Yaringa Marine National Park, French Island Marine National Park and Churchill Island Marine National Park Is Approved for Implementation
Yaringa Marine National Park
For more information contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963, or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au French Island Marine National Park
Churchill Island Marine National Park
Management Plan December 2007
This Management Plan for Yaringa Marine National Park, French Island Marine National Park and Churchill Island Marine National Park is approved for implementation. Its purpose is to direct all aspects of management of the parks until the plan is reviewed.
A Draft Management Plan for the area was published in August 2006. Twelve submissions were received. All submissions have been considered in preparing this approved Management Plan.
Information
For further information on this plan, please contact:
Chief Ranger, Mornington / Western Port District Parks Victoria PO Box 400 Rosebud VIC 3939 Phone: (03) 5986 9100
Copies
This plan may be downloaded from the Parks Victoria website (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au). Copies of the plan may be purchased for $8.80 including GST from:
Parks Victoria Information Centre Level 10, 535 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: 13 1963
Parks Victoria San Remo Office 113 Marine Parade San Remo VIC 3925 Phone: (03) 5678 5247
Parks Victoria Rosebud Office Hinton Street Rosebud VIC 3939 Phone: (03) 5986 9100
YARINGA MARINE NATIONAL PARK
FRENCH ISLAND MARINE NATIONAL PARK
CHURCHILL ISLAND MARINE NATIONAL PARK
MANAGEMENT PLAN
December 2007 Published in December 2007 by Parks Victoria
Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 Cover: Mangroves (Photo: William Boyle)
Parks Victoria, October 2007, Yaringa Marine National Park, French Island Marine National Park and Churchill Island Marine National Park Management Plan, Parks Victoria
Yaringa Marine National Park, French Island Marine National Park and Churchill Island Marine National Park management plan:
Bibliography.
ISBN 9780731183722
1. Marine parks and reserves - Victoria – Mornington / Western Port Region - Management. 2. Conservation of natural resources - Victoria - Mornington / Western Port Region. 3. Yaringa Marine National Park, French Island Marine National Park and Churchill Island Marine National Park (Vic.) - Management. I. Parks
Victoria. II. Title.
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgement of Country. In their rich culture, Indigenous Australians are intrinsically connected to the continent – including the area now known as Victoria. Parks Victoria recognises that the parks are part of Country of the Traditional Owners.
Parks Victoria is grateful to all those organisations and individuals who have contributed to this Management Plan. Special thanks go to members of the Western Port Marine National Parks Management Plan Advisory Group, Richard Appleman, Stefan Borzecki, Denis Cox, Jill Fitzroy-Kelly, Hamish Hughes, Rosalind Jessop, Amy McDonald, Ron Mantel, Anwyn Martin, Michelle Neesham, Bessie Tyers and Jeff Weir.
Note
Technical terms used in this plan are explained in the Glossary at the end of the plan.
Disclaimers
This plan is prepared without prejudice to any negotiated or litigated outcome of any native title determination applications covering land or waters within the plan’s area. It is acknowledged that any future outcomes of native title determination applications may necessitate amendment of this plan; and the implementation of this plan may require further notifications under the procedures in Division 3 of Part 2 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth).
The plan is also prepared without prejudice to any future negotiated outcomes between the Government/s and Victorian Indigenous communities. It is acknowledged that such negotiated outcomes may necessitate amendment of this plan.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this plan is accurate. Parks Victoria does not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence that may arise from you relying on any information in the publication.
Text printed on 100% recycled paper to help save our natural environment FOREWORD
Yaringa Marine National Park, French Island The care of Yaringa, French Island and Marine National Park and Churchill Island Churchill Island Marine National Parks is not a Marine National Park protect intertidal task for the government alone, nor only for mudflats fringed by one of the most extensive those who live on the coast. It is a task for the areas of salt marsh and mangrove communities whole Victorian community. This in Victoria. The parks provide habitat for a Management Plan sets out the ways in which diverse range of fish and invertebrates we can work together to learn about, protect including the highly unusual and very rare and sustain an important part of our marine ‘living fossil’ lampshell brachiopod. environment.
The three Marine National Parks form part of I thank the Western Port Marine National the Western Port Ramsar Site; recognised as a Parks Management Plan Advisory Group for wetland of international significance and one their valuable contribution to the plan, and also of the three most important areas for migratory wish to thank those individuals and waders in Victoria. organisations who made submissions on the Draft Management Plan and I look forward to Thousands of migratory wader birds and local the community's ongoing support for the seabirds draw visitors to observe nature by management of Yaringa, French Island and sightseeing and bird-watching activities. The Churchill Island Marine National Parks. tranquil and remote nature of the parks provides limited but sustainable opportunities for visitor enjoyment and appreciation of the parks.
GAVIN JENNINGS MLC Minister for Environment and Climate Change
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 3 APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN
This Management Plan has been prepared The plan provides the basis for the future under section 17D of the National Parks Act management of Yaringa Marine National Park, 1975 (Vic.) and is approved for French Island Marine National Park and implementation. Churchill Island Marine National Park. It was finalised following consideration of the 12 submissions received on the Draft
Management Plan.
MARK STONE PETER HARRIS Chief Executive Secretary to the Parks Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment
4 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks INTRODUCTION TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Victorians are custodians of some of the most vertebrates are fish, although mammals and remarkable, diverse, and culturally important reptiles also inhabit the marine environment marine environments on Earth. These include and many birds inhabit both realms. deep open water, shallow embayments, rocky Although they are very different physically reefs, canyons, seagrass meadows, tidal and biologically, the land, atmosphere and sandflats and mudflats, and estuaries, and they marine environments are interconnected. support more than 12 000 known species. Water and gases are transferred between Around 90% of these marine species are found oceans and the atmosphere. There are animals only in the waters of southern Australia. with both marine and freshwater life stages, Broadly speaking, Victoria has responsibility and some species breed in estuaries where for the waters that extend offshore to 3 nautical fresh water from the land mixes with oceanic miles and cover around 70 000 square salt water. Fresh water and sediments from kilometres. Marine National Parks and Marine catchments far inland are dispersed into coastal Sanctuaries make up about 5% of this area, but waters, bringing with them nutrients needed to protect a range of significant species and maintain inshore marine ecosystems but also important habitats, as well as evidence of past pollution from human activities. Indigenous occupation and use. The sea interconnects marine habitats over The vast three-dimensional marine great distances. Tides and currents move environment has characteristics that are very sediments, plankton and organic matter into different from those of the land and and through habitats, along with flotsam, atmosphere. The fundamental physical jetsam, ballast water and oils from catchments properties – pressure, temperature, salinity, or inshore waters, released from ships on the density and availability of nutrients and gases open seas or washed from the shores of other – are all very different. There are also great countries. Many marine animals migrate long differences in the types of substrates, and the distances, passing freely into and out of physical and biological processes that occur, Victorian waters and spending much of their such as tides, currents, light penetration, lives in the open ocean. erosion, sedimentation, oxygen uptake, life cycles and even the food chains. A vision for Victoria’s system of Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries The organisms that occupy the marine environment are different as well. On land ‘A world-class system of Marine National vascular plants dominate, but in marine Parks and Marine Sanctuaries that conserves habitats they are much less common. In most the diversity of Victoria’s marine marine environments their ecological roles in environments, protected and enjoyed by Victorians and visitors, forever.’ photosynthesis and oxygen production are undertaken by algae, which range in size from This vision is detailed in the Marine National giant kelps to minute single-celled species. Parks and Marine Sanctuaries Management Other single-celled organisms such as diatoms, Strategy 2003–2010 (Parks Victoria 2003b). It cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates and forams, is described in the following extract: together with invertebrate larvae and marine fungi, make up most of the abundant marine ‘The vision for Victoria’s system of Marine plankton that is the basis of all marine food National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries is to chains. maintain marine ecosystems in their natural state, enjoyed by visitors and protected from As on land, invertebrates, including molluscs the effects of inappropriate activities. The (e.g. octopus, abalone, snails), crustaceans system will safeguard representative examples (e.g. crabs, lobsters, tiny amphipods) and of undisturbed natural marine habitats, respect echinoderms (e.g. sea cucumbers, sea stars and cultural heritage values, and be a place of sea urchins), dominate the marine fauna, but inspiration, enjoyment and renewal for all insects – the most abundant invertebrates on people. The system will complement our land – are almost absent. The dominant world-class national parks system on land.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 5 Introduction to marine environment
This vision aims to preserve the diversity of away, over which park managers have no our marine environment, its flora and fauna, its direct control. Impacts on one marine habitat natural beauty, and the diversity of activities can quickly affect another, and human that may be enjoyed there. It is a vision that activities and natural events on land and in the invites all Victorians to become involved, to atmosphere can have widespread consequences take pride in our Marine National Parks and for the marine environment. Boundaries in the Marine Sanctuaries, and to share in their ocean can be difficult to define, and the effects stewardship.’ of human activities can be hidden from view.
Like the atmosphere, but in contrast to land, Contribution to the statewide system the marine environment is a common resource Yaringa Marine National Park, French Island which is rarely in private ownership, and there Marine National Park, and Churchill Island are few natural or artificial barriers to Marine National Park each make an important movement. Many of the strategies used to contribution to the statewide system: concentrate the impacts of recreational
• Yaringa Marine National Park protects activities in terrestrial parks (e.g. the creation intertidal mudflats and extensive mangrove of walking tracks and picnic areas) are not feasible in the marine context. and saltmarsh areas in one of the least accessible parts of Western Port Conserving historic and cultural places and
• French Island Marine National Park objects is also a challenge because it is protects seagrass beds as well as intertidal difficult to identify an underwater place or mudflats, soft sediment beds divided by monitor activities that take place on the open deep channels, and fringing mangroves sea or under water. Sea Country and cultural and saltmarsh association to, or past use of, underwater places that were exposed before the sea level • Churchill Island Marine National Park rose must also be considered. protects a variety of sheltered habitats including saltmarsh, intertidal mudflats, The long-term protection of the Marine seagrass beds, and deep channels. National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries relies on the support and goodwill of the community, together with the help of coastal managers and Implications for management government agencies. The plan seeks to foster The differences and connections in the marine a strong sense of custodianship of Yaringa environment mean that Victoria’s Marine Marine National Park, French Island Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries must National Park, and Churchill Island Marine be managed somewhat differently from land National Park and to strengthen their environments. Natural, recreational and protection while respecting cultural and cultural values may be affected by the use of community associations with the areas. both land and marine areas some distance
6 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks SUMMARY
Yaringa Marine National Park, French Island • Scientific research and monitoring will be Marine National Park, and Churchill Island undertaken to improve the scientific basis Marine National Park protect important for management of the parks as outlined in habitats of intertidal mudflats, extensive the Statewide Management Strategy (Parks seagrass, mangrove and saltmarsh areas and Victoria 2003b). soft sediment beds dissected by deep channels. The mangroves and seagrass are a vital part of • Addressing issues of water quality entering the ecosystem of Western Port and provide an the parks through promoting park values important habitat for a number of invertebrates with stormwater and waterway managers including crustaceans, molluscs, and adult and and promoting integrated coastal management. juvenile fish.
The parks form part of the Western Port • Minimising threats to the parks through Ramsar Site, which is recognised as a wetland ongoing risk assessment and of international significance. The expansive complementary adjacent, coastal and catchment management. intertidal mudflats and seagrass beds provide a foraging habitat for migratory waders and the • Reflecting the Traditional Owners’ surrounding saltmarsh and mangroves provide knowledge and interests in the area and roosting areas. These areas are recognised as aspirations for the parks in planning and areas of State and regional significance. management.
The parks also provide opportunities for • Respecting Indigenous knowledge relating visitors to enjoy and appreciate cultural and to Country and the views of the Traditional natural values by sightseeing and bird- Owners. watching activities. • Interpreting and promoting the parks’ The parks are part of the Country of values and its recreational and tourism Boonwurrung1. opportunities.
Future management aims to protect the parks’ • Fostering community appreciation and values while providing for limited but awareness of the parks’ values. sustainable opportunities for visitor enjoyment and appreciation of the parks. • Supporting and encouraging Friends and volunteer groups and promoting Major management directions for the parks opportunities for the community to work include the following: together and with Parks Victoria to achieve • Maintaining significant habitats for sea common goals for the parks.
birds and shore birds including intertidal • Working collaboratively with agencies, the mangroves, saltmarsh, seagrass and community and other stakeholders to assist mudflats through restricted access. in the parks’ management. • Protecting natural processes such as competition, predation, recruitment and disturbance to ensure an overall benefit to biodiversity and variety of marine ecological communities.
1 This management plan adopts the spellings used by the Native Title Unit, Department of Justice. Boonwurrung is a known form of the name for this Aboriginal tribal group. Boonwurrung may also be spelt in a number of different ways, including ‘Boonwurrung’ and ‘Bunurong’.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 7 CONTENTS
FOREWARD iii
APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN iv
INTRODUCTION TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT v
SUMMARY vii
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Location and planning area 1 1.2 Creation of the parks 1 1.3 Plan development 1
2 BASIS 3
2.1 Regional context 3 2.2 Park significance and values 4 2.3 Evidence of past use 5 2.4 The park visitor 6 2.5 Legislation and ECC recommendations 6 2.6 Policies and guidelines 7
3 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 9
3.1 Parks vision 9 3.2 Zoning 9 3.3 Management directions 9
4 STRATEGIES FOR NATURAL VALUES CONSERVATION 14
4.1 Geological and geomorphological features 14 4.2 Catchment and water quality 15 4.3 Hydrodynamics 19 4.4 Habitats and communities 19 4.5 Landscape and seascape 24 4.6 Marine and other pests 25
5 STRATEGIES FOR CULTURAL VALUES CONSERVATION 28
5.1 Indigenous cultural heritage 28 5.2 Maritime and other cultural heritage 29
6 STRATEGIES FOR VISITORS 32
6.1 Information, education and interpretation 32 6.2 Access 34 6.3 Recreational boating and surface water sports 35 6.4 Diving and snorkelling 37 6.5 Swimming and shore-based activities 38 6.6 Dogs and horses 39 6.7 Tourism services 40 6.8 Public safety 40
8 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Contents
7 STRATEGIES FOR AUTHORISED AND ADJACENT USES 43
7.1 Authorised uses 43 7.2 Boundaries and adjacent uses 44
8 STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT 47
8.1 Community awareness 47 8.2 Community participation 47 8.3 Agency partnerships 49
9 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 52
9.1 Delivery and reporting 52 9.2 Plan amendment 52 9.3 Evaluation and review 53
REFERENCES 54
GLOSSARY 58
APPENDICES 63
1 Management objectives for marine national parks 63 2 Submissions on the Draft Management Plan 64
TABLES
1 Management overlays 11 2 Summary of recreational opportunities 12
FIGURES
1 Location End of plan 2a Yaringa Marine National Park " 2b French Island Marine National Park " 2c Churchill Island Marine National Park "
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 9
10 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Location and planning area 1.2 Creation of the parks
The parks comprise of Yaringa Marine Yaringa Marine National Park, French Island National Park, French Island Marine National Marine National Park, and Churchill Island Park and Churchill Island Marine National Marine National Park form part of the system Park. These parks are located within Western of 13 Marine National Parks and 11 Marine Port, 50 km south-east of Melbourne (figure Sanctuaries in Victorian waters. The selection 1). of these areas was based on more than 10 years of research, investigation and community Yaringa Marine National Park (980 ha) is consultation by the former Land Conservation located in Watsons Inlet between the mainland Council (LCC) and Environment Conservation south-west of Cannons Creek and Quail Island, Council (ECC), summarised in the Marine, about 9 km south-west of Tooradin and 50 km Coastal and Estuarine Investigation Final south-east of Melbourne. The park extends Report (ECC 2000). The recommendations of from the high water mark along 20 km of the the ECC accepted by government Watsons Inlet coastline (figure 2a). Two lead (Government of Victoria 2002) included markers on the shore north of the Yaringa reservation of the new parks under the Marina channel and the southern tip of Quail National Parks Act 1975 (Vic.). Yaringa Island identify the park boundary. Marine National Park, French Island Marine French Island Marine National Park (2800 ha) National Park, and Churchill Island Marine is located about 10 km south of Tooradin and National Park were included on Schedule 7 of 60 km south-east of Melbourne. The park the National Parks Act on 16 November 2002 extends offshore from the high water mark 15 (appendix 1). km along the northern shore of French Island When created, much stronger penalties were National Park (figure 2b). The park boundary applied for all forms of fishing, including runs east from Barrallier Island and follows the shellfish collection in Marine National Parks southern bank of Bagge Harbour to The Cut, or Marine Sanctuaries, than apply for taking or then to Horseshoe Channel and south to damaging other fauna, plants or objects from Palmer Point. The park is marked by in-water these areas. navigation markers and onshore markers at the eastern and western extent of the park. Yaringa Marine National Park includes areas between the high and low water mark that Churchill Island Marine National Park were formerly part of the North Western Port (670 ha) is located south of Rhyll on the Nature Conservation Reserve. eastern shore of Phillip Island near the township of Newhaven, 85 km south-east of French Island Marine National Park includes Melbourne. The park extends from the high areas extending between mean high water water mark along 11 km of the Swan Bay mark and 150 m offshore that were formerly coastline (figure 2c). The park boundary is part of French Island National Park. marked by onshore markers located at Long Churchill Island Marine National Park includes Point on Phillip Island and North Point on areas between the high and low water mark Churchill Island. An additional in-water that were formerly part of Churchill Island navigation marker is located halfway along a Heritage Farm. line in the channel leading to Swan Corner.
The parks include all waters and the seabed 1.3 Plan development within these boundaries, and extend 200 m This first Management Plan for the parks was beneath the seabed. prepared by Parks Victoria, with significant In the text, the expression ‘the parks’ refers to input from the Western Port Marine National all three marine national parks. Parks Management Plan Advisory Group and other stakeholders. It takes into account existing information, reports and research findings that relate to the parks and is informed
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 1 Introduction and supported by a range of best practice Where necessary, further consultation with the management systems. community and stakeholders was undertaken.
The strategies outlined in this plan have been Key changes made to the Draft Management guided by the statewide Marine National Plan in preparing this Final Management Plan Parks and Marine Sanctuaries Management included: Strategy 2003–2010 (Parks Victoria 2003b). • providing a safe operating environment for The plan is a strategic guide for future vessels, protecting other users and the management of the parks. As a public important mudflats and seagrass beds from document, the plan establishes how Parks damage by seeking the introduction of a 5 Victoria will protect the natural and cultural knot speed limit in French Island Marine values of the parks, and describes the services National Park consistent with the 5 knot and facilities that will be provided to help speed limit Yaringa and Churchill Island visitors to enjoy, appreciate and understand the marine National Parks proposed in the parks in ways that are consistent with this. The Draft Management Plan plan also serves to inform and encourage cooperative land management and • increasing hovercraft access except to the exposed intertidal areas participation in community-based programs between Parks Victoria and the managers of • updating the plan to take account of the areas adjacent to the parks. Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
As a working document for the parks, the plan The Final Management Plan will direct future informs Parks Victoria’s development of management of the Yaringa Marine National Corporate Plans, serves as a framework for Park, French Island Marine National Park and subsequent detailed planning and governs Churchill Island Marine National Park, until management activities. reviewed.
The Draft Management Plan was released for public comment in 2006, and 12 submissions were received (appendix 2).
2 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks
2 BASIS
and rivers within the catchment managed by 2.1 Regional context Melbourne Water. The Western Port Yaringa Marine National Park, French Island Catchment (343 000 ha) is predominantly used Marine National Park, and Churchill Island for agricultural purposes, including dairying, Marine National Park form part of a grazing and horticulture. The coastline and representative system of 13 Marine National forested hills of the upper catchment support Parks and 11 Marine Sanctuaries in Victoria, valuable natural areas of forests and remnant established within the broader context of a vegetation. The catchment has been highly National Representative System of Marine modified and contains many regional Protected Areas (NRSMPA). The townships. It is a significant area for tourism establishment of an NRSMPA contributes to and recreation, and a major future site for the establishment of a global representative urban growth. The 12 major rivers and creeks system of marine protected areas (ANZECC in the catchment drain extensive dryland TFMPA 1998). agriculture, grazing and horticulture areas as
The parks are three of eight Marine National well as some industrialised and urbanised areas. Parks and Marine Sanctuaries in the Victorian Embayments marine bioregion, as identified Western Port is characterised by a wide variety by the Interim Marine and Coastal of marine habitats ranging from deep channels Regionalisation for Australia (IMCRA). This to very extensive seagrass beds, mangroves, regionalisation identified 60 marine saltmarsh and tidal mudflats. Western Port is bioregions, five of which apply to Victorian heavily influenced by tidal activities that waters (IMCRA Technical Group 1998). expose and submerge large expanses of Yaringa Marine National Park, French Island mudflats. Marine National Park, and Churchill Island The 20 km of the coastline abutting Yaringa Marine National Park protect approximately Marine National Park is typified by saltmarsh 0.33%, 0.93% and 0.23% of the Victorian communities, coastal heaths and open Embayments marine bioregion respectively. woodlands. The areas above high water mark The bioregion encompasses the larger bays and are protected within Western Port Nature inlets of Port Phillip, Western Port, Corner Conservation Reserve, and are within the City Inlet–Nooramunga, Gippsland Lakes and of Casey or the Shire of Mornington Peninsula Mallacoota Inlet. The bioregion is and managed by Parks Victoria. characterised by sheltered waters with The 14.5 km of the coastline abutting French extensive areas of subtidal and intertidal soft Island Marine National Park is typified by sediments (Parks Victoria 2003b). mangrove and saltmarsh communities, coastal The parks are also within the Mornington heaths and open woodlands. The areas above Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere high water mark are protected within French Reserve, a combined urban/rural UNESCO Island National Park managed by Parks biosphere reserve that encompasses the Victoria. French Island is an ‘unincorporated Mornington Peninsula Shire, Phillip Island and locality’ (section 7.2). French Island and the waters of Western Port The 11 km of coastline abutting Churchill (sections 7.2 and 8.2). Island Marine National Park is typified by Indigenous tradition indicates that the parks fringing mangrove and saltmarsh communities. are part of Country of Boonwurrung (section Crown land areas above high water mark are 5.1). protected within Churchill Island Heritage
The parks are strongly influenced by activities Farm and Phillip Island Nature Park which are within the Western Port Catchment of the Port managed by Phillip Island Nature Parks. Phillip and Western Port Catchment Region, Freehold areas abutting the Phillip Island which is within the Port Phillip and Nature Park are mostly used for stock grazing. Westernport Catchment Management All areas above high water mark are within the Authority’s areas of responsibility, and streams Shire of Bass Coast.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 3 Basis
There is a range of other natural attractions in and Western Port Biosphere Reserve. The the region, including Mornington Peninsula parks form part of the Western Port Ramsar National Park, French Island National Park, Site, which is recognised as a wetland of Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary, North international significance under Article 2 of Western Port Nature Conservation Reserve, the Ramsar Convention (Ramsar, Iran, 1971). Phillip Island Nature Park and Churchill Island The Convention on Wetlands of International Heritage Farm. Importance (the Ramsar Convention) is an intergovernmental treaty that provides for The parks are within Tourism Victoria’s international cooperation in the wise use and Phillip Island and Gippsland Discovery conservation of wetlands. The parks also form product region. Camping and accommodation part of the East Asian-Australasian Shorebird areas close to the Marine National Parks Site Network for migratory waders using the include Cannons Creek, Warneet, Blind Bight East Asian-Australasian Flyway (BOCA and Tooradin (Yaringa Marine National Park); 2003). Fairhaven Campground within French Island National Park (French Island Marine National Western Port is significant for its history of Park); and Newhaven, San Remo and Rhyll early European exploration of the southern (Churchill Island Marine National Park). coast of Victoria and subsequent colonisation. In recognition of the area’s outstanding values In 2003-2004 the Phillip Island and Gippsland and its heritage importance, Western Port has Discovery product region received 3.4% of all been listed on the Register of the National tourist visits to Victoria (Tourism Victoria Estate. The National Trust of Australia 2004), comprising 1.8 million domestic (Victoria) has classified the unique natural overnight visitors, 973 000 domestic day features and landscape of French Island and visitors, and 42 000 international overnight the ecologically significant mudflats, visitors (Tourism Victoria 2004). Many mangroves and saltmarsh of Churchill Island visitors come to the region to visit the Phillip and Swan Bay as locally significant on the Island Nature Parks, which attract 626 000 National Trust Register. visitors per year (PINP 2005). French Island National Park receives about 6000 visitors per The area included in the parks is significant to year. many people in the community, especially the Traditional Owners. A number of local Friends 2.2 Park significance and values groups, community groups, individuals,
Yaringa Marine National Park, French Island residents of the Western Port area and the Marine National Park, and Churchill Island education and research community, have Marine National Park make a valuable strong associations with the parks. Parks contribution to Victoria’s parks and reserves Victoria respects the community’s traditional and historical associations with the parks. system, which aims to protect viable representative samples of the State’s natural Important values for the parks are listed below. marine and terrestrial environments. Parks also provide opportunities for visitors to enjoy and Natural values appreciate natural and cultural values, and • floristically rich seagrass communities of many make important contributions to tourism. national and State significance that support The parks are assigned the International Union a diverse range of invertebrates and for the Conservation of Nature and Natural provide important fish habitat and nursery Resources (IUCN) Category II (National Park) areas of the United Nations’ List of National Parks • extensive areas of mangrove and saltmarsh and Protected Areas. Category II areas are communities that provide habitat for managed primarily for ecosystem protection migratory wader and shorebird species, and recreation. that are important feeding areas for fish Yaringa Marine National Park, French Island and invertebrates at times of high tide and Marine National Park, and Churchill Island that are Ramsar listed and of State Marine National Park are recognised significance internationally as part of Mornington Peninsula
4 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Basis
• extensive intertidal mudflats that support a Recreational and tourism values diverse range of invertebrate and fish • excellent locations for bird watching and species, provide foraging area for natural history activities migratory wader birds and that are Ramsar listed and of national and State • opportunities for scenic recreation, marine significance education and ecotourism
• dense populations of the highly unusual • recreational boating, including sailing and and very rare ‘living fossil’ lampshell or sea kayaking
brachiopod, Magellania flavescens at • scenic seascapes and landscapes that Churchill Island Marine National Park provide opportunities for spectacular
• a dendritic network of deep tidal channels photography, filming and painting that provide a deepwater habitat for a activities. diverse range of fish and invertebrate 2.3 Evidence of past use species including a high abundance of the seapen, Sarcoptilus grandis Western Port and the surrounding region were
• relict multiple curved sand spit of regional rich in food sources for Indigenous people. significance at Bungower Point within The Boonwurrung have used the Western Port Yaringa Marine National Park area to hunt and gather food for around 40 000 years. At the end of the last glacial phase, • sand ridges that display relict about 6 000 years ago, the sea level rose to geomorphological processes at Palmer flood Bass Strait and the sunk land of Western Point and Barrallier Island, a small Port. The Boonwurrung then inhabited the gravelly island of regional and local islands, coast and inland areas around the significance within French Island National flooded areas of Western Port. Park The clans of the Boonwurrung were hunters • geomorphological features indicative of and gatherers who travelled and set up higher sea levels, active and reflective campsites according to seasonal changes in the cliffs at Swan Corner and raised beach and availability of food. The sheltered nature of emerged coastal forms between Chambers Western Port would have provided protection Point and Long Point within Churchill from extreme coastal weather conditions and Island Marine National Park. the intertidal mudflats and seagrass areas would have provided a diverse range and Cultural values abundance of fish and invertebrates. Middens • a place of significance to Indigenous indicate that the coastal area of Western Port people was significant to Indigenous communities. The Boonwurrung visited the islands in • nearby historical tracks and cattle grazing Western Port using canoes constructed from on Quail Island in Yaringa Marine bark to collect bird eggs, and hunted small National Park mammals to complement their diet.
