Bush Heritage News Autumn 2006

ABN 78 053 639 115 www.bushheritage.org Anchors in the Landscape In this issue Anchors in the Landscape campaign – protecting our natural heritage Working bees Fan Palm Reserve Bush Heritage CEO Doug Humann others it will not. Often, with the outlines Bush Heritage's long- enthusiasm of recent ownership and term goals and an ambitious new significant resources to develop the fundraising campaign already business, a new owner intensifies achieving results for conservation activities on the land.This usually means increased environmental You and I are the guardians of one damage. It may be through residential of the world’s mega-diverse countries. or industrial development, or through The uniqueness of our species, their further loss of native vegetation as land diversity and abundance have been goes under cultivation or irrigation, recognised worldwide as being of or where the establishment of immeasurable value.Also recognised permanent water by sinking bores or have been the rate of extinctions of building dams opens up more land our species, the loss and fragmentation for regular grazing. Every time this of habitats and the decline in ’s happens, habitats are damaged or lost environmental health.Alarm bells are and species suffer. ringing, not only in Australia but internationally as well. At present we are seeing a wave of regional extinctions throughout our Scientists from around the nation agricultural lands, and species are have determined that if we are to disappearing from whole districts. effectively conserve Australia’s animals If we are to halt this decline, then and plants we need to protect about we must act, and we must act now! another 22 million hectares of quality habitats (nearly three per cent of * Possingham, H. et al. 2002. Setting Australia’s land surface) in a range Biodiversity Priorities (background paper). See www.dest.gov.au/sectors/science_ * of ecosystems. This is an achievable innovation/publications_resources/profiles/ goal but we need to act immediately, setting_biodiversity_priorities.htm and you and I have a significant role to play.

Bush Heritage and its supporters will help to reach this national target and we have already made some major gains in the past few months. However, we must step up our activities because in many regions of Australia time is running out.

Every day, properties that have potential for conservation move from one owner to the next. On some of these properties conservation will be a primary or secondary goal, but on

From top: The spider orchid Caladenia sp. is one of the many wildflower species protected at , WA. PHOTO: LIBBY SMITH Waterfowl, including wood duck, flock to the wetlands at Cravens Peak Reserve, Qld. PHOTO: WAYNE LAWLER/ECOPIX Blue pincushion Brunonia australis. Blue pincushion among a profusion of wildflowers at Eurardy Reserve, WA. PHOTOS: LIBBY SMITH 1 almost two-thirds of this amount in reserved ecosystems and species that donations and grants, and pledges that urgently need secure habitats. have been committed over three years. The contributions of The Nature Through our partnership with the Conservancy and the Thomas Indigenous Land Corporation we Foundation deserve special mention. have been invited to support The Australian Government, through Aboriginal people in selecting, the Natural Heritage Trust’s National acquiring and managing land of high Reserve System program, has provided conservation value.The acquisition support for the purchase of Cravens of such properties will be funded by Peak Reserve, as well as other the Indigenous Land Fund’s Environmental Acquisition Program Bush Heritage is on a mission. Our reserves that have been acquired or and the land will be owned by aim is to conserve, within the next are currently under negotiation. Aboriginal organisations.The first twenty years, one-third of the land property under consideration is a needed to meet the national 22 million The purchase of our two most recent 41 000 hectare property in South hectare target: that is, seven million properties, Cravens Peak in far-western Australia, proposed for acquisition by hectares, or one per cent of Australia’s Queensland and Eurardy on the the Adnyanathanha people. land area.This equates to an area the Batavia Coast of Western Australia, size of Tasmania. has secured another 260 000 hectares of land.These new reserves protect JOIN THE CAMPAIGN! To achieve the first stage of our important vegetation communities If we are to buy the land and undertake twenty-year plan, we need $20 million. and threatened arid-zone wildlife. the work that we need to do, we must Thus we have launched the Anchors There are at least 900 plant species reach our $20 million target.This in the Landscape campaign.This on Eurardy alone, of which at least no longer seems such a daunting task campaign will enable us to secure 29 are a priority for protection. because of the enthusiasm and key areas of land predominantly in generosity shown by our supporters. our ‘anchor’ regions (see insert), to For the next two years we have an Every gift is bringing us closer manage this land for the long term ambitious land acquisition plan that to completing Stage One of our and also, importantly, to build regional includes buying further large reserves twenty-year plan to protect the conservation initiatives with our in the Gulf Country or Uplands of land and its wildlife. reserve neighbours, local and Queensland and smaller reserves in indigenous communities and other south-west Western Australia and the We have vitally important work key property owners and managers. grassy woodlands of Victoria and to do and we need to do it now if No longer can we be satisfied with New South Wales.A new partnership we are to meet the environmental just working within our reserve with the Nature Foundation of South challenge before us. I am asking for boundaries.We must support and Australia will help us to acquire our your help and hope that you will be encourage others to instigate, or first property in that state.This inspired to assist us however you further develop, conservation acquisition in South Australia is an can.Together we will help to build management on their land. example of how we will continue to sufficient protected habitats to secure take up opportunities outside our our wonderful native species and Twenty million dollars seems like a ‘anchor’ regions when there are real protect our unique natural heritage. vast sum to find but, in just over a benefits for biodiversity.This property We will also pass on to those who year, through the commitment and is sufficiently large to be viable for the follow us a healthier and more generosity of individuals and funding long term, is really important regionally resilient environment.This is the organisations, we have already raised and will help to protect many poorly legacy I want to leave for the future.

