CARING FOR COUNTRY — THE OTWAYS AND YOU

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan December 2009

Published in December 2009 by Parks , Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, , Victoria 3000 and the Department of Sustainability and Environment, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne 3002

Parks Victoria and DSE 2009, Caring for Country — The Otways and You. Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan, Parks Victoria and DSE, Melbourne

Cover photos from top left: and Kirrae Whurrong dance group (Photo: Terry Woodcroft), and Melba Gully, Spot-tailed Quoll and Cora Lynn Cascades (Photos: Parks Victoria)

National Library of Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Caring for Country — The Otways and You. Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan / Parks Victoria and Dept of Sustainability and Environment ISBN 9780731183845 (pbk) Bibliography. National parks and reserves--Victoria--Otway Range. Tourism--Victoria--Otway Range--Planning. Recreation--Victoria--Otway Range--Planning. Otway National Park (Vic.) Otway Forest Park (Vic.)

Parks Victoria. Victoria. Dept of Sustainability and Environment 333.783099457

Acknowledgements Acknowledgement of Country : In their rich culture, are intrinsically connected to the continent — including the area now known as Victoria. Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment recognise that the parks are part of Country of the Traditional Owners. Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment are grateful to all those organisations and individuals who have contributed to this Management Plan.

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 in 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 Aboriginal 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 and the Department of Sustainability and Environment do 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

ii Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

FOREWORD

Great Otway National Park protects extensive opportunities to connect with each other in a forest and much of the coastline between natural setting thereby reducing stress. Healthy Torquay and Princetown in south-west Parks Healthy People is all about conserving Victoria. Otway Forest Park includes mountain the natural and cultural values to sustain and foothill forests on the northern fall of the communities. Otway range, adjacent to the national park. The parks are an integral part of Kirrae The Otways have always been, and will Whurrong, , and continue to be, a place for people. The creation Country, and Parks Victoria and of the parks represented substantial progress in the Department of Sustainability and achieving a major change in direction for the Environment are working with Traditional management of public land in the Otways. The Owners and other Indigenous people to parks make a substantial contribution to the support greater involvement in management of conservation of biodiversity and cultural parks. values. They will also continue to be an This approved plan establishes a shared vision important aspect of local lifestyles and support for management and clear strategic goals for a broad range of nature based recreation the long-term management of the parks. Ahead experiences and a vibrant regional tourism lies a challenge to involve the wider Otway industry. and Victorian communities, visitors and Parks play a vital role in ensuring the health government agencies in implementing the plan and wellbeing of society by providing clean air to achieve the shared vision of protecting the and water, protecting biodiversity and habitat parks for the enjoyment of current and future for native species, sequestering carbon and generations. other ecosystem services. Parks also provide

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan iii

APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN

This management plan, prepared under section 17 The plan provides the basis for the future of the National Parks Act 1975 (Vic.) and section management of Great Otway National Park and 22 of the Forests Act 1958 (Vic.), is approved for Otway Forest Park. It was finalised following implementation. consideration of the 493 submissions and 367 additional comments received on the Draft Management Plan.

iv Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

SUMMARY

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest • identifies opportunities for people to Park were created as a result of the Victorian connect with nature and builds on the Goverment’s acceptance of the majority of recommendations of VEAC by drawing final recommendations made by the Victorian together relevant policies, strategies, plans Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC and community knowledge and 2004) following a two-year investigation. aspirations. Great Otway National Park was included on Key elements of the plan are as follows: Schedule Two to the National Parks Act 1975 (Vic.) on 11 December 2005. It includes the • Recognition, respect, understanding and former Otway National Park and Melba Gully aspirations for cooperative management of State Park, most of Angahook–Lorne State the parks with the Traditional Owners Park and Carlisle State Park, a number of • former State forest areas, many smaller Identification of current and future reserves and other areas of public land. challenges for the sustainable management Following amendments to the Crown Land of the parks, in protection and (Reserves) Act 1978 (Vic.) and the Forests Act enhancement of natural and cultural 1958 (Vic.), Otway Forest Park was values, provision and promotion of tourism proclaimed on 24 October 2006. It includes and recreation experiences, and resource former Otway State Forest areas, Karwarren utilisation Regional Park and other smaller reserves. • Recognition and understanding of the For thousands of years, Gadubanud, strong connection many people have to Wathaurong, Gulidjan and Kirrae Whurrong special places for particular activities in peoples have been part of Country now known the Otways as the Otways. After the arrival of Europeans, • Provision and promotion of tourism and land was cleared around the Otways, but many recreation activities in the parks, for a parts of the Otway Ranges were reserved as diverse, inspirational and sustainable range State forest in recognition of their natural of nature-based tourism and recreational values and timber resources. Since then, experiences generations have lived and worked in the • Otways forests, building a tradition of care and Support for a sustainable nature-based respect. tourism and recreation industry that provides economic and social benefits to The parks will continue to make a significant Otways communities contribution to biodiversity conservation. They will also continue to be the centrepiece of local • Cooperation with Traditional Owners to lifestyles, nature-based recreation and a vibrant explore the provision of culturally regional tourism industry. Together the parks appropriate and authentic Aboriginal protect most the Crown land in the Otways. tourism opportunities, and to empower This management plan — Aboriginal communities to deliver a broad range of tourism and recreation services • covers a planning area encompassing Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest • Continued access to sustainable levels of Park, including eight Reference Areas, two firewood and minor forest produce in the Designated Water Supply Catchment Otway Forest Park Areas (covering five areas) and most of the • A strategic and integrated approach to the Aire Heritage River corridor management of the parks across the • identifies strategic directions and aims to Otways that draws together the actions of achieve desired outcomes for the parks the community, Parks Victoria, Department of Sustainability and • identifies park values and major threats Environment (DSE) and other agencies. and the strategies for protecting, managing and enhancing sustainable use of the parks

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan v

CONTENTS

FOREWORD iii APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN iv SUMMARY v

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Location and planning area 1 1.2 Creation of the parks 1 1.3 National park and Forest park 1 1.4 Plan development 2

2 BASIS 4

2.1 Regional context 4 2.2 Park significance and values 4 2.3 Past uses of the parks 6 2.4 Park visitation and experiences 8 2.5 Legislation and VEAC outcomes 9 2.6 Policies and guidelines 10

3 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 11

3.1 Vision 11 3.2 Management directions 11 3.3 Zoning and permitted uses 13 3.4 Development assessment criteria 13

4 STRATEGIES FOR NATURAL VALUES CONSERVATION 17

4.1 Climate change & resilience planning 17 4.2 Landscape 18 4.3 Geological and geomorphological features 19 4.4 Rivers, catchments, groundwater and coasts 20 4.5 Vegetation 23 4.6 Fauna 25 4.7 Fire management 27 4.8 Pest plants, pest animals and diseases 29

5 STRATEGIES FOR CULTURAL VALUES CONSERVATION 31

5.1 Aboriginal cultural heritage 31 5.2 Historic heritage 33 5.3 Social values 35

6 STRATEGIES FOR VISITORS 37

6.1 Tourism and recreation directions 37 6.2 Information, interpretation and education 40 6.3 Motor vehicle access 41 6.4 Visitor sites and services 45 6.5 Bushwalking 51

vi Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Contents

6.6 Camping 57 6.7 Cycling 58 6.8 Companion dogs 59 6.9 Horse riding 61 6.10 Recreational fishing 62 6.11 Recreational hunting 65 6.12 Fossicking and prospecting 65 6.13 Boating and water sports 66 6.14 Recreational aircraft 67 6.15 Events and commercial activities 68 6.16 Public safety 69

7 STRATEGIES FOR FOREST RESOURCE USE 71

7.1 Firewood harvesting 71 7.2 Minor forest produce harvesting 71

8 STRATEGIES FOR AUTHORISED AND ADJACENT USES 73

8.1 Public utilities infrastructure 73 8.2 Private occupancies 73 8.3 Lightstation 74 8.4 Designated and Special Water Supply Catchment Areas 74 8.5 Grazing 77 8.6 Apiculture 77 8.7 Commercial fishing 78 8.8 Earth resources 78 8.9 Occasional uses 79 8.10 Park boundaries and adjacent uses 79

9 STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT 81

9.1 Community awareness 81 9.2 Traditional Owner partnerships 81 9.3 Community participation 82 9.4 Agency partnerships 83

10 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 85

10.1 Delivery and reporting 85 10.2 Plan amendment 85 10.3 Evaluation and review 85

REFERENCES 87 GLOSSARY 92 APPENDICES 1 Management objectives 94 2 Ecological vegetation classes 96 3 Rare and threatened flora 97 4 Rare and threatened fauna 100 5 Submissions on the draft plan 103

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan vii Contents

TABLES 1 Management zones and overlays 14 2 Summary of permitted activities 15 3 Management of visitor sites and services 46 4 Management of walking and shared tracks and routes 53 5 Designated companion dog area in Great Otway National Park 60 6 Roads open for horse riding in Great Otway National Park 63

FIGURES

1 Management zoning End of plan 2 Visitor access and facilities "

viii Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

1 INTRODUCTION

Princetown Road and Skenes Creek Road are 1.1 Location and planning area excluded from the parks. The planning area comprises Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park. 1.2 Creation of the parks Together the parks total just over 140 000 ha The Victorian Environmental Assessment and are located south-west of Melbourne Council (VEAC) commenced an investigation between Torquay and Princetown, extending relating to Angahook–Lorne State Park in from the coast almost to the Princes Highway. 2002. Since the 1980s, the environmental Great Otway National Park (103 185 ha) community advocated for the cessation of includes extensive forests and heathlands on logging in the Otways (section 2.3). The much of the southern fall and many northern purpose of the investigation was later areas of the Otway Ranges, and much of the expanded to include the investigation of a coastline between Torquay in the east and single national park in the Otway Ranges and Princetown in the west. Its coastal boundary is the addition of State forest areas to the generally the low water mark (figure 1). protected area network. Otway Forest Park (39 520) generally includes The Council’s final report (VEAC 2004) was mountain and foothill forests on the northern released in November 2004 after extensive fall of the Otway Ranges, much of which is research, analysis and community consultation. adjacent to Great Otway National Park (figure The majority of the final recommendations 1). were accepted by the Victorian Government (Government of Victoria 2005); including the These parks encompass a significant portion of creation of a large new national park, a forest the Otway Ranges and foothills. Both parks park and three new reference areas (Porcupine comprise large blocks of public land, but not Creek, Aquila Creek and Painkalac Creek). all the blocks are contiguous. There are many private land holdings and small rural Great Otway National Park was included on communities interspersed with, and adjacent to Schedule Two to the National Parks Act 1975 the parks, and several larger towns nearby, (Vic.) on 11 December 2005. It includes the including Colac, Anglesea and . former Otway National Park and Melba Gully State Park, most of Angahook–Lorne State Within the planning area, Great Otway Park and Carlisle State Park, a number of National Park includes: former State forest areas, many smaller • eight reference areas: Aquila Creek, Calder reserves and other areas of public land. Land at River, Crinoline Creek, Olangolah Creek, Ironbark Basin, Sabine Falls and multiple areas Painkalac Creek, , Porcupine formerly owned and managed by water Creek and Stony Creek corporations were added to the national park in 2006. • the majority of the Aire Heritage River corridor Following amendments to the Crown Land • (Reserves) Act 1978 (Vic.) and the Forests Act two Designated Water Supply Catchment 1958 (Vic.) , Otway Forest Park was Areas covering five different areas (section proclaimed on 24 October 2006. Otway Forest 8.4) Park includes former Otway State Forest areas, • parts of several Special Water Supply Karwarren Regional Park and other smaller Catchment Areas that also cover parts of reserves. the forest park (section 8.4). 1.3 National park and Forest park The , Beech Forest Road, Carlisle–Colac Road, Colac– Road, Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Deans Marsh– Lorne Road, Forrest–Apollo Park complement each other and together Bay Road, Road, Lavers provide for natural and cultural values Hill–Cobden Road, Otway Lighthouse Road, conservation, the provision of tourism and recreation experiences, and access to forest

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 1 Introduction products across the Otways. The parks are Various opportunities were given for comment managed under separate legislation and, in including by post, email, fax, in person at some cases, policies, guidelines and ‘open house’ public forums and via an ‘e- prescriptions (sections 2.5 and 2.6). forum’ internet discussion board. A total of 493 formal written submissions and 367 The Great Otway National Park is managed comments were received from organisations, under the National Parks Act, to preserve and groups and individuals (appendix 5). These protect its natural condition for use, enjoyment were carefully considered in the preparation of and education of the public, and for protection this approved plan. of indigenous flora and fauna, and features of scenic, archaeological, ecological, geological The plan is a strategic guide for managers of historic or other scientific interest. Protecting the park. It informs the development of yearly water quality and yield is the paramount corporate plans, serves as a framework for consideration in managing Designated Water subsequent detailed planning and governs Supply Catchment Areas (appendix 1). management activities. However, as a public document, this plan is intended to be The Otway Forest Park is managed under the informative for a wider, non-specialist Forests Act. The park is managed to: (i) audience. provide opportunities for informal recreation associated with the enjoyment of natural Key changes made to the draft management surroundings (ii) protect and conserve plan in preparing this approved management biodiversity, natural and cultural features and plan included: water supply catchments; and (iii) supply a • incorporation of the key elements Draft limited range of natural resource products Recreation and Tourism Access Plan and (appendix 1). Draft Heritage Action Plan (Parks Victoria 1.4 Plan development & DSE 2008a & 2008b) into a single landscape–scale strategic plan to guide This Management Plan for the parks was management of the parks prepared by Parks Victoria and the Department • of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), with retaining these two draft documents as significant input from agencies and the wider important resource material for future community. It takes into account legislation, management of the parks land use proclamations, policies, reports, • an enhanced focus on Traditional Owner research findings and community knowledge partnerships and improving Aboriginal and aspirations that relate to the parks. representation and involvement in decision In particular, the plan builds on the making and management of the parks government response to the VEAC • emphasis on integration of partnerships recommendations (Government of Victoria with community groups and agencies with 2005), and the creation of the parks in 2005 common goals relating to the area and 2006. • improving protection for environmental The plan content has further been informed by values by assigning a conservation zone in an extensive community engagement program the national park, based on current under the guidance of the Otways Landscape biodiversity condition modelling, and Community Council (OLCC), appointed by the special protection zone in the forest park, Minister for Environment in 2006. The OLCC based on the special protection zone in the comprised seven members and a chairperson West Victoria Regional Forest Agreement with good community networks and a strong interest in the Otways. Public comment was • improving protection for ecosystem invited on three draft plans from 14 March to 2 services and water quality through the June 2008, the Draft Management Plan, the implementation of closed catchments for Draft Recreation and Tourism Access Plan Designated Water Supply Catchments (Parks Victoria & DSE 2008b) and the Draft • providing greater emphasis on integrated Heritage Action Plan (Parks Victoria & DSE fire management and protection of 2008a). communities

2 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Introduction

• clear criteria for assessment of all new • inclusion of tourism initiatives such as the development proposals in the parks to development of a nature-based determine suitability, priority and timing accommodation ‘eco-lodge’, demountable accommodation, Indigenous tourism and • further refinement of access to ensure a historic heritage tourism as tourism sustainable approach for the variety of uses directions. These are exciting potential and more detailed information about opportunities requiring further assessment visitor sites and facilities, walking and and planning, and exploration of shared tracks and routes, and areas partnerships with the private and public available for dog walking and horse riding sectors. • generally adopting the less restrictive This plan replaces the following management option for dog access areas in the national plans: park and no timing restrictions on beach access for horses • Angahook–Lorne State Park Management Plan (Parks Victoria 1999) • restructuring the plan with separate sections added to give clearer direction for • Otway National Park Management Plan (NRE 1996a) • Traditional Owner partnerships and Aboriginal involvement in the parks’ • Melba Gully State Park Management Plan management (NRE 1996b) • recreational fishing • Carlisle State Park Management Plan (Parks Victoria 1998) • events and commercial activities • • Forest Management Plan for the Otway development assessment criteria Forest Management Area (DCE 1992). • and removal of the section on commercial timber harvesting as commercial timber harvesting in the Forest Park has been completed.

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 3

2 BASIS

large enough to sustain largely natural 2.1 Regional context ecological processes. The coasts, rivers, mountains, heath lands and Several important water catchments are within forests of Great Otway National Park and the parks: the majority of the Otway Coast Otway Forest Park are some of the many Basin and part of the Barwon Basin. These diverse highlights in this region known as the catchments, part of the Corangamite Otway Ranges. Agricultural land, timber Catchment Management Authority Region plantations, the Great Ocean Road, coastal (section 4.4) contain important water supply towns and rural towns are also prominent in catchments for townships between the landscape. This landscape, the parks, and and (section 8.4). places in the parks have special value to many people, including Aboriginal communities, The parks are a keystone for managing cross- local residents and visitors. tenure land management issues in the Otways such as road management, recreation, pest Aboriginal tradition indicates that the parks are plants and animals, and wildfire. Cross-tenure part of Country of the Gadubanud, co-operation and integrated planning with Wathaurong, Gulidjan and Kirrae Whurrong other authorities and private land owners is people. Relevant local Aboriginal crucial to delivering outcomes. organisations include the Traditional Owners (Kirrae Whurrong, Gulidjan and Wathurong). The parks are within the Surf Coast, The Framlingham Aboriginal Trust and Corangamite and Colac Otway Shires. The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative are also creation of these parks and the cessation of important local Aboriginal groups with a sawlog and pulpwood harvesting on public strong interest in the parks. Many Aboriginal land in the Otways in 2008 had significant people residing in the region may not be economic and social implications for these associated with any of these groups. Other shires and the Otways region. There are now Aboriginal people may reside outside the increased opportunities in plantation forestry region but have an historic or traditional link and a strengthened future for key industries with it. associated with tourism and recreation. Together, Great Otway National Park and Great Otway National Park is an integral Otway Forest Park provide a complementary element of Victoria’s most popular regional suite of opportunities for enhanced nature tourism destination. The Great Ocean Road, an conservation, protection of cultural and Australian National Landscape (section 2.2) lifestyle values and outstanding recreation and and internationally recognised touring route, tourism experiences on public land. winds through Great Otway National Park and provides access to many of the park’s Great Otway National Park is a park of attractions. national significance, and was established based on national criteria for conservation. The Other nearby parks include: coordinated management of Great Otway • National Park National Park and Otway Forest Park further enhances the network of parks and provides for • Twelve Apostles and Point Addis Marine a regional, landscape-scale approach to National Parks managing biodiversity, natural resources and • the provision of ecosystem services. The Arches, Marengo Reefs and Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuaries The two parks contain an enormous diversity • of life, with ecosystems ranging from ocean Anglesea Heath (Alcoa lease area). beaches to cool temperate rainforest. Seven national and Victorian bioregions are 2.2 Park significance and values represented in the parks. Most ecosystems are Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest in good condition and are protected in areas Park make a valuable contribution to Victoria’s parks and reserves system, which

4 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Basis aims to protect viable, comprehensive, • Areas of forest in excellent condition, adequate and representative examples of the including old growth forest, cool temperate State’s natural environments, along with rainforests and wet forests (section 4.5 and providing opportunities for visitors to enjoy appendix 2) and appreciate the natural environment and • natural and cultural features. Large portions of the Barwon and Otway Coast river basins, linking largely The forest park offers Otway communities the unmodified headwaters to streams and opportunity to continue to enjoy the lifestyle rivers including the Aire, Gellibrand and benefits associated with living near large areas Barwon rivers, then on to estuaries and the of bushland, including sustainable firewood sea (section 4.4) and minor forest produce collection, and varied • recreation opportunities. A large area of essentially unmodified coastline, linking the land to marine Great Otway National Park is assigned the ecosystems and marine national parks IUCN – World Conservation Union Category (section 4.4) II of the United Nations List of National Parks • and Protected Areas. Category II areas are An abundance of biodiversity, with many managed mainly for ecosystem conservation species and communities found nowhere and recreation. On a statewide basis the else in Victoria, some of which are rare national park is rated as very high for the and threatened, and including some species protection of natural values. of national significance such as the Spot- tailed Quoll, Smoky Mouse and Tall Otway Forest Park is a new land use category Astelia (sections 4.5, 4.6 and appendices 3 for Victoria and is not assigned an IUCN and 4) category. • Many sites of geological and The Great Ocean Road National Landscape geomorphological significance including has been included in the National Landscapes Artillery Rocks, , Lion List which contains the best of Australia’s Headland, to Milanesia natural and cultural landscapes. Beach, Point Sturt and View Point (section Many areas have been included on the Register 4.3) of the National Estate and are now part of the • The majority of the Aire Heritage River parks, including: corridor (section 4.4). • the former Angahook–Lorne State Park Cultural and adjacent areas • A rich cultural landscape linked through • Anglesea Heath – Bald Hills Area stories, family, tradition, lore, song, • Cape Otway Lightstation spirituality and contemporary meaning to the Traditional Owners of Country (section • the former Melba Gully State Park 5.1) • the former Otway National Park and • Many significant Aboriginal places and adjacent areas objects (section 5.1) • Otway Stonefly Habitat – Maits Rest • Cape Otway Lightstation, historic places • Urquhart Bluff area and relics associated with ship travel and shipwrecks (section 5.2) • the headwaters of Elizabeth. • Significant historic places including Significant existing features and opportunities sawmills, tramways and sites with a long of the parks include the following: tourism history (section 5.2) Natural • Many sites of social significance to which • Large areas of intact native vegetation and people feel a strong connection (section habitats of the Otway Ranges, Otway 5.3). Plain, Warrnambool Plain bioregions (section 4.5)

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 5 Basis

Recreation and tourism including Otway-sourced reticulated water for approximately 285 000 people, and • A diverse range of lifestyle and recreation industries including milk and food, timber opportunities for communities adjacent to and paper, fishing and seafood textiles and the parks – for local permanent residents clothing, automotive parts, fertiliser and and holiday home owners metal production (section 8.4) • Regionally, nationally and internationally • Natural flows of rivers and ground water significant tourist attractions, close to for irrigated agriculture (crops, vegetables, access routes and accommodation, such as fruit growing and viticulture), and spectacular coastal scenery along the Great significant dairying, beef, sheep and wool Ocean Road, access to beautiful beaches, industries (section 4.4) clifftop lookouts, picnic areas, historic sites, waterfalls and walking tracks such as • Lifestyle and health benefits associated the (section 6.1) with access to areas of pleasant natural bushland and spectacular scenery for a • Opportunities for exploration by visitors of variety of healthy activities such as all mobility and fitness levels, on walking, cycling, horse riding and dog infrastructure ranging from boardwalks walking, or just spending time with friends and short loops to longer and more and family strenuous walking tracks (sections 6.4 and 6.5) • A range of natural resources for sustainable utilisation, including firewood, • Various opportunities for overnighting in minor forest product collection, hunting the parks or in adjoining private and beekeeping in the forest park, and accommodation – including dispersed fishing in both parks camping, designated secluded or communal campsites, high quality • The basis for continued growth of nature- demountable accommodation/standing based tourism associated with the parks camps, and links to off-park and the region, providing economic accommodation providers in close opportunities for accommodation proximity (sections 6.1 and 6.6) providers, food and services providers, and recreation, tourism and education • Specific provision for particular recreation operators. activities such as maintaining access for recreational fishing including to remote 2.3 Past uses of the parks beaches for fishing or surfing, routes for vehicle touring, dedicated mountain bike Gadubanud, Wathaurong, Kirrae Whurrong tracks, areas promoted for horse riding, an and Gulidjan people have a timeless link with extensive network of walking tracks Otways Country . Middens and other sites including walk-in-only camp sites, rough along the coast provide an extensive roads with a recreational 4WD track archaeological record of historic Aboriginal classification, trail bike unloading areas, culture and indicate that many people lived launch sites for hang gliding, and along the Otway coastline for thousands of convenient places for dog walking years. Maintaining knowledge of culture has been challenging for Aboriginal communities • Opportunities for controlled educational in Victoria, but many aspects of Gadubanud, experiences for school groups and guided Wathaurong, Kirrae Whurrong and Gulidjan or self-guided tours, with interpretive cultural heritage have been well documented ‘nature trails’ and short and medium loop and continue to this day. Many non-physical walks at several key feature sites (sections aspects such as stories and spiritual 6.2 and 6.4). connections remain important to both historic Community use and contemporary Aboriginal life. Within Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest • Surface and groundwater catchments for Park this connection is reflected in an ongoing piped domestic and industrial water supply desire to care for Country . for the communities of the region,

6 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Basis

The Otways played a part in the early days of serviced about 100 mills and led to the European settlement of Victoria, with sealers harvesting of large quantities of timber. operating along the coast from about 1800, Birnum Station remains in the parks today and active in the Apollo Bay area from the the line has become a recreational rail trail. In 1820s to 1840s, and Governor La Trobe more recent times forestry tracks were opened exploring a route to Cape Otway from the west up to access coupes, and many remain, in 1846. providing an extensive network for management and recreational access. Completed in 1848, the Cape Otway Experimental softwood plantations were Lighthouse was built in response to numerous established in areas including the Aire Valley shipwrecks and increased shipping in Bass with a large work camp set up alongside the Strait. Stone came from a quarry at Parker . In 1936, Redwoods ( Sequoia River and supplies were landed at Blanket sempervirens ) were planted at the camp site; Bay. A telegraph station was built in 1859 now about 100 remain and form a cathedral- which played an important role in like setting next to the river. Timber communicating shipping movements. Now in production later declined as a result of reduced Great Otway National Park, the Lightstation demand in the years and other precinct contains many important historic sites factors. and contributes to the spectacular vista of Cape Otway. Beginning in the 1980s, an active environmental movement advocated the Coastal and low lying areas were taken up for cessation of logging in the Otways and protests grazing by the late 1840s, with several large were held at a range of sites in the forest runs established. The densely forested Otway including Cianncio Creek, Sabine Falls, Wild ranges, however, were not very suitable for Dogs Ridge and Rileys Ridge (see agriculture. From the 1870s the colonial www.oren.org.au ). A shift occurred in public government promoted settlement and released and political opinion towards forest large tracts of forested country, demonstrating conservation. Great Otway National Park, a lack of understanding of the land and its incorporating some of these sites and Otways values and capability and leading to many Forest Park were recommended by VEAC and failures. Examples of abandoned farms now in established in 2005 and 2006 respectively. the parks are found in the Carlisle area, in the Logging on public land in the Otways ceased Aire Valley and south of . in 2008. Many forest areas in the Otway parks have a Major wildfires occurred within the Otway history of logging activity. From a modest start Ranges in 1851, 1886, 1898, 1919, 1926, 1939, near present-day Lorne in the late 1840s, 1951 and 1983. Following serious loss of life logging and milling of hardwood timber and the destruction of many mills in the 1939 initially grew in coastal areas and utilised boat bushfires, a network of fire observation towers transport, such as cutting railway sleepers near was constructed including Peters Hill, Mt Apollo Bay where the local population swelled Cowley, Crowes, Mt Pordon and Mt Sabine. to about 1000 in 1862. Logging and milling The Mt Sabine tower is the only original tower grew to be the dominant industry in the remaining in the parks. Otways, with over 200 mills, making it one of the State’s most productive forest regions. The The Ash Wednesday fire in 1983 started in timber was used to build railways, regional Dean’s Marsh, and burnt over 41 000 ha under cities and towns and in goldmining operations, extreme conditions. Three lives were lost and and made major economic and social 729 houses destroyed in coastal townships contributions to many local communities. including Lorne, Fairhaven and . Important mills included Henry’s (south of The parks have a long history of tourism. Forrest), Henry’s No 1 mill on the Barwon Attractive natural settings became popular in River, Knotts No 1 and Knotts No 3 mill near the late nineteenth century, and increasing Wyelangata. Numerous timber tramways numbers of people visited beaches, waterfalls winding through the forest fed timber to a and forests in accessible parts of the Otways. A railway network. The Beechy Line railway formal track was constructed to Erskine Falls built from Colac to Beech Forest in 1902 near Lorne in 1890. Other popular locations

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 7 Basis included Kalimna Falls, Cora Lyn Cascades, Park provide a complementary suite of public Cumberland Falls and Sheoak Falls. Lorne and land opportunities for outstanding recreation Apollo Bay became popular tourist localities and tourism experiences. and Colac became a stepping-off point to For the car or motorcycle-based tourist, the forest sites such as Triplet Falls, Hopetoun twists and turns of the Great Ocean Road and Falls, Beauchamp Falls, Maits Rest and Melba hinterland routes reveal dramatic coastal and Gully. Fishing and hunting were also popular. forest views, showcase lush forests, rainforest The Great Ocean Road was constructed with gullies and heathlands, wildlife viewing the labour of returned servicemen from the opportunities, and vibrant tourist resort towns First World War. Completion of the Great and rustic scenes of rolling hills and rural Ocean Road in 1932 led to a transformation in settlements. use of the Otways. Reliable vehicle access to parts of the coast and hinterland became For four-wheel-drivers and trail bike riders, an possible, visitor numbers grew steadily and a extensive network of roads and tracks provides burgeoning tourism industry developed, with many opportunities to get off the bitumen and the road becoming recognised as one of the onto rough, winding and steep sections to world’s most scenic touring routes. Many experience freedom, adventure and challenges. special places along the Great Ocean Road Visitor sites provide opportunities for vehicle- became popular stopping points. In response to based camping and socialising within the increasing demand, dedicated visitor facilities parks. such as lookouts, car parks and walking tracks For bushwalkers the variety of landforms and have been developed. vegetation, combined with easy access, provides opportunities for enjoyable 2.4 Park visitation and experiences bushwalking experiences from easier short The Great Ocean Road region attracts walks at popular natural points of interest, to approximately 4 million day trip visitors and full day and overnight walks with increased 2.4 million domestic overnight visitors per challenges and deeper immersion in the natural year, spending approximately 62 million environment. dollars in the region. Visitors from outside the For cyclists, the dramatic coastal stretches and region account for 65% of visitors to the area. forested hills of the hinterland offer a number Of these, 87% are from Victoria and 60% are of routes for sealed road cycle touring, and from Melbourne. The number of day trips to many unsealed roads offer adventurous rough- the area is declining, while overnight trips and road cycle touring and mountain biking. international visitor numbers are increasing Dedicated mountain bike trails (single track) (Tourism Victoria 2006). offer technical challenges in a user-friendly Many towns in the Otways are surrounded by environment. the parks, which makes the parks very The enjoyment of dogs, in companionship, important to permanent and seasonal residents. exercising in nature, and interaction with other These residents account for 35% of all visitors dogs and dog owners is a popular and highly to the parks (Parks Victoria unpublished data). valued part of the Otways experience for many Visitor research for the year 2005/2006 has people. estimated that just over one million visitors For horse riders, the parks offer opportunities visited the Great Otway National Park. Many to experience enjoyable riding through visited multiple times, representing 2.3 million bushland, forests and beaches. Riders can site visits. The Great Ocean Road is the main select routes ranging from short, easy loops to ‘supply’ of visitors with Erskine Falls, Maits more challenging or long distance rides Rest, Point Addis, Southside (Bells Beach involving camping. south) and Urquhart Bluff all receiving over 100 000 visits per annum. Triplet Falls is the The Otway Forest Park offers hunters most popular hinterland site with 82 500 visits opportunities to pursue their pastime and enjoy per annum (Parks Victoria 2007d). the natural bush environments. Together, the features and facilities of the The long sandy beaches and exposed Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest headlands provide world-renowned surf breaks

8 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Basis and patrolled swimming beaches, all in management of these areas in the national stunning natural settings with easy access to park. townships for refreshments. The National Parks (Park) Regulations 2003 A range of natural waterways and ocean for (Vic.) apply to Great Otway National Park. fishing (including rivers, estuaries, rock The 35 kilometre Aire Heritage River corridor, platforms and beaches) allows either an most of which is within the national park, is isolated or more social angling experience. also managed in accordance with the Heritage Visitors who enjoy recreational boating use a Rivers Act 1992 (Vic.). range of natural and clean coastal and inland Eight Reference Areas are included in the waterways, with basic launching facilities and national park and are managed in accordance supplies available from nearby townships. with the Reference Areas Act 1978 (Vic.). For hang-gliders and paragliders, strong Reference areas are preserved in their natural onshore winds and the tall, vertical cliffs state for scientific reference. provide ideal conditions for hang-gliding and The Parks Victoria Act 1998 (Vic.) enables paragliding throughout much of the year, with Parks Victoria to provide management services the spectacular coastal scenery making for for parks on behalf of the Secretary to DSE. thrilling gliding experiences. Parks Victoria must not act in a way that is not For some visitors, the most memorable part of environmentally sound. an Otway visit is a helicopter or light plane Otway Forest Park sightseeing flight, often along the coast en route to viewing the Twelve Apostles in the Otway Forest Park is reserved under the Port Campbell National Park. Crown Land (Reserves) Act and, under section 18 of that Act, has been placed under the For many local community members the control and management of the Secretary to collection of firewood for cooking and heating DSE for the purposes of its management under is an enjoyable aspect of a rural lifestyle. the Forests Act. 2.5 Legislation and VEAC outcomes The forest park is managed under the Forests Act in accordance with section 18A of that Legislation Act. The Act specifically prohibits the granting Great Otway National Park of licences for sawlog or pulpwood production in the forest park, but allows licences to be Great Otway National Park was created and is granted for the ongoing harvesting of firewood managed under the National Parks Act. The and minor forest produce. The Act enables provisions of section 4 and section 17 of the regulations to be made for the care, protection, Act set the objectives for management of management and use of the forest park. national parks. The Act also makes specific Regulations will be prepared to assist in provision for the lease of the Cape Otway implementing this management plan. Lightstation area for appropriate recreation and tourism that is consistent with the conservation Both parks of heritage values. Section 27 of the Catchment and Land The Act defines two Designated Water Supply Protection Act 1994 (Vic.) provides for the Catchment Areas (comprising five different declaration of Special (also known as areas – see section 8.4) in the national park. Proclaimed or Declared) Water Supply These are to be jointly managed with the Catchment Areas with the provision to create relevant water corporations, with the special area plans. Several declarations have paramount consideration being the protection been made covering private and public land in of the areas and their water resources and the Otways, and large sections of the parks are water quality. There are two agreements under within Special Water Supply Catchment Areas. section 32I of the National Parks Act with The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic.) Barwon Region Water Authority and Wannon protects all Aboriginal places, objects and Region Water Authority in relation to the joint Aboriginal human remains (section 5.1).

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 9 Basis

The Heritage Act 1995 (Vic.) provides for the 2.6 Policies and guidelines protection of historic places, objects, The parks are managed in accordance with shipwrecks and archaeological sites. DSE’s and Parks Victoria’s operational The Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth) applies to policies, strategies and guidelines, including: the management of the parks. The Victorian • Parks Victoria’s Indigenous Partnership Native Title Settlement Framework is being Strategy and Action Plan (Parks Victoria developed as a new approach to settling native 2005b) title claims and addressing the land aspirations of Victorian Traditional Owner groups. The • Indigenous Partnerships Framework Framework will set the parameters for a ‘non- (DSE 2007d) native title’ agreement whereby the State • recognises a Traditional Owner group Heritage Management Strategy (Parks alongside a package of benefits, in return for Victoria 2005a) their agreement to withdraw their native title • Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy (NRE claim(s) and/or not lodge one in the future. It 1997) will deliver certainty and finality for the State • through the expedited resolution of claims, will South West Region — Otway Fire District build stronger partnerships between Fire Protection Plan (DSE 2003c) Government and Traditional Owner groups, • Fire Operations Plan — Otway Fire facilitate better management of Crown land, District 2008–2011 (DSE 2008b) (a new and deliver on Government policies. three year plan is produced annually) The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 • Code of Practice for Fire Management on (Vic.) provides for the protection of rare and Public Land (DSE 2006) threatened species. • Guidelines and Procedures for Ecological The Wildlife Act 1975 (Vic.) provides for the Burning on Public Land in Victoria (DSE protection of wildlife. 2004c) The Environment Protection and Biodiversity • Policy for Sustainable Recreation and Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) applies to the Tourism on Victoria’s Public Land (NRE actions that have, will have, or are likely to 2002a) have a significant impact on matters of national environmental or cultural significance, • Road Management Plan (DSE 2009b) including listed threatened species and • Road Operational Guidelines (DSE & communities or listed migratory species in the Parks Victoria 2009) parks. • Guidelines and Procedures for Managing The Road Management Act 2004 (Vic.) applies the Environmental Impacts of Weeds on to the management of public roads including Public Land in Victoria 2007 (DSE 2007d) those in the parks. • The Forests Act 1958 (Vic.) applies to both Code of Practice for Timber Production parks and contains provisions relating to fire (DSE 2007b) management. • Management Procedures for Timber Harvesting Operations and Associated VEAC outcomes Activities in State Forests 2007 (DSE In its Angahook–Otway Investigation Final 2007f) Report , VEAC made detailed • Victorian Coastal Strategy 2008 (VCC recommendations for certain aspects of public 2008) land management in the Otways (VEAC 2004). The VEAC recommendations were • Great Ocean Walk Strategic Directions broadly accepted by the State Government Plan 2009-2014 (Parks Victoria 2009). (Government of Victoria 2005). This Plan The parks are also managed in a broader builds upon the government response to the context of a number of other regional, state and VEAC recommendations. national plans, strategies and agreements.

