46 Annual Report 1997–1998 47

3

Promotion of Conservation

Key outcome

Community awareness of the natural environment and Aboriginal and historic heritage of , and their conservation both within and outside the park Bushwalkers in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. and reserve system, is increased. Photo: J. Winter 48 Annual Report 1997–1998

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS 1996–97 1997–98 1997–98 1998–99 actual forecast actual forecast

Number of participants in 50 842 50 000 62 249 * Discovery programs Number of cooperative programs 304 300 376 * conducted with neighbours * New performance measures have been established for the 1998–99 financial year as outlined in Appendix G “Organisational Performance” on pages 97–99.

PARK FACILITIES $256 000 for walking track improvements at Specific achievements in park facilities and Toonumbar, Yuraygir, Washpool and Hat services included: Head national parks and Broken Head and Limeburners Creek nature reserves; • the completion of stage one of works associated with the reconstruction of the • the construction of roads at Bald Rock Alpine Way in National Park and lookouts and picnic above Thredbo Village at a cost of $2.5 million facilities at the proposed Kwiambal National with stage two of this $24.1 million project to Park and Torrington State Recreation Area commence at the end of the 1998 winter ski at a cost of $75 000; season; • an $82 000 upgrade of water supply to • restoration of walking tracks and associated Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve and revegetation works in the alpine areas of camping areas; Kosciuszko National Park at a cost of $278 000; • the upgrading of visitor facilities in Dooragan • a contribution of $27 000 towards the National Park, including picnic tables and construction of the recently opened World shelters, gas barbeques and viewing platforms Heritage Rainforest Centre at Murwillumbah with disabled facilities for $300 000; and $40 000 for the upgrade of the Gibraltar • upgrade of amenities and irrigation for Range National Park World Heritage camp sites at Camp Blackman within information facility; Warrumbungle National Park and • a $40 000 upgrade of Iron Pot camping area in construction of a new car park at Split Rock; and a $65 000 • new gas barbeques and picnic shelters at the upgrade of camping and picnic facilities in four campgrounds within ; Nymboi-Binderay National Park; • interpretation in and around the Kinchega • major improvements to access the summit of Homestead within Mount Warning at a cost of $30 000 and at a cost of $10 000; • the construction of lookout platforms at Governor, Doug Sky and Euglah Rock within Mount Kaputar National Park and upgrade of car parks at Dawson’s Spring and Doug Sky Lookout and road access to Dawson’s Spring; • the completion of disabled visitor facilities at and disabled access to Adam’s Lookout in Bungonia State Recreation Area; • the construction of Scribbly Gum walking track in Jervis Bar National Park, a four-

New viewing platform, Dooragan National Park. Photo: E. Claussen Promotion of Conservation 49

Track construction at Harbour National Park. Photo: K. Allan

kilometre extension of the coastal walk in linking Boyds Tower with the Green Cape lightstation, and commencement of work on the new Wilderness Coast walking track in Nadgee Nature Reserve, including new toilet facilities, signage and car parking facilities at the track head; • the development of visitor facilities in South East Forest National Park, including a walking track, picnic area and lookout platforms at Myanba Creek at a cost of $300 000, and a walking track at Six Mile Creek for $20 000; • the redevelopment of Aragunnu day use and camping area and construction of lookouts at visitor centre, Bombala works depot, and Wajurda Point and Dolphin Dreaming in Illawarra sub-district office and visitor centre. Mimosa Rocks National Park at a cost of $32 000; • the construction of a boardwalk at Dalmeny, RECREATIONAL GROUPS redevelopment of Corunna day-use area and The Service continues to participate in regular visitor facilities at Moruya South Head in meetings with recreational, user and interest Eurobodalla National Park for $61 000; groups, including the NSW Recreational Four- Wheel Drive Clubs Association, local and peak • a $48 000 upgrade of camping facilities at horse riding groups, adventure activity groups, Freemans Beach in Munmorah State tourist operators and conservation groups, such Recreation Area and a contribution of $138 000 as the National Parks Association, concerning to road improvements at its southern entrance; the use of Service areas for a range of recreational • completion of major improvements on the activities. Fern Bower track, Prince Henry Cliff walk The Service’s Dorrigo and Grafton districts were and Leura Cascades round walk in the Blue involved in a joint working group with State Mountains National Park at a total cost of Forests of NSW to develop a whitewater rafting $220 000; strategy for Nymboi-Binderay National Park and • improvements to visitor access to the new adjacent state forest lands. The Service’s ongoing Mount Canobolas State Recreation Area, consultations with the NSW Recreational Four- involving resurfacing of Towac Way at a cost Wheel Drive Clubs Association, at both a of $41 000; regional and state council level, has resulted in • improvements to access to the Coolah Tops improved relationships and cooperation on a National Park, together with upgrading of number of issues. continues internal access roads at a total cost of $620 000; to support the Garie, Era and Burning Palms surf life saving clubs located within the boundaries of • upgrading of visitor facilities in the Sydney the park. Metropolitan area national parks for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, involving reconstruction of walking tracks and the TOURISM seawall at Bradleys Head with wheelchair The Service is represented on a number of local access, and completion of a new loop walking district and regional tourism associations and track at South Head; and provides displays and information to local tourist • works on Glen Innes District office and works information centres across New South Wales. depot, Grafton District office, Tibooburra The Service is also an active participant in the District visitor centre, Government’s Access Centre Program which 50 Annual Report 1997–1998