2 ‘Before Jacqui and I helped Bush Heritage to buy the , we often felt frustrated that we could not stop the habitat destruction that is being undertaken in Australia and around the world. Now that we have helped Bush Heritage to save 68 000 BUSH HERITAGE PRIORITY REGIONS – ANCHORS IN THE LANDSCAPE hectares of land of high conservation value, we believe we have done something In Bush Heritage News, Summer 2005, we explained our strategy for targeting future very special to help the animals and land purchases in five key regions around Australia and our plan to work more actively plants with which we share the planet. with our reserve neighbours to bring a regional approach to land conservation. Our activities will now be focused in south-west Western Australia, the grasslands and ‘Often when I camp out in the huge grassy woodlands of southern Australia, the midlands of Tasmania, the Channel and Gulf quiet wilderness area that is the reserve, country of Queensland and the Northern Territory, and the brigalow belt and Uplands of I think that if Bush Heritage didn't have Queensland. However, we will always remain open to broader opportunities. the resources to save this special place, it might have all been lost and, just slightly, To recap, these regions were selected because they are under immediate threat from a the world would have been a poorer place. factor or factors that we can influence, contain many significant species, can support healthy ecosystems throughout the process of climate change, are located where the ‘I hope Bush Heritage can make you feel establishment of an ‘anchor’ reserve would provide significant benefits for conservation as proud as they have made us feel.’ in the wider community, and build on what we have already achieved. By concentrating our efforts around our ‘anchors’ in the landscape and helping our Chris Darwin, great-great-grandson neighbours and other regional land managers to bring conservation management and of Charles Darwin expertise to their land, the country and its wildlife will see much greater benefits.

Facing page, clockwise from top: The Nature Conservancy Australia Country Program Director Kent Wommack (left) ‘The purchase of Cravens Peak … will help to look after the Lake Eyre Basin with Bush Heritage CEO Doug Humann. PHOTO: BUSH HERITAGE Mangles kangaroo paw Anigozanthus manglesii at Eurardy in perpetuity.We’ve got a range of [assets and activities] in this region including Reserve, WA. PHOTO: LIBBY SMITH Conservation Programs Manager Aboriginal culture, grazing, tourism, mining and biodiversity conservation. Bush Paul Foreman and Reserve Manager Jo Rule at Cravens Peak Heritage’s conservation work will complement these and assist with the long-term Reserve, Qld. Zebra finches are colourful residents of Cravens Peak. PHOTOS: WAYNE LAWLER/ECOPIX sustainability of the basin.’

