National Parks Advisory Council Annual Report 2007-08

A Victorian Government initiative

Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment Melbourne, October 2008 © The State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment 2008 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne Printed by Stream Solutions Printed on 100% recycled paper ISSN: 1834-1209 (print) ISSN: 1834-1217 (online) For more information contact the DSE Customer Service Centre 136 186 Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is not without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Accessibility If you would like to receive this publication in an accessible format, such as large print or audio, please telephone 136 186 or 1800 122 969 (TTY), or email [email protected]. This document is also available in PDF format on the Internet at

Front cover: Bogong High Plains, Alpine National Park (Photo: Ian Harris)

CONTENTS

Introduction 2

Role of Council 3

Membership 3 Categories 3 Changes in membership 3 Current members 4

Council activities 4 Meetings and inspections 4 Statutory responsibilities and other submissions 4 Program for 2007–08 5 Themes for the year 5 Presentations to Council 5 Field inspections 6 Program theme – Indigenous involvement in park management 8 Program theme – Climate change and the environmental condition of parks 9 Program theme – Connectivity between parks 9 Other key issues 10

The parks system 11

Administration 11 Expenditure 11 Whistleblowers Protection Act 11

Acknowledgements 11

1 National Parks Advisory Council Annual Report 2007–08 Introduction Council visited three parks during the year: French Island National Park, which it This report outlines the activities believes has unrealised potential to form a undertaken by the National Parks Advisory model for natural area management; the Council during the year ending 30 June Alpine National Park which is increasingly 2008, and highlights the key issues facing showing the benefits of the removal of Victoria’s parks estate that were considered cattle grazing; and Mount Buffalo National by Council. These issues included Park. In this park, Council supports the Indigenous involvement in park redevelopment of the Mount Buffalo Chalet management, climate change and the within the existing footprint but does not environmental condition of parks, and the see the need for the reconstruction of challenge of developing connectivity major facilities in Cresta Valley. Council also between parks. welcomed Parks Victoria’s initiative to Council is responsible for advising the review the Alpine National Park Minister for Environment and Climate Management Plan and considers that Change on the administration of the adequate resources will need to be made National Parks Act 1975. The combination available to ensure a high standard of of Council’s regionally orientated planning is achieved. membership, together with its broad Council supports the action to make the expertise and experience, places it in an parks system more comprehensive and ideal position to provide this advice. representative of the natural environment Maintaining the natural environment of of Victoria. It is therefore supportive of the parks in the context of the impact of Government’s initiative to create the climate change, changed fire regimes and Cobboboonee National Park in western the threats posed by pest plant and animals Victoria and notes with interest the is an increasing challenge to park progress of the Victorian Environmental managers. Council commends the State Assessment Council’s investigation of the Government’s initiative to prepare a Land River Red Gum forests. and biodiversity at a time of climate change White Paper and appreciated the opportunity to provide input into the process. Council looks forward to the positive outcomes that it believes will flow from the White Paper, including a review of all aspects of species protection in Victoria and the role of parks under the National Ian Harris Parks Act. Convenor September 2008 Council also commends Parks Victoria on the release in 2007 of the second State of the parks report and recommends that adequate resources are provided for environmental monitoring and reporting to ensure that accurate information is available on the condition of the natural environment in parks. Council considers that the level of resourcing available for park management continues to be a challenge for managers, especially in view of the large-scale wildfires in parks in recent years, which have diverted resources (especially staff) from other park management programs.

