NPA Bulletin National Parks Association of the A.C.T. Vol. 23 No. 3 March 1986 NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY INC.
Inaugurated 1 960
Office bearers and Committee Aims and Objects of the Association
President: Ross Carlton, 41 Batchelor Street, Torrens, 2607 Promotion of national parks and of measures for the 86 3892 (Hi 68 5366 (W) protection of fauna and flora, scenery and natural Vice-President: Fiona Brand. 11 Dyson Street, Lyneham, features in the Australian Capital Territory and else 2602 47 9538(H) where, and the reservation of specific areas. Secretary: Anne Robertson, PO Box 424, Dickson 2602 Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor re 72 4534 (W) 82 1 141 (H) creation areas. Treasurer- Syd Comfort, 87 Shackleton Circuit. Mawson Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoy 2607 86 2578(H) ment of, such natural phenomena by organised field Assistant Secretary: vacant outings, meetings or any other means. Publicity Officer: vacant (contact Secretary) Committee Members: Neville Esau 86 4176 (H) 49 4554 (W) Co-operation with organisations and persons having Kevin Frawley 82 3080 (H) 68 8309 CONTENTS President's Foreword 3 Annual Subscription Rates (1 July - 30 June) Comment on Namadgi Draft Management Plan 3 Family members $15 Student members $6 Australia's Alpine Areas Management Single Members S12 Corporate Members $8 for Conservation 4 Pensioners $ 6 Bulletin only $8 Resolutions from Conference 4 For new subscriptions joining between: After the Jubilee 5 1 January and 31 March - half specified rate College Students Maintain Trees 6 1 April and 30 June - annual subscription (15 Just Briefly 7 months membership benefit) The Jerrabomberra Wetlands 8 Birds ot the ACT Area 9 Boohgal 9 Wellness wnne BusnwaiKing 10 The NPA of the ACT office is located in Kingsley Street. Four Wheel Drives and Beaches 11 Acton. Hours: 9.30 am to noon Mondays, 9.30 am to Love at First Bite 12 3 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays. Australian Heritage Commission under Review 14 Telephone: 57 1063 Another Successful Field Guide Walk 1 5 Postal Address: Box 457 GPO, Canberra 2601 Pickings in the Park 1 5 Membership Enquiries welcome, please phone NPA Watery Wadbilliga 1 6 office on 57 1063 Billy Billy Rocks 17 Where are Black Springs? 18 New Members 18 Community News 19 Habitat Research 19 Eden Woodchipping - A Review 20 Who are Greening Australia9 21 Pine Plantations - An Ecologically Unstable Enterterprise 22 Constitutional Amendments 23 General Meetings 24 DEADLINE DATES for NPA BULLETIN contributions: 15 October, 1 5 December, 15 April, 1 5 July Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect Association opinion or objectives. COVER View from Edrom Lodge across Twofold Bay. Printed by Derek Kelly 54 1226 Photo by Babette Scougall. Typeset by Top Typesetters 51 6550 PRESIDENT'S FOREWORD Have you noticed that the average age of our Association appears to be dropping a little? Attendance at meetings and outings and participation in the various other activities now includes more younger people than was the case a fewyearsago. I find this very encouraging. I knowthat previously some young (and even some middle-aged) people were put off by the somewhat elderly image of the Association. Those who joined in spite of this image learned to have a great respect for the knowledge, experience and dedication of the 'oldies' as well as being frequently humbled by their prodigious walking ability. Every organisation needs new, younger blood to ensure its survival. This we are now getting and the effects are being felt. But no-one should feel displaced: the Association is big enough and active enough to be able to use all the talent it can get. Long-time members should be prepared togive new ideas a trial and newer members should be prepared to listen. If experience guides imagination we will move forward without too much re-invention of the wheel. Comment on the Namadgi made. Any such extension should trate activity, and we would prefer Draft Management Plan be long enough to make it worth dispersed bush camping. This would m while for the lessee to act in the enable the area to be included in Fiona Brand interests of Park policy. the wilderness zone, with the added protection that such a category In our submission to the Depart Mt Franklin Chalet affords. Until there is a need to ment of Territories, we have con We do not object in principle to the control the number of walkers a gratulated the Department on the chalet's being either permit system would be an un reasonable balance made between — locked and available for use necessary administrative burden. the often conflicting needs of under a permit system admin conservation and various park uses istered by the Department, or in its Draft Management Plan for — open for walk-in use on a first Boboyan Pine Forest Namadgi National Park, which come first served basis, although Boboyan pine forest is still an eye provides clear and helpful guidance we would prefer the former. sore and there has been little clean for the resolution of these conflicts The choice depends on the vandal ing up afterthe 1983 fires. Members but will need to be skilfully applied. ism likely with each, and may need would like to see the dead pines In general we agree with the reviewing. removed, the area re-established primary aims of the Plan and their with native growth where soil condi 4WD Touring tions are suitable, and research proposed administration. Some Vehicular touring should be per matters, e.g. the statutory basis of undertaken to determine whether mitted only on formed and harden the remaining pines will ever reach the Park, fire hazard assessment, ed roads where it will not conflict fire control, and the naming of var economic maturity. A pine forest with measures to protect the envir has no place in a national park, ious peaks within the Park have onment. been discussed in the NPA Bulletin especially adjacent to a wilderness for December 1985. Some other Horse Riding area. matters from our submission are Horse riding is acceptable along Feral Pigs listed below: the Old Boboyan Road and east of Although the best method of con the New Boboyan Road except in trolling pigs is still in doubt, stop Gudgenby Station areas especially susceptible to gap action is urgently necessary if The future of Gudgenby Station is damage. the valuable moist areas in valleys of critical importance to Park policy Old Boboyan Road and on mountain tops are not to be and management. We endorse the While we do not object to the pro completely devastated. proposal to review the scenic value gressive re-opening of the Old of the Station and its environs, the Boboyan Road, there is some con way it may be managed, and the Other General Comments cern that there could be intrusions costs involved, but emphasise that The Plan continues to use the word into the wilderness area of the Park before the end of 1987 the studies "trails", which should be used only by horses, 4WD vehicles and trail must be finished, decisions made for fire trails; otherwise the word bikes. If the through route is estab on them, a management plan should be route, road, track or path. lished, the effects will need to be drawn up, and money made avail It is essential that adequate funding monitored and speed limits en able. We are concerned at the poss should be made available without forced. ible effect on the Park if the Station loss of time to enable at least the is allowed to deteriorate. We would Cotter Hut Camping Facility high and medium priorities of the not object to an extension of the and Permits Plan to be put in hand as soon as lease if this should be necessary A waik-in camping facility in the the Plan is accepted. before informed decisions could be Upper Cotter area would concen Australia's Alpine Areas: Management for Conservation Kevin Frawley The Association's Silver Jubilee Resolutions from Conference 5. This Conference resolves that Conference held at the Huxley 'Australia's Alpine Areas: Man the Inter-government Working Lecture Theatre. ANU on 30 agement for Conservation' Group (on co-operative manage November-1 December 1985 was ment of the alpine area) should give a successful meeting from a number consideration to the nomination of of points of view. To coincide with the mainland Australian alpine the conference, the Victorian, New Silver Jubilee Conference, National region to the World Heritage List. South Wales and Federal Environ Parks Association (ACT), Huxley Moved: K. McCluskey ment Ministers as well as the Min Lecture Theatre, Australian Nat Seconded: N. Esau ister for Territories issued a press ional University, 30 November, 1 6. This Conference urges that the release indicating agreement on December 1 985. Victorian government stop grazing the idea of cooperative manage 1. This Conference, recognizing forthwith within the proposed Alpine ment of the tri-State alpine zone. the cultural and environmental sig National Park. nificance of the Australian Alps Moved: J. Davies For the Victorian participants, - welcomes the proposed Aust Seconded: C. Helman the conference provided a boost to ralian Alps National Parks Agree 7. This Conference recommends their campaign to achieve the Alpine ment that the National Capital Develop National Park - dependent upon - requests the Commonwealth ment Commission proposal to have the passage in the Victorian Upper and relevant State Governments to a camping ground at Cotter Flats House of the Alpine National Park ratify and implement the Agreement be withdrawn and the Bimberi Bill. 1985. In New South Wales it at the earliest possible date. Wilderness reservation be given was suggested the government be Sponsors of motion: VNPA, NPA due statutory recognition by the urged to speed up the reservation (ACT), NPA (NSW), ACF extension of the wilderness zone in of the proposed Brindabella Range Moved: G. Wells (NPA NSW) Namadgi National Parktocoverthe National Park before its natural Seconded: G. Wills-Johnson (VNPA) whole of the upper Cotter catch features were further affected by 2. This Conference draws the ment. development. In the ACT the unsat attention of the Victorian Parlia Secondly, that the New South Wales isfactory status accorded reser ment to the significance of the hist National Parks and Wildlife Service vations in the Nature Conservation oric Australian Alps National Parks move swiftly to gazette the Bimberi Ordinance and its lack of planning Agreement and urges its co-opera Wilderness Area that is contained provisions received attention as tion with this important initiative by in parts of Kosciusko National Park well as the role of the National ensuring passage of the Alpine and the Scabby Range and Bimberi Capital Development Commission National Park Bill, 1985. Nature Reserves. in planning for Namadgi National Moved: G. Wills-Johnson (VNPA) Moved: J. Douglas Park. Seconded: G. Wells (NPA NSW) Seconded: C. Lawrence 3. This Conference, recognizing 8. This Conference recommends The conference was well atten the very important national values that across the Alps as a whole, ded with 108 registrants plus of the Victorian Alpine area urges there should be no new or expanded speakers. Of these, 73 attended that the planning and provision of alpine skiing facilities. the very successful dinner at Bruce adequate staffing should proceed Hall. After the dinner the Hon. Hal. Moved: L. Hodges immediately for the area designated Seconded: J. Mowatt Wooten (President, Australian in the current Alpine National Park 9. This Conference endorses Conservation Foundation)spokeof legislation. his earlier walking experiences in movestowards the amendment of Moved: D. Johnson (VNPA) the mountains. Following the formal the ACT Nature Conservation Ord Seconded: G.Wills-Johnson (VNPA) papers of the day his warm personal inance to give permanent and account of the inspiration provided 4. This Conference resolves that adequate protection to Namadgi to him by the mountains was well in the spirit of a Tri-State Alpine National Park as a national park by received. Park system, the New South Wales IUCN definition and to give a formal government be urged to speed up legal base to the Park's Plan of A crew of NPA 'volunteers'(The A reservation of the proposed Brinda Management. Team) kept the conference going bella Range National Park and that Amendments should provide that: with their catering. The standard the Commonwealth government (i) the Plan of Management, : was excellent, and the arrangement complement this by the expans on once adopted, be amended only very economical. of Namadgi National Park north after public consultation; wards to include more of the Brinda (ii) the Plan of Management be Below are listed resolutions bella Range and the hardwood binding on the Crown in all its passed by the conference. Special forests of the Cotter valley. capacities. thanks to all those who helped make Moved: I. Currie Moved: N. Esau it a success. Seconded: G. Wells Seconded: D. Robin uinely love the bush but I venture to After the Jubilee say that many will know very little Atastair Morrison about the ACT countryside. In gen eral, politics being what it is, they are likely to be swayed by the public interest group that makes the most My wife and I joined the National is unfair I hope that members who noise. We may, for example, see a Parks Association of the ACT early disagree will write to the Bulletin sensible Management Plan intro in 1969, two years after we came to and say so. duced for Namadgi which restricts certain activities in the National live in Canberra. I cannot therefore We certainly need the largest lay claim to being a founder member Park but still see important aspects possible active membership be and we have not taken part in many of the plan over-ruled in the future cause the environmental problems of the Association's outings. Never to please a vocal minority which theless a span of sixteen years of the ACT and adjoining areas of has no environmental interests or does perhaps provide a reasonable NSW not only continue to grow but understanding. basis for offering some comments are becoming more complex. Public on the performance and prospects pressures on ourforests and coast- Furthermore it seems likely that of the Association. lands and mountains are growing reserves and our National Park will too and often in undesirable ways. rate a low priority in political esteem. During these years I have been We are becoming all too familiar There is going to be less public greatly impressed by the perform with such pressures exemplified by money available for a variety of ance of our NPA and especially of the greed of woodchippers and the activities (and these may well incl the dedicated core of enthusiasts unthinking machismo of some 4WD ude conservation) unless local taxes who have managed and guided the enthusiasts and the belief of winter are raised which