Volume 45 Number 4 December 2008

National Parks Association of the Australian Capital Territory Inc

Namadgi Heritage Plans for Stockyard New Marine Park for listed Spur the coast NPA Bulletin Volume 45 number 4 December 2008 Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect association opinion or objectives. CONTENTS From the President ...... 2 The gentrification of national parks?...... 10 Christine Goonrey Andrew Cox National Heritage listing for Namadgi...... 3 Book review: A Geological Guide to Canberra Region...... 11 New ACT government ...... 3 and Namadgi National Park Martin Chalk NPA News: Tomorrow the world! ...... 4 Book review: Ten Commitments: Reshaping the...... 12 Kevin McCue Lucky Country’s Environment Work party round-up...... 4 Graeme Wicks Martin Chalk Gudgenby sleepover for Christmas parties ...... 12 More works on Glenburn/Burbong sites...... 4 Touring the island that Flinders named ...... 13 Col McAlister Graeme Barrow Batemans—a new marine park on Canberra’s doorstep ...... 5 The wealth of South Africa’s wildlife on view...... 14 Max Lawrence Fiona MacDonald Brand Stockyard Spur gets crowded...... 6 Quick snowmelt causes change of plans ...... 15 Max Lawrence Brian Slee GBRG records 555 hours of bush care activity ...... 7 PARKWATCH...... 16 Hazel Rath Compiled by Hazel Rath Hunters and gatherers at the coast...... 8 NPA notices ...... 18 Adrienne Nicholson Meetings and speaker information ...... 19 The drowning of Lake Pedder...... 9 Jean Currie NPA information and contacts...... 19 From the President We were really thrilled when roots groups such as NPAC seem to be off the radar for this NPA ACT won the “Local federal government. Hero” award at the National parks and reserves appear to be very much the Conservation Council orphan child in government circles right now. Mr Garrett put a dinner in October. The further damper on my evening when he told me very firmly award recognised the hard that national parks have to allow more commercial work we have done over developments in order to pay their way. We seem to have the past year putting on moved a long way from the idea that national parks and nature our 2008 Symposium and reserves are part of our future generations’ heritage, deserving working on issues like of public funding in much the same way that schools and Orroral Ridge, and the universities are an investment in our future. Governments now Namadgi Management Plan as prefer to talk earnestly about converting public assets into well as our long record of private gain in order to create jobs and income streams in activism over the past 48 years working associated sectors like tourism. I went home from the for the conservation of our national park and nature reserves. Conservation dinner a little sadder and certainly more As well as the honour and the glory, we won $1500 of carbon confused about how our governments intend to protect our neutral printing from Mystique printers. What a wonderful biodiversity in the face of climate change. start to our publications program for our 50th anniversary! Being a well trained bureaucrat, I decided to look for the The guest speaker at the dinner was Peter Garrett, Minister policy principles which could have convinced a committed for the Environment and he spoke glowingly of the important conservationist like Peter Garrett that it was a good idea to put role played by community groups in fighting for the private developments into our national parks and nature conservation of our environment. He announced a new reserves. I think the logic goes like this: people pay taxes so roundtable, which he would convene in November, where he this money should only pay for human-centred priorities. will consult with environment groups on his portfolio’s From that point of view it does look like a waste of public priorities. I took the opportunity of asking if the National money to allocate scarce resources to protect bits of bush and Parks Australia Council, the peak body for our NPAs, would ocean that few people ever use. be invited to this roundtable, but Mr Garrett was very But let’s look at where the money actually goes here in the reluctant to commit to this. As he was president of the ACT. Australian Conservation Foundation over two substantial One of the biggest expenses is recurrent funding of salaries periods of time, it is understandable that he focuses on these large environmental lobby groups, but it is a shame that grass (continued next page)

2NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 National Heritage listing for Namadgi On November 7 2008 the Australian Alps National Parks across investment in our National Heritage sites Commonwealth Government NSW, Victoria and the ACT and today’s is essential as they are important to our announced that the Australian listing adds to and strengthens the history, our future and to the local Alps National Parks, including protective measures available to this economy of many parts of Australia. Namadgi, would be included in the special place. “Our National Heritage listed places National Heritage List. The “Places on the National Heritage List contribute to national and local tourism following is an edited extract of are afforded protection under the with hundreds of thousands of people the Minister’s press release, which Australian Government’s Environment from across Australia and the world was entitled “Heritage Honour for Protection and Biodiversity Conserva- making the journey each year to see our Iconic Alps”. tion Act and we will continue to work precious landmarks and experience our together with NSW, Victoria and the unique landscapes. Minister for the Environment, Heritage ACT to ensure the protection and proper “We will continue to work together and the Arts, Peter Garrett said the management of the outstanding heritage with State and Territory Governments to Australian Alps National Parks was the values of the Australian Alps National ensure the protection and proper largest and most complex National Parks,” Minister Garrett said. management of the outstanding heritage Heritage assessment to date, Ministers responsible for the values of our National Heritage listed encompassing 1.6 million ha of national cooperative management and protection places. parks and reserves across 11 national of the Australian Alps National Parks “It is vital that we continue to parks and nature reserves in the ACT, across NSW, Victoria and the ACT identify and protect the places integral to NSW and Victoria. declared that National Heritage listing Australia’s national story, as they help us “Known as the High Country in would provide increased recognition for to remember and understand that we are Victoria, Snowy Mountains in New this special place. part of living history.” South Wales and the Brindabella Range “Namadgi National Park plays an There are currently 80 places in the in the Australian Capital Territory, the enormous role in the lives of Canberrans, National Heritage List, reflecting the listing of the Australian Alps National from the provision of Canberra’s water story of our development from our Parks recognises the outstanding natural, supply to a place of relaxation and original Indigenous inhabitants to Indigenous and historic values of this recreational activities such as present day, Australia’s spirit and iconic landscape,” Minister Garrett said. bushwalking and mountain bike riding,” ingenuity, and our unique living Minister Garrett said a cooperative ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said. landscapes such as Bondi Beach, process had been in place since 1986 to Mr Garrett said appreciation, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Kakadu collectively manage and protect the recognition and protection of our National Park and Port Arthur. New ACT Government At the election on October 18 the people management and stewardship), Minister Alastair Coe: Urban Services, Heritage. of the ACT elected our seventh for Arts and Heritage; The Greens opted not to take Legislative Assembly. The ALP, with Simon Corbell: Minister for ministerial appointments in the new seven members, remains in government, Environment, Climate Change and Government, and the party has allocated but only with the support of the Greens Water; internal responsibilities as follows: (four members). The Liberal Opposition Andrew Barr: Minister for Planning. Meredith Hunter: Parliamentary Convenor; has six members. The Liberal Shadow Ministers are: Shane Rattenbury: Speaker, Environ- The new Ministerial appointments of Zed Seselja: Leader of the Opposition, ment, Climate Change and Water; direct interest to NPA are: Environment and Climate Change, Caroline Le Couteur: Planning, Jon Stanhope: Chief Minister and Planning; Territory and Municipal Services, Arts Minister for Territory and Municipal Vicki Dunne: Nature Conservation and and Heritage. Services (which includes land Water;

From the President (continued) for staff. But rather than working in the to protect neighbouring private proper- self-sustaining. The budget for our parks bush, park staff spend much of their time ties. Again, the small research and mon- and reserves basically goes towards cleaning toilets and campgrounds and itoring program is in fact more like an fixing the bits people have broken. Let’s repairing vandalism, especially in our audit of assets to support the feral animal hope governments of all persuasions find urban parks, so people can exercise and and fire management programs, than their way back to good public policy and relax in a safe, clean environment. pure scientific research for its own sake. long-term protection of our natural assets Another major expense is controlling So what public funding for parks and without asking the poor orphan to go on feral animals like deer and pigs which reserves goes to maintaining or even paying for his/her keep. people have released into sensitive alpine working in areas which get little public Christine Goonrey areas so they can (illegally) hunt them. use? Virtually none, for a very good Then there’s the expensive artificial fire reason: where human beings don’t management program designed mainly interfere in the natural areas, they are

