NPWS Annual Report 2002/2003 (PDF

2002 2003 Annual report

NSW national Parks & Wildlife service Published by the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) PO Box 1967, Hurstville 2220 Since 24 September 2003 the National Parks and Wildlife Service has been part of the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Copyright © Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) 2003 ISSN 0158-0965 Coordinator/Editor: Rohan Hills Design and layout: Harley & Jones design Printed by: Bloxham & Chambers Copies of this report are available from the National Parks Centre, 102 George St, The Rocks, Sydney, phone 1300 361 967; or NPWS Mail Order, PO Box 1967, Hurstville 2220, phone: 9585 6533. This report can also be purchased online or downloaded for free from the NPWS website: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Front cover photos (from left to right): Eremophylla sp. flowers, Nocoleche Nature Reserve (J Winter/NPWS); Plover Island, Yuraygir National Park (P Green/NPWS); Mutawintji Historic Site (C Smith/NPWS); Fringe lily, (Thysanotus sp.) Crowdy Bay National Park (P Green/NPWS); Bush stone-curlew (K Stepnell/NPWS); Royal National Park (D Grujovic/NPWS). Back cover photos (from left to right): Royal National Park (C Smith/NPWS); Lawyer vine leaves, Sea Acres Nature Reserve (P Green/NPWS); Grave site, Montague Island Nature Reserve (S Cohen/NPWS); Green moray eel, Jervis Bay Marine Park (M Cufer/NPWS). Inside front cover: Waratah Creek, South East Forest National Park (B Wrigley/NPWS) Annual report 2002-2003

Working with people and communities to protect and conserve natural and cultural heritage in the NSW landscape

NPWS mission

NSW national Parks & Wildlife service 2

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

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Contents

Director-General’s foreword 6 3 Conservation management 35 Working with Aboriginal communities 36 Overview Joint management of national parks 36 Mission statement 8 Aboriginal heritage 37 Role and functions 8 Outside the reserve system 39 Customers, partners and stakeholders 8 Voluntary conservation agreements 39 Legal basis 8 Wildlife refuges 39 Legislative change 10 Land for wildlife 39 Organisational structure 10 Biodiversity conservation programs 40 Lands managed for conservation 10 Wildlife management 40 Organisational chart 12 Ecologically sustainable management 41 Other protected areas 14 Energy management 41 Key result areas 14 Waste management 41 Sewage management 42 1 Conservation assessment 15 Managing built assets 43 NSW Biodiversity Strategy 16 Buildings and surrounds 43 Regional assessments 16 Managing historic heritage sites 43 Wilderness assessment 17 Roads and other access 44 Vegetation surveys and mapping 18 Visitor facilities 45 Wetland and river system survey and research 18 Managing site use in protected areas 47 Native fauna surveys and research 20 Policies and guidelines 47 Threat management research 21 Balancing site use and conservation 47 Cultural heritage research 22 Contributing to communities 48 Conservation research and assessment tools 24 World Heritage 48 Contributing to sustainable rural and 2 Conservation planning 25 regional development 49 Biodiversity planning 26 Tourism 49 Establishment of parks and reserves 26 Pest and weed management 50 Declaration of Aboriginal places 29 Pest animal management 50 Plans of management 29 Weed management 53 Threatened species planning 30 Fire management 55 Cultural heritage planning 32 Prevention 55 Marine park planning 33 Fire management training 55 Other conservation planning 34 Coordinated fire fighting 56 2002-03 bushfire season 57 Recovery and rehabilitation 58 3

4 Conservation facilitation 59 Enhancing and managing resources for conservation 83 Fostering commitment to natural and cultural heritage 60 Business planning 83 Community programs network 60 Grants and sponsorships 83 Educational programs 60 Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife 84 NPWS library 62 Property and leasing management 84 Visitor centres 62

International liaison 63 6 Appendices 85 Public affairs 64 A. NPWS-managed lands at 30 June 2002 86 Electronic service delivery 64 B. Significant statutory bodies, Increasing community involvement in committees and trusts 91 conservation 65 C. Infringements and prosecutions 94 Volunteer and community programs 65 D. Consultants engaged 95 Enhancing people’s enjoyment of E. Employee statistics 96 NSW parks and reserves 66 F. Performance statement: Director-General 99 Visitor and market research 66 G. Statement of Affairs, Freedom of Information Working with our culturally diverse community 67 and Privacy 100 Improving access and services for people H. New NPWS publications 103 with a disability 67 I. Papers published by NPWS staff 104 Supporting community conservation J. Overseas visits by NPWS staff 106 activities 68 K. Disability action plan 107 Information services 68 L. Energy and waste management 108 Conservation partnerships 68 M. Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement 108 Inter-agency and whole-of-government initiatives 69 N. Approved recovery plans 108

5 Capacity building 73 7 Financial statements 109 Attracting, developing and retaining a skilled workforce 74 Notes to and forming part of financial statements 118 Performance management 74 Other financial information 131 Learning and organisational development 75 Management development 75 Index of statutory requirements 135 Workforce diversity 75

Employment and industrial relations 76 Contact information 136 Occupational health and safety (OHS) 77 Working as a cohesive and informed team 77 Organisational efficiency and service delivery 78 Financial management 78 Risk management 78 Insurance 79 Staff Intranet 79 Information management and technology 80 Corporate governance 81 4

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Plover Island, Yuraygir National Park. P Green/NPWS 5

The Hon. Bob Debus Minister for the Environment Parliament House Macquarie Street Sydney

Dear Minister,

It is my pleasure to forward to you for presentation to the New South Wales Parliament the Annual Report of the National Parks and Wildlife Service for the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.

I welcome the opportunities the new Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) will afford the environment, conservation and interactions with the community in the year ahead. Consolidating the staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Resource NSW, Environment Protection Authority and Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust into one Department will enable us to build on our scientific knowledge, innovation, regulation and field experience to address environmental issues. I look forward to informing you of our progress.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 and the Annual Reports (Departments) Act 1985.

Yours sincerely

LISA CORBYN Director General October 2003 6

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Director-General’s Foreword

My first annual report as Director-General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in 1998 was produced during a major review process, resulting in a restructure and a refocus of the priorities of the agency. At this time a corporate plan was developed to guide the agency in its new direction. It seems fitting that this, my last annual report as Director-General, sees the fulfilment of this corporate plan and the beginning of a new one to take the NPWS into the next challenging phase. Throughout the reporting year the NPWS has continued to move toward a comprehensive and representative reserve system. Some 140 properties were purchased across the state, including crucial properties in the Riverina and far western New South Wales. The continuing Regional Forests Agreement process resulted in the addition of more than 144,000 hectares of land to the reserve system in the north and south of the state and 12 new wilderness declarations, including some 12,000 hectares in the southern highlands. Our commitment to community information and engagement was enhanced with the launch of the new Internet site with improved details on NSW national parks, native animals and Aboriginal sites and history. We have had some encouraging results from pest control programs — particularly with wild dogs in the Brindabella region where collaborative work with local landholders and Rural Land Protection Boards has seen a significant decrease in sheep kill numbers. Similarly, the Fox Threat Abatement Plan was approved and is being implemented across the state to ensure control efforts are being targeted for maximum effectiveness. Much of our focus over the last 12 months was again on fire. We experienced the second extreme fire season in a row, beginning uncharacteristically early in July and continuing through until late February. NPWS staff and resources were deployed all over the state, with the ongoing ferocity of the fire in Kosciuszko National Park requiring firefighters from all agencies to put in a marathon effort. All NPWS staff, Rural Fire Service volunteers and officers from the NSW Fire Brigades should be commended for their tireless efforts in what was an extremely long and arduous season. The United States also faced one its worst bushfire seasons in years and seven NPWS staff were assigned to camps in Oregon to assist suppression efforts there. 7

The cooperative hazard reduction program following the fire season has progressed well, despite wet conditions through much of April, May and June. The NPWS international program continued in 2002 as we hosted a delegation from the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (East Timor) to continue work on the action plan for the establishment of a protected area system in the new nation. Within the reporting period the NPWS also celebrated the anniversary of 30 years since the first Aboriginal person, Ray Kelly, was employed by the Service. The occasion was marked by the announcement of a new scholarship for high achieving Aboriginal cadets — the Ray Kelly Scholarship. We continue to work with Aboriginal communities across the state in co-management arrangements and other Indigenous cultural projects. The Repatriation Program returned many ancestral remains to four NSW Aboriginal communities and five new Aboriginal Places were declared. The NPWS executive team are now looking to the next three years — building on the foundations of the previous corporate plan. In coming years one of the major areas of focus will be reporting on performance in park management through the comprehensive State of the Parks system and the application of new objects and management principles in the amended National Parks and Wildlife Act. My five years leading the NPWS have been very challenging, managing some very difficult issues. I have, however, derived considerable satisfaction from what has been achieved in my time as Director-General and I believe that our team effort has laid a firm foundation for improved management of natural and cultural heritage values in NSW. It has been an honour for me to lead such a committed and capable team of people.

Brian Gilligan Director-General 8

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Overview

Mission statement Working with people and communities to protect and conserve natural and cultural heritage in the New South Wales landscape.

Role and functions

The role of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is to lead the community in the development of a system of ecologically sustainable and integrated landscape management which conserves natural and cultural heritage and has as its centrepiece the public reserve system.

The functions of the NPWS are: to ensure the conservation of protected native animals and plants throughout New South Wales to protect and manage Aboriginal sites, objects and places of special significance to Aboriginal people to promote community awareness, understanding and appreciation of the conservation of nature and our cultural heritage to investigate and acquire land for inclusion in a system of national parks and nature reserves to conserve a complete range of the natural environment of the state to manage historic places within the reserve system and to acquire historic places of significance to manage these areas and culturally significant features for enjoyment and conservation to identify, protect and manage wilderness throughout New South Wales.

Customers, partners and stakeholders The NPWS interacts with a large and diverse group of individuals and organisations throughout New South Wales. They include park visitors, educators, neighbours, rural landholders, industry, researchers, conservation groups, recreational groups, Aboriginal communities, volunteers, the media, government departments, and other agencies such as local councils and tourism associations.

Legal basis The basis for the powers, duties and functions of the NPWS is the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, the Wilderness Act 1987 and the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act the Director-General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service is responsible for the care, control and management of all areas reserved or dedicated as national parks, historic sites, nature reserves and Aboriginal areas other than those by Aboriginal ownership provisions. State conservation areas, karst conservation reserves and regional parks are also administered under the Act. The Director-General is also responsible under this Act and certain provisions of the Threatened Species Conservation Act for the protection of native fauna and flora and Aboriginal places and objects throughout New South Wales. Under the Wilderness Act the NPWS is responsible for the investigation and management of wilderness in New South Wales. In addition the Marine Parks Act 1997 established the Marine Parks Authority, which comprises the Director-General of the Premier’s Department (Chairperson), the Director-General of National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Director of NSW Fisheries. The Authority reports to the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Fisheries and undertakes functions imposed or conferred by the Marine Parks Act. 9 Overview

NPWS directorates and regions

Northern Rivers

Alstonville

Northern Grafton Tablelands North Narrabri Coast Armidale Northern Plains Upper Darling Northern Far West Cobar Mid Port Macquarie North Coast Western Hunter Broken Hill Central Central Coast Central West Hunter Nelson Bay Range Blue Bathurst Mountains Gosford

Katoomba Sydney North Sydney Bobbin Head Griffith Royal NP Riverina Southern Sydney South South West South Slopes Coast Nowra Tumut

directorate

Jindabyne region Snowy regional office Mountains Far Merimbula South Coast

The Authority is responsible for declaring and managing activities in marine parks for the purposes of conserving marine biological diversity, maintaining the function of marine ecosystems and permitting ecologically sustainable use. The complete list of legislation administered by the NPWS is as follows: National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 National Parks and Wildlife (Adjustment of Areas) Act 2001 National Parks Estate (Reservations) Act 2002 National Parks Estate (Southern Regions Reservations) Act 2000 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 Threatened Species Conservation Amendment Act 2002 Wilderness Act 1987 National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2002 Threatened Species Conservation Regulation 2002 10

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Legislative change During the year most of the provisions of the National Parks and Wildlife Amendment Act 2001 commenced. This Act involved a wide-ranging review of the NPW Act covering matters including the insertion of explicit objects into the Act, a review of reserve types, standardisation of the system of reservation, a consistent system of making plans of management, the insertion of management principles, increases in some penalties, a review of leasing powers and updating of provisions in relation to Aboriginal cultural heritage. The Threatened Species Conservation Amendment Act 2002 also made a range of amendments, including in relation to listing procedures, coordination with the Fisheries Management Act 1994, recovery and threat abatement plans, and licensing. A regulation to protect critical habitat was also introduced. The National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2002 amalgamated and updated the National Parks and Wildlife (Land Management) Regulation 1995, the National Parks and Wildlife (Fauna Protection) Regulation 2001 and the National Parks and Wildlife (Administration) Regulation 1995. In Scharer v State of NSW the Land and Environment Court considered how the ability of the NPWS to restrict the use of a road running through a national park could be affected by the actions of another government agency that had previously managed the road.

Organisational structure The NPWS is a highly decentralised organisation with 80 per cent of its staff based in the field. The NPWS structure comprises four corporate directorates located at Hurstville — Policy and Science, Education and Community Programs, Legal Services and Corporate Services — and four field directorates — Northern, Southern, Central and Western — which have their main centres in Grafton, Queanbeyan, Parramatta and Dubbo respectively. The field directorates incorporate 19 regions, made up of more than 50 areas, with offices located in local towns. There are also a number of visitor information centres and works depots strategically located to meet the needs of the community and to manage protected areas. Field directorates are responsible for achieving the conservation of natural, historic and Aboriginal heritage at a local and regional level, not only with respect to park and reserve planning and management, but across their geographic area of operation. To do this, field directorates develop partnerships with the community and other governments and agencies and provide leadership and direction through conservation programs in accordance with government initiatives and NPWS priorities. Corporate directorates coordinate the development and review of agency-wide priorities, policies, standards, systems and procedures; provide policy advice to the executive and the Minister for the Environment; advise and support field directorates on policy, technical, educational, communications, public affairs, marketing and administrative matters; and provide legal advice. The NPWS organisational structure at 30 June 2003 is shown in the chart on page 12.

Lands managed for conservation Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act there are seven categories of land managed for conservation: national parks, nature reserves, historic sites, Aboriginal areas, karst conservation reserves, state conservation areas and regional parks. National parks are relatively large areas of land set aside to protect and conserve areas containing outstanding or representative ecosystems, natural or cultural features that provide opportunities for public appreciation and inspiration and sustainable visitor use and enjoyment. They are permanently reserved for conservation and for public education and recreation and apart from essential management are preserved in their natural state. Nature reserves are areas of special scientific interest for their outstanding, unique or representative ecosystems, species, communities or natural features. Management practices aim at maximising the value of the area for scientific investigation and educational purposes. Historic sites are areas of national importance that are preserved and include buildings, objects, monuments or landscapes. 11 Overview C Shain

Members of the NPWS Executive. Standing from left: Bob Conroy, Director Central; Arthur Diakos, Director Corporate Services; Jason Ardler, Director Cultural Heritage; Terry Korn, Director Western; Tony Fleming, Director Southern; John O’Gorman, Director Northern; Michael Wright, Director Policy and Science. Seated: Brian Gilligan, Director-General; Vivienne Ingram, Director Legal Services; Chris Perkins, Director Education and Community Programs.

Aboriginal areas are places of natural or cultural significance to Aboriginal people, or of importance in improving public understanding of Aboriginal culture and its development and transitions. Karst conservation reserves are areas managed to protect significant surface and underground land formations in karst regions. State conservation areas are permanently reserved areas that contain significant or representative ecosystems, landforms or natural phenomena or places of cultural significance, and that are capable of providing opportunities for sustainable visitor use and enjoyment. Regional parks are areas in a natural or modified landscape that are suitable for public recreation and enjoyment. National parks and historic sites are managed in such a way that their natural and cultural features are conserved while still allowing visitors to use and enjoy them. State conservation areas and regional parks are managed to maximise their recreational potential while preserving and protecting their natural features. Because nature reserves and Aboriginal Areas are conserved for scientific and cultural values and are small in area, public access is often limited. At 30 June 2003, 5,899,882 hectares of New South Wales were reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, approximately 7.36 per cent of the state’s total land area.

Summary of land reserved as at 30 June 2003 No. Category Area (ha) 15 Historic sites 3065 11 Aboriginal areas 11,643 169 National parks 4,804,260 376 Nature reserves 830,661 68 State conservation areas 240,693 10 Regional parks 5151 4Karst conservation reserves 4409 5,899,882

A full list of lands managed for conservation and other NPWS lands appears at Appendix A. 12

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Organisational chart Structure of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service as at 30 June 2003

MINISTER FOR THE Director-General Manager Strategic & Executive Services Unit ENVIRONMENT BRIAN GILLIGAN Dawn Easton

Director Central Director Northern Director Southern Director Western BOB CONROY JOHN O’GORMAN TONY FLEMING TERRY KORN

Acting Manager Conservation Manager Conservation Programs & Manager Conservation Programs & Manager Conservation Programs & Programs & Planning Division Planning Division Planning Division Planning Division Anne-Louise Ewins Gary Davey Ian Pulsford Joshua Gilroy Units Units Units Units Conservation Assessment & Data Conservation Assessment & Data Conservation Assessment & Data Conservation Assessment & Conservation Planning Conservation Planning Conservation Planning Planning Threatened Species Threatened Species Threatened Species Threatened Species Community Programs Community Programs Community Programs Community Programs Reserve Conservation Western Regional Assessments Manager Hunter Region Manager Blue Mountains Region Kangaroo Management Geoff Luscombe Robert Quirk Manager Far South Coast Region Areas Areas Tim Shepherd Manager Central West Region Hawkesbury Barrington Tops Areas Nick Rigby Kanangra Great Lakes Bombala Areas Mudgee Hunter Coast Central Lachlan Upper Mountains Upper Hunter Merimbula Macquarie Unit Unit North Manager Far West Region Operations Coordination & Support Operations Coordination & Support Unit Operations Coordination & Support Steve Millington Manager Central Coast Manager Mid North Coast Region Areas Hunter Range Region Greg Croft Acting Manager Resorts Division Broken Hill Tom Bagnat Areas Simon Lyas Lower Darling Areas Hastings Units Tibooburra Gosford Macleay Commercial Property Manager Northern Plains Region Hunter Range Manning Health & Building Wayne Dornbusch The Lakes Unit Municipal Services Areas Yango Operations Coordination & Support Planning & Environment Coonabarabran Unit Manager North Coast Region Manager South Coast Region Narrabri Operations Coordination & Support Alan Jeffery Diane Garrood Manager Riverina Region Acting Manager Sydney Region Areas Areas Ross McDonnell Gary Dunnett Clarence North Highlands Area Areas Clarence South Nowra/Jervis Bay Griffith Cumberland North Coffs Coast Ulladulla Cumberland South Dorrigo Plateau Unit Manager Upper Darling Region Harbour North Unit Operations Coordination & Support Stephen Wolter Harbour South Operations Coordination & Support Manager South-West Slopes Region Area Unit Manager Northern Rivers Region Steve Horsley Bourke Operations Coordination & Support Mark Johnston Areas Cobar Manager Sydney North Region Areas Murrumbidgee Directorate Units Chris McIntosh Kyogle Queanbeyan Western Directorate Operations Areas Richmond River Riverina-Highlands Coordination & Support Lane Cove River Tweed Unit Lower Hawkesbury Byron Bay Operations Coordination & Support Northern Beaches Unit Manager Snowy Mountains Region Unit Operations Coordination & Support Dave Darlington Operations Coordination & Support Manager Northern Tablelands Region Areas Manager Sydney South Region Bob Friederich Alpine Mike Patrick Areas Snowy River Areas Armidale Upper Murray Botany Bay Glen Innes East Units Illawarra Glen Innes West Operations Coordination & Support Royal Walcha Business Management Nattai Unit Roads Unit Operations Coordination & Support Directorate Units Operations Coordination & Support Directorate Unit Southern Directorate Operations Directorate Units Northern Directorate Operations Coordination & Support Central Directorate Operations Coordination & Support Kosciuszko Plan of Management Coordination & Support Review 13 Overview

Director Education Director Policy and Science Director Corporate Services Director Legal Services and Community Programs MICHAEL WRIGHT ARTHUR DIAKOS VIVIENNE INGRAM CHRIS PERKINS

Director Cultural Heritage Manager Education & Community Manager Business Development Units Jason Ardler Involvement Unit Division Legal Operations Units Lynn Webber David Roman Policy & Law Cultural Heritage Policy & Units Manager Marketing & Planning Business Analysis Information Division Cultural Heritage Information Business Operations Andrew Mitchell Systems New Business Projects Cultural Heritage Research Units Manager Finance Division Operations Support & Coordination Library Central Aboriginal Heritage National Parks Centre Clarel Castagnet Northern Aboriginal Heritage Publications Units Southern Aboriginal Heritage Visitor & Tourism Marketing Administrative Services Corporate Finance Western Aboriginal Heritage Acting Manager Ministerial Management Accounting Liaison Unit Manager Biodiversity Research & System Support Naomi Walters Management Division Finance Service Centres Caroline Lemerle Manager Public Affairs Division Manager Information Management & Units Kylie Cochrane Technology Division Biodiversity Research Group Biodiversity Management Manager International Programs Unit Muhammad Khan Pest Management Coordination Carl Solomon Units Information Systems Wildlife Management Coordination Directorate Unit Scientific Committee/BDAC Operations & Support Directorate Management Support User Support Acting Manager Strategic IT Assets and Administration Group Policy Division Records Management Ian Hunter Manager Workforce Services Division Units Conservation Economics Group Helen Anderson Policy Development Group Units Employee Relations & Conditions Manager Geographic Information Human Resource Information Systems Group Systems Malcolm Stephens Occupational Health & Safety Workforce Development Acting Manager Landscape Workforce Planning Conservation Division Human Resources Service Centres Mark Conlon Units Manager Asset Services Unit Conservation Assessment & Don McQueen Priorities Conservation Management Conservation Planning Fire Management Acting Manager Major Programs Group Miranda Gott 14

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Other protected areas Five other types of areas are identified for protection under the provisions of the National Parks and Wildlife Act or Wilderness Act. Aboriginal places are areas of significance to Aboriginal culture which, after gazettal, have the full protection of the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Allocation of resources to Conservation areas may cover privately or publicly owned land with the consent of key result areas the owner and in accord with the conservation agreement for the area, and may protect natural or cultural features, wilderness or areas of special scientific interest. Conservation Management 33% Conservation agreements are registered and run with the title of the land. Conservation Planning Protected archaeological areas contain significant Aboriginal objects and are 11% declared with the consent of the owner or occupier of the land on which they occur. Conservation Assessment They may be opened for public inspection with the owner’s consent and in accordance 12% with the wishes of the Aboriginal community under conditions designed to protect the Conservation Facilitation 44% Aboriginal objects they contain. Wilderness protection agreement areas under the Wilderness Act may cover land owned or controlled by a statutory authority or government department to protect and provide for management of wilderness outside the park and reserve system. Wildlife refuges are declared over Crown and privately owned land with the owner’s consent to preserve, conserve, propagate and study wildlife and to conserve, study and simulate natural environments.

Key result areas In late 1999 the NPWS developed a new corporate plan for the period 2000-03. This plan was firmly based on the long and proud history of the NPWS in natural Net cost of services in relation to capacity building is subsumed and cultural heritage conservation in New South Wales, and incorporated some under other key result areas. important changes — working towards adopting a holistic approach to conservation which integrates natural, cultural and community values. This approach to conservation is described as ‘landscape conservation’ and involves working to achieve conservation outcomes across all lands, not only those managed by the NPWS. Achievement of landscape conservation is dependent on outcomes in four key areas: assessment, planning, management and facilitation. A fifth key result area, capacity building, is an essential pre-requisite. These five key result areas provide the framework for the planning and programming of activities, for annual budget submissions to Treasury and for the evaluation of NPWS performance. Conservation assessment covers the gathering of knowledge and the development and application of tools and techniques for assessing and monitoring both natural and cultural heritage across the landscape and community conservation attitudes and CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR values. TARGET: Conservation planning covers the making of judgements about what to conserve Increase in the resources allocated to protecting (priorities for conservation) and how best to do this, plus the development of conservation values on NPWS-managed lands and processes by which this is done. supporting conservation outside those areas. Conservation management covers the management of natural and cultural heritage Initial Recurrent Allocation per values across the state, incorporating: hectare of NPWS-managed lands conservation incentives, education and advice

$34.5 regulation and enforcement $35 $33.5 the nurture and rehabilitation of the natural and cultural heritage landscape, $31.5 $29.8 including protected areas and beyond $30 $28.0 the establishment of appropriate reserves $25.0 the ecologically sustainable and culturally appropriate use of protected areas. $24.7 $25 Conservation facilitation covers the encouragement and support of community $21.7 stewardship of the natural and cultural heritage across the landscape, and the sharing $20 in appreciation and enjoyment of this heritage.

$15.8 Capacity building covers the development and retention of committed and skilled $15 staff, and the development and implementation of policies, systems and procedures to ensure that the NPWS is an effective organisation focused on the achievement of $10.6 conservation outcomes for New South Wales. $10

$5

0 93-94 94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 15

Conservation1 assessment

Conservation assessment OBJECTIVE: STRATEGIES: covers the gathering of To achieve the use of rigorous and Develop, standardise and enhance criteria, systematic policy, science and systems and processes to improve the knowledge and the assessment as the basis for collection, integration and interpretation of development and conservation planning and data and information. management in NSW. Develop, standardise and enhance criteria, application of tools and systems and processes to improve techniques for assessing bioregional conservation assessment, incorporating cultural heritage and and monitoring both community conservation attitudes and natural and cultural values. Establish systems to improve access to, and heritage across the to facilitate the use of NPWS-held data and landscape and information for both staff and clients. community conservation Develop standardised systems for the reporting of conservation status, threats to attitudes and values. conservation, and the outcomes of conservation initiatives and activities. Work strategically and collaboratively with other agencies and the community to establish research priorities, exchange data and information, and share tools and techniques to enhance conservation assessment. Melaleuca S Cohen/NPWS 16

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CASE STUDY Conservation assessment

Bioregional overviews This Biodiversity Strategy funded project has NSW Biodiversity Strategy produced an overview of the conservation status The NSW Biodiversity Strategy represents the NSW Government’s commitment to of biogeographic regions (bioregions) in NSW, protecting the state’s biodiversity by providing a framework for coordinating efforts which provides information to guide conservation by NSW and local governments and the community. planners in establishing conservation priorities at a broad, bioregional scale. The Bioregions of The NPWS is the lead agency for 36 projects under the strategy with a total value of New South Wales: their biodiversity, conservation nearly $5.3 million. Of these, 12 are complete and the majority of the remaining and history report includes a series of textual projects are expected to be finished by the end of 2003. New strategy-funded projects snapshots of the conservation character and undertaken by the NPWS in 2002-03 included two on Aboriginal interests in significance of the state’s 17 bioregions, a biodiversity conservation and one on the conservation of marine vertebrates. description of each bioregion’s unique character As the NSW Biodiversity Strategy reaches its conclusion, preparation of a new and an explanation of the significance of strategy package is being undertaken and is proposed to consist of two components. bioregions in conservation planning. The first component will be the Review of the NSW Biodiversity Strategy 1999-2003, The report is available on the NSW Biodiversity which will assess the achievements of the NSW Biodiversity Strategy since 1999. Strategy website — www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/biodiversitystrategy. A copy of the NSW Biodiversity Strategy and related projects can be found on the strategy’s website at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/biodiversitystrategy.

Regional assessments In recent years there has been a consensus about the importance of assessing and planning biodiversity conservation over large geographic areas. This is important because to conserve natural communities we need to understand their population sizes and distribution throughout a given landscape.

Brigalow Belt South Western Regional Assessment In 2002-03, the NPWS participated in the Western Regional Assessment (WRA) negotiations for the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion. The NPWS presented reports to the Resource and Conservation Assessment Council incorporating the largest fauna and flora surveys and Aboriginal cultural heritage surveys and consultation ever undertaken across the bioregion to assist with the WRA negotiations and future planning. NPWS expertise in conservation CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR economics was used to support the TARGET: assessment process by providing analysis and advice to the negotiation team on the Demonstrated evidence of quality NPWS contribution to bioregional planning economic and employment impacts of the ✔ NPWS contributions to bioregional planning during 2002-03 various conservation options. Contributions may involve a range of activities, for example representation on planning committees and management boards, providing technical advice, recovery planning and vegetation audits. Nandewar Western Regional Assessment The Nandewar WRA is being managed by Bioregion Bioregional Regional Water Regional Other assessment vegetation management / environmental the Department of Infrastructure, Planning management sharing plans planning and Natural Resources (formerly Land and plans Water Conservation). However, the NPWS is Australian Alps ✔ ✔✔✔a major contributor to the WRA process, Brigalow Belt South ✔ ✔✔✔✔managing four key projects: Biodiversity ✔ ✔✔✔Surrogates, Landscape Conservation, Cobar Peneplain Conservation Criteria and Aboriginal Culture Darling Riverine Plains ✔ ✔✔✔✔and Consultation. The projects have already Hunter ✔ ✔✔✔✔increased knowledge of Aboriginal heritage ✔ values, biodiversity, threatened species and Lord Howe Island conservation values in the bioregion. Murray-Darling Depression ✔ ✔✔✔ Nandewar ✔ ✔✔✔✔ North Coast ✔ ✔✔✔ Northern Tablelands ✔ ✔✔✔✔ NSW South Western Slopes ✔ ✔✔✔✔ Riverina ✔ ✔✔✔✔ South East Corner ✔ ✔ South East Highlands ✔ ✔✔✔✔ Sydney Basin ✔ ✔✔✔✔ 17 1 Conservation assessment

Wilderness assessment CASE STUDY Wilderness is defined as a large natural area of land which, together with its native plant and animal communities, is in a relatively natural state and has not been Totemic landscapes substantially modified by non-Indigenous human activity, or is capable of restoration. Aboriginal people place great value on the concept The Wilderness Act 1987 provides for the identification, declaration and management of kinship with the natural world. The NSW of wilderness and promotes public education about wilderness. The Act requires the Biodiversity Strategy funded a project to explore Director-General of the NPWS to report on the status of areas identified as wilderness how totemic values have been retained and and on matters relating to wilderness areas. adapted by Aboriginal people in the face of more than 200 years of colonisation and settlement. Wilderness proposals Indigenous kinship with the Natural World in NSW Under the provisions of Section 7 of the Wilderness Act any person, body or presents two case studies in southern and western organisation may submit a written proposal that an area of land be identified or NSW, which reveal that kinship with the declared as wilderness. The NPWS can also assess an area for wilderness values environment remains strong and plays a significant independent of any proposal. The Director-General of the NPWS is required to provide role in shaping Aboriginal people’s views about advice to the Minister for the Environment in respect of any wilderness proposal land management. This project offers land within two years. management agencies, local government and There were no wilderness nominations received during this reporting year. communities a better understanding of, and respect for, kinship values. By doing so it Wilderness identification and declaration facilitates the development of partnerships with Aboriginal communities that foster active Once an area is proposed as wilderness the NPWS investigates it to determine reconciliation. The report is available on the whether it is capable of supporting wilderness and if it is suitable to be managed as NPWS website. such. For each wilderness assessment the NPWS prepares a report which is released for public comment. The public response is considered before the government makes a decision on wilderness declaration. Any area declared as wilderness must be managed to retain its wilderness values. Wilderness can be declared over any reserve, including national parks and nature reserves and other public lands where these are covered by wilderness protection agreements. Private land can only be declared wilderness where it is covered by a wilderness voluntary conservation agreement. As at 30 June 2003, nearly 1.84 million hectares of land have been declared as wilderness in New South Wales, constituting 31 per cent of the reserve system and two per cent of the total land area of New South Wales. Approximately an additional 500,000 hectares have been identified as wilderness but not declared. The declared wilderness areas are listed in Appendix A. In southern NSW, the declaration of 122,000 hectares of land as wilderness in 2002-03 included the creation of seven new wilderness areas and made additions to seven existing wilderness areas. The north-east NSW declaration of 151,500 hectares of land as wilderness created seven new wilderness areas and made additions to eight existing wilderness areas. Apart from NPWS-managed lands, no wilderness protection agreements presently exist over public lands. One small area of freehold land in the Budawang wilderness is being managed as wilderness as part of a voluntary conservation agreement.

Coombadjha Creek, Washpool wilderness. J Plaza 18

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

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Wilderness assessments 2002-03 CASE STUDY The Mount Kaputar wilderness assessment was completed this year with 16,927 hectares being assessed for their wilderness values and 8,877 hectares being suitable Sydney Basin flora and fauna data for identification as wilderness. A draft Wilderness Identification report for Mount priorities Kaputar was then exhibited. Data for the assessment area was limited so the NPWS The last five years have seen a substantial increase exhibited the report to seek information from the public before formal identification in NPWS understanding of flora and fauna went ahead. The draft has been updated following exhibition. distribution and diversity as a result of surveys The Bebo wilderness assessment was also completed this year with 25,950 hectares undertaken to inform a range of government being assessed for their wilderness values and 22,146 hectares being suitable for programs such as the Comprehensive Regional identification as wilderness. Assessments. The NPWS has undertaken a stock- A review of the Pilliga wilderness assessment was initiated this year with 229,286 take of these data resources within the Sydney hectares being assessed for their wilderness values and 129,904 hectares being Basin to determine priorities for future flora and suitable for identification as wilderness. fauna surveys. The Murruin Wilderness assessment area was preliminarily assessed for wilderness values as part of the Lower North-East Comprehensive Regional Assessment. Substantial additional study was undertaken this year to bring it to a standard L Phelps/NPWS equivalent to other CRA wilderness assessments.

Vegetation surveys and mapping Vegetation surveys and mapping are invaluable management tools for parks and Measuring the length of a green and golden bell frog. reserves and assist with fire monitoring and management, weed control and threatened species management. Major surveys carried out during the year included: flora surveys at some 90 sites in Mummel Gulf National Park and 50 sites in Nowendoc National Park CASE STUDY surveys and mapping projects for new reserve areas in the Upper Darling region Before and after clearing in in western NSW, including the extension to Quanda Nature Reserve, Ledknapper the west Nature Reserve and Thilta Karra (Tilpilly Station) National Park The NPWS has developed two maps to assist the post-fire surveys in Bouddi National Park to assess regeneration of heath Lower Macquarie-Castlereagh Regional Vegetation vegetation Committee (Central-West NSW) in the a comprehensive floristic inventory and map of Mutawintji National Park development of its regional vegetation management plan. The first is a ‘reconstructed’ a flora and fauna assessment in northern NSW as part of the Comprehensive vegetation map (or ‘pre-clearing’ map) and the Coastal Assessment initiative second a map depicting existing vegetation comprehensive survey and mapping of the fauna and flora of the Illawarra coverage. escarpment, plateau and coastal plain for the Wollongong Local Government Area Reconstructing the full vegetation extent gives an post fire surveys in Dharug National Park to examine any changes to floristic indication of the conservation status of broad composition vegetation types and indicates the degree to which the landscape has been cleared. The percentage of vegetation surveys of Marramarra National Park, Muogamarra Nature Reserve and the original vegetation remaining was calculated Maroota Historic Site in the Lower Hawkesbury and the results summarised within regional status survey work to assess the conservation status of restricted plant species on Lord categories to enable ranking of the vegetation Howe Island which has resulted in the recognition of several highly restricted types from ‘currently retained’ to ‘critically endemic plant species and an ecological community that are eligible for listing as endangered’. Approximately 65% of the native endangered under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act vegetation in the region has been cleared. vegetation survey and mapping of Bimberamala and Clyde River national parks near Batemans Bay.

Wetland and river system survey and research Wetlands are areas with permanent or temporary shallow open water and are among the most important life support systems on earth. They provide breeding grounds, habitats and refuges for many animals and purify water by trapping sediment. In the post-1788 period, over half of Australia’s diverse wetlands have been destroyed and the remainder are under threat. The NPWS is involved in a number of significant studies of wetlands and river systems including: the 20th aerial survey counting waterbirds on about 2000 wetlands in eastern Australia, one of the world’s larger fauna surveys 19 1 Conservation assessment

investigating the responses of aquatic plant communities to flooding patterns and water quality in a wide range of wetlands in the Paroo and Bulloo River catchments in north-west NSW

studying the effects of the alteration of river flows on wetlands in the Lachlan River K Stepnell/NPWS catchment comparing annual waterbird diversity, abundance and density survey data from 1983 to 2001 to determine the effects of river regulation in the Menindee Lakes of the Darling River determining the role of the Narran Lakes wetland system as a locally, regionally and nationally significant waterbird habitat

using satellite imagery over a 12 year period to map flooding patterns at key In the Macquarie Marshes, the NPWS is measuring the wetlands along the Paroo and Warrego River systems, the last major lowland rivers impact of changing water regimes on colonially breeding in the Murray-Darling Basin unaffected by river regulation and diversions waterbirds, such as the glossy ibis. producing the first map of wetlands across New South Wales building on the wetland mapping of the Murray-Darling Basin exploring artificial wetland systems, in a project arising from the draft Great Artesian Basin Management Plan, to determine whether their biodiversity and CASE STUDY social values warrant conservation. Ecological degradation of the Water Information Systems for the Environment Lowbidgee floodplain wetlands The Water Information Systems for the Environment (WISE) project attempts to The Lowbidgee floodplain includes 217,000 provide communities, natural resource managers and policy-makers with the best hectares of some of the most important wetland information available to manage rivers and wetlands. WISE is a collection of habitat in NSW. This project is contributing databases, each containing comprehensive bibliographies of water information significantly to understanding the pressures on the connected to different parts of a specific catchment. state’s river systems with opportunities for lessons to be learned on other river systems around As a result of consultation with community groups, educators, landholders and water Australia. This vital research was recently managers in the catchments, the WISE software now includes additional detailed recognised with a National Trust Heritage Award information specific to each catchment. It gives an overview of the catchment, its in the Conservation Built/Landscape Heritage rivers, wetlands, fauna and flora, national parks and towns in the form of maps, category. The National Trust commented that, videos, audio clips, oral histories, text files, photographs and now includes a mapping “the state of our rivers is one of the most pressing interface. ecological challenges facing Australians. This well The software upgrade expanded its capacity to display the unique nature of considered research which traces the degradation Australia’s inland catchments. A cooperative effort with community groups in each of the Murrumbidgee River over many decades, catchment led to the development of additional CD-ROMs for the Barwon-Darling, provides an excellent focus for public Namoi, Gwydir, Paroo and Warrego, Lower Darling, Castlereagh and the Cooper understanding of the issues, and the need for an Creek catchments. holistic approach to land uses and conservation”. The Hacking catchment became the WISE prototype for issues specific to a large urban area as well as issues unique to estuaries and coastal wetlands. Knowledge gained has now been applied to a database for the Illawarra catchment. The software proved to be flexible enough to properly catalogue the issues unique to the coastal areas. CASE STUDY

Warragamba and Blue Mountains Special Areas weed modelling In 2002-03, a joint Sydney Catchment Authority and NPWS vegetation survey and mapping project covered some 395,000 hectares of the Warragamba and Metropolitan Special Area catchment lands. This project to improve the capacity of the Sydney Catchment Authority and the NPWS to set priorities and cost weed management activities involved a gap analysis of available data to identify areas which had not been surveyed. The following field survey focused in these areas, and added 323 weed locations for target species. A modelling tool was then applied to generate maps of known and potential occurrences for 12 key species. NPWS 20

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service A House/NPWS

The Hacking catchment became the WISE prototype for issues specific to a large urban area as well as issues unique to estuaries and coastal wetlands. Knowledge gained has now been applied to a database for the Illawarra catchment. The software proved to be flexible enough to properly catalogue the issues unique to the coastal areas.

The WISE software has been converted to a web compliant format and complete databases with bibliographic data for a catchment, including detailed subject cataloguing, were deployed for catchments including the Macquarie-Bogan, Hacking, Gwydir, Namoi, Barwon-Darling, Paroo and Warrego, Illawarra, Lower-Darling, Castlereagh and Cooper Creek. The web software has been updated to meet international accessibility standards and improved useability. The website can be accessed at www.wiserivers.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.

Native fauna surveys and research The NPWS undertakes a number of fauna surveys and research each year to assist with conservation planning, pest management programs and threatened species management. In 2002-03 they included:

CASE STUDY monitoring broad-toothed rats in the Snowy Mountains region, which has also led to the recording of a new mountain pygmy possum site 10 kilometres north of Monitoring of tiger quoll previously recorded populations populations in the Byadbo area two years of broad-toothed rat surveys in Barrington Tops National Park, which A follow-up survey of tiger quolls after the 2002- have confirmed the presence of this endangered species on the plateau 03 fires in Kosciuszko National Park found six of surveying spotted-tail quolls in the Glen Innes East area. Tissue samples will be the 23 individuals micro-chipped in the previous analysed to reveal the genetic viability and health of quoll populations year. An additional seven unmarked individuals were captured, four the offspring of females caught systematic fauna surveys of Willandra National Park and the new Oolambeyan last year and three new individuals. Despite the National Park and Norwood Nature Reserve extreme fire intensity in part of the area in which surveying the last population of emus found on the north coast of NSW, leading to these animals survived and were breeding, small its listing as an Endangered Population mammals such as native and introduced rats as surveying amphibians around lakes in Meroo National Park, revealing a large well as rabbits also survived, supporting the population of the threatened green and golden bell frog remaining quoll population. monitoring populations of the threatened green and golden bell frog at North

NPWS Avoca in cooperation with the Australian Museum and with the help of volunteers Arakwal National Park fauna study, including small mammals and frogs surveying southern brown bandicoots in northern Sydney, where NPWS officers discovered a new population at Cottage Point and extended the range of the known population in Garigal National Park studying the migration patterns, distribution, abundance and behaviour of humpback whales in the Cape Byron whale research program. Monitoring was conducted in conjunction with Southern Cross University during June and July 2002 21 1 Conservation assessment

continuing the Cape Solander Whale Migration study in Botany Bay National Park, with community volunteers counting and monitoring whales and their behaviour on their northern migration.

Fauna monitoring after wildfire A number of surveys undertaken in areas affected by wildfire will help produce conclusive results about the impact of fire on native fauna. These include: A joint NPWS/Sydney Catchment Authority project which examined the impact of fire on the birds, reptiles and arboreal mammals of the Woronora Plateau. Ninety sites were surveyed in September 2001 prior to the Christmas fires. Sites were resurveyed in September 2002 and preliminary analyses conducted to assess any changes that took place. Sites will be resurveyed on an annual basis for the next four years, after which a final report will be produced. Several wildfires burned bushland in the Shoalhaven over the past two summers. The NPWS has used satellite imagery to assess fire severity across the landscape and initiated selective monitoring of key fauna species.

Threat management research

Pests

Foxes Experiments measuring the response of threatened species to fox control are being undertaken as part of the Fox Threat Abatement Plan. Monitoring programs are targeting rufous bettong, brush-tailed rock wallaby, yellow-footed rock wallaby, black- striped wallaby, southern brown bandicoot, broad-toothed rat, smoky mouse, Albert’s lyrebird, plains wanderer, malleefowl, Bellinger River turtle and four species of shorebirds — little tern, pied oystercatcher, beach stone-curlew and the hooded plover.

Feral deer In 1999, the University of Western Sydney commenced a study on the ecology and environmental impact of feral deer in Royal National Park. This research was sponsored by the NPWS and other research partners to gain a better understanding of the impacts of feral deer on the biodiversity in the park to help manage the population more effectively. Field work for this research was completed in 2001 and a final report (PhD thesis) will be completed in late 2003.

The brush-tailed rock-wallaby population in the Curricabark valley adjoining Woko National Park and Mernot Nature Reserve has been surveyed and will be used as state control site. S Ruming 22

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Environmental weed research During 2002-03, the NPWS was a major contributor to national programs seeking biological controls for a range of environmental weeds, including bitou bush, lantana, and Madeira vine. CSIRO and NSW Agriculture are studying the effects of the tortrix leaf-roller moth (Tortrix sp.) on bitou bush in a number of parks and reserves, including Bongil Bongil, Botany Bay, Broadwater, Bundjalung, Crowdy Bay, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Sea Acres and Yuraygir. Poor establishment of the tortrix moth has been attributed to high predation and severe drought conditions along the entire NSW coast during the critical weeks following field releases. However, at Botany Bay National Park there is now an established and expanding population. If this agent can be established successfully, it is likely to have a significant impact on infestations as larvae have decimated plants in rearing programs in the glasshouse.

Fire management research Research in collaboration with the University of Technology, Sydney, has examined the role of fire in promoting germination in a range of native plant species. This work has highlighted the importance of the interactive effects of both heat and smoke during a fire in promoting post-fire recruitment from seedlings and in maintaining plant diversity in fire-prone landscapes. Research in collaboration with the University of Wollongong has examined how fire affects key common and threatened species of Leucopogon. Dr Tony Auld (NPWS) and Professor Rob Whelan (University of Wollongong) have been successful in gaining Australian Research Council funding for continuation of this work to look at impacts of seasonality and modelling of fire response.

Fire behaviour research NPWS officers in the Snowy Mountains region are involved in researching methods of improving the ArcView model that was used during the 2002-03 summer to predict T Auld/NPWS the behaviour of fires in Kosciuszko National Park. The model currently works by capturing the variability in weather conditions, fuel moisture and deep soil moisture. Post-fire research has focused on which fuels (e.g. surface, shrub fuels or tree canopies) became available under given weather conditions. This research will be expanded in the coming years to examine management practices to take into account all fuel types and the way they change following a drought, fire or other disturbance event.

Fire management research has focused on post-fire germination in a number of species, including the mountain devil Lambertia formosa. Cultural heritage research The major themes of the NPWS strategic research program in cultural heritage, initiated in 1997, have continued to focus on developing a landscape approach to cultural heritage and improving our knowledge of, and ways of assessing, the social value of cultural heritage places. For example, one research project has examined the way that Aboriginal cultural practices and values relate to biodiversity conservation. Funded by the NSW Biodiversity Strategy, over the last year the study has turned its attention to Aboriginal community involvement in threatened species recovery planning. The three-year study of the shared history of involvement of Aboriginal and non- Indigenous people in the pastoral industry in NSW was completed in early 2003. A book due for release later in 2003 describes this history with detailed reference to case studies at Kunderang in the Upper Macleay Valley and at Culgoa in north-west NSW. Also due for publication in 2003 is the book, Mapping attachment, which presents the results of an exemplar study in the mapping of Aboriginal oral histories, carried out in the Forster and Taree areas.

