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Nightcap National Park. The management of natural and cultural heritage values across the state, incorporating • conservation incentives, education and advice • regulation and enforcement • the nurture and rehabilitation of the natural and cultural heritage landscape, including protected areas and beyond • the establishment of appropriate reserves • the ecologically sustainable use of protected areas. 40

3Conservation management Conservation management is undertaken by NPWS and by many other organisations and communities. It is not only carried out on NPWS managed lands, but right across NSW. This section addresses conservation management in its broadest sense, and CHRIS GRIFFITHS includes activities through which NPWS is contributing to the achievement of NSW Biodiversity Strategy objectives.

WORKING WITH ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES NPWS seeks to work with Aboriginal communities to achieve the protection of natural and cultural heritage through mechanisms which also deliver social and economic benefits. Through the Aboriginal Heritage Projects program several projects were undertaken in 1999-2000. These projects involved a number of stakeholders working together to achieve a positive outcome for Aboriginal heritage. In western NSW projects focused on the protection of Aboriginal burial sites near Griffith, Walgett and Buronga, including major works undertaken at Lake Part of the Mumbulla Creek Falls picnic area redeveloped in conjunction with Victoria. Projects undertaken in south-east NSW included the local Aboriginal community. rehabilitation works at Oakhill Aboriginal Reserve; rock art recording and conservation works near Tumut; and midden In 1998, following discussions with the Aboriginal community, rehabilitation at Hammerhead Point near Jervis Bay. and in keeping with their wishes, it was decided to redevelop the picnic and walking track facilities at Mumbulla Creek Falls. Several projects were completed in the greater metropolitan area A steering committee, which included NPWS staff and of NSW, including the Hands on Rock project (Blue Mountains/ representatives from local Aboriginal communities, was formed Wollemi region) carried out in partnership with the Morunga to oversee all planning and construction aspects of the project. Gialinga Aboriginal organisation of Mudgee and the Department Through the steering committee, and a series of community of Land and Water Conservation. This site is a large shelter on information days held during the planning phase, the Aboriginal the north-east face of a massive sandstone escarpment. There are community was fully involved in the project. Newsletters between 150 and 200 red hand stencils on the walls and the roof informing people of the progress of the project were produced of the shelter, as well as emu track motifs. Works carried out on and distributed to Aboriginal communities of the far south coast. this project included upgrading the walking track; upgrading the car park; installing picnic tables and barbeque facilities; and This is the first major project jointly managed by NPWS and the installing interpretative signage. local Aboriginal community, and it has provided a model for future joint management ventures. Project planning also Joint management involved members of the Bega Valley Shire Disabled Access of national parks Committee and local tourism organisations. The development of a high quality cultural tourism destination has provided an Mumbulla Creek Falls project in Biamanga opportunity to explain the Aboriginal cultural and spiritual National Park values of the site and surrounding landscape. The project provided local employment and opportunities for members of Mumbulla Mountain is sacred to the Yuin people of the Monaro the local Aboriginal community to be involved in all aspects of and far south coast of NSW. The area is the locale of important the project. Since its completion in November 1999 the project ceremonies that use a complex of sites on the mountain and the has received favourable comments from the local community, surrounding landscape. According to Yuin tradition, initiations park visitors and the Aboriginal Elders. and other sacred ceremonies have been performed at these sites since the beginning of time. In 1980, Mumbulla Mountain, Mutawintji National Park including the complex of sacred sites, was gazetted as Biamanga The handback of Mutawintji National Park to its Aboriginal Aboriginal Place. The Aboriginal Place, and other areas of owners in September 1998 represented a NSW first for Mumbulla State Forest, came under the management of NPWS Aboriginal ownership under the National Parks and Wildlife when Biamanga National Park was gazetted in 1997. The park Amendment (Aboriginal Ownership) Act 1996. The past year has been listed on Schedule 14 (Aboriginal Ownership), and saw full operation of the Mutawintji board of management negotiations for handback of the park will begin when the comprising a majority of Aboriginal owners. The key priorities traditional owners have been identified. 41

1999 2000 ANNUAL REPORT JEREMY LITTLE

Mutawintji National Park: the past year saw the full operation of the board of management comprising a majority of Aboriginal owners.

for the board were the employment of a joint management OUTSIDE THE RESERVE SYSTEM coordinator; and upgrading infrastructure to accommodate The conservation of natural and cultural heritage in NSW cannot expected increased use of Mutawintji National Park by be achieved within parks and public reserves alone. NPWS Aboriginal owners and Wiimpatja (Aboriginal people), NPWS recognises the importance of, and is committed to working with staff and park visitors. Another major priority was designing, the community to achieve conservation outside the public constructing and erecting viewing platforms to protect art sites reserve system. In particular, NPWS seeks to enhance and within the Historic Site. Nearly completed, much of this work improve the use of formal mechanisms outside the reserve involved inmates from the Broken Hill Correctional Centre as system to achieve conservation outcomes for land management. part of an ongoing cultural links program. These are essentially a set of voluntary programs for landholders to implement protection on their own or other land in FUTURE DIRECTIONS partnership with NPWS. These programs range from providing NPWS will increase its efforts in working with legally enforceable permanent or temporary protection to Aboriginal communities and organisations in relation providing conservation information and advice and a to joint management of protected areas and to deliver communication network between landholders and between Aboriginal heritage conservation outcomes across landholders and NPWS. the landscape. Voluntary conservation Performance targets 2000-03 agreements • Increased participation by Aboriginal people in The Voluntary Conservation Agreement (VCA) program management committees and advisory bodies provides landholders with a means of permanently protecting the • Increase in the number of agreements in place conservation values of their land by entering into a negotiated with Aboriginal communities for the management agreement with the Minister for the Environment. These or use of protected areas agreements cover a range of land types such as declared • Increase in the number of Aboriginal people wilderness, sites of Aboriginal significance and habitat for employed by NPWS or in associated activities species listed as nationally endangered and/or of statewide significance. Landholders with VCAs receive assistance with on- ground works, including fencing, weed control and surveys, to help implement their agreements. 42

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Thirty-two VCAs were signed with property owners during 1999- 2000, bringing the total to 81, and these will be regularly monitored. Approximately 6,500 hectares are now protected by VCAs in NSW. In the Hunter Region, three conservation agreements were finalised for properties, including ‘Oakstead’ and ‘Wirra Wirra’. VCAs were also signed for ‘Khshartha’ at Crowther, ‘Phoenix Park’ at Tintenbar, ‘Vineyard Haven’ at New SAMANTHA HAMPTON / NPWS Italy and a property at Middle Pocket. Proposals for establishing VCAs at Wardell, Meerschaum Vale, Huonbrook and Wanganui are progressing. Negotiations took place for a VCA proposed in the Upper Moonan Brook area of Scone Shire. A VCA was made under the Conservation Management Network for Grassy Box Woodlands to protect Monteagle Cemetery, and five further VCAs for this network are under development. During the year, over 30 VCA sites received funds through the NSW Native Vegetation Management Fund for works associated with the protection and management of native vegetation.

NPWS site officer Bill Allen and property owner John Suttor sign the first South-east NSW voluntary conservation order specifically protecting Aboriginal heritage. In the south-east corner of NSW the area of private land protected under VCAs has dramatically increased over the past Suttor VCA year, with major additions from dedicated private landholders in NPWS celebrated a unique achievement by finalising a VCA the area. Through their own initiative, a group of 30 which specifically seeks to protect Aboriginal heritage values. neighbouring landholders have joined with NPWS to protect The property contains the burial site of Windradyne who led his parts of their land in perpetuity. The properties have formed a warriors against the British invasion of Wiradjuri country in corridor of protected private land that links two recently gazetted what became known as the Bathurst Wars between 1822 and additions to the South East Forests National Park system. 1824. Yet during this time settler William Henry Suttor formed a Eighteen VCAs were finalised during 1999-2000 and there are friendship with Windradyne and allowed the Wiradjuri people to many additional landholders in this region who have expressed use the land. The VCA was signed on 22 May 2000 at the Suttor interest in entering into VCAs. Each agreement will be unique to family property outside Bathurst. The event received wide media accommodate the different needs of each landholder. coverage in the local area, showing a strong commitment to the protection of Aboriginal cultural values. Racecourse Lagoon Racecourse Lagoon is a significant wetland in the Uralla area. Biodiversity conservation A VCA was signed with Uralla Shire as trustees on 2 November programs 1999. This agreement recognises the importance of a 40-hectare wetland, one of about 30 lagoons and swamps scattered along Bushcare the Great Dividing Range in New England, and complements The goal of the Bushcare program is to reverse the long-term the conservation objectives of the nearby Dangars Lagoon decline in the quality and status of Australia’s native vegetation Wildlife Refuge. cover. Bushcare is a component of the Commonwealth Situated in a natural amphitheatre, Racecourse Lagoon is unique government’s Natural Heritage Trust and invests in a range of with its granite base and large granite boulders protruding from projects focused on the on-ground protection of vegetation. areas of open water. It is vegetated with areas of sedges and Bushcare invested $13.2 million in NSW in 1999-2000. rushes and a variety of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants. This NPWS has a key role in the delivery of the Bushcare program in varied habitat supports an abundance and diversity of waterbirds NSW, being responsible for statewide coordination of Bushcare, that surpasses any artificial water body in the region. Species of for urban Bushcare facilitators and for jointly managing the particular interest include Blue-billed Ducks, Magpie Geese, program in conjunction with the Department of Land and Water Freckled Ducks, Black-tailed Godwits, Painted Snipes, Conservation. During 1999-2000 the final links in the Greenshanks, Japanese Snipe and Red-necked Stints. This VCA Bushcare network were put in place. This included the now provides protection and at the same time allows public appointment of nine regional facilitators in different enjoyment of this very popular picnic area. organisations such as Greening Australia, Rural Lands Protection Boards, and the Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers and Catchment Management. 43

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The program also works to support mechanisms that build the capacity of institutions to deliver vegetation protection in the future. An example of this was a series of local government workshops held throughout NSW in early 2000. These workshops were highly successful and should result in changed ALLAN HOUSE / NPWS local government practices for native vegetation management.