will be politically Association. This must have been "sportsmen" who consider that the unwelcome. The politicians can be easier when the Association was only proper use for our limited areas expected to look for fields on which small and nearly every member of high country is to provide downhill to economise and may easily decide knew every other member but all ski runs. There are other more that such activities as running along the standards of the Pres benign but still problem pressures Namadgi properly do not call for ident and Committee have been from the increasing numbers of visit extra staff and that the mountains remarkably high. And it should be recognised that it is by no means ors who simply want to visit and can be left to look after themselves. easy to achieve cohesion in such a walkoverthe areas we hold precious It is clear, I think, that if members body as ours because of the wide but do not always treat the country of our Association want to continue range of views held. The views of side with the respect that it deserves to protect the features of the ACT environmentalists have nearly or take their rubbish with them when that they cherish they must be pre always developed on a strongly ind they leave. In the ACTa large degree pared to play a more active and ividual basis and the environmental of self government is almost upon vocal role in the Territory and in movement is far from monolithic. us, unsought by any save a few common interest bodies such as ideologically motivated would-be the Conservation Council. The latter While its most conspicuous act politicians but being thrust upon us is a valuable advocate body on ivity is its extensive and well org by Federal governments anxious to which our Association is entitled to anised programme of walks, the be rid of as much as possible of have three representatives. Despite Association's most valuable asset their present costly commitments this and our relatively large size I is the large body of expert opinion to the Capital Territory. With effect that it now commands through its have noticed, when attending Coun from 1 January 1987 an elected 13 cil meetings on behalf of the Can membership. This expertise is based member ACT Council will, amongst on detailed knowledge of the ACT berra Ornithologists Group, our N PA its many other functions, become seems to find it hard to provide and nearby areas gained in the only responsibleforforestry operations, way that really counts, through pers regular representation. bush fire protection and manage The nature and interests of our onal contact with the land and on ment of open spaces, parks and foot. Members come from a wide Association mean that it has an environmental conservation serv important role to play notonly in the variety of backgrounds with many ices. The Council will also acquire a possessing high academic or tech protection of the bushland but of larger voice in the activities of the nical qualifications. Our NPA is now urban open spaces as well. This is a NCDC though the Commission will one of the leading environmental field where the Association has not bodies in the ACTthough sad to say remain under Federal control. been altogether effective. Many of it has not always played as full a Self government is bound to have usare unhappy about the southward part as it could in the many environ 'a profound effect on the interests of extension of the 'Y Plan which is mental problems of our area. our Association. We may have had taking urban development almost our differences with the NCDC and to Tharwa, poses a continuing threat At the same time its membership the Department of Territories and to the integrity of the Murrumbidgee has grown rapidly. I am not sure the occasional , and sometimes corridor and west Murrumbidgee that this by itself is necessarily a costly, mistakes of some of their and is destined to cause insoluble good thing. I have the uneasy feeling staff members but by and large public transport problems. Unfor that for some members the main these have been sympathetic bod tunately few, if any, of us foresaw attraction of the Association is its ies. With local politicians in charge the dangers of the 'V Plan at a time provision of safe, well organised the situation will be much more when resolute opposition might social walking on the cheap. If this difficult. Some politicians may gen- have brought about changes to the 5 Plan. In the meantime a massive protagonists do not necessarily likely to continue to grow - has and costly infrastructure has been take an active interest in other already reached the stage where developed to cater for the Plan and environmental problems in the ACT some regular, paid secretarial and the whole wretched, ill conceived or out of it. executive assistance is essential. project has acquired a juggernaut Especially important issues will Production of the Bulletin with its momentum of its own. be coming up for consideration early rising technical standards and the Our Association should. I suggest, in 1986 when the NCDC is due to ever increasing costs of printing seek to be a vigilant watchdog in release its proposals tor the devel will also require higher expenditure. relation to urban open space plan opment of Gungahlin to cater for a We need to have ample funds for ning in the ACT. This does not mean, population of 80,000 and for its the occasional special publication however, that the Association main access roads - the Eastern or such items as advertisements, should automatically and uncritically and Western Parkways, Monash support for other bodies involved in endorse every special interest Drive and, perhaps, Majura Lane. campaigns which we endorse and voiced by members of the public in The NPA will need to look at these the cost of special meetings and regard to perceived threats to open proposals very carefully and, I hope, seminars. I forget who it was in spaces. We have to live with the from a Canberra wide viewpoint. It Shakespeare who said "put money fact that Canberra will continue to will not enhance its own standing if in thy purse" but it is advice that grow and that all urban develop it does otherwise. our Association would do well to ment must involve change to the Underlying these matters there heed. environment. The whole process of is the sordid, but unfortunately vital, I hope that in the next 25 years developing Canberra has involved our Association will become a still the disappearance of bushland or question of money. Oursubscription other open space, All our house lots rates have always been modest. stronger and more effective body have been provided in this way. Many memberscould readily afford which can play an even larger part Short of freezing Canberra in its to pay more. We do not. like other in local affairs than it does at present. present limits there is no way of National Park Associations, collect The days of being a modest and stopping the process. capitation charges from members genteel and largely social organis taking part in organised outings. ation for those with a common But what continually happens in We have been fortunate to receive interest in the ACTand neighbouring Canberra is that individuals who some generous grants from Federal countryside are really behind us. If have been quite happy that open Governments. But we cannot count the Association is to play a signif space or bush should have been on always getting such grants. icant role in the future in protecting used to provide sites for their own Governments change and conser the environment and the national commodious residences then vative opinion, largely due to the parks which we especially value we demand that all further develop hostility of the timber industry, is need to grow stronger and more ment in their neighbourhood should tending to turn against National effective. Our Association has done be frozen regardless of any larger Park movements, a trend that is well during its first 25 years. I would community interest. The case for particularly noticeable in NSW. suggest that complacency is the greatest danger to guard against stopping any such further develop But the cost of running our during the next quarter century. ment is usually presented as protec Association is bound to increase. tion for the environment though the The growth of our NPA - and it is College Students Maintain it was advisable to remove tree- Trees guards and tyres. In one patch all trees which Charles Hill seemed dead were flagged and Tree maintenance at Glendale was then surveyed from a nearby slight given a boost on Saturday 16 rise. Most of the flagged trees were November when some students in two or three lines of drainage from Narrabunda College found which suggested the die-back fun Are you where we think you time, in a busy end of year schedule, gus may be responsible; however are? to do some work there. College we noticed later with close inspec teacher and NPA member Lois Perry tion after removal of weeds around Readers are asked to check the was the initiator. John Perry, Audrey the stem that some new growth was address label on this Bulletin and Hill and myself also attended. starting. The fungus may have notify the NPA office if it is incorrect. The weather was very pleasant, some influence, but it was decided Surprisingly, some members a respite from a cool damp spell. to wait and see how the new growth have been receiving their Bulletins Eighty percent of trees were exam fared. The frost bowl effect of the despite incorrect labels but unless ined and weeded where necessary site may be greater than expected. you really enjoy a gamble, having and water retaining mounds were We wish to record our apprec the right address on the label has reformed. Some insects and scale iation of the efforts and interest of quite a lot in its favour. were removed by hand. A few more the College party which significantly trees had grown to the stage when helped the maintenance task. Finally, the last comment on the Why must some extroverts con JUST BRIEFLY- Christmas party needs to be in the tinually emphasize their ancestry? form of thanks to Fiona and her McCurrie, for instance, setting out band for constantly cutting and on a walk with a large tartan umbr keeping cake coming and cheerfully ella. Is one to believe that he prog-: chopping chunks of cheese. Thanks resses along the fairway beneath also to the providers of the lovely this conspicuous canopy looking like fruit cakes. some tartanized Mary MacPoppins? ****** And now for a reminder. Would Do you tire of seeing the same old anyone with suggestions regarding names appearing in this column? the next edition of the "Field Guide Would you like to become as notor to the Native Trees of the ACT', ious as these characters? Would you like to give your friends some please contact Sheila Kruse on notoriety? Then please 'phone 48 6104, or write c/-the NPA office, In a way, the NPA Christmas party 88 1889 with your little anecdotes before mid-March. Any comments (and antidotes as well, if necessary). at the Orroral Valley Picnic Ground are welcome, e.g., where the text was reminiscent of a "do" on the may differ slightly from the illus Melliodora lawns of Yarralumla. The many trations. dresses and a few long gowns, U complimented by "picture hats", ****** were a refreshing change from the usual walking gear of jeans, shorts, An educationist's dream — a boots, etc. teacher/pupil ratio of 1 -2, occurred For those of you who will be on November 17th last, when due staying at Edrom Lodge over the ****** to early rain, a total of only nine Canberra Day long weekend in people met forthe Field Guide Walk, March, the following information on As a prelude to the Christmas party three of whom were the co-authors, nearby Ben Boyd National Park a few members took a leisurely our teachers for the day. As an may be of some interest: walk a little way along the valley extension to the Field Guide Walk Ben Boyd National Park where two of our "resident natural last March, when eucalypts of the ists", Laurie and Peter, introduced drier rocky hillsides were identified, (9,437 ha) the group to some smaller members the November walkinciuded a high This park has two sections on either of the plant world. They were joined er altitude forest which contained side of Calle Calle Bay which used in this by Bob Story who identified some of the native grasses and who five different eucalypt species. to be the centre of a thriving whaling exhibited considerable skill in plait These were: E delegatensis {Alpine industry. ing and weaving with these. While Ash), E. dalrympleana (Mountain The northern section is charac we lunched, entertainment was pro Gum), E. stellulata (Black Sallee), terised by its rugged coastline with vided by the aerobatics of two grey E, pauciflora (Snow Gum or White cliff caves, jagged rocks and sweep fantails, the appearance of four diff Sallee), E. radiata (Narrow-leaved ing beaches. erent species of honey-eater, and Peppermint), and interestingly a In the southern section, a large the brilliant outpourings of rufous hybrid of the two last species. expanse of heath stretches back whistlers. During astop on the return ****** from the rocky headland below walk, the Orroral bullants struck, Green Cape Lighthouse, gradually and proved to be in good biting giving way to tall eucalypt wood form. Legs and fingers were nipped, No more does one discretely wear land. and one walker had to act with that prestige label inside the gar The area is richly varied in its lightning speed when he, literally, ment. It must be outwardly visible, flora — especially in the heath- got "ants in his pants". i.e., LEVI, ADIDAS, CARDIN, GUCCI, lands. Perhaps the most spectacu etc., and now — hat sizes! Yes, lar of the heath flowers are the ****** along with 'made in Winnipeg', bright pink bells of the coral heath. worn on the outside peak of an Boronias, low-growing wattles, the Absent from this year's party due to already notorious piece of white- red belled native fuchsia, and woody a prior engagement was Reg Alder, spotted head-gear! I mean to say- hakeas are supported by the organic who last year brought great excite who wants to know that you take a sandy soils fringing the coastline. ment to the day with his flying horse size 7V2? This kind of one-upwoman- Visitors to the park can enjoy shoes. Present though, were some ship doesn't stop there. A volunteer bushwalking, fishing, swimming, new faces, and the return of a few worker on the last tree maintenance canoeing or boating. In the south members who have been away for outing felt it necessary to wear her ern section of the park, a visit to see some time, was noted. Amongst pearl necklace. However, it was the magnificent coastal views is these was Garth Abercrombie, who found not to be an essential pre well worthwhile, and basic camping is back in town after some years in requisite, as most workers managed facilities are