Aboriginal historic period settlements This research initiative began in 2003 to raise the profile of Aboriginal post-1788 heritage in NSW. The NPWS is carrying out a review of all historical documentation relating to Aboriginal historic settlement in NSW, including Aboriginal reserves, fringe camps, pastoral station camps and other places of residence. A team of historians was engaged to compile reports on several hundred such places across NSW. These provide essential background for the second stage of the project (2003-04), to be carried out in conjunction with the NSW Heritage Office, which will entail the on- ground recording of these places, some of which are expected to be nominated for the State Heritage Register. 23 1 Conservation assessment

The impact of salinity on Aboriginal culture The Aboriginal Heritage and Salinity project has explored how salinity management CASE STUDY can incorporate Aboriginal cultural heritage. The project has involved an extensive Aboriginal women’s heritage, overview of how salinity, and environmental degradation more generally, affect a broad range of Aboriginal heritage places and values. This has been supported by a Nambucca detailed case study conducted with Wiradjuri people in the Wellington region. A 2003 saw the completion of research on Aboriginal report in preparation outlines the results of this work and provides a model for women’s heritage in the Nambucca Valley on the ensuring that catchment planning pays comprehensive attention to Aboriginal NSW lower north coast. Oral histories on heritage. The project has been funded by the NSW Salinity Strategy. Aboriginal women living in the valley were recorded and local places significant in their life Landscapes stories were mapped. These places included the The Gender and Landscape project began in 2002 as the first major research initiative former Aboriginal reserve on Stuart Island, places by the NPWS on the role of women in the history of the landscapes in the NPWS where the women obtained bush tucker, the places reserve system. The project aims to ensure that women have an appropriate presence where they played as children and the schools they in the narratives about national parks and places of cultural heritage significance. The attended. A booklet published by the NPWS in May study focuses mainly on non-Indigenous women (Aboriginal women’s heritage is the 2003 presents the outcomes of the study in a form subject of a separate stream of research). In addition to a review of the theoretical suitable for use by local Aboriginal communities in literature on gender and landscape, the first year’s research also included case studies transmitting cultural knowledge to members of the at Hill End, Mungo and Willandra that explore a range of different themes relating to younger generation. the historical experience of women in park landscapes.

Djuwin Women’s Lore Council This group, comprising Aboriginal women from Batemans Bay, Moruya, Wallaga Lake, Bega and Eden, has received NPWS support for two years. Over the past 12 months the group has been involved in teaching and sharing culture among young Aboriginal women, recording women’s sites and places of importance and recording oral histories associated with the Far South Coast of NSW.

Bega Aboriginal Heritage Study S Partl/NPWS From left to right: authors Valerie Smith Cohen, Alma This study, begun in November 2002, is designed to help Aboriginal communities and Jarrett and Amy Marshall Jarrett. other stakeholders to develop strategic approaches to the management of Aboriginal heritage within the South East Catchment Management Board area, specifically targeting the Bega Valley Shire Local Government Area. It includes archival research, oral history recording, archaeological sensitivity mapping and the development of planning protocols. The study will be finalised in the next financial year.

Brungle Cemetery An NPWS-funded ground penetrating radar investigation of an Aboriginal cemetery at Brungle near Tumut has provided clear evidence of the existence of Aboriginal graves in areas that were previously known but not clearly identified. The work has been well received by the local Aboriginal community, and will give the local community a good foundation of understanding for the future use of the cemetery.

The Gender and Landscapes study looks at the experience of non-Indigenous women in protected areas, like these women at historic Hill End. NPWS 24

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Brigalow Belt South CASE STUDY The Brigalow Belt South Western Regional Asessment (WRA) Aboriginal cultural heritage and consultation project was completed in 2002-03, involving Aboriginal Dalmorton Township members from across 17 land councils in the bioregion in documenting their cultural Dalmorton is the site of a former goldrush town values and oral histories. The assessment considered various facets of Aboriginal that flourished briefly between 1870 and 1890 on cultural heritage, including Aboriginal sites and historical, social and spiritual the Old Grafton-Glen Innes Road. In 2001 the association with areas within the bioregion. NPWS purchased 4500 hectares of high conservation value lands which included the site of the former Dalmorton Township, on the edge of the Conservation research and Guy Fawkes River Wilderness Area, centred on the assessment tools gorge systems of the Guy Fawkes, Aberfoyle, Henry and Sara rivers. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) During 2002-03, a consultant was contracted to The NPWS has developed a set of GIS tools that have been utilised in western NSW in undertake a conservation analysis report of the a number of regional assessment processes to assist identification of relative Dalmorton township precinct. The report has conservation values and prioritising actions. These include: provided a statement of significance, helped ensure compatible management of cultural and The Conservation Options for Regional Environments (CORE), used in planning by natural heritage values and provided information the Moree Regional Vegetation Committee for the development of historic heritage strategies The Bioregional Landscape Conservation Framework tool was developed for in the Guy Fawkes River Plan of Management. ongoing use in the Brigalow Belt South WRA and future catchment planning.

NPWS Key Habitats and Corridors The NPWS has put into practice a systematic approach to landscape conservation in north-east NSW through the Key Habitats and Corridors Project. The study area for the project extends from Newcastle to the Queensland border, and west to the Inverell area. Distributional information for forest fauna has been summarised and integrated to identify important areas for conservation, including regional fauna key habitats and linking habitat corridors. Key habitat and corridor maps, and summaries of the integrated data behind them, Old butcher shop, Dalmorton. are available to inform conservation planning, assessment and restoration activities.

State of the Parks program The NPWS is currently developing a performance-based reporting framework, the State of the Parks (SoP) program, which is intended to be a major driver for achieving: effective and adaptive park management decision-making

CASE STUDY systematic and transparent links between management objectives and actions transparent allocation of funding and resources to achieve outcomes Banks of the Barwon strong partnerships with communities The Darling Riverine Plains Conservation Assessment project produced Banks of the effective communication of management performance to the community. Barwon, a booklet of the findings of a cultural The NPWS published an inaugural SoP report in 2001, representing the first stage in mapping project run with members of the the development of the reporting framework, which provided an overview of the Collarenebri Aboriginal community. The project conservation values of the NSW reserve system, the means by which these values are was recognised with a EnergyAustralia National protected and profiles for a set of key parks across the state. Trust Heritage Award in the category of Indigenous Cultural Heritage. During 2002-03, the SoP framework has been developed and trialled, and consists of: a detailed set of data-dependent indicators of management effectiveness, which will be applied to a sample of parks, at least one park per region, throughout the state a complementary system of simpler qualitative measures, to be applied as a questionnaire undertaken annually across a large sample of parks throughout the state an independent review process for the data prior to publication links to the Plan of Management process. Implementation of the above components is well under way, and the results of monitoring these indicators and measures will be published in the next State of the Parks report, scheduled for release towards the end of 2004. 25

Conservation2 planning

Conservation planning OBJECTIVE: STRATEGIES: covers the making of To improve the process for Develop, in consultation with the establishing conservation priorities for community and other government judgements about what to NSW to ensure: agencies, agreed criteria for cultural and natural significance to enable the integration of natural, cultural and conserve (priorities for establishment of conservation priorities community values conservation) and how for NSW. best to do this, plus the consultation and transparency Provide leadership to, and work with responsiveness to threats and to other government agencies to establish development of processes change. conservation priorities for NSW as a by which this is done. whole-of-government initiative. Implement conservation priorities through regional planning, consulting with the community and other government agencies at all stages. Improve the process for the development of plans of management by benchmarking against best practice and ensuring that they reflect broader bioregional priorities.

Stripe-faced dunnart, Sminthopsis macrura. K Stepnell/NPWS 26

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR Conservation planning

TARGET: NSW Biodiversity Strategy implemented to Biodiversity planning schedule Status of actions/targets scheduled NSW Coastal Policy for completion since 1999 The NPWS is a member of the NSW Coastal Council, which is responsible for The actions/targets set out in the Biodiversity monitoring the implementation of the NSW government’s coastal policy, a whole-of- Strategy range from developing plans, maps and government approach to protecting and managing the state’s coastal zone. guidelines to community consultation and The NPWS has primary responsibility for the implementation of 24 of the policy’s undertaking biodiversity assessments, but do not strategic actions and reports annually to the council on progress in meeting its necessarily correlate to specific projects. Each responsibilities. The council’s annual reports can be viewed on its website at target is allocated a time-line, and although many www.coastalcouncil.nsw.gov.au. are due in 2003 — the final year of the strategy — none were scheduled for completion in 2002. In June 2001 the NSW Premier announced an $11.7 million coastal package to protect and provide a planning blueprint for the state’s coast. The package includes $8.6

Actions/targets million for a comprehensive coastal assessment (CCA), which is expected to be 24 completed by mid 2005. The assessment will involve the systematic study of the 22 coast’s environmental, social and economic values and will identify those parts which 22 are suitable for development and those which require protection. The NPWS has a key

20 role in the assessment and the following projects have been approved as part of that process: 18 Vegetation Mapping Audit 16 Fauna habitat data audit, evaluation and recommendations for gap filling 14 14 Vegetation Survey and Mapping 12 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Audit and Assessment 10 Decision Support Tools — C-Plan component 8 Decision Support Tools — ‘biodiversity assessment toolkit’ component

6 Determination of Wetlands of High Conservation Value and Their Threats. 5 4 3 3 3 2 2 Establishment of parks and reserves 1 0 This year saw the establishment of 69 new reserves and 73 reserve additions, 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 totalling 480,539 hectares, bringing the total land area under reservation to 7.36 per cent of NSW. In progress/ongoing Much of the area reserved during 2002-03 was associated with the final stages of Achieved reservations of outstanding areas arising from the Regional Forest Agreements in eastern NSW undertaken over the past eight years. This saw the reservation of 36

Murramarang National Park. J Little 27 2 Conservation planning R Kingsford/NPWS

Lake Peery, in the new Paroo-Darling National Park.

additions to forest national parks and nature reserves in north-eastern NSW, and the upgrading of 21 Crown Reserves, formerly under the Crown Lands Act, to State Conservation Areas under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. These reservations helped protect poorly conserved forest ecosystems and to consolidate the boundaries of existing forest national parks and nature reserves in eastern NSW.

Other areas reserved include several small but significant additions to many coastal CASE STUDY reserves including Tilligery and Montague Island nature reserves; Myall Lakes, Wambina, Tomaree, Hat Head, Broadwater, Botany Bay, Ben Boyd, Bouddi, Added protection for the Murramarang, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Jervis Bay and Bournda national parks; and Narran Lakes area Munmorah State Conservation Area. Narran Lake Nature Reserve, located between Around 68% of the area of land reserved this year was in western NSW, reflecting a Walgett and Brewarrina, has been expanded by shift in NPWS focus towards a balanced state-wide approach to protecting samples of approximately 9876 hectares. The reserve, along all NSW ecosystems in the reserve system. The larger western areas include: with the main Narran Lake, is a cultural landscape of significant spiritual importance to Aboriginal Paroo-Darling National Park communities throughout north-west NSW. This new park incorporates a 136,373 hectare addition to the former Peery National The recent acquisition contains a variety of Park, and is the major new park established in 2002-03. Located north-east of landforms and ecosystems, many of which were Wilcannia, it samples a wide range of semi-arid environments associated with the not previously represented in the nature reserve. lower end of the Paroo River floodplain and middle reaches of the Darling River Floodplain.

The park contains a wide diversity of sites of Aboriginal cultural significance, many of L Mazzer/NPWS which were being degraded through continual grazing and erosion. The park contains one of the best collections of remnants of pastoral occupation of semi-arid NSW, forming part of what was originally one property (Momba) in the 19th century.

Oolambeyan National Park This new 21,851 hectare park is located about 60 kilometres south-east of Hay in south-west NSW, the first substantial reserve to be established in this region of NSW. Prior to its reservation less than 0.2% of the Riverina Biogeographic Region was protected within reserves, making it the most poorly conserved region of NSW. The The bed of the Narran River. park samples native grasslands, shrublands, and acacia woodlands on the heavy soils of the Hay Plain, white cypress woodlands on sandy ridges, and numerous swamps and slowly draining linear depressions. Oolambeyan National Park supports a number of threatened species, including the nationally vulnerable plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus), which has its only remaining stronghold in this region.

Ledknapper Nature Reserve This 16,339 hectare reserve north of Bourke in north-west NSW samples areas of spinifex-ironbark and brigalow ecosystems, both now unique to this part of the state. 28

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NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Additions to Gundabooka National Park CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR This 20,311 hectare addition is seen as the core of the future Gundabooka National TARGET: Park. It brings into the park most of the spectacular Gunderbooka Range, and significant associated Aboriginal sites. Increase in the area of land outside the reserve system formally managed for conservation Additions to Mungo National Park outcomes. This 60,790 hectare addition is the culmination of a program of government land Land under off-park Aboriginal acquisition within the Willandra World Heritage Area. It represents the results of Place declarations several years of negotiation between the government, pastoral lessees, and the mining (’000ha) industry, and sees the bulk of the Willandra Lakes and associated sand dune lunettes 16

15.01 protected within the park. 14.98 14.98 15 14.83 14.83 14 Additions to Sturt National Park 13 This 14,695 hectare addition to Sturt National Park in the north-west corner of NSW 12 protects ecosystems that were not sampled within the existing park, such as the Black 11 Stump Land System (stone-strewn dissected uplands and sandplains) and ranges of 10 slate and phyllite. 9 8 Acquisition of wilderness 7 Dunphy Wilderness Fund 6 The Dunphy Wilderness Fund (DWF) was initially established in September 1996 in 5 memory of Milo Dunphy and his father Myles, to purchase freehold and leasehold land 4 3.27 3.27 3.25 3.25 3.25 to add to existing wilderness. The initial government funding commitment was $1 2.75 3 2.74 million each year for five years from 1996-97 until 2000-01. The Premier extended 2 this commitment with an additional $5 million provided for the fund until June 2005. 1 The fund has exceeded this commitment in two of the seven years of its operation and 0 the total spent to date on Dunphy Wilderness Fund acquisitions is approaching $8.3 Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun million. 00 00 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 03 03 Total during quarter The fund is overseen by the Dunphy Wilderness Fund Reference Group (DWFRG) which includes representatives from the NPWS, Nature Conservation Council of NSW, the Colong Foundation for Wilderness and the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife. The DWFRG provides advice on acquisition criteria, reviews the acquisition program and promotes the fund. As part of the fund’s marketing strategy, the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife CASE STUDY initiated a campaign this year to raise further funds. The Green Gully Appeal aims to encourage donations from both corporate and individual donors to purchase the Dark Point Aboriginal Place spectacular 13,000 hectare Green Gully wilderness property near Armidale, to The Minister for the Environment has declared over enhance the Macleay Gorges wilderness area. seven kilometres of coastline within Myall Lakes Through the Dunphy Wilderness Fund, the NPWS has acquired 49 properties and an National Park as Dark Point Aboriginal Place. additional two properties are in the final stages of purchase. The total area purchased The 647 hectare declaration is formal recognition under the Dunphy Wilderness Fund over its seven years of operation stands at 55,916 of the cultural significance of the area for the hectares. Acquisitions for 2002-03 will form additions to the Washpool, Tuggalo, Worimi people, who have used it for at least 4000 Ettrema, Deua, Cathedral Rock and Timbarra wilderness areas. years. Dark Point contains human skeletal remains and stone objects from areas such as Barrington Tops. It also contains the remains of five mammal Parts of Towra Point, on the southern shores of Botany Bay, have been listed as an Aboriginal Place. species, and 17 aquatic animals. The area will be jointly managed by the NPWS and Worimi Aboriginal community and motor vehicle access has been excluded to protect the sites. NPWS 29 2 Conservation planning

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR M Van Ewijk M Van NPWS areas for which there is: an adopted an exhibited plan of plan of management management* National parks 68 35 Historic sites 8 2 Nature reserves 77 57 State conservation areas 12 4 Aboriginal areas 1 - Regional parks - 3 Total = 267 166 101 * includes replacement plans of management for seven parks

The plan of management for Yatteyattah Nature Reserve was one of 11 adopted during 2002-03.

Additional freehold and leasehold properties within identified wilderness have been purchased by the NPWS under other land acquisition programs.

Declaration of Aboriginal areas and places The 2002-03 Aboriginal Place program has seen the declaration of five new Aboriginal Places, including South Brother Mountain (Port Macquarie), Farquhar Park

(Taree), Dark Point (Myall Lakes), Mount Mackenzie (Gloucester) and Towra Point CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR (Kurnell). This increases the number of declarations since the Aboriginal Place Program was established in 1999 to 17, and a total of 42 Aboriginal Places throughout TARGET: New South Wales. Tabulam Cemetery, originally investigated as an Aboriginal Place, Increase in the number of plans of management has recently been acquired by the NPWS and will be gazetted as an Aboriginal Area. placed on public exhibition. A further four Aboriginal Place nominations are in the finalisation stage for declaration. Note: A plan may cover more than one park or reserve. After exhibition, plans are amended to reflect public submissions and considered by the Plans of management National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council. This process can vary in duration and complexity, The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 requires that a plan of management be and considerable time may elapse between prepared for each park and reserve. A plan of management is a legal document exhibition and adoption of a plan. The figures in outlining how the area will be managed in the future, and the procedures for the following table reflect the total number of plans exhibition and adoption of a plan of management are laid down in the Act. During the on exhibitions or awaiting adoption in a given last year 11 plans of management were adopted by the Minister for the Environment quarter. for the following 16 areas: No. of plans Myall Lakes National Park and Little Broughton Island and Stormpetrel nature 70 69 reserves 68 68 Yatteyattah Nature Reserve 60 Ben Halls Gap National Park Cape Byron State Conservation Area 50 Newington Nature Reserve 46

Torrington State Conservation Area 40 36 Boronga, Boomi and Boomi West nature reserves 33 31 Goulburn River National Park and Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve 30 Wiesners Swamp Nature Reserve 24 Pilliga Nature Reserve 20 Nadgee Nature Reserve. 10 7 In addition, 48 plans covering 65 areas were placed on public exhibition over the year. 5 4 4 This brings the total number of plans adopted since 1995 to 97, covering 143 areas. 2 00 0 0 The National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council has specific responsibilities under Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun the National Parks and Wildlife Act to consider and advise the Minister for the 2001 2001 2002 2002 2002 2002 2003 2003 Environment on plans of management and any representations received in response Plans on exhibition or awaiting adoption to public exhibition of a plan. The Advisory Council considered and reported on 15 during quarter plans of management for 21 NPWS-managed areas during 2002-03. Plans adopted during quarter 30

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Progress for CRA reserves CASE STUDY Draft Plans of Management for six of the new Comprehensive Regional Assessment (CRA) reserves in the Monaro area are currently being developed. An initial Towra Beach nourishment Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment has been made for Bobundara, Ironmungy, The Towra Point wetlands represent the largest and Myalla, Paupong, Wullwye and Nimmo nature reserves to determine the likelihood of most diverse estuarine wetland complex remaining finding significant cultural sites. This information, combined with vegetation survey in the Sydney region. As a result of developments data for the reserves and public input, will form the basis of a draft plan of in Botany Bay, Towra Beach has been subject to management due to be completed by the end of 2003. accelerated erosion since the early 1970s, resulting in dramatic foreshore recession. Under grant funds provided by the NSW Threatened species planning Environmental Trust, the NPWS in conjunction with the Towra Point Steering Committee has Recovery plans commenced a beach nourishment project to Twelve recovery plans have been prepared by the NPWS and approved by the NSW restore the foreshore alignment of Towra Beach. Minister for the Environment in the last 12 months, bringing the total to 52 plans The Waterways Authority is managing the project covering 67 threatened species, populations and ecological communities. on behalf of the NPWS and has commissioned the preparation of an Environmental Impact An additional 24 draft plans have been placed on exhibition and a further 22 plans Statement for the proposal. are complete and awaiting exhibition. Another 150 plans are currently in various stages of preparation. Overall, approximately 335 threatened species, populations and The proposed works involve removing 60,000 ecological communities have some form of recovery planning in action. A summary of cubic metres of sand from the downdrift areas of the outcomes of recovery planning are described in the recently revised NPWS Towra Spit and Towra Spit Island and placing it publication Saving our threatened native animals and plants — recovery and threat along Towra Beach to form a dune along the most abatement in action. severely eroded section of the beach. The dune would be high enough to prevent wave over-wash Recovery plans approved by the Minister for the Environment during the past year into Towra Lagoon and wide enough to provide include: Eriocaulon carsonii; black-eared miner (Manorina melanotis); brush-tailed protection against erosion for at least 10 years. rock-wallaby Warrumbungles population (Petrogale penicillata); downey wattle (Acacia pubescens); Illawarra greenhood orchid (Pterostylis gibbosa); Elaeocarpus sp. Rocky Creek; Zieria lasiocaulis; Coxens fig parrot (Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni); giant fern (Angiopteris evecta); Lord Howe Island woodhen (Gallirallus sylvestris); yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis); and granite boronia (Boronia granitica). As the largest remaining habitat for the Mitchell’s rainforest snail (Thersites mitchellae), Stotts Island Nature Reserve has been declared as Critical Habitat. Invasive weed species such as madeira vine, cats claw creeper and groundsel pose the CASE STUDY greatest threat to the habitat values of the island. Extensive weed control and bush regeneration were undertaken in 2002-03 to control this threat. Giant fern Fewer than 50 individuals have been recorded of the northern sub-species of the Implementation of the recovery plan for the giant eastern bristlebird. A cooperative recovery program has been established involving fern (Angiopteris evecta) is now in its second year. the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, various universities, other organisations Only one individual of the species is known to and individuals. Population monitoring of all known territories is conducted annually exist within NSW, and its genetic material has been to assist in the understanding of this species and its recovery requirements. This collected and is stored in the DNA Bank at year’s survey detected about 12 birds within NSW — the low count probably related Southern Cross University. Other recovery actions to prevailing drought conditions. currently under way include growing giant fern Approximately 24 sub-populations of the endangered small-leaved tamarind are propagules, which will be established and used for known to survive in NSW and the NPWS undertook recovery actions in close population expansion and the establishment of consultation with private landholders in three areas of key habitat in 2002-03. Work second population. Ongoing site management for included weed control and bush regeneration as well as fencing one population from this species has included the drafting and the threat of cattle. Further recovery actions are planned over the next few years. implementation of a habitat rehabilitation and maintenance program, including weed control and bush regeneration. Stotts Island Nature Reserve is the last remaining habitat of the Mitchell’s rainforest snail. M Smith/NPWS 31 2 Conservation planning

Threat abatement plans CASE STUDY Several vertebrate pests and weeds have been listed as key threatening processes under the Threatened Species Conservation Act. These include predation of native Critical habitat for the little penguin fauna by foxes, feral cats, plague minnow (Gambusia holbrooki) and black rats (Lord Howe Island only), competition and grazing by rabbits, competition by feral Several areas in Manly have been declared as honeybees, importation of red fire ants and invasion of native plant communities by critical habitat for the little penguin (Eudyptula bitou bush. minor) under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, protecting the species’ nesting areas and A draft threat abatement plan has been prepared for predation by feral cats and will foraging habitat from the detrimental impacts of be available for public comment later in the year. human activities. The plague minnow (Gambusia holbrooki), a small introduced fish common In October 2000, a recovery plan was approved for throughout NSW waters, has been listed as a key threatening process and a draft the endangered population at Manly, the only threat abatement plan has been prepared by the NPWS. known breeding population on the NSW mainland. On 20 December 2002, the Minister for the Foxes Environment declared several areas at Manly — including known and potential nesting areas and Planning for fox control for the conservation of native fauna in NSW is directed by the likely foraging habitat — as critical habitat for the Fox Threat Abatement Plan. The plan was endorsed by the Minister for the little penguin. A regulation accompanying the Environment in December 2001 and the second year of the plan has now been declaration prohibits a number of activities within implemented across the state by the NPWS, State Forests of NSW and the Department the critical habitat area, including companion of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (formerly Land and Water animals (such as dogs and cats); fishing between Conservation). sunset and sunrise during the breeding season; Implementation of the plan represents a fundamental change in fox control, in tampering with or damaging nest boxes, nesting particular identifying priorities for management across all land tenures by pin- burrows, or moulting penguins; and approaching pointing which threatened species are at greatest risk of population impacts from fox within five metres of a little penguin on land. predation and at which sites fox control for these species is most critical. Eighty-one priority sites for fox control have been identified, providing recovery actions for 34 threatened species (11 mammals, 15 birds and 8 reptiles). Undertaking collaborative tson/NPWS

fox control programs across all land tenures at these sites is the central action of G Rober the plan. In addition, the plan identifies best practice guidelines for fox control, which seek to maximise the effectiveness of control programs while minimising the impact of control methods on non-target species. It also identifies research actions to refine these practices. Finally, the plan outlines monitoring programs to measure the response of threatened species to fox control by testing critically whether threatened populations targeted for fox control are limited by fox predation. Such monitoring programs are fundamental to improving the effectiveness of the management of threatened species.

CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR Bitou bush TARGET: The NPWS has been appointed the lead agency to coordinate the preparation and implementation of the National Bitou Bush and Boneseed Strategic Plan. A progress Increase in the number of threatened species report on achievements towards actions listed in the national plan was prepared recovery plans and threat abatement plans placed for the Australian Weeds Committee (see the National Weeds Strategy website on public exhibition. www.weeds.org.au). Key achievements in New South Wales were: No. of plans 120 preparation of a state-wide strategy and drafting of the Bitou Threat Abatement 117 Plan 110

formation of several regional and local bitou bush taskforces and preparation of 100 regional and local bitou bush management strategies 93 90 mapping of the distribution and abundance of bitou bush along the entire NSW coastline 80 78 stakeholder agreement to establish and implement northern and southern 70 64 containment zones for bitou bush in NSW to support the continued drive to 60 eradicate bitou bush from Queensland 54 52 50 48 continued release and monitoring of biocontrol agents with a major focus on the 46 tortrix leaf-roller moth. 40 39 37 31 High-priority actions identified in the national plan are to coordinate and implement 30 on-ground works to eradicate bitou bush from sites of high conservation significance 23 25 and prepare state-wide management strategies, or where appropriate threat 20 19 abatement plans. A draft threat abatement plan has been prepared for NSW and will 10 8 9 be available for public comment later in the year. 3 0 0 Jun Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep 2001 2001 2002 2002 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 Total during quarter Plans exhibited awaiting adoption Plans adopted 32

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

CASE STUDY

Glenrock Lagoon A Simpson/NPWS The Glenrock Lagoon cultural landscape — conservation management and cultural tourism plan aims to provide the NPWS and the community with a sustainable and achievable management approach to the cultural landscape of Glenrock State Conservation Area, north of Sydney. The document identifies an active management zone as a focus for interpretation, cultural and tourism opportunities, and conservation actions. The plan also focuses long term conservation objectives based on the integrated assessment of natural, historic, Aboriginal and community heritage values.

CASE STUDY

Innes Ruins The nationally significant Innes Ruins near Port Macquarie was gazetted as a Historic Site in March 2003. The Innes mansion was a rare example of a colonial estate built on a grand scale. It now consists of a set of ruins spread out over Removing noxious weeds from the Tollgate Islands Nature Reserve, 8 kilometres south-east of Bateman’s Bay. several kilometres, including a house, garden and stable complex, workers’ accommodation, a village, boat house, home farm, brick-making areas and a log road. The site has high Cultural heritage planning archaeological integrity and provides a remarkable The NPWS continued to focus on integrated landscape planning for cultural opportunity to investigate the life and work of the heritage projects, undertaking a number of large scale and complex planning 80 or so people who lived on the estate during projects that have identified, assessed and provided planning and policies for the the 1830s and 1840s. integrated management of a comprehensive range of natural, Aboriginal and Management works will focus on protecting the historic heritage values. Examples of projects completed or currently in preparation site’s physical fabric and developing techniques for include Bantry Bay Explosives Depot Conservation Management Plan, Garigal minimal intervention to stabilise the standing National Park; Trial Bay Gaol Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan, elements. The site provides accessible ecotourism Arakoon State Conservation Area; Hartley Historic Site Conservation Management opportunities near the high growth centre and Plan; and Hill End Historic Site Masterplan. popular tourist destination of Port Macquarie. Strategies have been completed for all 19 NPWS regions across the state and documents have been prepared with input from regional management and CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR staff in a two-day workshop. The strategies identify TARGET: long term conservation and management outcomes for Regional cultural heritage strategies developed for NSW by June 2003. a range of known Aboriginal and historic places and Note: There are a total of 19 NPWS regions. landscapes across each region. The strategies prioritise places and landscapes for 16 16 active management for a range of significance values 15 15 and risk management issues and highlight places that

14 require further consultation with local Aboriginal and 13 13 broader communities to ensure that community priorities and needs are being considered in park 12 management. 11 10 10 Cultural heritage planning and risk management 9 Over the last 12 months a number of planning projects 8 have incorporated the identification and assessment of risks to assist in best practice management of cultural 6 6 6 heritage places in line with the NPWS Risk 5 5 Management Strategic Plan. Risk assessments have been undertaken at Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon State 4 4 4 3 Conservation Area; Seaton’s Farm, Weddin Mountains National Park; and incorporated in the planning for 2 2 2 2 2 22 2 the management of fabric for the Coastal Cabins in 1 1 1 Royal National Park. 0 0 0 0 0 000 Sep 2001 Dec 2001 Mar 2002 Jun 2002 Sep 2002 Dec 2002 Mar 2003 Jun 2003

Plans not commencedPlans under way Draft plans developed Plans completed 33 2 Conservation planning

Marine park planning CASE STUDY Marine protected areas in NSW include marine parks (managed by the Marine Parks Authority), the marine components of national parks and nature reserves (managed Maynggu Ganai by the NPWS), and aquatic reserves (managed by NSW Fisheries). The NSW Maynggu Ganai, meaning “people’s land”, was the Government is presently developing a representative system of marine protected name chosen by the local Wiradjuri community for areas as part of a national system. the new Historic Site at Wellington. Also known as Marine park planning is undertaken by the Marine Parks Authority, which consists of the Wellington Valley First Settlement Site and the Director-General of the Premier’s Department (Chairperson), the Director-General Convict Stockade, Aboriginal Mission and of the NPWS and the Director of NSW Fisheries. The authority ensures that the Agriculture Station, the site is considered of principal aim of conserving marine biodiversity and maintaining ecological processes national significance for its rich shared history. can be met while also allowing for sustainable multiple use of marine parks. A focus group representing the local community was formed to consult and collaborate with the The NPWS contributed to a number of marine park planning activities during NPWS on the site’s ongoing management, meeting 2002-03, including: regularly throughout the year. Funding for an finalisation and implementation of the zoning plan for Solitary Islands Marine Archaeological and Conservation Management Park, with 8650 hectares (12%) of the park now protected in sanctuary zones Plan has been approved to provide management options on how to best conserve and interpret finalisation and implementation of the zoning plan for Jervis Bay Marine Park, the site. with 4253 hectares (20%) of the park now protected in sanctuary zones establishment of Cape Byron Marine Park, the fourth marine park for NSW further development of a draft zoning plan for Lord Howe Island Marine Park, following analysis of submissions from public exhibition of draft zoning plans in 2001-02 further development of bioregional assessments for NSW sections of the Manning Shelf, Hawkesbury Shelf, Batemans Shelf and Twofold Shelf marine/coastal bioregions continued development of a permit system, a geographic information system strategy and a marine parks education strategy further work on mapping and assessment of marine ecosystems and habitats on NPWS reserves integrated management planning for marine components of NPWS reserves through park plans of management.

Marine parks are managed to both maintain marine biodiversity and allow for sustainable use. I Shaw 34

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Other conservation planning CASE STUDY An agreement between the NPWS and TransGrid for the inspection and maintenance Hill End of TransGrid infrastructure within the reserve system was adopted by both agencies Over the last two years, the NPWS has been in October 2002. The agreement sets up consultation and notification processes to working towards a change in the management of ensure that NPWS staff are aware of maintenance and inspection work proposed in a the Hill End Historic Site — a move away from the reserve. Features include: addressing threatened species and cultural heritage issues; ‘museum’ approach to the site and towards its only being applicable to the maintenance and inspection of existing transmission lines management as a living community. and communication sites; and the progressive preparation of environmental management plans. The Hill End Blueprint: managing for community, culture and heritage, under-pinned by the need for The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority was corporatised on 28 June 2002 to a balance between the life of the community and become Snowy Hydro Limited (SHL), jointly owned by the NSW, Victorian and heritage management, will guide the management Commonwealth Governments. Throughout this first year, the NPWS and SHL have of the Hill End Historic Site for the next five years. worked closely to implement the new regime, including the Snowy Park Lease, Roads The plan will be subject to annual review and a Maintenance Agreement and Snowy Management Plan. major review at the end of the five years. The NPWS will also produce a Plan of Management for Marine mammals the site in 2003-04, which will be guided and The NPWS has statutory responsibility for ensuring the protection of marine informed by the blueprint. mammals in NSW waters, and is involved in research to better understand possible impacts on animal welfare behaviour. An NPWS study in response to the growing interest in marine mammal watching tours has found that the marine mammal A Bennett observation industry operating in NSW is made up of approximately 100 commercial operators who run tours out of 14 regions on the NSW coast to watch whales, dolphins and seals. Only a small number of these operators derive a significant proportion of their income from mammal watching tours, as the majority are charter fishing boat operators who conduct tours as an adjunct to their charter fishing operations.

Implementation of the Ramsar Convention in NSW

Clarke Street, Hill End, in the morning mist. The NPWS implements the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in NSW, both on NPWS-managed lands and on an array of private and state lands. During 2002-03, the NPWS successfully negotiated the nomination of two new wetlands to the convention, and extended a third site, bringing the total Ramsar sites in the state to 11. Work is continuing to update the NSW Ramsar nominations strategy and work with the community and state and national governments to continue to identify new sites for nomination, and to support management planning to retain the ecological condition of sites which are already listed. NSW is leading Australia in the recognition of Ramsar wetlands on private land.

Major whale-watching centres include Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Humpback whale. M Egan 35

Conservation3 management

Conservation management covers the management of natural and cultural heritage values across the state, incorporating: conservation incentives, education and advice regulation and enforcement the nurture and rehabilitation of the natural and cultural heritage landscape, including protected areas and beyond the establishment of appropriate reserves the ecologically sustainable and culturally appropriate use of protected areas.

Shrub fruits, Sea Acres Nature Reserve. P Green/NPWS 36

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

CASE STUDY Conservation management Arakwal National Park Working with Aboriginal communities The Arakwal Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) was registered by the National Native Title OBJECTIVE: Tribunal on 28 August 2001, and on 26 October 2001 Arakwal National Park was gazetted, the first To work with Aboriginal communities to achieve the protection of natural and to be created under the Commonwealth Native Title cultural heritage through mechanisms which also deliver social and economic Act 1993. In the last year, the Arakwal National benefits. Park Management Committee has initiated a broad range of management activities, including: STRATEGIES: a current study to identify the Aboriginal Work with Aboriginal communities and organisations to develop and enhance heritage values of the park, including ‘back to the range of mechanisms for joint management of protected areas. country’ days for the Arakwal and other Work with Aboriginal communities and organisations to deliver Aboriginal Bundjalung Aboriginal people to meet and heritage conservation outcomes across the landscape. discuss past, present and future values associated with the park an ethno-botanical study to identify, map and Joint management of national parks make management recommendations relating to plants that are culturally important to the Aboriginal peoples are the original custodians of the lands and waters, animals and Arakwal people plants of New South Wales and its many and varied landscapes. The NPWS has made developing a business plan, funding a commitment to incorporate recognition of this in all dealings with Aboriginal applications and architectural drawings for a communities, in future heritage and conservation initiatives and in inviting greater cultural centre to be built on Arakwal land in involvement of Aboriginal communities in the management of all areas in the NPWS Byron Bay reserve system. the second Spirit of Bundjalung Art Award, On 12 and 13 May 2003, Aboriginal people and NPWS staff involved in co- which provides an opportunity for Aboriginal management of national parks from around the state met in Sydney. The meeting artists to exhibit their work on a cultural place provided people who are dealing with similar matters the opportunity to meet each or story relating to the Bundjalung nation. other, discuss issues in common and develop useful networks. A record of the proceedings and a formal NPWS response to issues raised at workshops held during the two days were provided to all participants. Thirty Aboriginal community representatives and 36 NPWS staff attended the meeting. S Coulston/NPWS

The spirit of Bundjalung Award provides an opportunity for Aboriginal artists to exhibit work related to the Bundjalung nation. The winning painting in 2003, Preparation of the Bouningee, was by Kevin Anderson.

Minister for the Environment, Bob Debus, and Arakwal elders at the park’s first birthday celebrations.

CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

TARGET: Increase in the number of agreements in place with Aboriginal communities for the management or use of protected areas.

Agreements 30

26 26 25 24

21 20 20 20 17 15 15 15 15 13

10 9

5

0 Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun 00 00 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 03 03 Total during quarter L Walker/NPWS 37 3 Conservation management

A Brown CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

TARGET: Increased participation by Aboriginal people in management committees and advisory bodies. Percentage of advisory committees/management trusts with Aboriginal representation 80%

71 70 70% 66 63 60 60% 58 54 50% 44

40% 37 31 30% 28 23 20%

10%

0% Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun 00 00 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 03 03 Percentage during quarter

Percentage of Aboriginal Biamanga National Park on the far south coast, the subject of current lease-back negotiations. membership of advisory committees/management trusts

Negotiations for lease back arrangements 35%

The National Parks and Wildlife Act and the Aboriginal Land Rights Act set up a 31 process where some parks can be returned to a local Aboriginal Land Council to hold 30% on behalf of the Aboriginal owners. The park can then be leased back to the NSW Government under mutually agreed conditions, with the lease payments to be spent 25% 23 on the care, control and management of the park. 22 21 21 20 20 In December 2002, the NPWS and the Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan (Wongaibon) mayi 20% commenced negotiations for the lease for Mount Grenfell Historic Site as part of the 15 process of negotiating its return to Aboriginal ownership and lease back under Part 15% 4A of the National Parks and Wildlife Act. 11 10% 9 Discussions on the return and lease back of lands under Part 4A of the Act continued 8 7 throughout the year for Biamanga and Gulaga national parks, Stockton Bight and Warrell Creek. 5%

0% Aboriginal heritage Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun A number of projects have been undertaken in conjunction with local Aboriginal 00 00 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 03 03 communities, including: Percentage during quarter using ground penetrating radar to relocate unmarked burials at Bellbrook and Tabulam erecting a memorial plaque at the site of the grave of Queen Annie, a much-loved Aboriginal woman of the Inverell/Tingha areaa CASE STUDY

assessing the cultural significance of Mount Yarrowyck Nature Reserve, with Blue Mountains Rock Art Project assistance from the University of New England The Blue Mountains Rock Art Project, led by the working with the local Ngemba and Paakantji Aboriginal communities at Australian Museum and consultant archaeologists, Gundabooka National Park for the management of the Aboriginal rock art visitor aims to comprehensively study rock art in the Blue day use area Mountains region, especially in remote areas of assisting the local Aboriginal community to rebuild fish traps, following on from Wollemi National Park. The study explores the the Banks of the Barwon Cultural Mapping project relationships between landscape, ecology and culture change over the past few thousand years. conducting a Regional Heritage Study program in the Bega and Eurobodalla Project outcomes have great significance for the shires to complement the formal co-management arrangements for Biamanga NPWS, Aboriginal communities and tourism. For and Gulaga national parks example, the Eagles Reach art site in the Wollemi establishing an Aboriginal Consultative Committee to enhance effective Wilderness, a previously unrecorded site, provides management of Pilliga Nature Reserve and ensure cultural values are managed in clues to a better understanding of the significance accordance with community wishes. of Blue Mountains rock art in a state-wide context. 38

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Rock art project CASE STUDY This project is designed to help protect and manage the large number of rock art sites throughout the state — both on and off-park. Conservation of engravings, cave Tumut-Brungle repatriation paintings and drawings involves monitoring, visitor management, protection from During May 2003, the 1200-year-old ancestral animals, lichen, salts and soil encroachment. The activities were completed during the remains of two Aboriginal people were returned by year, each case including training for NPWS staff and/or community or Land Council the NPWS to representatives of the Tumut-Brungle representatives. They include: Aboriginal community, from south west NSW, for removing graffiti and highlighting engravings to prevent further vandalism at re-burial in a specially designated area in Finchley engraving site in Yengo National Park Kosciuszko National Park. The remains were found in 1980 after being disturbed by a bushwalker. highlighting engravings to prevent further vandalism at Bulgandry in Brisbane Water National Park Six elders from the Tumut-Brungle community removing dry lichen at Gnatalia Creek art site in Morton National Park travelled to the Australian Museum in Sydney to assist in preparing the remains for repatriation and conducting conservation trials at a fire damaged art site in Blue Mountains to officially receive their handback from NPWS and National Park Australian Museum staff. Approximately 40 restoration work at Bulgandry and Daleys Point engraving sites near Gosford Aboriginal people from the Tumut-Brungle and recording and conservation of inscriptions at Quarantine Station, North Head Wagonga communities travelled to the park for a ceremony to commemorate the re-burial. conservation trials at a vandalised art site at Wollembi removing graffiti at an art site in Wollemi National Park

NPWS preliminary lichen removal and trials at Tabletop Nature Reserve near Holbrook conservation and recording at an art site in Woomargama National Park conservation work and training at an art site in Blackbutt Road near Grafton conservation and monitoring an art site in Mount Neville Nature Reserve near Casino.

Repatriation Program The NPWS has a large collection of Aboriginal ancestral remains, as well as an uncatalogued collection of other Aboriginal cultural material, including both objects and information. The Repatriation Program has been established to coordinate the strategic and culturally appropriate return of these materials to Aboriginal CASE STUDY communities in NSW. During 2002-03 the program facilitated the return of over 40 sets of Aboriginal Mount Grenfell Historic Site ancestral remains to five NSW Aboriginal communities — the La Perouse, Handback to Ngiyampaa Owners Brewarrina, Tumut-Brungle and Wagonga communities and the Worimi Nation. The After nearly a decade, the return of Mount Grenfell NPWS also provided three of these communities with dedicated areas for re-burial. Historic Site to its Ngiyampaa owners has reached The La Perouse Aboriginal community established four ‘resting places’ for the re- the final negotiation stages. Once the hand back is burial of over 30 ancestral remains returned to the community during the year. An complete the site will be owned by the Aboriginal Aboriginal Place nomination over one of these areas was sought by the La Perouse community, leased back to the NPWS and jointly community and declared in late 2002. managed through a board of management A program to catalogue material held by the NPWS has listed over 1000 Aboriginal established under the National Parks and Wildlife stone objects and more than 30 boxes containing organic material including shell, Act. The board will have a majority of Aboriginal animal bone and soil. The Repatriation Program will assess the potential for this owners, along with community and NPWS material to be repatriated during 2003-04. representation. In 2002-03, the NPWS employment of a Ngiyampaa Owners Coordinator and the renewed commitment of the Ngiyampaa owners and local Croom regional sporting complex VCA at Albion Park. staff have seen dramatic progress toward the hand back. The negotiating panel appointed by the

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Cobar Local S Ash/NPWS Aboriginal Land Council and the NPWS commenced negotiating the lease in December 2002. Negotiation of the lease, rental agreement and land transfer are expected to be completed next financial year. So far, the negotiating panel and the Cobar Local Aboriginal Land Council have agreed to the employment of a Ngiyampaa Ranger and Ngiyampaa Field Officer and that Ngiyampaa guides will provide interpretation and education for visitors to the site. 39 3 Conservation management

Outside the reserve system CASE STUDY

OBJECTIVE: Integrated off-park conservation To enhance and improve the use of formal mechanisms outside the reserve program system to achieve conservation outcomes for the management of land. The NPWS has established itself as a leading contributor on the South East Catchment STRATEGIES: Management Board Local Management Team, a Review and enhance the range of formal incentives for the ecologically coalition of local and state government land sustainable management of land outside the reserve system. management agencies and key community and Work with local government, other government agencies and community industry groups adopting an innovative and groups to influence land use decisions outside the reserve system. strategic approach to private land conservation in south-east NSW. The team is responsible for administering the $2 million Native Vegetation Water sharing plan development Fund allocated by the state government for private land conservation arising from the Eden Regional The NPWS contributed to the whole-of-government and community committee water Forest Agreement. The NPWS provides detailed sharing plan process lead by Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural vegetation mapping support and implements Resources (formerly Land and Water Conservation). NPWS input on environmental elements of its Corporate Conservation Partners water requirements resulted in improved low-flow protection and flow sharing for a Program as part of a range of private land number of regulated and unregulated rivers and groundwater sources, as well as conservation incentives to complement the public better support in the community for environmental flow requirements. reserve system. The program has resulted in the Voluntary Conservation Agreements signing of 17 VCAs in 2002-03. Since their inception Voluntary Conservation Agreements (VCAs) have become an important tool of the NPWS Conservation Partners Program. These agreements between landholders and the Minister for the Environment outline how the land will be managed and help landholders protect the natural and cultural values of their CASE STUDY properties. Macquarie-Cudgegong water Each agreement is registered on the land’s title to ensure it is binding for successive sharing plan owners. Typically the lands covered by VCAs have at least one of the following Western Directorate Water Information Network features: habitat for species listed as nationally endangered or as threatened within (WIN) staff worked on the Environmental Flows NSW; declared wilderness; high quality remnant vegetation; or sites of Aboriginal Reference Group for the Macquarie-Cudgegong significance. water sharing plan. The group involves community VCAs registered in 2002-03 include: and government representation in testing adaptive Willow Creek Lowland Rainforest VCA just west of Kiama, which protects the management of environmental flows to achieve endangered Illawarra Subtropical Rainforest ecological community, and the environmental and production outcomes, using the endangered plants, Illawarra socketwood (Daphnandra sp. C) and white wax- Macquarie River as an example. flower (Cynanchum elegans). Croom Regional Sporting Complex VCA at Albion Park, with Shellharbour City Council. This 22 hectare patch of urban bushland protects the endangered Illawarra lowlands grassy woodland ecological community and the endangered Illawarra greenhood orchid (Pterostylis gibbosa).

