NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION (ACT) INCORPORATED

Vision for Namadgi Old days recalled

Iceland - land of ice and fire! NPA BULLETIN Volume 34 number 2 June 1997

CONTENTS

Liaison on the Australian Alps Nursery Swamp rock art walking track 3 conservation study 12 Eleanor Stodart Clive Hurlstone

A vision for Namadgi National Park 4 Parkwatch 13 Cathy Tighe Selected by Len Haskew

Focusing our vision on Namadgi 6 Strategy puts conservation first 14 Stephen Johnston Graeme Wicks

Alistair Morrison - life member 7 Obituary: Allen Strom AM 15 Fiona MacDonald Brand Three Mile Dam 7 Iceland - land of fire and ice! 16 Muriel Edwards Judith Webster

Bobyan Pines clearing 8 Access fees for Tidbinbilla 17 Wilson's Promontory submission 10 Graeme Wicks Timothy Walsh Yerrabi Track - the first decade 18 Workshop on planning for reserves and Reg Alder Namadgi Park 11 Robin Miller Surveyors in the south 18 Matthew Higgins Old days recalled 12 Graeme Wicks Lifting the shield 19 Martin Chalk

National Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated Inaugurated 1960 The NPA (ACT) office is located in Maclaurin Cres, Chjfley, Aims and objectives of the Association next to the preschool and is staffed by Dianne Bostjancic. Of­ • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the pro­ fice hours are: tection of fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and 10am to 2pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays cultural heritage in the Australian Capital Territory and Telephone/Fax: (06) 282 5813 elsewhere, and the reservation of specific areas. Address: PO Box 1940, Woden ACT 2606 • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areas. Membership • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment New members are welcome and should enquire through the of, such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by or­ NPA office. ganised field outings, meetings or any other means. Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) • Cooperation with organisations and persons having simi­ Household members $30 Single members $25 lar interests and objectives. Corporate members $20 Bulletin only $20 • Promotion of, and education for, conservation, and the plan­ Concession $15 ning of landuse to achieve conservation. For new subscriptions joining between: 1 January and 31 March—half specified rate Office-bearers and committee 1 April and 30 June—annual subscription President Eleanor Stodart 281 5004(h) Vice-president Clive Hurlstone 288 7592(h); NPA Bulletin 246 5516(w) Contributions of articles, line drawings and photographs in­ Immediate cluding colour prints are welcome and should be lodged with past president Beverley Hammond 288 6577(h) the office or Syd Comfort (286 2578). Secretary and Deadline for September issue: 1 August 1997. outings coordinator Max Lawrence 288 1370(h) Treasurer Mike Smith 286 2984(h) Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect Association opinion or objectives. Len Haskew 281 4268(h); fax 231 4257 Stephen Johnston 254 3738(h); 264 3967(w) This bulletin was produced by the NPA Bulletin Working Group Robin Miller 281 6314(h); 201 2191(w) with assistance from Green Words. Funds provided by the ACT Government under the ACT Environment Grants Program Cover photo assisted in the production of this issue. The 112 mile ACT border survey marker with NPA members - Printed by Copy-Qik Printers, Canberra, ACT on 1997. Matthew Higgins'article on page 18gives the background recycled paper. to this photo. Photo by Reg Alder. ISSN 0727-8837 President's foreword Heritage Month - the month of April and Reserves are very much the Conservation staff on overtime to in the ACT - was a month worth theme of the moment. If committee rehabilitate the areas.. A second celebrating this year for the NPA. members seem unnaturally day's workparty was aborted when Not only were we able to join the obsessed with them it is a few cyclists turned up and then staff Parks and Conservation Service in consequence of the need to follow the were called away to bushfires, but a ceremony celebrating the NPA's early work towards the will need to be rescheduled to completion of work on Orroral setting aside of areas of especial complete the work. Considerable Homestead but three members natural value with procedures that labour and a backhoe were needed received personal recognition from ensure they keep their value. to reshape the firetrail drains to the Heritage Council. Matthew Fortunately, respect for natural prevent water eroding the ruts Higgins received one of the three values prevailed this summer, and further, and to return rocks and bull Heritage Awards for his work on the Black Mountain did not have to dust (except that forming a fine surveying of the ACT border, and suffer the onslaught of hundreds of coating over all the trees) to the Syd and Barbara Comfort received mountain bikes in the national track area. Thank heavens it didn't one of the three Heritage Garden championships. Then faced with rain immediately after the event! Awards. No one who knows opposition to running the downhill Seed from nature grasses and Matthew's work or the Comfort's event on the Casuarina Walking ryecon, and jute matting and a garden will be surprised but I am Track on the western slope of Mt judicious use of sterile hay bales or sure we are all pleased that they Majura (a "minor variation" from a dirt humps and litter hopefully will have received this recognition. route down the eastern slopes!) the ensure a good recovery. Artificial watering has been necessary and The ceremony at Orroral Mountain Bike Association will probably need to be repeated. Homestead was a fitting conclusion withdrew that proposal, and the Monitoring sites have been to the years of work. It is described event was finally run from near the established and fenced. However, it fully on page 12. Here I would like top of Mt Majura, down a firetrail will take time and the area will need to thank Minister Gary Humphries in Canberra Nature Park and then to be protected from further for officiating, the staff of Parks and east into the Majura Pines. The disturbance. Conservation, particularly Peter track actually had four deviations Hann and Craig Richardson, for off the firetrail and these became I usually leave writing this organising the event and NPA deeply rutted where the cyclists had foreword to the last minute and so members Matthew Higgins, Max to brake. The work needed to repair do not leave enough time to gather Lawrence and Len Haskew for their the damage and the time it will take my thoughts most effectively. In the contributions. I would also like to will give a very good indication of March issue I neglected to thank. Reg Alder, Fiona MacDonald the difficulty of reconciling the needs acknowledge some of the assistance Brand and Len Haskew for of such an event with the needs of a provided at the Christmas Party. preparing the photographic display nature reserve. The exceptionally Len Haskew helped guide the and Di Thompson for bringing her dry weather will not make drivers in and out, and he, Fiona photographs. It was wonderful to rehabilitation easy, but it is a MacDonald Brand and Reg Alder have such a good response from the normal climatic variation that needs collected and returned the key to the McKeahnie and Gregory families - to be allowed for. gate, and organised the area for the the car and the propeller added their Canberra Off Road Cyclists have party, and, most important, set up own ambience to the occasion. had a day's workparty under the the Christmas Tree. Management Plans for ACT Parks supervision of Parks and Eleanor Stodart

Liaison on the Australian Alps Walking Track The Australian Alps Walking Track The meeting was attended by and that was all we saw of the has three separate administrative rangers from the three Park services Victorian Alps. bodies as it passes through two representing all the areas through The meeting began with an states and the ACT, so the which the track passes, and by introduction on the track, covered Australian Alps Liaison Committee representatives of community from south to north by the relevant sponsored a two day meeting at groups such as NSW and ACT NPA, rangers. A recurrent theme was "I Tawonga near Bright on 11-12 federations of walking clubs and don't know my bit properly yet as I February to discuss issues on the Canberra Bushwalkers. A motel at have just moved into this position", management of the track and to Tawonga with a magnificent view of but we did get a good overall picture establish some guidelines for a Mt Buffalo was taken over, but it of the track and the different strategy working group to look at in was definitely a working occasion problems encountered. more detail. continued on p. 5 A vision for Namadgi National Park This is an edited version of an address given to the National Parks Association by Dr Colin Adrian, Director, ACT Parks and Conservation Service, on 20 February 1997.

