365 Days ANNUAL CONSERVATION REPORT 2009–2010 The sun rises over forested ridges at Photograph by Wayne Lawler / Ecopix

3 CEO’s Report

“This year, images of our western Queensland reserves in fl ood have gone around the world. Our presence and profi le in the media has grown and our support base has increased as more of our supporters share the Bush Heritage story.” Doug Humann, Chief Executive Offi cer

My fi rst view of the far-west Queensland property These changes refl ect larger changes in the of was from 6000 ft above the landscape under Bush Heritage’s stewardship. ground. It was 2002 and we were assessing the A recent report on our fi rst fi ve years of management 213,300-hectare property by light plane, in view at Ethabuka illustrates how our practical science of a potential purchase. The desert loomed as a and management is driving conservation outcomes: veil of red approaching from the dusty clay of the protected springs; reduced impacts of feral ; Diamantina channel country. The dunes were and return of rarely seen fauna such as the desert devoid of vegetation following recent massive short-tailed mouse (read about it on page 17). wildfi res. The earth was parched, the cattle poorly At the same time we are building relationships nourished and an air of desperation hung over with partners, neighbours and collaborators: the the landscape. country’s traditional owners (the Wangkamadla In 2010 Ethabuka’s landscape tells a very different people, who’ve recently conducted cultural values story. Rain has fallen consistently for the entire year. assessments there); neighbours like the North Cattle are long-gone. A soil crust and ground cover Australian Pastoral Company and local shires; has returned. The dunes are capped with fl owering and the University of Sydney’s Desert Ecology vegetation and there is extensive evidence of the Research Group who’ve been undertaking ground- desert’s fauna bouncing back. breaking research at Ethabuka for 20 years. Standing on a sand dune on a visit in June, This year, images of our western Queensland with the morning sun on our backs, Bush Heritage reserves in fl ood have gone around the world. supporters and I marvelled at the abundance of Our presence and profi le in the media has grown tracks in the sand demonstrating extraordinary and our support base has increased as more of night time activity, and at delicate dunnarts our supporters share the Bush Heritage story. and planigales trapped overnight as part of our Thank you for your support this year. Together ecological monitoring program (they were later we have already achieved an enormous amount. set free). These rarely seen native mammals, along Stay with us – we have bold plans to do much more. with wheeling budgerigars and abundant insect life, are a testimony to the health of the landscapes in our care. Doug Humann Chief Executive Offi cer

4 President’s Report

“This remarkable organisation has grown to 70 dedicated staff, a solid Board of Directors, several hundred volunteers and thousands of supporters.” Louise Sylvan, President

In the 1970s my late husband, Richard Sylvan, And so it was with delight that, in 1991, we witnessed Left: Photograph by and I found ourselves contemplating the fact that the birth of the then Australian Bush Heritage Fund, becwalton.com.au ’s unique biodiversity was being driven an organisation that would protect special places, Right: Photograph to the edge of viability . Richard had nurtured a and their plants and wildlife forever. We decided by Steve Lovegrove passion for the Australian bush before I came to to donate Burrin Burrin and ‘Nameless’: they are this country and once I experienced the bush for now on the list of reserves that you, as a supporter, myself, it was impossible not to share his concerns. help to protect. The number of landscapes we protect We wanted to do something about it. together continue to grow – that means the task is bigger but that is just what we hoped for. Richard had come across a bushland property destined to be cleared for forestry or farming and Now, as Bush Heritage approaches its 20th decided to buy it – to protect it forever, for the anniversary, it’s a unique honour to be involved and animals that live there. He called it Burrin Burrin, directly as President in this critical task. a little piece of quiet and beauty that remains among This remarkable organisation has grown to 70 the busyness of the farming that surrounds it. We dedicated staff, a solid Board of Directors, several found a second property, a place where platypuses hundred volunteers and thousands of supporters. live in the creeks and waterfalls, where you can stand My deep thanks go to every one of those people, among the trees and look all the way out to sea and and especially to you – our supporters, who not called it ‘Nameless’. only provide the means to protect Australia’s But we knew the task of conservation was bigger priceless gems but who also create the energy and than a few, even totally committed, people could enthusiasm for this great venture that we share. manage – something you, our supporters, We’ve got a big goal, to have 1% of Australia under understand all too well. our wing by 2025. We’ll need your help to get there.

Louise Sylvan President

5 Our People

Friend of the Bush Workplace giving champion Margaret Fry David Cook-Doulton

The Bush Heritage community is made up of passionate people, who each contribute in their own special way.

Friends of the Bush like Margaret allow us David’s workplace, JB Hi-Fi, matches employees’ to plan for the long term. We can rely on her donations to Bush Heritage, dollar-for-dollar. automatic monthly donations to fund ongoing Their contribution has helped to improve facilities work like fi re management and feral control and liveability for Reserve Managers at Charles on all your reserves. Darwin Reserve.