available at Saltwater exotic Manila. quite well without. Creek and Bitangabee Bay. ****** Eden District (0649) 61434. ****** patch of mud, all within easy cannon The Jerrabomberra Wetlands shot of their GPO. Not every day is a 'good' day, of course, as is noted Douglas Ross below. There is at least one other reason The name Jerrabomberra Wetlands the area is so small (see map again). for protecting and preserving the has a fine ring to it but a person We are not dealing with a Serengeti Jerrabomberra Wetlands. It is that visiting the site for the first time or a Kruger Park where people can they affort habitat to Lathan's Snipe, might well wonder what all the fuss be deposited by the dozen, cars a survivor migrant from Japan, which was about. As we shall see, there and all. and be swallowed up. A is one of the species covered by the has been, and continues to be, fuss single person, let alone a succession treaty between Australia and Japan over the future of the Wetlands. All of persons, out looking at the birds on migratory birds. the casual visitor to the area finds is (as persons tend to 'look at' things While the predominant role of (see map). in nature parks) must inevitably the Wetlands in relation to birds is two runs of willow-lined creek, disturb the birds for metres around that of shelter - which means that the Molonglo and the Jerrabom in so confined an area as Jerra the Wetlands themselves need berra. the latter coming close to bomberra. The area would quickly shelter if their sheltering role is not drying up at times; lose its important status as a place to be impeded or degraded-it does a lake shore-line, backed by a of refuge. not follow that the area is wholly off swampy drainage cut; People might ask whether it really limits. On the contrary, it is recog a large reedy pond that dries matters that a patch of wetland nised that the more the resources up at times (when the lake-level drops out of effective operation. It which the Wetlands have to offer falls especially); and does matter. are understood and appreciated, several hectares of very rough grazing (compare the irrigated pas ture on the other side of Dairy Road), shot through with water LAKE channels. BURLEY Across the road is a seven pond GRIFFIN sewage farm. The area in total covers something less than two square kilometres. On the surface, it is not an impressive area but some have seen it as a prime site tor development (once the problems associated with the area's being a flood plain and having a high water table were overcome). Development would be all the more attractive for them because the area lies within two kilometres of Civic as the crow flies 0 while Fyshwick is just over the hill. The latest development iniative, FYSHWICK made known in November 1985, would have the Wetlands play the Australia has already lost far too the more clearly the case stands role of 'nature park'within a national much of its wetlands; loss of another out for their preservation as Wet culture centre complex based on wetland is something to be resisted. lands, rough, and minimally touched extensive land said to be to the More than that, however, the Jerra by human activity. west of Dairy Road in an "under bomberra Wetlands are the ACT'S There are several points from wood' state. Such a proposal must only significantly large natural which a fair view of the Wetlands raise even more eyebrows than an wetland area (they differ radically in may be had with the minimum of earlier suggestion that a cycleway nature from the water bird enclos trouble. FirstKellys Swamp pon Dairy be carried across some of the more ures at Tidbinbilla), and serve as a Road is served by a small car park sensitive parts of the Wetlands final fall-back refuge when other from which there is easy access to area. There was a good deal of wetlands in the general Canberra the hides which serve also to mark debate over the cycleway and area come under stress or pressure. how far into the area visitors should eventually a compromise route was It comes as a bonus that, as noted go. At its best, with the water level devised, protective of the Wetlands' above, the Wetlands are so close to falling so that there is ample ex core areas. the heart of the city. There can be posed mud, the Swamp is highly No such compromise appears few other cities when, on a good productive. Then there is the point possible over the nature park con day, one can see three species of on the right bank of the Molonglo cept. Turning the Wetlands into a Ibis and two of Spoonbill altogether just where the river enters the Lake. nature park would mean their des (outside a zoo) or four species of From the point, there is an extensive truction as a functional bird-orien Crake, two of Rails and one of view of the Lake shoreline, the tated wetlands area. This is because Avocet feeding on the same small drainage cut and associated pools that lie beyond that, and the pools tucked into the angle between the Birds of the ACT Area left bank and the shoreline. The grazing area as a whole can be NPA members who are interested taken in from the rise on Morshead in birds and are not members of the Drive just to the west of the memor Canberra Ornithologists Group ial entrance to Duntroon. (COG) may care to know that a new, The sewage farm is also well 3rd Edition of the COG Field List worth a visit but, since it is closed to has recently been published. unauthorised persons, intending visitors should first check with the It is a useful introduction to the office which is on a well signposted birds of our area setting out in drive to the south of the ponds. tabular form much detail that is not to be found elsewhere. It is best Viewing the area from the water used in conjunction with the revised can also be profitable but, as the edition of Frith's Birds in the Austra watercourses border, and indeed lian High Country (1976). The Field form part of, the Wetlands' core Guide contains sketch maps, notes areas, a cautious approach is on habitats and historical records, necessary. Whether visitors come hints for bird watchers and a list of by land or by water, their primary good bird watching localities. It role should be to leave the core costs $2.50 and is obtainable from areas inviolate. local booksellers or The Publications As to what the visitor might see, Officer, Canberra Ornithologists the Wetlands carry playtpus and Group, P.O. Box 301, Civic Square, swamp rats, tortoises and brown ACT 2608. snakes to my knowledge. Other l COG is an active organisation reptiles and amphibians are also that conducts monthly meetings well represented, one suspects. and outings, surveys and weekend ine re's a land that I have seen For most visitors, however, the camps and produces a Quarterly real wealth of the Wetlands lies in That I know will call me back Though it isn't very green magazine and monthly newsletter. its airfauna. My own count, based And there's dust along the track. All those interested in birds are on weekly traverses over a period It's a land of firm horizons welcome to join the group. of ten years or so, is 130 species in In the early morning light round numbers. Other observers And of shimmering mirage have seen species that I have not When the midday haze is bright. so the total count is probably towards It's a land of endless challenge 150. A definite list is needed and is For the squatter and his wife being worked up. But they're champs and they are thriving 1) CYCLISTS The 130-150 species rangefrom On the lonely station life. the common and ever present There is mustering and shearing Join Pedal Power species (Eurasian Coot, Common And the marking of the lambs Canberra's Own Bicycle Association And checking all the bores Starling) -'through the seasonals AIMS: And clearing tanks and dams. (Latham's Snipe, Sacred Kingfisher) - To represent and further the interests of When there's water in the creek cyclists. and sporadics (Freckled Duck, - To increase public awareness of the ad Glossy Ibis) to what are by ACT They will pump it o'er the plain vantage of cycling. standards at least, rarities (Black- And when the creek is dry - To encourage bikeway development. They will watch the sky for rain. - To disseminate information on bicycle necked Stork, Eastern Curlew, Red safety, skills, maintenance and repair. necked Avocet). Even on those Though there's bogongs in the house - To provide advice on legal and insurance And a tiger In the yard aspects of bicycle ownership and use. days, generally dark, windy and cold, And the tractor's getting bogged MAGAZINE: when there is little about 'in the bird They don't think the life is hard. Free to members and produced every two line', the Wetlands continue to have months. Contains news of cycling in the For they like the compensations ACT as well as general articles on cycling. their attraction: the act of entering Of the freedom and the space species seen in one's notebook is And the flashing of a falcon BICYCLE RIDES: Cycle tours into the countryside around replaced by contemplation of why In an arc of speed and grace. Canberra are a regular feature. there are no, or so few, species to To everyone who visits be seen. There is something to behold NAME Canberra is fortunate in having a And the magnet will be different ADDRESS" largely untouched, working wet For the young and for the old. land area so close to its centre. For Kristen it is Lambie And for Sonia it is wrens PHONE Other cities have to make do with (home) (work) duckponds, artificial lakes and For some the ibis nesting And for some the native hens. such, largely populated by captive Annual Membership costs $18 Send to: Pedal Power birds. It would be a pity if Canberra But whatever the attraction The plains will call us back GPO Box 581, Canberra ACT 2601 were taken down that road in the Till we're heading once again (Phone No: 487995) interests of 'development'. Booligal Along that dusty track. from the skin, particularly on a hot Wellness while ushwalking day. Under these circumstances one should allow for a daily ration of Bryan Furnass at least two litres of water (2 kg) per person. This can conveniently be carried in the foil lining of a wine I have two physicians — my right leg and my left leg cask, which can also be used as a comfortable pillow for a siesta. Chinese Proverb Unfortunately clear looking stream or lake water is often contain;nate d Most of us in Canberra follow a to see apparently sane people of all and it is wise to treat it before box-like existence — living in little ages trying to push over buildings drinking by boiling or by the addition boxes, commuting m little boxes, or gum trees. This has the salutary of a water purifying tablet (1 Puritab watching little boxes for our enter effect of stretching and loosening per litre). tainment and often finishing up up the hamstring and calf muscles Care of the Feet prematurely in horizontal boxes. The and Achilles tendons before a run, experience of bushwalking allows and is no less applicable before a Leather boots have become part of bushwalking folklore, since they members of the sub-species Homo bush walk, particularly in cold defend against weak ankles and sedentanus to enjoy the human weather. People with back problems condition in another dimension. Wellness in a positive sense can be achieved by exploring park and wilderness areas. It requires a modest degree of physical fitness, an awareness of some of the poten tial hazards involved in exposure to the natural environment and a readiness to improvise when medical help is not at hand. The whole emphasis here in on prevention, to ensure that bushwalking and its sequelae are uneventful from the medical point of view. Physical Training Physical exercise requires energy which is derived from the oxidation of foodstuffs in the blood Sketch bv loan Hegarty - stream. We are all familiar with the physiological changes which accompany the increased oxygen should not necessarily be deterred angry serpents {although serpents demands of muscular exertion, from bushwalking. since contrary are by and large timid retiring namely a rise in breathing and heart to popular opinion this type of creatures). A reliable way to ensure rate and the eventual conversion of exercise can improve backache, blistered feet is to embark on a long muscle energy into heat. These although care has to be taken when bushwalk with a brand new pair of adaptive changes are more efficient bending and lifting backpacks. walking boots and cotton socks. To ly and comfortably carried out by Recurrent pain and swelling ot the avoid this disaster, boots should be practice over a number of weeks — knees can be more of a problem, broken in gradually beforehand a process which is known as training. the owners of such joints being well over short training walks until the advised to avoid hill climbs or long leather gets to know the shape of For non-strenuous bushwalking walks over rugged terrain. one's feet. Sometimes the judicious an adequate training effect can be use of small pieces of sorbo rubber achieved by exercising to the point On the intake side of the energy or cotton wool over friction points of mild breathlessness for at least equation, the best fuel for bushwalk can be helpful. As an ocasional half an hour on alternate days, ing is carbohydrate. A substantial rather than a regular bushwalker preferably to include some hill breakfast of whole grain cereals my own prejudice is for broad soled climbing while wearing boots and a makes a good start to the day well cushioned jogging shoes for pack. Weekend bushwalks over Blood sugar may be sustained bushwalking. They are light on the rough country require more training during a walk by pieces of fruit or by feet and when wet are more easily than this and should not be attemp- that delicious concoction of Scottish dried out than leather boots. teduntilonehas several half-day or ancestry comprising dried fruit, nuts full-day walks to one's credit, prefer and chocolate known as scroggin. Wool or wool-nylon mix socks ably carrying a back pack. One soons learns to avoid sharing are preferable to cotton, and at one's scroggin with those members Those of us who are beyond the least one spare pair should be of the party who selectively pick out first flush of adolescence are well carried on every bushwalk. If blisters the chocolate! advised to undertake stretching develop, the fluid makes an excel exercises before and after a bush- Physical exertion requires heat lent sterile dressing for the new walk. Around Canberra it is common to be lost by evaporation of water skin underneath. The temptation to burst them should be resisted and a At the other end of the temper essence of management. The snake Bandaid or sterile gauze dressing ature scale excessive chilling or should be identified if possible, but and adhesive tape applied to avoid hypothermia can afflict bushwalkers no attempt should be made to kill it further damage. exposed