The ACT Parks and Conservation An Asset Management Service sees its role as a land manager - Strategy is also currently to manage Namadgi as custodian, on being prepared. Initially, the behalf of the Government, for residents Strategy will only cover the and visitors. To undertake such a role management of all built requires sound management practice in assets such as recreational conservation; in preservation and facilities and other heritage; in the management of park infrastructure. However, it users; and in the interface between the will eventually extend to Parks and adjacent land owners include cultural heritage (including other Parks, private lessees, sites, natural resources and freehold land owners and ACT Forests). ecological assets. It also requires a partnership with the The ACT Nature Based community, particularly the NPA, hut Tourism Strategy, recently also other groups who have a particular launched by the Minister, interest in the Park. provides a framework for the development of a sustainable Management planning and profitable nature based The ACT Parks and Conservation tourism industry for the Service intends reforming the ACT. Included in the management planning process. As a first Strategy is the need for a step, draft Management Plans for public education campaign to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the Dr Colin Adrian promote the awareness of the Lower Molonglo River Corridor, soon to current planning, land of the legislation, the ACT Bimberi be released for public comment, include management and environmental Wilderness Area and Namadgi National several changes from previous Plans. assessment systems in place in the Park. The Plan will cover both areas. These changes are: Territory. Particular issues raised in the Additional areas will also be covered, Strategy include the accreditation and • the inclusion of a vision statement; notably North Cotter and Tennent- licensing of tourism operators and Bluegum, the ridge south of Gibraltar • a statement outlining management accommodation. Creek and small areas formerly included principles; in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Activities of special • simplified presentation; and • clearly identified overall objectives for Related policy issues interest Recent developments in the area of whole reserve management with The deterioration at Booroomba Saddle cultural heritage include work done by specific management objectives for camping area and Orroral Campground the NPA and the Kosciusko Huts each major management issue. and the need to resolve the issue of a Association on Orroral Homestead, campground at Riverview or somewhere The Management Plan will be a broad Tennent Homestead and Brayshaws else outside the park has led to the document providing principles and homestead, and by the Canberra Alpine development of a camping strategy guidelines for decisions and is being Club on Franklin Chalet. The KHA has which will take in Namadgi and other simplified for the purpose of providing also commenced work to restore Frank's non-urban areas. Survey forms have a readable and practical guide for land Hut and Westerman's Homestead and been handed out to campers and a managers. Details of concepts and the Canberra Alpine Club has produced consultant is currently reviewing these. supporting processes will not be a photographic collection on Franklin A draft report will be made available to included, but will form part of Chalet. implementation policies and procedures NPA for comment. Also of interest, is an archaeological documents. A Walking Strategy is also underway, assessment of the Mt Scabby stone with particular focus on environmental A review of Namadgi National Park arrangements, by Trish MacDonald in impact, the need for additional trails (NNP) Management Plan will cooperation with representatives from and the possibility of converting existing commence in the next few months. It local Aboriginal communities. This trails to loop trails. The need for was noted that Stephen Johnston has concluded that the arrangements are of brochures will also be examined. already done some work in preparation Aboriginal origin and not European A draft Fuel Management Plan will for this and his proposed changes to the origin as previously thought. objectives and zoning system will be be made available for public comment The NNP significant sites database taken into consideration. (Postscript: a shortly. The Plan proposes that mowing has been updated in the last year and workshop to progress the review was or burning in Namadgi will be restricted now contains over 500 sites recorded in held in April). to adjoining assets such as camping areas, the Lunar Laser and some of the the park. Many of the significant The revised Plan will differ from the huts. cultural heritage sites in Namadgi such 1986 Plan in that what was one national as huts, Aboriginal art sites and brumby park in 1986 is now two entities in terms yards have also been listed on the ACT Police has resulted in reducing the Parks system. It will be recognised Interim Heritage Register by the ACT frequency of bikes being used in this nationally and internationally as a Heritage Council, thus affording area. natural area where bio-diversity additional protection to these sites. The Flora and Fauna Committee conservation is paramount and all Plans for the conservation of the initiative is now well established to human activities, mcluding the storage, Aboriginal art at Nursery Swamp are assist with threatened species in release and off-take of water supplies, also progressing satisfactorily. Namadgi such as the North Corroboree are consistent with ecological Weed and Pest control programs Frog at Ginini Flats. This was listed last sustainability. continue with emphasis on the year as a Wetland of International The range of low-key recreational and eradication of blackberries in the Significance under the Ramsar tourist activities will be extended whilst Gudgenby area, willows in Orroral agreement. The plan for the Corroboree maintaining the character and natural Valley and Gudgenby, broom, nodding Frog will also include management of qualities of our own National Park. thistle, St John's Wort, feral pigs, rabbit Ginini Flats. Action Plans for threatened warrens and goats in general. Currently, fish species found in NNP will also be Acknowledgem ent the only fox programs are at Boboyan progressed this year. The expert assistance of staff from the and Mt Clear. A policy for the control of wild dogs/dingoes is under development, Alps memorandum of ACT Parks and Conservation Service and the Kangaroo Advisory Committee understanding and the NPA in preparing this address is looking at the management of is acknowledged. The ACT Minister for the Environment kangaroos on public land. Cathy Tighe recently re-committed the ACT New works include 1993/4 walk trails Government to the tri-state Alps Parks at Orroral and signage at the Orroral Agreement. The Agreement has been in Liaison on the Tracking Station. Scheduled for force for 10 years now. Under the Australian Alps walking completion this year is the heritage trail Agreement, all parties commit funds to track continued from page 3 section link to the Orroral camp area. an annual program for worthwhile The old wooden bridge in the Upper projects in theAlpine Parks. Highlights The rest of the time was spent Cotter Catchment Wilderness area has of last year's program were: setting down the issues that need to been removed due to it becoming unsafe be resolved for consistent manage­ and is currently being replaced. There • two workshops for tour operators ment of the track. Some things are plans to replace the Corin ranger using the parks to assist them in discussed were factors affecting signs house, as the previous one was burned offering a better service to their and marking, maintenance costs, down. clients. A session for local tour feeder tracks and alternative routes. Future issues operators will take place next month Discussion on alternative routes (such as part of the 'Front Line of the Alps' as the Main Range being an There are several issues which need training course; alternative to the Kosciusko road) consideration. One is the 'Carrying brought out the problems in main­ • the establishment of permanent sites Capacity* of the park. The current policy- taining the Main Range track. The is to focus Nature Based Tourism to monitor vegetation response to fire. remote setting for much of the track development on Tidbinbilla and Tourist This will assist in making ecologically was highlighted with the need to keep Drive 5 rather than on Namadgi, sound decisions about fire it vehicle free, and restrict horses, however, the issue of achieving the right management in places like the Cotter mountain bikes and commercial balance regarding the use of the park catchment which supplies most of operations. Problems of enforcement needs further consideration. Canberra's water; in wilderness areas and the need Leases for ACTEW facilities on public within a few years for permits in some • production of a weed control manual land in the Cotter Catchment need to areas to restrict numbers were for Alps parks; be developed as well as a policy on discussed. Facilities such as toilets charging. • the production of pamphlets will be needed at specific locations, but The issue of preservation of cultural promoting minimal impact codes for camping areas should be suggested landscapes versus the need to control visitors using mountain bikes, canoes rather than specified. weeds and conserve nature will become and rafts; and The meeting produced a sound one of the bigger issues in the long term. • training for rangers on aspectsof cross framework for the strategy working Heritage trees are widely regarded as border law enforcement. group and by the end of the meeting worthy of preservation, but there is a this group had been set up. Chris question surrounding management of An issue of concern which will need to Roper of the Canberra Bushwalking whole groves of trees or whole be resolved is the prohibition under the Club represents ACT and NSW landscapes. An example of this is the Alps MOU of mountain bikes in community groups and Geoff Young is cleared Gudgenby landscape, which Wilderness areas. Currently, mountain the ACT Parks and Conservation some groups have sought to maintain bikes still use these areas. Input from representative. complete with willows and grazing NPA will be sought to help resolve the The community group represent­ cattle. issue. atives were all very pleased to have The nature of provision of services at Vision for Namadgi had the opportunity to participate and Namadgi Visitor Information Centre I am sure the rangers found value in Namadgi National Park including the also needs to be looked at. the opportunity to compare problems Bimberi Wilderness, will exemplify On the issue of trail bikes in North and solutions. Cotter, a recent law enforcement blitz efficient and effective land management by NNP staff and the Australian Federal as an integral part of the tri-state Alpine Eleanor Stodart Focusing our vision on Namadgi

The forthcoming revision of the ation is paramount and all human have grown considerably in recent Namadgi National Park activities - including the storage, years. management plan presents the release and take-off of water I believe it is presumptuous to opportunity to safeguard the future supply - are consistent with commit to extending "low-key of this magnificent area. But it also ecological sustainability. recreational and tourist activities" could open the way for develop­ The range of low-key recreational without firstly assessing whether ments which would be to Namadgi's and tourist activities will be this is desirable or feasible within long-term detriment. extended whilst maintaining the the paramount constraints of bio­ Which direction the revised plan character and natural qualities of diversity conservation, the Park's takes will depend to a considerable our own national park. distinctive identity, and likely extent on the input from the NPA - The statement has a number of available resources. deficiencies and they do need to be not just the general committee, but As a limiting criterion, '•main­ rectified because a vision statement all our members, from the taining the character and natural tends to set the broad direction for Conservation Council and other qualities of our own national park'' the whole of the plan. Their content conservation groups. is too weak and could accommodate and emphasis therefore can have The fundamental message we a range of quite inappropriate immense influence; they are need to communicate is that developments including four-wheel certainly not just a set of high- Namadgi has been well managed drive tours in the wilderness area sounding principles. over the past 13 years. This has and rustic, so called "wilderness ensured that its high conservation I begin with a critique of the given lodges" for commercial tour groups and cultural values and wilderness draft vision statement and conclude like those in Tasmania's Cradle quality have been protected whilst with an alternative. Mountain Lake St Clair and those providing for many thousands of The first and second statements proposed for Wilson's Promontory in visitors pursuing varied recreations. should be reversed to properly Victoria. Furthermore, Namadgi has been recognise that the primary role of At the very least, the statement well served by a management plan Namadgi, and all national parks, is could have followed the line of the that Park management still finds nature or bio-diversity conservation. ACT Nature Based Tourism relevant and useful. While the plan Why the concentration on 'the Strategy: "...Namadgi will be needs revision and updating, most storage, release and take-off of reserved primarily for lower-impact of it should be retained. By at least water supplies' in relation to activities focusing on the wilderness one interstate comparison, the plan ecological sustainability? A major aspects of the park." was ahead of its time in 1986 in reason for the relatively un- The resources issue is all too often ruling out construction of new fire compromised quality of a large part overlooked in management plans, trails, identifying the need for of Namadgi is the strict controls possibly because it's thought to be closure and rehabilitation of those since 1914 on activities in the Cotter too hard; "we can't predict what the that were no longer required or were catchment. I don't know what plans budgetary allocation might be in five not sustainable, and prohibiting ACTEW might have up its corporate years time." One could, however, horse riding in wilderness and sub­ sleeve, but I would suggest that on very confidently predict that alpine areas. available evidence, far greater Namadgi will not receive any threats to ecological sustainability Even at this very early stage, my increased financial support from are posed by the spread of weeds and concerns about the direction the current or future Governments. feral animals and increased revised plan might take have been Additional income will have to be recreational and tourist pressures. reinforced by a first-cut of a draft generated from the users. Yet, as the vision statement that was included It is unnecessary to state that Parks and Conservation marketing in Dr Colin Adrian's address to the Namadgi includes the Bimberi strategy and options plan indicated, NPA on 20 February: wilderness, well at least part of it. there will be no windfall profits if And we should be consistently visitor fees and licensing of tour Na m a dg i Na tionat Pa rk - referring to national park manage­ operators are introduced. including the Bimberi Wilderness ment, not just the generic "land If that calculation is correct and if - will exemplify efficient and management". it is reasonable to presume that effective land management as an But my major objections relate to there is little or no spare capacity integral part of the tri-state Alpine the third paragraph. While it is very in the staff resources, we might Parks system. similar to statements in the conclude that any significant It will be recognised nationally synopsis on page 1 of the 1986 plan, extension of recreational and and internationally as a natural the pressures for tourist develop­ tourism activities in Namadgi may area where bio-diversity conserv­ ments and access in national parks continued on p. 10 Alastair Morrison -life LIFE MEMBERSHIP OF THE NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION member (ACT) INCORPORATED

