Septemberl992

Saving Mulligan's Flat The un-Welcome Dam NPA BULLETIN Volume 29 number 3 September 1992

CONTENTS Mulligan's Flat submission 4 Orroral work party pictures 8 The un-Welcome Dam 10 convocation 12 Exotics in national parks 15 ACT tracking stations 18 Cover NPA in New Zealand 20 Photo: Rodney Falconer America by campervan 22 Central Mulligans Flat looking south to City.

National Parks Association (ACT) Subscription rates (1 July - 30 June) Incorporated Household members $20 Single members $15 Inaugurated 1960 Corporate members $10 Bulletin only $10 Concession: half above rates For new subscriptions joining between: Aims and objects of the Association • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the 1 January and 31 March - half specified rate protection of fauna and flora, scenery and natural features 1 April and 30 June - annual subscription in the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the Membership enquiries welcome reservation of specific areas. Please phone Laraine Frawley at the NPA office. • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areas. The NPA (ACT) office is located in Kingsley Street, • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment Acton. Office hours are: of, such natural phenomena by organised field outings, 10am to 2pm Mondays meetings or any other means. 9am to 2pm Tuesdays and Thursdays • Co-operation with organisations and persons having similar interests and objectives. Telephone: (06) 257 1063 • Promotion of, and education for, nature conservation, and Address: GPO Box 457 Canberra 2601. the planning of land-use to achieve conservation. Contribute to your Bulletin Office-bearers and Committee Contributions of articles (news, description or fictionL President Beverley Hammond 288 6577(h) black-and-white photographs and line drawings an Vice-President Dianne Thompson 288 6084(h); keenly sought for the Bulletin. Please label photo­ graphs with the name the subject, the name the 244 7558fw); 244 7934(fax w). of of photographer and the date. Leave contributions at the Immediate office or phone the editor, Roger Green, on Past President Les Pyke 281 2982(h) (06) 247 0059. The editorial fax is (06) 249 7373. Secretary Len Haskew 281 4268(h) Treasurer Mike Smith 286 2984(h); 248 3624(w) Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect Association opinion or objectives. Subcommittee conveners Deadline for December issue: 1 November 1992. Environment Outings Michael Kelly 241 2330 (h); 275 6119(w) NPA Bulletin is produced by Green Words for the Namadgi National Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated. It is produced with the assistance of an ACT Heritage grant. Other Committee members Neville Esau 286 4176(h); 249 9243(w) Printed on recycled paper bv Union Offset Co Pty Ltd, Syd Comfort 2S6 2578(h) Fyshwick, ACT. Clive Hurlstone 288 7592(h); 246 5516(w) Doreen Wilson 288 5215(h); 201 7000(w) ISSN 0727-8837 Tim Walsh 274 1465 Len Crossfield 241 2897(h); 263 3536(w) Graham Guttridge 231 4330(h); 207 3471(w> President's foreword It was a lovely sunny day on open forest and native grasslands May—you may have seen the Monday 27 July when the with its rich flora and fauna. The follow-up visit reported in the Mulligan's Flat Nature Reserve Minister responded that the envi­ Canberra Times. At a meeting Proposal was presented to the ronmental significance of the area with Conservation Council Groups Minister for the Environment, Bill deserved recognition. He reported in June, senior officers of the ACT Wood. Jacqui Rees, Chair of the that the decision had already been Parks and Conservation Service Conservation Council, represented taken to re-route the Gungahlin acknowledged that the carpark the six groups which contributed Plan ring road which would have was wrongly sited and formed. An to the submission. She spoke of the cut the area in two. The assurance was given that in future importance of the preservation of Government will compare boun­ more rigid work approval proce­ this area of remnant woodland, daries recommended in our sub­ dures would be used in accordance mission with the with the Plan of Management for revised, enlarged Namadgi National Park. The area for a Nature stones and logs have already been Reserve, already removed although not yet replaced. under consideration The carpark will be less conspicu­ by planners. ously relocated and a comprehen­ Members of our sive survey of the Aboriginal Association were heritage of the old Gudgenby prop­ very concerned erty will be undertaken. about the new car­ As we approach the Annual park built in General Meeting I would like to Namadgi for access thank members of all our commit­ to the Yankee Hat tees for their contribution to NPA Painting site. We in the last year. Thank you to made a submission those who worked on submissions, to the Minister, Bill who laboured at work parties at Wood, regarding the Orroral and in the Budawangs, siting and size of the who led outings or increased our carpark, th6 use of knowledge of heritage features in stones and logs for Namadgi. This Bulletin is a tribute its border, the envi­ to our editor and to many contrib­ ronmental destruc­ uting writers and photographers. tion caused in A special thank you to Laraine removing those Frawley for her cheerful work in stones and the sig­ the office. nificance of the area to Aboriginal heri­ Beverley Hammond tage. I alerted member groups of the Conservation Our active President crossing the Nattai Council at its quar­ Photo by Fiona MacDonald Brand. terly meeting in

A useful guide The ACT Land (Planning and has produced a 50-page guide to related information such as a Environment) Act which came into this Act and a number of asso­ summary of the Heritage Objects effect in April this year is an ciated pamphlets addressing par­ Act. important and complex piece of ticular issues. The guide is available from legislation. In addition to planning The guide contains a glossary of Shopfronts without charge. and lease administration, the Act terms, an outline of the Act and a Department of the Environment Land covers many environmental and summary of its main provisions in and Planning: The Guide to the Australian heritage matters and the adminis­ the areas of planning, environ­ Capital Territory's Land fPlanning and tration of public land including mental assessment, heritage, land Environment) Act 1991. (1992). national parks and nature leasing, public land administra­ Syd Comfort reserves. The Department of the tion and approvals and orders. It Environment, Land and Planning also provides some other useful Mulligan's Flat submission I Very few natural lowland areas grasslands in south-eastern remain in the ACT: one of the last . is Mulligan's Flat. Mulligan's Flat Before European settlement, lies to the north