to wind and rain or snow The victim should be kept quite still Some Environmental Hazards without adequate protective cloth and a careful search made for The high country of the A.C.T. ing. The treatment by drying, rugging puncture marks. If they are found a can offer four seasons of weather in up and wearing a waterproof/wind- pad should be placed over the a weekend. A combination of sun proof jacket or cape and woollen wound and a bandage firmly applied and wind can produce quite severe headgear is clearly better applied from above downwards, not so sunburn of exposed parts in a couple in a preventive rather than in a tightly as to obstruct the arterial of hours. The risk is less when wear remedial way. blood supply. This type of bandage ing long sleeves, loose trousers First Aid prevents the spread of venom into and a broad brimmed hat or sun Ideally, every bushwalking party the circulation and can be safely visor. Lips and ear tips are partic should include someone with an up kept in place for several hours. No ularly vulnerable to burning and to date first aid certificate (with attempt should be made to remove can be protected by lip salve, while knowledge of cardio-pulmonary the bandage until the patient is in zinc cream or other ultra violet skin resuscitation). Apart from blisters hospital with antivenene to hand. blockers should be applied to other and sunburn the most likely prob This is one occasion when the victim exposed parts. lems to be encountered are stings, should be carried out, preferably with the limb splinted. Hyperthermia or heatstroke is a burns and sprains, which should be Summary rare but potentially fatal complica- treated immediately with a cold tiotion of bushwalking across open compress. Gaping cuts can usually Although discomforts on bush- country in hot weather, particularly be closed by drawing the edges walks are fairly common, disasters in those whose skin is insulated by together with Steristrips, just as are rare and can usually be preven an excessive layer of fat. Anyone effectively as suturing. After the ted by adequate forethought and showing signs of distress, mental application of cold water (or ice if common sense. On the positive confusion or difficulty in walking available) for at least 10 minutes side, there is no doubt that attention should be moved to the shade and sprained ankles may be helped by to wellness can contribute to the given adequate fluids. If they have applying a firm bandage, or in the enjoyment of bushwalking, just as stopped sweating and body temp case of severe sprains by the care bushwalking contributes to well erature climbs above 38° Celsius ful application of strips of broad ness in everyday life. the body surface should be doused adhesive tape along the sides of with water and fanned to induce the leg to provide some lateral ° Bryan Furnass is Physician to the evaporative cooling. {A digital stability. ANU Health Service, Canberra. The thermometer; costing about $15 above article is a precis of the talk Most attempted snakebites do makes a useful addition to the first he presented at the General Meet aid kit.) not penetrate the skin. Calm is the ing on 17 October, 1985. Four Wheel Drives speed. Speeding motorbike riders vehicles are driven up the f oredune and Beaches pose a particular threat to childrewhicn h is mobile in places and con digging in the sand or partly hidden stantly roar up and down the beach Kevin Frawley from view in beach cusps. Beer much of which can be easily reached bottles and stubbies dropped from by walking tracks from the road. It is Should our beaches remain places one vehicle are crushed by subse often the case, that use of a vehicle of quiet pedestrian use orbe allowed quent ones. Even careful drivers saves a walk of only a few hundred to become off-road highways? The may be unaware of the damage metres. current situation on New South they are doing - beaches are the As use increases and people Wales beaches, especially on the home of some crustaceans and forget why they were born with north coast, has led to the NSW nesting sites for seabirds. legs, political pressure will increase National Parks Association's launch Some examples of 4WD activity to retain access. NPA (NSW) has ing a campaign to keep the beaches recently observed include (1) urged its members to contact the clear of all vehicles. The Association Bundjalung National Park near Minister for Planning and Environ recognizes that many beach drivers Ballina where vehicles have turned ment, Hon. R.J. Carr MP, 139 Mac are sensible fisherpersons, how a sandspit into something resemb quarie Street, Sydney and ask that ever, many drivers are less sensible ling the battlefield of the Somme, action be taken now to prohibit - driving over foredunes and along barriers have been broken down vehicles from beaches. NPA (ACT) partly vegetated back beach areas andaswathecutthroughtrees; (2) members are encouraged to do the as well as travelling at excessive Myall Lakes National Park where same. tor a heart, to the ovaries, where they fertilise the eggs. It takes about LODE AT FIRST BITE three days for the holes burned in the leech's body to heal. The vast majority of leeches don't live on mammal blood at all, which is a relief when you see the bright acid-yellow elephantine leech of Apart from their distinctive inch- Members of the large family of South America - all 50 centimetres worm locomotion, there's not much Glossophoniidae {the freshwater of it. It is one of the large Erpobdellid that could be called endearing leeches) produce egg-filled cocoons, about leeches. Itcan be fascinating which in some species, are attached - as a snake's preparation to strike to the underside of the body and can be-to watch a leech approach, are actively protected by the parent. heel-and-toeing toward your feet, One South African species has perching on its posterior sucker to even developed a brood pouch. wave its head about; literally sniffing Perhaps the most shining example out its meal. of parental care in leeches is the But leeches test the quality of genus Clepsine, which has been your perception of the natural world. observed to provide its young with If you can look at a leech with half-sucked food and even nurse genuine interest and detachment, them. The sight of one specimen, without shuddering, then you've with 30 young clinging to its ventral arrived. side and straining towards the piece A cutaway view of a leech's mouth At I thought I'd arrived at that Olym of meat it was feeding on, was the top are its three /aws, each tipped pian plane one day in the Barrington reported to be "startling" by a with hundreds of tiny teeth Below is the Tops, after hours of walking through researcher. pharynx, which contracts rhythmically damp, misty beech forest: I felt no Since they are hermaphroditic, to provide suction horror when I removed my boots and at least theoretically capable and socks, to discover eleven of inseminating themselves, leeches group of 'worm leeches', which are leeches on one foot and four on the avoid inbreeding by finding sex amphibious or live in fresh water. other. partners. The gnathobdellid leeches, They eat worms and insect larvae by swallowing them whole; there is Instead (perhaps it was shock; which include medicinal leeches a 19th Century record of a small perhaps that I couldn't deny they and the common Australian jawed "common rivulet leech" being were there) I watched them, intrigued scrub leech, Limnobdella australis, lie head to head with their ventral swallowed by a much larger fresh by their steady, rhythmic drinking sides facing each other. Each then water leech and, after three days, and admiring their bright orange extrudes a copulatory organ and being regurgitated in a living and stripes. injects sperm into the other's vagina active state. A couple detached themselves, - leaving both pregnant and, pre The third major group is the 'jaw- bloated to the size of eggs, but I sumably, mutually satisfied. Most hadn't quite arrived: the others less leeches', which use their long other leeches inseminate one flexible probosces to literally suck were despatched with a lighted another by an astonishing method the juices out of their prey. Of this cigarette, and inchwormed away as called "hypodermic impregnation", group, one family lives in fresh water I watched the streams of blood, still where sperm-filled capsules known and feeds on such hosts as snails flowing freely from their injection of as spermotophores are deposited and mussels, and the other is marine, anti-coagulant hirudin, pooling anywhere on the partners' bodies. between my toes. The spermatophores secrete a feeding on fish and. in one distinctive Australian species (Pontobdella In the love-hate relationship that granular substance containing rayneri), on the blood of sharks. exists between humans and some violently destructive enzymes that leeches, the leeches may do all the literally eat away the leech's flesh, Of those leeches that do suck loving - but other species possess enabling the sperm cells to enter mammal blood, few depend on it for characteristics that humans admire. the body cavity. survival. The American medicinal Meet the right kind of leech, and leech, Macrobdella decora, is sus you will find both a devoted mother Those sperm cells not destroyed tained largely by the blood of frogs, and an attentive father: leeches are by special defensive cells are tortoises and fish. Some teed on hermaphrodites, with both ovaries suspended in the blood and pumped, aquatic worms, carrion - even and testes. by the four veins that serve leeches organic mud. How tne iawedscrub leech Limnobdella ch, LimnoDrJeila australis, moves. From left to right: with its posterior sucker attached, it reaches forward and seeks a hold fonts anterior sucker. The posterior sucker is then released and the body contracted. Next, with its posterior sucker firmly attached, the body is elongated again and the leech seeks a new hold for its anterior sucker. GOING O.SJ! (sagaciously)* TRAVELLING overseas has numerous pitfalls, but Wildcountry, with its globe-trotting and worldly-experienced staff have decided to help you on the way to a happy holiday with a few helpfuL hints RULE 1' Travel light RULE 2; Be versatile with what you take (remember rule l) RULE 3: Enjoy yourself (regardless) AMD OVER THE B4GE ARE FURTHER DETAILS OF HOW TO SATISFY RULE 3 BY FOLLOWING RULES 1 AND 2 L> haying or showing insight and practical wisdom Jk WM y first trip overseas saw me. M^Lm M cliPflbiftOj onto tW pldAe ^ ^ a pack foil of gooses - m m cozzi^s for •s\rJif*w\iAg and 0 " sunbathing on Skiathos, clothes ftr saonterir^ dov*n the streets of SiojofjortHur that woold have, to do for -skiing the slopes of St. Mont2, arid perhaps for 1 went bo great lectins in an atapt to find SCalift^ L>p Saipal. Then there, wai bVe - accommodation of $elhi;NevJ tfk find becao^ I didrit 'The tfld le^Lef rc?om to put vNalla^ boobs in(tW Aussie 5aAdaU took ^oite A beotiAq^ dollar was also a LOT stronger then!)(wey b A doh/ij that o/\e to U*e be^t baot-makin^ coO/ltry in-ti^e world- weet m nliaila^d - if Id iifkened bo Peter, I West Germany - to ^ almost" too good to refuse. Even if your O.S, trip is only to Queensland - ask about our super amazina deal on our Great Escape rucksac combined with our special WILDCOUWTRY Travelbag. AND IF THATS NOT ENOUGH to make you rush out and spend your hard-earned dollars (and cents) on that Trip of a Lifetime, how about this (!): Splash out and purchase morg than $150 worth of goods in our enterprising entrepot, and we will splash out even further - by presenting you with a Small, but special token oP our apprGciation - something by which (hopeFuUy) you will always remember us by on your travels around the globe a magnificent (as used by the authentic Swiss Army) WlLDCOUNTRy SWISS ARMY KNIFE l[l For and we'd be VERY UPSET 59 Woolley St, Dickson ACT 2602 if you didn't drop in to show Telex AA 62614 us the photos of your trip Telephone (062 ) 47 4899 when you return home If the thought of being attacked Century leech-lover asked those also sometimes used by plastic by something that has recently who hacked or squeezed their surgeons, where clotting or conges been living on organic mud doesn't charges how they would feel if given tion jeopardise the success of an appeal, be glad you're not a duck. a violent emetic immediately after operation. Many ducks, geese and other water completing a hearty dinner. So, the next time you discover an birds are parasitised by leeches For hundreds of years, leeches unwelcome visitor in your shoe which infest their nostrils, eyes, or were reserved for wealthy patients reflect, before you tear it off, on its even enter the brain. Such aquatic -those who could pay toavoid rusty sterling qualities: its benefit to leeches caused grievous suffering scalpels and primitive hygiene humanity, its parental devotion - among Napoleon's army in Egypt. (leeches aren't noted as transmitters even the sheer artistry of its feeding. Leeches would lodge in soldiers' of disease, which is one point in You didn't feel it bite because its throats and nasal passages, causing their favour). But they became so three, Y-shaped sets of 'teeth'.acting coughing, bleeding, chest pains, popular a remedy that the public likeatinycircularsaw, cutyourskin loss of appetite and difficulty in came to ref er to doctors as leeches, so cleanly. You didn't feel it feeding swallowing and breathing. More and leeches were used for any and because it secretes a mild anaes obvious leeches were removed with all ailments: behind the ears for thetic as it cuts, and its anti forceps; others were dislodged by teething pain, half a dozen on each coagulant stops the loss of blood gargling a mixture of vinegar and temple for a cold, a band of leeches from being detected. After all, it salt water. around the head for gout, or 20 to doesn't drink much blood; it drinks 30 on the pit of the stomach for less, in fact, than your body replaces Gargling and forceps aside, indigestion. each day. leeches are pretty hard to kill. Some specimens have lived in cap In France, centre of the European Perhaps it's a forlorn hope that tivity for 20 years, and modern leech trade, the price of leeches Australia will soon be filled with leeches are able to dehydrochlorin- increased sixteenfold - by 1500 eager hirudophiles, patiently wading ate DDT to the metabolite DDE. per cent- in the first half of the 19th streams and smiling as their blood Many thrive on organic pollution. Century. In Russia, over-harvesting is drained. Many people are uncon Nor is it easy to starve a leech, became so severe that game laws vinced, and for them we offer some especially those of the blood were introduced in 1848: a closed anti-leech treatments. Bushmen sucking variety-some can live for a season and a size limit for export- use ordinary laundry soap (lathered year on one square meal. They do