Wildlife refuges Wildlife refuges are the oldest off-park conservation scheme in New South Wales and involve a voluntary commitment of land by a landholder to protect and conserve native wildlife. They were first established under the Fauna Protection Act 1948 and continued in the National Parks and Wildlife Act.

Land for wildlife The NPWS provides state-wide coordination and the framework for the Land for Wildlife scheme in New South Wales. A community based approach is taken to the delivery of the program and regional delivery is carried out in partnership with non- government organisations, community groups and local councils. Partner organisations enter into an agreement that outlines how the organisations will work together. These partnerships assist organisations in providing information and support to obtain funding for the continuing role of promoting local community involvement in conservation. During 2002-03 third-party agreements under the scheme were signed with three groups to enable piloting of the program in NSW. These included the Nature Conservation Working Group to deliver the program in the Murray catchment in south-west NSW, the Upper Clarence Combined Landcare Group in the far north of NSW and the Central Coast Environment Network. 40

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Biodiversity conservation programs

NPWS The NPWS is developing methods for assessing biodiversity on farms and other private lands to provide a robust basis for stewardship schemes for conservation. This involves assessing biodiversity, developing condition benchmarks for the major vegetation communities of central NSW and integrating assessment of biodiversity on farms with regional conservation plans to provide measures of biodiversity benefits for stewardship schemes. Key programs in 2002-03 include: developing the purple copper butterfly education program with schools and local government in the Lithgow area, which has resulted in expanding the known range of the species by 40 kilometres restoration of known habitat of the Blue Mountains water skink as part of National Tree Day 2002.

Wildlife management

Wildlife licensing The NPWS issues a range of licences to allow keeping and trade in native animals and monitors adherence to the conditions of these licences to ensure appropriate care and protection. The NPWS also issues licences to facilitate research on wildlife and for Wildlife refuges, like this one in the Hunter Valley, may other miscellaneous purposes, including wildlife rehabilitation, capture and relocation contain remnants of native vegetation in a modified of reptiles and possums, taxidermy, pest bird control etc. Licenses issued in 2002-03 landscape. were:

Licence 2001-02 2002-03

CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR Interstate import licences 1051 1091

TARGET: Interstate export licences 550 576 Increase in the area of land outside the reserve Scientific research licences 935 950 system formally managed for conservation Reptile keeper 7619 8518 Land under off-park conservation agreements Amphibian keeper 715 660 Land for Wildlife VCA Bird keeper 3525 4181 Wildlife Refuge (ha) (ha) (ha) Bird dealers 110 109 To 1998 1,641,329 4875 Mammal keeper 51 49 1998-99 594 427 Miscellaneous* 555 550 1999-00 996 1016 Total 15,111 16,684

2000-01 1074 * Miscellaneous licences include licences for bird trapping, pest control, wildlife rehabilitation, taxidermy, emu farming and egg carving and holding specimens of protected fauna. 2001-02 8248 560 1490 Liaison with the cut-flower industry and Environment Australia led to the completion 2002-03 16,224 1986 685 and adoption of the Cut-flower Industry Management Plan and implementation of Total 24,472 1,645,465 9569 legislative changes relating to commercial use of native plants. The plan outlines the legislative context and management strategies that will be implemented. It also provides a means for interested members of the public and the industry to become aware of a broader range of issues affecting the management and conservation of protected and threatened plants that are used in the cut-flower industry. The NPWS also provided support to the Native Animal Keepers Consultative Committee, which reviewed submissions to a discussion paper and was instrumental in developing changes to the bird keeper laws that were successfully implemented from November 2002. New scientific licensing provisions were implemented in February 2003.

NSW Kangaroo Management Program 2002-06 The current Kangaroo Management Program is now in its second year. In 2002 an appeal was lodged against the program by a consortium of animal welfare groups, and was heard in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The tribunal confirmed the validity of the program, which continues to operate without amendment. The drought had a significant impact on kangaroo populations, particularly in the far west and north-west of the state, resulting in minimal kangaroo harvesting activity for several months. Aerial assessment surveys of kangaroo populations have commenced for 2003. Current research projects include a collaborative investigation into ways to reduce vehicle/animal collisions, methods of surveying kangaroo populations in south-east NSW and methods of improving surveys in north-east NSW. 41 3 Conservation management

Ecologically sustainable management of NPWS operations CASE STUDY Recycling trial OBJECTIVE: In conjunction with Resource NSW, the NPWS is To ensure effective management systems are in place for the ecologically undertaking a trial of public place recycling at four sustainable management of NPWS operations, including NPWS parks and prominent visitor locations in northern NSW. reserves. Trials will be carried out at Mungo Brush Camping Area in Myall Lakes National Park, Point Plomer STRATEGIES: Camping Area in Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve, Dorrigo Rainforest Centre in Dorrigo Develop and implement a comprehensive Environmental Management System National Park and Cape Byron Lighthouse in across the NPWS, with a key focus on monitoring in relation to the State of the Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Parks and ecologically sustainable management. Review the process for developing plans of management to improve their effectiveness for ensuring the ecologically sustainable management of

protected areas. C Fardell/NPWS Audit the implementation of plans of management for areas in the NPWS reserve system.

Energy management

Government Energy Management Policy The NPWS is committed to achieving savings in the quantity and cost of energy it consumes. The NPWS purchases electricity in the contestable market wherever possible for its office accommodation and larger operational works depots so as to ensure the most competitive rates are achieved. It also purchases a percentage of green power at a number of sites, which reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. The NPWS has reviewed its lighting control systems in a number of buildings as part of its energy management initiatives. The improved lighting systems will result in reduced energy costs as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The NPWS has a comprehensive Environmental Management System (EMS) to ensure sound environmental performance across all NPWS operations, including energy management. Pro-active initiatives are also contained in the corporate plan. Environmental initiatives implemented by the NPWS include generating electricity by hydro-electric power at Yarrangobilly Caves; a geothermal heating system at the Crystal Shower Falls, Dorrigo National Park. Snowy Region Visitor Centre; two solar panel installations to supply water in Gundabooka National Park and Yathong Nature Reserve and the acquisition of dedicated LPG and hybrid motor vehicles.

Waste management CASE STUDY The NSW Government’s Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy (WRAPP), announced by the Premier in 1997, requires all state government agencies and state-owned Minnamurra environmental award corporations to develop and implement a WRAPP plan to reduce waste in four Efforts to reduce the amount of recyclable material scheduled areas: going to landfill have secured a Keep Australia paper products Beautiful Council (NSW) award for Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park. office equipment and components The award is recognition of the cooperative work vegetation material done by the NPWS and Resource NSW to solve a number of waste management issues at the site, construction and demolition material. which is now visited by 110,000 people annually. It also requires that priority be given to buying materials with recycled content where The new recycling stations have also resulted in a they are cost and performance competitive. For an overview of the NPWS WRAPP significant reduction in the artificially inflated plan, see Appendix L. population of currawongs and the ability of native rodents to gain access to rubbish. P Kennedy/NPWS 42

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NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Sewage management CASE STUDY The $23.917 million NPWS sewerage upgrade commenced in 2000 and will finish in 2006. Funding for 2002-03 amounted to $5.5 million and funds of $2.529 million Montague Island have been allocated for 2003-04. In 2002 the NPWS completed the installation of a solar powered tertiary and secondary stage The NPWS has been working closely with the Environment Protection Authority, local sewerage treatment system on Montague Island government and in the metropolitan area, Sydney Water, in developing strategies and Nature Reserve. The new system was required due implementing solutions. to the high replacement and upgrade costs Greater Metropolitan parks Projects completed during 2002-03 include connection associated with the existing septic and absorption to sewer for Reef Beach, Rodd Island, Clark Island and Goat Island. All of these trench system in order to meet EPA standards. projects used micro-tunnelling to install conduits and pipelines in order to minimise The new system can treat 4000 litres of sewerage environmental disturbance. Design and documentation for connection to sewer of per day, which equates to about 20 people in facilities at Audley, in Royal National Park, commenced and should be completed by permanent residence on the island. This capacity December 2003. In Blue Mountains National Park, the facility at Govetts Leap was was specified to ensure it could cater for the connected to the sewer. irregular ‘shock’ loading created by day tours Northern parks More than $1 million has been spent in improving facilities in Myall and up to 15 research students staying for a Lakes National Park to reduce the likelihood of nutrients entering the lake systems. week at a time. Other major works were completed at Yuraygir and Bundjalung national parks, Brunswick Heads and Limeburners Creek nature reserves, Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Cape Byron State Conservation Area.

G Ashley/NPWS Southern parks In the Snowy Mountains a continuing program is replacing pit toilets with sealed pump-out units. This year, new pump-out toilets were installed at Horse Camp and Whites River huts, on a popular access track to the Jagungal Wilderness Area. Bullocks Hut, on the Thredbo River, also received a new pump-out toilet, as did Geehi Dam. The design work to replace the existing heritage septic system at Yarrangobilly Caves with a tertiary treated effluent reuse system has been completed. Western parks The NPWS provides water and sewerage services to some 35 tenants Assistant keepers quarters, Montague Island National Park. in and around the Hill End Historic Site. In 2002-03, two new sewage effluent recycling treatment plants were installed. The plants use electro-coagulation technology to obtain the required effluent quality without the need for filters and chemicals. Recycled effluent will be used for toilet flushing and irrigation. This initiative will reduce domestic water usage by up to 20 per cent.

Making the most of the drought, staff at Sturt National Park cleaned out and deepened eight of the park’s artificial watering points to better prepare for upcoming droughts. D Hough/NPWS 43 3 Conservation management

Managing built assets CASE STUDY

OBJECTIVE: Barrenjoey Headland restoration To manage NPWS built assets to achieve conservation and health and safety Activities as part of the ongoing Barrenjoey outcomes. Headland Restoration Project include:

STRATEGIES: preparation of an Archaeological Management Plan, taking particular note of the quarries, Develop and implement a comprehensive asset management system, access roads and tracks leading up from the incorporating data collection and reporting systems, and policies and beach, lighthouse and customs station procedures for management of NPWS assets. precincts preparation of a Heritage Landscape Plan, Buildings and surrounds allowing for future works, rationalising walking tracks and including locations for lookouts and The NPWS manages its built assets to ensure conservation of natural and cultural visitor use areas heritage values and to facilitate the community’s enjoyment of those values, while also ensuring the health and safety of visitors and staff. Projects for 2002-03 included: a direct drill from the base of the headland to the summit to house conduits for electricity, completion of the new Hastings Area Office at the Hastings Depot in Blackbutt water, waste disposal and phone. Road, Port Macquarie improvements to the Cosy Corner car park, Cape Byron State Conservation Area with the assistance of the Arakwal Aboriginal trainee field officers. The heritage

values of the Cape Byron Lighthouse Precinct were enhanced by removing an M Cooper/NPWS unsightly electricity pole and moving lines underground. The public toilets were also connected to the main sewerage system replacement of the visitor entry station at the southern entrance to Munmorah State Conservation Area to meet occupational health and safety standards.

Managing historic heritage sites Looking south from Barrenjoey lighthouse. The NPWS has been granted certain delegations under the NSW Heritage Act for the management of State Heritage Register listed places. The delegations will enable better management of the endorsement processes for Conservation Management Plans and Section 60 Works Applications for non-contentious projects and places. CASE STUDY Guidelines are being finalised for the implementation of these delegations and to coordinate the applications and approvals processes to parallel approvals granted Kosciuszko huts under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. The NPWS has employed a consultant to prepare a Historic heritage site management projects during 2002-03 include: heritage action statement for the huts damaged or destroyed by the recent bushfires in Kosciuszko A project to provide the guiding framework for the emergency stabilisation and National Park. The report provides a historical ‘mothballing’ of the lightkeeper’s cottages at South Solitary Island Historic Site. record for the huts damaged or destroyed as well Point Stephens cottages in Tomaree National Park stabilisation and management as making recommendations to remove and restore projects, including: a new security fence around the cottages; removal of asbestos; historic objects while ensuring the sites are safe. stabilisation of lintels; removal of metal remnants; fallen stone collected and placed Plans have been prepared for the repairs to the in relevant rooms; and bitou bush and other weeds removed. roof of Major Clews Hut as well as repairs to Geehi and Old Geehi (YHA) huts. The NPWS is working Protection works were undertaken for ‘Neville Bonner’s tree’ (the Phoenix palm with the Kosciuszko Huts Association to inspect underneath which the former federal senator was born) on Ukerebagh Island, the remaining historic huts and develop a including preparation of a tree surgeon’s report and termite control works. maintenance program. Conservation management plans were developed for Blue Mountains walking tracks. Restoration works were undertaken for Traill’s Hut, in Coolah Tops National Park. CASE STUDY A project funded through the National Heritage Trust’s World Heritage Management and Upkeep Program to interpret the natural and cultural values of Big Yango Station Kunderang East historic homestead, in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park was instigated. Big Yango Station, located in an open valley surrounded by rugged sandstone country in Yengo National Park, was previously a Poll Hereford cattle stud and now provides an important focus for visitors to the southern section of the park. The NPWS has undertaken a number of significant works including a large group camping area (Blue Gums), facilities for smaller groups and accommodation in the homestead on the property. Composting toilets have been installed in the large group camping area, extensive maintenance and upgrade work has been carried out on the homestead and an old generator has been replaced with a new fully automated solar powered system with generator back up. 44

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Heritage Assets Maintenance Program CASE STUDY The (Historic) Heritage Assets Maintenance Program (HAMP) enables the NPWS to undertake maintenance and conservation planning and works at historic places. In Greycliffe Gardens the period 1996-97 to 2002-03, $16.5 million has been allocated under HAMP. A major milestone was reached this year with the In 2002-03, $2.063 million was allocated to 51 projects at 38 historic completion of the restoration of the gardens places/landscapes. Work funded included conservation management plans (CMPs), surrounding historic Greycliffe House in Sydney masterplans, emergency stabilisation works, catch-up works and cyclical Harbour National Park. The project was completed maintenance. with $180,000 from the Westfield Foundation through the Foundation for National Parks & Masterplans for Hill End Historic Site and Middle Head (Sydney Harbour National Wildlife. Park) were prepared in 2002-03 and a masterplan for Audley Precinct (Royal National Park) was commenced. CMPs for historic places included Trial Bay Gaol, Currango The project aimed to improve the interpretation of Homestead, Dalmorton Township and Mooraback Pastoral Station. Additional the natural and cultural heritage values of the planning work took place for huts within Barrington Tops and Kosciuszko national Nielsen Park precinct, with particular emphasis on parks and assessments of historical values were undertaken for Paroo-Darling Greycliffe House and its surrounds. Components National Park, Iluka Nature Reserve and mining at Werrikimbe National Park. included reconstruction of the Tresillian era Matron Kaibel parterre gardens, partial restoration of the In addition CMPs were finalised for Hartley Historic Site; Kinchega Station Complex; historic marine villa landscape between Greycliffe Mungo and Zanci Station complexes; Kunderang East Pastoral Station; Glenrock House and the harbour, removal of inappropriate Cultural Landscape; Penders; and a number of buildings at Hill End. Development of plantings and overhead power-lines and improving a Conservation and Cultural Tourism Plan for Trial Bay Gaol is under way. the historic well’s access and stability. Conservation works funded by this program were undertaken at a range of historic places, including the North Head Quarantine Station, Middle Head Forts, Neilsen Park Dressing Pavilion and Goat Island (Sydney Harbour National Park); Bantry Bay

R Newton/NPWS Explosives Magazine (Garigal National Park); Old Great North Road (Dharug National Park); National Pass Walking Track (Blue Mountains National Park); Greencape Lighthouse (Ben Boyd National Park); Throsby Park Historic Site; Kellys Cottage; Kosciuszko Huts; Hill End Historic Site; Mount Wood (Sturt National Park); Tomaree Head; Roto House (Macquarie Nature Reserve); Willandra Homestead and Lake Innes Ruins.

Roads and other access Work continued throughout the year on maintenance, repairs and upgrades of roads and other access throughout NPWS reserves. Some of this work included: an upgrade to the Mount Coryah walking track in Mount Kaputar National Park construction of walking track infrastructure, a ‘wetland interpretative sign’ and a brochure for the Harbour to Hawkesbury Walking Track Project CASE STUDY construction of a new section of the Grand High Tops track, just below The Mount Wood Breadknife, Warrumbungle National Park The historic complex of the former Mount Wood improved access to The Bluff and improved drainage on the Timbergetters Track, pastoral station, Sturt National Park, including the Garigal National Park homestead and the shearers’ quarters, has been low-level timber footbridges installed at fourteen creek crossings along Brindle fully restored for adaptive re-use and has already Creek walking track, Border Ranges National Park attracted significant visitor numbers. The Historic Asset Maintenance Program funded the services of new crossings on Middle Harbour Creek (Sydney Harbour National Park), to a conservation architect, who provided a replace the natural Bungaroo Crossing professional assessment of the need for improvement of the road from Crowdy Bay to Coralville stabilisation works on the oldest building in the complex, the stone hut dating to about 1883. construction of four car parks at Euroka, in Blue Mountains National Park establishment of fire trails around the perimeter of the newly acquired Belford National Park U Kloecker repair to severe storm damage of the California fire trail, Wollemi National Park repairs to a bridge on Mebbin Forest Road, Mebbin National Park upgrading 15 timber bridges in northern NSW road reseal works on Myall Lakes Road in Myall Lakes National Park, and internal access roads in Arakoon and Glenrock state conservation areas an upgrade to one of the primary entrance points to Glenrock State Conservation Area, including car park sealing and the construction of a 110 metre paved track and raised platform leading down to improved walking tracks to provide wheelchair access to Flaggy Creek upgrade of the Entrance Road, tracks and trails in Big Yango Precinct, Yengo National Park the Cape Byron Walkway and Cycleway between Captain Cook’s car park and The Pass were approved for construction 45 3 Conservation management

NPWS CASE STUDY

Mount Warning (Wollumbin) summit track Reconstruction of the Mount Warning (Wollumbin) summit walking track is now in its fourth year. A team of five field staff repaired high priority sections of the track, including the construction of handrails and boardwalks, and track improvements such as dry stone rock walls and dry stone rock paving. Erosion control and drainage works have also been undertaken. Track works have been carried out in consultation with members of the Mount Warning (Wollumbin) National Park Aboriginal Steering Group, and with funding assistance from the Natural Heritage Trust’s World Heritage Management and Upkeep Program.

CASE STUDY

Barraba Track access trial In September 2000, a limited 4WD access trial Repairs to water tanks at Willandra homestead, Willandra National Park. began on the Barraba Track in Mount Kaputar National Park. The trial allows up to ten public vehicles per week and Barraba Shire is responsible completion of the second stage of the upgrade of Elliott Way bridge, which provides for issuing permits and keys, while NPWS staff at a major tourist route from the Snowy Mountains Highway at Kiandra via Narrabri undertake regular monitoring of erosion, Cabramurra to Tumbarumba Shire vegetation, weeds and permit compliance. As of June 2003, 286 permits had been issued. Although works at Kings Cross Road and KNP5 intersection at Mount Selwyn the monitoring shows some changes due to construction of a new accessible picnic area, car park, walking track and lookout increased use of the track, the significance of these at Robertsons Knoll in Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area impacts is considered inconclusive. The trial has been extended to establish longer-term trends. roadworks in Mount Kaputar National Park, including a safety barrier, speed and warning signs, guide posts and road surface repairs NPWS differential GPS mapping of walking tracks on the mid north coast, including Arakoon State Conservation Area, Bago Bluff, Crowdy Bay, Dooragan, Yuraygir (Middle Brother) and Tapin Tops national parks and Brimbin, Kattang, Limeburners Creek, Macquarie and Sea Acres nature reserves.

Visitor facilities The NPWS continued to build, maintain and upgrade visitor facilities across the state. Work undertaken during the year included: stage two of the upgrade of visitor facilities in Cocoparra National Park, including free gas barbecues, new picnic tables and toilets at Jacks Creek, Stores Creek and the Pines CASE STUDY replacement and repair of picnic tables, fencing, toilets, shelters and signs following fire damage to picnic areas and camping grounds within the Snowy Myall Lakes National Park camping Mountains region of Kosciuszko National Park upgrades interpretive signage for the Terania Creek and Minyon Falls sections of Nightcap Extensive camp ground development as part of the National Park. Updated interpretive signage in Byron Bay, Woodenbong, Myall Lakes Camping Strategy in Myall Lakes Urbenville, Lismore and Murwillumbah visitor centres and new signage in National Park included Mungo Brush, Dees Corner, Tyagarah and Richmond River nature reserves and Arakwal National Park White Tree Bay, Korsmans Landing, Neranie and Boomeri camping areas. The final stage of a $1 construction and installation of facilities at Ironbark Day Use area in Popran million program to upgrade the park’s toilet National Park, including a carpark and a track head gate including a horse stile facilities nears completion. New systems have a modular steel viewing deck installed at Rowleys Rock Lookout in Tapin Tops been installed in campgrounds at Johnsons Beach; National Park, featuring extensive views over the Manning Valley Stewart & Lloyds; The Wells: White Tree Bay; and Broughton Island. New systems have been new signage at Blue Gum Forest and upgrade of Cliff Top Track in Blue Mountains purchased and are awaiting installation at National Park Freshwater, Rivermouth, Sunnyside and Yagon. on and off-park signage for the new Turon National Park While the NPWS is building new camp sites in the park, it has provided additional temporary sites. A map of camping ground locations is available on the NPWS website. 46

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a major facelift at the Kukundi Wildlife Shelter for injured and sick native wildlife CASE STUDY at Lane Cove National Park, visited by more than 30,000 people each year, with new pathways that cater to a variety of customers including parents with prams Cape Solander whale watching and people with a disability, with strategic rest areas along the way to view the platform animals The NPWS launched a new whale watching completion of the Perpendicular Point viewing platform and track extension at platform at Cape Solander in Botany Bay National Kattang Nature Reserve Park, one of Sydney’s best whale watching locations. Sponsored by Sydney Airport visitor access facilities upgraded in the Gloucester Tops area of Barrington Tops Corporation Ltd, the platform provides shelter for National Park, including picnic areas, walking tracks, provision of toilets and whale watchers and a spectacular 180 degree vista. interpretive information and rehabilitation of old car parking area, road and picnic A two metre high information panel sponsored by facilities the International Fund for Animal Welfare erected completion of an upgrade to Tia Falls visitor facilities in Oxley Wild Rivers National near the new platform will also help whale Park, including a new platform and viewing area watchers to identify the whales they see. completion of a range of world-class visitor facilities in national parks in the south east to complement emerging nature-based tourism industries around the remote Braidwood and Bombala rural communities. Facilities include new camping areas, walking tracks and viewing platforms in South East Forest National Park and a new viewing platform and walkways in Wadbilliga National Park

CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR completion of the Mooraback Rest Area upgrade in Werrikimbe National Park

TARGET: work at Crowdy Bay National Park focusing on visitor safety, particularly at Diamond Head, including relocating and enhancing day visitor car parking, Reduction in health and safety related incidents removal and fencing of dangerous trees, improving drainage across the camping involving either staff or members of the public. area and forward planning for recreation management New public liability claims per accessible hybrid toilets installed at Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve to replace quarter three pit toilets. The new facilities operate on a non-flush system using a primary No. of claims and secondary treatment tank and a holding tank for any excess liquid. Hybrid 15 toilets were also installed at Black Rocks, Booroora and Yabra rest areas in Bundjalung National Park 13 rehabilitation, with assistance from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning 12 and Natural Resources (previously Land and Water Conservation) under a 11 Waterways grant, of the remnants of a sand mining road and provided a low-key 10 10 facility to launch non-powered boats at Lake Arragan in Yuraygir National Park. The facility provides access to the lake edge for people with a disability and 9 8 protects the foreshore from erosion at a popular visitor precinct. 7

6 6

3

1

0 Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun 01 01 02 02 02 02 03 03 New viewing platform over the Cascades in Wadbilliga National Park. Quarters R Constable/NPWS 47 3 Conservation management

Managing site use in protected areas CASE STUDY

OBJECTIVE: Tuckean floodgates project To manage site use within the protected area system in a culturally sensitive and Tuckean Nature Reserve lies within a designated ecologically sustainable way. wetland and forms part of the Tuckean Swamp, a coastal floodplain of the Richmond River. The area STRATEGIES: has changed significantly through drainage Develop and implement state-wide policies and guidelines to minimise the management over more than 100 years and the impact of site use. operation of a tidal barrage. These changes led to a lowering of the water table, with resultant acid Develop and implement recreational strategies for sites identified as being ‘at sulphate soil issues and the relative drying of risk’ from recreational use impacting upon conservation outcomes. sections of former wetland in the nature reserve. Incorporate the development of recreational strategies, and ongoing audit and Habitat upstream of the barrage is very degraded review into the plan of management process. with poor water quality. In late 2002 the barrage was opened on a trial basis, with the objectives of restoring natural tidal Policies and guidelines flows and diluting or neutralising acid water A Policy Audit was conducted early in 2002 to document existing policies, and identify through controlled estuarine flushing. Local any overlaps and gaps. The audit highlighted several areas for improvement in the landholders, the NPWS, NSW Agriculture, NSW way the organisation develops, publishes and implements policy. The Policy Reform Fisheries, Southern Cross University, Department Program was implemented to address these issues. of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources The first stage of the Reform Program replaced the old Field Management Policy (previously Land and Water Conservation) and Manual with an Internet-based system. This required the establishment of Richmond River County Council (a flood appropriate architecture and functionality for policies; establishing user needs; mitigation authority) are involved in the trial. developing corporate standards for policies; developing systems for quality control in A comprehensive monitoring program is in place publication; and developing an information system for determining accountabilities. to assess changes and improvements to the The system was completed during 2002-03 and all current park management policies environment. and a policy index have been published on the NPWS staff Intranet. Each policy also Wood has a plain English summary. M The second stage of the program was the production of a Policy Guide and a Communication Plan. The Policy Guide provides a consistent process for policy development across the organisation and provides consistent standards for presentation (including a policy template). The guide has been completed and endorsed, and is available on the Intranet. The final stage of the Reform Program is to rationalise, review and update policies, to remove duplication and fill any gaps. This is an ongoing project.

Balancing site use and conservation Different types of reserves provide a different mix of protection and use. For example areas such as declared wilderness and nature reserves warrant greater levels of protection than regional parks. However, the NPWS recognises that specific areas within national parks and other protected areas may be able to accommodate a range of nature or heritage-based recreation activities, including horseriding and mountain biking, provided those activities are ecologically sustainable, culturally appropriate and compatible with the legislative requirements and conservation objectives for which the land was reserved. For example, in Blue Mountains National Park, a ‘Fuel stove only zone’ has been established in the Blue Gum Forest and a Bush Biking draft code of conduct has been introduced on major bike trails.

Recreation Planning Framework The NPWS has developed a Recreation Planning Framework for recreational use and development in the north of the state. The framework involves establishing criteria for recreation use, management and development in parks. Its aims include more efficient allocation of resources for visitor facility development; ensuring appropriate development; maximising visitor satisfaction; minimising potential conflict between visitors; focusing visitor use to where it is ecologically sustainable and culturally appropriate; and guiding the plan of management process. 48

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Contributing to communities CASE STUDY

Iluka oral history project OBJECTIVE: The NPWS contracted a historian to undertake a To contribute to the environmental, social and economic well being of local and historical study of selected sites in Bundjalung regional communities. National Park and Iluka Nature Reserve on the STRATEGIES: Iluka peninsula. The aim of the project was to document details of the rich history of post- Work with local and regional communities to encourage and promote tourism, settlement cultural heritage and associated while ensuring appropriate use of parks. community values. The study will be used as a Research the environmental, social and economic benefits of national parks, foundation to guide management decisions regional parks and NPWS programs for local and regional communities to affecting sites and to enhance information displays support decision making at state, regional and local levels. and Discovery activities. The project, which includes numerous oral histories, has received support from many local residents both past and World Heritage present. The World Heritage list contains some of the most important examples of natural and cultural heritage in the world. Protected by international convention, they are part of NPWS a group of more than 600 treasures that include the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Everest, the pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China. There are four World Heritage sites in New South Wales: Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia, which includes the major rainforest parks and reserves of north-east NSW and south-east Queensland Greater Blue Mountains Lord Howe Island Group Willandra Lakes Region.

Greater Blue Mountains The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA) was inscribed on the World Heritage List in November 2000, and is administered by an NPWS-Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust joint steering committee. Major initiatives undertaken as part of the committee’s GBMWHA Establishment Project during 2002-03 include: Consultation on the draft Interpretation & Visitor Orientation Plan was completed. Implementation to date includes publication and distribution for sale of touring maps and posters and the construction of directional and interpretive signage projects. A partnership initiative is currently being developed and a number of local councils have indicated their interest in becoming ‘World Heritage partners’. The Draft Strategic Plan has been revised in response to Environment Australia recommendations. The Indigenous Consultative Forums Project aims to recognise and respect traditional connection with country; establish dialogue that ensures that the needs and views of Indigenous people are heard and respected and that affords to the indigenous communities ownership of the process; and achieve co-management of the GBMWHA. Forum workshops were held in February-March and May 2003, involving 20 local Aboriginal organisations, including Local Aboriginal Land Councils. Indigenous managers from Arakwal, Mungo and Mutawintji national parks addressed one of the workshops on the processes and outcomes of their joint and co-management negotiations. Basic fire training has been offered, as well as instruction in oral history taking and site identification and management, and further courses are being planned.

Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia Two advisory committees have been appointed by the Commonwealth Government for the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia (CERRA) World Heritage Property — a Community Advisory Committee, and a Technical and Scientific Advisory Committee. Each committee met three times during 2002-03, most recently near Barrington Tops National Park. Key activities to date include: The CERRA Community Advisory Committee, in consultation with NPWS staff, has I Brown prepared a CERRA Communication Strategy, with recommendations on how CERRA should be promoted to achieve the World Heritage obligation of presentation. A CERRA marketing package has been prepared, consisting of a set of three banners for installation at tourist information centres in the vicinity of the World Heritage property.

Canyon Waterfall in Blue Mountains National Park. 49 3 Conservation management

An updated CERRA World Heritage values report has been completed, collating current knowledge of all the parks and reserves included in the original CERRA World Heritage Listing. L Walker/NPWS Contribution to sustainable rural and regional development Research into benefits of national parks and reserves for local communities During 2002-03, the NPWS continued its research into the economic benefits of protected areas for rural and regional communities with a study of the regional economic impacts of the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre in Morton National Park. The study showed that economic activity linked to the management and recreational use of the Visitor Centre makes an important contribution to the local economy and generates a significant number of jobs. Discovery volunteer Alison Hamilton paints the faces of children at Primex Agricultural Show. Tourism In 2002-03 the NPWS continued support for the Cabinet-endorsed Tourism New South Wales (TNSW) Tourism Masterplan 2020 and reconfirmed its commitment as lead agency for 11 strategies within the action plan. The plan’s initiatives are based on a destination management approach and its three guiding principles are CASE STUDY achievement of ecological sustainability; development of effective partnerships; and provision of quality visitor experiences. Warrumbungle anniversary Warrumbungle National Park was gazetted in 1953 Eighteen NPWS senior managers and key staff attended the 15 TNSW Growing and is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the Together tourism marketing and business development seminars conducted across theme ‘the park a community built’. The program the state in 2003. These forums provide industry, government agencies and the began with Coonabarabran Shire celebrating community with an opportunity to exchange ideas and raise issues affecting regional development, and are in addition to the Statewide and Regional Tourism Industry Australia Day in the Warrumbungles with meetings conducted throughout the year. NPWS representatives on these boards environmentalist Jack Mundey presenting the contribute to the development of sustainable tourism and appropriate positioning of awards. In May the Barefoot Bushwalking national parks within the state. Celebration and Reunion saw people with links to the park arrive to celebrate with bushwalks, a A national set of principles to be adopted in managing commercial and recreation campfire evening and a gathering. Events will operators on protected areas was finalised during the year. These principles were culminate in a concert in November. supported by the majority of the Heads of Agencies and circulated to licensed NPWS commercial operators and key stakeholders. The principles will be implemented as part of the NPWS state-wide consistent licensing system currently being progressed. In 2002-03 the NPWS continued its interpretive project to enhance the visitor experience to the outback. Interpretation at the Broken Hill Visitor Centre and the Mungo Visitor Centre was finalised and further progressed at Kinchega CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR National Park. TARGET: In 2003 NPWS state and regional representatives attended a rally at Casino of around 4000 campervan and motor home owners. A presentation and workshop with exit Increase in the number of joint NPWS/community survey was conducted with the aim of identifying potential issues in managing this tourism programs. fast-growing tourism market segment. Tourism programs per quarter Throughout the year cooperative advertising undertaken with TNSW and the Drive Programs include, for example, displays in tourist NSW magazine distributed in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney reached four million information centres, other off-park information readers and promoted national parks. displays and programs conducted in conjunction The NPWS showcased its national parks and tourism products at three major with local clubs. east-coast caravan and camping shows in Australia. Building on the success of No. of programs previous years, the commitment to these shows was expanded, providing the 150 NPWS with access to 181,815 show goers. A total of 38 NPWS staff from across the state committed their time and expertise to addressing around 8000 direct 130 inquiries over 23 days and encouraging visitors to discover, explore and experience NSW national parks. More than 15,000 copies of the 2003 Guide to NSW 120 National Parks were distributed and valuable feedback was collected to improve 105 visitor services. 100 97

NPWS staff participated in a number of tourism committees and organisations to 90 82 85 promote the sustainable growth of ecotourism in the north-east of the state, including 72 76 74 75 the board of Northern Rivers Tourism, the Nature Tourism Task Force and the Lismore Tourism Committee. Displays were mounted at a number of events such as 60 Farmarama, Primex, the 4WD Caravan and Camping Show, Big Scrub Environment 60 52 Day, World Wetlands Day and Tweed River Festival.

30

0 Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun 00 00 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 03 03 Quarters 50

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Pest and weed management CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR In 2002-03, the NPWS estimates that it spent approximately $16 million on the TARGET: control of weeds and pest animals. In February 2003, the NSW Government Increase in the number of pest control programs. announced additional funding of $6.7 million over the next four years to further Pest control programs per quarter expand pest control programs in national parks. Programs in which there is active collaboration with local government, rural land protection Pest animal management boards, landowners and community groups. Pest management has been recognised as an important component of the NSW Biodiversity Strategy and for consideration as key threatening processes under the No. of programs Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Pest animals have major impacts on 500 biodiversity and agriculture through predation, competition for resources, hosting 457 animal and human diseases and through impacts on Aboriginal and historic cultural heritage. There are at least 30 species of introduced vertebrates that are pests in Australia, but significant populations of only 10 species occur on NPWS-managed 400 370 lands.

327 320 NSW Legislative Council inquiry into feral animals 299 303 300 276 In 2001, the NSW Legislative Council resolved to undertake an inquiry into the 264 impacts and control of pest animals. The inquiry’s final report was tabled in 223 219 Parliament in October 2002, and listed 24 recommendations including: 206 200 noting the success of existing strategic cross-tenure management plans for foxes and wild dogs and recommending these be used as models for management plans 144 for other pest species

100 noting the significant funding already provided by the NPWS for pest animal control, but recommending that it further review its funding commitment so that it has the capacity to better target major problem areas. Since the NPWS prepared its submission to the inquiry it has significantly increased funding for its pest 0 animal control programs Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun 00 00 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 03 03 recommending that until conclusive evidence demonstrates that threatened Quarters species are not affected by aerial baiting of 1080 for wild dogs, the precautionary approach, of restricting the use of aerial baiting, should prevail.

Foxes NPWS fox control programs, in collaboration with neighbouring landholders, rural lands protection boards (RLPBs) and community groups, target the conservation of native species and the protection of livestock. Priority sites for fox control for the conservation of native species are identified in the Fox Threat Abatement Plan. Programs include: Eleven priority sites have been identified within the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and Southern Highlands to protect remnant populations of the brush-tailed rock- wallaby. Fox control is already established at two of the sites, and surveys of the remaining sites have been undertaken. Twenty-one priority sites have been identified along the NSW coastline to protect the most important breeding sites of threatened shorebirds. Fox control contributed to high fledging success at many of these sites in 2002-03. In northern NSW, extensive surveys of 14 priority sites for rufous bettong and four priority sites for Albert’s lyrebird have been completed as an initial step to targeted fox control and monitoring. In Mutawintji National Park and Mutawintji Nature Reserve an intensive fox control program that commenced in 1995 has enabled a substantial increase in the yellow-footed rock-wallaby population. On the Far South Coast, the NPWS, Bombala and South Coast RLPBs, State Forests NSW and the CSIRO have combined resources to monitor the effectiveness of fox/wild dog control programs and the response of ground dwelling mammals to predator control. In Kosciuszko National Park, foxes are attracted in large numbers during winter to artificial food sources around ski resorts, switching to native animals such as the threatened mountain pygmy-possum at the end of the ski season. A successful control program at Charlotte Pass Village has been expanded to all ski resorts on the Perisher Range and to other areas on the main range. In Sydney, the NPWS is working closely with 12 local councils, Taronga Zoo, State Forests of NSW and Macquarie University Fauna Park to undertake a regional fox- baiting program to protect an endangered population of long-nosed bandicoots at North Head and the threatened southern brown bandicoot within key bushland reserves. 51 3 Conservation management

Wild dogs In the last two years the NPWS has doubled expenditure on wild dog control programs CASE STUDY and has been working with other agencies to target wild dog populations both on and Kosciuszko cooperative wild dog off-park. control In the Wee Jasper and Brindabella valleys in southern NSW, a management plan has Extensive wild dog control programs have been developed to identify priority actions across a range of land tenures. The continued in and around Kosciuszko National Park, Cooperative Wild Dog Management Plan includes Brindabella and Kosciuszko especially in Byadbo Wilderness Area in the south- national parks, Bimberi, Burrinjuck, Wee Jasper and Black Andrew nature reserves, east part of the park. The NPWS is undertaking its Buccleuch State Forest and surrounding properties. An integrated approach using most extensive and intensive wild dog control buried 1080 baits at bait stations complemented by contract trappers to remove program ever in this area. The program was ‘bait-shy’ animals lead to a 68% reduction in stock losses in 2001-02, and up to an developed in collaboration with the Cooma and 85% reduction in 2002-03. Bombala RLPBs, Victorian Department of Stock losses in the Wee Jasper and Brindabella valleys Sustainability and Environment, contractors and 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 local landowners. An advisory panel has also been established to look at ways of further improving its Sheep killed 198 143 160 83 125 187 61 27 effectiveness and to develop a research program. Sheep maimed 12 12 60 48 45 63 14 10 The panel includes the NPWS, NSW Farmers’ Association, NSW Agriculture, local landholders Other programs run in conjunction with RLPBs and wild dog control associations and the Cooma and Yass RLPBs. include: working with State Forests of NSW and five wild dog control associations in cooperative programs in Oxley Wild Rivers, Mummel Gulf, Ben Halls Gap and Nowendoc national parks, Back River and Tomalla nature reserves and associated state forests establishing more than 250 bait stations for four weeks twice a year in the Glen CASE STUDY Innes area. Greater coordination between all landholders has successfully reduced predation of livestock in 2002 and further reductions were recorded in 2003 Sturt National Park working with Hunter and Mudgee RLPBs, Rylstone Wild Dog Control Association In western NSW, the NPWS has continued to work and community groups in Widden Valley, Baerami and Matindale in a large with neighbours to control wild dogs and foxes in cooperative program in and around the northern and western boundaries of Sturt National Park. The integrated trapping, Wollemi and Goulburn River national parks baiting and shooting program includes an working closely with the Mount Hungerford Wild Dog Association and landholders undertaking by the NPWS to respond within 36 to control wild dogs in and around the Barrington Tops National Park and Polblue hours if a neighbour reports wild dogs attacking Crown Reserve. The Hunter RLPB has been contracted to undertake a baiting livestock. program within the park to complement programs on adjoining private properties and additional field staff have been appointed by the NPWS contracting the South Coast, Bombala and Braidwood RLPBs and State Forests to assist NPWS staff to control wild dogs in reserves from Nowra south to the Victorian border conducting an extensive control program in the Kanangra-Boyd, Gardens of Stone and Blue Mountains national parks, involving over 300 bait stations along fire trails and supported by the Oberon Vertebrate Pest Group.

Feral pigs In July 2002, the NSW Government announced a $1 million funding package for pest animal control to assist drought-affected farmers in western NSW to reduce predation and other damage caused by feral pigs and foxes. The operation was coordinated by a sub-committee of the NSW Pest Animal Council and was undertaken primarily by

More than 1500 feral pigs were destroyed during the year in Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve. NPWS 52

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rural lands protection boards and private landowners. The NPWS provided a number CASE STUDY of Feral Animal Aerial Shooting Team (FAAST) shooters, increased feral pig control programs on its own lands and assisted in planning the campaign. It has been Bushland Friendly Nursery Scheme estimated that over 10,000 feral pigs were destroyed during this campaign and, in Nurseries participating in the voluntary Bushland combination with the impacts of the drought, feral pig numbers have been drastically Friendly Nursery Scheme, developed by the North reduced in western NSW. Coast Weeds Advisory Committee, agree not to In 2002-03 the NPWS has significantly increased its efforts to control this pest around sell any of the 61 plant taxa that are considered to the state. Programs include: be serious environmental weeds. Sixteen councils from Tweed to Taree have agreed to exclude the In Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve, control programs have been undertaken to use of these species in new developments and complement programs on surrounding private lands. Combined with earlier their own landscaping. Already more than 50 shooting initiatives, this campaign has resulted in more than 1500 feral pigs being nurseries have agreed to participate in this destroyed during the year. program. A major culling program has been undertaken in and around Planchonella Hill Nature Reserve working with the Northern Slopes Rural Land Protection Board. In Warra, South East Forest, Mount Kaputar and Guy Fawkes River national parks, radio-collared pigs are being used to study dispersal patterns or to help guide shooters to feral pigs that can be difficult to detect in rugged terrain. As part of the Alps Memorandum of Understanding, the NPWS and the ACT Parks and Conservation Service have implemented a cooperative cross-border pig baiting program. Preliminary results suggest that the program has greatly reduced pig CASE STUDY numbers and monitoring stations have been established to measure the long-term effectiveness of the program. Goulburn River Willow Bash In the southern Blue Mountains, which includes wilderness areas such as Willows occur along much of the Goulburn River Kanangra-Boyd, helicopters and horses are used to access very remote areas. A and the NPWS is working with the Department of management strategy has been developed in conjunction with Sydney Catchment Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Authority and RLPBs. (formerly Land and Water Conservation), local landholders and other community members to Rabbits manage infestations. A ‘willow bash’ is organised in autumn and spring each year where as many as The NPWS is working closely with NSW Agriculture, RLPBs and Landcare groups to 70 volunteers work with NPWS staff and capitalise on the spread of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) and to ensure contractors to remove willows along the river bank. effective follow-up control programs are implemented using conventional control Most of the willows inside the park boundaries techniques. have been removed and efforts are now Control programs include: concentrating in off-park sections of the river. In Yengo National Park, the NPWS has implemented a major baiting program to capitalise on reduced rabbit numbers following the release of the rabbit calicivirus. In western NSW, extensive fumigation and warren destruction programs have been undertaken in most reserves to maximise the effectiveness of RHD. For example, in Mungo and Mallee Cliffs national parks, the combination of these techniques has reduced the rabbit population by over 90%. In Nombinnie Nature Reserve, approximately 10,000 warrens have been destroyed in a 40,000 hectare area of the reserve. The warrens have been mapped on a Geographic Information System with overlays of vegetation and soil type. Similar programs are under way in nearby Yathong and Round Hill nature reserves. In the newly established Oolambeyan National Park east of Hay, approximately 3500 hectares were heavily infested with rabbits prior to recent treatment. An integrated control program of 1080 baiting and warren destruction over the entire area has dramatically reduced the rabbit population. Other significant control programs were undertaken in tableland areas (Goobang, Goulburn River, Kosciuszko and Wollemi national parks and Burning Mountain, Burrinjuck, Dananbilla, Hattons Corner, Little Llangothlin and Scabby Range nature reserves) and along the coast (Cattai, Lane Cove, Sydney Harbour and Wyrrabalong national parks and Munmorah State Conservation Area).

Feral cats Predation by the feral cat is listed as a key threatening process under the Threatened Species Conservation Act and a draft threat abatement plan (TAP) is being prepared. The Feral Cat TAP aims to establish best practice management guidelines using a model to predict priority sites. The plan will allow the NPWS to capitalise on research being conducted in other states and to support and foster research in NSW to improve management of feral cats. The NPWS is also working closely with local councils to increase awareness of the number of domestic cats entering protected areas. 53 3 Conservation management

Weed management CASE STUDY There are over 2800 introduced plant species that are now naturalised in Australia and it is estimated that approximately 25% of these are significant or potentially Friends of the Colo significant environmental weeds. Approximately 65% of Australia’s environmental weeds were intentionally introduced as ornamental species and most of Australia’s The NPWS works with the ‘Friends of the Colo’ to water weeds are exotic species imported for use in garden ponds and aquariums. control willows in the Colo River Gorge area of Wollemi National Park. Mature willow trees have A major aim of NPWS bush regeneration programs is to increase community been completely eradicated from over 60 awareness of the significance of environmental weeds and the need for their control. kilometres of the Colo River. In recognition of their Each year, NPWS staff make a major contribution during the national weeds efforts, the Friends of the Colo have won the awareness campaign (Weedbuster Week). Overall Excellence Award in the inaugural NSW The NPWS is working with volunteers to help regenerate bushland in many of our Weedbuster Awards. national parks. Education programs are regularly undertaken with local councils to train volunteer groups involved in bush regeneration. In the Coffs Harbour area, the NPWS and the Sawtell Community Bushcare Group combined in a collaborative program to restore coastal vegetation communities in and around Bongil Bongil

National Park. tesy of Friends the Colo

Successful rainforest restoration programs continued in sub-tropical rainforest Cour remnants in Dorrigo and Myall Lakes national parks, Davis Scrub and Wilson nature reserves and Glenrock State Conservation Area; and in very rare remnants of lowland floodplain rainforest in Andrew Johnston, Big Scrub, Boatharbour, Coramba, Moore Park and Wingham Brush nature reserves, and on Susan Island in the Clarence River and Coocumbac Island in the Manning River. The NPWS, in conjunction with the Iluka Landcare Group and a variety of sponsors (NSW Environmental Trusts, Coastcare, CERRA World Heritage Fund and Green Corps), has recently completed another stage of the major restoration project under way in the World Heritage listed Iluka Nature Reserve and adjoining areas of southern Bundjalung National Park.