10 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

3 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

natural and cultural values and for the 3.1 Vision sustainable use of some natural resources and a The parks with their magnificent forests, broader range of recreation experiences. delicate wildflowers, flourishing wildlife, In a time of global climate change they healthy rivers and estuaries, unspoilt beaches continue to provide essential ecosystem and beautiful landscapes are the heart and soul services such as clean water and air, and are a of Otway communities. There is a real sense refuge for many species affected by climate that communities value the parks, understand change. their regional, national and global significance, and are working together and with park Together with the Great Ocean Road, the parks managers and the Traditional Owners to care are a recreation and tourism focus for visitors, for the parks. local communities and the broader region. People enjoy memorable experiences in the Traditional Owners and other Indigenous natural settings offered by the parks. The parks people have a prominent and important role in provide an opportunity to escape everyday park management, which has become a model pressures, connect to the environment and for successful cooperative management. The improve mental and physical health while custodial role of past managers is respected walking, cycling, horse riding, car driving, and acknowledged. The parks have become a four-wheel driving and motorcycle riding, recognised Aboriginal cultural heritage camping, picnicking, fishing or sightseeing. destination of which we are all proud. Through experience, visitors continue to Understanding and respect for Aboriginal understand and build respect for the values and cultural values is well established and the sensitivity of the natural and cultural stories of the Kirrae Whurrong, Gulidjan, environment. Gadubanud and Wathaurong are being told by local Traditional Owners, custodians of the The establishment and growth of many songlines. tourism, health and lifestyle businesses has had flow-on effects to Otway hinterland The parks are an inspiring example of communities and coastal towns, and sustainable and integrated land use where Aboriginal community members through management programs have clearly maintained employment, business developments, and improved the state of natural, cultural and interpretation and involvement in management. social values of the Otways while enhancing While nature-based recreation and tourism tourism and recreation experiences, and opportunities have been substantially providing economic benefits. enhanced, tourism has been managed Many local people contribute to park sustainably to avoid impacts, and tourism management, are actively involved in decision- operators are working with park managers to making and on-ground activities, and have a ensure that the Otways is managed on a close association with local park managers. world’s-best practice basis. Local communities feel a special pride about Both Aboriginal and the wider community their parks and their achievements. In connections to special places are better particular they are pleased with the results of understood and are reflected in management cooperative nature-based tourism development, decisions and actions. There is a sense in the biodiversity, wildfire and catchment Otways that we have found a balance with management, and pest plant and feral animal nature and that social and cultural connections control programs. are growing stronger. The elders look over Great Otway National Park is a core healthy country with pride. component of the national and state park system, permanently protecting and conserving 3.2 Management directions the full range of ecosystems, biodiversity and The Traditional Owners’ knowledge and cultural heritage of the Otways. Otway Forest interests in the area and aspirations for Country Park is valued for conserving complementary will be reflected in the planning and

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 11 Strategic directions management of the parks, in accordance with develop and market off-peak and legislation and policies. hinterland experiences Other major management directions for the • A diverse range of sustainable recreation parks are as follows: opportunities reflecting community Natural values conservation aspirations will be provided and maintained, including visitor facilities, • The parks will be managed in accordance signs and roads with relevant national and state legislation, • regulation, policy and guidelines to Visitors will be encouraged to develop an conserve native vegetation and wildlife enhanced appreciation of natural values in communities and allow natural evolution the parks and expand their awareness of the potential for human impact on natural • Special protection will be provided to ecosystems enhance long-term survival prospects of • significant communities and species and Visitors will be encouraged to adopt ongoing monitoring and research will be minimal-impact techniques and to adhere encouraged to industry-developed standards appropriate to their activity • Pest plants and animals and pathogens will • be managed to minimise impacts on Park managers will work with relevant priority flora, fauna and communities road management authorities to ensure the safety of road users and to maintain and • Fire will be managed in accordance with enhance the scenic amenity of main roads relevant legislation, regulation and policy • in an integrated manner across the Social and economic benefits associated landscape. with sustainable tourism will be optimised. Cultural values conservation Community awareness and involvement • • Protection of Aboriginal places and objects Opportunities for involvement in the will be guided by relevant legislation, management of the parks will be extended regulation, Parks Victoria’s Indigenous to and integrated with existing community Partnership Strategy, and DSE’s groups and networks Indigenous Partnerships Framework • Collaborative partnerships will be • Traditional Owners and other relevant established with relevant agencies to Indigenous people’s knowledge and progress areas of mutual interest which interests in the area and aspirations for strengthen the protection of park values. Country will be respected. Culturally Resource use appropriate Indigenous tourism • experiences will be developed in Water catchment areas will be managed to partnership with Traditional Owners protect the quality and yield of water for harvesting for human use. In the • Historic places and objects will be Designated Water Supply Catchment conserved in accordance relevant Areas, the protection of the area and the legislation, regulation, policy and maintenance of water quality and guidelines including the Burra Charter otherwise the protection of the water (Australia ICOMOS 1999). resources in the areas are the paramount Social values consideration • • Important social values will be understood The sustainable harvesting of firewood and and appropriately protected. Management minor forest produce will continue in decisions will carefully consider social Otway Forest Park and will be managed in values along with other values. accordance with relevant legislation, regulation, policy and wood utilisation Visitor use and experiences planning processes. • Planning for the park visitor will seek to understand the needs of visitors and

12 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategic directions

3.4 Development assessment 3.3 Zoning and permitted uses criteria Park management zoning: Engagement with community, stakeholders • provides a geographic framework in which and special interest bodies relating to the to manage parks proposals identified for investigation in the plan, or new proposals, requires a strategic • reflects legislated and designated land uses approach to set priorities. and management overlays • Over the life of the plan all new proposals for indicates which management directions investigation and/or development within the have priority in different parts of the parks parks will be assessed by the following criteria • indicates the types and levels of use to determine the suitability, priority and appropriate throughout the parks timing. • assists in minimising existing and potential Development proposal criteria: conflicts between uses and activities, or • identified as a statewide investment between activities and the protection of the priority parks’ values • identified as a priority in the management • provides a basis for assessing the plan suitability of future activities and development proposals. • of sufficient priority to progress at this time In Great Otway National Park three zones apply: Reference Area Zone, Conservation • show a demonstrated market demand Zone, and Conservation and Recreation Zone. • provide cost–benefit analysis and a sound In Otway Forest Park two zones apply: business case Multiple Use Zone and Special Protection • show availability of resources for Zone. planning, approvals, construction and Three additional land use designations form ongoing maintenance overlays with important priorities for the • management of particular areas: Heritage show that risks to environmental, cultural River Area, Designated Water Supply and social values and public safety can be Catchment Area and Special Water Supply assessed and managed Catchment Area. The overlays are used to • meet relevant standards highlight requirements in addition to those of • the underlying zone. meet relevant Australian (or other) standards and obligations for native Details of zones and overlay characteristics vegetation management on public land and permitted activities are provided in tables • 1 and 2 and the areas shown in figure 1. have reasonable likelihood that relevant approvals and permits can be obtained. Detailed management zoning, area, coupe or burn plans may be utilised in subsidiary plans such as wood utilisation plans and fire management plans (sections 4.7 and 7.1).

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 13 Strategic directions

TABLE 1 MANAGEMENT ZONES AND OVERLAYS

ZONE /O VERLAY AREA /L OCATION VALUES ZONE MANAGEMENT AIMS

ZONE

Reference Area 2% of Great Otway National Relatively undisturbed Protect viable samples of one or more Park (1708 ha): Stony Creek, representative land land types that are relatively undisturbed Parker River, Crinoline types and associated for comparative study with similar land Creek, Olangolah Creek, vegetation. types elsewhere, by keeping all human Painkalac Creek, Porcupine interference to the minimum essential and Creek, Aquila Creek and ensuring as far as practicable that the only long-term change results from natural processes. Conservation Approx 40% of Great Otway Important natural and To protect sensitive natural and cultural National Park (40 000 ha) cultural values. environments and to provide for minimal impact recreation activities and simple visitor facilities subject to ensuring minimal interference to natural processes. Conservation and Approx 60% of Great Otway Important natural and Protect natural environments and cultural Recreation National Park (60 000 ha) cultural values and features and provide for sustainable, scope for compatible dispersed recreational activities and recreation opportunities . small-scale recreation facilities without significant impact on natural processes. Special Protection 30% of Otway Forest Park Important natural and Protect natural environments and cultural (8062 ha) cultural values. features previously identified as Special Protection Zones. Firewood and minor forest produce collection or activities which may impact on these values are not permitted. Multiple Use 70% of Otway Forest Park Important natural, Protect natural environments and cultural (31 775 ha) cultural and recreation features, and provide sustainable values with scope for opportunities for recreation, firewood and sustainable minor minor forest produce collection and other resource use. forest activities.

OVERLAY

Land Use 0.8% of Great Otway River and surrounding Protect significant nature conservation, Designation – National Park (about 830 ha): area significant for recreation, scenic or cultural heritage Heritage River Aire Heritage River nature conservation, attributes (Heritage Rivers Act). Area recreation, scenic or cultural heritage values. Land Use 16% of Great Otway National Large, relatively Protect the area, maintain water quality Designation – Park (16 487 ha): Arkins undisturbed catchments and otherwise protect the water resources Designated Water Creek, and West Gellibrand supplying high-quality by restricting the level and types of Supply Catchment and Olangolah, Painkalac water for human use. recreation activities (National Parks Act). Area (DWSCA) Creek, St Georges River, and West Barwon sections Land Use 17% of Great Otway National Catchments for water Protect the quality of land and water Designation – Park (17 510 ha) and 60% of supply. resources and associated plant and animal Special Water Otway Forest Park (24 207 life (Catchment and Land Protection Act). Supply Catchment ha): , Area (SWSCA) Gellibrand River (South Otway), Gellibrand River, Upper Barwon, Gosling Creek, Painkalac Creek (Aireys Inlet), Lorne, Skenes Creek, West (not shown on figure 1)

14 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategic directions

TABLE 2 SUMMARY OF PERMITTED ACTIVITIES

GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK OTWAY FOREST PARK

1 ACTIVITY CONSERVATION & CONSERVATION REFERENCE HERITAGE RIVER DWSCA SWSCA MULTIPLE SPECIAL SWSCA RECREATION ZONE ZONE AREA ZONE OVERLAY OVERLAY OVERLAY USE ZONE PROTECTION ZONE OVERLAY

Apiculture N N N N N N Y Y Y Bird watching Y Y N Y N2 Y Y Y Y Bushwalking (section 6.5) Y Y N Y N2 Y Y Y Y Camping – car-based, with Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y facilities (section 6.6) Camping – designated walk-in Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y only (section 6.6) Camping with horses (section 6.9) N N N N N N Y Y Y3 Camping with dogs (section 6.8) Y Y N N N Y3 Y Y Y3 Camping – dispersed, no facilities N N N N N N Y Y Y3 (section 6.6) Campfires/Wood-fuelled BBQs in Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y designated fireplaces (section 6.6) Campfires – no designated N N N N N N Y Y Y3 fireplaces (section 6.6) Collection of fallen wood for N N N N N N Y N Y campfires (section 6.6) Commercial fishing – eels 4 (section Y N N N N Y Y Y Y 8.7) Cycling (section 6.7) Y Y N Y N2 Y Y Y Y Dogs (section 6.8) Y Y N N N Y Y Y Y Education, guided activities Y Y N Y N2 Y Y Y Y Exploration and extraction of earth N N N N N N Y Y Y resources and minerals 5 Feeding wildlife N N N N N N N N N Firewood and minor forest produce N N N N N N Y N Y collection 6

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 15 Strategic directions

GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK OTWAY FOREST PARK

1 ACTIVITY CONSERVATION & CONSERVATION REFERENCE HERITAGE RIVER DWSCA SWSCA MULTIPLE SPECIAL SWSCA RECREATION ZONE ZONE AREA ZONE OVERLAY OVERLAY OVERLAY USE ZONE PROTECTION ZONE OVERLAY

Fishing – recreational 7 (section 6.10) Y Y N Y N Y3 Y Y Y3 Fossicking and prospecting (section Y8 N N N N N Y Y Y3 6.12) Fossil collecting N N N N N N N N N Four wheel driving (sections 6.3 and Y Y N Y N Y3 Y Y Y3 8.4) Fuel stoves – gas/liquid (section 6.6) Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y Geo-caching N N N N N N Y Y Y Grazing (section 8.5 ) N N N N N N Y Y Y Hang-gliding (section 6.14) Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y Horse riding (section 6.9) Y Y N Y N Y3 Y Y Y3 Hunting (section 6.11) N N N N N N Y Y Y Licensed tours (section 6.1) Y Y N Y N2 Y Y Y Y Nature photography, painting Y Y N Y N2 Y Y Y Y Orienteering, rogaining Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y Picnicking Y Y N Y N2 Y Y Y Y Recreational boating, canoeing, Y Y N Y N Y3 Y Y Y3 kayaking (section 6.13) Scenic drives, sightseeing Y Y N Y N Y3 Y Y Y3 Trail bike riding (section 6.3) Y Y N Y N Y3 Y Y Y3 Key: Y Permitted subject to overlay prescriptions and conditions prescribed by legislation, licensed tour permits or elsewhere in the plan as indicated. N Not permitted 1 Arkins Creek, Painkalac Creek, St Georges River, West Gellibrand and Olangolah sections of the DWSCAs closed to public access, limited access permitted in the West Barwon section 2 Limited access permitted in the West Barwon section of the DWSCAs, may be subject to permits and controls for protection of water supply quality/yield. 3 Activity may be subject to controls to protect water quality or yield, and management actions to rectify causes of any demonstrable reduction in water quality/yield 4 Existing licenses only, subject to bycatch reduction and phase-out by 2014 (section 8.7) 5 Where consistent with recreation and conservation management objectives, and subject to approval of the Minister for Environment 6 Low intensity harvesting of selected trees for firewood up to 2004 levels and other forest produce under permit 7 Permitted within -managed area (outside DWSCA) from West Barwon Reservoir wall 8 Fossicking for gemstones using hand tools at designated beaches at Moonlight Head only

16 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

4 STRATEGIES FOR NATURAL VALUES CONSERVATION

there are potentially severe impacts on 4.1 Climate change & resilience Australian ecosystems (Preston & Jones 2006). planning Climate change may also affect the distribution Aims and incidence of diseases and pathogens such • Increase park manager and community as Phytophthora cinnamomi (section 4.8). understanding of climate change, its Further modeling and experimental studies will consequences and resilience planning. help to clarify whether the increased climate variability expected in southern Australia will • Develop and implement management cause Phytophthora to become an even greater strategies to build ecosystem and species risk to natural ecosystem health than it is resilience to climate change. already. There may also be interactive effects whereby drought stressed ecosystems and Basis species are more susceptible to some pests and Climate change will be a significant factor in pathogens (AGO 2006). the survival and evolutionary development of Fire weather during Ash Wednesday in 1983 natural ecosystems in the Otways. It is likely to was classified as being experienced once in have a significant impact on landscape, water every 45 years. However, the number of Very production, vegetation, fauna, pest plants, pest High or Extreme Forest Fire Danger days is animals, diseases, pathogens, fire, and the projected to increase by up to 20% by 2020 ecosystem’s ability to sequester carbon. The and up to 60% by 2050. There is general scope and scale of the change is uncertain. consensus that severe bushfire events will not Climate trends for the Corangamite region only be more frequent but will also be more over the past decade indicate rising intense, as evidenced in February 2009. More temperatures and decreases in rainfall. The frequent and more intense fires may future climate of the region is expected to be significantly alter ecosystems. warmer and drier than it is today (DSE 2008a). The amount of carbon emitted to the Natural ecosystems are vulnerable to climate atmosphere during bushfires is, when averaged change. Patterns of temperature and over time, balanced by the amount taken up in precipitation are key factors in the distribution subsequent forest regrowth, but this and abundance of species. relationship holds only as long as the fire regime remains unchanged. More frequent or Key threats to Victoria’s biodiversity that are more intense fire regimes could result in a likely to change in response to climate change discernable decline in forest carbon stocks are altered fire regimes, the arrival of new (AGO 2006). species (both native and exotic), changing land use and altered hydrology (Dunlop & Brown Mean annual run-off projections for south- 2008). western Victoria for the period to 2030 range from a 5 to 10% reduction under the wettest Habitat for some species will expand, contract scenario to 40% in the driest scenario (Jones & or shift, resulting in habitat losses for some and Durack 2005). Projections to 2070 include a habitat gains for others. Species within greater than 50% reduction in the driest ecosystems have an inherent capacity scenario. These changes are independent of (behavioural, physiological and genetic) to any variations in run-off caused by natural cope with some degree of climate variability. climate variability or to processes such as land- This coping range may be narrow for many use change. In addition to the impacts of species and may be exceeded by short-term climate change on mean annual rainfall and changes in climate extremes or long-term evaporation, other associated factors such as changes in average climate conditions (Preston the potential for changes in fire risk response & Jones 2006). Recent studies indicate that to climate change would result in some natural ecosystems throughout the world are changes in catchment water balances. already responding to climate change and that

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 17 Strategies for natural values conservation

However, these factors are not expected to 4.2 Landscape have as large an impact on catchment water balances as would changes in the basic climate Aims parameters (i.e. rainfall and evaporation) • Protect, enhance and restore landscape (Jones & Durack 2005). values in the parks and minimise impacts Sea level rise, increased storm events and of management or visitor activities on storm surges will impact on the Victorian landscape values. coastline, resulting in damaging wind, waves • Encourage neighbouring developments and flooding, erosion and damage to coastal and activities to have minimal adverse and marine ecosystems (DSE 2008a). Tools impact on landscape values. are being developed to assess the vulnerability of the Otway coastline (see DSE website, www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/ Future Coast). Basis From quiet streams to awe-inspiring coastal Climate change is likely to exacerbate existing views, the Otway landscape is diverse and threats on biodiversity values such as habitat breathtakingly beautiful. The natural Otway loss and pest species, making their impacts landscape is the keystone of a vibrant tourism significantly worse. industry and the heart and soul of many Otway Parks and reserves will become more communities. important as core areas for ecosystems and In accordance with tradition, Aboriginal habitats, and are the reservoirs for genetic perspectives encompass physical and spiritual resources required for the long-term adaptation aspects of landscape. Stories of Country have of the natural environment to drier and warmer been passed on over countless generations. The conditions. Large parks provide areas of intact concentration of archaeological sites along the vegetation that allow critical opportunities for coast, coastal rivers and reefs highlights the species to migrate within shifting climate relationship between Aboriginal communities envelopes (Parks Victoria 2008). and the landscape (AAV 1998).

Management strategies Visitors can also view Otway landscapes from • lookouts, beaches, roads, four wheel drive Adopt adaptive strategies consistent with tracks and walking tracks, including the Great policy and research that assist ecosystems Ocean Walk. The appeal of many of these and species to survive and continue experiences is the absence of human evolutionary development. development. Intact landscapes contribute to a • In cooperation with relevant agencies and sense of remoteness and are an important adjacent land managers, and in retreat for many visitors. accordance with a landscape-scale Weaving along a spectacular coastline, through prioritised risk based planning, lead on- tall forests and rolling hills, the Great Ocean park or support off-park, sustainable Road is an internationally recognised scenic projects that protect, enhance quality and drive. Many of the outstanding landscape restore or connect remnant vegetation features along the road are in the parks. across the landscape (sections 4.5 and 8.10). The Great Ocean Road Region — Landscape Assessment Study (DSE 2004a) was prepared • Work with partners and key stakeholders as a component of the Great Ocean Road to keep communities informed on potential Region — Land Use and Transport Strategy and actual climate change implications, (DSE 2004b). The study identified broad strategies for management and actions. landscape character types. The majority of the • Include climate change considerations parks are classified as Otway Forests and when determining research and adaptive Coasts. This landscape character type is management priorities. typified by tall forests and hilly terrain extending to the sea, with cliffs and beaches. It encompasses four precincts: • Otway Ranges Forest and Coasts

18 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for natural values conservation

• Cleared Uplands and Hilltops assessment of potential impacts of any • proposed new development or use on Dry Coastal Woodland and Heath landscape and natural and cultural values, • Low Coastal Heath. and use that assessment to inform decisions. The study makes specific recommendations for the management of landscape values in these • Apply government policy and guidelines to precincts, as well as key views including Point minimise impacts on landscape values Addis, Urquhart Bluff, Castle Cove and (section 2.6). Johanna Beach. 4.3 Geological and Landscape values can be impacted upon by geomorphological features sudden natural changes (e.g. fire) or inappropriately sited management Aim infrastructure or visitor facilities. Parks Victoria and DSE seek to protect landscape • Protect significant and fragile geological values through careful planning and and geomorphological values. management. Wherever possible, signs are consolidated and designed to complement local Basis settings. The Otway region has been isolated many The Victorian Coastal Council’s Siting and times from and by the Design Guidelines for the Victorian Coast encroachment of the ocean, made possible by (VCC 1998), which aim to protect coastal the stretching and sinking of the crust beneath landscape values, apply to the parks and during the initial separation of adjacent land, including landscapes associated Australia from Antarctica. The present-day with the parks. encroachment began about 20 000 years ago after the last glacial maximum, and the last Landscape impacts associated with adjoining land bridge between Victoria and Tasmania land are managed through the was submerged between 10 000 and 5000 Planning Scheme (Surf Coast Shire 2000), the years ago (Birch 2003). Corangamite Planning Scheme (Corangamite Shire 2004) and the Colac Otway Planning According to Aboriginal tradition, all Scheme (Colac Otway Shire 2000). Planning geomorphological features of the landscape schemes set out a framework for assessing result from the activities of ancestral spirits. proposals for developments that could impact Volcanic activity, the opening of the Southern on the landscapes associated with the parks. Ocean, sedimentation and other geological Local policies and significant landscape processes are thought to have contributed to overlays include particular requirements for this unique and complex region. The geology sensitive landscapes. There are landscape of the coastal beaches and cliffs are overlays adjacent to the national park at particularly interesting (Bird 1993). Glenaire, Cape Otway, between Colac and Forrest, and along the Great Ocean Road Ecological patterns in the Otways reflect the between Lorne and Anglesea. geomorphology of the region. Important landforms include the Otway Ranges, alluvial Parks Victoria and DSE work closely with valleys, and coastal landforms such as marine local government authorities on strategic cliffs, steep coasts, rocky coasts, coastal landscape management issues such as coastal terraces, coastal landslips, coastal dunes, development. Projects that could affect coastal bluffs and river mouths. landscape values are carefully managed to ensure that impacts are evaluated and The Otway Ranges form the most extensive minimised. landform in the parks. The dissected ridges of the ranges are a defining part of the landscape, particularly where the ranges extend to the sea Management strategies at locations such as Moonlight Head and Cape • Work with adjoining land managers, local Otway. Streams, waterfalls and landslides are governments, statutory authorities and common throughout the ranges. landholders and Landcare groups in the

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 19 Strategies for natural values conservation

There are 10 sites of international or national these sites quickly and irreversibly. Ongoing geological and geomorphological significance collection of geological information, informal in the national park, and many sites of state, monitoring and the prevention of known regional or local significance (Buckley 1993; threatening processes are employed to protect Rosengren 1984). These include: significant geological features. • Artillery Rocks (international significance) — one of the most clearly displayed Management strategies clusters of volcanic cannonball concretions • Maintain information on sites of in the world geological and geomorphological significance and other significant earth • Dinosaur Cove (international significance) science values and assess, record and — one of the few known dinosaur fossil monitor their condition. sites in Australia • Identify and manage significant sites to • Lion Headland (international significance) prevent degradation, including — unique coastal cliff geology and fossils understanding values at risk, threats to • Moonlight Head to Milanesia Beach values, monitoring protocols and triggers (international significance) — unique for intervention and preventative action. coastal geology and fossils • Encourage sustainable research projects • Point Sturt (international significance) — that will improve knowledge of geological an ancient sandstone shore platform values and support or improve management. • View Point (international significance) — ancient shore platform 4.4 Rivers, catchments, • Cape Patton (national significance) — groundwater and coasts Ramsdens Cave, coastal cliffs and important coastal geology Aims • Protect, enhance and restore natural, social • Lake Elizabeth (national significance) — and resource values associated with rivers, relatively new lake formed by a landslide catchments, groundwater and coasts. • Parker River to Point Lewis (national • Improve the condition of high-value significance) — important dinosaur fossil streams that are not in good condition. site • Point Franklin (national significance) — Basis important dinosaur fossil site. Rivers and streams in the parks, together with The wide range of soil types in the parks catchments, , estuaries and groundwater reflects the diversity of soil-forming processes. provide water critical for life and habitat for Soils range from yellow calcareous sands in biodiversity, and essential water for ecosystem coastal dunes to brown friable gradational soils function, within and beyond the parks. in the higher-rainfall parts of the Otway The parks also provide water for human use. Ranges (Soil Conservation Authority 1981). Much of the planning area is made up of Patterns of vegetation are closely associated catchments that contribute to surface water and with soil type. Soils are susceptible to erosion groundwater resources used by communities after fire and when vegetation has been across the region, including Geelong, trampled or removed. Corangamite CMA has Warrnambool, Camperdown, Colac, and undertaken soil mapping and erosion coastal towns along the Great Ocean Road susceptibility mapping in the Otway region. coast. Nine Special Water Supply Catchment Natural processes such as erosion may alter Areas (SWSCAs) have been gazetted under the geological features over time but are unlikely Catchment and Land Protection Act, and five to detract from the integrity of geological or areas constituting two Designated Water geomorphological features. Inappropriate Supply Catchment Areas (DWSCAs) are under visitor or management activity could damage joint management agreements under the

20 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for natural values conservation

National Parks Act. Management of these approaches across park boundaries with catchment areas is detailed in section 8.4. adjacent public and private land managers. Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Coastal planning and management is guided by Park are a critical component of the a strategic framework identified through the Corangamite Catchment Management Coastal Management Act 1995 (Vic.). This Authority (CMA) Region. The parks lie within Act establishes advisory bodies for coastal two of the four river basins in the region — the management including the Victorian Coastal Barwon Basin (388 000 ha) and Otway Coast Council and the Western Coastal Board, and Basin (389 919 ha). provides for the creation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy (VCS) which is the The Corangamite Regional Catchment overarching strategic document for the future Strategy (Corangamite CMA 2003) sets out a of the coast. The VCS promotes the integration strategic management framework for the of terrestrial and marine management, and protection of assets in the catchments, outlines a hierarchy of principles that apply to including stream values. all coastal activities. Regional approaches are The Corangamite River Health Strategy promoted through the Central West Regional (Corangamite CMA 2004) identifies values, Coastal Action Plan and the Great Ocean Road condition and threats to waterways and Region Strategy, while local planning schemes provides a framework for improving the health play a critical role in providing for further of waterways in the catchments. In accordance development of coastal areas for residential with this strategy , the Corangamite CMA is and tourism purposes adjacent to the national leading a range of activities, implemented in park. Parks Victoria and DSE work partnership with landholders and other collaboratively with the Western Coastal stakeholders. Recommended actions include Board and other authorities to develop relevant monitoring trends in stream condition, coastal action plans and implement agreed improving stream bank stabilisation and actions for the parks. undertaking riparian revegetation. Marine pollution is a significant threat to the Roads, recreation areas, park management natural values of beaches and other intertidal activities and resource use can impact on flow areas, aesthetics and public safety. The regimes, river bank stability, streamside response to pollution at sea is guided by the vegetation, water quality, aquatic ecology and National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea coastal geomorphology if not appropriately by Oil and Other Noxious and Hazardous managed. Substances (AMSA 1998). Coastal management DSE is a lead agency in response to a range of Great Otway National Park encompasses over marine incidents including cetacean strandings 100 km of coastline that is internationally and entanglements and as the manager of recognised. The national park's coastal areas around 70% of Victoria’s coastal areas, Parks are highly accessible due to the route and Victoria plays a significant support role. Such profile of the Great Ocean Road as one of the responses often require a diverse range of world's most stunning tourist drives. As a skills and resources, involving coordination result, the coast experiences a very high between multiple agencies and members of the visitation, particularly in holiday times, and community. For Victorian waters the Victorian requires careful management approaches to Marine Pollution Contingency Plan ensure visitation and conservation objectives (VICPLAN) (MSV 2002a) outlines broad are met. response arrangements to combat an oil or chemical spill. Under this plan, the national Coastal management is recognised as park is within the Port of Portland and Port becoming increasingly complex due to Phillip Regions with coverage of waters to the growing community awareness, expectations west and east of Cape Otway respectively. and visitation. The national park does not include all coastal areas. Coastal management Barwon Basin requires integrated and respectful management The and the Barwon Basin support diverse natural, recreational, social and

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 21 Strategies for natural values conservation economic values. The small streams that form The Otway Basin includes many smaller rivers the headwaters of the Barwon River are in that discharge directly into the sea between Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Anglesea and Moonlight Head, including Ford Park, near Forrest. The parks make up River, Elliot River, Geary River, Parker River, approximately 10% of the Barwon Basin. The Cumberland River, St George River, Erskine West Barwon Dam, on the Barwon River West River, , and Kennett Branch near Forrest, stores domestic water for River, as well as many minor streams. Geelong. Streams in the upper catchment are Aire Heritage River generally in good or excellent condition, but the majority of streams lower in the catchment The Aire River corridor within Great Otway are in marginal to poor condition, have National Park, including the river mouth and reduced flows and are subject to major threats estuary, is part of a designated heritage river (Corangamite CMA 2004). under the Heritage Rivers Act . In total, the heritage river area is 35 km long and covers Otway Basin 60 ha, most of which is within the national The Otway Basin has particularly important park, where it extends 200 m either side of the environmental values, and approximately 50% river. of the basin is in the parks. The Otway Basin The Act provides for the protection and includes two rivers with large catchments — management of significant nature Gellibrand River and Aire River. conservation, recreation, scenic or cultural The Gellibrand River catchment encompasses heritage values in the designated area. the western section of the parks, from the Significant values of the Aire Heritage River river’s headwaters around Gellibrand to the include: river mouth near Princetown. The river mouth, • a larger river that is one of the least the lower reaches of the estuary and a portion modified in south-western Victoria of a nationally significant are in Great Otway National Park. The Gellibrand River is • natural values including large stands of important for recreation, including fishing. cool temperate rainforest Waterways in the catchment are in excellent to • marginal condition (Corangamite CMA 2004). many significant flora and fauna species A stream flow management plan has been • geomorphological sites of significance prepared for the Gellibrand River to guide the • protection of river values (Corangamite CMA a high diversity of native fish species 2006). including six threatened species, and only one introduced fish species The mouths of the Gellibrand and Aire Rivers • are intermittently closed by natural sand bars. popular areas for fishing, boating, Parks Victoria works collaboratively with the picnicking and camping on the river’s Corangamite CMA in managing these river lower reaches mouths. The mouths are opened in accordance • scenic values between and with permits, protocols and guidelines to the Great Ocean Road and at the river minimise environmental impacts (Barton & estuary. Sherwood 2004). The South West Estuaries Action Plan provides broad direction for the The broader Aire River catchment covers management of the estuaries of the two rivers southern portions of the national park between (Western Coastal Board 2002b). A detailed the river’s headwaters south of Beech Forest study of the biological characteristics of these and the river mouth at Glenaire Beach. It and other estuaries in Western Victoria has includes Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls and helped to explain the values and complexity of Beauchamp Falls. Waterways in the catchment estuaries in the region (Western Coastal Board are in excellent to good condition 2002a). Parks Victoria works collaboratively (Corangamite CMA 2004). with the Western Coastal Board in the Careful management of the river catchment is development and implementation of relevant essential to protect the river’s heritage values. coastal action plans. The construction of dams and other

22 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for natural values conservation impoundments in the Aire Heritage River is • Monitor activities within the Aire Heritage not permitted. River overlay and ensure compliance with All strategies in this plan that apply to the the Heritage Rivers Act. Great Otway National Park also apply to the • Work with Corangamite CMA to manage Aire Heritage River, and heritage river values the artificial opening of the river mouths are protected through park and catchment as required. management. It is considered that the strategies in this plan adequately address the 4.5 Vegetation management of the heritage river area in the park. Aims Ground water • Protect, enhance and restore indigenous flora species and communities. Several important groundwater flow systems exist in the parks, including the regional flow • Where possible, allow natural processes system of the Dilwyn and Eastern View that shape floral biodiversity to continue formations, Wiridjil gravel intermediate flow with minimal interference. system in the area of the Gellibrand River, and • Otway Group – Otway ranges local flow Increase knowledge of flora species and system underlying much of the Otway range communities, and threatening processes to (Dahlhaus, Heislers & Dyson 2002). improve management effectiveness. Groundwater dependent ecosystems and water bodies are found in the parks, such as the Basis Gellibrand River and estuary, and several Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest freshwater meadows, marshes and springs such Park protect significant remnants of Victoria’s as Rainbow Falls near Cape Otway. native vegetation that are an important Groundwater recharge zones are also located component of our biodiversity. The vegetation within the parks. is a cornerstone of Otway ecosystems and provides unique settings for many visitor Groundwater resources are used to supply experiences. water to many communities and agricultural and industrial operations in the region. This is Aboriginal people recognise vegetation as an achieved by utilisation of privately-owned intrinsic element of Country , and have a bores, or by water corporations supplying sophisticated knowledge of its values and uses. mains water to communities such as Geelong Many plant species in the area have specific and Timboon (section 8.4). traditional and contemporary uses (Dawson 1881; Pascoe 2003). Management strategies Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management — A • In accordance with appropriate Framework for Action (NRE 2002e) aims to legislation, regulations and policies reverse, the long-term decline in the extent and implement appropriate erosion control quality of native vegetation, leading to a net measures for management activities to gain across the entire landscape. The minimise the impact of the activity on Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan 2003– , streams, catchments and the 2008 supports this by establishing regional coast in the parks. goals and actions across the Corangamite Catchment, which includes the parks • Implement relevant guidelines, protocols (Corangamite CMA 2005). and standards for minimising sedimentation and contamination of The parks span three Victorian bioregions — streams from roads, tracks and other the Warrnambool Plain, Otway Ranges and sources within the parks. Otway Plain. There are 28 Ecological • Vegetation Classes (EVCs) in the national park Protect water quality and protect water including 15 EVCs which also occur in the resources by managing the DWSCAs as forest park. EVCs are given a conservation closed catchments in accordance with status that represents their extent and quality in water corporation policy (section 8.4). a bioregion (NRE 2002e, appendix 2).