it quality leeches. In England, Spain, thickly on likely spots and allowed by eliminating waterfrom the blood Portugal, Italy and Bohemia, the to dry), mild carbolic or eucalyptus they ingest, then storing it in intes medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis oil. The United States Army advises tinal sacs where hirudin prevents became an endangered species: it a mixture of three parts of N-buty- clotting and symbiotic bacteria was about this time Wordsworth lacetanilide, three parts of 2 butyl-2 prevent decay. (These symbiotic met an old, crippled leech gatherer ethyl-1,3 propanedial, three parts bacteria have given rise to the who complained to him that leeching of benzyl benzoate and one part of inaccurate notion that, like the wasn't what it used to be, and in emulsifier, in which clothing is termite, the leech lives on its intest spired the poem "Resolution and soaked. Apart from the difficulty in inal flora rather than blood. While Independence." getting your tongue around its the bacteria do assist in breaking Today, few doctors use medicinal name, the mixture is ineffective after down the leech's food, blood is still leeches in everyday practice. Scien three orfour washes, so eucalyptus its main meal.) The sacs are emptied, tific institutions are occasionally oil may be a better bet. until the leech needs to feed again. asked where leeches can be obtain I don't know, yet, if I've arrived: if I Naturally, this caused problems ed for curing black eyes and (now can genuinely look on a leech as a whenever a doctor wanted to use rarely) from those who cling to the brother. But I'll know the feeling. It one of his leeches again - which, belief that leeches can help treat will be along the lines of Words bearing in mind the high cost of epilspsy. Still, the little suckers worth's ancient leech-gatherer leeches, was always - so a number haven't disappeared from medicine He with a smile did then his words of cruel and unusual methods were entirely. They are being used in repeat; evolved to rid leeches of recent Europe and America as adjuncts to And said that, gathering leeches far meals. One was to amputate the microsurgery. When surgeons and wide leech's rear end: blood would then cannot re-connect some of the He travelled; stirring thus about his flow out as quickly as it entered. Or delicate veins in a severed fingertip, feet you could squeeze the leech be blood can accumulate beneath the The waters of the pools where they tween finger and thumb until it nail and cut of circulation, with the abide. disgorged its meal. The most risk of gangrene. Microsurgery "Once I could meet with them on humane method seems to have patients are now offered leeches to every side; But they have dwindled long with slow decay; Yet still I persevere, and find them where I may." been the simplest: a dab of vinegar keep minute blood vessels flowing: ° Reprinted by permission of on the head before the leech if they don't like the idea, they're OUTDOORS magazine, Winter 1983, became too full. Such cruelty did told, "It's your finger - maybe pp 80-85. not go unnoticed; one early 19th leeches will save it." Leeches are Australian Heritage Commission under Review Syd Comfort Today, the terms, 'National Estate', status quo and development mil ' f laillVi I tie, alll'.Tl.v H ... .r- 111 .l'_,i ! 1.11 ed 'Heritage Commission' and 'Reg ests proposing a range of changes by tr;feie:v.'~> to lw.;,;ng in VdShiHnia ister of the National Estate' are to the procedures involved in tho wheitj n^iipfdl listed hv the household words in Australia but it Register. AHC Aci cover J'o ot tin- suite is only in the last decade that this The Commission itself set out to It ,".-as also nig Ned that as deter has come about. The Australian correct some common misunder mination of land use is piimaiily d Heritage Commission (AHC) was standings about the operation of matter for state arid local authorities, established as a statutory body by the National Register. The Register listings should be oubieot to state the Australian heritage Commission or local authority concurrence Tlie Act of 1975 following an enquiry is an inventory of places identified as having National Estate signif Commission's response was that intothe National Estate conducted provision exists for state and by Mr Justice Hope. Now, ten years icance- a data base-and does not of itself prevent development of regional comment on nominations on, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and that giving states the power of and the Environment the Hon. Barry listed places. It does require veto would invite its use whenever Cohen, MP, has set up a review to Commonwealth ministers and there was a conflict between dev examine the operation of the AHC agencies to ensure that places on elopment and heritage significance. Act and administrative arrange the Register are not unnecessarily It would thus undermine the estab ments for the conservation of the damaged and gives the Commission National Estate. The National Parks lishment of a comprehensive and an opportunity to comment on objective register Association of the ACT responded proposed actions but these pro to the invitation for public submiss cesses do not apply to state or local The listing procedure it was claimed, provides insufficient pro ions and following on from this was authorities. The act of listing a place tection for owners of listed proper invited to send a representative to on the Register does not determine ties, for example, individual notific aseminarin November 1985 where its future use, rather, by providing ation ol interested parties is not an opportunity was provided for a advice on protection allows heritage wide range of views to be aired. The required, there is no provision for values to be taken into account in purpose of the seminar was to ex public enquiry into objections and parallel with other value inputs in change and clarify ideas on the there is no right of appeal to a decisions on use and development. AHC rather than to achieve resol minister. The Commission considers These decisions continue to be ution of the issues involved. The that the interim listing and other results of the seminar will assist in made by the relevant authority. The procedures provide, wit hi n the the writing of a report which should Commission sees itself as an ob bounds of practicability, adequate be available for public comment jective body, not the tool of any notification of listing between January and March 1986. group; the present processes for The proposal to refer listings for Government consideration of the listing on the Register allow it to ministerial decision fails to recog AHC Act will follow. decide listings on a detached and scientific basis related to heritage nise the separate roles of the AHC and ministers in conserving the The major functions of the AHC value and not on the use options. Many of the proposals to change National Estate. The Commission's are to advise the government on all role is to produce an inventory of matters related to the National procedures would, the Commission claims, detract from this position or places of heritage significance, not Estate, the preparation of a Register to consider those problems which of National Estate places and the make the processes less workable or more expensive. may be involved in their conserva development of policies and pro tion. Ministerial responsibility During the seminar it was claimed grams related to the National Estate involves deciding whether or not that Register listing although not in the areas of research, profess places on the Register can be pro giving protection explicitly does ional training, public interest and tected. To have ministerial decision give public support to protection understanding and education. At on inclusion in the Register would and thus has a negative effect on the outset of the seminar the Min interfere with the production of an development. The mining and ister gave the assurance that there objective inventory by injecting forest interests challenged the will continue to be an Australian practical or political considerations criteria for inclusion in the Register Heritage Commission, a position into the selection process. that was generally agreed upon, and claimed that because of the but apart from this and agreement breadth of inclusion many insignif An important issue raised by the on the need for additional funding icant places are registered and in Minister and commented on by for the Commission there were few respect of natural resources the many speakers was whether or not areas where diverse viewpoints listing amounts to an ambit claim. entries on the Register should be were not voiced. The main area of Instead, it was argued, areas of graded. At present places are listed contention was centred on the special interest should be identified without grading, that is, there is no Registerof the National Estatewith so as to improve the prospects of ordering by the degree of signif conservation interests generally their being protected : the currency icance. The introduction of a graded arguing for the maintenance of the has been devalued by making ambit system was advocated as providing guidance and a greater degree of Another Successful certainty for those considering Field Guide Walk development of a listed place. Joan Hegarty Grading at the time of registration would allow decisions to be made It wasn't an auspicious beginning. more objectively than undercurrent We had stood around in the rain for arrangements whereby these an hour or so trying to arrange a issues frequently have to be decided future meeting to replace the one at the time a development proposal we had just about decided to cancel. is being considered and the whole Not quite though, we were still matter is highly charged emotionally Pickings in the Park-Anon 1968° unwilling to leave. After ail, we'd and politically. The Commission There is snowgrass in the Ranges messed up the day anyway, hadn't and speakers from conservation There are pickings in the Park we? The rain eased a little ... our organisations opposed the intro If you care to scorn the Rangers eyes searched the skies and yes, duction of a grading scheme And go droving in the Park there was a patch of blue sky. drawing support from overseas For the feed is flush and fancy experience and perceived problems. And the stock browse where they may Hours, and many identifications While accepting that all places in On the clover and the rye grass later, a drowsy, sun-soaked group the Register are not of equal signif Of the good old SMA. of nine including the three authors icance the Commission considered Said a youthful press reporter of the Field Guide, sprawled upon a that these differences are best To an old bloke on a horse grassy bank, communing. During contained within the statement of "Would you like to make a comment? - this interlude one of the authors significance for each place. Diffic There will be no names of course - was asked the name of a nearby ulties in formulating a grading Is there much illegal grazing steep, shapely, tree-covered feature. system to cover the disparate In the mountains here and such?" He called it 'Mt Sieberi', he said, members of the Register are fore "Well, I know the mountain country after the stand of Eucalyptus sieberi seen and work on listings could be But I don't be up there much". with which it was crowned, but really clogged by attempting to make "Someone said you had some livestock it was unnamed. Maybe we'd have decisions on grading. Which were cut off by the snow named other features but it was On the slopes of Mt Jagungal pretty hot... and hard work trying There is a very grave risk that in a Just a day or two ago." not to see the male satin bower bird graded scheme only those listings "No, bycripes they weren't my bullocks busy in the trees close by. The bird of high ranking will be considered That got covered in the snow didn't know that we were on a plant significant and those places with And the cow who said they might be Is a scarlet Sol and So.' walk and eventually botanist Laurie low ratings may be considered relented and allowed us to watch it "You don't want to take much notice unimportant despite the fact that for a little while... all listings reach or exceed the Of these press reports and such Commission's threshold for inclus I might know that bit of country Later at a pleasant spot near ion in the Register. But I don't be up there much. Smokers Gap, we saw, identified It's reserved for native fauna and discussed more eucalypts The seminar opened up many And my bullocks all know that; including a hybrid. A bit disconcert areas of contention concerning the They are law abiding cattle ing, this, just when one seemed at AHC, only a few of them being And they never leave the flat" last to be coming to grips with the discussed here but it is clear that "But the rangers saw your cattle key. It was also disconcerting to many important issues will come up Not so far from Smiggins Holes." find numerous saplings of E. stellu for resolution in early 1986. These "They weren't cattle that they saw lata of various sizes, but no mature matters are very significant for the They were brumby mares and foals. trees. H'mm. Well now, lad, I'll have to leave you, continued effectiveness of the We hadn't stuck to eucalypts of I've some sheep to wig and crutch. AHC and for the maintenance of course and acacias, banksias, heritage values in Australia. Those Yes, I know that bit of country But I don't go up there much." pomaderris and other trees, shrubs who appreciate the importance of and vines were keyed out with equal conservation and the protection of There is snow grass on the Ranges There are pickings in the Park enthusiasm, and while exploring a heritage should take the opportunity lovely little stream we discovered for public comment on the review If you care to scorn the rangers And go droving in the park some diving beetles. They fascin proposals to press for strengthening ated but eluded us until the Ormay rather than diluting the existing For the Minister is busy Sorting out affairs of State hat was 'sacrificed' to be used as a Australian Heritage Commission Such as making sure the Toil-charge scoop. It was appreciated by the Act. Is collected at the gate. rest of us as we examined the little, And with closing mountain highways flat paddle-like legs of the water ° Seminar: Review of the Common' And with cats and dogs and such. beetles through our hand lenses. wealth Government's Role in the He don't know that bit of country Altogether a very happy and rel Conservation of the National Estate,And he don't go up there much!! Conducted by the Department of axed, as well as informative outing. Arts, Heritage and Environment, And it so very nearly didn't happen! Canberra 15-16 November 1985. ° Found by Ed Slater, CSIRO Wildlife Research Photographer 1981 in a