Willows Willows have been listed as a Weed of National Significance and have been declared noxious under the Noxious Weeds Act. The NPWS has recognised the threat that willows pose to the environment and, wherever possible, has started to remove willows and replace them with native species. The NPWS works with the ‘Friends of the Colo’ to control willows in the Colo River Gorge area of Wollemi National Park. Mature willow trees have been completely eradicated from over 60 kilometres of the Colo River. In recognition of their efforts, the Friends of the Colo have won the Overall Excellence Award in the inaugural NSW Weedbuster Awards. Willow control programs have commenced in other areas of the Blue Mountains, including along the Coxs, Turon and Fish rivers in collaboration with Blue Mountains City Council.

Spraying the weed mother of millions. K England/NPWS 54

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A major willow removal program has recently been completed in the Brogo Wilderness Area of Wadbilliga National Park while other willow control programs are being undertaken along the Wollondilly River in Nattai National Park and along Mannus Creek in Bogandyra Nature Reserve.

Aquatic weeds Salvinia (Salvinia molesta), a weed with the potential to completely smother freshwater wetlands, has been listed as a Weed of National Significance and in most of NSW is a Category W1 noxious weed. In recent years, infestations have moved down stream into Myall Lakes in Myall Lakes National Park and Longneck Lagoon in Scheyville National Park. Management plans to combat these infestations have been implemented in collaboration with local weed control authorities. The control program in Myall Lakes National Park has been extremely successful and the infestation appears to have been eradicated. The NPWS is working with the Great Lakes Council in a regular monitoring program and to control the source of the infestation on private lands. The control program in Longneck Lagoon has also been very successful and only minor works have been required over the last 12 months. NPWS staff are continuing to monitor the lagoon closely. The NPWS is working with local control authorities to target a number of other aquatic noxious weeds: water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes), cabomba (Cabomba spp.), Senegal tea plant (Gymnocoronis spilanthoides), alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) and ludwigia (Ludwigia peruviana).

Bitou bush Bitou bush control programs continued in a large number of reserves during the year. The approach is site-specific, as the management strategy needs to consider physical characteristics of the site, infestation level, regenerative capacity of existing vegetation, the presence of rare or threatened species and the potential for other weeds to invade control areas. Natural regeneration, or over-sowing with locally collected seed of native species, is an important part of the rehabilitation process, as well as following up with a long-term maintenance program. The continued support of numerous volunteer groups has contributed enormously to the NPWS attack on bitou bush. An excellent example of community commitment to protecting conservation areas is in the Yuraygir and Bundjalung national parks, where the NPWS is working to restore coastal vegetation with community groups at Angourie, Iluka, Diggers Camp, Black Rocks, Brooms Head, Minnie Waters, Wooli, Red Rock and Sandon River. This program has been supported by grants from the CERRA World Heritage Fund, Coastcare, Envirofund and the NSW Environmental Trust programs and through work by teams from Green Corps and Australian Conservation Volunteers. Many other bush regeneration programs undertaken in coastal areas target bitou bush and these are described in detail on the NPWS website.

The NPWS is a lead agency in controlling bitou bush on the coast of NSW. NPWS 55 3 Conservation management

Fire management The NPWS is responsible for the management of some of the most rugged and remote bushfire-prone country in the world. Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act and M Cufer/NPWS the Rural Fires Act 1997 the NPWS has statutory responsibilities relating to the protection of human life, property, and natural and cultural heritage values from bushfires on lands it manages. Under the provisions of the NSW Biodiversity Strategy, the NPWS is also a lead agency in improving fire management regimes across the state. With its strong emphasis on developing staff skills, the NPWS now has more than 900 trained firefighters and over 450 incident management trained staff with a full range of vehicles, plant, equipment and aircraft for fire management operations, particularly in remote areas. During the peak of the 2002-03 bushfires, some 1350 NPWS personnel were involved in the fire suppression effort across the state. NPWS staff fought fires on and off national parks, helping to protect the community of NSW during one of the worst fire seasons in living memory. NPWS officers were involved in activities from assistance in state-wide coordination at the Rural Fire Service Headquarters at Rosehill, to acting as Incident Controllers of fire suppression operations. The NPWS also utilised its highly trained and experienced Remote Area Fire Teams (RAFT) across eastern NSW, The NPWS provides a range of fire management training, the Great Divide and the Snowy Mountains. from fire fighting to incident management. Prevention

Prevention and mitigation activities Despite an early start to the fire season, the NPWS was able to conduct prescribed burning and fuel reduction activities over an estimated 42,827 hectares on parks and reserves and 2352 hectares on neighbouring lands between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2003. In addition, maintenance using machinery was undertaken on over 3900 kilometres of NPWS fire trails. The NPWS also assessed and cleared all of its fire trails and management tracks before the start of the fire season. Prescribed burning operations on NPWS prescribed burning operations are primarily directed at protecting life and NPWS-managed lands property in neighbouring areas, using Asset Protection Zones along park and reserve Total area Number of boundaries where appropriate. Prescribed burns are also focused through Strategic treated prescribed Wildfire Control Zones across parks in order to provide fuel-reduced areas that help (ha) burns to break up and minimise the spread of wildfires and allow for safer access for 1999-00 6752 94 firefighters. Burning is also conducted in order to implement fire regimes appropriate to maintaining biodiversity on NPWS-managed lands. 2000-01 19,733 82 2001-02 31,703 103 Standards of fire cover 2002-03 42,827 173 The NPWS is completing the final draft of its Standards of Fire Cover review, which Total 123,587 624 identifies the core equipment and personnel resources necessary to provide adequate fire prevention and suppression across lands it manages. The draft model has set the minimum fire management resources required for each NPWS region and area given its identified level of fire risk. The NPWS will work towards ensuring that these minimum resource requirements are met and initial assessments suggest the NPWS already has adequate levels of fire fighters, incident control personnel and light fire tankers. The draft is expected to be adopted prior to the commencement of the 2003-04 fire season, to be reviewed every five years, or as required.

Fire management training As a member of the Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC), the NPWS has aligned its fire training to meet the requirements of the Public Safety Training Package, a competency-based system incorporating curriculum-based classroom training and on-ground practical experience. This ensures that all roles on the fire ground can be competently filled by officers who are trained and experienced in the relevant area. The NPWS five year implementation plan for fire training is nearing completion. The plan will ensure that the NPWS meets its obligations under the nationwide Public Safety Training standards. All other AFAC members are doing likewise. The NPWS is placing considerable resources into its registration as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for fire management training. This involves developing course material and learning guides for all NPWS courses. The deadline for completion of this material is September 2004. This year the NPWS conducted fire management training programs in basic fire fighter and crew leader training. Courses conducted with the Rural Fire Service, State 56

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

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Forests of NSW, NSW Fire Brigades, the Bureau of Meteorology (Severe Weather Section) and Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment included severe fire weather; air attack supervisor; aircraft officer and air observer. However. due to the early and extended severe fire season, many incident training courses were delayed.

Coordinated fire fighting The NPWS is committed to cooperative and coordinated firefighting, involving close liaison with the NSW Fire Brigades, Rural Fire Service, NSW State Forests and Sydney Catchment Authority. Currently Memoranda of Understanding between the NPWS, NSW State Forests, NSW Fire Brigades and the Rural Fire Service are being developed and refined. The NPWS also maintains a cross-border cooperative fire fighting agreement with the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment in order to provide rapid fire suppression across the border area of the Snowy Mountains. The NPWS is also a cooperative player with the other three NSW fire fighting authorities in a joint venture to develop new software for the capture and management of information on wildfire incidents, risk management activities and incident resource tracking. The NPWS is an active member of the NSW Bush Fire Coordinating Committee and its various standing and working committees. The NPWS is also represented on all the local District Bushfire Management Committees in districts where it has parks and reserves. These committees comprise the local area fire fighting agency representatives, who meet together to discuss fire management issues, to implement solutions and to provide assistance to each other in the undertaking of fire management activities at the local level. The NPWS is also an active member of the Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC), which comprises the 26 fire fighting authorities in Australia and New Zealand and also has associated members from fire authorities in countries in the south pacific and South-East Asia.

Cooperative research centres AFAC agency members are currently working towards the establishment of a Bush Fire Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), which will bring together universities and research centres across Australia and New Zealand in a coordinated effort in research into bushfire issues. This seven year project will address areas ranging from empirical research to fire fighting equipment development.

CASE STUDY

National Medal presentations In April this year 44 NPWS officers received the National Medal, the largest presentation to NPWS officers since the medal was established in 1975. As one of the original elements of the Australian system of honour and awards, the medal recognises diligent long service in organisations that protect life and property at some risk to their members. Fifteen years eligible service is necessary to qualify for the medal and clasps are available for each additional 10 year period of service. Of the 44 officers, 18 received the first clasp recognising an additional ten years, and three also received the second clasp. They join the 84 NPWS officers who have received the National Medal in past years. M Cufer/NPWS 57 3 Conservation management

The NPWS is also providing support to the Remote Sensing CRC, which will be examining the development of a multitude of remote sensing capabilities, from forest Response health to vegetation identification, and will provide remote sensing applications into Wildfire record bush fire detection, fire mapping and post-fire damage assessment and rehabilitation. Twenty-five year record of ‘on-park’ bushfires. 2002-03 bushfire season Year No. of Area of % of ‘on-park’ NPWS- NPWS- A combination of extreme conditions during the year led to fires that have been fires managed managed likened to the severe 1939 bushfire season, one of the worst on record. With most of lands lands the state in drought, El Niño weather patterns brought hot, dry winds and a series of burned (ha) burned lightning strikes throughout spring and summer. Numerous fires caused by deliberate 1976-77 90 57,913 3.02 or accidental human activity ensured that NPWS staff were kept busy fighting fires for much of the season. 1977-78 138 143,567 6.91 1978-79 105 6813 0.29 Number of fires by month 1979-80 113 420,070 14.56 120 113 1980-81 162 298,027 10.01 8 year average 2002-03 1981-82 53 5449 0.17 100 1982-83 181 135,863 4.19 87 1983-84 35 1914 0.05

80 77 76 77 1984-85 267 196,684 5.83 1985-86 139 38,364 1.12

60 1986-87 172 81,354 2.33

50 1987-88 158 96,833 2.61 46 41 47 40 1988-89 122 46,761 1.22 33 36 36 1989-90 249 66,464 1.72 23 20 1990-91 425 125,469 3.25 20 20 15 11 1991-92 396 66,409 1.68 7 4 3 1 1 2 1992-93 213 21,772 0.55 0 July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June 1993-94 300 382,897 9.68 1994-95 250 89,112 2.21 The fire season in brief: 1995-96 189 15,192 0.35 The season started very early. In July 2002, NPWS fire crews responded to 41 1996-97 194 12,670 0.27 wildfires, six times the average for the time of year. Half of these began on NPWS- managed lands, the rest appeared to be the result of burning off on neighbouring 1997-98 466 236,152 4.73 lands. 1998-99 189 14,195 0.28 August saw only 20 fires (60% of the average), many of them on the south coast. 1999-00 166 6715 0.13 Drier and warmer September weather saw a heavy increase in wildfire activity for 2000-01 396 217,980 4.15 all fire agencies. NPWS fire crews responded to 87 wildfires, two and a half times 2001-02 356 595,388 11.04 the monthly average. Fires were predominantly in the North Coast, Hunter, Central Coast and Greater Sydney Basin. Dry lightning strikes in and outside NPWS 2002-03 432 1,002,068 16.98 reserves sparked around 40% of these fires, often in rugged and remote locations TOTAL 5956 4,382,095 where containment and control is difficult. Around 45 per cent of the September fires were suspected to have been caused by arson. In October, as NPWS fire crews were still managing fires from September, 77 new fires started on the North Coast, Hunter, Central Coast, Greater Sydney Basin and South Coast. Only 19 of these started from natural causes. In November, NPWS fire crews responded to 76 new fires, 43 of which were caused by lightning. The others were suspected to be the result of arson. The NPWS responded to another 77 fires in early December, but rainfall close to Christmas gave fire crews a much needed respite. Of these fires, 74% (56) were started by lightning and most began on the North Coast, the Blue Mountains, the South Coast and ranges. On 8 January 2003 lightning ignited an estimated 164 fires across the alpine area of NSW, the ACT and Victoria, 50-60 fires within Kosciuszko National Park and a further 80 fires across the border in eastern Victoria. The number of ignitions, their remote locations and the severe fire weather that persisted over the next month made it extremely difficult for fire crews from all agencies to contain and suppress these fires. 58

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113 fires were recorded during January, 82 of which were identified as starting Wildfire origin and control in NPWS from lightning. parks and reserves 1 July 1995 to 30 June 2003 NPWS fire fighters responded to a further 23 fires during February, the majority of

Originated off-park, controlled on-park which were also started by lightning. By about 17 February, a change in weather 22% (519 fires) patterns and a gradual break up of the El Niño saw the end of the worst of the fire Originated on-park, moved off-park season. The wetter weather helped contain and suppress many of the fires. 11% (258 fires) March through June saw only eight fires, which were easily contained. Originated and controlled on-park 67% (1614 fires) By the end of the reporting year, NPWS fire crews had responded to 527 bushfires, 432 on NPWS managed lands. Along with other NSW and interstate fire authorities, NPWS fire crews had fought fires that covered an area of some 1.5 million hectares across the state, including 1,002,068 hectares of NPWS-managed lands.

Causes of wildfire on NPWS parks and reserves 2002-03

Cause Suspected arson 95 Burning-off illegal 12 Burning-off legal 23 Camp fire 6 Farm equipment 1 Escaped hazard reduction 1 Industrial 1 Total 2391 fires Lightning 223 Miscellaneous 3 Power lines 3 Reignition of wildfire 7 Train 1 Unknown cause 57 0 50 100 150 200 250 Number of ignitions

Recovery and rehabilitation The NPWS is committed to recovery and rehabilitation from all fires occurring on lands it manages. Appropriate recovery and rehabilitation measures are implemented as early as possible during suppression activities, often before the fire is fully extinguished. Measures include minimal environmental impact suppression strategies; wildlife rescue with the assistance of volunteer groups such as Wildlife Information and Rescue Service (WIRES); rehabilitation of temporary fire control lines (temporary bulldozer trails and hand constructed trails and fire breaks); and tree surgery for the removal of dangerous trees and tree limbs from visitation areas. Rehabilitation strategies can be included in the Incident Action Plan, the document that details the objectives and strategies for controlling a fire. Following the fire these strategies form the basis for NPWS regional offices to continue to implement and monitor recovery actions.

Erickson Air-Crane Helitanker operations. M Cufer/NPWS 59

Conservation4 facilitation

Conservation facilitation covers the encouragement and support of community stewardship of the natural and cultural heritage across the landscape, and the sharing in appreciation and enjoyment of this heritage.

Sand dunes, Nadgee Nature Reserve. NPWS 60

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Conservation facilitation S Davis/NPWS Fostering commitment to natural and cultural heritage

OBJECTIVE: To work with the community to foster understanding and appreciation of, and commitment to natural and cultural heritage. Volunteer Discovery guides enjoy a day out on Brisbane Water National Park. STRATEGIES: Improve the provision of information to the community, including through the use of a variety of electronic and other media. Develop close working relationships, including partnerships, with providers of environmental education programs, local councils, other government bodies at a local and regional level, and volunteer conservation groups on and off park. Develop and implement a state-wide strategy to promote understanding and appreciation of natural and cultural heritage. Benchmark the level of the community’s natural and cultural heritage CASE STUDY conservation knowledge, understanding, skills and behaviours. Camping near dingoes Work with Aboriginal communities to provide opportunities for Aboriginal people to present and interpret Aboriginal cultural values. The innovative ‘camping near dingoes’ interpretive program, developed at Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve, aims to educate campers about Community Programs Network conservation and personal safety issues. Campground activities were conducted each During 2002-03, the newly designated Community Programs Managers across the school holidays and key messages highlighted state established the Community Programs Network, a collaborative approach to positive behaviour, such as the need to avoid agency-wide initiatives with regional pilot projects. Each manager works with a feeding dingoes, maintaining tidy campsite food reference group of regional specialists to develop strategic approaches to the storage and appropriate disposal of all food and coordination of community relations programs across each directorate. fishing scraps. Campers were encouraged to Projects include developing guidelines and standards for interpretation, reviewing record sightings of dingoes and wild dogs on a and continually improving education programs, enhancing communication planning form available from the campground office. as a key component of project development and enhancing publications technology. Interpretive techniques include sand modelling, art, craft and singing activities that appealed to Educational programs both younger and older children and also engaged adult bystanders. Learning for Sustainability — NSW Environmental Education Plan The NSW Council on Environmental Education was established under the Protection of the Environment Administration Amendment (Environmental Education) Act 1998 to advise the NSW Government on strategic directions for environmental education. The council’s first three-year environmental education plan strives to build the capacity of government, industry, non-government organisations and the community to be involved in sustaining and improving the natural, cultural, built and spatial environment. The NPWS represents the environment portfolio on the council, and is also a member of the Environmental Education Council Network (EECN), a group of agencies that run major conservation education programs. The council has identified the following six outcome priorities: CASE STUDY 1. Improved integration of environmental education with other tools and strategies Seasonal wildlife used by organisations to promote environmental sustainability. The NPWS has On the north coast, the NPWS conducted magpie legislated responsibility for environmental education and recognises that and kangaroo seasonal wildlife programs during community involvement in voluntary conservation initiatives is integral to 2002-03 in response to high profile community achieving conservation outcomes. wildlife issues. The program was targeted to assist 2. Enhanced cross-sectoral coordination of environmental education programs. The people not confident to cope with negative role of the newly-established EECN is to ensure integration and involvement of interactions with wildlife. The talks aimed to build non-government stakeholders, share learning skills and resources, and ensure awareness of the potential for conflicts and efficient use of resources. provided participants with an opportunity to role- The NPWS has led the development of education and involvement components play newly learned self-protection measures. of the NSW Biodiversity Strategy, including developing teacher and student

een resource kits on state and national parks and biodiversity in partnership with P Gr the Department of Education and Training and in consultation with other key agencies involved in biodiversity protection and conservation. The NPWS Save Our Species program encourages state and local initiatives in the implementation of threatened species recovery plans and threat abatement plans. The NPWS information resource, A resource worth protecting, has been promoted to the recreation and tourism industry. 61 4 Conservation facilitation

The NPWS is a key agency involved in the development of the Sustainable Schools Program in NSW, in particular on biodiversity and cultural heritage CASE STUDY themes. Kirramingly field day 3. Expand partnership and network activities between environmental education providers, which enhance the quality and reach of programs. In its environmental The NPWS and The University of New England education programs, the NPWS has a range of key partnerships with other state conducted a field day at Kirramingly Nature government, local government, non-government agencies, industry and private Reserve near Moree in June 2003. The reserve landholders. protects 1300 hectares of relatively undisturbed grassland, and PhD student Tom Lewis discussed 4. Improved access for all people of NSW to high quality environmental education his research determining the impacts of fire, programs. grazing, cultivation and flooding on native The NPWS has contributed to the development of a major inventory on grassland communities. Thirty people attended environmental education programs conducted in NSW. the day, including many landowners from the local area. The NPWS provides technical expertise to the NSW Environmental Trust in supporting its Technical Review Committee for Environmental Education, NPWS including Aboriginal representation. 5. Enhanced training, professional development and other support for those developing and delivering environmental education. The NPWS has recently revised its policy and guidelines for volunteering, with: enhanced approaches to orientation and training; support for volunteers in programs and training; and support for professional development for staff engaged in the Discovery program. 6. Increased research and evaluation of effective environmental education The NPWS has been a partner in the research on socio-cultural influences of NSW K-12 school students, led by the Department of Education and Training Discovery participants over the last and the Environment Protection Authority. eight years

With support from the NSW Environmental Trust, the NPWS has commissioned 100,000 new research into community understanding of urban wildlife conservation, which has led to the development of the innovative Backyard Buddies program. 86,177

Discovery Program 80,000 71,299 The NPWS Discovery Program focuses on providing community education 65,774 opportunities using interpretation techniques to bring natural and cultural heritage 62,213 61,884 59,605 themes alive. The Discovery Program employs local people with appropriate 60,000 backgrounds as coordinators and rangers to deliver education programs in national parks and reserves, and through outreach activities in locations such as schools. 45,915 42,140 2002-03 Discovery program key achievements: 40,000 Program participants 86,177 Regions conducting a program 18 20,000 Activities conducted 2432 On-park activities 1952

Off-park activities 480 0 1995- 1996- 1997- 1998- 1999- 2000- 2001- 2002- 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 This year’s priority themes have been: Threatened Species, which used the bilby in the Easter school holiday program to raise community awareness and understanding of threatened species and threatening processes Living with Fire, developed to foster understanding of NPWS fire management for the protection of life and property and for the conservation of native fauna and flora, and the fire co-management activities undertaken by the NPWS. P Kennedy/NPWS

Aboriginal Discovery Program The Aboriginal Discovery Program aims to enhance community appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage and the importance of its protection in the landscape. The program employs and fosters local Aboriginal people’s capacity to share their stories through guided walks, talks and tours. A state-wide Aboriginal Discovery review workshop in April 2003 examined the program’s achievements, strengths and opportunities for improvement. During 2002-03, 21,066 people participated in 173 activities lead by Aboriginal Discovery Rangers around the state. An Aboriginal Discovery activity at Minnamurra Falls, Budderoo National Park. Workforce and infrastructure In recognition of recently established National Industry Competencies for cultural and nature-based guides, a review was conducted during 2002-03 to establish the level of service to be provided by Discovery staff and to clarify their role, responsibilities and rights in an equitable manner. As a result of this review: 62

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new Discovery staff position descriptions were written and classified CASE STUDY a regional review of the number and type of Discovery positions required was conducted Smoky Cape Lighthouse tours employment of all Discovery staff was implemented based on the new positions Interpretive tours of the scenic Smoky Cape descriptions and regional needs identified. Lighthouse, Hat Head National Park, were launched in late 2002 following negotiation with Revised Discovery policy and guidelines have been finalised to update current best the Australian Maritime Authority. Former practice, address requirements under new child protection legislation and strengthen lighthouse keepers and their families, local risk management components of the policy. maritime historians and tourism operators were Building on the ANZECC Best Practice project on Interpretation and Education, the invited to a ceremony at the Smoky Cape Head NPWS has also commenced the revision of policy and guidelines for interpretation. Keeper’s Cottage to mark International Lighthouse Day 2002. Several of the former keepers School education contributed a wealth of anecdotes that were woven into the tours. Local media assisted with frequent The Eco Ranger Discovery for Schools program, part-sponsored by CSR through the promotion of the lighthouse tours, which attracted Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, was implemented in key regions in 2002- over 400 adults and children during the summer 03. The program encourages year 7/8 science students to discover and explore holiday period. biodiversity using a hands-on introductory biodiversity survey. Eco Ranger has been designed to meet key learning areas of the junior high school science syllabus and is presented in a number of modules that build knowledge and skills and encourage critical thinking.

CASE STUDY Envirothon, an environmental interpretation competition for Year 11 students in NSW public schools, is undertaken in partnership with the Department of Education and Ranger exchange with the Forestry Training, and prizes have been sponsored by Snowgum outdoor equipment company. Commission of Great Britain More than 250 students from across the state competed in regional competitions and From March to December 2002, the NPWS over 60 students and staff engaged in the final of the competition in Sydney. The state participated in an International Ranger Exchange final of Envirothon 2002 was conducted in the Blue Mountains in December. Program with New Forest National Park, England. Development of curriculum resources on biodiversity themes has been supported The two rangers each participated in a number of under the State Biodiversity Strategy. These align with key areas of the Human Society local programs, including community In the Environment (HSIE) and Science and Technology K-6 syllabus, and support presentations, throughout the exchange. delivery of the Environmental Education Policy for NSW Schools. The project is being undertaken in partnership with the Department of Education and Training and will be endorsed for use in public high schools across the state. G Brewer/NPWS Industry education A project part-funded through the Natural Heritage Trust has developed a biodiversity education module for rural landholders, promoting the importance of biodiversity conservation in property management planning. This provides baseline biodiversity survey methods to enable landholders to assess property biodiversity values. The NPWS has supported Tourism Training Australia in the revision of current Walking with international rangers. competency standards for cultural and environmental tour guiding. The NPWS has also been involved in Eco Guide accreditation trials, and will continue this support through representation on the Eco Guide Steering Committee for Ecotourism Training Australia. CASE STUDY NPWS library Pete the pelican The library continues to provide research services to a wide client base, including A dead pelican found by a fisherman in Kiama staff, researchers, students and the general public. Services include: Harbour several years ago was found to have enhancing services to staff through the Intranet. The Heritage and Environment several plastic bags in its stomach, which probably database is now networked and there is improved access to ‘Management Edge’. contributed to its death. The NPWS had the bird An enhanced search screen on our Web Catalogue enables clients to perform a (named Pete) preserved by a taxidermist and put coordinates search by latitude and longitude on display at the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre with a cataloguing 785 new items and adding 280 items to the archives, both up by one sign explaining how he died and the problems third on the previous year. 193 retrospective items were also added to the associated with plastic bag pollution. When collection and 311 items were contributed to the National Bibliographic Database Kiama Council recently learned about Pete, it commissioned a bronze statue of him to be placed investigating archiving the present and superseded versions of the NPWS Website in the picnic area on the wharf at Kiama and hosting the Margaret Senior Wildlife Illustration Exhibition from Newcastle launched during the 2003 Clean Beaches and University from 3-14 March. Stormwater Week. Visitor centres

National Parks Centre

P Kennedy/NPWS The National Parks Centre in The Rocks, Sydney, provides information on national parks across the state, activities run by the NPWS and answers to queries about native plants and animals. It offers comprehensive customer services in relation to annual passes, including processing online purchases. The centre sells NPWS and non-NPWS publications, a diverse range of gifts and displays statutory material such as plans of management and threatened species listings. 63 4 Conservation facilitation

Public contact Year Telephone Counter Mail Email CASE STUDY 1999-00 50,733 2075 825 2788 Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and 2000-01 53,459 16,180 468 6270 Canopy Café 2001-02 45,673 24,269 232 4710 During 2002-03 the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre 2002-03 58,535 24,114 249 6570 continued to play a key tourism role in the region, including acting as a member of the Dorrigo Visitor Centre Network tourism group, working with Coffs Coast The NPWS Visitor Centre Network, 19 visitor and information centres across the state, Marketing and hosting visiting journalists and film continued its professional development program in 2002-03. Retail training resulted crews. The centre also organised for volunteers in improved gross profit margins, better stock management, sales conversion rates from all north coast Tourist Information Centres to and merchandising. In 2003-04 the training focus will be on marketing and customer visit Dorrigo National Park and Dorrigo township. service. Facility improvements for the centre’s 170,000 annual visitors include the refurbishment of the International liaison public serving area and improved access for people with a disability. NPWS responds to USA fire crisis With the USA facing its worst bushfires in years, the NSW Government sent a contingent of firefighters and officers from the NPWS, State Forests, Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire Brigades to support the suppression efforts. The seven NPWS staff R Chapple/NPWS participated in an International Incident Management Team over a six-week period during August and September 2002 and were assigned to various camps in Oregon in the Pacific north-west.

Summer school in winter The University of NSW approached the NPWS in December 2001 to develop and conduct the Australian Wildlife and Conservation course for its 2002 Study Abroad Summer School students in July and August 2002. All of the students came from the USA and travelled to Darwin (Kakadu National Park), Cairns (Daintree National Park) and Sydney (Royal National Park) as part of the study program. The course was highly successful, receiving positive feedback from the students and UNSW, and the NPWS is repeating it in 2003. CASE STUDY Timor-Leste Rare Lapérouse prints celebrate In October 2002, the NPWS hosted a delegation from the Democratic Republic of Sydney’s French connection Timor-Leste (East Timor) to continue working on the action plan for the establishment Original images documenting the expedition of of a protected area system in the new nation. Following a week with the NPWS project French explorer Compte Francois de Lapérouse team, the group participated in visits to Mungo National Park in the Willandra Lakes have reached Sydney 206 years after they were first World Heritage Area (WHA) as well as the Solitary Islands Marine Park and the etched in copper by French artisans. Former Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves WHA in the north of NSW. French Prime Minister, Michel Rocard, presented The delegation was particularly interested in NPWS co-management arrangements the complete set of prints from the 1797 Atlas of with Aboriginal communities, as the first identified national park in Timor-Leste will the Journal of the 1785-88 Lapérouse expedition be established in partnership with local communities and incorporate some of their to the Lapérouse Museum, Botany Bay National traditional lands. Park, in April 2003. The Lapérouse Museum also has on display an The NPWS and Minister for the Environment Bob Debus, (back, centre) host a dinner in Sydney incomplete set of maps and prints from the first for the delegation from Timor-Leste. striking of the Atlas. These and the full collection of prints will feature next year in an exhibition about the travels and experiences of the Lapérouse expedition and its contact with indigenous people throughout the Pacific. The rare and valuable prints were taken from plates rediscovered in the collection of the Musee de la Marine, Paris, in the late 1980s. NPWS NPWS 64

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Fifth World Parks Congress 2003 CASE STUDY The NPWS has contributed significantly to planning the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Fifth World Parks Congress in Durban, South Africa, in September 2003. Whale watching Themes to be discussed at the congress will include the role of protected areas in The NPWS took the opportunity of the winter whale alleviating poverty; how protected areas adapt and anticipate global change at migration to promote marine mammal conservation biophysical, economic and social levels; the place of protected areas in our sustainable by holding a whale watching day at Crackneck future; and the contribution of protected areas to security. Lookout, Wyrrabalong National Park. The NPWS interpretations trailer was set up at the lookout Public affairs decorated with marine mammal display material. Public Affairs staff work with specialist and regional staff to engage the public on a The main aim was to encourage whale watching broad range of conservation issues. This involves maintaining the profile of the NPWS activities from the land and to raise awareness of as the lead conservation agency in NSW and ensuring NPWS programs and policies the threats to marine mammals. The day proved are portrayed accurately by the media. popular and many whales were sighted. It includes: the development of strategic responses to situations requiring comment from the

S Davis/NPWS NPWS implementation of proactive media and communications strategies and coordination of media events implementing public awareness campaigns providing media and communications advice and training to NPWS staff.

Electronic service delivery The NPWS launched a new website in May 2003, containing more than 5000 web pages and 1400 PDF documents and replacing an older site. New features and Whale watching in Wyrrabalong National Park. improvements include: a new parks and reserves database containing extensive visitor information, including access details, climate, visitor facilities, natural heritage, cultural heritage and Discovery tours a powerful search facility for the whole site specialised searches, from camping grounds to threatened species an expanded and improved cultural heritage section with the information less tied to a distinction between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage an expanded threatened species section addition of details of NPWS venues for hire in the Sydney area addition of the Water Information Systems for the Environment (WISE) bibliographic databases containing extensive references to river and wetland information. The site was redeveloped using web content management software which provides automated publication, review and expiry processes that improve the efficiency of managing content on the site. A new website for the NSW Biodiversity Strategy was also launched in May. The site is managed by the NPWS. Online purchase of NPWS publications can now be made through the online bookshop of NSW government agency publications, www.bookshop.nsw.gov.au. A database of the photographic images held in the NPWS central image library was developed during the year. This database will be connected to the website early in the next financial year to provide improved public access to the collection. The homepage of the new NPWS website, at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Use of the website continued to increase in 2002-03, with over 1.2 million visits (up 48 per cent on the previous year) and over 4.1 million pages viewed. 65 4 Conservation facilitation

Increasing community involvement in conservation CASE STUDY Saltwater reserve OBJECTIVE: NAIDOC Week celebrations were held in Saltwater To increase community involvement in the management of natural and cultural Reserve, an Aboriginal Place that borders heritage conservation in NSW. Khappinghat National Park on the mid north coast. Local elders opened the day and conducted site STRATEGIES: tours with other members of the community sharing stories and children’s treasure hunts. Facilitate the involvement of volunteer groups in conservation activities on Attendants enjoyed a bush tucker lunch of NPWS-managed lands, including through the provision of information, advice kangaroo kebabs, kangaroo stew, pipi soup and and support. fritters, damper and cobra soup. Facilitate and support Advisory Committees in carrying out their roles.

Actively involve local and regional communities in the development, CASE STUDY implementation and review of plans of management, and other conservation plans and management activities. Community sea turtle monitoring Develop and implement programs to promote visitor and community program involvement with individual parks and with the park system. Funding through Coastcare has helped to establish an education and monitoring program for marine Volunteer and community programs turtles in Lake Macquarie and Tuggerah Lake. The program is a joint initiative between the NPWS, Volunteers are essential partners in achieving conservation and throughout NSW local councils, NSW Fisheries, WIRES, Native numerous volunteers give many hours of work in conservation activities on and off- Animal Trust, University of Newcastle and other park. Some of these activities in 2002-03 included: environmental groups. Over 130 marine turtle rufous scrub bird monitoring project — about 20 volunteers were involved in sightings have been recorded since the instigation surveying 200 sites across four areas in north-east NSW of the program, which has included the development of education brochures and posters South Coast Shorebird Recovery Program — volunteers assisted with surveys, and the installation of 50 turtle awareness signs at monitoring and habitat protection and management boat ramps surrounding both lakes. Australian Alps Liaison Committee in collaboration with the Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism and the Australian International Council on

Monuments and Sites hosted a Celebrating Mountains conference as part of the S Davis/NPWS International Year of Mountains 2002 erosion control works at Chain Valley Bay, Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area to help protect the endangered orchid, Corunastylis insignis members of the NSW Cross-Country Ski Association and local ski clubs volunteered their time to assist the NPWS in replacing more than 350 marker poles and 1.3 kilometres of snow fencing on cross-country trails damaged by recent bushfires at Perisher and Smiggin Holes community interest and participation remained high for the third annual Port CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR Stephens Community Dolphin Census, and more than 80 families helped to record TARGET: 105 dolphins Increase in the number of partnerships with local involvement across the state in Clean Up Australia Day and World Environment government and with other organisations and Day activities community groups. monitoring of threatened flora species and bush regeneration to restore habitats in Number of volunteer programs the Wamberal Lagoon Nature Reserve. per quarter

Saving Our Species program 250 231 The state-wide Saving Our Species (SOS) program facilitates the development and delivery of local and corporate projects to encourage the recovery of threatened species, populations and ecological communities, and reduce threats to their survival 200 185 through community education and involvement initiatives. During 2002-03, $30,000 was allocated to ten programs across the state. 165 161 154 A comprehensive update on threatened species recovery and threat abatement was 150 141 released on World Environment Day, June 2003. A second edition of the publication 124 Saving our threatened native animals and plants — recovery planning and threat 109 abatement in action — 2003 update brings the list of recovery actions up to date and incorporates an overview of threat abatement planning. Other significant changes, 100 such as the number of finalised and draft recovery plans, additional species listings and amendments to the Threatened Species Conservation Act, have also been incorporated in the updated publication. 50 Threatened Species Day in September was promoted through the Discovery Program and the distribution of threatened species mouse mats to school students. The NPWS also supported the Foundation for National Parks Golden Paw Award threatened 0 species investigation and drawing competition for NSW school children. Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun 01 01 02 02 02 02 03 03 66

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CASE STUDY NPWS

Wood-turners and little terns On the south coast, a program to use wooden replicas of little terns to encourage the use of safe breeding sites takes its inspiration from a similar project in Tokyo Bay, Japan. Evidence suggests that the more little terns there are in one location, the more will be attracted to that area, so replicas are being made by the Shoalhaven Woodcraft Society and painted by students from Culburra Primary School. The decoys will be placed in a nesting area around Lake Wollumboola ready for the birds’ arrival in spring 2003. Students from Japan and Culburra will swap information on bird numbers, chicks and how many fledge. The Cape Byron Trust celebrated NAIDOC Week with the Dolphin Dreaming.

Aboriginal community programs CASE STUDY The NPWS conducts a state-wide Celebrating Aboriginal Communities Week program The Snowy River Journey in July each year in conjunction with NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day The Snowy River Journey, organised by NSW Of Celebration). This program aims: Premier’s Department, supported by the to enhance the involvement of Aboriginal communities working with the NPWS in Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Aboriginal cultural heritage protection, conservation and education Resources (formerly Land and Water Conservation) increase broader community involvement in opportunities which foster and hosted by the NPWS was held over three days appreciation and understanding for Aboriginal heritage, its protection and in November 2002. A group of about 30 conservation. participants travelled the route, starting at Charlotte Pass and finishing at the Snowy River Estuary. Along the way, stories were told of the Enhancing people’s enjoyment of cultural importance of the Snowy River headwaters to local Aboriginal people. A pitcher of water NSW parks and reserves brought from Charlotte Pass was poured into the Snowy River estuary at the end of the journey to OBJECTIVE: symbolise the flow of Snowy River water from the To enhance people’s enjoyment of the park system. mountains to the sea, and the cooperation of all people in looking after the river. STRATEGIES: Maintain and improve the quality of visitor facilities and services. Improve the provision of information and interpretation of park values, CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR features and facilities to park visitors, including through the use of a variety of electronic and other media and the enhanced training of staff. TARGET: Increase in the number of projects that incorporate community involvement. Visitor and market research

Number of management activities Improved visitor management systems with community involvement in The NPWS further refined the Visitor Data System (VDS), which collates data on each quarter visitor numbers and visitor satisfaction levels. 200 The VDS currently consists of two main modules — traffic counters and surveys. Data relating to visitor levels, daily and seasonal use patterns, long-term trends and 172 satisfaction levels can be analysed and the findings used to inform and improve park 153 planning and management. 150 140 The traffic counter module consists of digitally or manually recorded vehicle and pedestrian traffic movements and is operational at around 30 locations. 118 112 The survey module was developed this year and a draft standardised visitor 106 103 99 satisfaction survey has been developed in conjunction with the Cooperative Research 100 95 Centre for Sustainable Tourism, the University of Technology Sydney, and the 85 80 University of Queensland. This survey will be trialed during 2003-04. 69 At the local level, NPWS staff will be able to print surveys, enter and store data, analyse responses and prepare reports within the one application. At the corporate 50 level, the NPWS will be able to compare research findings across the state. During the year, 40 staff were trained in the traffic counter module, and it is expected that survey training will be provided to staff in 2003-04. The NPWS has been working cooperatively with Parks Australia to trial the VDS in 0 Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Booderee National Park, with a possible extension of the system to Uluru National 00 00 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 03 03 Park in 2003-04. 67 4 Conservation facilitation

Community attitudes The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Sustainable Tourism was funded by the NPWS to progress the research study Monitoring Community Attitudes to National Parks. The project seeks to complement the visitor monitoring process undertaken in 2001-02 and consists of three components. These are an examination of: broad community attitudes to aspects of national parks and their management the social and economic effects of establishing a new national park on host communities tourism industry attitudes to national park policy, management practices and consultation processes. The NPWS is also contributing to the TTF research project Making National Parks a National Tourism Priority, which aims to highlight ways to ensure long term sustainability of the natural and cultural heritage assets of parks, to improve the facilities and services that tourists access through national parks and other protected areas and to contribute to higher quality tourism experience. The project has major sponsorship from the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources through the Regional Tourism Program.

Working with our culturally diverse community The NPWS recognises the cultural and linguistic diversity of the people of New South Wales, the communities we work with and the staff we employ. The NPWS recognises and acknowledges the value and benefits that a diverse society brings, and will seek every opportunity to include all people and communities in achieving conservation outcomes in a way which fosters social justice, harmony and cohesiveness, and recognises economic and cultural opportunities. The NPWS has developed an Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement to outline its key ethnic affairs strategies and goals. For a report, see Appendix M.

Improving access and services for people with a disability The NPWS has a commitment to being inclusive in its mission to protect and conserve natural and cultural heritage across the NSW landscape, with a workforce that reflects the diversity of NSW communities. The NPWS also seeks to provide a range of experiences for national park visitors and access to services for people with a physical and/or intellectual disability. The NPWS recognises that almost 20% of people in the Australian population have a disability; that it is important that the people of NSW have the opportunity to enjoy the natural and cultural heritage in national parks and reserves of the state; and the importance of equity in opportunities for employment. The NSW Government’s Disability Policy Framework requires agencies to prepare a Disability Action Plan every three years. The strategies of the plan are integrated into the work of all areas of the NPWS, consistent with an inclusive approach to the provision of services and products that meet the needs of people with a disability. The NPWS prepared a Disability Action Plan for 2000-03, and a revised plan is to be prepared for 2003-06. The NPWS Disability Action Plan and strategies are outlined in Appendix K.

Children enjoying Mullingan’s Huts, Gibraltar Range National Park. P Matthews/NPWS 68

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Supporting community conservation CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR activities TARGET: Increase in the number of joint grant applications OBJECTIVE: with community groups. To provide practical guidance and support for community conservation activities. Joint grant applications in each quarter STRATEGIES: 25 24 Work with representatives of community conservation programs to identify what their guidance and support needs are, and how best these might be met. 21 Facilitate and improve community access to conservation-related information. 20 Cooperate with other government agencies to develop, promote and support programs for ecologically sustainable land management.

15 14 Information services 12 Better Biodiversity Planning Forums 10 10 10 The NPWS held a series of Better Biodiversity Planning Forums during the year in 8 association with the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and natural Resources (formerly Planning NSW) and the Planning Institute of Australia. The one-day forums 55 were held in five northern NSW regional centres and each forum featured a series of 5 presentations from NPWS staff addressing environmental issues related to Aboriginal 3 3 heritage, threatened species, environmental assessment and data updates. 1

0 Threatened species booklets Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun 00 00 01 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 03 03 Threatened species booklets for the Upper North Coast and the New England Tablelands/North West Slopes were released this year. The booklets provide details of each threatened species occurring in the area and basic information for landholders on what they can do to help protect these species.

NPWS Conservation partnerships

Conservation Partners Program The Conservation Partners Program aims to encourage and assist private landholders to form voluntary partnerships with the NPWS to look after native vegetation and provide habitat for wildlife. The program offers landholders three main options to protect the natural environments on their properties. The NPWS is responsible for administering the first Cape Solander Whale Study volunteer recording whale two longstanding mechanisms for private land conservation, Voluntary Conservation sightings. Agreements (VCAs) and Wildlife Refuges. A third option, the Land for Wildlife scheme, is facilitated by the NPWS but implemented by community groups or local government.

CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

TARGET: Increase in the number of partnerships with local government and with other organisations and community groups. Number of partnerships in each quarter

70 65 63 60 55 52 53 50 50 49 45 46 46 45 44 44 42 41 41 40 40 39 40 37 37 36 35 35 33 33 32 31 32 32 30 29 29 30 27 23 24 23 20 19 15 16 14 13 14 14 11 10 10 8 7 5 5 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 Sep 01 Dec 01 Mar 02 Jun 02 Sep 02 Dec 02 Mar 03 Jun 03

Work experience Aboriginal heritage Green Corps Work release Dunecare, Landcare, Coastcare Local government Other e.g. programs with WIRES 69 4 Conservation facilitation

CASE STUDY

M Cooper/NPWS VCA decision matrix To help ensure that VCAs maximise both natural and cultural heritage conservation, the NPWS has developed a decision matrix that prioritises resource allocation and sets guidelines for site selection of VCAs in northern NSW. The matrix is based on spatial overlaying of a number of data sets, including the Comprehensive Regional Assessments, and provides a framework for preliminary desk top assessment and prioritisation in a regional and sub-regional context.

Chase Alive volunteers at Fishermans Beach.

The program supports landholders making a voluntary commitment to land conservation by providing assistance with applications to join one of the program options; providing assistance with property planning; providing advice, and some assistance for other management issues; producing the Bush matters newsletter twice a year; providing management notes; assisting landowners with on-ground works; and providing networking opportunities.

Vegetation reform During 2002-03, the NPWS continued to support the Moree, Brewarrina, Narcoona, Liverpool Plains, Lower Macquarie Castlereagh, North Lachlan Bogan and Western Riverina Regional Vegetation Committees. The NPWS has offered technical assistance in the form of vegetation mapping, computer-based decision support systems and biodiversity and cultural heritage data. The NPWS has also contributed submissions to the exhibited drafts of five western regional vegetation management plans.

Berowra Valley Regional Park Trust The Berowra Valley Regional Park Trust is a body formed under the National Parks and Wildlife Act to manage Berowra Valley Regional Park. Trust members represent Hornsby Council, the NPWS and the community. Works in the park are carried out by Hornsby Council and the NPWS according to a funding and management agreement. The NPWS provides $150,000 a year to assist in the running of the trust, as well as in-kind support. Major events of 2002-03 include the public exhibition of the Draft Plan of Management; bushfires in December, which burned approximately 360 hectares of the northern section of the park; construction of a new mangrove boardwalk; replacement of septic waste water systems at Crosslands Reserve; improvements to the Barnetts Reserve picnic area; and support for 47 bushcare groups.

Inter-agency and whole-of-government programs and initiatives The NPWS contributed to a number of inter-agency and whole-of-government programs including: NSW Council for Environmental Education Roadside Environment Committee NSW Landcare Council NSW Environmental Trust Technical Review Committees for Environmental Education, Restoration and Rehabilitation Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council Working Group on Community Engagement and Capacity Building. 70

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Water reform The NPWS receives Treasury Enhancement funding to support its engagement in the NSW Water Reform Process. During 2002-03 the budget for NPWS water reforms activities totalled $950,000, including funding the Water Information Network (WIN), a support team of landscape conservation staff in offices across the state. The NPWS role is to guide policy development and water management decision- making to achieve biodiversity and threatened species protection throughout NSW. NPWS goals include contributing to and promoting the protection and restoration of high-conservation-value water-dependent assets; identifying threats to these assets; and seeking mitigation or prevention of their impacts through research, conservation planning and management planning. The WIN team has worked towards achieving these goals through a range of forums and work programs.

NPWS — Sydney Catchment Authority Joint Management Agreement The Special Areas Strategic Plan of Management provides the basis for the joint management of Sydney’s water supply catchments between the NPWS and the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA). The SCA has specialist skills in the management of water supply catchments, while the NPWS has specialist skills in ecosystem management and biodiversity protection. The highlight of 2002-03 was the signing of the funding agreement between the two agencies. The NPWS is the major recipient of this funding agreement, which provides the basis of payment to the NPWS for services across the Special Areas. A new structure and basis for reporting and monitoring joint management programs was implemented within the Special Areas, allowing input and ownership of programs across all levels of management. This new reporting regime includes a series of sub-program groups addressing management of fire, pest species, access, soils and roads and cultural heritage. These groups advise a newly formulated Land Management Group, which provides expert operational advice and recommendations on broad direction for operations within the Special Areas.