• remnant jetty from historic chicory and salt Western Port was a site of early European works adjacent to the park at French Island exploration, sealing activities and settlement in Marine National Park Victoria, although the harsh conditions hampered the settlements. In the early 1900s • historical values of Churchill Island interest in Western Port began to steadily including a homestead, site of the first increase as guest houses on Phillip Island grain crop in Victoria and cattle bridge became fashionable holiday destinations and adjacent to Churchill Island Marine visitors came to see the seal and penguin National Park colonies. • Western Port was an early site of Development within the catchment and the exploration in Victoria from 1798. draining of the Koo Wee Rup swamp have altered Western Port and shaped its physical parameters. Western Port has become a
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 5 Basis significant port because of its easily navigable 2.5 Legislation and ECC entrance and deep channels. Many privately recommendations owned boats and ferries may have passed through the waters of the parks to ferry Legislation passengers, goods and livestock. Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island
Recreational boating including sailing and Marine National Parks are reserved and kayaking have been and remain very popular managed under the provisions of the National recreational activities in the parks. Parks Act. The Act requires the Secretary to Recreational fishing and commercial fisheries DSE to preserve and protect the natural including Australian salmon, squid, yellow-eye condition of the parks and their natural, mullet, gummy sharks, snapper, garfish, King cultural, and other features and, subject to this, George whiting and rock flathead are very to provide for the use of the parks by the popular in Western Port and occurred in the public for enjoyment, recreation, and waters that now make up the parks. education. Appropriate research activities are also provided for under the Act. The National The parks have been popular for bird watching Parks (Park) Regulations 2003 apply to and bird populations have been surveyed by Yaringa Marine National Park, French Island volunteers from bird conservation Marine National Park, and Churchill Island organisations for over 30 years (BOCA 2003). Marine National Park.
2.4 The park visitor All forms of extraction, including recreational and commercial fishing, and shellfish The remoteness of the region, intertidal collection, are prohibited within the parks mudflats and mangroves and saltmarsh under the National Parks Act and regulations. communities, which attract thousands of A Statewide Compliance Strategy and a migratory wader birds, draw visitors to observe Regional Compliance Plan have been nature and watch birds. Visitors also enjoy developed in partnership with Fisheries passive boating activities such as kayaking and Victoria, Department of Primary Industries, to sailing. Nature observation and recreational manage compliance with the no-fishing activities can also be undertaken with a provisions within the park (section 8.3). licensed tour operator, increasing accessibility in an area that is otherwise difficult to access. The objects and provisions of the National Parks Act set the framework for the The tranquil nature of the parks also attracts management of Yaringa Marine National Park, local and international visitors during the French Island Marine National Park, and summer months for beachside holidays, when Churchill Island Marine National Park the populations of local townships increase (appendix 1). Specific legislation and ECC substantially. Camp grounds and holiday recommendations accepted by government houses are popular for visitors in coastal also govern particular aspects of the towns. Western Port is accessible from management of the three parks as described Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula and the below and in subsequent sections of the plan. Gippsland region. The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic.) The intertidal areas of Churchill Island Marine applies to the parks and protects all Aboriginal National Park can be accessed by shore. Both places, objects and Aboriginal human remains French Island and Yaringa Marine National (section 5.1). Parks can only be accessed by boat. There are no visitor services other than ranger patrols, The Coastal Management Act 1995 (Vic.) and facilities consist only of boundary markers applies to the use and any development of the (section 7.2) and signage (section 6.1). whole of the parks.
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) applies to the whole of the parks with respect to actions that have, will have, or are likely to have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance, including national
6 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Basis heritage places, Ramsar wetlands of R13 Further research to be undertaken on international significance, migratory species biological community composition and and threatened species and ecological structure, both within and external to communities in the parks. marine protected areas, with an emphasis on assessing the impacts of harvesting The Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth) applies to marine fauna. the management of the parks. R14 Assessments to be made and strategies The Parks Victoria Act 1998 (Vic.) enables developed for protection of vulnerable or Parks Victoria to provide, on behalf of the threatened marine species and Secretary to DSE, management services for the communities, using the provisions of the parks. Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 Other legislation, and policies and guidelines, (Vic.) (FFG) as appropriate. at both the Commonwealth and State levels, apply to management of the parks and specific R18 Measures to be implemented by activities and uses (section 2.6). responsible agencies to reduce the risk of marine pest species arriving in Victoria, and to ensure a rapid and effective ECC recommendations response in the event of an introduction. The former Environment Conservation Council (ECC) in its Marine, Coastal and R26 Public land and waters continue to be Estuarine Investigation Final Report (ECC available for a wide range of tourism and 2000), recommended the creation of: recreational uses. Development should not preclude public access to foreshore and • Yaringa Marine National Park to protect offshore areas, other than to meet safety intertidal mudflats and extensive mangrove and security requirements that cannot be and saltmarsh areas in one of the least achieved in other ways. disturbed and least accessible parts of the bay. R34 Priority will be given to establishing monitoring programs for Marine National • French Island Marine National Park to Parks to determine the extent to which protect seagrass beds as well as intertidal these areas are meeting their objectives. mudflats, areas of deeper channel, mangroves, and saltmarsh. R39 The State Government will investigate the establishment of a Biosphere Reserve • Churchill Island Marine National Park to incorporating French Island, Phillip Island protect a variety of sheltered habitats, and the surrounding waters of Western including intertidal mudflats, seagrass Port, including portions of the catchment beds, and deep channels. if appropriate.
The ECC also made a number of All of these recommendations were accepted recommendations that relate to the parks. The by the State Government in 2002 (Government recommendations included: of Victoria 2002).
Recommendation A Use of Yaringa 2.6 Policies and guidelines Marine National Park (A5), French Island Marine National Park (A6) and Churchill The parks are managed in accordance with Island Marine National Park (A7) in Parks Victoria’s operational policies and, as accordance with the general appropriate, with other relevant policies and recommendations for Marine National guidelines, including: Parks. • Victoria’s System of Marine National R3 Planning and management relating to Parks and Marine Sanctuaries traditional interests and uses in coastal Management Strategy 2003–2010 (Parks marine areas to be based on recognition Victoria 2003b) and respect for the traditional relationship of Aboriginal people with the land and • Indigenous Partnership Strategy and sea. Action Plan (Parks Victoria 2005a)
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 7 Basis
• Guidelines for Working with Aboriginal • Port Phillip and Western Port Regional Communities and Protection of Cultural Catchment Strategy 2004–2009 Sites (Parks Victoria 2002) (PPWPCMA 2004)
• Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy (NRE • Western Port Bay Strategy (WRPCC 1997b) 1992)
• National Strategy for the Conservation of • Western Port Perspective (PPK 2000) Australia’s Biological Diversity (ANZECC • State Environment Protection Policy 2001) (Waters of Victoria) • Heritage Management Strategy (Parks • Victorian Coastal Strategy (VCC 2002) Victoria 2003c) • Victoria’s Nature Based Tourism Strategy • National Strategy for Ecologically — Draft Plan 2007–2011, (Tourism Sustainable Development (COAG 1992) Victoria 2007) • Western Port Ramsar Site Strategic • Policy for Sustainable Recreation and Management Plan (DSE 2003). Tourism on Victoria’s Public Land (NRE The parks are also managed within the broader 2002). context of a number of other plans and strategies including:
8 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks
3 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
For each of Yaringa, French Island and 3.1 Parks vision Churchill Island Marine National Parks, a A future visitor to Yaringa, French Island and Special Protection Area – Natural Values Churchill Island Marine National Parks finds a overlay is designated for intertidal areas with wide range of marine ecosystems in a dynamic additional management requirements. tidal environment. The expansive intertidal These requirements are summarised in table 1, mudflats, deep channels, dense mangroves and and their boundaries are shown in figures 2a, vast seagrass meadows of the parks provide 2b and 2c. important habitat for an extraordinary diversity of organisms, including juvenile fish, and 3.3 Management directions roosting and feeding grounds for migratory and resident shorebirds. The complex The Traditional Owners’ knowledge and interactions and biological processes that interests in the area and aspirations for Country underpin and sustain the marine communities will be reflected in planning and management, are healthy. in accordance with legislation and policies (Parks Victoria 2005a). The community understands and values the area’s extraordinary natural diversity and its Other major management directions for the cultural history, including the Boonwurrung parks are outlined below. people’s association with Country. It appreciates the tranquil and remote ambience Natural values conservation of the parks. The community participates in • Intertidal feeding and roosting habitat for recreational activities, and is actively involved migratory wader and shore birds will be with Parks Victoria in protecting the parks and preserved and protected. communicating their values, in a manner that reflects their shared understanding of their • Floristically rich seagrass areas will be importance and the need to balance visitor use maintained subject to natural ecological with the imperative to conserve the natural and processes. cultural values. • Mangrove and saltmarsh communities will The parks are protected from visitor use and be protected by restricting access to the the pressures of increasing urban and maritime vegetated intertidal areas. development by management that is integrated • Natural processes, including competition, with that of the adjacent land, water and wider predation, recruitment and disturbance, catchment, providing a model for other area will be protected to ensure an overall managers. The parks are recognised benefit to biodiversity and variety of internationally as part of Mornington Peninsula marine ecological communities. and Western Port Biosphere Reserve, and as vital components of the Western Port Ramsar • Compliance with legislated ‘no take’ site. provisions that prohibit all extractive activities, including fishing and shellfish 3.2 Zoning collection, will be ensured through education, information, community A park management zoning scheme is support, and ongoing surveillance and normally used to define areas where various enforcement. types and levels of use are appropriate. However, management zones do not need to be • Research and monitoring to improve the defined in Marine National Parks and Marine scientific basis for management, including Sanctuaries because the management aims for baseline data collection, marine habitat these areas are clearly outlined in the National mapping and threat assessment, will be Parks Act and are consistent across all Marine undertaken as outlined in the Statewide National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries Management Strategy (Parks Victoria (section 2.5 and appendix 1). 2003b) and through collaborative research links.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 9 Strategic directions
• Negative impacts from changes to water • Visitors will be encouraged to avoid quality will be minimised through sensitive habitats, adopt minimal impact cooperation with relevant land managers, recreation and to adhere to industry- including the City of Casey, Mornington developed standards appropriate to their Peninsula Shire, Bass Coast Shire Council, activity. Cardinia Shire Council, Melbourne Water, • Visitor compliance with legislated and the Environment Protection Authority provisions will be ensured though Victoria (EPA). education, information, ranger patrols and • Identified threats to the parks will be community support. minimised through addressing the • Visitors will have opportunities to observe outcomes of ongoing monitoring, risk marine life, enjoy water sports and assessment and, where feasible, participate in other recreational activities complementary adjacent, coastal and compatible with management objectives catchment management. (appendix 1). Cultural values conservation Community awareness and involvement • Aboriginal places and objects will be • Strong collaborative partnerships will be protected from interference or damaging developed with the relevant Registered activities. Aboriginal Party to facilitate the reflection • Indigenous cultural obligations relating to of Indigenous knowledge, and interests Country will be respected, and the and aspirations in the parks’ planning and Traditional Owners’ knowledge will be management. promoted and interpreted in accordance • Friends, volunteers, Indigenous and other with their views. community groups will be encouraged and • Research into the Indigenous and historic supported to participate in areas of parks cultural heritage of the parks will be management that relate to their interests. encouraged and supported as appropriate, • An awareness and understanding of the in consultation with the Indigenous and parks and its management, and a sense of wider communities. custodianship, will be encouraged among • Historic relics and places will be neighbours, local communities and conserved by protecting them from visitors. damaging or inappropriate activities. • Strong relationships will be further developed and maintained with people, The park visit groups and communities with strong • Sustainable boat-based activities and use connections with or interests in the parks, by school and community groups for to encourage their participation in the education about the parks and marine parks’ management. values will be promoted. • Collaborative partnerships will be • Visitor enjoyment will be enhanced by established with relevant agencies and appropriate management of recreational local schools to progress areas of mutual activities. Recreational opportunities will interest that strengthen protection of the be available in accordance with table 2. parks.
• Visitor understanding and appreciation of the parks’ natural and cultural values will be enhanced by Parks Victoria’s information, interpretation and education programs.
10 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategic directions
TABLE 1 MANAGEMENT OVERLAYS
OVERLAYS AREA/LOCATION VALUES GENERAL ACCESS MANAGEMENT AIM
YARINGA MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Special Protection 645 ha, 66% of the Sensitive mangrove Protect sensitive No public access Area – Natural park. The vegetated and saltmarsh, areas communities and including all vessels Values (Saltmarsh intertidal area, of value for roosting habitats for seabirds and the landing and and Mangroves) extending seaward and feeding for and shorebirds launching of vessels from high water mark seabirds and (figure 2a) shorebirds
FRENCH ISLAND MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Special Protection 450 ha, 16% of the Sensitive mangrove, Protect sensitive No public access Area – Natural park. All of the saltmarsh, mudflats communities and including all vessels Values (Saltmarsh intertidal shoreline and seagrass areas of habitats for seabirds and the landing and and Mangroves) extending 300 m value for roosting and and shorebirds launching of vessels seaward from high feeding for seabirds water mark of French and shorebirds Island (figure 2b)
Special Protection 7 ha, 0.25% of the Sensitive areas of Protect sensitive No public access Area - Natural Values park. All of the value for roosting and habitat for seabirds including all vessels (Seabird/Shorebird intertidal shoreline feeding for seabirds and shorebirds and the landing and Habitat) extending 150 m and shorebirds launching of vessels seaward of the high water mark of Barrallier Island (figure 2b)
CHURCHILL ISLAND MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Special Protection 20 ha, 3% of the park. Sensitive mangrove Protect sensitive No public access Area – Natural The vegetated and saltmarsh, areas communities and including all vessels Values (Saltmarsh intertidal area, of value for roosting habitats for seabirds and the landing and and Mangroves) extending seaward and feeding for and shorebirds launching of vessels from high water mark seabirds and (figure 2c) shorebirds
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 1 1 Strategic directions
TABLE 2 SUMMARY OF RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
ACTIVITY YARINGA MARINE FRENCH ISLAND CHURCHILL ISLAND NATIONAL PARK MARINE NATIONAL MARINE NATIONAL PARK PARK
PARK SPECIAL PARK SPECIAL PARK SPECIAL
PROTECTION PROTECTION PROTECTION AREA - AREAS - AREA - OVERLAY OVERLAY OVERLAY
(PERCENTAGE OF PARK) (66%) (~16%) (3%)
Aircraft landing/launching (including N N N N N N sea planes, hang-gliding, paragliding) Beachcombing (no collecting) N N N N Y N
Bait collection N N N N N N
Bird watching Y N Y N Y N Boating (section 6.3)
Hovercraft Y N Y N Y N
Kite-boarding / wind-surfing N/A N N/A N N/A N Motorised boating Y N Y N Y N
Non-motorised boating (canoe, Y N Y N Y N kayak, surf-ski)
Personal watercraft (PWC) Y N Y N Y N Sailing Y N Y N Y N Boat operation (sections 6.2 & 6.3)
Anchoring Y N Y N Y N Landing N/A N N/A N Y N Launching vessels (no facilities) N/A N N/A N Y N Mooring (private) N N N N N N Vessels engaged in towing N/A N N/A N N/A N (para sailing / water skiing) Camping N N N N N N Collection of animals, seaweed, shells N N N N N N and driftwood Cycling N N N N N N Diving and snorkelling (sections 6.4) Y N Y N Y N Dog walking (section 6.6) N N N N N N Driving on beaches N/A N N/A N N N Educational/guided activities Y N Y N Y N (sections 6.1 & 6.7) Feeding wildlife N N N N N N Filming & photography Y N Y N Y N Fires on beaches N/A N N/A N N N Fishing (all forms) N N N N N N Fossil / artefact collection N N N N N N
12 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategic directions
Table 2 (cont’d)
ACTIVITY YARINGA MARINE FRENCH ISLAND CHURCHILL ISLAND NATIONAL PARK MARINE NATIONAL MARINE NATIONAL PARK PARK
PARK SPECIAL PARK SPECIAL PARK SPECIAL PROTECTION PROTECTION PROTECTION AREA - AREAS - AREA - OVERLAY OVERLAY OVERLAY
(PERCENTAGE OF PARK) (66%) (~16%) (3%)
Horse riding (section 6.6) N N N N N N Licensed tours (section 6.7) Y N Y N Y N Nature photography, painting Y N Y N Y N Picnicking (excludes on a vessel) N/A N N/A N Y N Prospecting and metal detecting N N N N N N Rock climbing / abseiling N/A N N/A N N N Rockpool rambling N/A N N/A N Y N Scenic viewing Y N Y N Y N Shell collecting N N N N N N Surfing / boogie boarding N/A N N/A N N/A N Swimming (section 6.5) Y N Y N Y N Walking (intertidal area – soft) N/A N N/A N Y N Walking (intertidal area – rocky) N/A N N/A N Y N Whale / dolphin / seal watching Y N Y N Y N (section 4.4) Wreck diving N/A N N/A N N/A N
Note: The use of chainsaws and generators is prohibited within the parks. Key: Y Permitted, subject to overlay prescriptions and conditions prescribed by legislation, permits or elsewhere in the plan, as indicated. N Not permitted. N/A Not applicable.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 1 3
4 STRATEGIES FOR NATURAL VALUES CONSERVATION
tide dominated morphology, shaped by the ebb 4.1 Geological and and flow of the tides. When the sea level rose, geomorphological features waves swept sand in from the sea floor. The landforms of the parks are intrinsic In the northern parts of the bay, saltmarsh and elements of Country for the Traditional mangroves have stabilised foreshore areas. As Owners and are significant for Indigenous muddy sediment accreted, the saltmarsh and communities. mangrove have built a terrace upward and Western Port lies on part of a tectonic outward in front of an early Holocene coastline depression: the Western Port sunk land extends that developed 6000 years ago. The coastline from Koo Wee Rup between the Mornington lies along the inner edge of the saltmarshes Peninsula and the South Gippsland highlands. along the shores of Quail Island and Chinaman The Western Port region is covered by a basalt Island and the Northern shores of French plateau laid down during the Eocene; the many Island. rivers that cross the region have cut broad The mangroves within Yaringa Marine valleys through the plateau, which was forced National Park act as a land-building agent and down by tectonic movement. The sunk land sedimentation has proceeded more rapidly in has raised formations in the centre that form the mangrove fringe than on the saltmarshes French Island, Phillip Island, and Churchill behind the mangroves while the level of the Island. The coastline and geological features of mudflats oscillated. Similar mangrove-fringed Western Port were modified by coastal saltmarshes are extending around Quail Island processes including erosion, deposition, wave and Chinaman Island, where they enclose low action, and marine submergence, which left undulating areas of quartzose dune sand. Miocene and Pleistocene marine deposits during high sea level phases. Bungower Point, adjacent to Yaringa Marine National Park, is a relict multiple recurved Mud accumulated during the Pleistocene and sand spit that lies inland of the broad saltmarsh Holocene consists of shelly deposits, organic and mangrove area on the western side of matter and silt and clay derived from in- Watsons Inlet and is of State significance washed river sediment reworked by waves and (Rosengren 1984). The spit was formed before tidal currents and fine gravel material derived the development of the mangrove and from the clayed mantle of older volcanics and saltmarsh fringe and the onset of muddy outcrops around and beneath the bay. sedimentation and indicates hydrological and During the late Pleistocene low sea levels sea level changes in Western Port. exposed Western Port as a lowland; the Bass French Island, adjacent to French Island River incised its channel across this lowland to Marine National Park, consists of a broad ridge flow out of the eastern entrance of Western of Cretaceous rock bordered and overlain by Port at San Remo and the small streams from Tertiary sands and clays with a fringe of older the Koo Wee Rup swamp flowed along the volcanics and extensive areas of Pleistocene valleys of the lowlands across to the western quartzose dunes. Mudflats surround outcrops entrance to Western Port. The Koo Wee Rup of weathered basalt and spreads of ferruginous swamplands extended as far as French Island gravel and sand piled up by wave action into leaving freshwater peat and black clay deposits ridges, bordered by scrub-covered sand and on the northern shore of French Island. mangroves. The northern coast of French Apart from a few cliffs Western Port consists Island is vegetated by saltmarsh and mangrove mainly of spits and saltmarshes with a seaward up to 1 km wide. Large depressions in the fringe of mangroves, fronted by extensive saltmarsh have created the Duck Splash, a tidal mudflats with patchy seagrass cover and some lagoon fed by inflowing creeks. sandy and rocky beaches. At low tide the water Barrallier Island, on the northern coast of subsides and exposes extensive mudflats with French Island and within French Island Marine creeks that drain into a deeper network of National Park, is a small depositional island dendritic channels. The floor of the bay has a built of gravels derived from ferruginous
14 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for natural values conservation sandstone and is of regional importance as one significance to the Traditional Owners and of the small gravelly islands in Western Port. protect them from damaging or Configuration of these islands changes in inappropriate activities (sections 5.1 and response to weather influences (Rosengren 8.2). 1984). • Consider and respect the significance of Churchill Island, adjacent to Churchill Island landforms to the Traditional Owners in Marine National Park, is an embayed hilly interpreting the parks and implementing island of weathered Older Volcanics basalt and management actions (sections 4.5, 5.1, 6.1 tuff. The shallow strait between Churchill and 8.2). Island and Newhaven is basalt overlain by mudflats. The shorelines of Churchill Island 4.2 Catchment and water quality illustrate many of the characteristics of the The parks lie within the Western Port northern coast of Phillip Island. They are Catchment of the Port Phillip and Western Port indicative of a higher sea level and are of Catchment Region, under the jurisdiction of regional significance (Rosengren 1984). the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment The bay to the south of Churchill Island, and Management Authority (section 8.3). The Swan Bay around to Long Point in Churchill catchment has an area of 343 000 ha and a Island Marine National Park, are lined with population of 225 000 people. Dairying, mangrove fringed saltmarsh and mangroves grazing, and horticulture are the main backed by low bluffs to successive partly agricultural purposes and use 42% of the cliffed promontories of weathered basalt and catchment. The catchment is a significant area tuff at Chambers Point, Pleasant Point and for tourism and recreation. Indigenous Long Point. The active and relict cliffs of vegetation covers 22% of the catchment, and Swan Corner within Swan Bay are of regional the coastline and forested hills of the upper significance for their unusual sequence of catchment support natural vegetation areas. bluffs and cliffs, and the coastline between Increased urban growth in the catchment Chambers Point and Long Point is of State surrounding Western Port is planned for the significance for features that suggest a higher near future. The Victorian Government’s Holocene sea level (Rosengren 1984). Melbourne 2030 (DSE 2005) strategy designates five growth areas into which future Aim development on Melbourne’s outer edges will • Protect features of geological and be channelled. The South Eastern Growth geomorphological significance from the Corridor – an area that will in the future impacts of human activity. accommodate up to one-third of Melbourne’s population and is destined to face huge growth Management strategies over the next 20 years – will extend out to • Minimise visitor and management impacts Pakenham and Cranbourne. Management of on sites of geological and the impacts of increasing urban growth and geomorphological significance. potential impacts on natural values of Western Port is critical for the long-term health of the • Protect geological and landform features parks. by prohibiting the construction of sea walls and groynes within the parks. The Western Port catchment contains seven water supply catchments that together supply • Work with DSE and adjacent land 73 900 ML of water annually for domestic, managers to minimise impacts on the industrial, and agricultural use. The catchment parks of any future coastal modification or has historically received over the past 150 beach renourishment in adjacent areas years an average of approximately 750 mm in (section 7.2). yearly rainfall along the coast and 1200 mm in
• Encourage research into geological and the northern highlands. Groundwater is also an landform features within the parks. important resource in the catchment with 18 830 ML licensed annually for domestic and • Encourage research to identify agricultural use. Western Port receives geomorphological features of special
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 15 Strategies for natural values conservation drainage water from the Mornington Peninsula Yaringa Marine National Park north of and from the Western Port Catchment. Bungower Rd in Watsons Inlet.