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 23 Strategies for natural values conservation

Of the 1388 plant species recorded in the forestry plantations and 38 560 ha (17%) is parks, 97 are rare or threatened in the national within the parks. park, 25 are rare or threatened in the forest Within this bioregion, 24 EVCs occur in Great park including 21 which also occur in the Otway National Park including 13 which also national park (appendix 3). The parks are occur in Otway Forest Park. However, the particularly important for protecting Wrinkled vegetation consists mostly of Heathy Buttons, Anglesea Grevillea, Slender Tree- Woodland and Lowland Forest EVCs. Heathy fern, Leafy Greenhood and Spiral Sun-orchid. Woodlands and Lowland Forests are This EVC and flora information is being made particularly important for biodiversity publically available as biodiversity interactive conservation because they are among the most maps at the DSE website, www.dse.vic.gov.au . diverse communities in Australia. Data sources include Parks Victoria’s Environmental Information System (EIS) Warrnambool Plain bioregion which contributes to DSE’s statewide Flora The Warrnambool Plain lies to the east of Information System (FIS). Modelling and Warrnambool, between Princetown and Colac. mapping of this biodiversity data were used in Most of the bioregion has been cleared for developing the conservation zone in the agriculture. Only 5905 ha (5%) is in the parks. national park (section 3.3). EVCs in the bioregion include Lowland Forest, Otway Ranges bioregion Shrubby Foothill Forest and Herb-rich Foothill The Otway Ranges extend north-eastwards Forest, and are partially isolated from more from Moonlight Head to Forrest and from intact parts of the parks by cleared land. there southwards to the coast. Most of the Vegetation conservation parks are in the Otway Ranges bioregion. Most of the bioregion remains uncleared (81%) and Over many years various threatening processes 97 773 ha (65%) is within the parks. have reduced vegetation extent and quality within the parks. Areas that have been subject Moist Foothill Forest Complexes are the most to past timber harvesting are regenerated to widespread EVCs in the parks, extending approximate the original forest composition across the higher-rainfall inland ranges from (DSE 2007b). Many parts of the parks abut Lavers Hill to Lorne. They contain tall stands cleared land and are close to population centres of Mountain Ash, Messmate and Mountain and the Great Ocean Road. Fragmentation as a Grey Gum and a diverse understorey of shrubs, result of vegetation clearance, including the ferns and grasses that characterise the Otways construction of roads and tracks has increased and the bioregion. Widespread EVCs include the spread of pest plants and diseases such as Shrubby Wet Forest and Wet Forest, Phytophthora dieback in some areas. interspersed with Cool Temperate Rainforest. Large areas of the wet forests and rainforests Although not widespread, Riparian Forest are in good condition but are threatened by the Complexes, including Riparian Forest, occur spread of pest plants, particularly around areas throughout both parks along valleys and of disturbance such as roads, tracks and park watercourses. Dry Foothill Forest Complexes, boundaries. Riparian vegetation communities typified by Shrubby Dry Forest, occur in Great in large intact areas are in relatively good Otway National Park along the coastal ranges condition, but areas in smaller blocks are between Cape Otway and Aireys Inlet and on already in poor condition and susceptible to the northern slopes of the Otway Ranges, further pest plant invasion (section 4.8). particularly in Otway Forest Park. Heath Complexes occur along the coast. Many of the dry forests that occur closer to the Great Ocean Road, townships and cleared Otway Plain bioregion farmland are in poor condition because of The Otway Plain encompasses the plains and visitor pressures (sections 6.3 to 6.11), rabbits foothills surrounding the Otway Ranges, from and pest plants and diseases (section 4.8) and the Bellarine Peninsula west towards Colac altered fire regimes (section 4.7). Additionally, and Princetown and coastal areas between an extensive interface with agricultural land in Cape Otway and Glenaire. Much of the the Warrnambool Plain bioregion means that bioregion has been cleared for agriculture or habitat fragmentation, pest plants and pest

24 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for natural values conservation animals are prominent threats to vegetation in procedures and prescriptions to minimise any the bioregion. Undulating topography and low decline in vegetation condition (sections 7.1 Otway Plain vegetation allow greater access and 7.2). for recreation. As a result, EVCs in this bioregion are generally more disturbed and Management strategies fragmented from the creation of unauthorised • Plan and implement management activities roads and tracks and informal walking tracks and developments in accordance with where the quality of many is in decline. relevant native vegetation legislation, Altered fire regimes are a major threat to regulations and policies to maintain vegetation conservation in the Otways. Careful vegetation communities, improve the fire management which is integrated across likelihood of controlling known threats land tenures is required to protect life and and minimising the introduction of new property, and to conserve biodiversity values threats. (section 4.7). • Continue threatened species monitoring The spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi and across tenures in accordance with Action Myrtle Wilt continue to threaten vegetation for Biodiversity Conservation (ABC) values (section 4.8). Vegetation requires priorities and use results to refine protection from recreational impacts such as management. off-track walking (sections 6.4–6.11), • Prioritise and implement vegetation especially near the coast where visitation is restoration to reduce fragmentation and to high and vegetation is susceptible (University improve habitat connectivity for priority of Ballarat 2002). vegetation communities. At several sites in Great Otway National Park • over browsing by growing Koala populations In the national park, continue to is threatening isolated coastal manna gum implement best practice (Signs of Healthy stands (section 4.6). Parks) ecological monitoring program and use the results to refine management Vegetation surveys have been undertaken at objectives and actions. several locations in the parks. Benchmarks for • vegetation quality have been established to Encourage sustainable research projects guide specific management objectives for each that will improve knowledge of flora EVC. In Great Otway National Park, the Signs values and support or improve of Healthy Parks ecological monitoring management. program includes long-term monitoring of core • Encourage volunteers and interest groups EVCs such as Herb-rich Foothill Forest, Cool to contribute records to the EIS and FIS Temperate Rainforest, Lowland Forest and and support survey and monitoring Heathland and priority threatened plant activities. species. The program includes activity measures such as area treated e.g. sprayed, 4.6 Fauna burnt or containment efforts for Phytophthora , effectiveness measures such as change in Aims presence and distribution of pest plants, and • Protect indigenous fauna and habitats from outcome measures such as vegetation structure threatening processes where possible. and condition, presence of key fire response species and presence /abundance of susceptible • Where possible, allow natural processes plant species. that shape faunal biodiversity to continue Volunteers also contribute significantly to the with minimal interference. conservation of flora species and communities • Increase knowledge of fauna and throughout the parks (section 9.3). threatening processes to improve The harvesting of firewood and minor forest management effectiveness. produce, is permitted in Otway Forest Park. These activities are managed in accordance with relevant legislation, codes of practice,

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 25 Strategies for natural values conservation

Basis • ground-nesting birds such as Fairy Tern, The parks provide habitat for a large range of Caspian Tern and Lewin’s Rail fauna typical of south-eastern Australia • owls and bats such as the Masked Owl, including rare or threatened species, transient Barking Owl, Powerful Owl and Common and migratory species. Some iconic species Bent-wing Bat such as the Koala, Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Platypus are important components of visitor • native fish such as Australian Grayling. experiences and make a significant Fauna surveys have been conducted in some contribution to tourism. Others such as the parts of the parks, but many species such as the Spot-tailed Quoll are rarely seen but their Spot-tailed Quoll are elusive and information protection is critical and symbolic of about their habitat requirements is incomplete. successful park management. The parks Some other species recorded in the parks do contain a rich assemblage of medium-sized not rely on the parks as a primary habitat. and small ground-dwelling mammals. These mammal communities are susceptible to many Fauna conservation threats such as fox and cat predation and Fauna require a specific habitat structure in habitat fragmentation and have been lost from which to survive and flourish. Habitat many other parts of Victoria. The parks also fragmentation and the decline of vegetation complement habitats in adjoining marine quality are often closely associated with the national parks, the coast and private land survival prospects of fauna. Vegetation (section 8.10). management, in conjunction with other Some 372 fauna species have been recorded in programs, is essential for maintaining habitats the parks, including 77 rare and threatened and fauna values in the parks (sections 4.5 and species in the national park including 28 which 4.8). also occur in the forest park (appendix 4) (DSE Small mammals require a diverse understorey 2007b). Within the national park, 18 bird structure to provide food and shelter, while species listed under the CAMBA and JAMBA owls are dependent on old-growth forests agreement have been recorded including eight which provide hollows for nesting. Stream which also occur in Otway Forest Park conditions such as flow, water quality and (appendix 4). This fauna information is being riparian vegetation are important to water made publicly available as biodiversity birds, fish and other species such as Platypus. interactive maps at the DSE website, Over many years, various threatening process www.dse.vic.gov.au . Data sources include have reduced the distribution of many species. PV’s Environmental Information System (EIS) Predation by foxes and cats (section 4.8), which contributes to DSE’s statewide Atlas of fragmentation (section 4.5) and altered fire Victorian Wildlife (AVW). Modelling and regimes (section 4.7) continue to threaten mapping of this biodiversity data were used in fauna values. developing the conservation zone in the national park. Viewing fauna such as Koalas, Platypus, birds and kangaroos in their natural habitats is a Great Otway National Park is particularly highlight for many visitors. While most important for the conservation of the Spot- traditional nature-based recreation is tailed Quoll, Rufous Bristlebird, Hooded compatible with fauna conservation, some Plover, and White-bellied Sea-Eagle. Other activities need to be carefully managed to fauna of conservation importance in the parks avoid disturbing fauna or their habitats. include: Some local populations of native fauna have • ground-dwelling mammals such as Dusky increased to the extent that they pose a threat Antechinus, Swamp Antechinus, White- to their habitat and therefore to their long-term footed Dunnart, Southern Brown local survival. For example, some populations Bandicoot, Long-nosed Bandicoot, Smoky of Koalas have locally increased to the extent Mouse, New Holland Mouse and Long- that they pose a threat to some Otway coastal nosed Potoroo manna gum woodlands by causing defoliation and tree death. Koalas in the Otways are managed in accordance with Victoria’s Koala

26 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for natural values conservation

Management Strategy , which aims to ensure • In the national park, continue to that viable wild populations of the Koala implement best practice (Signs of Healthy persist throughout its natural range (DSE Parks) ecological monitoring program and 2004d). use the results to refine management In Great Otway National Park, the Signs of objectives and actions. Healthy Parks ecological monitoring program • Encourage sustainable research projects includes long-term monitoring of threatened that will improve knowledge of fauna faunal assemblages, such as small mammal values and support or improve and bird communities including threatened management. species. The program includes activity • measures such as areas treated with fox baits, Monitor the impact of locally over- effectiveness measures such as fox abundance abundant native animal populations and and outcome measures such as distribution and investigate the efficacy of managing these abundance of species susceptible to fox where they are threatening other predation. significant conservation values. Volunteers also contribute significantly to the 4.7 Fire management conservation of fauna and habitat throughout the parks (section 9.3). Aims Oil spills and pollution are potential risks to • Protect human life, property, and public shorebirds and other wildlife (section 4.4). assets as far as practicable from the Cetacean (whale and dolphin) strandings on deleterious consequences of wildfire. the national park’s beaches occur from time to • time. Parks Victoria is responsible for beach Investigate, evaluate and where clean up within the national and marine appropriate implement fire regimes and national parks and are a support agency to strategies to reduce the potential for the DSE for wildlife affected by oil. Parks Victoria development of landscape scale fires and and DSE respond to cetacean incidents in also maintain the environmental integrity accordance with the Victorian Cetacean of the landscape. Contingency Plan (NRE 1999). • In partnership with other agencies and the community, undertake effective fire Management strategies prevention, preparedness, response and • Utilise best practice environmental recovery activities. planning and risk management to focus and prioritise resources for predator Basis management and habitat restoration Fire is an essential component for maintaining (sections 4.7 and 4.8). the health and regeneration of a range of Otway ecosystems. It is an integral component • Plan and implement management activities of Aboriginal culture and an important in accordance with relevant wildlife management tool (Dawson 1881). legislation, regulations and policies to improve the likelihood of controlling There have been a significant number of major known threats and minimising the wildfires in the Otways that have caused introduction of new threats. serious loss of property and life, including the 1939 ‘Black Friday’ fires and the 1983 ‘Ash • Continue threatened species monitoring Wednesday’ fires. Fires in the Otways have across tenures in accordance with Action generally been characterised by relatively large for Biodiversity Conservation (ABC) and damaging fires occurring infrequently, priorities and use results to refine predominately human caused and burning from management. private lands into the public forests. • Encourage volunteers and interest groups The National Parks Act requires the Secretary to contribute records to the EIS and AVW to DSE to ensure that appropriate measures are and support survey and monitoring taken to protect national parks from injury by activities. fire. The Forests Act requires the Secretary to

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 27 Strategies for natural values conservation

DSE to carry out proper and sufficient work activities require careful planning and for the prevention and suppression of fire in implementation to avoid impacts on cultural State forests and national parks, and on all sites, historic heritage sites, water supplies, protected public land. visitor facilities, visitor enjoyment and biodiversity values. Roads, signs, water The Code of Practice for Fire Management on extraction points and other infrastructure are Public Land (DSE 2006) provides a essential for fire protection. Consistent with framework for fire management procedure and government-accepted VEAC practice on public land in Victoria. The code recommendations, fire protection in the parks requires fire management planning and is managed to give emphasis to nearby towns activities to protect, as far as practicable, and settlement s and critical infrastructure environmental values from the harmful effects assets . of wildfire and altered fire regimes. Fire as a management tool maintains or Fire management plans and fire operations improves ecosystem health and resilience, plans prepared in accordance with the Code of based on a particular ecosystem’s requirements Practice for Fire Management on Public Land of fire frequency, intensity, scale and (DSE 2006) will guide activities throughout patchiness. In most Ecological Vegetation the parks. Under the new code four fire Classes in the parks, prescribed burning is an management zones will apply to the parks: essential management tool. Since the arrival of • Asset Protection Zone — for the highest Europeans, fire regimes have progressively level of strategic protection to human life, altered. property and highly valued assets. A number of heathy vegetation communities, • Strategic Wildfire Moderation Zone —to in particular, have declined in condition partly reduce the speed and intensity of fires, due to a reduced fire frequency. reduce the damage to assets and assist in making fire suppression activities safer and Management strategies more effective. • Integrate fire planning and prevention • Ecological Management Zones —for the works such as strategic fuelbreaks and use of prescribed burning for specific land asset protection zones across-tenure to management objectives. protect landscape scale biodiversity and protect private assets that abut the parks. • Prescribed Burning Exclusion Zone. • Prepare an integrated fire management Work has commenced on an integrated system plan to replace the Fire Protection Plan in for fire planning across public and private land accordance with legislation and policy in with Integrated Fire Management Planning conjunction with key stakeholders and with Committees to be established for each local community consultation. government area. An example of this asset protection works adjoining coastal townships • Fire management planning for the parks on both public and private land recognising the will be undertaken in accordance with shared risks to communities. It is expected that current legislation and policy (currently this integrated approach will evolve during the the Code of Practice for Fire Management life of this management plan. on Public Land) in conjunction with key stakeholders and with community Fire management activities encompass land consultation. management burning, prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Fire • Encourage research projects that will management activities are undertaken by DSE improve knowledge of fire management, with support from Parks Victoria, the Country including Aboriginal use of fire, that will Fire Authority and other organisations. support or improve management. The response to wildfire throughout the parks • Increase the planned burning program are guided by the Readiness and Response based on ecological and risk management Plan South West Area (DSE 2008c), which is objectives. reviewed annually. All fire management

28 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for natural values conservation

• Enhance the community’s understanding monitoring such as the Signs of Healthy Parks of the role of fire in the environment and program (sections 4.5 and 4.6) enables an shared responsibility for fire risk and evaluation of the effectiveness of programs prevention and preparedness for bushfire. and ongoing refinement. Foxes, cats, rabbits, deer, hares, pigs, Brown 4.8 Pest plants, pest animals and Trout, introduced birds, feral Honey Bees and diseases European Wasps have been recorded in the parks. Rabbits are widespread in the parks, Aims particularly near agricultural land. They create • Eradicate or prevent the establishment of conditions suitable for pest plants and alter new or emerging pest plants, animals and vegetation structure by browsing, which also diseases. prevents regeneration, and contribute to erosion. The management of rabbits is guided • Control and where possible eradicate pest by the Victorian Pest Management: Rabbit plants, animals and diseases from the Management Strategy — A Framework for parks, giving priority to areas with priority Action (NRE 2002d). species and communities or areas in good condition. Foxes prey on ground-dwelling mammals, birds and reptiles throughout both parks and • Improve the effectiveness of pest and pose a serious threat because of the high disease management by increasing the number of susceptible native species. Foxes knowledge of pest species and treatment can also spread pest plants such as Blackberry. methods through research, record-keeping The management of foxes is guided by the and monitoring. Victorian Pest Management: Fox Management Strategy — A Framework for Action (NRE Basis 2002c). There are approximately 370 species of exotic plants in the Otways, many of which are pest Anecdotal evidence suggests that feral cats are plants that are invasive, displacing native plant increasing in number, and they may be having species and altering critical habitats. Pest serious impacts on fauna. There is potential for plants are widespread in the Otways and can feral pig and goat populations to become a alter ecosystem functioning, affect stream concern. Their management is guided by the dynamics, restrict recreation and spoil Victorian Pest Management: Feral Pig and landscapes. They are often concentrated in Feral Goat Management Strategy — A previously disturbed areas such as road verges, Framework for Action (NRE 2002b). cleared sites and boundaries with private Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil- property. An ecological risk assessment borne pathogen that attacks the roots of identified Blackberry, Boneseed, Bridal susceptible plants, causing dieback and death. Creeper and Sweet Pittosporum as priority pest It is present at several coastal heathland and plants in the parks (Raulings 2006), but many woodland sites in Great Otway National Park others are also of concern, such as Ragwort and Otway Forest Park. Once introduced to an and Sea Spurge. area it can spread quickly, and there are no The management of pest plants in the parks are known ways to eradicate it. Phytophthora is guided by the Guidelines and Procedures for spread by the movement of water or soil or Managing the Environmental Impacts of gravel on vehicles, machinery, animals, Weeds on Public Land in Victoria 2007 (DSE bicycles and boots. 2007d) and the Invasive Plant and Animal Myrtle Wilt, a fatal disease affecting the Policy Framework (DPI in prep). Parks dominant rainforest tree Myrtle Beech is Victoria and DSE in partnership with the caused by the fungal pathogen Chalara Catchment Management Authorities, local australis . The disease, which is thought to communities and park neighbours are taking a occur naturally at low levels, has reached collaborative and cross-tenure approach to pest epidemic levels in the national park. The risk management to achieve the sustainable of spread is thought to be increased by soil protection of biodiversity values. Ongoing disturbance (Cameron & Turner 1996).

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 29 Strategies for natural values conservation

Management seeks to avoid all unnecessary • Develop and implement a Myrtle Wilt soil disturbances within cool temperate hygiene and risk management plan. rainforest. • Work cooperatively with relevant agencies The vegetation restoration program also and adjacent land managers on the contributes to pest control (section 4.5). Parks development and implementation of Victoria and DSE regularly survey the parks to integrated landscape pest management prevent the establishment of new pest programs. infestations. Volunteers also contribute • significantly to the early identification and Where available use non-chemical control of pest plants throughout the parks methods for control of pest animals or (section 9.3). plants within DWSCAs. Follow protocols (when established) under the joint management agreements. In the absence of Management strategies protocols, seek the advice of the water • Undertake prioritised pest control using corporation before chemicals are used. an integrated and asset-based risk management approach in collaboration • Monitor and evaluate control programs with the community, including CMAs and including (Signs of Healthy Parks) neighbours. Priority for pest management ecological monitoring program and will be given to: encourage sustainable research programs that will improve knowledge of pest plant  new and emerging weeds and animal species and diseases and  pest plants identified as environmental effectiveness of treatments that will threats. support or improve operational management. • Undertake targeted fox and rabbit control programs in the parks to achieve • Encourage research projects that will management objectives for priority fauna improve knowledge of the impacts of pest and flora species. plants and animals, and that will support or improve management. • Implement community education, hygiene protocols and other measures to minimise the spread of pest species and pathogens, such as Phytophthora cinnamomi.

30 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

5 STRATEGIES FOR CULTURAL VALUES CONSERVATION

Gadubanud, which means ‘King Parrot 5.1 Aboriginal cultural heritage language’ (Dawson 1881). Early squatters thought the Otways were uninhabited, but at Aims least five clans are recorded from there, • Recognise and respect the cultural including Bangura gundidj, Guringid gundidj, connections that Traditional Owners and Ngalla gundidj, Ngarowurd gundidj and Yan other Aboriginal people have with Country Yan Gurt (Clark 1998a). The Gadubanud were within the parks. considered mainmait (wild) by neighbouring • Provide and maintain opportunities for language groups. Aboriginal cultural connections and Gulidjan Country extends from Gellibrand to practices within the parks. Colac and the lakes wetlands to the north of the parks. It encompasses four recorded clans, • Work together with the Traditional including the (‘place where Owners to protect and enhance Aboriginal kangaroo rests’) from the area around cultural heritage. Birregurra and the Guraldin balug from Ingleby station on the Barwon River. Basis ‘When I asked their names and where the The post-European contact history of these country was they belonged to, they were at the Aboriginal groups is marked by violence, time seated on the ground on the heights ... disease, displacement and institutionalisation. when the man, with emotion struck the ground There are many recorded massacres in Western and said, “This is my country, deen deen, this Victoria, including the murder of seven this.” (Robinson 1841). Gadubanud people at the mouth of the Aire River (Clark 1995). Following extensive Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest violence and the progressive displacement of Park are an integral part of Kirrae Whurrong, clans from hunting grounds that had been Gulidjan, Gadubanud and Wathaurong altered by Europeans, survivors gravitated to Country . Living cultural heritage in the local pastoral stations, and many eventually Otways has been sustained and nourished by moved to Buntingdale Wesleyan Mission near Aboriginal people continuing to maintain, Birregurra and then were moved on to rebuild and advance connections to Country , Framlingham Aboriginal Station, Lake encompassing spirituality, culture and lifestyle and Lake Tyers in . As a result many connections to the environment, landscape and aspects of culture are now shared between region. language and clan groups throughout the To the east of Painkalac Creek is Wathaurong region. (‘the people who say wada for no’) Country . Despite this tragic history, Aboriginal people The Tjuraaltja clan belongs to the land and sea are committed to maintaining their cultural between Painkalac Creek and Kuarka Dorla identity (Critchett 1998; Clark 1998b). Local (Anglesea). The Maa:mart clan is thought to Aboriginal people and communities, including belong to the land and sea east of Kuarka Traditional Owners, Framlingham Aboriginal Dorla. Trust, Kirrae Whurrong Native Title Group, To the west of the Gellibrand River is the Southern Otways Indigenous Group and Country of Kirrae Whurrong, whose name Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative advocate means ‘blood lip’ (Dawson 1881). The Kirrae the area’s cultural significance, which they Whurrong is thought to have consisted of at aspire to maintain and enhance in partnership least 21 clans with two language subdialects, with park managers. sharing many aspects of culture (Clark 1998a). Cultural heritage in the parks encompasses The Ngaragurd gundidj clan is the closest archaeological sites as well as non-physical recorded to the parks (Clark 1998a). aspects such as massacre sites, songlines, To the east of the Gellibrand River is family links and stories. Many plants and Gadubanud Country . Little is known about the animals are also important to Indigenous

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 31 Strategies for cultural values conservation communities as they relate to identity, Park managers respect Aboriginal people’s spirituality and social and economic wellbeing ongoing custodianship, knowledge, interests, and responsibilities. There are over 100 rights and aspirations for Country , and seek to archaeological sites registered on the Victorian nurture and revitalise relationships between Aboriginal Heritage Register within the parks, Aboriginal people and Country (section 9.2). including shell middens, burial sites, scar trees Parks Victoria has developed an Indigenous and scatter sites, and this is likely to be a small Partnerships Strategy and Action Plan (Parks percentage of the cultural sites that actually Victoria 2005b), applicable to management of exist. Archaeological sites, particularly shell the Great Otway National Park, which middens, are prevalent along the coast. identifies programs (with corresponding strategies and actions) for developing: Cultural sites are often located adjacent to rivers, streams and the coast, and these natural • Relations and partnerships with indigenous systems are considered an integral part of communities Country . Rivers and streams are a plentiful • source of eels, which in the past were caught Cross-cultural awareness and learning by Aboriginal people using elaborate traps exchanges constructed from stones and long woven • Indigenous employment and training baskets (Dawson 1881; Pascoe 2003). • Managing indigenous cultural heritage and All Aboriginal places, objects and human environmental values remains are protected under the Aboriginal and • Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act Tourism information, interpretation and 1984 (Cwlth) and Aboriginal Heritage Act education 2006 (Vic.). The discovery of an Aboriginal • Indigenous business enterprises place, object or human remains must be reported to the Department of Planning and • Native title Community Development (Aboriginal Affairs • Internal co-ordination. Victoria) who keep the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register. Cultural Heritage Parks Victoria will lead the management of Management Plans for conservation of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage across both Aboriginal places and objects are developed parks. Parks Victoria has guidelines relating to with the relevant Registered Aboriginal Party working with Indigenous communities and (or, if there is no Party, with the Department of protecting cultural sites from management Planning and Community Development). It is activities and a process for assessing all an offence to damage, interfere with or permits to be issued for the national park that endanger an Aboriginal place, object or human includes indigenous cultural heritage values. remains except in accordance with a Cultural DSE has developed an Indigenous Heritage Management Plan. Partnerships Framework (DSE 2007e), Aboriginal archaeological sites can be easily applicable to management of the Otway Forest damaged by activities such as illegal artefact Park which identifies principles, key strategic collection, off-road vehicle use, the initiatives, outcomes and actions for: construction of fire lines, roads, tracks and • Indigenous cultural awareness program visitor facilities, and erosion associated with those facilities and activities. Damage is often • Indigenous community partnerships gradual and may be exacerbated by the erosion • Capacity building in indigenous of sensitive coastal sites and natural impacts. communities The preservation of non-physical aspects of • Cultural heritage, land and water culture such as caring for Country , visiting management special places, conducting ceremonies, teaching and resource harvesting depends • Indigenous employment largely on providing and maintaining • opportunities to undertake cultural practices in Indigenous economic development the parks. • Communication

32 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for cultural values conservation

• Governance, monitoring and evaluation. • Increase visitor and local community involvement, understanding and Indigenous tourism has been identified as a appreciation of Otway historic heritage, key tourism opportunity (section 6.1). including sustainable provision of access, presentation, interpretation and promotion Management strategies of selected sites. • Respect and include Aboriginal people’s knowledge, cultural heritage and Basis aspirations for Country in management of Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest the Otway parks, through implementation Park have outstanding non-indigenous heritage of relevant strategies and actions of Parks significance related particularly to the Victoria’s Indigenous Partnerships numerous sawmilling and tramway sites dating Strategy and Action Plan and DSE’s from the 1850s, the Cape Otway Lightstation Indigenous Partnerships Framework. and the Great Ocean Road. A series of sites • Work in partnership with the relevant with high aesthetic value, particularly Registered Aboriginal Parties and, panoramic coastal settings, several waterfalls Traditional Owners to manage Aboriginal and sections of Myrtle Beech rainforest, also cultural heritage places. In partnership, have high cultural heritage significance, long identify conservation actions, aspirations recognised by visitors to the Otways (Parks for promotion and interpretation, themes Victoria and DSE 2008a). and appropriate sites (section 9.2). Management of heritage sites • Ensure that relevant permits and consents The Victorian Heritage Register lists four sites are obtained where required, prior to that are within the parks: Cape Otway undertaking any works that will impact on Lightstation, Henry’s No.1 Mill and Henry’s cultural sites. Tramway Tunnel near Forrest, and Knott’s • Support staff, consultants, contractors and No.3 Mill at Wyelangta. A total of 181 places tour operators to receive cross-cultural in the Great Otway National Park and Otway training and be aware of Indigenous Forest Park are included in Parks Victoria’s cultural heritage, legislative requirements, database for non-Indigenous heritage places. threats and management principles. There are 52 sites of state and regional significance (Parks Victoria and DSE 2008a). • Allow Aboriginal traditional practices in These sites are generally the highest priority the parks in accordance with legislation. for management. • Liaise with Traditional Owners, and as The Cape Otway Lightstation encompasses the appropriate with other Aboriginal groups lighthouse and a number of associated and relevant agencies in relation to the buildings constructed during the 1840s and investigation into the establishment of one 1850s. The lighthouse and lighthouse keepers’ or more Indigenous cultural and quarters are the oldest intact buildings of their interpretation centres in the Otways. type on the Australian mainland and played a • Progress joint management / co- crucial role in immigration to Australia. The management aspirations in accordance Cape Otway Telegraph Station linked with the Victorian Native Title Settlement Tasmania to the mainland via a submarine Framework. cable, signalled ships and conveyed shipping news to Melbourne. A World War II radar 5.2 Historic heritage station and generator bunkers are also located within the precinct. Protection of the heritage Aims features of Cape Otway Lightstation is guided by the Cape Otway Lightstation Conservation • Protect, conserve and present places with Management Plan (CLS 1994). Conservation significant historic (non-indigenous) issues are also addressed in the lease for the cultural heritage values in accordance with site (section 8.3). applicable legislation, strategies and charters.

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 33 Strategies for cultural values conservation

Several important sites and artefacts of to visitors and staff is also important (section shipwreck history are found along the coast, 6.16). such as anchors from several shipwrecks and Protecting significant sites from visitor the Cape Otway Cemetery with graves of pressures and management activities is an shipwreck victims. important priority for management. Historic Since the 1840s the timber industry has been a sites are protected under the Heritage Act major industry in the Otways. Heritage sites which contains prescriptions that apply to associated with the timber industry include disturbance of archaeological sites more than sawmills, remnants of timber tramways and 50 years old . Another important strategy is railway lines. The timber industry heritage in Victoria’s Heritage: strengthening our the Otways is recognised as outstanding in the communities ( 2006). state, and three sites are listed on the Victorian Heritage sites within the national park are Heritage Register: Henry’s No. 1 Mill, Henry’s managed in accordance with Parks Victoria’s Tramway Tunnel, and Knott’s No. 3 Mill. Heritage Management Strategy (Parks Victoria Knott’s No. 1 Mill was one of the largest mills 2005a). The Burra Charter (Australia operating and is relatively well preserved. ICOMOS 1999) provides guiding principles, Remnants of numerous other early sawmills of which preservation is generally the exist, such as the relatively intact Smedley approach taken in managing heritage sites in sawmill at Olangolah. The former Colac – the Otway parks. Restoration may be Beech Forest – Crowes railway line is now a appropriate at the Cape Otway Lightstation recreational rail trail linking Colac to Beech (Parks Victoria and DSE 2008a). Forest partly through the forest park. The rail Continued protection of the special features trail is known as the Old Beechy Rail Trail. identified in the government response to the The parks have a long history of tourism, VEAC recommendations will occur through which expanded further after the completion of implementation of relevant policies and the Great Ocean Road in the 1930s. Sites with procedures. a long history of tourism include Melba Gully, Access, presentation and interpretation Erskine Falls and Triplet Falls. The Great Ocean Road has a high historical significance Heritage site presentation and provision of as an engineering accomplishment and as a interpretation is focussed on accessible sites, major contributor to the development of with good visitor facilities and on-site tourism in south-western Victoria. The road opportunities to present stories which interest helped provide access to the natural and visitors and help to illustrate key historic landscape values of the coast to generations of themes of ‘using resources – forestry’, tourists. ‘accessing natural wonders’ and ‘shipping along the coast’ (section 6.2). Some of the Other important cultural heritage sites are most significant forestry sites are sensitive and natural areas with a high aesthetic value, such inaccessible however, and therefore are not as Triplet, Erskine, Hopetoun and Beauchamp suitable as visitor destinations. A framework Falls, Aire and Gellibrand Rivers, rainforest for identifying priority sites for interpretation settings e.g. Melba Gully and Maits Rest, and is provided in Heritage Access, Presentation scenic coastal views e.g. Point Addis, Urquhart and Interpretation Framework (Crocker & Bluff, Cape Otway and Johanna Beach Associates 2002), and a detailed assessment of (Crocker & Associates 1999). the main hinterland visitor sites, including Environmental factors such as high rainfall and visitor appeal and cultural values, is provided bushfires in the Otways have led to the in Tourism Plan for Public Land in the Otway deterioration of much exposed timber and Hinterland (DSE 2005). metal fabric. Preventing this deterioration is Historic heritage tourism has been identified in not practicable at most sites. Management this plan as a key tourism opportunity (section should focus on limiting manageable threats to 6.1). site fabric, such as controlling deterioration from visitor access, discouraging removal of artefacts, removal of damaging vegetation, and stabilising structures. Minimising safety risks

34 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for cultural values conservation

Management strategies Basis • Prepare and implement a monitoring Local communities such as Anglesea, Kennett program for significant historic places River, Lavers Hill, Lorne, Forrest and taking into consideration values, threats Gellibrand are unusual in that they are situated and natural events such as bushfires. Use in a landscape dominated by parks. The information gathered to inform Otways have special meaning to Otway people appropriate management actions. and to visitors. Park management needs to Investigate opportunities to involve understand the social values of the parks and community groups in implementation of protect them where possible. the monitoring program and management Social values encompass the places and actions. qualities of places that have taken on special • Ensure that relevant permits and consents meaning to people. This includes what is are obtained where required, prior to described as place attachment or sense of undertaking any works that will impact on place, and refers to the positive emotional heritage places. bonds that develop between individuals and their environment. It involves a mixture of • Provide interpretation and directional feelings about specific physical settings and information such as signage, printed and types of settings, and how these settings online information for key heritage sites. provide meaning and purpose to life (Brown Focus on-site interpretation at sites that 2006). are accessible, have on-site opportunities for interesting interpretation, and A study of Otway residents and visitors has illustrate key historic themes, including shown that both groups exhibit similar patterns Cape Otway Lightstation, Erskine Falls, of place attachment – indicating that visitors Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls, Beauchamp are also vested interest stakeholders in land Falls, Old Beechy Rail Trail and sites near management decisions. Place attachment is the Great Ocean Road. most closely associated with peoples’ spiritual values for the landscape, and was also shown • Work co-operatively with other land to be influenced by knowledge of the Otway managers, visitor information centres, region, length of residence and advocacy for tourism organisations and tourist the environment. Sites shown to have operators to ensure adequate awareness of important spiritual and therapeutic values to heritage values, issues and management. people were predominantly along the coast • Encourage community interest and (including promoted visitor sites such as involvement, and continue to work with Lorne, Apollo Bay, Aire River estuary, historical societies and interested Johanna Beach and Wreck Beach, but also community groups in the conservation and many that are not) and some popular inland interpretation of historic heritage values of forest and water feature sites (such as Melba the parks. Gully, Triplet Falls and Lake Elizabeth) (Brown 2006). • Consider appropriate research projects that will foster community understanding Community consultation undertaken as a part and appreciation and influence of the Angahook–Otway Investigation (VEAC management outcomes in relation to 2004) provided some insight into the social Otway heritage, e.g. oral histories. values of the parks. Many residents, coastal communities and visitors are concerned that 5.3 Social values tourism pressures may erode the social value of their special places and ultimately impact on Aim their lifestyle. Many Otway residents want development confined to hinterland areas, • Understand the social values of the parks, avoiding expansion at natural destinations. and enhance and protect places, Feedback received from the community landscapes, features and character that indicates a high level of support for the contribute to social values. different management emphases which apply to the protection of social values in the Great

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 35 Strategies for cultural values conservation

Otway National Park and the Otway Forest Management strategy Park. Community participation in management • Encourage research projects that will helps managers understand social values improve knowledge of social values and (section 9.3). Interpretation and promoting support or improve the management and community awareness contributes to visitors’ value of parks to the community. understanding of the social significance of special places (sections 6.2 and 9.1). Social values research and the development of a social values framework for the parks will provide important information to help guide the management of socially significant sites.

