations, has been the destruction of the water public donation to the Australian Bush Heritage Fund. supply to Apollo Bay, causing 1000 residents and up to The fund owns and manages reserves of high 200 000 tourists to buy imported bottled water. conservation value in four states, including two forest blocks at Liffey in Tasmania that were destined to be Following the logging of the West Barham - the water wood-chipped, fanpalm forest on the Daintree, one of catchment for Apollo Bay - water quality dropped from the largest areas of native vegetation in the Bega Valley 'crystal clear'to undrinkable according to Judi Forrester in New South Wales and some recently purchased of the Otway Herb Nursery. bushland in the Kojonup Shire on Western Australia. 'Apollo Bay had excellent water until the late 1970s when clearfelling was commenced.' Kojonup is one of 35 shires in Western Australia with By the time it was brought to a halt in 1986, less than 20 per cent of its original vegetation remaining. approximately half of the catchment had been subject The unspoilt bushland on the block is predominantly to clear-felling, there was a radical effect on the water wandoo woodland, which elsewhere has been extensi vely quality, with it becoming muddy and with high E.coli cleared. It also supports seasonal wetlands, heath, levels,' Ms Forrester said. banksia woodland, mallee and sheoak forest and around 'They've had to introduce expensive treatment 200 species of flowering plants. The vast majority of its processes, water rates went up to cover costs and the plant species are unique to south-west Western Australia. town water is now considered undrinkable,' Inhabitants of the reserve include bats, numbats, the Ms Forrester said. Western brush wallaby, short-beaked echidna, western pygmy possum and up to 80 bird species. 'So instead of drinking natural clear mountain spring water, it's like drinking from a chlorinated swimming Habitat April, 1997 pool/ Ken Forrester added. He said that apart from the daily impact on the 1000 permanent residents of Apollo Bay, up to 30 000 visitors What have we lost already? come to Apollo Bay in summer and more than 200 000 in a full year — 'and they have to buy water in bottles Australia is one of only 12 'megadiverse' countries that from 'Europe'. account for 75 per cent of the total biodiversity of the planet. We have more than a million species of plants The Republican Issue No 6 and animals but less than 15 per cent have been scientifically described. Of particular significance is the high proportion of our species that are endemic, that is, found only in Australia. For example, about 84 per cent Major improvements to the of mammals and 93 per cent of frogs are found nowhere else in the world. There are also whole families, that is summit area groups of species, that exist only in Australia. Rock extracted from the tunnels during construction of Over the past 200 years the natural environment has the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme will be been modified dramatically and, in many cases, the rate used to fill eroded tracks and provide a better walking of species extinction and ecosystem modification is surface for visitors to the Kosiuszko summit area. accelerating. Since 1788, 16 per cent of mammals and At Rawson's Pass, the old turning circle and parking 3 per cent of birds are thought to have become extinct lot will be reduced to about half its size, then in NSW. A further 34 per cent of mammals and 22 per rehabilitated with matting and revegetated with native cent of birds are threatened. For fish, invertebrates, plants. After extensive research on track materials. fungi and micro-organisms, too little is known to allow NPWS staff have chosen a combination of a plastic the losses and threatened losses even to be estimated. material, Geo Web and. crushed granite to provide a There has also been a significant decline in ecosystem stable walking track for the summit tracks. (Geo Web is diversity, with the removal of 75 per cent of Australia's a plastic cellular containment material which has been rainforests and with native vegetation being cleared in used extensively for erosion control on Fraser Island, NSW at a rate of 150 000 hectares per year. (Picture on river banks and in mining rehabilitation). The cells this as an area 50km by 30km.) will be filled with crushed granite (tunnel spoil) which A loss of biodiversity has been identified as perhaps when compacted, are expected to provide a very stable Australia's most serious environmental problem. erosion-resistant surface.

Newsletter, Milton Branch (NSW NPA), May, 1997 Kosciusko Today Summer 1996/97 Bournda car camp Newhaven gap track

Bushwalkers using the main northern entry point in the Budawangs will now have to walk a farther seven kilometres both at the start and the end of their walk, following the declaration of the Budawang Wilderness Area. The NPWS has constructed a car park and camp­ site at the edge of the National Park at the start of the track to Newhaven Gap. NPWS believes that this new site is more suitable, as it eliminates a long intrusion into the recently declared wilderness areas and should relieve pressures on Folly Point and Hidden Valley which have suffered from heavy use. Walkers who wish to avoid the additional walk are discouraged from switching to the heavily used southern entry point at Yadboro and are asked to contact Allan Norman on 044-55 3826 to inquire about suitable alternatives.