Lowlands in the Western Port hinterland were Watsons Creek has a catchment area of 6900 once largely covered by the Koo Wee Rup ha and runs through predominantly semi-rural swamp. With settlement, the swamp was agricultural and urban areas with some drained for agricultural use and, as a result, commercial land use before it discharges into many of the waterways in the lower catchment Yaringa Marine National Park. A number of are mostly made up of channelised drains. tributaries flow into Watsons Creek. The water Waterways within the catchment flow through quality of Watsons Creek is poor with high areas of urban development and agriculture nutrient levels (Melbourne Water 2004). The including dairying, grazing, and horticulture. Watsons Creek Waterway Management Activity Plan (Melbourne Water 2003) The main waterways draining into Western identifies the key issues for the waterway and Port are East Creek, Stony Creek, Manton provides a framework for complementary Creek, Warrangine Creek, Watsons Creek, management and coordination between Langwarrin Creek, Bunyip Main Drain, management authorities. Bunyip River, Lang Lang River, Cardinia Creek, Yallock Creek, and the Bass River. Key issues for Watsons Creek and its There are no waterways discharging directly tributaries include the protection of threatened into French Island Marine National Park or flora and fauna, damage to water quality in Churchill Island Marine National Park. intensive agricultural regions, stormwater run- Watsons Creek discharges directly into the off, the continued extension of the sewerage northern end of Yaringa Marine National Park. system, lack of habitat and loss of vegetation along the edge of the waterways.
Catchment influences The impacts of European settlement including The parks are influenced by activities within land clearing, draining of the Koo Wee Rup the catchment. These activities have the swamp and construction of channels across the potential to cause detrimental impacts on the swamp have led to an increase in catchment natural values and water quality of the parks. erosion and in the efficiency of sediment The increase in agriculture, industrialisation delivery into Western Port, forever changing and urbanisation has increased activities and the nature and delivery of sediment to Western their impacts within the catchment. Potentially Port. The channels deliver an increased threatening activities and processes within the sediment and nutrient load from increasing catchment include waterway discharge, urban development and agricultural run-off, stormwater run-off, seepage from unsewered particularly during high rainfall events, leading townships, agricultural run-off (nutrients and to higher turbidity levels in Western Port. herbicides), oil and chemical spills, Deposited sediments are subject to dispersal contamination of groundwater, poor land and entrainment by tides, waves and wind management practices, increasing urban forces. Sediment delivered to the Northern development and associated recreational Arm is transported clockwise around the pressures and land clearance. These potentially embayment. Increased turbidity can lead to threatening processes can be short term or long increased siltation and deposition and term and deliver pollutants including potentially impact on hydrodynamic processes sediments and nutrients, micro-organisms, as well as marine flora and fauna, in particular toxic organics, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, sensitive seagrass beds through increased light oils and surfactants as well as litter and debris. attenuation and smothering.
Many pollutants enter the parks via waterway The Western Port Sediment Study (Wallbrink discharge. The clockwise flow of water and et al. 2003) found that persistent high turbidity slow flushing time in the northern and eastern in Western Port arises from daily reworking parts of Western Port (section 4.3) may and re-suspension of fine sediment by tidal, magnify the impacts of any oil spills (section wind and wave action. The study identified 7.2) and pollutants lowering the water quality that the dominant catchment source of the fine in the parks. Discharge from Watsons Creek, sediment is subsoil from channel and gully managed by Melbourne Water, flows into erosion of the Bunyip and Lang Lang river
16 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for natural values conservation systems. The study also identified the need for Stormwater is discharged directly into Yaringa rehabilitation and stabilisation programs to Marine National Park via tributaries that enter reduce catchment erosion. Watsons Creek and into waters adjacent to Churchill Island Marine National Park. Increased nutrients enter Western Port via Stormwater discharged into the waters of waterway discharge, seepage from unsewered Western Port outside the boundaries of the townships, stormwater run-off and agricultural parks may indirectly impact on the water run-off. High nutrient inputs provide quality and natural values of the parks. To conditions conducive to algal blooms and manage stormwater discharge with the City of increased epiphyte growth, which may also Casey (CoC 2004), Cardinia Shire Council smother seagrass beds and increase light (CSC 2001), Mornington Peninsula Shire attenuation. High levels of turbidity, (MPS 2002) and Bass Coast Shire Council sedimentation, and blooms of epiphytic algae (BCSC 2003a) have developed Stormwater are considered to be significant factors linked Management Plans to implement the to the decline of seagrass. The continued environmental objectives outlined in the State decline of seagrass is a major concern for the Environment Protection Policy (Waters of management of the Marine National Parks in Victoria). Western Port (section 4.4). A reduction in the levels of turbidity, sediments and nutrients in Western Port is protected by the State Western Port would contribute to the Environment Protection Policy 1970 (Waters protection of the natural values of the parks. of Victoria) (Schedule F8 –Waters of Western Port and Catchment 2001), which applies to all The Western Port Research Coordination surface waters of Western Port and its Project was initiated through stakeholder catchment including the marine environment concern regarding the threat of human and aims to provide a coordinated approach for activities (direct or indirect) upon the ecology the protection and, where necessary, and function in Western Port. The project aims rehabilitation of the health of Victoria’s water to create a coordinated and cooperative environments. approach to address the impacts to, and management of, Western Port via Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 identification of priority research needs. Stage (Vic.), littering and the discharge of wastes 1 of the project was commissioned to from vessels is illegal. Litter in the parks may synthesise existing science describing the be derived from shopping centres, urbanised Western Port marine environment to provide a and industrial areas and transported through holistic representation of the important stormwater systems, rivers and waterways, processes and elements of this ecosystem. discarded from vessels within or near the parks, or discarded by visitors to the parks and Stormwater and litter adjacent areas. Litter discarded by recreational Urbanised areas are extensively covered by fishers from vessels or from nearby piers may impervious surfaces, creating an unnatural also enter the parks. More information about amount of run-off. Stormwater systems have the sources of litter is required to develop been developed to channel the run-off into targeted preventative programs. Litter may waterways and the marine environment to have to be collected from shorelines to prevent minimise the risk of flooding. Stormwater has injury to people and animals, and the the potential to negatively impact on the water recirculation of litter into the marine quality and subsequently the natural values of environment. The State Environment the parks through the inputs of pollutants and Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) requires freshwater inputs. Stormwater can deliver operators of vessels to install effective waste- pollutants, including sediments and nutrients, containment facilities on board the vessel to micro-organisms, toxic organics, heavy metals, avoid the disposal of wastes or sewage from oils and surfactants, as well as litter and debris, vessels (section 6.3). into the parks. Stormwater and pollutant inputs The health of the parks and the adjacent local including litter into Western Port are likely to environments can be improved through the increase with the development of the South implementation of a Neighbourhood Eastern Growth Corridor. Environment Improvement Plan (NEIP).
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 17 Strategies for natural values conservation
NEIPs are action plans developed in • Liaise with the Western Port Research partnership by all parts of the community and Coordination project to encourage water administered by EPA Victoria under the quality testing within the parks and Environment Protection Act. They are adjacent areas and to ensure that the designed to address environmental issues of parks values are given due consideration. importance to the community at a local scale and build on and support other efforts to • Work with the City of Casey, Cardinia protect Victoria's environment (section 8.3). Shire Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire and Bass Coast Shire Council, The proximity of the parks to the Port of Melbourne Water and EPA Victoria to Hastings and commercial shipping activities minimise the impacts of stormwater and (section 7.2) and its use by recreational vessels achieve water quality levels consistent make it vulnerable to oil or chemical spills. with SEPP objectives. Responses to marine pollution incidents often require a diverse range of skills and resources • Seek alternative stormwater treatment involving coordination between different including the removal of stormwater agencies (section 8.3). As the manager of 70% drains emptying into Western Port near of Victoria’s coastal areas, Parks Victoria the parks and seek the installation of gross plays a significant support role in the response pollutant traps on remaining stormwater drains. to marine pollution incidents. The responsibilities for responding to emergency • Seek amendment to the City of Casey, incidents in Victoria and Victorian waters are Cardinia Shire Council, Mornington outlined in the Emergency Management Act Peninsula Shire, Bass Coast Shire Council 1986 (Vic.). In Victorian waters the Victorian and Melbourne Water’s stormwater Marine Pollution Contingency Plan management plans to acknowledge and (VICPLAN) (MSV 2002) outlines broad incorporate strategies to protect park response arrangements to a potential oil or values. chemical spill (section 8.3). • Liaise with the City of Casey, Mornington Aims Peninsula Shire, Cardinia Shire Council and Bass Coast Shire Council to minimise • Protect and maintain water quality within litter within the parks. Support the the parks to ensure that park values are installation of lids on bins and cigarette protected. butt bins in nearby coastal reserves.
• Minimise the impact of threatening • Investigate sources of litter within the processes from catchment-derived parks and remove accumulated litter from activities. accessible intertidal areas within the parks where necessary to ensure public safety Management strategies and to protect park values or as part of an • Liaise with Melbourne Water and Port emergency response such as to oil or Phillip and Westernport Catchment chemical spills (section 7.2). Management Authority, local government, and other relevant organisations on • Incorporate water quality and catchment catchment issues that may indirectly issues in interpretation and education influence the water quality of the parks programs and liaise with relevant agencies and the management of nearby waterways, to communicate benefits to the parks in wider community education programs. in particular Watsons Creek at Yaringa Marine National Park. • Seek the development of a NEIP for
• Liaise with Melbourne Water and Port Watsons Creek in Yaringa Marine Phillip and Westernport Catchment National Park and the neighbourhood Management Authority concerning the adjacent to Churchill Island Marine National Park. rehabilitation and stabilisation of the Bunyip and Lang Lang river systems to • Respond to marine incidents within the improve the water quality of the parks. parks in accordance with the Emergency
18 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for natural values conservation
Management Act and the Victorian Marine Western Port also receives an average of Pollution Contingency Plan (VICPLAN) 1100 ML of freshwater per day from the 17 (MSV 2002). waterways that flow into Western Port (Shapiro 1975). The channelling of 4.3 Hydrodynamics watercourses, urbanisation, and the drainage of Western Port is 680 km2 in area; 270 km2 are the Koo Wee Rup swamp for agricultural purposes have altered stream hydrology and exposed as mudflats at low tide. The total volume of Western Port at high tide is 2.9 freshwater inputs (DSE 2003). Increased run- off, extended low- or no-flow periods and million ML (Shapiro 1975). French Island lies in the centre of Western Port and Phillip Island waterway erosion from higher peak discharges have the potential to affect the parks. Other at its entrance. The position of these two potentially threatening processes to the islands affects the movement of water within Western Port. The net flow of water is in a hydrodynamics of the parks include sea level rise and altered current flows. clockwise direction around French Island, with a greater water exchange from the western Because human-induced changes to local entrance of Western Port than the eastern hydrodynamic processes could affect the entrance due to the larger width of the western values of the parks, any proposals for new entrance. infrastructure, including artificial reefs, will generally be inappropriate in Marine National The temperature in Western Port is constant, Parks or Marine Sanctuaries. Natural with very little day-to-day variation. In hydrodynamic events such as storm surges and summer the average surface water temperature regular sediment erosion or deposition are in Western Port is 21°C, and in winter 12°C. considered to be ongoing natural processes Tidal currents, wind, and waves drive the (section 4.1). circulation of water in Western Port and also control the distribution of sediment within Aim Western Port. The average difference between • Minimise impacts on the values of the high and low tide is between 2.5 m and 3 m. At parks from human-induced changes to the turn of each tide, the tidal streams take local hydrodynamic processes. time to re-establish themselves. This results in a pattern of tidal stream velocities and changes Management strategies in water level that change slowly within the first and last hours of the tidal cycle and very • Provide advice on planning applications quickly in the middle of the tidal cycle, for developments that could affect the changing as much as 18 cm every 30 minutes. hydrodynamic processes of the parks, where appropriate (section 7.2). During peak tidal flows the current can be around 1 knot although the large volumes of • Encourage research into natural and water flowing in the large channels can be as unnatural hydrodynamic processes to high as 6 knots. increase knowledge and understanding,
The open entrances of Western Port engender and evaluate research to direct future the exchange of water between Bass Strait and management of the parks. Western Port. The tidal amplitudes are 4.4 Habitats and communities microtidal and the tidal range increases progressively from the two entrances from 1.6 Victoria’s system of Marine National Parks m at Flinders to 2.2 m at Tooradin. Tidal range and Marine Sanctuaries has been established to in Western Port is the highest in Victoria. The protect a comprehensive, adequate and tides have an unequal semidiurnal pattern; the representative example of marine habitats flooding and ebbing both have a higher and within Victorian waters. Western Port is lower event per day. The average tidal volume characterised by a wide variety of marine is 1.8 million ML and the flushing time varies habitats ranging from deep channels to from days in the western entrance to months in extensive seagrass and mudflats fringed by the upper eastern arm (Hinwood 1979). mangrove and saltmarsh, all of which incorporate many microhabitats. The seagrass, saltmarsh and mangroves of Western Port are
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 19 Strategies for natural values conservation the most important source of primary mangrove stands in French Island Marine production, providing organic detritus that National Park grow as trees and shrubs up to 4 most other organisms in the ecosystem depend m tall. There are significant communities of on. mangroves on North Point and Swan Corner in Churchill Marine National Park. Indigenous people recognise natural values as an intrinsic element of Country. The diversity The saltmarsh community of Watsons Inlet and abundance of birds and marine species in and Quail Island in Yaringa Marine National the parks provided an important food source Park covers 393 ha, one-third of the park and for the Traditional Owners. is of national importance because it is floristically rich in comparison to other areas Saltmarsh and mangrove communities in Australia and relatively undisturbed. The The mangrove and saltmarsh communities of mangrove and saltmarsh vegetation zone in Western Port are often found adjacent to each Yaringa Marine National Park is exceptionally other in parallel stands. Saltmarsh plant wide, extending up to 1 km and is of State communities are generally found landward of significance as it is the least disturbed mangroves above and around the mean high mangrove and saltmarsh area on the mainland water mark, preferring to be submerged of Western Port (Plummer et al. 2003). The occasionally. The species diversity and mangrove stands in Yaringa Marine National abundance in saltmarsh communities varies Park are extensive and cover 237 ha. throughout the parks. Mangrove and saltmarsh The importance of mangrove and saltmarsh communities within the parks are significant communities in the parks is magnified by the habitat for resident and migratory shorebirds, loss of mangrove and saltmarsh communities and as a nursery habitat for invertebrates and in areas of Western Port outside the parks. fish species. The saltmarsh and mangrove Mangroves and saltmarsh in Western Port have communities filter pollutants, stabilise been reduced from clearing for coastal sediments, trap and process nutrients and developments and from impacts of decreasing protect the shoreline from erosion. water quality resulting from increased
The white mangrove (Avicennia marina subsp. catchment-related activities. The impacts of australasica) is the only species of mangrove decreasing water quality on these communities to occur in Victoria, where it reaches its most need to be monitored. The loss of these southern extent of distribution. Western Port mangrove and saltmarsh communities causes has communities of white mangrove that are an increase in erosion and turbidity. the most extensive and well developed in Key threatening processes for saltmarsh and Victoria and are considered of State mangrove communities are trampling and significance. The mangrove stands in Yaringa disturbance by visitors and boats including and French Island Marine National Parks have anchoring and propeller scour (sections 6.2, been expanded by prograding in a shoreward 6.3 and 6.5), changes in sediment deposition direction and have extended up into the creeks patterns, water flow and water quality, in running into the parks and displaced saltmarsh particular increases in nutrient levels, vegetation. The trunks and pneumatophores of herbicides, and pollution (section 4.2). mangroves provide habitat for epiphytic filamentous algae, littorinids of the genus Public access and landing and launching of Bembicium, barnacles, and blue mussels. The vessels through saltmarsh and mangrove mangrove fringes of the parks are also communities is likely to damage the fragile inhabited by crabs and at high tide gobies, intertidal vegetation through trampling and mullet, and toadfish. disturb roosting and feeding bird colonies. To prevent impacts to saltmarsh and mangrove French Island Marine National Park’s communities, a Special Protection Area mangrove and saltmarsh vegetation area is one overlay applies to the vegetated intertidal areas of the major mangrove and saltmarsh stands in of Yaringa and Churchill Island Marine Victoria and along with Yaringa Marine National Parks and within 300 m seaward of National Park is a major site to study the role the high water mark of French Island in French of mangroves in promoting sediment Island Marine National Park (table 1, figures accumulation (Plummer et al. 2003). The 2a, 2b and 2c) (sections 3.2, 6.2 and 6.3).
20 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for natural values conservation
Intertidal soft-sediment and seagrass Prior to proclamation of the parks, most communities visitors anchoring in the area were recreational Most of the intertidal mudflats within the parks anglers. As fishing is no longer permitted, the are covered by seagrass beds. Seagrass beds potential for anchoring impacts is much lower. are complex and extremely productive Nevertheless, visitor use of the parks and environments which play an important role in associated impacts of anchoring on seagrass the ecology of the parks. Seagrass beds communities will need to be monitored over provide habitat for epiphytic algae, hydroids, time (section 6.3). ascidians, diatoms and sponges, and grazing Sensitive seagrass communities within the invertebrates including many molluscs, parks are easily damaged by vessels operating crustaceans, polychaetes and crabs. Seagrass in shallow waters. Scouring of the seabed by beds stabilise the sediment and remove boat propellers and vessel groundings are dissolved nutrients from the water, forming known to have occurred within Western Port. one of the basic levels of the food chain. They Grounded vessels and propeller scouring have are important nursery areas for many fish the potential to fragment seagrass beds, including various gobies, the smooth toadfish, resulting in habitat loss, decreased pipefish, yellow eye mullet, leatherjackets, productivity, and the possibility for further King George and Blue Rock whiting and Rock erosion and degradation. Hovercraft operating flathead. at low tide over mudflats can also damage Seagrass beds cover 276 ha or one-third of exposed seagrass (section 6.3).