has established public information facilities in Guided tours of Sydney Harbour National Park eight country locations. continue to increase in popularity, particularly The Service’s Lismore District has established tours of the Quarantine Station at North Head Service promotional and information signs in and Fort Denison and Goat Island, where tours several towns at a cost of $45 000. The Service of the Water Rats set are very popular. liaises regularly with local commercial tour operators and continues to be involved in the Draft Nature Tourism and Katoomba TAFE commercial tour operators Recreation Strategy and Public training course, with 82 commercial tourism Access Strategy operators licensed in the Blue Mountains. An During the year, a five-month public exhibition eco-tourism information day for tourism operators and consultation process of the Service’s draft was conducted in parks on the central coast. Nature Tourism and Recreation Strategy took The Service’s Eden District developed place. The draft Nature Tourism and Recreation interpretive signage for whale watching with the Strategy aims to improve management of national aim of promoting the far south coast of New parks and other protected areas and, in particular, South Wales as a whale watching destination. the ecologically sustainable management of Whale watching and marine mammal visitor use and enjoyment of these areas. The interpretive signs have been developed for public principle is that visitor use must be managed in wharves, lookouts and vantage points, as well as a way that is consistent with conservation of whale watching regulation signs for public boat natural and cultural heritage. ramps. Over 400 submissions were received by the The Snowy Mountains Region Visitor Centre at Service in response to the public exhibition of Jindabyne was a finalist in the NSW Tourism the draft Nature Tourism and Recreation Awards for Excellence and attracted Strategy. The issues raised in the submissions approximately 200 000 visitors during the year. and at a number of regional workshops held The Tumut Region Visitor Centre, a cooperative throughout New South Wales have been venture between the Service and the Tumut incorporated into material being presented to Shire Council, was officially opened by the the Visions for the New Millennium Steering Minister for the Environment in December 1997. Committee established to review natural and The Centre features interpretive displays about cultural heritage conservation and the role of Kosciuszko National Park and the Tumut region, the Service. including touchscreen information on Kosciuszko Public Access Strategy Discussion Paper National Park and the Snowy Mountains Hydro- electric Authority. A draft Public Access Strategy Discussion Paper was placed on public exhibition from August The Service is involved in Aboriginal site tours 1997 until 18 November 1997 and written in a number of districts and participates in joint submissions were invited. During this time, nine training programs with Aboriginal guides. regional consultation forums were held with almost 700 people participating. Approximately 1 400 written submissions were received by the conclusion of the public exhibition period. A consultant’s report on the outcomes of the public consultation process was prepared. This process aimed at obtaining community input for reviewing public access in national parks, based on principles of equity, conservation and ecological sustainability. During the course of this process the draft Nature Tourism and Recreation Strategy was placed on public exhibition.