36 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

6 STRATEGIES FOR VISITORS

nature-based tourism in the region as they 6.1 Tourism and recreation provide: directions • a base for many nature based tourism, Aims ecoadventure and recreation activities such • Provide and enhance a sustainable range of as bushwalking, organised tours, wildlife tourism and recreation opportunities and viewing, cycling and horse riding products within the parks. Contribute to • the setting or backdrop for many activities the region’s tourism and recreation in the region that draw on the parks’ opportunities and profile. features, such as touring the Great Ocean • Provide high quality, memorable, authentic Road, visiting the Cape Otway and educational experiences for visitors Lightstation and holidaying in coastal that capitalise on the Otways unique towns. attributes, to generate an understanding Nature based tourism activities are diverse, and and appreciation of park values, and meet have varying appeal for local, national and or exceed visitor expectations. international visitors. A collaborative approach • Increase opportunities for participation of between government and industry targets commercial and community partners in the marketing to those more likely to be interested provision of tourism and recreation in nature-based tourism experiences. The experiences, particularly the Aboriginal approach aims to provide enhanced community. experiences and increased visitor satisfaction while catering to forecasted growth in • Ensure that tourism and recreation visitation. It is also predicated on providing the activities and infrastructure are conducted maximum economic returns to Victoria. and managed in a way that respects natural Parks Victoria and DSE recognise that tourism settings, conservation requirements, and and recreation are integral to park cultural sensitivities. management, successful tourism provides local community benefits, increasing local Basis employment as well as appreciation and The Great Ocean Road Tourism Region, of support for park values and assets. which the parks are an integral part, is one of Victoria’s major tourist destinations. The Key overarching policies are: region has a 15% market share of visitors to Victoria’s Nature-based Tourism Strategy regional Victoria, the second largest share of 2008–2012 (Tourism Victoria 2008) aims to all regions (Tourism Victoria 2004). The provide a coordinated and strategic approach tourism industry supports a significant part of to policy, planning, development and the region’s economy and accounts for 5.3% of marketing in the sector to optimise the total employment (Tourism Victoria 2004). economic, social and environmental benefits to Nature-based activities are strongly associated Victoria. The strategy identifies the Great with destinations in the region, making up Ocean Road as one of the key nature-based more than 60% of activities undertaken by tourism development areas in Victoria, and visitors, compared to 46% for regional Victoria proposes that nature-based tourism as a whole (Tourism Victoria 2004) . Recent accommodation and activity hub projects be government initiatives have built on this, developed for the Otways and Great Ocean aiming to enhance nature-based tourism Road. opportunities particularly in the Otway hinterland. The Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Development Plan 2004–2007 (Tourism Nature-based tourism is defined as ‘Tourism Victoria 2004) provides the strategic direction that relies on experiences directly related to for tourism development in the region. It natural attractions’ (Tourism Victoria 2008). identifies that the creation of the Great Otway The parks play an integral two-fold role in

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 37 Strategies for visitors

National Park and Otway Forest Park presents explore opportunities for Indigenous tourism a ‘stand-out opportunity for nature based businesses and products that are authentic, tourism’. respectful and support Aboriginal community development and engagement. These could The Great Ocean Road strategy (DSE 2004b) include (among other things): provision of contains strategies for strengthening protection interpretive services such as guided short of public land and parks, protection of interpretive walks or multi-day camping safaris environment and landscapes, and development with a focus on indigenous sites, stories, food of sustainable tourism in the region. and culture; supply of services to visitors The Tourism Plan for Public Land in the within the parks such as provision of fuel for Otway Hinterland (DSE 2005) provides camp cooking and facility maintenance; and specific recommendations for developing and dissemination of park information to visitors. promoting tourism in the hinterland areas. Demountable accommodation Park managers have regular liaison and work To attract people who are seeking a more in collaboration with the highly organised local comfortable camping experience, the Otway tourism associations: Surf Coast Tourism and parks are suited to the provision of a limited Otways Tourism, and the regional bodies number of high-end camping options. Purpose Geelong-Otway Tourism and Shipwreck Coast built demountable accommodation/standing Tourism. camps offer immersion in nature, while A licence is required to provide tourism providing a high degree of comfort and services in Great Otway National Park and security for campers. Otway Forest Park. Parks Victoria and DSE Nature based accommodation ‘eco-lodge’ work closely with licensed tour operators to adjacent to Great Otway National Park ensure that tours are compatible with park management objectives. There are 140 (as of The development of a nature-based 2008) licensed tour operators licensed to accommodation ‘eco-lodge’ adjacent to Great conduct tours in the parks, including 4WD Otway National Park offering high quality, touring, sightseeing, educational activities and energy efficient ‘green’ accommodation and bushwalking. Licensed tour operators provide associated services has been identified as an enhanced services for visitors who prefer to opportunity in Tourism Plan for Public Land have additional interpretation, guidance, in the Otway Hinterland (DSE 2005). It would instruction, catering or accommodation serve as a key marketable product, would provided while visiting the parks. They also better connect park visitors with the natural help to promote park values and appropriate environment and meet an identified gap in usage of the parks. accommodation options. Key tourism opportunities Great Ocean Walk enhancements The following key tourism opportunities are Destined to be ‘one of the worlds great walks’, exciting potential developments for the parks. the Great Ocean Walk will continue to be They are not, however, overnight ventures, and developed and enhanced in line with the Great require substantial long-term assessment, Ocean Walk Strategic Directions Plan 2009- planning, partnership and commitment from 2014 (Parks Victoria 2009) to firmly establish the public and private sectors, and are it as a nationally and internationally recognised presented for consideration with the icon. Sections of the walk that run along roads expectation that they can only proceed subject are to be re-routed onto walking tracks to to development assessment criteria (section provide for a high quality walking experience. 3.4). Cooperative partnerships have been developed with private sector accommodation and Indigenous tourism tourism providers for mutually beneficial The Otway parks provide significant product development, promotion and provision opportunities for Indigenous tourism, a highly of services. Opportunities exist to enhance the sought product by international visitors. Park range of services currently provided on the managers are keen to work closely with walk, such as enhanced interpretive Traditional Owners and Aboriginal groups to experiences including interpretation of

38 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors

Aboriginal cultural heritage, quality catering oriented cycling on shared walking/cycling services, and easier access to off-park tracks. accommodation. Historic heritage tourism Long distance horse riding route The Otway parks are rich in historic heritage. An opportunity exists to investigate the An opportunity exists to work with tourism provision and promotion of a long distance bodies and the private sector to explore the horse riding route that links existing horse potential for the development of historic riding ‘hubs’ and provides the opportunity for heritage tourism and delivery of guided a multi-day horse riding experience. historic heritage tours of significant sites and Partnerships with horse friendly off-park features, while ensuring that heritage values accommodation providers could also be are protected. explored. Events Group camping Events are popular throughout the Otways as Demand for large group camping facilities is the diverse natural setting and the proximity of growing particularly along the Great Ocean the parks to Melbourne and regional cities Walk. However, the campgrounds associated attract many activities. Activities range from with the Great Ocean Walk are not designed arts and music to adventure races, mountain for large groups and increases in large groups bike racing, surfing and other sports. Previous of campers will diminish the experiences of studies indicate that events can be useful in small-group independent walkers. An attracting people to hinterland and shoulder opportunity exists to investigate the potential season visits, and can contribute to an for development of camping areas for larger increased length of stay, thereby contributing groups which link to other features, more to local economies. particularly walking tracks. Wildlife tourism Vehicle touring routes Visitors to the Otway parks regularly Tourism Plan for Public Land in the Otway encounter Koalas, swamp wallabies, grey Hinterland (DSE 2005) has recommended the kangaroos, Echidnas and birds such as black development and promotion of three vehicle cockatoos and falcons. With planning and local touring routes, including a 4WD route, to knowledge, Platypus, bandicoots and bats are encourage the dispersal of tourists into the also able to be observed. There is great hinterland. This could be supported by potential for promotion of wildlife viewing appropriate private sector investment in experiences and increasing the diversity of tourism infrastructure and provision of wildlife tours to visitors from outside the services. region and from overseas, in combination with other Otway attractions. Trail bike riding facilities Trail bike riding loading and unloading areas Management strategies will be established. Opportunities for • Continue to develop and promote developing riding routes on the public road sustainable tourism in the parks and the system will be analysed. region, based on regional and local Mountain biking opportunities strategies and key opportunities. Continue to work with local and regional tourism Mountain biking is a growing recreation associations and contribute to regional activity in the parks, popular for cross-country and statewide tourism. style riding and suitable for mountain bike touring. Purpose-built, technically challenging • Continue to develop and enhance the mountain bike tracks have been constructed Great Ocean Walk and its partnerships near the town of Forrest. Opportunities exist opportunities. for the promotion of rough-road routes for • cross-country riding and touring, and also for Work with the tourism and recreation development of introductory and family- industry and the private sector in reviewing and designing tourism product

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 39 Strategies for visitors

and experiences, and create an enabling experiences by using materials of special environment for the consideration of new significance, using special construction tourism or recreation product and methods or integrating particular artistic opportunities that diversify nature-based elements. Community involvement in design activities and provide authentic and also provides an opportunity to access unique diverse experiences, encourage off-peak skills while building community stewardship tourism, and deliver increased yield. and pride. • Assist relevant Registered Aboriginal Promotion and pre-visit information Parties, Traditional Owners or other The Great Ocean Road is a high-profile relevant Aboriginal groups to investigate tourism destination, and the establishment of and develop culturally appropriate the Great Otway National Park and Otway Indigenous tourism experiences. Forest Park increases the scope for promoting • Encourage and support ecologically the region internationally and within Australia sustainable tourism development in the through Tourism Victoria and local tourism hinterland. bodies. Accredited visitor information centres at Geelong, Colac, Torquay, Lorne and Apollo • Encourage and support the private sector Bay and Port Campbell, as the ‘shop front’ for and tourism bodies to investigate the attractions of the region, play an important opportunities for a nature-based role in providing pre-visit information for accommodation ‘Eco lodge’ adjacent to visitors. Tourism businesses throughout the the national park. Great Ocean Road and Otway hinterland also • Work with tour operators to assist with the help promote the parks. incorporation of park value messages into Parks managers support the promotional work tours and interpretive information. of Tourism Victoria, local tourism • In partnership with local government, associations, accredited visitor information develop township recreation plans centres and local businesses, who help to supporting cross-tenure and integrated ensure that visitors receive appropriate and up- community recreation. to-date information about the parks. Parks Victoria also provides information through its 6.2 Information, interpretation and website (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au ), Parknotes education and other brochures, information centre hotline and feature segments on television travel, Aim tourism and wildlife programs. DSE also • provides information about recreation and Promote and encourage visitors’ safe and tourism activities in Otway Forest Park on the sustainable discovery, enjoyment, DSE website (www.dse.vic.gov.au ) and in understanding and appreciation of the Forests Notes and other brochures. parks natural and cultural values. Orientation Basis Orientation ensures that visitors can enjoy the Providing information, interpretation and parks, access facilities and undertake education can help orientate and inform appropriate activities. Providing sufficient, visitors, foster an understanding and effective orientation is a challenge because of appreciation of special natural and cultural the size of the parks and the complexity of values, build the understanding of management their boundaries. activities, and help visitors to experience, Park managers use information boards, signs understand and appreciate the parks in a safe on access roads and in the parks, ranger and appropriate manner. patrols, Parknotes, Forestnotes and maps, in Park infrastructure must be functional and conjunction with a public awareness program, meet relevant standards. It should also be to help orientate visitors (section 9.1). Detailed sympathetic to the site and complement nearby visitor orientation information is provided on colours, shapes and textures. Well-designed information boards at most of the popular infrastructure such as signs can enhance visitor visitor sites in the parks.

40 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors

Park managers also provide information on camp and accommodation facilities outside, roads, tracks and facilities in the parks to the the parks. The provision of facilities and publishers of various popular maps and camping areas for school groups is discussed guidebooks. in section 6.6. Interpretation Management strategies Interpretation is a critical part of maintaining • Strengthen relationships with and support and enhancing visitor experiences. Information for accredited visitor information centres, boards, interpretive trails, tours and activities and ensure that good-quality information by licensed activity providers, activities led by is available to park visitors through these rangers or volunteers, and interpretive facilities outlets. are provided to build an understanding of the parks and their special values. An interpretive • Provide thematic interpretation with centre for showcasing the natural and heritage consistent style and content at key visitor values of the Great Ocean Road Region has sites and access nodes, including signage been identified as a priority project (Tourism on main and supporting touring routes. Victoria 2004), and with reference to Encourage the development of consistent Aboriginal cultural interpretation, was or standardised signage across land included in the VEAC recommendations tenures. accepted by government (section 5.1). • Investigate the establishment of a schools Features in the parks with interpretive camp program in the vicinity of Anglesea. information readily available include waterfalls such as Triplet Falls, rainforests 6.3 Motor vehicle access such as Melba Gully and Maits Rest, shipwreck sites and the Cape Otway Aims Lightstation, with interpretive themes of • Provide and maintain a sustainable appreciating natural values and shipping along network of roads for a variety of uses, the coast. An opportunity exists to link sites including general access for recreation, based on themes of Aboriginal cultural tourism and transit, and access for park heritage or historic heritage (sections 5.1 and management activities, fire suppression 5.2). Integrated and planned interpretive and authorised resource extraction. themes across the parks can create a more enjoyable, higher quality experience, build a • Provide opportunities for people to enjoy broader understanding of park values, threats car and motorcycle touring, four-wheel- and uses, and promote additional opportunities driving and trail bike riding experiences for visitors, including other attractions in the within the parks, where this is sustainable Otway hinterland. and compatible with the protection of other park values. Schools and group education • Minimise impacts of the road network on The parks provide many opportunities for natural, cultural and resource values of the education to schools and other groups. parks. Licensed tour operators also provide a range of environmental, activity-based schools • Encourage responsible vehicle use to education programs in the parks. minimise damage to the road network and The parks provide good access for buses to the environment, and minimise conflict many visitor nodes. Interpretive trails and between park users and with neighbours. walking tracks through different ecosystems and habitats provide a basis for education for Basis all levels. Visitor facilities and walking tracks General motor vehicle access around Anglesea and Lorne are very popular Access to Great Otway National Park and with school groups. Otway Forest Park is provided by a network of There are opportunities for school groups to established access and through roads (figure utilise larger camping areas within, or private 2).

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 41 Strategies for visitors

The extensive road network in the Otway Some key roads are maintained to a standard Ranges has evolved over many years. In the for wildfire suppression access as part of hinterland this has historically been to DSE’s Fire Protection Plan (DSE 2003c). facilitate access to land for settlement and Roads, whether categorised as public roads or agriculture, and access for resource extraction. operational roads, may be: On the coast, roads have developed to increase access and services to towns that are tourism • open for public use — with any means of and holiday destinations, most notably the conveyance (truck, bus, car, motorcycle, Great Ocean Road. horse, bicycle, walking) permitted under a right of passage given by the Road DSE together with VicRoads and each local Management Act. Vehicles must be government agency are recognised as road registered and vehicle drivers licensed. management authorities under the Road Management Act 2004 (Vic.). The term ‘road’ • closed to public use — with signs and as used in this plan has the same definition as barriers to indicate the closure and prevent in the Land Conservation (Vehicle Control) access. Access is permitted to authorised Regulations 2003 (see glossary). management vehicles only. Park managers Well-used through roads (section 1.1) and undertake consultation and notification roads accessing private land are not included in before closing a road for more than one the parks. Some roads, such as the Great day. Roads may be closed on a seasonal Ocean Road, are arterial roads managed by basis (referred to as seasonally closed VicRoads, and many others are municipal roads ) or permanently (referred to in roads managed by local government authorities national parks as management vehicle only (Colac Otway Shire, Corangamite Shire or roads ). Seasonally closed roads are listed Surf Coast Shire). annually at Parks Victoria’s website www.parkweb.vic.gov.au . Walkers are Many roads are used to provide access to generally permitted to use seasonally recreation or tourism sites such as lookouts, closed and management vehicle only picnic sites, activity staging areas (car parks roads, and in some cases horse riding, near beaches, trail heads etc.), campgrounds cycling or other activities may be allowed. and historic or cultural sites. As such, they are Roads may also be closed temporarily for considered to be public roads and are managed maintenance, protection of environmental according to the Road Management Plan (DSE or cultural values, or in response to 2009b), which sets minimum road hazards or emergency. maintenance standards for public roads. It also contains a register of public roads, including Under a ‘closed catchment’ policy to maintain those within the Great Otway National Park water quality, the Designated Water Supply and Otway Forest Park for which DSE is the Catchment Areas of the national park, road management authority. including roads within these areas, are generally closed to the public (section 8.4). Other roads are used specifically for park management purposes (e.g. patrols for safety Under the Land Conservation (Vehicle and compliance, emergency preparation and Control) Regulations 2003 , unauthorised response, fire management, search and rescue, driving of motor vehicles (including trail managing and servicing park facilities, pest bikes) off road and parking areas in the parks control). These roads are operational roads and is illegal, including riding on natural areas or while some may be open to the public, they are on walking or cycling tracks. Due to this and not managed to the same standards as public the requirements of maintaining safe, roads. Rather, operational roads are managed navigable and environmentally and in line with available resources and operational economically sustainable roads, the special needs. requirements and demands of more challenging motorsports such as trail bike Some roads within the Otway Forest Park are riding on ‘single-track’ (i.e. narrow tracks) used for the cartage of resources such as cannot be accommodated in the parks. firewood and other minor forest produce. Most of these roads are also operational roads. The road network is extensive throughout the Otway parks (figure 2). Roads can lead to

42 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors environmental impacts such as sedimentation Four wheel driving of streams, habitat loss and fragmentation, Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts are able to use all increased spread of pest plants and soil-borne open roads (public and operational roads) in pathogens, and increased access by feral and the parks. Some of these roads provide pest animals. However, roads are important to challenging conditions and access to many provide access for park managers to undertake areas, including crossing over the top of the management activities and for park users to Otway Ranges and the opportunity to travel undertake recreational activities. along the spine of the range for a considerable The road network requires rationalisation from distance. The greatest extent of roads is open time to time as roads become superfluous to in the dry months (November–May). Four- needs or cause unmanageable and wheel-drive touring routes in the Otways unacceptable environmental, cultural or safety include the Aire Valley Experience (25 km), risks. Similarly roads may be realigned or Carlisle Wildflowers Tour (40 km), Goat constructed to provide better access for Track (25 km), Neck Track (50 km), Ocean management or other activities. Track (15–25 km) and Sayers Circuit (40 km). Parks managers and Four-Wheel-Drive Roads will be discontinued in accordance with Victoria have signed a memorandum of applicable legislation and policy on due cooperation to maintain a positive and process and public notification, and the road constructive working relationship to preserve areas will be rehabilitated where necessary. and enhance four-wheel-driving in Victoria in DSE has developed a policy on the an environmentally and economically consultation and rehabilitation process for sustainable manner. The memorandum sets up proposed road and track closures specifying a the Four-Wheel-Driving Committee as a forum six-week consultation period. for developing recommendations for Car and motorcycle touring management. At the regional level, the Otway Some roads are used for car and motorcycle Four-Wheel-Drive Liaison Committee has touring, sightseeing and car rally events been formed with regional club representatives (section 6.15). The Great Ocean Road is an to discuss and make recommendations on internationally recognised scenic drive through regional and local issues. Visitors participating Great Otway National Park, and other roads in four-wheel-drive activities are encouraged within the parks are also very scenic and form to comply with the Four-Wheel-Driving — loops for vehicle touring. To complement Adventure Activity Standards (ORC 2005c). Great Ocean Road experiences and draw and Trail bike riding disperse tourists into the Otway hinterland, the Trail bike riding is a popular activity at establishment and promotion of inland touring Anglesea, Gherang and Paddys Swamp, and routes is important (Tourism Victoria 2004). many other areas throughout the parks. Some Touring routes have been identified as ‘three local riders ride their bikes to the parks, but key drives through the hinterland’ (DSE 2005). those coming from farther away often transport A main loop, completed with the upgrade of their bikes by trailer and unload them at Turtons Track, connects Skenes Creek, Apollo staging points on the periphery of the parks. Bay, Glenaire, Lavers Hill and Beech Forest, allowing stops at key attractions such as Otway As with other motor vehicles, trail bikes with Fly and . Supporting full registration are permitted on all open this are a two-wheel-drive touring route public and operational roads in the parks. connecting Lorne, Erskine Falls, Forrest and Victorian road legislation applies, and Kennett River, partly on unsealed roads, and a therefore off-road and single track riding, four-wheel-drive touring route connecting unlicensed (including under-age) riding, and Lavers Hill, Gellibrand River and Beech riding of unregistered trail bikes is illegal. Forest. Exhaust noise emissions must not exceed legal limits. Trail bikes with recreation registration The development of vehicle touring routes is are permitted on open public and operational identified in this plan as a key tourism roads, subject to some legislated limitations on opportunity (section 6.1). the roads that may be used (see

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 43 Strategies for visitors www.vicroads.vic.gov.au ). Riders must be • Implement seasonal closures of applicable licensed. roads from 1 June to 31 October. In 2006 DSE began a four-year statewide Trail Car and motorcycle touring Bike Initiative with the objective of providing • for socially and environmentally sustainable Support the development and promotion of trail bike riding on public land. Under this touring routes as per the ‘three key drives initiative the Otways is an area of particular through the hinterland’ strategy (DSE interest. Implementation of the initiative in the 2005). Support the development of route Otways will result in: signage, inclusion in printed information, and appropriate visitor sites to support • construction of loading / unloading areas touring (section 6.1). within Otway Forest Park that contain Four-wheel-driving information to educate riders on appropriate riding behaviour on public • Continue to foster the relationship with land Four Wheel Drive Victoria and affiliated clubs in accordance with the memorandum • signage of ‘reduced noise’ zones in areas of cooperation and through the Otways of high disturbance of neighbours and Four-Wheel-Drive Liaison Committee. other park users Work with the Otway Four-Wheel-Drive • investigation of designated trail bike Liaison Committee on the track touring routes on public roads classification project. • rehabilitation of damaged and degraded • Authorisation to access a limited number areas of management vehicle only roads in the national park may be given to licensed • information, education and compliance tour operators, and Four-Wheel-Drive campaigns to help ensure riders are riding Victoria affiliated clubs engaged in legally and responsibly. volunteer park management activities. Trail bike riders conducting their activity in Allow access at low frequency, subject to groups are encouraged to comply with the controls to protect values and assets and Trail Bike Touring — Adventure Activity to manage risk. Standards (ORC 2005g). Trail bikes Management strategies • In partnership with Victoria Police General motor vehicle access encourage appropriate trail bike riding behaviour in appropriate areas, and • Provide roads for access to tourism and ensure compliance with relevant laws, recreation sites, provision of recreation particularly those relating to licensing, experiences, management of infrastructure registration, riding off-road and the and natural resources, public safety, and creation of illegal tracks. authorised resource extraction (figure 2). • With the cooperation of formalised trail • Develop and make publically available an bike groups like Otway Trailbike Riders up-to-date spatial database of roads (OTR), form a regional advisory information for both parks. committee to strengthen liaison on park • Monitor and maintain public roads and trail bike management issues. according to the standards specified in the • Encourage sustainable trail bike riding Roads Management Plan (DSE 2009b). through the completion of the actions Manage operational roads according to identified in the trail bike initiative, operational needs and available resources. including provision of facilities, education • Manage roads in accordance with relevant and compliance. legislation, regulations and guidelines. • Consider giving authorisation to access a Follow applicable policy on process and limited number of management vehicle public notification. only roads in the national park to licensed tour operators, and recognised,

44 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors

incorporated clubs such as AMTRA mountain biking, horse riding, trail bike riding Victoria or OTR engaged in volunteer park and four-wheel-driving. management activities under an agreement Facilities and services are designed and with park managers. Allow access at low managed to reflect the needs and expectations frequency, subject to controls to protect of visitors at each site. However, some sites environmental, cultural and social values, are subject to peak usage during holiday and safety. periods that is beyond the designed capacity. Park staff undertake regular patrols of visitor 6.4 Visitor sites and services sites to encourage appropriate visitor behaviour, monitor visitor safety and monitor Aims environmental impacts. The maintenance of • Provide a system of designated visitor sites infrastructure such as toilets, fences, bollards and services for sustainable recreation, and car park surfaces is important to ensure education and enjoyment of experiences in visitor satisfaction and minimise impacts on the parks, and as nodes for access to park the environment. Park managers regularly features and recreation areas. review the services and facilities provided at • Minimise conflicts between parks users each site and maintain them to ensure visitor and impact on park values from visitor enjoyment and safety. facilities. Visitor research (Parks Victoria 2006a) has indicated priorities for service increases at key Basis visitor sites: Visitor sites in Great Otway National Park and • Increasing the provision and quality of Otway Forest Park are an integral part of amenities (such as facilities for cooking access to and provision of experiences in one and picnicking, shelter, clean and of Australia’s most prominent tourism regions. accessible toilets, and walking tracks) at Visitor sites provide for picnicking, key visitor sites on main touring routes and socialising, resting and recharging in the high use locations, namely Distillery bushland and coastal settings of the Otways, Creek, Lake Elizabeth, Moggs Creek particularly for visitors with young children, Picnic Area, Sheoak Picnic Area, Shelly limited time or limited mobility. Visitor sites Beach Picnic Area, Grey River Picnic also act as staging points for access to the Area, Blanket Leaf Picnic Area, Melba spectacular and unique natural features of the Gully, and Beauchamp Falls, to provide Otways. for high quality social activities. In accordance with legislation, visitor sites will • Increasing provision and quality of not be located in Designated Water Supply amenities (such as beach access, car Catchment Areas (section 8.4), or within parking, clean toilets, and directional reference areas. signage) at Urquhart Bluff, Point Addis, Sites for day visitors include picnic grounds, Southside and Johanna Beach access lookouts, car parks and trail heads. Some points, to provide high quality experiences visitor sites in the parks cater for overnight for those seeking beach activities. camping (section 6.6), and the Cape Otway • Increasing provision and quality of Lightstation precinct has roofed amenities (such as road maintenance, car accommodation and a cafe. parking, directional signage and gateway Visitor sites are typically within walking information) at some key visitor sites on distance of points of interest, such as beaches, main touring routes and at high use cliffs, points and headlands, lookouts, locations namely Blanket Leaf Picnic rainforests, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. They Area, Beauchamp Falls, Blanket Bay, cater for a range of activities including Johanna Beach, Parker Hill, Sheoak Picnic picnicking, sightseeing, and resting while Area and Triplet Falls to provide ease of touring. Visitor sites are also staging points for access and high quality nature experiences. many activities such as swimming, bushwalking, wildlife and nature viewing,

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 45 Strategies for visitors

TABLE 3 MANAGEMENT OF VISITOR SITES AND SERVICES

SITE NAME TYPE CAMPING LEVEL OF OTHER

ACCESS (S = (NO . SERVICE

SUBJECT TO SITES ) SEASONAL CLOSURE ) ARPARK AMPFIRE

ICNIC ICNIC HELTER OILET ABLE OOKOUT NFORMATION T P T P S I L C C

GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK

Aire Crossing Camping Area Camping Y (5) Basic Y Y Y No Aire River (East) Camping Area Camping Y (20) Mid Y Y Y Y No Boat launching, jetty Aire River (West) Camping Area Camping Y (50+) Mid Y Y Y Y In designated fireplace/s Boat launching only Aire River West Walk-in Camping Y (8) Mid Shared Y Y Shared No Camping Area (Great Ocean with with Walk) above above Allenvale Mill Camping Area Camping Y (20) Basic Y Y Y No School groups. (walk-in) Big Hill Camping Area Camping (S) Y (20) Basic Y In designated fireplace/s only Blanket Bay Camping Area Camping Y (22) Mid Y Y Y Y In designated fireplace/s Boat launching only Blanket Bay Walk-in Camping Camping Y (15) Mid Shared Y Y Y No Area (Great Ocean Walk) with above Cape Otway Walk-in Camping Camping Y (15) Mid Y Y Y Y No Area (Great Ocean Walk) Cora Lynn Camping Area (walk- Camping Y (2) Basic No in) Devils Kitchen Walk-in Camping Camping Y (8) Mid Y Y Y Y No Area (Great Ocean Walk) Elliot Ridge Walk-in Camping Camping Y (15) Mid Y Y Y Y No Area (Great Ocean Walk)

46 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors

Table 3 cont.

SITE NAME TYPE CAMPING LEVEL OF OTHER

ACCESS (S = (NO . SERVICE

SUBJECT TO SITES ) SEASONAL CLOSURE ) ARPARK AMPFIRE ICNIC ICNIC HELTER OILET ABLE OOKOUT NFORMATION T P T P S I L C C Hammond Road South Camping Camping Y (20) Basic Y In designated fireplace/s Horse camping Area only permitted in Forest Park on north side of road. Herberts Camping Area Camping Y (20) Basic No Jamieson Track Camping Area Camping (S) Y (6) Basic Y No

Johanna Beach Camping Area Camping Y (50) Mid Y Y Y Y Y Y No

Johanna Beach Walk-in Camping Camping Y (8) Mid Y Y Y Y No Area (Great Ocean Walk)

Lake Elizabeth Camping Area Camping Y (15) Mid Y Y Y Y Y Y In designated fireplace/s (walk/cycle) only

Parker Hill Camping Area Camping Y (20) Mid Y Y Y Y Y No

Ryans Den Walk-in Camping Camping Y (8) Mid Y Y Y Y No Area (Great Ocean Walk) Sharps Track Camping Area Camping Y (4) Basic Y No

Wye River Road Camping Area Camping Y (12) Basic No

Blanket Bay Day Visitor Area Day Visit N Mid Y Y Y Y No Boat launching

Carisbrook Falls Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y Y No

Castle Cove Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y Y Y No

Crayfish Bay beach access Day Visit N Basic No

Cumberland River beach access Day Visit N Basic No

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 47 Strategies for visitors

Table 3 cont.

SITE NAME TYPE CAMPING LEVEL OF OTHER

ACCESS (S = (NO . SERVICE

SUBJECT TO SITES ) SEASONAL CLOSURE ) ARPARK AMPFIRE ICNIC ICNIC HELTER OILET ABLE OOKOUT NFORMATION T P T P S I L C C Devils Kitchen beach access Day Visit N Basic No

Erskine Falls Visitor Area Day Visit N Mid Y Y Y No

Godfrey beach access Day Visit N Basic Y No Guvvos beach access Day Visit N Basic Y No Hutt Gully beach access Day Visit N Basic Y No Little Aire Falls Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y No Maits Rest Visitor Area Day Visit N Mid Y Y Y No Marriners Falls Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y Y Y No

Milanesia Beach Access Day Visit N Basic No

O'Donohue Road beach access Day Visit N Basic No

Point Addis Visitor Area Day Visit N Mid Y Y Y Y No

Rivernook beach access Day Visit N Basic Y No

Sabine Falls Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y No Horses allowed.

Sheoak Falls Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y Y Y No

Southside Carpark Day Visit N Mid Y Y Y No

Sunnymeade beach access Day Visit N Basic No

The Gable Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y Y No Horses allowed. The Gap beach access Day Visit N Basic Y No Urquharts Bluff Visitor Area Day Visit N Mid Y Y Y Y No Boat launching. Wreck Beach Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y No Horses allowed.

48 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors

Table 3 cont.

SITE NAME TYPE CAMPING LEVEL OF OTHER

ACCESS (S = (NO . SERVICE

SUBJECT TO SITES) SEASONAL CLOSURE ) ARPARK AMPFIRE ICNIC ICNIC HELTER OILET ABLE OOKOUT NFORMATION T P T P S I L C C Princetown and Johanna Horses allowed. Beaches**, Kaanglang Quarry Cape Otway Lighthouse Precinct Lease - N High Y Y Cafe Y Y Y No (roofed accommodation) Commercial Addis Bay Picnic Area Picnic N Basic Y Y Y No Aire Valley Reserve (Redwoods) Picnic N Basic Y Y Y Y No Picnic Area

Blanket Leaf Picnic Area Picnic N Mid Y Y Y Y Y *Gas BBQ's Distillery Creek Picnic Area Picnic N Mid Y Y Y Y Y *Gas BBQ's Bird hide

Grey River Picnic Area Picnic N Basic Y Y Y Y No

Hopetoun Falls Picnic Area Picnic N Basic Y Y Y Y No

Ironbark Basin Picnic Area Picnic N Basic Y Y No

Melba Gully Picnic Area Picnic N Mid Y Y Y Y Y Y *Gas BBQ's Moggs Creek Picnic Area Picnic N Mid Y Y Y Y *Gas BBQ's Point Franklin Picnic Area Picnic N Basic Y Y Y No

Shelly Beach Picnic Area Picnic N Mid Y Y Y Y *Gas BBQ's

Sheoak Picnic Area Picnic N Mid Y Y Y Y Y Gas BBQ's Triplet Falls Picnic Area Picnic N Mid Y Y Y Y Y *Gas BBQ's

OTWAY FOREST PARK

Beauchamp Falls Camping Area Camping Y (12) Basic Y Y Y Y In designated fireplace/s only Dandos Camping Area Camping Y (50) Mid Y Y Y Y In designated fireplace/s Horse camping only allowed.

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 49 Strategies for visitors

Table 3 cont.

SITE NAME TYPE CAMPING LEVEL OF OTHER

ACCESS (S = (NO . SERVICE

SUBJECT TO SITES ) SEASONAL CLOSURE ) ARPARK AMPFIRE ICNIC ICNIC HELTER OILET ABLE OOKOUT NFORMATION T P T P S I L C C Goat Track Camping Area Camping (S) Y (6) Basic In designated fireplace/s Horse camping only allowed. Stevensons Falls Camping Area Camping Y (50) Mid Y Y Y Y Y In designated fireplace/s Horse camping only allowed. Tanners Road Camping Area Camping Y (10) Basic Y In designated fireplace/s Horse camping only allowed. Hammond Road North Camping Camping Y Basic Y In designated fireplace/s Horse camping Area only allowed. DISPERSED CAMPING Camping Various V. Basic Y Fires in accordance with State forest regulations that ensure fires do not escape Forrest Mountain Bike Trailhead Day Visit N Basic Y Y No

Yaugher Mountain Bike Day Visit N Basic Y No Trailhead Paddy's Swamp Trail Bike Day Visit N Mid Y Y Y Y Y No Visitor Area Birnam Station Picnic Area Picnic N Basic Y Y Wood BBQ(s)

Loves Creek Picnic Area Picnic N Basic Y Y Wood BBQ(s)

Key: * Fireplaces to be upgraded to Gas BBQs. LOS Levels of service: ** LTO horseriding permtted on Station Beach High – high level of visitor facilities and amenities provided Notes: Bookings are required for use of Great Ocean Walk walk-in camping areas Mid – moderate levels of visitor facilities and amenities provided Cars, caravans and camping trailers are permitted in most camping areas, subject tot Basic- limited visitor facilities and amenities provided road and site conditions, except walk-in camping areas V Basic- offer very basic level of service and basic access only

50 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors

• Increase the provision and quality of sustainable and safe use, with minimal activity-specific amenities (such as for threat to natural, cultural and social four-wheel-driving, horse riding, mountain values and minimised potential for conflict bike riding and trail bike riding) at some between user groups (table 3). visitor sites, namely Big Hill Camping • Review visitor sites periodically to Area, Birnam Station, Dandos, Goat Track, determine if the number, location and level Hammond Road Camping Area, Lake of services provided meet identified Elizabeth and Stevensons Falls, to provide strategic directions for recreation and for high quality track-based activities. tourism, and the needs of intended users, • Improving the provision and quality of recreation activity groups and market amenities (such as car parking, toilets, segments. Consider relevant research and walking tracks and directional signage) at recommend changes. Disused areas will be high visitation sites where over-use is an closed and revegetated. issue, namely Erskine Falls, Triplet Falls, • Development of any new visitor service Urquhart Bluff, Point Addis and Southside infrastructure will be subject to assessment to maintain visitor satisfaction. criteria (section 3.4). • Increased levels of environmental protection by fencing, signage and control 6.5 Bushwalking of access at sites of high natural and cultural significance, namely Milanesia Aims Beach, Rotten Point, Dinosaur Cove, • Provide opportunities for visitors Sabine Falls, Aire River (West), Allenvale (including disabled and low mobility Mill and Parker Hill. visitors) to enjoy a diverse range of • A broader market may be reached by bushwalking experiences in the parks by linking visitor sites to a particular accessing a sustainable network of walking recreation activity, providing appropriate tracks of various lengths, standards, and services, and promoting the site and degrees of challenge. activity. Suggested sites are Birnam • Minimise impacts of the track network and Station, Dandos, Goat Track, Hammond bushwalking activities on park values and Road, Lake Elizabeth, Stevensons Falls, on other park users, and minimise Tanners Road and Big Hill. excessive safety risks. Encourage The enhancement of visitor facilities in the responsible bushwalking behaviour. Otway hinterland, such as improved services at key sites located on car and motorcycle touring Basis routes (section 6.3) has been identified as a Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest priority (DSE 2005). Facilities at Triplet Falls Park provide an extensive network of walking have been upgraded as a part of the Otway tracks with numerous walking opportunities Tourism Initiative. ranging from short cliff-top, beach, rainforest Priorities for additional facilities and services and waterfall walks to overnight hikes along will be guided by Level of Service assessment, one of the most spectacular scenic coastlines in trends in visitor needs and expectations, visitor the world. safety considerations, and the enhancement or Longer walks include the Great Ocean Walk provision of a wider variety of opportunities which is designed as a world class long for visitors. This will be balanced by the distance walking product for Victoria, and has protection of natural and cultural values. Site a high national and international profile. relocation, redesign or revegetation may be Extending approximately 100 km along the necessary to minimise the visitor site spectacular coastline between Apollo Bay and ‘footprint’. Glenample Homestead near the Twelve Apostles, it provides short or long walking Management strategies options by allowing walkers to step on and off • Develop and maintain visitor sites to the walk at a number of points. provide services appropriate for intended,

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 51 Strategies for visitors

Walkers who book a campsite may camp at Issues for management of bushwalking include purpose-built walk-in campsites, or stay in the spread of pest plants and soil or water roofed accommodation at Cape Otway borne pathogens such as Phytophthora Lightstation or other accommodation provided cinnamomi (section 4.8), erosion and outside the parks. The Great Ocean Walk degradation of soft track surfaces and Partners program with local tourism operators management of human waste. If walkers and accommodation providers has enabled venture off-track, issues include the trampling cross-promotion and the development of or removal of vegetation, soil degradation and various services such as catering and transport the creation of unauthorised tracks. To to and from entry points and off-park minimise potential impacts, bushwalking is not accommodation. Development of the walk has permitted in reference areas or Designated been successful at drawing walkers to Water Supply Catchment Areas, except within experience Great Otway National Park and the St Georges River, Painkalac Creek and West region; 47% of Great Ocean Walk walkers are Barwon areas where it may be permitted on experiencing Great Otway National Park for some designated MVO roads and walking the first time (Parks Victoria 2007a). Further tracks. Off-track walking is not permitted in development of the Great Ocean Walk has areas signposted ‘Keep to the Track’ or ‘Area been identified in this plan as a key tourism Closed’. opportunity (section 6.1). Most designated walking tracks are for walkers The Surf Coast Walk stretches nearly 30 km only, but some are shared with horse riders or from Jan Juc along the coast to Moggs Creek, cyclists, or both. The designated walking track linking towns, popular beaches and points of network provides an abundance of short (less interest. than 1 hour) or medium (half-day) walks concentrated around townships and particular The Old Beechy Rail Trail, which is partly in points of interest, mainly beaches, coastal view Otway Forest Park, is a 45 km shared track points and waterfalls. Signage including trail linking Colac and Beech Forest. markers is progressively upgraded and will be Other experiences are provided by short walks, improved by adopting a consistent or such as: standardised approach (section 6.2). • walks through forest to scenic waterfalls at There are opportunities for further Erskine, Hopetoun, Triplet, Beauchamp, improvement of the walking track network. Stevenson and Carisbrook Falls Bushwalking experiences could be enhanced by a more diverse range of walking tracks, • rainforest and tall tree viewing walks at including half-day loop walks, more diverse Maits Rest and Melba Gully full-day walks, wildlife viewing opportunities, • scenic forest and lakeside walks at Lake interpretive walks that build on themes Elizabeth currently not widely promoted or accessible • (such as Aboriginal cultural heritage and beach and cliff-top walking with timber heritage sites), and walks suitable for spectacular views at many points along the people with limited mobility (DSE 2005; Parks Otway coast Victoria 2006a). Walking clubs have expressed • walks to explore the history and heritage a desire for experiences on rough tracks in of the area, such as lighthouses and remote locations with minimal infrastructure, shipwreck sites. and opportunities for multi-day walks in the hinterland. The parks are occasionally used for orienteering, rogaining and other organised Parks Victoria and Bushwalking Victoria have adventure activities (section 6.15). Geocaching entered into a memorandum of cooperation to and earthcaching or virtual caching are advance communication, cooperation and emerging new activities. Due to potential partnership on common issues related to impacts on natural and cultural values, bushwalking. Walkers are encouraged to geocaching, which involves the physical comply with the Bushwalking Adventure placement of a cache, is not permitted in the Activity Standards (ORC 2005a). national park.