Urban Wildlife Project The NPWS has been funded through the NSW Environmental Trust to research and

K Stepnell/NPWS develop a community education program to encourage individual action and broad community involvement in protecting and enhancing wildlife in urban areas. The program aims to make people more aware of simple steps they can take in their own backyards and neighbourhoods to help protect and conserve their local native animals and plants. Developing the program has involved a comprehensive research project to establish current community understanding in relation to conservation and wildlife in urban environments. This has informed the design and development of the new Backyard Buddies urban wildlife program to engage the broader community. As part of the Backyard Buddies program, the NPWS has developed a public information service line, 1300 7BUDDY (1300 728 339), to provide people with access to information about how to enjoy local wildlife and help care for and protect it. The Common ringtailed possum and baby. NPWS also provides advice on how to manage more problematic wildlife interactions. The newly established www.backyardbuddies.net.au website offers a user-friendly entry into the NPWS website with the look and feel of the backyard buddies program. Wildlife Issues Advisory Panel A panel of wildlife experts and key stakeholders has been brought together by the NPWS to provide advice on wildlife management issues, especially where there may be negative interactions between people and wildlife. In 2002-03, the panel has worked though a series of common people/wildlife issues, such as magpie interactions and living with possums, to identify the most effective strategies and policies to be promoted and implemented. Local government partnership projects An increased number of education and involvement initiatives have been initiated to take urban wildlife conservation into the mainstream. This year over 120 officers representing 30 local councils and individuals from more than 20 other organisations and community groups have been assisted by the NPWS under the Urban Wildlife Project. The NPWS has provided practical guidance and advice on a research-based approach to program design in a series of eight workshops around the state and in direct liaison. Formal partnerships have been established with 11 local councils to develop innovative projects that can engage mainstream audiences. The NPWS has sponsored the urban wildlife conservation category of the Keep Australia Beautiful Council’s Metro Pride competition during 2002-03, to encourage and recognise the efforts and achievements of local communities in protecting and conserving wildlife and wildlife habitat in urban environments. 71 4 Conservation facilitation M Cooper/NPWS

Blue Gum forest bush regeneration with Ku-ring-gai Council in Dalrymple Hay Nature Reserve.

Bushcare Bushcare is an initiative of the Commonwealth Government Natural Heritage Trust (NHT), which aims to reverse the long-term decline in the quality and extent of Australia’s native vegetation cover. In NSW, Bushcare delivery has been supported through the NSW Bushcare Coordination and Regional Facilitation Project. This project, managed by the NPWS in conjunction with the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (formerly Land and Water Conservation), has provided two key components of the Bushcare Network in New South Wales: state coordination and regional facilitation. Key achievements include: a coordinated Bushcare Network coordinated delivery of the Bushcare program an independent facilitator and mediator to support regional organisations and groups participation of Indigenous groups in natural resource management planning processes integrated Bushcare activities with other biodiversity conservation and native vegetation management initiatives at a range of scales input into regional strategies for catchment management monitoring, evaluation and reporting services for the Bushcare Program and Australian Government Envirofund initiatives;

NPWS — Local Government Liaison Committee The NPWS recognises the need to undertake conservation assessment and planning that incorporates local government’s understanding of community issues and concerns and builds on existing land use planning and regional development processes. The NPWS and Local Government and Shires Associations Liaison Committee has been established to provide a vehicle for inter-agency discussion and input at the strategic policy level and to coordinate local and regional initiatives in cooperation and partnership. The committee met in November 2002 and June 2003 to consider issues including outcomes of the Local Government Association conference; feral animals inquiry report; threatened species conservation amendments; excellence in the Environment Awards and NPWS sponsorship; biodiversity planning and support for capacity building; purchase of farming land for conservation; threatened species recovery planning; stewardship recognition for local government; Nature Conservation Trust progress; and Shires Conference resolutions. 72

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Nature Conservation Trust The Nature Conservation Trust is an independent body established under the Nature Conservation Trust Act 2001 to promote and encourage conservation on private land in NSW. The objects of the trust are: to encourage landholders to enter into cooperative arrangements for the management and protection of urban and rural land of conservation significance to provide conservation mechanisms to promote public knowledge, appreciation and understanding of natural heritage and the importance of conserving that heritage. The NPWS supports the work of the Nature Conservation Trust through membership on its board, the provision of advice on conservation priorities and advice on the development of purchasing and covenanting processes. Achievements of the trust to date include completion of a five year plan; establishment of The Nature Trust under deed to receive tax-deductible donations; finalisation of $2 million funding to establish a revolving fund; commencement of property assessment for revolving fund purchase; development of a model covenant deed; initiation of a Memorandum of Understanding with the NPWS; initiation of discussions with regional organisations; and gaining of significant in kind legal and audit support from Allans Arthur Robinson and KPMG.

National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council and advisory committees National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council proceedings were supported by the NPWS in convening four full council meetings during 2002-03. Sub-committees covering research and policy, management planning, and reservation and conservation planning conducted the work of the council regularly throughout the year in both office meetings and field trips. The council met with the NPWS Executive to clarify their relationship and expectations and identify the best methods to achieve common goals. Amendments to the National Parks and Wildlife Act increased the membership of the Council from 16 to 19. Recruitment is under way to fill these vacancies. Advisory committees were reconstituted in 2000 for all 19 NPWS regions and for the Hartley Historic Site. Committees were active in providing the NPWS with expert advice on technical and specialist matters, feedback on the views of the community, encouragement of community support and involvement in conservation of nature and cultural heritage, suggestions on improvements in the management of NPWS national parks and other reserves, and input to plans of management. The annual advisory committee conference was held in November 2002 at Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre in northern NSW. The two day conference focussed reports from advisory committee members on what the NPWS does well and what it could do better. 73

Capacity5 building

Capacity building covers the development and retention of committed and skilled staff, and the development and implementation of policies, systems and procedures to ensure that the NPWS is an effective organisation focused on the achievement of conservation outcomes for New South Wales.

Bearded dragon, Amphibolurus barbatus. K Stepnell/NPWS 74

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CASE STUDY Capacity building

Aboriginal cadets In July 2002 the NPWS Executive endorsed the Attracting, developing and retaining a Aboriginal Employment and Development Strategy, skilled workforce which aims to create new opportunities for Aboriginal people, provide career development, OBJECTIVE: training for existing Aboriginal staff and attract new Aboriginal staff through initiatives such as To attract, develop and retain a skilled workforce aligned to corporate values and traineeships. One participant in the Aboriginal directions Cadet Ranger program, Jessica Herder, is studying STRATEGIES: a Bachelor of Environmental Science full time at the University of Wollongong, and spending her Implement effective and timely people management practices, guided by clear holidays working for the NPWS. She gets the policy and ongoing evaluation. chance to gain valuable hands-on experience and Review and analyse workforce profile data to develop a range of staffing exposure to conservation management techniques. policies and strategies to attract, develop and retain staff. Review the Performance Management and Development System to ensure work programs are aligned with operational plans and corporate values. G Ross/NPWS Provide learning and development initiatives that enhance individual and team capabilities to deliver on role requirement and corporate needs. Implement occupational health and safety risk management systems that foster a culture of welfare and safety; comply with legislation; and meet relevant standards. This has been a busy year of reviewing and implementing workforce management Jessica Herder and Dennis Barber working on the little policies and programs. Of particular note has been the ongoing development of terns project at Towra Spit Island. computerised human resource and workforce planning systems, along with increasingly effective Occupational Health and Safety mechanisms, such as Job Safety Analysis. The development of a range of three-year strategies focusing on Workforce Development will play a significant role in continuing to develop and retain a skilled workforce.

Performance management The new Performance and Development system for all NPWS staff was introduced during 2002-03. Implementation is occurring on a staged basis and began with training for the NPWS Executive and all senior managers. Workshops on the new system are now being conducted for middle managers and it is expected that all NPWS staff will have received training in the new system by mid 2004. Implementation is occurring on a directorate basis starting with managers and cascading through to all officers, with managers playing an active role in training

Helicopter winch training for remote area fire fighting. NPWS 75 5 Capacity building

their own staff. Concurrent training for staff will also be provided to ensure that individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge to actively participate in the CASE STUDY process with their managers. Fire management assessors Learning and organisational development In April and May 2003, 29 staff in two groups During 2002-03 several major projects were commenced or completed, including: participated in a training program to qualify as small group trainers and workplace assessors. The field-based trainee project came to a successful completion in April 2003 and This NPWS-specific program focused on the skills of the 14 positions available, 10 were identified as Aboriginal. Of the 13 trainees and knowledge needed to lead the NPWS through who completed the program, 12 passed all modules and will be awarded a the assessment process for crew member and crew Certificate II in Australian Land Conservation and Restoration. leader. Each of the assessors and trainers have To ensure NPWS staff are competent to a nationally recognised standard, fire contributed significant time and knowledge in training and assessment activities are being developed into a format that focuses constructing and participating in a series of on NPWS scenarios, is consistent with other fire agencies, of high quality and Employee Fire Information Days, designing meets the national standards. As a registered training organisation, the Learning assessment tools and processes, reviewing the and Development Frameworks will be audited against the national standards for new learning materials and forms, and writing and registered training organisations and the Australian Quality Training Framework. reviewing new trainer and assessor guides.

Management development Progress with the Management Development Learning Framework continued with an emphasis on corporate and strategic planning, leading and directing teams, managing change, people, resources and organisational systems. Strategies for 2003-06 Management Development include: development of an NPWS coaching model to be piloted with teams across the NPWS extending structured management development activities to front-line managers with the development of competency-based learning programs delivery of a leadership forum to build on senior management development ongoing commitment to sponsor positions in Public Sector Management Programs. CASE STUDY

Middle management conference Workforce diversity Area and unit managers from northern NSW The NPWS has achieved a great deal since the launch of the Workforce Diversity gathered at the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Corporation Framework in July 2002. Policies and programs have received national and conference facilities in April 2003 with the aim of international recognition, and have been promoted as best practice in New South identifying and developing coordinated approaches Wales. Activities and outcomes in the past year include: to works planning and policies. Sessions were support for the operation of diversity-related networks in the NPWS, such as the designed to further expand strategic thinking and NPWS Spokeswomen and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender employees and build on existing team development knowledge and supporters experience. continued support for the NPWS Aboriginal Network NPWS participation in diversity-related community events such as Harmony Day, Survival Day, and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day launch of new policies relating to the prevention and resolution of workplace bullying and harassment, and anti-discrimination and workforce diversity development and implementation of the NPWS Resolution of Workplace Grievances Policy and establishment of a network of Grievance Contact Officers throughout the state ongoing opportunities for NPWS staff to participate in the Skillmax program integration of diversity into corporate and business planning processes ongoing implementation of the NPWS Aboriginal Discovery Program conducting pre-employment information sessions in communities throughout NSW appointment of 15 Aboriginal Cadet Rangers implementation of traineeships for Aboriginal Field Officers external funding of more than $285,000 for Aboriginal employment and development opportunities in the NPWS. 76

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Spokeswomen program CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR The NPWS Spokeswomen Program gained momentum over 2002-03, addressing a TARGET: range of issues on behalf of women in the organisation, including: Increase in the number of Aboriginal people women’s uniforms employed by the NPWS gender equity issues in fire fighting roles and training opportunities Aboriginal staff employed by female field officer support arrangements. the NPWS (as a percentage of total staff) Well over 300 women within the organisation participated in a range of activities and workshops organised by NPWS Spokeswomen, including: 10% personal protection workshops in Coffs Harbour and Sydney Southern Directorate Women’s Information Day (co-sponsored by other state government agencies). 8% 7.5 Spokeswomen participated in activities organised by the Central Coordinating Committee of Spokeswomen, including: 6.3 6% 5.7 Women, Management and Employment Relations Conference 2003

4.9 Annual Spokeswomen’s Conference Spokeswomen training and information days. 4%

Aboriginal Network The Aboriginal Network, which includes all Aboriginal staff employed by the NPWS, 2% was established to foster personal development, improve career prospects and provide a support network for Aboriginal people employed by the NPWS. The network is a key strategy under the NPWS Aboriginal Employment and Development Strategy 2002-06, and the NPWS provides funding for it to conduct development activities and 0% 1999 2000 2001 2002 provide support for the career prospects of Aboriginal staff.

Employment and industrial relations

Award negotiations Award negotiations commenced with relevant unions in February 2000. As at July 2003, negotiations are continuing.

Productivity savings The NPWS, in conjunction with relevant unions, pursued strategies to produce savings as part of the public sector-wide memorandum of understanding which gave employees six per cent in pay increases funded through the identification and implementation of workplace improvements. The last of these pay increases took effect from the first full pay period in 2003-04.

Industrial disputes Dismissals Two unfair dismissal cases were referred to the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC). One matter was resolved by the parties after conciliation and the other settled prior to the commencement of a hearing. Grievances One issue in respect to study leave was resolved by the parties after conciliation. Claims A claim by the Public Service Association in respect of paid stand down days was arbitrated by the IRC. The outcome was that required break days are now to be paid. This change was then incorporated, by consent, in the award for employees covered by the Australian Worker’s Union. Disciplinary action An issue associated with a disciplinary process into allegations concerning the misuse of departmental equipment has been referred to the Supreme Court. This matter is not yet finalised. 77 5 Capacity building

Occupational health and safety (OHS) CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR Staged implementation of the NPWS OHS Risk Management System has been completed and monitoring and review processes are now in progress. Key processes TARGET: such as planning, job safety analysis, self-audit and workplace inspections are being Injuries per 100 employees are decreased by supported by a program of briefings, facilitation sessions and site visits by specialists 5% by June 2003. from the NPWS OHS Unit. Injury rate in each quarter Tools and manuals designed to support the implementation of the system have been developed and distributed, including: 12% Accident Near Miss Reporting and Investigation books and posters 10.06 Hazard Reporting books and posters 10% 9.20 8.98 Job Safety Briefing books 8.54 8.26 8.40 8.28 8.34 Job Safety Analysis folders 8%

Provision of 25 Job Safety Analysis examples on the Intranet 6.57

Self-Assessment Tool 6% Field Operations Risk Assessment tool Provision 31 updated and 5 new Hazard/Issue Specific OHS policies and 4% procedures Directorate and Corporate OHS Planning Model. Training remains a priority for OHS Risk Management in the NPWS and continues at 2% all levels from executive to supervisory staff. The implementation of the new consultative arrangements has required training be provided to new committee 0% members. Practical workshops and reviews covering job safety analysis continue to Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun be run across the state to ensure the process is effectively implemented. 00 01 01 02 02 02 02 03 03 Injury rates per 100 employees have fallen over the past year. Note: The target 5% reduction is equivalent to an Two WorkCover prosecutions were finalised this year, including the 2000 Ku-ring-gai injury rate of 9.55% per quarter. fire tragedy and an accident in Snowy Mountains involving a pump that burned an officer in 2000. The NPWS pleaded guilty to both breaches. The courts acknowledged the improvements implemented since those incidents and NPWS commitment to safety and this was reflected in the penalties.

Working as a cohesive and informed team

OBJECTIVE: To work as a cohesive and informed team.

STRATEGIES: Improve internal communication and decision-making systems. Foster consultation and collaboration on operational and strategic matters. Undertake directorate and inter-directorate leadership and team building programs. Determine and implement formal decision making and consultation structures.

Team building, team work and training Team development programs held across senior and middle management levels have contributed to determining management development needs and provided input into building an NPWS team development model. The model, which is currently being enhanced and will continue to cultivate a performance-focused culture, takes a continuous improvement approach and will continue to be structured in a way that allows team programs to be customised to local needs and made available on request to all levels across the NPWS. 78

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Organisational efficiency and service delivery

OBJECTIVE:

To improve organisational efficiency and support for service delivery.

STRATEGIES: Improve the consistency and effectiveness of service delivery by developing and implementing corporate policies, standards and procedures; monitoring and reviewing them for appropriateness and consistency of application; actively involving staff in their development and review; and establishing an NPWS Intranet facility to support their communication and their accessibility. Enhance the quality and coordination of issues management throughout the organisation by developing and implementing appropriate systems and training programs and encouraging an open and cooperative approach. Complete the implementation of major resource management systems (including SAP and Aurion), including the training of staff in their use. Improve the effectiveness and consistency of the management of NPWS records, including filing protocols and file distribution systems. Reallocate resources to support the implementation of this plan, by streamlining processes; controlling and minimising costs; streamlining and rationalising participation in committees, working parties and similar bodies; optimising revenue through appropriate use charges; strategic management and use of assets; tight control of leases and concessions; and the identification and realisation of new opportunities.

Financial management During 2002-03, financial management focus for the NPWS has been on the consolidation of gains achieved through recent initiatives and in particular: the extension of access to the SAP financial management system to a wider range of NPWS staff. The aim is to promote more self-reliant management of finances and projects by providing managers with ready access to on-line and printed budget reports the implementation of the Purchase Order (PO) module of SAP to enable staff to place purchase orders and monitor their commitments online in a highly decentralised work environment. Following the introduction of PO online, the NPWS is now poised to phase in the Plant Maintenance module of SAP as an effective tool to plan and control asset maintenance activities. The Asset Maintenance System is operating in pilot mode in one region and will be rolled out progressively over the next financial year. These initiatives are consistent with the intent of the NPWS Budgetary and Financial Management Framework approved by the Executive to more stringently control and monitor budgets and business activities, and ensure good governance in financial management within the organisation. During the year the NPWS also implemented new banking arrangements with Westpac following the expiry of the ANZ contract for the provision of banking services to government agencies. The project included the introduction of a new purchasing card to be used for staff travel and minor goods and services as advocated by the NSW Procurement Council. The NPWS Accounting Manual was issued to staff and placed on the intranet.

Risk management The NPWS Risk Management Strategic Plan was reviewed in 2002. The plan provides for the systematic treatment of risks within all NPWS operations through the use of a common risk consequence matrix, the creation of risk registers and team-based risk assessments, all conforming to Australian Standard AS/NZ 4360:99 on risk management. The intention in adopting this approach is to provide for the integration of risk management into key NPWS planning and operations in a comprehensive manner. During 2002-03 measures were taken to consolidate these new risk measures. For example, efforts are under way to align conservation planning, management and facilitation, cultural heritage assessment and capacity building programs with the Risk Management Strategic Plan. 79 5 Capacity building

Work has also begun on a review of corporate governance measures in the NPWS with the aim to better integrate risk management initiatives.

Insurance NPWS insurance cover is obtained through the Treasury Managed Fund managed by GIO, apart from cover for leased motor vehicles, which is with the Macquarie Bank. Areas of risk and relevant insurance premiums: 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 $’000 $’000 $’000 Workers compensation 1869 2730 4065 Property 709 775 843 Motor vehicles — owned 341 322 457 Motor vehicles — leased 890 768 764 Motor vehicles — total 1231 1090 1221 Public liability 1822 2251 2882 Fire 11,371 11,747 14,549 Miscellaneous 24 24 26 Total 17,026 18,617 23,586

Workers’ compensation claims Workers’ compensation claims for the NPWS showed an increase of 3.3% on the previous year compared with an increase of 21.2% for all government agencies. Claim payments for the NPWS actually declined in value by 16% on the previous year, indicating an increase in reported minor claims and a decline in more serious claims. Claim payments across all agencies rose 14%. Number of workers’ compensation claims: 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 NPWS 145 181 187 All government agencies 13,130 14,694 17,811

Source: Treasury Managed Fund (TMF) Report for quarter ending 30.6.2003. Figures provided are reassessed and amended by TMF as necessary

Motor vehicle claims Motor vehicle claims rose 17.2% on the previous year compared with a rise of only 3.7% for claims for all government agencies in the scheme. This is an acceptable result given the additional vehicle coverage required to service an 8.9% increase in NPWS-managed lands. It is also notable that claim payments for NPWS fell in value by 14.4% compared to a 5.3% increase for all government agencies, reflecting the greater incidence of smaller less serious claims as a proportion of total claims. Number of motor vehicle claims: 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 NPWS 270 244 286 All government agencies 5582 5330 5528

Source: Treasury Managed Fund (TMF) Report for quarter ending 30 June 2003. Figures provided are reassessed and amended by TMF as necessary

Staff Intranet The NPWS Intranet, PAWS, was launched in May 2002 with the aim of providing easy online access for staff to: NPWS policies and procedures OH&S information the internal phone directory circulars, newsletters and other internal documents data on individual parks and reserves a calendar of upcoming events The NPWS Intranet provides an information and communication resource for staff across the state. a calendar of all staff training courses a staff discussion forum a wide range of links to the NPWS public Internet site and other useful websites. 80

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Data from the koala survey database, Port Stephens.

The Intranet is constantly evolving and improving based on user feedback and corporate needs. Usage of the site has steadily increased from around 8000 visits a month after launch to 24,000 visits per month a year later as staff become more familiar with the site and its benefits. A Virtual Private Network was set up to allow those staff based at non-NPWS locations access to the Intranet site. This is still being tested and will eventually also allow access from external connections for approved staff. An access policy is under development.

Information management and technology The annual review of the NPWS Information Management and Technology Strategic Plan was completed in October 2002. The year’s activities included extending the wide area network (WAN) to all area offices; continuing the program to replace equipment and related telecommunications infrastructure under an approved leasing arrangement; ongoing security upgrade; further improvements to electronic access from remote sites and the NPWS Intranet; and extending the TRIM records management system. Work undertaken for IT related projects include: Development of a Land Information System commenced, to enable the effective tracking, management and reporting of all lands managed by the NPWS. Six small systems that use a local area network are currently being developed or updated and three new requests for systems development are being assessed. A seamless HR/Finance interface solution. Two Kangaroo Management System (KMS) user workshops were held to gather detailed user requirements for the new system. The NPWS is currently at the business process improvement phase of the NSW government licensing project, which is a whole-of-government initiative aimed at rationalising 77 licensing systems across 31 government agencies. The SAP asset maintenance system has been implemented as a pilot within the Lake Jindabyne and Girrakool offices. A project is under way to migrate the Atlas of New South Wales Wildlife from the current Sybase platform to the NPWS-standard Oracle platform. The roll out of TRIM Records Management System to all area level offices is ongoing. Aurion was upgraded to Version 9, which includes modifications for recording nationally recognised Training Competencies required for the NPWS to become a Registered Training Organisation. 81 5 Capacity building

Corporate governance Animal Care and Ethics Committee NPWS approval is required for research involving or affecting native wildlife. The Animal Care and Ethics Committee (ACEC), which acts on behalf of, and reports directly to, the Director-General of the NPWS, approves and monitors all animal research conducted by NPWS employees and contractors. Over the past year a range of measures has been taken to improve efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of ACEC operations, including the development of guidelines for the preparation of research protocols in relation to emergency procedures. The research application form was also redesigned to better meet the needs of obtaining relevant information from researchers, enabling the ACEC to make more informed decisions. During 2002-03, the ACEC met on eight occasions and approved 29 new protocols for animal research projects, 60 renewals of protocols and 15 amendments to protocols. In line with Standard Operating Procedures, the ACEC held its first meeting in a regional centre, at Dubbo in March 2003, following which members conducted desk audits of a number of research projects. The aim of this approach is to assist in facilitating inspections and monitoring as well as increasing staff awareness of ACEC operations and animal research requirements.

Audit and compliance program The NPWS has an audit and compliance program to verify that it is meeting its statutory obligations, and to monitor and assess organisational compliance and risk management so that the NPWS can be reasonably assured that it is operating effectively, efficiently and ethically. The two components of the audit and compliance program are: 1. Financial and management audit, covering financial practices and internal controls; general management practices and procedures; and information management systems. It aims to: ensure compliance with standards, policies and guidelines as established by central government agencies identify and address areas of risk monitor and assess the overall efficiency and effectiveness of specific programs and activities. 2. Conservation compliance audit to ensure compliance by the NPWS and others with specific standards as established by various conservation instruments. This includes plans of management and licences, approvals and consents issued by NPWS. In 2002-03 the following financial and management audits were conducted by the Internal Audit Bureau as part of the implementation of the approved audit plan: June 2002 end of year expenditure staff travel allowance management of workers’ compensation retail outlets management of municipal services general cash receipting staff housing software change management SAP security and controls AURION payroll/HR. While the more traditional financial and management component has been subject to audit over many years, the conservation compliance audit component has only been NPWS included in the program since 2001-02. As such, work is still under way to develop and implement a comprehensive conservation compliance audit program. As an initial step, plans of management (POMs) have been chosen as the focus of audit activity. In September 2001 a self-audit proforma was endorsed by the Audit and Compliance Committee for implementation. The following conservation compliance audits were undertaken as part of the 2002-03 POM Self Audit Program: Wamberal Lagoon Nature Reserve; Garigal National Park; Cadmans Cottage Historic Site; Illawarra State Conservation Area; Burning Mountain Nature Reserve; Crowdy Bay National Park; Bundjalung National Park and Iluka Nature Reserve; Big Scrub Group Nature Reserves; Demon Nature Reserve; Mount Imlay National Park; Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve; Bimberi Nature Reserve; Conimbla National Park; Sturt National The Atlas of NSW Wildlife is a searchable database of Park; Narran Lake Nature Reserve; Yathong, Nombinnie and Round Hill nature sightings of plants and animals and is available on the reserves. NPWS website. 82

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In addition, conservation compliance audit priorities were determined and CASE STUDY incorporated into a more comprehensive audit and compliance program for 2003-06.

Quarantine Station Audit and Compliance Committee The findings of the Commission of Inquiry under The management of the audit and compliance program is oversighted by an Audit and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act Compliance Committee, established under the National Parks and Wildlife Act on 1 1979 undertaken to review the Quarantine Station July 2002. Its membership consists of an independent chair, the Director-General, leasing proposal were released in July 2002. Director Corporate Services, a Field Director and three other independent members. Draft Conditions of Planning Approval, Members of the inaugural committee for 2002-03 were Arthur Butler (Chairperson), incorporating conditions of all consent authorities, Brian Gilligan, Arthur Diakos, Bob Conroy, Wendy Rose, Roger Lembit and Christine were issued in February 2003. The Minister for Ferguson. The committee met in December, February and May. Infrastructure and Planning issued approval for the project in June 2003. Negotiations with the Professional and ethical conduct proposed lessee continue regarding the finalising of the lease agreement. The NPWS Code of Professional and Ethical Conduct was endorsed in March 2003. In addition, the publication Putting the principles into practice was developed to serve as a guide for staff in implementing the code. Both of these are provided to all new NPWS staff and are on the NPWS Intranet for reference.

Investigations During the past year, 20 new investigations were registered by the NPWS Strategic and Executive Services Unit. These comprised: five complaints against NPWS officers lodged with the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), three of which were referred by the NPWS four complaints against the NPWS lodged with the NSW Ombudsman one complaint against the NPWS lodged with the Anti Discrimination Board one complaint against NPWS officers lodged with the Environment Protection Authority one complaint against NPWS officers lodged with the Premier’s Department one complaint against NPWS officers lodged with the Minister for the Environment seven complaints against the NPWS lodged with the Director-General. Evidence of improper conduct was found in one of these matters and disciplinary action is being pursued. Four other matters remained unresolved as at 30 June.

Corporate performance reporting The corporate performance reporting system monitors progress towards achieving objectives set out in the Corporate Plan 2000-03. Trend data over three years for most of the performance targets under Conservation Management, Conservation Planning and Conservation Facilitation has now been compiled and included in the June 2003 report. A copy of the June 2003 report was provided to the Minister for the Environment as well as members of the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council and regional advisory committees. Performance targets included in the reporting system are currently being reviewed as part of the corporate planning process for 2003-06.

Ku-ring-gai fire WorkCover prosecution Seven NPWS officers were overrun by fire during a prescribed burning operation in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park on 8 June 2000. Four of the officers died and three were critically injured. WorkCover prosecuted the NPWS, alleging it breached s15(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The section requires employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees. The NPWS pleaded guilty and on 29 May 2003 was fined $292,500.

Coronial inquiries The Coroner has conducted inquiries into several bushfires that occurred in NSW during December 2001 and January 2002. These were the Blue Mountains and Kurrajong fires; the Wollemi National Park fire; the Goobang National Park fire; the Hylands fire in the Huskisson and Sussex Inlet areas; the Thirlmere fire; the Oaks fire; and the Pennant Hills fire. In the Goobang National Park Inquiry, some of the Coroner’s recommendations related to the NPWS. A number of these recommendations have been implemented and work is continuing on the others. The NPWS has also met with the Rural Fire Service to discuss matters raised by the Coroner. 83 5 Capacity building

Enhancing and managing resources for conservation CASE STUDY Perisher ski fields OBJECTIVE: During the year, continued refinement and review To increase the resources available to NPWS for protecting conservation values on of the 520 public bed tender process and NPWS managed lands and supporting conservation outside those areas. supporting lease documentation requirements were undertaken. In addition, the NPWS embarked on a STRATEGIES: major project to convert all leased land in the Perisher ski fields to Torrens Title. This is expected Undertake rigorous business and marketing planning to improve the cost to produce a range of benefits for both the NPWS effectiveness of NPWS operations. and lessees through the title conversion process. Work with the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife to improve the effectiveness of fundraising programs and activities. Improve NPWS’s capacity to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of its operations, to support applications for funding from a range of sources.

Business planning The NPWS Business Development Division continued to provide significant assistance and advice regarding the operations and effectiveness of internally operated businesses. The wider use of the Guidelines for Business Planning by staff undertaking assessments of possible business activities improved business planning and related resource allocation. A key component of these assessments is to ensure the activity is the most appropriate for its location, is sustainable and environmentally NPWS and financially sound. Activities reviewed during the year included campgrounds, homestead accommodation, kiosks and visitor and meeting facilities.

Grants and sponsorship External grants and sponsorships continue to play an important role in helping the NPWS to protect and conserve natural and cultural heritage in New South Wales. In 2002-03 the NPWS received $23.8 million in grants and contributions: $2.48 million from the Commonwealth Government; $12.35 million from NSW Government; and $8.96 million from other areas, including $137,000 from the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife. Grant programs under the Commonwealth Government’s Natural Heritage Trust such The NPWS receives additional external funds for as Endangered Species, Bushcare, World Heritage Management and National Reserve assistance in pest species management. System continued. Grants from the Environmental Trust, various NSW Government agencies, local councils and other organisations, including the World Wide Fund for Nature, were able to be successfully pursued as the objectives were similar to current NPWS initiatives and conservation principles. There were 91 new externally funded projects created during the financial year, totalling $15.65m, of which 14% were joint projects with the community. Projects included rehabilitation and regeneration programs, an art exhibition and a heritage study. Funds received were distributed over NPWS activities as follows: $0.3 million for pest species management $1.82 million for infrastructure maintenance $0.5 million for community programs and education $1.8 million for natural heritage $1 million for threatened species $6.4 million for asset purchase/construction $1.65 million for biodiversity $0.08 million for historic heritage $0.64 million for Aboriginal heritage $0.97 million for the Comprehensive Regional Assessment $10 million for other activities. 84

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Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife (FNPW) fosters the protection of Australia’s native plants, animals and cultural heritage through fundraising for environmental education and conservation projects. In 2002-03 the FNPW funded a number of NPWS-managed projects, valued at $137,150. These projects range from endangered species conservation to community education and include: a study to determine the rate of survival of koalas injured by bushfires the annual fund raising dinner held at Fort Dennison, which benefited the humpbacked whale migratory survey spotted-tailed quoll survey monitoring brush-tailed rock-wallabies a study of the foraging ecology of the endangered regent parrot recovery plan actions for the greenhood orchid a Wollemi pine information day the southern corroboree frog captive breading program monitoring Manly’s endangered little penguin colony assisting the Dolphin Research Education and Management program. With the generous support of Young & Rubicam, the Foundation launched an awareness campaign for Threatened Species Week, with advertisements in the press and in ‘Metrolite’ outdoor advertising. To further promote awareness of threatened species, the Foundation launched its inaugural Golden Paw Award for school children to choose and draw a threatened animal. The award was a major success with over 3000 entries from across NSW. The entries were exhibited in Parliament House with the support of the Minister, and the Governor, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC, Patron of the Foundation, presented the awards. The grand winner was Alexander Brooks from St Francis Xavier School, Urana, for his drawing of the barking owl. Staedtler Australia, Virgin Mobile and Vale Displays generously supported the awards. For further information on the Foundation’s activities contact the FNPW office on (02) 9221 1949, email [email protected] or write to GPO Box 2666, Sydney 2001.

Property and leasing management The NPWS strives to achieve fair, market-based financial returns from its extensive property leasing and licensing functions. This is consistent with government policy and provides the NPWS with additional resources to undertake essential conservation management programs. During the year, business revenue generated was in excess of $10.2m, a 24% increase over the previous financial year and a continuation of the strong growth in revenues achieved since 2000-01. This sustained increase largely reflects improved business performance, business process efficiencies and improved compliance and debt recovery outcomes. Significant property and leasing achievements include the completion of the Review of the Property and Leasing Manual; continued progress in formalising telecommunication facilities on park to achieve consistent tenure regime and introduction of market-based rentals/fees; new lease and management contracts implemented across NPWS-managed lands, including the Conservation Hut (Blackheath), Prime TV (Mt Canobolas), Bryant’s Butchery (Hill End); new market- based fees for Cottage Point licence encroachments; and new scheduled water transport services to the Sydney Harbour National Park islands. In addition the NPWS is progressing a number of major lease renewals which have the capacity for significant conservation and revenue enhancement. 85

Appendices6

Kinchega National Park. G Robertson/NPWS 86

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Appendix A NPWS-managed lands at 30 June 2003

Aboriginal areas National parks Area (ha) Area (ha) Area (ha) Area (ha) Appletree 4 Abercrombie River 19,000 Eurobodalla 2,627 New England 72,241 Finchley 4 Arakwal 185 Fortis Creek 7,950 New South Wales Jervis Bay 4,854 Howe 7 Bago Bluff 4,023 Gardens of Stone 15,010 Nightcap 8,080 Lennox Head <1 Bald Rock 8,883 Garigal 2,203 Nowendoc 12,090 Mooney Mooney 8 Bangadilly 2,141 Georges River 335 Nymboi-Binderay 16,870 Mount Kuring-Gai <1 Barakee 3,230 Ghin-Doo-Ee 3,659 Nymboida 38,119 Murramarang 60 Barool 11,214 Gibraltar Range 25,407 Oolambeyan 21,851 Nambucca 2 Barrington Tops 73,933 Goobang 42,080 Oxley Wild Rivers 126,910 Nungumirar 122 Basket Swamp 2,820 Goonengerry 440 Paroo-Darling 178,053 Pindera Downs 11,433 Belford 294 Goulburn River 70,323 Popran 3,970 Stonewoman 2 Bellinger River 2,830 Gourock 7,873 Ramornie 3,307 Total 11,643 Benambra 1,399 Gulaga 4,673 Richmond Range 15,712 Ben Boyd 10,446 Gundabooka 63,903 Royal 15,080 Historic sites Ben Halls Gap 2,500 Guy Fawkes River 93,061 Scheyville 920 Area (ha) Biamanga 13,749 Hat Head 7,396 Seven Mile Beach 898 Cadmans Cottage <1 Bimberamala 4,396 Heathcote 2,673 Single 2,559 Clybucca 467 Bindarri 5,513 Indwarra 940 South East Forest 115,534 Davidson Whaling Station 27 Biriwal Bulga 6,094 Jerrawangala 4,013 Sturt 325,329 Hartley 13 Blue Mountains 266,943 Junuy Juluum 945 Sydney Harbour 393 Hill End 134 Bongil Bongil 978 Kanangra-Boyd 68,661 Tallaganda 16,727 Innes Ruins 406 Boonoo Boonoo 4,377 Kinchega 44,260 Tapin Tops 10,976 Koonadan 22 Booti Booti 1,567 Kings Plains 6,919 Tarlo River 8,074 Maroota 33 Border Ranges 31,729 Kooraban 11,643 Thirlmere Lakes 630 Maynggu Ganai 16 Botany Bay 458 Koreelah 5,270 Timbarra 1,772 Mount Grenfell 1,357 Bouddi 1,230 Kosciuszko 674,376 Tomaree 2,347 Mutawintji 486 Bournda 2,635 Kumbatine 14,756 Tooloom 4,380 Throsby Park 74 Brindabella 18,472 Ku-ring-gai Chase 14,896 Toonumbar 14,991 Tweed Heads 8 Brisbane Water 11,455 Kwiambal 1,301 Towarri 5,328 Wisemans Ferry 21 Broadwater 4,226 Lane Cove 600 Turon 2,970 Yuranighs Aboriginal Grave 2 Budawang 23,787 Livingstone 1,919 Ulidarra 680 Total 3,065 Budderoo 7,120 Macquarie Pass 1,064 Wadbilliga 97,761 Bugong 1,022 Mallanganee 1,144 Wallarah 178 Bundjalung 20,116 Mallee Cliffs 57,969 Wallingat 6,557 Bungawalbin 3,730 Maria 2,335 Warra 2,031 Butterleaf 3,000 Marramarra 11,759 Warrabah 3,471 Capoompeta 4,297 Maryland 890 Warrumbungle 23,198 Carrai 11,397 Mebbin 3,800 Washpool 65,769 Cascade 3,620 Meroo 3,641 Watagans 7,751 Cataract 1,327 Mimosa Rocks 5,802 Weddin Mountains 8,361 Cathedral Rock 10,662 Minjary 1,462 Werakata 3,149 Cattai 424 Monga 25,144 Werrikimbe 33,292 Chaelundi 15,898 Mooball 1,160 Willandra 19,386 Clyde River 1,278 Morton 189,668 Willi Willi 29,870 Cocoparra 8,358 Mount Clunie 1,426 Woko 8,598 Conimbla 7,590 Mount Imlay 4,822 Wollemi 492,976 Conjola 8,737 Mount Jerusalem 5,149 Woomargama 23,577 Coolah Tops 13,265 Mount Kaputar 36,817 Wyrrabalong 621 Coorabakh 1,840 Mount Nothofagus 2,180 Yabbra 8,890 Cottan-Bimbang 30,669 Mount Pikapene 2,630 Yanununbeyan 3,488 Crowdy Bay 10,001 Mount Royal 6,920 Yarrahappini 2,183 Cudmirrah 2,326 Mount Warning 2,454 Yengo 152,262 Culgoa 22,006 Mummel Gulf 12,220 Yoorigan 1,830 Cunnawarra 16,315 Mungo 88,637 Yuraygir 30,955 Deua 117,557 Murramarang 12,095 Total 4,804,260 Dharug 14,850 Mutawintji 68,912 Dooragan 1,042 Myall Lakes 44,604 Dorrigo 11,903 Nangar 9,196 Dunggir 2,651 Nattai 48,944 87 6 Appendices

Nature reserves Area (ha) Area (ha) Area (ha) Area (ha) Aberbaldie 284 Burrinjuck 3,248 Gibraltar 161 Macquarie 12 Agnes Banks 107 Bushy Island <1 Girralang 640 Macquarie Marshes 18,192 Andrew Johnston Big Scrub 21 Byrnes Scrub 737 Good Good 20 Mann River 7,129 Arakoola 3,180 Cambewarra Range 1,088 Goonawarra 437 Manobalai 3,759 Araluen 656 Camels Hump 545 Goonook 930 Marshalls Creek 112 Avisford 2,437 Camerons Gorge 1,318 Goorooyarroo 266 Melville Range 843 Awabakal 228 Captains Creek 2,290 Gubbata 162 Meringo 49 Baalijin 2,701 Careunga 469 Gulguer 359 Mernot 320 Back River 735 Castlereagh 490 Guy Fawkes River 1,534 Merriangaah 5,669 Badja Swamps 561 Cecil Hoskins 47 Hattons Bluff 18 Midkin 359 Bagul Waajaarr 520 Cedar Brush 190 Hattons Corner 4 Mills Island 61 Ballina 721 Chambigne 798 Hayters Hill 8 Moffats Swamp 151 Bamarang 370 Chapmans Peak 72 Hexham Swamp 900 Monkerai 865 Bandicoot Island 30 Clarence Estuary 120 Hogarth Range 853 Monkeycot 1,612 Banyabba 15,210 Clarkes Hill 2,139 Hortons Creek 330 Montague Island 82 Barrengarry 21 Cockle Bay 44 Illawong 51 Moonee Beach 336 Barren Grounds 2,024 Cocopara 4,647 Iluka 136 Moon Island 1 Barton 529 Comerong Island 660 Imbota 218 Moore Park 15 Bees Nest 584 Coocumbac Island 5 Ingalba 4,012 Mororo Creek 80 Bell Bird Creek 53 Cook Island 5 Inner Pocket 236 Morrisons Lake 312 Belowla Island 4 Coolbaggie 1,793 Ironbark 1,604 Mother Of Ducks Lagoon 97 Berkeley 8 Coolongolook 198 Ironmungy 713 Mount Clifford 306 Bermaguee 818 Coolumbooka 1,529 Jaaningga 975 Mount Dowling 513 Big Bush 640 Cooperabung Creek 325 Jagun 100 Mount Hyland 2,519 Billinudgel 737 Coornartha 1,184 Jasper 355 Mount Mackenzie 141 Bimberi 10,886 Copperhannia 3,494 Jerilderie 37 Mount Neville 5,821 Binjura 707 Coramba 8 Jerralong 341 Mount Nullum 99 Binnaway 3,699 Corrie Island 164 Jingellic 2,137 Mount Seaview 1,704 Bird Island 7 Couchy Creek 218 Joadja 832 Mount Yarrowyck 170 Black Andrew 1,559 Courabyra 239 Jobs Mountain 702 Mucklewee Mountain 355 Black Ash 89 Coxcomb 73 John Gould 26 Mudjarn 591 Bluff River 1,793 Cudgen 671 Julian Rocks <1 Muldiva 10 Boatharbour 24 Cullendulla Creek 126 Juugawaarri 2,396 Mulgoa 138 Bobundara 204 Cumbebin Swamp 40 Kajuligah 13,660 Mullengandra 150 Bogandyera 8,752 Cuumbeun 709 Kangaroo River 126 Mundoonen 1,359 Boginderra Hills 554 Dalrymple-Hay 11 Karuah 2,742 Munghorn Gap 5,934 Bolivia Hill 1,782 Dananbilla 2,242 Kattang 58 Munro Island 14 Bollanolla 650 Dangelong 1,966 Kemendok 1,043 Muogamarra 2,274 Bondi Gulf 1,800 Dapper 999 Kemps Creek 129 Mutawintji 6,688 Boomi 156 Darawank 575 Khappinghat 3,514 Muttonbird Island 8 Boomi West 149 Davis Scrub 14 Khatambuhl 694 Myalla 143 Boonanghi 4,441 Deer Vale 181 Killabakh 2,644 Nadgee 20,671 Boondelbah 9 Demon 900 Killarney 435 Nadgigomar 5,596 Boorganna 390 Devils Glen 41 Kirramingly 1,306 Narrandera 71 Booroolong 865 Dharawal 347 Kooragang 2,926 Narran Lake 5,538 Boronga 195 Donnybrook 276 Koorawatha 961 Narrawallee Creek 878 Bournda 5,862 Downfall 496 Koorebang 465 Nearie Lake 4,347 Bowraville 81 Dural 26 Kororo 11 Nest Hill 759 Bretti 2,902 Duval 240 Koukandowie 1,283 Newington 48 Brigalow Park 202 Eagles Claw 1 Kuma 184 Ngadang 160 Brimbin 40 Egan Peaks 2,145 Kybeyan 432 Ngambaa 10,560 Broken Head 98 Ellerslie 1,278 Lake Innes 3,526 Ngulin 1,250 Broulee Island 43 Eugowra 120 Lake Urana 302 Nimmo 724 Brundee Swamp 230 Evans Crown 425 Langtree 235 Nocoleche 74,000 Brunswick Heads 204 Fifes Knob 553 Ledknapper 16,339 Nombinnie 70,000 Brush Island 47 Fishermans Bend 160 Limeburners Creek 9,224 North Obelisk 36 Buddigower 327 Five Islands 27 Limpinwood 2,647 North Rock 4 Bugan 1,530 Flaggy Creek 72 Linton 640 North Solitary Island 20 Bungabbee 169 Flagstaff Memorial 18 Lion Island 8 North-West Solitary Island 4 Bungawalbin 467 Freemantle 361 Little Broughton Island 36 Numeralla 435 Burning Mountain 15 Gads Sugarloaf 477 Little Llangothlin 258 Numinbah 858 Burnt-Down Scrub 364 Gamilaroi 114 Little Pimlico Island 16 Oak Creek 404 Burnt School 285 Ganay 702 Long Island 73 One Tree Island <1 Burra Creek 270 Georges Creek 1,190 Loughnan 385 Pambalong 35 88