At the March general meeting ?ark_i Assetiation on a recommendation of tfit Commute* By a of the Association, President, unanimous vote of bisfeltoarManitrtat a gtnanfMeeting kefdon Eleanor Stodart, presented the sixtcLrafi ofMudi, nineteen ninety-five. Alastair Morrison with a Tfit OAtynbtri of the TfytionalTari^Assodationkavtaadt this award to Alastair, for tfit support he and fas wife Jizdda gave to tfit Aims framed certificate of life and Oojccthrts of tfit ^R3- We thaid^ Alastair for fas unceasing membership of the NPA. The supportfor conservation organisations zirilfi a Broad community Base, OuapUfitdby Bis donations, fisartidisfor tftt 'T^FA 'Bulletin: for certificate, shown here, carries fas mdtfnbgaBU tetter writing w tht editors of newspapers cxdfor a tribute to Alastair's contri­ fas participation in wori^partiesandeatings vdjtrehe always made neui manias welcome- bution to the Association. Alastair's most significant aihevcmtnt for %CT constrjatioK and It also acknowledges the tftt QfationaliParfis Association for-xfiich a* wish togiveouripeaal thani^wasthta'evtlopmtntfromanidea to a successfullycompleted support of his late wife, Hedda, project of'AJiefdQwde.loihc'&irdsof tfciACT.AkstairsgencroLs for the Association's causes donation and assistance made the preparation end publication gf tht guide possiBCe. and objectives. for and an Behalf of thc9-{vn£ers of the Oiationat¥arfg Association.

Alastair Morrison (Photo: Reg Alder) Three Mile Dam A party of seventeen spent the interesting information, we had a Association had put into its Canberra Day long weekend good look at the historic wooden gate restoration. camping in various degrees of there. Muriel Edwards luxury at Three Mile Dam near Some decided to go down to Four Kiandra. Dianne Thompson led us Mile Hut while the bulk of as we explored the bush and some the party continued along of the mining relics in the area. On the fire trail for two or three Saturday afternoon we had two kilometres before diverging short walks, the first on the eastwards for the Elaine Goldseekers Train to Jimmy Reid's Mine, the objective for the Stamper, shown in this photo by day. We had a fascinating Olive Buckman. morning peering down Then after walking around Three mine shafts, finding old Mile Dam we sat in the last rays of water races, dams, alluvial the sun to enjoy the evening. As we workings, an old steam sipped drinks we passed around traction engine and finally photos of the Tasmanian walk some the mine entrance and had recently been on and heard ruins at Elaine. We had our various likely and unlikely accounts lunch there and pondered of their trip. about the people who left On Sunday we started walking their mark so clearly all from the Mt Selwyn carpark to link through these hills. up with the Table Top Mountain fire On Monday the group trail. The morning mist lifted to drove to the foot of another superb day, the alpine Gooandra Hill about nine shrubs were fragrant and Mt kilometres north of Kiandra Jagungal was clear on the horizon. on the Snowy Mountains At Four Mile Saddle we had Highway and, after morning tea and after consulting climbing the hill and Harry Hill's recent book, Best admiring the panorama, Bushwalks in the Kosciusko went down to Gooandra Homestead Jimmy Reid's Stamper National Park, which is full of to see the work the Kosciusko Huts (Photo: O. Buckman)

Boboyan Pines clearing PARK WATCH

National park or With the continuing dry weather, felling of the Boboyan Pines is still proceeding and has extended into the western plantation. Eleanor sandmine? Stodart visited the area on 30 January when the Parks and Conserv­ The W.A. State Government is likely ation Service and ACT Forests, announced to the media, that felling to permit highly destructive sand mining adjacent to the unique and had started. Then on 22 March Ann Connelly, Project Manager for fragile Lake Jasper in the rehabilitation of the area for Parks and Conserv-ation, led a group D'Entrecasteaux National Park on of NPA members over the area. These photographs come from both the State's southern coast. A occasions. Department of Conservation and Land Management study identified Top, left to right - serious risk from the proposed mine to the park's wetlands, the home of The harvester machine in action, stripping branches from a tree it has just many species of waterbirds. A felled. Spindly gums behind have been carefully left to provide a start in significant area was recently excised rehabilitation. from the National Park to facilitate Rings in a reject, a tree not good enough to use for timber, show initial good sand mining which may occur within growth but defects later due to lack of trimming and other maintenance. The 300 metres of Lake Jasper's summer shore line. According to the many rejects will need to be burnt, but at least nutrients will be retained on D'Entrecasteaux Coalition, which is the site. Photos - Eleanor Stodart fighting the proposal, even the Ann Connelly recording rainfall from a station in the Hospital Creek Area. environment officer of the company planning to conduct the mining has Ann Connelly and Eleanor Stod-art inspect the new culvert on Bogong Creek. conceded that 'full and complete Rocks in the long pipe provide shelter to allow native fish to swim through. rehabilitation will be impossible.' Bottom - NPA members have a close look at the off duty harvest-er. Photos - Wild, Autumn 1997, No 64. Len Haskew. Wilson's Promontory submission

A pioneer bushwalker and tours in the southern part of the Government does not give up easily conservationist, the veteran of many park. as was seen in the Albert Park campaigns, remarked to me some These proposals enraged the tragedy. However, it has managed years ago that each generation conservation movement in Victoria to galvanise the conservation needs to remain vigilant to and through a brilliant campaign, movement to greater vigilance. We, safeguard national parks. They are spearheaded by the Victorian in the ACT, need to learn from this never safe, she said, and will always National Parks Association, the and be prepared to stand up in be open to abuse by government, proposals were withdrawn for defence of some of the more exploitative recreational and further consideration. damaging proposals that are bound commercial interests and Naturally the ACT NPA has to reappear for Namadgi National mismanagement. The battle is become involved in the debate over Park. never won. Merely held over. So it Wilson's Promontory. Many of our Timothy Walsh seems in Australia today. This members know the area well and generation is being forced to regroup were horrified by the initial and mount the battlements in proposals. This Association wrote to Focusing our vision on defence of those conservation the Victorian Minister for Namadgi victories of the past. Conservation and Land continued from p. 6 • Management, the Hon Marie Tehan National Parks are under threat i in all sorts of ways. In some States, MP, pointing out that the proposals require a significant shift of j management agencies are being to allow large scale commercial resources away from existing starved of funds. In others, development in the park were work. management agencies have been anathema to the primary purpose of I would suggest that the subsumed into more general land this and all national parks: nature following vision statement is far management bodies, whose primary conservation. We pointed out that ' more appropriate for the revised \ aims conflict with the purposes of parks are often the last areas of management plan: national park; thus losing their intact habitat for numerous wild focus, identity and effectiveness. species and serve as essential gene 1. Namadgi National Park will New threats have appeared. pools for biodiversity. The be efficiently and effectively Perhaps the most pernicious being commercialisation of national parks managed with the primary the four wheel drive and by the Victorian Government, we objective of preserving its high "traditional'1 equestrian users. stated, can only lead to the loss of | conservation and cultural Ironically, both groups, who have biodiversity and the creeping values, and its distinctive wild generally opposed the creation of destruction of these parks. The and relatively undisturbed national parks, now want to exploit minister was urged to forget the character. them. short term and illusionary monetary 2. Management will recognise gains to be obtained by lodges, The threat of governments, seeing that Namadgi has commercial huts and the like, and the commercialisation of national considerable significance to to focus on the non-economic parks as a means of generating the ACT and surrounding benefits of parks: the conservation tourist dollars, is currently present region, as well as to Australia, j of environmental resources, the in all States and territories. The as a major component of the j protection of natural and cultural Victorian Government, is the leader tri-state alpine national park | sites, the provision of research in this push, with the Wilson's system. : opportunities, education and Promontory issue the best known, 3. Management will provide for, j recreation. It was pointed out. that so far. The facts should by now be and may extend recreational : the Victorian Government held well known. In late 1996, the and tourist activities within parks in trust for the present and Victorian National Parks Service the Park, but only where they future generations and they were issued a draft Master Plan for Tidal are consistent with the not government utilities available River, and the Wilson's Promontory primary objective (1 above) for short term commercial gain. Draft Management Plan. These and where extension will not proposed that two new lodges be The battle to preserve the unique require a significant medium built at Tidal River to accommodate qualities of Wilson's Promontory is to long term shift of resources 150 and 45 people, respectively. far from won. The way has been left away from activities relating With these developments was open for the Victorian Government to the primary objective. proposed a series of serviced huts/ to promote continued development standing tent camps for the private Stephen Johnston, at Tidal River and in the south end use of commercially guided walking Convenor, Environment of the park. The Kennett Sub-committee l^^pe Saturday special event 13 July Sunday family stroll and picnic , 1A NPA outings program Yerrabi Track Tenth Anniversary Ref: Yaouk 1:25 000 Molonglo Gorge Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Leader: Reg Alder Phone: 254 2240 Leader: Col McAlister Phone: 288 4171