of Canberra City, habitats similar to that at amongst the new suburbs of Mulligan's Flat covered a large Gungahlin. area of the region which now com­ I The area around Gungahlin has prises the northern part of the always been set aside for housing, ACT and the surrounding area of and as a result, grazing in the NSW. To an extent which varies area has been very limited. The from site to site, the native habi­ lack of interference from intro­ tat in almost all of these areas has duced animals has left Mulligan's been degraded through clearing, Flat an oasis for native species. heavy grazing and more recently, On July 27, seven conservation through urban development groups—the Conservation Council Bear's Ear (Cymbonotus Mulligan's Flat represents an of the South-East Region and lawsonianus)—an understorey oasis of relatively undisturbed Canberra, the Society for Growing species. native forest, woodland and Australian Plants, Canberra Photo by Rodney Falconer. grassland. Ornithologists Group, the NPA, Current draft development plans Canberra Archeological Society, of expert assessment. are understood to include the the ACT Herpetological Asso­ Despite a recent declaration by clearing of a large part of the eco­ logically rich and flatter southern ciation and the Field Naturalists the ACT Government, which has portion of the wooded area of Association of the ACT— resulted in a highly commendable Mulligan's Flat in the establish­ presented a submission on 52 per cent of the total land area Mulligan's Flat to the Minister for ment of Gungahlin. The organisa­ of the ACT now being reserved as the Environment, Bill Wood. This tions jointly making this National Park or Nature is an extract from that submission are unanimously and submission. Reserves, several important habi­ strongly opposed to the concept tat types (including those cur­ that this flatter southern portion rently in a good state of should be lost to development. The crucial objective of this sub­ preservation at Mulligan's Flat) mission is to obtain the ACT are either unrepresented or The vegetation at Mulligan's Flat embraces communities of Government's agreement to the poorly represented in these open forest, woodland and grass­ preservation of a large, continuous reserves. There are no extensive and regularly shaped area of land. The open forest communities^ national parks or nature reserves are confined largely to the nortW Mulligan's Flat, Gungahlin, as a in the surrounding area of NSW nature reserve: ern hilltop areas and include — in which sample the ecosystems sim­ addition to Scribbly Gum, Brittle * including not only the north­ ilar to those at Mulligan's Flat. Gum, Red Stringybark, Blakely's ern, hilly and forested areas The remnant of native wood­ Red Gum and Yellow Box — a • but also and more importantly, land, open forest and native stand of Bundy, a eucalypt which the flatter and deeper soiled grassland at Mulligan's Flat in is uncommon in the ACT. The southern portions. Gungahlin contains outstanding understorey includes both regen­ ecological and conservation This submission requests the erating eucalypts and woody values. Some of the species and ACT Government to depart, in shrubs and grasses. communities present are rare, this instance, from previous urban endangered or environmentally The grassland located in the planning practice in the ACT — moist gullies and on higher slopes sensitive. Mulligan's Flat is one of where essentially only the hilly varies considerably in species and the largest and best preserved areas have been preserved — in condition, dependent upon the remnants of such habitat types in because of the very special nature pressures of past grazing. There the ACT and the surrounding of the Mulligan's Flat site as a are extensive grassland areas area of NSW. It also contains complete ecosystem where there has been little sites of cultural and geological degradation. This submission recommends significance. that the valuable ecological Mulligan's Flat is regarded by The woodland areas which have resources at Mulligan's Flat be some scientists as having major resulted from past forest clearing, fires and grazing include most of protected by appropriate manage­ regional or even national signifi­ the tree and shrub species men­ ment practices and that the effec­ cance when considered in the con­ tioned above. tiveness of the erection of a text of the poor conservation vermin proof fence be the subject status of lowland temperate The current vegetation mix on View of part of Mulligan's Flat looking south-east to Mount Majura. Photo by Rodney Falconer.

hills and flat lands, together with ornithologists as one of the best by the NCDC in 1988, due to the the abundant water resources, in the whole region for wood­ high state of preservation of supports a varied population of land birds. important native botanical and birds, mammals and reptiles in a • at least 14 species of reptiles zoological species, and its diver­ , ^sustainable community— one of which were recorded by wildlife sity — including as it does open j^fce very few such communities in biologists in a very brief forest, native grassland and wood­ l^ne region — including: survey. These include an land communities within one area. * populations of at least 17 mam­ uncommon black form of the mals, including the Red-necked Shingleback lizard, and The Gungahlin quartz ridge is and Swamp Wallabies, uncom­ another uncommon skink an outstanding example of quartz intrusion along a geological fault mon in the ACT and not found which currently has no English line. The ridge which traverses near urban areas; name. These reptiles are asso­ ciated with regenerating wood­ the Mulligan's Flat area in a • more than 120 native bird spe­ land and/or native grassland. roughly north-easterly to south­ cies — including some rare and westerly direction, was classified endangered species such as the • a rich variety of frog species as a site of significance by the Regent Honeyeater and with some in high populations. NCDC in 1988. Painted Button-quail, and Amongst the eight species Sites with considerable archaeo­ some uncommon and declining recorded in a brief survey are logical and heritage interest at species such as the Hooded the Whistling Tree Frog, which Mulligan's Flat include a portion Robin, Diamond Firetail, has declined in the ACT in of the 19th century Murrum- Brown Treecreeper and recent years but is still bateman to Bungendore Road Speckled Warbler. The last common at Mulligan's Flat, Reserve which traverses the flat­ four species are breeding resi­ and the Spotted Burrowing ter southern portion of the area dents and are considered sensi­ Frog which is confined to areas from west to east. Parts of the tive to human disturbance. The of unimproved pasture. road are well preserved, and