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Nature reserves — cont State conservation Area (ha) Area (ha) areas Parma Creek 3,486 Triplarina 158 Area (ha) Area (ha) Paupong 1,838 Tuckean 919 Arakoon 114 Wombat Creek 1,077 Pee Dee 441 Tucki Tucki 4 Avondale 313 Yanununbeyan 3,823 Pelican Island 40 Tuggolo Creek 645 Banyabba 3,070 Yerranderie 12,192 Pilliga 80,239 Turallo 25 Bargo 5,660 Yurrammie 221 Pitt Town 46 Tweed Estuary 59 Barnunj 164 Yuraygir 3,150 Planchonella 717 Tyagarah 800 Barrington Tops 636 Total 240,693 Pucawan 274 Ukerebagh 150 Bents Basin 48 Pulbah Island 69 Ulandra 3,931 Berlang 2,319 Pulletop 145 Undoo 19 Bindarri 434 Quanda 4,784 Uralba 288 Brindabella 2,880 Regional parks Area (ha) Queanbeyan 2 Valla 30 Bundjalung 4,870 Berowra Valley 3,870 Queens Lake 991 Victoria Park 18 Bungawalbin 185 Bomaderry Creek 82 Quidong 750 Wadjan 92 Bungonia 3,977 Leacock 34 Rawdon Creek 560 Wallabadah 1,132 Burragorang 17,642 Parramatta River 5 Razorback 2,595 Wallamba 1,160 Cape Byron 99 Penrith Lakes <1 Red Rocks 669 Wallaroo 2,780 Carrai 3,463 Rouse Hill 43 Regatta Island 102 Wallis Island 473 Cascade 412 Western Sydney 582 Richmond River 256 Wallumatta 6 Chaelundi 83 William Howe 43 Rileys Island 46 Wamberal Lagoon 132 Chatsworth Hill 510 Wolli Creek 7 Robertson 5 Wambina 57 Colymea 1,674 Yellomundee 485 Rodway 83 Wambool 194 Coneac 449 Total 5,151 Round Hill 13,630 Wanna Wanna 33 Corramy 856 Running Creek 910 Waragai Creek 186 Corymbia 495 Saltwater Swamp 215 Watsons Creek 1,260 Cottan-Bimbang 105 Scabby Range 4,982 Wee Jasper 631 Curracabundi 729 Karst conservation Scott 151 Weelah 38 Currys Gap 227 reserves Sea Acres 76 Weetalibah 613 Dharawal 5,814 Area (ha) Seaham Swamp 11 Wiesners Swamp 103 Frogs Hole 77 Abercrombie 1,434 Seal Rocks <1 Willi Willi Caves 8 Garawarra 900 Borenore 136 Serpentine 723 Wilson 27 Georges River 1 Jenolan 2,422 Severn River 4,290 Winburndale 10,048 Glenrock 516 Wombeyan 417 Sherwood 4,724 Windsor Downs 363 Gurranang 111 Total 4,409 Skillion 691 Wingen Maid 1,077 Guy Fawkes River 5,241 Snapper Island 13 Wingham Brush 8 Illawarra Escarpment 1,837 Snows Gully 34 Wogamia 277 Jackywalbin 661 South-West Solitary Island 3 Woggoon 6,565 Karuah 281 Summary as at Spectacle Island 36 Wollondilly River 862 Kooyong 753 30 June 2003 Split Solitary Island 4 Wongarbon 99 Kumbatine 749 No. Category Area (ha) Stony Batter Creek 564 Woodford Island 374 Kybeyan 4,070 15 Historic sites 3,065 Stony Creek 80 Woollamia 452 Lake Macquarie 667 11 Aboriginal areas 11,643 Stormpetrel 8 Wooyung 87 Laurence Road 440 169 National parks 4,804,260 Stotts Island 142 Worimi 500 Macanally 2,290 376 Nature reserves 830,661 Strike-a-light 407 Worrigee 232 Majors Creek 683 68 State conservation Susan Island 23 Wullwye 155 Medowie 1,858 areas 240,693 Tabbimoble Swamp 1,070 Yaegl 313 Mount Canobolas 1,673 10 Regional parks 5,151 Tabletop 104 Yahoo Island 47 Mount Hyland 293 4 Karst conservation reserves 4,409 Talawahl 3,150 Yanga 1,773 Mullion Range 1,025 *5,899,882 Tallawudjah 1,247 Yanununbeyan 40 Mummel Gulf 1,161 Tapitallee 95 Yaouk 2,924 Munmorah 1,515 *Represents 7.36% of the land area of NSW. Tarawi 33,573 Yarravel 318 Nattai 3,383 The Basin 2,318 Yarringully 285 Nymboi-Binderai 585 The Castles 2,720 Yathong 107,241 Nymboida 528 The Charcoal Tank 86 Yatteyattah 19 Oxley Wild Rivers 1,439 The Glen 2,750 Yessabah 10 Paroo-Darling 41,521 The Rock 347 Yina 100 Parr 38,121 Tilligerry 508 Total 830,661 Pollblue 7,810 Tinderry 14,533 Talawahl 136 Tingira Heights 18 Tallaganda 5,281 Tollgate Islands 12 The Cells 4,708 Tollingo 3,232 Toonumbar 128 Tomalla 605 Torrington 30,052 Towibakh 62 Washpool 246 Towra Point 386 Wereboldera 2,263 89 6 Appendices

Declared wilderness in NSW at 30 June 2003 Crown land occupied by the NPWS under

Wilderness area Reserve name Size (ha)1 reserves or lease for various management Banyabba Banyabba NR 17,924 purposes as at 30 June 2003 Barrington Barrington Tops, Mt Royal NP 58,330 Locality Reserve Area m2 Purpose Bimberi Kosciuszko NP, Bimberi and Scabby Range NR 60,785 Armidale R 89685 1256 Workshop Bindery-Mann Nymboida, Gibraltar Range, Barool NP 56,241 Armidale Sp.L.1989/4 2753 Depot Bogong Peaks Kosciuszko NP 28,758 Broken Hill R 230017 1125 Residence Bramina Kosciuszko NP 10,897 Cobar R 92637 749 Staff accommodation Brogo Wadbilliga NP 39,900 Eden (Wirriga Street) R 91136 1145 Workshop Buckenbowra Monga, Deua NP 9,180 Gol Gol R 91509 2023 Workshop Budawang Morton, Budawang NP, freehold (VCA) 75,839 Narooma R 95616 1992 Workshop Burra Oulla Deua NP 17,776 Rylstone R 190042 2491 Depot Bundjalung Bundjalung, Fortis Creek NP 10,679 Tibooburra R 91376 2023 Workshop Byadbo Kosciuszko NP 80,907 Tibooburra R 96931 1012 Workshop Carrai Carrai NP 3,503 Tibooburra R 95882 1799 Workshop/depot Cathedral Rock Cathedral Rock NP 8,453 Ulladulla R 180018 3661 Workshop/office Ettrema Morton NP 67,005 Walcha R 98162 3862 Workshop/depot Genoa South East Forest NP 6,161 Goobarragandra Kosciuszko NP 33,532 Lands acquired under the provisions of the Grattai Mount Kaputar NP 4,180 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, and Guy Fawkes Guy Fawkes River NP and NR, 84,100 held for management purposes (not reserved) Cathedral Rock NP as at 30 June 2003 Grose Blue Mountains NP 37,788 Locality Area Purpose Indi Kosciuszko NP 11,652 Armidale (145 Miller St) 2815m2 Depot Jagungal Kosciuszko NP 67,213 Boambee 4725m2 Workshop/depot Kanangra-Boyd Blue Mountains, Kanangra-Boyd NP, 122,522 Yerranderie SRA Bombala 4900m2 Workshop/depot Kunderang Oxley Wild Rivers NP 21,402 Bourke (Short St, Anson St & Tudor St) 3036m2 Staff accommodation Levers Border Ranges NP 15,266 Broken Hill 475m2 Regional office Limeburners Creek Limeburners Creek NR 8,351 Broken Hill (167-173 Argent St) 1881m2 Parking area Lost World Border Ranges NP, Limpinwood NR 9,068 Bucketty 6731m2 Workshop Macleay Gorges Cunnawarra, Oxley Wild Rivers NP 77,741 Bulga 35.8 ha Office/depot and Georges Creek NR Cobar (61 Bradley St) 563m2 Staff accommodation Mutawintji Mutawintji NP 47,895 Dorrigo 5210m2 Workshop/depot Mount Seaview Cotton-Bimbang NP and Mount Seaview NR 12,114 Dungog 2104m2 Depot Nadgee Nadgee NR 19,433 Ebor 1700m2 Workshop/depot Nandewar Mount Kaputar NP 13,182 Eden 4196m2 Workshop/depot Nattai Nattai NP 29,040 Gloucester 7245m2 Depot New England New England, Cunnawarra NP 55,462 Griffith 1808m2 Workshop/depot Pilot Kosciuszko NP 80,311 Huskisson (Woollamia Rd) 2485m2 Marine Parks Authority office Rusden Mount Kaputar NP 12,637 Jindabyne (Munyang and 1.0825ha Staff accommodation/visitor Tuross Wadbilliga NP 20,592 Cobbon Sts, Snowy River Ave) centre Warrazambil Border Ranges NP 7,228 Khancoban (1, 5, 13 Douglas St, 1.046ha Staff accommodation 1, 3 Blackburn St, 8 Whitehead St, Washpool Washpool, Gibraltar Range, Nymboida NP 53,092 Scammel St, 19 Read St, 24 Sheather St) Werrikimbe Werrikimbe NP 27,051 Khancoban (5 & 6 Gray St) 5000m2 Depot West Ettrema Morton NP 12,770 Khancoban (cnr McIlree & Gray St) 1031m2 Depot Western Fall Kosciuszko NP 15,217 Menindee 2023m2 Staff accommodation Willi Willi Willi Willi NP and Boonanghi NR 23,289 Narooma 2665m2 Workshop/depot Woila Deua Deua NP 26,996 Nowra 646m2 Staff accommodation Wollemi Wollemi, Blue Mountains NP 359,984 Nowra 7954m2 Workshop/depot Yowrie Wadbilliga NP 15,787 Oakdale 4274m2 Depot Total (46 declared areas) 1,877,231 Oberon 1701m2 Office 1 Areas are calculated from NPWS digital mapping system (Lambert's projection) and rounded to the nearest Peak Hill 4023m2 Workshop/depot hectare. 2 2 Total NPWS estate as of 30 June 2003 is 5,899,882 hectares Rylstone 2188m Depot 2 In 2001 the NPWS adopted a standardised method of calculating and reporting on wilderness statistics, using Scone (Hayes St) 4529m Workshop/depot the NPWS digital mapping system. The figures quoted here cannot be compared with those before 2001, where Scone (Waverley St) 2023m2 Workshop/depot data was derived from a variety of sources. Note that sizes in hectares are approximate values. Tenterfield 2023m2 Depot Tibooburra 506m2 Office accommodation Tibooburra 506m2 Visitor centre Tibooburra (Sturt Street) 1012m2 Staff accommodation White Cliffs (cnr Johnston St & 2805m2 Visitor centre Karara Rd) 90

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Lands acquired Coolah Tops NP 416 Mount Neville NR 754 Watchimbark 1,264 under the provisions Crowdy Bay NP 271 Mount Warning NP 1 Wollemi NP 147 of the National Parks Cudgen NR 52 Mulgoa NR 76 Wolli Creek RP 2 and Wildlife Act Curracabundi 6,026 Mundoonen NR 110 Woomargama NP 609 1974, pending Dangelong NR 464 Mungo SCA 25,528 Yanununbeyan NP 32 reservation/ Deua NP 499 Myall Lakes NP 67 Yellomundee RP <1 dedication as at Eurobodalla NP 265 Narran Lake NR 9,702 Yengo NP 1,401 30 June 2003 Gandangara 7 NSW Jervis Bay NP 130 Yuraygir NP 3,184 Park/Locality Area (ha) Garawarra SCA 2 Nombinnie NR 56,296 Total 143,854 Agnes Banks NR 16 Georges River NP 2 Norwood 7,185 Banyabba NR 496 Goulburn River NP 738 Nymboi-Binderay NP 388 Barnunj SCA <1 Gungewalla 142 Nymboida NP 1,788 Berowra Valley RP 4 Guy Fawkes River NP 4,324 Nymboida NP (Mann River) 446 Lands vested in the Billinudgel NR 2 Hartley HS <1 Oxley Wild Rivers NP 3,236 Minister Blue Gum Hills 129 Hayters Hill NR <1 Patches Beach 6 administering the Blue Mountains NP 236 Hill End HS 4 Paroo-Darling NP 521 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 by Boambee <1 Illawarra Escarpment SCA 106 Prospect Lower Canal 55 virtue of Act 1996 Bongil Bongil NP 348 Illunie 721 Seaham Swamp NR <1 No 131 (Forestry Kooragang NR 61 Seven Mile Beach NP 65 Border Ranges NP <1 Revocation and Koorawatha NR 98 South East Forest NP <1 Bouddi NP 299 National Park Bournda NP 13 Ku-ring-gai Chase NP 14 South Solitary Island NR 11 Reservation Act). Brigalow Park NR 51 Kwiambal NP 2,085 Stockton Bight 111 Brigalow Park NR (Claremont) 202 Kybeyan Crown Reserve 1,245 Sturt NP 12,355 Total area: About 452 hectares Brimbin NR 11 Lake Innes 16 Sydney Harbour NP <1 Brisbane Water NP 19 Lane Cove NP 22 Tamboroora 10 Budelah 4,045 Macquarie Marshes NR 944 Taringa 1,339 Bundjalung NP 222 Majors Creek Reserve 23 Throsby Park HS <1 Bungonia SCA 29 Marangaroo 672 Tinderry NR 89 Captains Creek NR 544 Marramarra NP 27 Towarri NP 476 Cathedral Rock NP 369 Maryland NP 986 Towra Point NR 48 Chaelundi NP 2,057 Meroo NP 2 Wadbilliga NP 761 Clarkes Hill NR 61 Morton NP 2,652 Wamberal Lagoon NR 7 Coffs Coast 35 Mother of Ducks Lagoon NR 84 Warrabah NP 510 Coffs Coast / Garby 136 Mount Kaputar NP 3,584 Washpool NP 901

South East Forest National Park. B Wrigley/NPWS 91 6 Appendices

Appendix B Significant statutory bodies, committees and trusts

National Parks and At 30 June 2003 the council consisted National Parks and Far South Coast Region Wildlife Advisory of the following members: Wildlife Service Mr John Aveyard Council Mr Brian Gilligan Advisory Committees Mrs Maureen Baker The National Parks and Wildlife Director-General NPWS National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Cr Allan Brown Mrs Elaine Garvey Advisory Council was established Ms Margaret Combs Committees are constituted by the Mrs Wendy Rose under Section 22 of the National Parks NPWS Advisory Committee (Central) Minister for the Environment to make and Wildlife Act 1974. It has specific recommendations to the National Mr Robert Ross functions under the Act with special Ms Christine Ferguson Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council, Dr David Shaw responsibility for considering plans of NSW Aboriginal Land Council the Director-General, or the Mr Alexander Sherriff management for parks and reserves Nominee of the Aboriginal Cultural appropriate regional manager on the Mr Fergus Thomson before they are adopted. It is also Heritage Advisory Committee measures to improve the care, control Mr George Threlfo Clr Josie Walcott required to consider any Mr David Hodgkinson and management of those NPWS- Mr David Wauchope representations received in response NSW Farmers’ Association managed parks or reserves for which to public exhibition of the plans. The they are appointed. At 30 June 2003 Far West Region Ms Diana Hoffman council considers matters referred to it there were 20 advisory committees, NPWS Advisory Committee (Western) Mr Michael Anderson by the Minister for the Environment, with membership as follows: Mr Peter Beven the NPWS Director-General or Dr Gul Izmir Blue Mountains Region Dr Beryl Carmichael advisory committees, and provides Department of Infrastructure, Planning Mr Geoff Davis advice on various matters, including and Natural Resources Mr Warwick Armstrong Mrs Diana Hoffman those relating to the care, control and Mr Joseph Banffy Mr Roger Lembit Mr Richard Kelly management of NPWS areas. In Mr Roy Cameron Nature Conservation Council of NSW Mrs Dorothy Kiely addition to the Director-General, the Mr Grahame Douglas Mrs Frances McKinnon council has up to 15 members who Dr Stephen Lord Mrs Helen Drewe Mrs Lorraine Nitscke represent various conservation, National Parks Association of NSW Mr Kevin Field Mrs Suzanne O’Halloran educational, scientific and natural Mrs Glenys Gilling Dr Michael Mahony Mrs Muriel Riley resource management organisations Mr Andy Macqueen (term ended 27 November 2002) Mr William Riley with an interest in the management Ms Fiona Meller University of Newcastle (served term Mrs Louise Turner and use of NPWS-managed areas and Mr Bill Shields under old legislation) Mrs Sue Turner who are appointed by the Minister. Mr John Tolhurst Dr Richard Major Mr Ian Tucker Mr Arthur Vann Australian Museum Central Coast Hunter Hartley Historic Site Mr Ron Mathews Range Region Ms Margaret Combs 4 Wheel Drive Clubs of NSW Mr Daryl Bower Mr Ross Fragar Ms Jean Rice Cr Daniel Golenia Mrs Marian Kinnear Australia International Council on Ms Narelle Howard Mr John Luchetti Monuments and Sites Mr Nicholas Jacomas Mr Gerard Martin Mrs Dellas Johnstone Mr Bob Morris Ms Wendy Rose Mr Robert Kelly Mr David Peters NPWS Advisory Committee Mr Ian Paul (Southern) Hunter Region Mrs Helen Sharrock Mr Leonard Anderson Professor Robert Whelan Dr Kenneth Zimmerman Mr David Brooker University of Wollongong Central West Region Clr Helen Brown Dr Kent Williams Dr Juliet Corish Mr Michael Elfick Commonwealth Scientific and Mr Sydney Craythorn Mrs Margaret Francis Industrial Research Organisation Mr Borry Gartrell Mrs Linda Gill Mr Ian Woods Mrs Yvonne Hutton Mr Roderick Kidd (resigned February 2003) Mrs Jennifer Kenna Mr John Le Messurier NSW Aboriginal Land Council Mr Andrew Kennedy Mr Bradley Lewis (served term under old legislation) Mr Kenneth Rogers Dr George McKay Mr David Towney Mr Geoffrey Moore Ms Sue Wakefield Mr Graham Williams 92

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Mid North Coast Region Northern Tablelands Sydney Region Cape Byron State Ms Megan Benson Region Mrs Beverley Batros Conservation Area Trust Mr Len Blacklow Mrs Patricia Ainsworth Mr Gerry Beasley Ms Jan Barham Mr Frazer Gorely Sir Owen Croft Mr Peter Caldwell Mr Roger Buck Mr Frank Harrison Dr Robin Gunning Ms Barbara de Rome Mr Mark Johnston Dr Philip Holberton Ms Lynne Hosking Ms Brigid Dowsett Mrs Lorna Kelly Ms Margaret Howard Dr Alan Jackson Ms Shirley Jenkins Mr Paul Massey-Reed Mr Max Ingram Mr Craig Klingner Ms Helen Lochhead Mr Tony McCabe Ms Isabelle Lee Mr Peter Metcalfe Mr Garry McIlwaine Ms Merran Morrison Mrs Wendy McKeough Dr Nick Reid Mr Zenon Michniewicz Mr Peter Parker Mr Steven Read Mrs Dianne Roberts Ms Christine O’Brien Ms Bo Raphael Mr Clark Valler Clr Robert Schroder Mrs Yvonne Stewart Sydney North Region Mr Allen Strudwick North Coast Region Mrs Diane Campbell Berowra Valley Regional Mr John Taylor Park Trust Mr Graham Ashton Mr Bruce Foott Mr Geoffrey Bridger Riverina Region Mrs Patricia Giles Clr Graham Orr Mr Robert Coutts Mrs Enid Atkinson Mrs Roslyn Gillies Mr Chris McIntosh Mrs Barbara Fahey Mrs Debra Collins Mr Doug Macdonald Clr Susan White Ms Kay Jeffery Mr Ian Lockhart Mr Garry McBain Clr Matthew Benson Dr Alan Lloyd Cr Robert McMartin Ms Gabrielle O’Donnell Ms Stella Whittaker Mr Peter Morgan Mr Arthur Milthorpe Clr Steven Pringle Mr Gavin Mathison Mrs Judith Mortlock Mr William Moller Mrs Jill Reardon Ms Carole Ford Mr Bob Piper Mrs Lilian Parker Mr Robert Salt Mr Graham Ireland Ms Debbie Repschlager Mr Neville Rose Mrs Diane Waring Mutawintji Board of Mr James Tedder Mr Michael Schultz Sydney South Region Management Mrs Della Walker Mr Roy Stacy William Bates Mr John Sullivan Mrs Sheelah Boleyn Northern Plains Region Badger Bates Mr Ian Thompson Mr Timothy Carroll Clr Fred Clancy Mrs Glenda Chalker Lionel Dutton Mr Robert Dick Snowy Mountains Region Ms Kerrie Christian Norma Dutton Mrs Meryl Dillon Mr Ashley Blondel Mr Phillip Costa Dorrie Hunter Ms Kay Durham Dr Robert Creelman Ms Sharyn Cullis William Hunter Clr Robert Glasson Mr Kurt Cremer Mrs Dawn Emerson Ian Jackson Mrs Margaret Harris Mrs Gaynor Epstein Mr Mervyn Ryan Steve Millington Mrs Gillian Hogendyk Mr Peter Mitchell Mr Philip Sansom Dulcie O’Donnell Mrs Jane Judd Mrs Noreen Pendergast Mr Peter Stitt Raymond O’Donnell Mr Geoffrey Mitchell Mr Ken Prendergast Dr Miriam Verbeek William Riley Ms Judie Peet Ms Anne Reeves Mr Mark Wood Haydn Washington Mrs Joan Treweeke Ms Dianne Thompson Graham Wellings Upper Darling Region Mr John Whitehead Ms Janice Walker Mr Geoffrey Waters Mr Victor Bartley Northern Rivers Region Ms Iris White Mr Peter Bradley Mr Jeremy Buultjens Mr Philip Cameron Mr Ken Cockburn South Coast Region Mr Michael Davis Ms Raylee Delaney Mr William Barnetson Mr Paul Gordon Mr Stephen Fletcher Ms Leonie Bunting Mr Wayne Leigh Ms Sandra Heilpern Mr Mark Hurley Mr Leslie Le Lievre Mr Douglas Jardine Dr Kevin Mills Mr Colin McDonald Mrs Stephanie Lymburner Mr Robert Pallin Mr Cecil Miller Mr Terrance Moody Mr David Phelps Clr Isabell Pretty Mr Charles Moran Miss Lynne Robinson Mr Craig Roberts Mr Hugh Nicholson Mr Robert Snedden Ms Marie Russell Cr Kathryn Rodgers Dr David Tranter Cr Alan Rich Clr Joyce Wheatley Ms Annabelle Walker South West Slopes Region Mr Robert Apps Mrs Sue a’Beckett Mr David Campbell Mr Timothy Cathles Mr Adrian Davey Mr Paul Davies Mr Russell Dunn Mr Peter Southwell Cr Gene Vanzella Mr Ken Wilson 93 6 Appendices

NPWS representation on significant statutory bodies and inter-departmental committees Officer Position Body or committee Mr John Allen Conservation Planning Officer, Northern Directorate Northern Tablelands Regional Vegetation Committee Mr Jason Ardler Director, Cultural Heritage NSW Heritage Council NSW State Heritage Register Committee NSW Heritage Council, Aboriginal Heritage Committee NSW Aboriginal Affairs Policy Coordinating Committee NSW Aboriginal Affair Policy, Culture and Heritage Cluster Ms Ruth Armstrong Pest Management Officer, North Coast Region North Coast Noxious Weeds Advisory Committee Mr Stuart Blanch Project Officer, Water Reforms Northern Rivers Water Management Committee Upper North Coast Water Management Committee Mid North Coast Water Management Committee Mr Stuart Boyd-Law Pest Management Officer, Northern Tablelands Region North Eastern Pest Animal Advisory Committee Namoi Gwydir Noxious Weeds Advisory Committee Mr Bob Conroy Director, Central Board of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust NSW Bush Fire Coordinating Committee Mr Greg Croft Mid North Coast Regional Manager Yarrahapinni Wetlands Trust (Ministerial appointment) Mid North Coast Catchment Board Mr Peter Croft Senior Ranger, Biodiversity Inverell-Yallaroi Regional Vegetation Committee Tenterfield Regional Vegetation Committee Mr Liam Dagg Coordinator, Lower Hunter Estuary Rehab. Program Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project Steering Committee Mr Brendan Diacono Manager, Conservation Planning Unit, CPPD Northern Lower North Coast Water Management Committee Trustee, Hunter Catchment Management Trust Mr Terry Evans Manager, Barrington Tops Area Nundle Regional Vegetation Committee Ms Adrienne Farago Natural Resource Planning Coordinator, Namoi Catchment Management Board (member) Conservation Planning Unit, CPPD Northern Directorate Dr Mike Fleming Manager, Western Operations Support & Coordination Unit NSW Scientific Committee Mr Bob Friederich Northern Tablelands Regional Manager North West Heads of Government Mr Robert Gibbs Manager, Hunter Coast Area Hunter Regional Vegetation Committee Mr Alan Jeffery North Coast Regional Manager Upper North Coast Catchment Management Board Dr David Keith Principal Research Scientist NSW Scientific Committee Dr Andrew Leys State-wide Coordinator, Pest Management NSW Noxious Weeds Advisory Committee Coordination Unit, Biodiversity Research and National Bitou Bush and Boneseed Steering Committee (Convenor) Management Division National Lantana Management Group NSW Pest Animal Council NSW Beekeeping Industry Consultative Committee NSW Lantana Biological Control Taskforce NSW Biodiversity Strategy Inter-Agency Pest Working Group (Chair) Mr John Martindale Conservation Planning Officer, Northern Directorate Manning Regional Vegetation Committee Mr Andrew Moriarty Project Officer, Pest Management Coordination Unit Feral Animal Aerial Shooting Team Management Committee Mr John O’Gorman Director, Northern Lord Howe Island Board (Chairperson) CERRA Steering Committee Mr Chris Perkins Director Education and Community Programs NSW Council on Environmental Education Board of the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife Board of NSW Nature Conservation Trust Mr Ken Pines Pest Management Officer, Northern Tablelands Region North Eastern Pest Animal Advisory Committee Namoi Gwydir Noxious Weeds Advisory Committee Mr Mike Rowland Manager Operations Support and Coordination Unit, CERRA Coordinating Committee Northern Directorate Mr Tim Scanlon Acting Pest Management Officer, North Coast Region North Eastern Pest Animal Advisory Committee North Coast Vertebrate Pest Working Group Mr Jeff Thomas Acting Pest Management Officer, North Coast Region North Coast Noxious Weeds Advisory Committee North Eastern Pest Animal Advisory Committee North Coast Vertebrate Pest Working Group Dr Lynn Webber Manager Education and Community Involvement Unit Board of NSW Nature Conservation Trust Ms Lisa Wellman Pest Management Officer, Northern Rivers Region North Eastern Pest Animal Advisory Committee 94

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Appendix C Infringements and prosecutions

Offence categories Prosecutions Infringements Offence categories Prosecutions Infringements

National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 Domestic/feral animals –2Littering 152 Fail to give details/false details 3 49 Total 90 *2150

Breach licence conditions – 26 * Infringement Processing Bureau installed a computerised reporting system resulting in more accurate Protected fauna 15 11 reporting than in previous years. Protected fauna — marine mammal 1 – Protected native plant 2 – Aboriginal objects/Aboriginal places – – Threatened species — fauna – – Threatened species — flora 2 – Damage habitat 5 –

National Parks & Wildlife (Land Management) Regulation 1995/National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2002 Protection of animals – – Camping – 11 Damage/destroy/deface part of park – 6 Domestic animals in park 12 57 Fires 2 32 Littering 1 2 Offensive conduct 1 2 Other (chainsaw, risk safety etc) 23 13 Parking 5 1738 Traffic/access 9 145 Damage vegetation in park 8 3 Weapons – 1

Emu tracks, Sturt National Park. G Robertson/NPWS 95 6 Appendices

Appendix D Consultants engaged

A consultant is an organisation or individual engaged for a defined period of time solely to provide an expert opinion or recommendations to the NPWS on a specific issue or task. Consultants equal to or more than $30,000 Consultant Project Description Cost Pendle Cooper Ministerial Document Manager 88,320 AMBS Consulting Mosman Aboriginal Heritage Study 45,000 Graham Brooks & Associates Stages 1 to 6 requirements — Plan of Management — Hill End 80,000 Greg Oliver EPM Consulting Arakwal Culturally Valued Plants 36,811 UMWELT (Australia) Pty Ltd Environmental Impact Study — Lake Innes Nature Reserve 45,114 Aust Archaeological Survey Consultants Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area Plan 62,803 Total 358,048

Consultancies less than $30,000 Number Total $ Finance and Accounting/tax 7 36,688 Information technology 4 59,680 Legal 4 28,019 Management Services 13 73,269 Environmental 218 1,029,236 Engineering 29 83,690 Organisational Review 0 0 Training 14 54,334 Total 289 1,364,916

Galahs, Cacatua roseicapilla. K Stepnell/NPWS 96

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Appendix E Employee statistics

Employees by category Numbers reported are the equivalent full-time (EFT) employees at the relevant date. Category (refer to notes below) 30/06/99 30/06/00 30/06/01 30/06/02 30/06/03 Senior Executive Service 999910 Senior managers/Senior officers 34 40 39 44 40 Clerical officers/Clerks * 454 476 527 550 581 Legal officers 54455 Technical staff * 55 51 48 67 72 Trainee/Rangers/Senior rangers 238 237 258 253 260 Assist/District managers 97 74 74 79 77 Pilots/Crew 56776 Project officers/Research scientists 245 273 308 329 313 Librarians 21223 Interpretive assistants 27989 Law enforcement officers 34565 Field officers * 443 465 532 552 544 Tradespersons 10 11 13 13 12 Total 1602 1658 1835 1924 1937

Notes: Clerical Officers/Clerks — includes finance, human resources, media, policy officers and public relations, stores officers, café assistants and trainees. Technical Staff — includes technical officers, survey draftspersons, engineers, architects, cartographers, dept. professional officers. Field Officers — includes field officers, snr field officers, field supervisors, snr field supervisors, trainee field officers.

Employees by location at 30 June 2003 Location Number Proportion (%) Central 443 22.9 Southern 414 21.4 Northern 509 26.3 Western 199 10.3 Head Office Directorates 371 19.1 Total 1937 100.0

Number of SES positions at 30 June 2003 Level 30/6/00 30/06/01 30/06/02 30/06/03 7 0001 61110 50000 41111 35555 22223 10000 Total 9 9 9 10 The number of SES positions held by women at 30 June 2003 was one (one less than 2001-2002). 97 6 Appendices

Proportion of total staff by salary level 2002-03 The table below was extracted from the EEO report submitted to ODEOPE as part of departmental reporting requirements. The numbers shown are permanent staff only based on headcount, not EFT.

Number Level Total staff Respondents Men Women Aboriginal People from People whose People People with people & racial, ethnic, language first with a a disability Torres Strait ethno-religious spoken as a disability requiring Islanders minority child was not work-related groups English adjustment < $28,710 13 10 7 6 8 0 0 1 1 $28,710-$37,708 394 317 306 88 43 3 7 10 2 $37,709-$42,156 387 309 248 139 19 8 8 13 5 $42,157-$53,345 402 334 189 213 15 13 25 11 2 $53,346-$68,985 646 548 376 270 17 24 25 16 5 $68,986-$86,231 188 149 112 76 6 7 10 6 2 > $86,231 (non SES) 82 69 64 18 0 4 4 3 1 > $86,231 (SES) 11 9 10 1 1 2 0 0 0 Total 2,123 1,745 1,312 811 109 61 79 60 18 Note: Figures for EEO groups other than women have been adjusted to compensate for the effects of non-response to the EEO data collection. EEO statistics reported in years before 1998 may not be comparable due to a change in the method of estimating EEO group representation.

Proportion of total staff by employment basis 2002-03 The table below was extracted from the EEO report submitted to ODEOPE as part of departmental reporting requirements. The numbers shown are permanent staff only based on headcount, not EFT.

Number Level Total staff Respondents Men Women Aboriginal People from People whose People People with people & racial, ethnic, language first with a a disability Torres Strait ethno-religious spoken as a disability requiring Islanders minority child was not work-related groups English adjustment Permanent Full-time 1,461 1,235 1,018 443 77 47 61 51 16 Permanent Part-time 130 97 16 114 1 1 3 4 0 Temporary Full-time 425 331 238 187 21 10 13 4 1 Temporary Part-time 92 66 28 64 1 1 2 1 1 Contract — SES 11 9 10 1 1 2 0 0 0 Contract — Non SES 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Training Positions 10 9 6 4 8 0 0 0 0 Retained Staff 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Casual 413 296 173 240 20 11 9 8 4 Total 2,542 2,043 1,489 1,053 129 72 88 68 22 Note: Figures for EEO groups other than women have been adjusted to compensate for the effects of non-response to the EEO data collection. EEO statistics reported in years before 1998 may not be comparable due to a change in the method of estimating EEO group representation. 98

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NPWS Executive Remuneration of Executive officers The NPWS Executive management team at 30 June 2003 comprised: level 5 and above Brian Gilligan, Director-General SES Level 7. Director-General Brian Gilligan BA, Dip Ed, MA (Biogeography) No performance pay provision in contract. Remuneration as at: Director Central Bob Conroy BA, Dip Env Studies, M Mgt 30 June 2003 – $266,000 30 June 2002 – $226,095 Director Corporate Services Arthur Diakos B Bus, FCPA 30 June 2001 – $219,510 Director Education and Community Programs Chris Perkins BA Director Legal Services Vivienne Ingram BA (Hons) LLB Director Northern John O’Gorman BSc, BSc (Tech), M Mgt Director Policy and Science Michael Wright BA, B Comm Director Southern Tony Fleming BSc (Hons), PhD (Forestry) Director Western Terry Korn BA (Biol Science), M Appl Sci, Dip Ag Director Cultural Heritage Jason Ardler BEc

South East Forest National Park. B Wrigley/NPWS 99 6 Appendices

Appendix F Performance statement

Director-General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service NAME: Brian Gilligan POSITION: Director-General of National Parks and Wildlife Service PERIOD: 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003

Results During the year Mr Gilligan provided strong leadership and sound management to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, building on the reform program of the past few years to achieve substantial progress in key areas. As in 2001-02, there was once again a heavy diversion of resources to bushfire fighting over the summer season.

Key achievements over the reporting period included: strategic acquisitions to enhance the NSW reserve system, particularly in the under-represented bioregions in the west of the state establishment of diverse and innovative joint management arrangements with Aboriginal communities active collaboration with rural and regional communities to control feral animals, including wild dog programs and implementation of the Fox Threat Abatement Plan.

Other major issues dealt with by Mr Gilligan included: continuing implementation of the government’s Biodiversity Strategy development of a strategic program to enhance the integration of cultural heritage values in NPWS policies and programs continuing work on reviewing and refining NPWS fire management procedures strengthening corporate governance and management information systems.

Bob Debus 30 June 2003 100

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Appendix G Statement of Affairs, Freedom of Information and Privacy

Statement of Affairs Files Under the Freedom of Information Act 1989 (FOI Act), the NPWS prepares a Most NPWS documents are stored as files, including those relating to: Statement of Affairs which describes the NPWS structure and functions; the ways in administration — budget and financial matters, general correspondence, which NPWS functions affect members of the public; how members of the public accommodation can participate in NPWS policy development and the exercise of its functions; the documents held by the NPWS; and how members of the public can access function — issues relating to the management of each area, new area documents held by the NPWS and seek amendment of documents concerning their proposals, policies, interpretive and educational programs, wildlife personal affairs. management, licences, offences, preservation and protection of historical and Aboriginal areas Structure and functions staff matters — recruitment and training of staff and staff members’ personal The NPWS is responsible for developing and maintaining the parks and reserve files system and conserving natural and cultural heritage in cooperation with the NPWS policies — NPWS policy documents. community of NSW. The structure, functions and organisational chart of the NPWS are set out on pages Policy documents 10-13 of this Annual Report and on its website (www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au). A list of NPWS policy documents is published each June and December in the Government Gazette and on the NPWS website www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au under Effect of functions on members of the public the NPWS Summary of Affairs. These documents include corporate documents, The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, the Wilderness Act 1987 and the scientific policies and manuals, personnel guidelines, field policies and procedures Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 set out the powers, duties and functions and are available for inspection by arrangement or purchase at: of the NPWS. the National Parks Centre (102 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney. Ph: 1300 361 The National Parks and Wildlife Act specifies activities which may or may not take 967 (within Australia) or 02 9253 4600). The centre is open 9am to 5pm place within NPWS-managed areas. These include many activities undertaken by Monday to Friday and 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday visitors in parks: the use of vehicles; protection of plants and animals, historic the NPWS Library (Level 7, 43 Bridge Street, Hurstville. Ph: 02 9585 6437). structures, Aboriginal objects and areas; collection of scientific specimens; The Library is open 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday (except Wednesday) prohibition of domestic animals; and impounding of cattle. regional NPWS offices. Call the office for local business hours and the The NPWS is responsible for the issue and administration of licences under the availability of policy documents for inspection and purchase. National Parks and Wildlife Act. Many policy documents can also be viewed on the NPWS website. The NPWS is also responsible for issuing threatened species licences under section 91 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act. Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System The NPWS monitors developments likely to have adverse impacts on Aboriginal (AHIMS) objects and places. The NPWS may issue permits for investigation of Aboriginal The NPWS maintains information on recorded Aboriginal objects and places in New sites, or consents allowing destruction of certain sites unless assessment of South Wales. AHIMS holds details on the type and location of Aboriginal objects, significance of the sites justifies their permanent conservation. places, reports and slides. Access to AHIMS is available to Aboriginal groups, researchers and interested members of the public. Due to the sensitivity of some Public participation in policy formulation matters, access may be restricted in some cases. The NPWS undertakes searches of Public participation in policy formulation can be undertaken by way of membership AHIMS for a fee. For more information, contact the AHIMS Registrar, Cultural on various bodies including: Heritage Division, Hurstville on (02) 9585 6444. the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council Historic Heritage Information Management System National Parks and Wildlife Service Regional Advisory Committees (HHIMS) the Cultural Heritage Research Advisory Committee The NPWS maintains information on recorded historic places on NPWS-managed Trusts appointed under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. land. HHIMS holds details on the type and location of historic places, reports and other archival material. Access to HHIMS is available to researchers and interested Public submissions are also sought by the NPWS when developing and reviewing members of the public. For more information, contact the HHIMS Registrar, Cultural management and recovery plans and proposals for NPWS-managed lands and Heritage Division, Hurstville on (02) 9585 6444. programs. The NPWS website www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au sets out details of plans and proposals for which public comment is sought. Public registers The NPWS holds registers of conservation agreements and interim protection Documents held by the NPWS and how members of the orders, which are maintained by the Conservation Management Unit, and wilderness public can access them protection agreements, which are maintained by the Conservation Assessment and The NPWS holds documents in its Hurstville, regional and area offices. While many Priorities Unit. The NPWS also has a register of critical habitat declared under the documents are available for inspection or purchase, some documents may not be provisions of the Threatened Species Conservation Act, which is maintained by the available unless an application under the FOI Act or the Privacy and Personal Biodiversity Management Unit. These units are located at Hurstville and may be Information Protection Act 1998 has been received. contacted on (02) 9585 6444. Under Section 151D of the National Parks and Wildlife Act, the NPWS is required to keep a register of information on every lease, easement or right of way granted on national parks and reserves. This register is available on the NPWS website. 101 6 Appendices

Other documents Freedom of Information The Business Development Division of NPWS (contact: (02) 9585 6444) maintains a A summary of the applications dealt with during the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June list of NPWS leases and other forms of tenure, which are registered with the Land 2003 is set out below. and Property Information Office. The unit can provide a reference number, which should be quoted at the Land and Property Information Office in order to view a Section A — Number of new Freedom of Information (FOI) document. Inquiries regarding access to maps and plans of NPWS-managed areas applications should be referred to the Conservation Management Unit. The NPWS photographic Personal Other Total and film library is available to the public and other agencies under certain New applications 4* 33 37 conditions and inquiries should be directed to the Publications Unit, Hurstville on Applications brought forward 0 2 2 (02) 9585 6444. Total to be processed 4 35 39

Publications Completed 42832 The NPWS produces a range of books, guides, teachers’ kits, information pamphlets Transferred out 0 0 0 and posters relating to national parks, historic sites and flora and fauna in New Withdrawn 0 2 2 South Wales. NPWS publications may be obtained over the counter at the National Total processed 4 30 34 Parks Centre, by mail order (PO Box 1967, Hurstville NSW 2022), or from many Unfinished (carried forward) 0 5 5 regional offices, area offices and visitor centres. All saleable items are available through the NPWS website. Many items are also held by the NPWS Library at (*one application was an amendment application) Hurstville. Section B — Results of FOI applications Refer to the NPWS website www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au for a list of publications Personal Other Total for sale and downloading. Granted in full 11920 Recovery plans and threat abatement plans for threatened species are available on Granted in part 0 8 8 the NPWS website and at the NPWS Library. They are also available at regional Refused 3 1 4 offices during the exhibition period. Deferred 0 0 0 Completed 42832 Freedom of Information applications

Members of the public can apply under the FOI Act for access to documents that are Section C — Ministerial certificates held by the NPWS that are not publicly available. The documents can relate to personal or non-personal information. There were no Ministerial certificates issued during the period.

Members of the public can also apply under the FOI Act to correct personal Section D — Formal consultations information if it is incomplete, incorrect, misleading, or out-of-date. During the period there were 24 applications requiring consultations, which led to Contact the FOI/Privacy Contact Officer or access the NPWS website for an approximately 94 formal consultations with third parties. application form and information about the FOI Act, the process, fees and charges: FOI/Privacy Contact Officer Section E — Amendment of personal records National Parks and Wildlife Service During the period, 1 application for amendment of an NPWS record relating to the Level 7 applicant was received. The application was refused. 43 Bridge Street (PO Box 1967) Section F — Notation of personal records HURSTVILLE NSW 2220 As a result of the amendment application, a statement relating to the application and Ph: 02 9585 6460 a copy of the application setting out the applicant’s comments as to the respects the Fax: 02 9585 6447 applicant considered the record to be incomplete, incorrect, out of date or Email: general.foi-privacycontactoffi[email protected]. misleading, was attached to the relevant file and sent to the external agency and any person to whom the record was disclosed. Privacy applications The Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIP Act) regulates the Section G — FOI applications granted in part or refused way the NPWS deals with personal information and gives members of the public a Access to documents was refused in full to 3 applications (2 were personal legally enforceable right of access to their personal information. applications) on the following clauses or combination of clauses in the FOI An application under the PPIP Act may be preferred to an application under the FOI schedule: Act as the FOI Act applies only to documents and not to other forms of personal Clause 1 — Cabinet documents (1 application) information that are covered by the PPIP Act. Application can be made under the PPIP Act to access personal information that may be held by the NPWS and, if Clause 4 — confidential source of information relating to the enforcement or necessary, amend documents that contain personal information that may be administration of the law (2 applications) incomplete, incorrect, misleading, or out-of-date. Clause 13 — confidential material (2 applications). If members of the public think the NPWS has breached their privacy, they can Access was partially refused for 8 applications based on the following clauses or complain to the NPWS and demand that the NPWS investigate what has occurred. combination of clauses in the FOI schedule : Contact the FOI/Privacy Contact Officer or access the NPWS website for an Clause 1 — Cabinet documents (1 applications) application form and information about the PPIP Act, the process, fees and charges. Clause 4 — law enforcement and public safety (1 application) Clause 6 — personal affairs (5 applications) Clause 7 — business affairs (2 applications) Clause 10 — legal professional privilege (1 application) Clause 13 — confidential material (1 application). An application to amend an NPWS record was refused in accordance with section 44(a) of the FOI Act i.e. NPWS was not satisfied that its record is incomplete, incorrect, out of date or misleading in a material respect. 102

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Section H — Costs and fees of requests for completed Privacy and personal information protection applications During the reporting year the 2001 NPWS guide for handling privacy public Assessed costs Fees received submissions was revised following a suggestion by the NSW Ombudsman that All completed applications: $6155 $795 public submissions made to the NPWS on plans and/or proposals should be treated in the same manner as public submissions made on building and development Section I — Discounts allowed applications to local councils. Public submissions are now made available for public inspection before the plan/proposal for which they were received has been Discounts were allowed on 10 applications on public interest or financial hardship endorsed. Submissions can not be made confidential, unless there are issues or grounds. concerns (such as personal safety) associated with making the identity of the person making the submission known beyond the NPWS. These amendments comply with Section J — Days to process the principles of the PPIP Act. Elapsed time Personal Other Total The NPWS Privacy Management Plan was developed in 2000 and most actions have 0-21 days 167been completed. It is proposed to conduct a review in 2003-04 of the way the 22-35 days 2 11 13 NPWS handles personal information to ensure that any new responsibilities, over 35 days 1 11 12 activities or ways of processing personal information in the NPWS are incorporated Total 4 28 32 in a new Privacy Management Plan. The review will analyse the effectiveness of actions taken since 2000 and determine what further actions need to be taken to (Elapsed time may include the additional time taken to undertake third party consultation and/or the application may involve a significant number of documents or third parties) ensure ongoing compliance with the PPIP Act. Three applications to access personal information under the PPIP Act were received. Section K — Processing time Three requests for internal reviews against NPWS decisions were lodged. Preliminary determinations were forwarded to the Acting Privacy Commissioner to Personal Other Total ascertain whether submissions would be forwarded prior to final determinations. 0-10 hours 42529 At the time of reporting, final determinations were yet to be made. 11-20 hours 0 1 1 21-40 hours 0 1 1 over 40 hours 0 1 1 Total 4 28 32

Section L — Reviews and appeals Number of internal reviews finalised 1 Number of Ombudsman reviews finalised 0 Number of appeals to the Administrative Decisions Tribunal 0

Details of internal review results The internal review application against a NPWS decision to amend a record relating to personal information was refused. The original decision was upheld.