Come and enjoy a birthday walk along our Yerrabi Track to the 1489 metre Meet at Canberra Railway Station at 9.30am. A 6km morning stroll along June 1997 - September 1997 Boboyan Trig. The walk is only 4 kms, and the 150 metre climb is rewarded this interesting gorge so close to Canberra, returning in time for a picnic or by panoramic views of all the main features of Namadgi National Park - a BBQ lunch and family get together. All on tracks, with some rocks to cross great spot for a picnic lunch with your fellow NPA members. Meet at the and a short climb. Bring your own everything. 30kms, $6 per car. Kambah Village shops at 10am, or if this does not suit, find your own way Outings guide out. The Yerrabi Track carpark is on the right hand side of the Tharwa- 20 July Sunday daywalk 2A Adaminaby road, 8 kms past die end of the bitumen at Gudgenby. 120 kms, Horse Gully Hut RefiColinton 1:25 000 Day walks carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. $24 per car. Leader: Col McAlister Phone: 288 4171 Pack walks two or more days, carry all food and camping require­ Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.00am. From the Mt Clear Campground, ments. CONTACT LEADER BY WEDNESDAY. 15 June Sunday daywalk 2A/B/C/D follow the Naas Valley fire trail to Horse Gully Hut and return. A lovely walk Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent. Vehicles taken Time travel in southern Namadgi Refs: Yaouk, Shannons Flat 1:25 000 through the valley and open woodland. Time permitting, a brief call into to site can be used for camping. BOOK EARLY Leader: Martin Chalk Phone: 268 4864 (w), 292 3502 (h) nearby Brayshaws Hut. 140kms, $28 per car. WITH LEADER. Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.30am. Visit Brayshaws Hut, Waterhole Other activities include nature rambles, environmental and field guide Hut, and Westermans Homestead. Will also look at border survey markers 23 July daywalk Wednesday walk studies and ski tours. and old yards and fences. An opportunity to revisit these historic sites in a winter setting. 150 kms, $30 per car. Leader: Mike Smith Phone: 286 2984

Points to note The July edition of our series of monthly mid-week walks. Phone leader for 18 June daywalk derails, which will be determined nearer the date. Please help keep our outings program alive by volunteering to lead outings. Wednesday walk New leaders are welcome. The outings covenor is happy to suggest locations Leader: Max Lawrence Phone: 288 1370 27 July Sunday daywalk 2AyB/C suitable for a walk if you do not have something in mind yourself. Feel The June edition of our series of monthly mid-week walks. Phone leader for Square Rock and McKeahnie Trig Ref: Corin 1:25 000 free to send in suggestions for outings to the association's office as soon as details, which will be determined nearer the date. Leader: MickKelly Phone: 241 2330 you think of them, with a suggested date. Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.30am. Walk on track from Smokers Gap 21 June Saturday daywalk 2A7B/D All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Association of the to Square Rock. From Square Rock we will continue on through the 'bush' to ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and as such accept sole responsibility Mt Coree and Devils Peak Ref: Cotter Dam 1:25 000 McKeahnie Trig for lunch. Return will be via Smokers Flat and Smokers Trail. for any injury howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of Leader; Matthew Higgins Phone: 247 7285 Expect section from Square Rock to the Trig will be scrubby. Short car shuffle. the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders are absolved from any Crunch frost in the northern Brindabellas this winter. We'll climb Coree from 80kms, $16 per car. liability in respect of injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any Blundell's Arboretum, dien walk to Coree Flats, climb Devil's Peak, then return 30 July to 1 August Wednesday to Friday packwalk and camp 2A/B/C such outing. to Blundclls. Some history, a good deal of great native forest, excellent views Naas River history excursion Refs: Colinton, Michelago 1:25 000 The committee suggests a donation of TWENTY cents per kilometre from both peaks. Steep climbs, about 14 kms. Book with leader, numbers Leader: Graham Scully Phone: 230 3352 DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS in the car, including limited. 90 kms, $18 per car. the driver, (to the nearest dollar) be offered to the driver by each passenger Joint NPA/KHA walk. The Naas River was an important route through to the 29 June Sunday daywalk 2A accepting transport. Drive and walk distances quoted in the program arc snow country for both the aboriginals and the eady pastoralists, and there ate Mount Tennent Ref:Williamsdale 1:25 000 many known sites of historical interest. This walk will explore some of those approximate distances for return journeys. Leader: Col McAlister Phone: 288 4171 sites. On Wednesday morning we will set out from Caloola Farm for Max and Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.30am. A great walk from Namadgi Visitors Bert Oldficld's hut in a secluded hanging valley, where we will set up a tent Walks gradings Centre to the top of Mt Tennent, a climb of750 metres to excellent views camp. On Thursday we will explore further up the Naas with day packs, Distance grading (per day) over Soudiern Canberra, the Naas Valley, and Namadgi. Return by fire trail returning to camp. On Friday we return to Caloola. Be prepared for numerous 1 - up to 10 km down the western side. Different parts of the Alpine Walking Track are used river crossings (not a problem if the water remains low), and below-freezing 2- 10 km to 15 km going up and coming down. Short car shuffle. 40 kms, $8 per car. temps at night. In the event of bad weather we will have the shelter of the hut 3- 15 km to 20 km for cooking and socialising. An option fordiosc interested is tospcndTuesday 5 July Saturday car tour afternoon and/or evening in comfortable farmhouse accommodation at Caloola 4 - above 20 km Southern Highlands Devonshire Tea Crawl nt a cost of $8 per person. Numbers limited. Book with leader before 20 July. Terrain grading Leader: Steven Forst Phone: 279 1326 (work), 251 6817 (home) A - Road, firetrail, track Meet just north of the Dickson lights on Notthbourne Avenue at 8.30am. A B - Open forest drive to visit scenic spots in the Southern Highlands around Bundanoon and C-Light scrub Fitzroy Falls, interspersed with stops at some of the Devonshire Tea houses in D - Patches of thick scrub, regrowth the area. This trip will go ahead whatever the weather. 300kms, $60 per car. E-Rock scrambling F - Explorarory 2 August Saturday daywalk 2A/B/C/E 1 Augusr 24 September daywalk East Booroomba Mill Refs; Corin Dam, Williamsdale 1:25 000 mbidgee Corridor work party Wednesday walk Leader: Stephen Johnston Phone: 254 3738 » Foreman: Len Haskew (phone 281 4268) Leader: David Large Phone: 291 4830

Phone leadet for deiails and bookings. A circuit walk down the Alpine Track Apprentice: Max Lawrence (phone 288 1370) The September edition of our series of monthly mid-week walks. Phone leader to Bushfold Flats, then up the ridge of the unnamed hill east of Booroomba The weekend will be spent removing pine wildings from rhe banks of the for derails, which will be determined nearer the date. Kocks to a rock slab on the summit which gives great views of the whole Blue Murrumbidgee between Kambah Pool and Jews Corner. The area we will Gum Creek area. Mostly ofl track - could be fairly scrubby in patches. 60kms, work in is the habitat for some significant, but threatened, native vegetation 27-28 September weekend packwalk 3A/B/C/F $12 per car. and our work will have considerable environmental worth. Come either for Mt Lowden - Mt Palerang Refs: Bendoura, Bombay 1:25 000 the Saturday or Sunday, or even better, come for both days. You will be Leader: Stephen Johnston Phone 254 3738 3 August Sunday ski tour 2A presented with a golden opportunity to fine tune your pine wilding removal An exploratory, mostly offtrack, walk along some very prominent mountains Perisher (or Brindabella) Ski Trip Ref: Kosciusko 1:50 000 skills, and will be accredited to work on the Boboyan Pines area at a later datef of the Great Divide - Lowden, Major and Palerang. An interesting range of Leader: Mike Smith Phone: 286 2984 Phone Len or Max to volunteer your services. vegetation, and spectacular views from Palerang. Walk will be deferred if Contact leader by preceeding Wednesday for details. An easy to medium ski weather unsuitable. Phone leader early for details and bookings. 120kins, $24 trip in the Perisher area, visiting the Porcupine for views into Thrcdbo valley, 6 -7 September weekend packwalk 3A7D/E/F per car. and then on to Charlottes Pass for lunch, or shortening trip to return via Betts Euranbene Mountain and Woila Clearing Rcfs:Badja, Snowball 1:25 000 Camp. If there is good snow on the Brindabellas and weather and road Leader: Phil Gatenby Phone: 254 3094 October Great North Walk conditions permit, this outing may be changed for a ski tour along the road Contact leader by Wednesday for details of this partly exploratory walk in from Mt Ginini carpark to Mt Gingera and return. Perisher: 400kms, $80 per Deua National Park. Camp at a clearing on Woila Creek. A climb of almost Leader: David Large Phone: 291 4830 car. (Brindabella: 120 kms, $24 per car) 1100 metres on the second day. 360kms, $72 per car. David is considering walking selected sections of the Great North Walk from Sydney to Newcastle during rhe month of October. He would like to hear 10 August Sunday walk 3AB 6 September Saturday ski tour 3A from people who may be interested in joining him. Naas Creek Ref: Yaouk 1:25 000 Four Mile Hut Ref: Mt Selwyn Ski Touring Map Leader: Frank Clements Phone: 231 7005 Leader: Steven Forst Phone: 279 1326 (w), 251 6817 (h)