National Parks Advisory Council Annual Report 2007–08 2 Role of Council Membership The National Parks Advisory Council is Categories established under section 10 of the National Council consists of ten members, of whom: Parks Act 1975 (the Act). The responsible Ministers during the year were: • one is a nominee of the Secretary to DSE • The Hon. John Thwaites, Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change • one is the Director of National Parks (1 July 2007 – 29 July 2007) (defined under the Act as the Chief Executive Officer of Parks Victoria) • The Hon. John Brumby, Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change • eight are appointed by the Governor in (30 July 2007 – 2 August 2008) Council, of whom • The Hon. Gavin Jennings, Minister for − two must be persons with skills or Environment and Climate Change experience relating to the (3 August 2008 – 30 June 2008). preservation and the protection of parks Under section 11 of the Act, the functions of Council are to: − one must be a person who is a professor or teacher of ecology, • advise the Minister generally in relation biology or earth science at a to the administration of the Act and on university in Victoria particular matters in relation to that administration on which the Minister − one must be a person with seeks its advice experience in local government who resides in a municipality in which • advise the Minister on any proposed there is a park excision from a park referred to it by the Minister − four must be persons with experience in matters affecting the • submit to the Minister within three interests of the community. months after each year ending on 30 June a report on the performance of its The member categories are described in full functions during that year. in section 10 of the Act.

In addition to these functions, the Minister Changes in membership is required to seek advice from Council on certain leases, licences and consents for Council members are appointed for a period particular activities within parks. of up to three years and may be re- appointed. During the year, a new member, The Act governs the protection and Mr John Gray, was appointed by the management of Victoria’s parks system. It Governor in Council on 11 December 2007 provides a strong framework for ensuring to replace Mrs Debra Bray, whose term of that the use and management of parks are appointment expired on 30 November compatible with the long term maintenance 2007. Council would like to express its of their natural and cultural values. appreciation of the significant contributions The Secretary to the Department of made to the work of Council by Mrs Bray Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is over a period of 12 years. responsible under the Act for ensuring the The terms of office of three members – appropriate management of parks in Mrs Heather Gee, Mr Lance Jennison and accordance with the Act. Parks Victoria, Mr Brian Martin – expired in November. established under the Parks Victoria Act They were reappointed by the Governor in 1998, manages the parks under a Council on 11 December 2007, until 30 management agreement with the June 2010. Secretary. The expiry of the appointments of non- departmental members is aligned in two groups: the terms of four members expire in 2009 and the other four in 2010.

3 National Parks Advisory Council Annual Report 2007–08 Current members At its December meeting, Council met with The members of Council as at 30 June the Minister for Environment and Climate 2008 were: Change, Gavin Jennings MLC, and discussed a range of issues relating to the • Mr Ian Harris (Convenor) – a person management of national parks in Victoria. with skills or experience relating to the preservation and the protection of parks Council also liaised with the Board of Parks Victoria to discuss issues of mutual interest • Ms Nina Cullen – Director, Public Land Policy, DSE (nominee of the Secretary to and explore avenues for cooperation. DSE) Following an invitation from Council, a member of the Parks Victoria Board, Ms • Mrs Heather Gee – a person with Clarice Ballenden, attended Council’s experience in local government who October meeting. resides in a municipality in which there is a park Through its meetings and inspections, Council was able to provide its views on a • Ms Kate Glenie – a community representative (metropolitan) range of issues. These views form the basis of this report. Council acknowledges that • Mr John Gray – a community there are many other aspects of park representative (non-metropolitan) management that this report does not • Mr Lance Jennison – a community cover. Further information on management representative (metropolitan) of the parks system is available in the • Mr Brian Martin – a person with skills or 2007–08 annual reports for the National experience relating to the preservation Parks Act and Parks Victoria. and the protection of parks Statutory responsibilities and • Dr John Sherwood – a university professor or teacher of ecology, biology other submissions or earth science During the year Council advised the • Mrs Deirdre Slattery – a community Minister on matters as required under the representative (non-metropolitan) National Parks Act as follows. • Mr Mark Stone – Director of National Section 11(1)(aa) Parks (Chief Executive Officer of Parks • Minor excisions and plan corrections Victoria). relating to the Great Otway National Park, Kinglake National Park and Yarra Council activities Ranges National Park – Council supported the proposed amendments. Meetings and inspections The advice was tabled in Parliament on During the year Council held six meetings 11 June 2008. and conducted two inspections of parks. Section 11(1)(a) Meeting numbers and dates were: • Parks Victoria’s State of the parks report – Council provided comments and • Meeting 235 10 August 2007 recommendations. • Meeting 236 11 October 2007 Submissions • Meeting 237 7 December 2007 Submissions to government bodies were • Meeting 238 15 February 2008 made as follows: • Meeting 239 9 May 2008 • Draft feral horse management plan for • Meeting 240 20 June 2008 Barmah Forest The dates of the inspections and the parks Council expressed strong support for the inspected were: preparation of management plans on • 12 October 2007 issues such as this and made a number of detailed comments and French Island National Park recommendations. • 10–11 April 2008 • Land and biodiversity at a time of Alpine National Park (Bogong High climate change Green Paper Plains) and Mount Buffalo National Park. The submission addressed the role of government, market-based instruments, the question of extinction, the national