the populations would be threat­ The Mulligan's Flat area was road reserve is lined throughout ened by urban development. much of its route with mature The site as a whole is rated by classified as a Site of Significance gum trees which are prime habitat itats, a large, continuous and - Providing an external buffer, for native fauna. Other sites of his­ regular area be preserved, such as a 10 metre wide torical interest include the location including the area of Themeda mown area or road, to reduce of the first Gungahlin school, and grassland to the north-west of any perceived firehazar d several rural dwellings and out­ the existing Gundaroo Road, from a conservation reserve buildings. Remnants of early set­ the western, northern and east­ in close proximity to urban tlement could be used in an histor­ ern ridges and, importantly, dwellings; ical display on the site. the flat wooded area immedi­ - Investigate the possibility of ately to the north of the large providing further external dam. buffers in the form of special Recommendations use areas, such as a golf It is recommended that: Strong measures need to be course, playing fields, school • The ACT Government maintain taken to protect native animals and birds within the Nature sites or other manners by its progressive and far sighted which the urban/reserve policy for protection of ACT Reserve by assessing the effec­ tiveness of a vermin-proof fence interface can be made more habitats las a natural extension remote; of its recent protection of around the perimeter of the reserved area, along with - Re-route the planned ring additional alpine and wet road which (on the basis of forests in the southern and removal and control of pest animals. current draft plans) would western ACT) by reservation of serve to cut the area in twot a large, continuous and regular Early action be taken with cur­ and degrade its ecological ™ shaped area at Mulligan's Flat, rent and potential residents of integrity. sampling three important habi­ Gungahlin to foster the setting tat types; and habitat types up of a Park Care Group to Mr Wood has acknowledged that whose conservation status in assist the ACT Administration accepting this submission will cost the ACT and the surrounding with the restoration of the the government a lot of money, but area of NSW can only be reserve, and to advise on the that this cost is balanced by the described as grounds for seri­ preservation of its outstanding importance of Mulligan's Flat. ous concern. natural values. He intends to fixth e boundaries • The Mulligan's Flat area be The following changes be con­ of the Mulligan's Flat nature conserved in its entirety, as a sidered to the draft plans for reserve—about six square kilome­ Nature Reserve, under the Gungahlin: tres of land—by the end of August. Land (Planning & Environ­ - Re-defining the boundaries Mr Wood has said that he 'would ment) Act 1992, reflecting the to include the South-East take a generous view of those need to conserve the natural Flat, the southern and cen­ boundaries'. environment, and to provide tral portions of Mulligan's opportunities within the area Flat proper and the Themeda For copies of the submission— for approved types of recrea­ paddock; The natural and cultural signifi­ tion, education and research. - Providing an internal buffer, cance of Mulligan's Flat, • Given the range of plant and such as a fox and cat proof Gungahlin, ACT. A nature reserve animal species within the fence, at a cost of approxi­ proposal—ring the Conservatit^B mately $300 000, subject to region, and the diversity of hab­ Council on 247 7808. ~ expert assessment;

Rare black form of the Shingleback (Tachydosaurus rugosus) photographed in south eastern area of Mulligan's Flat near dam. The legal side of planning Mr John Mant who is Head, authorising the government to ing, has jurisdiction over both Government Group, Phillip Fox, make changes to lease conditions. matters of merit and enforcement. Solicitors is also a townplanner. The Act also gave greater power He is of the opinion that the NSW Now living in Sydney, he worked to the legislature which has arrangement has worked well and for some years in Canberra and authority to approve a plan pre­ would form the model for new has wide -experience in land and pared by the Planning Authority. Queensland legislation. environmental law. In May he This statutory authority also has The extent of the rights of third addressed a public meeting con­ the quite considerable power of parties to appeal planning deci­ vened by the National being able to initiate changes to sions was a controversial issue Environmental Law Association the plan. during the period of public consul­ and the Australian Institute of Thus the 1991 Act changes the tation preceding the 1991 Act. It Administrative Law on the subject power relationships between the is an issue on which Mr Mant also 'The New ACT Planning and various players involved in the expressed firm views. He claims Environment Legislation'. plan with the government, legisla­ that the existence of third party In opening, Mr Mant drew a met­ ture and Planning Authority appeal rights sets very real limits aphor between the ACT Land increasing power at the expense of to the discretion exercised by offi­ '(Planning and Environment) Act the courts. cials in areas where they are and a smorgasbord meal. The Act, The 1991 Act provides two juris­ empowered with discretion. Why, like a hungry diner returning to dictions for appeals and enforce­ he asks, empower people with dis­ the table, picked up item after item ment: the Administrative Appeals cretion when the discretionary so that it finally provided legisla­ Tribunal for appeals on merit and decision may be appealed to the tion covering a wide spectrum: the Supreme Court for injunctions Administrative Appeals Tribunal? planning, lease administration, and supervisory issues. Mr Mant The effect, he claims, will be to environmental assessments, heri­ commented that the establish­ reduce the area for discretion tage, control of public land and the ment of this arrangement may because there is a strong demand machinery for approvals and have been influenced by a reaction for certainty in planning deci­ appeals related to these areas. against the pivotal position occu­ sions. This has happened in From this array of legislative pied by the courts in the previous Victoria where, rather than risk detail Mr Mant distilled three regime, highlighted by some par­ the uncertainty of discretionary issues which he considered signifi­ ticularly controversial' cases decisions being overturned on cant from a legal viewpoint. resulting in claims that the appeal, the' emphasis has shifted Supreme Court was the de facto to seeking changes to the plan The Act gives the plan for the (which usually involves rezoning). ACT a statutory status it did not planning authority. Be that as it may, he considers that the intro­ A similar trend can be expected in have before. Previously this status the ACT. resided in the conditions set out in duction of the two jurisdictions opens the way for delaying deci­ each lease of land; the sum of these Mr Mant's opinion of the new sions by issues being in both juris­ |was effectively the statutory plan. Act is 'more complicated than it dictions or being passed from one " In this situation lease conditions need be but not as disastrous as to the other. He strongly favours were changed through the courts, many claim'. Nevertheless it has the NSW system in which a single which meant that the judiciary had the potential for those wishing to court, the Land and Environment power to change the plan. The delay the processes to do so. Court with Supreme Court stand­ 1991 Act changed this situation by Syd Comfort

