Wondul Range National Park Management Plan 2011
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Brigalow Belt South Bioregion Prepared by: Planning Services Unit Department of Environment and Resource Management © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Management) 2011 Copyright protects this publication. Except for purposes permitted by the Copyright Act 1968, reproduction by whatever means is prohibited without the prior written permission of the Department of Environment and Resource Management. Enquiries should be addressed to Department of Environment and Resource Management, GPO Box 2454, Brisbane Qld 4001. Disclaimer This document has been prepared with all due diligence and care, based on the best available information at the time of publication. The department holds no responsibility for any errors or omissions within this document. Any decisions made by other parties based on this document are solely the responsibility of those parties. Information contained in this document is from a number of sources and, as such, does not necessarily represent government or departmental policy. This management plan has been prepared in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992. This management plan does not intend to affect, diminish or extinguish native title or associated rights. Note that implementing some management strategies might need to be phased in according to resource availability. For information on protected area management plans, visit <www.derm.qld.gov.au>. If you need to access this document in a language other than English, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask them to telephone Library Services on +61 7 3224 8412. This publication can be made available in alternative formats (including large print and audiotape) on request for people with a vision impairment. Contact (07) 322 48412 or email <[email protected]>. Front cover photograph: Macrozamia machinii. Photo: DERM. Top right photograph: Shedded bark, Wondul Range National Park. Photo: DERM. Centre right photograph: katydid. Photo: DERM. Bottom right photograph: Cyclorana novaehollandiae. Photo: DERM. May 2011 ISSN 1037-4698 MP045 Vision statement Wondul Range National Park will be managed to conserve open woodland species typical of the Western Downs. Maintaining and protecting the natural values of the park and conserving its plant communities will be the key focus for management. The park protects several species of conservation significance, including the gum-topped ironbark Eucalyptus decorticans, which is at the southern limit of its range. Wondul Range National Park will also be managed to present visitors with nature-based experiences that have minimal impact on the environment and ensure the sustainable use of the park. Contents 1. Management intent .............................................................................................................................................1 2. Basis for management........................................................................................................................................1 3. Location and regional context...........................................................................................................................1 4. Protecting and presenting the park’s values ...................................................................................................2 4.1 Landscape .......................................................................................................................................................2 4.2 Native animals .................................................................................................................................................2 4.3 Indigenous culture ...........................................................................................................................................3 4.4 Shared-history culture......................................................................................................................................4 4.5 Tourism and visitor opportunities.....................................................................................................................4 4.6 Education and science.....................................................................................................................................4 4.7 Partnerships.....................................................................................................................................................4 5. Other key issues and responses.......................................................................................................................5 5.1 Fire management.............................................................................................................................................5 5.2 Pest management............................................................................................................................................5 5.3 Resource use...................................................................................................................................................5 6. References...........................................................................................................................................................7 7. Hyperlinks............................................................................................................................................................7 8. Appendixes..........................................................................................................................................................8 Appendix A – Maps ...................................................................................................................................................9 Appendix B – Definitions .........................................................................................................................................12 Appendix C – Species of conservation significance ...............................................................................................13 iii Wondul Range National Park Management Plan 1. Management intent Wondul Range National Park will be managed as a representative sample of the open woodland species typical of the Western Downs. The primary purpose of management for this park will be to: • protect and conserve its natural and cultural values • identify and conserve species of conservation significance through specific management strategies, where appropriate • maintain access for self-sufficient visitors in a completely natural setting • provide neighbours, local government, Traditional Owners and other interested parties opportunities to be involved in managing the park, where appropriate. 2. Basis for management The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is responsible for the day-to-day management of Wondul Range National Park. The park is primarily managed in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and associated regulations to protect land, wildlife and cultural values. Indigenous people have affiliations with the park and involving Traditional Owner groups is an important part of management. Wondul Range National Park is included in an area subject to native title claim (Bigambul QC01/006). This plan does not affect this claim. Cultural heritage places in Queensland are legislatively managed under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and the Queensland Heritage Act 1992. The Charter for the Protection and Management of the Archaeological Heritage and The Burra Charter provide detailed guidelines for managing cultural heritage places. Endangered, near threatened and vulnerable species are listed under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006. The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) has a responsibility under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 to control declared pest plants and animals in protected areas. The park supports migratory species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (that is, those species listed under the Bonn Convention, the China–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement, Japan–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement and Republic of Korea–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement). 3. Location and regional context Wondul Range National Park, 19 km west of Millmerran in the Toowoomba Regional Council area of southern Queensland, conserves 3555 ha of open woodland species typical of the Western Downs. The park is in the Brigalow Belt South bioregion, province 32: the Inglewood Sandstones. The park’s western boundary adjoins Bulli State Forest, with a small section of its south-west boundary abutting Whetstone State Forest. There are several rural freehold blocks adjoining the park’s northern boundary and these separate the park from the nearby Wondul Creek State Forest to the north-east. The remainder of the park is surrounded by pastoral leasehold land. Western Creek State Forest is close to the park (refer to Appendix A – Maps). Adjoining land uses include cattle grazing, forestry and a number of smaller rural residential properties. Wondul Range National Park provides a natural setting with few roads and no facilities. It is most suited to self- sufficient visitors with interests in nature-based activities in natural, undeveloped settings. Most visitors are seeking a venue for a particular nature-based experience, such as bird watching or wildlife observation. 1 Wondul Range National Park Management