Broken Hill community workshop for the Visions for the New Millennium Review. Photo: P. Sherratt Promotion of Conservation 51

Common issues emerged across the draft Public mind, such as agricultural production or creating Access Strategy and the draft Nature Tourism an urban garden landscape. Park neighbours are and Recreation Strategy. As the principles of the a special group in the community for the Service, draft Nature Tourism and Recreation Strategy as activities affect each other, and opportunities were to be incorporated into issues papers being for working together extend beyond the boundary prepared for consideration as part of the Visions fence. for the New Millennium Review, the consultant’s During 1997–98, consultation programs were report of the draft Public Access Strategy was conducted in the development of plans of forwarded to the Visions Steering Committee management. Particular emphasis was placed on for consideration. community participation in planning the management of new nature reserves, national RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE parks and state recreation areas. COMMUNITY Surveys were conducted with neighbours and Building and maintaining credible stakeholder other stakeholders seeking views on issues of relationships is important to the Service in interest or concern. Neighbour community achieving its objectives, retaining government workshops explored issues in the management of confidence and ensuring ongoing community specific protected areas, and opportunities for support. The community expects greater cooperative action. Neighbour newsletters were involvement in Service planning and produced in a number of districts detailing decisionmaking processes. In the area of media information on local initiatives, cooperative work relations, the Service has adopted an ‘issues with neighbours and local issues of interest. The management’ approach to its activities with Service participated in a number of community increasing involvement in the development of and industry field days. broader communication strategies to manage The Service continued its work in the key corporate issues and priorities. The Service Community Fireguard program, encouraging is committed to improving customer service neighbours to prepare for bushfire and protect delivery and developing strategies to identify life, property and other important assets. In and respond to the needs, expectations and addition, the Service worked with neighbours concerns of customers. and other agencies in cooperative pest Over the past year, the Service worked with a management activities. Cooperative activities range of people in the community, enhancing continued with rural lands protection boards, the effectiveness of communication, consultation State Forests of NSW, Department of Land and and cooperative partnerships. The Service Water Conservation, local councils, and supports these activities through the provision electricity and water authorities in fire of specialist advice and assistance, and in the management, pest management, and development and implementation of specific conservation planning. communication strategies and programs. There A workshop was conducted to develop guidelines are state-wide programs in Aboriginal programs, for the neighbour relations policy. The workshop neighbour relations, community consultation also documented a range of case studies in and Discovery community education programs. neighbour relations intended as a staff resource. The Service was invited by the Department of Neighbour Relations Program Conservation in Queensland to participate in a Neighbours of national parks include private workshop on neighbour relations for department landholders and leaseholders; federal, state and staff. The policy outlines the Service’s local government agencies with land commitment to good neighbour relations, management responsibilities; the defence forces; emphasising effective communication, and authorities that manage water, rail, road, gas consultation and cooperative action, supporting and electricity in both rural and urban areas. neighbours in community conservation The Service manages land for the conservation initiatives, such as Landcare and Total of nature and for appropriate recreational Catchment Management, and providing opportunities that foster appreciation of natural information about the Service’s role in heritage in New South Wales. Neighbours may conservation, conservation opportunities and manage their land with a range of objectives in conservation land management strategies. 52 Annual Report 1997–1998

Aboriginal community programs The Service undertook a state-wide program for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Day of Celebration in July 1997. National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Day of Celebration activities were conducted in seven districts with a range of activities, including Aboriginal dancers, face painting, stone flaking, guided tours of Aboriginal art sites and Elders days. In other initiatives, the Service worked with the NSW Heritage Office on future joint production of a range of publications, including a brochure entitled “Introduction to Aboriginal Heritage” a Historic Heritage Studies booklet and brochures and posters associated with the Service’s Aboriginal Heritage Division.