“I like natural surfaces – native plants, fl ower “I’ve always been interested in plants and trees, formations, wonderful barks, leaves. For me, rocks, maybe because I come from a family of avid plants and textiles are all connected. I did a science gardeners and grew up in the country. degree and worked as a geologist, and then I studied fi ne-arts. Now I’m a highschool teacher of science, I saw how fragile it all was – maths and fashion. wildlife just hanging on In my twenties I worked in the mining industry and became very aware of the damage that can be done. in small areas that hadn’t When I heard about Bush Heritage buying back the been cleared. bush, I thought it was a great thing to support. I like I decided to support Bush Heritage because it sees the idea of creating corridors between bushland, and the value in these pieces of land. protecting areas of particular biodiversity. As Category Development Manager of JB Hi-Fi, I get Our whole family likes to read and talk about the a lot of feedback, so I knew there was a voice in stores Bush Heritage newsletters. My thirteen-year-old around environmental issues. It made sense for an daughter is very interested, so it crosses all environmental organisation to be represented on the generations. Being a teacher, I see that kids often company’s charity committee. The great thing about don’t know what they can do.” workplace giving for any organisation is it makes It’s great when you can say, giving very easy. Recently I got the chance to visit Yourka Reserve, ‘Here’s how we can help’. which was wonderful. You can see all the hard work Bush Heritage is doing. It’s amazing to see just how resilient wildlife can be.”

Photograph by becwalton.com.au Photograph by becwalton.com.au

6 Bush Heritage volunteer Philanthropist Jeanettte Kemp Peter Edwards

As Principal Botanist for the Queensland Peter’s ongoing donations have made an Herbarium, Jeanette has provided invaluable extraordinary difference to Cravens Peak and expertise to our ecologists protecting species other reserves. His pledge to remember us in at Yourka and Ethabuka reserves. his Will also allows us to plan for the future.

“I love my job as a botanist but I wanted to use “I was on the land until the age of 48. I think that’s my skills to contribute to the environment, so where my love of nature comes from. These days I decided to volunteer for Bush Heritage. In the I can’t get out into the bush, but I’ve got a little back last year, I’ve taken part in ecological surveys at yard of native plants. Yourka and Ethabuka. When we were younger, my brother and I found On a typical day, we get up at fi rst light and check ourselves on land riddled with rabbits and overtaken the pitfall traps and the fi sh traps – we identify with wattle. I didn’t know when to stop clearing, species and take measurements. Then we drive but it’s no good living with regret. With the benefi t around to the monitoring sites to measure changes of hindsight, I’ve made a 180-degree turn. in vegetation cover and species. It gives me fulfi lment because I’m doing something I’ve donated to Bush Heritage useful, and I meet like-minded people. Sometimes since the very beginning, you forget there are lots of people who are passionately and have left a large part of my estate to Bush interested in the environment, who love getting out Heritage in my will. Over the past six years my there to fi nd out what’s really happening to our contributions have accumulated to $170,000. plants and animals. This has helped fund a remote area power supply for , which improves the I feel positive about the Reserve Managers’ wellbeing and greatly reduces future of conservation. the carbon footprint. That multifaceted benefi t gives me massive satisfaction.” There are more and more people becoming interested in the environment – people who are happy to see parts of Australia turned over to organisations like Bush Heritage.”

Photograph by John de Rooy photography Photograph by Craig Norris

7 Ethabuka gets under your skin. The fi ne red sand health of our gidgee woodlands paying off?” impregnates every pore of your body and every And it means you as a supporter can ask the piece of your clothing, an evocative keepsake of question “How do I really know my investment the ’s beauty and vast horizons. in Bush Heritage is making a difference?” The landscape, alluring and magnetic, draws people back time and again. Professor Chris Dickman is one such person. He fi rst Ethabuka is in better shape got stung by the desert in 1990 and has spent twenty years since fi nding ways to return. Chris recognised because Bush Heritage – the signifi cance of Ethabuka’s desert species and and you, our steadfast wetland systems just as Bush Heritage was being born. In the early 2000s he was one of several people supporters – are there. who sang Ethabuka’s praises and encouraged us to buy it. Our ecologists saw immediately what he was This report answers those questions. It documents talking about – with the help of supporters like you, the conservation gains we have achieved at Ethabuka Ethabuka became our sixteenth and largest reserve from 2004 to 2009. And the news is fantastic – (at the time) in 2004. the fi ndings are that Ethabuka’s native ecosystems and the communities they support have improved And now, fi ve years later, Chris and his team of substantively since Bush Heritage moved onto researchers have contributed to another signifi cant the reserve. milestone in the life of Ethabuka, indeed the life of Bush Heritage itself: the fi rst fi ve-year Ecological Ethabuka is in better shape because Bush Heritage – Outcomes Performance Report ever to be published our Reserve Managers, our ecologists, our research about the results of our work on a reserve. This partners, our board, our volunteers and you, our report allows Bush Heritage to stand tall among the steadfast supporters – are there. world’s conservation leaders by providing objective, But the report isn’t just about where we’ve done well. evidence-based performance indicators for our It also identifi es where we have to improve. There is seven key conservation values. much knowledge yet to be gained, much work yet What does that mean? It means scientists like to be done. Chris Dickman knows it. Our ecologists Chris Dickman can ask the question “Is this the best know it. They will return to the red desert sand, strategy for protecting the spinifex hopping mouse?” to the beauty and the vast horizons next year, and It means Reserve Managers like Mark and Nella the year after that, to do that work. Ethabuka is Lithgow can ask “Are our efforts to improve the under their skin.