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Lifting the lid on the kitchen block at Orroral Homestead. Photo by Graham Gnttridge. Kitchen work party June 1992

Reg Alder and Len Haskew. Photo by Syd Comfort. Volunteers prepare for a hard day's labour on the kitchen block at Orroral. Photo by Syd Comfort. Project on women's bushwalking Women have been very active in that women were involved in, such Clubs where they mingled with bushwalking and outdoor recrea­ as the Melbourne Women Walkers both professional and amateur sci­ tion in Australia. To date, how­ Club and the Hobart Walking entists and exchanged scientific ever, the National Museum's Club. knowledge. collections in this area mainly con­ The project aims to find out If you have suggestions or infor­ sist of equipment used by men. what motivated these adventurous mation that could be useful to this Because of this bias, a new project and energetic women. What were project, please contact Ruth Lane has been initiated which aims to the particular problems they faced on (06) 242 2117 or toll free on build collections to explore and in taking up these traditionally (008) 02 6132 or write to the interpret the issues that surround male-dominated pursuits? Did National Museum of Australia, women's bushwalking and outdoor they find they had to adapt equip­ GPO Box 1901, Canberra ACT recreation. ment designed for men to suit 2601. Two consultants have been hired their own needs? The kind of Ruth Lane to help in this task: Sarah Waight, items that will help us to address National Museum who is working in Tasmania, and these questions could ^Sue Hodges, who is covering include diaries, photo­ Gippsland and the Australian graphs, clothing, equip­ Alps. We are focusing on the ment, camera gear, field period from the 1920s to the 1950s guides, maps and as there are women who were sketches. active in bushwalking and recrea­ We also intend to tion at that time still alive. An explore the long history important part of the consultants' of connections between work will be locating such women bushwalking and out­ and carrying out oral history inter­ door recreation and the views with them. conservation lobby. The consultants have already Another important link been successful in finding net­ is that between outdoor works of women bushwalkers who recreation and nature Cooking breakfast at Kiera River, Victoria, knew one another and are adver­ study. For example, 1933. tising the project through local many women partici­ Photo by Richard Courtney, courtesy Centre newspapers. They are also contact­ pated in bushwalks with for Gippsland Studies. ing some of the important clubs the Field Naturalists Speak up for wilderness Ten wilderness assessments in erness, which makes up about 35 free of signage and markers NSW are being reviewed, and per cent of wilderness in NSW, is • minimal impact bushwalking could be at risk if supporters of included in national parks, and it will be encouraged wilderness do not send their sub­ is possible the NSW government • motor vehicle trails closed, missions to the review. will take this opportunity to down­ except for essential The ten assessments are Deua grade management of all areas management (near Moruya), Lost World outside national parks. • scientific research permitted by (Lismore), Mann/Bindery (Glen If you have experience of any of written consent Innes), Binghi (Torrington), these wilderness areas, send a • Aboriginal sites managed in Nadgee (Eden), Kanangra-Boyd submission to accordance with the Burra (Oberon), Goodradigbee (Tumut), Mr Gillooly Charter (Dorrigo), Director of the NPWS • control of introduced plants and Macleay Gorges (Armidale) and PO Box 1967 animals where necessary Washpool (Glen Innes). Hurstville NSW 2220. • prescribed burning permitted Onetime NSW Minister for the It is important that you include where necessary. Environment, Tim Moore, has a reference to the existing NPWS Closing dates for submissions: asked 'everyone who cares about wilderness code which must be Deua, Lost World and Mann/ this issue to take the time to applied to all wilderness areas. Bindery—closed 4 September study the nominations and send The code lays out behaviour for Guy Fawkes River, Macleay in their comments', particularly wilderness areas, including: Gorges, Washpool—18 September as many anti-wilderness groups • no private motor vehicle use or have already made submissions. animal transport Binghi and Nadgee—2 October Currently only half of this wild­ • wilderness will be maintained Kanangra-Boyd and Goodradig­ bee—30 October The un-Welcome Dam

It seems no one wants the pro­ posed Welcome Reef Dam. Even officials of the Water Board charged with planning for the dam are hard-pressed to come up with a rationale or any enthu­ siasm for it. Managing Director of the Water Board, Mr Robert Wilson, told a public briefing held by the Tallaganda Shire Council at Braidwood on 23 May that the Board was 'not anxious' to build the dam, but, because of political imperatives 'must plan for it'. The dam, which would hold five times the volume of water in Sydney Harbour, would cover grazing land and natural areas north north-east of Braidwood. It could augment the Sydney water supply by the year 2005. Grazier Barry McDowall, a fifth generation landholder in the Braidwood Welcome Reef Dam has been on district, describes the districts history to May Leatch. the drawing board for 30 years— Photo by Den Robin. long before concepts of ecologically term target was a reduction of at land but may find it uneconomic sustainable development and least 15 per cent by 2011. as they lose the lower, more fer­ before the advent of modern tech­ Mr Dodds said that in 1960 tile tracts. Restrictions on the use nology enhancing conservation Sydney and the surrounding of fertilisers in the 'buffer zone' and recycling. region, with