Yaringa Marine National Park, 1014 ha or one- Other key threatening processes for seagrass third of French Island Marine National Park communities and unvegetated intertidal and 447 ha or two-thirds of Churchill Island mudflats are changes in sediment deposition Marine National Park. These extensive beds patterns, water flow and water quality, in are made up of Heterozostera nigricaulis and particular increases in nutrient levels, are generally found with patchy areas of herbicides, and pollution (section 4.2). macro-algae. French Island Marine National Park also has sparse patches of the less Subtidal soft sediment communities common seagrass, Halophila ovalis to the east of Post Office channel in the centre of the park Subtidal soft sediments in the deep channels (Plummer et al. 2003). are diverse and nutrient-rich habitats and characteristic of Western Port. Strong currents Seagrass beds in Western Port declined by have sorted a coarser sand substrate in the deep approximately 70% between 1971 and 1985 channels than the finer muddy substrate of the (DSE 2003). The greatest loss of seagrass sheltered intertidal mudflats. The grain size occurred in intertidal areas formerly dominated and physical structure of the sediment define by Heterozostera nigricaulis. There is little the composition of species, and provide habitat knowledge of seagrass cover prior to this time. in the spaces between the sand grains for Seagrass loss occurred in intertidal areas that numerous species of infaunal invertebrates are now part of the parks. A survey in 1995 such as polychaetes, crustaceans, bivalves, and indicated that between 20 and 30% of the gastropods. Fish associated with the subtidal degraded areas had revegetated (EPA 1995). sediments and in the deep channels, include
The unvegetated mudflats support a high stingrays, gurnard perch, sand flathead, and biomass of micro-algae surface film and some gobies. fine-branched macro-algae along with a Seapens (Sarcoptilus grandis) are abundant number of molluscs including the triangular epifauna in the deep water channels with tellin, and elongated lantern shell, and many densities reaching 200/m2. Other epifaunal crustaceans including crabs and ghost shrimp, species living in the subtidal sediments include the latter known to be important in structuring gastropods, sea stars, urchins and ascidians. soft sediment communities. The mudflats are Several species of epifaunal invertebrates feeding areas for juvenile fish and gobies, including the two molluscs, the brooch shell toadfish, flounder, stingrays, flathead, and (Neotrigonia margaritacea), the Mud Ark mullet. (Anadara trapezia) and the brachiopod lamp shell (Magellania flavescens) are of interest.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 21 Strategies for natural values conservation
These species are considered ‘living fossils’ Migratory and local shorebirds due to their abundance in fossil records Western Port is an important location for local throughout the world. Today, the distribution seabirds and shorebirds to roost and feed and is of these species is limited to small populations one of the three most important areas for in southern Australia, however they are migratory waders in Victoria. It is also an abundant in Western Port. Lampshells are important drought refuge for water birds; being 2 found in densities of up to 250/m in Churchill marine it provides habitat all year round (DSE Island Marine National Park. 2003). Western Port has been recognised as a
Key threatening processes for the subtidal soft wetland of international significance under sediments of the deep channels include Article 2 of the Ramsar Convention (Ramsar, mechanical disturbance, boat groundings and Iran, 1971). The significance of Western Port propeller scouring at low tide (section 6.3), for migratory shorebirds has also been pollution and changes in sediment deposition recognised by its designation as part of the patterns, and water quality and flow (section East Asian–Australasian Shorebird Reserve Network. 4.2). Western Port supports more than 10 000 ducks Water column communities and black swans and 10 000 birds of 37 species The water column habitat of the parks is making up 12% of the total Victorian wader dominated by drifting planktonic species, population. Twenty-nine bird species listed which rely on currents for movement, under JAMBA and 31 bird species listed under nutrients, and food. Many intertidal and CAMBA regularly occur in the Western Port subtidal organisms spend the early stage of Ramsar Site. Western Port is also important as their life in the water column environment and a breeding area for the Fairy Tern, Pied currents assist the distribution of recruits back Oystercatcher, Pied Cormorant and Australian to intertidal and subtidal habitats. Common Pelican. plankton found in the water column includes The intertidal mudflats and seagrass beds of phytoplankton such as diatoms and Yaringa Marine National Park are recognised zooplankton including copepods, jellyfish, and as an area of State significance as a secondary ctenophores. A group of highly mobile free- foraging area for migratory waders, and the swimming animals including Australian surrounding saltmarsh and mangrove are of salmon, yellow-eye mullet, pilchards, regional importance for shorebirds providing anchovies, barracouta and various sharks and roosting area for waders, cormorants, herons stingrays inhabit the water column habitat of and egrets. The Orange-bellied Parrot, listed as the parks. endangered under the EPBC Act and as Bottlenose Dolphins may visit the parks, and threatened under the FFG Act, migrates other large mammals may pass nearby. All annually to coastal Victoria between March whales and dolphins are protected under the and October and has been recorded in the Wildlife Act 1975 (Vic.) and the Wildlife saltmarsh in and around Yaringa Marine (Whale) Regulations 1998 (Vic.). Under this National Park. The species is threatened by legislation the minimum approach distances loss of habitat, in particular saltmarsh feeding for whales and dolphins are 30 m for grounds, urban development, predation by swimmers and divers, 50 m for surfers and foxes and cats, agricultural practices and 100 m for recreational and commercial vessels, recreation. including personal water craft and motorised The intertidal areas of French Island Marine swimming aids. A speed limit of 5 knots also National Park are recognised as an area of applies to all vessels within 300 m of a whale national significance as a primary feeding area or dolphin. The Victorian Cetacean for migratory waders in the west, and of State Contingency Plan (NRE 1999c) details significance as a secondary feeding area to the arrangements for incident response. A Wildlife east. French Island Marine National Park also Response Plan for Oil Spills (NRE 1997a) protects major roosting sites. In the west of the guides the rescue and treatment of injured or park, Barrallier Island is a major high tide oiled wildlife. roosting site and is the only site in Western Port where Little Tern are observed. In
22 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for natural values conservation addition a few pairs of Little Penguins nest on A considerable amount of monitoring and the island. Little Penguins may be observed research has been conducted in Western Port feeding or swimming throughout the park. since the early 1970s. Western Port was Saltmarsh on the north coast of French Island extensively studied during the early 1970s provides habitat for breeding waterfowl. (Shapiro 1975) and has been surveyed systematically for waterbird abundance and The intertidal seagrass beds and mudflats of distribution since 1973 by volunteers from the Churchill Island Marine National Park are Bird Observers Club of Australia (BOCA recognised as an area of national significance 2003), Australian Wader Studies Group, as a primary feeding area for resident and Phillip Island Nature Parks and the Victorian migratory shorebirds and of State significance Wader Study Group (DSE 2003) (section 8.2). as a secondary feeding area and an important secondary roosting area for resident and Although there have been many studies in migratory shorebirds. Western Port, few studies have focused on the biota within the parks, and some knowledge Human activities including boating activities gaps remain. Major areas of research in the (section 6.3), shore-based activities (section parks includes migratory birds (Dann 1991; 6.5) and dog walking (section 6.6) can disturb 2000), mangroves and saltmarsh and breeding, roosting and feeding birds, and associated flora, fauna and ecological disturbance can result in species no longer processes (Saintilan & Rogers 2001; visiting a site, a decline in species numbers, Satumanatpan & Keough 1999; Van der Valk and low body weight in migratory birds and & Attiwill 1984), seagrass and associated ultimately pose a threat to the survival of epifauna (Campbell & Miller 2002; Blake & species. All visitors undertaking activities Ball 2001; Watson et al. 1984), spawning within the parks especially near roosting, activities (Jenkins et al. 2000), nursery areas breeding and feeding habitats can minimise (Stevens & West 1997) and invertebrate their impacts by avoiding these areas infauna (Boon et al. 1997). particularly during the breeding and migratory season, from August until March (section 6.5). Current research and ongoing monitoring is directed by the Statewide Strategy (Parks To protect roosting and feeding bird colonies a Victoria 2003b) and is targeted at collecting Special Protection Area overlay applies to the baseline biological information for the parks vegetated intertidal areas of Yaringa and that will be used to build knowledge Churchill Island Marine National Parks and understand long-term changes in population within 150 m seaward of the high water mark abundances, community structure and of Barrallier Island and within 300 m seaward ecological processes, identify threats and of the high water mark of French Island in assess and implement management strategies French Island Marine National Park (table 1, in the life of this plan. Where appropriate, figures 2a, 2b and 2c) (sections 3.2, 6.2 and research and monitoring compares areas 6.3). outside park boundaries with those inside the All species recorded within the parks listed as park. This work will assist in identifying threatened or protected by international indicator species and habitats. The results, agreements (e.g. JAMBA, CAMBA) or other available on Parks Victoria’s website, will legislation are either birds or large marine enable an assessment of the ecological mammals. This reflects the current vertebrate condition of the parks to be made. focus of threatened species management. Community monitoring programs such as the Environmental management within the parks Sea Search seagrass monitoring can also takes a habitat-based, rather than a species- provide valuable information about seagrass based approach. Management within the parks and its associated fauna. Waterbird abundance of marine ecological communities, rather than and distribution information collated by threatened species, is also likely to protect and volunteer organisations (BOCA 2003) also enhance threatened species populations. makes a valuable contribution to the Whole-of-habitat management may also result monitoring of the parks and other management in the protection of species not yet identified programs (section 8.2). because of their rarity, cryptic nature, or lack of search effort.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 23 Strategies for natural values conservation
All forms of extraction, including shellfish • Map habitats at scales suitable for removal, spearfishing, and recreational and management purposes and maintain and commercial fishing, are prohibited within the support an appropriate long-term habitat parks. Aquaculture and the feeding of animals, monitoring program as part of a relevant including fish and birds, are not permitted in statewide marine habitat mapping and the parks. monitoring program.
• Implement priority actions from approved Aims action statements or recovery plans to • Protect marine ecological communities and address threats to threatened species or indigenous flora and fauna, and allow communities listed under the Flora and natural processes to continue. Fauna Guarantee and Environment
• Improve knowledge of marine ecological Protection and Biodiversity Conservation communities, flora and fauna and Acts.
threatening processes to improve • Work with seabird and shorebird management, protection and appreciation. conservation organisations to support seabird and shorebird monitoring Management strategies programs within the parks. • Manage visitor activities to protect • Encourage research to identify Indigenous migratory and resident shorebird roosting knowledge relating to communities and and feeding habitat and sensitive intertidal species (sections 5.1 and 8.2). and seagrass habitat from impacts from boating, trampling and dogs (sections 6.1, • Reflect Indigenous knowledge of marine 6.3, 6.5, 6.6 and 8.3). life in management practices as appropriate, and ensure that their • Establish a Sea Search (community-based significance to the Traditional Owners is monitoring) program to monitor the respected in all management and visitor condition of seagrass communities which activities. helps to detect any loss of seagrass communities within the parks and adjacent • Liaise with the City of Casey, Mornington areas (section 8.2). Peninsula Shire and Bass Coast Shire Council to minimise the impacts of • Regularly assess the impact of anchoring development of the adjacent foreshore on and propeller scour on seagrass the natural values of the parks. communities within the parks, and implement actions as necessary to reduce • Ensure all visitors comply with the impacts (section 6.3). National Parks Act and National Parks (Park) Regulations, Wildlife Act, Fisheries • Encourage research into the causes of Act and Wildlife (Whale) Regulations seagrass dieback and the impacts of when observing marine life. increased nutrients, sediments and pollution on seagrass communities. • Respond to cetacean incidents in accordance with the Victorian Cetacean • Ensure all sightings of marine flora and Contingency Plan (section 8.3). fauna are recorded on the Parks Victoria
Environmental Information System and 4.5 Landscape and seascape DSE statewide databases. The seascape and landscape to and from • Identify and encourage research into key Western Port, Phillip Island, French Island, threatening processes and major and the Mornington Peninsula are outstanding, knowledge gaps. with visual qualities and environmental • Undertake regular risk assessment and attractions that invoke strong aesthetic assess the major threats to habitats and appreciation within the community. The communities, and review management National Trust of Australia (Victoria) has programs as appropriate. classified the French Island and Churchill Island and Swan Bay landscapes and seascapes in recognition of their significance.
24 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for natural values conservation
The landscape and seascape of the parks are Guidelines for the Victorian Coast (VCC intrinsic elements of Country for the 1998) provides guidelines to assist in the Traditional Owners and are significant for protection of coastal landscape values (section Indigenous communities. The natural beauty of 7.2). these protected areas and surrounds are the Local Council planning schemes regulate basis of a treasured lifestyle for local residents developments on the adjacent foreshore to and an integral part of its attraction for visitors. protect the parks’ landscapes (section 7.2). Landscape character types are used to broadly Coastal developments on the foreshore also characterise different landscape types (DSE require permission from the Secretary to DSE 2006). Churchill Island Marine National Park under the Coastal Management Act (section is within Landscape Character Type 1.2: 8.3). Phillip Island Northern Coast, and is located in coastal landscapes of regional significance Aims (DSE 2006). Further details about landscape • Protect landscape and seascape values management objectives and guidelines are within the parks. provided in the Municipal Reference Document for the area. The landscape • Minimise visual impacts on the seascape character of the Melbourne metropolitan area and landscape, including management including the areas around Yaringa and French activities, and ensure any future Island Marine National Parks was not assessed. developments are sensitively integrated with their natural settings. The area around Yaringa Marine National Park is characterised by an open lower coastal plain Management strategies with intertidal mudflats at the edge, and saltmarshes and mangroves that extend from • Ensure that external agencies that have Sandy Point north to Quail Island and east to potential to affect landscape values Stockyard Point. The north-west area from consider their importance in planning and managing their activities (section 7.2). Hastings to Tooradin is of high visual significance, because of the natural coastal • Respect the significance of landscape to vegetation, including mangroves, and its the Traditional Owners, and consider the importance for wildlife conservation. significance in planning and implementing
The landscape around French Island Marine management activities, interpretation and National Park is unique as a large, relatively education programs (sections 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 unspoilt natural feature close to Melbourne and and 8.2). is of a sedimentary nature with gentle rolling 4.6 Marine and other pests landscape and a low and largely vegetated coastline of saltmarshes, and mangroves with Over 100 exotic marine species are known to intertidal mudflats. have become established in Victorian marine
The coastline of Swan Bay within Churchill waters (Hewitt et al. 1999). Some have become Island Marine National Park includes several marine pests. While 18 exotic species have areas of significant mangroves and saltmarsh been identified in Western Port (Parry & with some small sections of stony outcrops and Cohen 2001), evidence suggests that only 12 cliffs, and Churchill Island is a small knoll, of these species have established self- with a mixture of indigenous and exotic sustaining populations in Western Port. Currie vegetation. The historic significance of the and Crookes (1997) identified seven exotic entry to Western Port at the eastern end species in the Port of Hastings. Although the (section 5.2) is notable. parks have not been thoroughly surveyed, no exotic marine species have been recorded to The coastal areas of Western Port are attractive date. and remote, although subject to the impact of holiday house development taking advantage Marine pests can have a devastating impact on of the visual setting, proximity to the Marine National Parks and Marine metropolitan area, sheltered bay beaches and Sanctuaries. The introduction of marine pests ocean beaches and cliffs. Siting and Design into Victorian waters is listed as a potentially threatening process on Schedule 3 of FFG Act.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 25 Strategies for natural values conservation
Victoria’s management priorities in relation to Parks Victoria actively supports the protocol marine pests are set out in the relevant FFG by adopting best practice within the Action Statement (NRE 1999a). organisation and educating and informing the community about prevention measures. Prevention of marine pest invasions is the most effective management option. Prevention Vessel-cleaning and maintenance guidelines to involves reducing the likelihood that a pest help prevent the spread of marine pests (DSE will be introduced to the parks. In a very 2004) aim to reduce the risk of spreading limited number of cases, with specific criteria, marine introduced pests by providing practical control measures may be attempted for solutions for vessel operators to facilitate established pest populations generally as part cleaning gear and hulls. Supporting initiatives of a coordinated regional or national response. include Cleaner Marinas: EPA Guidelines for The early detection and rapid response of Protecting Victoria’s Marinas (EPA 1998). removing immature Undaria pinnatifida Parks Victoria Rangers, Fisheries Victoria sporophytes growing near Flinders pier was Fisheries Officers, community-based successful preventing its spread into Western organisations (e.g. dive clubs), and visitors Port (Parry & Cohen 2001). However, play an important role in the monitoring and experience elsewhere has shown that proposals early detection of marine introduced pests in to control established marine pests need to the parks (section 8.2). consider fully their likely effectiveness. Terrestrial plant pest species can be a problem The interconnectedness of the marine in parts of the intertidal areas within the parks. environment and the ability of many marine Spartina anglica, commonly known as cord or pests to migrate over long distances mean that rice grass, is a serious threat to estuaries and control measures may be feasible only in coastal environments; it is an introduced pest limited circumstances. For example, using plant and is declared as a noxious aquatic techniques that are successful on land, such as species under the Fisheries Act 1995 (Vic.). physical removal by hand, might make the Spartina thrives near sources of fresh water situation worse, as some marine pests and has the ability to spread rapidly, choking regenerate fully from fragments dislodged estuaries and bays and causing sediment during removal. Where implemented, control accretion, channelisation and altered measures will meet national guidelines for hydrology. Spartina is established around the managing marine pests. Because of the entrance of the Bass River in Western Port. possibility of misidentifications or Once established, Spartina has the potential to exacerbation of the pest problem, control spread up to 500 m from shore on open measures will need to be part of authorised mudflats within the parks (Hamilton 2001). programs. In some cases, further nationally Active management of Spartina strands within coordinated research is required into control Western Port is required. measures. Domestic and feral cats and foxes from areas Victorian marine pest emergency management near the parks can kill birds and other native arrangements (Interim Victorian Protocol for animals that use the intertidal area. The Managing Exotic Marine Organism negative effect of both domestic and feral cats Incursions) (NRE 1999b) will form the basis on wildlife is well documented. Domestic for responding to new introductions and animals including cattle from adjoining farms, existing incursions of marine pests. The rabbits, feral goats and pigs have the potential adoption of the Waste Management Policy to damage and degrade the intertidal area from (Ships’ Ballast Water) (EPA 2004) for trampling and eating vegetation, and Victorian waters will help reduce the risk of potentially threaten fragile saltmarsh and marine pest incursions from ships’ ballast mangrove vegetation in the parks. This risk water (section 7.2). Emergency responses to can be reduced through the fencing of private marine pest outbreaks in Victoria are managed property boundaries and implementing pest as part of agreed national arrangements for animal control programs. marine pest emergencies. The Consultative Committee for Introduced Marine Pest Emergencies provides national oversight.
26 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for natural values conservation
Aims • Avoid translocation or new introductions • Minimise the risk of introduction of by promoting boat-cleaning protocols for marine pests by human activities, and their all recreational boats and contractors subsequent establishment in the parks. (section 6.3) in accordance with the DSE brochure ‘Aquatic Pests: Treat ’em mean • Establish arrangements for the detection of – keep your boat clean’. new incursions within the parks in support of Victorian marine pest management • Ensure that management vessels operating arrangements. in the parks are maintained according to Victorian Government boat-cleaning • Implement national or Victoria-wide protocols (DSE 2004). control arrangements as they relate to the parks. • Include boat-cleaning protocols in contracts, licences or permits of • Control terrestrial pest plants and animals contracted vessels, research vessels, and and minimise the impacts of control commercial and licensed tour operator programs on the parks. vessels operating in the parks.
Management strategies • Ensure that any new marine infrastructure within the parks is treated to remove any • Support DSE in educating Parks Victoria marine pests. staff, Fisheries Victoria Officers and the community to identify marine pests. • Encourage recreational divers to adopt protocols to ensure that diving equipment • Encourage friends and community groups, is clean (section 6.4). programs including Sea Search volunteers, researchers, licensed tour operators, and • Encourage research into marine pests and contractors to integrate the identification the development of control programs for of marine pests into their activities and to marine pests. report any sightings. • Continue integrated terrestrial pest plant • Ensure that the detection of marine pests is and animal control program, support reported in accordance with Victorian pest programs with adjacent land managers, management arrangements and recorded and coordinate programs conducted by on Parks Victoria’s Environmental volunteers. Information System and other relevant • Liaise with coastal land managers to databases. coordinate Spartina control programs. • Manage all pest incursions in accordance with the Interim Victorian Protocol (NRE • Encourage adjacent landowners to establish or maintain boundary fencing. 1999b) (section 8.3).
• Establish an ongoing program to minimise • Encourage the City of Casey, Cardinia the risk of marine pest introduction and Shire, Mornington Peninsula Shire, and subsequent spread that addresses Bass Coast Shire Council to implement cat improving the understanding of the curfew by-laws in residential areas near potential means of introduction and spread Churchill Island Marine National Park and formalising arrangements for and Yaringa Marine National Park. prevention, reporting, monitoring and response.
• Undertake authorised pest programs only where research indicates that control or eradication is feasible and likely to be effective or as part of a coordinated regional or national response.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 27
5 STRATEGIES FOR CULTURAL VALUES CONSERVATION
Physical conflicts, new diseases and the 5.1 Indigenous cultural heritage reduction in food resources associated with Indigenous tradition indicates that the parks European settlement, and warring with the are part of Country of Boonwurrung. neighbouring Gunai/Kurnai clans, dramatically Indigenous communities have a long reduced the Boonwurrung population. Clans association with the coastal areas around found it difficult to maintain their way of life Western Port. Western Port and the and in many places were evicted from their surrounding region were rich in food sources land. However, the Boonwurrung still have for Indigenous people, and artefacts and strong associations with the parks. middens along the coast and inland indicate There are no known Indigenous places or that the Boonwurrung have inhabited the area objects within the parks. However Indigenous for at least 6000 years and provide an places and objects are expected to be present. important chronological record of life. At the No research to identify Indigenous places or end of the last glacial phase, about 6000 years objects within the parks has been undertaken. ago, the sea level rose to flood Bass Strait and the sunk land of Western Port where All Aboriginal places, objects and Aboriginal Indigenous communities once hunted animals human remains are protected under the and collected food. The Boonwurrung visited Aboriginal Heritage Act (section 2.5). It is an the islands in Western Port using canoes offence to damage, interfere with or endanger constructed from bark to hunt and collect eggs. an Aboriginal place, object or human remains except in accordance with a Cultural Heritage The Boonwurrung and four other wurrungs Management Plan developed with the relevant (language groups) form the federation group Registered Aboriginal Party or where there is Kulin Nation, which occupied an area covering no Registered Aboriginal Party with the most of central Victoria. The Boonwurrung’s Department of Victorian Communities (DVC). Country extends through the Port Phillip and Western Port area from the Werribee River in Issues relating to the protection of Aboriginal the west to the Tarwin River in South cultural heritage are approached in accordance Gippsland. with this Act. Issues relating to native title are dealt with according to the Native Title Act Three of the six clans that made up the (section 2.5). Boonwurrung language group inhabited the coast and inland areas around Western Port. The Boonwurrung lived as hunters and Aims gatherers and seasonal changes in the • Protect Aboriginal places and objects from availability in food determined where the clans interference or damaging activities. travelled and set up campsites. • Respect the views of the Traditional Although the clans moved around to hunt and Owners in managing the parks. gather shellfish from the reefs and collect fresh water from rock wells, they essentially Management strategies inhabited a particular area. The Burinyung- • Protect Aboriginal places and objects from Bulluk clan frequented the coastal area from disturbance and damage in partnership Point Nepean to Hastings. The women of the with the relevant Registered Aboriginal Burinyung-Bulluk clan and from other Party and DVC (section 8.3), and in Boonwurrung clans gathered at Point Nepean - accordance with: a spiritual place for women. • relevant legislation including the The Mayone-Balluk inhabited the coastal and Aboriginal Heritage Act inland areas between Port Phillip and Western Port, and the Yallock-Balluk inhabited the • relevant cooperative management agreements coastal and inland areas around the north and east of Western Port. • Parks Victoria’s Guidelines for Working with Aboriginal Communities
28 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for cultural values conservation
and Protection of Cultural Sites (Parks In 1802 a French scientific expedition led by Victoria 2002). Captain Nicholas Baudin circumnavigated Western Island and named it Ile de Françoise • Respect the views of the Traditional (Island of the French people), now Anglicised Owners and the cultural obligations of and known as French Island. French Captain Indigenous communities. Dumont d’Urville also extensively surveyed • Assess annual park programs to integrate Western Port in1826 aboard the L’Astrolabe. relevant Indigenous practices and The results of the L’Astrolabe voyage minimise the potential for impact of park produced a very thorough survey of the flora management activities on Aboriginal and fauna of the land and sea, the soils, the cultural heritage, in consultation relevant availability of water and wood and evidence of Registered Aboriginal Party. Indigenous occupation.