A return walk to Naas Creek along the Old Boboyan Road from the locked Contact leader by Wednesday. A day trip to Four Mile Hut for lunch from gate, making a short detour through bush to the Hospital Creek hut on die either Kiandra or Selwyn Quarry, depending on the snow and weather 'out'leg. The road is undulating with no steep climbs. Meet at Kambah Village conditions. 300kins, $60 per car. shops at 8.30am. 1 OOkms, $20 per car. 7-14 September one week packwalk 3A/B 17 August Sunday daywalk 1A Grose Valley Refs: Kaioomba, Mt Wilson 1:25 000 Mt Budawang Refs: Bateinans Bay Forestry map, and CMW Budawangs Leaders: Pat and Eric Pickering Phone: 286 2128 sketch map. Joint NPA/FBI walk. Bus/train to Strathfield, train to Leura. Four - five day Leader: Mick Kelly Phone: 241 2330 walk through the beautiful Grose Valley in the Blue Mountains. Some steep Meet at Canberra Railway Station carpark at 8.00am. Drive to carpark at base climbs and scrambles. Return from Mount Victoria Station. Contact leaders of Mt Budawang via Braidwood and Mongarlowe. A short but stecptsh walk early. on fire trail to Mt Budawang summit, for fine views of surrounding country including The Castle and Mt Pigeon House. Afternoon tea and stroll around 13 September Saturday daywalk 2C/D Braidwood afterwards. Road from Mongarlowe to carpark may be slippery if 'The Bog' Refs: Michelago, Colinton 1:25 000 there has been recent rain in the area. 200kms, $40 per car. Leader: Matthew Higgins Phone: 247 7285

The walk commences at the end of the bitumen at Gudgenby, crosses Dry 23 August Saturday daywalk 3A/D/E Creek and climbs up and over the Booth Range to an interesting frost hollow Mount Gudgenby Ref: Yaouk 1:25 000 known as 'The Bog high on the eastern side. This is the site of an old stock Leader: Martin Chalk Phone: 268 4864 (w), 292 3502 (h) camp, and features a hut (now collapsed) and fencing. The walk is entirely Meet at Kambah Village shops at 7.30am. An early start for a demanding offuack, involves a total climb of around 800 metres, and includes some patches day's walk from the remains of the Boboyan pine forest up 700 metres through of fairly dense scrub to get through. Book with leader. Numbers limited. patches of thick scrub, rcgrowth and might)' rock slabs to the possibly snowy lOOkms, $20 per car. summit of magnificent Mr Gudgenby. 1 OOkms, $20 per car.

20 September Saturday daywalk 4AVB/C 27 August daywalk Cotter Rucks Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Wednesday walk Leader: Mick Kelly Phone: 241 2330 leader: Max Lawrence Phone: 288 1370 Meet at 8.00am at Kambah Village shops. A return walk of 23km from the 1 lie August edition of our series of monthly mid-week walks. Phone leader Orroral gate, mostly along a tire trail and tracks, with some scrub on rhe final for details, which will be determined nearer the date. climb to the summit. lOOkms, $20 per car. Workshop on planning for reserves and Namadgi Park

On 10 April, the Parks and Namadgi and other parks; and he objectives of management, the Conservation Service held a half- pursues these issues in a process by which the plan will be day workshop at Forestry House, contribution to this Bulletin. Arthur implemented and the method by Yarralumla, on Management Georges discussed some general which its achievements will be Planning for Reserves and Namadgi principles for park planning, that monitored.' (Comment: Who are National Park. As its title suggests, might be expected to guide the 'the stakeholders'?) its purpose was to encourage coming review of the current 'Conservation of natural and discussion of general park planning Namadgi Plan. cultural values is the over-riding issues and also to raise issues that Following the workshop, Arthur purpose for national parks. Other should be considered in reviewing Georges produced a draft discussion purposes are acceptable provided the 1986 Namadgi National Park paper titled 'Generic attributes of that they do not conflict in any Management Plan. This review is good management plans for important way with this primary due to begin in June this year. protected areas'. This has been function.' (Comment: How is 'any important way' to be interpreted, The workshop was attended by circulated for comment to members and by whom?) about thirty people, mainly from the of the Nature Conservation & Parks & Conservation Service, the Namadgi Sub-Committee (including 'An important issue is how NPA and other interested the NPA representative, Eleanor prescriptive to be at the expense organisations. Discussion was Stodart), with the view in a covering of flexibility to respond to changed opened by Keith Williams, who is letter that 'if we get this (ie, the or unforeseen circumstances., .the directly responsible for park discussion paper) right, we can level of detail in the Namadgi planning in the Parks & expect the document to have National Park Management Plan Conservation Service, and papers influence both within and outside has served us well and should be were given by Arthur Georges, chair the ACT". The intention is to submit retained in the draft revised of the Nature Conservation & the final version of the discussion document.' (Comment: What Namadgi Sub-Committee of the paper to the Environment Advisory details should we be prescriptive Environment Advisory Council, and Council as a consensus document. about?) by Stephen Johnston. The The NPA will be making its Perhaps the most important point workshop then divided into groups comments on the paper in the near to note about the workshop is that of four or five people, to discuss some future. A few of the recommend­ it was held, and that interested of the park planning issues that had ations in the draft paper that may groups outside the Parks & been identified in the preceding be contentious or more difficult to Conservation Service were invited. sessions. implement are: Open and continuing consultation Stephen mainly addressed the 'That a management plan be between the Service and interest importance of zoning in park viewed primarily as an agreement groups such as the NPA is vital for planning and management, and among the stakeholders on the the future of our parks, and the suggested possible zone types for the purpose of the protected area, the workshop demonstrated that the next Namadgi Plan. He also values represented there, the Service is committed to this. discussed a 'looming threat' for Robin Miller

Mid week walks The Bulletin Working You are cordially invited to the opening of a photographic exhibition by In the current Outings Program, Group mid week walks have been Basia .Meder This issue of the Bulletin was changed so as to be held on the prepared to the "edited copy" stage fourth Wednesday of the month ^Awakening Dreams by the Bulletin Working Group from July. made up of Association members. Main Exhibition This fits in with the programs Graeme Wicks has joined me to Abound tke World in an of the other clubs which offer mid form an editorial committee for .Aussie +Hat week walks so that, between the Bulletin. them, the four clubs provide a 18-29June 1997 We would welcome assistance walk on each of the four weeks of Opening by Senator Kate Lundy: 6pm. Friday 20 June from any interested members, in the month. particular, someone willing to take Australian National Capital Artists Gallery charge of distribution of the 1 Rosevear Place. Dickon. ACT Bulletin. Syd Comfort Gallery hours: Wed-Sun 12-4 pm Old days recalled