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 3 NPA News Tomorrow, the world! As foreshadowed in the last edition of Kevin has supplied this very brief following were nominated and duly this Bulletin, some of our Committee summary of proceedings. elected: members journeyed to Hobart for the Honorary President, Christine annual general meeting of the The 2008 annual NPAC meeting was Goonrey; Honorary Secretary, Kevin National Parks Australia Council held in Hobart on September 6 and 7, McCue; Treasurer, Fred Gerardson. (NPAC), which is the peak body of the organised by Anne McConnell (TNPA) Anne Reeves is Immediate Past various State NPAs. and a band of helpers. On the Friday, President. One of the main outcomes of the annual reports were presented by Matt Christine moved a vote of extreme meeting was that our very own Ruchel (Victoria), Paul Doniatu thanks to Anne Reeves for her Christine Goonrey was elected (Queensland), Christine Goonrey (ACT), stewardship of NPAC over recent years. Honorary President, and our very Richard Winkler (South Australia), John own Kevin McCue was elected Macris (NSW), Anne McConnell (Tas), Honorary Secretary of NPAC (Kevin Anne Reeves (ACIUCN and NPAC), was formerly Treasurer and Christine Matt Ruchel (Mittagong forum). was Secretary). At the election of office bearers the Work party round-up Work parties continue to be a central part take transects for pig activity in the Reserve. of NPA activities and 2008 was no Tinderry Nature Reserve and the other to The following activities are exception. Twelve work parties were plant native grasses in the Queanbeyan programmed to the end of 2008: programmed during the year, with one Nature Reserve. The following figures • continued weeding and in-planting being postponed due to weather. At the (at the time of writing) may be of around the ‘ready-cut’ cottage; time of writing, four were still in the interest: • removal of broom in the area of offing. Our activities this year have seen • 42 man-days of effort expended; Westerman’s Homestead and work along Kangaroo Creek in search of • more than 410 briars and 15 blackberry Brayshaw’s Hut; woody weeds — the area is pleasantly removed or cut-and-dabbed; • weed control in the area behind the clear — and on the Brindabella Range at • more than 6500 juvenile conifers Namadgi Visitor Centre; and Bendora Arboretum. The Gudgenby removed from Bendora Arboretum; • grass planting in the Queanbeyan precinct has again been a focus of • 20 poplars, 100 apples, 25 hawthorn Nature Reserve. planting and weeding, especially around and 35 willows removed from the area In 2009 I expect our cooperation with the ‘ready-cut’ cottage. The Naas Creek around the ‘ready-cut’ cottage at PCL and NPWS to continue and our in the area of the Mt Clear campground Gudgenby; work parties to do likewise. continues to be source of much work to • 118 rabbit warrens located in the Martin Chalk remove woody weeds. Orroral Valley; and This year also saw two work parties • nine transects conducted in the Blue Volunteer Coordinator programmed with NPWS: one to under- Bell Swamp area of Tinderry Nature More works on Glenburn/Burbong sites In the June 2008 NPA Bulletin, I outlined homesteads. Six very large trees that was done to Glenburn homestead. The some minor work that had been done by were dead, dying or near the end of their cost of the removal of the trees exceeded Parks, Conservation and Lands at the normal life were cut down — three each $15 000. Colverwell graves and Glenburn from Glenburn and Collier’s — and While the two homesteads now look homestead. removed. The three at Glenburn were a a bit naked in the paddocks I am In June and July, significant work danger to the homestead. Another large delighted to see the end of the trees. It was carried out at Glenburn and Collier’s dying pine to the north of Glenburn has not been decided yet whether homestead was seedlings from the trees’ cones will be removed. The stumps, germinated and planted near the home- which are about a steads. metre high, clearly Congratulations Parks, Conservation show where the trees and Lands for a job well done. were. Planned work in the Glenburn/ The cutting down and Burbong area in the remainder of removal of the trees 2008–09 includes: was a major, costly 1. Colverwell graves — treat the timber exercise. A very large post and rail fence with preservative, crane was used to mow and control weeds; ensure that no damage (continued next page) Glenburn Homestead and its pine stumps in July 2008.

4 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 Batemans—a new marine park on Canberra’s doorstep After a long and difficult gestation and the grey nurse shark. A variety of was able to draw on from his own involving some stubborn resistence from whales can be seen through the months experience. In Chile, rocky shorelines sections of the coastal community, often September to November including are very popular sources of abalone for to do with perceptions of restrictions on Humpback Whales, Southern Right gatherers, even it would seem in quite fishing rights for both amateur and Whales, Pilot Whales and Killer Whales. remote areas, and they have just about commercial fisher folk, the Batemans Montague Island Nature Reserve is been picked to death. By contrast, an Marine Park was set up by the NSW within the park, as are the Tollgate area of shoreline protected from government in April 2006. It extends Islands to the north. Both are aggregation gatherers showed a strong increase in from Bawley Point in the north to sites for grey nurse sharks, and biodiversity. In Tasmania, protected Wallaga Lake near Bermagui in the Montague Island is famous as a breeding areas showed 260 per cent more rock south, some 100 kilometres. In general site for seabirds, for its seal and penguin lobsters compared with unprotected terms, the park covers the seabed and colonies, and for its cultural significance areas. In New Zealand, there were waters from the mean high water mark to to Aboriginal people. fourteen times more snappers in the three nautical miles offshore, a total area The area covered by the marine park protected areas. of about 85 000 hectares. has been put to many uses by people, and The Marine Parks Authority is The manager of the park is many of these uses are still permitted engaged in a quite comprehensive Dr Brendan Kelaher, a highly qualified within the park. The main restriction is program of scientific monitoring and marine biologist with an impressive on commercial trawling, which is not research, including the use of baited research record involving projects in allowed at all within the park, but which remote underwater video cameras to North and South America as well as is still permitted in Commonwealth monitor and measure biodiversity. As an Australia. He is also a Canberra boy, waters beyond the three nautical mile example, Brendan showed some footage having spent a lot of time in his youth on park boundary. In the past trawling has of a large shark showing an increasing family holidays at the coast. had a very destructive impact on habitat, level of interest in the bait, culminating Brendan was NPA’s guest speaker at analagous to “ploughing the bottom” as in the overturning of the camera. our October general meeting. At the very Brendan put it. A volunteer group (the Nature Coast outset of his talk he emphasised that the Within the park a number of zones Marine Group) has also assisted with primary purpose of marine parks in have been defined ranging from snorkeling surveys of particular general, and Batemans Marine Park in Sanctuary Zones where even recreational locations under scientific supervision, in particular, is conservation of biodiversity fishing is prohibited, to General Use much the same way as our own NPA and the protection of ecological Zones where activities other than helps with work parties in the ACT. processes, as is the case with terrestrial commercial trawling are for the most Dr Kelaher considers the major national parks such as our own Namadgi. part largely unrestricted. In all, 81 per threats to the natural environment in the Any fisheries benefits which may follow cent of the park is available for fishing, Batemans Marine Park are impacts of are an added bonus. compared with a total of 93.5 per cent development in the catchment, over- Batemans Marine Park, including the for all NSW state waters. fishing, nutrients from farming, many islands within it, is habitat for an Brendan pointed out that protected industrial pollution, pest species and enormous range of wildlife. It includes species are better looked after in climate change. The location of the continental shelf sea floor along with protected areas, where problems of fish marine park along a stretch of coast with sponge gardens, beaches, rocky shores, identification and catch and release are adjacent national park areas is not kelp beds, coralline algal banks, rocky minimised relative to alternative forms accidental; such co-location tends to reefs, islands, seagrass, mangroves and of regulation. Recreational anglers have minimize some of the potential threats. estuarine habitats. Marine life includes reported that improvements in fish stocks At the end of his presentation many species of dolphins, seals, turtles, are already evident in the park, and they Brendan fielded a large number of fish, invertebrates, penguins and other have been quick to realise that the best questions from an interested audience seabirds, and seaweeds along with fish are to be caught in areas adjacent to and was warmly applauded. several protected and/or threatened protected areas. Max Lawrence species such as the weedy sea dragon, The effects of human predation are eastern blue devil fish, elegant wrasse evidenced by other examples Brendan

More works on Glenburn/Burbong historic sites (continued) 2. Glenburn homestead — repair per- remains — control tussock and spray Glenburn and Collier’s homesteads and imeter fence to make it rabbit proof blackberries; and the preparation of a management plan for and then fill in rabbit burrows, slash 5. John Coppins’ homestead ruins — the shearing shed complex. grass and control weeds; spray blackberries. I intend to write to the Chief Minister 3. Glenburn sheep yards and dip — fence While it is very pleasing to see again on these matters shortly. Steady off dip site in consultation with Heri- progress and planning on conservation at pressure has yielded results in the past tage Unit and leaseholder and control the historic sites at Glenburn/Burbong, and I am sure it will in the future. tussock; much remains to be done, especially the Col McAlister 4. Collier’s homestead and Curley’s hut implementation of management plans at