8 Desert fauna Pulchera waterhole What Populations of small mammals (like the Removing stock has improved the lesser hairy-footed dunnart, sandy inland condition of fringing and aquatic have we mouse and the Wongai ningaui) fl uctuate vegetation, water quality and sediments; depending on rainfall but are increasing and reduced the risk of nest trampling, since the removal of stock. And in April resulting in better habitat for a range achieved 2009, the nationally vulnerable mulgara of waterbirds and waders. was recorded at its highest level since 2001 in fi ve by Professor Dickman and his team. Gidgee woodlands Gidgee woodlands continue to function years on Artesian springs as important refuge habitat for birds, Vegetation structure and soil stability small mammals and reptiles. Population around Ethabuka Spring has improved viability of small mammals in the gidgee Ethabuka? dramatically since the installation of woodlands has increased. Removal of the camel proof fence in 2006. grazing and current management has resulted in widespread regeneration Field River of gidgee and mulga, increases in the cover and height of grasses and shrubs, Increases in native rodents and and reduced browsing of foliage. granivorous birds along the Field River after rainfall indicate the communities remain robust and the riparian zone continues to function as an important drought refuge. There has been an increase in the cover of perennial grasses, shrubs and leaf litter, and the availability of key resources (seeds, foliage, water, shelter).

Above: A lesser hairy-footed dunnart and a perentie, both found at Ethabuka on an ecological survey in April 2010 – photographs by Adam Kereszy

9 On your reserves

People on the land long-term changes in the reserve’s native species as part of the Climate Change Observatory Project. Glen Norris has a way with locals – he’s been a This not only provided an opportunity to measure Reserve Manager for just one year but already our species-protection work, but also grew our he’s created a good name for Bush Heritage with reputation as a pragmatic, conservation-focussed and neighbours on the former sheep station of Bon Bon community-minded landowner that is committed Station Reserve. Eight hundred-odd kilometres to to regional conservation outcomes. the north-east, Mark and Nella Lithgow are holed up at Ethabuka Reserve – they’re waiting for the Getting to know the community – shopping locally, water to subside so they can check road conditions sharing knowledge and equipment and pitching in for incoming scientists eager to recommence when the community needs us – is essential to ecological monitoring on the property following the protecting landscapes. Effective conservation goes big rains. To the east, at Carnarvon Station Reserve, beyond boundaries and fences. The African lovegrass Cathy Zwick is now well versed in remote fi rst aid after we’re working so hard to control on Scottsdale requires a training day with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. a joint effort with other conservation groups in the area. And our work to restore Brigalow habitat for These are Bush Heritage Reserve Managers. bridled nailtail wallabies on Goonderoo Reserve piggy-backs on the healthy habitat and existing They are practical people, population at the neighbouring property of Avocet. business people, people people. Our reserves team also provides expertise for Bush Heritage’s day-to-day conservation work: at Yourka, Our Reserve Managers represent you on reserves Reserve Managers, Paul and Leanne Hales, and across the country managing and protecting Regional Manager, Steve Heggie, combined their what Bush Heritage supporters hold dear – natural resource management experience to our landscapes, our plants and our precious successfully trial controlled burning by helicopter, wildlife. They use an incredible range of skills, a fi rst for Bush Heritage. And at Eurardy, Reserve meeting the challenges of an often remote lifestyle Managers Matt Warnock and Elizabeth Lescheid and becoming part of the local community. used their expertise to tackle erosion, relocating organic debris from the fi rebreaks to creeklines in Of all the skills our reserve team call upon, none the Bungabandy Creek System. are more critical than maintaining relationships with supporters, neighbours, partners and Managing landscapes does not come with a simple volunteers. Just ask Dale Fuller, Reserve Manager set of instructions, but thanks to you, our reserves at . In 2009, Dale played are in good hands. With your support, our work will host to the Conservation Council of Western continue to make a difference to Australia’s precious Australia’s ‘citizen scientists’, who measured native species and unique landscapes.

10 Paul and Leanne Hales We’ve been putting in remote cameras to help Top left: Reserve the ecologists see what the rock wallabies are up to. Managers Mark Paul Hales and his family have watched the gentle and Nella Lithgow changes at Yourka Reserve since they turned their We’ve done some spotlight at a campsite on hands to nurturing its precious landscape in 2008. Cravens Peak “I have a real interest in natural history, and surveying and turned up Reserve – I’m a keen birdo, so working at Yourka is a way quite a few greater gliders photograph by of turning a hobby into a career. Before Yourka, Peter Morris / we were at Eurardy in WA. and sugar gliders. www.petermorris photo.com My favourite part of the reserve is the wet eucalypt We’re lucky we can take the kids to work with us. country. I’ve lived in desert or semi-desert for most Right: Leanne We don’t have to pack any toys – they prefer to of my life, so it’s a change for me. It’s nice and damp, and Paul Hales play with sticks and rocks and follow and there’s a high canopy – there’s so much life at Yourka Reserve tracks while we’re fi xing fences or checking traps. here. Across the property there are 100-plus species with baby Seeley The kids are at their absolute happiest when including wading birds, honeyeaters, song birds we’re all piled in the car and working around Below: Volunteers and small grass- and seed-eating birds. the reserve all day.” planting trees at You’ve got to have patience in this job – results Burrin Burrin can take a long time. But we’ve been repairing Reserve – roads and tackling erosion, slowly but surely. photograph by We’ve also been repairing fences, which means Peter Saunders there’s less stock on the property. Finally we can see the shrubbery growing back and the cattle pads starting to grow over. I do a lot of the outdoors work and Leanne keeps the offi ce ticking over, mostly in the early hours of the morning so she can be a mum for the rest of the day. She’s not from the bush but she loves living with the change of seasons and loves giving the kids a bush upbringing. Our girls, who are four and two, even know some bird calls off the tops of their heads.