Clockwise from top: Jacqui and Chris Darwin. PHOTO: DOUG HUMANN Angus Emmott, pastoralist, Director of Queensland Desert Channels Paul Foreman in a field of foxtails Ptilotis sp. at Cravens Peak and Chairman of the Community Advisory Committee to the Lake Eyre Basin Reserve, Qld. PHOTO: WAYNE LAWLER/ECOPIX Protecting Aboriginal sites at Cravens Peak is a priority. PHOTO: STUART COWELL Ministerial Forum Paul Foreman (centre) with reserve managers Jo and Len Rule at Cravens Peak. PHOTO: WAYNE LAWLER/ECOPIX

3 Working bees: pivotal in conservation management The future of working bees at Bush enthusiasm and many were keen to Working bee activities depend on Heritage reserves is looking exceedingly return to their ‘patch’ in 2006.The the needs of each reserve. People bright.We are developing a model, to event itself attracted more than 40 with specific skills or interests are be used Australia-wide, based on the people over the month, and they highly sought after for special tasks month-long working bee held at contributed in excess of 300 people- like plumbing, electrical work Charles Darwin Reserve,WA, in days.The value of this sort of support and plant and animal surveys. But 2005 (see Bush Heritage News, is inestimable. everyone has a role to play. This year Summer 2005).Working bees bring the newly purchased Cravens Peak energy and expertise to our land Using this model, we are expanding Reserve, Qld, and also Carnarvon conservation work.The intention the program to more Bush Heritage Station Reserve, Qld, will be for 2006 and beyond is to build new reserves in 2006. Such working bees undertaking infrastructure projects as opportunities for our Bush Heritage bring huge gains for on-ground well as some on-ground management family to get involved in on-ground conservation, are good fun, bring work. Goonderoo Reserve, Qld, work at a growing number of like-minded people together and needs a new campsite and work done extraordinary locations across the enable Bush Heritage supporters to on the reserve.Working bees at Charles country. spend quality time on the reserves. Darwin, Judith Eardley and Liffey We invite all of you to think about River reserves will focus on The extended working bee at Charles participating, whether for a handful eradicating weeds.There is something Darwin Reserve was a huge success. of days or an entire working bee. for everybody. Focusing on the weeds, volunteers Lending a hand is the key! took on their mission with youthful

Clockwise from top: Volunteers repairing the Ethabuka windmill. Time out for bird watching at Cravens Peak, Qld. PHOTOS: JOHN AND LYLA HANSEN Revegetation work at Tarcutta Hills Reserve, NSW. PHOTO: JOELLE METCALF

4 VOLUNTEER RANGERS ARE PURE GOLD!

As the Volunteer Ranger Program continues to move forward in leaps and bounds, Bush Heritage has been able to offer greater opportunities and more reserves for participants to visit. Ethabuka, Carnarvon Station and Goonderoo reserves in Queensland, and Charles Darwin and Eurardy reserves in Western Australia, offer expanding opportunities to volunteer rangers in three very different ecological VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE regions. In addition, Bush Heritage CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS continues to support the volunteer PROGRAM program at the Mareeba wetlands in northern Queensland (see Bush We are seeking a dedicated volunteer Heritage News,Autumn 2005). or two to assist the Volunteer Ranger and Working Bee programs at the We have long praised the support of Conservation Support Centre in volunteer rangers.They do the most Melbourne. Good computer skills are amazing job and the views of our essential and an understanding of reserve managers are similarly glowing. environmental management would At Eurardy the reserve managers be an advantage. commented that volunteer rangers ‘… were a breath of fresh air.Their If you are interested in these activities, enthusiasm was infectious and or would like to register your name renewed us after the first couple of to be alerted about future working months of hard slog. It's amazing bees, please contact Joelle Metcalf, what a couple of extra pairs of hands Conservation Partnerships Officer, at can achieve.We were able to get a [email protected] number of bigger jobs done in a or ring (03) 8610 9102. fraction of the time and it was a great motivation … They were great Clockwise from top: Weeders down on their knees at Liffey River Reserve, Tas. PHOTO: JOELLE METCALF The end of Ethabuka’s company.’ ageing Hill’s hoist. PHOTO: WAYNE LAWLER/ECOPIX The 2005 weeding blitz at Charles Darwin Reserve, WA. PHOTO: KEN HUDSON We are looking forward to a fantastic Eurardy Reserve homestead. PHOTO: JIRI LOCHMAN/LOCHMAN TRANSPARENCIES Manager Karen Harrland and baby Asha future for the program and if you are with volunteers Jocelyn Doran (left) and Jean Martin. keen to get into the great Aussie Up the windmill. PHOTOS: JOHN AND LYLA HANSEN outdoors in 2006 or beyond then Apologies to Ken Hudson for our crediting his weeding bee please contact us. images in Bush Heritage News, Summer 2005, to Leigh Whisson.