Extracted from a letter forwarded to NPA by Dianne Garrood. Daintree rescue package

A further purchase of 125ha (made up of two freehold lots) in the Cow Bay area, for $750 000 has been approved, making a total to date of 1400ha at a total cost of over $12 million. The area is well vegetated lowland rainforest with a frontage to Hutchison Creek. It is known for a large variety of rare plant species and is prime habitat for the endangered southern cassowary. This very significant purchase will provide a secure habitat for the cassowary population in the Cow Bay area as the pressures of development increase. We are now three-quarters of our way through the rescue program.

National Parks Association of Queensland, Newsletter, June 1997. Resort or parks?

The principal threat to Australia's parks is resort development. A site within or overlooking a park managed at public expense, such as the Blue Mountains escarpments, the Kosciuszko snowfields, the Hmchinbrook Passage or Kakadu is a developer's dream. The spread of commercialised tourist faculties, as has occurred in America, threatens not only the preservation There used to be a bridge across Sandy Creek in of the natural environment, which is the purpose of Bournda National Park but Mick Kelly in leading the creating parks, but would mean the withdrawal of NPA Queens Birthday car camp, was out to prove that existing or proposed world heritage listing. such a luxury is quite unnecessary. Crossing Because there is no ban on resort developments in techniques varied from the maximist approach to NSW parks, the establishment of wilderness areas, clothing demonstrated here by Col McAlister, through within which all forms of development are excluded, is the exposed middle preference favoured by Mick to the essential if the natural areas which are the most effective minimalist technique (not illustrated).These habitat of endangered species are to be preserved. ideological differences were forgotten in admiring the The Colong Bulletin, May 1997 evening over the lake. Photos Max Lawrence Trekking in the Karakorum and western Himalayas Aug - Oct 1996 From a talk given to the May general Planes to Skardu in Baltistan, the many miles of cable. meeting town nearest the trek, are often Wherever a patch of land was less cancelled so we drove from Islam­ steep, usually on old glacial or Over the years while tied down by abad, alongside the Indus River, alluvial deposits, a village perched, family, I listened to friends talk north up the Karakoram highway often hundreds of feet above the about their treks in the Himalayas. and then east. We drove in one present river, with access across the Now I have taken the plunge and 24 hour shift, our driver having only river by flying fox or occasionally by done not only one trek, but three in short breaks from eight am till three a bridge. a row. Quite mad, but I survived - am the next day! The Karakoram Every village had an extensive less 8 kilos! Highway is based on an old silk network of irrigation canals, usually route, which must have wound its The treks were in northern built of dry stone walling, bringing way over many passes before Pakistan up the Baltoro Glacier to water from side streams, not from modern blasting enabled the Concordia from where you have a the Indus itself. Recent planting of present route to follow the river good view of K2 (weather trees, mainly poplar and willow, has closely, along the gorge which it has permitting), -17 days - and in been extensive. In every settlement northern India over a row of saplings or more Hampta Pass to Manali - established trees lined the 5 days - and from road and the gutter doubled Joshimath to Ghat within as irrigation canal. view of Nanda Devi - At Skardu the Indus valley 11 days. I had not widens and planes can fly in previously been more than when cloud cover permits. about one hundred feet The unprotected mud brick higher than Mt Kos- walls told us how little rain ciuszko, so doing three in the area receives. a row not only made full The drive from Skardu up use of the airfare but also the Shigar then Braldo valley the acclimatisation to was even more terrifying altitude. than the Karakoram Our first exposure to Highway had been. The road the way Pakistanis do was a single lane jeep track. things came on the Air Karakorum Highway, Indus River and two villages Hairpin beds required a three Pakistan flights to perched among their plantations point turn to get around. Islamabad, when the Heavy rains in June and July hostesses just handed out the meals cut for hundreds of kilometres had washed sections of the track they thought appropriate without through its own earlier alluvial and away so our scheduled drive to asking the passengers' preference. glacial deposits or through solid Askole became drive, walk, drive, As the owner of the Pakistan tour rock. The road is sometimes a walk. Jeeps had been stranded company said later, when we narrow shelf blasted from a cliff, between the washaways and so complained about some problems on sometimes a rough route over could be used on sections of the the trek, 'You Westerners are unstable slips, always with the grey, track, although most of us felt that difficult. You are used to freedom.' silt-laden Indus roaring along below. we would have been safer walking. And those men drive back and forth In the limited time we had in Everything - the mountains, the each day taking trekking and towns we noticed how frequently gorge, the fast flowing river - was mountaineering groups in and out! men walked down the street hand so huge we lost all sense of scale. in hand. They do not have the We drove past the easternmost We trekked up the Braldo river, opportunity to walk hand in hand limits of Alexander