A number of seminar papers clean-up. Published in NP&WS in- have been placed in NPA library. service journal about Oct 81. WATERY WADBILLIGA Charles Hill Our walking party in mid October was small - Reg Alder (leader), three visitors from Sydney Bushwalking Club and myself. We intended to backpack for two days around the headwaters of the Tuross River, then walk for a day in Big Badja area (Deua NP) and finally show the visitors the Big Hole near the Shoal haven. Luckily we used two camper vans for transport. The vans crossed the Tuross River easily on Monday afternoon. As we headed east to our base campsite where the Razor- back firetrail crosses Back River, it started to rain. It rained all night and three of us were happy to cook and sleep in the campervans. Next morning it 'We passed the time monitoring the River height dawned wet and dismal with a changed weather forecast to counted six separate thunder Luckily both Reg and myself had match. We set off early to see what storms circling us that afternoon some additional food in our vans the ridge was like. After several and some of them were depress- and also had bought medicants like kilometres we found out - driving ingly thorough with light hail, heavy muscat, fruit cake, nuts and sweet heavier rain, cloud down and cas- rain and wind. biscuits. However, as the fall rate of uarina heath very wet. We continued We were there from Thursday the River slowed we rationed our on the fire trail for a few kilometres morning until 11am Sunday. We selves. Our farm friend had little to see if we could get under and out were reminded of the risque song extra stock and like us had to cross of the weather but to no avail. about the old ladies locked in the the River to replenish. After working We therefore returned to camp lavatory except that in our case the our way to the far bank on Saturday, and the pleasure of a cuppa and water was definitely, if slowly, getting we attempted to find a farm house yarn in Reg's van which could lower and lower! and purchase some eggs from the comfortably seat us all. We should Our hostess on the farm is a civilised side. Not far from the river have departed at that stage. Down kind-hearted animal lover. She and we saw a car approaching and came the rain even heavier and her husband had bought the block welcomed it as an indicator of food. Back River started to rise. By even when she had retired. He was work It stopped, a man got out, opened a ing it was roaring. Next morning ing inCooma/Sydney. Her compan satchel and offered Reg, the near heavy rain still and, high overall the ions in the house were eight dogs est, a copy of the Watchtower. It rocks, the River ran sullen, fast and and two birds, all of which had some was refused more emphatically ominously quiet. disability (blind, deaf, three legged, than politely. He enquired about In the afternoon the weather etc), and had been poorly treated or the crossing and again received an improved and we tried walking on not wanted . She had worked for a emphatic answer. After a quick look the Kydra fire trail. Several flooded vet and Animal Welfare in Sydney at the rest of us, disguised as wet, creeks were crossed and then we and would sometimes accept the partly clad ruffians, he quickly re came to the Tuross several kilo challenge of caring for an unfortun entered the car which retraced its metres upstream from our original ate animal which appealed. You can rough and muddy way. crossing. It was dangerously high image the uproarious welcome we We did not find an occupied farm as expected and we turned back. got from this team whenever we house and with a keen wind and The following morning we returned visited! dropping temperature, eventually in the vans along Razorback fire As the river dropped we could returned to camp. Prospects of get trail, crossing several flooded see several 'drifts' of sofl sand ting the vans through the River the creeks rather gingerly. We approach deposited across the crossing. It next day looked good. Morale was ed the original Tuross crossing with was also possible that the rocky further lifted by a slap-up meal that keen interest. It had dropped from bottom in the fastest current had night as our hostess let us buy its peak of about 100m wide, but been gouged out. So we borrowed some eggs and tinned ham. Three was still almost 1 m deep and flowing shovels from the farm together with cooks contributed to the repast. very fast with breakers and troughs. our own small ones, and set about There was not much scope for A small painted house not far making the crossing negotiable walking while we waited, as in every away looked occupied and we again. This was cold and uncomfor direction there were flooded creeks walked/waded there and obtained table work; it was not possible for and rivers and every fold in the permission to camp on some high the first couple of days to stand in undulations produced a wading ground alongside the fire trail. I the main current without some prop. problem. We passed the time mon- itoring the River height and rate of more than splash the underneath without a fan belt). Then we said fall, grooming the crossing and of the high floors. The current was goodbye to our farm hostess who rambling here and there. One morn still quite fast and the water would had come to see us off and crossed ing we worked on the farm, mainly be above the doors' bottoms but without incident to the cheers of cutting away a large tree which had there would be no real danger, we our passengers waiting on the far fallen on a fence and repairing the judged, of being pushed sideways. side. damage; I drew the job of cleaning Reg took off his fan belt. I had some Reg and I suggest that walkers up the cow shed and yards and heavy plastic and jammed it over and travfcJeis who cross fords in replenishing the compost heap! We the lower part of the radiator with a their wanderings should work out a had regular cuppas and yarned at green branchlet whittled to size. safe water height for their car, bear length about walking overtheyears Reg fashioned a cavitation inducer ing in mind fan splash on the ignition and every other subject under the out of a food tin and fixed it to his system, flotation danger, damage sun. exhaust. Each of us attached two by leakage through door seals and We carefully calculated the ropes and coiled them out of the back pressure in the exhaust system. highest safe water level for the way to avoid having to do this under Cut a stick to show this height and vans. On Sunday morning it was water if our precautions failed. keep it in the car. If you can't see obvious that the riverwould not fall Down to the river again to chart the the bottom of a crossing, wade that far for another day or two. We optimum route across. through and test depth with the cut a stick to the actual highest There were a few minutes of stick A slow, steady pace in lowest level of the water and used it to gear is needed to reduce bowwave anticlimax as we started the motors buildup but at the same time keep survey our vans for possible dangers. and attempted to move off. The engine RPM high enough to blow Reg's van had afront cross member brake linings, saturated from creek water out of exhaust. And remem well placed to throw water on to the crossings on Thursday had frozen ber of course, that drum brakes will fan. My van's fan was reasonably to the drums in the very low temp need drying out by cautious and enclosed except for water coming erature overnight. However we prolonged light pressure before through the radiator. Although were able to free them after several they become efficient again. some flotation force would be exer jerks. We drove back to the top of ted by our partially empty water and the low ridge to thoroughly warm petrol tanks, the water should do no the engines (Reg's nearly boiled BILLY BILLY ROCKS was compass all the way, and knee- was on the other side... It was, and high scruband windfalls made it one it also gave us our one-and-only Robert Story of those outings that are nicer to view, a glimpse of the open flats of have done than to do. Navigation is Tidbinbilla through a rift in the mists, It was drizzling from a lowering sky a little tricky, for you have to know then they came down again and and the forecast was for continuing where to change direction. On the hard upon that so did the rain, in rain - accurate, as it happened. map it looks easy-the changes are buckets, changing things from tricky Graham Guttridge and Dianne marked by prominent hillocks which to dangerous. We lowered ourselves Thompson were the only two with are in turn marked by outcrops of into the shelter of a jumbled recess me who ventured out. We parked at immense granite boulders. The among the boulders, the rain kept the usual place at Smokers Gap but trouble is that there are other on until our sandwiches were done avoided the route given in the slightly lower outcrops which don't and then eased a little forthe return Canberra Bushwalking Club Bush show on the map or on the aerial journeyalongthewaywehad come. walking Near Canberra, which is photos'from which the maps are Or nearly along the way we had beset with a criss-cross of fallen made, because they are below the come - I overshot the last direct trees. Instead we went north by a forest canopy. Cartographers know ional change and gave my sodden little east along a swampy valley this as 'soft ground'. It can hide a party ten quite unnecessary minutes which gave pleasant walking in variety of nasties which are to be of discomfort before landing them spite of being awash on the way out found only through field checks. I on the banks of a creek which was and in rivers on our return. The was looking for a particular outcrop, flowing north instead of south and open leads were bright with flowers, but one outcrop is very like another towards the car. So, get the bearing freshly washed and looking wel at the best of times and in drenching of the flow, reconcile it with the coming against the green-that is, mist they are identical. It was a casemap , establish our position, estab where the pigs had left any. A mob of hunt and peck until we found it. 1 lish the bearing we need, and five of our more prestigious vermin that would not have been game to do minutes' bee-line brought us to the took off in a shower of spray has the last kilometre without that valley with the carat the end of it. By obviously been raising the fertility marker. four we were home and thoroughly of those soils. Although this route Billy Billy loomed up at close hosed. involves several changes of direc range. In several places we swarmed This is an enjoyable day walk in tion and goes through fairly dense half way up, only to retire baffled. I good weather, with an optional forest, it can be done from natural was pointing out that I had contrac destination short of the rocks them features in clear weather; as it was, ted to lead them to Billy Billy and selves and with the perennial Billy the mist and rain cut visibility to a not on to Billy Billy when Dianne Billy Creek five minutes away. In little over a hundred yards and it told me that the negotiable route places the route is scrubby and a little rough, but even, so, two hours' WHERE ARE BLACK SPRINGS? last year and, given the coolness of leisurely walking would do the trick. the weather, a fair amount of scrub It would be an easy pack walk with Vern Routley bashing was called for to avoid wet overnight acommodation at either feet. destination. Careful navigation is Maps are usually right but not In any case about three quarters needed lo keep it easy, not that always. of a kilometre downstream from there is any danger of failing to get The Tidbinbilla 1:25,000 map where Black Springs appears on out, because you have only to con shows Black Springs on the Cotter the map the Cotter turns sharply tinue south to strike the Smokers River just below Fishing Gap. west. At this point there is a sub Gap road, but that way is unpleas A couple of years ago I was in a stantial rock face from which water antly rough and in rain the logs are party, led by Eric Pickering, which was seeping giving both the rock slippery. It would be easy to break went down to the area and unsuc itself and the stream below a mark a leg and difficult to find you. cessfully searched for them. About edly black appearance. Both the A word about Goretex wet- a year later on a walk to Mount appearance of the rockface and the weather gear. The parka is tops. It Domain I happened to mention the direction of the river flow are quite 'breathes' yet is completely water unsuccessful search to Lyall Mark, similar to that on the upstream side proof - to the extent of allowing you who admitted that he too had sought of the promontory on which the to carry out nearly two pints of and not found Black Springs. He words Black Springs presently water in the pockets if you neglect also said that he had been told by appear on the map. to close the flaps properly. The an old identity that the map was overpants (mine anyway) were wrong and that Black Springs were At this putative site of Black another matter. Perhaps to cope in fact a kilometre further down Springs there are two other features with streaming knee-high scrub is a stream. of interest. First at the upstream end of the rockface there is an bit much for any material, but I On the basis of this information I suspect it was the full-length zips opening which extends inwards for agreed to lead an exploratory walk about two metres and from the down each leg that let the water in. in search of them for the Family They can be sealed over with strips ceiling of which water could be Bushwalkers. I had suggested observed to be dripping. Second of Goretex and Velcro, but before summer or autumn as the most going to that expense I will make about a hundred metres upstream suitable time as either the stream there is a smaller sloping rockface sure that it is the zips that are at flow would be low or, if not. the fault. from which water was also seeping weather would be hot enough for in half a dozen places, at heights I will lead that trip again some walking in water to be reasonably varying from a metre to a quarter of pleasant. In the event the trip was time, come then and see that area a metre above the stream level, and scheduled for Sunday. 