52 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors

TABLE 4 MANAGEMENT OF WALKING AND SHARED TRACKS AND ROUTES

TRACK OR ROUTE VISITOR SITE (ASSOCIATED ) USE LENGTH RATING

GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK

Moggs Creek Circuit Walk Moggs Creek Picnic Area W 1.8 km E Eumeralla tracks. Eumeralla W, C, 8 km E-M MVO Distillery Creek Nature Trail Distillery Creek Picnic Area W, C 1.5 km E Bird hide access track Distillery Creek Picnic Area W, C 0.3 km E Currawong Falls Circuit Walk Distillery Creek Picnic Area W, C 12 km M O’Donohue Tracks O’Donahues W, C, 9 km E-M MVO Surf Coast Walk Stage 4 (Anglesea to [Anglesea Town, O’Donahues, W 10 km E Aireys Inlet) Urquhart Bluff, Aireys Inlet Town] Ironbark Basin Circuit Walk Ironbark Basin Picnic Area W, C 4.5 km loop M Southside to Point Addis (part of Surf Coast Ironbark Basin Picnic Area, W, C, 5 km M Walk route) Southside Picnic Area MVO Point Addis to Red Rocks (Surf Coast Walk Point Addis Visitor Area, Red W 2.5 km M Stage 3A) Rocks / Hurst Road. Red Rocks to Anglesea (Surf Coast Walk Red Rocks, Eumerella W, C 3.5 km M Stage 3B) Swallow Cave – Castle Rock Walking Sheoak Picnic Area W 7 km loop M Loop: Sheoak Picnic Area to Swallow Cave, Sheoak Falls and Castle Rock Lookout, return by Sheoak Track and link to Sheoak Picnic Area. Also links to Great Ocean Rd and Sheoak Falls car park. Henderson Falls W Track: Sheoak Picnic Sheoak Picnic Area W 8.6 km M Area to Henderson Falls, the Canyon and return Phantom Falls Cumberland Falls W Track and link to [Cumberland River Reserve] W <9 km D Garvey Tk/ Sheoak Tk junction. 6 km return to/from Cumberland Falls. 9 [Cumberland River Reserve] W <9 km D km loop via to Garvey Tk/ Sheoak Tk, Sheoak Tk via Castle Rock to Falls Carpark Phantom Falls Walk: Blanket Leaf Picnic Blanket Leaf Picnic Area, Cora W 7 km one- D Area/ Cora Lynn Camping Area to Lynn Camping Area and Allenvale way Phantom Falls to Allenvale Mill Camping Mill Camping Area Area Lemonade Creek Track : Blanket Leaf Blanket Leaf Picnic Area, Erskine W 5.5 km one- M Picnic Area to Erskine Falls Falls Visitor Area way Walk: Erskine Falls to Erskine Falls Visitor Area and W 7.5 km one- D Erskine River Caravan Park [Erskine River Caravan Park] way Grey River Track (Forest Walk) Grey River Picnic Area W 1.5 km M Kennett River Glow Worm Walk Grey River Picnic Area W, R Short 100 m E Marengo to Shelly Beach walk (follows Marengo, Shelly Beach Picnic Area W 4.7 km one- M route of Great Ocean Walk) way Three Creeks Circuit Walk Shelly Beach Picnic Area – W Short +1 km M extension loop to Shelly Beach Circuit Walk

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 53 Strategies for visitors

Table 4 cont.

TRACK OR ROUTE VISITOR SITE (ASSOCIATED ) USE LENGTH RATING

Cape Otway Lighthouse Road to Sandy Junction of Cape Otway Lighthouse W, C 1 km E Ridge Track Road and Great Ocean Road Gadabanud (Katabanut) Circuit Walk Blanket Bay Camping Area W 1.5 km loop M Blanket Bay to Parker Inlet walk (follows Blanket Bay Camping Area, Parker W 4 km one- E route of Great Ocean Walk) Hill Camping Area way Parker River Inlet Walk Parker Hill Camping Area W 500 m D return Cape Otway Lightstation Precinct Walk Cape Otway Lightstation Precinct W 1 km loop E Rainbow Falls Walk (from Cape Otway Cape Otway Lightstation Precinct W 5 km return E Lightstation carpark) (car park) Cape Otway to Aire River Walk (follows Cape Otway Lightstation Precinct W 10 km one- M route of Great Ocean Walk with detour to (carpark), Aire River East Camping way (13 km Rainbow Falls) Area via Rainbow Falls) Great Ocean Walk 2: Elliot Ridge Walk-in Elliot Ridge Walk-in Camping W, 11.6 km M-D Camping Area to Blanket Bay Walk-in Area, Blanket Bay Walk-in MVO Camping Area Camping Area Great Ocean Walk 4: Cape Otway Walk-in Cape Otway Walk-in Camping W 9.5 km M Camping Area to Aire River Walk-in Area, Aire River Walk-in Camping Camping Area Area Great Ocean Walk 6: Johanna Beach Walk- Johanna Beach Walk-in Camping W 13.4 km M-D in Camping Area to Ryans Den Walk-in Area, Ryans Den Walk-in Camping Camping Area Area Great Ocean Walk 8: Devils Kitchen Walk- Devils Kitchen Walk-in Camping W, R 13.5 km E in Camping Area to Glenample Homestead Area, [Glenample Homestead] Aire River to Johanna Beach Walk (follows Aire River West Camping Area, W 12.4 km M-D route of Great Ocean Walk) Johanna Beach Camping Area one-way Lake Elizabeth Walking Loop Lake Elizabeth Camping Area W 4.8 km E Barlidjaru and Red Carpet Trails Lake Elizabeth Camping Area C 2 – 6 km E-D Track from Henrys Rd to Carisbrook Creek Henrys Rd W, 800m E MVO Radio Mast Loop Walk Carlisle section R 12 km loop E-M Mount Murray-Boggy Creek Heathland Carlisle section R 2 days Walk Milanesia Beach Track Milanesia Beach W, H 1.7 km M Rivernook Walk (follows route of Great Princetown Recreation Reserve W, R 11 km M Ocean Walk) Ocean View Circuit Walk Moggs Creek Picnic Area W 4.5 km M Dam Walk: Moggs Creek Picnic Area to Moggs Creek Picnic Area and W, C 10.4 km M Painkalac Dam to Distillery Creek Picnic Distillery Creek Picnic Area return Area Ironbark Gorge Circuit Walk Distillery Creek Picnic Area W 4.5 km M-D Teds Ridge Track [Aireys Inlet town (Gilbert Street)] W 1 km loop E Castle Rock (also called Kelsalls Rock) [Santa Monica Camp] W 2 km return M Track Ironbark Basin Nature Walk Ironbark Basin Picnic Area W 1 km M Cultural Walk (route of Surf Coast Point Addis Visitor Area W 2 km return E Walk)

54 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors

Table 4 cont.

TRACK OR ROUTE VISITOR SITE (ASSOCIATED ) USE LENGTH RATING

Sheoak Picnic Area Nature Trail (self- Sheoak Picnic Area W 1.5 km E guided) return Kalimna Falls W Track (Tramline Tk): Sheoak Picnic Area W, R 6 km return M Sheoak Picnic Area to Lower and Upper Kalimna Falls. • Optional link to return by Garvey Tk Sheoak Picnic Area W, R 8 km loop M Sheoak Falls and Swallow Cave W Track [Sheoak Falls Carpark] W 3 km loop M Cora Lynn Cascades Walk from Blanket Blanket Leaf Picnic Area and Cora W 3 km return M Leaf Picnic Area Lynn Camping Area St George River Walk: Allenvale Mill Allenvale Mill Camping Area W 3.4 km M Camping Area to Great Ocean Road return Erskine Falls Lookout Walk to first and Erskine Falls Visitor Area W < 4.7 km E-D second lookouts, extension to Straw Falls return and Splitter Falls: • lookout: 0.3 km return Erskine Falls Visitor Area W 0.3 km E return • Second lookout: 0.7 km return Erskine Falls Visitor Area W 0.7 km M return • Straw Falls: 1.5 km return Erskine Falls Visitor Area W 1.5 km M return • Splitter Falls 4.7 km return Erskine Falls Visitor Area W 4.7 km D return Beach access track from Jamieson Track Jamieson Track Camping Area W 0.5 km E Camping Area Marriners Falls Walk [Marriners Falls Carpark] W Short 3 km E-M return Carisbrook Falls Walk Carisbrook Falls Visitor Area W Short 1.5 E km return Shelly Beach Circuit Walk Shelly Beach Picnic Area W 2 km loop M Elliot River Circuit Walk Shelly Beach Picnic Area W, 4.2 km loop M MVO Red Hill Track Blanket Bay Road W, C 3 km E Telegraph Circuit Walk Blanket Bay Camping Area W 6 km loop M Parker Forest Circuit Walk (includes Parker Hill Camping Area W 3 km loop E Stringybark Track) Point Franklin and Crayfish Bay Walk Point Franklin Picnic Area W 850 m E (Crayfish Bay Track) Cape Otway Lighthouse Cemetery Walk Cape Otway Lightstation Precinct W 1.6 km E (car park) return Station Beach Track [Bimbi Caravan Park] W 3.5 km E return Great Ocean Walk 1: Apollo Bay Visitor Elliot Ridge Walk-in Camping Area W 9.9 km E-D Information Centre to Elliot Ridge Walk-in Camping Area Great Ocean Walk 3: Blanket Bay Walk-in Blanket Bay Walk-in Camping W, R 10.5 km E-M Camping Area to Cape Otway Walk-in Area, Cape Otway Walk-in Camping Area Camping Area

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 55 Strategies for visitors

Table 4 cont.

TRACK OR ROUTE VISITOR SITE (ASSOCIATED ) USE LENGTH RATING

Great Ocean Walk 5: Aire River Walk-in Aire River Walk-in Camping Area, W 13.8 km M Camping Area to Johanna Beach Walk-in Johanna Beach Walk-in Camping Camping Area Area Great Ocean Walk 7: Ryans Den Walk-in Ryans Den Walk-in Camping Area, W 15.5 km E-D Camping Area to Devils Kitchen Walk-in Devils Kitchen Walk-in Camping Camping Area Area Aire River Escarpment Lookout Walk Aire River West Camping Area W 4 km return M Triplet Falls Rainforest Walk Triplet Falls Picnic Area W 2 km return M-D Little Aire Falls Walk Little Aire Falls W 5 km D Sabine Falls Track Sabine Falls Visitor Area W 3.6 km D return A Wild Dog Walk [Krambruck North] W 5.5 M Madsens Track Nature Walk Melba Gully Picnic Area W 1.2 km loop M Beauty Spot Walking Track Beauty Spot W 0.9 km E return Bunker Hill Track Walk Carlisle section R 8.5 km loop E-M Wreck Beach Walk Moonlight Head Road W 2 km return D The Gable Lookout Walk Moonlight Head Road W Long Princetown to Glenample Homestead Walk Princetown, Glenample Homestead W 5.5 km one- M (follows route of Great Ocean Walk) way

OTWAY FOREST PARK

Beauchamp Falls Walk Beauchamp Falls Camping Area W 3 km E-D Hopetoun Falls to Aire River Hopetoun Falls Picnic Area W 2.4 km E-D return Hopetoun Falls Walk Hopetoun Falls Picnic Area W Base of E-D falls: 1.5 km return Hopetoun Falls Walk Hopetoun Falls Picnic Area W 500m return E-D Roller Coaster, Third time lucky, Follow Forrest Mountain Bike Trailhead, C Various 2 – E-D the dog Trials Lake Elizabeth Camping Area 6 km Yaugher Super Loop, Grasstrees, Marriners Yaugher Mountain Bike Trailhead C Various 1.5 E-D Run, Foxtail, J2, Yo Yo, Casper Black, – 11.5 km Barre Warre, Vista Forrest Loop Forrest Mountain Bike Trailhead W, C 3 km loop E Stevensons Falls Walk Stevensons Falls Camping Area W 1.2 km E return Old Beechy Rail Trail. [Colac, Barongarook], Birnam W, C Short to 1- E-D Note: Managed by Committee of Station Picnic Area, [Kawarren, day walks Management Gellibrand, Beech Forest]

Key: Use: Rating: W = walking E = easy C = cycling M = medium H = horse riding D = difficult MVO = management vehicle only (walking allowed) Visitor sites or access nodes outside the parks are R = road (walking, cycling, vehicles allowed, may be indicated in [brackets] subject to seasonal closure)

56 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors

Several community groups share an interest the needs of intended users while with park managers in maintaining and protecting park values. enhancing bushwalking experiences in the • Monitor track usage condition and where parks. They have identified and promoted a considered appropriate, discontinue and range of bushwalks, and have developed ideas revegetate tracks. for new walks (ORWTA 2007). • Walks developed and promoted on existing Development of any new walking or routes are generally more desirable than shared tracks or enhancement of existing creation of new routes, as the latter must be tracks, such as the Surf Coast Walk and carefully considered because of the potential the Trans Otway Waterfall Walk will be for undesirable safety and environmental subject to considerations including impacts. statewide track investment priorities and development assessment criteria (section 3.4). Management strategies • Provide and maintain a sustainable range 6.6 Camping of bushwalking opportunities on dedicated walking-only or shared (walking, horse Aims riding, cycling) tracks, including short • Provide a sustainable range of walks, overnight and multi-day walks on opportunities for people to enjoy camping tracks of various difficulties and experiences in the parks, and utilise standards, and tracks suitable for disabled camping areas as a base for recreation and low mobility visitors (table 4). activities. • Work with managers of nearby public and • Minimise impacts on park values and private land in the cooperative conflicts between park users from management of a sustainable network of camping. walking or shared tracks that cross park boundaries. Basis • Continue the enhancement and Camping areas provide for overnight or longer development of the Great Ocean Walk, to stays in the park, provide opportunities for achieve world-class status. Improvements enjoyable experiences socialising with family and strategies will aim to protect natural and friends in a natural setting, and are used as and cultural values, improve and extend a base for recreational activities. the quality of the walking experience, improve visitor management and safety, Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest and increase quality of service. Park provide more than 25 campgrounds, with a limited diversity of experience at each. • Work with Great Ocean Walk partners to Camping with few or no facilities is offered at explore a range of service enhancements sites such as Goat Track campground and by to the Great Ocean Walk such as dispersed camping throughout Otway Forest interpretive services, Indigenous Park. Camping with basic facilities is available interpretation, merchandise and catering at many sites including pre-booked walk-in services. This may include infrastructure sites (table 3). Campgrounds and caravan parks to support enhanced services. in adjacent towns often provide more highly • Allow earthcaching and virtual caching serviced camping options. activities in the parks. Do not allow Popular coastal camping areas in the parks placement of geocaches in the national include Blanket Bay, Parker Hill, Johanna park. Beach, Allenvale and Aire River. Popular • Periodically review the network of hinterland camping areas include Lake walking, cycling and horse riding tracks to Elizabeth, Dandos, Stevensons Falls and Big determine if the number of tracks, Hill. Camping is particularly popular in the alignments and experiences offered meet summer and Easter holidays, and on public holiday long weekends.

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 57 Strategies for visitors

Risk management is a necessity for all • In accordance with established market camping areas. Design and management of the demand, investigate the development of camping areas and associated sites is important group camping (e.g. schools) areas in to visitor safety and satisfaction and to different parts of the parks or with private minimise impacts on cultural and natural camping accommodation providers, to values, and water supply. Camping provide alternatives to the Great Ocean experiences could be enhanced by planning or Walk camping areas. upgrading campgrounds to cater for a broader • range of visitors, and to strengthen the link Investigate the feasibility of providing between camping and other recreational basic camping areas at Curtis Clearing activities (Parks Victoria 2006a). An and Link Track. opportunity exists for the provision of more In Otway Forest Park: highly serviced camping. The provision of • ‘demountable’ accommodation and the Permit fires only in fireplaces provided at facilitation of group camping have been designated camping areas, and in other identified in this plan as key tourism areas according to State forest regulations opportunities (section 6.1). (table 3). Issues for the management of camping include In both parks: fire and emergency management, managing • Ensure camping areas and facilities are waste, visitors camping outside designated located, designed and maintained for areas leading to unauthorised and progressive intended and sustainable use, to provide a campground expansion, conflicts between range of camping experiences in the parks, campers due to different expectations and to complement and provide access to a including excessive noise, accommodating range of recreation activities (table 3). demand from school groups and other users, • over-collection of firewood, and over- In accordance with park regulations, utilisation of some camping areas during peak ensure adequate control of the use of periods. Campers are encouraged to adhere to campfires, barbecues and fuel stoves, to the Bushwalking Adventure Activity Standards protect the public and the parks from (ORC 2005a) and codes of practice in Forests wildfire. Ensure that park visitors are Notes ‘Camping in a State Forest’ (DSE provided with adequate general or site 2003a). specific information in regard to the use of campfires, barbecues and stoves, and Fireplaces and wood barbecues are provided in undertake appropriate enforcement. some camping areas (table 3). The lighting of campfires, barbecues and stoves are subject to 6.7 Cycling controls for community safety. On days of Total Fire Ban, all fires, including campfires, Aims barbecues and stoves are prohibited. • Provide opportunities for people to enjoy cycling experiences in the parks, including Management strategies mountain biking and bicycle touring, In Great Otway National Park: where this is sustainable and compatible • Develop a consistent booking and fee with the protection of other park values. system for all camping areas in the Otways • Minimise conflicts with other park users parks, based on Parks Victoria’s Statewide and impacts on park values from cycling Camping Product Strategy (Parks Victoria activities. 2007b). Camping fees may apply and will be relative to the levels of service and Basis infrastructure provided at each campground. Bicycle touring and mountain biking are popular ways to enjoy the Otway parks. • Permit fires only in fireplaces provided at Diverse and spectacular scenery, an abundance designated camping areas (table 3). of visitor attractions, and a number of routes on roads or bicycle-permitted tracks can take

58 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors riders along the coast or through the bush over cooperation and partnership on common issues a variety of challenging terrain types. related to mountain biking. An opportunity exists to develop a similar memorandum of Mountain biking is becoming increasingly cooperation between DSE and MTBA. popular and has become an important part of the tourism industry in the Otway hinterland Issues for the management of cycling include particularly around the town of Forrest. ‘Soft the spread of weeds and soil-borne pathogens adventure’ activities such as mountain biking such as Phytophthora cinnamomi (section 4.8), are under-supplied and under-promoted erosion and degradation of soft track surfaces compared to market demand, and may be a and management of human waste. If cyclists point of difference for promoting the Otway ride off-track, issues include the trampling or hinterland (DSE 2005). A network of removal of vegetation, soil degradation and the dedicated tracks for mountain biking use has creation of unauthorised tracks. been developed to the west of the town of The Tourism Plan for Public Land in the Forrest and to the north of Forrest at Yaugher. Otway Hinterland (DSE 2005) identified A longer trail extending from Forrest to West several options for enhancing cycling Barwon Reservoir and Lake Elizabeth has also opportunities in the parks. These include new been established. mountain bike tracks, touring routes, and Many of the unsealed roads in the parks enhanced cycling tourism services. The including a number of shared tracks with development of mountain biking opportunities bushwalkers (section 6.5) are used for has been identified in this plan as a key mountain biking. A number of cycle touring tourism opportunity (section 6.1). routes and mountain biking loops based on existing roads have been promoted, mostly in Management strategies coastal areas such as Anglesea and Lorne. • Permit cycling only on open roads (public Available publications include the Great and operational roads outside seasonally Ocean Road Cycling Guide (GOT 2004) and closed periods, designated shared-use Cycling the Surf Coast Shire (Surf Coast Shire tracks and cycling-only tracks (figure 2 2006). and table 4). A shared track from Colac to Beech Forest • Development of any new cycling or shared known as the Old Beechy Rail Trail provides trails or enhancement of existing trails will mountain biking and walking opportunities be subject to considerations including along the alignment of the former Beechy Line statewide track investment priorities and railway line which runs partly through the development assessment criteria (section Otway Forest Park. 3.4). Cyclists are well catered for in the towns on the coast and in the hinterland in terms of 6.8 Companion dogs accommodation, cafes and other refreshment options, and visitor service sites with toilets Aims and water. There are also opportunities for • Provide opportunities for people to enjoy cyclists to camp in the parks. Cyclists are experiences with dogs in the parks where encouraged to undertake cycling in a safe and this is sustainable and compatible with the sustainable manner through signage and protection of other park values. provision of appropriate information such as the Mountain Biking Adventure Activity • Minimise impacts on park values and Standards (ORC 2005e). conflicts with other park users from dogs. Tour operators provide bike hire and guided Basis cycling activities. Club events and competitions are held occasionally in the parks Many residents and visitors to the Otways (section 6.15). region enjoy recreation with dogs. This may include having their dogs with them while they Parks Victoria and Mountain Biking Australia go walking, camping, horse riding, cycling, (MTBA) have entered into a memorandum of fishing or picnicking. cooperation to advance communication,

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 59 Strategies for visitors

TABLE 5 DESIGNATED COMPANION DOG AREAS IN GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK

Where dogs are permitted in the national park they must be on a leash at all times unless in a trial off lead area below.

LOCATION CONDITIONS

Southside Carpark, Ironbark Basin Picnic Area, Southside to Point Addis Permitted on lead section of Surf Coast Walk (Jarosite Track/ Southside Track, and Ironbark Track) MVO tracks in the park adjacent to O’Donahues Road and the Gap beaches Permitted on lead

Addiscott Beach (Southside to Point Addis) Permitted on lead Point Addis Visitor Area and Point Addis to Anglesea section of Surf Coast Permitted on lead Walk including section of beach Unnamed tracks and MVO roads between Eumeralla Scout Camp, Hurst Permitted on lead Road and Great Ocean Road Urquhart Bluff Visitor Area, Hutt Gully, Guvvos, The Gap and O’Donohue Permitted on lead Road beach access tracks

Urquhart Bluff Beach from the eastern-most access track at Urquhart Bluff Permitted off lead on a trial basis* lower carpark (beach access marker 103W) east to O’Donohue Rd beach access steps (beach access marker 99W). Western end of Urquhart Bluff beach from the eastern-most access track at Permitted on lead between 9 am and 7 pm Urquhart Bluff lower carpark (beach access marker 103W), around from 1 December to end of February and Urquhart Bluff to Urquhart Bluff South beach to ‘Mermaid Pools’ rocks. Easter. Permitted off lead (on a trial basis) at all other times* Sunnymede Beach access (at marker 104W) Permitted on lead Sunnymede Beach (from beach access marker 104W) north east to Permitted off lead on a trial basis* ‘Mermaid Pools’ rocks.

Distillery Creek Picnic Area and Ironbark Gorge Walking Track Permitted on lead

Fairhaven Ridge Track Permitted on lead

Moggs Creek Picnic Area and Ocean View Walking Track Permitted on lead

Erskine Falls Walking Track (south-east section only, from Erskine River Permitted on lead caravan park uphill to first bridge) St George River Walking Track Permitted on lead Cleared Asset Protection Zone firebreaks in the national park immediately Permitted on lead adjacent to private property in Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne Lake Elizabeth Camping Area and Lake Elizabeth Walking Track Permitted on lead

Cape Otway Lightstation car park Permitted on lead Johanna Beach car park, camping area, walking tracks to the beach, and Permitted on lead Johanna Beach western section between and western bluff Marriners Falls Day Visitor Area and Marriners Falls Walk Permitted on lead

* subject to baseline surveys and monitoring of impacts on shorebirds, incl Hooded Plover, seasonal restrictions may apply

A number of tourist accommodation providers A high proportion of residents along the in the Otway region market themselves and the Otways coast own dogs (S. Wall, pers. area as a dog-friendly holiday destination, comm.). Some towns have a shortage of providing places for tourists to stay with their suitable public land available for dog activities. dogs (Bedford 2006). In coastal areas, some beaches have been used for this purpose. There is a need for integrated planning for and management of dog walking

60 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors activities particularly at a township and at Stevensons Falls Camping Area, settlement level. Planning and management Dandos Camping Area, Beauchamp Falls will require ongoing community consultation, Camping Area, Goat Track Camping Area, to balance the need for convenient places to Tanners Road Camping Area, Birnam walk and exercise dogs in the outdoors with Station Picnic Area, Loves Creek Picnic protection of conservation values. Area and Paddy’s Swamp Trail Bike Visitor Area. Dog activities in public spaces can conflict with other uses through noise, frightening or • Dogs are allowed off lead outside these threatening behaviour, defecation, and (rarely) areas. injury to people or to other dogs. 6.9 Horse riding Dog activities can also compromise conservation values by predation and disturbance of small mammals and ground- Aims dwelling or ground-nesting birds. On beaches, • Provide opportunities for enjoyable and the reproductive success of beach-nesting birds diverse nature-based horse riding such as the Hooded Plover can be threatened experiences in the parks, including trail during the breeding period by predation and riding and camping with horses, where this disturbance of eggs or chicks, and by is sustainable and compatible with the disturbance of breeding adults (Weston 2003). protection of other park values. Assistance dogs for disabled visitors are • Minimise impacts on park values and allowed in the parks where visitor access is conflicts with other park users from horse allowed, and the strategies below for riding activities. companion dogs do not apply. Basis Management strategies Horse riding is a popular recreational activity In Great Otway National Park: in both parks. Many residents of communities in the hinterland, such as Beech Forest, • Support local government and the Gellibrand, , Forrest, Barwon community in the development of an Downs, and Wensleydale (and to a integrated, cooperative and sustainable lesser extent on the coast, such as Lorne and approach for the provision of dog access. Anglesea) keep horses for recreation. • Provide a balance of off and on-lead areas Residents engage in horse riding in the parks for companion dogs in accordance with as individuals, as private groups or in clubs, table 5, subject to review in the event of mostly on day trips and less commonly unacceptable risk to park values or camping. Horses are either ridden to the park visitors. from nearby properties or brought by horse float. • Monitor the impacts of dog access on natural, cultural and social values. Areas popular for horse riding include selected Manage dog access to minimise any beaches along the coast and park sections near impacts on values, including seasonal Anglesea, Bellbrae, Aireys Inlet, Gherang, beach access restrictions or the revoking Wensleydale, Bambra, Deans Marsh, Barwon of trial off-lead access (table 5). Downs, Wonga, Barongarook, Forrest, Cape Otway, Lorne, Moonlight Head, and • Install signage consistent with local Princetown. A designated short cross-country government communication planning in course exists in the forest park at Ferguson priority areas where dogs are permitted Hill, maintained by the local pony club. indicating access conditions, including the requirement to clean up and time Commercial operations such as at Bellbrae, restrictions. Aireys Inlet, Apollo Bay, Cape Otway and Moonlight Head provide nature-based horse In Otway Forest Park riding experiences, mostly as day trips. Some • Dogs are required by regulation to be on commercial operators provide horse-drawn lead and under direct control at all times caravan tours.

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 61 Strategies for visitors

Horse riding, especially in large groups, may  on beaches and in designated areas as conflict with other parks users, and visitors indicated in tables 3 and 4 may be disturbed or frightened by horses or  on cleared fuel breaks along Kents Rd, annoyed by the presence of horse manure. Benwerrin – Mt Sabine Rd, Garvey Trails and campsites in high-use areas can Track, Kaanglang Rd, Delaneys Rd, quickly become degraded, reducing amenity to and Mt Cowley Track. other users and requiring maintenance. Horse riders are encouraged to adhere to the code of • In the national park, horse riding is not practice contained in Horse Trail Riding – permitted on other management vehicle Adventure Activity Standards (ORC 2005d). only roads except under licence or permit. Horses can have a negative impact on • Permit camping with horses in designated conservation values by browsing and trampling areas in the forest park including across vegetation and causing the degradation and the road from Hammond Road camping erosion of soils. Horses can also introduce and area (table 3). spread weeds, especially by seeds in fodder • and manure, and soil-borne pathogens in soil Development of any new horse riding on hooves (section 4.8). experiences will be subject to assessment criteria (section 3.4). Horses on beaches can pose a risk to beach- nesting birds in the breeding season, 6.10 Recreational fishing particularly Hooded Plovers, by trampling nests and disturbing chicks and adults. Beach Aims riding will be restricted to certain periods and • Provide high quality opportunities for areas to reduce this risk. recreational fishing in and adjacent to the Horse riding on declared arterial, municipal, or parks, where this is sustainable and other roads (and associated road reserves) that compatible with the protection of park are not included in the parks is generally values. permitted subject to the policies of the road • Maintain recreational fishing access while manager (either VicRoads or the relevant local protecting environmental and cultural government authority). values. Opportunities exist to enhance horse riding • experiences in the parks, particularly in Otway Minimise conflicts with other park users Forest Park. Previous studies have concluded and impacts on park values from fishing. that there is a general under-provision of guided horse riding tours in the Otways and Basis that this soft adventure activity could be Beaches and coastal rock platforms in the enhanced (DSE 2005). national park are popular for surf fishing, and many different species are caught. Convenient The development of a long-distance horse access points with car parking and tracks to the riding route has been identified in this plan as a beach or rocks are valued by fisher people key tourism opportunity (section 6.1). carrying fishing gear. Rock platform fishing can be hazardous under some conditions and Management strategies based on studies of visitation to Victorian • Allow horse riding parks between 2000-2005, has the highest  on formed roads and tracks in the number of visitor personal injury incidents forest park including seasonally closed relative to the number of participants of all roads during open periods activities undertaken in Victorian parks (Newspoll 2006). Safety advice is contained in  on open roads and tracks in the the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide national park including seasonally (published annually by DPI). closed roads during open periods, and management vehicle only tracks as indicated in table 6

62 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors

TABLE 6 ROADS OPEN FOR HORSE RIDING IN GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK

ROAD NAME ROAD MVO SEASONAL CLASSIFICATION CLOSURE

Allenvale Road 5B - - Bald Hills Road 5C - - Big Hill Track 5D - Y Birds Track 5E - Y Blanket Bay Road 5C - - Boggy Creek Track 5E - Y Bunker Hill Track 5D - Y Colac Tree Road 5D - - Coopers No. 2 Track 5E - Y Cricket Pitch Road 5C - - Denham Track 5D - Y Dunse Track 5E - Y Elliot Road (Parker Spur Road to Snowy Ridge Track) 5E Y - Fairhaven Ridge Track 5E Y - Five Mile Track 5E - Y Garvey Track 5E - Y Gentle Annie Track 5E - Y Godfrey Track 5E - Y Grey River Road 5C - - Hayden Road 5E - Y Jamieson Track 5E - Y Kennett Road 5D - Y Kennett-Wye Jeep Track 5E - Y Loves Track 5E - Y Milanesia Track 5D Y - Moggs Creek Track 5E - Y Moonlight Head Road 5C - - Mt Cowley Track 5E - - Mt Mckenzie Road incl western section 5D - - Newcombe Spur Track 5E - Y No 2 Road 5D - - Old Carlisle Track 5D - Y Parker Spur Road 5D Y - Parkes Lodge Road 5E - - Peppermint Parade 5D - Y Pipeline Road (East) 5D - - Princetown Beach - Gravel Road 5D Y - Rapier Ridge Track 5D - Y

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 63 Strategies for visitors

Table 6 cont.

ROAD NAME ROAD MVO SEASONAL CLASSIFICATION CLOSURE

Rifle Range Track 5E - - Sandy Ridge Track 5D Y - Sharps Track 5D - Y Sheepyard Track 5D - Y Skinner Creek Track 5E - Y Snowy Ridge Track 5D Y - The Gable Track 5C Y - Thompson Track 5D - Y Tucker Orchard Road 5C - - Upper Sheepyard Track 5D - Y Wreck Beach Track 5C Y - Wye River Road (Curtis Track to Mt Sabine Road) 5D - Y Wye River Road (GOR to Curtis Track) 5C - Y Wye Track 5E - Y Track to Yarringa Road 5D Y - Area bounded by Forest, Portreath and Gundrys Roads 5E Y -

Key: MVO Management vehicle only track 5B All-weather, two laned formed and gravelled or single lane sealed with gravel shoulders. 5C Generally all-weather, single lane two-way unsealed formed road, usually lightly gravelled. 5D Substantially single lane, two-way, generally dry weather formed (natural materials) track/road. 5E Predominantly single lane, two-way earth tracks (unformed) at or near the natural surface level.

In coastal areas, the boundary of the Great fishing. Fishing will continue to be permitted Otway National Park is the low water mark, within the Barwon Water-managed area except where the national park adjoins a (outside the DWSCA and national park) from marine national park, where the boundary West Barwon Reservoir wall. between them is the high water mark. The Victorian fishing laws apply in the parks. Refer collection of organisms other than fish (such as to the latest Victorian Recreational Fishing worms, crustaceans, echinoderms and Guide (DPI 2009) for information. molluscs) from within the national park is not Recreational Angling Activity Standards (ORC permitted under Regulation 9 of the National 2005f) and VR Fish’s Recreational Fishing Park (Park) Regulations. Code of Conduct (www.vrfish.com.au ) also Larger water bodies within the parks suitable provide guidelines for minimal impact fishing for recreational fishing are the Aire and practices. Gellibrand Rivers and estuaries, the In some areas, litter such as bait bags and Cumberland River and Lake Elizabeth. River discarded fishing line is a recurring problem fish targeted include River Blackfish and requiring education and encouragement of Brown Trout. The National Park (Park) fisher people to take their rubbish home. Regulations prohibit activities within Designated Water Supply Catchment Areas Parks Victoria and VR Fish, the Victorian (DWSCA) that present risks to water quality, recreational fishers representative organisation such as contact with or polluting the water and continue to work together to provide high quality opportunities for recreational fishing in

64 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors the Otways parks. This shared position Recreational hunting of pest species does not recognises the significant social and economic require a permit, and may be conducted at any benefits of Victoria’s unique and valuable time of year. The hunting of game species recreational fisheries and is based on principles requires a game licence issued by DSE, and including consultation, sustainable resource may only be conducted during officially use and the mutual importance to both fishers notified seasons. Hunters are responsible for and park managers of healthy fisheries into the ensuring that they are aware of restrictions future. applicable to hunting in the forest park. Restrictions include never shooting on or Management strategies across roads, and never shooting towards • Allow fishing in the parks, subject to populated areas, including camping and picnic existing legislation and regulations areas and walking tracks. The Victorian identified in the DPI Victorian Hunting Guide (DSE 2007g) contains Recreational Fishing Guide, except in the complete information on various forms of Reference Area Zone and Designated hunting, including legal, ethical and safety Water Supply Catchment Areas (figure 1). requirements, and allowed seasons, areas and species. The provisions in the guide that apply • Provide recreational fishing access and to state forest apply to Otway Forest Park. opportunities while managing foreshore Parks Victoria and DSE work with the areas. Consult with local and peak Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee to recreational fishing representative groups facilitate the involvement of shooting groups prior to any access consolidation in hunting management and the development necessary to increase sustainability or to of programs such as Hunter Awareness. Under manage risk. memorandums of cooperation, recreational hunting groups are also engaged in some parks 6.11 Recreational hunting on a volunteer basis to assist in pest control programs and deer management programs. Aims • Provide opportunities for enjoyable Management strategies recreational hunting experiences in Otway • Allow recreational hunting of declared Forest Park, where compatible with the game species and pest species in Otway protection of other park values and visitor Forest Park subject to relevant legislation safety. and regulations and the Victorian Hunting • Minimise conflicts with other parks users Guide. and impacts on park values from • To ensure visitor safety and reduce recreational hunting. potential conflicts, prohibit hunting within 1 km of all visitor sites and trailheads Basis (table 3) by regulation. Recreational hunting or the carrying of firearms is not permitted in Great Otway 6.12 Fossicking and prospecting National Park. Aim Recreational hunting of pest animals and • declared game species is permitted in Otway Provide opportunities for gemstone Forest Park. Commonly hunted pest species fossicking at Wreck Beach in Great Otway include rabbits, foxes, and feral pigs. Declared National Park, and fossicking and game species, including deer and duck species, prospecting in all areas of Otway Forest are also hunted Park.