National Parks Advisory Council Annual Report 2007–08 4 parks system and public-private • connectivity between parks – how parks partnerships. play a role across the landscape. • Great Otway National Park and Otway These themes were given special Forest Park draft management plan consideration during all briefings and field The submission acknowledged good trips that Council undertook. However, as aspects of the plan and made all of these matters are significant long- recommendations for changes and term issues, they will require ongoing improvements. attention by Council in future years. Council also recognised the importance of the An application for consent to the issue of Victorian Environmental Assessment mining licences for the mining of gold and Council’s (VEAC’s) River Red Gum Forests associated activities at Red Robin Mine in Investigation and its implications for the Alpine National Park was considered by possible changes to the National Parks Act Council in 2006–07. It was noted that, and it resolved to follow the process closely following advice from Council, the Minister in the coming year. consented to the renewal of the two leases, with a requirement for rehabilitation of the Council receives briefings and information site. The consent was tabled in Parliament from a number of sources. At each on 18 September 2007. meeting, the nominee of the Secretary to DSE and the officer representing the Program for 2007-08 Director of National Parks provide briefings Themes for the year on current issues and activities. These provide an up-to-date picture of To assist its annual work program, Council’s environmental policy development at a practice has been to adopt a number of state level and information on Parks priority themes each year. In addition, Victoria programs, and are very valuable Council also responds to major issues that background for Council discussions. This arise during the year and to significant information is supplemented by detailed government inquiries and policy briefings by DSE and Parks Victoria staff developments (such as the Green Paper) and by other invited speakers on topics which relate to the National Parks Act. As a related to Council’s work program. result, the work program is often much wider than the themes that have been Council also gets a first-hand view of the adopted. Over the past four years Council condition and management of parks under has considered the following themes: the National Parks Act by undertaking field inspections, where it receives briefings by • 2006–07 Pest plant and animal management Parks Victoria field and regional staff. • 2005–06 Community engagement in Presentations to Council parks The presentations to Council provided • 2004–05 The parks system/ important input into the 2007–08 themes implementation programs for listed above and an understanding of the box-ironbark parks; park parks that were visited. Other issues management issues in the included: South-west Parks • proposals for the redevelopment of • 2003–04 Post-fire recovery in the Mount Buffalo Chalet (future lease Alpine National Park; arrangements may be referred to additions to the parks Council) system; implementation • the Watson Creek project (an interesting programs for the new box- example of a community-based nature ironbark parks and marine conservation program) national parks. • Parks Victoria corporate and business For 2007–08 Council resolved to examine planning the following themes: • a report on the Parks Forum annual • Indigenous involvement in park conference (an opportunity to review management current trends in park management). • climate change and the environmental A summary of the presentations given to condition of parks – to achieve Council in 2007-08 is included in Table 1. protection of biodiversity

5 National Parks Advisory Council Annual Report 2007–08 Table 1: Summary of the presentations given to Council in 2007–08