Community partnerships Volunteering has emerged as a strong area of community involvement in the Service’s activities. In urban areas, volunteering provides neighbours, groups and individuals with an opportunity to interact with Service staff and Abseiling as a Discovery activity in Oxley Wild Rivers builds links between the Service and the National Park. Photo: M. Dowd community. Volunteering also fosters greater understanding in the community of the natural, A program inviting community participation in cultural and historic heritage of New South the conservation of wildlife was piloted in western Wales. New South Wales. Wildlife Watch sought to raise awareness of the Service’s regulatory role in More than 1 400 volunteers were involved in illegal wildlife activities, such as bird smuggling, over 50 separate workgroups across New South and to gain community support in the Wales to protect nature, and cultural and historic management of this issue by reporting suspicious heritage. Volunteer activities have included bush activities to the Service. The Service developed regeneration, flora and fauna surveys, threatened partnerships with stakeholders in recovery species management, assisting at visitor centres, planning teams for threatened species, such as and membership of local advisory committees. the brush-tailed rock-wallaby, little tern and These efforts contribute to the management of Grevillea beadleana. protected areas, and cultural and historic sites. The Service continued its Campus Conservation Community education Volunteer Program for New South Wales tertiary Discovery: walks, talks and tours is a major program students in partnership with the Australian Trust in the Service’s corporate education services. for Conservation Volunteers. More than 150 The Discovery Program represents delivery of rural and urban students from 10 tertiary the Service’s legislative responsibilities for institutions participated in the program. The community education under the National Parks Service also reviewed its policy and guidelines and Wildlife Act 1974, the Wilderness Act 1987 for volunteers to more adequately reflect the and the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. diversity of volunteer opportunities in the During 1997–98, Discovery programs were Service, and the importance of delivering quality conducted in 26 districts. These community programs to the community. Community education activities were conducted mostly partnerships helped develop regionally integrated during the school holidays, with at least five tourism initiatives, such as the development of districts regularly conducting Discovery activities the South East Forest information package. throughout the year. A total of 62 249 people Promotion of Conservation 53

took part in nature based and/or cultural activities had the skills to conduct professional guided in 205 locations around New South Wales. tours. This was an opportunity to redevelop the Service’s tour-guide training course to better A major achievement for the year was the suit the needs of Aboriginal tour guides. Course implementation of a pilot Discovery tour guide participants were invited to add to its training course for Aboriginal people, funded by development through evaluation and comment. the Service with assistance from the Federal Office of National Tourism. A total of 41 Other promotional and educational activities Aboriginal people attended courses at Sydney, Open days proved very successful at Quarantine Armidale, Dubbo, Narooma and Bourke. The Station, Castlereagh Nature Reserve and course was based on the Discovery Ranger , providing the Training Manual which was developed in 1996 community with direct contact with Service to ensure that Discovery rangers (tour guides) staff. Eden District was the major sponsor for the

Discovery activity numbers compared across 1996–97 and 1997–98

151 other 58 0 non-educational 18 32 campfires 68 236 spotlighting 261 204 special interest 208 37 historic site 171 166 Aboriginal culture 210 68 1997–98 adventure 136 1996–97 9 overnight camping 28 44 four-wheel drive 39 bushwalk (full day) 185 183 520 bushwalk (half day) 422 bushwalk (less 2 hours) 413 333 136 talks/slide 161 58 bus trips 15

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 54 Annual Report 1997–1998

Guided tours at the official opening of Scheyville National Park on 19 October 1997. Photo: A. Wort

into the new millennium. This involved a series of regional workshops conducted by Service facilitators for stakeholders and Service staff in the lead up to the Visions Symposium in July 1998. Plans of management provide opportunities for interested groups to be involved in decisionmaking processes during the development phase as well as in the public exhibition and submission phase. Community Whale Festival held in October 1997 which consultation groups were formed for the highlighted the Service’s role in conservation of management of specific issues, such as the whale marine mammals. Jervis Bay National Park was watching workshop on the north coast. the site of the second Celebration of Nature Environmental survey and research activities Festival, the theme being the marine included consultation over the development of environment to coincide with 1998 as the plans of management for koalas in Port Stephens International Year of The Ocean. Scheyville and Coffs Harbour. National Park was officially opened by the The Service continued its facilitation skills Minister for the Environment, Pam Allan, on 19 training program to enhance staff skills across October 1997. the Service in communication, consultation and working with groups. A basic media skills training Environmental education program was implemented to enhance staff skills During 1997–98, the Service reviewed school in effective communication using the mass media. curriculum to reflect conservation aims such as maintaining biodiversity. It included a review of Information and Customer the Human Society and the Environment Services curriculum. The Service also worked with the Environment Protection Authority to develop a The Service provides a range of information teacher’s resource document on Biodiversity and resources to the community and its stakeholders Sustainability. In partnership with the via visitor centres, district offices, regional and Department of Education and Training, the zone offices located throughout New South Service embarked on a teachers resource Wales. The Service has a large and diverse development program to integrate customer base that includes local, interstate and environmental education into school subjects. international park visitors, neighbours, The inaugural project focused on fostering landholders, licence applicants, students and positive values towards the conservation of researchers, other government agencies and other conservation and environmental agencies. An natural and cultural heritage through the Health/ array of services are offered to these customers Personal Development /Physical Education and the focus during the year was to improve curriculum. communication and consultation to better Community consultation respond to customer needs. Groups in the community have an interest in Visitor centres provide face-to-face information Service activities, and community consultation as well as a range of print information, such as has been a major activity over the past year. The free park brochures, visitor guides, animal fact Visions for the New Millennium Review process sheets, other educational resource materials and explored the way forward in the conservation of general information booklets about the work of nature, Aboriginal heritage and historic heritage the Service. They also sell publications, such as Promotion of Conservation 55