a population of 2.3 (the extent of which has yet to be Sydney currently wastes huge million people, consumed an aver­ defined) could make some proper­ quantities of water. If this waste age of 996 megalitres of water a ties untenable. can be stopped, Water Board pro­ day. The Water Board is looking at jections indicate existing supplies pumping water from Welcome are enough to meet the demand of In 1990, 3.7 million people con­ Reef Dam to the | a city of twice its current sumed 1845 megalitres a day. which feeds into Warragamba population. In the year 2001 the Water Board expects the population of Dam and the Sydney Water The pertinent question now is Sydney to be 4.2 million, consum­ Supply System. It might be used whether governments have the ing 2210 megalitres of water a to supplement supplies to areas courage and capacity to stop day, Mr Dodds said. such as Yass, Canberra, Goulburn Sydney's excessive water and Braidwood. consumption. Landholders in the Shoalhaven- Braidwood districts are express­ A serious concern expressed at The Welcome Reef Dam propo­ ing grave doubts about the the meeting was about the quality sal, therefore, is something of a proposal. of the water from the Welcome test case on water conservation for Reef Dam. Covering former graz­ the whole of Australia. As one speaker pointed out, farmers and graziers—who live ing land, it will be laden with Water Board planner, Mr Alan with the vicissitudes of the phosphates and almost certainly Dodds, expressed the view that Australian climate—know about will lead to algal growth in the the dam was a 'last resort'. He conserving water. They should not dam and to the risk of contami­ said the priority of the Water have to give up their properties to nating the Sydney system. Board was to debunk the fallacy provide water for city folk hun­ Reduced flow in the Shoalhaven that 'water would always be avail­ dreds of kilometres away used to River could lead to salinity, silta- able' and to implement measures wasting it with the turn of a tap. tion and pollution downstream, for water conservation. The Water Should the dam go ahead, fami­ possibly even affecting the coastal Board had a demand management oyster and fishingindustries . program which aimed to achieve a lies with as many as fivegenera ­ 5 per cent reduction in water con­ tions of continuity in the Tallanganda Shire Council has sumption by 1994/95. The long Braidwood area could lose their expressed concern that it could land. Others may not lose all their lose between 16 per cent and 20 said. Tor instance, household users have long been under­ The details charged, while commercial users • Welcome Reef Dam will dam the near the deep­ have been overcharged/ ening of the river gorge at Mogo. *While undercharging households • It will flood the Upper Shoalhaven and Mongarlowe sounds nice, it makes no sense. It • Its configuration is determined by the 606 metre contour and simply encourages the squander of resembles an ivy leaf with the central lobe crossing the Kings water which damages us environ­ 1 Highway west of Braidwood. The Warri Bridge would be about a mentally and economically . metre under water. Interestingly, there was no case put at the meeting (attended by • The dam would hold 2.7 million megalitres (approximately five about 400 people) in favour of the times the volume of Sydney Harbour) and cover an area of 16 000 dam. Local Member of State hectares. Parliament, Mr Peter Cochran, • As well as augmenting Sydney supplies by 2005, the Water Board gave a guarantee that if the people envisages it could provide additional supply to Braidwood, in his electorate were opposed to Canberra, Goulburn and Yass. the dam, he would move a Private • Already the Water Board has purchased 34 properties (covering a Members' Bill against its A total area of 12 000 hectares) in Tallaganda and Mulwaree Shires. construction. • Some significant pioneer homesteads dating back to the early and At the time of the NPA Bulletin mid-nineteenth century (for example, Arnprior, Oronook and going to press, residents' groups in Larbert) would be submerged. Other historic and Aboriginal sites the Braidwood district, including would be lost. the graziers association, were can­ vassing their members' opinions • The Water Board is proposing a "buffer zone* around the dam to with a view to formulating a public protect water quality. The boundary of the zone has yet to be stance. Shoalhaven City Council determined, but if it follows a contour, it could consume considera­ has agreed to hold a public meet­ ble amounts of additional land because the topography is flattish. ing on Saturday 19 September to • Artificial wetlands may be constructed by the Water Board to inform its residents about the pro­ filter nutrients to maintain water quality. posal. Conservation groups in Sydney, Nowra, Braidwood and • At this stage the Water Board says that preliminary surveys of the ACT have formed a coalition to the proposed storage area have indicated no rare species would be oppose the dam proposal and are threatened. gathering information. • Land use and further studies are 'programmed', This is a critical stage. We must • Managing Director of the Water Board, Robert Wilson, has said a be watchful or otherwise a plan decision on the construction of the dam cannot be made 'until the which has lain dormant for 30 turn of the century*. years might just turn into an expensive and socially and envi­ ^ ronmentally damaging dam which, ^)er cent of rateable land in the syphoned off to the government, with sense, we can all live without. shire as statutory authorities such this profit should"have been used Den Robin as the Water Board do not pay for necessary works like upgrad­ rates. In this situation the shire ing sewage treatment, replacing would, in fact, be subsidising leaky pipes, controlling and fixing Sydney residents. up pollution, and the recycling of May Leatch, from the sewage effluent rather than dump­ Shoalhaven Branch of' the ing it into the rivers and oceans. New members Australian Conservation Foun­ May has also found that the $80 William Baker Ainslie dation (who prepared the leaflet environmental levy paid by Jacqut Cole Cook on the Welcome Reef Dam propo­ Sydney households netted the Mary Jenkins Campbell sal inserted in NPA's March Board $98 million. It seems the Bulletin) made some interesting government is collecting money Elisabeth Lewis Pearce points about the economics of the from the people of Sydney, putting Peter and Patricia McNicol proposal. it into the Water Board and then Curtin Her research has shown that the syphoning it out the other end as Mr and Mrs K Mallett Water Board—which has a monop­ a so-called 'profit'. When the oly on water and sewerage supply Water Board cries poor mouth, the Charnwood in all major