Presentation title Presenter Date Meetings Land and biodiversity at a time of climate Ms Jo McCoy (DSE) 10 August 2007 change Green Paper – progress update (climate change theme) Mount Buffalo Chalet Ms Veronica 11 October 2007 Beauchamp (PV) VEAC River Red Gum Forests Investigation Mr James Fitzsimons 11 October 2007 (VEAC) Watson Creek project Ms Virginia Richardson 11 October 2007 (Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation) Parks Victoria corporate and business planning Mr Peter Livitsanis (PV) 11 October 2007 Land and biodiversity at a time of climate Ms Jo McCoy (DSE) 15 February 2008 change – update (climate change theme) Connectivity conservation (connectivity theme) Ms Vanessa Walsh 15 February 2008 (DSE) Parks Forum conference – overview Mr Ben Bainbridge and 20 June 2008 Ms Joanna Tonge (DSE) Indigenous involvement in park management – Mr Mark Riley and 20 June 2008 co-management (Indigenous involvement Mr Patrick Fricker (PV) theme) Field inspections Alpine District profile Mr Peter Jacobs (PV) 10 April 2008

Field inspections A number of values are particular to French Two field inspections were undertaken Island, including: during the year: a one-day visit to French • a sense of remoteness from cities and Island National Park in October 2007 and a industrial land uses two-day visit to the Alpine and Mount • an extraordinary habitat for migratory, Buffalo national parks in April 2008. Both wetland and other wader birds visits provided valuable insights into • relative protection from common threats emerging management issues in the parks. to nature conservation (e.g. from fox French Island National Park predation) as surrounding waters offer a French Island is located relatively close to natural buffer Melbourne. However, as it is only accessible • diverse ecological systems, most of by ferry or barge, it has the qualities of a which are in good condition remote location. French Island National • a diverse range of flora and fauna, Park has an area of 11 100 ha and covers including nesting sea eagles, potoroos, two thirds of the island. A number of orchids, manna gum woodlands, vegetation communities are present within mangroves and heathlands. the park, including mangroves, salt marshes, heathlands and open woodlands. Noting these strengths, Council was of the view that French Island provides a unique There have been successful submissions for opportunity to serve as a model for nature the purchase of private land for addition to conservation and deserves a much higher the park. Success was attributed to the profile than it is currently given. Initiatives high conservation value of the areas for on the island should be given more support purchase.

National Parks Advisory Council Annual Report 2007–08 6 and attention. Council supported the years have impacted on the capacity to current management directions of low-key review this plan earlier. The plan will be a visitor services, emphasis on environmental complex undertaking as it covers one very management and restoration, and large park and several other park areas ecological fire management. which have considerable interest to many local communities, as well as having state To achieve this, Council made the following and national significance. recommendations: • give greater recognition, through Sealing of the Bogong High Plains Road has appropriate interpretation, education commenced. Work is progressing rapidly and visitor support, of the remarkable and Council members noted the high bird populations and habitat that the density of construction traffic on the road, island contains. These have been given with crushed rock being transported from international recognition but there is the tunnel for the new power station site at little sense of the importance of this for Bogong Village. Parks Victoria indicated visitors to the island that it would be upgrading six locations along the road to improve visitor access • recognise that the island’s proximity to and the visitor experience by providing Melbourne and its biosphere qualities comprehensive interpretation to create an offer the opportunity for a focus on field introduction to the Bogong High Plains. studies for specialist interest groups, Walking tracks will be upgraded to allow nationally and internationally visitors to explore the area. • consider the establishment of a field studies residential centre – perhaps in Council was informed of a proposal to conjunction with the National Centre for construct a walking/cycling track along the Coasts and Climate Change – when the southern shoreline of the Rocky Valley revised management plan for the park is Storage. The intent is to allow people from being prepared the Falls Creek Alpine Resort to access the national park without having to use the • give more attention to the island as a Bogong High Plains Road, which will soon potential model of how tourism, have a much higher volume of traffic. This education and recreation, agriculture would be part of a program to integrate the and nature conservation can be visitor services and recreational integrated and sustained opportunities in the alpine resort and the • continue to support the work that has adjoining national park. established the pre-eminence of natural values, especially with reference to Parts of the Bogong High Plains area were consistent and long-term weed and feral burnt in 2003 and again in 2006–07. The animal control, and support the intensity of the fire was variable, with some protection measures that have secured areas being severely burnt and others this situation and will enable such high remaining unburnt. This is a fragile levels of protection to continue. environment and natural regeneration of vegetation is slow, particularly in the bog Council also observed that: areas. Another outcome of the fires was the • as in some other parks, much spread of weeds including species of Willow knowledge and experience will be lost as and Hawkweed. These weed infestations long-serving ranger staff retire. Parks require immediate and intensive control Victoria should apply suitable succession programs to prevent them from becoming planning and training for new staff. established. Alpine National Park Council was shown examples of bog Parks Victoria provided a briefing on many rehabilitation where biodegradable aspects of the Alpine National Park, sandbags had been placed in drainage lines including the preparations to produce a with a view to raising the water level and new management plan for the national helping the Sphagnum moss to re-establish. parks included in the Memorandum of It also saw evidence of the intensive weed understanding in relation to the cooperative control work, which includes support from management of the Australian Alps national the North East Catchment Management parks. This plan will include a review of the Authority. current Alpine National Park management plan, which is more than ten years old. The major fire and flood events of the last six