Farming for the Future NPWS continued to co-sponsor this farm planning program, which is administered jointly by NPWS, the Department of Land and Water Conservation, NSW Agriculture and the NSW Farmers’ Association. The program runs workshops for landholders through an eight part integrated workshop series. NPWS has employed facilitators in Queanbeyan, Bathurst, Armidale, Grafton, Griffith, Cobar, Dubbo and the Upper Hunter. NPWS received Natural Heritage Trust funding to enhance the biodiversity component of the program’s property management planning workshop series. This will assist NPWS to work with Farming for the Future facilitators to develop a workshop to be Ranger Patricia Nagle with community volunteers during biodiversity surveys in Royal National Park during September. used by them and by other extension programs. NSW Roadside Environment Committee ANZECC The NSW Roadside Environment Committee facilitates the NPWS continued its involvement in the Australia and New management of NSW roadsides for the benefit of the Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) – environment and the public. NPWS, together with other land Working Group on Nature Conservation on Private Land. This managers, participated in the committee, which runs training group has overseen the national implementation of the Land for and workshops on assessment and conservation of remnant Wildlife Scheme and is developing a national framework for native vegetation along roadsides. nature conservation on private land. NPWS Pacific Highway assessment Landcare NPWS staff were actively involved in conservation assessment NPWS participated in the Landcare program as a member of the associated with the Pacific Highway Upgrading Program NSW State Landcare working group, which includes (PHUP) being undertaken by the Roads and Traffic Authority representatives from other government agencies and from the between Newcastle and the Queensland border. At the end of community. This provided NPWS with opportunities to work June this program comprised about 27 individual projects at closely and share information with groups involved with on various stages of completion, with a total value of over $750 ground work addressing important biodiversity issues. million. On average, NPWS provided some level of service to eleven PHUP projects per month over the year. Integrated Forestry Operations Approval During 1999-2000 the key NPWS activities in relation to the The past year saw the finalisation of three Integrated Forestry PHUP included: Operations Approvals (IFOAs) for State Forests of NSW • reviewing and providing formal comments on draft and final (SFNSW) as part of the government’s forestry reform agenda. versions of two reviews of environmental factors, three The IFOAs for the Eden and Upper and Lower North East Environmental Impact Statements and one Species Impact Regions were signed by the relevant Ministers, including the Statement (SIS); Minister for the Environment, in December 1999 and came into • reviewing environmental management plans and/or force on 1 January 2000. NPWS completed training programs for environmental control plans for six PHUP projects; NPWS and SFNSW staff to improve their understanding of, and • completing one SIS concurrence report; compliance with, the threatened species protection components • developing compensatory habitat packages for four PHUP of IFOAs. Community groups were also provided training to projects, which to date have resulted in purchase of several increase the public’s understanding of approvals and improve the land parcels (valued in total at over $2 million) by the RTA standard of reporting of approval breaches. for transfer to NPWS estate; • reviewing three archaeological salvage excavation reports; • processing two preliminary research and two consent to destroy permit applications; and 44

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• developing a range of guidelines in conjunction with the RTA Approvals for keeping native animals for fauna and flora survey (covering both pre and post To ensure the care and protection of native animals, NPWS issues construction activities on PHUP projects); compensatory a number of licences and monitors adherence to the conditions of habitat identification and assessment; and fauna underpass these licenses. In 1999/2000, the licenses issued were: monitoring. Licences Number Keeping reptiles and amphibians 4,234 Wildlife management Keeping birds 490 Keeping native mammals 4,997 Wildlife refuges Exporting native wildlife from NSW 38 The Wildlife Refuge program is one of the longest running Importing native wildlife into NSW 1,000 community conservation programs in NSW, with over 600 Total 10,759 refuges being declared since 1950. The program enables landholders to agree to protect the natural heritage values on their property. The agreements are voluntary and can be FUTURE DIRECTIONS terminated at the landholder’s request. The declaration of a NPWS will work towards enhancing the range of refuge gives recognition to the landholder’s commitment to formal incentives for the ecologically sustainable conservation, and enables the landholder to receive technical management of land outside the reserve system. It advice and work jointly with NPWS to develop management will also seek to influence land use decisions outside guidelines. Currently, the program is under review with the aim the reserve system by working with local of making it more complementary with other community government, other government agencies and conservation programs, and improving service delivery to the community groups. NPWS will seek to increase the refuge owners. This year NPWS entered into a partnership with area of land outside the reserve system formally the Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers to offer support managed for conservation outcomes, primarily for conservation work to Wildlife Refuge and VCA holders. Five through establishment of more Voluntary landholders have received support through this program to date Conservation Agreements targeted particularly to with other assistance programmed for 2000-01. bioregions poorly represented in the reserve system and to key corridor linkages between reserves. Kangaroo Management Program The Kangaroo Management Program is the largest wildlife Performance target 2000-03 management program in NSW, and in 1999, for the first time, • Increase in the area of land outside the reserve NPWS established a specialised kangaroo management unit. system formally managed for conservation NPWS has developed close working relationships with outcomes universities, and is involved in a variety of research projects including review of aerial survey methods, investigation of epidemic mortalities of kangaroos, and the relationship between RESOURCES FOR CONSERVATION kangaroo distribution and abundance and artificial watering A key objective for NPWS is to increase the resources available points. NPWS convenes the NSW Kangaroo Management for protecting conservation values on NPWS managed lands and Advisory Committee, through which landholders, animal for supporting conservation outside those areas. welfare groups, the kangaroo industry and state agencies contribute to kangaroo management. During the year NPWS also signed a memorandum of understanding with the NSW Grants and sponsorships Meat Industry Authority to provide a framework for NPWS received $14,444,000 in grants and contributions during collaboration between the two agencies. the year. External grants continue to be an important source of additional funds for NPWS to support conservation programs. Grant schemes under the Federal government’s Natural Heritage Trust such as the World Heritage Management and Upkeep Program, National Reserve System and the Endangered Species Program were particularly targeted because of their synergy with current NPWS initiatives. NPWS also welcomes the support and assistance that sponsorship arrangements provide for its activities. Sponsorships raised are predominantly for species research, cultural heritage conservation work and educational activities. The majority of arrangements are funded by sponsors and donors through the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife. 45

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New partnership: a team of Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers at Lanikai Wildlife Refuge near Tabulam in June.

World Heritage funds of $32,500 were received to control weed project will operate into next financial year. Three rainforest species in the World Heritage listed dry rainforest in Mallanganee regenerators are employed on the project. National Park. A team of three rainforest regenerators was Other World Heritage grants obtained by NPWS for the Central employed on this project to implement appropriate controls, Eastern Rainforest Reserves Australia (CERRA) reserves primarily for Madeira Vine on the northern edge of the park included funds for works and activities associated with World adjacent to the Bruxner Highway. Other pest control projects Heritage rainforest protection and education; and improved partly funded by World Heritage grants included lantana and feral visitor facilities in Iluka Nature Reserve, Border Ranges goat control in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. National Park and Dorrigo National Park. Activities funded The third year of funding was approved for the Natural Heritage include interpretative displays, installation of environmentally Trust Bushcare project Restoration and Rehabilitation of friendly toilets, continuation of weed and pest animal programs lowland subtropical rainforest within the Tweed, Brunswick and (particularly along the reserve-urban interface) and a major Richmond Catchments, which has a total project allocation of rejuvenation of interpretation and information at the Dorrigo $240,000. The first training program was conducted at Rainforest Centre. The Commonwealth, through the World Mullumbimby during the year, with additional courses to be Heritage management and upkeep program, also contributed to held next financial year in Murwillumbah and a location yet to the construction of new bridges over the Williams River at be determined in the Richmond. Barrington Tops National Park. These bridges provide Friends of Cudgen Nature Reserve were successful in securing a exceptional access to the World Heritage area closest to Sydney. second year of funding from Natural Heritage Trust (Bushcare) A NSW Department of Public Works and Services grant for Restoration of Degraded Banana lands – Cudgen Nature provided half the funds for a study into protection of the eroding Reserve. Funding of $30,000 was secured in 1998-99 and shoreline at the Woody Head camping area in Bundjalung $12,750 in 1999-2000. Some of the 1998-99 funds were carried National Park. An Environment Protection Authority Stormwater over and spent in 1999-2000. The project focused on restoration Trust grant of $150,000 enabled works to be undertaken to activities on adjacent native vegetation, undertaken by bush improve stormwater in the catchments that contain the Perisher regenerators. A controlled burn was also undertaken to Range ski resorts in Kosciuszko National Park. This project was remove weed biomass and encourage natural regeneration of assisted by the NSW Government through its Stormwater Trust. native species. Coastcare funding was received by a number of Dunecare With the support of NPWS, Environmental Training & groups (including Broadwater and Bundjalung) primarily for Employment (Northern Rivers) Inc. were successful in gaining control of bitou bush, dune rehabilitation and revegetation, and environmental trust funds to undertake restoration works in the stabilisation fencing. Eureka rainforest remnants including Andrew Johnston Big In the Morton National Park area the Friends of the Brush-tailed Scrub Nature Reserve. The budget allocation for this project is Rock-wallaby received a grant from the Shoalhaven Catchment $45,230 of which $16,000 will be spent at the reserve. This Management Committee for weed eradication in rock-wallaby 46