metropolitan areas of charges and special levies go up Margaret Rumble Hughes again. NSW—in 1990-91 made a profit of Lyn and Tony Thew $198 million and paid the NSW 'The water pricing policy of the Hawker Government $101.7 million. Water Board is greatly distorted She claims that instead of being due to political interference', May Jervis Bay convocation A meeting of representatives from the Park to other natural areas. nities available to protect: critical conservation groups campaigning As well as this, the Park is heathlands; wetlands; woodland for the protection of Jervis Bay under considerable pressure from and forest communities; migratory met in Nowra on Saturdav 25 July urban encroachment—40 cats bird habitats; cultural heritage 1992. (both domestic and feral) and 100 sites; aquatic environments; link­ The purpose of the meeting was dogs have been caught in a trap­ age of peninsulas through a to bring the plethora of conserva­ ping program over the last 18 system of natural corridors; and tion organisations up to date with months! The program also cap­ the integration of management to recent developments in the Jervis tured 31 foxes. High visitor num­ achieve these. Bay national park campaign and bers—around 800 000 per year—is Graeme stated that the NSW to consider future campaign an added burden on what is a very NPWS officially supports the con­ strategies. small Park. cept of a national park for the The various groups are now NSW area of the Jervis Bay region aligned under an umbrella title, Environment plan and will be working to present the idea to government and the means 'Jervis Bay Convocation'. The Jervis Bay Region by which it might be achieved. ^ The following topics were Environment and Planning presented: Committee was reconstituted under the new NSW State NPA proposal Wildlife corridors Minister for Local Government The Milton branch of the NSW Kevin Mills has prepared, at the and Planning following the local NPA produced in August 1991 the behest of the local department of government elections on 15 most comprehensive and detailed Planning, a document which sets September 1991 (see NPA Bulletin proposal for a National Park at out the minimum requirements December 1991 p. 8 for details of Jervis Bay yet compiled. A copy of for land to be reserved around the previous committee). this proposal is available in the Jervis Bay to ensure that both Sue Hanley, a member of the NPA office. Bherwerre i Jervis Bay National committee, gave some details of The meeting used this proposal Park Stage 1) and Beecroft the new planning document, as a basis for our discussion about Peninsulas remain linked by corri­ 'Jervis Bay our Heritage our future campaign strategies. dors of natural vegetation. Future', produced by the commit­ tee and due to be released for a You can help Park viability two-month public consultation It is essential to the success of our Martin Fortescue, a ranger at phase at the end of August 1992. campaign for the preservation of Jervis Bay Nature Reserve for The document uses Kevin Mills' the remaining natural areas of seven years and now a ranger for wildlife corridors suggestions with Jervis Bay as a national park that the National Park area under some modifications as a basis for a as many people as possible write ANPVVS, spoke about the viability proposed system of 'green belts' individual letters in response tog of the present Jervis Bay National through the area. the regional planning document Park (see NPA Bulletin December The document apparently gives 'Jervis Bay our Heritage our 1991 for map.'. detail about the area and makes a Future'. The Park is on a peninsula series of policy suggestions. It does It is on the basis of this docu­ which is connected to the sur­ not make any decisions but rather ment and the public response to it rounding land area by a narrow develops 'points of discussion' for that the NSW Government and neck of land. There has already the community. It would seem the Shoalhaven City Council will been considerable disturbance in that while the document may help make future planning decisions this neck and the remaining strip to focus some of the debate about affecting Jervis Bay. The pro- of natural vegetation is as narrow management and planning of the development lobby will be both as 400 metres at one point and is area, real decisions about its long- vocal and vehement in their cut by roads and tracks. Martin term future are still a considera­ response to the document, so it is suggested that the terrestrial area ble way off. vital that the conservationists' of the Park is not viable in terms viewpoint is expressed both of biodiversity and quoted exam­ A vision for Jervis equally and coherently. ples of extinctions over the last 50 Bay Members wishing to write let­ years. These include: koalas, goan- ters could contact Den Robin on Graeme Worboys, the Regional nas, dingos, ground parrots, little 281 4837 or Anne Taylor on 258 Manager NSW National Parks penguins (mainland) and the 9668 for details of some specific southern brown bandicoot. These and Wildlife Service South East points which may be included in species have been unable to re­ Region, detailed the international, your letters. establish due to the narrow corri­ national and regional significance dor of natural vegetation joining of the Jervis Bay region and Anne Taylor talked about the existing opportu­ 27 Se^fewr Sunday Walk (2/ before - but have you seen the old hut sites? This ramble around Ihe perimeter BrimflVa Range Ramble Ref: ACT 1:100, of this former pastoral property will visit 5 or 6 sites. 140 km drive ($28 per Leaden David Frost Ph. 2480972 h car). Outings program Meet at the comer of Eucumbene Drive and Ihe Cotter Road at 8.30 am. A moderate walk mainly on tracks in Ihe tall natural forest above the Colter just 17 October Saturday walk (1/A/B) off the Brindabella road with some good views in places. Short car shuffle. 80 GungahUn Rer: ACT 1:100,000 July to September 1992 km drive ($16 per car). Leaden Helen Cook Ph. 2931798 h Meet at the Gem Museum car park at Ginninderra Village 9 am. Drive and 26/27 September Pack Walk (2/A/B) walk around a number of historically significant sites in the Gungahlin re­ Mt Talaterang Ref: CMW Budaw­ gion. This was one of the earliest settled regions in the district. You can finish angs Sketch Map the day with cakes and tea at the Village if you wish. Leaden Steven Forst Ph 2516817 h 2748426 w 17/18 October Weekend car camp (3/4/A) Contact leader by Wednesday. A long drive but a very easy 2 and a half hour Wog Wog, Corang Arch and Peak Ref: Corang 1:25,000 packwalk into a base camp at the lop of Nyang Falls. Prom the base camp we Leaden Olive Buckman Ph. 2488774 h do a solid day walk up Mt Talaterang including climbing and scrub with mag­ Contact leader by Wednesday. Leave Canberra Saturday afternoon to camp nificent views on ihe way or an easier walk to the base of the falls depending (or sleep in cars) at Wog Wog between Braidwood and Nerriga. Sunday, ear­ on the party. Returning to the base camp for an early afternoon tea before the ly on the track to Corang Arch (lunch) and return via Corang Peak (excellent walk out. 500 km drive ($100 per car). views of Pigeon House, Castle, etc). Approx. 