7 National Parks Advisory Council Annual Report 2007–08 Council: Dingo Dell is the other site on the plateau • welcomed the commencement of the with major tourist infrastructure. There is a preparation of a new management plan large car parking area, a cafe, a ‘tube tow’ for the national parks in the Alpine area and areas for snow play. Council viewed and recommended that adequate the area and thought that this area should resources be allocated to enable a high be considered as the main hub for snow standard and comprehensive planning to play in winter. It is also a good location for be achieved park orientation, café facilities and information. This site could also provide a • strongly recommended a comprehensive key link in an integrated walking track consultation program towards that network across the plateau. objective, involving genuine engagement with the public, both in the Visitor information is currently available region and statewide from the Parks Victoria district office in • commended Parks Victoria on the plan Bright, at the entrance to the park, at the to seal the Bogong High Plains road on park office on the plateau and at some its current alignment without increasing visitor destination points. There is no major its width visitor centre of the kind that would generally be available in many similar • had concerns with the proposal for the parks. Council considered that, with a Rocky Valley track and recommended revised management plan being prepared, that, prior to further consideration, an it would be timely to review and integrated walking and bike riding strategically plan overall visitor orientation strategy be developed covering both the and information services for all the key Falls Creek Alpine Resort and the parks in the area. Issues such as Bogong High Plains area of the Alpine developing a joint program with the local National Park shire in Bright and determining the roles of • commended Parks Victoria on its quick the park office, the chalet and Dingo Dell response to post-fire rehabilitation and should be considered. weed control. There have been two major wildfires in Mount Buffalo National Park Mount Buffalo National Park in the past six Parks Victoria provided Council with a years. Recent scientific research indicates briefing on the proposed redevelopment of that this greatly exceeds pre-European fire the Mount Buffalo Chalet, and Council frequency and has resulted in a major viewed the building on-site. The chalet is impact on ecological processes. listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. It Council: has not been in operation for about two years and Parks Victoria is making plans for • supported the preservation of the its future. The major challenges appear to historic sections of the chalet but did not be determining appropriate future uses for support expansion of the chalet footprint the building, the provision of services or multistorey redevelopment (electricity, gas, water and sewerage) in an • supported management of the Cresta environmentally appropriate manner, and Valley site for day use in summer and finding an investment strategy that will for low-key cross-country skiing and enable the future use to be financially snow play in winter but did not support sustainable. the reconstruction of major facilities (including overnight accommodation) at The buildings at Cresta Valley were this site destroyed in the 2006–07 fires. The site has been cleaned up and covered with • commended Parks Victoria staff for their matting to prevent soil erosion. Two work on feral animal and weed control. transportable cabins provide toilets and Program theme - Indigenous shelter in winter. Ski tows and associated involvement in park management infrastructure are still on-site. The briefing Council considered Indigenous involvement from Parks Victoria indicated that the in park management, including joint previous facilities would not be rebuilt and management and co-management, at its that the location would be managed for day June meeting. Council members consider use in summer and for low-key cross- that this will be a very significant issue for country skiing and snow play in winter. the future of park management in Victoria, particularly in light of the recommendations