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habitat; and a second grant to help produce the Friends’ Joint funding initiatives pamphlets. NPWS provided funds to undertake goat eradication NPWS contributed a range of funds and in-kind support to the work. The Friends of Morton National Park received a $15,000 NSW Wildlife Information and Rescue Service Inc (WIRES) grant from the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation to during the year, to the value of some $28,000. This support upgrade the Fairy Bower walking track in the park. NPWS also included training, joint education initiatives and the use of received a grant from a community member to conduct a school NPWS facilities. NPWS also contributed $8,000 this year to education program on threatened species in the Shoalhaven area. wildlife carer groups and carers in the Hunter region, including Using funds made available by the Foundation for National Great Lakes Wildlife Rescue, Native Animal Trust Fund, Parks and Wildlife, NPWS constructed a marine mammal rescue Sebastian Habal, Sue Gorden, and For Australian Wildlife trailer for use in strandings on the mid-north coast. The project Needing Aid (FAWNA). budget was $10,000 which included building the trailer, and A third Green Corps project was completed this year with a fitting it out with rescue mats, wetsuits, storage containers, team focusing on protection of koala habitat and restoration of buckets, rope and other rescue aids. The trailer is used in all significant rainforest areas. Works were undertaken in Wilson, marine mammal rescue training and has already been used in the Tucki Tucki, Victoria Park and Andrew Johnston Big Scrub rescue and relocation of numerous marine mammals. nature reserves. Five hundred Forest Red Gums were planted in koala habitat in Wilson and Tucki Tucki nature reserves, and Foundation for National Parks significant areas of weed control were completed in all areas and Wildlife improving visual amenity and health of the vegetation The Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife raises funds to communities. NPWS contributed $1,000 towards this project protect endangered wildlife, preserve national parks and which began in November 1999 and ended in May 2000. conserve cultural heritage. During the year the Foundation Work continued on a project commenced in January 1999 to raised $515,871 through sponsorships, contributions and prepare a framework for integrated management of conservation donations for conservation programs. However, the Foundation values of the Jervis Bay region. This is a two-year project jointly also experienced financial difficulties in meeting its program and funded by the Commonwealth government’s Coast and Clean staffing costs, which led to the appointment of an administrator Seas initiative and NPWS at a total cost of $160,000. The by the Foundation’s board to evaluate their financial position and project also received significant in-kind contributions from advise on options for future operations. The board resumed Shoalhaven City Council. operational control of the Foundation on 30 June, and began to reshape the Foundation’s functions, with a focus on fundraising Park use fees activities. As part of this process, responsibility for the Gondwana membership program and the running of the Gap Following the extension of park use fees to an additional seven Bluff Centre was transferred to NPWS. parks in November 1999, NPWS commenced a review of a range of park use fees across the state, including day and annual From the estate of a well respected local botanist in the passes, camping fees, landing fees, bus fees, and exemptions Southern Highlands, Janet Cosh, the Foundation allocated and concessions. The aim of this review is to ensure equitable $182,000 to construct an interactive educational room at the charges and to support the development and maintenance of Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre to honour Ms Cosh’s memory. visitor services and facilities, such as picnic grounds, camping Through the Gondwana program, the Foundation also funded a areas, and toilets. Visitor contributions also mean that more vibrant overhaul of the NPWS south coast mobile Discovery funds can be directed to conservation and education programs. caravan, set to inspire children and adults alike. The ongoing review focuses on several research strands, Management of the historic Roto House within the Macquarie including market research, pricing, exemptions, compliance, Nature Reserve near the heart of Port Macquarie has been park selection, and implementation. Profiling of all parks is enhanced with the assistance of the Foundation and volunteers being undertaken to determine visitor numbers and distribution, through the establishment of the Friends of Roto in January access and entry points, parking and visitor infrastructure, as 2000. This active group of volunteers provides guiding services well as logistical feasibility, economic viability and community to the public all year round, equating to approximately 1,825 issues. The project team reported in June 2000, and its volunteer hours per annum. Friends of Roto undertake fund recommendations are expected to be taken up later in 2000. raising to support their operational expenses and have a major ambition of refurnishing Roto House. A 1999 review of the Gondwana Program and, in particular, management of the annual pass system, found several ways to maximise the resources for conservation. These included integrating administration of annual passes into National Parks Centre operations. This was achieved by the end of the financial year. 47

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In addition, a pilot e-commerce project, funded by the Office of weeds and pest animals. One example of pest animal control is Information Technology, was developed to enable customers to the work carried out to protect the endangered Malleefowl from buy annual passes online via the NPWS website. This facility is foxes in Yathong Nature Reserve. expected to be operational early in 2000-01, with other services In 1993, 83 per cent of chicks released on Yathong had died progressively being brought online. within six months, with the majority of deaths attributed to foxes. Traditional ground baiting was not sufficiently reducing the FUTURE DIRECTIONS numbers of foxes to allow for Malleefowl survival. A full aerial A major focus for NPWS over the coming year will baiting program was instigated in September 1996 with a 90 per be to improve the cost effectiveness of our cent reduction in fox numbers being achieved. This ongoing operations, including through improved business and program covers approximately 300,000 hectares and occurs three marketing planning. This will release resources for times per year. It incorporates a cooperative program of ground allocation to conservation initiatives. NPWS will baiting with adjoining landholders and Rural Land Protection also seek additional resources through a range of Boards. In Yathong the number of active Malleefowl mounds has other sources, such as grants and cooperative remained static at five, whereas a marked decline in breeding arrangements. activity has occurred in other areas of the state. The program is supported by the captive breeding program undertaken by Performance target 2000-03 Western Plains Zoo near Dubbo which supplies chicks in • Increase in the resources allocated to protecting October each year for release onto the reserve. conservation values on NPWS managed lands and A more comprehensive report on pest animal control is provided supporting conservation outside those areas later in this section.

Weed control ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE NPWS is involved in numerous programs to control a wide MANAGEMENT OF NPWS OPERATIONS range of environmental and agricultural weeds, the most A key objective for NPWS is to ensure effective management significant of which are outlined below. systems are in place for the ecologically sustainable management of NPWS operations, including on NPWS reserves. Bushland and rainforest regeneration NPWS continued to work closely with volunteers to control weeds and regenerate bushland in many of our reserves. Much Threatened species conservation of the regeneration work was undertaken in high use parks, NPWS undertakes a wide range of threatened species particularly in the Sydney Metropolitan area and the Blue conservation activities, particularly with respect to control of Mountains, where bush regeneration staff have been employed primarily to support community Bushcare programs. Volunteers regularly work with NPWS, helping to remove a variety of weeds including bitou bush, lantana, privet, pampas grass, gorse and a wide range of exotic vines. ERNIE SMITH A major aim of bush regeneration programs is to increase community awareness of the significance of environmental weeds and the need for their control. NPWS staff played a key role in the National Weedbuster Week in October 1999. For example, in Sydney NPWS combined with the Sydney North Noxious Weeds Advisory Committee to hold a conference on urban bushland weed management, which was attended by more than 200 people. More than 500 volunteers assist NPWS in Lane Cove, Garigal, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Sydney Harbour, Botany Bay and Royal national parks. NPWS estimates that in the Sydney South region, volunteers contributed over 10,000 hours during the year with an estimated labour value of $200,000. At Lane Cove National Park, 36 Bushcare groups work on a regular basis. The park also fosters corporate and community days which allow Fox baiting in Yathong Nature Reserve was carried out in conjunction with adjoining landholders to protect the endangered Malleefowl. private organisations and community groups to ‘get their hands 48

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dirty’ for a day. At one of these events last spring, 70 ‘honorary local activities. Priority is being given to community rangers’ planted more than 1,000 tubestock during the day. involvement – fostering partnerships between stakeholders and In Blue Mountains National Park, funding provided through the especially recognising the important role of volunteers. In NSW State Biodiversity Strategy has been used to survey and assess a threat abatement plan will be developed to identify and protect the conservation values of weed prone areas. A draft bush critical populations of threatened species. regeneration strategy has identified priority areas for action. NPWS supports the national research program on biological Gorse is one of the most serious weeds in the Blue Mountains. control of bitou bush. Four agents have now been released under To combat the problem, a regional management plan has been this program. One of them – the bitou seed fly – is now well developed jointly by NPWS, Blue Mountains City Council, Blue established along the NSW coastline and populations of the fly Mountains Bushcare Network, Sydney Water, the Department of have commonly reduced seed production by over 50 per cent. Land and Water Conservation, local Landcare and Bushcare The latest introduction, the bitou leaf roller moth, was released groups, Katoomba and Wentworth Falls TAFE, the Sporting in Broadwater and Bundjalung national parks in June 2000. At Shooters’ Association and several local bushwalking clubs. Each high densities, larvae of the bitou leaf roller moth are capable of year NPWS seeks community support in detecting and recording decimating plants. It is the most destructive agent found so far outbreaks of gorse in the Grose Valley in the Blue Mountains and scientists are confident of its potential to have a major National Park. The Great Grose Gorse Walk has become a major impact on bitou bush in Australia. community event with over 140 person-days contributed by the community over the past 12 months. Lantana In the mid-north coast region volunteer groups such as Friends Lantana occurs in most coastal and eastern escarpment parks of Kattang, the National Parks Association, the Malibu Club and from Narooma to the Queensland border. It is a very vigorous Dunecare groups have provided hundreds of volunteer hours and invasive species, and hence has been listed as a Weed of assisting in ‘bitou bashing’ and the removal of bitou bush from a National Significance. In the Nymboida National Park lantana number of areas including Kattang Nature Reserve, Limeburners infestations occur along the entire length of the Mann River and Creek Nature Reserve, Crowdy Bay National Park and Hat Head range from isolated clumps to large areas of impenetrable, National Park. highly competitive thickets. In the Kangaroo Valley NPWS has removed large areas of lantana to protect important habitat for In northern NSW, NPWS is undertaking rehabilitation works in the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby. a range of rainforest remnants. The strategy is to replace weeds with native species in such a way that the process of natural NPWS is a major contributor to the national research program on regeneration and succession is sustainable and that weeds are biological control being undertaken by Queensland Department not simply replaced by other weeds. Several rainforest programs, of Natural Resources. During the last three years, seven insect including Andrew Johnston Big Scrub, Snapper Island, species have been released at over 60 sites in NSW, many of Coramba, Susan Island and Wingham Brush nature reserves, them on NPWS reserves. Two more agents, a sap sucking insect have been expanded with funding provided through the NSW and a leaf rust, have been approved by the Australian Quarantine Biodiversity Strategy. and Inspection Service, and will be released later this year. Another insect, a bud mite (Aceria lantanae), is currently Bitou bush undergoing stringent host specificity testing in South Africa, Because it is a serious threat to all coastal ecosystems, bitou before introduction and release in Australia. bush has been listed as a Weed of National Significance and as a key threatening process under the Threatened Species Scotch broom Conservation Act 1995. While the Act referred to is a The largest infestation of Scotch broom on NPWS estate is in Commonwealth Act, NPWS has been given responsibility for Barrington Tops National Park, an area known to contain coordinating national action on bitou bush. The principal focus threatened populations of the vulnerable Broad-toothed Rat and has been on developing a national management strategy, and a a number of threatened species. A flora survey during the year project officer has been appointed, with responsibility for identified 35 rare plant species, four of them threatened species. pursuing a more strategic and collaborative approach to NPWS has prepared a detailed management strategy identifying managing this weed. a containment zone and priority areas for control, and contractors have been engaged to undertake works in high- After widespread community consultation, a draft strategy was priority areas. submitted to the National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee. Among other things, the strategy recommends where resources NPWS is a key player in the cooperative program for biological should be targeted to address the most critical issues, and to control of Scotch broom. This multi-agency program has so far plant communities most at risk. The focus is on improving resulted in the release of three insect species (Twig Mining control techniques, and coordinating national, state, regional and Moth, psyllid and a seed beetle) and several others are under 49