20 km. Bring drinking water for camp site. Good 'introduction' to the Budawangs. 300 km drive ($60 per car). 29 September Tuesday Mid-week walk (1/A) Molonglo and Murrumbidgee Rivers Ref: ACT: 1:100,000 20 October Tuesday mid-week walk (2/A) Leaden Olive Buckman Ph 2488774 h Brandy Flat and Beyond Ref: ACT 1:100,000 Meet at Murrumbidgee lookout (sign) off Stockdill Drive, Holt 930 am. A Leaden Olive Buckman Ph. 2488774 h pleasant riverside walk of about 6 km down lo , across and Meet Kambah Village shops at 9.30 am. A pleasant 10 km walk on fire trails along the Murrumbidgee to East Uriarra and return. (If bridge underwater, re­ from Glendale Crossing, with lunch at Brandy Flat hut, where water and fire­ turn lo cars and walk up Lower Molonglo Gorge). place are available for billy tea. Continue on tracks lo Old Boboyan road. To­ tal climb 430 m. Short car shuffle. 90 km drive ($18 per car). 3/4/5 October Long Weekend Walk (2/A/B) QuUlies Mountain and surrounds Rer: CMW 24 October Saturday walk (2/A) Budawangs Marrambldgee River Ref: ACT 1:100,000 Outings guide Leaden Steven Forst Ph 2516817 h Leaden David Henry Ph. 2543974 Day walks carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. 2748426 w Meet at the entrance (but outside) of the Belconnen Golf Club at 8.30 am. A Pack walks two or more days, carry all food and camping Contact leader by Wednesday. A moderate walk up and over Quilties Moun­ short car shuffle is required. We start at Shepherds Lookout and proceed to tain. Views to the coast. Visit Aboriginal Bora grounds, historic cattle pass. the meeting of two rivers, the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee. Walk along the requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY Styles Creek. 300 km drive ($60 per car). river with many opportunity for paddling or Ihe early season swim. Exit at WEDNESDAY. Ginninderra Falls. S3 donation to owners of that properly towards the mainte­ Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent. 7 October Wednesday Walk (1/A) nance of this beautiful creek and its surrounds. 20 km drive ($4 per car). Vehicles taken to site can be used for Gibraltar Peak Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25,000 24/25 October Pack Walk (2/A/D) camping. BOOK EARLY WITH LEADER. Leaden Ken Johnson Ph 2485979 h Pond Creek, Coronet Peak Ref: Rendezvous Cr Other activities include nature rambles, environmental and Meet at corner Eucumbene Drive and Cotter Road at 8.30 am. A 10 km walk, 1:25,000 field guide studies and ski tours. 400 m climb, steep grades, some forest walking along tracks, water required, Leaden Gary Thompson Ph.2447558 w good views. 65 km drive ($13 per car). 2886084h Contact leader by Wednesday. Walk from Orroral lo Cotter Gap and Pond Walks gradings 10 October Satnrday work party (1/A) Creek. Visit Cotter Hut in Ihe afternoon, and Coronet Peak Sunday morning. Distance grading (per day) Yankee Hat PalnUngs Rer: ACT 1:100,000 Total climb 800 m. 100 km drive ($20 per car). 1 — up to 10 km Leaden Reg Alder Ph 2542240 h Meet Kambah Village shops 8.30 am. Propose to cut briars down adjacent to 25 October Sunday walk (1/D) 2 - 10 km to 15 km track from car park to rock shelter. Bring secateurs/prune saw/tomahawk/ Ginini Falls Ref: Corin 1:25,000 3 - 15 km to 20 km length of cord or rope/gloves. 100 km drive ($20 per car). Leaden Lyle Mark Ph. 2862801 h 4 - above 20 km. Not for beginners. Meet Eucumbene Drive and Cotter Road at 7.30 am. 8 km 11 October Sunday social walk from Mt Franklin to Falls and return. A demanding 550 m climb. Worth Terrain grading The President's BBQ Rer: ACT 1:100,000 it for the experienced walkers who wish lo see this 180 m set of falls and cas­ A - Road, firetrail, track Leader: Beverley Hammond Ph. 2886577 h cades. 120 km drive ($24 per car). • B - Open forest The return of: THE PRESIDENTS BBQ'. Follow the NPA signs to Vanity C - Light scrub Crossing picnic spot in Uriarra Pine Forest. Bring chairs and all the comforts 31 October Saturday walk (I/A) of home. Settle in for the day, starting any lime after midday. Only minor ex­ Black Mtn Nature Ramble ReH Canberra Street D - Patches of thick scrub, regrowth ercise permitted. Map E - Rock scrambling Leaden George Chippendale Ph. 2812454 h F - Exploratory. 14 October Wednesday walk Meet at the Belconnen Way entrance to Black Mountain Reserve (several The walks program contains additional information. If Gndgenby Ref: Yaouk, Rendez­ hundred meters east of Caswell Drive) at 9.30 am. A morning ramble to see necessary, contact the leader. vous Cr 1:25,000 the birds and flowers. Suitable for those aged 4 to SO. Bring your morning Leader: Matthew Higgins Ph. 2477285 h tea, your camera, and/or binoculars. Finishes at midday. Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.30 am. So you've walk around Gudgenby 31 Oct/1 Nov Weekend canoe (rip based camping. BYO canoe or hire. Suit fil beginners. 300 km drive ($60 per Mongarlowe River Ref: Natmap 4/15 November Pack walk (2/A/E) car). Braidwood 8827 Shoalhaven River Lookouts Rel*: Caoura 1:25,000 Leaden Chris Bellamy Ph. 2497167h Leader: Mike Smith Ph. 2483624 w 2 December Wednesday walk (1/A/B) Coniact leader preferably by Wednesday before because of transportation and 2862984 h Ginini Flats Ref: Corin 1:25,000 portage arrangements. Easy 2 day trip on a sparkling unspoilt river known Contact leader by Wednesday for details. Starting at Long Point lookout and Leaden Ken Johnson Ph. 2485979 h only to platypus, past old gold mines. Shoot some easy rapids. See it before descend 600m lo a campsite next lo the Shoalhaven River in the vicinity of Meet al Cm. Eucumbene Drive and Coller Road at 8.30 am. The 9 km walk ihe Sydney Water Board drowns it wilh the Welcome Reef Dam. Camping McCallums Selection. Follow river downsiream to spur leading up to Badger­ starts at Ml Franklin Road and Ml Ginini car park, down ihe ski run lo Ginini from canoes en route. BYO canoe or hire. Suil fil beginners. 250 km drive ys Lookout. Several river crossings involved. 250 km drive ($50 per car). Flats. NW to Ginini Creek and ihe slart of a small waterfall 60 m back along lS50 per car). the flats, join the 4 wheel drive track and walk to the Arboretum. Return along ihe same irack to the car park. 110 km drive ($22 per car). 