Other opportunities are available in nearby Basis areas, such as the Aire River Wildlife Reserve, Gemstone fossicking has been a popular which is a designated State Game Reserve on permitted activity at Wreck Beach (Moonlight the Aire River floodplain. Beach) in Great Otway National Park for many years. Sand movements and erosion and

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 65 Strategies for visitors deposition by wave action replenish the • Minimise conflicts with other park users resource providing new material for searching and impacts on park values from boating, and discovery. Gemstone fossicking in that swimming and other water sports. location is authorised under section 32D of the National Parks Act, in accordance with the Basis government-accepted VEAC recommendations The Otway coastline and rivers have for for the park. Prospecting or fossicking in other decades attracted large numbers of residents areas of the national park is not permitted. and visitors seeking activities such as fishing, Although no significant deposits are known to surfing, swimming, beachcombing, scuba exist in the forest park, opportunities are diving, snorkelling, kayaking and boating. All available for fossicking for gemstones and these activities are popular in areas within the prospecting for other minerals using non- parks, and in the ocean waters immediately mechanical hand tools. adjacent to the Great Otway National Park. These activities are highly seasonal, with a Fossicking or prospecting for minerals is major influx of visitors over summer, the great regulated under the Mineral Resources majority from Melbourne. (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (Vic.) and, in the national park, the gazettal notice Great Otway National Park provides visitor under section 32D of the National Parks Act. services such as toilets, showers, picnic Fossickers and prospectors are required to facilities, camping areas, beach access, and car obtain and operate under a miner’s right or parking for large numbers of people seeking operate under a tourist fossicking authority. coastal recreation (section 6.4). They must only use non-mechanical hand In many coastal areas foreshore access tracks tools; and they must not disturb vegetation and have evolved and multiplied unsustainably. archaeological sites or Aboriginal places or Such tracks may present an increased objects. Fossickers and prospectors are environmental footprint, ongoing erosion encouraged to follow the Prospecting Guide problems and public safety risks. In these areas (DPI 2004) including the Prospectors and there is a need to review duplicate and Miners Association of Victoria and Victorian unofficial tracks and consolidate access into Gem Clubs Association Code of Conduct. fewer, well-maintained and signposted tracks. Management strategies Boating, kayaking and canoeing • In Great Otway National Park allow Personal watercraft use such as boating, fossicking for gemstones only at Wreck canoeing and kayaking is generally permitted Beach (Moonlight Beach) using non- in inland waters in the parks (note that water mechanical hand tools and subject to supply reservoirs are outside the parks and relevant legislation and regulations. access is restricted by the relevant water • corporation). The lower reaches of the Aire In Otway Forest Park allow fossicking for and Gellibrand Rivers are popular for boating. gemstones and prospecting for other Lake Elizabeth is popular for canoeing and minerals using non-mechanical hand tools kayaking, while powered craft are not and subject to relevant legislation and permitted. On the coast there are boat regulations. launching opportunities at Urquhart Bluff, Blanket Bay and Aire River West, though 6.13 Boating and water sports launching is across the beach and suitable for smaller craft only. There is also a jetty at Aire Aims River East. • Provide opportunities for enjoyable water Victorian boating laws apply in the parks, sports including boating, swimming and including a 5 knot speed limit for all boats surfing in and adjacent to the parks, where including jet skis on inland waters and the this is sustainable and compatible with the requirement for operators of powered protection of park values. recreational vessels to have a boat operator licence. The Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook (MSV 2002b) contains

66 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors important information for recreational boating. where this is sustainable and compatible The Canoeing and Kayaking Adventure with the protection of park values and does Activity Standards (ORC 2005b) provide not significantly impact on the enjoyment guidelines for safe, minimal impact practices of other park visitors. for paddle craft use. • Minimise conflicts with other park users Swimming, surfing and other beach and impacts on park values from air sports activities and aircraft. Most beaches in and adjoining Great Otway National Park are not patrolled and can be Basis dangerous for swimming because of rocky Non-powered aircraft reefs, large swells, rips and currents, deep The Otway coast is an important area for hang- water and low temperatures. Beach swimmers glider and paraglider recreation. Launching are encouraged to use beaches seasonally points along the coastline in the national park patrolled by the Surf Lifesaving Association of are popular because of the favourable Australia outside the parks at Anglesea, geography, weather and prevailing winds, and Fairhaven, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port easy access and nearby services. Campbell. Hang-glider and paraglider launch sites at Surfers frequent many places along the coast to Johanna Beach and Spion-kop and paraglider gain access to surf breaks. When weather and launch sites at Southside (Bells Beach) and wave conditions are favourable, large numbers Jarosite, are licensed to the Hang Gliding of surfers can congregate at a particular Federation of Australia (HGFA) for use in location. Organised surfing events occur accordance with site management plans. Hang- regularly in the national park, particularly at glider and paraglider pilots using these sites Johanna Beach and Southside Beach. must be members of the HGFA and must also be flight-certified. Management strategies Powered aircraft • Allow the use of personal watercraft in the parks, subject to existing legislation and Commercial scenic flights are an important regulation. Do not permit: niche service for tourists who want a quick and spectacular Otway experience. Commercial  the use of personal watercraft in and private scenic flights occur regularly over Designated Water Supply Catchment parts of the national park from Anglesea to Areas Princetown, viewing features of the Otway  motorised watercraft with electrical or coastal and mountain landscapes such as internal combustion motors on Lake waterfalls, rainforest, cliffs and rocky shores Elizabeth. en route to the Twelve Apostles. Most flights originate at airfields close to population • Retain existing facilities and access for centres. Flights are most frequent during boat launching at Urquharts Bluff, Aire summer holiday periods, and are mainly in River East, Aire River West, and Blanket coastal areas. Takeoff and landing of Bay. recreational aircraft in the parks are not permitted. 6.14 Recreational aircraft Aircraft noise can have a negative impact on Aims the recreational values of the parks, and can • Permit opportunities for hang-gliding and disturb residents and park visitors. Aircraft paragliding activities in the parks, where noise can also affect natural values, this is sustainable and compatible with the particularly by disturbing wildlife. protection of park values and does not Flights in the region are regulated by the Civil significantly impact on the enjoyment of Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). other park visitors. Park users and adjoining land owners have • Provide appropriate access by powered identified a need to rationalise commercial aircraft for scenic over-flights of the parks, scenic flight paths and restrict flights near

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 67 Strategies for visitors noise-sensitive areas and areas of high- 6.15 Events and commercial activities conservation or high social value areas. Codes of conduct for aircraft activities, such as Aims Environmental Principles and Procedures for • Allow and manage appropriate events and Minimising the Impact of Aircraft Noise (ASA functions and minimise impacts on park 2002) and voluntary Fly Neighbourly values. Agreements, have been adopted in other areas • Provide for appropriate commercial to reduce disturbance from aircraft. businesses to operate within the parks. Research has been undertaken to identify areas • Ensure commercial operators are licensed in the national park where it is a priority to to conduct their business within the parks. protect natural and recreational values from noise disturbance (Parks Victoria 2006b). This study recommended the development and Basis adoption of a fly neighbourly agreement Event and functions containing minimum flight heights and The Otways parks are popular places for horizontal distances from important areas, and hosting recreational, cultural and social events, a preferred flight path. As an interim measure, including bicycle races, surfing competitions, operating procedures have been developed in horse riding club events, concerts and opera Draft Flight Paths and Interim Sustainable performances. Organisers of commercial or Operating Procedures for Aircraft Overflying large private events and functions are required Otways Protected Areas (Parks Victoria to obtain a permit, generally one month in 2006b) and agreed to by operators with regular advance, or three months in advance for larger flights over the parks. events. The involvement of Traditional Owners Occasionally, low over-flights and landings are in relevant events can enrich participants’ needed for management purposes such as for experiences. fire management and emergency response and Current activities that require an event or remote area access. Landings are also function permit within the parks are: sometimes needed for special events, filming or news-gathering, and these activities will • non-timed motor vehicle events such as require a permit from the park manager. tours, navigation or observation rallies (in both parks) and Confederation of Management strategies Australian Motor Sport (CAMS)-approved timed racing events in Otway Forest Park • Allow the takeoff and landing of non- powered craft in the designated hang- • bushwalking events including competitive glider and paraglider launch sites at orienteering and rogaining in the parks Johanna Beach and Spion-kop and • cycling events including races paraglider launch sites at Southside (Bells Beach) and Jarosite, licensed to the • dog club activities, competitive dog events HGFA. and dog training • Encourage operators of powered aircraft • horse riding events including competitions to agree to and comply with the draft and groups of over 20 horses operating procedures in Flight Paths and • Interim Sustainable Operating Procedures organised surfing events. for Aircraft Overflying Otways Protected Commercial activities Areas (Parks Victoria 2006b). For any new overflight proposals request the Visitation to and use of the parks is also proponent to prepare a Fly Neighbourly supported by a number of commercial business Agreement for the operation of powered operations. Licensed tour operators provide aircraft over the parks that identifies structured tourism, recreational or educational permissible flight heights, minimum activities. All persons or organisations horizontal distances from important areas, undertaking commercial activities in the parks and preferred flight paths. are required to obtain a licence or permit under the relevant legislation and regulations.

68 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for visitors

Licensed tour operators • Support events which contribute to Commercial tour operators and recreation or hinterland tourism and shoulder or off education providers require a Victorian Tour season tourism. Operator Licence to conduct their business in • Build knowledge of recreation and tourism the parks. Licensed commercial tour, operators in relation to Otway natural and recreation or education activities currently cultural values, and an understanding of provided within the parks are: threats to improve the sustainability of • coach and bus tours their operations. Ensure that licensing and conditions on licences for recreation and • four-wheel-driving tourism operators in the parks adequately respect and protect natural and cultural • bicycle touring values. • bushwalking • Work with the private sector to provide • canoeing and kayaking suitable tenures for diverse, sustainable commercial tourism products and • coastal walking opportunities. • fishing and angling • Encourage licensed tour operators to • mountain bike riding adopt best practice activity standards. • spotlight tours and nightwalks 6.16 Public safety • surfing and surf education Aims • horse riding • Promote awareness of recreation risks, • non-powered aircraft (hang-gliding). responsibility for considering risks, and Other commercial providers adherence to safe practices to park users. • Providers of commercial services other than Identify public safety risks and implement licensed tours, are required to obtain a ‘trade or risk management strategies. business’ licence or permit under the relevant • Plan for and respond appropriately to legislation or regulations. public safety incidents and emergencies. Leases licences and permits Basis Leases, licences and permits may be considered subject to relevant legislation and Risk management management objectives. Before issuing a Use of the parks involves being outdoors in licence or permit for a private or commercial natural environments in varied settings. event or other commercial activity, park Elements of risk will always be present in managers will assess the impact of the nature, and recreation activities can be, by their proposed event or commercial activity on the nature, inherently dangerous. It is not desirable environment and on other visitors, and include to remove all risk from recreation, as risk is an conditions in the licence or permit to minimise intrinsic part of visitor experience. However, impacts. Events and commercial activities will park managers have a duty of care to visitors to not be permitted in some areas including ensure that they avoid foreseeable risks of Designated Water Supply Catchment Areas, injury. Reference Areas or other sensitive areas. From studies of visitation to Victorian parks between 2000 and 2005, recreation activities Management strategies shown to have the highest number of visitor • Consider and approve sustainable events personal injury incidents relative to the number that are based on the natural or cultural of participants are rock fishing, hang gliding settings and which contribute to people’s and rock climbing/abseiling (Newspoll 2006). appreciation of the parks. The Statewide Visitor Risk Management Strategy (Parks Victoria 2007c) identifies three

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 69 Strategies for visitors recreation categories to be highest risk: preparedness and suppression in collaboration cycling/mountain biking, swimming and rock with DSE. Following on from this, the fishing. response of park managers to emergency incidents is guided by various emergency The Statewide Visitor Risk Management management plans. The national park is Strategy addresses risks that apply to all levels covered by emergency management plans of service-rated areas managed by Parks including the Western Otways Ranger in Victoria. A key component is the Visitor Risk Charge Area Emergency Management Plan Treatment Framework which integrates the and Eastern Otways RIC Area Emergency expected type of visitor (market segment), the Management Plan (unpublished Parks level of service offered at the visitor site, and Victoria). the identifiable risk to determine visitor risk control measures. A tree risk mitigation system In accordance with the Emergency is implemented at visitor sites. Management Act the relevant shires have prepared municipal emergency management Public information dissemination and plans in which an integrated fire response education of park users, and signage, are the involving multiple agencies is outlined. DSE’s most effective ways to increase awareness of role is the lead agency in fire management on risks and promote safety. Adventure Activity protected public land and has some supporting Standards (produced by the Outdoor roles in other emergencies. The identification Recreation Centre specific to particular of DSE in this context includes Parks Victoria, recreation activities) contain important Department of Primary Industries and other information for conducting safe recreation and organisations and contractors involved in are recommended for dissemination, as are emergency preparedness and response under Park Notes, Forest Notes and other the umbrella of DSE. government or peak representative body- supported information. The SES is the lead agency for the preparation and implementation of the South West Region Emergency preparedness and response Flood Response Plan (SES 2008) with DSE as Relevant agencies cooperate and respond to a support agency. incidents in the parks in accordance with the DSE is the lead agency for implementing the Emergency Management Act 1986 (Vic.) and Readiness and Response Plan South West Area the Emergency Management Manual Victoria (DSE 2008c), Otway Fire District Fire (State of Victoria 2008) which contains the Protection Plan (DSE 2003c) and Fire State Emergency Response Plan and defines Operations Plan (DSE 2008b) the role of emergency management agencies in relation to particular incident types. In the context of the Otways parks, DSE has the Management strategy important role of the lead agency for reducing • Increase visitors’ awareness of safety the incidence and minimising the impact of fire issues and potential hazards in the parks in state forest, national parks, and protected through the use of information signs, Park public lands, and the control agency with Notes, Forests Notes, Parks Victoria and responsibility for the suppression of all fires DSE and peak body websites and ranger that occur in those areas. Parks Victoria has patrols. responsibilities for fire prevention,

70 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

7 STRATEGIES FOR FOREST RESOURCE USE

timber will be taken for firewood. The 7.1 Firewood harvesting nomination of Public Safety Zones or other strategies to manage risk to the public may Aims also be put in place. • Allow firewood harvesting for commercial and personal use from the Otway Forest The commercial harvesting of firewood Park in accordance with relevant requires a commercial Forest Produce Licence legislation, codes of practice, procedures and a Timber Harvesting Operators Licence. and prescriptions. Harvesting firewood for personal use requires a separate Forest Produce Licence. Information • Minimise the impacts of harvesting about these licences can be obtained from DSE firewood on the natural, cultural and offices or at www.dse.vic.gov.au/forests . recreational values of the Otway Forest Park. Management strategies • Prepare an annually updated three-year Basis Wood Utilisation Plan to provide for the The forests in the Otway region have been a sustainable supply of firewood in source of significant economic and social accordance with relevant legislation, benefit to local communities for many years. codes of practice, procedures and The Otway forests continue to support prescriptions. Indigenous communities, who use the seasonal • and local abundance of particular plants for use Monitor compliance with permits for in daily life and for important ceremonies. domestic firewood collection and commercial firewood operations to ensure Firewood is harvested commercially and for adherence to legislation, codes, personal use in Otway Forest Park. Firewood procedures and prescriptions. harvesting is not permitted within Great Otway National Park. 7.2 Minor forest produce harvesting Otway Forest Park is managed under the Forests Act , with the harvesting of minor Aim timber products including firewood controlled • Allow minor forest produce harvesting in by the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 Otway Forest Park in alignment with (Vic.) and the Sustainable Forests (Timber relevant legislation, codes of practice, Harvesting) Regulations 2006. The collection procedures and prescriptions. of firewood must comply with this legislation, • the Code of Practice for Timber Production Minimise the impacts of minor forest (DSE 2007b), and Management Procedures produce harvesting on the natural, cultural for timber harvesting operations and and recreational values of Otway Forest associated activities in Victoria’s State forests Park. (DSE 2007f). Basis A three year (rolling) Wood Utilisation Plan The State Government accepted the VEAC (WUP) for the Otway Forest Management recommendation that harvesting of selected Area (DSE 2009a) will be prepared and trees and vegetation will continue to be updated annually and community input will be allowed in Otway Forest Park for a range of invited. This Wood Utilisation Plan will minor forest produce such as posts and poles, identify areas where firewood can be harvested woodchop blocks, stakes, hobby wood and in the Otway Forest Park for commercial and timber for specialist uses such as the personal use under licence or permit. Such manufacture of musical instruments. Low- areas will not include Special Protection Zones intensity harvesting of material such as seeds (section 3.3) or areas excluded through the for revegetation and foliage for decorative WUP planning process. In the areas identified purposes is also allowed. in the WUP only specified trees or fallen

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 71 Strategies for forest resource use

Minor forest produce may be harvested Management strategies commercially and for personal use from the • Allow the harvesting of minor forest forest park under licence or permit. Areas produce in the forest park in accordance available for this activity do not include legislation, codes, procedures and Special Protection Zones (section 3.3) or areas prescriptions. excluded through planning processes. Commercial harvesting of minor forest • Plan and monitor minor forest produce produce is not permitted within the Great harvesting to ensure protection of natural Otway National Park. and cultural values. Harvesting will not be allowed in Special Protection Zones and other areas of the forest park that could be adversely affected by such activities.

72 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

8 STRATEGIES FOR AUTHORISED AND ADJACENT USES

Installation of most of the public utilities 8.1 Public utilities infrastructure infrastructure pre-dates the current parks, and there are several instances of infrastructure Aim sites lacking up-to-date consents, leases, • Manage authorised public utilities licences, permits or agreements, and lacking infrastructure within the parks through accurate spatial information. formal consents, leases, licences, permits and agreements in accordance with Management strategies relevant legislation, and to minimise • Undertake an audit of public utilities impacts on park values. infrastructure in the parks and determine authorisation status. Seek authorisation Basis under appropriate legislation for existing There is extensive network of public utilities unlicensed public infrastructure in the infrastructure in the parks, including power parks, where this is consistent with policy lines, communications cables, communications and protection of park values. towers, antennae, monitoring stations and • pipelines. Public utilities corporations such as Ensure that park values are adequately Telstra, Powercor, Barwon Water and Wannon protected in consideration and Water, and other bodies such as the Australian authorisation of public utilities Maritime Safety Authority and Surf Coast infrastructure developments and ongoing Shire utilise land within the parks for access to, access and maintenance provisions. and the siting, operation and management of, this infrastructure. 8.2 Private occupancies

New public utilities infrastructure sites may Aims not be located in or across reference areas, and • should not be located in or across national or Manage authorised occupancies to allow state parks wherever possible. If necessary, for specified uses while minimising their consent may be given under section 27 of the impacts on park values. National Parks Act to a public authority (or an • Resolve unauthorised occupancies by agreement may be entered into with an removal or authorisation. electricity company under section 27A relating to pre-existing works) to perform its functions Basis and powers within a national park. In the forest The government acknowledged that specific park, the Forests Act provides that leases, private occupancies in Otway Forest Park licences or permits may be issued or should continue (Government of Victoria agreements made to enable the formal 2005). These occupancies are managed by establishment and operation of utilities community groups and include: infrastructure. • Victorian Field and Game Association’s Consents under section 27 of the National Colac shooting ground Parks Act require the endorsement of the Minister and are only given after • Colac–Otway Archers field range demonstration of a need with no alternative • outside the parks, and after cultural and Patonga Scout Camp environmental site assessments have been • Colac Moto-cross Track at Barongarook. conducted and impacts minimised. Typically, the consent, lease, licence, permit or Management strategies agreement includes a description of the works, • Issue or renew licences for existing or conditions to protect park values, a site plan proposed occupancies in the parks and and details of management arrangements and manage occupancies in accordance with responsibilities. park objectives and relevant policies.

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 73 Strategies for authorised and adjacent uses

• Review unauthorised occupancies within • In accordance with an agreed schedule, the parks. In determining the future of the Cape Otway Lightstation lessee or these occupancies, consider social, Parks Victoria will ensure ongoing environmental, cultural and management maintenance, stabilisation, and (where implications and ensure adherence to appropriate) restoration of structures at legislation and policy. Cape Otway by implementing the Cape Otway Lightstation Conservation 8.3 Cape Otway Lightstation Management Plan.

Aims 8.4 Designated and Special Water • Provide for the ongoing commercial Supply Catchment Areas operation of the Cape Otway Lightstation Tourist and Heritage precinct. Aims • Minimise impacts on water quality and • Provide for the ongoing operation of yield in water supply catchment areas from marine navigation and weather recording fire, recreation, extraction and instruments. management activities. Basis • Manage Designated Water Supply The Cape Otway Lightstation Tourist and Catchments as closed catchments. Heritage precinct (the precinct) is within Great • Protect the public health of communities Otway National Park. The government that depend on water supply catchments, accepted VEAC’s recommendations through minimising threats to water quality concerning the precinct (Government of and yield within water supply catchment Victoria 2005), including: areas. • continuation of existing accommodation and associated facilities Basis The Otways are a critical source of water for • provision for a long-term commercial lease many south-western Victorian communities, under the National Parks Act. from Geelong to Warrnambool. Many water Part of the Cape Otway precinct is leased for storages, diversion facilities and buffer areas tourism purposes. Section 29B of the National are located in the parks. Wannon Water and Parks Act provides for the continuation of the Barwon Water harvest water from catchments existing leases in the ‘Cape Otway lighthouse in the parks in accordance with the Water Act area’ (the precinct). It also enables a new lease 1989 (Vic.). to be granted over any part of the precinct for Wannon Water supplies reticulated water from the purposes of recreation or tourism that is Otway surface and groundwater sources to an consistent with the conservation of the area’s area inhabited by 45 000 people heritage values. (approximately 18 500 residences and 3400 Two small sites within the precinct are leased other sites), and Barwon Water supplies an to Australian Maritime Safety Authority for area inhabited by 240 000 people the operation of marine navigational aids, and (approximately 119 700 residences and 10 832 one small site is leased to the Bureau of other sites). The catchments for these water Meteorology for weather monitoring sources are within the Otway parks, and are equipment. At the expiry of these leases, it is managed under two legislated mechanisms. anticipated that consents would be granted Designated Water Supply Catchment Areas under section 27 of the National Parks Act for the ongoing occupation of those sites. The government has adopted VEAC’s recommendations regarding important human Management strategies use water supply catchment areas in Otways, designating two Designated Water Supply • Continue to manage approved leases in Catchment Areas (DWSCAs) under the accordance with lease conditions. National Parks Act comprising five different

74 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for authorised and adjacent uses areas (see below) to protect catchment areas the Geelong region with the majority of its for major reservoirs and water off-takes. reticulated water. The DWSCAs will be managed as ‘closed • West Gellibrand & Olangolah: this catchments’ consistent with VEAC catchment area of 2312 ha feeds the West recommendations along the model used for Gellibrand and Olangolah Reservoirs Melbourne’s water supply areas. A ‘closed which supply the Colac region with 100% catchment’ is a water catchment supplying of its reticulated water. high-quality water for human use, which is The DWSCA jointly managed by Parks ‘closed’ to protect the water supply from risks Victoria (for the Secretary) and Wannon Water associated with public access. The paramount comprises: consideration in managing these areas is to protect the areas, maintain water quality and • Arkins Creek: this catchment of 1200 ha otherwise protect their water resources. feeds diversion weirs on the three branches The water supply catchments above the Arkins of the Arkins Creek. Water is fed into the Creek weir, and the West Gellibrand, North Otway Pipeline which supplies the Olangolah, Allen and Painkalac Reservoirs region including Simpson, Cobden, will be managed as closed catchments and the Camperdown, Terang, Mortlake and West Barwon catchment will allow limited Warrnambool. Approximately 30% of the public access (section 3.3 and table 2). The reticulated water used by this region comes reservoirs and weirs are outside the national from this DWSCA (the balance is sourced park and the DWSCAs. In accordance with from the Gellibrand River, Newlingrook section 32L of the National Parks Act, the aquifer and other groundwater sources, see areas are jointly managed under management below). agreements between the Secretary and the Under a ‘closed catchment’ approach, public relevant water corporation (Barwon Water or access to Designated Water Supply Catchment Wannon Water) including catchment Areas will not be permitted except for limited management plans, works programs and fire access to the West Barwon section of the protection plans. Policies for protecting the DWSCA where access may be permitted for area, maintaining water quality, and restricting some recreational activities (section 3.3 and public access are determined by the water table 2) and volunteers conducting corporations and through the the National management work under a formal arrangement Parks (Park) Regulations that prohibit with park managers. Any impacts of public use activities within DWSCAs that present risks to will be monitored and prompt action taken to water quality, such as contact with or polluting rectify adverse impacts should they occur. the water, and fishing. Special (or Proclaimed or Declared) Water The two DWSCAs in Great Otway National Supply Catchment Areas Park: one relating to Barwon Water and the Most of these catchment areas were declared other Wannon Water. The DWSCA jointly prior to the creation of the parks, and cover managed by Parks Victoria (for the Secretary) areas of the national park and forest park, other and Barwon Water comprises the following Crown land and private land. The Catchment four sections: and Land Protection Act aims to ensure that • Painkalac Creek: this catchment area of the quality of the land and water resources and 3466 ha feeds the Painkalac Reservoir associated plant and animal life are maintained which supplies Aireys Inlet with 100% of and enhanced, and the declaration of Special its reticulated water. Water Supply Catchment Areas (SWSCAs) is one of the mechanisms in the Act for achieving • St Georges River: this catchment area of this. The SWSCAs protect catchment areas for 1478 ha feeds the Allen Reservoir which water collection and offtake points on supplies Lorne with 100% of its reticulated waterways or from groundwater. Special Area water. Plans may be prepared for management of land • West Barwon: this catchment area of 4683 and water resources within a SWSCA. On ha feeds the West Barwon Reservoir which private land within a SWSCA, controls in local (via the Wurdee Boluc reservoir) supplies planning schemes and recommendations in

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 75 Strategies for authorised and adjacent uses literature such as Living in a drinking water • Upper Barwon SWSCA: This 15 547 ha catchment area (DHS 2009) guide actions for catchment, of which 13 466 ha are within reducing risk to water values. the parks, feeds the West and East Barwon There are nine SWSCAs in the parks: Rivers, Kings, Callahans, Den and Dewings Creeks. The area is partly • Gellibrand River SWSCA: This 49 853 ha overlain by West Barwon DWSCA, and catchment of which 27 761 ha are within includes the catchment area for West the parks, feeds the Gellibrand River in its Barwon Reservoir providing one of the upper reaches including the Barramunga, main sources of water for the Geelong Olangolah, Asplins, Lardner's, Charley's, region (see above). Additionally, this Arkins, Ten Mile, Loves and Gum Creeks, SWSCA feeds three offtakes on the East and the Carlisle River. Parts of this Barwon River, Callahans and Dewings SWSCA are overlain by the Arkins Creek Creeks; the water contributing to Barwon DWSCA and West Gellibrand and Water’s supply to the Geelong region. Olangolah sections of the other DWSCA. • Water is sourced by Wannon Water from Pennyroyal, Matthews and Gosling Creeks the Gellibrand River close to the Carlisle SWSCA: These catchments, totalling 7190 River township and (together with water ha, of which 5259 ha are within the parks, extracted from the Newlingrook aquifer) feed the Pennyroyal, Matthews & Gosling added to the North Otway Pipeline system creeks. Two offtakes on the Pennyroyal supplying Simpson, Cobden, and Matthews creeks contribute to Barwon Camperdown, Terang, Mortlake and Water’s supply to the Geelong region. Warrnambool. Gosling Creek is not currently used for water off-take and the boundary of the • Gellibrand River (South Otway) SWSCA: SWSCA will be amended in the future to This 16 707 ha catchment, of which 11 048 exclude the catchment of Gosling Creek. ha are within the parks, feeds the lower • reaches of the Gellibrand River including Lorne SWSCA: This 2754 ha catchment, Chapple and Skinner Creeks. Water is of which 2435 ha are within the parks, sourced by Wannon Water from the provides Lorne’s reticulated water supply. Gellibrand River at Chapple Vale, which A portion of the SWSCA (corresponding feeds the South Otway Pipeline to provide to the catchment of the St Georges River) 80% of the water used by Warrnambool, is overlain by the St Georges River Allansford and Koroit. DWSCA section supplying the Allen Reservoir (see above). The remaining • Barwon Downs Wellfield Intake SWSCA: portion, covering the catchments of the This 7783 ha catchment, of which 2395 ha Erskine River and Cherry Tree Creek, is are within the parks, feeds the Barwon not used for water off-take and will be Downs Graben aquifer. Water is extracted formally removed from the SWSCA in the from this aquifer by Barwon Water at the future. Barwon Downs bore field near • Gerangamete, to supplement the water Painkalac Creek (Aireys Inlet) SWSCA: supply to the Geelong area, via the This 3348 ha catchment feeds the Wurdeeboluc Reservoir. Painkalac Reservoir, enabling Barwon Water to supply reticulated water to Aireys • Barham River SWSCA: This 6359 ha Inlet. 3343 ha of the SWSCA are within catchment feeds the east and west branches the parks, and the SWSCA is almost of the Barham River. A Barwon Water entirely overlain by the Painkalac Creek offtake is located west of Apollo Bay, section of the Barwon Water DWSCA. which supplies 100% of Apollo Bay’s Groundwater extraction and recharge areas reticulated water. At present there is no groundwater extraction • Skenes Creek SWSCA: This catchment is in the parks. Important groundwater extraction currently not used for water offtake and sites near the parks for domestic use include will be revoked in the future. Barwon Downs borefield, Carlisle borefield and Port Campbell; and for industrial use, the

76 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for authorised and adjacent uses

Alcoa Anglesea mine and power station. There existing and consistent with conservation are also many private bores in the region and recreation objectives. predominantly for stock and agricultural • Phase out grazing in Great Otway National irrigation. In the future water may be extracted Park. for domestic supply from Newlingrook and Gellibrand borefields. The Anglesea borefield includes a small area of Great Otway National Basis Park near Forest Road. Domestic stock grazing has occurred in many parts of the parks. At the time of its creation There are important aquifer recharge areas there were 28 grazing licences applicable to located within the parks that supply water to Great Otway National Park. Grazing is to the bores mentioned above. The Gellibrand cease in the park by 30 September 2009. River valley is a recharge zone for the Port Campbell bore (Dilwyn aquifer) and the In accordance with government-accepted Newlingrook aquifer, with the groundwater VEAC recommendations in relation to grazing flow system being interconnected with the (Government of Victoria 2005), low-intensity river. The Barwon Downs Wellfield Intake grazing may continue in Otway Forest Park SWSCA is the recharge zone for the Barwon where it pre-exists on previously cleared land Downs borefield (Barwon Downs Graben and is consistent with conservation and aquifer). In the eastern part of the parks, an recreation objectives. area from Eastern View to Wensleydale is important for recharging the groundwater Management strategies resources (Upper and Lower Eastern View • Monitor and manage grazing in the Otway aquifers) sourced by Alcoa at Anglesea and at Forest Park under existing licences and to Anglesea borefield. minimise impacts on other park values. Management of water catchments will focus • Terminate existing grazing licences in on reduction of risk to water quality and yield. relation to the national park and By far, the greatest risk to water supply in the implement management to restore natural Otways is from wildfire, but erosion and values. sedimentation, nutrient runoff, and contamination from hydrocarbons or human or 8.6 Apiculture animal wastes are also risks. Aims Management strategies • Provide for apiculture in Otway Forest • In partnership with water corporations Park while minimising impacts on other implement the DWSCA joint management park values. agreements, including preparation of catchment management (including fire • Do not allow apiculture in Great Otway management) plans, works programs and National Park. risk management plans. Basis • Undertake necessary activities to increase awareness and compliance with the closed Apiculture is not an extensive activity in the catchment management arrangements for parks. DWSCAs. The government-accepted VEAC • Manage and monitor the limited access recommendations for apiculture in the parks, allowed to the West Barwon DWSCA. (Government of Victoria 2005) are: • Great Otway National Park — apiculture 8.5 Grazing not to be permitted • Aims Otway Forest Park — apiculture to be permitted. • Permit low-intensity grazing in cleared areas of Otway Forest Park where it is pre-

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 77 Strategies for authorised and adjacent uses

Apiary licences for three former sites in the Management strategy national park expired prior to the creation of • Work with relevant agencies to facilitate the parks. fishery management, including the In 2009, there were no apiary site licences minimisation of the impacts of commercial issued in the forest park. fishing on natural and cultural values.

Management strategy 8.8 Earth resources • Permit apiculture in Otway Forest Park Aim subject to careful assessment of applications and issue apiary site licences • Ensure that earth resources activities are with appropriate license conditions to conducted in accordance with the relevant protect park values and minimise impacts legislation and that park values are on visitors. adequately protected.

8.7 Commercial fishing Basis Parts of the parks, particularly the Otway Aim Forest Park, are subject to mineral exploration • Provide for existing commercial eel licences and petroleum exploration permits. fishing entitlements in Great Otway The parks are completely covered by National Park. geothermal exploration permits. In addition, there are a small number of quarries in the Basis parks, including a sandstone quarry known as the Bambra Rd Quarry in the Great Otway Two operators undertake small-scale National Park. commercial eel fishing in the lower reaches of the Aire and Gellibrand rivers and Lake The Extractive Industries Development Act Elizabeth in Great Otway National Park. 1995 (Vic.) prohibits the granting of search Immature Short-finned Eels are harvested and permits for stone in Great Otway National on-sold to supplement stocks in lakes to the Park, and section 40 of the National Parks Act north of the parks. prohibits the granting of work authorities under the Extractive Industries Development In its Angahook–Otway Investigation Final Act in the national park except in relation to Report , VEAC made specific Bambra Road Quarry. recommendations in relation to commercial fishing in Great Otway National Park that were Under the provisions of the Mineral Resources subsequently varied by government (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (Vic.) (Government of Victoria 2005). The and the National Parks Act, no new mineral government response was that: exploration and mining licences can be granted over Great Otway National Park. • new commercial fishing entitlements will not be permitted Operations in national parks under the Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Act • existing commercial fishing entitlements 2008 (Vic.), Geothermal Energy Resources Act (eel harvesting) will be allowed to 2005 (Vic.) and the Petroleum Act 1998 (Vic.) continue. may be permitted subject to section 40 of the The fishery is managed in accordance with the National Parks Act. Fisheries Act 1995 (Vic.) and the Victorian Eel The Otway Forest Park is restricted Crown Fishery Management Plan (NRE 2003). The land under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Department of Primary Industries — Fisheries Development) Act. Any stone, mineral, Victoria manages commercial fisheries, petroleum or geothermal exploration and including those sites in Great Otway National extraction or greenhouse gas storage Park, to ensure a sustainable balance between exploration or operations in the forest park resource use and conservation. requires the consent of the Crown land Minister (Minister for Environment and Climate Change). Earth resources activities

78 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for authorised and adjacent uses have the potential to impact on park values and permit outlining conditions to ensure minimal need to be carefully managed subject to impacts on park values. appropriate conditions/safeguards. Any research and monitoring in the national Note: Commencement of the Resources park requires a research permit under the Industry Legislation Amendment Act 2009 National Parks Act. (Vic.) will combine the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act and the Management strategies Extractives Industries Development Act. • Permit Defence Force adventure training and field navigation exercises in the parks Management strategies in accordance with each park management • Consider and where appropriate allow agency’s operational policies and relevant earth resources activities to be undertaken permit conditions. in the parks in accordance with relevant • Manage commercial filming and legislation and management objectives. photography in accordance with • Assess all earth resources proposals (and legislation and each park management existing activities, as appropriate) to agencies operational policies. ensure adequate protection of park values • Monitor authorised activities to ensure via appropriate conditions and monitor conditions of authorisation are met. compliance. • Facilitate grant of a work authority with 8.10 Park boundaries and adjacent appropriate conditions in relation to uses Bambra Road Quarry, in accordance with the National Parks Act and the Extractive Aims Industries Development Act. • Coordinate management activities with those of park neighbours where these are 8.9 Occasional uses complementary to the protection of park values. Aim • Work with park neighbours to address • Allow authorised occasional uses and issues of pest plant and animal control. minimise their impacts on park values. • Provide access through the parks to Basis neighbouring properties for authorised Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest uses such as timber carting where that Park are used from time to time for other access does not impact on park values. activities such as commercial filming, defence • Provide reasonable rights of access to force training and research. freehold land abutting or surrounded by Park managers recognise the significant role the Great Otway National Park and that the filming and photography industry minimise the impacts on park values. plays in supporting the social and economic well-being of the community, promoting Basis opportunities in the parks, and promoting the Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest protection of natural and cultural values in the Park extend across a vast area with a large parks. All filming and photography conducted private property interface and several outlying as part of a trade or a business is undertaken blocks. The parks form an extensive and through a permit system. Amateur contiguous protected area network, linking photographers or people taking film or video marine and terrestrial ecosystems. for personal or hobby interest do not require a Most of Great Otway National Park and Otway permit. Forest Park adjoins cleared farmland, but the Adventure training and field navigation parks also adjoin urban areas, timber exercises by Australian Defence Force units plantations and privately owned forest areas. may be undertaken in the parks, subject to a

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 79 Strategies for authorised and adjacent uses

The National Parks Act allows the provision of The State Planning Policy Framework (DSE access rights to freeholders in relation to the 2003b), in conjunction with the Surf Coast Great Otway National Park. Planning Scheme (Surf Coast Shire 2000), Corangamite Planning Scheme (Corangamite Some areas of Crown land along the coast are Shire 2004) and the Colac Otway Planning managed on behalf of the Minister by Scheme (Colac Otway Shire 2000), provides a Committees of Management established under framework for development proposals the Crown Land (Reserves) Act. The adjoining the parks. committees may be an agency (local council, Parks Victoria or DSE) or a committee Various main roads, including the Great Ocean appointed by the Minister. Road, pass through the two parks at several locations but are excluded from them. The Great Otway National Park also adjoins: boundaries of eleven road reserves excluded • Point Addis Marine National Park near from the national park need to be indentified Anglesea, managed by Parks Victoria consistent with the government response to VEAC recommendation, R5, that any new • Twelve Apostles Marine National Park road reserve should, generally, not be wider near Princetown, managed by Parks than 20 metres. Where a road is not included in Victoria a road reserve and it is excluded from the park • State waters below the low water mark not by name, the area excluded is defined as per within the marine national parks or other clause 3 of Schedule 5 to the Road reserves, managed by DSE Management Act 2004 (Vic.). • Alcoa’s (Anglesea Heath) lease area which At times, local realignments of the Great is managed by Alcoa and Parks Victoria in Ocean Road through the Great Otway National partnership Park may be required outside the defined road or road reserve. Such realignments require the • coastal reserves between Apollo Bay and consent of the Secretary to DSE under section Kennett River, managed by the Apollo Bay 27 of the National Parks Act. – Kennett River Public Reserves Committee of Management Parks Victoria and DSE contribute to the preparation by the relevant road authority of • coastal reserves at Wye River and roadside management plans, including the plan Separation Creek managed by the Wye for the Great Ocean Road. Objectives of the River Foreshore Committee roadside management plans will include • coastal reserves between Kennett River managing the roads for roads users, safety, and Anglesea managed by The Great scenic quality, tourism value and natural Ocean Road Coast Committee of values of adjoining areas. Management Management strategies • several arterial roads, including the Great • Ocean Road, which are managed by Encourage road management authorities VicRoads or local government to prepare roadside management plans for ‘tourist’ roads that traverse the parks. • land managed by Barwon Water and • Wannon Water, used for water supply such Work with Surf Coast, Colac Otway and as reservoirs, weirs and borefields. Corangamite Shires to ensure complementary management of issues on Park boundaries are marked at most access park boundaries. points by signs. The extensive interface • between the parks and private property Where necessary, permit conditional highlights the importance of close cooperation access to freehold land via existing roads between park managers and park neighbours in or tracks in the Great Otway National management. Conservation practices on land Park, as allowed by section 30I of the neighbouring the parks such as Land for National Parks Act. Wildlife and Landcare are encouraged.