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evaluation. Key monitoring sites have been set up in Barrington monitor the regeneration of previously logged areas in the South Tops National Park, but it is still too early to make a realistic East Forest National Park (SEFNP) and validate Comprehensive assessment of the results of these biological control efforts. Regional Assessment (CRA) data sets for forest growth stage and distribution of rare forest ecosystems. Work began on the Salvinia Ecologically Sustainable Forest Management (ESFM) project to Salvinia is an aquatic noxious weed with the potential to develop a centralised information management system to completely smother wetlands. It has been listed as a Weed of facilitate community access to CRA data. A draft plan of National Significance and in most of NSW it is a Category W1 management and reserve fire management plan for SEFNP were noxious weed. Recently, two major outbreaks of salvinia have developed with extensive community consultation and are now occurred on waters which are the responsibility of NPWS: ready for public exhibition. High quality facilities for visitors, Myall Lakes in Myall Lakes National Park and Longneck including interpretation displays at various sites and 4WD Lagoon in Scheyville National Park. In both cases the camping facilities at Postmans Track (within the SEFNP) were infestations began upstream from NPWS estate, but moved installed. Orientation signs and shelters were produced for downstream and became NPWS’s responsibility. Management installation into urban centres around the SEFNP, in conjunction plans to combat these infestations have been developed in with the Bega Valley Shire Council, State Forests and Bombala collaboration with NSW Agriculture and local weed control Shire Council. A fire trail maintenance program began with four authorities, and currently are being implemented. wooden bridges being replaced by reinforced concrete bridges during the year. Eden Regional Forest Agreement The Rural Lands Protection Board pest species control contract Following finalisation of the Eden Regional Forest Agreement was renewed and extended to cover additions to the NPWS and associated Integrated Forest Operations Approvals guiding estate in the Eden CRA area. The contract was altered to support forestry operations NPWS, in conjunction with State Forests, the the many threatened species management programs operating Department of Urban Affairs and Planning and NSW Fisheries, within the park. Operations are closely coordinated with other set about pursuing objectives outlined in the agreement. NSW land management agencies in the region and with appropriate cross-border agencies. The Haycock Point Cultural Camp was completed, in conjunction with the Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council and members of In addition, NPWS met its obligations to monitor and report the local Aboriginal community, to facilitate ongoing access for annually to government on its performance in meeting ESFM traditional activities. Several research projects were established to benchmarks for agreed criteria and indicators. LIZ WREN / NPWS

Technical officer Jo Caldwell during a rehabilitation program in Kosciuszko’s Jounama pine plantation to harvest the pines and restore native forest. 50

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Rehabilitation programs Waste management Extensive rehabilitation and revegation work has been Sewage management undertaken across the state during the past year. Much of this work is addressed in more detail in other sections of this report, Sewerage upgrades have been identified as a statewide priority including work undertaken in Andrew Johnston Big Scrub, and all NPWS regions have developed targeted strategies to Davis Scrub, Wilson, Boatharbour, Broken Head, Brunswick bring their facilities to an exemplary level of environmental Heads, Hayter’s Hill, Victoria Park, Moore Park, and Cudgen performance. A program in Warrumbungle National Park to nature reserves and Mallanganee National Park. improve sewage management by introducing ‘state of the art’ composting toilets began this year, with four being installed. Programs for the protection of Rainforest vine Cynanchum This program, which will overcome environmental concerns elegans were continued in Glenrock State Recreation Area, about sewage treatment facilities in the park, will take five to Woko National Park and Booti Booti National Park. An urban eight years to complete. When completed it will demonstrate bush regeneration program in Glenrock State Recreation Area best practice in sewage management. also continued during the year to protect populations of two threatened plant species: Tetratheca juncea and Diurus praecox. Composting toilets were installed at Geehi and Tom Groggin picnic and camping areas in Kosciuszko National Park in Rehabilitation of Jounama pine plantation in response to environmental and visitor concerns about the existing pit toilets. The toilets are screened by trees planted by a Kosciuszko National Park Corryong-based GreenCorps team using trees propagated from The Jounama Pine Plantation, deep within what is now seeds collected on site. The result is a reduction in the risk of Kosciuszko National Park, was planted between 1923 and 1935 seepage into the river and toilet buildings which are unobtrusive. in an experiment to determine which exotic pine species were best suited to growing in the Tumut area at high altitudes. In Also in Kosciuszko National Park, a state of the art composting 1983 NPWS commenced a program to rehabilitate the area by toilet was completed at Charlotte Pass on the edge of the alpine harvesting the pines and restoring native forest. Since that time, area. The innovative solar-powered toilet maximises some 527 hectares of the pine plantation have been harvested, environmentally sustainable principles and meets the challenge with only 75 hectares now remaining. of providing a composting system which will operate year-round in an environment that experiences below-freezing temperatures Revegetation of the area has been carried out progressively. In for several months each year. the past year, operations such as collecting 220 kilograms of seed from native species; bulldozer works; high intensity In recent years NPWS has commenced a pit toilet replacement burning of pine slash to kill pine seed and produce an excellent program throughout the World Heritage reserves of the Northern ash bed for seeding; and blackberry spraying have been carried Rivers region. The aim is to provide facilities more in keeping out to allow native seed spreading to occur in the winter. In all, with the status of the reserves and to minimise environmental 34 hectares were revegetated to native forest during 1999-2000. effects arising from increased visitor use. During the year new composting toilets were constructed by local staff at Given continued strong local and export markets it is hoped that Sheepstation Creek Camping Area and Border Loop Picnic Area the remainder of the plantation will be clearfelled in the next in Border Ranges National Park; at Peacock Creek Camping two to three years. Pine seedling management within the Area in Richmond Range National Park; and at Terania Creek in remainder of the park near the plantation and rehabilitation of Nightcap National Park. Groundwater contamination has been compartments, roads and waterways will be an ongoing project virtually eliminated from these areas. for some years to come. The aim is that one day there will be no evidence that a pine plantation once existed in Kosciuszko The majority of the Perisher Range Sewerage Augmentation National Park. Project was completed at a cost of $9.6 million. These works are aimed at improving effluent quality in sensitive waters in Revegetation of cleared land in the Kosciuszko National Park. Consultants were engaged during the Eurobodalla National Park year to prepare a toilet and wastewater management strategy for Twelve hectares of previously cleared grazing land, recently added Myall Lakes National Park. The strategy, which provides to the Eurobodalla National Park, were replanted during the year recommendations on the type and design of environmentally under a community revegetation project. Members of the appropriate systems for managing toilet and greywater waste Cobowra Aboriginal Land Council Community Development within the park, will enable NPWS to commence installation of Employment Program, Australian Trust For Conservation new facilities on a priority basis. Volunteers and NPWS staff combined to plant more than 21,000 Investigations also were undertaken in several other sites to native plants with the aim of restoring the type of vegetation enable replacement of inappropriate pit toilets with communities that existed before European settlement of NSW. environmentally friendly facilities. Those targeted were Banksia 51

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Point Cabins in New England National Park; Platypus Flat, a Buildings high-use whitewater rafting and camping site in Nymboi- Projects undertaken as part of the Historic Assets Maintenance Binderay National Park; The Glade, a high use picnic area in Program during 1999-2000 included: Dorrigo National Park; and several coastal camping locations • conservation building works at Willandra homestead, within Yuraygir National Park. Willandra National Park; • conservation building works at Fort Denison, Georges Head Stormwater management Beehive and the Queen’s Magazine at Goat Island in Sydney During the year a range of structural and non-structural Harbour National Park; management measures outlined in the Ski Resorts in the Upper • conservation building works to the Old Great North Road, Snowy Catchment Stormwater Management Plan to improve the Dharug National Park; quality of stormwater entering the Snowy River catchment were • conservation building works at Hartley Historic Site; implemented. Among other things, three gross-pollutant traps • metal conservation works in Sydney Harbour National Park; were built, some village roads were sealed and a public • maintenance works at Kiandra Courthouse/Chalet, education campaign was launched. Kosciuszko National Park; • maintenance works at Bantry Bay Explosives Depot at Recycling Garigal National Park; Recycling services for plastic, glass, aluminum and steel • roof restoration works to the Montague Island Lighthouse containers, and organic waste are now in place in most of the cottages, Montague Island Nature Reserve; heavily visited parks, other than in those parks which have a • stabilisation of the Lake Innes Ruins in Lake Innes Nature policy of visitors removing their own rubbish. NPWS also has a Reserve; program for recycling waste cooking oil in the Perisher resort • continuing maintenance and stabilisation of Roto House in area of Kosciuszko National Park. All NPWS administrative Macquarie Nature Reserve; and centres continue to recycle paper and cardboard. • major works to the Smoky Cape Lighthouse Head Lightkeeper’s Cottage in Hat Head National Park. Clean up campaigns NPWS participated in a joint clean-up exercise with Shellharbour Rural Fire Service as part of the Clean Up Australia activities at Budderoo National Park, by removing over three tonnes of rubbish and several dumped cars from the bushland at the Jamberoo Lookout area. NPWS also supported a new Coastcare group and Ballina High School in rehabilitation and clean up projects in Richmond River Nature Reserve. LORRAINE DONNE / NPWS

FUTURE DIRECTIONS A key initiative over the next three years will be the establishment of a comprehensive Environmental Management System. NPWS will undertake more audit activity, and benchmark our performance with respect to the ecological sustainability of NPWS’s management practices. In addition, NPWS will sustain its commitment to fire and pest management.