National Parks Advisory Council Annual Report 2007–08 8 made by VEAC in its River Red Gum Forests biodiversity management over the next 20- Investigation. Proposals for joint 50 years, especially in view of climate management or co-management may change. The Green Paper aims to promote require amendments to the National Parks discussion on the best ways to respond to Act. Indigenous involvement is likely to be the decline of Victoria’s land and aquatic an ongoing topic for Council and further ecosystems and the biodiversity that consideration of this theme will be supports them. undertaken in 2008–09. Council: Council: • made a written submission on the Green • is aware that there are many social, land Paper commenting on the role of management and cultural aspects to government, market-based instruments, Indigenous management and will the question of extinction, the national continue to develop its understanding parks system (including ecosystem and views on these matters in future services, community engagement, Council meetings and park inspections. funding, public interest and extra recognition for new parks) and public- Program theme - Climate change and private partnerships the environmental condition of parks • will follow closely the further State of the parks report development of the White Paper. Parks Victoria released the State of the parks report in May 2007. Council reviewed Feral horse management the report and regarded it as an important The Barmah Forest (including Barmah State document which will encourage more Park), as a wetland of international efficient management of the parks estate. significance and part of the world’s largest The report provides comprehensive red gum forest, needs protection from information on the values of, and threats uncontrolled threats that have potential to to, Victoria’s parks system and an cause detrimental impacts on ecological assessment of the effectiveness of and cultural values. Over-grazing of management programs. Barmah Forest threatens to change the floristic composition of the forest’s Council wrote to the Minister vegetation. As part of a program to reduce recommending that: the overall grazing pressure, DSE and Parks • Parks Victoria continues to produce Victoria are investigating options for feral State of the parks reports at intervals of horse management. Techniques were about five years and to build in investigated that have been used continuity between the reports so that throughout Australia in other control progress can be measured programs and include fertility control, • this work be given a high priority and fencing, shooting, and capture and adequate resources, so that an efficient removal. A Draft feral horse management monitoring and reporting system can be plan for Barmah Forest was released for developed to provide adequate public comment in July 2007. information Council: • future reports are refined to develop • supported the preparation of the plan strong links between indicators, and made a written submission challenges, responses and outcomes suggesting changes and improvements, • specific management objectives are including the need for public education developed and integrated with the and better consultation with other production of management plans for relevant government departments. individual parks. Program theme - Connectivity Land and biodiversity at a time of climate between parks change Green Paper/White Paper Council received a briefing on this issue by The Green Paper is the second phase in the DSE officers at its February meeting. development of a White Paper planned for Connectivity conservation is intended to release in the first half of 2009. The white improve the resilience of the protected area paper will establish policy and program system through a broad-scale, cross-tenure directions, helping to set the Victorian approach to nature conservation. It would Government’s agenda and guide provide a network of conservation areas investment decisions in land and

9 National Parks Advisory Council Annual Report 2007–08 across different land tenures using the reports and other government agencies. existing protected area system as an The draft proposals made wide-ranging anchor. It is not intended to be just a series recommendations for five new national of linear corridors and would need to be parks, significant expansion of Murray- implemented on a broad scale. The impetus Sunset and Terrick Terrick national parks for developing such a system is a general and other, smaller additions to the parks decline in biodiversity and the potential estate. The recommendations also include impacts of climate change. proposals for increased Indigenous involvement in park management which Council foreshadowed that it will consider may require amendments to the National this theme further in 2008–09. Parks Act. Council: Council: • addressed this issue in its submission on • will continue to follow closely the the Land and biodiversity at a time of progress of this Investigation and its climate change Green Paper and will consideration by the government. continue to monitor developments in this area. Great Otway National Park Other key issues Parks Victoria and DSE released a draft management plan for the Great Otway Resourcing National Park (and the adjacent Otway Council is aware that effective management Forest Park) in March. The format of the of the parks system is largely dependent on plan is different from previous plans and the resources that the government builds on the outcomes of the VEAC allocates to Parks Victoria. In recent years, Angahook-Otway Investigation and the there have been many wildfires of a large creation of major new parks in the region. scale and severity, and the period of the Council considered that these new parks year when staff are occupied with fire are an important part of the parks system duties has lengthened. This means that and, given the new format, a submission to staff are diverted from visitor services and the planning team was justified. nature conservation programs, particularly longer term activities, for large parts of the Council: year. In practice, it means that many • made a submission which commended important programs are delayed or Parks Victoria for completing the draft deferred. plans within three years of the proclamation of the parks, for its Council recognises the need for fire handling of Indigenous involvement and protection but believes that additional for integrating the planning of the park resources should be allocated to Parks with the wider region Victoria to allow effective management of the parks estate for other purposes to • made the following comments and continue through the whole year. recommendations − the plan should provide more specific Council: actions, particularly regarding natural • resolved to continue to follow up this values issue and to investigate ways to improve − the zoning scheme should include a funding for park management conservation zone • raised the matter in Council’s submission − there was little information regarding on the Land and biodiversity at a time of pathogens and weeds that might be climate change Green Paper. spread by four-wheel driving VEAC River Red Gum Forests Investigation − Council does not support the Council received a detailed briefing on proposals to allow dogs and other progress of the investigation at its October non-compatible activities in national meeting. A draft proposals paper was parks. released in July 2007, followed by a period for public submissions. More than 6000 submissions were received, as well as inputs from community forums, a community reference group, an Indigenous steering committee, consultants’