1 November Sunday walk (1/A/C) 18 November Wednesday walk (1/A) Googong Reservoir Ref: Captains Flat Square Rock ' Ref: ACT 1:100,000 5 December Saturday walk (1/A) 1:25,000 Leader: Olive Buckman Ph. 2488774 h Lake Ginninderra Ref: ACT 1:100,000 Leaden Mike Smith Ph. 2862984 h Meet Kambah Village shops at 9.30 am. A pleasant walk on (racks through a Leaden Gary Schneider Ph. 2549801 h Meet al Canberra Railway Station al 8.30 am. A walk from carpark at the variety of scenery lo a fascinating rock formation wilh wide views. An 'inside Meet al 2 pm al Emu Bank wooden bridge between College/Sail Reslauranl. southern end of Googong Reservoir past London Bridge, old homestead, Cur- outside' rock scramble through and back is optional. Tolal climb 270 melres. Easy walk around the Lake Ginninderra - approx. 2 hours. Return distance ley falls and ihen across the to Compo Canyon. Return to Ideal for beginners and families. 80 km drive ($16 per car). approx. 7 km. cars by similar route. Old footwear for crossing river would be advisable. 50 km drive ($10 per car). 5/6 December Pack walk (2/A/B/C) 21 November Saturday walk (2/A/B) Ml Murray and Bimberi Ref: Rendezvous Cr 4 November Wednesday walk (2/B/C) Big Hole/Marble Arch Ref: Kain 1:25,000 1:25,000 Emu Flat Ref: Corin 1:25,000 Leader: Mike Smith 2483624 w 2862984 h Leaden Chris Leslie Ph. 2516123 h Leader. Ken Johnson Ph. 2485979 h Meet Canberra Railway station at S am. A walk mainly on tracks pasl the 'Big Conlact leader before Thursday. We will be joining members of the Canberra Meet al Kambah shopping centre Primmer Cl. at 8.30 am. An 11 km walk, un­ Hole' to Ihe 'Marble Arch' in Ihe Deua National Park. Wading across ihe Bushwalking Club for this trip. Approach via Oldfields hut as this is the dulating ridge, with views of Orroral River from Rocky areas (used by ANU Shoalhaven River is required and il could be slippery in wel weather at the shortest and easiest way lo climb ACTs highest point at Ml Bimberi, and the rock climbers). We pass the Eyrie, the Elephant and Legoland. Walk starts Arch. 180 km drive ($36 per car). sister peak of Mt Murray. It is intended to sleep at the summit of Murray wilh ;ind ends al the site of the old Honeysuckle Creek Colliinalion lower. Water a quici, low impact camp. Check with leader about sloves. 400 km drive required. 100 km drive ($20 per car). 22 November Sunday Social ($80-$100percar). 87 Shackleton Circ, Mawson Ref: Canberra Slreet 7 November Saturday walk (2/B/C/D) Map 13 December Sunday Peppercorn Creek and Falls Ref: Peppercorn Leaders: Barbara and Syd Com Tort Ph. 2862578 h Xmas Party Ref: Rendezvous Cr 1:25,000 Barbara and Syd invite you to join ihcm for afiemoon tea and a stroll in their 1:25,000 Leaden Chris Leslie Ph. 2516123 h garden. Leaden Beverley Hammond Ph. 2886577 h Phone leader before Thursday for details of transport. This is a combined Meel at ihe OrroraJ Valley picnic ground al 3 pm for ihe annual NPA Chrisi- walk with the Canberra Bushwalking Club. A 12 km walk in the northern 22 November Sunday geological excursion (2/A) mas gel togclhcr. Members and friends welcome. Bring a picnic tea. Kosciusko Nalional Park along the largely open banks of a pleasant alpine Geological trip Ref: ACT 1:100,000 creek wilh several nice falls and cascades. There may be an optional rough Leader: Mac Die kins, Monica Yeung Ph. 2805439 w 23, 24, 25, 26 January 1993 Pack Walk scramble lo Ihe base of the largest falls. 150 km drive (S30-S35 per car). 2487638 h Ettrema Gorge Ref: Touga 1:25,000 Meet P.30 am al ihe carpark al ihe entrance lo ihe University of Canberra, Leaders: Eric and Pat Pickering Ph. 2862128h 8 November Sunday cycle Cnr College and Kirinari Sts, Bruce. The day will cover around 7 slops lo Australia day falls on Ihe Tuesday. This could be a collaborative walk wilh Lake Burley Griffin Ref: ACT street map view and examine geological features in ihe region, from close lo the War ihe Canberra Bushwalkers. Details arc not finalised and are subject lo change. Uaden Gary Schneider Ph. 2549801 h Memorial, Woolshed Creek, lunch at Pine Island, and others. This means we However, its a spectacular area - lots of swimming and rock scrambling. Not Meel 10 am near Acton Ferry Terminal Local bike ride mainly on cycleways will drive between each site and walk where necessary We will endeavour IO for beginners Phone leaders al leasl a week beforehand for details. along Lake Burlev Griffin, to Mt Pleasant, RMC Duntroon and Jcnabombcna ]imil ihe number of cars to S because of parking resinclions al some sites. Car Wetlands. numbers will be rationalised at ihe meeting point. 100 km drive (S20 per car).

14 November Saturday walk (2/A/D) Bullten Range ' Ref: Cotter 1:25,000 29 November Sunday walk (1/A/B) 1-eaden Syd Comfort Ph. 2862578 h Ml Domain Ref: Meet comer Cucumbers Drive and Colter Road at S.30 am. In Bullcen Nature Leader: Judith Webster Ph. 2414646 h Points to note Reserve from Paddy's River, over Bullcen Range lo Murrumbidgee Good Meel Kambah Village shops u am. This is a short walk bul has a steady climb New faces to lead, now places to go. Please help keep our outings views Irom range and along river. Partly on trails but also a stilt climb. 35 km of about Mil m without respite. However, ihe pace will be moderate. Fire trail program alive by volunteering Lo load a walk occasionally drive (S7 per car). initially and then open foresl. 80 km drive (Sib per car). All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Association of the ACT do FO as volunteers in all respects and as such accept solo responsibility for any injury howsoever incurred and the 15 November Sunday walk (2/A/B/D) 28/29 November Canoe trip National Parks Association of the ACT, its office bearers and Rendezvous Creek, Nurserv Swamp Ref: Rendezvous Cr Shoalhaven River Ref: Natmap appointed leaders are absolved from any liahility in respect of any 1:25,000 Braidwood 8827 injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing leaden Mick Kelly Ph. 2412330 h Leader: Chris Bellamy Ph. 2497167 h The committee suggests a donation of TWENTY cents per Meel al Kambah Village shops S am. Circular 15 km walk up from Orroral Conlact leader preferably b\ Wednesday before because of transportation and kilometre DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS in the Valley {Nursery Swnrnp car park), across lo. and down. Rendezvous Creek. portage arrangement. Classic two day paddle lo Oallen Ford from Lirhen, car, including the driver, ito the nearest dollar! be offered to the Climb saddle helween spoi heights 1351 and 1337 to southern end of Nurserv below Warn bridge, past sandy beaches, old gold mines and some gorges Swamp Follow Nursery Creek upstream tocomplele walk. (2 climbs 200 m This area is at risk, should Ihe Sydney Water Board build Ihe Welcome Reef driver by each passenger accepting transport. Drive and walk .ind 'DD in). SO km drive