the Great's which became the Biaho, then the with women. In fact, you see very expansion. We drove past forest Baltoro Glacier in short stages to few women out and about. In operations where an extensive cable give us time to acclimatise to the Skardu we had a wonderful bringing logs down to the highway altitude. Some of the men could have shopping expedition for clothes, gave us a glimpse of what might lie gone faster, but I certainly needed visiting a tailor who sat cross-legged behind those high ranges lining the the staged approach. on the floor before a low table as river. We could not see any forests One side river, the Dumordo, could tailors have done for centuries. that would make it worth rigging so only be crossed by flying fox. We had a long wait as army supplies had again from your distant goal. others for the next trek. Leh, a small preference - Pakistan is fighting Our second camp along the glacier city further up the Indus is only India at the head of the Baltoro was on terraces carved out of the about 250km to the south east of Glacier. The flying fox was steep slope beside it, in the last Skardu but Kashmir lies between, approached down a hair-raising green area. Here the army released and to get there we had to fly south track across the cliff, but less hair- their ponies, donkeys and mules to to Karachi, then to New Delhi. raising than the alternative track roam and graze at night. Our sleep Fortunately we could fly into Leh, going further upstream. Coming was disturbed by the braying of so we enjoyed one flight with superb back we used a second flying fox donkeys, and the occupants of one aerial views of the mountains. which had an incredible landing on tent by a hoof descending through Like Baltistan, Ladakh is in a rain the cliff. To get us out of the their fly. shadow and is desert except where travelling box the porters grabbed For the next four nights we slept irrigated, but here the Indus valley our clothing and willy nilly we each on the glacier itself. is wide and the river not so wild. were pushed and shoved till we had We had had hot weather, some "Villages lie along the Indus and on a flat enough spot to put our feet. I rain and some fine pleasant side streams. Leh has an don't know how they could grab and weather, but as we approached the environment centre which aims to haul without falling off their perches climax of our trip the clouds closed direct the improving living into the river, but they did. in again, and we arrived at standards along sustainable lines by Just before reaching the Baltoro Concordia with only the base of K2 encouraging simple solar Glacier we had a rest day at Paiyu in view. Named after the Place de la technology. It has a very good Camp where there is a display warning permanent side stream and youngsters of the dangers some very old trees. It is of too closely following the customary for the porters to West, but sadly the rest there and for one of the attendant said they did not goats travelling with the get many school groups. group to be killed and eaten. From Leh we travelled The porters used wood for south. Having viewed the cooking, although they world's second highest carried kerosene for us. mountain we now drove Often there will be over a over the world's second hundred people camped at highest road pass, Paiyu as parties take a Tanglangla. The scale of break both going up and the mountains and valleys returning. Our party alone was always impressive. had 46 porters and there The road wound up over were only 8 of us. We met slopes of unbelievable size Crossing the Oumordo River by flying fox several trekking and to Australian eyes. We mountaineering parties passed men laboriously along the track, from Korea, Japan, Concord in Paris, Concordia is a sealing the road, breaking stones by Germany, and England. A Japanese meeting place of glaciers. hand, spreading layers of stone with group has established a couple of It snowed that night and the the smaller ones on top and then small plantations of saplings, an clouds remained low, till next pouring the melted tar out of cans important start to countering the evening when K2 revealed itself in by hand. Not surprisingly the men demand for firewood. tantalising glimpses. Next morning were black from head to foot. They Shortly after Paiyu the tedious the clouds had gone and K2 at the were doing hard labour at high walk up the glacier began. The climb head of the Godwin-Austin glacier, altitude even though they came onto the glacier must have been Broadpeak and Gasherbrum IV on from low altitudes. The whole scene about three hundred metres. Then the side, and the Golden Throne at looked as though it came from for several days we wound our way the head of the Baltoro were all Dante's Inferno. up and down the rock strewn ice, clearly visible. Gradually the slopes became mainly along a ridge in the middle We had another day based at greener, and then, on our trek over of the glacier, following the trail Concordia so some of our group went Hampta Pass, we moved out of the used by the ponies which supply the up the Godwin-Austin to K2 base rain shadow, and found ourselves Pakistan army. A suitable scene for camp and the others went further walking amongst trees for the first the condemned in Hades would be up the Baltoro. Then it was time for time, and passing herds of sheep, to walk along a glacier always the long slog out. goafs and cows and their keepers. cresting a rise only to find that the Most of the group went on to Leh On the third trek, just west of track curved down and away yet in Ladakh and linked up with a few Continued on page 18 Trekking in the Karakoram Walking in the west coast wilderness — Part 1 Continued from page 17 Continued from page 11