13 October for yourself. which also had the effect of colour ing the rockface black. A further trip to the area in late B9 Petrie Plaza autumn, or wheneverthe river level (•bove Enc And*twin•) was at its seasonal low, would UTDOOR CIVIC probably be necessary to confirm TELEPHONE 572250 ENTRE these observations. Incidentally Ray Franzi who scouted ahead for a further kilometre and a half down stream found no other feature which would even remotely justify the appellation of Black Springs. MAPS SPECIAL Canberra's largesi range of maps are available ar Ihe Seoul Outdoor Centre OFFER FOR including TOURIST MAPS covering the Nonh East and South-East areas ol NSW If you are a traveller and NPA MEMBERS en|Oy the odd spot of fishing and sight seeing, Ihese maps are ideal for When you produce this NEW MEMBERS you They contain information on advertisement at the Scout accommodation, main highways. mmor roads, fishing areas (fresh and Outdoor Centre you will The following new members are seal and historical pomis of interest. receive a welcomed to the Association: TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS show ihe Kay BAILEY. Queanbeyan; Ursula natural features ol the earth's surface CALLUS. Higgins; Jack and Jan such as the rrvers, rapids, vegetation and forests They also include DISCOUNT DOYLE, Weetangera; Barry and Kay buildings, roads and tracks and shire 10% DWYER, Holt; Mary HOFFMAN. and park boundaries For outdoor on all camping goods enthusiasts who like bushwalking. Woden; lan and Anne HUTTON, canoeing or rock climbing, maps such including our large range as these are available of maps. Kambah; B. M. LAYTON, Lyons; M. LYNCH, Hughes; Nicholas and Pat MILAN,Rivett; Janice PFISTER, Towradgi; F. SOUTBERG. Burra; CAMPING SPECIALISTS W. STEELE, Watson. Community Activities Heritage Week is another has scheduled several outings to local aboriginal sites during the In the coming months the NPA will community event which the NPA strongly supports. In the ACT, Herit week and members of the Arch participate in two annual community aeological Society will accompany events — the Environment Fair on age Week is co-ordinated by a steer ing committee which comprises walkers and explain the significance 2 March and Heritage Week from of the sites to them. In addition, a 12 to 20 April. representatives from the Canberra and South-East Region Environ representative of the Archaeological The Environment Fair is being ment Centre, Canberra and District Society will give an illustrated talk jointly organized by the Conserv Historical Society, National Parks about the conservation and man ation Council of the South-East Association of the ACT, Canberra agement of cultural sites at the Region and Canberra and the Envir Archaeological Society, National April General Meeting of the Assoc onment Centre and will be held at Trust, Canberra Railway Historical iation. Weston Park, Yarralumla from 12 - Society andthe Department ofTerr- Another joint venture planned in 5 pm. It will allow environmentally itories. Funding is provided by the conjunction with the National Trust conscious groups and individuals Department of Teritories through of the ACT is a Heritage Week to publicize their concerns and raise its Heritage Grants program. The poster competition. The competition funds in a harmonious lakeside steering committee has been meet is designed to promote environ setting. ing regularly since August last year mental awareness among school Among the organisations partic to develop an informative and enter children and is open to both primary ipating this year are the Wilderness taining program of events in con and secondary school students. Society, Australian Conservation junction with local community Further details about the compet Foundation (Molonglo Chapter) groups, educational institutions ition are available from your nearest Canberra Bushwalkers, Pedal and government bodies. As in past school or any member of the Power, Canberra Program for Peace years a wide range of activities committee. and Greening Australia. A number including guided bus tours, bush- In addition to these activities the of commercial bushgear outlets walks, lectures, photographic NPA wil! provide guest speakers to including Wild Country and Paddy displays, art competitions, colonial service clubs and school groups as Pallin will give demonstrations of balls, marches, craft demonstrations, part of Heritage Week's education equipment and offer merchandise auctions, concerts, film screenings program, and participate in the for sale. Food stalls will be provided and open days are planned. A de annual exhibition at Albert Hall. and an entertainment program feat tailed program will be available in If you would like more information uring buskers, children's games and late March. about the Environment Fair and live music has been arranged. The As part of its contribution to Heritage Week or would like to Publicity and Education sub Heritage Week the NPA has joined become involved in the Assoc committee is currently preparing a forces with the Canberra Archaeo iation's promotional activities please small display to promote the NPA logical Society to promote the contact the Secretary, Anne and its activities at the Fair. Hope to prehistory and early pastoral herit Robertson, on 821141 (h) or see you there! age of the local region. The NPA 72 4534 (w). HABITAT RESEARCH gliders were spotlighted at night. We saw three great gliders, one of One of the researchers offered to them close up. Charles Hill take us spotlighting that night and A wet night is poorfor spotlighting two of us braved the rain with him. quite apart from personal comfort. Whilst on a walk in Wadbilliga Nat One disability is that some of the ional Park, we camped near two wet leaves reflect the spotlight and researchers from CSIRO. They were it is difficult to detect a reflection working on a project concerned from animal eyes in the midst of with animal and bird populations many leaf reflections. Another is which dwell in trees. This was re that gliders and possums like forag quested by the Forestry Commission ing in the rain as little as we do; which wanted to ascertain which further, wet heavy fur affects aero forest areas supported a large dynamic qualities and is not the population of birds and animals, best for gliding! which did not and why the difference. We were told that results had Logging programs hopefully could shown that the population in the then avoid the rich habitat areas. trees is largely influenced by the The area was marked with colour availability of nutrients in the soil coded, numbered iron stakes so which are taken up by the trees and that individual trees could be loca passed on to the benefit of inhab ted again for identification and itants either directly or indirectly. analysis. Birds were identified Where we were camped has a good mainly by cai's in the early morning supply of nutrients and life in the and late afternoon; possums and Feathertail glider. trees is relatively numerous. lems is explained by the low value Eden Woodchipping - A Review of woodchips: The relatively low value wood Debbie Quarmby from pulpwood logging cannot stand the same level of costs associated witn applying environmental con The forests of south-eastern NSW Harris Holdings sold itsequity.Since straints as can sawlogs. For export have been exported as woodchips then the company has been 100% woodchips, with a low level of from Twofold Bay, near Eden, since Japanese owned; 62.5% by Dais domestic processing, the exported 1969. With the current export howa Paper Manufacturers and cost is particularly sensitive to 37.5% by the Japanese trading licence expiring in 1989, the indus logging costs. If pulpwood orexport giant, C. Itoh. try is undergoing a review as it chipwood logging operations are to seeks to extend its export licence. Business interests are seldom continue, some lowering of environ In February 1985, members of a synonomous with those of the mental standards must be accept number of NSW conservation environment. In doing its best forits ed.1 groups met to discuss the issue of shareholders, Daishowa does not Concern about the environmen Eden's export woodchip operation. necessarily have Australia's inter tal effects of woodchipping can, to It became apparent at that meet ests high on its list of priorities. a large extent, be interpreted as ing that information relevant to the The pulp and paper manufac concern about effects of clearfell- issue was widely scattered in the turing facilities talked of at the time ing; the logging regime involved in form of papers and reports. There of the woodchip industry's inception a woodchip operation. Clearfelling has been no comprehensive critique have not been established in south involves the removal of most trees of Eden woodchipping since the Routleyseastern Australia. From the per and other vegetation, leaving the ' Fight for the Forests, spective of the Japanese, they are ground vulnerable to the problem written in the early 1970s. better off where they have already of erosion. Animal habitat is des Kevin Frawley, NPA's represen been built: in Japan. It is the pulp troyed, threatening the viability of tative at the meeting, consequently and paper manufacturing end of many bird and mammal populations. applied to the Department of Arts, the process where the greatest Species dependent on tree hollows Heritage and Environment to fund profits are gained and employment are particularly at risk. provided. a compilation of existing knowledge The intensive regime of clearfell on environmental, economic and A host of environmental problems ing. burning and thick, 'wheatfield', social aspects of the Eden woodchip is associated with woodchipping regeneration, results in problems, operation. operations, and Eden is no except in the Eden area, of water catch The Department, by granting ion. The basis for many of the prob ment degradation and increased $4,000 for the project, consequently runaea [ne report taen Wood chipping - A Review. In compiling the report I looked into aspects of Eden woodchipping such as the industry's history, environmental effects, economic and social implications, as well as its legislative and political context. The short duration of the project did, however, impose limitations on the amount of detail covered in the report. The export woodchip operation based at Eden was set up under the Askin Government in the late 1960s. There was no formal avenue for public involvement in the decision which was, basically, a business negotiation between Japanese paper manufacturing interests and NSW Government representatives It was a business negotiation that implicated the use of over 2,000 sq. km. of public forested land. Initially, the company conducting the operation was partly Australian owned. Harris Holdings (Aust) owned 51% of shares; Daishowa Paper Manufacturers (Japan) own Coolangubra State Forest (1974). Clearing a native forest. ing the remaining 49%. In 1971, Photo by Colin Totterdell. fire risk. These problems are serious The report, which takes the form Any work is influenced by the in an area that has unreliable rainfall of an annotated bibliography, value system of its author. Com and inherently high fire danger. reflects, principally, an environ plete objectivity cannot be ach National parks and reserves in mental viewpoint. One reason for ieved through one source, but south-eastern NSW are inadequate this was the difficulty I faced gaining only through the expression of to serve a conservation function. the co-operation of the Forestry differing views. This report on This applies particularly to the rich Commission. I did not attempt to Eden woodchipping is a compil tableland forests, where the few represent Daishowa's arguments, ation of some of the views within small reserves there are represent since these will be circulated, with the field of debate. the backing of far greater financial isolated rocky outcrops the wood- The report is influenced, to chip industry didn't want when resources than the conservation movement would ever hope to have some extent, by the author's 'negotiating' its concession in the belief that ecological consider late 1960s. The tableland forests at its disposal, through the EIS process and other publicity. ations should weigh heavily in so poorly represented in reserves land-use determination and in are particularly valuable sources of As explained in the author's preface: the role of community involve wildlife habitat. ment in decision making involving Documents such as this, pre The relatively low value wood public land. It also reflects a belief pared by the proponents, serve little from pulpwood logging cannot that public land use decisions more than a public relations or stand the same level of costs such as that involving the Eden lobbying function. associated with applying envir woodchip operation are ultim onmental constraints as can Nevertheless, the EIS process is ately social and political decis sawlogs. For export woodchips, ions. insitutionalised, and the conserv with a low level of domestic pro ation movement has little choice cessing, the exported cost is but to respond to the documents. particularly sensitive to logging costs. If pulpwood or export chip- Eden Woodchipping - A Review Footnote: wood logging operations are to will help identify somd of the infor continue, some lowering of envir 1. WELLS, G.C. (1984). Hardwood mation needed to participate in the onmental standards must be logging in Australia - Problems review of Daishowa's export licence. 