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 5 Stockyard Spur gets crowded

Taking a break in the area designated for clearing as a helicopter landing pad and vehicle turn-around on Stockyard Spur firetrail, near the top of the Link Track, August 2008. Photo Max Lawrence Following the 2003 fires, which both park and fire authorities as various sites by representatives of Parks devastated Namadgi as well as large important in terms of bushfire Conservation and Land, NPA and the parts of Canberra itself, there was a rush management strategies. In the not Canberra Bushwalking Club. The date of proposals to crisscross large parts of unlikely event of a fire starting in, or for this coming-together was set for our park with fire trails which at the time burning through, the Bendora catchment August 29. We all duly met at the some claimed would be the magic bullet under a prevailing northerly wind, Namadgi Visitor Centre, and were then to prevent re-occurrence. NPA was vocal Stockyard is the only really practicable taken by the rangers in their vehicles to and effective in this debate, resisting the site for a control line to be set up for Corin Dam, the road being closed to push to build trails on an ad hoc basis as backburning. Without such an option other vehicles beyond Smokers Gap. a means of facilitating widespread there would be nothing to stop such a This was when Stockyard Spur “hazard reduction” burns without first fire burning right through the Corin Dam started to get crowded, but very undertaking proper scientific con- catchment and on into southern pleasantly so. NPA was represented by sideration of the impacts of burns on Namadgi. President Christine and husband biodiversity and ecological processes. Michael, Martin Chalk, Mike Smith, One such proposal was to build a fire New proposal Max Lawrence, and Craig Allen. The trail of tanker standard from Corin Dam A new proposal was generated earlier CBC representative was Quentin Moran. to link up with the existing trail along the this year. As before, this involves PCL was represented by Rural Lands top of Stockyard Spur, which would also upgrading the existing fire trail to tanker Manager Brett McNamara, and six be brought up to tanker standard. standard to a point on the Spur above rangers — Allan Bendall, Keith Smith, Stockyard Spur is an offshoot of the Corin Dam where an existing footpad Dylan Kendall (fire officer), Ollie Orgill, Brindabella Range, and is in fact the (the Link Track) runs steeply down to the Andrew Morrison and Louisa Roberts. high and steep ridge which runs along dam wall. Near this point a helicopter the western shores of Corin Dam. It is landing pad and vehicle turn-around Explanations and answers also the boundary between the would be cleared. The Link Track would Together we all walked up the Link catchments of Corin Dam and Bendora then be reconfigured to facilitate Track, a very steep and considerable Dam to the north, and therefore forms a helicopters dropping in crews, water and climb, and then on to the fire trail, which very important part of Canberra’s water equipment to construct a raked control we followed for a couple of kilometres supply as well as being a treasured place line for backburning in the event of a until snow cover made further progress of natural values in our national park. fire. pointless. We had frequent stops where Because of the very steep topo- This would involve retention of most Brett and Dylan explained what was graphy, construction of the proposed fire of the large trees and existing canopy proposed, answered our questions and trail to tanker standard would have and grass, but it would mean removal of checked the GPS coordinates. involved many kilometres of steep shrubs and small trees, probably We also had many other stops where traverses across the mountainsides, and annually, to a width of 10 metres. In we just enjoyed the view, the company very extensive earthworks. addition, the plan provides for two sites and of course fed our faces and rested This would have been associated along the track where large trees would our bodies. A special highlight was to with high construction and maintenance be removed to provide a 10 metre square enjoy the company of so many of our costs, risks of erosion and consequences access through the canopy for winching rangers out in the bush together. for quality of the water supply, and of water containers, equipment and At the end of the day we were some- unacceptable impacts on environmental presumably people. The existing footpad what relieved that the proposed measures values generally. So it is fortunate that would also be upgraded by the addition were less intrusive than we had feared, wiser heads prevailed and this proposal of steps and erosion control measures. and indeed less so than the is no longer on the agenda. As part of the consultation process it But Stockyard Spur is still seen by was arranged for a joint inspection of the (continued next page)

6 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 GBRG records 555 hours of bush care activity The AGM of the Gudgenby Bush Hut and the other in the Regeneration Group was held on Hospital Creek block. We 4 August 2008. Three new officers were plan to do a survey to elected. Michael Goonrey took over as determine what plants President from Clive Hurlstone, who had return after browsing held the position for the past four years. animals are excluded. John Waldron is Treasurer, following Interpretive signs Syd Comfort, and Martin Chalk is Public explaining the group’s Officer, replacing Frank Clements. activities have now been Clive, as outgoing president, gave a placed at the entrance report on our activities over the past near the Yankee Hat car year. We have held 14 work parties with park and in Eleanor an average attendance of seven. This Grove. These were Simon, Sonja, Christine and Michael check out the new translates into 555 hours of bush care erected in July after a Gudgenby interpretative signage. Photo Hazel Rath. activity, with 43 hours of seeding, long process of planning 385 hours of weeding and 127 hours and negotiation by Syd Comfort. on track. spent on other activities. None of the The group would like to express Finally, the GRBG would not be able work parties were interrupted by rain. thanks to Clive and Syd for their support to function as efficiently without the help This past year the group has over the years they have been in office. of Park Manager Brett McNamara and concentrated on blackberries and briars The liaison with park rangers and staff Rangers, Bernard Morris, Dave around Frank and Jack’s Hut. We have that Clive has provided over the last four Whitfield and Oliver Orgill who have also targeted St John’s Wort which is years is very much appreciated by the assisted us with transport of materials increasingly becoming a problem. committee and members. Also we would and advice throughout the year. Two exclosures have been like to thank Syd for all his work behind Hazel Rath repaired — one near Frank and Jack’s the scenes helping to keep our finances GBRG Secretary

Stockyard Spur gets crowded (continued) accompanying maps suggested. The up in inaccessible country where their revisions are made to rectify the maps, which did not stand up well extent could not be controlled, and there problems identified. But NPA has been against GPS checking, showed a number was a risk that the precious sub-alpine reassured that the proposal is a sensible of departures from the existing route of bogs on the Brindabellas might be way of protecting not just Canberra’s the fire trail which patently were impacted. In the event of a backburn water supply, but also our national park unnecessary (and probably unintended), from the route in an actual fire situation, and its natural values. Work, which construction of a culvert which was also these areas would already be under threat should not be too extensive, can be un-necessary, and what appeared to be along with other such areas in the Corin expected to proceed later in 2009. inaccurate location of one of the winch catchment which might be saved. A MUCH better outcome than points on the Link Track. The outcome from our joint building a road up the hill! We also found that the existing fire expedition is that the proposal has been Max Lawrence trail, or at least that part of it we saw, is temporarily withdrawn from the already in quite good shape, and should planning approval process while require relatively little work to make it up to tanker standard. Plans to be revised We were also reassured that the facility would not be, and indeed could not be, used as a base for controlled burns. Burns starting from the route might end

A crowd on Stockyard Spur, August 2008. From left: Michael Goonrey, Christine Goonrey, Craig Allen (all NPA); Quentin Moran (CBC); Allan Bendall, Brett McNamara (centre foreground), Keith Smith (all PCL); Martin Chalk (NPA); Dylan Kendall (PCL); Mike Smith (NPA); Ollie Orgill and Andrew Morrison (both PCL). Missing: Louisa Roberts (PCL). Photo Max Lawrence