• Maintain confidentiality in respect of By 1826 sealers and escaped convicts had Indigenous cultural obligations, settled in Western Port. New South Wales knowledge, places, objects and Governors established a settlement in Western aspirations, in accordance with the views Port in 1826. The colonists landed alongside a of the relevant Registered Aboriginal sealers settlement near Rhyll and began to Party (sections 6.1 and 8.2). establish a settlement, but eventually chose to settle on a site just east of today’s Corinella. • Where appropriate, encourage research into the Indigenous cultural heritage Bark collectors sailed over from Tasmania to relating to the parks in collaboration with collect wattle bark from the black wattles the relevant Registered Aboriginal Party growing in the coastal areas of Western Port and in liaison with AAV (section 8.3). Use for use in the tanning of leather. Western Port results to target protection and other continued to be inhabited by sealers and management activities (sections 6.1, 6.2, whalers, and the local Indigenous population. 7.1 and 7.2). Western Port was a major base for sealers until the 1840s, by which time seal populations • Work with the relevant Registered were almost depleted and sealing became Aboriginal Party to assess and identify uneconomical. Indigenous cultural heritage suitable for promotion and interpretation (sections 6.1 William and John Gardiner were the first and 8.2). settlers on French Island in 1850. French Island was briefly used for salt mining, and 5.2 Maritime and other cultural chicory was first grown on the island in the heritage 1890s. Over 30 drying kilns were located on the island, some adjacent to the park. The On a voyage from Port Jackson, Bass and a McLeod Prison Farm opened in 1916 as a volunteer crew aboard an open whaleboat reformatory for prisoners. In 1975 it became a entered and named Western Port in 1798. Bass children’s’ adventure camp, before closing in also named Snapper Island, later named Phillip 1987 and being sold as surplus land in 1996, Island, in 1797. In 1801 Lieutenant James eventually to be used as an organic farm. Grant, aboard the Lady Nelson, took refuge in Western Port against bad weather. Grant and a Samuel Pickersgill and his family were the fellow crew member Ensign Francis Barrallier, first settlers on Churchill Island in 1856. spent two months exploring Western Port. Pickersgill was dispossessed in 1866 by Grant named Churchill Island after John Cornishman John Rogers, who took out a Churchill Esq. of Dawlish in Devon and Crown Land Lease. Rogers sold his lease to planted Victoria’s first garden and grain crop Samuel Amess, who later became the Lord on Churchill Island. Grant also named the Mayor of Melbourne. Amess was also a large central island Western Island and the member of the Acclimatisation Society of lower island Grant’s Island, later renaming it Victoria and stocked the island with hares, Phillip Island in honour of Captain Arthur quail, pheasants, rabbits, and highland cattle.
Phillip, Governor of New South Wales. Phillip Island was described by early explorers as useless country with a poor water supply
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 29
Strategies for cultural values conservation
and unsuitable vegetation for milling. In 1842 plans were shelved following a very John McHaffie and his brother took out a pre- comprehensive study (Shapiro 1975), which emptive right to occupy the ‘Waste Lands of recommended French Island be preserved. The the Crown known as Phillip Island’. McHaffie Government decreed it a State Park, keeping bred cattle, sheep, and horses, including its options open for forestry or other Woolama, the winner of the 1875 Melbourne developments. Following further urging by Cup. McHaffie was also a member of the locals and land managers, the Government Acclimatisation Society of Victoria and created a National Park extending over two- considered Phillip Island to be an ideal thirds of the island in 1997. Several years location to breed foreign species. After his earlier, a planning scheme was accepted, success breeding hares on Phillip Island, the forbidding any new land sub-divisions less society began distributing hares to other parts than 100 acres (40 hectares). of Victoria. Heritage Victoria has primary responsibility Other settlers were granted the right to occupy for the management of shipwrecks and other Phillip Island, however their success was maritime artefacts within the parks. Parks variable due to the unfavourable conditions on Victoria has established a Memorandum of the island. In the early 1900s guest houses on Understanding with Heritage Victoria, which Phillip Island became popular with holiday- identifies respective roles and responsibilities makers and visitors flocked by train from with regard to protection and interpretation of Melbourne to the ferry to Phillip Island at shipwrecks, shipwreck artefacts and other Stony Point. In the late 1920s visitors began to archaeological sites within the boundaries of visit Phillip Island to see the unusual parade of Marine National Parks and Marine Little Penguins coming ashore to their burrows Sanctuaries. at dusk. The popularity of this phenomenon Although there are no known shipwrecks has increased and today over 500 000 people within the parks there are several ships known visit the parade annually. to have been lost in Western Port. There are no Many privately owned boats and official registered historic heritage places or relics ferries used the waters of Western Port to ferry within the parks. passengers, goods and livestock between the A number of local environmental and islands, the mainland and also to Melbourne community groups and individuals, residents via Port Phillip. When the train line to Stony and the education and research community Point was completed in 1889, regular ferry maintain strong historical associations with the services to French Island and Phillip Island parks. Parks Victoria respects the community’s began. In 1940 the bridge from San Remo to traditional and historical associations with the Newhaven was opened. parks. Western Port has provided anchorage for big Places of historic and cultural significance are ships including the Queen Mary, large naval managed in accordance with the Burra Charter ships, and large commercial vessels that can of Australia ICOMOS and the provisions of enter the port on any tide to access the the Heritage Act 1995 (Vic.). refineries. Western Port’s potential to contain a naval base was noted by Lieutenant James Aims Grant in 1801, but it was not until 1912 that the Federal Government established the Naval • Conserve and protect places and values of Base, HMAS Cerberus. historic and cultural significance.
In the late 1960s, the Government came very • Encourage learning and understanding close to approving development plans that about historic heritage of the parks. would have made French Island a major industrial site. This included an international Management strategies airport, a causeway to Tooradin, a bauxite mill • Document history of past use and activity (aluminium smelter), factories, housing for in the parks and adjoining coastal area, over 3000 people, a toxic waste plant, and a and protect any historic places and objects nuclear power station. Fortunately, at the that maybe discovered from damaging or urging of environmentally aware locals, these inappropriate activities.
30 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for cultural values conservation
• Cooperate with and support Heritage • Include historic heritage information in Victoria’s maritime heritage research education, information and interpretation programs. programs for the parks (section 6.1).
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 31
6 STRATEGIES FOR VISITORS
employed to complement boundary markers, 6.1 Information, education and signage, and publications. interpretation Yellow onshore triangles mark the point where Providing information, interpretation and the park boundary intersects with the coast. education can help orientate and inform The triangles point towards the Marine visitors, increase visitor enjoyment and National Park, and in-water ‘Special Marks’ satisfaction, foster an understanding and (yellow cross) on piles and yellow buoys appreciation of the parks’ special natural and define the water boundary of the parks (section cultural values, build understanding of 7.2 and figures 2a, 2b and 2c). Special Marks management activities, and help visitors to are also used to indicate a special area or experience the parks in a safe and appropriate feature, the nature of which may be found by manner. Parks Victoria delivers information, consulting a navigational chart; some examples interpretation and education to visitors by include spoil grounds, pipelines, recreation and various means, including its website, ranger pilot buoys and aquaculture reserves. The patrols, Park Notes, signage, tourism brochures parks’ boundaries can also be identified by and other publications, displays, and licensed using a global positioning system (GPS). tour operators. These services may be developed and provided in collaboration with Existing interpretation and education for the other agencies. parks (figures 2a, 2b and 2c) convey information on the parks’ locations, Having a representative system of Marine boundaries, natural values, recreational National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries in activities, safety and compliance. Key themes Victoria presents a unique opportunity to for the parks focus on natural values, cultural educate visitors and the broader community heritage, boating regulations, minimal impact about the features and benefits of a statewide practices and visitor access, park health and system of protected areas. At the same time, a catchment issues. Providing further range of information, interpretation and information about the intertidal mudflats, education products that are specific to the seagrass, mangroves and saltmarsh and parks will be provided. migratory wader and shorebird habitats in the The remote and dynamic nature of the parks’ parks (section 4.4) and access restrictions to natural environment can make access difficult. sensitive intertidal areas (section 3.2) would Visitors can obtain pre-visit information before increase the protection of these fragile visiting the parks to ensure that their access is environments and assist visitor appreciation safe, appropriate, and not damaging the fragile and an understanding of the parks’ values. vegetation and mudflats. Pre-visit information The parks provide opportunities to educate and Park Notes (available in several visitors about the marine environment and the languages) for the parks are available from need for its protection. A number of licensed Parks Victoria offices at San Remo, French tour operators also offer guided interpretive Island, Coolart, Rosebud, the Parks Victoria and nature observation activities. Tour Information Centre and website, and operators licensed (section 6.7) to offer accredited information centres. activities within the parks are located on Parks Orientation, information, and regulatory Victoria’s website, (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au) infrastructure, including information signs and or can be contacted through the Parks Victoria regulatory totems, are outside the parks Information Centre on 13 1963. Rangers (section 7.2) at key access points on the organise interpretive activities for community adjacent foreshore, including the Churchill and school groups on request. Island Bridge at Newhaven and local boat Coast Action / Coastcare offer school holiday, ramps around Western Port. The remote community and summer activity programs nature, undefined entry points and intertidal within Western Port. vegetation around the parks make it difficult to provide effective visitor orientation signage. Phillip Island Nature Parks and the Western As a result, an educational approach must be Port Explorer offer school groups opportunities
32 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for visitors to discover the unique marine environment of signage, and visitor information, Western Port. The Dolphin Research Institute interpretation and educational material. at Hastings has a Marine Conservation Centre • Provide further information about that provides information to schools about intertidal mudflats, seagrass, mangroves Western Port’s marine and coastal and saltmarsh and migratory wader and environments. Public education about the shore bird habitats to increase their marine environment, the role of marine parks protection and the appreciation of their and the requirements for their protection, can importance in the parks’ ecosystems be greatly facilitated by the establishment of through: marine education centres close to parks. • displays in local information centres Boat-based access to the parks is and the Churchill Island Information recommended, although knowledge of the Centre local conditions and tidal conditions is required. Public access to the intertidal area is • development of interpretive programs only permitted in the un-vegetated areas of • promotion of existing interpretive Churchill Island Marine National Park (section tools. 6.2). Visitor activities have the potential to threaten sensitive vegetation and marine • Develop and deliver interpretation related communities if visitor numbers and activities to the parks’ other key themes, water are not carefully managed (section 6.5). quality and catchment issues, natural values, Indigenous and other cultural To minimise visitor impacts, Parks Victoria heritage, boating regulations, visitor (Parks Victoria 2003d) has developed Minimal access and management practices, to Impact Guidelines (available on the Parks promote protection and foster appreciation Victoria website www.parkweb.vic.gov.au) in by visitors (sections 4.2, 4.4, 5.1 and 5.2). partnership with providers of education to help manage these activities. Parks Victoria is • Liaise with education providers, yachting working with the Department of Education to and boat clubs, community and Friends encourage schools to notify Parks Victoria (on groups, licensed tour operators to 13 1963) of intended school group visits. Prior coordinate educational activities and notification will allow teachers to obtain ensure delivery of coordinated and relevant education materials and advice on consistent messages about key suitable sites, and help Parks Victoria to management strategies and interpretive monitor the number and timing of visits. themes.
• Continue to allow sustainable educational Aims use by school and community groups, • Promote and encourage visitors to ensuring groups adopt the minimal impact discover, enjoy and appreciate the parks’ guidelines and use areas outside the parks natural and cultural values in a safe and for shore-based activities. appropriate manner through information, interpretation and education. • Introduce and maintain an education program for motorised and other vessel • Encourage public support for the parks and operators (including PWC) to help protect park management practices. birds, and sensitive intertidal habitat and shallow seagrass meadows (sections 6.3 Management strategies and 8.1). • Continue to provide visitor information, • Advise visitors of the parks’ limited access, interpretation and educational material to protect diverse habitats, geology, appropriate to the parks and raise the marine flora and fauna communities. profile of the parks among the local and wider community (section 8.1). • Develop and implement an ongoing education strategy on the reasons for the • Liaise with the City of Casey, Mornington prohibition of public access in most Peninsula Shire and Bass Coast Shire intertidal areas through Park Notes, Council in the development of integrated information signs and ranger patrols.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 33 Strategies for visitors
Integrate minimal impact messages for agreements that enable them to access their intertidal areas into existing information, land on French Island via French Island interpretation and education programs Marine National Park. and promote greater appreciation of There are no access tracks within the parks. A intertidal marine organisms (section 6.5). walking track adjacent to the Yaringa Marine • Promote the need for schools to notify National Park between Bungower Rd and Parks Victoria (on 13 1963) of intended Lumleah Rd enables visitors to view the park, school group visits. however it does not enable access to the park. French Island National Park has nearby • Promote greater public understanding and walking tracks at Gartsides Track off appreciation of, and respect for, Causeway Road, however they do not provide Indigenous culture by incorporating access to French Island Marine National Park. information about Indigenous culture, Parks Victoria manages the tracks adjacent to places and objects in information, French Island Marine National Park and interpretation and education programs, in Yaringa Marine National Park. collaboration and accordance with the views of the relevant Registered The intertidal area of Churchill Island Marine Aboriginal Party (sections 5.1 and 8.2). National Park contains cobble and shingle beaches interspersed with mangroves, • Provide appropriate opportunities and saltmarsh and mudflats. Public access is only encourage and support Indigenous permitted on the cobble and shingle beaches. communities to participate in the Visitors are not permitted to access intertidal interpretation of Indigenous cultural areas vegetated with thick saltmarsh and heritage relating to the parks with the mangroves (table 1, figure 2c) (sections 3.2, agreement of the relevant Registered 4.4, and 6.1). Walking tracks adjacent to Aboriginal Party (section 8.2). Churchill Island Marine National Park along
• Where appropriate, use Indigenous the slopes of Churchill Island facilitate access language for natural features, plants and to the park. Access tracks adjacent to Churchill animals in interpretive material and signs. Island Marine National Park are managed by Phillip Island Nature Parks. The management • Promote opportunities for education and of access points requires a coordinated interpretation programs through approach between Phillip Island Nature Parks partnerships with providers of marine and Parks Victoria (sections 7.2 and 8.3). education programs. Boat-based access to the parks is • Regularly evaluate information and recommended. Visitors need to carefully plan interpretive programs and success in their visit and be aware of the dynamic tidal communicating key themes and conditions in Western Port that can make management practices. boating access difficult (section 6.3). The shallow depth of some channels at low tide 6.2 Access limit access for vessels (section 6.3).
The thick saltmarsh and mangrove vegetation There are no boat ramps in the parks, although that fringe the extensive intertidal mudflats there are many boat-launching facilities nearby make shore-based access impossible in at Stony Point, Hastings, Warneet, Cannons Yaringa and French Island Marine National Creek, Blind Bight, Tooradin, Lang Lang, Parks. Public access through these areas is Grantville, Corinella, Newhaven, Cowes and likely to damage fragile intertidal vegetation Rhyll. Under the Land Conservation (Vehicle and mudflats and disturb roosting and feeding Control) Regulations 2003, motor vehicles bird colonies. Water and shore-based access is including hovercraft (section 6.3) are not prohibited to the vegetated intertidal area of permitted to enter the intertidal area unless on Yaringa and French Island Marine National a road including a designated boat ramp that is Parks, including Barrallier Island in French open to the public. Island Marine National Park (table 1, figures 2a and 2b) (sections 3.2, 4.4, 6.1 and 7.1) Vessels such as kayaks and canoes may be except for adjacent land owners with access launched and landed in Churchill Island
34 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for visitors
Marine National Park by hand (but not 6.3 Recreational boating and vehicle), only over cobble and shingle beaches surface water sports (table 1, figure 2c) (sections 3.2, 4.4 and 6.1). Many types of motorised and non-motorised Launching and landing of vessels is prohibited boating activities occur within the parks. in Yaringa Marine National Park to prevent Sailing by local yacht clubs and individuals, damage to fragile intertidal vegetation (table 1, and sea kayaking is popular. Motorised boat figure 2a) (sections 3.2, 4.4 and 6.1). users pass through the parks as fishing is Launching and landing of vessels is also popular in the waters outside their boundaries. prohibited in French Island Marine National Scuba diving may also bring motorised boats Park except for land owners on French Island into the parks (section 6.4). Personal water accessing their property through the park in craft (PWCs) may be seen infrequently in the accordance with an access agreement granted warmer months. by the Minister (table 1, figure 2b) (sections 3.2, 4.4, 6.1 and 7.1). Marine Safety Victoria (MSV) determines boating safety rules to establish speed limits, The increase in urban development in the operating zones and conditions, which are catchment will lead to increased recreational gazetted in the ‘Vessel Operating and Zoning pressures with more residents using the Rules for Victorian Waters’. Parks Victoria is Western Port area for recreation. This increase responsible for the management of port in recreational activities is expected to increase infrastructure and recreational boating in boat-based visitation. Maintaining appropriate Western Port under the Port Services Act 1995 boat access to the parks requires a coordinated (Vic.) (section 7.2). All boating activities, approach between boat ramp managers and including kayaking and canoeing, are subject Parks Victoria. to the Marine Act. Although the parks are suitable for recreational boating, conditions Aim can change quickly and create a safety hazard • Ensure that access to the parks is (section 6.8). appropriate and safe. Western Port is a large tidal wetland with Management strategies expansive mudflats and a network of winding deep channels that are exposed at low tide. • Prohibit public access to, and the Fast running tides and an extreme tidal regime launching and landing of all vessels in, the make it essential for boat operators to have intertidal areas of Yaringa, Churchill knowledge of the tides when operating a vessel Island and French Island Marine National on Western Port. Parks inside the Special Protection Area – Natural Values overlays, unless subject to Where conditions are suitable for boating, an access agreement through French vessels generally have minimal impact on the Island Marine National Park. parks’ values. However, vessels operated in shallow areas and exposed areas can damage • Permit public access to, and the launching the seabed, including sensitive seagrass and and landing of vessels such as kayaks and intertidal mudflats, through vessel groundings canoes by hand in Churchill Island Marine and propeller scarring (section 4.4). Vessels National Park only across the cobble and have been grounded on mudflats in Western shingle beaches outside the Special Port due to the quick changes in tidal Protection Area – Natural Values overlay. movement. Grounded vessels can only be
• Liaise with the City of Casey, Mornington refloated during the next high tide. The safety Peninsula Shire and Bass Coast Shire of vessel operators may be at risk from vessel Council and other land managers in the groundings or sudden impacts with channel management of shore-based access points banks in shallow waters (section 6.8). Risks to to minimise the impact of access on the vessel operator safety and impacts from natural and cultural values of the parks. vessels in the parks can be minimised by seeking the introduction of a 5 knot speed • Liaise with the managers of local boat- limit. launching facilities to encourage boaters to access parks appropriately.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 35 Strategies for visitors
Vessel operators anchor within Chicory Lane migratory birds in French Island Marine in French Island Marine National Park to enjoy National Park, a Special Protection Area – the tranquillity of the park. At times vessel (Saltmarsh and Mangroves) overlay applies. operators shelter from bad weather in Chicory The Special Protection Area covers the Lane overnight. Anchoring has the potential to intertidal area 300 m seaward from high water damage the seafloor, especially in sensitive mark of French Island where public access seagrass areas (section 4.4). To minimise including all vessels will be prohibited (table 1 damage to seagrass vessel operators should and figure 2b). avoid anchoring over seagrass communities. The Special Protection Area overlays in The installation of public moorings in areas French Island Marine National Park do not popular for anchoring may also minimise extend into Chicory Lane. Vessel operators damage to seagrass communities. Private will still be able to access Chicory Lane to moorings within the parks will not be shelter from bad weather. Land owners on permitted. French Island are able to access their property Seaplanes, motorised, wind- and sail-powered through park in accordance with an access vessels including hovercraft can also disturb agreement granted by the Minister will be roosting and feeding birds and marine permitted (section 7.2). mammals (section 4.4) through vessel noise Public access including all vessels will also be and fast movement. The parks protect prohibited in the Special Protection Area important roosting and feeding sites for local overlays at Barrallier Island and in Yaringa and migratory birds, protected under the and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Ramsar Convention (section 4.4). These sites (table 1, and figure 2a, 2b and 2c) (sections are vulnerable to disturbance by vessels 3.2, 4.4 and 6.2). particularly during the migratory season from August until March. Vessels can also conflict with other uses in the intertidal area including snorkelling, diving Hovercraft by their design are able to access (section 6.8) and swimming (section 6.5). the shore line, shallow and exposed intertidal Boats can introduce marine pests if boat- areas that are inaccessible to other vessels. cleaning protocols are not followed (section Hovercraft can pose a serious threat to 4.6), and fuel leaks, oil spills and the disposal shorebirds and seagrass communities, of wastes or sewage can have a significant especially if travelling over exposed intertidal impact on water quality (section 4.2) and flora seagrass communities and mudflats. Research and fauna (section 4.4). State Environment shows that PWCs (Burger 1998) and Protection Policies prohibit vessel operators hovercraft are particularly disturbing to from discharging sewage, oil, garbage, roosting and feeding birds (section 4.4). sediment, litter or other wastes to surface Hovercraft are classed as vessels on water and waters in any Victorian State waters. While the must abide by all boating regulations including EPA Victoria has primary responsibility for speed limits described in this plan. On land pollution management, Parks Victoria supports including exposed intertidal flats they are the provision of waste-receiving and pump-out classified as vehicles and are regulated under facilities at marinas, ports, and other suitable the Land Conservation (Vehicle Control) sites (section 4.2). Regulations 2003. Accordingly hovercraft will continue to be prohibited from travelling over Parks Victoria, Victoria Police and the exposed intertidal flats in the parks (section Department of Primary Industries Fisheries 6.2). officers undertake regular water-based patrols and have contact with recreational boat users. Prior to the proclamation of the French Island Patrols offer an opportunity for boat users to Marine National Park the intertidal area learn about the parks. extending 150 m seaward of the high water mark of French Island and Barrallier Island Aim was within the French Island National Park. Hovercraft and PWCs were prohibited within • Provide for a range of boating and water these areas. To further protect important sports activities within the parks while roosting and feeding sites for local and minimising impacts on the natural values.
36 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for visitors
Management strategies 6.4 Diving and snorkelling
• Permit boating and surface water sports in Snorkelling and scuba diving enable visitors to the parks in accordance with table 2. experience underwater habitats and view
• Seek the introduction of a 5 knot speed species and habitats that are difficult to limit to all vessel operators in the parks. observe from above, particularly smaller or cryptic animals such as lampshells, pipefish, • Prohibit all vessels including launching sponges, octopus, and cuttlefish. The turbid and landing within the Special Protection and muddy conditions of Western Port may Areas of the parks. limit visibility and create unfavourable
• Prohibit use of hovercraft from exposed conditions for diving and snorkelling. The intertidal areas within the parks (figures extreme tidal regime and fast moving currents 2a, 2b and 2c). are a potential hazard for divers and snorkellers. The current levels of diving and • Permit anchoring within the parks, and snorkelling in the parks are low and are not encourage vessel operators to avoid likely to increase due to the low visibility and anchoring over seagrass communities to fast moving currents. minimise damage to these areas. Scuba diving and snorkelling in the parks can • Regularly observe boating activities take place privately or through a licensed tour particularly at French Island Marine operator. Scuba diving and snorkelling offered National Park and assess impacts on the by licensed tour operators are managed by natural values. If activities increase and permit conditions that detail access, safety impacts from anchoring become apparent: regulations, permitted activities and site- specific restrictions (section 6.7). • review the effectiveness of management measures Divers and snorkellers need to be aware of
• if necessary investigate, in potential dangers, particularly from vessels consultation with boat operators, users passing through the parks near dive sites and interest groups, the installation of (section 6.8). Under the Marine Act, scuba public mooring infrastructure. divers must dive with a flag indicating a diver below. Snorkellers are advised to display a flag • Regularly observe boating around indicating a diver below when snorkelling to sensitive areas containing bird and increase their visibility and safety (section seagrass populations, including 6.8). anchoring, and, if necessary, manage The provision of off-site information can guide activities to minimise impacts so they do and enhance diver experience (section 6.1). not adversely affect values. The potential for repetitive long-term damage • Prohibit private moorings within the parks to sensitive natural values, muddy environment and remove any existing private moorings and maintenance issues make the parks in Churchill Island Marine National Park. unsuitable for an underwater diving or snorkelling trail. • Liaise with recreational vessel operators at every practicable opportunity to Potential impacts from diving and snorkelling promote safe and sustainable use and raise include propeller scouring and anchor damage, awareness of boat-cleaning protocols fin disturbance to sensitive sediments, (section 4.6). intertidal trampling, and illegal removal of flora and fauna. Educating divers and • Develop and promote educational material snorkellers about minimal impact practices and for vessel operators in Western Port in encouraging compliance codes of practice will consultation with MSV. minimise adverse impacts and assist with the • Undertake regular patrols within the parks management of the parks.
to provide surveillance of user activity, Divers should refer to the Dive Industry enforcement of regulations, and Victoria Association (DIVA) Code of opportunities to educate the parks users as Practice: for Commercial Providers of to appropriate behaviour. Recreational Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 37 Strategies for visitors
Services in Victoria (DIVA 2004) or the Scuba 6.5 Swimming and shore-based Divers Federation of Victoria (SDFV) Codes activities of Practice: General Operating Guidelines for The intertidal area of the parks is Recreational Scuba Diving and Related predominantly lined with saltbush, mangroves Activities (SDFV 2005). Snorkellers and scuba and intertidal mudflats and is, in some areas, divers should refer to the Snorkelling, Scuba completely inaccessible. The intertidal area Diving, and Wildlife Swims – Adventure does not provide good conditions for shore- Activity Standards (ORC 2004 at based recreational activities such as www.orc.org.au). swimming, sunbaking and walking, although it Divers and snorkellers need to be aware of the is scenic and includes very high natural values. no-take provisions, including spearfishing, in Trampling from public access to the parks via the parks and can assist in the early detection the intertidal area is likely to lead to significant of marine pests in the parks (sections 4.6 and damage and disturbance to fauna and flora and 8.2), and the detection of unrecorded cultural is only permitted on the cobble and shingle places and objects (sections 5.1 and 5.2). beaches of Churchill Island Marine National Park except in an emergency or for authorised Aim research or management (sections 4.4 and 6.2). • Provide for appropriate opportunities for Nature observation is a popular activity within diving and snorkelling in the parks. the parks but is conducted by boat due to the inaccessible nature of the intertidal area. Management strategies Visitors, groups, schools and educational • Permit recreational, educational and marine tours can help protect the parks by licensed tour operator diving and adopting sustainable/minimal impact practices snorkelling activities at dispersed while visiting (section 6.1).
locations in the parks in accordance with There are no sandy beaches within the parks table 2. and no lifeguard-patrolled swimming areas
• Review impacts from diving and (section 6.8). Parks Victoria recommends snorkelling and the effectiveness of swimming in areas that are lifeguard-patrolled. management measures and take Vessels have the potential to be a danger to appropriate action to reduce impacts. swimmers in the parks (section 6.8).