The living present carried on under adverse conditions, and the historic past and on one day endured strong joined at Orroral winds and freezing temperatures, Homestead on a and only gave up when it began to perfect autumn day snow. on April 19 when The first working party, descendants and comprising 30 people, got together members of the on 10 October 1982, Beverley said. McKeahnie and A show of hands revealed that six of Gregory families and those originals were present on April others with links to 19. the area gathered to There was great interest in the celebrate the comprehensive series of building's rest­ L to R: Alan & Pam Ray, Reg Aider, Matthew Higgins, photographs by Reg Alder, Fiona oration. Robin Millar and Beverley Hammond at Orroral. MacDonald Brand. Len Haskew, For them, the (Photo: Max Lawrence) and Di Thompson showing the historic occasion was restoration project from beginning also a family occasion as they projects—of which there were many. to end. reminisced about their relatives. Mr Humphries said anyone seeing Also shown were earlier the condition of the buildings in For others it was a chance to get a photographs and copies of early 1981 could have been excused for personal feel for the early times in documents and fragments of thinking restoration was a hopeless the Orroral Valley and to hear the newspapers that had been used to exercise and for walking away from locals talk about family stories line the interior walls. the task. handed down from one generation A very twentieth century touch to to the next. "But you didn't walk away," he the display was given by the said, adding that such projects Nearly 100 people with local presence of an aeroplane propeller. involving the preservation of our family ties, NPA members, members Gordon Gregory who lived on the cultural heritage were of immense of the Parks and Conservation Orroral property from 1947, when importance to our future. Service and others gathered at the his father and two uncles bought the homestead to watch the Minister for The Manager of Namadgi Park. freehold from Andrew Cunningham, Environment, Land and Planning, Peter Hann, introduced the until the early 1980s, told the Gary Humphries, cut a blue ribbon speakers. gathering the propeller, which had to officially mark the completion of Andrew McKeahnie. speaking on been left in the Orroral Homestead, the restoration work. behalf of descendants of Archibald and Mary McKeahnie, thanked all The Minister said the who had worked on the restoration. conservation works on the Orroral Homestead showed what could be The NPA President, Eleanor achieved by co-operation between Stodart, said that although the the NPA and the ACT Parks and celebration was taking place 16 Conservation Service. He hoped the years after the start of the project, NPA and the Parks and the result demonstrated that people Conservation Service would who cared would hang in there and continue to work together on other keep chipping away till the right thing was done. She noted that the Dianne Bostjancic putting in a good working parties did word for NPA with the Minister. not always have such (Photo: Len Haskew) pleasant, sunny was ''the last relic of Andy's plane". conditions as those prevailing on the NPA members and descendants celebration day. got together after the formalities and swapped stories and revived old NPA Past President memories while they enjoyed Beverley Hammond refreshments provided by the Parks recalled that working and Conservation Service. parties sometimes Orroral restoration completion day. (Photo: Peg Alder) Graeme Wicks Nursery Swamp PARKWATC H rock art conservation study When woodlands ruled the Daintree North Queensland's tropical available as refuges to carry these Since bushfires in 1983 damaged rainforests are celebrated as living species through future periods of mature trees and destroyed links with Australia's ancient past. climatic change. Many of the river understorey adjacent to the Nursery Their gnarled, moss-clad trees, and valleys and rich alluvial sites which Swamp Aboriginal art site, invading humus-sweet smell of earth may have acted as 'Noah's arks' of lichens have spread over the rock art mingling with rotting leaves, are the rainforest plant and animal and adjacent sheltered rock vivid reminders of when Australia species in previous glacial peaks, surfaces, particularly during the was part of the southern super- have, during the past 200 years been periods 1984-8 and 1992-3. Lichen continent of Gondwana. cleared, dammed, farmed and is again covering the art and there Until the early 1980's it was otherwise modified. is an urgent need for action as widely accepted that rainforest Ecos, Autumn 1997. lichens are known to cause serious vegetation had been steadfast in physical and chemical damage to these locations, ever since their rock and pigment surfaces. Gondwanic origin more than 100 Snake and chips Following up a recommendation in milHon years before. But according Wild Victorian carpet pythons have the 1996 Plan of Management, the to new source of data on their been implanted with microchips to National Parks Association applied history, large tracts of tropical aid research into this threatened for an ACT Heritage Grant to study rainforests may not be ancient after species. The chips can also help the factors promoting lichen growth all. Ancient types of forest, yes - identify pythons caught illegally. and to develop a control program. A including descendants of some of the Implanting microchips follows on grant of $6380" has been approved first flowering plants - but re­ from a recent enforcement initiative to carry out the first stage of this established, during the past few aimed at deterring the illegal taking conservation study. This autumn thousand years, after a period of of pythons from the wild. Underthe observation stage being co­ being overrun by Eucalyptus current Wildlife Act 1975, courts can ordinated by archaeologist, Dr. woodlands prone to frequent fire. impose a maximum penalty of Kelvin Officer, involves one week of Researchers kept findingpieces of $10000 and seize specimens and micro meteorological site charcoal in the soil profile beneath equipment used in committing an monitoring and data analysis using what they thought to be continuous offence. a micro climate model developed by rainforest. The discoveries were two of the consultants, Dr. Ian puzzling, because rainforest is not Outdoors, Autumn 1997, No 10. MacLeod and Dr. Bruce Ford. It will usually penetrated by fire, the also involve a biological closed canopy preventing the growth investigation of the immediate of annual grasses as fuel. But, here, Reef dumping environment to assess the role of in undisturbed soils, kilometres Just weeks before a major military lichens and other organisms in the away from the nearest Eucalyptus exercise at Shoalwater Bay, the problem. wood land, was charcoal. Carbon Federal Government introduced Three further seasonal dating confirmed that within this amendments to the Great Barrier observation periods will also be extensive and important rainforest Reef Marine Park Act to allow required to complete the study F area, Eucalyptus woodland Australian and Allied warships to unding for these and for the previously occurred over at least a dump waste on the reef. The waste production of a report contairung 13 000 year period. may include bilge and waste oil, but recommendations for the The evidence of the dynamic the US warship Kilauea had already conservation of the site is being nature of tropical rainforests poses dumped 50 smoke grenades into the sought through an Association a challenge to assumptions about water at Magnetic Island. proposal for the 1997/8 Heritage what conservation should protect. NSW National Parks Journal, Grant funding period. Should it focus on keeping April, 1997. These studies will lead to an landscapes as they are now, as they understanding of the environmental were at another time, (such as 1770) factors promoting lichen invasion as some people suggest, or should and to the development of control we allow the natural process of methods which will reduce further change to continue unimpeded? damage to the rock art. The research also suggests that some of the areas where rainforest Clive Hurlstone species survived may not now be Strategy puts conservation first

Enlightened self interest has put Botanic Gardens and the National principles of Ecologically conservation first among the 10 Aquarium. Sustainable Development. This is principles to guide the development The Minister for Environment, not only important for the of nature based tourism in the ACT. Land and Planning. Gary environment, but is also good Conservation is recognised as not Humphries, says in the report's business; indeed, a clear message only good for the environment, but Foreword that the Territory has a from other jurisdictions and as good for business too. special combination of natural academic research is that visitors The Government in February features and characteristics that expect to visit a natural or nearly released a report on the make it increasingly attractive as a natural area for their nature development of a strategy for nature destination for nature based based experience." based tourism in the ACT, titled tourism—one of the fastest growing Promoting the Natural Capital. segments of the tourism industry. "Work incrementally" It outlines a strategy to give new "The ACT Nature Based Tourism The second principle is to "plan meaning to Canberra's nickname Strategy provides a framework for strategically, but work "the Bush Capital" by making the developing the local industry to incrementally". The report explains: 1 ACT's natural assets better known meet the long term conservation, "Planning strategically allows for and developing income from nature social and economic interests of the a holistic approach to industry based tourism. ACT community," Mr Humphries development, while working The strategy includes integrating says. incrementally allows for small tourism and land management, Tourism already makes a steps to be taken sequentially. infrastructure development, and the significant contribution to the ACT's This means smaller investments, roles of industry and the economy. In the year to March 1995 less risk and the ability to learn government. the ACT received 1 705 952 visitors from mistakes while there is still The NPA was invited to comment who spent $330 000 000. They spent time to take corrective action if on the draft, and through these an average of $53 a day. required." comments had input into the final If visitors can be persuaded to stay Other principles are: report. an extra day after completing their Promoting the Natural Capital is business or visiting the National • build on our strengths; a comprehensive, 48-page report Gallery, War Memorial, and • broaden residents' and visitors' that builds on previous studies and Parliament House to visit knowledge of the ACT's natural draws on research in other parts of Tidbinbilla, Namadgi or another environment; Australia and overseas, but it is by natural area, there would be • encourage specialisation (based on no means the last word. significant additional income and the characteristics of particular Positive principles and policies are employment for the ACT. parks or locations within parks); set out in general terms, and no Research suggests that for every • work co-operatively with other doubt there will be ongoing debate 1 per cent of visitors who stay an stakeholders; on questions of interpretation and extra day, an extra $1.85 million will • encourage a quality approach to implementation. be added to the ACT economy. customer service, products, and The NPA is having input into promotion; finalising of management plans for Primary concern •focus on (financial) yield (from all parks and reserves, one of the While revenue—or 'yield' as the each visitor), not necessarily on first initiatives arising from the report calls it—is the goal, the first numbers; strategy, and is working at getting guiding principle of the nature • ensure that benefits are returned more detail than has been contained based tourism strategy is to value to the resource (new financial in drafts issued so far. the ACT's natural and cultural arrangements mean that such a resources. commitment can now be given to Fast growing segment The report says: park users in the ACT); and More than 53 per cent of the ACT's • learn from experience. "The Government has as a area of about 2400 sq km is national primary concern the conservation park or reserve—the highest Monitoring programs of the ACT's natural and cultural proportion of any Australian resources. The Government will, "A key element in managing the jurisdiction and possibly the highest therefore, work to ensure that future growth of the nature based in the world. There are also conservation is a primary factor in tourism industry is the need to significant areas of commercial the further development of nature develop and implement monitoring forest and attractions such as the based tourism, using the programs in natural areas," the Obituary: Allen Strom AM