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 7 Hunters and gatherers at the coast nibbles and drinks) to just along from the camp. We were able enjoy the dusk slowly to study the eagle well, while it could enveloping the lake. watch our canoeing excursions — On Sunday, one group though perhaps it was more interested in wandered across the the fish shoals we paddled above. We kangaroo paddocks into also saw octopus, and stingrays, one the coastal forest, with sand-coloured and one with beautiful macrozamias and wild- curling/mottled brown markings which it flowers, to a footpad showed off beautifully before whizzing along the coastal ridge away over a shallow sandbank. to the Picnic Point Monday morning was just brilliant, camping ground in so we took turns going out in the Mimosa Rocks (Morrison’s) canoe. Memsahib Fiona National Park. We (sadly, sans parasol) at the prow, Captain beachcombed along the Jenny directing from the stern, with Adrienne, Fiona and Sonja relaxing at the end of an equally beach, studied the galley slave Adrienne, under instruction, relaxing day. Photo Kevin McCue rocks, then followed the paddling from down in the bowels of the Weekend car camp, Wapengo, road through banksia heathland, and ship! 4-6 October 2008 long weekend. back to camp. The second party drove Fierce blustery winds came through off into the hinterland, I gather via a at (for some) packing up time, but it Ten participants: Adrienne Nichol- great many byways, but very few stayed fine until after departure, though son (Leader), Fiona MacDonald highways, bush block hunting. Their some spectacular cloud effects Brand, Norman and Jenny reassuring note, “will return”, proved threatened all kinds of weather changes. Morrison, Andrew and Sarah with true — eventually. It was still fine, though blustery, at the Hamish and Orlando Morrison, Young Hamish’s delight in the dark top of Brown Mountain, but dull and Sonja Lenz and Kevin McCue. of the evening drew the gatherers down cold by the time we reached Nimmitabel. Doubtful weather was predicted for the to the shore where the “possum essence” While we enjoyed a break in the bakery, October long weekend and Saturday brought out the child in us all. Footfalls a hailstorm scudded through. Luckily, dawned rainy in Canberra. Nevertheless, twinkled as we trod the sand, hands the stones had shrunk to sago size before after packing all the camping necessities, sparkled dabbling at the water’s edge, we needed to face the road again. All comforts and luxuries into the car, Fiona milky ways appeared in the water as we kinds of weather occurred from there and I set forth, wondering if this was swished twigs across the surface, and through to Canberra, where it was fine wise given the forecast. We met with no luminescent rings expanded as fish when we arrived home. dramas and had the usual break at (presumably) jumped in the water — The Bulletin entry said “… walk, Nimmitabel. yes, phosphorescence. A night scene to swim, fish, canoe, birdwatch, botanise, As we descended Brown Mountain, treasure was of Andrew and Sarah with explore the rocky coast and hinterland, clematis swathes shone through the mist, head torches shining on the triumphant do very little, etc”. As far as I am aware, above gently dripping tree ferns. We face of Hamish, as he successfully the only one of these listed activities not were still wondering if the weather picked up a soldier crab! undertaken was “swim”, while some would deteriorate further (as it had Bower birds hunted and gathered other activities were added. We walked towards the foot of the escarpment), or around the camp each morning and through the bush, along the beach, along improve (as we neared the coast). afternoon. It was not difficult to follow (continued next page) We passed through Bega in fine their calls to find the male’s bower; weather. We slalomed our way along the a beautifully densely constructed muddy road beside Lake Wapengo, one. His gathered treasures included persuaded a horse loitering at a gate that the usual array of blue plastic tape, we were not his passport to freedom both plastic and metal bottle tops, (picture Fiona wielding a handy witch’s drinking straws and pieces of hat as deterrent), and eventually arrived packaging, synthetic strings and at the campsite — still wondering if we cords, a variety of clothes pegs, etc, two would comprise the whole party. and a blue toothbrush! From nature, Numbers doubled with the arrival of he had included a few feathers with Kevin and Sonja; then the Morrison some blue in their patterning, and group arrived and we were a respectable interestingly the doormat to his group of ten. bower was carpeted with small Saturday and Sunday were cream-coloured flowers (?Pandorea sometimes sunny, sometimes cloudy, but or Pittosporum). never rainy although it remained cool. A fish eagle cruised past The campfire in the evenings was most several times. One of its lookout welcome. We led a hunter/gatherer posts was on a high dead branch existence — while the hunter went off to Sonja and Kevin launching the hunt up bait (prawns and nippers) and to canoe to explore Lake Wapengo. fish, the gatherers gathered (around the Photo Adrienne Nicholson

8 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 The drowning of Lake Pedder Nothing distinguishes memories from there, and in the sand the famous ordinary moments. Only later do they Pedder Pennies abounded. These claim remembrance on account of their were pieces of quartz with scars. concretions of molybdenite It was the morning of 9 September surrounding them. The water in 1972 when Tasmanian pilot Max Price the lake was the colour of and his 30-year-old Tiger Moth were whisky due to the run-off from preparing to fly the 62-year-old the surrounding button grass dedicated Tasmanian environmentalist plains. Brenda Hean to make a sky-writing sign The Tasmanian artist Max protest over Canberra “Save Lake Angus, now 94 years old, Pedder”. quotes: “Although I have often They planned to refuel at Whitemark described Lake Pedder in words on Flinders Island. There were several it is difficult to find words to do sightings of the Tiger Moth as it flew up justice to the indefinable quality the east coast of Tasmania, but the plane that was Pedder. Its mystique, vanished and no wreckage has ever been for those who felt it, came close located. to a religious experience. I make In 1968 and 1969 the ACT School no apology.” Dental Service was helped by the Julie Henry, long-time and Tasmanian Government to train School cherished member of the Dental Therapists for employment in Canberra NPA, camped (under Canberra schools, and I was part of that the leadership of Jack Thwaites, program. During those two years, as a founder member of the Hobart member of the Hobart Walking Club, I Walking Club) at Maria Creek met and admired Brenda Hean. She felt where it ran into Lake Pedder, that Australia needed to prevent just as the drowning of the lake something of irreplaceable beauty, commenced. Ian, Jean, Marian Title page of Times 2, Canberra Times, 6 October 2008 namely Lake Pedder, from being flooded and Peter Currie were in the for a few megawatts of electricity. same camp. Jack’s memory is evergreen The lock on the hangar housing the Tiger Having exhausted all legal avenues she and he is still referred to in Tasmania as Moth was broken into, Brenda had now appealed to the people. “Our Jack”. received night-time threatening In July 1967 a Hydro Electric On Monday 6 October 2008, the telephone calls, and there were Commission bill was passed in the Canberra Times, Times 2 Supplement speculations that sugar had been added Tasmanian parliament giving the HEC publicised a book called Whatever to the auxiliary aviation fuel tank. sovereignty over the whole of the south happened to Brenda Hean? written by a Whether Lake Pedder will ever be western Tasmanian wilderness area – one German film director, Scott Millwood. drained and re-emerge in its pristine state tenth of the state. Scott grew up in Tasmania but now lives may be only a dream, but the dream Lake Pedder was a sapphire blue lake in Germany. At the book launching, Scott persists. set in a magnificent glacial valley also showed a documentary film At the National Lake Pedder 1000 feet above sea level and ringed concerning the Pedder story. At present Committee of Inquiry in 1974, Edward with mountains. It was the jewel in the he is offering to pay a $100 000 reward St John QC said crown of that area. The beach was pink for information as to anyone who could Our children will undo what we so quartzite sand — two miles long and solve the riddle of Brenda’s foolishly have done. 300 yards wide. disappearance. Jean Currie At least two species of plants found There were many rumours associated nowhere else in the world were endemic with this, including possible sabotage.

Hunters and gatherers at the coast (continued) the road, along the estuary; some went missed a treat — actually several treats. exploring further afield; we canoed out Hamish made the most of this new bit of over the lake and up and down the world to be discovered, while Orlando estuary; we botanised, bird-watched, made great strides developing his newly- relaxed, chatted, “puzzled”, read books (I mastered walking technique. I, for one, believe no targets were met), played on enjoyed the presence of these littlies the shore down from camp, paddled, immensely, and I thank all who came and yabbied, fished, wandered, etc. made it a great outing. This outing had 16 bookings, but with Adrienne Nicholson the dodgy weather prediction, not surprisingly only 10 dedicated souls Andrew, Hamish, Adrienne, and Orlando, turned out. Those who couldn’t make it carried by Jenny, just before the fishing rod rushed off into the water! Photo Kevin McCue