• Integrate minimal impact messages into The accessible intertidal areas of the parks will existing information, interpretation and be cleaned and rubbish removed when required education programs (section 6.1). (section 4.2). The collection of living or dead organisms and natural driftwood is prohibited • Prohibit fixed structures that define an within the parks (section 4.4). underwater trail within the parks. The lighting of fires within Marine National • Promote the use of clean diving equipment Parks and Marine Sanctuaries, including any to prevent the translocation of marine beaches or islands, is not permitted except on pests (section 4.6). board a vessel that is seaward of the mean high
• Promote compliance of snorkellers and water mark. recreational scuba divers with relevant codes of practice and Adventure Activity Aim Standards. • Protect the natural values of the parks from impacts of shore-based recreation. • Support dive clubs and industry representatives to promote Management strategies environmentally responsible diving practices. • Permit shore-based recreational activities in accordance with table 2.
• Prohibit public access to intertidal areas of the parks, except on cobble and shingle beaches outside the Special Protection
38 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for visitors
Area – Natural Values overlay in 6.6 Dogs and horses Churchill Island Marine National Park to The extensive intertidal mudflats and seagrass avoid damage to natural values (sections meadows provide foraging areas for seabirds 6.2 and 6.3). and shorebirds, and the wide areas of • Undertake regular patrols during popular mangrove and saltmarsh communities provide periods for visits to encourage appropriate migratory shorebird and seabird habitat. Some visitor use. of these species are listed for protection under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act and by • Develop and implement an ongoing international agreements including JAMBA education strategy on the reasons for and CAMBA (section 4.4). These sites are of restricting public access to most intertidal State and international significance and the areas (section 6.1). parks form part of the Western Port Ramsar • Encourage all visitors to Churchill Island Site.
Marine National Park, particularly Prior to proclamation of the parks, the education, school and other groups, to intertidal area above low water mark lay within comply with the Parks Victoria Minimal the North Western Port Nature Conservation Impact Guidelines. Reserve (now in Yaringa MNP), French Island • Encourage educational and other groups National Park (now in French Island MNP) visiting Churchill Marine National Park to and Churchill Island Heritage Farm (now in use areas outside the parks, or off-site Churchill Island MNP) and dog walking was marine education and interpretation. not permitted within these areas.
• Arrange for educational and other groups Dogs can have serious impacts on bird visiting Churchill Marine National Park: populations and other wildlife (Kirby, Clee & Seager 1993) through trampling, predation, • to be adequately supervised while in disturbance, and faecal pollution. Their the park; presence, scent, and noise may disturb birds,
• to not exceed class sizes for leading to reduced species numbers, lower educational groups (maximum 30 numbers of returning birds and low weight in participants per leader); migratory birds.
• to not exceed 25 participants per Prior to proclamation of the parks, horse riding leader, for formal interpretation and was not permitted in the intertidal or adjoining other groups, and; areas. Damage to fragile intertidal vegetation from riding horses from Bungower Rd through • to use suitable dispersed areas that are North Western Port Nature Conservation varied to reduce pressure, especially Reserve was prevented by fencing along the during high use periods. boundary.
• Minimise disturbance to seabirds and Riding horses in the intertidal area has the shorebirds by encouraging visitors to potential to damage and disturb intertidal avoid seabirds and shorebirds roosting communities and vegetation through and feeding sites in Churchill Island trampling. Marine National Park.
• Undertake standardised monitoring of Aim impacts of trampling on intertidal areas • Prohibit dogs and horses from the parks, to from educational use and review the protect the parks’ natural values and effectiveness of management measures. If ensure visitor safety. impacts increase, work with users to develop an appropriate carrying capacity Management strategies for Churchill Island Marine National Park • Do not permit dogs or horses within the and consider limiting or reducing annual parks except where confined to a vessel. visitation numbers. • Liaise with Phillip Island Nature Parks to ensure dogs continue to be prohibited in
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 39 Strategies for visitors
the areas adjoining Churchill Island Adventure Activity Standards and Minimal Marine National Park. Impact Guidelines.
• In partnership with Phillip Island Nature • Continue to work with LTOs and the Parks update existing educational material tourism industry to assist with the delivery about impacts of dogs in Churchill Island of appropriate parks information. Marine National Park and promote • Ensure that tour operators comply with through information signs and ranger permit conditions, Parks Victoria Minimal patrols (section 6.1). Impact Guidelines and the Adventure • Maintain fencing of the intertidal area Activity Standards. abutting the North Western Port Nature • Work collaboratively with licensed tour Conservation Reserve near Bungower Rd operators and Tourism Alliance Victoria to continue exclude horses from the to ensure: intertidal area of Yaringa Marine National Park. • the provision of a high-quality service;
• activities offered by LTOs are for an 6.7 Tourism services appropriate number of visitors, are at Licensed tour operators (LTOs) play a key role approved sites (sections 6.1 and 6.4), in nature-based tourism in Victoria by offering are compatible with the protection of guided park tours and supported recreation park values, and are based on minimal activities, and information that promotes park impact practices; values and appropriate use. Licensed tour • that information conveyed to visitors operators offer activities within French Island on tours is consistent with the Marine National Park and Churchill Island management objectives for the parks. Marine National Park, including kayaking, cultural and marine education, wildlife • Monitor the effectiveness of tourism viewing, snorkelling and diving, and can also services in contributing to objectives of the assist visitors to access the parks by boat. National Parks Act.
Licensed tour operators are managed under a • Provide opportunities and encourage permit system, which includes access and Traditional Owners to facilitate tours of safety regulations, permitted activities and site- appropriate Aboriginal places. specific restrictions in accordance with the National Parks Act and the Policy for • Encourage licensed Indigenous tour Sustainable Recreation and Tourism on Public operators to add to the tourism experience Land (NRE 2002). in the parks by developing and delivering interpretive and educational tours on Tourism Alliance Victoria is a membership- Indigenous culture and history. based industry association that provides a representative and professional development 6.8 Public safety role for tourism businesses. Parks Victoria works collaboratively with Tourism Alliance Some activities in the natural environment can Victoria in administering the Tour Operator pose inherent risks to visitors. This risk is Licensing system across Victoria’s public land increased if visitors are not familiar with the estate, including these parks. local environment, prevailing weather conditions and tidal height. Visitors need to be aware of safety risks to ensure a safe visit. Aim • Provide opportunities for and encourage Potential dangers of land-based activities or provision of external tourism services intertidal walking include slippery and deep while minimising impacts on the natural mudflats, unstable rocks, broken glass and and cultural values of the parks. rubbish and venomous fauna. Shore-based visitors are advised to consider weather and Management strategies tide conditions, wear appropriate footwear and ensure adequate protection from the sun and • Ensure all tour operators using the parks wind. are licensed and promote awareness of
40 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for visitors
A survey of Victoria’s beaches in 1996 rated Safety Handbook contains necessary safety their safety as being in one of four hazard information and outlines the requirements for categories: safest, moderately safe, low safety operating a recreational vessel in Victoria and least safe. The beaches within Churchill (MSV 2005) (section 6.3). Island Marine National Park have not been Relevant agencies respond to incidents within rated (Short 1996) and there are no patrolled the parks in accordance with the Municipal swimming areas within the parks. Visitors Emergency Response Plan. Parks Victoria’s should exercise caution while swimming or response to emergency incidents during normal swim at patrolled beaches at Point Leo, Cowes operating activities within the parks is guided or Woolamai. There are no beaches within by the Emergency Management Plan – Yaringa and French Island Marine National Western Port (Parks Victoria 2004). Park. Under the Port Services Act, Parks Victoria is Although some sites in the parks may appear the Local Port Manager of Western Port and inviting for water sports, vessels, shallow has produced a Safety and Environment mudflats and wave energy can make Management Plan (SEMP) (Parks Victoria conditions dangerous. Visitors exploring the 2005b) for the port. The SEMP is a risk underwater environment need to be aware of management framework for managing the the unpredictable nature of the marine safety and environment of the port. environment. Risks associated with snorkelling and diving in the parks include vessels, fast Aims moving currents, venomous marine animals, and exposure to cold. Snorkellers, swimmers • Promote visitor safety and awareness of and divers need to be aware of potential risks safety issues and risks within the parks and should only undertake activities within associated with access and use. their capabilities, under appropriate conditions. • Promote and observe safe practices, and Vessels can be a potential risk to swimmers, cooperate with emergency services. snorkellers and scuba divers, and vessel operators need to be aware of their presence in Management strategies the water. Under the Marine Act, scuba divers • Provide relevant visitor safety information must dive with a flag indicating a diver-below. (section 6.1) and encourage visitors to Snorkellers should also adopt this practice adopt safe operating guidelines when snorkelling to increase their visibility appropriate to their activity. and safety (section 6.4). Public information and education programs are one of the most • Investigate the installation of navigation effective ways to promote safety (section 6.1). aids where necessary to provide for the Safety messages are presented to visitors safe navigation of the parks by all vessels. through signs, Park Notes and ranger patrols. • Promote the display of diver-below flags
Boating in the parks can pose inherent risks to by snorkellers. visitors. Vessel operators need to be aware of • Incorporate the parks into the Emergency the local environment including changing Management Plan – Western Port and weather conditions, shallow waters, channel ensure that staff and licensed tour banks and tide height as well as other vessels, operators are aware of the plan. swimmers, snorkellers and divers. Any person operating a powered recreational vessel in • Cooperate with and support responsible Victorian waters is required to have a current agencies in emergency response and licence. Recreational boating accidents are ensure that Parks Victoria staff have highest in Victoria during summer and most adequate levels of training in emergency fatalities are associated with recreational procedures. vessels of less than 8 m in length (Bugeja • Consult with Phillip Island Nature Parks 2003). to coordinate risk signage along the Marine Safety Victoria conducts safety and foreshore adjacent to Churchill Island awareness programs for recreational boat Marine Park. users, and the Victorian Recreational Boating
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 41 Strategies for visitors
• Liaise with City of Casey, Mornington Emergency Response Plans make adequate Peninsula Shire and Bass Coast Shire provision for likely incidents in the parks. Council to ensure that the Municipal
42 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks
7 STRATEGIES FOR AUTHORISED AND ADJACENT USES
The National Parks Act provides for access 7.1 Authorised uses agreements to be granted by the Minister for A number of uses and activities may be land owners who access their freehold land permitted in the parks, and to minimise through the park. Such access does not include impacts these are subject to specific the construction of private infrastructure conditions. (section 6.2) and is subject to terms and
Parks Victoria recognises the contribution the conditions as the minister determines. To date, filming and photography industry makes to the no formal access agreements have been granted. social and economic well-being of the community and in providing for such activities Private infrastructure is not permitted in the seeks to ensure protection of the natural and parks. A private jetty was constructed within cultural values of the parks. Permits are Yaringa Marine National Park prior to required for all filming and photography proclamation and has since been removed. conducted as part of a trade or a business. Amateur photographers and filmmakers do not Aim require a permit. • Manage authorised uses in accordance All research and monitoring activities with the National Parks Act and minimise undertaken within Marine National Parks or their impact on park values. Marine Sanctuaries by external partners or individuals require a research permit under the Management strategies National Parks Act. Permits are issued by • Review all uses of the parks to identify DSE. those that do not conform with the
Protected areas are generally avoided as objectives of the National Parks Act, locations for Australian Defence Force training including private uses and public exercises, although they are sometimes used authorities’ activities. Allow uses to for search and rescue, field navigation and continue only in accordance with incident response activities. Activities are authorisations that are consistent with subject to a permit with conditions to ensure legislation and include conditions that that values of the parks are protected. effectively minimise the impacts of these uses on the parks. Melbourne Water manages Watsons Creek, a waterway that discharges into Yaringa Marine • Monitor authorised activities to ensure National Park at Watsons Inlet (section 4.2). that conditions of authorisations are met. Assess the effectiveness of conditions of Petroleum extraction, exploratory drilling, authorisations in protecting the parks and mineral exploration and mining, and invasive seek review of authorisations, if necessary searching for or extraction of stone and other to arrest impacts. materials, are prohibited in the parks under the National Parks Act. Petroleum exploration, • Seek permission from the Secretary to DSE such as a seismic survey from an aircraft or for any public authority installations and from a vessel that is carried out in a manner services. Include conditions to ensure that does not detrimentally affect the seabed or construction, operation and maintenance any flora or fauna of the parks may be allowed are consistent with protection of the parks’ with the consent of the Minister. However, the natural and cultural values and the State Government has announced that it will amenity of visitors. not release any further areas in Victoria that • Permit Australian Defence Force contain Marine National Parks or Marine adventure training and field navigation Sanctuaries for petroleum exploration. There is exercises in the parks in accordance with no petroleum exploration permit over these Parks Victoria’s operational policy and parks. Construction of pipelines or seafloor relevant permit conditions. cables may be permitted with the consent of the Minister in some circumstances.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 43 Strategies for authorised and adjacent uses
• Remove any private infrastructure within George whiting and rock flathead. The the parks. Victorian Bay and Inlet Commercial Fisheries have undergone considerable restructuring 7.2 Boundaries and adjacent uses following the implementation of a voluntary licence buy-out scheme in November 1999. The boundaries of Yaringa, French Island and Western Port also supports mussel and abalone Churchill Island Marine National Parks are aquaculture at the Flinders Aquaculture shown in figures 2a, 2b and 2c, respectively. Fisheries Reserve (440 ha) located between As fishing is prohibited in the parks but Point Leo and Flinders. Commercial permitted in adjacent waters, clear boundary aquaculture of bivalves has the potential to identification is essential. In the sheltered increase the introduction and translocation of waters of Western Port, in-water boundary marine pest species. DPI has developed markers and onshore markers are practical. guidelines to prevent the introduction and Yaringa Marine National Park boundary is translocation of marine pest species. marked by two lead markers onshore at The waters of Western Port have many other Yaringa Marina (figure 2a). The boundary of uses. The Royal Australian Navy has two French Island Marine National Park is marked training bases: HMAS Cerberus and the West by a series of in-water pile markers with a Head Gunnery Range located within Western yellow cross (Special Mark) and yellow Port. triangle onshore markers at the eastern and western extent of the park (figure 2b). The The waters of Western Port are also used by boundary of Churchill Island Marine National the Port of Hastings. The port supplies raw Park is marked by an in-water pile marker with materials to large industries – including a yellow cross (Special Mark) at the entrance ESSO/BHP Billiton’s gas storage terminal and to Swan Bay and yellow triangle onshore fractionalisation plant, and BlueScope markers at Long Point on Phillip Island and Lysaght’s steel sheet and coil plant – and North Point on Churchill Island (figure 2c). exports to destinations in Australia and overseas.
Adjacent sea uses The Port of Hastings is considered to be the The waters adjoining the parks are also State preferred site for future container waters. The adjoining seabed is currently development, once capacity at the Port of unreserved Crown land. The Government Melbourne is reached. Hastings would accepted the ECC’s recommendation that a supplement the Port of Melbourne and both Coastal Waters Reserve be established under ports would continue to operate in parallel. the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 (Vic.) for However, the development of Hastings for the major portion of Victoria’s marine area not international containers would require otherwise designated for a particular purpose, substantial supporting infrastructure to provide for a diverse range of activities that expenditure, and raise significant are compatible with long-term sustainable use environmental management issues. The future (ECC 2000). development of the port has the potential to
Parks Victoria is the Local Port Manager for impact on the parks through sedimentation and Western Port under the Port Services Act. changes to hydrological and sediment regimes Under this legislation, Parks Victoria is from dredging, land reclamation and spoil responsible for managing port infrastructure disposal and an increase in the risk of oil and including breakwaters, piers and jetties, and chemical spills. recreational boating including navigational Stony Point Jetty supports facilities for vessels aids, and for preparing and implementing the such as tugs and pilot boats, ferry services to Port Safety and Environment Management French Island, and coastal shipping services Plan for Western Port (Parks Victoria 2005b) that carry livestock and small quantities of (sections 4.2 and 6.8). other goods.
The waters of Western Port are recreationally Pollution from shipping, port activities and and commercially fished for Australian associated industrial activities has the potential salmon, squid, yellow-eye mullet, snapper, to pose a risk to the natural and recreational gummy sharks, elephant fish, garfish, King
44 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks
Strategies for authorised and adjacent uses
values of the parks. A major oil spill from Churchill Island Marine National Park adjoins commercial ships transporting crude oil into Churchill Island Heritage Farm and Phillip the Port of Hastings could have catastrophic Island Nature Park components of Phillip consequences for the parks given the Island Nature Parks, which are managed by hydrology of Western Port. Increasing Phillip Island Nature Parks Board of shipping, port activities and industrial Management. The Phillip Island Nature Park activities along with the expansion of the Port also abuts private property. Trail bike riders of Hastings will increase the risk of pollution have been illegally riding off-road through the incidents. Phillip Island Nature Park, east of Swan Corner, and in the intertidal area of the park. Dredging in Western Port is undertaken to Cattle occasionally wander from unfenced maintain commercial shipping channels and to freehold land through the Phillip Island Nature aid management of recreational vessels around Park into the vegetated intertidal areas of the piers, jetties and boat ramps. Dredging can park. Trail bikes and cattle damage saltmarsh increase turbidity and further exacerbate the and mangrove vegetation, churn-up mud flats loss of seagrass within the parks and Western and disturb feeding migratory and resident Port. All dredging operations require consent wading birds in the park. under the Coastal Management Act and must be carried out in accordance with Best Practice Churchill Island Marine National Park is Environmental Management Guidelines for within the Shire of Bass Coast. The Bass Coast Dredging (EPA 2001). Shire Council Planning Scheme (BCSC 2003b) provides the statutory framework for managing Adjacent land uses use and development of land above the high Yaringa Marine National Park adjoins the water mark adjoining the park; the Bass Coast North Western Port Nature Conservation Strategic Coastal Planning Framework (BCSC Reserve, which is managed by Parks Victoria. 2006) is a proposed reference document for the The part of the reserve within the City of planning scheme.
Casey (figure 2a) is included in Public The parks are an integral component of the Conservation and Resource Zone in the City of Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Casey Planning Scheme (CoC 1995). The part Biosphere Reserve. The biosphere reserve was of the reserve within the Mornington Shire is designated in 2002 and is a combined included in Public Conservation and Resource urban/rural UNESCO biosphere reserve. It was Zone, and Green Wedge Zone Schedule 2, in created to promote and demonstrate a balanced the Mornington Peninsula Shire Planning relationship between humans and the biosphere Scheme (MPS 1999). The planning schemes and has an area of 214 200 ha encompassing provide the statutory frameworks for managing the Mornington Peninsula Shire, Phillip Island the use, development and protection of land in and French Island and the waters of Western accordance with the planning objectives of Port. Parts of two national parks form most of Victoria. the core area of the biosphere reserve and the
French Island Marine National Park, at high marine national parks contribute to the buffer water mark, adjoins the French Island National area (section 8.2).
Park, which Parks Victoria manages in Coastal modifications and other changes to the accordance with the French Island National hydrodynamics nearby or adjacent to the parks, Park Management Plan (Parks Victoria 1998). including artificial renourishment of the beach, French Island National Park is included in could affect the natural and other values of the Public Conservation and Resource Zone in the parks through longshore drift, deposition and French Island and Sandstone Island Planning erosion. All coastal uses and developments or Scheme (DOI 1999). French Island is an modifications require permission from the ‘unincorporated locality’. The planning Minister under the Coastal Management Act. scheme is administered by the Department of Sustainability and Environment on behalf of Aims the Minister for Planning, who is the • Effectively communicate the location of Responsible Authority. the parks’ boundaries.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 45 Strategies for authorised and adjacent uses
• Minimise impacts on parks’ values from • Liaise with adjacent land and water adjacent developments. managers to minimise impacts from management actions on the natural and Management strategies cultural values of the parks, and ensure • Maintain and if necessary improve that the parks’ values are given due boundary markers, signs and information consideration in future developments. about park boundaries. • Work with DSE and consult City of Casey, • Continue to identify areas of boundary Mornington Peninsula Shire and Bass uncertainty, conduct surveys and install Coast Shire Council to ensure coastal markers where appropriate. remediation works adjacent to or near the parks and beach renourishment activities • Investigate effectiveness of land boundary have minimal impact on the parks (section markers, and increase their visibility 4.1). where necessary. • Liaise with aquaculture managers and • Work with Phillip Island Nature Parks to DPI to ensure any applications for encourage adjacent landowners to fence aquaculture development that may impact boundaries abutting the Phillip Island on the parks give due consideration to the Nature Park to exclude cattle and trail potential spread of marine pests. bikes. • Ensure that marine safety initiatives within • Seek to ensure that the parks’ values are the parks and adjacent waters, including protected from impacts by developments or the implementation of the Port Safety and uses in nearby areas by liaising with their Environment Management Plan improve proponents, and assisting DSE to comment environmental protection and visitor safety to the City of Casey, Mornington in the parks. Peninsula Shire, Cardinia Shire Council and Bass Coast Shire Council in respect of • Liaise with Port of Hastings to ensure that planning applications that could impact on the parks are recognised in the future port the parks (section 8.3). development and that port development does not impact negatively on the parks.
46 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks
8 STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND
INVOLVEMENT
8.1 Community awareness Aims
Raising the community’s awareness of the • Increase the community’s awareness and parks and their values is an important first step understanding of the parks’ values and to developing the community’s sense of management activities. custodianship for them. The members of the • Support the sense of shared ownership and community are more likely to develop a sense custodianship for the parks among of custodianship if they become involved in community groups and individuals. park management and park related social networks, and their views and values are Management strategies respected. Broader public awareness and involvement follows with the development of • Promote opportunities for community strong park-related social networks among members to improve park management park staff, visitors and community participants through taking shared responsibility and in management. becoming directly involved in Sea Search activities and through interpretation and Education and interpretation programs (section other information (section 6.1). 6.1) play an important role in raising the awareness of the parks in the wider • Profile to the wider community the work of community. Parks Victoria aims to Friends, volunteers and community communicate the benefits of a healthy parks groups. system and its contribution to the health of • Promote the benefits of assisting park individuals and society through the ‘Healthy programs to community groups in line with Parks Healthy People’ program. ‘Healthy Parks Healthy People’ objectives.