11 Warddeken lands protected Controlled burning goes aerial Thanks to your support, we celebrated the Reserve managers and ecologists on Yourka You’ve made a difference this year declaration of the Warddeken traditional Reserve pooled their land management lands as an Indigenous Protected Area in expertise in June 2010 to trial controlled Across the country, your support has helped make great gains this year. You’ve made March 2010. This status enables the burning by helicopter, for the fi rst time on Warddeken people to protect their traditional a difference to the unique landscapes and precious wildlife at the heart of Australia. a Bush Heritage reserve. Your support country and its conservation values. The area allowed us to hire the helicopter for three encompasses the Arnhem Plateau, a massive hours, covering 16,000 hectares of land sandstone escarpment with rugged gorges, which would have taken months to do on foot. home to many threatened species including As well as greater effi ciency, helicopter New power system at Cravens Peak the northern quoll, the black wallaroo, the burning achieves a better burn, breaking Arnhem Land rock-rat and Oenpelli python. In June 2010 we installed a solar power the country up like a patchwork and providing Warddeken system at the Cravens Peak homestead, refuges for wildlife. thanks to the support of a generous donor. The system saved about 1600L of diesel Balkanu/ Cape York in its fi rst month and will reduce our carbon footprint considerably. Kaanju Ngaachi Wunambal Gaambera

Rains rejuvenate the Simpson Desert Fan Palm Your support enabled Bush Heritage Climate Change Observatory ecologists, Adam Kerezsy and Max Tischler to on Charles Darwin Reserve Yourka travel to Ethabuka and Cravens Peak reserves In August 2009, your support enabled us in April 2010 and monitor the response of to partner with the Conservation Council plants and animals to a once-in-a-generation of Western Australia to launch the Climate rainfall. The reserves’ vegetation and animal Change Observatory project. It will look life has fl ourished since the extraordinary Edgbaston at how wildlife on the reserve responds Cravens Peak Bidjira rains fell in February and March 2010 (up to climate change over the next 30 years. to 250 mm in a matter of days). And they’ve Ethabuka Goonderoo Many plant and animal species found on Reedy Creek found three fi sh species never found in the Carnarvon Station Charles Darwin are at the edge of their region before, as well as the fi rst sighting in distribution and are therefore particularly eighteen years of the desert short-tailed mouse. vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Eurardy Currumbin Valley

Bon Bon Station Charles Darwin Wombats breeding on Bon Bon Boolcoomatta A sizeable population of southern hairy- Phascogales fi nd a new home Kojonup Monjebup North nosed wombats was found to be breeding Peniup Creek In May 2010 we released 20 red-tailed Yarrabee Wesfarmers on Bon Bon Station Reserve in October 2009. Chereninup Creek Tarcutta Hills ‘Nameless’ Sylvan phascogales onto Kojonup Reserve, in the With your help we’re protecting the habitat Monjebup Gondwana Link Burrin Burrin fi rst-ever translocation of an endangered Scottsdale of these reclusive creatures. species onto one of your reserves. These Noongar Nardoo Hills Brogo tiny marsupials are extinct throughout much Reserves of their former range in arid and semi-arid Our 32nd reserve: Australia, and are now confi ned to south- Liffey Valley west Western Australia. A key strategy for Monjebup North Reserves Beating the rabbits at Boolcoomatta the recovery of this nationally endangered In February 2010, you and our many other South Esk Pine species is to reintroduce them into secure supporters enabled us to celebrate the Friendly Beaches Your support is making a difference on and suitable conservation reserves – purchase of our 32nd reserve, Monjebup Tasmanian Midlands Boolcoomatta, where Reserve Managers, a Bush Heritage reserve is a perfect home. North. The reserve, nestled in-between the Emma & Peter Ashton, have been hot on the Stirling Ranges and the Fitzgerald National heels of the feral rabbit population. With the Parks protects an important area of help of two tireless volunteers, they mapped biodiversity-rich woodlands. And it extends 1000 rabbit warrens around the reserves our Gondwana Link Project closer to its goal in June 2010, bringing the total up to three to conserve, restore and reconnect a 1000 thousand. Mapping their hideouts is the fi rst Bush Heritage anchor regions km pathway of native vegetation. Species critical step in reducing their population – found on the reserve include malleefowl a key conservation goal at Boolcoomatta. Bush Heritage partnerships and black-gloved and tammar wallabies. Bush Heritage reserves