teachers’ kits and posters, and a variety of other consultancy work and services for internal and products, including annual passes for entry into external clients on a range of projects with the national parks. intention of ensuring collected fees covered staff The National Parks and Wildlife Centre, located and production costs. In the past year, a survey to at Hurstville is the Service’s state-wide public senior managers across the Service investigated information service. The National Parks and the current and future directions of Service Wildlife Centre is open to the public from publications. As a result, public information Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (closed on brochures on parks and reserves were coordinated public holidays). centrally to ensure a consistency and continuity of information across the Service. The Centre provides: Among Service projects requiring professional • distribution of free Service community editorial and design input were new animal fact information publications, such as the twice- sheets, a Z-card map featuring Sydney, brochures, yearly National Parks and Wildlife News; displays and signs. Other projects undertaken • an information and advice service on during the year included: a range of brochures conservation, wildlife, and natural and cultural and advertisements for open days and launches heritage issues; • a contact point for education programs, such as Discovery; Number of inquiries to the National • a direct and mail order retail outlet for products Parks and Wildlife Centre and publications; and • a display point for environmental impact statements and fauna impact statements 9000090000 87010 produced by the Service and other government 87 010 departments. The Centre handles local, interstate and 8000080000 1996-971996–97 international inquiries relating to the Service 1998-971997–98 71512 and conservation issues. Inquiries over the 71 512 telephone reached 87 010 compared to 71 512 in 7000070000 1996–97 with 1 576 over-the-counter inquiries (1996–97 = 1 903), 1 806 mail inquiries (1996– 97 = 1 594) and 208 internet inquiries. In all, 6000060000 inquiries were up by 21 percent over the previous financial year. In 1997–98, a 1300 number — 1300 36 1967 — 5000050000 for the Information Centre was introduced to give rural customers access to state-wide information services for the cost of a local call. 4000040000 To further improve customer service, a project to develop and monitor customer service standards for visitor centres and vehicle entry 3000030000 stations was commenced. The Service’s web site was officially launched by the Minister for the Environment during the 2000020000 year. Ongoing development and feedback to inquiries and comments will help to ensure the continuing relevance of the web site to customers. 1000010000 1903 1806 1 806 1576 1594 1 903 1 594 Publications 1 576 208 0 208 0 0 During 1997–98, the editorial, graphic design 0 TelephoneTelephone Over Over the theMail MailInternet Internet and photographic library areas undertook counter counter 56 Annual Report 1997–1998