The Coast Action / Coastcare summer activity • Partner with community groups to identify program is a prime example of encouraging the opportunities to increase public awareness broader community to experience the coast about the parks. (section 8.2). Individuals, including volunteers engaged by organisations such as the Victorian 8.2 Community participation National Parks Association, and community groups, including local sailing clubs, are Participation of community groups and committed to increasing community awareness individuals in the parks’ management is of environmental issues that affect Western pivotal in effective long-term planning, use Port and those that relate to Marine National and care of the parks’ values.
Parks. The Traditional Owners have considerable Associations with organisations including the interest in and aspirations for the parks as part Phillip Island Nature Parks, Dolphin Research of Country. They are an important potential Institute and the Mornington Peninsula and source of knowledge about the area that has Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation yet to be documented. A strong working have also increased community awareness of relationship with relevant Registered Marine National Parks. Aboriginal Party will be essential to reflecting Traditional Owners views in the parks’ Government agencies, business associations, planning and management and reconciliation welfare bodies, Indigenous and ethnic of their interests and aspirations with those of associations, tourism and recreational other members of the community. organisations and schools could also help to build community awareness within their Volunteers and community groups make networks (sections 8.2 and 8.3). valuable contributions to park management projects. They bring diverse and valuable information, knowledge, skills and experience
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 47 Strategies for community awareness and involvement to the parks that may otherwise not be Aims available to the parks’ managers. Volunteers • Encourage and support the active also bring great enthusiasm and add valuable participation of community groups and resources to assist with the care of the parks. volunteers, particularly Indigenous
The interests of community groups in the parks communities, in projects that contribute to often overlap and may not be complementary. or complement park programs.
There can be considerable mutual benefits • Inform, enrich and strengthen the parks’ where such groups work together and with management with the community’s Parks Victoria to achieve common goals. tradition, knowledge, experience, skills There is no current Friends Group for the and enthusiasm, particularly that of the parks. Local Friends Groups that exist nearby Traditional Owners. include the Friends of Churchill Island Society Inc, Friends of French Island, Friends of Management strategies Warneet, and Phillip Island Conservation • Work to continue to build, and strengthen Society. The Victorian Wader Study Group and maintain relationships with relevant monitors migratory and resident wading birds Indigenous communities. In particular, at Barrallier Island within French Island seek to further develop a close inclusive National Park. Data collected by the Bird working partnership with the relevant Observers Club of Australia, Australian Wader Registered Aboriginal Party. Studies Group and the Victorian Wader Study Group within the parks and adjacent areas, • Seek to establish or expand Friends groups including the Western Port Ramsar Site, have and volunteer groups, support them in contributed significantly to an understanding assisting the parks’ management and of the importance of Western Port as a Ramsar ensure sustainable and rewarding Site and as part of the East Asian–Australian volunteer experiences.
Flyway (section 4.4). • Coordinate opportunities for Friends and
Other volunteer organisations, including volunteer and community groups to share Western Port Bird Observers Club (branch of experiences and discuss management the Bird Observers Club of Australia), Western objectives, work programs and progress in Port Peninsula Protection Council Inc, Western implementing the plan with Parks Victoria Port Seagrass Partnership, Western Port rangers.
Research Coordination Project, the Field • Support initiatives that build the capability Naturalists Club of Victoria, Birds Australia, of community members and groups to and tertiary and work experience students, may effectively contribute to park management assist in various projects to benefit the parks. objectives.
Sea Search is a monitoring program whereby • Maintain ongoing dialogue with active volunteers undertake systematic surveys of the groups, neighbouring clubs and parks’ seagrass communities in accordance community groups with a broad with standard approved methodology. The first community agenda, as well as appropriate Sea Search activity in the parks was training and other measures that better undertaken in January 2007. The results of Sea enable their participation in managing the Search monitoring will provide information on parks. Promote and support such groups the condition of the seagrass and associated to network and work together with each fauna communities in the parks and potentially other and Parks Victoria to achieve shared detect any changes over time. goals for the parks.
The Coast Action / Coastcare program works • Lead and support Sea Search activities in with a variety of volunteer groups and the parks and report results of monitoring community organisations to help protect, in local media and through community monitor, manage and restore coastal and information sessions. marine environments. In addition, Coast Action / Coastcare conduct education, training • Promote and support Coast Action / and awareness-raising programs. Coastcare programs within the parks,
48 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for community awareness and involvement
particularly focusing on community patrols and support arrangements in interpretation and education. accordance with the City and Bays Regional Compliance Plan (Parks Victoria 2003a). • Promote community involvement in monitoring and recording programs using The Central Coastal Board (CCB) provides standard methods (sections 4.4 and 4.6). direction and policy advice to facilitate sustainable development of the central region • Seek to establish a Memorandum of of the Victorian coast through the Understanding (MOU) and working implementation of the Victorian Coastal protocols with the relevant Registered Strategy (VCC 2002) and Coastal Priorities for Aboriginal Party and Indigenous the Central Region (CCB 2003) (section 4.2). communities regarding the assessment of annual works programs. Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority is responsible for • Partner with community groups to foster ensuring the protection and sustainable ongoing community engagement that development of land, vegetation and water captures the diversity of people, ideas and resources within the region, including the opinions present in the community. preparation of a regional catchment strategy to address the impact of land use and 8.3 Agency partnerships management on the catchment. The Port Although Parks Victoria is responsible for Phillip and Western Port Regional Catchment overall management of the parks, other Strategy (PPWPCMA 2004) focuses on the agencies are responsible for planning, management of land, water and biodiversity managing or regulating certain activities in the including the coastal and marine areas under parks. the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (Vic.) (section 4.2). All activities relating to the parks that are carried out by Parks Victoria or other agencies The Environment Protection Authority (EPA need to accord with all legislation and Victoria) has the primary responsibility for government policy and, as far as practical, be environment protection of all waters in consistent with agencies’ policies and Victoria and is responsible for administering guidelines. To ensure this occurs, park staff and enforcing the Environment Protection Act work closely with staff of relevant agencies 1970 (Vic.), including all activities relating to and collaborate in implementing activities the discharge of litter and waste to the where appropriate. environment. EPA Victoria also develops and implements State Environment Protection The Department of Sustainability and Policies (SEPP) for State waters (section 4.2). Environment (DSE) establishes parks, oversees the management of land and resources of Melbourne Water manages rivers, creeks and Victoria’s coastal Crown land and waters, and major drainage systems throughout the Port provides strategic direction and policy advice Phillip and Western Port region. Melbourne for management of the parks, including marine Water has the primary responsibility for flora and fauna values and threatening maintaining or improving the ecological health processes. Parks Victoria is a support agency of rivers and creeks through erosion control, for responses to oiled wildlife and cetacean protecting riverbeds and banks, revegetation, stranding or entanglement, operating at the weed control and by ensuring sufficient flows. direction of DSE (sections 4.2 and 4.4). Melbourne Water and local Councils manage stormwater run-off and associated inputs into As part of an agreed service delivery the parks in accordance with the Operating arrangement, Fisheries Victoria – Department Charter for Waterways and Drainage of Primary Industries has primary (Melbourne Water 1999) and Council responsibility for enforcement to ensure Stormwater Management Plans. compliance with the fishing prohibitions in the National Parks Act. Parks Victoria will Parks Victoria is a support agency for Marine continue to collaborate with Fisheries Victoria Safety Victoria at a statewide and regional and Victoria Police in activities such as level for marine pollution incidents, cooperative Ranger and Fisheries officer contributing on-site response and incident
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 49 Strategies for community awareness and involvement management as well as technical advice. Parks Heritage Victoria (DSE) is the central Victoria is also the local authority responsible government agency that provides information for administering the Marine Act, including and advice about places listed on the Victorian marine safety initiatives (section 6.8) and Heritage Register and Archaeological planning and implementation of pollution Inventory. It supports the Heritage Council response in accordance with the Victorian through research, recommends additions to the Marine Pollution Contingency Plan (MSV Register and issues permits for alterations to 2002) (section 4.2). The Port of Hastings, heritage places. including Long Island Point, Crib Point, Stony Tourism Victoria is the State Government Point Jetties and approaches, is managed by authority responsible for developing and Toll Western Port under contract to the marketing Victoria to Australian and Victorian Channels Authority. international travellers. The City of Casey, the Mornington Peninsula Shire, Cardinia Shire Council and the Bass Aim Coast Shire Council have a key role in • Enhance park management by administering the planning scheme for land collaborating with other agencies to ensure adjacent to the parks, including assessing they give appropriate consideration to developments that could have an impact on the parks values in planning and implementing parks’ values. Parks Victoria provides input activities that relate to the parks. into planning applications to ensure that the parks’ values are protected. Management strategies Due to the dual land tenure of the intertidal • Work collaboratively with all agencies to area, compliance management of some implement the plan vision and directions. activities, such as dog regulations and access In particular, work with: infrastructure, will require a cooperative approach with the City of Casey, the • AAV and the relevant Registered Mornington Peninsula Shire, the Bass Coast Aboriginal Party on issues relating to Shire Council and the Phillip Island Nature cultural heritage protection (section 5.1) Parks.
The Mornington Peninsula and Western Port • the Central Coastal Board on any Biosphere Reserve Foundation was established future plans and strategies that relate to implement the UNESCO Man and to the parks and to improve integration of programs impacting on the parks Biosphere Program and supports a diverse range of conservation and sustainability • the City of Casey, Mornington projects, with benefits for communities across Peninsula Shire, Cardinia Shire and the biosphere reserve. The foundation has Bass Coast Shire Council to facilitate established an integrated catchment complementary management of the management project to clean up Watson Creek, adjacent foreshore reserve and which drains into Yaringa Marine National administration of planning schemes, Park. This collaborative project involves three including input into adjacent or local governments (Frankston, Casey and nearby developments that may impact Mornington Peninsula), Melbourne Water, on the parks and the promotion of EPA Victoria, Parks Victoria, industry and responsible pet ownership (section private land owners. 7.2)
Through Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV), • DSE regarding future planning and the Department for Victorian Communities management, including protection of (DVC) has responsibility for administering marine flora and fauna from legislation protecting cultural heritage potentially threatening processes (sections 2.5 and 5.1). The Department for • EPA Victoria to minimise impacts Victorian Communities, AAV and the relevant associated with discharge of waste Registered Aboriginal Party advise Parks into the environment particularly from Victoria on Aboriginal cultural heritage stormwater, boating, shipping, matters (section 5.1).
50 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Strategies for community awareness and involvement
marinas, ports and associated • Port Phillip and Westernport CMA to dredging activities (section 7.2) and reduce the impacts of land use and assist local communities to develop a catchment management on the parks NEIP (section 4.2) and develop appropriate actions in the Regional Catchment Strategy • EPA Victoria and Melbourne Water to minimise impacts associated with • State and regional tourism authorities discharge of waste into the to promote the parks in regional environment particularly from visitor information centres and Watsons Creek regional tourism strategies
• Fisheries Victoria to implement the • Toll Western Port on planning and fishing prohibition and the City and implementation of marine safety Bays Regional Compliance Plan initiatives within the Port of Hastings, including Long Island Point, Crib • Heritage Victoria on heritage Point, Stony Point Jetties and management and compliance with the approaches. Heritage Act
• Marine Safety Victoria on recreational • Update contingency plans for marine boating safety and marine pollution pollution incidents, such as oil and incidents chemical spills, and cetacean/wildlife incidents as required, and communicate • Melbourne Water to minimise impacts arrangements to staff, relevant agencies associated with discharge of waste and interested parties. into the environment and discharge from waterways
• Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation on any conservation and integrated catchment management projects that contribute to the protection of the parks
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 51
9 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
values is considered in identifying threats and 9.1 Delivery and reporting developing actions to ameliorate them. Over A range of approaches will be used to time, the success of actions is reviewed against implement strategies in this plan. Some will be set objectives to ensure ongoing learning and undertaken as part of routine management refinement of management. The selection of activities such as ranger visits; others will be actions and treatments of threats is guided by addressed as part of regional programs the precautionary principle. Management undertaken across the State each year. options are evaluated on the basis of least
A priority list of all the strategies in the plan impact on the environment. Treatment of will be used to guide routine management, and threats with a potential for serious damage that identify detailed actions in annual regional is not addressed in the plan will not be postponed for lack of information. programs. Priorities for regional programs vary from year to year, depending on available Parks Victoria will use a variety of means to resources and government priorities. report to the community about the progress of
At the end of each year, progress towards implementation of the plan. The primary implementing strategies in the plan will be means will be through routine liaison between reviewed and the priority list updated. Staff Parks Victoria, interested groups and report internally against ‘on time and within individuals from the local community and budget’ delivery of regional programs and relevant government agencies. In addition to whether the completed strategy has achieved giving regular updates, there will be the objective. Parks Victoria reports annually opportunities for input by interested members to Government on the overall delivery of of the community into annual priority setting regional and divisional programs. This broader and feedback on management performance. reporting on management performance is Events such as park open days and community available in annual reports prepared on the and volunteer forums will offer similar National Parks Act and Parks Victoria. opportunities for reporting and discussions about annual programs. During implementation of the plan, Parks Victoria will work in partnership with the The results of monitoring and research work will continue to be available to the community Traditional Owners. Ongoing collaborative as technical reports (available on the Parks activities with interested members of the Victoria website, www.parkweb.vic.gov.au). relevant Indigenous communities, the wider community, scientists and agencies in realising Parks Victoria will also report on evaluation of the vision and management directions for the the plan (section 9.3) at the start of the new or parks will be especially important as outlined revised plan, through routine liaison and in previous sections of the plan. community forums and in the subsequent draft plan. Implementation of the plan will be consistent with Parks Victoria’s commitment to Future reporting on the Statewide Strategy sustainable practices, which involves the (Parks Victoria 2003b) and State of the Parks delivery of operations, services and facilities in reports (which will be available on the Parks an ecologically and socially responsible Victoria website, www.parkweb.vic.gov.au) manner with minimal use of expendable will also include information on management resources and minimal generation of waste. performance in the parks.
In implementing the plan, management will 9.2 Plan amendment respond to monitoring and research information as it emerges. Parks Victoria’s During the ten-year life of the plan, Environmental Management Framework amendments to the plan may only be made by (EMF) makes this possible. Based on the the Secretary to DSE, following an authorised International Standard for Environmental process, which includes community Management Systems (ISO 14001), the consultation. framework ensures that the future condition of
52 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Plan implementation
Circumstances that might lead to amendment Protecting cultural values of the plan include: • Progress towards working with the
• the results of monitoring or research, relevant Registered Aboriginal Party in management experience or new managing the parks and in protecting and interpreting Indigenous cultural heritage. information (such as greater understanding of new threatening processes) that indicate • Timely management intervention to avoid the need for a change in management damaging activities and threats. direction
• significant changes in visitation or use Managing recreation and visitor use • Managing impact from visitors, including • a change in policy that calls into question individuals and school and tour groups. plan objectives • Meeting community expectations in • new legislation (such as significant relation to Parks Victoria’s management of boundary changes). the parks. The plan may also be amended if an activity, • Improving community and visitor development or use that conflicts with the awareness. provisions of the plan is approved by government (such as native title outcomes). Providing for research and promoting understanding 9.3 Evaluation and review • Improving understanding of the Periodically through the life of the plan, Parks composition and distribution of habitats Victoria will assess overall progress towards and ecological processes. implementing the strategies in the plan and also assess progress towards achieving the plan • Ongoing participation by the Traditional vision and directions. These evaluations will Owners and the wider community. inform a decision about whether a new or • Clear identification of major knowledge revised plan is required. The achievements of gaps and threats. the plan will be assessed by considering performance areas such as the following. Methods for evaluating the benefits of the plan are likely to be refined over time. Parks Protecting natural values Victoria partners with external research agencies to establish benchmarks and • Overall benefit to biodiversity. indicators for major communities and habitats. • Compliance with no-fishing provisions and Through sound monitoring and assessment park regulations. methods this monitoring and research work will strengthen the basis for comparing • Timely management intervention to management performance over time. minimise threats.
• Minimal impact of permitted uses.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 53
REFERENCES
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Burger, J. 1998, Effects of motor boats and DSE 2003, Western Port Ramsar Site personal watercraft on flight behaviour over Strategic Management Plan, a colony of Common Terns, Condor 100: Department of Sustainability and 528−534. Environment, Melbourne.
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DSE 2004, Aquatic Pests: Treat ‘em mean – IMCRA Technical Group 1998, Interim keep your boat clean, Department of Marine and Coastal Regionalisation for Sustainability and Environment, East Australia: an ecosystem based Melbourne. classification for marine and coastal environment, Interim Marine and Coastal DSE 2005, Melbourne 2030, planning for Regionalisation for Australia Technical sustainable growth, Department of Group, Version 3.3, Environment Australia, Sustainability and Environment, Commonwealth Department of the Melbourne. Environment, Canberra. DSE 2006, Coastal Spaces Landscape Jenkins, G. P., Black, K. P. and Hamer, P. A. Assessment Study, Protection and 2000, Determination of spawning areas and Management of Victoria’s Coastal larval advection pathways for King George Landscapes, State Overview Report, whiting in south-eastern Australia using September 2006, Department of otolith microstructure and hydrodynamic Sustainability and Environment, East modelling, Marine Ecology Progress Series Melbourne. 199, 231–242. ECC 2000, Marine, Coastal and Estuarine Kirby, J. S., Clee C. and Seager V. 1993, Investigation, Final Report, Environment Impact and extent of recreational Conservation Council, Melbourne. disturbance to wader roosts on the Dee EPA 1995, The Distribution of Seagrass in Estuary: some preliminary results, in Western Port, Victoria, Environment Disturbance to Waterfowl on Estuaries, N. Protection Authority, Southbank, Victoria. Davidson and P. Rothwell (eds), Wader
EPA 1998, Cleaner Marinas: EPA Guidelines Study Group Bulletin 68, Special Issue, 53– 58. for Protecting Victoria’s Marinas, Publication 624, Environment Protection Melbourne Water 1999, Operating Charter for Authority, Southbank, Victoria. Waterways and Drainage, Melbourne Water, Melbourne. EPA 2001, Best Practice Environmental Management Guidelines for Dredging, Melbourne Water 2003, Watsons Creek Environment Protection Authority, Waterway Management Activity Plan, Southbank, Victoria. Melbourne Water, Melbourne.
EPA 2004, Waste Management Policy (Ships’ Melbourne Water 2004, Melbourne’s Rivers Ballast Water), Environment Protection and Creeks, Melbourne Water, Melbourne. Authority, Southbank, Victoria. MPS 1999, Mornington Peninsula Shire Government of Victoria 2002, Government’s Planning Scheme, Mornington Peninsula response to the Marine, Coastal and Shire, Rosebud. Estuarine Investigation, Final Report, Government of Victoria, Melbourne. MPS 2002, Stormwater Management Plan, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Rosebud. Hamilton, B. 2001, The ecology and spread of Spartina in Western Port Bay, Honours MSV 2002, The Victorian Marine Pollution Thesis, School of Botany, University of Contingency Plan (VICPLAN), Marine Safety Victoria, Melbourne. Melbourne, Melbourne (unpublished).
Hewitt, C. L., Campbell, M. L., Thresher, R. E. MSV 2005, The Victoria Recreational Boating and Martin, R. B. 1999, Marine Biological Safety Handbook, Marine Safety Victoria, Melbourne. Invasions of Port Phillip Bay, CRIMP Technical Report Number 20, CSIRO NRE 1997a, A Wildlife Response Plan for Oil Marine Research. Spills, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, East Melbourne. Hinwood, J. B. 1979, Hydrodynamic and transport models of Western Port, Victoria, NRE 1997b, Victoria's Biodiversity Strategy: Marine Geology 30, 47–64. Directions in Management, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, East Melbourne.
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NRE 1999a, Introduction of Exotic Organisms Parks Victoria 2005a, Indigenous Partnership into Victorian Marine Waters, FFG Action Strategy and Action Plan, Parks Victoria, Statement No. 100, Department of Natural Melbourne. Resources and Environment, East Parks Victoria 2005b, Safety and Environment Melbourne. Management Plan for the Local Port of NRE 1999b, Interim Victorian Protocol for Western Port, Parks Victoria, Melbourne. Managing Exotic Marine Organism Parry, G. D. and Cohen, B. F. 2001, Exotic Incursions, Department of Natural species established in the Western Port, Resources and Environment, East including an assessment of the status of the Melbourne. exotic species Corbula gibba, Alexandrium NRE 1999c, The Victorian Cetacean spp, Gymnodinium spp and Undaria Contingency Plan, Department of Natural pinnatifida, Marine and Freshwater Resources and Environment, East Resources Institute, Report No. 45, Marine Melbourne. and Freshwater Resources Institute, Queenscliff. NRE 2002, Policy for Sustainable Recreation and Tourism on Victoria's Public Land, PINP 2005, Phillip Island Nature Parks Department of Natural Resources and Annual Report, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Environment, East Melbourne. Cowes.
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Parks Victoria 2003a, City and Bays Regional Rosengren, N. J. 1984, Sites of Geological and Compliance Plan, Parks Victoria, Geomorphological Significance in the Melbourne (unpublished). Westernport Bay Catchment, Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, Parks Victoria 2003b, Victoria’s System of Melbourne. Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries, Management Strategy 2003– Saintilan, D. N. and Rogers, K. 2001, 2010, Parks Victoria, Melbourne. Mangrove and Saltmarsh monitoring in Western Port Bay, Australian Catholic Parks Victoria 2003c, Heritage Management University, Coastal Wetlands Unit, Strategy, Parks Victoria, Melbourne. Melbourne. Parks Victoria 2003d, Minimal Impact Satumanatpan, S. and Keough, M. J. 1999, Education / Interpretation Guidelines for Effect of barnacles on the survival and Victoria’s Marine National Parks and growth of temperate mangrove seedlings, Marine Sanctuaries, Parks Victoria, Marine Ecology Progress Series 18, 189– Melbourne (unpublished). 199. Parks Victoria 2004, Emergency Management SDFV 2005, Codes of Practice: General – Western Port, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Operating Guidelines for Recreational (unpublished). Scuba Diving and Related Activities, Scuba Divers Federation of Victoria, Melbourne.
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Shapiro, M. A. 1975, A preliminary report on VCC 1998, Siting and Design Guidelines for the Westernport Bay environmental study: Structures on the Victorian Coast, report for the period 1973–1974, Ministry Victorian Coastal Council, Melbourne. for Conservation, Melbourne. VCC 2002, Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002, Short, D. 1996, Beaches of the Victorian Coast Victorian Coastal Council, Melbourne. and Port Phillip Bay: A guide to their Wallbrink, P. J., Hancock, G. J., Olley, J. M., nature, characteristics, surf and safety, Surf Hughes, A., Prosser, I. P., Hunt, D., Life Saving Australia Ltd, School of Rooney, G., Coleman, R, Stevenson, J. Geosciences, University of Sydney, 2003, The Western Port Sediment Study, Sydney. CSIRO Consultancy report, Highett. Stevens, J. D. and West, G. J. 1997, Watson, G. F., Robertson, A. I. and Littlejohn, Investigation of school and gummy shark M. J. 1984, Invertebrate macrobenthos of nursery areas in south eastern Australia, the seagrass communities in Western Port, FRDC Project 93/061, Queenscliff. Victoria, Aquatic Botany 18, 175–197. Tourism Victoria 2004, National Visitors WRPCC 1992, Western Port Bay Strategy, Survey, Year Ending June 2004, Bureau of Western Port Regional Planning and Tourism Research, Melbourne. Coordination Committee, Victoria. Tourism Victoria 2007, Victoria’s Nature Based Tourism Strategy — Draft Plan 2007–2011, Tourism Victoria, Melbourne.