Comparative Statistics 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 Personal 104 Other 16 37 35

Applications brought forward Personal 010 Other 1 4 2

Decisions Full access granted 10 19 20 Partial access granted 5 14 8 Access refused 3 2 4 Access deferred 0 0 0

Review of decision requested Internal review 0 1 1 Referred to Ombudsman 1 1 0 Referred to Administrative Decisions Tribunal 0 0 0 103 6 Appendices

Appendix H New NPWS publications

Brochures Saving our threatened native animals and plants: Recovery and threat abatement in action 2003 update New or revised park brochures were produced for The Sea and the Rock Give Us a Feed (2002) Kosciuszko National Park Threatened species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of New Lane Cover National Park South Wales. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney (2003) Mount Royal National Park Reports National parks along the Oxley Highway, Walcha Aerial photograph interpretation of vegetation patterns within the Brigalow Belt National parks along the Waterfall Way, Armidale South Bioregion

Other park-related brochures Banks of the Barwon: Cultural mapping project, Collarenebri Cycling in Royal National Park Bibliography of material of relevance to the history of Aboriginal people in the Brigalow South Bioregion of New South Wales Bushwalking in Katoomba Leura Area Echo Point walking tracks Bonnie Vale Boat Ramp Review of Environmental Factors Yerranderie Escorted Access Brigalow Belt South bioregional conservation assessment scoping report Kosciuszko Education Centre Conservation analysis of the Joint Vegetation Mapping Project: Contribution of Historic Currango Homestead public lands to the conservation of vegetation groups in the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion. Janet Cosh East Rim Wildflower Walk, Fitzroy Falls, Morton National Park Conservation Options in Regional Environments (CORE) Version 1. A method for Camping in NSW national parks deciding where to conserve biodiversity in regions of western NSW Annual pass to NSW national parks Darling Riverine Plains Background Report Other brochures and maps Darling Riverine Plains Biodiversity Survey Technical Report Biodiversity Strategy Outcomes Darling Riverine Plains Data Audit and Gap Analysis A Vietnamese language brochure condensed from the book, Moving Landscapes Darling Riverine Plains Project — Community Consultation (2003) Draft Georges River National Park Fire Management Plan Winter access arrangements 2003, Kosciuszko National Park ski resorts Draft Masterplan for Meeting Place Precinct of Botany Bay National Park revised to Fact sheets reflect feedback received during public consultation period and document has been forwarded to Minister. Backyard Buddies fact sheets Fire fact sheets for Southern Directorate Draft Royal Area Trial Cycling Management Plan Early draft of Towra Beach Nourishment EIS received and comments returned to Teachers’ Kit worksheets consultant. What is a national park? teachers’ kit Final Bushland regeneration plan for area of Georges River National Park subject to TransGrid easement received. Newsletters and magazines Final consultants’ report on maintenance of seawalls at Georges River National Park Arakwal National Park Newsletter received. Bushcare newsletter — 1 issue Final consultants’ reports on management options for Yeramba Lagoon received. Bush matters — 2 issues Horse Management Plan – For the Alpine Area of Kosciuszko National Park Kosciuszko Today, three editions Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area Issues Papers in preparing a draft Napawi — staff newsletter, 3 issues Plan of Management Newsletter of Busy Bees (Friends of Botany Bay National Park) — 4 issues Options Analysis: Between a Rock and a Hard Place – Toilet facilities for Rawson’s Northern Rivers Region Annual Review 2001-2002 Pass and Seaman’s Hut, Kosciuszko National Park Posters and postcards Pilliga wilderness assessment report 2002 Christmas card Reconstructed distribution and extent of native vegetation within the Lower Macquarie-Castlereagh Region, NSW. Frogs of Western NSW poster Vascular Plant Associations of Western New South Wales The endangered plains-wanderer postcard Website launch postcard Multimedia Books, booklets and manuals Banks of the Barwon: Cultural mapping project, Collarenebri, video Aboriginal Women’s Heritage: Nambucca (2002) DVD on Whale Migration, Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell Guide to NSW national parks 2003 Kosciuszko National Park touch-screen displays updated with local fauna. Touch-screen displays also feature local Aboriginal plant knowledge as well as Incident notebook update visitor facilities in Kosciuszko National Park. Moving Landscapes: National Parks & The Vietnamese Experience (2002) Plains-wanderer Habitat Management Guide (2002) 104

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Appendix I Papers published by NPWS staff

Briggs, S (2002) Impacts of salinity on biodiversity — clear understanding or Eby, P and Lunney, D (2002) Managing the grey-headed flying-fox as a muddy confusion, in SJ Bennett and M Blacklow (eds) Prospects for threatened species: adjusting to a long-term vision, in P Eby and D Lunney Biodiversity and Rivers in Salinising Landscapes, pp. 20-29. CRC for Plant- (eds) Managing the grey-headed flying-fox as a threatened species in NSW, pp Based Management of Dryland Salinity, Perth. 273-84. Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, Mosman. www.biodiversityconference.albany.uwa.edu.au Eby, P and Lunney, D (eds) (2002) Managing the grey-headed flying-fox as a Briggs, S and Taws, N (2003) Impacts of salinity on biodiversity — clear threatened species in NSW, pp 1- 284. Royal Zoological Society of New South understanding or muddy confusion? Australian Journal of Botany, in press. Wales, Mosman. Briggs, S, Freudenberger, D, Seddon, J, Drew, A, Doyle, S, Ryan, P, English, AJ (2002) More than archaeology: developing comprehensive approaches Reid, J, Taws, N and Ozolins, A (2002) Optimising conservation of on- to Aboriginal heritage management in NSW. Australian Journal of farm woodlands. Report to the Natural Heritage Trust. NSW National Parks and Environmental Management, 9(4):.218-227. Wildlife Service and CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Canberra. Frazier, P, Page, K, Louis, J, Briggs, S and Robertson, A (2003) Relating Briggs, S, Seddon, J and Doyle, S (2002) Surveys of Vegetation and Birds in wetland inundation to river flow using Landsat TM data. International Journal the Warrengong Catchment, NSW. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, of Remote Sensing 24:1-16. CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Canberra. Gibbons, P and Boak, M (2002) The last bastions in agricultural landscapes. Briggs, S, Seddon, J and Doyle, S (2003) Birds in woodland remnants in the Woodland Wanderings 2(1):6-7. Central Lachlan Catchment: remnant characteristics and management Gibbons, P and Lindenmayer, DB (2003) Respecting our forest veterans. guidelines. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, CSIRO Sustainable Nature Australia 27(9):27-33. Ecosystems, Canberra. Gibbons, P, Briggs, SV and Shields, JM (2002) Are economic instruments the Briggs, S, Turbill, C, Seddon, J and Doyle, S (2002) Vegetation, habitat and saviour for biodiversity on private land? Pacific Conservation Biology 7:223- birds in the Mid-Talbragar Catchment: indicators of biodiversity. NSW National 228. Parks and Wildlife Service, CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Canberra. Greer, S, Harrison, R and McIntyre-Tamwoy, S (2002) Community-based Byrne, D (2002) An archaeology of attachment, in R Harrison and C Williamson archaeology in Australia. World Archaeology 34(2):265-287. (eds), After Captain Cook: the archaeology of the recent Indigenous past in Australia, pp 135-136. Sydney University Archaeological Methods Series 8, Harrison, R (2002) Archaeology and the colonial encounter: Kimberley spear Sydney. points, cultural identity and masculinity in the north of Australia. Journal of Social Archaeology 2(3):352-377. Byrne, D (2003) Nervous landscapes: race and space in Australia, Journal of Social Archaeology 3(2): 169-193. Harrison, R (2002) Australia’s Iron Age: Aboriginal post-contact metal artefacts from Old Lamboo station, southeast Kimberley, WA. Australasian Historical Byrne, D (2003) The ethos of return: erasure and reinstatement of Aboriginal Archaeology 20:67-76. visibility in the Australian historical landscape, Historical Archaeology 37(1): 73-86. Harrison, R (2002) Shared histories and the archaeology of the pastoral industry in Australia, in Harrison, R and Williamson, C (eds) After Captain Cook: the Coker, C, McKinney, F, Hays H, Briggs, S and Cheng, K (2002) Intromittent archaeology of the recent indigenous past in Australia, pp 37-58. Sydney organ morphology and testis size in relation to mating system in waterfowl. University Archaeological Methods Series 8. Archaeological Computing Auk 119, 413-403. Laboratory, University of Sydney, Sydney. Curtin, A, Lunney, D and Matthews, A (2002 ) A survey of a low-density koala Harrison, R and Williamson, C (eds) (2002) After Captain Cook: the population in a major reserve system, near Sydney, NSW. Australian archaeology of the recent indigenous past in Australia. Sydney University Mammalogy 23: 135-144. Archaeological Methods Series 8. Archaeological Computing Laboratory, Denham, AJ and Auld, TD (2002) Flowering, seed dispersal, seed predation and University of Sydney, Sydney. seedling recruitment in two pyrogenic flowering resprouters. Australian Hunter, J (2003) World Heritage and associative natural values of the Central Journal of Botany 50:545-557. Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Dickman, C and Fleming, M (2002) Pest, or Passenger Pigeon? The New South Service, Sydney. Wales Scientific Committee’s assessment of the status of the grey-headed Kingsford, RT (2002) Inland rivers and floodplains Fact Sheet 8. Land and Water flying-fox, in P Eby and D Lunney (eds) Managing the grey-headed flying-fox Australia, Canberra as a threatened species in NSW, pp 20-28. Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, Mosman. Kingsford, RT (2003) Social, institutional and economic drivers for water resource development — a case study of the Murrumbidgee River, Australia. Aquatic Dorfman, EJ, Kingsford, RT and Porter, J (2002) Use of natural and artificial ecosystem health and management 6:69-79. wetlands by Australian waterbirds: implications for population growth and management. Verh Internat. Verein. Limnol 28:687-691. Kingsford, RT and Thomas, RF (2002) Use of satellite image analysis to track wetland loss on the Murrumbidgee River floodplain in arid Australia, 1975- Drew, S, Briggs, S and Freudenberger, D (2002) The role of travelling stock 1998. Water science and technology 45(1):45-53 routes and other linear remnant vegetation for the conservation of woodland birds in the sheep/wheat zone of central NSW. CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Kingsford, RT, Brandis, K, Thomas, RF, Knowles, E, Crighton, P and Canberra. Gale, E (2003) Distribution of wetlands in New South Wales. Final Report to Environment Australia. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney. Eby, P and Lunney, D (2002) Managing the grey-headed flying-fox as a threatened species: a context for the debate, in Managing the grey-headed Kingsford, RT, Davis, S, House, A, Ryall, S and Cufer, M (2002) Paroo- flying-fox as a threatened species in NSW, P Eby and D Lunney (eds), pp 1-15. Warrego river catchments. WISE CD instructions and brochure. NSW National Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, Mosman. Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney. 105 6 Appendices

Kingsford, RT, Davis, ST, House, A, Ryall, S and Cufer, M (2002) Gwydir Murphy, MJ (2002) Observations on the behaviour of the Australian land snail River Catchment. WISE CD instructions and brochure. NSW National Parks and Hedleyella falconeri (Gray, 1834) (Pulmonata caryodidae) using the spool-and- Wildlife Service, Sydney. line tracking technique. Molluscan Research 22(2):149-164. Kingsford, RT, Porter, JL and Ahern, AD (2003) Aerial surveys of wetland Oliver, DL, Chambers, MA and Parker, DG (2003) Habitat and resource birds in eastern Australia — October 2000-2002. NSW National Parks and selection of the painted honeyeater (Grantiella picta) on the northern Wildlife Service Occasional Paper No. 33. floodplains region of New South Wales. Emu 103:171-176. Körtner, G, Gresser, S and Harden, B (in press) Does fox baiting threaten the Porter, J (2002) Effects of salinity, turbidity and water regime on arid zone wetland spotted-tailed quoll, Dasyurus maculatus (Kerr)? Wildlife Research. seed banks. Verh. Internat. Verein. Limnol. 28(3):1468-1471 Lindenmayer, DB, MacGregor, C and Gibbons, P (2002). Comment — Regan, HM and Auld, TD (in press) Using population viability analysis for Economics of a nest-box program for the conservation of an endangered management of an endangered Australian shrub, Grevillea caleyi, in HR species: a re-appraisal. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 32:2244-2247. Akçakaya, MA Burgman, O Kindvall, C Wood, P Sjogren-Gulve, J Hatfield, and M McCarthy (eds), Species conservation and management: case studies. Lunney, D (2002) Future dilemmas for argumentative conservation biologists. Oxford University Press. Pacific Conservation Biology 8:145-6. Regan, HM, Auld, TD, Keith, DA and Burgman, MA (2003) The effects of Lunney, D (2003) Thoughts on good writing and the recent CSIRO Report Future fire and predators on the long-term persistence of an endangered shrub, Dilemmas. Australian Zoologist 32:203-6. Grevillea caleyi. Biological Conservation 109:73-83. Lunney, D and Dickman, C (eds) (2002) A zoological revolution: using native Roshier, DA, Robertson, AI and Kingsford, RT (2002) Responses of fauna to assist in its own survival. Royal Zoological Society of NSW, Mosman waterbirds to flooding in an arid region of Australia and implications for and Australian Museum, Sydney. conservation. Biological Conservation 106:399-411 Lunney, D and Matthews, A (2002) Community-based research: where are the Saunders, DA and Briggs, SV (2002) Nature grows in straight lines — or does rewards?, in D Lunney, CR Dickman and S Burgin (eds) A clash of paradigms: she? What are the consequences of the mismatch between human-imposed community and research-based conservation, pp 8-19. Royal Zoological linear boundaries and ecosystem boundaries? An Australian example. Society of NSW, Mosman. Landscape and Urban Planning 61:71-82. Lunney, D and Matthews, A (2002) Ecological changes to forests in the Eden Seddon, J, Briggs, S and Doyle, S (2002) Little River catchment biodiversity region of New South Wales in J Dargavel, D Gaughwin and B Libbis (eds) assessment. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, CSIRO Sustainable Australia’s ever-changing forests V: proceedings of the Fifth National Ecosystems, Canberra. Conference on Australian Forest History, pp 289-310. Centre for Resource and http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Woodland+ecology Environmental Studies, The Australian National University, Canberra. Seddon, J, Drew, A, Doyle, S, Clayton, M, Davey, C, Briggs, S and Lunney, D and Matthews, A (2003) “Throw a koala on the barbie” (Daily Freudenberger, D (2003) Birds in woodland remnants in the Little River and Telegraph 15 July 1997): an analysis of wildlife reporting in two daily Weddin Catchments, Central West NSW. NSW National Parks and Wildlife newspapers. Australian Zoologist 32: 288-297, in the proceedings of the Service and CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Canberra. Zoology and the Media forum, D Lunney, A Matthews and P Wilson (eds), Australian Zoologist 32(2). Seddon, JA, Briggs, SV and Doyle, SJ (2003) Relationships between bird species and characteristics of woodland remnants in central New South Wales. Lunney, D, Dickman, C and Burgin, S (2002) A bizarre and threatening Pacific Conservation Biology, in press. process: the by-passing of ecological research when tackling environmental issues in D Lunney, C Dickman and S Burgin (eds) A clash of paradigms: Williamson, C and Harrison, R (2002) Too many Captain Cooks?: An community and research-based conservation, pp 97-101. Royal Zoological archaeology of Aboriginal Australia after 1788, in Harrison, R and Williamson, Society of New South Wales, Mosman, NSW. C (eds) After Captain Cook: The archaeology of the recent indigenous past in Australia, pp 1. Sydney University Archaeological Methods Series 8. Lunney, D, Dickman, C and Burgin, S (eds) (2002) A clash of paradigms: Archaeological Computing Laboratory, University of Sydney, Sydney. community and research-based conservation. Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, Mosman. Lunney, D, Gresser, S and Matthews, A (2002) New research tracks post-fire recovery of koalas. Gondwana 18:6-7. Lunney, D, Matthews, A and Triggs, B (2002) Long-term changes in the mammal fauna of logged, coastal forests near Bega, New South Wales, detected by analysis of dog and fox scats. Australian Mammalogy 23:101-114. Lunney, D, Matthews, A and Wilson, P (eds) (2003) Zoology and the Media. A forum of the Royal Zoological Society of NSW. Australian Zoologist 32:287. Lunney, D, Matthews, A, Moon, C and Turbill, J (2002) Achieving fauna conservation on private land: reflections on a ten-year project. Ecological Management and Restoration 3:90-96. Lunney, D, Matthews, A, Stein, JA and Lunney, HWM (2003) Australian bat research: the limitations of The Action Plan for Australian Bats in determining the direction of research. Pacific Conservation Biology 8:255-260. Lunney, D, Reid, A and Matthews, A (2002) Community perceptions of flying- foxes in New South Wales in P Eby and D Lunney (eds) Managing the grey- headed flying-fox as a threatened species in NSW, pp 160-175. Royal Zoological Society of NSW, Mosman. MacGregor, G (2003) On the Track — Which way forward for tracks and trails in NSW, National Parks Journal, April 2003. 106

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Appendix J Overseas visits by NPWS staff

Dr David Keith, Principal Research Scientist, Vegetation Dynamics, attended the Rob Hunt, Ranger, South West Slopes Region, in Southern Directorate, participated international workshop and meeting of the Conservation Risk Management Working in a study tour to Utah, USA, from 1 October 2002 to 3 November 2002. Group in Santa Barbara, in June 2003. The cost of airfares and accommodation were The purpose of the tour was to investigate coyote and wolf management techniques met by the US National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis. to mitigate impacts of wild dogs on domestic stock in Australia. Rob gave a presentation at Utah State University, Logan, on the ‘nil tenure’ Brindabella Wee Bob Pressy, Principal Research Scientist, Biodiversity Research and Management Jasper wild dog/fox plan. The trip was funded by the NPWS and the US Department Division, attended a seminar and workshop in Brazil in June 2003, where he of Agriculture. assisted with a planning project on the flooded forests of the Amazon. He also led an international working group in Santa Barbara from 26 to 30 June 2003 to Carla Rogers, Senior Planner, Far South Coast Region, was involved in a 10 week produce a synthesis report on conservation planning software. The trip was funded professional development tour of the USA and Canada between May and July 2002, primarily by Brazilian and US sponsors. as part of a joint NPWS and Churchill Fellowship sponsored program. The aim of the program was to investigate successful approaches by government land Dr David Priddel, Senior Research Scientist, Biodiversity Research and management agencies to involve the community in protected area planning and Management Division, travelled to Rarotonga, Cook Islands to attend the Oceania management. During the tour, she attended a Conference of the International Bird Conservation Workshop on 6 to 7 July 2002. The purpose of the conference Association of Public Participation in Salt Lake City, Utah and the Conference of the was to improve the communication, cooperation and collaboration between bird International Association of Facilitators at Fort Worth, Texas. managers, researchers and interested partners within Oceania. Travel costs were met by the NPWS. Dr Priddel and Nicholas Carlile, Senior Project Officer, travelled to Troy Roderick, Senior Workforce Diversity Officer, Workforce Services Division Gua Island, Fiji, from 2 to 16 June 2003, to participate in an international recovery attended: the Diversity Conference 2003 — Cultural Diversity in a Globalising program for the critically endangered Fiji Petrel Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi. The World, University of Hawai’i, 13 to 16 February 2003. He presented The task of the working group was to develop techniques to research and conserve Engagement of Aboriginal Communities in the Implementation of Diversity Strategy several species which are among the rarest birds in the world. Accommodation — Sharing Stories, Taking Action, which argued that the challenge of effectively costs were met by the Wildlife Conservation Society and other travel costs were drafting, implementing and evaluating an Indigenous Employment and Development funded from external funds. Strategy presents a unique challenge of community involvement. The cost of the trip was met by the NPWS. Dianne McDonald, Visitor and Tourism Marketing Manager, attended the International Parks Strategic Partners Forum hosted by the Auckland Regional Council in New Zealand on 7 to 8 November 2002. The forum scoped the future direction of the forum, the theme for the 2004 conference to be held in Canberra and industry performance indicators. Travel costs were met by the NPWS. Sharon Veale, Historian, from the Cultural Heritage Division, travelled to New Zealand from 21 to 25 November 2002, to attend The Professional Historians’ Association of New Zealand/Aotearoa Conference. Sharon presented the paper Landscapes of History and Memory Remembering the ‘Other’ Traces of the Past and also took part in panel discussions and information sharing with other historians. The NPWS funded the travel costs. Dr Denis Byrne, Manager, Research Unit, Cultural Heritage Division, attended a conference, Protecting Our Diverse Heritage: The Role of Parks, Protected Areas, and Cultural Sites, in San Diego, from 14 to 18 April 2003. The conference covered a variety of issues including the integration of cultural and natural heritage conservation, ethnic diversity, cultural landscape conservation, Indigenous people and biodiversity, history and oral history. Denis presented a paper on his research with Aboriginal communities in the Forster-Taree area of NSW. His innovative research involves mapping Aboriginal people’s oral histories at a landscape scale and documenting Aboriginal land-use patterns in the post-contact period. The cost of the trip was met by the NPWS. Dr Rodney Harrison, Conservation Assessment Coordinator, Cultural Heritage Division, attended the World Archaeological Conference in Washington DC from 21 to 26 June 2003. One of Rodney’s roles at the conference was to present a paper on the NPWS’s approach to historical archaeology, particularly in relation to the pastoral industry. The invitation reflected a respect for Rodney’s work in this area of research and the conference also highlighted the leading role of the NPWS in historical archaeology and historic heritage conservation in Australia. The NPWS funded the cost of the overseas travel. Pam O’Brien, Area Manager, Snowy Mountains Region, and Danny Corcoran, Ranger, travelled on a staff exchange visit to Bhutan, from 6 June 2002 to 28 September 2002. The visit focussed on alpine and sub-alpine park management. A ‘sister’ park relationship is being established between Jigme Dorji National Park in Bhutan and Kosciuszko National Park. The cost of the trip was met by the NPWS. 107 6 Appendices

Appendix K Disability Action Plan

The NSW Government’s Disability Policy Framework requires government agencies C Organisational Development outcomes to prepare a Disability Action Plan every three years. The NPWS prepared a NPWS staff are equipped to provide quality customer service to people with Disability Action Plan for 2000-03, with a revised plan to be prepared for 2003-06. a disability. The NPWS integrates the strategies of its action plan into all areas of its work, consistent with an inclusive approach to the provision of services and products that Appropriate NPWS work enhances the opportunity for people with a meet the needs of people with a disability. disability to participate in society The NPWS has identified a number of outcomes to be achieved within each of the Opportunities are provided for staff to work alongside people with a six priority areas identified within the NSW Government’s Disability Policy disability. Framework: Delivery on strategies: Development of the Workforce Diversity Strategy includes actions for A Physical Access outcomes enhancing opportunities for people with a disability in the workplace. People with disabilities (the public and staff) have equitable access to: Customer service training integrates customer service to people with a NPWS premises to enable access to services; disability. national parks and reserves to enable a range of experiences to be enjoyed; and D Information Services outcomes programs and services offered to the public by NPWS. Communications are accessible to people with a disability. Delivery on strategies: Delivery on strategies: NPWS offices provide transaction services to the public that are accessible Key NPWS documents and publications are available in a range of formats. to people with a disability. The NPWS also provides telephone customer The Annual Report is available in print and on the internet, the NPWS services (including TTY) and internet services (built to W3C accessibility website has been rebuilt and tested by Accessibility Consultants. guidelines) to facilitate access. The NPWS website has been rebuilt taking into account W3C accessibility 72 national parks and reserves in a range of natural and cultural guidelines and Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission environments across the state currently provide facilities for people with a Guidelines on Web Access, has font size increase capability and has been disability. optimised for screen reading software. Accessibility Checklists have been developed to facilitate continuous Telephone services are available through the National Parks Centre. improvement of infrastructure for people with a disability. Telephone Typewriter (TTY) service is available in key locations to facilitate The free Guide to NSW National Parks includes quick reference information communication. on disabled access and facilities in national parks. Videos produced by NPWS have captioning capability. The Discovery Program of walks, talks and tours Policy and Guidelines review has included specific guidance on adaptation of activities to include E Employment in the Public Sector outcomes people with a disability. People with a disability are provided with appropriate opportunities to gain employment with the NPWS, and are treated equitably when employed. B Positive Community Attitudes outcomes Delivery on strategies: NPWS affords itself of appropriate opportunities to promote positive The Workforce Diversity Strategy has been developed, which includes attitudes towards people with disabilities. strategies for enhancing employment of people with a disability. Delivery on strategies: New published material has presented images that are inclusive of people F Customer Feedback Procedures outcomes with a disability at every available opportunity. Examples include the Guide NPWS has customer feedback processes that people with a disability can to National Parks, posters developed for new school kits and the Annual access. Report. Delivery on strategies: A range of customer feedback processes are in place in NPWS to receive and give customer feedback. These include regional Advisory Committees, personal customer services systems in information centres, correspondence and email electronic feedback systems through the NPWS website. Pro-active consultations have been conducted to facilitate customer feedback on key NPWS initiatives, including the rebuilding of the website and updating of the National Parks Visitor Guide. 108

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Appendix L Appendix M Energy and waste management Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement

Waste management and purchasing policy The NPWS recognises the cultural and linguistic diversity of the people of New The NPWS Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy (WRAPP) Plan 2002-03 South Wales, the communities we work with and the staff we employ. The NPWS is designed to enable the NPWS to meet the requirements of the WRAPP, report recognises and acknowledges the value and benefits that a diverse society brings, annually on actions within the organisation to reduce the generation of waste, and will seek every opportunity to include all people and communities in achieving increase resource recovery and increase the use of recycled material. conservation outcomes in a way that fosters social justice, harmony and During 2002-03 the NPWS continued its commitment to waste avoidance and cohesiveness, and recognises economic and cultural opportunities. minimisation through implementation of the following strategies: During 2002-03 the NPWS delivered on its Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement Reducing the generation of waste (EAPS) in three key result areas: social justice, community harmony and economic recycling waste A4 and A3 white copy paper and cultural opportunities. Initiatives have included: returning used toner cartridges to suppliers for refilling or re-manufacturing inclusion of EAPS information in recruitment packages minimising paper use through increased use of email and by distributing staff integration of cultural diversity principles in development of revised Discovery circulars electronically education program policy and guidelines encouraging staff to use double-sided copying whenever possible review of membership criteria in constitution of advisory committees reducing print runs for some publications that are available on the NPWS cultural heritage research to gain insight into cultural perspectives on national website. parks of the Macedonian community as a second study to that undertaken on Vietnamese community perspectives Resource recovery research on non-English speaking background community understandings of at all its major offices for paper, plastic, glass, cans and toner cartridge waste urban wildlife conservation at most of the heavily visited parks for plastic, glass, cans and organic waste use of plain English language in public information products and services at the Perisher resort area of Kosciuszko National Park for waste cooking oil. new edition of Guide to NSW National Parks includes use of international Use of recycled material symbols to depict park facilities and services purchasing A4 and A3 white paper with a high recycled content development of safety signage in Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese to warn rock returning used toner cartridges to the suppliers for refilling or recycling fishers, shellfish collectors and walkers of natural dangers in the inter-tidal zone (high surf and slippery area) including recycled content as a requirement in paper and office machine contracts development of Workforce Diversity strategies that ensure that diverse religions, cultures and languages other than English, are valued and respected. liaising with contract companies on the need for environmentally friendly products The NPWS is preparing its EAPS Implementation Plan 2003-06, which proposes the establishing Environmental and Waste Management Systems as a standard in following key strategies: construction projects in association with Department of Commerce. ensure that staff understand, are aware of, and are committed to ethnic affairs principles The NPWS is continuing to work collaboratively with Resource NSW to conduct waste audits in parks with a view to the implementation of waste recycling stations ensure that perspectives of people from ethnic backgrounds are considered in at major parks. decision-making ensure that information on key areas of NPWS activities are accessible for people from non-English speaking backgrounds ensure that diverse religions, cultures and languages other than English are valued and respected improve employment opportunities and outcomes for members of ethnic communities.

Appendix N Approved recovery plans 2002-03

Eriocaulon carsonii Black-eared miner (Manorina melanotis) Brush-tailed rock-wallaby Warrumbungles population (Petrogale penicillata) Downey wattle (Acacia pubescens) Illawarra greenhood orchid (Pterostylis gibbosa) Elaeocarpus sp. Rocky Creek Zieria lasiocaulis Coxens fig parrot (Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni) Giant fern (Angiopteris evecta) Lord Howe Island woodhen (Gallirallus sylvestris) Yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis) Granite boronia (Boronia granitica) 109

Financial7 statements

Eastern water dragon, Physignathus lesuerrii. K Stepnell/NPWS 110

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National Parks and Wildlife Service Financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2003

Pursuant to section 45F of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983, I state that: (a) the accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983, the Financial Reporting Code for Budget Dependent Agencies, the applicable clauses of the Public Finance and Audit (General) Regulation 1995 and the Treasurer’s Directions; (b) the statements exhibit a true and fair view of the financial position and transactions of the Service; and (c) there are not any circumstances which would render any particulars included in the financial statements to be misleading or inaccurate.

Brian Gilligan Director-General 111 7 Financial statements

GPO BOX 12 SYDNEY NSW 2001

Independent Audit Report

National Parks and Wildlife Service

To Members of the New South Wales Parliament

Audit Opinion In my opinion, the financial report of the National Parks and Wildlife Service: (a) presents fairly the Service’s financial position as at 30 june 2003 and its financial performance and cash flows for the year ended on that date, in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements in Australia, and (b) complies with section 45E of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 (the Act). The opinion should be read in conjunction with the rest of this report.

The Director-General’s Role The financial report is the responsibility of the Director-General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It consists of the statement of financial position, the statement of financial performance, the statement of cash flows, the program statement — expenses and revenues, the summary of compliance with financial directives and the accompanying notes.

The Auditor’s Role and the Audit Scope A required by the Act, I carried out an independent audit to enable me to express an opinion on the financial report. My audit provides reasonable assurance to members of the New South Wales Parliament that the financial report is free of material misstatement. My audit accorded with Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards and statutory requirements, and I: evaluated the accounting policies and significant accounting estimates used by the Director General in preparing the financial report, and examined a sample of the evidence that supports the amounts and other disclosures in the financial report.

An audit does not guarantee that every amount and disclosure in the financial report is error free. The terms ‘reasonable assurance’ and ‘material’ recognise that an audit does not examine all evidence and transactions. However, the audit procedures used should identify errors or omissions significant enough to adversely affect decisions made by users of the financial report or indicate that the Director General had failed in their reporting obligations. My opinion does not provide assurance: about the future viability of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, that the National Parks and Wildlife Service has carried out its activities effectively, efficiently and economically, about the effectiveness of its internal controls, or on the assumptions used in formulating the budget figures disclosed in the financial report.

Audit Independence The Audit Office complies with all applicable independence requirements of Australian professional ethical pronouncements. The Act further promotes independence by: providing that only Parliament, and not the executive government, can remove an Auditor-General, and mandating the Auditor-General as auditor of public sector agencies but precluding the provision of non-audit services, thus ensuring the Auditor-General and the Audit Office are not compromised in their role by the possibility of losing clients or income.

R Hegarty FCPA Director of Audit SYDNEY 9 September 2003 112

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Statement of financial performance for the year ended 30 June 2003 Actual Budget Actual 2003 2003 2002 Details Note $’000 $’000 $’000 Expenses Operating expenses Employee related 2(a) 167,868 134,884 138,011 Other operating expenses 2(b) 115,034 95,740 93,560 Maintenance 17,339 20,015 16,984 Depreciation 2(c) 35,803 28,500 33,716 Grants and subsidies 2(d) 1,222 3,101 2,558 Borrowing costs 2(e) 278 – – Other expenses 4–10 Total expenses 337,548 282,240 284,839

Less: Retained revenue Sale of goods and services 3(a) 24,912 30,600 28,782 Investment income 3(b) 11,102 687 8,606 Retained fees and fines 3(c) 2,478 2,100 2,441 Grants and contributions 3(d) 49,115 14,338 34,067 Other revenue 3(e) 53,114 3,227 20,098 Total retained revenue 140,721 50,952 93,994 Gain/(loss) on disposal of non-current assets 4 (336) 50 407 Net cost of services 25 197,163 231,238 190,438

Government contributions Recurrent appropriation 6(a) 185,168 188,182 177,522 Capital appropriation 6(b) 32,097 37,114 46,165 Acceptance by the Crown Entity of employee entitlements and other liabilities 8 18,479 16,332 13,442 Total government contributions 235,744 241,628 237,129 Surplus/(deficit) for the year from ordinary activities 38,581 10,390 46,691

Non-owner transaction changes in equity Net increase(decrease) in asset revaluation reserve 20 (18,866) – 82,640 Total revenues, expenses and valuation adjustment recognised directly in equity (18,866) – 82,640 Total changes in equity other than those resulting from transactions with owners as owners 20 19,715 10,390 129,331

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 113 7 Financial statements

Statement of financial position as at 30 June 2003 Actual Budget Actual 2003 2003 2002 Details Note $’000 $’000 $’000 ASSETS Current assets Cash 11 31,079 25,243 25,126 Receivables 12 19,930 12,398 17,589 Inventories 13 997 1,058 1,058 Other financial assets 14 16 16 16 Other 16 921 570 570 Total current assets 52,943 39,285 44,359

Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 15 – Land and buildings 1,424,095 1,406,654 1,386,383 – Plant and equipment 25,608 23,632 28,197 – Infrastructure systems 551,179 549,573 541,815 Total property, plant and equipment 2,000,882 1,979,859 1,956,395 Other 16 79 103 103 Total non-current assets 2,000,961 1,979,962 1,956,498 Total assets 2,053,904 2,019,247 2,000,857

LIABILITIES Current liabilities Payables 17 6,932 3,620 7,016 Provisions 18 14,441 16,266 12,370 Total current liabilities 21,373 19,886 19,386

Non-current liabilities Interest bearing liabilities 19 12,578 9,979 2,456 Provisions 18 2,218 – – Other – (23) – Total non-current liabilities 14,796 9,956 2,456 Total liabilities 36,169 29,842 21,842 Net assets 2,017,735 1,989,405 1,979,015

EQUITY 20 Reserves 295,929 314,795 314,795 Accumulated funds 1,721,806 1,674,610 1,664,220 Total equity 2,017,735 1,989,405 1,979,015

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 114

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Statement of cashflows for the year ended 30 June 2003 Actual Budget Actual 2003 2003 2002 Details Note $’000 $’000 $’000 CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Payments Employee related (153,027) (124,784) (130,158) Grants and subsidies (1,222) 199 (2,558) Borrowing costs (1) – – Other (133,372) (115,778) (111,686) Total payments (287,622) (240,363) (244,402)

Receipts Sale of goods and services 34,252 30,600 37,401 Retained fees and fines 2,478 – 2,441 Interest received 1,118 878 569 Other 76,939 21,365 50,178 Total receipts 114,787 52,843 90,589

Cash flows from government Recurrent appropriation 185,168 188,182 177,522 Capital appropriation 32,097 37,114 46,165 Cash reimbursements from the Crown Entity 8,457 6,732 6,715 Net cash flows from government 225,722 232,028 230,402 NET CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 25 52,887 44,508 76,589

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from the sale of land and buildings, plant and equipment and infrastructure systems 522 550 624 Purchase of land and buildings, plant and equipment and infrastructure systems (57,578) (52,464) (62,402) NET CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES (57,056) (51,914) (61,778)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from borrowings and advances 10,134 7,619 2,456 Repayments of borrowings and advances (11) (96) (702) NET CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 10,123 7,523 1,754

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH 5,953 117 16,154 Opening cash and cash equivalents 25,126 25,126 8,561 Cash transferred out as a result of administrative restructuring – – 411 CLOSING CASH AND EQUIVALENTS 11 31,079 25,243 25,126

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 115 7 Financial statements

Summary of compliance with financial directives for the year ended 30 June 2003 2003 2002 Recurrent Expenditure/ Capital Expenditure/ Recurrent Expenditure/ Capital Expenditure/ appropriation net claim on appropriation net claim on appropriation net claim on appropriation net claim on consolidated consolidated consolidated consolidated fund fund fund fund $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 ORIGINAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION/EXPENDITURE Appropriation Act 187,682 186,852 37,114 31,907 181,162 180,701 44,315 44,315 187,682 186,852 37,114 31,907 181,162 180,701 44,315 44,315 OTHER APPROPRIATIONS/ EXPENDITFURE Treasurer's Advance 470 320 765 765 1,850 1,850 Section 22 — Expenditure for certain works and services 500 500 Transfers to/from another agency (section 25 of the Appropriation Act) 187 187 190 190 493 493 1,157 1,007 190 190 1,258 1,258 1,850 1,850

Total appropriations/expenditure/ net claim on consolidated fund (includes transfer payments) 188,839 187,859 37,304 32,097 182,420 181,959 46,165 46,165 Amount drawn down against appropriation 187,859 32,097 181,959 46,165 Liability to Consolidated Fund – – – –

The Summary of Compliance is based on the assumption that Consolidated Fund moneys are spent first (except where otherwise identified or prescribed). 116

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Program statement — expenses and revenues for the year ended 30 June 2003 Program 1* Program 2* 2003 2002 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 EXPENSES & REVENUES Expenses Operating expenses Employee related 25,372 20,859 22,396 18,413 Other operating expenses 14,399 11,712 12,710 10,337 Maintenance 511 501 451 443 Depreciation 645 607 569 536 Grants and subsidies 2 5 2 5 Borrowing Costs – – – – Other expenses – – – – Total Expenses 40,929 33,684 36,128 29,734

Retained Revenue Sale of goods and services 137 201 121 177 Investment income – – – – Retained fees and fines – – – – Grants and contributions 13,553 8,786 11,961 7,754 Other revenue 2,455 1,032 2,167 911 Total retained revenue 16,145 10,019 14,249 8,842 Gain /(loss) on sale of non-current assets Net cost of services 24,784 23,665 21,879 20,892 Government contributions ** NET EXPENDITURE/(REVENUE) for the year 24,784 23,665 21,879 20,892

ADMINISTERED EXPENSES & REVENUES Administered expenses Transfer payments (Note 9) Administered revenues Transfer receipts (Note 9) Administered revenue less expenses – – – –

* The name and purpose of each program is summarised at Note 10 ** Appropriations are made on an agency basis and not to individual programs. Consquently, Government contributions must be included in the ‘Not Attributable’ column. 117 7 Financial statements

Program 3* Program 4* Not attributable Total 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

51,210 42,102 68,890 56,637 167,868 138,011 42,666 34,701 45,259 36,810 115,034 93,560 4,555 4,462 11,822 11,578 17,339 16,984 10,065 9,478 24,524 23,095 35,803 33,716 353 738 865 1,810 1,222 2,558 278 – – – 278 0 410– – 410 109,131 91,491 151,360 129,930 – – 337,548 284,839

1,465 2,143 23,189 33,914 24,912 36,435 I 10,811 928 291 25 11,102 953 1,851 1,823 627 618 2,478 2,441 17,215 11,159 6,386 4,140 49,115 31,839 30,875 12,978 17,617 7,405 53,114 22,326 62,217 29,031 48,110 46,102 – – 140,721 93,994 (336) 407 (336) 407 46,914 62,460 103,586 83,421 – – 197,163 190,438 235,744 237,129 235,744 237,129 46,914 62,460 103,586 83,421 (235,744) (237,129) (38,581) (46,691)

2,691 4,437 2,691 4,437

2,691 4,437 2,691 4,437 – ––––––– 118

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NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2003 Contents

Note 1 Summary of significant accounting policies 2 Expenses 3 Revenues 4 Gain/(loss) on disposal of non-current assets 5 Conditions on contributions 6 Appropriations 7 Individually significant items 8 Acceptance by the Crown Entity of employee entitlements and other liabilities 9 Transfer payments 10 Programs/activities of the Service

Assets 11 Current assets — cash 12 Current /non-current assets/receivables 13 Current assets — inventories 14 Current assets –other financial assets 15 Non-current assets — land and buildings, infrastructure systems, and plant and equipment 16 Restricted assets

Liabilities 17 Current liabilities — payables 18 Current/non current liabilities — provisions 19 Non-current liabilities — interest bearing

Equity 20 Changes in equity 21 Increase/decrease in net assets from administrative restructuring

Other 22 Commitments for expenditure 23 Contingent liabilities 24 Budget review 25 Reconciliation of net cash flows from operating activities to net cost of services 26 Financial instruments 119 7 Financial statements

1. Summary of significant accounting Any amount owing to the Consolidated Fund (except any liability in respect policies of transfer payments), is accounted for as a current liability. The liability (if any) would be disclosed as part of ‘Current Liabilities — Other’. The amount (a) Reporting entity would then be repaid and the liability would be extinguished in the next financial year. The National Parks and Wildlife Service, as a reporting entity, comprises all the entities under its control, including commercial activities, namely: retail outlets and (ii) Sale of goods and services commercial leases. Revenue from the sale of goods and services comprises revenue from the The entity also encompasses funds which, while containing assets that are restricted provision of products or services i.e. user charges. User charges are for specific uses by the grantor, donor but are nevertheless controlled by the recognised as revenue when the Service obtains control of the assets that Service. result from them. All material internal transactions have been eliminated in the process of preparing (iii) Investment income the financial statements. Interest revenue is recognised as it accrues. The reporting entity is consolidated as part of the NSW Total State Sector Accounts. Rent revenue is recognised in accordance with AAS17 ‘Accounting for Leases’. (b) Basis of accounting The Service’s financial statements are a general purpose financial report which has (e) Employee benefits and other provisions been prepared on an accrual basis and in accordance with: (i) Salaries and wages, annual leave, sick leave and on-costs applicable Australian Accounting Standards (AAS); Liabilities for wages and salaries, and annual leave are recognised and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards measured as the amount unpaid at the reporting date, at nominal amounts, Board (AASB); based on amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Urgent Issues Group (UIG) Consensus Views; Unused non-vesting sick leave does not give rise to a liability as it is not considered probable that sick leave taken in the future will be greater than the the requirements of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 and Regulations; and entitlements accrued in the future. Financial Reporting Directions published in the Financial Reporting Code for The outstanding amounts of payroll tax, workers’ compensation insurance Budget Dependent General Government Sector Agencies or issued by the premiums and fringe benefits tax, which are consequential to employment, Treasurer under Section 9(2)(n) of the Act. are recognised as liabilities and expenses where the employee benefits to Where there are inconsistencies between the above requirements, the legislative which they relate have been recognised. provisions have prevailed. (ii) Accrued salaries and wages — reclassification In the absence of a specific Accounting Standard, other authoritative As a result of the adoption of Accounting Standard AASB 1044 ‘ Provisions, pronouncements of the AASB or UIG Consensus View, the hierarchy of other Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets’, accrued salaries and wages pronouncements as outlined in AAS 6 ‘Accounting Policies’ is considered. and on-costs has been reclassified to ‘payables’ instead of ‘provisions’ in the Except for certain land and buildings, plant and equipment, and infrastructure Statement of Financial Position and the related note disclosure. On the face systems, which are recorded at valuation, the financial statements are prepared in of the Statement of Financial Position and in the notes, reference is now accordance with the historical cost convention. made to ‘provisions’ in place of ‘employee entitlements and other provisions’. All amounts are rounded to the nearest one thousand dollars and are expressed in Total employee benefits (including accrued salaries and wages) are Australian currency in the statements. reconciled in Note 18 ‘Provisions’. (iii) Long service leave and superannuation (c) Administered activities The Service’s liabilities for long service leave and superannuation are The Service administers, but does not control, certain activities on behalf of the assumed by the Crown Entity. The Service accounts for the liability as having Crown Entity. It is accountable for the transactions relating to those administered been extinguished resulting in the amount assumed being shown as part of activities but does not have the discretion, for example, to deploy the resources for the non–monetary revenue item described as ‘Acceptance by the Crown the achievement of the Service’s own objectives. Entity of Employee benefits and other liabilities’. Transactions and balances relating to the administered activities are not recognised Long service leave (LSL) is measured using the present value basis. The new as the Service’s revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, but are disclosed in the valuation method adopted the remuneration rates expected to be paid as accompanying schedules as ‘Administered Revenues’ and ‘Administered Expenses’. recommended by Treasury (TC 03/080) (i.e. including the 5% pay increase The Service has no ‘Administered Assets’ or ‘Administered Liabilities’. from 1 July 2003) rather than the salary rate as at 30 June 2003. In 2001-02 the shorthand method was used (based on remuneration rates at year end for (d) Revenue recognition all employees with five or more years of service). Recent studies undertaken Revenue is recognised when the Service has control of the goods or right to receive, by the Government Actuary have shown that the liability using the shorthand it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Service and the amount of method is materially different to the present value method. The impact revenue can be measured reliably. Additional comments regarding the accounting resulting from the change in accounting policy increases expenditure (Note policies for the recognition of revenue are discussed below. 2(a)) and the equivalent non-monetary revenue item by $3.3 million (Note 8). (i) Parliamentary appropriations and contributions from other bodies In accordance with Treasurer policy, the associated on-costs whilst on LSL (i.e. payroll tax, recreation leave accrued, workers compensation insurance) Parliamentary appropriations and contributions from other bodies (including have been treated as a provision. The resultant impact is an increase of $2.5 grants and donations) are generally recognised as revenues when the Service million in the Service’s liability. obtains control over the assets comprising the appropriations /contributions. Control over appropriations and contributions is normally obtained upon The superannuation expense for the financial year is determined by using the receipt of cash. formulae specified in the Treasurer’s Directions. The expense for certain superannuation schemes (i.e. Basic Benefit and First State Super) is An exception to the above is when appropriations are unspent at year-end. In calculated as a percentage of the employees’ salary. For other superannuation this case, the authority to spend the money lapses and generally the unspent schemes (i.e. State Superannuation Scheme and State Authorities amount must be repaid to the Consolidated Fund in the following financial Superannuation Scheme), the expense is calculated as a multiple of the year. As a result, unspent appropriations are accounted for as a liability rather employees’ superannuation contributions. than revenue. 120

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(iv) Other provisions (k) Revaluation of physical non-current assets Other provisions exist when the Service has a present legal, equitable or Physical non-current assets are valued in accordance with the ‘Guidelines for the constructive obligation to make a future sacrifice of economic benefits to Valuation of Physical Non-Current Assets at Fair Value’ (TPP 03-02). This policy other entities as a result of past transactions or other past events. These adopts fair value in accordance with AASB 1041. There is no substantive difference provisions are recognised when it is probable that a future sacrifice of between the fair valuation methodology and previous valuation methodology economic benefit will be required and the amount can be measured reliably. adopted in the NSW public sector. Any provision for restructuring are recognised either when a detailed formal The Service is a not-for-profit entity with no cash generation operations related to plan has been developed or will be developed within a prescribed time limits assets. and where the entity has raised a valid expectation in those affected by the Land, buildings, roads and other access, utilities and other infrastructure classes of restucturing that it will carry out the restructuring. physical non-current assets are revalued at least every 5 years. As a result of the The Service is aware of some proposed restructuring, however it does not size and nature of the Service’s assets these revaluations are conducted over a 5 meet this criteria. year cycle. Set out below is a table of asset categories, dates last valued and by whom: (f) Insurance Asset category Date of By whom The Service’s insurance activities are conducted through the NSW Treasury valuation Managed Fund Scheme of self insurance for government agencies. The expense Land — dedicated 1 July 1999 State Valuation Office (premium) is determined by the Fund Manager based on past experience. Land — non dedicated 1 July 1999 State Valuation Office The Treasury Managed Fund normally calculates a hindsight premium each year. However in regards to workers compensation the final hindsight adjustment for the Buildings 1 July 2001 Australian Valuation Office 1997/98 fund year and the interim adjustment for the 1999/2000 fund year has not Other amenities and facilities 1 July 1999 Service Engineers yet been calculated. The basis for calculating the hindsight premium is currently being reviewed and will not be resolved until next financial year. Roads 1 July 1998 Service Engineers (1) Wharves 1 July 1998 Department of Public Works (g) Accounting for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except Utilities and Infrastructure 1 July 2001 Service Engineers (2) where: Aircraft 1 July 2001 Bankstown Aviation Aircraft the amount of GST incurred by the Service as a purchaser that is not Valuation Specialist recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office is recognised as part of the cost Historical Furniture and Fittings 1 July 2001 Tony Palmer Pty. Ltd. of acquisition of an asset or as part of an item of expense (1) Road valuations are based on Region-specific standard costs derived by a Service engineer. These costings receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST included. reflect the cost standards required to construct Service roads in specific geographic areas. Region-specific standard costs, similarly derived, have also been used to value walking tracks and car parks. (h) Borrowing costs (2) The asset category ‘Utilities and other infrastructure’ comprises water supply, sewerage and draining works, electricity reticulation and boundary fencing. In determining standard replacement costs for this class, the Borrowing costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred Service has adopted the following basis of costing: (except where they are included in the costs of qualifying assets). (a) Cordell’s (General and Industrial cost guide) (i) Acquisition of assets (b) Actual recent contract prices The cost method of accounting is used for the initial recording of all acquisitions of (c) Costed from the manufacturers’ and an estimate of installation costs. assets controlled by the Service. Cost is determined as the fair value of the assets (d) Cost base in March 1997 and applied CPI over 5 years (16.1% — Bureau of Statistics) given as consideration plus the costs incidental to the acquisition. Non-specialised assets with short useful lives are measured at depreciated historic Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration during the year, are initially cost, as a surrogate for fair value. recognised as assets and revenues at their fair value at the date of acquisition (see Where non-current assets are revalued upward or downward as a result of a contributed assets — Notes 3 and 7). Refer also to assets transferred as a result of revaluation of a class of non-current physical assets, the Service restates separately an administrative restructure — Note 21. the gross amount and the related accumulated depreciation of that class of assets. Fair value means the amount for which an asset could be exchanged between a Otherwise, any balances of accumulated depreciation existing at the revaluation date knowledgeable, willing buyer and a knowledgeable, willing seller in an arm’s length in respect of those assets are credited to the asset accounts to which they relate. The transaction. net asset accounts are then increased or decreased by the revaluation increments or Purchased land is carried at cost prior to dedication. The difference between cost decrements. and dedication value is treated as a movement in Equity Reserves. Revaluation increments and decrements are offset against one another with a class Land transferred from other agencies at no cost, and awaiting gazettal is reported at of non-current assets, but not otherwise. fair value. Where an asset that has previously been revalued is disposed of, any balance Infrastructure assets and property previously under construction which were remaining in the asset revaluation reserve in respect of that asset is transferred to completed and brought to account during the year have been valued at cost. accumulated funds.