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 9 The gentrification of national parks? Andrew Cox, Executive Officer, park, when you absorb yourself in community began to plummet. National Parks Association of nature, when you learn something about Clearly the resort was incompatible NSW, questions whether the tourist the complex ecology you are passing with the park. Plans for a feral-proof dollar will really save our national through, or get the thrill from climbing a fence to create a wildlife sanctuary to parks. The article is reprinted with peak, you experience national parks at reintroduce endangered marsupials in the permission from the National their best. valley and the national park had not been Parks Journal NSW Oct–Nov 2008. National parks offer special tourist subject to proper scrutiny. It was only as experience — but not the full range of the limits imposed by the national parks Are our national parks in need of a face- tourist experiences. The extra bits of a legislation kicked in that Emirates saw lift to attract the tourist dollar? Should tourist’s time in an area — the the need to work with the community. our wild places be better at catering for accommodation, the fun parks, evening The Emirates experience opened up those wanting some luxury and entertainment, restaurants and takeaway to the community the normally secretive pampering? If you talk to some in the joints — they all belong in the lease negotiation process taking place tourist industry, they would strongly neighbouring towns. This is where they within government. A number of agree. And the NSW Government right will generate the most jobs, have the commitments were made to improve the now is blithely playing along with this. lowest environmental impacts and best effectiveness of the wildlife sanctuary, Brand “National Park” is the ultimate spread the benefits. improve public consultation and advertisement for the modern day resort Strangely, using national parks to guarantee access to some of the park’s owner. What better edge on the generate jobs in regional towns has attraction that may have been blocked. competitors to claim your 5-star lodge is dropped off the Government agenda. The Until this point, the government had in the heart of Wollemi National Park Transport and Tourism Forum, the dismissed these issues in the rush to and in mysterious wilderness? industry lobby group leading the assault offer approval. We don’t need to pawn off our crown on parks, is interested in accommodation The Emirates example, if approved jewels. Brand National Park belongs to in parks, not outside them. It’s the niche with the involvement of the community, all of us, not those who can afford it, or tourism of luxury resorts and cabins in offered a chance to see the types of have the right political connections to national parks that seems to be their developments we could come to expect furnish their snug cabins with soft priority. deep within the boundaries of our downy pillows and beds deep inside the Then there is the plan to fast-track national parks. Take away the laws that park boundaries. new developments in national parks. We protect national parks and those with The NSW government says it wants need to give developers certainty! We more money and mates will get their to see more people visiting our national need to attract investors and give them way. The public will be excluded. We parks and other public parks and the red carpet treatment! Until now will have handed over our national parks reserves. They are aiming for a 20 per national parks legislation acts as a foil to to the dollar. cent increase over the next 10 years in the notorious “Part-3A” fast-track By all means, let’s encourage more fact. That is an admirable goal and it is assessment process in NSW. A people to visit our national parks. Not highly achievable. Yet the tourism development cannot be permitted unless only is it good for our health, our sanity industry is not interested in plain it is allowed for in a plan of and our understanding of our place in the numbers. Not mum and dad and the management, and to add it would require natural world. It will help the parks. family having a fun walk or a picnic in a at least three months of public How can the next generation of people national park. No, they are interested in consultation, as well as a test of understand what is worth protecting if development prospects. Strangely the suitability. they have not seen it? NSW Government has started to adopt These safeguards in the national If our children go into a national park many of the industry positions. parks legislation that are now under and see less of nature and more of the On the table are a number of ideas to threat are there for a good reason. They trappings of our urban life, we will have white-ant the very laws that have to date place limits on the development in parks lost something that is priceless. Let’s not largely kept the national parks unspoilt and allow the public time to consider the allow our national parks to become by crass development. There is a plan to new plans. This is proper and just. gentrified. For then they will no longer write “tourism” into the national park The experience local conservationists be national parks. legislation. At present “visitation” is had with a new luxury resort near there in the legislation as a legitimate Lithgow on the edge of Wollemi purpose. [National Park] was a sobering But that isn’t enough. It doesn’t allow demonstration of effective park laws in enough of the trappings of tourism — the action. The proposal was sited in a hotels, and chalets, the bars, the trinket farmland valley, hemmed in on three shops, spas and saunas, the golf courses sides by the stunning cliffs and bushland and swimming pools and cinemas, to get of the national park. past first base. Of course the Kosciuszko The developer, Emirates, chose to ski resorts are the exception, where this work with local conservationists. As the has already come to pass. Let’s hope that development moved rapidly through the this park remains the only exception. Part 3A development process, the resort Tourism does not belong in national was moved just inside the national park. parks. National parks are only part of the Details were scarce as a “concept plan” tourism experience. When you visit a was put on the table and trust with the

10 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 Book review A Geological Guide to Canberra in place and a comprehensive glossary. Region and Namadgi National Key ideas and concepts are well Park indicated by the use of highlighting and coloured panels. Compiled by D.M. Finlayson The book comes with a CD that Published by The Geological Society of contains descriptions of 28 geological Australia (ACT Division) sites in the Canberra region and arranges 140 pages, soft bound, medium these into seven excursions. Each site is format. identified by common name and located by both a latitude and longitude as well This very readable book is compiled by as a grid reference. Each has been Doug Finlayson from work contributed selected for its accessibility (although by nine others — some of whom, private transport will be required to visit including Doug, will be familiar to many of them) and geological interest. members of the NPA. It operates at two Some basic points about each site are levels: to the layman (and this reviewer also included. The excursions include a is solidly in this bracket) it offers sketch map and some notes and essential information about the principles photographs to guide the visitor through of geology presented in the framework the excursion. Clearly, one would also of the Canberra region; someone with need to take a lap-top computer on the prior knowledge of geology would be excursion or print the details off recommends that the documentation be able to extract a far greater beforehand. printed prior to loading the software and understanding from those same words. The CD also contains a Powerpoint working through the various features that Having many contributors, one might presentation that presents the material it describes. The CD also contains two expect the result to have a variety of contained in the first two topics of the project files that allow the geological styles that could detract from the book. The presentation is lively and and other features of the ACT to be finished product, but such an outcome conveys the essence of the book in an displayed on screen. If one needs to add has skilfully been avoided. alternative way that will appeal to many to these files, they will need to be copied The book deals specifically with the readers. to one’s hard drive first — the data file region from Brindabella east to Captains The book has two companion items: on the CD will need to be copied to the Flat and from Wee Jasper south to a geological map and a geographical same location. southern Namadgi National Park. The information system (GIS) presented on Using the GIS CD is a straight- wider context of the Australian continent CD, each sold separately. forward process for anyone who has and its origins in the ancient continent of The map is to 1:100 000 scale and loaded applications onto their computer, Pangea are also included. covers the ACT. It presents a summary of as the dialog boxes and steps follow the Although the book does not have the Territory’s geology including the same general logic. As with all things chapters per se, it deals with its subject location of rock types, fault lines, computer, allow plenty of time. under five broad topics: Canberra region earthquake epicentres and 25 sites of The book can be purchased directly and Namadgi National Park — a geological interest. from the Geological Society for $29.70 geological jigsaw puzzle; Canberra It is a large sheet (somewhat larger and the map and GIS for $9.90 each, region geological development (covering than the usual map sheet) but is easy to plus postage and handling. A package of the last 490 million years in three read and would ideally be located on a all three can be purchased at the discount stages); the dynamic Earth’s crust in the wall. It can be purchased flat or pre- price of $44. Order forms are available Canberra region; the fossil record; and folded. The map has been produced by on the following web site: mining and minerals. The Geological Society of Australia with www.gsa.org.au/divisions/act.html, or The potential for turgid prose is the assistance of the NPA and contact Doug Finlayson ph 6281 5810 or averted by the minimal use of jargon and Geoscience Australia. [email protected]. ample use of colour diagrams and The GIS CD contains self-loading Alternatively, they are available at photographs. Inevitably, technicalities GIS software in addition to outline various book retailers around town. must be used in this type of book, but documentation to assist with both its these are well supported by explanations loading and operation. This reviewer Martin Chalk Missing: archival photo from the “Blue Book” Once upom a time in Namadgi Visitor Centre, to the left of the main entrance, sat a large Blue Book (really a folder) that told the story of NPA ACT’s role in the formation of Gudgenby Nature Reserve, forerunner to Namadgi National park. The folder was removed when the Visitor Centre was revamped and it now resides in the NPA office. Unfortunately, it has been noticed that the laminated page with a black and white photo of Fiona MacDonald Brand, Robert Story and Les Pike is missing. This photo is part of NPA’s historical record. Between Fiona, Les and Robert we have two foundation and life members, two former presidents and a former secretary. All three people contributed a great deal of work to the association, and for some family members the photo is of sentimental value. We would like to have it back so that the Blue Book is once more complete and can be included in our Fiftieth Anniversary Celebrations (NPA ACT turns 50 in 2010). If you can help trace the missing photo, please contact Judy Kelly, phone 6253 1859 (home).