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Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 57
GLOSSARY
Aboriginal cultural heritage – Aboriginal places, limbs modified into broad flippers, vestigial objects and Aboriginal human remains. posterior limbs, and a flat notched tail.
Accretion – slow addition to land by deposition of Channelisation – to make, form, or cut channels water-borne sediment. in.
Algae (seaweed) – photosynthetic plant-like Coast – in broad terms, the sea and the seabed to organisms belonging to the kingdom Protista. the State limit (three nautical miles, or 5.5 km) and Unlike plants, not differentiated into roots, stems the land and inland waters within the coastal and leaves. Commonly called seaweed. catchment.
Amphipod – a small crustacean of the order Coastline – generally, where the land meets the Amphipoda, such as the beach flea, having a sea. laterally compressed body with no carapace. Competition – an interaction between or among Aquaculture – cultivation of fish, molluscs or two or more individuals or species in which other aquatic organisms in fresh or salt water. exploitation of resources by one affects any others negatively. Artefacts – an object produced or shaped by human craft, especially a tool, weapon, or ornament of Copepods – any of numerous minute marine and archaeological or historical interest. freshwater crustaceans of the subclass Copepoda, having an elongated body and a forked tail. Ascidian (sea squirt) – common solitary or colonial marine animal. Country – in Indigenous usage, all of nature, culture and spirituality relating to an area. Ballast water – water carried in a ship’s tanks for stability; normally discharged to the sea when the Cretaceous – of or belonging to the geologic time, ship is loaded, and can be contaminated with rock series, or sedimentary deposits of the third and pollution or exotic organisms. last period of the Mesozoic Era, characterised by the development of flowering plants and ending Beach renourishment – artificial renourishment of with the sudden extinction of the dinosaurs and eroding beaches by pumping sand from a suitable many other forms of life. part of the seabed. Crown land – land belonging to the State. Biodiversity – the natural diversity of all life: the sum of all our native species of flora and fauna, the Crustacean – arthropods of the class Crustacea, genetic variation within them, their habitats and the including lobsters, crabs, shrimps, and barnacles, ecosystems of which they are an integral part. characteristically having a segmented body, a chitinous exoskeleton, and paired, jointed limbs. Biomass – the total mass of living matter within a given unit of environmental area. Cryptic – tending to conceal or camouflage.
Bioregion – an area with particular underlying Ctenophores – any of various marine animals of environmental and ecological features. the phylum Ctenophora, having transparent, gelatinous bodies bearing eight rows of comb like Biosphere reserve – an international UNESCO cilia used for swimming; also called a comb jelly. conservation designation under Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB) that are created to Customs – observances and practices of people promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship (includes land management and resource use) in between humans and the biosphere. Biosphere accordance with their tradition. reserves encompass a mosaic of ecological systems Cyanobacteria – photosynthetic bacterium of the and consist of combinations of terrestrial, coastal, class Coccogoneae or Hormogoneae, generally blue- or marine ecosystems. green in colour and in some species capable of Biota – the combined flora and fauna of a region. nitrogen fixation. Cyanobacteria were once thought to be algae: also called blue-green alga. Bivalve – type of mollusc with a pair of hinged shells (e.g. scallop, mussel). Dendric – form of a branching or treelike mark.
Catchment – the area of land that drains to a Diatom – a microscopic unicellular alga. watercourse or estuary. Dinoflagellates – small protozoans of the order Cetacean – marine mammals of the order Cetacea, Dinoflagellata, characteristically having two including the whales, dolphins, and porpoises, flagella and a cellulose covering and forming one of characterised by a nearly hairless body, anterior the chief constituents of plankton; including
58 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Glossary bioluminescent forms and forms that produce red perforations through which numerous pseudopods tide. protrude.
Disturbance – a rapid change in an environment Foreshore – generally, the land between a coastal that greatly alters a previously persistent biological road and the low water mark. community. Freehold land – land under private ownership. Driftwood – wood from natural a source, floating Gastropod – molluscs of the class Gastropoda, or that has been washed ashore. such as the snail, slug, cowrie, or limpet, Ebbing – receding tide. characteristically having a single, usually coiled, shell or no shell at all, a ventral muscular foot for Echinoderm – radially symmetrical marine locomotion, and eyes and feelers located on a invertebrates of the phylum Echinodermata, which distinct head. includes the starfishes, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers, having an internal calcareous skeleton Geomorphology – the scientific study of landforms and often covered with spines. and geological formations and the processes that shape them. Ecologically sustainable development (ESD) – development that improves the total quality of life Glacial – of, relating to, or derived from a glacier; a both now and in the future, in a way that maintains glacial epoch. the ecological processes on which life depends. Groundwater – water beneath the earth’s surface, Ecosystem – a dynamic complex of interacting often between saturated soil and rock, which organisms and their associated non-living supplies wells and springs. environment. Habitat – the preferred location or ‘home’ of an Ecotourism – tourism involving travel to areas of organism. natural or ecological interest, typically under the Heritage – a place, activity, cultural way of life, guidance of a naturalist, for the purpose of structure or group of structures that have aesthetic, observing wildlife and learning about the historic, scientific or social value for past, present environment. or future generations. Eocene – of or belonging to the geologic time, rock High water mark – the landward boundary of high series, or sedimentary deposits of the second epoch water mark is the average of the highest tides of the Tertiary Period, characterised by warm (spring and neap). climates and the rise of most modern mammalian families. Holocene – an Epoch of the Quaternary Period of geologic time, from approximately ten thousand Endemic – unique to a particular area, and not years ago to the present. found naturally anywhere else. Hydroid – small, tentacled animal related to corals Epiphytic – a plant that grows on another plant and sea-jellies. Common but often overlooked. upon which it depends for mechanical support but not for nutrients. Hydrology – the scientific study of the properties, distribution, and effects of water on the earth’s Estuary – an inlet or river mouth that is influenced surface, in the soil and underlying rocks, and in the by tides and freshwater inputs from the catchment. atmosphere. Exotic marine organism/species – See Pest. Indigenous communities – indigenous people who Ferruginous – of, containing, or similar to iron, or share cultural values and activities relating to the having the colour of iron rust: reddish-brown. parks.
Flooding – advancing tide. Indigenous people – people who are descendants of Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Floristically – of or pertaining to the flora of an Islanders. area and the geographic patterns of distribution represented by its taxa. Indigenous species – species that occur naturally in a region. Flotsam – in maritime law, applies to wreckage or cargo left floating on the sea after a shipwreck. The Infrastructure – physical structures that facilitate common phrase ‘flotsam and jetsam’ is now used the human use of an area (e.g. roads, paths and loosely to describe any objects found floating or toilet blocks). washed (respectively) ashore. See also Jetsam. Interglacial – occurring between glacial epochs. Foram – protozoans of the order Foraminifera, characteristically having a calcareous shell with
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 59 Glossary
Intertidal – the area between low and high tide Neap tide – tide occurring twice every month levels, which is subject to daily changes in physical between spring tides but is slightly lower. and biological conditions from tide movements. Pest – exotic organisms (plants, animals or Invertebrate – an animal without a backbone at pathogens) that, if introduced outside their natural any stage of development (e.g. worms, sponges, or previous distribution, cause significant changes crustaceans, molluscs). to habitats, food chains, ecosystems or human health by feeding on or competing with native Jetsam – in maritime law, applies to cargo or species. Can refer to either terrestrial or marine equipment thrown overboard from a ship in distress species. and either sunk or washed ashore. The common phrase ‘flotsam and jetsam’ is now used loosely to Photosynthesis – the process by which organic describe any objects found floating or washed molecules are made from carbon dioxide and water, (respectively) ashore. See also Flotsam. using light energy. This process is essential for the growth and survival of plants and algae. Mangrove – any of various similar shrubs or trees, especially of the genus Avicennia, having stilt-like Phytoplankton – small plants that drift in open roots and stems and forming dense thickets along water. tidal shores. Plankton – the collection of small or microscopic Marine National Park – in Victoria, highly organisms, including algae and protozoans, that protected areas reserved and managed under float or drift in great numbers in fresh or salt water, Schedule 7 of the National Parks Act that represent especially at or near the surface, and serve as food the range of marine environments in Victoria, and for fish and other larger organisms. in which no fishing, extractive or damaging Pleistocene – the first Epoch of the Quaternary activities are allowed. Period of geologic time, from approximately ten Marine protected area – a marine area that has thousand to two million years ago, characterised by some form of protection and is managed for the alternate appearance and recession of northern conservation objectives. glaciation, the appearance and worldwide spread of hominids, and the extinction of numerous land Marine Sanctuary – in Victoria, a small, highly mammals, such as the mammoth. protected area reserved and managed under Schedule 8 of the National Parks Act to protect Pneumatophores – an air-filled root (submerged or special values, and in which no fishing, extractive exposed) that can function as a respiratory organ of or damaging activities are allowed. These areas a mangrove, marsh or swamp plant. complement Marine National Parks. Polychaetes – annelid worms of the class Midden – a mound or deposit containing the Polychaeta, including mostly marine worms such as remains of shellfish eaten by Indigenous people. the lugworm, and characterised by fleshy paired Coastal shell middens can consist of the shells and appendages tipped with bristles on each body other remains from a single meal or many different segment. meals eaten in the same location over many years. Practices – the traditional land management and Middens can also contain other cultural items such resource use practices of Indigenous people. as stone and bone artefacts. Predation – the consumption of one organism by Miocene – from 25 million to 13 million years ago, another. during which grazing mammals appeared. Prograde – the normal direction of flow. Mollusc – broad group of animals including snails, sea slugs, squids, octopuses, cuttlefish and mussels. Quartzose – a very hard mineral composed of silica, SiO , found worldwide in many different Mooring – a structure or apparatus used to secure 2 types of rocks, including sandstone and granite. any floating object. A private mooring is a mooring installed and maintained by any non-Government Ramsar Convention on Wetlands – an agency or individual other than Parks Victoria. international agreement created in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971 to recognise wetland of international Morphology – the characteristics and configuration importance. and evolution of rocks and land forms [syn: geomorphology]. Recruitment – the residual of those larvae that have dispersed, settled at the adult site, made some Mudflats – low-lying seabed with a muddy final movements towards the adult habitat, substrate that is covered at high tide and exposed at metamorphosed successfully and survived to be low tide. detected by the observer.
60 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Glossary
Registered Aboriginal Party – registered under Tertiary – of or belonging to the geologic time, part 10 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act by the system of rocks, or sedimentary deposits of the first Aboriginal Heritage Council. period of the Cenozoic Era, from approximately two million to 65 million years ago, and Remnant vegetation – remaining natural characterised by the appearance of modern flora vegetation. and of apes and other large mammals. Saltmarsh – a coastal habitat consisting of salt- Threatening process – a source of potential harm resistant plants residing in an organic-rich sediment or a situation with a potential to cause loss. accreting towards sea level. Tradition – the body of knowledge, beliefs and Seagrass – highly specialised marine flowering customs that is passed from generation to plants adapted to grow in soft sediments in near- generation. shore waters. Meadows/Beds of seagrass are commonly found in shallow coastal marine Traditional Owners – person with traditional or locations and estuaries. familial links, an Aboriginal person with particular knowledge about traditions, observances, customs Sediment – insoluble material carried in water, or beliefs associated with the area, and the person consisting mainly of particles derived from rock, has responsibility under Aboriginal tradition for soil and organic material; in particular such significant aboriginal places located in, or material that has settled out of the water, onto the significant Aboriginal objects originating from, the seabed. area; or is a member of a family or clan group that Sedimentation – the deposition of sediment on a is recognized as having responsibility under surface. Aboriginal tradition for significant aboriginal places located in or significant Aboriginal objects Semidiurnal – occurring or coming approximately originating from, the area. once every 12 hours, as the tides. Translocation – the transfer of pests from one area Sewage – household or commercial waste water to a new area. including human and industrial wastes. Turbidity – having sediment or foreign particles Sewerage – the system that facilitates the stirred up or suspended; muddy. collection, transport, treatment and discharge of sewage. Values – natural and cultural assets (e.g. historic artefacts, features, species, communities) that have Shellfish – an aquatic animal, such as a mollusc or been given worth or are considered to be desirable. crustacean, that has a shell or shell-like exoskeleton. Vascular plant – plants, such as the ferns and seed- bearing plants, in which the phloem transports Sponge – multicellular filter-feeding animals with a sugar and the xylem transports water and salts. variety of forms. Sponges are the simplest form of invertebrate life. Vessel – (as defined in the Marine Act) any kind of vessel that is used, or capable of being used, in Sporophytes – the spore-producing phase in the navigation by water, however propelled or moved, life cycle of a plant that exhibits alternation of and includes (a) a barge, lighter, floating restaurant generations. or other floating vessel; and (b) an air-cushion Spring tides – occur twice every month at new and vehicle, or other similar craft, that is used in full moon, and are the highest tides. navigation by water; and (c) any aeroplane that is designed for and capable of being waterborne, for Stakeholder – an individual or group that has a so long as that aeroplane is waterborne. vested interest in, or may be affected by, a project or process. Water column – water habitat extending between the surface and the seabed. Stormwater – run-off from land during and following rain. Stormwater removes accumulated Wetland – land where saturation by water is the material including litter, soil, nutrients, pathogens, dominant factor for soil type and plant and animal chemicals, pesticides, oils and grease. communities (e.g. tidal areas, saltmarsh and mangroves). Substrate – a surface on which an organism grows or is attached. Zooplankton – plankton that consists of animals, including the corals, rotifers, sea anemones, and Subtidal – waters below the low tide mark. jellyfish. Surfactants – a surface-active substance. Tectonic – relating to, causing, or resulting from structural deformation of the earth’s crust.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 61 Glossary
Abbreviations IUCN – International Union for the Conservation of Nature AAV – Aboriginal Affairs Victoria LCC – Land Conservation Council ANZECC – former Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council. ANZECC LTO – Licensed tour operator was represented by government Ministers and ML – Megalitre – 1 million litres guided national policy and programs related to the management of the environment and its MOU – Memorandum of understanding conservation MSV – Marine Safety Victoria CAMBA – China-Australian Migratory Bird NEIP – Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Agreement Program CMA – Catchment Management Authority NRE – former Department of Natural Resources CSIRO – Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial and Environment Research Organisation NRSMPA – National Representative System of CRIMP – Centre for Research on Introduced Marine Protected Areas Marine Pests ORC – Outdoor Recreation Centre DIVA – Dive Industry Victoria Association PPWPCMA – Port Phillip and Western Port DSE – Department of Sustainability and Catchment Management Authority Environment, formerly NRE PWC – Personal water craft DVC – Department of Victorian Communities Scuba – Self contained underwater breathing ECC – Environment Conservation Council, apparatus formerly LCC SDFV – SCUBA Divers Federation of Victoria EPA – Environment Protection Authority SEMP – Safety and Environment Management EMF – Environmental Management Framework of Plan Parks Victoria. SEPP – State Environment Protection Policy EPBC – Environment Protection and Biodiversity TFMPA – Taskforce for Marine Protected Areas Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific, FFG – Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and Cultural Organization JAMBA – Japan-Australian Migratory Bird VCC – Victorian Coastal Council Agreement GPS – Global Positioning System
IMCRA – Interim Marine and Coastal Regionalisation for Australia
62 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks Appendices
APPENDIX 1 MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES FOR MARINE NATIONAL PARKS
Management objectives for marine national parks and marine sanctuaries included on Schedule 7 or 8 of the National Parks Act are in Sections 4 and 17D as listed below. For an up-to-date copy of the National Parks Act 1975 (Vic.), refer to Victorian Acts on the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au.
Section 17D Marine national parks and 4. Objects of the Act marine sanctuaries The objects of this Act are – (3) The Secretary must –
(a) to make provision, in respect of national (a) ensure that each marine national park and parks, State parks, marine national parks marine sanctuary is controlled and and marine sanctuaries – managed in accordance with the objects of
(i) for the preservation and protection of this Act in a manner that will –
the natural environment including (i) preserve and protect the natural wilderness areas and remote and environment and indigenous flora natural areas in those parks; and fauna of the park and any (ii) for the protection and preservation of features of the park which are of indigenous flora and fauna and of geological, geomorphological, features of scenic or archaeological, ecological, scenic, archaeological, ecological, geological, historic or historic or other scientific interest; other scientific interest in those and
parks; and (ii) promote the prevention of the
(iii) for the study of ecology, geology, introduction of exotic flora and fauna botany, zoology and other sciences into the park; and
relating to the conservation of the (iii) provide for the eradication or control natural environment in those parks; of exotic flora and fauna found in the and park; and
(iv) for the responsible management of (b) subject to paragraph (a) – the land in those parks; (i) provide for the use, enjoyment and (c) to make provision in accordance with the understanding of marine national foregoing for the use of parks by the parks and marine sanctuaries by the public for the purposes of enjoyment, public; and recreation or education, and for the encouragement and control of that use. (ii) promote an understanding of the purpose and significance of marine national parks and marine sanctuaries; and
(c) prepare a plan of management in respect of each marine national park and each marine sanctuary.
Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks 63 Appendices
APPENDIX 2 SUBMISSIONS ON THE DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN
A total of 12 submissions were received of the draft plan, comprising 10 from organisations, two from individuals and two marked confidential.
ORGANISATION/ INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION NUMBER
SUBMISSIONS FROM ORGANISATIONS 10
Bird Observers Club of Australia 11 Cannons Creek Residents Association & Coast Action Group Inc. 04 Confidential 09 Confidential 12 Department of Primary Industries - Fisheries Victoria 08 Department for Victorian Communities - Aboriginal Affairs Victoria 06 EPA Victoria 07 Mornington Peninsula Shire 10 Tourism Alliance Victoria 02 Western Port Bird Observers Club (Branch of the Bird Observers Club of Australia) 01
SUBMISSIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS 2
Hugh Kirkman 05 Anwyn Martin 03
64 Yaringa, French Island and Churchill Island Marine National Parks
Frankston A780
M420 Langwarrin Flora & Fauna Reserve
Koo-wee-rup
Cannons Tooradin Creek Warneet
Moorooduc Quail Island Tyabb YARINGA MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Devilbend FRENCH ISLAND Reserve MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Hastings A440
FrencFhrIesnlacnhd Fairhaven NatiIoslnaanld PNaartkional A420 Park
French Island Merricks
Stony Point
Tankerton Somers Coolart Historic Area Corinella
W E S T E R N Cowes P O R T
inders 8420 CHURCHILL ISLAND 8ass MARINE NATIONAL PARK Phillip Island Churchill Island OOM REEF ANCTUARY Newhaven
Sea/ San Rocks Remo
Melbourne Kilcunda
Frankston
Wonthaggi B A S S S T R A I T
Figure 1 0 2.5 5 7.5
LOCATION K I L O M E T R E S N Cartography by Spatial Vision 2007 YARINGA MARINE NATIONAL PARK, M/7364 Freeway/Highway FRENCH ISLAND MARINE NATIONAL PARK & Major sealed road CHURCHILL ISLAND MARINE NATIONAL PARK Marine National Park MELBOURNE Other Parks & Reserves •
Waterbody
CHURCHILL ISLAND MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Figure 2c Major sealed road W E S T E R N 2 P O R T Minor sealed road
Unsealed road Long Point _.Y Walking track DENNE B/GHT Locked Gate _.Y Shore boundary marker (Colour indicated by letter)
In-water boundary marker Y Y Depth contour
Channel
_.Y etty
MCFEES ROAD Pleasant Point North Point Churchill Island North East Cove Marine National Park
Special Protection Area - Observation Point Observation Point Intertidal Vegetation Point Pickersgill (Saltmarsh & Mangroves) Chambers Point Phillip Island Nature Parks Other Reserves CHURCHILL ISLAND HERITAGE FARM Inundated land Areas exposed at low tide
SWAN BAY RENISON BIGHT Recreation Facilities
Boat ramp McLeod Point Caravan Park Swan Corner Swan Corner South RENNISON Bridge Y_. Point Historic RD Homestead Y Information
RD 2 E Toilets Surf Beach Estate
HOM
Yacht Club
S Newhaven
RD A V E 0 500 1000
BOY
BEVERLEY Woody Point M E T R E S Cartography by Spatial Vision 2007 Newhaven Swamp 5 N M/7364
10
Bridge
B420 2 EASTERN Davis + MELBOURNE Forrest Bluff ENTRANCE Point San • Homestead Point 15 Remo * Phillip Island Forrest Caves Airfield 5 10 5 2 2 + 5 San Remo - Pt Smythe B A S S S T R A I T To Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserve
Blind Bight + Tooradin + M420 FRENCH+ ISLAND
Crouches Blind eith Inlet Bight MARINE NATIONAMonomL PARK Warneet Figure 2b
Sealed road Pelican Point Unsealed road QUAIL ISLAND Vehicular track 2 Walking track BLlND CHlNA Navigational Light I Marker BAY BlGHT 2 (Colour indicated by letter)
2 Y Shore boundary marker
Chinaman 2 2 In-water boundary I special marker Island 2 5 Y 5 Port I Starboard hand marker Adams R G Yaringa Marine Point Cardinal Pile National Park YBY BYB 2 5 Light I Beacon Fl.G5s Fl.WRG8s 2 10 5 Depth Contour
10 15 Fl.G5s Channel YBY 5 20 5 Jetty R BAGGE HARBOUR French Island R 5 Crawfish YBY 2 Marine National Park Rock 20 10 5 R YBY R 10 • 10 G Fl.WRG8s 15 20 15 15 5 Other Marine W E S T E R N 5 P O R T YBY National Park 10 Y 5 Y G 2 R 2 YBY National Park Barrallier 10 10 YBY Y BYB Island G Joe Island Y 5 Special Protection Area - Scrub Point Natural Values (SeabirdIShorebird Habitat) YBY 2 2 5 Y G Special Protection Area - Decoy 5 Swamp Natural Values
(Saltmarsh & Mangroves)
Y Y R Intertidal Vegetation (Saltmarsh & Mangroves) Y
North Western Port Nature Bullock Conservation Reserve Swamp Palmer Other Reserves Point River Inundated land Point The Cut Areas exposed at low tide Recreation Facilities The Duck Splash Boat ramp + Picnic table Gartsides Swamp Camping JamToilets J erru French Island National Park Information Yacht Club 0 1 2
+ K I L O M E T R E S Cartography by Spatial Vision 2007 2 N MI7364 FRENCH ISLAND Faiirirrhhhaaavvveeennn POINT GARTSIDES TK
• Mt RAIN Wellington
MELBOURNE • BRELLA * SPUR TK
YARINGA
MARINE NATIONAL PARK Figure 2a To Tooradin Sealed road
Unsealed road
Walking track C781 Locked Gate To Frankston Navigational Light I Marker (Colour indicated by letter)
.._Y Shore boundary marker Port I Starboard hand marker R G Cardinal Pile YBY Light I Beacon Fl.G5s Fl.R3s Depth Contour
CITY OF CASEY Channel
Jetty
Municipal boundary Yaringa Marine National Park Rutherford lnlet Special Protection Area - Natural Values Crouches Inlet (Saltmarsh & Mangroves)
Bembridge Intertidal Vegetation MORNINGTON Golf Course WATSONS lNLET (Saltmarsh & Mangroves)
PENINSULA North Western Port Nature Conservation Reserve SHIRE Other Reserves QUAIL ISLAND Chinaman Island Inundated land
Areas exposed at low tide BLlND CHlNA BlGHT Recreation Facilities BUNGOWER RD BAY Boat ramp Picnic area Information Toilets
Yacht Club WHITNEYS 2
Y 0 500 1000 To Hastings .._ LUMEAH RD M E T R E S
Adams Cartography by Spatial Vision 2007 R G R G R Point N MI7364
Yaringa Marina 2 YARINGA RD (Non Public Boat Ramp) R ILUKA 5 RD ROAD 5 G 2 10 MELBOURNE • G * 5 W E S T E R N P O R T R 2
BAGGE HARBOUR G 10 Fl.G5s 5 15 10 2 Fl.R3s YBY2