12 13 Partnerships

People working with people At Carnarvon Station Reserve in central Queensland, we’ve built good relationships with In the Kimberley’s far-north west, the Wunambal the Bidjara people, having acknowledged them as Gaambera people care for their homelands, traditional owners, and are now conducting Cultural encompassing more than 900,000 hectares of Values Assessments. These assessments help us vast, resilient and relatively intact land. In Western understand the Bidjara’s long-term association with Australia’s Fitz-Stirling region, local groups and the land and provide an opportunity for us to learn landholders protect the bush and plant trees to about areas of natural and cultural signifi cance. reconnect corridors of healthy landscapes through This work also cultivates new opportunities: after eucalypt woodlands. In the Tasmanian Midlands their experiences at Carnarvon, the Bidjara now locals seek support to manage native grasslands wish to extend the partnership to include and woodlands. management of other parts of their traditional What do these groups have in common? They are lands at neighbouring Mt Tabor Station, where all stewards of the land. They are all protecting powerful owls and Northern quolls live. the plants, wildlife and landscapes in their corners In Western Australia’s Fitz-Stirling region, we’ve of the earth. They are all Bush Heritage partners. joined with other conservation groups to form Bush Heritage collaborates with Indigenous people, Gondwana Link, a project established to protect the farmers and pastoralists, who between them manage biodiversity of this ecological hotspot. The project nearly 80% of Australia. These partners share our aims to conserve, restore and reconnect a 1000 km conservation goals, protecting wildlife and landscapes pathway of native vegetation stretching from the far in parts of Australia that would otherwise be out south-west to the Nullarbor. Our team is working of reach. This partnership work is about building with Indigenous people, neighbours and other communities and investing in people to improve conservation organisations in the area to protect on-ground practices and deliver long-term, landscape- native species like black-gloved wallabies, honey scale conservation for our plants and animals. possums and yate trees. Many of our partnerships are with Indigenous As a Bush Heritage supporter, you’re part of a landowners, such as the Wunaambal Gaambera nation-wide community. Thanks to you, our people in the Kimberley. In this stunning and Partnerships team is growing this community, remarkably healthy landscape there have been no partner by partner, group by group. As our known mammal extinctions. Our work here will community grows, our landscapes, plants help ensure species like the locally endemic Monjon and our wildlife will grow stronger, healthier (the world’s smallest rock wallaby), the endangered and more diverse. loggerhead turtle and Gouldian fi nch continue to fl ourish in this vast land. 14 Bidjara children at The Lost City on Mt Tabor Station David Claudie The land is in your blood with your body, mind and soul

Photograph by Bush Heritage partner Bush Heritage has supported us in our work to Andrew Picone I am a traditional owner for the Kuuku I’yu care for our country. They’ve provided funds for Northern Kaanju Ngaachi. Our homeland is some weed and feral animal control, and fi re management. 840,000 hectares of country in the upper Wenlock They’ve also provided support for employment of and Pascoe Rivers in Cape York Peninsula. I belong rangers and accommodation for a land management to this Ngaachi and it is my responsibility, as it was coordinator. for my ancestors before me, to look after the land, To have appropriate land management, we have to waters, resources, plant and animal species for the be here on the ground – on our Ngaachi. We need benefi t of the environment and future generations. to uphold the ancient principles set down by our As Indigenous people we are part of the land. ancestors. Bush Heritage shares our values for We are not above any other species – we are part sustainable land management and conservation of the ecological chain. The land is in your blood and recognises the importance of Indigenous people with your body, mind and soul. to be on their homelands – we share a similar vision and that’s a good energy. From our perspective ‘Pianamu’, the Rainbow Serpent, made the land. Deterioration of the land is felt by Pianamu, and if proper land management is not carried out, Pianamu will not allow the land to be sustainable.

15 Guided by science

A western pygmy possum is huddled at the bottom use the vegetation data to adjust our fi re of a pit-fall trap amongst the re-planted vegetation management to achieve specifi c outcomes. at Chereninup Creek; Friends of Grasslands Sometimes the most basic information is the most volunteers scour Scottsdale, bearing witness to the valuable. For instance, fauna surveys at Ethabuka battle between native grasses and introduced weeds; Reserve following the once-in-a-generation rainfall a rufous fi eldwren, its location among the bluebush event in western Queensland have produced some at Boolcoomatta betrayed by its melodious song, startling fi nds. The desert short-tailed mouse, is duly noted by a watchful ornithologist; and fi re previously thought to be on the brink of local ecologists traverse the fl oodplains and hillsides extinction and not recorded in the region for of Yourka recording details of vegetation structure eighteen years, has been re-discovered. It does and plant species composition. however, appear to be confi ned to the claypans and Each of these moments represents part of our science the margins of ephemeral wetlands. This provides program. Each of these moments contributes data valuable information about where we should focus on the condition of the plants and animals on Bush our feral animal control work. Heritage reserves and partner properties. Each of Across the country, our ecologists are working these moments will infl uence the way Bush Heritage with Reserve Managers to identify key questions manages your reserves. to improve management. Where necessary, Our science program, which includes our ecological we partner with external researchers to leverage outcomes monitoring program and our research additional expertise and knowledge. partnerships, tests ideas and hypotheses about how plants and animals change over time in response to environmental variation and our management. This ensures we get the We then use that evidence to make informed best conservation return decisions about what, how, where and when to implement management activities. for our supporters, and more This is leading to better conservation outcomes. importantly, for the plants, For example, at Yourka Reserve in northern animals and ecosystems Queensland, we want to apply fi re regimes that not only reduce the risk of large wildfi res but also we seek to conserve. create and maintain habitat for native fl ora and fauna. Therefore, we are mapping vegetation Above: Birdwatchers at Cravens Peak Reserve structure and composition in relation to the in April 2010 – photograph by Peter Morris / frequency, intensity and time between fi res. www.petermorrisphoto.com We are also tracking the response of key plant species to fi re regimes, monitoring attributes like mortality, Right: Fairy shrimp – Adam Kereszy; Loggerhead re-sprouting, seed set and germination. Combined turtle – Mat McLean; Eyrean – Graeme with our knowledge about habitat requirements of Chapman; Red-tailed phascogale – Jiri Lochman/ key fauna species, such as northern quolls, rufous Lochman Transparencies; Desert short-tailed bettongs, bandicoots and woodland birds, we can mouse – Max Tischler