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 11 Book review Ten Commitments: Reshaping energy; and a synthesis chapter drawn stressors, which management will need the Lucky Country’s from the preceding 29 chapters. to address.” Environment All major themes of the Threats have been a long time in the environment are covered. Each chapter is making and remedial action to achieve Edited by David Lindenmayer, short and to the point, and all chapters sustainable balances is urgent — in the Stephen Dovers, Molly Harriss Olson are structured uniformly with a box mismanagement of Murray-Darling and Steve Morton setting out the 10 key points the author water that has potentially doomed the CSIRO Publishing believes need to be urgently addressed, a Coorong, for example, and the runoff of 264 pages, $39.95. short introductory paragraph giving soil and agricultural chemicals that is some background on the topic, a destroying parts of the Great Barrier More than 40 scientists and other experts paragraph on each issue explaining its Reef. have delivered their “ten commitments” importance, a concluding paragraph, and A common theme in many not on a tablet of stone but in this much a guide to further reading. contributions is the lack of monitoring, more accessible and highly readable What is striking is how much is needed for the understanding of long- book. The editors state that their aim was known (by those who know) about the term changes and assessing progress in “to produce a ‘must read’ book for problems the environment faces, how the the biodiversity and environmental politicians, policy makers, practitioners general thrust of available policy options management components of, and and others with interests in Australia’s in research and management are known, investment strategies for, regional environment”. They have certainly and — as the book makes clear — the natural resource management delivery. produced a “should read” book. more-than-ten commitments that need to “The lack of long-term monitoring The book makes it clear that in be made. reflects another recurrent theme in these looking after the environment we must More extinctions are inevitable chapters — the dominance of short-term think nationally as well as thinking and unless action is taken urgently. In his programs and a lack of longer-term acting locally because local problems are chapter on the alpine zone, Canberra targets supported by ongoing policy and common to many different localities, and scientist Ken Green says that as global institutional processes. In recent decades are affected — or imposed — by what warming causes the snowline to contract there has been a discounting of the value the editors called “cross-cutting themes”. upwards, previously excluded plants and of long-term planning — especially in These include climate change, cross- animals will follow and some existing urban Australia — that is not consistent sector cumulative problems such as species will be under threat. In a worst- with managing decadal or longer drivers human health issues and urban case scenario he sees the treeline having and processes in society and in the development policies and the sea- and moved to the top of the ranges by 2050, environment.” tree-change demographic, and one close and this may mean that, unless Many chapters contain a plea for to home for NPA members — the something is done about it, the last better coordination across governments potential conflict between the promotion mountain pygmy possum will be eaten and between agencies within a given of eco-tourism in national parks to help by a fox. There will be more rain and level of government. Ten Commitments secure an economic base for achieving less snow, meaning more soil erosion, makes clear that there is a common need conservation goals and the impact of and fires will be more frequent. for integrated approaches to managing eco-tourism on those goals. “Climate adaptation strategies may the environment in the oceans, The book is structured by topic and well prove to be unsuccessful unless rangelands, agricultural areas and cities. layout to be comprehensive but concise. serious attempts to tackle other key A reminder that environmental issues The complexities and difficulties of the environmental stressors are embraced,” are about more than national parks and issues are not minimised. On the the editors say in their Introduction. natural spaces and looking after contrary, they are, if anything, made “Many environments and large numbers endangered species but have big more stark by the brevity and clarity with of species are more threatened by implications for the economy and the which they are stated. problems such as land clearing, altered shape and size and quality of the The book is divided into four parts: fire regimes and invasive species than by Australian community. environmental issues and problems in climate change. Hence, under current The editors note that that there are no major ecosystems; environmental issues management regimes, there are likely to magic bullets to fix Australia’s in particular sectors, such as mining, be major cumulative impacts of climate environment. fisheries and agriculture; cross-cutting change and other environmental Graeme Wicks themes, such as climate change, fire and Gudgenby sleepover for Christmas parties Volunteers with the Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group, and NPA members, can have a busy weekend on Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14. GBRG have their usual work party on the Saturday morning, based at Frank and Jacks Hut, finish- ing work by lunch time. Bring food to share for a Christmas lunch, with cold drinks provided by Clive Hurlstone. A walk in the afternoon to check tree growth and regeneration progress. In order to coincide with the NPA Christmas party on Sunday, a sleepover is planned at the “Manager’s Cottage” (Readycut Hut) Gudgenby, which has been restored by the Kosciuszko Huts Association. The cottage and its surrounds is the venue for the NPA Christmas party on Sunday December 14 (see notice page 18). For further details on arrangements and transport please contact Kevin McCue on 6251 1291 or [email protected]

12 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 Touring the island that Flinders named From a distance I spied lines of people, translation) a visit by the “Expedition of the parks set-up on KI — the fact that like so many ants, climbing up and down discovery by Commander [Nicolas] the signage is excellent and the walking the side of an enormous sand hill that I Baudin on the Le Geographe 1803”. tracks clearly marked. Staff members are later found to be called Prospect Hill. This replica is housed beneath a white efficient and helpful. One aid is a first- What the climbers were doing was dome while the original can be seen in class booklet outlining 26 walks. Better scaling or descending steps on a wooden Penneshaw’s visitor centre. Taken to still, it’s free. stairway on the eastern side of the hill, Adelaide for safe keeping in 1917, it was There’s much natural variety on the probably built to protect fragile sand returned to Penneshaw in 1996. A island. For example, within an hour or so from being dislodged by thousands of penguin colony is close to town and I of returning from the Remarkable Rocks ploughing feet. wondered how they survive. I was deep in the bowels of the earth on Prospect Hill is one of many I have a weakness for lighthouses, a guided tour of a cave system on Kelly captivating places on Kangaroo Island their mighty strength and isolation, and Hill. Our guide shocked us all into where I spent a pleasant five days in KI (as the marketers call it) has three silence by telling of an occasion when August 2008. The hill is famous for its beauties, at Cape Willoughby (1852) in she had a group underground and a loud extraordinary views and for having been the east, Cape du Couedic (1907) in the rumble was heard. A young child thought climbed and named by the navigator south and Cape Borda (1858) in the west it was a jet aircraft. It was in fact an Matthew Flinders, who made the ascent (I didn’t see another at Cape St Albans in earthquake under the sea, but luckily on 4 April 1802 accompanied by the the east, while a map I have lists a fifth there was not the slightest tremor within naturalist Robert Brown. Flinders, at North Cape although this may be an the Kelly Hill caves. A short walk back commanding HMS Investigator, error). All the ones I saw have guided on top took me past the original entrance discovered the island on 22 March 1802 tours and spacious cottages that can be to the caves, a ladder heading down into and landed there. The sailors massacred rented. the depths of the black pit. many kangaroos for food and possibly in Cape Willoughby on the eastern tip is East of Kelly Hill is the Seal Bay gratitude or in recognition of their built like a fortress (like all lighthouses I Conservation Park, another example of numbers Flinders named it “Kanguroo have seen) and its precinct is a platform KI variety for those who enjoy the Island”. It is not clear to me whether he for spectacular cliff views. Historic outdoors. Seal Bay is home to a colony climbed Prospect Hill on that visit or on photographs, signal flags and accounts of of 600 sea lions. Once again, there is a another brief visit soon afterwards. shipwrecks held my attention. On the long boardwalk among sand dunes After making the ascent of the hill way back, looking across Backstairs taking you down to a spot overlooking and admiring the views of the sea, cliffs, Passage, the arms of windmills at a Cape beach and sea lions, or you can take a woodland and waters named by Jervis wind farm on the edge of South guided tour. When I was there a large sea Flinders — Pelican Lagoon and Nepean Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula whirled lion draped across our path did not stir as Bay — I counted 452 steps on the away like so many demented toy we stepped daintily around it. descent and another 60 at the start of the soldiers. My stay of five days on Kangaroo access track. Quite a climb for an old Cape du Couedic is within the Island was long enough for my purposes bloke, I thought. Flinders Chase National Park and apart although others may think the island There’s a memorial to Flinders a from the lighthouse has several warrants more time. Certainly I did not short distance before the Prospect Hill wonderful features. The best get to see all the sights and those that I entrance and after viewing that I drove incorporates a zig-zag boardwalk leading missed, and several long walks promoted 5km down a side road to see a cairn down to a jagged rock arch, Admirals on the island, mean more days would be commemorating the building of a 35-ton Arch, and views of basking New Zealand needed. It’s a long, long way from schooner Independence in 1804 by fur seals. I saw a pod of half-a-dozen of Canberra and when I returned I found I American sealers and whalers. They these seals fighting their way back to had driven 3585 km, door to door. launched the schooner near here, where rocky ledges through swirling seas. Graeme Barrow there is a vast body of water at least part There’s a lighthouse keepers’ cemetery of which is an aquatic reserve. (1858) about 5km before you reach Cape The enormous size of Kangaroo Borda and it’s well worth a look. I Island, 4500 sq. km, is surprising, as is wondered why burials occurred so far its resident population of about 4300 from this unusual square lighthouse in (they work in the parks, tourism, the days when transport would have been agriculture, fishing and forestry) and its primitive. Maybe there was impenetrable annual intake of 150 000 visitors. rock closer to the lighthouse itself. Getting to gripping places means a lot of The granite Remarkable Rocks at driving and some roads are dirt. During Flinders Chase are truly remarkable for my visit a couple of these roads were their size and weathering into weird closed, but those I did negotiate were of shapes. It’s a highly dangerous place a good standard. overlooking the sea — there have been I stayed overnight at Penneshaw drownings here — but the warnings are (where the vehicle ferry from Cape clear. That’s one of the best features of Jervis docks) and walked along the shoreline to see a replica of a slab known Australian sea lion at Seal Bay Con- as Frenchman’s Rock on which a French servation Park, Kangaroo Island. sailor etched a message noting (in Photo Adrienne Nicholson