National Parks Advisory Council Annual Report 2007–08 10 The parks system Whistleblowers Protection Act The Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 is As at 30 June 2008, there were 132 areas, designed to protect people who disclose with a total area of approximately 3.3 information about serious wrongdoing million hectares, managed under various within the Victorian Public Sector and to provisions of the National Parks Act. These provide a framework for the investigation of areas comprised 40 national parks, 3 these matters. wilderness parks, 27 state parks, 13 marine national parks, 11 marine sanctuaries, 11 The Protected Disclosure Coordinator for marine and/or coastal parks or reserves, 11 DSE acts as an agent for Council to receive other parks and reserves, and 16 non- disclosures under the Whistleblowers scheduled areas. In addition, there were 19 Protection Act, and applies departmental wilderness zones and 22 remote and procedures in managing disclosures. natural areas within 13 national parks, and Disclosures may also be made directly to 4 designated water supply catchment areas the Ombudsman. within 3 national parks. The contact details for the Protected The National Parks and Crown Land Disclosure Coordinator are: (Reserves) Acts Amendment Bill 2008 was • Michael Guarna introduced into Parliament in June 2008. Protected Disclosure Coordinator The bill includes provisions to create Department of Sustainability and Cobboboonee National Park, add Environment approximately 300 hectares to Great PO Box 500, East Melbourne Vic 3002 Otway, Lower Glenelg and Kinglake Telephone: 9637 8873 national parks, Holey Plains, Langi Ghiran Facsimile: 9637 8128 and Warrandyte state parks and Email: [email protected] Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, and make some minor excisions and No disclosures were made to the plan corrections (see also Statutory coordinator in relation to Council. responsibilities and other submissions). Acknowledgements Administration Ms Joanna Tonge replaced Ms Yvette Baker Expenditure as Council’s Executive Officer during the year. Council would like to thank both Ms DSE staff provided administrative support Baker and Ms Tonge for their enthusiastic to Council. Council complied with DSE support of Council. policies in performing its functions throughout the reporting period. Financial Council also wishes to thank the staff of the and other information relating to the Public Land Division of DSE for their Financial Management Act 1994 is included assistance throughout the year, and Parks in DSE's annual report for 2007-08. Victoria’s staff for providing information at Council meetings and field inspections. Expenditure incurred by Council in Their commitment to the parks they undertaking its responsibilities during the manage is vital to the protection of the year was as follows. parks system. 2006–07 2007–08 Further copies of this report and information on Council can be obtained Meeting $6 146 $10 097 from: fees • Executive Officer Other $22 281 $19 941 National Parks Advisory Council operating Level 2, 8 Nicholson Street expenses East Melbourne Vic 3002. Total $28 427 $30 038

11 National Parks Advisory Council Annual Report 2007–08