Nepal, all thoughts of rainshadows Before bed, we enjoy poetry from The map does not prepare you for were forgotten. Mornings would Judith, and Di tests our tired brains the steep drop into the deep-set begin clear, but clouds would quickly with questions from Master Mind. gully of the Mulcahy River. Once we form over the snowy peaks and by enter the scrub, the track falls Day 5, February 11: Rest and afternoon it would rain or snow. almost vertically to the open, sandy resupply Fortunately on most days we were bed. Two hundred metres to our camped by then. We passed through It was a lovely curved approach right, heavy seas are pounding into a number of villages, and three times with the aircraft outlined against the mouth sending small waves actually camped in the villages, the dunes then one float touching across the bar and up the shallow which provided much of interest, down before the other. Quickly, river. Although the beach is only from the water mills for grinding Graham Bird, the pilot, clambers 400m away, the passage takes flour, tD the continuous traffic of out onto the float and hands over 20 minutes of difficult rock people bearing loads of hay or the dry and fresh rations to the scrambling. It takes Di's persistence firewood or guiding the family cow. women while David, Mike and I to find the campsite which is about struggle with the ungainly aircraft 300m upstream from the mouth of One day it rained all day and we against the current, wind and deep the Alec Rivulet. went to school to camp. When we sand. There was no time for arrived the children in the one anything but a few words between Day 7, February 13: Mulcahy Bay teacher school were busy working, us, some photographs to mark the to Trepanner Creek on Wreck Bay sitting on hessian bags on the floor event and then Graham was off. UOkm, 7hrs) of the verandah. They looked Led by Kathy, access to the Lower healthy but were very poorly Day 6, February 12: Nye Bay to Hut Plains is easy. We gradually dressed, and they lined up in the Alec Rivulet on Mulcahy Bay work our way onto the quartzite rain for parade before leaving. (Ukm, 9hrs) ridge line parallel to the coast and We passed mossy banks, There is an element of nervousness find it much easier going. waterfalls, trees covered in ferns in the camp. All of us are keen to Lunch is enjoyed on a small knoll and large rhododendrons, but get the crossing over and done with. with an exceptional view enhanced despite all the rain camps often did Compulsory swims are not new to by a pod of dolphins harassing a not have a generous supply of water. the committed bushwalker, but the large school of fish. We reach the At one the porters placed a series of Giblin River did present some beach about 2.30pm, and the wreck green leaves in the stream to form additional hazards: its un­ of the Svenor over a kilometre away a channel and spout so water could predictability, depth, current and is now obvious to the naked eye, but run directly into the buckets. Such isolation — all these together made it takes us until 3.30 to reach a simple labour saving device! (But it a psychological as well as physical Trepanner Creek. The campsite is one that could be a little difficult challenge. We had discussed the on the south bank, hidden behind with most gum leaves.) hazard in meetings before leaving the fringing scrub. Like all other Canberra. Di and Annette, who The whole trip provided a campsites so far, it is clean and does were not strong swimmers, had completely new experience to an not appear to have been used practised their swimming with Australian born and bred. recently. Australian eyes could not come to packs in the local swimming pool. My feet are in poor condition, the grips with the huge vertical scale - But on the day, the party cross the outcome of inadequately broken in looking up three kilometres to a river with lots of dash and we are boots. nearby peak, for example - or to the all over in 35 minutes. We move off scale of the erosion by the lifegiving, down the rocks before turning Day 8, February 14: Rest day destructive rivers. We had to admire inland. As we move into the thick A day of brilliant sunshine, golden how. over the centuries, people had tea tree scrub the humidity is very sand and absolutely nothing to do. penetrated into these isolated high. Swapping the lead between The rusty hulk of the Svenor was a valleys and built irrigation systems Mike and I, it takes us 30 minutes natural attraction. Curious eyes or developed the terracing needed of heavy physical effort to break wander along the beach and all of to give them a living. through into the button grass and us are enjoying a wonderful idleness we travel only 200 to 300m. in this most beautiful bay. Eleanor Stodart Pete Tedder Counting, culling and conserving PAEKWATCH our wildlife Calm cuts out In his address to the June general native and feral, in any specific history meeting, Dr. George Wilson from situation. Conservationists in Western Australian Conservation Services In discussing the protection of Australia were dismayed and ranged across a wide spectrum of native animals, Dr. Wilson con­ outraged at the recent des­ environmental issues. His early cluded that managers of wildlife in truction of a king jarrah tree in work involved the development of national parks and reserves had met the Lowden forest blocks north of techniques for estimating native with little succes in protecting them, Donnybrook. The tree, estimated and feral animal numbers by aerial their main contribution being in to be 1000 years old, was felled observation. One method involved establishing that many species were during Department of Con­ flying at 200 feet using a trailed line in decline. He proposed that we servation and Land Management of measured length as a sighting should look to other organisations, (CALM) logging operations in an gauge against which observers perhaps private groups, to address area of forest that has been counted animal numbers. This data this challenge. Dr. Wilson triggered proposed as a National Park. It facilitated the mapping of kangaroo some spirited discussion by is believed that the tree had numbers over the continent and proposing that commercial inter­ survived previous logging in the provided a basis for the setting of vention could be appropriate and, in area because it had been cull numbers. Counts made years support, cited the situation in which recognised by early foresters as apart have shown that, despite a commercial breeding had relieved being too magnificent to log. continuing culling program, kang­ pressures on threatened birds and aroo numbers have remained secured their future. Quoting from the South remarkably constant. In the light of Western Times of 27 March, More recently, Dr. Wilson has been evidence such as this Dr Wilson has 1997: 'Mr Chandler (regional involved with the operation of cattle come to the view that a more manager for CALM) said while and sheep properties by the satisfactory way to manage trees of this size were not Aboriginal landowners. He spoke kangaroo and emu numbers would common he did not see any very positively of this arrangement be through rangeland cropping in reason not to cut them down and of the potential for future which the animal numbers would be unless they were located where progress in this direction. controlled by commercial har­ people could see them or they Throughout, the presentation was vesting. had significant historical supported by the screening of the value'....and....'Chandler said if speaker's slides. Images of the Working in the Department of people had told him the tree islands of the Torres Strait and of Primary Industry; Dr. Wilson was meant something to them he pristine coastal areas of the far involved in the study and control of would have spared it'. feral animals and from this north west of the continent provided experience he highlighted the a fitting conclusion to a stimulating Habitat, June 1997. complex set of inter-relationships address. between the component species, both Syd Comfort Bags and birds, a happy solution? Then President and Vice President, It looks like plastic, feels like Beverly Hammond plastic and has the strength of and Dianne plastic, but it's not. It's old Thompson in fashioned starch used in a Barbara and Syd's brand-new way. A corn-starch garden during a polymer bag in fact. The social afternoon in product sinks and begins the November 1992. process of decomposition out of Another social sight of patrolling seabirds who afternoon tea will be may otherwise mistake it for held in the garden jelly fish. The birds will be the on Sunday, 16th winners if an industry trial to November. Details replace plastic bait bags with an are in the Outings Italian-designed biodegradable Program. Photo bag is successful in Australia. Barbara Comfort Australian Geographic No 47 Calendar