16 Safer thanks to you Your support has helped create a brighter future this year, for unique Australian animals like these.

Fairy shrimp

Where: Ethabuka Reserve

Bush Heritage staff found a species Eyrean grasswren of fairy shrimp that had previously only been recorded in the Murray Where: Ethabuka Reserve River area, following the fl oods of Desert short-tailed mouse early 2010. Surveys by Birds Australia Southern Queensland at Ethabuka in June Management: Discoveries such 2010 revealed this shy bird to be Where: Ethabuka Reserve as these help to establish species more widespread and abundant Last seen on Ethabuka eighteen distributions and demonstrate than previously thought. years ago, this tiny native mouse the value of ecological monitoring. Management: Removing stock and was recorded by Bush Heritage managing feral herbivores increases Ecologist Max Tischler in June grass cover on the dune crests that after the extensive summer rains provide refuge and nest sites for at Ethabuka. the . Management: By protecting the Status: Restricted to Simpson fertile claypans and swales from and Strezlecki Deserts grazing, Bush Heritage is improving the condition of the source areas from which these little critters may re-populate the landscape. Status: Widespread but sparse

Red-tailed phascogale

Where: Kojonup Reserve Bridled nail tail wallaby WA Department of Environment Where: Goonderoo Reserve and Conservation scientists and Bush Heritage Ecologist Angela Only a few wild populations of the Sanders orchestrated the fi rst-ever endangered bridled nail tail wallaby translocation of an endangered are left, one of which was species onto a Bush Heritage reintroduced to Avocet, a property Loggerhead turtle reserve. They trapped 20 neighbouring Goonderoo Reserve. Where: near Reedy Creek Reserve phascogales on a nearby property Ecologist Murray Haseler spotted and relocated them to nesting the fi rst nail tail to venture onto Volunteers counted over 130 nests boxes at Kojonup Reserve in May. Goonderoo in June 2010. on the beaches near Reedy Creek in April 2010, up 30% on recent years. Management: Ongoing rabbit and Management: Restoration of fox control at Kojonup has set the Brigalow habitat will hopefully Management: Fox control helps scene for a successful translocation encourage a resident population to reduce predation of turtle nests by reducing risk of predation and to settle on Goonderoo. and hatchlings. promoting woodland regeneration. Status: Endangered Status: Endangered Status: Endangered

17 How can I get more involved with Bush Heritage?

What are Friends of the Bush and why Why would I leave a bequest to are they so important to Bush Heritage? Bush Heritage in my Will?

Friends of the Bush are very special members A bequest to Bush Heritage, however large of the Bush Heritage community – people who or small, is one of the best ways to help us set up regular monthly donations to support protect, forever, the unique species that call our work. Their steadfast support means less Australia home. If you’d like information paper and lower administration costs, so we about remembering Bush Heritage in your can make even bigger plans for protecting Will, please contact Merrilyn Julian on the Australian bush. (03) 8610 9120.

I have special skills that Bush Heritage How can my workplace help protect may benefi t from. How can I volunteer? Australia’s landscapes and wildlife?

We’re lucky enough to have an incredibly Workplace giving donations are an easy dedicated team of volunteers helping with and effective way to help protect our bush. our conservation work, and often attract The donations can be deducted from your more volunteer interest than can be placed. salary before tax, so you receive any tax When we need new volunteers we advertise benefi t immediately. To fi nd out how you can get online at www.bushheritage.org.au/getting_ involved, call Liz Hackett on (03) 8610 9128. involved_volunteer How can I keep up-to-date with How can I visit one of the reserves Bush Heritage news? that I help to protect? Join our email list (www.bushheritage.org.au/ Where we can, we offer opportunities for you subscribe) to receive our newsletter direct to visit the places your generous donations have to your in-box. Or join our Facebook page helped protect. These visits are arranged at (www.facebook.com/bushheritageaustralia) specifi c times to avoid confl ict with conservation for up-to-the-minute news from the reserves, management activities. Information on upcoming including photos and videos. guided tours and reserves you can visit independently is available online: www. bushheritage.org.au/getting_involved_visit

I’d love to work for Bush Heritage. How can I fi nd out about career opportunities?