Fully Stoked is an Australian-owned company committed to selling high-quality clothing that has not been made in a sweatshop. The company donates $5 from every sale to conservation projects around the world, including Bush Heritage. Fully Stoked sells only online. To view and buy its fashionable range of certified organic cotton clothing, visit www.fullystoked.com 5 Tim Fischer We welcome, as an ambassador for Bush Heritage, the Honourable Tim Fischer, former Deputy Prime Minister, leader of the National Party and Minister for Trade.

Tim says,‘There is a diversity within Australia's bush, and in the Outback generally, of which all other countries in the world are very jealous, even the United Fan Palm Reserve, Qld. You can visit! States. I am delighted to be able to help Bush Heritage to protect this diversity.’ In 1993 Bush Heritage purchased an Feral pigs and weeds outstanding 8.2 hectare block of fan are the main issues Tim currently holds many roles both palm forest in the lowland rainforests faced by reserve in business and in an honorary capacity, of the Daintree. Lowland rainforest is overseer Siggy which include the chairmanships of one of the most diverse habitat types Heise-Pavlov. Her Tourism Australia and the Crawford on earth. It is also one of the most husband, pig expert Fund. He lives in the Riverina of depleted. In the Daintree more than Peter Heise-Pavlov, NSW with his wife Judy and two sons. half of the lowland rainforest on private regularly traps pigs land has been cleared, resulting in the and removes them New staff loss of wildlife and plant species. from the reserve. Siggy has also been controlling weeds, revegetating the Alexandra de Blas Fan Palm Reserve protects rare margins of the reserve and conducting has been appointed mesophyll vine forest dominated by research on the impact of pigs on the Communications the spectacular fan palm Licuala ramsayi. rainforest. Strategist at Bush At least 20 plant species of conservation Heritage. She is best significance also occur on the reserve. Siggy will lead the first field trip for known as the host of Earthbeat on The nationally endangered southern supporters to the Fan Palm Reserve ABC Radio National and for her stand cassowary uses the reserve and plays in October 2006. If you are interested against pollution from the Mt Lyell a critical role in the regeneration of in visiting this beautiful tropical copper mine on Tasmania’s west coast. the forest. Cassowaries are the only rainforest, please watch for dates in She is a Vincent Fairfax Fellow and has birds capable of swallowing the large the next issue of Bush Heritage News. won many awards for journalism. seeds of some rainforest trees, such as the cassowary plum Cerbera floribunda. Sarah Eccles is On their travels, the birds then pass our Indigenous Partnerships Officer. these seeds in their droppings and From top: Strangler fig. Reserve overseer, Siggy Heise-Pavlov. thus disperse the rainforest species. Fan palm forest. PHOTOS: SIGGY HEISE-PAVLOV She has experience working with Aboriginal people both within non- government organisations such as Greening Australia and in state government roles. Her position is a result of a partnership with the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC). It involves facilitating co-management agreements on Bush Heritage reserves, and greater conservation or ‘Caring for Country’ on ILC properties. She is of Watharung descent.