(j) Plant and equipment (l) Assets not able to be reliably measured Except where they form an integral part of a network or facility (e.g. Service wide The Service holds certain assets, which have not been recognised in the Statement radio network, wide area networks), all assets in excess of $5000 are capitalised. of Financial Position because the Service is unable to measure reliably the value of Items below $5,000 are expensed. the assets. These assets include historical buildings (not in use), and cultural artifacts. Plant and Equipment is comprised of aircraft, motor vehicles, furniture and fittings and other plant and equipment. (m) Depreciation of non-current physical assets All non-current assets having a limited useful life are systematically depreciated over their expected useful life to the Service. This reflects the consumption of their service potential. The straight-line method is used to depreciate non-current assets. Land is not a depreciated asset. 121 7 Financial statements

Certain heritage assets (in use) have an extremely long useful life. Depreciation for (r) Other financial assets these cannot be reliably measured because the useful life and the net amount to be ‘Other financial assets’ are generally recognised at cost, with the exception of TCorp recovered at the end of the useful life cannot be measured. In these cases, Hour-Glass Facilities and Managed Fund Investments, which are measured at depreciation is not recognised. market value, as provided by the Treasury Corporation. Investments are valued at Buildings and improvements cost. Interest revenue is recognised as it accrues. The construction type of Service buildings is used to determine the asset’s (s) Other assets useful life (from which a depreciation rate is derived). For example, historic buildings in use are deemed to have useful lives of between 40 to 100 years; Other assets are prepayments and are recognised on a cost basis. visitor centres and staff residences: 40 to 80 years, etc. (t) Payables Roads and other access; utilities and other infrastructure These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Service The following depreciation rates have been adopted: and other amounts, including interest. Interest is accrued over the period it becomes 2.5% for roads; car parks, fire trails and management tracks; walking tracks, due. bridges, picnic areas, camping areas and lookouts. (u) Interest bearing liabilities 5% for boat ramps and wharves; utilities and other infrastructure. All loans are valued at current capital value. These loans are restricted for specific Except where bridges, boat ramps, wharves and utilities have been independently purposes. The repayment schedule from which borrowing cost will be determined is valued, an assessment of the useful life of each asset was carried out and the yet to be determined. depreciation rate was derived accordingly. Plant and equipment (v) Budgeted amounts Depreciation rates applied vary from 10% to 25% per annum. The budgeted amounts are drawn from the budgets as formulated at the beginning of the financial year and with any adjustments for the effects of additional (n) Capital, maintenance and repairs expenditure appropriations, s21A, s24 and/or s26 of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983. Labour, materials, contractor and other direct costs incurred on asset construction The budgeted amounts in the Statement of Financial Performance and the Statement projects, are maintained for subsequent capitalisation into the Service’s asset of Cash Flows are generally based on the amounts disclosed in the NSW Budget register. Papers (as adjusted above). However, in the Statement of Financial Position, amounts vary from the Budget Papers, as the opening balances of the budgeted The costs of maintenance are charged as expenses as incurred, except where they amounts are based on carried forward actual amounts ie per the audited financial relate to the replacement of a significant component of an asset, in which case the statements (rather than carried forward estimates). costs are capitalised and depreciated.

(w) Marine Parks Authority (o) Leased assets The Service administers jointly with the NSW Fisheries certain assets on behalf of Under certain leases granted by the Service, the lessee will maintain or improve the the Marine Parks Authority. These assets are the areas covered by the three leased property which, at the expiry of the lease, reverts to the ownership of the established Marine Parks at Jervis Bay, Solitary Islands and Lord Howe Island. Service. Alternatively, where land is leased, property may be built on the land by the lessee and at the expiry of the lease, ownership of the property transfers to the Service’s capital equipment used for maintaining day-to-day operations of these Service. three administered assets have been recognised and reported in accordance with the Service’s Asset Acquisition and Valuation Policy. (Note 1 (i)) Assets and improvements are brought to account by the Service upon expiry of the lease when actual ownership and control reverts to the Service. Upon assumption of The operating costs incurred by the Service in administering these assets, which are ownership, the asset will be included in the Service's asset register. Examples of included in the Service’s Statement of Financial Performance, was $834,382 such prospective assets include commercial buildings and infrastructure such as ($777,167 in 2001-02). marinas and ski lifts (excluding associated plant and machinery) built by lessees on Service property. (x) Restricted assets Operating lease payments are charged to the Statement of Financial Performance in The Service has under its control a wide range of assets, such as historic buildings, the periods in which they are incurred. The Service has no material finance leases. dedicated land and specified sites, which are subject to restrictions as to their use by virtue of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. These restrictions include (p) Receivables disposal of the asset or, under certain circumstances, exploitation for financial or economic gain. Additional restrictions may be brought to bear by the Service’s Receivables are recognised and carried at original invoice amount plus any penalty stakeholders as well as other legislation governing the use of historic sites and interest less a provision for any uncollectable debts. The Service uses a set criteria buildings. based on elapsed time (4 months) from payment due date across all revenues except for lease debt which usually bound by a contract and have a lien on the asset The Service also conducts research projects on behalf of a wide range of donor involved. However, where advice is received that any debtor is experiencing financial bodies. These bodies provide funds that are restricted to use on projects specified difficulties, these are also treated as doubtful debts and included in the provision. by the donor body. Strict terms and conditions can apply to the use of these funds. Any unspent funds may be returned to the donor bodies. Bad debts are written off as incurred.

(y) Equity transfers (q) Inventories The transfer of net assets between agencies as a result of an administrative Generally, the quantum of inventory held is small. The Service relies on end-of-year restructure, transfer of programs/functions and parts thereof between NSW public stock takes to identify shop stocks for reporting purposes. Inventories are measured sector agencies are designated as a contribution by owners by NSW Treasury at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The cost is calculated using the Circular 01/11 and are recognised as an adjustment to ‘Accumulated Funds’. This weighted average cost. Shop stocks held for 12 months or more, and considered to treatment is consistent with Urgent Issues Group Abstract UIG 38 ‘Contributions by be unsaleable, are regarded as obsolete and are expensed. Owners made to wholly owned public sector entities’. Transfers arising from an administrative restructure between government agencies are recognised at the amount at which the asset was recognised by the transferor government agency immediately prior to the restructure. In most instances this will approximate fair value. All other equity transfers are recognised at fair value. 122

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2. Expenses

(a) Employee related expenses 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Salaries and wages* 133,761 113,619 Superannuation 10,915 9,066 Long service leave 6,791 3,750 Worker’s compensation insurance 4,271 2,731 Payroll tax and fringe benefit tax 12,065 8,749 Other 65 96 Total 167,868 138,011 * The salaries and wages item includes recreation leave expense. * Salaries and wages amounting to $1,154,410 ($1,204,303 in 2001-02) have been capitalised.

(b) Other operating expenses Auditor’s remuneration — audit or review of the financial reports 166 173 Bad and doubtful debts 115 48 Operating lease rental expense 7,904 7,493 Insurance 19,810 15,942 Fees 12,013 8,338 Contractors 20,182 21,078 Consultants 1,723 2,465 Utilities and services 8,016 8,099 Information services 723 835 Stores and stationery 6,047 6,401 Cost of sales 1,247 1,685 Motor vehicle and aircraft 4,653 3,377 Motor vehicle and aircraft hire 23,656 9,544 Travel and subsistence 4,958 3,937 Minor asset purchases 3,456 3,708 Other 365 437 Total 115,034 93,560

(c) Depreciation expense: Buildings and improvements 6,381 6,350 Roads and other access 14,519 14,151 Utilities and other infrastructure 6,767 5,811 Plant and equipment 7,458 6,820 Furniture and fittings 678 584 Total 35,803 33,716

(d) Grants and subsidies Budget sector 371 1,506 Local govt bodies 666 14 State recreation areas – 364 Other 185 674 Total 1,222 2,558

(e) Borrowing costs Interest 278 – Total 278 – 123 7 Financial statements

3. Revenues (a) Sale of goods and services 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Sale of goods: Annual and day entry 9,794 9,411 Camping Fees 3,153 3,040 Sale of assets under $5,000 65 184 Sale of publications and stock 2,664 3,716 15,676 16,351 Rendering of services: Miscellaneous fees 4,924 5,640 Minor user charges 1,393 960 Community service 2,570 2,439 Miscellaneous park service 349 3,392 9,236 12,431 Total 24,912 28,782

(b) Investment Income Interest 1,421 953 Lease and rental of premises 9,681 7,653 Total 11,102 8,606

(c) Retained fees and fines Fees — licenses and permits 983 790 Fees — kangaroo and other royalties 1,215 1,269 Fines — parking, court and other 280 382 Total 2,478 2,441

(d) Grants and contributions Funding was provided by the Commonwealth and State governments together with private and corporate sponsorships as follows (Note 5): Contributed assets (Note 7) 23,431 2,228 Commonwealth 2,482 18,544 State 19,527 12,918 Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife 142 115 Miscellaneous sources 3,533 262 Total 49,115 34,067

(e) Other revenue Telephone rebate 700 1,594 Insurance recoveries 52,401 18,503 Miscellaneous 13 1 Total 53,114 20,098

(f) Revenue forgone The Service’s revenue does not include park use fees which the Service forgoes through concessions such as free and discounted park use permits provided to certain groups including pensioners, volunteer firefighters, etc.

4. Gain/(loss) on disposal of non-current assets 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Proceeds from disposal Land and buidings 200 121 Plant and equipment 322 503 Infrastructure –– Written down value of assets disposed Land and buidings (350) – Plant and equipment (122) (204) Infrastructure (386) (13) Gain/(loss) on Disposal (336) 407 124

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NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

5. Conditions on contributions The Service received contributions of $25.7m during 2002-03 ($31.5m in 2001-02) for specific purposes, e.g. restoration works or scientific research projects. Usually the conditions imposed upon the Service stipulate that grants provided are required to be expended on the specific project for which the funds were provided. Usually any funds that are not used on the specific project must be refunded to the donor body. No externally imposed financial restrictions are operable in respect of the Service’s assets (except cash) as a result of such contributions. In the case of research grants, assets of an intangible nature (e.g. intellectual property) may ensue. Due to the valuation difficulties and immateriality, all costs incurred are expensed. The total amounts of contributions, which were unexpended as at 30 June 2003 (including those received in prior years) were $24.9m. ($21.7m as at 30 June 2002).

6. Appropriations (a) Recurrent appropriations 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Total recurrent drawdowns from Treasury (per Summary of Compliance) 187,859 181,959 Less: liability to Consolidated Fund (per Summary of Compliance) – – Total 187,859 181,959 Comprising: Recurrent appropriations (per Statement of Financial Performance) 185,168 177,522 Transfer payments (Refer to note 9) 2,691 4,437 Total 187,859 181,959

(b) Capital appropriations Total capital drawdowns from Treasury (per Summary of Compliance) 32,097 46,165 Less: liability to Consolidated Fund (per Summary of Compliance) – – Total 32,097 46,165 Comprising: Capital appropriations (per Statement of Financial Performance) 32,097 46,165 Total 32,097 46,165

7. Individually significant items 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Contributed assets Budget dependent agencies 21,604 2,097 Local government 878 – Other 949 131 Total 23,431 2,228 Contributed assets comprised the estimated fair value of Land, Buildings, Roads and Access, Utilities and other infrastructure transferred to the Service at no cost, and which did not arise from an ‘administrative restructure’.

8. Acceptance by the Crown Entity of employee entitlements and other liabilites The following liabilities and/or expenses have been assumed by the Crown Entity: 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Superannuation 10,821 9,066 Long Service Leave 7,009 3,814 Payroll Tax on Superannuation 649 562 Total 18,479 13,442

9. Transfer payments 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife 50 50 Lord Howe Island Board 1,301 1,184 Jenolan Caves Trust 240 875 Parramatta Park Trust 1,100 2,328 Total 2,691 4,437 Refer to Note 1 (c) 125 7 Financial statements

10. Programs/activities of the service Program 1 — Program 29.1.1 — Conservation assessment Objective: To ensure conservation planning and management is based on rigorous and systematic policy, science and assessment. Program 2 — Program 29.1.2 — Conservation planning Objective: To establish conservation priorities for NSW that integrate of natural, cultural heritage and community values and are responsive to threats and to change. Program 3 — Program 29.1.3 — Conservation management Objective: To protect natural, cultural and historic heritage. To improve the use of formal mechanisms, in addition to the reserve system, to achieve conservation outcomes. To manage parks and reserves in a culturally sensitive and ecologically sustainable way. To contribute to the environmental, social and economic well being of local and regional communities. Program 4 — Program 29.1.4 — Conservation facilitation Objective: To work with the community to foster understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of natural and cultural heritage, and to increase and support community involvement in the management of this heritage. Program information The allocations disclosed in the ‘Program Statement — Expenses and Revenues’ are derived from staff surveys to attribute activities to programs. Where individual staff activities span more than one program, sample surveys were carried out to determine the most appropriate break-up. Non-staff costs and revenues were attributed to programs partly on the basis of the staff survey results and partly by an analysis of the type of activity or program involved. Volunteers assist the Service in a wide range of activities including fire fighting; field and scientific research; guided tours; bush regeneration; weed control; and search and rescue. In accordance with Treasury advice, volunteer services have not been valued. An estimate of the cost of services received by the Service at no charge would prove unreliable as no detailed records are maintained on this type of assistance. Volunteer services are provided in furtherance of the four programs administered by the Service. The Service considers that cost apportionment across programs would not be practicable or cost justified.

11. Current assets — cash For the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash includes cash at bank and cash on hand, short term investments and bank overdraft. Cash at the end of the financial year as shown in the Statemfent of Cash Flows is reconciled to the related items in the Statement of Financial Position as follows: 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Cash at bank 18,399 18,001 Cash on hand 119 113 Cash at T-Corp 12,561 7,012 Closing cash and cash equivalents (as per Statement of Cash Flows) 31,079 25,126 The cash at TCorp is a restricted asset, it was provided by the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Authority to assist with the remediation of major and minor sites formerly occupied by that organisation within Kosciuszko National Park. As at 30 June 2003, $12.3 million of the Cash at bank ($14.7m as at 30 June 2002), is also subject to conditions on contribution (see Note 5).

12. Current — receivables 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Current Sale of goods and services 3,879 2,574 Insurance recoveries 13,461 10,942 Other debtors 3,197 4,746 Less: provision for doubtful debts (607) (673) Total 19,930 17,589 Debts written off during the year amounted to $114,918 ($47,662 in 2001-02).

13. Current assets — inventories 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Finished goods — shop stocks (at cost) 997 1,058 Total 997 1,058

14. Current assets — other financial assets 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Interest bearing deposits 16 16 Total 16 16 126

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15. Non-current assets — property, plant and equipment 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 (a) Land At fair value 1,266,402 1,227,627

(b) Buildings At fair value 284,077 279,812 Less accumulated depreciation 126,384 121,056 Total 157,693 158,756 Total land and buildings 1,424,095 1,386,383

(c) Roads and other access At fair value 599,615 582,315 Less accumulated depreciation 148,579 133,660 Total 451,036 448,655

(d) Utilities and other infrastructure At fair value 158,878 144,958 Less accumulated depreciation 58,735 51,798 Total 100,143 93,160 Total infrastructure systems 551,179 541,815

(e) Plant and Equipment At fair value 64,525 59,878 Less accumulated depreciation 43,157 36,356 Total 21,368 23,522

(f) Furniture and fittings At fair value 7,838 7,594 Less accumulated depreciation 3,598 2,919 Total 4,240 4,675 Total plant and equipment 25,608 28,197 Total property, plant and equipment at net book value 2,000,882 1,956,395

Reconciliations Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of each class of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the current and previous financial years are set out below. Land and building Infrastructure systems Plant and equipment Total 2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Carrying amount at start of year 1,386,383 541,815 28,197 1,956,395 Additions 26,600 23,977 5,703 56,280 Disposals (350) (386) (122) (858) Acquisitions through administrative restructures 13,245 5,795 (35) 19,005 Net revaluation increments less revaluation decrements (18,866) – – (18,866) Depreciation expenses (6,381) (21,286) (8,136) (35,803) Other movements – Free of cost 22,522 909 – 23,431 – Other 942 355 1 1,298 Carrying amount at end of year 1,424,095 551,179 25,608 2,000,882

Land and building Infrastructure systems Plant and equipment Total 2002 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Carrying amount at start of year 1,335,054 491,044 25,819 1,851,917 Additions 28,267 24,359 8,782 61,408 Disposals – (13) (204) (217) Acquisitions through administrative restructures (3,115) (1,943) (106) (5,164) Net revaluation increments less revaluation decrements 29,815 47,405 1,257 78,477 Depreciation expenses (6,350) (19,963) (7,403) (33,716) Other movements – Free of cost 2,228 – – 2,228 – Other 484 926 52 1,462 Carrying amount at end of year 1,386,383 541,815 28,197 1,956,395 The Service holds certain assets, which are not included in the financial statements as they cannot be measured reliably: see note 1(l). 127 7 Financial statements

The Service continues to derive service potential and economic benefit from the following fully depreciated assets. 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Buildings 3,599 1,963 Infrastructure 7,907 6,139 Plant and equipment 18,566 15,390 Total 30,072 23,492

16. Current /non-current assets — other 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Current Prepayments 921 570 Total 921 570 Non-current Prepayments 79 103 Total 79 103

17. Current liabilities — payables 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Trade creditors 1,025 627 Sundry creditors 1,373 2,653 Accrued interest 277 – Security deposits 405 340 Accrued salaries, wages and on-costs 3,852 3,396 Total 6,932 7,016

18. Current/non current liabilities — provisions 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Employee benefits and related on-costs Recreation leave 14,201 12,370 On-costs on Long Service Leave 2,458 – Total Provisions 16,659 12,370 Aggregate employee benefits and related on-costs Provisions — current (per Note 18) 14,441 12,370 Provisions — non-current (per Note 18) 2,218 – Accrued salaries, wages and on-costs (per Note 17) 3,852 3,396 20,511 15,766

19. Non-current liabilities — interest bearing liabilities 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Interest bearing advance 12,578 2,456 Total 12,578 2,456 The Service has drawn down $12.5 million of a repayable advance to meet costs associated with the Perisher Resort Development. E.g. development of Masterplan and upgrade of the water supply system in the Perisher area. The repayable schedule of the above interest bearing repayable advances will be determined in the context of the Infrastructure Strategy, which will need to be approved by Cabinet. The Service does not normally have the powers to borrow funds (ie Loans) under the Pubic Authorities (Financial Arrangements) Act 1987. The Treasurer determined the advance of loans are Treasury advances under section 9 of the Pubic Authorities (Financial Arrangements) Act 1987 funded by the Crown Finance Entity. The Service has also drawn down $90,219 of a Crown advance as part of the Repayments of $11,393 have been made leaving a remaining balance of $78,826.

Schedule of Repayment of Borrowings re Government Energy Efficiency Investment Program 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Not later than one year 20 – Between one and five years 59 10 Later than five years –– Total borrowings at face value 79 10 128

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20. Changes in equity Accumulated funds Asset revaluation Total equity 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Balance at the beginning of the financial year 1,664,220 1,626,213 314,795 232,155 1,979,015 1,858,368 Changes in equity — transactions with owners as owner Increase/(decrease) in net assets from administrative restructuring (note 21) 19,005 (8,682) – 4,162 19,005 (4,520) Total 1,683,225 1,617,531 314,795 236,317 1,998,020 1,853,848

Changes in equity — other than transactions with owners as owners Surplus/(deficit) for the year 38,581 46,689 – – 38,581 46,689 Increment/decrement on revaluation of: Land and buildings – (18,866) 29,815 (18,866) 29,815 Infrastructure systems 47,405 47,405 Plant and equipment – – 1,258 – 1,258 Total 38,581 46,689 (18,866) 78,478 19,715 125,167 Balance at the end of the financial year 1,721,806 1,664,220 295,929 314,795 2,017,735 1,979,015

The asset revaluation reserve is used to record increments and decrements on the revaluation of non-current assets. This accords with the Service’s policy on the ‘Revaluation of Physical Non-Current Assets’ as discussed in Note 1.

21. Increase/decrease in net assets from equity transfers 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Increase/(decrease) in net assets from ‘administrative restructuring’ 19,005 (8,682) Total 19,005 (8,682) The 2003 transactions include Assets transferred from State Forests — Land ($16,034,000), Infrastructure ($1,853,000), Land from the Sydney Catchment Authority ($1,143,000), Plant and equipment to NSW Fisheries ($35,000) and Land from Pacific Power ($10,000). The 2002 transactions includes Assets and Liabilities transferred to Parramatta Park Trust — Cash ($411,000), Debtors ($18,000), Land and buildings ($12,913,000),Plant and equipment ($106,000), Infrastructure ($1,943,000), Creditors $374,000, Loan $700,000 and Land transferred from the Sydney Catchment Authority $5,635,000.

22A. Commitments — expenditure 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 (a) Capital commitments * Aggregate capital expenditure contracted for at balance date and not provided for: Not later than one year 501 3,195 Later than 1 year but not later than 5 years – 47 Later than 5 years –– Total (including GST) 501 3,242

(b) Other expenditure commitments * Aggregate other expenditure contracted for at balance date and not provided for: Not later than one year 4,192 2,248 Later than 1 year but not later than 5 years 5 345 Later than 5 years –– Total (including GST) 4,197 2,593

(c) Operating lease commitments * Future non-cancellable operating leases not provided for and payable: Not later than one year 11,462 11,108 Later than 1 year but not later than 5 years 22,826 23,456 Later than 5 years 2,122 3,329 Total (including GST) 36,410 37,893 Operating leases are for office accommodation, plant and equipment and motor vehicles. * As a consequence of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) a contingent asset of $3,737,073 ($3,975,387 in 2001-02) is included in the commitments above. * Represents commitments contracted for at balance date but not recognised in the statements as liabilities. 129 7 Financial statements

22B. Commitments — revenue 2003 $’000 (a) Operating lease commitments — receivables ** Future non-cancellable operating leases not provided for and receivable: Not later than one year 3,509 Later than 1 year but not later than 5 years 12,346 Later than 5 years 51,204 Total (including GST) 67,059 ** As a consequence of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) a contingent liability of $1,728,103 is included in the commitments above. The Service's revenue commitments arise from a varied portfolio of commercial leases that enable private operators to utilise specific sites in National Parks for a specific period of time. These lease contracts are often complex. Many contain clauses that create difficulties in estimating, with any certainty, the quantum of future commitments as the revenue is subject to various contingent factors, such as future Consumer Price Index over extended periods, sales turnover (which is itself subject to vagaries of weather) and/or taxable income. Service management considers that this category of leases cannot be reliably measured and have therefore excluded these leases from the above figures. The lease commitments reflected in this Note relate solely to leases that specify a base rent component or receivables calculated as a percentage of land value, which in certain cases, is the minimum lease revenue that could be expected in future years.

23. Contingent liabilities There is a claim for compensation for land acquired at Jervis Bay under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991. The Land and Environment Court will determine the claim. Shoalhaven City Council has taken legal action that has required the Service to resume parts of the ‘Pacific City Estate’ near Jervis Bay. The land is zoned 8(b) proposed acquisition. The legal and consultant costs associated with the action is estimated at $500,000. This matter is subject to ongoing negotiation/litigation. The Service is: Awaiting the outcome of a WorkCover prosecution where it has pleaded guilty. The quantum of any penalties WorkCover may impose is uncertain at this point of time. The Service is involved in protacted litigation with a lessee in the Industrial Relations Commission, which may conclude next financial year. The Service is also currently subject to litigation including claims for court costs currently pursued through the NSW Courts. In each of the matters referred to above, it is not practicable to estimate the final cost to the Service.

Treasury Managed Fund In December /January 2001-02 and 2002-03, fires occurred across a large proportion of the State. There have been threats of civil law suits against the Service by property holders who sustained property damage during the fires. Several have already been received to date. There is also a civil action for damages by the family of a man killed by a falling tree limb in Myall Lakes National Park. The matter is presently the subject of mediation/litigation The Service has a number of ongoing public liability claims managed for it by the Treasury Managed Fund. The Service's insurable risk should adequately cover these claims Other than the above, the Service is not aware of any significant or material contingent liability in existence at 30 June 2003, or which has emerged subsequent to this date, which may materially impact on the financial position of the Service as shown in the Financial Statements.

24. Budget review

Net cost of services The actual Net Cost of Services was lower than budget by $34.1 million due to following factors: Actual expenses being over budget by $55.3 million due to the additional costs associated with an extremely severe fire season. Actual revenue being $89.8 million higher than budget. This was primarily due to increased insurance recoveries (related to the severe fire season) and land received free of cost, which were not estimated in the budgets paper.

Assets and liabilities Net assets was higher by $28.3 million. The major variance was in non-current assets ($21 million), this was due to new assets acquired free of cost that were not budgeted for. The increase in cash was primarily due to the receipt of a second instalment of a large grant ($5 million) from the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electricity Authority. Receivables were $7.5 m higher than budget but remained similar to previous year’s actuals. Liabilities increased due to changes in the accounting treatment related to the valuation method being used and the change in calculation of long service leave including associated on-costs. The NSW Treasury advised (Treasury Circular TC 03/08) that on-costs associated with Long Service Leave (i.e. payroll tax, workers compensation insurance, recreation leave accrued whilst on long service leave) should be a liability of the Service. These items of liabilities were previously not included until the leave was taken. The Service also borrowed additional funds to meet costs associated with the Perisher Resort Development.

Cashflows The major variance in operating activity relates to increased payments due to the severe fire season impacting the Service operations. This was partly offset by insurance recoveries in Other Receipts. Additional revenue was received from the sale of goods and retained fees and fines, which were not included in the published budget papers. In investing activity the Service acquired land ($26.6m) and infrastructure ($24.0m) as part of the Government’s conservation policy. In financing activities, Treasurer’s advances for specific purposes of $2.5 million were received which were not included in the original budget papers. 130

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25. Reconciliation of net cash flows from operating activities to net cost of services 2003 2002 $’000 $’000 Net cash flows from operating activities (52,887) (76,589) Recurrent and capital appropriations 217,265 223,687 Depreciation 35,803 33,716 Contributed assets (23,431) (2,228) (Gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 336 (407) Decrease/(increase) in receivables (2,340) (977) Decrease/(increase) in prepayments (327) 139 Decrease/(increase) in inventories 61 69 Increase/(decrease) in creditors 3,311 (1,536) Acceptance by Crown Entity of departmental liabilities 18,479 13,442 Increase/(decrease) in employee entitlements 893 1,122 Net cost of services 197,163 190,438

26. Non-cash financing and investing activities

Standby credit facility The Service has advance and loan approvals totalling $12,640,144 for specific purposes, e.g. the Perisher Resort Development and Government Energy Efficiency Investment Program. Currently the Service has drawn down $12,590,375 of these advances and loans leaving a standby credit facility of $50,811. The Service has a number of purchasing cards (Westpac Mastercard) with a standby credit facility.

27. Financial instruments Financial instruments give rise to positions that are financial assets or liabilities (or equity instruments) of either the Service or its counter parties. These include Cash at Bank, Investments, Receivables and Accounts Payable. Classes of instruments are recorded at cost and are carried at net fair value.

(a) Cash Cash comprises cash on hand and bank balances within the Treasury Banking System. Interest is earned on daily bank balances at the monthly average NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp) 11am unofficial cash rate adjusted for a management fee to Treasury. The deposits at balance date were earning an interest rate of 3.75% (3.73% in 2001-02) whilst over the year the average interest rate was 3.75% (3.52% in 2001-02).

(b) Investments As at 30 June 2003, the Service held two fixed term interest-bearing deposits to the value of $15,500 with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, with a maturity of less than one year. Deposits at balance date were earning an average interest rate of 3.56% (4.51% in 2001-02) whilst over the year the average interest rate was 3.65% (4.61% for 2001-02).

(c) Hour-Glass Investment Facilities The Service has funds in TCorp’s Hour-Glass Investment facilities. The Service’s investment is represented by a number of units in managed investment within the facilities. Each facility has different investment horizons and comprise a mix of asset classes appropriate to the investment horizon. TCorp appoints and monitors fund managers and establishes and monitors the application of appropriate investment guidelines.

(d) Receivables All trade debtors are recognised as amounts receivable at balance date. Collectability of trade debtors is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts, which are known to be uncollectable, are written off. A provision for doubtful debts is raised when some doubt as to collection exists. The credit risk is the carrying amount (net of any provision for doubtful debts). The carrying amount approximates net fair value. Sales are made on 30-day terms. All lease revenue fall due immediately after the issue of the customer invoice except where lease rent schedule conditions stipulate otherwise.

(e) Bank overdraft The Service does not have any bank overdraft facility.

(f) Trade creditors and accruals The liabilities are recognised for amounts due to be paid in the future for goods or services received, whether or not invoiced. Amounts owing to suppliers (which are unsecured) are settled in accordance with the policy set out in Treasurer’s Direction 219.01. If trade terms are not specified, payment is made no later than the end of the month following the month in which an invoice or a statement is received. Treasurer’s Direction 219.01 allows the Minister to award interest for late payment. No interest payments were awarded during the year. 28. After balance date events Since the reporting date the following events have occurred : Effective from 1 July 2003, 15 new National Parks (45,697 hectares) were created under the National Parks Estate (Reservations) Act 2003 No.24. The land is to be transferred from State Forests as an administrative restructure at an estimated valuation of $15.0 million In August 2003, heavy rains in the fire-ravaged Kosciuszko National Park resulted in a number of land slips on the Elliott and Alpine ways. It is estimated that repair costs would amount to $1.8 million.

End of Audited Financial Statements 131 7 Financial statements

Other financial information Grants to community organisations Recipient Amount $ Program Nature and Purpose of Grant Angourie Point Dune Care Group 12,076 Protection of conservation assets A grant to assist community efforts in the improvement, restoration and rehabilitation of local coastal areas Australian Alps Liaison Committee 120,000 Protection of conservation assets Australian Alps Liaison Committee — NPWS Contribution 02-03 Conference Solutions 2,273 Conservation facilitation Sponsorship — Australian Ornithology Dr F Reed 7,500 Conservation management A grant to assist in the cost of attendance at specialised medical training in the treatment of diver decompression Environmental Defenders Office 5,000 Conservation facilitation Support of Elements Conference 27/05/03 FAWNA (NSW) Incorporated 9,000 Community programs A grant made to contribute towards the purchase equipment to aide native animal rescue and rehabilitation Friends of the Koala 1,500 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna Great Lakes Wildlife Rescue 3,000 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna Hunter Koala Preservation Society 1,238 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers care for and rehabilitate injured and orphaned protected native fauna following the 2002-03 bushfire season Hunter Koala Preservation Society 2,000 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna Lions Club of Jindabyne 200 Conservation facilitation Sponsorship of Koori Prize Jindabyne Easter Art Mudgin-Gal Aboriginal Corp. Women’s Centre 500 Community programs Donation for NAIDOC week celebrations Murawina Ltd Multi-Purpose 500 Community programs Donation for NAIDOC week celebrations Aboriginal Education Centre Nambucca Heads LAC 25,000 Conservation Planning Intra Indigenous Study — Warrell Creek Native Animal Network Association 1,000 Conservation management Grant for Providing Immunisation against Lyssavirus Native Animal Trust Fund 446 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers care for and rehabilitate injured and orphaned protected native fauna following the 2002-03 bushfire season Native Animal Trust Fund 5,000 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna Noeleene Gordon 1,500 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers 8,400 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna Rescue & Rehab Aust Native Animals 500 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna Royal Volunteers Coastal Patrol 10,000 Protection of conservation assets A grant to assist in the relocation of the organisation Sydney Metro Wildlife Service 5,500 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna Tweed District Wildlife Rescue 1,500 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers 3,900 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna WIRES — Bellingen 2,000 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna WIRES — Clarence Valley 2,000 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna WIRES — Woolgoolga 1,000 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna Walla Mulla Family & Community Support 1,000 Conservation facilitation Donation for NAIDOC week celebrations Wild Plant Rescue 1,000 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna Wildlife Aide & Rehabilitation 2,000 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers care for and rehabilitate injured and orphaned protected native fauna following the 2002-03 bushfire season Wildlife ARC 2,500 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna WIRES — Blue Mountains 909 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna WIRES — Central Coast 2,500 Community programs A grant to assist wildlife carers rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned protected native fauna Wyanga Aboriginal Community Aged Care Program 500 Conservation facilitation Donation for NAIDOC week celebrations 132

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2002-03 major works Payment of accounts — performance Cost to date Estimated indicators Project $’000 completion Trade creditor accounts payable balances each quarter for the financial year 2002-03. Major new works Finalise Northern Regional Forest Agreement 2,673 2005-06 Current Less than Between Between More than (i.e. within 30 days 30 and 60 60 and 90 90 days Establishment of new land acquisitions 1,500 2004-05 due date) overdue days days overdue overdue overdue Major works-in-progress Quarter $ $ $ $ $ Conversion of vacant Crown lands 1,987 2004-05 September 274,980 167,675 73,854 0 7,045 Improvements to major metropolitan parks 982 2005-06 December 494,249 1,341,056 154,744 0 0 Lower Prospect Canal — recreation facilities 6,324 2003-04 March 376,592 987,912 141,723 21,125 12,209 Sewerage upgrade program — Stages 1 and 2 15,450 2005-06 June 100 0 7 0 0 Land acquisition — initial works 2,368 2004-05 In respect of trade creditor accounts paid on time, performance of the NPWS in each New regional parks 3,477 2002-03 quarter of the 2002-03 financial year was as follows: Regional parks 4,956 2002-03 Eden Forest Agreement 1,145 2003-04 Total accounts paid on time Total amount paid Kosciuszko roads and bridges 45,769 2004-05 Quarter Target % Actual % $ $ Land acquisition — open spaces 16,905 2006-07 September 85 90.69 45,580,375 50,259,426 Fire management 10,017 2002-03 December 85 80.99 27,785,138 34,308,616 Establishment of Jervis Bay National Park 16,522 2003-04 March 85 79.59 42,693,418 53,639,024 Southern CRA 1,971 2003-04 June 85 86.88 54,371,839 62,584,000 Land acquisition — Dunphy Wilderness 2,996 2005-06 The main reasons for delay were: Computerisation (i) minor purchase (usually under $10,000) not in contract where short — 7 or 14 Information technology initiatives 4,674 2002-03 day — payment terms were indicated on the invoice (but not prior to Total 135,543 invoicing) and no payment discounts were involved (ii) invoices issued (often in the case of computer equipment) prior to delivery or Employee liabilities installation Liabilities as at 30 June 2003 were: (iii) unsatisfactory supply or some other complication, which tends to be more of a Long service leave $26.2 million* ($20.5 million at 30 June 2002) factor with the more significant and expensive purchases. On-cost on long service leave $2.5 million# Initiatives taken during the year to improve payment performance: Recreation leave $14.2 million ($12.4 million at 30 June 2002) (a) Increase in online purchase order entry and issue The Service’s liabilities for long service leave are assumed by the Crown Entity. (b) Increased use of corporate credit cards (purchasing cards) for local and minor * Long service leave (LSL) is now measured using the present value basis. The new valuation method adopted purchases. the remuneration rates expected to be paid as recommended by Treasury (TC 03/080) (i.e. including the 5% pay increase from 1 July 2003) rather than the salary rate as at 30 June 2003. In 2001-02 the shorthand method was used (based on remuneration rates at year-end for all employees with five or more years of service). Recent studies undertaken by the Government Actuary have shown that the liability using the Late payment of accounts shorthand method is materially different to the present value method. The impact resulting from the change in accounting policy have increased the liability significantly. The NPWS was not required to pay interest to creditors due to the late payment of accounts during the year. # In accordance with the Treasury policy, the associated on-costs whilst on long service leave (i.e. payroll tax, recreation leave accrued, workers compensation insurance) are now treated as a liability provision for the Service. Credit card certification In accordance with Treasurer’s Direction 205.01, it is certified that credit card usage by officers of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has been in accordance with the appropriate government policy, Premier’s Memoranda and Treasurer’s Directions. 133 7 Financial statements

Major assets Roads and other access By virtue of its functions the NPWS asset base covers a wide range of fixed assets Apart from roads of various construction this category of assets includes access and other infrastructure which have been categorised as follows for accounting facilities such as fire trails, walking tracks, car parks and bridges which are NPWS purposes: responsibilities. Roads and other access with a replacement value of $3,000,000 or more are: Land Alpine Way, Kosciuszko National Park Most of the land parcels in this category of assets are ‘dedicated land’ which Camerons Corner Road, Sturt National Park includes national parks, nature reserves, historic sites and Aboriginal areas. A full list of dedicated and NPWS-managed lands is included in Appendix A. Elliot Way, Kosciuszko National Park Fire trails, Yathong/Nombinee nature reserves Buildings and improvements Geehi Walls Track, Kosciuszko National Park This category of assets includes all buildings and improvements in use or temporarily out of use. Buildings number some 888 in total. Buildings with a Guthega Road, Kosciuszko National Park replacement value of $1,000,000 or more are: Kiandra to Khancoban Road, Kosciuszko National Park Audley Office, Royal National Park Minnamurra Rainforest Walk, Budderoo National Park Discovery Centre, Botany Bay National Park Mungo Brush Road, Myall Lakes National Park Dorrigo Rainforest Centre Olsens Road, Kosciuszko National Park Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, Morton National Park Port Phillip Road, Kosciuszko National Park Fort Denison, Sydney Harbour National Park Tantangara Road, Kosciuszko National Park Gap Bluff Officers’ Mess, Sydney Harbour National Park Tweed Scenic Drive, Border Ranges National Park Goat Island amenities and ship repair building, Sydney Harbour National Park Utilities and other infrastructure Greycliffe House, Sydney Harbour National Park Major assets in this category of assets include electricity reticulation, sewerage Hartley Court House, Hartley Historic Site systems, levees and fences. Assets with a replacement value of $1,000,000 or more Jenkins Centre, Lane Cove National Park include sewage treatment plants in Kosciuszko National Park and water supply systems in Sydney Harbour National Park. Lapérouse Museum and Gallery, Botany Bay National Park Long Tan residences, Scheyville National Park Quarantine Station, accommodation units and conference centre, Sydney Harbour National Park Sawpit Creek Office, Kosciuszko National Park Snowy Mountains Visitor Centre, Jindabyne Throsby Park Homestead, Throsby Park Historic Site Western Regional Office, Broken Hill. This category of assets also includes a number of heritage buildings in various locations, such as: Bare Island Goat Island Hartley Historic Site Hill End Historic Site Quarantine Station, Manly Rodd Island Barrenjoey, Port Stephens, Greencape and Cape Byron lighthouses. In addition to buildings this asset category includes such ‘improvements’ as picnic areas, campsites and lookouts. Major picnic areas and campsites (with a replacement value of $750,000 or more) are located in Blue Mountains, Botany Bay, Cattai, Ku-ring-gai Chase and Sydney Harbour national parks, as well as in Arakoon State Conservation Area, Western Sydney Regional Park and Georges River National Park. 134

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NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Motor vehicles Motor vehicles by location — 2002-03

Location Sedans Station 4WDs 0-2 tonne 2-5 tonne >5 tonne Bus/van Motor Total wagons trucks trucks trucks cycles 2002-03 Head Office 10 3 30 2 1 46 Central Directorate 13 8 151 23 27 19 2 25 268 Southern Directorate 17 7 164 13 13 13 28 255 Western Directorate 2 4 109 8 3 12 1 53 192 Northern Directorate 16 15 126 35 21 20 2 31 266 Total 58 37 580 81 64 64 5 138 1027

Aircraft The NPWS owns and operates three aircraft: a twin-engine, turbo-prop Rockwell Aerocommander 690 a single-engine Cessna 206U an Aerospatiale AS340 Squirrel helicopter.

Plant and equipment This category of assets consists of a variety of plant (such as graders, rollers, tractors and mowers) and a wide range of equipment. Examples include workshop equipment (such as welders, chainsaws, generators and gantries), radio systems, and fire fighting and search and rescue equipment as well as computer equipment, photocopiers and air- conditioning units. NPWS radio systems, computer installations and the Head Office PABX system are the most significant items of equipment.

Motorised plant by location — 2002-03

Location Tractors Graders Caravans Trailers Boats Others Total Head Office 0020114 Central Directorate 29 7 3 16 15 81 151 Southern Directorate 19 1 6 14 7 62 109 Western Directorate 25 6 1 19 1 11 63 Northern Directorate 42 2 3 26 14 74 161 Total 115 16 15 75 38 229 488

Stores and stationery expenditure 2002-03 Annual report Month $ The total external cost of producing this 2002-03 report is estimated at July 188,110 $24,274 (inc. GST). August 316,932 September 329,936 October 352,784 November 334,530 December 411,995 January 477,112 February 417,981 March 355,799 April 542,151 May 882,380 June 759,739 Total 5,369,449 135

Index of statutory requirements

Access and contact information 136 Advisory committees 91, Appendix B Aims and objectives 8 Annual report costs 134 Approved recovery plans 108, Appendix N Auditor-General’s opinion 111 Charter 8 Chief and senior executive officers 98, Appendix E Consultants 95, Appendix D Credit card certification 132 Customers, partners and stakeholders 8 Customer service 62 Disability plan 67, 107, Appendix K Electronic service delivery 64, 79 Environmental performance 41-42, 108, Appendix L Equal employment opportunity 75-76, 96, Appendix E Ethnic affairs policies and strategies 67, 108, Appendix M Executive officer’s statement of performance 98-99, Appendix F Financial statements Audited 109 Unaudited 131 Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife 84 Freedom of information 101, Appendix G Funds granted to non-government organisations 131 Human resources 74-75, 96, Appendix E Industrial relations policies and practices 76 Insurance 79 Legal changes 10 Letter of submission to Minister 5 Major assets 133 Major capital works 132 Membership of statutory bodies and significant committees 93 Monetary amount of leave entitlements 127, 132 Nature and range of activities 8 Occupational health and safety 77 Organisation chart 12-13 Overseas visits 106, Appendix J Payment of accounts 132 Performance indicators throughout Personnel policies and practices 74 Privacy management plan 102, Appendix G Property disposed 126 Publications 103, Appendix H Research papers 104-105, Appendix I Risk management 78 Spokeswomen’s program 76 Statement of affairs 100, Appendix G Stores and stationery 134 Structure 8, 10 Threatened species 21, 30-31 Waste 41-42, 108, Appendix L Wilderness 14, 17-18, 28, 84, 89, Appendix A 136

ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Contact information

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service General inquiries National Parks Centre 102 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney PO Box N429, Grosvenor Place, Sydney 1220 Phone: 1300 361 967 or (02) 9253 4600 Fax: (02) 9251 9192 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Open: 9-5 Monday-Friday, 9.30-4.30 Saturday-Sunday

Head Office 43 Bridge Street PO Box 1967 Hurstville NSW 2220 Phone: (02) 9585 6444 Fax: (02) 9585 6555 Open: 8.30-5.00 Monday-Friday

Central Directorate Level 1, 10 Valentine Avenue Parramatta NSW 2150 PO Box 95 Parramatta NSW 2124 Phone: (02) 9895 7420 Fax: (02) 9895 7414 Open: 8.30-4.30 Monday-Friday

Northern Directorate Level 4, 49 Victoria Street PO Box 97 Grafton NSW 2460 Phone: (02) 6641 1500 Fax: (02) 6643 4730

Southern Directorate 6 Rutledge Street PO Box 733 Queanbeyan NSW 2620 Phone: (02) 6298 9700 Fax: (02) 6299 4281 Open: 8.30-4.30 Monday-Friday

Western Directorate 48-52 Wingewarra Street PO Box 2111 Dubbo NSW 2830 Phone: (02) 6883 5330 Fax: (02) 6884 8675 Open: 8.30-4.30 Monday-Friday NSW national Parks & Wildlife service