report says. Allen Axel Strom AM, one of the "Current land planning and founders of the conservation management controls provide movement in Australia, died, aged significant protection in this regard, 82 years, on 23rd March 1997. but we will need to do more in His vision, knowledge of, and monitoring impacts. The ACT, dedication to the natural coming late to formal development environment of Australia and of of nature based tourism can also New South Wales in particular, have learn from the experiences of the been a guiding influence for both other states and territories and from government and private groups for overseas." over fifty years. The Parks and Conservation His enthusiasm and knowledge Service, with other parties, is were passed on to school-aged developing licensing and children in the 1940's and 1950's at accreditation systems for operators. Enmore Activity School and the With greater emphasis on user Broken Bay National Fitness Camp. pays principles for government His eleven years of lectureship at services, the service is evaluating Balmain Teachers College and his and introducing, where appropriate, founding of the Caloola Club led revenue measures. Charges have untold numbers of young men and already been introduced for some women to understand what was ranger guided activities, and farther happening to the natural work is being done on other possible environment and, as a consequence, Allen Strom AM (Photo: Reg Alder) revenue measures, including the to teach their pupils about the issue of park entry fees. human factor in protecting the environment. It was a great loss to the Infrastructure Allen became a member of the conservation cause in NSW that The report points out that except in NSW Fauna Protection Panel which Allen was not appointed Director of wilderness areas there is always was formed from government the new Service. After three years some form of development in parks representatives and members of the of frustration, he returned to the and reserves". Wildlife Preservation Society. This Education Department as an The ACT Government has panel expanded the number of adviser on conservation. He retired reiterated that any proposals for faunal reserves and persuaded the in 1971 and for the remainder of his development will need to meet the Department of Lands to establish life held executive positions in the requirements of the Territory Plan additional national parks. In 1958 Association of Environmental and the National Capital Plan. It he was appointed NSW Chief Education in NSW and in other has agreed that formal accommod­ Guardian of Fauna with a staff of activist groups in the district where ation development would be two. For the next eight years Strom he and his wife, Beryl, lived. He was restricted to the periphery of the devoted all his energies to building Environmental Educator of the Year parks. the Service he led, to developing a in 1981 and subsequently was made national parks system and to The Legislative Assembly Tourism a Member of the Order of Australia spreading an understanding of what Committee has recommended in recognition of his contribution to nature conservation meant. By 1965 further exploration of the conservation. possibilities for additional food about 50 nature reserves had been services along Tburist Drive 5 or in declared and more than 150 were in This great man who inspired so the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, the the pipeline despite governmental many others to love the natural report says. opposition to the release of Crown environment and work for its Lands. There were now ten field preservation, deserves to be The service has also recommended officers, an educational officer and honoured by all future generations. that the Government consider mid eight office workers in Strom's His ashes have been scattered in to long term plans for existing organisation. At this stage, the Bouddi National Park and Nadgee buildings on public land in bush Minister for Lands disbanded the Nature Reserve, two of the many parks such as Gudgenby Fauna Protection Panel and formed reserves he worked to preserve. Homestead, which the Government the National Parks and Wildlife has agreed to do. Service. Fiona MacDonald Brand Graeme "Wicks Iceland - land of ice and fire! Torfajokull trek - August 1996 mountain slopes of green turf, heather and small alpine flowers. As the trek progressed the scenery became bizarre. Brilliant green moss replaced the grass and this, then, gave way to bare, black, volcanic soil. The views were wide and uncluttered, so that we could appreciate the shapes and contours ] of the rolling hills, with pockets of I snow wedged into gullies. We ! passed through moonscapes of twisted, lava rock; battlefields of shattered black obsidian: hillsides of red rhyolite boulders and flood ' plains of coarse, black sand carpeted i in bright moss and threaded through with glittering silver streamlets. We saw and heard lots of High rhyolite hills. (Photo: J. Webster) geothermai activity. Thick plumes of steam rose through vents from a "Why?" people ask, "what made you landscape, following the Markarfljot subterranean powerhouse choose to go to Iceland?" river for much of the time. It was a accompanied by deep rumblings and It came about this way. In 1996 15 day trip, of which 10 days were suppressed throaty roars. Pools of John and I were planning a trip to trekking, carrying a pack containing boiling mud sucked and plopped or UK and hoped to include some sleeping bag and mat, clothing and tiny jets of steaming water jumped walking in Europe. We browsed some food. We were advised to take about on stony stream beds. through many brochures and in one warm clothing and wear leather At the foot of an icecap there were the description of a guided walk in boots for crossing many freezing caves created by hot springs melting Iceland caught my attention: rivers. I bought new boots on arrival the ice. I ventured into the entrance phrases such as 'unique and in the UK and wore them whilst of one cave but the rapid dripping fascinating land....vast wilderness, walking in France. They gave me of melting ice unnerved me as I exciting trek in the Torfajokull blisters but I hoped they were now visualised huge chunks suddenly region between simple huts ....so broken in. They weren't and I breaking off. Climbing a short remote that we will be using food suffered! distance over this icecap, we came stocks laid up the previous Our group consisted of the English again to black hills scored with a autumn'... and ....'landscape like guide, seven other Brits, two maze of confusing gullies and then none other on earth*. Americans; two Swiss and myself - crossed icy snow drifts where my The attractions for me were that a total of 13. Unlucky for some? Well feet felt insecure. it was remote and different. yes - as you will see later! We walked between 14 to 20 km a Iceland is an island of 103,000 km2 To begin the trek we drove 130 km day between huts of two types. in the North Atlantic, west of from Reykjavik to stay one night at There were the shepherd's huts Norway, east of Greenland and the Fljotsdalur Youth Hostel. It was originally built for use during the north of the British Isles...its north a bright sunny morning when we autumn round up of sheep to take coast just skirts the Arctic Circle. Its left the hostel and indeed we were them to lower altitudes. The ground landscape includes green valleys, extremely lucky with the weather; floor of these huts was usually active volcanoes, geysers, cold only on one trekking day did we stables and a wooden ladder led to deserts and massive icecaps. One of experience intermittent showers. the sleeping loft. The other type of these, Vatnajdkull, is Europe's The season was late summer and huts had been built as emergency ; biggest icecap. The highest peak is the maximum daytime temp­ shelters. These were corrugated ; 2,119m. Iceland is also famous for eratures were in the range of about iron, A-frame structures. One of its birds - millions of birds migrate 7° to 15° Celsius. these had been built 25 years ago ; there each year to breed. Initially we followed a gravel road by Venture Scouts from Cumbria in The trek focussed on the but soon left this to stride out across Access fees for Tidbinbilla All money raised from access England, specifically for use of the broken leg was confirmed on x-ray charges for entry to the Tidbinbilla company who run these treks. This and plastered - and so our number Nature Reserve will be used for hut had a dirt floor and no loo so became 12. conservation and visitor services within Tidbinbilla. didn't provide much comfort! We As the two weeks in Iceland wore stayed there for 3 nights. Not far on and summer drew towards its The Minister for Environment, from this hut were some hot springs close, the nights became longer and Land and Planning, Gary where we enjoyed a bathe in a there were about five hours of Humphries, stated this when deliciously hot pool. darkness. We were told we might be announcing that the charges would apply from July 1. When based at a hut for more than lucky and see the Northern Lights. one night there were optional day On the last but one night of the trek The charges will be set at $8 per walks to some special feature such I gazed up at the night sky and saw car. Yearly passes for cars will be as the Torfajokull Icecap and a large long white beams and wondered $20, and concessions will be waterfall. Because of the blisters on "are these the Lights?" I climbed the available. my feet I felt obliged to forgo these ladder back to our sleeping loft and Mr Humphries said the funds excursions but we saw other asked in a loud whisper "Is anyone raised would be in addition to, not a waterfalls along our route. One of awake?" A voice from the dark substitute for, the normal these was an impressive volume of responded in the affirmative. I said appropriation provided by thundering water arched by a I thought I could see the Lights. Government. shimmering rainbow. Soon everyone was awake and Entry to all other ACT parks and scrambling down to ladder to have Our most strenuous day was 20 reserves, particularly Namadgi a look! This wasn't an extravagant km and took about 11 hours. National Park, would remain free show of red or green flashes but Towards the end of this, after for residents and visitors. pale, translucent beams - ethereal climbing through bleak, but The Minister announced the searchlights which wavered and interestingly orange coloured introduction of the access charges in moved like chiffon scarves caught in rhyolite hills, we descended steeply the context of the release of two a breeze. Fascinating! It was a to an inviting mossy valley. It was plans—the Tidbinbilla draft fleeting, tantalising glimpse of a here that one fellow tripped and Management Plan and the Public beautiful phenomenon. It was one twisted his ankle with an ominous Works Implementation Plan. of the many highlights of the trek crack! Fortunately we were heading Funds in the first year would be and a fitting finale. for a group of several huts where used to construct a new wetlands there was a resident warden and the viewing platform, employ three next day this fellow got a lift in a Judith Webster additional staff for visitor services 4WD vehicle back to town where a Taken from an address to the duties, and construct a new NPA on 20 March 1997. Tidbinbilla River Walk from the Visitors Centre to the animal enclosures area. This last project was an idea of the Friends of Tidbinbilla, Mr Humphries said.