6 pressing issues: that of environmental through a monthly gift or perhaps From the President degradation and loss of species. a larger annual contribution, will For many years I have been involved We have decided to set an ambitious make this possible. in the Australian environmental goal to make faster progress in solving movement, in policy making, advocacy, this. Bush Heritage has developed a To gether we can protect land and promoting corporate responsibility simple, practical and powerful approach water that is vital for conservation and, through Bush Heritage, private to protecting and caring for the bush. before they are destroyed, and manage land conservation. I am confident What we need to do now is to protect them for the long term so they stay that the biggest contribution that we a lot more land and in key areas. safe, healthy and resilient.Through can make as individuals is to help We also need to help other land Bush Heritage we can leave a proud protect the land – for the wildlife and managers who want conservation to legacy to those who follow us. Like plants, and for the critical ecological be a priority on their properties. me, I am sure you will feel great services that healthy, intact bush satisfaction in doing something provides. In this way we will be We now launch our Anchors in the permanent to pass on to future guarding our biodiversity as well as Landscape campaign to raise $20 Australians a country that still offers our clean air, pure water and stable million as the first step to achieving the beauty, hope and promise that soils, and giving our precious natural a huge goal: that of protecting one we have enjoyed. heritage the best chance to adapt to per cent of Australia by 2025. I urge climate change. you to take a moment from the rush of daily life to consider what you The Board members of Bush Heritage might be able to commit to help us and I share with you a commitment to achieve this. Your pledged support to solving one of Australia’s most over the next few years, whether

In memory Mary Constance Clarke,‘who loved Jim and June Milne for the 80th the birds and the flowers of the birthday of Harold Richards. Joy and Roger Membrey gave Australian Bush’. Wendy Edney was remembered generously to Judith Eardley Reserve on her birthday by her sister Carol in honour of their daughter Elisabeth Jenny Stokes remembered Clea Rose, Lancaster, and Tanya Mason Membrey.Viv Donovan remembered a young woman killed by a car in 2005. by Karen Ross. her son Paul Francis Donovan. Shirley Pryor donated for baby grandson In celebration The birth of Huon Byrn-Ockerby Noah Domen Skaberne-Pryor. was honoured by Sharron Baird and The weddings of Donna and Rodney Gibbins. Janice Marshall Bruce Bramwell honoured his Michael Perovic, Charlotte Keller celebrated the birth of her second grandfather Arthur Gowing, and and Mike Dennis, Michael Wild grandchild Tully to Cress and Ali. Eileen Bridges her mother Dorothy and Iris Haring, and Anita Samuel Maud Dalton ‘who loved Australia and Ron Hassell have been Christmas gifts were sent by Petrina and its wildlife’. commemorated by Paul and Clare Dare for Pierre De Bisscop, Butcher, Rebecca Gibb, Chris Mummery Elizabeth Beck for Lesley and Amanda Leigh Carey and Carolyn and Gosia Pendel, respectively. Karen Lindsay Jackson and Sandra and Stuart have been remembered by Alexander celebrated the wedding of Bob Jackson,Joe Sabto for Michele many friends and family. Michael Smith and Sarah Chapman. Sabto and Andrew Trevillian, Jennifer Raper for Mimi Colligan, Judith Cook donated in memory of Linden and Dave, Josh and Ali, Kath Janette and Phill Sinclair for Tess ‘a dear friend’, Neil de la Torre. and Brian, and Jackson and Henry Burroughs, and Heather O’Connor Leigh Fielder gave for Elizabeth Feller, donated to commemorate the 50th for the Morgan family. Dr K Davies for Peter Lightfoot, wedding anniversary of Kevin and Iris Nicolades for Mardi Vracharas Edna Jerrard with the message, Kath and Andrew Gosden thanked and John Scoutas,and Heather ‘Well done, Mum and Dad.We love their friends Jill and Doug Searle O’Connor for Kevin Wilson. Beth you.’ Mark Dorney and Patricia Head ‘for all [their] help and kind support’ Gosden was honoured by Andrew honoured the first wedding anniversary and sent a Christmas gift for Des and and Kath Gosden. of Jan and Anna Kwak. Wilma Chick.