80 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

9 STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT

Otway Tourism conduct programs to increase 9.1 Community awareness public awareness of important values, issues and management approaches in the region. Aim Peak bodies, environmental groups, sporting • Increase the community’s awareness and clubs, Aboriginal communities, Landcare understanding of the parks’ values and groups and other community groups also help management activities. promote community awareness.

Basis Management strategy Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest • Liaise with communities, groups and with Park are spread across a large area and are the three local government Councils to encompassed and interspersed by communities enhance community understanding of and neighbours. The creation of the parks has shared management issues and to foster resulted in some major land use and opportunities for local communities to management changes in the Otways. Many of contribute to achieving park management these changes have important implications for objectives. local residents and park users and visitors. Raising the awareness of the parks’ values is 9.2 Traditional Owner partnerships an essential step in developing the community’s sense of custodianship for the Aims parks and engagement in their management. • Build collaborative relationships to engage The community is more likely to develop this Traditional Owners in the parks’ planning sense of custodianship if its views and values and management. are respected and park-related social networks • are encouraged and supported. A strong Improve opportunities for Aboriginal community connection with the parks among participation in the parks’ management. visitors and the local and wider community will assist in broader public education and Basis awareness raising. Management of the parks The involvement of Traditional Owners in can be greatly assisted if park managers work park management is critical for keeping closely with existing networks including Country healthy and culture strong. Traditional community groups and agencies to promote Owners have considerable interest in and park values and achieve management aspirations for the parks as part of Country . objectives in relation to activities such as fire They are an important potential source of management, pest plant and animal control and traditional knowledge about the area that has the undertaking of volunteer conservation yet to be documented. A strong working programs. relationship with Traditional Owners and Registered Aboriginal Parties will be essential Education and interpretation programs (section to reflecting their perspectives on park 6.2) play an important role in raising the management and reconciliation of their awareness of the parks in the wider interests and aspirations with other members of community. Parks Victoria aims to the community. communicate the benefits of a healthy parks system and its contribution to the health of The government-accepted VEAC individuals and society through the ‘Healthy recommendations (Government of Victoria Parks, Healthy People’ program. 2005) supported specific recommendations to enhance the involvement of Aboriginal Parks Victoria, DSE, Barwon Water, communities in the planning and management Corangamite CMA, Surf Coast Shire, Colac of the parks. Otway Shire, Corangamite Shire and Geelong

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 81 Strategies for community awareness and involvement

Management strategies the Victorian Government’s policy statement • Consistent with broader Government Growing Victoria Together expresses a discussions and in conjunction with commitment to open and inclusive partnerships Traditional Owners, the relevant with the community. A Fairer Victoria sets an Registered Aboriginal Parties and other agenda for better coordination and integration relevant Aboriginal groups, develop a of government services at a regional level, preferred model for cooperative among other initiatives to give all Victorians a management of Great Otway National fair go. Research also demonstrates that more Park and Otway Forest Park. relevant policies, programs and services eventuate through deliberation and • In conjunction with the relevant Registered collaboration at local regional and state levels. Aboriginal Parties, and Traditional Owners and other relevant Aboriginal A healthy, viable and sustainable Otway region groups, explore ways to improve is reliant on an investment by Parks Victoria Aboriginal representation and and DSE in the community, in order that participation in decision making in community support for the parks can be relation to management of the parks. maximised. Providing opportunities for communities to participate in all levels of the • Work with the relevant Registered planning, use and care of the parks will Aboriginal Parties, Traditional Owners maximise community assistance in developing and other relevant Aboriginal groups the parks for Victorians now and in the future. deliver the Parks Victoria Indigenous Partnership Strategy and Action Plan and Volunteers and community groups make DSE Indigenous Partnership Framework. valuable contributions to park management projects. They bring diverse and valuable 9.3 Community participation information, knowledge, skills and experience to the parks that may not be otherwise be available to the park managers. Volunteers also Aims bring great enthusiasm and add valuable • Build a sense of shared ownership and resources to assist with the care of the parks. custodianship for the parks among Collaborative projects with tertiary institutions community groups and individuals. and work experience placements in the parks • Support and encourage people to actively can have mutual benefits. assist in implementing the plan and The interests of community groups in the park managing the parks. often overlap and may not be complementary. There can be considerable mutual benefits Basis where such groups work together with Parks Victoria’s parks and network of other public Victoria, DSE and the Traditional Owners to land are vital not only to the protection of achieve common goals. Many management natural and cultural resources, but also activities such as pest plant control, fox control contribute significantly to the livelihood, and habitat restoration, require community lifestyle and well-being of Victorians. support and participation outside park Experience has demonstrated that management boundaries to be effective. Community of these areas is most effective where people consultation will be undertaken prior to any value their parks and participate in an active significant changes to visitor services in the and informed way. Many people and parks. community groups have a long history of Otways Landscape Community Council involvement in the areas now included in the parks. Active community participation in The Otways Landscape Community Council management can enrich and strengthen park (OLCC) was established in 2006 to advise management and is pivotal to effective long- Parks Victoria and DSE on community term park planning, use and care. engagement for the parks establishment and planning and to monitor the effectiveness of There is a growing community expectation for that engagement. meaningful input into government decision- making. In accordance with this expectation,

82 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Strategies for community awareness and involvement

Working in partnership with Parks Victoria Basis and DSE, the OLCC established a framework Although Parks Victoria is responsible for the for community engagement for the parks, overall management of Great Otway National guided engagement on the draft plans, and Park and DSE manages the Otway Forest Park, established the following vision: other agencies are responsible for planning and • People of Victoria are active participants managing certain activities in the parks. The in the planning and care of the Great VEAC outcomes provide clear direction to Otway National Park and Otway Forest deliver integrated management of the parks, Park so the management of the parks and Parks Victoria and DSE work closely to responds to both community aspirations deliver services across both parks. and Government policy. All activities undertaken in the parks by Parks Community participation and engagement is Victoria, DSE and other agencies must accord the lens through which all work in the parks with all legislation and government policy and, are planned and implemented. as far as practicable, be consistent with agencies’ policies and guidelines. To ensure Management strategies this, Parks Victoria and DSE work closely with: • Encourage and support park-related social networks with Friends, volunteers, • Corangamite CMA, which is responsible educational institutions, students and for ensuring the protection and sustainable community groups that participate in the development of land, vegetation and water parks’ management to provide guidance resources in the region, including the and support and to ensure that they have preparation of a regional catchment opportunities to appropriately exercise strategy to address the impact of land use their interests and use their knowledge and and management on the catchment skills. (sections 4.2 and 4.4). • Encourage community involvement in • Western Coastal Board which provides for monitoring and recording programs using the long-term strategic planning of the standard methods. west coast of Victoria, including the preparation of Coastal Action Plans • Explore options for community (section 4.4). participation in the implementation of this plan, including appropriate formal • Country Fire Authority (CFA) a mainly structures. volunteer-based community service that responds to a variety of fire and emergency • Celebrate the achievements of Friends, incidents. volunteers and other groups in meeting park management objectives. • Barwon Water and Wannon Water which are responsible for providing retail, urban 9.4 Agency partnerships and rural water customers with water and wastewater services in South West Aims Victoria. • Enhance park management by • Colac Otway Shire, Surf Coast Shire and collaborating with other agencies to ensure Corangamite Shire which manage a range they give appropriate consideration to park of local government services, administer values in planning and implementing planning schemes and work with local activities that relate to the parks. communities on a range of issues. • Contribute to cooperative programs and • VicRoads, Colac Otway Shire, activities undertaken by other agencies Corangamite Shire and Surf Coast Shire where these complement management of which manage some roads through the the parks. parks including the Great Ocean Road. • Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV), Department of Planning and Community

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 83 Strategies for community awareness and involvement

Development which has responsibility for • Commonwealth Department of the administering legislation protecting Environment and Water, Heritage and the Aboriginal cultural heritage (section 5.1). Arts which works with the State agencies on the management of regional ecosystem • Heritage Victoria (DPCD) which is the conservation issues. central government agency which provides information and advice about places listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and Management strategy Archaeological Inventory. It supports the • Maintain and enhance partnerships with Heritage Council through research, all relevant agencies to implement the plan recommends additions to the Register and vision and direction. issues permits for alterations to heritage places. • Tourism Victoria is the State government authority responsible for developing and marketing Victoria to Australian and international travellers.

84 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

10 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

also include information on progress towards 10.1 Delivery and reporting achievement of broad biodiversity goals in the The actions identified in this plan form the parks. basis for the annual programming of works. Management actions are planned each year in 10.2 Plan amendment response to available resources and During the life of the plan, amendments to the outstanding actions and priorities may change, plan may only be made by the Secretary to often due to emerging issues. Each year, DSE, following an authorised process which progress towards realisation of the aims and includes community consultation, as strategic directions of the plan will be appropriate. reviewed in order to inform the following year’s program. Circumstances that might lead to amendment of the plan include: Many aspects of implementation will involve collaboration with a range of individuals, • the establishment of a cooperative groups and agencies. The plan also identifies management arrangement either within or circumstances for community consultation in outside Native Title legislation the delivery of projects with strong public • the results of monitoring or research, interest. management experience or new Implementation of the plan will be consistent information, such as greater understanding with the commitment of DSE and Parks of new threatening processes (e.g. climate Victoria to sustainable practices, which change) which indicate the need for a involves the delivery of operations, services change in management direction and facilities in an ecologically and socially • responsible manner with minimal use of significant changes in visitation or use expendable resources and minimal generation • a change in policy that calls into question of waste. The threat of accelerated climate plan objectives change on the parks’ ecosystems and wildlife, • and on human health and economies new legislation (e.g. legislation that enacts worldwide is of increasing concern. As part of significant boundary changes). its ‘Healthy Parks Healthy People’ program, The plan may also be amended if an activity, Parks Victoria is changing practices to reduce development or use which does not align with greenhouse emissions, reducing its the provisions of the plan is approved by environmental footprint, and seeking to government (such as native title outcomes). become carbon neutral. DSE is similarly committed to adapting to climate change 10.3 Evaluation and review through a range of programs and initiatives. During the life of this plan, Parks Victoria and In implementing the plan, management will DSE will regularly audit overall progress respond to monitoring and research towards achieving the plan vision, directions, information as it emerges. The future condition and strategies. Progress in implementing the of values will be considered in identifying plan is formally assessed 5, 10 and 15 years threats and developing actions to ameliorate after release of the plan. These evaluations will them. help in deciding whether amendment or DSE and Parks Victoria report annually to revision of the plan is required. government on the overall delivery of regional Methods for evaluating the benefits of the plan and divisional programs. This broader are likely to be refined over time. Parks reporting on management performance is Victoria and DSE have introduced a range of available in the National Parks Act, and Parks structured monitoring practices to collect Victoria and DSE annual reports. standardised and scientifically robust Future State of the Parks reports, which will be information. In particular, these will improve available on the Parks Victoria’s website, will understanding of the outcomes of management

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 85 Plan implementation on natural values; and allow improved the parks and to inform management decisions, reporting and assessment of performance. particularly in relation to pest and fire management. By using sound methods, this DSE and Parks Victoria also facilitate research monitoring and research work will strengthen (via partnerships and permits) by external the basis for comparing management research agencies to enhance the knowledge performance over time. and understanding of the values and features of

86 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

REFERENCES

AAV 1998, A Predictive Model of Aboriginal Cameron, D.G. and Turner, L.A. 1996, Survey Archaeological Site Distribution in the and monitoring of myrtle wilt within cool Otway Range, Occasional Report No. 49, temperate rainforest in Victoria Flora and Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Department of Fauna Technical Report 145 Department of Human Services, Melbourne. Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne. AGO 2006, Impacts of Climate Change on Carbon Fluxes in Australian Forests , Clark, I.D. 1995, Scars in the Landscape: A Australian Greenhouse Office, Department Register of Massacre Sites in Western of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra. Victoria, 1803–1859, Aboriginal Studies Press for the Australian Aboriginal and AMSA 1998, National Plan to Combat Torres Strait Islander Studies Report Series. Pollution of the Sea by oil and Other Noxious Substances , Australian Maritime Clark, I.D. 1998a, Place Names and Land Safety Authority, Canberra. Tenure — Windows into Aboriginal Landscapes , Essays in Victorian Aboriginal ASA 2002, Environmental Principles and History series, University of Ballarat, Procedures for Minimising the Impact of Victoria. Aircraft Noise (revised) , Air Services Australia, Canberra. Clark, I.D. 1998b, ‘That’s My Country Belonging to Me’. Aboriginal Land Tenure Australia ICOMOS 1999, The Burra Charter: and Dispossession in Nineteenth Century The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Western Victoria , Heritage Matters, Conservation of Places of Cultural Ballarat. Significance , ICOMOS Australia, Melbourne (available at CLS 1994, Cape Otway Lighthouse www.icomos.org/australia ). Conservation Management Plan Clive Lucas, Stapleton & Partners (unpublished). Barton, J. & Sherwood, J. 2004, Estuary opening management in western Victoria: Colac Otway Shire 2000, Colac Otway an information analysis, Parks Victoria Planning Scheme , Colac Otway Shire, Technical Series No. 15, Parks Victoria, Colac. Melbourne. Corangamite CMA 2003, Corangamite Bedford, W. 2006, Holidaying with Dogs , 9th Regional Catchment Management Strategy edition , Life Be In It, Rebound Associates, 2003–2008 , Corangamite Catchment Pepper Publishing. Management Authority, Colac. Birch, W. (ed.) 2003 The Geology of Victoria , Corangamite CMA 2004, Corangamite River 3rd edition, Special Publication No. 23, Health Strategy, Corangamite Catchment Geological Society of Australia (Victoria Management Authority, Colac. Division), Melbourne. Corangamite CMA 2005, Corangamite Native Bird, E.C.F. 1993, The Coast of Victoria — Vegetation Plan 2003–2008 , Corangamite The Shaping of Scenery, Melbourne Catchment Management Authority, Colac. University Press, Parkville. Corangamite CMA 2006, Gellibrand River Brown, G. 2006, Mapping spatial attributes for Stream Flow Management Plan , conservation and tourism planning, Otways Corangamite Catchment Management region, Victoria: a survey of residents and Authority, Colac visitor, CRC for Sustainable Tourism Pty Corangamite Shire 2004, Corangamite Shire Ltd. Planning Scheme , Corangamite Shire Buckley, R.W. 1993, Sites of Geological and Council, Camperdown. Geomorphological Significance along the Critchett, J.F. 1998, Untold Stories — Victorian Coast , Geological Survey of Memories and Lives of Victorian Koories , Victoria, Melbourne. Melbourne University Press, Parkville.

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Crocker, R. and Associates 1999, Department of Sustainability and Identification and Assessment of Aesthetic Environment, East Melbourne. Value in the West Forest Region, Victoria, DSE 2004c, Guidelines and Procedures for Vols 1 and 2 (unpublished report for Ecological Burning on Public Land in Environment Australia and NRE) Victoria 2004, Department of Sustainability Crocker, R. and Associates 2002, Heritage and Environment, East Melbourne. Access, Presentation and Interpretation DSE 2004d, Koala Management Strategy , Framework (unpublished report for Parks Department of Sustainability and Victoria) Environment, East Melbourne. Dahlhaus, P., Heislers, D and Dyson, P. 2002, DSE 2005, Tourism Plan for Public Land in Groundwater Flow Systems of the the Otway Hinterland , Department of Corangamite Catchment Management Sustainability and Environment, East Authority Region, Corangamite Catchment Melbourne. Management Authority, Colac. DSE 2006, Code of Practice for Fire Dawson, J. 1881, Australian Aborigines — The Management on Public Land , Department Languages and Customs of Several Tribes of Sustainability and Environment, East of Aborigines in the Western District of Melbourne. Victoria, Australia Reprinted in 1981 by Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies, DSE 2007a, Atlas of Victorian Wildlife Canberra. (electronic database), Department of Sustainability and Environment, East DCE 1992, Forest Management Plan — Otway Melbourne. Forest Management Area , Department of Conservation and Environment, East DSE 2007b, Code of Practice for Timber Melbourne. Productio n Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne. DHS 2009, Living in a drinking water catchment area, Department of Human DSE 2007c, Flora Information System Services, Melbourne. (electronic database), Department of Sustainability and Environment, East DPI 2004, Prospecting Guide , Department of Melbourne. Primary Industries, Melbourne. DSE 2007d, Guidelines and Procedures for DPI 2009, Victorian Recreational Fishing Managing the Environmental Impacts of Guide 2009–2010 , Department of Primary Weeds on Public Land in Victoria 2007 , Industries, Melbourne. Department of Sustainability and DSE 2003a, Forests Notes — Camping in a Environment, East Melbourne. State Forest , Department of Sustainability DSE 2007e, Indigenous Partnerships and Environment, East Melbourne. Framework , Department of Sustainability DSE 2003b, State Planning Policy and Environment, East Melbourne. Framework, Department of Sustainability DSE 2007f, Management Procedures for and Environment, East Melbourne. timber harvesting operations and DSE 2003c, South West Region — Otway Fire associated activities in Victoria’s State District Fire Protection Plan , Department forests, Department of Sustainability and of Sustainability and Environment, East Environment, East Melbourne. Melbourne. DSE 2007g, Victorian Hunting Guide , DSE 2004a, Great Ocean Road Region — Department of Sustainability and Landscape Assessment Study, Department Environment, East Melbourne. of Sustainability and Environment, East DSE 2008a, Climate change in the Melbourne. Corangamite Region, the Victorian climate DSE 2004b, Great Ocean Road Region — change adaptation program , Department of Land Use and Transport Strategy, Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne.

88 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan References

DSE 2008b, Fire Operations Plan — Otways NRE 1996a, Otway National Park Fire District 2008–20011 , Department of Management Plan , Department of Natural Sustainability and Environment, East Resources and Environment, Melbourne. Melbourne. NRE 1996b, Melba Gully State Park DSE 2008c, Readiness and Response Plan Management Plan , Department of Natural South West Area , Department of Resources and Environment, East Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne. Melbourne. NRE 1997, Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy , DSE 2009a, Otway Forest Management Area Deparrment of Natural Resources and Wood Utilisation Plan 2009/10–2011/12 , Environment, East Melbourne. Department of Sustainability and NRE 1999, The Victorian Cetacean Environment, East Melbourne. Contingency Plan , Department of Natural DSE 2009b, Road Management Plan , Resources and Environment, East Department of Sustainability and Melbourne. Environment, East Melbourne. NRE 2002a, Policy for Sustainable Recreation DSE & Parks Victoria 2009, Road Operational and Tourism on Victoria’s Public Land , Guidelines , Department of Sustainability Department of Natural Resources and and Environment and Parks Victoria, East Environment, East Melbourne. Melbourne. NRE 2002b, Victorian Pest Management: Dunlop, M. and Brown, P.R. 2008, Feral Pig and Feral Goat Management Implications of climate change for Strategy — A Framework for Action , Australia’s National Reserve System: A Department of Natural Resources and preliminary assessment, Report to the Environment, Melbourne. Department of Climate Change, February NRE 2002c, Victorian Pest Management: Fox 2008, Department of Climate Change, Management Strategy — A Framework for Canberra, Australia. Action, Department of Natural Resources GOT 2004, Great Ocean Road Cycling Guide, and Env ironment, Melbourne. Geelong Otway Tourism, Geelong. NRE 2002d, Victorian Pest Management: Government of Victoria 2005, Victorian Rabbit Management Strategy — A Government Response to Victorian Framework for Action , Department of Environmental Assessment Council’s Natural Resources and Environment, Angahook–Otway Investigation Final Melbourne. Report , Government of Victoria, NRE 2002e, Victoria’s Native Vegetation Melbourne. Management — A Framework for Action , Heritage Victoria 2006, Victoria’s Heritage: Department of Natural Resources and Strengthening Our Communities, Heritage Environment, Melbourne. Victoria, East Melbourne. NRE 2003, Victorian Eel Fishery Management Jones, R.N. and Durack, P.J. 2005 , Estimating Plan , Department of Natural Resources and the Impacts of Climate Change on Environment, Melbourne. Victoria’s Runoff using a Hydrological NewsPoll 2006, Parks Visitation Monitor Sensitivity Model , Department of Combined Data Activities – 2000-2005. Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne. ORC 2005a, Bushwalking Adventure Activity Standards , Outdoor Recreation Centre, MSV 2002a Victorian Marine Pollution Templestowe. Contingency Plan (VICPLAN), Marine Safety Victoria, Melbourne. ORC 2005b, Canoeing and Kayaking Adventure Activity Standards , Outdoor MSV 2002b, The Victorian Recreational Recreation Centre, Templestowe. Boating Safety Handbook , Marine Safety Victoria, Melbourne.

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 89 References

ORC 2005c, Four Wheel Driving Adventure Parks Victoria 2007d, Great Otway National Activity Standards , Outdoor Recreation Park Visitor Vehicle Monitoring Project, Centre, Templestowe. Parks Victoria, Melbourne (unpublished). ORC 2005d, Horse Trail Riding Adventure Parks Victoria 2008, Submission to the Activity Standards , Outdoor Recreation Victorian Government’s Green Paper – Centre, Templestowe. Land and Biodiversity at a Time of Climate Change, Parks Victoria, Melbourne ORC 2005e, Mountain Biking Adventure (unpublished). Activity Standards , Outdoor Recreation Centre, Templestowe. Parks Victoria and DSE 2008a, Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park ORC 2005f, Recreational Angling Adventure Draft Heritage Action Plan , Parks Victoria Activity Standards , Outdoor Recreation and DSE, Melbourne. Centre, Templestowe. Parks Victoria and DSE 2008b, Great Otway ORC 2005g, Trail Bike Touring Adventure National Park and Otway Forest Park Activity Standards , Outdoor Recreation Draft Recreation and Tourism Access Plan , Centre, Templestowe. Parks Victoria and DSE, Melbourne. ORWTA 2007, The Trans Otways Waterfall Parks Victoria 2009, Great Ocean Walk Walk, Otway ranges Walking Track Strategic Directions Plan 2009-2014 , Parks Association, (unpublished). Victoria, Melbourne. Parks Victoria 1998, Carlisle State Park Pascoe, B. 2003, Wathaurong — The People Management Plan , Parks Victoria, Who Said No , Wathaurong Aboriginal Co- Melbourne. operative, Geelong. Parks Victoria 1999, Angahook–Lorne State Preston, B.L. and Jones, R.N. 2006, Climate Park Management Plan , Parks Victoria, change impacts on Australia and the Melbourne. benefits of early action to reduce global Parks Victoria 2005a, Heritage Management greenhouse gas emissions, Report for the Strategy , Parks Victoria, Melbourne. Australian Business Roundtable on Climate Parks Victoria 2005b, Indigenous Partnership Change, CSIRO, Canberra (unpublished). Strategy and Action Plan , Parks Victoria, Raulings, E. 2006, Environmental Risk Melbourne. Assessment Great Otway National Park and Parks Victoria 2006a, Great Otway National Otway Forest Park, Workshop Summary, Park and Otway Forest Park: Interim Parks Victoria, Melbourne (unpublished). management guide to visitor services, Parks Robinson, G.A. 1841, ‘Report of an expedition Victoria, Melbourne (unpublished). to the Aboriginal Tribes of the Western Parks Victoria 2006b, Draft Flight Paths and Interior during the months of March, April, Interim Sustainable Operating Procedures May, June, and August 1841’, diary for Aircraft Overflying Otway Protected manuscript in National Museum of Areas, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Victoria, Carlton. (unpublished). Rosengren, N. 1984, Sites of Geological and Parks Victoria 2007a, Great Ocean Walk user Geomorphological Significance in the Shire interview results, Parks Victoria, of Otway, Report to the Ecological Survey Melbourne (unpublished). Co-ordinating Committee of the Fisheries and Wildlife Service, Department of Parks Victoria 2007b, Statewide Camping Conservation, Forests and Lands , East Product Strategy recommendations, Parks Melbourne. Victoria, Melbourne (unpublished). SES 2008, South West Region Flood Response Parks Victoria 2007c, Statewide Visitor Risk Plan, State Emergency Service, Southbank. Management Strategy, Parks Victoria, Melbourne.

90 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan References

State of Victoria 2008, Emergency by Centre for Environmental Management, Management Manual Victoria , Office of University of Ballarat, Ballarat the Emergency Services Commissioner, (unpublished). Melbourne. VCC 1998, Siting and Design Guidelines for Soil Conservation Authority 1981, A Study of Structures on the Victorian Coast , the Land in the Catchments of the Otway Victorian Coastal Council, East Melbourne. Range and Adjacent Plains, Soil VCC 2008, Victorian Coastal Strategy 2008, Conservation Authority, Kew. Victorian Coastal Council, Melbourne. Surf Coast Shire 2000, Surf Coast Shire VEAC 2004, Angahook–Otway Investigation Planning Scheme, Surf Coast Shire, Final Report, Victorian Environmental Torquay. Assessment Council, Melbourne. Surf Coast Shire 2006, Cycling the Surf Coast Western Coastal Board 2002a, South Western Shire , Surf Coast Shire, Torquay. Estuaries Classification Project, Western Tourism Victoria 2004, Great Ocean Road Coastal Board, Warrnambool. Regional Tourism Development Plan 2004– Western Coastal Board 2002b, South West 2007 , Tourism Victoria, Melbourne. Estuaries Coastal Action Plan, Western Tourism Victoria 2006, Great Ocean Road Coastal Board, Warrnambool. Market Profile, Year Ending June 2006, Weston M. 2003, Managing the Hooded Tourism Victoria, Melbourne. Plover in Victoria: a review of existing Tourism Victoria 2008, Victoria’s Nature- information Parks Victoria Technical based Tourism Strategy 2008–2012, Series No.4, Parks Victoria, Melbourne. Tourism Victoria, Melbourne. Personal communication University of Ballarat 2002, Otway National S. Wall, Surf Coast Shire, Torquay. Park – Great Ocean Walk: Environmental Values Assessment, report to Parks Victoria

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 91

GLOSSARY

Aboriginal cultural heritage – Aboriginal places, Ecological values – the importance of natural objects and Aboriginal human remains. assets in maintaining natural ecosystems and ecological processes, of which it is a part. Aboriginal communities – Aboriginal people who share cultural values and activities relating to the Ecologically sustainable development (ESD) – parks. development that improves the total quality of life both now and in the future, in a way that maintains Aboriginal people – people who are descendants the ecological processes on which life depends. of Aboriginal Australians or Torres Strait Islanders. Ecologically sustainable use – the use of a species Aquifer – an underground geological structure or ecosystem at a level that enables it to recover capable of being saturated with, and transmitting naturally. groundwater. Ecosystem – a dynamic complex of interacting Biodiversity – the natural diversity of all life: the organisms and their associated non-living sum of all our native species of flora and fauna, the environment. genetic variation within them, their habitats and the ecosystems of which they are an integral part. Freehold land – land held in private ownership. Bioregion – an area with unique underlying Geomorphology – the scientific study of landforms environmental and ecological features. and geological formations and the processes that shape them. Catchment – the area of land from which rainfall flows into a waterway or aquifer. Groundwater – water located beneath the ground surface in soil or rock formations. Closed catchment policy – a policy to protect water catchments from risks associated with public Heritage – a place, activity, cultural way of life, access. Public access is generally not permitted structure or group of structures that has aesthetic, (access is permitted on certain walking tracks and historic, scientific or social value for the past, roads and for some authorised activities). present or future generations. Committee of Management – a committee Infrastructure – physical structures that facilitate appointed under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act the human use of an area (e.g. roads, paths, toilet 1978 to manage reserved Crown land on behalf of blocks). the Minister. For coastal land, committees are either Levels of Service Framework – a strategic an agency (e.g. the local municipality, Parks framework for visitor services and asset Victoria or the Department of Sustainability and management that is used to support resource Environment) or a committee appointed through an allocation decision-making to best provide expression of interest process. appropriate recreational infrastructure in a Conservation zone – in the national park is consistent manner. managed for the protection of sensitive and high Matters of national environmental significance – value natural environments and minimal impact defined by the Environment Protection and recreation (see table 1). Biodiversity Conservation Act to include World Country – A region or landscape to which people Heritage properties, Ramsar wetlands, nationally have special connections, the land occupied by threatened species and communities, migratory ancestors, land of custodianship, including all of species protected under international agreements, nature, culture and spirituality relating to that area. the Commonwealth marine environment, and nuclear actions. Crown land – land belonging to the State. Monitoring – the process of systematic observation Customs – observances and practices of people of one or more elements of the environment over (including land management and resource use) in time. accordance with tradition. Multiple use zone – in the forest park is managed Declared Water Supply Catchment see Special for the protection of natural environments and Water Supply Catchment cultural features, sustainable recreation, and Designated Water Supply Catchment Area – a firewood and minor forest produce collection and catchment area managed for the protection of water other forest activities (see table 1). supply for human use under a joint management agreement as enabled by the National Parks Act 1975 .

92 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Glossary

Nature-based tourism – tourism that provides a Threatening process – a source of potential harm range of experiences that rely on attractions directly or a situation with a potential to cause loss. related to the natural environment. Track – for the purposes of this plan the term Pest — exotic organism (plant, animal or pathogen) ‘track’ is used where a route is not a road (i.e. has that, if introduced outside its natural or previous not been formed to allow the passage of motor distribution, causes significant changes to habitats, vehicles having 4 or more wheels), such as a food chains, ecosystems or human health by walking track, horse riding track or cycling track. feeding on or competing with native species. Can Tradition – the body of knowledge, belief and refer to either terrestrial or marine species. customs that is passed from generation to Preservation – defined in the Burra Charter as generation. maintaining the fabric of the place in its existing Traditional Owner – person with traditional or condition and retarding deterioration. familial links, an Aboriginal person with particular Proclaimed Water Supply Catchment see Special knowledge about traditions, observances, customs Water Supply Catchment Area or beliefs associated with the area, and the person has responsibility under Aboriginal tradition for Prospecting – the search for minerals (including significant Aboriginal places located in, or gemstones) under a Miner’s Right or Tourist significant Aboriginal objects originating from, the Fossicking Authority. area; or is a member of a family or clan group that Reconstruction - defined in the Burra Charter as is recognised as having responsibility under returning the existing fabric of a place to a known Aboriginal tradition for significant aboriginal earlier state, by reassembling components or places located in or significant Aboriginal objects removing accretions, without the introduction of originating from, the area. new materials. Values – natural and cultural assets (e.g. historic Registered Aboriginal Party – a body registered artefacts, features, landscapes, flora and fauna under part 10 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act by the species, flora communities) that have been given Aboriginal Heritage Council. worth or are considered to be desirable. Reticulated water – water delivered to consumers Waterway – an area in which water regularly flows through a pipe network. such as a river, creek, stream, reservoir, lake or marsh. Road – for the purposes of this plan has the same definition as in the Land Conservation (Vehicle Acronyms Control) Regulations 2003 and means a road open AAV to the public formed for the passage of motor – Aboriginal Affairs Victoria vehicles having 4 or more wheels. This includes ANZECC – former Australian and New Zealand what is commonly known as a ‘vehicular track’, Environment and Conservation Council ‘four-wheel-drive track’ and rough roads that use the name ‘track’ e.g. Noonday Track. CMA – Catchment Management Authority Sediment – insoluble material suspended in water, DPI – Department of Primary Industries consisting mainly of particles derived from rock, DSE – Department of Sustainability and soil and organic material. Environment Special (also called Declared or Proclaimed) DWSCA – Designated Water Supply Catchment Water Supply Catchment Area – a catchment Area area managed for the protection of water supply for human use declared under the Catchment and ECC – former Environment Conservation Council Lands Protection Act 1994 . EPA – Environment Protection Authority Special protection zone – in the forest park is (Victoria) managed for the protection of natural environments HV – Heritage Victoria and cultural features (see table 1). NRE – former Department of Natural Resources Stakeholders – those people and organisations who and Environment may affect, be affected by, or perceive themselves to be affected by, a decision or activity. PV – Parks Victoria Stormwater – runoff from land during and SWSCA – Special (also called Declared or following rain. Stormwater removes accumulated Proclaimed) Water Supply Catchment Area material including litter, soil, nutrients, pathogens, VEAC – Victorian Environmental Assessment chemicals, pesticides, oils and grease. Council

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 93 Appendices

APPENDIX 1 MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

scenic, archaeological, ecological, National Park management objectives geological, historic or other scientific Management objectives for national and state interest; parks included on Schedule Two of the National Parks Act are listed below. (aa) have regard to all classes of management actions that may be implemented for the For an up-to-date copy of the National Parks purposes of maintaining and improving the Act 1975 (Vic.), refer to Victorian Acts on the ecological function of the park; Victorian Parliament website: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/legislation&bills . (b) ensure that appropriate and sufficient measures are taken to protect each national 4. Objects of the Act park and State park from injury by fire; The objects of this Act are — (ba) ensure that appropriate and sufficient (a) to make provision, in respect of national measures are taken – parks, State parks, marine national parks (i) to protect designated water supply and marine sanctuaries — catchment areas; and (i) for the preservation and protection of the (ii) to maintain water quality of and natural environment including otherwise protect the water resources in wilderness areas and remote and natural those areas; and areas in those parks; (iii) to restrict human activity in those areas (ii) for the protection and preservation of for the purposes of sub-paragraphs (i) indigenous flora and fauna and of and (ii); features of scenic or archaeological, ecological, geological, historic or other (c) promote and encourage the use and scientific interest in those parks; and enjoyment of national parks and State parks by the public and the understanding and (iii) for the study of ecology, geology, recognition of the purpose and significance botany, zoology and other sciences of national parks and State parks; and relating to the conservation of the natural environment in those parks; and (d) prepare a plan of management in respect of each national park and State park (iv) for the responsible management of the land in those parks; Forest Park management objectives 17. National parks and State parks Objectives for managing the Otway Forest Park are provided by the Government response (2) The Secretary shall, subject to this Act — to VEAC’s Angahook–Lorne Investigation (a) ensure that each national park and State Final Report (Government of Victoria 2005). park is controlled and managed, in That Otway Forest Park accordance with the objects of this Act, in a manner that will — (a) be used to: (i) preserve and protect the park in its (i) provide opportunities for informal natural condition for the use, enjoyment recreation associated with the enjoyment and education of the public; of natural surroundings; (ii) preserve and protect indigenous flora (ii) protect and conserve biodiversity, and fauna in the park; natural and cultural features and water supply catchments; and (iii) exterminate or control exotic fauna in the park; (iii) supply a limited range of natural resource products; (iv) eradicate or control exotic flora in the park; and (v) preserve and protect wilderness areas in the park and features in the park of

94 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Appendices

(b) be managed sustainably to provide for, in particular, the following activities: (d) be managed in a manner that gives (i) horseriding, trail-bike riding and four particular emphasis to: wheel driving on formed vehicular (i) strategies to reduce the risk of soil tracks and roads; erosion from vehicular use, especially (ii) camping at designated sites and on steep forest vehicular tracks; dispersed camping, including overnight (ii) providing for the safety of riders and camps for horse riders; drivers, especially on narrow, undulating (iii) hunting of deer, with an emphasis on vehicular tracks—including the controlling animal numbers; development of a track classification system; (iv) low-intensity grazing of domestic stock where pre-existing and consistent with (iii) providing for the quality and yield of recreation and conservation management the domestic water supply catchments; objectives; (iv) fire protection in water supply (v) apiculture; catchments and in the vicinity of rural settlements; (vi) low-intensity harvesting of selected trees for firewood up to current levels, (v) pest plant and animal control, especially posts and poles, woodchop blocks, on public land margins; stakes, hobby wood or specialty (vi) revegetation of previously harvested applications and the low intensity areas where the restoration of a natural harvesting of other vegetative material mix of overstorey and understorey (such as seeds for revegetation and species has been unsuccessful; foliage for decorative products), where such harvesting is demonstrably (vii) maintaining opportunities for sustainable; and environmental education and research in mountain ash forest and foothill forest (vii) exploration and extraction of earth at, respectively, Barramunga and resources and minerals where consistent Bambra; and with recreation and conservation management objectives, and subject to (viii) protecting the special features listed in the approval of the Minister for the the schedule below; Environment; (e) be permanently protected as a forest park (c) be regulated to exclude the following under the Forests Act 1958 with explicit activities: legislative recognition given to the three management objectives for forest parks (i) timber harvesting for sawlog and listed in (a) above. pulpwood production, other than for harvesting in accordance with approved The VEAC final report (VEAC 2004) details Wood Utilisation Plans to meet existing special features in the Forest Park including timber licence obligations up to 2008; recreation sites, landscapes, native conservation and historical sites grouped by

geographic region.