Graeme Wicks

Cottage to let

Mallacoota - Mud brick cottage available. Sleeps 6-8. Adjacent bush/beach. Easy to walk to town. Abundant birdlife and wildlife. Ideal base camp for coastal walks. Reasonable rates. Contact Barbara or Chris de Bruine (06) 258 6478(w) (06) 258 3531(h). Geotkermal powerhouse! (Photo: J. Webster) Yerrabi Track - the first decade

After ten years the Yerrabi Track is Service for a track to be built by Federal member John Langmore still attractive to walkers - the volunteers from the Association and supported by our President Kevin active, elderly and family groups - this received ready acceptance. I Frawley. About 125 members and in that it provides the most coordinated a group of then retired the public attended - the many feet satisfying vista of the mountains members and together we soon had went a long way towards the initial and valleys of Namadgi National the route determined and marked. consolidation of the track. Park after following the meandering The track follows three lines Association members produced two track through forest and a grassy determined from compass pamphlets, one as a guide to the i swamp. Children and the young in directions. These straight lines were track and the other illustrated J heart especially like the challenge marked by tape and from these Nature Notes on aspects of the j of climbing on and around the direct routes, the track was formed track, birds, plants, geology and I extensive granite outcrops at the to meander avoiding obstacles communities as well as a panoramic end of the track. which would obstruct or need some sketch to show all of the marked work to avoid. Fallen branches were features to be seen through the 360 The genesis of the idea of the then carried to mark the edge of the degrees from Boboyan Trig. suitability of Boboyan Trig as a track, minor rocks raked away and vantage point to be reached from the It is proposed to have a tenth : without any soil disturbance, the Boboyan road came from Alastair anniversary walk on Saturday 14 ,' public allowed to mark the track by Morrison. I took this idea up with June for members to check on how compaction. the committee and suggested that the track has faired over its first it could be a venue for a Heritage This policy has worked very well decade. Week walk. These were ably led by since the meanders, soil compaction The Outings Program will have Charles Hill and the public by vvalking and forest debris has details of the time and meeting responded in large numbers. The made, after ten years, a track almost place. If the time of meeting is route was marked with coloured free from erosion. Fallen logs made inconvenient, come along in your plastic tape and as these had to be a rustic bridge over Little Dry Creek own time. Since the opening of the ] removed at the conclusion of the but as these recently became unsafe track there is 1km more of bitumen ,' walk each year and because the through rotting, it has now been on the Boboyan road and the dirt walk was proving very popular, the replaced with a conventional plank section has been widened to give a idea developed that there was the bridge. better formation and surface. need for a permanent track. The opening of the track was Reg Alder A proposal was made to the Parks carried out on June 14, 1987 by

Surveyors in the south

On 1 February a group of thirteen installed by Surveyor Freddie previously not known; the question NPA members took part in my Johnston's party. Johnston surveyed of the builder's identity awaits "'Selectors and surveyors in the over twenty kilometres of the border researching, though I've got some south" walk advertised in the and later in his career became a ideas. outings program. During the day we Commonwealth Surveyor General Reg's cover photo shows the group visited Westermans homestead and the first Director of National at Johnston's 112 mile reference (built 1916), Waterhole Hut (built Mapping (so remember him the next tree. The surveyors placed marks 1939 and extended during the time you use one of your 1:100.000 not only at 'corners' of the border line Second World War), and Brayshaws Natmap maps!). (i.e. where the bearing of the line Hut (built 1903). We had lunch near the spot where changed along the natural The focus of the walk however was Johnstons line met that of Surveyor watershed i but also at measured the identification of border markers Harry Mouat (of Mouat Street, mile points. This point is 112 miles along the Boboyan Divide. These Lyneham, fame> in autumn 1915. from the original start of the border small structures, many of them with The spot marks the completion of survey. Mt Coree, going in a their accompanying hand-carved the five-year border survey task. clockwise direction around the reference trees still standing, date From here we saw some examples territory. Fortunately when the tree from 1915 and still officially define of Mouat s party's work before we collapsed it broke just above the the ACT-NSW Border down in the headed down a rather hot Grassy blazed shield, and by a fluke deep south - even though the fences Creek valley back to Brayshaws. In Johnston's skill with chisel and don't always follow the official line. the course of the return walk we mallet survives for all to see today. Most of the marks seen were 'discovered' the ruins of a hut Matthew Higgins Lifting the shield New members as at 1 May 1997 old Royal Canberra Hospital site. One of these files contained a map Rosemary Anyon Wanniassa of the now TNR drawn in the late Rosh Ireland Kambah 1930s. It located a number of survey Mirek and Yvonne markers throughout TNR, mcluding Bartos Kambah the subject of my search, and was Peter and Kay White Flynn titled "Survey of Millable Timber". Michael Tedeschi Garran Interestingly, other folios on the file Christine Hennessy Gowrie contained lengthy arguments for the declaration of a nature reserve in Barrie Ridgway Weston the same area - fortunately, the John Railton Bonython latter arguments held sway. Marilyn Hughes McKellar Although I now had the reason for Joan & Trevor the tree shield, I still did not have Lipscome Forrest the answers to the Svho' and 'when' John Wurcker and questions. On the side of the old Judy Griffiths Garran survey map were annotated Julian Robinson Narra bund ah surveyors' field book numbers. So, Bill Book and back to the Planning and Land Margaret Smythe Hackett Management Section I went to look Kaleen Old blaze 1500 metres south-east of at the field books, and here my trail Rene Lays Tidbinbilla Peak. ended. The field book of one E. Pamela Mathie Queanbeyan (Photo: Martin Chalk) Dowling showed that he used survey G Klintworth Manuka In the September 1993 issue of the control point AD16, along with Barbara Hicks d- Farrer Bulletin, I submitted a photograph others in the region, to align a road Barbara Barnes Ainslie of a shield cut into a tree located in for access to the timber. This work the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve was done between 6 and 20 For Sale (TNR). After enquiries with TNR November 1935 - the year before Macpac Micro-fight Tent staff could not help me identify the TNR was proclaimed! (1.8kgs). Used three times in 15 origin of the shield, I turned to the Martin Chalk months. Good as new. collective knowledge of the NPA for $350 (new price $460). help. Alas, I received two phone calls but no resolution. Contact Klaus Hueneke ph (06) 242 0995 Over the intervening years, the fax (06) 242 0674 nature of this carving played on my mind. I returned to the site one thundery afternoon in January 1996 HIMALAYAN If you enjoy an informal style to obtain some new photographs in of travel to out of the way the clear air and newly rainwashed Holidays places, meeting the local forest. While I took my photos and people, eating the local foods, the mosquitoes took my blood, I and learning of a culture so resolved to track down those different from your own, come responsible for driving me down this travel with us. course. We go to the regions we know Because the site is far from the well and where many of us ACT/NSW border, I could glean little have spent much of our life - from the work of the early surveyors Mohan and Matthew Higgins' research in this area. My lucky break came one afternoon while studying old parish maps at the ACT Government's Planning and Land Management TLelreLLioq [ompany Section - three file references on the 11 Lonsdale St, Braddon, ACT side of an old map. After some 'to and fro' I located these files in the Ph: (06) 257 6494 Fax: (06) 257 2963 ACT Archives, then located at the email: [email protected] Calendar Activity June July August September

Bulletin Working Group Meeting Tues 1 Committee Meeting Thurs 5 Thurs 3 Thurs 7 Thurs 4 Namadgi Sub-committee meeting Thurs 12 Thurs 10 Thurs 14 Thurs 11 Yerrabi Anniversary Sat 14

General Meeting Thurs 19 Thurs 17 Thurs 21 Thurs 18 Environment Sub-committee meeting Thurs 26 Thurs 24 Thurs 28 Thurs 25

Further Details Committee Meetings - Eleanor Stodart 281 5004 (h) Namadgi Sub-committee - Robin Miller 281 5314 (h) Environment Sub-committee - Stephen Johnston 254 3738 (h) Yerrabi Anniversary - Reg Alder 254 2240 (h) Bulletin Working Group - Syd Comfort 286 2578 (h)

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

General meetings Held at 8pm, Room 1, Griffin Centre, Bunda Street, Civic Thursday 19 June: Wildlife management in the outback. Dr George Wilson from Australian Conservation Services will present an illustrated talk based on 20 years' experience controlling feral animals, counting kangaroos and assisting Aboriginal communities.

Thursday 17 July: Tidbinbilla before the nature reserve. Local author, historian and NPA member, Matthew Higgins. will speak on the life and times of the settlers at Tidbinbilla early this century.

Thursday 21 August: The Boboyan Pines Rehabilitation Project. Peter Hann and/or Anne Connolly will present a detailed progress report on the work to date. Some of the topics to be covered will be: roading and harvesting, water turbidity, sediment and erosion control, a summary of research results, native seed collection, and details of costs Thursday 18 September: Some cautionary tales. A representative from the Police Search and Rescue Unit, which is responsible for all land searches, both in the ACT and parts of surrounding NSW. will talk about the functions of the unit and some of their experiences which would be of interest to NPA members.

Thursday 16 October: State of the environment reports as a basis for sustainable management planning. Commissioner Joe Baker is required to present a report to the Legislative Assembly each year. The report includes an assessment of the quality of the environment and evaluates the adequacy of existing practices and procedures. Dr Baker will talk about his responsibilities and the opportunities he sees for the ACTs environment.