June Rivett donated for her brother- John and Jeanette Carlsen celebrated Sue Westbrook and colleagues from in-law Robert (Jack) Rivett and the 40th birthday of Anthony Smith, TAFE NSW donated for the retirement Elsbeth Allen. Richard Wilkins gave and many friends the 40th birthday of Rosemary Livingstone. for his brother Christopher Wilkins. of Michael Coleman.Friends of Leigh Russell honoured his parents, Wendy Alpers gave for her 70th Iris and Jack Trevor Russell, and birthday, Jill and Paul Glenny for the Rosemary Turner her mother 80th birthday of Joan Atkinson and 7 Fruit of Pittosporum rubiginosum, Fan Palm Reserve, Qld. PHOTO: SIGGY HEISE-PAVLOV

Getting involved INFORMATION GATHERINGS You are warmly invited to join us at one of the following gatherings. Come and meet the staff and hear about our activities around Australia. Light refreshments will be provided. Melbourne: March Wednesday 29, 5:30–7:30 pm Thursday 30, 12:30–2:30 pm Venue for both events: Bush Heritage Conservation Support Centre at Level 5, FIELD DAYS WORKING BEES 395 Collins St, Melbourne (cnr Queen St) Come on guided visits to some of our reserves Bush Heritage working bees extend over Canberra: April and learn more about these special areas. Places a number of days. You can come for the Thursday 6, 12.30–2:30 pm are limited so please register your interest soon. whole time or only part of it. There is some Public Meeting Room, Canberra Museum April: Burrin Burrin Reserve, NSW,field hard work and lots of fun. Food is supplied and Gallery, London Circuit, Civic, Canberra day, Friday 7. Afternoon tour. Also evening from a kitty of $10 per person per day and Adelaide: April spotlight tour. Cost: one tour only – $10 for subsidised by Bush Heritage. You will be Thursday 20, 5.30–7.30 pm supporters, $25 for non-supporters; both tours camping or in volunteer quarters depending Downer House Ballroom, St Marks College, – $15 for supporters, $30 for non-supporters on which reserve you are working on.Tasks 46 Pennington Tce, North Adelaide depend on current management priorities. Brogo Reserve, NSW,field day, Sunday 9. Please have a look at the dates below and Perth: April Cost: $10 for supporters; $25 for non-supporters pitch in where you can. Friday 21, 12.30–2.30 pm Nardoo Hills (incorporating the Judith Eardley The Old Observatory, 4 Havelock Street, April: Goonderoo Reserve, Qld, Saturday 22 Reserve),Vic, field day, Saturday 29. Cost: $10 West Perth (near Kings Park) to Sunday 30 – work on the homestead for supporters; $25 for non-supporters infrastructure and camping ground; reserve Sydney: May May: Tarcutta Hills Reserve, NSW,field management tasks Thursday 25, 5.30–7.30 pm weekend, Friday 12 to Sunday 14. Cost: $75 Friday 26, 12.30–2.30 pm Judith Eardley Reserve, Vic, Saturday 15 to for supporters; $125 for non-supporters Venue for both events: History House, Sunday 16 – wheel cactus control 133 Macquarie St, Sydney June: Ethabuka Reserve, Qld, field weekend, June: Carnarvon Station Reserve, Qld, Friday 2 to Tuesday 6. Cost: $250 for Brisbane: June Tuesday 6 to Thursday 15 – reserve management supporters; $350 for non-supporters Thursday 29, 5.30–7.30 pm August: Charles Darwin Reserve,WA, Dinosaur Room, Queensland Museum, July: Reedy Creek Reserve, Qld, field day, Saturday 5 to Sunday 22 – reserve management Sunday 9. Cost: $10 for supporters; $25 for cnr Grey and Melbourne Sts, South Bank If you are interested in the Volunteer Ranger non-supporters (entry via Level 2 main entrance) Program, working bees or other volunteer For information on attending these For information on attending field trips, activities, please contact Joelle Metcalf on gatherings, or to RSVP, please contact or to RSVP, please contact Katrina Blake [email protected] Paul Evans on 03 8610 9128 or email on 03 8610 9124, fax 03 8610 9199 or email or phone 03 8610 9102. [email protected] [email protected] Printed on combination 50% recycled and 50% plantation fibre. ✂ Return to: Australian Bush Heritage Fund, Reply Paid 329, Flinders Lane VIC 8009 buying back Phone: 1300 628 873 Fax: 03 8610 9199 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bushheritage.org Office address: Level 5/395 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Phone: 03 8610 9100 the bush Australian Bush Heritage Fund is a company limited by guarantee ABN 78 053 639 115

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