of new parks, such as Scheyville National Park, these publications are available through the and Discovery; signs for Sydney Harbour National National Parks and Wildlife Centre at 43 Bridge Park; and logo designs and letterheads for the Street, Hurstville, (02) 9585 6333, and at some Visions for the New Millennium Review. commercial booksellers. During the year, the series of corporate displays During the year, the Service’s photographic were expanded to include several new displays library provided images for Service displays, with threatened species and community publications and slide shows, as well as to a range conservation as key issues. These displays of outside organisations for reproduction in promote the role of the Service in conservation magazines, books, posters and CD-ROMs. and are used to communicate the range of Service responsibilities at events such as conferences, Library Services field days and shows. The Library has continued to respond to changing Two issues of the community newspaper, National Service priorities in the provision of information Parks and Wildlife News, were produced to both internal and external clients. Major containing information on Service activities research projects by staff and tertiary students and community-based conservation initiatives. have been supported by reference services from The summer edition featured Aboriginal heritage the Library staff. The Library database is now and the Aboriginal ownership amendment to available in Service offices throughout the state. the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, while Recent technical advances have included the winter edition focussed on the future of internet access for staff in the Library, and the parks. The newspaper offers the opportunity to ability to send bibliographies and the Library highlight major issues associated with the magazine electronically. Service’s conservation role, to solicit feedback Two bibliographies based on the collection were and to raise awareness among the community. produced during 1997–98. The first covered Some 120 000 to 150 000 copies of each issue subjects relating to wilderness and the second were distributed throughout New South Wales covered bushfires. The responsibility of the (and in some cases other states), with direct Library for documenting the history and mailings to local councils, other government achievements of the Service is reflected in the and non-government agencies and all schools in development and management of a New South Wales. The positive response and comprehensive archives collection. During the requests from the public highlight the success of year, Library staff dealt with some 2 000 inquiries, the newspaper in publicising the Service’s role which included 245 student and general in conservation and in promoting the work of community inquiries. other environmental and community groups. A new Visitor Guide was produced in December Media and Promotions 1997 with a revised edition in March 1998 The Service promotes its role in the conservation which enabled the Service to highlight new of nature, Aboriginal heritage and historic parks created since April 1995. The seventh heritage to local, Australian and international Heritage Highlights, a magazine summary of media. During the course of 1997–98 the Service’s Service achievements, was produced with a Media Unit was involved in a number of greater emphasis on specific achievements and significant media announcements, including: high-profile events. The guidebook series • the naming of Culgoa National Park as the continued with the Kosciuszko National Park and “Best Reserve of the Year” in by the Blue Mountains National Park in production World Wildlife Fund for Nature; during the year. The Kosciuszko National Park guidebook will be printed in August 1998 and a • the declaration of two new marine parks at revised Access for All. For the first time, the Jervis Bay and Solitary Islands; Service will be producing a calendar for 1999 • the announcement of eight new reserves and and production began in May 1998 for its release 18 additions; in August 1998. • the handover of a number of lighthouses to A new Publications Catalogue 1998 was produced the Service by the Commonwealth to highlight new titles and a stock list. All of Government; Promotion of Conservation 57

• the gazettal of Berowra Valley Regional Park Media training continued to be a focus for 1997– near Hornsby. 98, with a further 30 senior Service staff being On 31 July 1997, the world was shocked to hear trained in media and interview techniques. A of a landslide in Thredbo Village within review of the Service’s Media Policy was Kosciuszko National Park. The Media Unit also undertaken during the year. An assessment of responded to the Thredbo disaster and is assisting positive newspaper coverage was conducted in provision of media information for the which revealed that, over the past two years, the forthcoming Coronial Inquest. In addition, the Service had secured coverage valued in excess of $1 million in terms of paid advertising. Unit provided input into the Alpine Way reconstruction and the Perisher Master Plan. In other promotional activities, the Service was heavily involved in Clean Up Australia Day Various media strategies were developed to activities. A highlight was Ranger Margaret promote key conservation issues. In conjunction Brown’s appearances on ATN Channel 7’s with Service scientists, a detailed strategy to ‘Cartoon Connection’ program. raise awareness of water flow issues affecting the Macquarie Marshes was undertaken during June In all, some 800 news releases were prepared 1998. Feral animal control and weed during the year. A sample analysis of state-wide management were also targeted in media media coverage for May 1998 revealed that: strategies. Media campaigns highlighting the • on television and radio, the Service was significance of voluntary conservation mentioned or interviewed 184 times. Of these, agreements were conducted. the Service was mentioned in a positive way The 1997–98 fire season saw fire facts sheets 170 times, with 10 negative reports and 4 produced for use in the field for responding to reports containing a balanced mix of positive media inquiries. All senior media officers were and negative elements; and dispatched to various fires around New South • in newspaper coverage, the Service was Wales. With 1997–98 proving to be a worse fire mentioned in a positive way 153 times, with season than the 1994 season, more than 130 36 stories having a balanced mix of negative news releases were sent out highlighting the role and positive elements and 19 reports having of the Service. negative elements.