When jobs are available, we advertise them on our website: www.bushheritage.org.au/ employment

18 Bush Heritage thanks Phillip Toyne, who served on the Board from December 2000 until August, 2009, and Guy Board of Directors Fitzhardinge, who served from November 2002 until April 2010. Their commitment and passion guided Bush Heritage for many years, resulting in great gains in the protection of Australia’s wildlife, plants and landscapes.

Louise Sylvan President Hutch Ranck With expertise in consumer Hutch Ranck is a Director of affairs, Louise has worked for the Elders Ltd and recently retired MD ACCC and in 2008, was appointed of Dupont ANZ and ASEAN and a Commissioner of the Productivity Director of The Business Council Commission. She is also involved of Australia where he represented the with the Diplomacy Training BCA on the Prime Minister’s Science, Program at UNSW (established Engineering and Innovation Council by The Hon José Ramos-Horta). for ten years.

Andrew Myer Vice President Keith Tuffl ey Currently Chair of the AV Myer As Head of Investment Banking Group of Companies, Andrew has at Goldman Sachs in Australia, extensive experience in investment, Keith has provided strategic and property development and fi nancial advice to domestic and management, fi lm production and offshore companies for over 17 philanthropy. He is also Deputy years. He retired in 2008 to offer his Chair of the Melbourne expertise to the environmental sector. International Film Festival.

David Rickards Treasurer Leanne Liddle Executive Director and Global Head Leanne is a passionate scientist of Research at Macquarie Securities, and lawyer who works with the David coordinates a team based in Department of Environment Australia, Asia, New Zealand and and Natural Resources SA. the UK. He is an authority on the equities market, with particular expertise in strategic analysis.

Dr Steve Morton Mike Chuk With 26 years’ experience as a Mike has devoted his career to the research scientist for CSIRO, Steve Australian rangelands, working in has worked to integrate biodiversity, agriculture, conservation and natural conservation and land use for resources. He is a consultant with the grazing and agriculture. He is one Desert Channels Group and supports of Australia’s most respected postgraduate students studying with ecologists. Rangelands Australia.

Dr Sue McIntyre Doug Humann Chief Executive Offi cer Sue is Senior Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO Ecosystem Doug is a member of the World Sciences. She has extensive research Commission on Protected Areas; experience in biodiversity and also advising several governments natural resource management in the on private protected areas. He was agricultural landscapes. She advises recipient of the Wild Environmentalist land managers and policy makers on of the Year award in 1997 and a fi nalist these issues. in the CEO of the Year awards in 2005.

19 Treasurer’s Report

I want to thank Bush Heritage’s steadfast supporters Financial conditions remain very tight and Detailed fi nancial for their support over the past year. It is apparent Bush Heritage’s management team and Finance results are that the Global Financial Crisis continues to impact Committee will be keeping a close watch on presented in our on the charity sector as a whole and Bush Heritage performance throughout the coming year. Annual Financial has not been immune from its effects. Report 2009/10 which can be While our overall income is the same as last year, I am mindful that the found at www. there were signifi cant fl uctuations in income Australian bush that our bushheritage.org. sources. Government grants and large philanthropic au/fi nances or on donations were down, while bequests were grandchildren and their request by calling signifi cantly higher than last year. Pleasingly, our children will inherit; is Bush Heritage on Friends of the Bush regular donors gave an extra (03) 8610 9100 13% this year, indicating that there is still widespread dependent on the dedicated or 1300 628 873. support for protecting our bush, despite the tough and resolute fi nancial support fi nancial conditions. of donors today. Bush Heritage’s total income for the year was $12m and expenses $11.1m. The fi nal result was There has never been a more critical time in human an operating surplus of $948k, largely resulting history for our environment and I’m proud of all our from expenditure reductions, including some due generous donors who are making a real difference to weather related delays to activities on reserves. for future generations. Thank you. Our capital expenses were limited; however we were able to strengthen our Gondwana Link reserves Yours faithfully with the purchase of the small but strategic property David Rickards of Monjebup North. We also received funds for our Treasurer Tasmanian Midlands project which is scheduled for implementation in 2010–2011.

+13% $ 10.8m $ 5.9m $950,000 Donations by Received in Spent on reserves Overall operating surplus Friends of supporter donations and conservation for 2009–2010 the Bush and bequests management

20 Income ($000K) Expenditure ($000K)

$123 $342 $124 $570 Total Income $2,135 $3,200 $12,037,000 $300

$3,206 Total Expenditures $7,672 $1,992 $2,730 $11,080,000 $733

Bush Heritage Reserves Supporter donations Convervation management, Bequests research & partnership Corporate Supporter and public Government grants communication Investments Fundraising Other Investment in new supporters

Administration

Bush Heritage Reserves

Bush Heritage Reserves 35 1000

900 30 800

25 700

600 20 500 Value ($m) Land (000 ha) 15 400

300 10

200 5 100 Reserves (hectares) Investment in Reserves 0 0 and associated infrastructure 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Bush Heritage’s reserves grew consistently In 2010 we purchased a new reserve in from 2002 until the Global Financial south west WA, Monjebup North, as a Crisis hit in late 2008. Since 2008 Bush part of our Gondwana Link program, Heritage has focused our efforts on however we also transferred a parcel strengthening the conservation of land to Greening Australia WA. management on our reserves.