Activity Sep Oct Nov Dec Committee Meeting Thur4 Thur 2 Thur 6 Thur 4 Reg's Birthday Walk Sun 7 Environment Sub Committee Thur 11 Thur 13 Namadgi Sub Committee Thur 9 Christmas Party Sun 14 Afternoon Social Sun 16 General Meetings Thur18 Thur 16 Thur 20 Bulletin Working Group lues 28

Further details: Committee and Sub Committees - Secretary Bulletin Working Group - Syd Comfort: 6286 2578 (h) Other Events - Outings Program

NPA Bulletin 11 undelivered please return to: POSTAGE National Parks Association of the ACT SURFACE PAID PO Box 1940 Woden ACT 2606 MAIL AUSTRALIA Print Post Approved PP 248831/00041

General meetings Held at 8pm, Room 1, Griffin Centre, Bunda Street, Civic

Thursday 18 September. Some Cautionary Tales. A representative from the Police Search and Rescue Unit, which is responsible for all land searches, both in the ACT and parts of surrounding NSW, will talk about the functions of the unit and some of their experiences which would be of interest to NPA members.

Thursday 16 October. State of the Environment Reports as a Basis for Sustainable Management Planning. Commissioner Joe Baker is required to present a report to the Legislative Assembly each year. The report includes an assessment of the quality of the environment and the evaluates the adequacy of existing practices and procedures. Dr Baker will talk about his responsibilities and the opportunities he sees for the ACT's environment.

Thursday 20 November. Mittagong to Katoomba via the ghost town of Yerranderie. Earlier this year several association members walked from Mittagong to Katoomba and tonight some of them will share their experiences with us. Judith Webster will show us her slides and tell us about the walk and Reg Alder will tell us something of Yerranderie's history and show some of his pictures from the 1940s, and Mike Smith will talk about mining methods at Yerranderie.