Performance target 2000-03 • Environmental management system implemented by June 2003

MANAGING OUR BUILT ASSETS NPWS seeks to manage its built assets to ensure conservation of natural and cultural heritage values, and to facilitate the community’s enjoyment of those values; while at the same time ensuring the health and safety of visitors and staff. An extensive restoration program on Fort Denison in Sydney Harbour National Park is providing a café and new interpretive facilities. 52

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Adaptive re-use of historic heritage • major viewing platform and walking track improvements in Boorganna Nature Reserve and Corrabakh National Park. Sydney Harbour National Park Constable’s Cottage and Fort Denison now join Athol Hall, the Reconstruction of the Alpine Way at Thredbo following the Nielson Park Kiosk and the Gap Bluff Centre as historic Thredbo landslide continued. A major program of improvements heritage items within Sydney Harbour National Park which have to the steep batters on the road south of Khancoban also come to life as living heritage treasures. Leasing Constable’s commenced. Cottage for short-term accommodation has made good use of the cottage consistent with its conservation plan, and is now Repairing the Roof of Australia – walking contributing funds for the restoration of other historic sites track construction and revegetation of the within the park. Completion of interpretive facilities at Fort Kosciuszko summit area Denison and the imminent opening of a cafe under contract Since 1996 NPWS has been working on a major upgrade of the management will bring this small island fort to life. These uses walking tracks of the Main Range, including the summit of are consistent with the conservation plan. Kosciuszko itself and the Main Range walk. The project aims to increase the capability of the alpine area to withstand the Willandra homestead increasing environmental effects of tourism by directing visitors Extensive renovation of the historic Willandra homestead and to site-hardened areas and rehabilitating sites degraded by past precinct was undertaken during the year to highlight the grazing and tourism. The key outcomes include improved visitor grandeur of a ‘Western sheep run’. These renovations also will access and experiences by making the tracks more walker- allow the homestead to be used for overnight accommodation. friendly and ecologically sound; rehabilitation of damaged and actively eroding areas using native species propagated from seed Green Cape Light Station – Ben Boyd National Park collected on site; and improved signage and interpretation Upgrading of the Green Cape Light Station approached throughout the track network. The summit area project is guided completion, with commercial occupancy beginning in December by a local management group comprising representatives of 1999. Guided by a comprehensive conservation plan, NPWS, Department of Land and Water Conservation, Snowy improvements to the heritage site have been made in the form of: Mountains Hydro-electric Authority, National Parks Association • upgrading the power supply; and the resorts of Thredbo and Perisher Blue. • refurbishing the cottages, including providing for access by people with disabilities; The old Kosciuszko Road from Rawson’s Pass to the top of • replacing roofing and guttering; Mount Kosciuszko has been reconstructed and rehabilitated • installing a new carpark and day use facilities; including the provision of a ‘sense of arrival’ on the summit • developing interpretation panels for the site; and itself. The old borrow pit near the Snowy River was rehabilitated • completing the light-to-light walking track linking Green using propagation and planting techniques developed by local Cape to Boyds Tower in the north of Ben Boyd National Park. staff. At Charlotte Pass a new composting toilet was installed using world-first technology to combat the severe weather Plans are underway to call for expressions of interest for conditions the area experiences. This technology was developed commercial management of the site. and refined by local staff and contractors. Roads and other access In addition, a program of improvements to roads and trails in the northern part of Kosciuszko National Park over the past year Substantial road and walking track works were undertaken resulted in significant environmental improvements as well as during the year to repair damage, upgrade facilities and improve better access to key visitor destinations. The works were access, and improve visitor safety and enjoyment. These undertaken on unsealed trails including the Quarry, Port Phillip included: and Bullocks Hill trails as well as the Long Plain Road. • road works in Bundjalung, Yuraygir, Bongil Bongil, Dorrigo, Installation of sediment and control measures such as box New England, Nymboi-Binderay, Border Ranges and culverts were aimed at meeting EPA standards. Gravel Ramornie national parks; resheeting on the Long Plain Road provided greatly improved • walking track repairs and upgrades for the Minyon Falls walk access to popular visitor destinations such as Coolamine within Nightcap National Park; the rainforest Wonga Walk in Homestead and the Blue Waterholes. Dorrigo National Park; the Cascade Walk in New England National Park; and 1.2 kilometres of the Shelley Beach Over the past two years NPWS staff also formed strong links Walking Track in Yuraygir National Park; with the Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism • major walking track works in Dorragan National Park, through projects including surveying visitor numbers and Macquarie Nature Reserve and Sea Acres Nature Reserve; attitudes and a summer visitor monitoring program designed to • major maintenance and road upgrades in many of the more assist infrastructure and services planning. remote parks in the mid-north coast region; and 53

1999 2000 ANNUAL REPORT LIZ WREN

Volunteers assist NPWS soil conservation officer Stuart Johnson with revegetation work at Charlottes Pass.

The upgrade of the Main Range walks and old summit road are involved replacing a footbridge, several lookouts and associated planned for completion by 2004, with maintenance and walking track and safety fencing. This popular walk had been rehabilitation of the various soil conservation works to be closed due to the safety risk associated with the fire damage. undertaken following the removal of grazing from the high country. Budderoo National Park Extensive work was carried out during the year to upgrade the Mount Warning National Park walking track facilities at Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo This past year was the first in a four-year project for the National Park, including the installation of safety rails. Given reconstruction of the Mount Warning National Park Summit the extensive nature of the boardwalk and the lack of vehicle Track. The project is jointly funded by NPWS and the access along the walking track, materials were flown in by Commonwealth’s Natural Heritage Trust (through the World NPWS helicopter. Works were also undertaken on the main Heritage Management and Upkeep Program) which has entrance road to Minnamurra Rainforest to improve streambank contributed $160,000 to this stage of the works. The project is stability, drainage and road alignment, resulting in a much aimed at improving visitor safety and preventing further damage improved entrance to this very popular area. and erosion to the track. Repair work involves track realignment and edge stabilisation; erosion control works; rock paving; and Hunter region road maintenance contract repair of stone steps and small sections of boardwalk over rock NPWS let a two-year contract this year for road maintenance, outcrops and tree roots. Replacement of sections of hand railing grading and repair of all roads within reserves in the Hunter also is required. region. Road maintenance was completed in a range of reserves Major refurbishment of the Summit Track is ongoinging. Ten including Myall Lakes National Park, Wallingat National Park, tonnes of material including timber, tools and a temporary Barrington Tops National Park, and Tomaree National Park. storage shed have been lifted onto the track by helicopter to Reconstruction of 3.8 kilometres of Mungo Brush Road, the allow major repairs and upgrading. Safety rails and two 10 metre main sealed road into Myall Lakes National Park, provided a boardwalks have been constructed over identified priority areas; solution to continuous pavement failure problems that created a lightning rods have been replaced on summit viewing platforms; safety hazard on this section of the road. and the interpretative display has been extensively revamped. Cape Hawke Walking Track Morton National Park Work commenced on upgrading the summit track to Cape Construction of a new lookout, carpark, walking track and Hawke in Booti Booti National Park, and is nearing completion. interpretative facilities was completed at Tianjara Falls in Morton The next stage in the project is to replace the lookout structure on the summit with a taller tower to accommodate the growth of National Park during 1999-2000. Following substantial damage the littoral rainforest regenerating on the Cape. to visitor facilities from a bushfire in 1997, work was completed on restoring the East Rim track, near Fitzroy Falls. Works 54

Conservation management

Other park infrastructure Tweed Heads Historic Site Repairs costing $30,000 were undertaken at Minjungbal Upgrading and redeveloping visitor facilities Museum and mangrove boardwalk at Tweed Heads Historic Site. Major upgrading and redeveloping of visitor facilities was The museum is operated by the local Minjungbal community. carried out during the year at: The works included upgrading signs, new barbeques, two new • Mulligans Hut and Raspberry Lookout in Gibraltar Range picnic tables and repairs to the building. National Park; • Lemon Tree Flat camping area and Macintyre Falls lookout Tooloom Falls camping and picnic area area in the Kwiambal National Park; New visitor facilities and information and improved amenities • Cypress Pine camping area in Boonoo Boonoo National have been provided at Tooloom Falls Aboriginal Place near Park; Urbenville in the Northern Rivers region. According to Gidabal • Geehi and Olsen’s Lookout in Booti Booti National Park; and legend the falls are the source of the Clarence River. The new • Peacock Creek Rest Area, within the recent additions to facilities have been developed with assistance from the Mulli Richmond Range National Park. Mulli Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Tenterfield Council, at a cost of approximately $12,000. Major visitor facilities and restoration works completed in Western Sydney’s regional parks during the year included major Mebbin National Park picnic area development; construction of playgrounds, parking areas, dams and open space; major revegetation programs; and Access and visitor facilities in Mebbin National Park camping, construction and maintenance of walking tracks and bike paths. day-use and parking areas were upgraded and improved during the year at a cost of $75,000. A new day-use shelter was erected Border Loop Picnic Area and renovation of a galley for campers completed. New barbeques, picnic tables and composting toilets are to be In early 1999 Mr John and Mrs Gloria Miller of Ettrick in north- 2000. east NSW generously donated approximately one hectare of land completed by August as an addition to Border Ranges National Park. This land was Boonoo Boonoo National Park particularly important as it includes the popular and scenic Border Loop Picnic Area. Mr and Mrs Miller have had a long During the year, camping facilities were removed from the falls association with the area and wished to see this popular picnic in the Boonoo Boonoo National Park, due to the occurrence of area remain accessible to the public. The donation enabled rare plants and damage from camping. The falls area was NPWS to commence a major upgrade of the Picnic Area. With converted to day use, and the Cypress Camping Area developed Natural Heritage Trust World Heritage Management Program as the park’s camping area. funds, and in cooperation with the Kyogle Lions Club and Kyogle Council, the access road was bitumen sealed and new Thredbo Coronial Inquiry composting toilets, interpretative displays, lookout platforms On 29 June 2000 the Coroner released the findings of his and walking track access were constructed. Inquiry into the 1997 Thredbo landslide, together with ten recommendations, all of which were accepted by the NSW Bundjalung National Park Government. A key recommendation was that an independent Degraded areas in the Gumma Garra day use area of Bundjalung review be undertaken to assess the appropriateness of NPWS National Park were rehabilitated during the year. All rental and retaining responsibility for urban communities and road other infrastructure buildings in the park were assessed and maintenance within the NPWS estate. On 30 June the Minister brought up to occupational health and safety standards by for the Environment appointed Mr Bret Walker, Senior Counsel removing asbestos, retiling roofs, marking emergency fire to conduct this review and to report to the government by 31 extinguishers, and installing fire and hose reels. December 2000. The terms of reference for this review are: • To review the effectiveness of the National Parks and Wildlife Minnamurra Rainforest Centre Service’s policies and practices in carrying out its Interpretative facilities at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in responsibilities for urban communities and road maintenance Budderoo National Park underwent a major revamp. Modular within national parks and make recommendations about the displays, able to be changed easily, were installed at this key appropriateness of these responsibilities remaining with the rainforest information and education location to assist with Service regular updating of information. • To examine all other recommendations made by Coroner Hand in relation to the responsibilities of other Government authorities in the Kosciuszko National Park and recommend any ways in which the carrying out of these responsibilities can be improved 55

1999 2000 ANNUAL REPORT

The outcomes of this review will be reported in next year’s CONTRIBUTING TO COMMUNITIES annual report. NPWS seeks to ensure that its operations across NSW contribute to the environmental, social and economic well being FUTURE DIRECTIONS of local and regional communities. A key initiative over the next year will be the development of a comprehensive asset management Contribution to sustainable rural system to improve the maintenance of built assets, and regional development and ensure they are safe and healthy for staff and for It is now recognised that the recreational, educational and the public to use. cultural amenities which NPWS provides, and the ecosystem functions it protects and rehabilitates, have social and Performance targets 2000-03 economic values. A key challenge for NPWS is to enhance these • Reduction in maintenance liability by June 2003 values through partnerships with individuals, Landcare and • Reduction in health and safety related incidents water management groups, local councils and other public and involving either staff or members of the public private bodies, for both on park and off park conservation. As a step towards this, in 1999 NPWS produced a report for release by the Minister for the Environment summarising MANAGING SITE USE IN studies it has conducted or commissioned to demonstrate that PROTECTED AREAS protected areas can make a contribution to rural and regional economic and social development. The document also highlights NPWS aims to manage site use within the protected area system the NPWS desire to address the economic and social in a culturally sensitive and ecologically sustainable way. During implications of its planning and operations more positively, and the year, guidelines for managing whale tours to Montague develop conservation programs in association with other Island Nature Reserve were prepared in a collaborative project agencies, communities and individuals to achieve with CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology. Significant complementary objectives. migratory bird habitat in Richmond River Nature Reserve was closed to 4WD vehicles. During the year NPWS expanded its work in sustainable rural and regional development by beginning a number of With the adoption of the Bongil Bongil National Park Plan of regional economic impact studies which will be completed in Management in November 1999, restrictions on horse riding in 2000-01. Locations include Warrumbungle, Sturt, Kinchega the park came into force. In response to community concerns and Mutawintji national parks in western NSW. These studies about this, NPWS met interest groups to explain the basis for will assess the economic contribution that these parks make to restriction of the activity. Horse riding was also excluded from their region’s economies. The economic information sensitive environments in Richmond River Nature Reserve obtained from these studies will be used to help develop during the year. strategies and initiatives for natural and cultural heritage conservation which can be integrated into rural and regional FUTURE DIRECTIONS development programs being fostered by local councils, public Over the coming year, NPWS will be progressively agencies and other organisations. developing statewide policies and guidelines to NPWS is also managing a study of the community benefits of minimise the effects of site use. We will also develop public open space, which is scheduled for completion in and implement recreational strategies for sites October 2000. Other activities in this field in 1999-2000 identified as being ‘at risk’ from recreational use included further research on the contribution of protected areas affecting conservation outcomes. to rural and regional economic development. An example of this was NPWS presenting a paper Measuring the Value of Parks to Performance target 2000-03 the 3rd Australian Parks Best Practice Conference in • Statewide site use policies and guidelines Brisbane. During the year, NPWS also held numerous meetings systematically developed and implemented with large numbers of stakeholders in rural and regional areas of western NSW, including local government and indigenous community representatives. 56

Conservation management

Tourism awards Expenditure by NPWS on operating and managing the island also makes positive direct and indirect contributions to regional Montague Island business turnover, value added activities, household incomes and Montague Island Nature Reserve lies nine kilometres offshore local employment. A regional economic study in 1999 from Narooma within the far south coast region. It presents a demonstrated that the tours make an important contribution to unique assemblage of natural and cultural heritage resources on economic activity. The study concluded: an island landscape steeped in a rich maritime history. Until Expenditure by visitors to the island contributed an estimated 1989 when NPWS assumed management responsibility of $1.4 million in gross regional output per year to the regional Montague Island, access to the public had been denied for some economy, which was linked to $695,000 in gross regional 40 years. NPWS developed a plan to maintain the natural and product, including household income of $468,000 paid to the cultural integrity of the island while making it a key ecotourism equivalent of 19 people in the local economy....The aggregated destination of the far south coast. impact of this total expenditure on employment was in the order Limited and controlled public access to the island through of 26 local jobs. guided tours began in 1990, with local charter boat operators Profit from the tours provides funds to support ongoing research working in partnership with NPWS. In 1996, after a five-year into the island’s flora and fauna and for maintaining the association with the tours, Narooma Charters became the culturally significant heritage buildings. successful licensee to provide charter boat services for the tours over the next six years. Tours now average 6,000 visitors NPWS enjoys and continues to forge close working annually, who take advantage of the carefully controlled relationships with the CSIRO, Charles Sturt University, other opportunity to experience the outstanding wildlife and historic tertiary organisations, and Eurobodalla Tourism in order to features of Montague Island Nature Reserve. remain at the cutting edge of the ecotourism industry while exceeding ecologically sustainable targets. The outstanding success of the tours in providing a unique experience, interpreted by trained NPWS guides, while meeting Dooragan National Park ecological sustainable goals is demonstrated by Montague Island In May 2000, NPWS won the Mid North Coast Region’s Tours winning the prestigious International Union for the Tourism Excellence Award (Significant Regional Attraction) in Conservation of Nature/British Airways “Tourism for recognition of the Service’s contribution to tourism on the mid- Tomorrow” award for the National Parks and Protected areas north coast, through its upgrade of Dooragan National Park. category for 1999. This award has raised the regional tourism profile and established Montague Island as an outstanding Dooragan National Park protects North Brother Mountain, a tourist destination for NSW, attracting local, regional, interstate roughly conical shaped, highly prominent mountain on the mid- and international visitors. north coast between Port Macquarie and Taree. The focus of the national park is the picnic area and lookout at North Brother Mountain summit. Many visitors to this part of the mid-north coast venture to the top of North Brother Mountain, with its four lookouts offering spectacular views up and down the coast. NPWS substantially upgraded facilities at the lookout during the year. An overall master plan was prepared to address the fact LAURELLE PACEY that existing facilities were limited and were restrictive to people with disabilities. In accord with this plan, new amenities plus new picnic tables with shelters, gas barbeques, bins and interpretative signs were installed. Additional viewing platforms were installed which have enhanced the already extensive views. Features of the revamped site are the facilities for people with disabilities and the emphasis on pedestrian traffic. The local community was involved throughout and was consulted during the design and development phases of the upgrading works. In particular, community clubs such as Lions had a close involvement with constructing some of the visitor facilities by generously donating their time and expertise. The Hang Gliding Federation was also involved in improving the take-off point for hang gliders, making it safer and more This year NPWS won a prestigious IUCN/British Airways tourism award for its tourism management of Montague Island Nature Reserve off Narooma. accessible for their members. Hastings Council assisted with 57

1999 2000 ANNUAL REPORT

road maintenance, development consent and advice. The involvement of all these parties, together with an integrated landscape plan, led to the success of this project. Dooragan National Park represents an exceptionally diverse example of coastal forest, with 30 per cent of the new park containing old-growth forest, including some of the best examples of old-growth Blackbutt in NSW. The mountain is home to Yellow-bellied Gliders, Greater Gliders, Little Bent- wing Bats and koalas, among others. The lookout area and picnic facilities are extremely popular and these improvements have given conservation an increased profile in the area as well as providing a quality recreational experience.

Smoky Cape Lighthouse In May the Smoky Cape Lighthouse complex in Hat Head National Park was judged a winner in the NSW Tourism Awards ‘unique accommodation’ section for the mid-north coast region, and the complex was also a runner up in the state section. The effort put into upgrading and maintaining this facility has been NPWS Snowy Mountains visitor centre manager Bill Mabey receives a special rewarded in that the complex now provides a world class unique tourism award from Tourism Snowy Mountains chairperson Gay Epstein. accommodation experience.

Outstanding Contribution Award – Tourism fees, the State government through Tourism NSW, and the Snowy Mountains Commonwealth government under programs such as the NPWS is party to a memorandum of understanding with the Regional Tourism Development Program. Snowy River Shire Council in relation to the operation of the Better marketing of the region by the tourism industry creates Snowy Region Visitor Centre at Jindabyne. The agreement increased education and development opportunities for NPWS. acknowledges that both bodies have a significant commitment to Similarly, planned development of the region’s tourism industry the tourism industry, addressed in several ways. The manager of provides an opportunity for NPWS to contribute to and guide Visitor Services, Mr Bill Mabey, represents NPWS on the board that development and to promote the conservation ethos. The of Tourism Snowy Mountains (TSM). TSM is the peak tourism NPWS contribution to tourism was recognised this year when industry body in the area and coordinates industry marketing Bill Mabey was awarded the chairperson’s special award for and development. Funds come from three sources: membership outstanding contribution to tourism by a board member. GEOFF WINNETT / NPWS

Upgraded facilities in Dooragan National Park won a regional tourism award for excellence for NPWS. 58

Conservation management

Pest management Rural Lands Protection Board, the Department of Land and Water Conservation and Southern Cross University. Similarly, an Management of weeds and pest animals is a major priority for intensive fox control program at Lake Wollumboola near Jervis NPWS, as they are a major threat to the conservation of Bay has resulted in a 100 per cent increase in the number of biodiversity and sustainable agricultural production. Pest Little Tern chicks leaving their nests. management has been recognised as an important component of the NSW Biodiversity Strategy. Under the strategy a number of In central western NSW, NPWS is working closely with NSW priority pest programs have been identified and funded for Agriculture and landholders in a large-scale fox control implementation over a three-year period, including: program in and around Weddin Mountains National Park. The • control of bitou bush in coastal ecosystems; program involves Forbes Rural Lands Protection Board, State • expansion of rainforest restoration programs on the Forests of NSW and private landholders. NSW Agriculture north coast; hopes to use this as a model of a community-driven fox • protection of threatened species in Barrington Tops National management program. Further north, NPWS is working closely Park from invasion by Scotch broom; with the Armidale Rural Lands Protection Board and the • enhancement of bush regeneration programs in priority Southern New England Landcare Committee in a large-scale fox conservation areas in the Blue Mountains and Sydney control program involving 500 landholders in an area stretching Metropolitan area; from Nowendoc (south-east of Tamworth) to Guyra. In • protection of priority conservation areas in western NSW Kangaroo Valley, the cooperative fox control program between from grazing and land degradation by rabbits; and NPWS and local landholders to protect the Brush-tailed Rock • a project to improve the effectiveness of NPWS pest Wallaby continued. management programs. Control of pest animals in, or near, urban areas is more difficult Weed management programs are addressed earlier in this section than in rural areas and NPWS has worked closely with local and also in the Conservation Facilitation section of this report. councils and the community to address this issue. The Southern The following pages outline the progress of some key pest Brown Bandicoot is one of the few priority species identified for animal management programs undertaken during 1999-2000. fox control in the Sydney area. The species is restricted to a few large reserves in the northern Sydney suburbs. An innovative Pest animals program is being trialled in this area to overcome the difficulties of fox control in urban areas. In the program, six local councils Foxes and NPWS have combined to undertake a regional fox-baiting Predation of native fauna by foxes has been listed as a key program within key bushland reserves. The program has wide threatening process under the Threatened Species Conservation community support and its effectiveness is being monitored by Act 1995. NPWS is preparing a threat abatement plan for foxes regular fauna surveys. (see Chapter 2 in this Report). One of the most successful of NPWS fox control programs is Rabbits the program to protect Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies in To capitalise on the spread of the rabbit calicivirus disease, Mutawintji National Park and Mutawintji Nature Reserve. This NPWS is working closely with NSW Agriculture and Rural has achieved a 400 per cent increase in the Rock-wallaby Lands Protection Boards to ensure effective follow-up control population since the program began in 1995. In another program programs are implemented using conventional control in western NSW, NPWS has combined with the Hillston Rural techniques. Lands Protection Board to coordinate a large-scale fox control For example, in Mungo and Mallee Cliffs national parks in far program to protect Malleefowl and other wildlife in the Yathong, western NSW, the rabbit population has been reduced by more Nombinnie and Round Hill nature reserves and surrounding than 95 per cent by calicivirus and most of the warrens have properties. This program, covering more than 500,000 hectares, been destroyed by ripping. Similarly, in Kinchega National Park, has increased survival rates of translocated Malleefowl. a combination of calicivirus, warren ripping and fumigation has Fox management programs specifically aimed at protecting reduced rabbit numbers to their lowest level for many years, threatened migratory birds such as the Little Tern and Pied allowing a significant recovery of important native species such Oyster-catcher were conducted in several reserves. The Pied as wattles (including the vulnerable Acacia carnei), butterbush, Oyster-catcher program at Bongil Bongil National Park was one belah and rosewood. A similar program has been undertaken on of the most successful on record – thanks in part to the efforts of Nombinnie Nature Reserve where the initial phase of the warren volunteers who assisted with site protection and a population ripping program has been completed, and effort is now survey. At South Ballina Beach the survival of Pied Oyster- concentrating on dealing with re-openings. catcher fledglings has significantly increased following a cooperative control program involving NPWS, Tweed-Lismore 59

1999 2000 ANNUAL REPORT

Wild dogs landowners, and is being run simultaneously with a similar Wild dogs, including dingoes, cause substantial livestock losses program just over the border in Victoria. Extensive consultation and there is an expectation by rural communities that damage by with neighbouring rural communities occurred during the these animals be minimised. Recent amendments to the Rural development of this program, and there is now a strong feeling Lands Protection Act 1989 stipulate that pest animals must be of optimism about the future success of this new approach. controlled on Crown land. Wild dogs, including dingoes, will be A good example of cooperation in control of wild dogs occurs declared throughout NSW. However, as the dingo is a native on the South Coast where NPWS has contracted the South Coast animal, there is a public expectation that dingoes should be and Braidwood Rural Lands Protection Boards to control wild conserved in NSW. The Scientific Committee (which is dogs in reserves from Nowra south to the Victorian border. responsible for listings under the Threatened Species Many other programs were run in conjunction with Rural Lands Conservation Act 1995), has deferred a recent application to list Protection Boards and wild dog control associations. dingoes as a threatened species pending further research to determine the genetic purity and distribution of dingoes in Feral pigs NSW; and an examination of the effects of current wild dog Effective pig control programs have been implemented in most management practices employed by NPWS and other public reserves in western NSW. For example, in the Warialda District land managers. NPWS combined with the Northern Slopes Rural Lands NPWS has recently prepared a submission to NSW Agriculture Protection Board in a major culling program in the Planchonella which aims to protect dingoes in their core habitat on Crown Nature Reserve and surrounding properties. Further west, land, while at the same time protecting livestock on NPWS combined with the Brewarrina and Walgett Rural Lands neighbouring properties from wild dog or dingo attacks. The key Protection Boards in a coordinated control program in and to this approach is identifying problem areas, and then around the Narran Lake Nature Reserve, where more than 500 developing and implementing appropriate management pigs were removed during the year. Undertaken across land strategies in consultation with local communities. tenures, the program secures the desired conservation outcome A total of 300 kilometres of wild dog fences along park of reducing the number of feral pigs on the reserve, and also boundaries in the New England area was surveyed during the provides benefits to neighbouring farmers through improved year, for future maintenance requirements. The survey organised lamb survival rates. Similar programs were undertaken in by NPWS, in partnership with local landowners and the Kinchega National Park near Broken Hill, and in the Lake Armidale Rural Lands Protection Board, will benefit both Burragorang catchment jointly managed with the Sydney dingoes and farmers. The survey of almost half of the 650 Catchment Authority. During the year $2,000 was also provided kilometres of New England Barrier Fence, also known as the for feral pig control work on a private property in the Budawang Dingo Fence, brings together pioneering pastoral history and Wilderness area covered by a Voluntary Conservation best practice park management. The Dingo Fence was built early Agreement. this century to stop dingoes attacking sheep on grazing land surrounding the gorge country of New England. The fence Feral goats extends from Deepwater north of Glen Innes, to Nowendoc east On reserves in western NSW, goat mustering programs have been of Tamworth, along the edge of the Great Eastern Escarpment. very successful. For example, in Mutawintji National Park and As well as protecting sheep from dingoes, the fence also helps Mutawintji Nature Reserve north of Broken Hill, more than the dingo by reducing cross breeding with domestic and wild 1,600 goats were mustered last year, bringing the total removed dogs. Hybridisation with other dogs is a major threat to the pure since 1995 to more than 10,000. Similar mustering programs in dingo. Repair and maintenance of the fence will reduce the need Mungo and Mallee Cliffs National Parks and Tarawi Nature for other dingo control methods, such as baiting, and also Reserve in far western NSW have removed more than 6,000 provides an opportunity to preserve an important part of goats since 1993. Other mustering programs, some of them with Australia’s pastoral history. During the research, the condition of air support to direct ground crews, were undertaken in the fence, old survey marks and any related historical cultural Gunderbooka and Willandra national parks and in Nombinnie, relics, any erosion and weed problems in the park and any feral Round Hill, Woggoon, Tollingo and Nocoleche nature reserves. animals were recorded. In Mt Kaputar National Park, an aerial shooting program removed over 1000 goats last year, while in and around In response to the severity of wild dog attacks in and Cocoparra National Park and Nature Reserve aerial shooting has surrounding Kosciuszko National Park, especially lands reduced goat densities by almost 90 per cent in the past ten years. bordering the south-eastern boundary, NPWS has put in place an expanded program which involves repeated baiting using buried In the Shoalhaven Gorge country of Morton National Park and baits along routes where wild dogs are known to travel. The Bungonia State Recreation Area, and in Tarlo River National program is being carried out in cooperation with the Cooma and Park the twice-yearly aerial goat culling program continued. An Bombala Rural Lands Protection Boards, contractors and local average of 500 goats are shot each year through this program. 60

Conservation management M. DODKIN

Major pest: a statewide cane toad education and awareness program was launched in March.