21 Thank you

Thanks to your steadfast Ltd, Joan Viner, Jim & Sylvia Warner, Garry White Foundation, Olga White, Elizabeth Xipell, Australian support, we can continue Government: Department of Environment & Heritage, protecting our wonderful bush New South Wales Government: Department of Environment & Conservation, RPS Environment, for future generations. Thank South Australia Arid lands NRM Board, South you to all our supporters, and Australian Government: Department of Environment & Heritage, South-west NRM: Queensland, Integral thank you to the supporters Energy, Independent Outdoor Media, Desert listed below, who have made Expeditions, Stephen Fisher, R-Co, Richard Henderson exceptional contributions. Bequests Bush Heritage gratefully received bequests from the Estates of the following supporters: Leading Benefactors Kevin Lindsay Attenborough, Henry Graham Baldwin Allens Arthur Robinson, Sidney Myer Fund 2009 John Lawrence Barnett, Jennifer Mary Barnett, Joseph Commemorative Grants Program, The Nature Thomas Bedford, Margaret Joyce Brister, Robert Henry Conservancy & The Nature Conservancy’s David Cuthbert, Ian Douglas Foote, Alison Wynne Hearn, Thomas Challenge, John T Reid Charitable Trusts, Carolyn Joy Parsons, Doreen Lila Perry, Lois Mary David Rickards in memory of Helen Rickards Radford, Ian Gordon Ross, John Walter Nesbitt Riddell Key Partners Exceptional Partnerships Flight Centre, Geoff Giles, Chris & Gina Grubb, Northern and Western Australia JB Hi-Fi and staff, Macquarie Group Foundation, Bush Heritage and The Nature Conservancy Tony Maxwell, The Miller Foundation, various collaborate to enable the attainment of greater trusts managed by Perpetual Philanthropic Services, conservation outcomes than would be possible Royal Automobile Club of WA by each organisation alone. Major Partners The Thomas Foundation and The Nature Conservancy Sandra Bayley, Terry & Caroline Bellair, Besen have generously supported our partnerships with Family Foundation, S C Carlton, Stan & Irene Indigenous communities across northern Australia Johanson, Margaret S Ross AM and our participation in Gondwana Link. Supporting Partners Again this year, Bush Heritage has benefi ted from Betty G Amey, Andyinc Foundation, Australian matching donations as part of the David Thomas Academy of Science, Vernon & Estelle Bailey, staff & Challenge, which has encouraged new donors to begin management of Biosis Research Pty Ltd, Bluescope Steel giving, and established donors to give more generously. and staff, James Andrew Christopher, Dennis Coules This year these challenge funds supported a range of & Beth Newman, Desert Channels Queensland Inc, programs including the purchase of a new reserve, The Digger’s Garden and Environment Trust, Eclipse Monjebup North, a strategic addition to our Gondwana Resources Pty Ltd, Peter Edwards, The First Eddystone Link reserves. Foundation, The Elizabeth Gabler Charitable Trust managed by Trust Company, Alexander Gosling & Tasmania Wirat Sukprem, The GPT Group, The Handley Family, This year, the Sidney Myer Fund made a million-dollar Nathan & Cate Harman, Dr Wendy Hughes in memory donation to the Midlands Conservation Fund. This of Dr Mary Hughes, Hunter Hall, Institute of Wildlife contribution will enable the formal establishment of Research: University of Sydney, W & A Johnson Family a program to develop strong partnerships within local Foundation, Andrew Keayes & Vanessa Lansdown, communities that work to protect some of the most Mr Robert Keyzer, The Karen and John Kightley valuable, threatened, and unprotected environmental Foundation, Dr Peter Krinks & Vera Yee, David communities in Tasmania. The grant was made as part & Megan Laidlaw, David Leece & Frances Murrell, of the 2009 Commemorative Grants Program, marking The Myer Foundation, Native Vegetation Council: the 75th anniversary of the Sidney Myer Fund and the South Australia, Perpetual Ltd and staff, Dr Lynda 50th anniversary of The Myer Foundation. Prior, Reece Australia Ltd, Brian & Diana Snape, Spot Imaging Services, Michael Tichbon, Trust Company

Right: Tracks through the desert at Cravens Peak Reserve. Photography by Peter Morris / petermorrisphoto.com

22 23 Postal address Design by R-Co. ABN 78 053 639 115 PO Box 329 Follow Bush Heritage on Flinders Lane Registered offi ce Melbourne VIC 8009 This publication uses 100% Level 5, 395 Collins St (03) 8610 9100 post-consumer waste recycled Melbourne VIC 3000 1300 628 873 fi bre, made with a carbon neutral manufacturing process, using www.bushheritage.org.au vegetable-based inks. [email protected]