1 accepted . and Promises (p.103). Reprint of The process of compiling the report papers from 10th Triennial also served to identify some of the I do not claim the emphasis on Conference of the Institute of areas where more information, and arguments presented in this Foresters; O'Shaughnessy, P.J. original research, is needed. report to be completely objective. et al (ed). presently stands at around two • Promote the improvement of hundred individuals, families and Australia's productivity through groups. Greening Australia wel better land use management comes community participation in techniques involving trees. its efforts to preserve and extend • Increase support for interconn Australia's tree resources. ected conservation of our soil Our national objectives are to: of trees as a renewable natural • Promote rural and urban re resource. WHO ARE GREENING afforestation programs. To en • Promote an increased aware AUSTRALIA courage, promote and undertake ness and participation by 0 schools and othergroups in the Wendy Cormack tree-planting projects and de velop projects for sponsorship. community in practical environ Greening Australia ACT Incorpor • Create an improved urban envir mental education. ated is a community organisation onment in cities and towns • Increase business and industry working to increase awareness of throughout Australia by planting awareness of, support of and the importance of trees to Australia more trees and plants. participation in tree projects. in the prevention of soil erosion • Support tree planting in rural • Undertake and encourage and salination, protection of water Australia to decrease desertific further research on technical catchments, provision of shade and ation, improve soil quality, de matters. To publish and distrib windbreaks for human amenity and crease soil erosion, provide more ute technical information as protection of stock, provision of productive and economic prim widely as possible and encour wildlife habitat, amelioration of the ary industries, decrease salin age others to do so. climate, purification of the air, ation, promote improved natural Greening Australia ACT will be beautification of the visual environ resource management. pursuing the following projects in ment and the sustainment of a high and water resources through 1986: productive capacity in our primary tree planting. Rural Roadside Planting Project industries. • Promote the link between con This project is aimed specifically at Affiliated bodies exist in each of servation and development reversing the decline of trees in the the states and the Northern Terr especially in rural Australia. rural environment. Large clumps of itory. Membership in the ACT • Promote a better understanding native trees and shrubs are being planted in road reserves at strategic Pine Plantations — and retention of ecologically sus locations within the ACT. Besides An Ecologically Unstable tainable forest and mixed tree helping to restore locally depleted Enterprise systems and says that 'existing tree cover, with all the associated monocultural plantations should, Chris Watson environmental and economic ben on maturity, be replaced with more efits, these plantings will provide a In the ACT there are some 1 5,000 ecologically sound mixed systems'. source of seed for future natural ha of conifer plantations, all publicly regeneration. Priority is given to owned. Almost all of the plantings Well, what are the implications sites already degraded through soil (92%) comprise one species, Pinus for the ACT? As the plantations are loss. 1 radiata. Thus, we have a virtual under the control of the Department of Territories, we should make our During 1984, nearly 2000 trees monoculture which makes the were planted along Paddys River plantations highly vulnerable to views known to the local politicians Road. The results to date are en pests and diseases. Although the and the Minister for Territories. couraging with high survival rates. ACT acreage is only small when Foresters in the Department as well compared to the combined plant as in CSIRO and ANU should also Plantings in 1985 were concen ings of the States - totalling more be contacted. I feel that the plant trated on Uriarra Road. Presently than half a million hectares - the ations on the higher slopes, where there are even fewer existing trees fact that plantings of the same erosion hazard is greater and also along this road than in the Paddys species are widespread over much in view of Canberra, should re River Valley. If you would like to of south-eastern Australia makes planted with appropriate native make a positive contribution the whole operation very suscept species and allowed to revert to towards correcting rural tree de ible to the inevitable infections. catchment protection forest in cline, please let us know and join in. Biological diversity is a key conser perpetuity. On the lower slopes, a Schools Nursery Scheme vation principle that is only ignored range of mixed species, preferably Sixty schools in the ACT are pres at our peril. native, should be planted for various ently participating in Greening uses such as timber for houses, Australia's Schools Nursery Pinus also suffers from other dis furniture, heating, etc. There is Scheme. The scheme aims to in advantages; unlike many native already available much information volve students in the growing of species, pines do not regenerate on various species. Ken Eldridge3 native trees and shrubs, which can after fire. Also, there is the likelihood points out that some 30 arboreta then be planted out in the local area that the whole operation is degrad have been established in the ACT or made available for worthwhile ing the soil resource. over the last 70 years. Currently the community projects. In this way, The plantations on the steeper Department is beginning to exper children learn to appreciate trees, slopes of the Brindabellas are of iment with mixed plantings - so and develop a sense of community particular concern. One shudders hopefully a mixed plantation policy responsibility. to think of the probable soil degra can be implemented as soon as Models for 2088 dation that occurred following the possible. With the Bicentennial approach initial clearing of the native forests The existing Departmental forest ing in 198S, Greening Australia is on these slopes. Today, the biggest ry philosophy, as depicted in a looking to identify now those rural soil loss is likely to come in the early recent review of forestry operat properties, or portions of properties, stages of the second planting when ions,1 is bankrupt in ecological which are good models for the third vegetational cover is poor and from terms. It is high time that more century of intensive land use in badly maintained logging tracks. enlightened policies prevail. Australia. We believe that land General changes in the soil profile management for permanent and could be insidious in the longer increasing productivity will entail term. Fertiliser application is now the establishment and regeneration becoming the rule and this could 1. Forestry Operations in the ACT. A Review of many more trees in farming areas. result in groundwater and stream of the Technical and Economic Aspects Planning of our 'Models for 2088' pollution. In fact the whole basis of ot the Government forestry Undertaking project is still in the early stages, plantation management is very (1983), J.G. Groome and Associates for but we have in mind assistance to dependent on fossil energy and Department of Territories. ACT landholders with design, as well as fertiliser. The operation is increas 2. Forestry in Australia (1983), Australian regional competitions offering ingly mechanised and the harvesting Conservation Foundation Policy State prizes, documentation and publicity ment No. 36 process uses large quantities of 3. Ken for the winning farms. The Comm Arboretta in the Brindabellas (1985), fuel. This reliance on non renewable Eldridge, NPA Bulletin. September 1985, ittee welcomes nomination of part inputs makes a mockery of the P.7 icipating farms and comments on concept of sustained yield! the project. So we can see that the pine plantation enterprise is ecologically Wendy Cormack is the Co-Ordin- unsound, and unsustainable in the ator of Greening Australia ACT and long term. This fact is recognised can be contacted on 46 2509, or by the Australian Conservation write to PO Box 650, Civic Square, Foundation's Forest Policy,1 which 2608, if you would like to know says that 'monocultural forest and more about this organisation. plantation management practices Inquiries and new members are increase the rise of biological in always welcome. stability*. It calls for the regeneration Constitutional Amendments July each year. Members joining still Ordinary members. between 1st January and 31st 3 This change is consequent on 1.; March shall pay half the sub the definition of Household scription for the current year. Membership is consistent with The Committee recently completed Members joining between 1st the former Family Membership a review of the NPA Constitution. April and 30th June shall pay the as far as N PA costs and services The review recommends a number annual subscription which shall are concerned. of amendments to correct anom cover the period up to the end of 4 This change is consequent on alies and improve the operation the succeeding financial year.' the deletion of Student Member and administration of the Assoc 9 Clause 5 para. 2 be deleted and ship in 1. iation. The Committee endorses replaced by: 5 This change is also consequent the amendments and asks members The Committee shall consist of: on the deletion of Student to support the motions to bring President, Vice-President, Membership in 1. and clarifies these changes into effect. The Secretary, Treasurer, up to eight the meaning of Household motions will be put to the April Committee members, and, if not Membership for voting purposes. general meeting. Members can elected to one of these positions 6 This change more clearly defines obtain copies of the Constitution the immediate Past President, the entitlements to distribution from the NPA office. ex-officio.' of Bulletins etc. The recommended changes are 10 Clause 5 para 5 be deleted and 7 This change allows the Comm that: replaced by: ittee more flexibility to set con 'A quorum for a Committee meet cessional rates where it is felt to 1 Clause 3 para. 1 be amended by: ing shall be six members.' be appropriate, whether for fin (a) deleting Student Members 11 Clause 7 introduction be ancial or any other reason. from the list of membership cat amended to read: 7. Voting (see also Clause 3. 8 The practice defined in 8. is egories. already applied in an informal (b) changing 'Family Members' voting eligibility) 12 Clause 8 para. 1 be deleted and manner. The change will formal to 'Household Members' in the ise this and provide a clearer list of membership categories. replaced by: 'All money received for and on description of members' finan 2 Clause 3 para.2 be deleted and behalf of the Association shall cial obligations. replaced by: be paid to the Association's 9 This change corrects an ambig 'Ordinary Members shall be ind accounts in such banks or other uity in the former clause and ividual members not included in financial institutions approved proposes a number of changes one of the following categories.' by the Trustee Ordinance of the to make the composition and 3 Clause 3 para.3 be deleted and ACT as determined by the operation of the Committee more replaced by: Committee.' flexible and effective. The defin 'Household membership shall ition of posts other than those cover not more than two adults proposed (ie the Executive) is living at the same address, and not felt to provide the most effect any dependent children, who ive method to fill any duties req shall be called Junior Members.' uired, internal appointments, 4 Clause 3 para. 4 be deleted. where appropriate, are more 5 Clause 3 para.7 be deleted and flexible and enable changing replaced by: needs and circumstances to be 'Members are entitled to part: met more effectively. icipate in all activities of the Ass 10 When the Committee is operat ociation except that Junior Mem Explanation for the proposed ing with fewer than 12 members, bers shall not vote. Each adult amendments as has been the case in some Household Member shall have recent years, the requirement one vote.' for a quorum of 7 often makes 6 Clause 3 para. 8 be deleted and 1 Student member is not really a the regularCommittee meetings replaced by: membership category; students difficult or impossible to organise 'Members are entitled to receive are one of a number of groups and thus reduces the effective one copy of each Bulletin, notice accorded Ordinary Membership ness of NPA's conservation act or report, except that Household at reduced rates (see Clause ivities. Members shall receive only one 4.3). 11 Voting eligibility is defined in copy of each Bulletin, notice or The change from Family to Clause 3 which should be read in report per Household.' Household Membership reflects conjunction with Clause 7. 7 Clause 4 para. 3 be deleted and the broader range of household 12 This change widens the defin replaced by: arrangements found in the ition of financial organisations 'The Committee may apply a con community and enables house allowed for investment purposes cessional rate where special hold groups other than families while still providing adequate consideration is warranted.' to take advantage of joint mem safeguards. This will allow the 8 Clause 4 para. 4 be deleted and bership. Treasurer to select the most replaced by: 2 This change is consequent on 1. appropriate form of investment 'The annual subscription shall and ensures that any members to meet the current and future be due and payable on the 1st accorded a concessional rate are needs of the Association. On 26 May, 1982, it was announced that the floral emblem for the ACT will be the Royal Bluebell, Wahlenbergia gloriosa. The genus Wahlenbergia, which belongs to the family Campanulaceae, was named in honour of G.G. Wahlenberg (1780-1851), a Professor of Botany at Uppsala, Sweden, and the species name gloriosa is Latin meaning 'superb' or 'glorious'. Wahlenbergia gloriosa is restricted in distribution to the high mountain areas of the ACT, south eastern NSW and eastern Victoria. In cultivation it is a frost-hardy ground cover, flowering in Canberra from late October till February. It does best in light soil enriched by organic material, in a sunny or semi-shaded situation. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. ACT Floral Emblem It should be remembered that the Royal Bluebell is Royal Bluebell protected in the wild and should not be picked or Wahlenbergia gloriosa collected. NPA Bulletin Nawinji Parks Association of the ACT PO ST AG E PAID PO Box 457. Canberra Cny 2601 ALlSTR ALIA REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST PUBLICATION No NBH0857 ISSN 0727-8837 4 GENERAL MEETINGS Held at 8 pm, Room 1, Griffin Centre. Bunda Street, Civic MARCH — Thursday 20 Halley's Comet is coming! Don't be left in the dark pondering the difference between conservatories and observatories, thermometers and chronometers, coronas and Corollas, supernovas and pavlovas.... come, be enlightened by Mr Vince Ford, a research officer at the Mt Stromlo and Siding Springs Observatory, as he takes us on a bushwalker's guide to the galaxy! Learn how to recognise the principal constellations and their changing position in the night sky, use star charts and navigate by the stars at this evening's illustrated talk. APRIL— Thursday 17 To mark Heritage Week 1986 the National Parks Association and the Canberra Archaeological Society have joined forces to promote the prehistory and early pastoral heritage of the ACT. At this evening's meeting a representative from the Archaeological Society will give an illustrated talk about the conservation and management of various significant sites in the local region. (Further information will be available in the official Heritage Week program published in late March). MAY — Thursday 15 One of the problematical management issues facing Namadgi National Park is the control of introduced animals and exotic plants. The ACT Parks and Conservation Service considers its highest priority in this regard is the effective control of feral pigs. Not only do these animals cause extensive ground and vegetation disturbance but they also pose a significant risk in the spread of exotic diseases. Mr Jim Hone, a Lecturer in Wildlife Management at the Canberra College of Advanced Education, has been monitoring the effectiveness of current control practices in Namadgi National Park for the ACT Parks and Conservation Service. At this evening's meeting he will discuss the scope of the feral pig problem and report on management options.