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 13 The wealth of South Africa’s wildlife on view The visitor to South Africa has to be grateful for the foresight of the people in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who set aside land for the preservation of the natural vegetation and its wealth of animals and birds. In Kruger National Park, which is 2 000 000 ha in extent, and in much smaller reserves, the herds of deer, wildebeest, wart hogs, elephants, giraffe, etc wander at will, feeding upon the woody, often leafless shrubs, the spindly trees, cactus and the fruit-bearing shrubs. The enormous rhino and hippo feed on grass while the monkeys and birds feed upon fruits and insects. The abundance Zebra herd after a waterhole visit. Photo Fiona MacDonald Brand of wildlife is impressive as you drive lk slowly along the roads and stop when- Sitting in hides at waterholes was a days we visited the Bonamanzi Game ever an animal or bird is sighted. At beautiful experience as animals quietly Park and the Hluhlue-Umfolozi Game night visitors stay in protected sites as and sometimes timidly come to the Reserve. We had our last viewing of the presence of lions and leopards is water’s edge to drink, then drift away rhino, buffalo, giraffe, greater kudu and always mentioned. again. The elephants were the exception waterbuck in these reserves. We drove beside the Sabie River as they wallowed in the water with the A flight from Durban took us to where sycamore fig trees and jackalberry babies waving their trunks in play. Capetown and the Cape of Good Hope trees grow. The riverbed contains sand- A brief visit to the Malolotje Nature Reserve. Along the coastline grows the banks and reedbeds and Nile crocodiles Reserve in the Swaziland highlands, fynbos (like heathland) which includes bask in the sun. A large group of hippo- followed on from Kruger. These high proteas, ericas, irises, and lilies. potami are always in the water near a montane grasslands, with a rugged Bontebok, the endemic antelope, and causeway, emerging at dusk to feed on mountain backdrop, are sparsely Cape zebra live in the heathland. Cape the grass. populated by humans and provide food fur seal, dolphins and Southern Right for the larger deer like oribi Whales swim in these southern seas and and grey rhebok. there are penguin colonies. We then drove to Tembe From a hide we observed a crowded Elephant Reserve in northern colony of gannets at Cape Gannet. We Kwazulu-Natal. There were also visited a coastal lake where flocks acacia fever trees at our of greater flamingo were feeding. Our lunch spot and the weaver visit to the fynbos was too early for a birds were busy building massed display of spring flowers but we nests. The reserve has a could see that the reserves were mixture of vegetation. Shady protecting the ecology as much of the forests grow in the old sand surrounding area has been cleared for dunes of a prehistoric coast- farming and settlement. line. There is woodland and So, once again our gratitude must go savannah on the plain. Birds to the people who propose and lobby for abound, including the crested reserves which give protection to the guinea fowl, purple banded native flora and fauna. Gratitude also to sunbird and snake eagles. governments who legislate protection This reserve was declared to and provide the funds needed for rangers protect elephants from and park workers as they maintain the poachers. areas. The richness of all those South The next move was to African reserves and national parks Rocktail Bay where the mentioned in this story is beyond price. lodge is in Maputoland Fiona MacDonald Brand Coastal Forest Reserve. The Indian Ocean washes against the yellow-sanded beaches and the forest crowds over the sand dunes. Over two

Traffic stops for a giraffe browsing at the road edge. Photo Fiona MacDonald Brand

14 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 Quick snowmelt causes change of plans

Walk: Mt Kosciuszko via Cootapatamba, left baby blankets of contrasting pure Above. Brian Slee on Mount Kosciuszko 12 October 2008. white. summit, at left in October 2007, at right at the same time in 2008. Photos Mike Bremers Participants: (3) Brian Slee (Leader), Apart from the destination, every- Mike Bremers, Margaret Power. thing else went to plan. We arrived at it is — needs airing. Numerous photos almost deserted Thredbo at 8:36 am (pre- Weather: Fine; half cloud; cool breeze. were taken of heads poking out the red cisely) and after parking near Valley “chimney”. Originally planned as a snow shoe walk Terminal, were among the first to ride The ascent north to Kosciuszko was to the Ramsheads, due to lack of snow the chairlift when it opened at 9 am. The an effort but once on top of the ridge, it the destination was changed to metal grid track west was mostly clear of became straightforward. We had lunch Kosciuszko via Cootapatamba Lake and snow from the top of the chair to out of the breeze; about 10 people came Hut. Even then we were on snowshoes Kosciuszko Lookout, and then there and went. Pink mountains everywhere. only about 20 per cent of the time, were only small patches to Coota- After shuffling down the slippery NE mostly to descend to the hut and to climb patamba Lookout. The still-icy ponds side of Kozzie to Rawson Pass, we Kosciuszko South Ridge. hosted a remarkable number of frogs. watched three snowboarders execute The snow cover deteriorated more Marsh marigolds (Caltha sp) dotted the perfect descents from the cornice, rapidly this year than usual. September’s streams. oblivious to danger. We returned to the dust storm contributed by darkening the After descending at Etheridge Gap, chairlift on the metal path and headed snow. Heavy rain followed. All that we spent some time at Lake Coota- back to Canberra, only stopping for the remains are widespread, but thin, patamba, marvelling at the bizarre, cliff- usual treats at Jindabyne Sundance. swathes of snow on eastern slopes. like cornice on Kosciuszko; streaked and Arrived soon after 6 pm. Excellent However, the rain created interesting pinkish above ice floes. We then excursion. patterns, streaking dark channels down followed Swampy Plain River downhill the slopes. A small fall of new snow has for a break at the hut. What a musty hole Brian Slee

Below. Amazing the difference a year makes. These photos, taken at Rawson Pass near the Mount Kosciuszko summit, were both taken in mid October — at left in 2007 and at right in 2008. Photos Mike Bremers