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 95 Appendices

APPENDIX 2 ECOLOGICAL VEGETATION CLASSES

CONSERVATION GREAT OTWAY OTWAY FOREST STATUS NATIONAL PARK PARK (HA ) ECOLOGICAL VEGETATION CLASS (HA )

Wet Heathland E / D / LC 1183 348 Wet Sands Thicket R 906 264 Estuarine Wetland E 30 Swamp Scrub E 6 Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland E / V 715 Lowland Forest V / D 9682 9907 Herb-rich Foothill Forest V / D 1100 1014 Coastal Headland Scrub V / D 1306 Damp Heath Scrub E 82 Riparian Scrub/Swampy Riparian Woodland 1796 887 Complex V / D / LC Coastal Tussock Grassland V 155 Shrubby Wet Forest LC 16883 8914 Riparian Forest V / LC 1222 887 Coastal Dune Scrub/Coastal Dune Grassland 867 Mosaic V / D Heathy Woodland V / LC 10899 3162 Scoria Cone Woodland E 1 Herb-rich Foothill Forest/Shrubby Foothill Forest 1432 1910 Complex V / D Sedgy Riparian Woodland V / D 436 431 Shrubby Foothill Forest D / LC 16830 5292 Wet Forest LC 28172 4737 Cool Temperate Rainforest V 6403 624 Sand Heathland R 142 Shrubby Dry Forest LC 1255 12 Swampy Riparian Woodland E 436 5 Grassy Woodland E 14 Grassy Dry Forest D 177 Clay Heathland V 1 Coastal Headland Scrub/Coastal Tussock Grassland 103 Mosaic V

Source: DSE (2007a) Key: E endangered D depleted V vulnerable LC least concern R rare

96 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Appendices

APPENDIX 3 RARE OR THREATENED FLORA

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CONSERVATION STATUS PARK

FFG STATE AUST GONP OFP

Dwarf Silver Wattle Acacia nano-dealbata r √ √ Ground Spleenwort Asplenium appendiculatum subsp. appendiculatum r √ √ Tall Astelia Astelia australiana L, A v V √ Small Shade-nettle Australina pusilla subsp . pusilla r √ Coast Fescue Austrofestuca littoralis r √ Dwarf Boronia Boronia nana var. pubescens r √ Wiry Bossiaea Bossiaea cordigera r √ Pale Grass-lily Caesia parviflora var. minor k √ Southern Spider-orchid Caladenia australis k √ Green-comb Spider-orchid Caladenia dilatata s.s. k √ Summer Spider-orchid Caladenia flavovirens r √ Angahook Pink-fingers Caladenia maritima N e √ Cryptic Pink-fingers Caladenia mentiens k √ Wine-lipped Spider-orchid Caladenia oenochila v √ Large White Spider-orchid Caladenia venusta r √ Slender Pink-fingers Caladenia vulgaris r √ Short Water-starwort Callitriche brachycarpa L v √ Slender Beard-orchid Calochilus gracillimus k √ Brown’s Mitre-moss Calyptrochaeta brownii r √ Otway Mitre-moss Calyptrochaeta otwayensis r √ Swamp Swan-neck Moss Campylopus acuminatus var. kirkii k √ √ Swan-neck Moss Campylopus chilensis k √ Coast Correa Correa backhouseana var . backhouseana v √ Fringed Midge-orchid Corunastylis ciliata k √ Swamp Pelican-orchid Corybas fordhamii r √ Spotted Gum Corymbia maculata v √ Gipsy × Finger Fern hybrids Ctenopteris heterophylla × Grammitis billardieri r √ Skirted Tree-fern Cyathea × marcescens v √ √ Slender Tree-fern Cyathea cunninghamii L v √ √ Dalton Mitre-moss Daltonia splachnoides k √ Slender Tick-trefoil Desmodium varians k √ Swamp Flax-lily Dianella callicarpa r √ Crisped Mitre-moss Distichophyllum crispulum r √ Madeira Moss Echinodium hispidum r √ continued…

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 97 Appendices

Appendix 3 continued

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CONSERVATION STATUS PARK

FFG STATE AUST GONP OFP

West Coast Peppermint Eucalyptus aff. willisii ( south-western Vic ) r √ √ Brooker’s Gum Eucalyptus brookeriana r √ √ Southern Blue-gum Eucalyptus globulus subsp. globulus r √ √ Bog Gum Eucalyptus kitsoniana r √ West-coast Swamp-gum Eucalyptus ovata var . grandiflora r √ Otway Grey-gum Eucalyptus litoralis v √ Yarra Gum Eucalyptus yarraensis r √ √ Feather Moss Eurhynchium asperipes k √ Rosy Baeckea Euryomyrtus ramosissima subsp. prostrata r √ √ Coast Ballart Exocarpos syrticola r √ Compact Bedstraw Galium compactum r √ Snow-berry Gaultheria hispida L e √ Bluebeard Wax-lip Hybrid Orchid × Glossadenia tutelata r √ Silky Golden-tip Goodia lotifolia var. pubescens r √ Beech Finger-fern Grammitis magellanica subsp . nothofageti v √ √ Anglesea Grevillea Grevillea infecunda v V √ √ Long Clubmoss Huperzia varia v √ Yellow Star Hypoxis vaginata var . brevistigmata k √ Tufted Club-sedge Isolepis wakefieldiana r √ Ruddy Blown-grass Lachnagrostis scabra r √ Bristly Shield-fern Lastreopsis hispida r √ √ Wrinkled Buttons Leiocarpa gatesii L v V √ √ Hoary Rapier-sedge Lepidosperma canescens r √ Showy Lobelia Lobelia beaugleholei r √ Austral Trefoil Lotus australis k √ Bog Clubmoss Lycopodiella serpentina r √ Giant Honey-myrtle* Melaleuca armillaris subsp. armillaris r √ Hairy Shepherd’s Purse Microlepidium pilosulum e √ Currant-wood Monotoca glauca r √ √ Satinwood Nematolepis squamea r √ Satinwood Nematolepis squamea subsp . squamea r √ √ Pouncewort Nephelolejeunea hamata r √ Velvet Daisy-bush Olearia pannosa subsp . cardiophylla L v √ Netted Daisy-bush Olearia speciosa k √ √ Starry Daisy-bush Olearia stellulata k √ √ Rayless Daisy-bush Olearia tubuliflora r √ Snowdrop Wood-sorrel Oxalis magellanica r √ Fluffy-fruit Wood-sorrel Oxalis thompsoniae k √ continued…

98 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Appendices

Appendix 3 continued

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CONSERVATION STATUS PARK

FFG STATE AUST GONP OFP

Nunniong Everlasting Ozothamnus rogersianus r √ Coast Stork’s-bill Pelargonium littorale k √ Dwarf Sickle-fern Pellaea nana r √ Green Leek-orchid Prasophyllum lindleyanum v √ Silurian Leek-orchid Prasophyllum pyriforme s.s. e √ Dense Leek-orchid Prasophyllum spicatum e V √ Leafy Greenhood Pterostylis cucullata L v V √ Coast Bush-pea Pultenaea canaliculata r √ Otway Bush-pea Pultenaea prolifera r √ √ Umbrella Thyme-moss Pyrrhobryum bifarium v √ Ferny Small-flower Buttercup Ranunculus pumilio var. politus k √ Coast Fireweed Senecio × orarius r √ Swamp Fireweed Senecio psilocarpus v V √ Coast Stackhousia Stackhousia spathulata k √ Tasman Fan-fern Sticherus tener s.s . r √ √ Arc Moss Tetraphidopsis pusilla v √ Merran’s Sun-orchid Thelymitra × merraniae L e √ Blotched Sun-orchid Thelymitra benthamiana v √ Spiral Sun-orchid Thelymitra matthewsii L v V √ Pallid Sun-orchid Thelymitra pallidifolia e √ Paper Flower Thomasia petalocalyx r √ Forest Weft-moss Thuidium laeviusculum s.s . v √ Slender Fork-fern Tmesipteris elongata v √ √ Crisp Moss Tortella knightii k √ Trachyloma Trachyloma planifolium r √ Earth Moss Trematodon mackayii k √ Yacca Xanthorrhoea semiplana subsp . semiplana r √ Parsley Xanthosia Xanthosia leiophylla r √ Southern Xanthosia Xanthosia tasmanica r √ Coast Twin-leaf Zygophyllum billardierei r √

Source DSE 2007c Key: * problem species in the Otways v vulnerable FFG — status under the Victorian Flora and Fauna r rare Guarantee Act d depleted N nominated for listing, awaiting recommendation k poorly known L listed A Action statement approved Aust — status under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act State — status in Victoria E endangered e endangered V vulnerable

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 99 Appendices

APPENDIX 4 RARE OR THREATENED FAUNA

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CONSERVATION STATUS PARK

FFG STATE AUST TREATIES GONP OFP

Mammals Swamp Antechinus Antechinus minimus L nt √ √ Spot-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus L, A en VU √ √ Swamp Skink Egernia coventryi L vu √ Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus obesulus L nt EN √ √ Broad-toothed Rat Mastacomys fuscus nt √ √ Common Bent-wing Bat Miniopterus schreibersii L √ √ Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus L en VU √ √ Smoky Mouse Pseudomys fumeus L en EN √ New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae L, A en √ Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus L vu VU √ White-footed Dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus L vu √ Birds Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae L vu √ √ Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos vu C/J √ Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis vu √ Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus C/J √ √ Great Egret Ardea alba L vu C/J √ √ Cattle Egret Ardea ibis C/J √ Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia L cr √ √ Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres C/J √ Hardhead Aythya australis vu √ Musk Duck Biziura lobata vu √ Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus L en √ Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius L en √ Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata C/J √ √ Sanderling Calidris alba nt C/J √ Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis C/J √ Cape Barren Goose Cereopsis novaehollandiae nt √ Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus nt √ Black-eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculans nt √ Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum nt √ Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis nt √ Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora nt √ continued…

100 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Appendices

Appendix 4 continued

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CONSERVATION STATUS PARK

FFG STATE AUST TREATIES GONP OFP

Rufous Bristlebird Dasyornis broadbenti L, A nt √ √ Shy Albatross Diomedea cauta L vu VU √ Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans L en VU J √ √ Little Egret Egretta garzetta L en √ Black Falcon Falco subniger vu √ Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii nt C/J √ √ Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus fuliginosus nt √ √ White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster L vu C √ White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus C/J √ √ Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Hylacola pyrrhopygia L vu √ Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus L en √ Pacific Gull Larus pacificus nt √ Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor L en EN √ Southern Giant-Petrel Macronectes giganteus L vu EN √ Barking Owl Ninox connivens L, A en √ Powerful Owl Ninox strenua L, A vu √ √ Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus nt √ Fairy Prion Pachyptila turtur vu VU √ White-faced Storm-Petrel Pelagodroma marina nt √ Common Diving-Petrel Pelecanoides urinatrix nt √ Ground Parrot Pezoporus wallicus L en √ Black-faced Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscescens nt √ Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius nt √ √ Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia vu √ Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus nt C √ Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva nt C/J √ Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola nt C/J √ Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla L vu √ Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris J √ √ Lewin’s Rail Rallus pectoralis L vu √ √ Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata L vu √ Arctic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus J √ Caspian Tern Sterna caspia L nt C/J √ Fairy Tern Sterna nereis L en √ Thalassarche Yellow-nosed Albatross chlororhynchos L vu √ Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris en √ √ Hooded Plover Thinornis rubricollis L, A vu √ continued…

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 101 Appendices

Appendix 4 continued

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CONSERVATION STATUS PARK

FFG STATE AUST TREATIES GONP OFP

Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae L en √ √ Fish Australian Grayling Prototroctes maraena L vu VU √ Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica L en EN √ Mountain Galaxias Galaxias olidus L √ Amphibians Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis L en VU √ Pseudophryne Southern Toadlet semimarmorata vu √ √ Invertebrates Otway Stonefly Eusthenia nothofagi D, A √ √ Glenelg Freshwater Mussel Hyridella glenelgensis L r/r √ Otway Black Snail Victaphanta compacta L vu √ √

Source DSE 2007a Key: FFG — status under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act L listed D De-listed after original listing A Action statement approved

State — status in Victoria cr critically endangered en endangered vu vulnerable nt near threatened r/r rare or restricted dd data deficient

Aust — status under Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act EN endangered VU vulnerable

International Treaties C Listed under the China–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement J Listed under the Japan–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

102 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Appendices

APPENDIX 5 SUBMISSIONS ON THE DRAFT PLAN

Public submissions on the draft Otways plans (the Draft Management Plan, the Draft Recreation and Tourism Access Plan and the Draft Heritage Action Plan) were invited from 14 March to 2 June 2008. Submissions received on the draft plans included 493 written submissions, and 367 comments via ‘Open House’ public forums and an ‘eForum’ online discussion board. Twenty-five submissions from individuals were marked as confidential.

ORGANISATIONS Great Ocean Road Adventure Tours Adventure Guides Australia Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Aireys Inlet and District Association Inc. Harrington Memorial Park Aireys Inlet Tourism and Traders Inc. Keep On Track Alcoa of Australia Ltd Kuuyang Marr Aboriginal Corp Angair Lorne Business and Tourism Association Anglesea Baptist Camping National Parks Advisory Council Apollo Bay Landcare Group Otway 4WD Club Association of Geelong and District Angling Clubs Otway Conservation Council Inc. Australian Greens Victoria - Otway Branch Otway Off-Road Motorcycle Tours Barwon Water Otway Ranges Environment Network Beech Forest Progress Association Otway Ranges Walking Track Association Bellarine 4x4 Club Inc. Otway Scenic Circle Association Inc. Bird Observation and Conservation Australia Otway Trail Horse Riders Association Birds Australia - Victoria Conservation Committee Otway Trail Riders Inc Blazing Saddles Otways Tourism Inc Bushwalking Victoria Painkalac Pastoral Company Business & Tourism Anglesea Soudan Holdings Pty. Ltd. C/o Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Southern Otways Landcare Network Cape Otway Lightstation Sporting Shooters Association Cape Otway Preservation Society Surf Coast Offroad Riders Chelsea Lodge Hostel Surf Coast Shire Colac Anglers Club Inc. Surf Coast Tourism Board Colac Otway Shire Surf Coast Walk Working Group Corangamite CMA The Forrest Tiger Railtrail Deerstalkers Club, SSAV The Friends of Eastern Otways Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club Torquay & Surf Coast Dog Action Group Inc. Eco-Logic VicRoads Forrest & District Historical Society Victorian Apiarists Association Inc. Forrest Horse Riding Club Inc. Victorian Field and Game Association. Colac Branch Inc. Four Wheel Drive Victoria Victorian Gem Clubs Association Geelong 4WD Club Victorian National Parks Association Framlingham Aboriginal Trust VR Fish Friends of Moggs Creek Wannon Water Friends of Otway National Park Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation Geelong Bushwalking Club Western Coastal Board Geelong Environment Council Wurdale Landcare Group Geelong Otway Tourism Inc Wye River & Separation Creek Progress Assoc. Gramayre Fresian Horse Stud Wye River Residents Action Group Great Ocean Road Adventure Tours

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 103 Appendices

Appendix 5 continued

INDIVIDUALS

Joe Addams Sue Dods Joel Hotker Marcus Neagle Roger Smith Shaun Altmann Andrew Dods Stephen Hotker Luke John Neesham Sherryl Smith Nicholas Amore Pam Dodsworth Lyn Hughes Luke Neivandt Judy Spafford F.E. Anderson Troy Dorron Paul Hulett Cameron Newbold Dale Spargo Ian Anderson Craig Dostine Ralph Hundhammer Gary Newton Helen Speirs Matthew Appleyard Helen Douglas & Jason Hutchinson Ben Nielsen Chris Starns David Upfill Gordon Argent Matthew Dowel Roki Infantino Bruce Nixon Thomas Starns Peter Arnold Martyn Downs Paul Jacklin Mick Nocera Cain Steenholdt Tamara Atkinson Jacqui Doyle Wendy James Frances Normoyle Mark Steenholdt Stephen Bairnes Luke Drayton David Jenkins Bryce Norton Matthew Stewart Carol Baker Brett Drayton Wallis Jenkyn Les Noseda Vicki Stewart Susan Ball Pat Dressel Ron Jenner Murray Nugent Ian Stone Nigel Bate Nathan Drew Sandra & Richard Matt Nuspan Jeff Sullivan Jennings Stuart Bates Belinda Duddy Erik Johnson Caroline Nutbean Murray Tainton Rachel Beckwith Ben Dumesny B. Johnstone Margaret O’Borne Freda Tarr John Beecroft Bruce & Susan Dupe Darren Jones Gary Owen Tania & Graham Teague James Beeny A Edwards Joshua Justin Scott Owen Stephen Theodore Aaron Bell Brad Edwards Daniel Kearney Kurt Pamvouscoslov Ian Thomson Rob Bellam Scott Ellis Nicholas Keats Anthony Parisotto Steve Towers Christina & Jackie David Emmerson Andrew Kerr Gavin Parker Anthony Traumanis Bennett Shane Benning Rosemary Faris Garry Kerr Craig Parsons Rowan Trefz Terry Berryman Kelvin Fenemor David Kesey Darren Patten Andrew Trigg Ken Best Ross Fenner Anthony Kiernan S Patterson Chris Tsaptsalis Glenn Bethune David Ferchie Alexander King Donna Pearce Neil Tucker Alastair Bird Paul Feria Chris Krausz Rod Pearce Peter Turnbull J. Black Peter Fillmore M. Lanyon Lee Pearsall Travis Turnbull Jonathan Black Mathew Fish Karen Lappas Craig Perrett Greg Turner Scott Blackney Amy Fishar Phillip Lawson A.M. Pescott John Turner Stuart Boag Tim Fisher Barbara & Dennis Donald Phillips Stuart Turner Leavesley James Bowden Lloyd & Barbara B. Leen Ivor Phillips Jake Turnour Fletcher Adrian Brideson Stephen Floate Kristen Lees Tama Piahana Michal Turnour Andrew Broomfield Frank Flynn Alistair Lindeman Steve Pickard Daniel Tute Philip Brown Max Folly Carole Lindeman Graeme & Lorraine Jim Tutt Pleasance Frances Bruce Paul Ford Damien Lucas Drew Puddy Matthew Van Galew Jane Buckingham Edward Fortey Norman Lussetti Robert Puiatti Michael Van Lith Darryl Bull Rick Francis Matthew Ly Charlie Rawlings W.J. Van Megchelen

104 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Appendices

Appendix 5 continued

Jolyne Burgess Sally Freeman Margaret MacDonald Josh Readhead Corey Vanderle Fred Butterworth Martin Furst Sam Malignaggi Paul Rebbechi Jason Varsamis Andrew Caddell Tony Fusti Gerard Malthouse Burke Renouf Steve Venus Josh Caddy Andrew Gannon Dave Mansfield Bev Richards Michelle Vernieux Anthony Cahill James Gannon Roydon Mapleson Noel Richards Eddie Von Moger Jan Calaby, Carol Matthew Gannon Cyril Marriner Lachlan Richardson Phil Wade Liebscher & Paul Turner Len Campbell Gerry Gauci Andrew Marriner Shane & Diane Bevan Walker Riordon Glen Campbell Tim Gawith M.W. Marriner B. Ritches Trevor Walker Derrick Capers Roslyn Gibson John Marriner Dave Robbins Adam Walker Peter Cassin Richard Gilbert Tim Marriott Chris Roberts Heather Walker Jack Cassin Brianna Giles Jeffrey Marsh Wayne Roberts Glenn Wallace Mitchell Cassin Brenton Gilligan Stuart Martin Max Robertson Jason Wallis Helen Chambers & Regina Gleeson Bruce Mattingley Adam Rodgers David Wanless Julian Flack Murray Champion David Glover Maile Mayne Kurt Rogers Sharon Warby Mark Chapman Chris Gordyn Stuart McCallum Stephen Romanin Kent Warland Daryl Chappell Jack Gould Don McClouhan Jarrod Runciman David & Carole Webley Glenn Charterim Glenn Graham Damian McCormack Scott Runciman Bruce Webster Michael Ciangurd Helen & Tony Grant Tony McGuire Mellita Salmon Jim Welsh Matthew Clark Lorraine Green Johnathan McKean Alan Salter Evan West Alan Clarke Trent Griffith Sue McKenzie Rebecca Saunders Adrian Westman Paul Cleeland Derrick Grist Brian McKenzie Ray Saunders Leeanne Westman Daniel Clutterbuck Nicole Grist Pat McKenzie Peter Savic Luke Westwood Joanne Clutterbuck John Groos G.K. McKenzie James Sawyer Jill Whitehead Darren Coad Chris Guppy Angus McKenzie Helen Schofield Kerry Wiffer Shane Colbert Tim Guthrie Stephen McMahon Chris Scorcie David Wilkinson Christopher Collins Geoff Guy Brett McMurrick Greg Seear Peter Williams Michelle Collins Doug Hallifax P. Miller Brett Senior James Wilson Michael Connor Clive Halls Peter Milnes Melinda Shaw Rodney Wilson Stephen Cooper Phil Hancock Emma Mitchell Jan & Laurie Shaw Michael Wilson John Courtney Janine Haniver Catherine Moffat Mick Shearer Brett Wiltshire Nicholas Coxwell Nick Harper Michael Moloney Gretta Shearer Tim Wood Kerr Greg Currie Joshua Hawkins Charlie Mondon Kayleigh Shearer Toby Wood Shane Dalziel Angela & Tony Heard Jarrod Morey Peter Shearer Mark Woodhouse Ian Dans Adam Hearsum Stephen Morris Gary Sheather Rob Worland John Davis Barry Hewitt Brett Morris Glenda Shomaly Stefan Wosciechowski Ben De Bono John Hickleton Brett Morrison Glenn Shore Danny Woulfe Adam Dean Daniel Hickleton Jason Munari Stephen Simpkin Chris Wright

Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 105 Appendices

Appendix 5 continued

Maurie Deans Kate Holmes Helen Murphy Mick Sinclair Nick Wright Darryl Dear Darren Hope Andrew Murray Robert Sinclair & Ray Wright Sally Cleary Neil Dendle John Hose Chris Murray Paul Smith Cameron Dixon Neil Hotchin Liam Myers Sarah Smith

106 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan Mortlake Inverleigh HIGHWAY

River Fyansford

Barwon GEELONG BELLARINE

C156

Beeac HIGHWAY C158 A1 Lake Modewarre Winchelsea Camperdown HIGHWAY C134 Terang Road Road Lake A1 Wurdiboluc PRINCES C151 C135 C164 C156 PRINCES A1 SURFCOAST Otway Otway Cobden Torquay Forest l Cape HIGHWAY Birregurra Winchelsea Park Point COLAC Danger C149 B100 Marine Marsh Anglesea Sanctuary Road Heath

Road Deans C164 Road Painkalac Old Creek Point Addis Beechy C152 Deans Marsh DWSCA Cobden

Rail Trail River Deans Anglesea C167 Point Addis Marine C119 National C163 Road C151 Point Park Roadknight Colac Marsh

Cobden Colac Painkalac Creek C163 Colac Acquila Creek Reference Area Birregurra Reference Area Great Aireys Inlet C154 Timboon Benwerrin Otway l National Eagle Rock Lorne Marine C163 C156 Delaneys Otway Road Park Timboon Porcupine Forest Sanctuary C155 Creek Forrest Forrest Erskine Simpson Gellibrand Reference Barwon Park Road ROAD Road Carlisle Falls C162 Lavers Area Forrest Road ErskineFalls Rd GREAT Gellibrand Lorne Cobden C161 River Lake Hill Elizabeth St Georges DWSCA Great Benwerrin C164 Road Otway West Barwon C166 National Reservoir Park Campbell Olangolah OCEAN Curdies Colac Creek West Inlet OlangolahReference Barwon CreekArea DWSCA Port Gellibrand Reference Port Campbell Port Campbell Road Road Area Arkins Mt SabineGrey Highway National Park Creek Crinoline Creek Beech Rd Peterborough Reference Area Otway DWSCA C159 Forest Turtons Wye River Sealed road Forest River GREAT Beech Park Hill Forest Road Other major road The Arches West Marine Gellibrand & Road Sanctuary C155 River Olangolah Kennett River Other Parks & Reserves River DWSCA Lavers C119 Water body Lavers Hill Aire Cape Patton B100 Crossing Great Otway GREAT Princetown Melba ZONES Gully National B100 Gellibrand Park Calder River GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK Twelve Reference Area Apostles ROAD Skenes Creek Conservation Marine OCEAN National Park Maits Conservation & Recreation Rest Johanna Aire Apollo Bay Wreck Beach Stony Reference Area Creek TheThe GableGable Reference Marengo Cape Volney Area l Marengo OTWAY FOREST PARK Reefs Marine CastleCastle Aire River Sanctuary Cove (East & West) Special Protection Cove Shelly Beach Beach C157 Multiple Use Parker River Reference Blanket Bay Bay Area OVERLAYS Parker Hill BASS STRAIT Aire Heritage River

Cape Otway Point Franklin Designated Water Supply SOUTHERN OCEAN Cape Otway Lightstation Catchment Area (DWSCA) Figure 1 LOCATION & ZONING GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK & OTWAY FOREST PARK

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RD

TK

TK RD Aire Valley Reserve Aire Valley Reserve

River Blanket Bay Lardner

SOUTH CUNDARE SOUTH MEEHAN EAST

SEAVIEW Beechy

River

TK MORRISSEYS

RD RIDGE

Killala Creek Barham

RD

West Love Creek

Olangolah

MCDONALDS Barongarook

TK RD

East TK Branch

COACH RIDGE

Walk OLD RD Branch Barongarook

RIDGE

VICTREE

Blanket Bay Walk-in Camping Area PARKES Blanket Bay Walk-in Camping Area

Shelly Beach Picnic Area

KILLALA

RILEY RD

RD Dandos Camping Area Dandos Camping Area TK

RIDGE Beauchamp Falls Beauchamp Falls

LODGE

Camping Area D Camping Area BARHAM RD RD BRIDGE

(Great Ocean Walk) (Great Ocean Walk)

Blanket Bay Day Visitor Area Blanket Bay Day Visitor Area RIVER

COLAC C146

LARDNER Creek

RIDGE WESTWOOD Elliot Ridge Walk-in Camping Area Elliot Ridge Walk-in Camping Area RD FOREST

TK RD Blanket Bay Camping Area Blanket Bay Camping Area Blanket Bay Camping Area

Paradise

GOLD BALLARAT

OLANGOLAH

RIDGE TK MARRINER

RD RD TK

(Great Ocean Walk) HOLE (Great Ocean Walk)

Gellibrand

Gellibrand

Barham MINGAWALLA RD PIPELINE WESTWOOD CORBETT EUR Falls LINK

Upper

Creek Upper TROYS SAYERS RD

RD RD

Gellibrand H P H Gellibrand TK RD RD

The Blowhole The West RD Dam PIPELINE TK RD

Barham RD NORMAN MCKAYS

Stevensons Falls Camping Area TUXION Stevensons Falls Camping Area TK WARROWIE Marriners Falls Marriners Falls River River River ROADKNIGHT RD Visitor Area

Visitor Area East RD

UPPER GELLIBRAND UPPER

WILD Olangolah

Wild Branch Creek Marengo

WILD DOG TURTONS

RD Dog RD

TK RD BUSTY

RD DOG TK COUTTS RD

Barramunga FORREST Creek C154

APOLLO BAY APOLLO RD

MARINE SANCTUARY MARINE

BIDDLE Krambruk

Krambruk

Creek RD COLAC RAMSAY BOUNDARY BEEAC-WARROWIE MARENGO REEFS MARENGO GREAT Yaugher Mountain CREEK CREEK Yaugher Mountain

North

North

Bike Trailhead Bike Trailhead Stony Olangolah

Gerangamete Apollo Bay

Point Bunbury Point RD Creek ROAD

A1 Weir MURROON Forrest Mountain Forrest Mountain Bike Trailhead

RD Bike Trailhead

RD COLAC B100

FORREST EE BRIDGES SEVEN CASPAR Warncoort RD TK

C154 BEAL C119 RD

Yeodene RD RD

SKENES APOLLO

Skenes Creek Barwon DEWINGS RD WOODS RESERVOIR

BARWON

Tanybryn

Skenes Creek Skenes BAY FORREST

FORREST WEST C119

Skenes Skenes CREEK

PACK

Creek

Creek

North

North CEMETERY WARNCOORT

RD BRIDGE

RD Lake Elizabeth Camping Area (walk-in) Lake Elizabeth Camping Area (walk-in) Sabine Falls WEST Sabine Falls MT HESS Visitor Area Visitor Area HIGHWAY

RD C119

WEST

BARWON

RD

FEATURES

KAANGLANG RESERVE

NATURAL

RD RD HAYDENS

RD RD

Yaugher

YEO

TK NOONDAY

River

OCEAN No1 SPUR Barwon

BARWON Smythes

AS STRAIT BASS BIRREGURRA RD THOMPSON

RD MT SABINE Elizabeth Lake SUNNYSIDE Barwon

Downs TELEGRAPH

NEWCOMBE

TK Barwon

TK MAHERS

Creek RD

NATURALFEATURES

NATURALFEATURES

Birregurra

TK

BARWONDOWNS

BARWONDOWNS SUNNYSIDE RD West

Wongarra GOAT TK FORREST BIRREGURRA UNNAMED

RD HAYDEN

RESERVE

RESERVE RD RD

Camping Area

Camping Area RD River

NETTLE CREAMERY

Goat Track Goat Track GREY

SPUR

DIVISION

UNNAMED TK

HENRYS BENWERRIN

Carisbrook Falls

East

DELANEYS ROAD

C119

DEEPDENE TK Visitor Area Carisbrook

NATURALFEATURES

RD BIRREGURRA TK

COOPERS RD C152 C119

Branch

Onion

COWLEY MURROON River Bay

RESERVE

Branch Matthews RD

TAYLORS RD

Murroon

Kennett Grey

Creek RIVER

MIDDLE MURROON RD BIRREGURRA TURKEITH

Whoorel

NECK RD

RD

KENNETT No. 2 No. R RD

Gosling

RD

e TK

RD l

Creek

e

n C152 CAPE

RD t

l e

CURTIS s

River

s MARSH DEANS WHOOREL STATION

C

River

ROAD a

n

y BARHOLM

o ROAD RD

River WYE

Grey Wye

n LA RD CONNS Addis Bay Picnic Area Addis Bay Picnic Area

IL BUTTS RIFLE RD TK LA

Picnic Area Picnic Area

Grey River Grey River

Pennyroyal

KENNETT Dewing LA Deans

TK

ONDIT

Creek Creek

TW SPUR TW Marsh

Cape Patton Cape

Addis Bay

RD

CRESSY RD WYE

WICKHAM KELLYS

MT COWLEY MT

WYE

BENNETTS LA

River PENNYROYAL

PENNYROYAL PENNYROYAL

Creek NORMAN MT SABINE TK

JEEP TK RIVER

PENNYROYALCREEK

NATURALFEATURES

RD ERSKINE

VALLEY ROAD BENWERRIN Armytage

DUNSE

Kennett River Kennett TK

RD Barwon

RESERVE

Point Hawdon Point TK

TK OTWAY TK TK

BIRDS Cumberland RD STATION RD

Wye River Wye River

Camping TK Camping

Saint ARMYTAGE Road Acquila Road Area Area JAMIESON

FALLS Camping Area Camping Area

ROAD Erskine

RD Pennyroyal SHARPS RD

Deans

Marsh

Herberts Herberts GARVEY

C151

DEANS

George PENNYROYAL DEANS A1

Ingleby Cora Lynn Cora Lynn RD Creek (walk-in) (walk-in) Camping Camping

Erskine Falls Visitor Area Erskine Falls Visitor Area GODFREY Area Area

Point Sturt Point Wye River Wye Picnic Area Picnic Area

Sheoak Sheoak

ERSKINE ERSKINE Camping Area TK Camping Area Jamieson

Separation Creek Separation MARSH TK

TK

Track PARKERS

Track UNNAMED MARSH

River RD

Camping Area Camping Area Sharps Track Sharps Track

TK Creek

Beach Access Beach Access RD

Cumberland Cumberland FORDS OUTLET

RD

FALLS

River River

GREAT BRICKMAKERS

BAMBRA CEMETERY BAMBRA RD

Artillery Rocks TK Retreat Godfrey Godfrey Access Access SEAVIEW Beach Beach

B100

Allen RD

Dam

Jebbs

Pool LORNE LORNE FIVE Camping Area Camping Area SHE

RD Big Hill Big Hill

ALLENVALE RD C151

RD River

Bambra

River

ROAD RD

BAMBRA Grassy

RD BOONAH

MILE Creek

BIG

RD BARWON PARK Creek C151

TK ROAD ROAD WINCHELSEA C151

Blanket Leaf Blanket Leaf Picnic Area Grassy Picnic Area

Sheoak Falls

Sheoak Falls RD Visitor Area HILL Visitor Area Visitor Area PADDY SWAMP

Trailbike Trailbike

GENTLE SPUR RENNICKS Creek Swamp COALMINE Swamp Paddys Paddys South

LORNE OCEAN

TK RD

MOGGS

North RD

Point Grey Point SPUR CLARK

WINCHELSEA Wormbete Branch

TK TELEGRAPH WURDALE

Hammond Road Hammond Road Allenvale Mill

Camping Camping AreaArea Allenvale Mill OLD Loutit Bay

Camping Area Camping Area

INVERLEIGH-WINCHELSEA RD

(walk-in) (walk-in) RD

ALSOPS CREEK ANNIE

RD

TK

B100 Creek OMEE STATION WORMBETE MATHISONS

Cathedral IRON RD

ATKINS Rock COALMINE RD BARK HAMMOND Wurdiboluc

ROAD TK RD

Memorial

RD Arch Moggs Creek Moggs Creek SPUR Picnic Area Picnic Area Distillery Creek

Distillery Creek PEE

Picnic Area Picnic Area TK TK

Cinema

Point STATION Eastern RD

View WENSLEYDALE RD PRINCES

BREAKFAST

RD

TK

BAMBRA CAPE Painkalac

Moggs

Creek

Dam

CREEK No. 2 No.

OLD LOVES

RD

RD RD Spion-kop Spion-kop COACH Camping Area Tanners Road Fairhaven BUCKLEY N RD

RD DENHAM RD

ã THIELEMANNS TANNERS

TK RD

BALD HILLS BALD BATSON

GUM Thompson OTWAY

0 M/8466 Cartography by Spatial Vision 2009

RD Walk DISTILLERY CREEK

MARINE SANCTUARY MARINE Surf RD

AIREYS EAGLE ROCK EAGLE Anglesea

INLET DANGERS LAYARD

FLAT Modewarre

HAGGARTS RD Coast TK

ANGLESEAHEATH HEATH RD CECIL

KILOMETRES

TK

RD RD Urquharts Bluff Visitor Area Urquharts Bluff Visitor Area

Beach Access Beach Access NOBLES Sunnymeade RD Sunnymeade RD Water body Gate-Seasonally Closed Gate-Permanently Closed Walking, cycling or shared use track Management Vehicle Only Road Rough unsealed road Unsealed road Minor sealed road Major sealed road Highway

TK RD 2.5

Walk LARCOMBES

ALCOA TK Creek ALLARDYCE ROAD Beach Access Beach Access Hutt Gully Hutt Gully

PEREGRINE FOREST HIGHWAY MONAHANS TK

BOUNDARY HARRISON RD COALMINE

TK

GRAYS

BARRABOOL

TK RD

RD ALCOA River

MINE RD

GHERANG GHERANG GHERANG

GHERANG GHERANG GHERANG

Moriac Beach Access Beach Access FLAXBOURNES The Gap The Gap

Paraparap

Spring

BUSHLAND

BUSHLAND

TK

NORTONS HENDY PORTREATH NORTH RESERVE RESERVE RD

5 RD RD

Beach Access Beach Access

Roadknight O’Donohue Road O’Donohue Road FOREST RD Beach Access Beach Access GREAT SHINEY EYE Guvvos Guvvos C135

Point TK HUNTS

ANGLESEA

GUNDRYS RD

RD

RD

MAIN RD RD ANDERSONS

RD Waurn Ponds Ck

iue2 VISITOR ACCESS & Figure 2 ELKINGTON GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK Surf

LOUTITT

Ironbark Basin RD

VICKERYS DEVON

Picnic Area RD GUNDRYS RD & OTWAY FOREST PARK Carpark Horse camping Camping Wood Fireplace/ Barbecue- Barbecue-Gas Cafe Boat launching Bird hide Accommodation

Creek Other Reserves Other Park Marine Sanctuary Marine National Park Otway Forest Park Great Otway National Park

Old Beechy Rail Trail Surf Coast Walk Great Ocean Walk Vehicle Touring Routes HURST

MARINE NATIONAL RD

Coast RDBALLANCLEA Point Addis Visitor Area Point Addis Visitor Area POINT ADDIS POINT BAY POINT ADDIS

OCEAN ROAD

RD

PARK RD

FACILITIES Walk

Point Point Addis

C134 ANGLESEA RD COCHRANES C134

COOMBES RD COOMBES ROAD B100 BELLS BE ACH RD Dogs on lead Walking track/ Beach access Cycling or shared-use track Toilets Picnic table Picnic shelter Park information Lookout Hang-/ paraglider launching

Southside Visitor Area Southside Visitor Area ROAD

TORQUAY Jarosite

Jan Juc Jan

Geelong

Geelong

To To

SURFCOAST HIGHWAY Appendices

109 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

110 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan