ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 Copyright © Parks Victoria 2006 Acknowledgement of Country and Indigenous Traditional Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Australia. Owners Parks Victoria respectfully acknowledges the original custodians ISSN 1448 – 9082 ISSN 1448 – 9090 (Online) of what is now known as Victoria; their rich culture, deep affinity Published on www.parkweb.vic.gov.au with the land and spiritual connection to it. Parks Victoria is committed to establishing strong relationships and partnerships This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process with the descendants of the original custodians to facilitate their except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. active involvement in the future management of protected areas in Victoria. General Disclaimer This document may be of assistance to you, but Parks Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the information it contains is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this document. For further information telephone the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au Front Cover Images (clockwise from top left) Great Otway National Park, Port Campbell rockpools, St Kilda Pier and Kiosk, Grampians National Park. Buchan Caves. CONTENTS 2About Parks Victoria 23 Enhancing the Visitor Experience Parks Victoria is responsible for sustainably managing much 3 Chairman’s Message of the recreational infrastructure in parks and waterways across 4 Chief Executive’s Message the state. The provision of information services, educational programs and interpretation activities also contributes to visitor 6 The Year at a Glance enjoyment. Parks Victoria encourages Victorians to take an 9 Managing Wildfire and Other Emergencies active role in the management of parks and reserves through We made a major contribution to the recovery of fire-affected our community engagement and volunteer programs. It is also areas through research, conservation works and asset rebuilding, the major provider of nature-based tourism in the State. and perhaps, most importantly, through partnerships and 31 Responsibly Managing our Resources communication with local communities. In order to be effective in our role as custodian of a magnificent 13 Caring for the Natural Environment collection of parks and reserves on behalf of all Victorians, Parks Protecting and enhancing the parks and reserves is critical Victoria is committed to providing accountable management, to conserving biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future, developing staff, and incorporating the best of international Parks Victoria undertakes planning, research and onground park management practice into our daily work. activities as part of its natural values program. 42 Financial Report 21 Protecting our Cultural Heritage Parks Victoria manages the most extensive and diverse collection of cultural heritage places in the State, sites that evoke our past through images of indigenous culture, early settlement, coastal shipping, colonial defence, mining, natural treasures and historic huts. Protecting our shared heritage enables us to learn from the past and shape the future. Sightseeing at Port Campbell National Park. PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 1 ABOUT PARKS VICTORIA Vision Significant environmental values protected in parks An outstanding park and waterway system, protected and (Percentage of Victorian total) enhanced, for people, forever. 1,463 threatened flora species (89%) 280 threatened fauna species (89%) Purpose We exist to: 31 threatened communities (89%) • conserve, protect and enhance environmental and cultural 115 reference areas (80%) assets; •responsibly meet the needs of our customers for quality Visitor services and facilities information, services and experiences; 73.5 million visits per year, comprising: •provide excellence and innovation in park management; and 42.7 million to parks (including 2.7 million • contribute to the social and economic well-being of Victorians. to marine national parks and sanctuaries Who we are 30.8 million to piers and jetties around the bays Parks Victoria was established in December 1996 and is a 1,570 visitor sites statutory authority that reports to the Minister for Environment, 14,000km roads the Hon. John Thwaites MP. Under the Parks Victoria Act 1998, Parks Victoria’s responsibilities are to provide services to the 3.673km walking tracks State and its agencies for the management of parks, reserves and 53 visitor centres buildings other land under the control of the State. Since its establishment, Parks Victoria has developed a strong reputation nationally and 447 viewing lookouts internationally as a leading park management agency. Parks 617 parks structures Victoria has: 46 playgrounds 120 workcentres (75% of them in regional Victoria) 945 pedestrian and vehicular bridges 1,005 direct employees, of whom: 96 piers and jetties 625 are trained emergency wildfire response personnel who work in partnership with the 303 vessel platforms, e.g. piers, landings, Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) marinas, wharves 68 water access points, e.g. boat ramps and rowing What we manage launches and slippings Parks Victoria is the custodian of a diverse estate of significant 957 navigation aids parks in Victoria, and is also responsible for the recreational management of Port Phillip Bay, Western Port and the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers. The park estate comprises: 40 national parks 13 marine national parks 11 marine sanctuaries 3 wilderness parks 27 state parks 31 metropolitan parks 61 other parks (including regional and reservoir parks) 2,794 natural features reserves and conservation reserves 8,400 Aboriginal Affairs Victoria registered Indigenous cultural heritage sites/places 2,500 (non-Indigenous) historic places 3.95 million hectares (17% of Victoria) – total area of parks and reserves Horse riding at the Gorge, Mount Buffalo National Park. 2 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Rob Gerrand, Chairman. Dear Minister 70 countries, and was the highlight of Parks Victoria’s program of participation in national and international park management On behalf of the Parks Victoria Board I am pleased to submit the and environmental forums. 2005-06 Annual Report. Parks Victoria and our parks estate continue to benefit greatly Parks Victoria has had a year of growth, with increased activity in from the many thousands of hours of work contributed by natural values management, fire, and tourism. We were also heavily volunteers, both from community groups caring for a particular involved in Victoria’s major events program, particularly in support park or place and under cooperative arrangements with recreational of the Commonwealth Games – where our work with the metal user groups. Our strong engagement with and support of indigenous fish and fountains in the Yarra was a highlight – the Australian Grand communities also continued through the year through the indigenous Prix and the Volvo Ocean Race stopover. The success of these graduate and business programs. Whenever the Board has visited events was in part made possible by the tremendous efforts of regional offices our members have been greatly impressed by the many Parks Victoria staff. passion of Parks Victoria staff for the parks they manage and their ability to build good and lasting relationships with local communities. The 2005-06 fire season was a challenging one for Parks Victoria On behalf of the Board I thank management and all staff for their and our partners in the statewide fire effort. The fires during January excellent work across the state. and February 2006 not only presented the immediate tragedies of lives lost and homes destroyed, but also the ongoing difficulties During the year we transferred the Committee of Management of the fire recovery process. On behalf of the Board I commend responsibilities for the Rosebud foreshore land to the Mornington the efforts of Parks Victoria staff directly involved in fire fighting, Peninsula Shire. This was a non cash asset transfer of $24.6 and in support, recovery and rehabilitation roles. The urgent nature million which is shown as an expense in Parks Victoria’s financial of the recovery effort underscores the value of parks to the state’s statements. The net result shown in the Operating Statement tourism industry, particularly in regional Victoria. of a $27.6 million loss is largely explained by this transaction. The Board welcomes the additional funding for parks provided In 2005-06 we farewelled an outstanding Chairman, Kathryn by the government in the 2006-07 Victorian Budget for Fagg, and member, Pam Robinson, and welcomed new member the establishment of the Werribee Regional Park, the Merri Ken King. Creek Parklands, the Melton Park and the completion of the Pt Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park. The new urban parks, along Finally, Minister, on behalf of the Board and Parks Victoria staff with the additional funding for Metropolitan Trail Network, will I would like to convey our appreciation for your support. help highlight the health benefits of parks for all Victorians, which has been a focus of recent years. The funding for asset renewal and repair announced in the 2005-06 Budget underpinned an extensive program of works to improve visitor experiences that continued through the year. The International