Cane toads • in the Sydney area, 70 per cent of enquiries seeking Cane toads are now established on the north coast of NSW, as confirmation of identification were related not to cane toads far south as the Clarence River. The only confirmed breeding but to native frogs, which emphasises the importance of the colonies south of this area are two isolated colonies at Angourie campaign to prevent native frogs being killed. near Yamba (adjacent to the Clarence River) and one around Lake Innes near Port Macquarie. In March the Minister for the Fire management Environment launched a statewide education and awareness NPWS is responsible for the care and management of more than program on cane toads. The objectives of the campaign were to: six per cent of the land area of NSW. Much of this area is • prevent cane toads establishing outside their existing range amongst the most rugged and bushfire prone country in the which is north of Grafton; world. NPWS has statutory responsibilities to protect life, • raise community awareness of cane toads including effects on property, and natural and cultural heritage values on land under biodiversity; its management. Under the provisions of the NSW Biodiversity • increase community ownership of the cane toad issue and its Strategy, NPWS also is a lead agency in ensuring that fire is involvement in their control; and managed in accordance with ecologically sustainable • raise community awareness of native frogs and their development principles. conservation requirements. NPWS has more than 770 trained firefighters and more than 400 The campaign involved a series of media interviews by the support staff, with a full range of vehicles, plant, equipment and Minister, and a range of activities by NPWS regional staff. For aircraft for fire management operations, particularly in remote example, at Angourie, NPWS combined with the local Dunecare areas. Maintenance, upgrading and replacement of equipment Group in December 1999 to hold a cane toad muster from an continued to be an important facet of NPWS response to its established breeding colony in the area. More than 100 people community fire management obligations. Works of note included participated and 900 cane toads were collected and destroyed. the completion of a fire retardant facility at Scone airport which The key outcomes of the campaign were that: will enable mixing, storing and dispensing fire retardant solution • only 19 cane toads were located south of their established for use in aircraft water bombing operations. This investment is range; available for ready use by NPWS, the NSW Rural Fire Service • with the exception of known colonies at Angourie and Lake and State Forests of NSW for cooperative fire suppression. Innes, all cane toads reported south of Grafton were individual animals (i.e. no breeding colonies were located); A project, undertaken jointly by NPWS and the NSW Rural Fire • most of the 19 cane toads found south of Grafton were Service, to establish a phoscheck base at Jindabyne airstrip for associated with material (or people) transported from use in wildfire control was completed during the year. NPWS Queensland or northern NSW (mainly landscaping materials provided a mobile phoscheck batching plant at a cost of $80,000 or nursery plants); that can be used at both the Jindabyne base and other locations. The NSW Rural Fire Service provided the phoscheck base shed, 61

1999 2000 ANNUAL REPORT

toilet and shower facilities and phoscheck holding tanks at a cost NSW Biodiversity Strategy – fire regimes of $40,000. The Fire Service also provided a bulk water tanker To address Priority Action 43: Manage fire in accordance with as a dedicated tow/support vehicle for the mobile batching plant. ESD principles of the NSW Biodiversity Strategy, NPWS began a The Jindabyne base and the mobile phoscheck batching plant project to achieve better fire management. This involves setting are now fully operational for use if required during the 2000-01 guidelines to identify appropriate fire regimes for the conservation fire season. of biodiversity within given ecosystems. Development of databases on the fire response and life history characteristics of Fire management training flora and fauna species, and further research into the effects of A comprehensive fire management training program was infrequent fire will lead to comprehensive guidelines. conducted by NPWS for its staff. Courses included basic fire fighter, crew leader, introduction to the incident management Hazard reduction system, helibase management, aerial incendiary operator, and Although wet conditions across much of NSW hampered fuel situation and resource officer training. Courses were also jointly reduction operations during the winter months of 1999 and 2000, conducted with the NSW Rural Fire Service, State Forests of NPWS was able to conduct 91 prescribed burning operations over NSW, NSW Fire Brigades and the Bureau of Meteorology 8,331 hectares of its managed lands. In addition, maintenance was (Severe Weather Section) in rural prescribed burning, severe fire undertaken on 4,383 kilometres of NPWS fire trails. weather and air observation. NPWS officers have also been Prescribed burning operations conducted by NPWS are directed trained as air attack supervisors, aircraft officers and retardant mainly at protecting neighbouring areas so as to protect life and mixers. A training workshop was held in Dubbo for NPWS fire property. They are also focused strategically across parks to management officers and staff to broaden their expertise in provide fuel-reduced areas that help break up and minimise the environmental fire management. spread of wildfires and allow for safer access for firefighters. Prescribed burns are also conducted to implement or maintain Reserve fire management plans appropriate fire regimes on NPWS managed lands to assist in Currently 223 reserve fire management plans are either in maintaining biodiversity. preparation or have been finalised, with seven of these adopted in 1999-2000. Each plan identifies bush fire management zones Total area burnt in prescribed burning operations on NPWS within the reserve that are used to implement fuel management, managed lands since 1993 biodiversity conservation and suppression of wildfires. A Year Area (ha) comprehensive environmental assessment is undertaken for each 1993-1994 47,816 plan and the activities identified within it, in order to provide the 1994-1995 35,778 best possible practice in eco-fire management and wildfire 1995-1996 25,572 suppression on park. In addition, input from local interest 1996-1997 15,866 groups is sought during the development of reserve fire 1997-1998 8,302 management plans, and formal plans are placed on public 1998-1999 12,876 exhibition for three months before they are adopted. 1999-2000 8,331 Performance indicators have been set that will enable NPWS to Total 154,541 monitor and report on its effectiveness in achieving plan objectives. This major project is ongoing and focuses on Over the past five years, the threat of bushfires in NSW has been biodiversity aspects of fire management within each reserve; significantly reduced by hazard reduction operations totalling fuel management action to be undertaken; and wildfire 2.7 million square kilometres. In addition to hazard reduction suppression issues. burns, a further 336,000 lineal kilometres of road and rail easements have been subject to hazard reduction activities to Coordinated fire fighting reduce fire risk. NPWS continued to give strong support to cooperative and Hazard reduction has been undertaken on a total of 474,000 coordinated fire fighting with its membership of the Bushfire hectares across the State over the past 12 months (a 10 per cent Coordinating Committee and its various standing committees, and increase on the previous 12 months). representation on most of the 130 bush fire management committees across the state. NPWS was particularly proactive in In addition to hazard reduction burns, this year a further 89,000 promoting and supplying resources to assist committees with the lineal kilometres has been subject to slashing and other activities development of bush fire risk management plans and plans of to reduce fire risk. Over 5 years, more than 330,000 kilometres operations for the bush fire management committees across NSW. has been slashed. 62

Conservation management

Hazard management activity Ignition / Control agency Total area Total length Total length Started Started Started hazard of fire of roads, rail on park / on park / off park / reduced trail works & easements Controlled Moved Moved Year (ha) (km) treated (km) Year on park off park on park Total

1995-1996 579,221 3,482 23,554 1993-1994 216 25 59 300

1996-1997 576,533 14,230 40,019 1994-1995 173 15 62 250 LACEY WARREN 1997-1998 661,132 20,663 43,566 1995-1996 142 16 31 189 1998-1999 428,255 14,366 139,866 1996-1997 147 18 29 194 1999-2000 474,009 15,568 89,139 1997-1998 372 38 56 466 1998-1999 145 8 36 189 The areas that undergo prescribed burning vary from year to Total 1,195 120 273 1,588 year and depend on a range of variables such as seasonal and % 75.3 7.5 17.2 100 weather conditions, which have been significantly less fire friendly in the last few years. Methodologies regarding hazard reduction are being refined. 1999-2000 bushfire season Increased targeting of areas is undertaken with the possible NSW remained under the influence of a mild La Niña climatic result that the total area hazard reduced is less. event for the bushfire season, as a result of which the state experienced above-average rainfall and milder temperatures Wildfire record during the summer. The bushfire season was therefore relatively The record of wildfire occurrence on NPWS managed lands is mild, and for NPWS it has been the quietest fire season on listed in the table below. NPWS is one of four fire fighting record. NPWS dealt with 193 bushfires, covering 12,074 authorities within NSW and has been involved in wildfire hectares, in 1999-2000. Of these, 166 were on NPWS managed suppression since 1967. lands and 27 on neighbouring lands. Several significant fires occurred in the last weeks of January 2000. On-park bushfires The incident at Ku-ring-gai on 8 June 2000 which resulted in the Year No. of fires Area burnt on park (ha) deaths of four NPWS officers and the severe injury of three 1988-1989 122 46,761 officers (addressed on page 9 of this report) was the first time 1989-1990 249 66,464 NPWS had suffered a death or serious injury among its fire 1990-1991 425 125,469 fighters in its 33 year history of fighting bushfires. 1991-1992 396 66,409 1992-1993 213 21,772 1993-1994 300 382,897 FUTURE DIRECTIONS 1994-1995 250 89,112 1995-1996 189 15,192 NPWS will work with local and regional communities 1996-1997 194 12,670 to encourage and promote tourism, while ensuring 1997-1998 466 236,152 appropriate use of reserves. NPWS will also undertake 1998-1999 189 14,195 research on the environmental, social and economic 1999-2000 166 6,715 benefits of NPWS reserves and programs for local and Total 3159 1,083,808 regional communities to support decision making at state, regional and local levels.

Performance target 2000-03 • Increase in the number of joint NPWS/community tourism, pest control and fire management programs