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 15 PRKWATCHA Marine sanctuaries Serious firebreak issues and that “the information available from the trial is insufficient to determine if With Jervis Bay and Solitary Islands The VNPA continues to have serious cloud seeding is causing an marine parks up for review, increased concerns about the firebreaks which are environmental impact”. Given this sanctuary zones around the parks’ Grey being constructed in the Central failure, rash moves to expand and extend Nurse Shark zones, seagrass nursery Highlands (about 500km of breaks in and the trial as the government has just done, habitats and reef systems are a priority round Melbourne’s water catchments) and are inappropriate and potentially for NPA-Marine and local conservation are proposed in a number of other dangerous. groups. These sanctuaries provide an Victorian regions. Compounding their National Parks Journal NSW insurance policy against the effects of impact, there appears to be less than August–September 2008 climate change and are supported by the adequate management of the process. vast majority of the public, both fishers Of the seven firebreaks constructed The plant destroyer and non-fishers alike. this autumn we found that: Only two were based on material made A disease is bringing sickness and death National Parks Journal NSW to Victorian plants such as our beautiful October–November 2008 available for public comment through the Federal Environment Protection and and iconic grass-trees, eucalypts and banksias. You may know it as Work behind the Walk — The Biodiversity Act (EPBC) process No surveys were conducted before con- Phytophthora cinnamomi, PC, Dieback, Australian Alps Walking Track struction to locate rare fauna species or to Cinnamon fungus, Dieback fungus, determine if rare plants were on the routes Jarrah dieback, Dieback or Root rot It’s a given — that a track 650 km long There were gaps in the consultants’ fungus. The name has proved though a wilderness landscape, will be a assessment of habitat along several breaks problematic, but given that it is a water constant challenge to manage. Kev Where the biological consultants had mould and not a fungus, names like Cosgriff, park ranger Victoria, says identified potential habitat for rare species Cinnamon fungus are being phased out. “Being on the track is a form of such as Leadbeater’s Possum and Smoky Phytophthora is such a widespread experiential learning. Visitors to the track Mouse, this was not all entered into the and serious threat in Victoria that it is appreciate the landscape and understand “construction and environment listed under the Flora and Fauna that it’s worth protecting. The Track is management plans” Guarantee Act (1988) as a threatening the means of getting people to great Many of the prescriptions for rare process. spots, but it also helps them understand species are vague and effectively un- Recently the Department of what our work is all about.” enforceable, such as “retention of habitat Sustainability and Environment released For all these reasons, a team of logs at strategic points” and “minimise the Victoria’s Public Land Phytophthora rangers, contractors and at times removal of hollow-bearing trees” cinnamomi Management Strategy. It volunteers work to do just that — keep In at least one case where the proposes the development of a State- the Track open. Following the 2006-07 consultants recommended that the wide communication and community fires, sections had to be closed. Initially firebreak be made on the side of the road engagement plan. Phytophthora spreads this was because the “foot pad” had been with regrowth forest, it was instead in two ways. The first is by releasing its lost in the burnt landscape, or because constructed through mature forest on the swimming spores, which travel downhill the trees had been damaged to the point other side. through ground water until they find where they posed a significant threat Overall we believe that these breaks, suitable hosts where they can survive through falling. Later, in some areas which are going through Yarra Ranges and reproduce further. The second is where regeneration was so dense, National Park and Special Protection Areas through human activities. walking the track would have involved for rare species, are having an unacceptable Recreational activities that can bushwhacking — that’s if you could impact and are of questionable value, potentially spread Phytophthora include locate the track itself. especially in tall wet forests. bushwalking, four-wheel driving and Most of the time, work is carried out horse riding. Work based activities such Update VPNA July–August 2008 by each work unit — throughout the as the use of dirty tools and machinery in Alpine, Baw Baw, Kosciuszko and Reckless cloud seeding earth works and using contaminated Namadgi national parks and sections in nursery stock in revegetation and between. It has taken eight months to get In May, the NSW Government rushed planting, can also spread the disease. the Track open again, and in the through legislation that has extended the Prevention is better than cure, and meantime, those sections which weren’t duration and area of the trial cloud DSE’s Management Strategy highlights closed have been in use and enjoyed. seeding research project in the Snowy that all bush users can help prevent the “We only get a dozen or so inquiries Mountains area for a further five years spread of Phytophthora by:- each year for people wanting to walk the and doubled the area of land subject to • Always start your trip with clean, dirt- entire Track — the majority of visitors the trial, including incursion into free gear do it a section at time.” Anyone planning Jagungal Wilderness in Koscuiszko • Leave your campsite with clean gear to take the walk, or part thereof, is National Park. The Natural Resources • Obey track and/or road closed signs advised to visit Commission, which supervised the trial, • Stay on formed tracks/trails www.australianalps.environment.gov.au reported last year that “many of the • Avoid infected areas where they have general information and issues that concern the community about • Avoid entering bush areas when soils contact details for the relevant parks cloud seeding, such as the effect on are wet services. downwind rainfall, are not being • Do not remove plants or soil News from the Alps #38 2008 addressed by Snowy Hydro through (continued next page) ongoing monitoring and public reports”,

16 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 PRKWATCHA (continued) • Use wash-down/hygiene stations where read a landscape the best of maps is but a the atmosphere. Planting trees doesn’t provided useless waste of space. avoid emissions; it removes emissions • Don’t take any soil with you on Next walk that you go on, take some from the atmosphere. Shutting down a machinery, vehicles, horses, time to lift your eyes from your feet and power station avoids emissions, but motorbikes, push bikes, boots etc. look around. Observe actively. Look at doesn’t remove any from the atmosphere. • Keep a spray bottle of 70% meths and the track junctions, look at the scuff Unfortunately for us, we have to do both. a scrubbing brush in your car and scrub marks on the rocks, count the number of The volume of greenhouse pollution your boots when entering or leaving streams that enter on your left, look at we create is still rising — as it is in any bush area. the ridges that rise on your right, turn almost every country in the world. At the Parkwatch, Victorian NPA Sept 2008 around and look backwards. Soon same time, the IPCC says atmospheric enough you will begin to read the concentrations of CO2 stood at 455ppm Senate inquiry into EPBC Act landscape, predict what might be in 2005. To have a one in four chance of The ability of federal laws to protect happening and feel what is going on. warming, we need to stabilise this at Australia’s natural environment will be Just to illustrate, if you are ever 400ppm, and that would still be very put under the spotlight following the wondering where to go when heading dangerous. So, clearly, we need to both announcement of a Senate inquiry into uphill, you will reduce your chances of avoid emissions and remove emissions the Environment Protection and getting hopelessly lost merely by from the atmosphere. Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. following the ridges. Ridges run into National Parks Journal NSW The Inquiry will investigate how well each other, heading forever upward, until October-November 2008 the peak is reached. Chances are that Australia has responded to New topographic maps environmental threats including on going your ridge, even if the wrong one, will land clearing, invasive species and merge along the way to join the one you Last year the Land Information Centre at climate change. It will also measure the were looking for. Conversely, if heading Bathurst released a new edition of the effectiveness of the Act in protecting down, streams are the way forwards. Topographic Maps (1:25 000) covering critical habitats for threatened species They merge as streams drop away. South Eastern NSW including Morton and ecological communities. I often advise my walkers not to be and Budawang National Parks. What Announcing the inquiry, the Senate accurate when they navigate. I ask that should be noted is the new maps include noted the “continuing decline and they make “mistakes”. There are lines in a change to the datum grid reference extinction of a significant proportion of the landscape, many of them. Streams, alignment which will also affect GPS Australia’s unique plants and animals, roads, ridges and power lines are all coordinates. The adjustment has been and the likelihood accelerating climate “lines” and they are recognisable. They made to align the position of the GPS change will exacerbate challenges faced are also easier to find than a spot. satellite with the ground reference point. by Australian species”. The Senate Aiming at a spot is hard. Aiming at a line The Department of Lands advises inquiry will look at the effectiveness of is much easier. If arriving at what was a that in practical terms, readers will find a Regional Forest Agreements in spot, eg a car on a road, and the car is not variation of approx 200 metres in a protecting forest species and habitats, as there, in which direction do you turn to north-easterly direction between well as the impact of environmental find your car? However, if you aim at a reference point on the previous second programs like Landcare. It will also look line and deliberately plan to make a edition and those of the new third edition at program changes and cuts in funding mistake, eg left of your car, you know maps. In addition to this a number of in relation to the decline and extinction that you turn right when you hit the line place name locations have also been of certain flora and fauna. and hit the car. corrected to preserve the landscape’s Update VNPA July–August 2008 So get out, enjoy reading the historical integrity as recorded by the landscape and then, next time, we shall maps. These are: Newhaven Gap, Reading the landscape get out those maps. Piercy’s Clearing and Quilty’s Clearing. Submitted by Brian Everingham Some other names have been You have been walking for some time, National Parks Journal NSW removed from the maps. This has been blindly confident that the leader knows August–September 2008 done for consistency with current where he/she is going, following the management initiatives, eg. Galbraiths rules and being visible to the one in front The inconvenient truth about Route and Galloping Jims Route had and the one behind. So far, so good. only a general alignment on the previous Many walkers are nervous about their forests and carbon map and were of no major historical ability to follow a route, worried that There’s excitement around at the significance. In practice due to the they might get lost out there in the wilds, moment about forests and climate terrain, location and non-existence of fixated on the forced night out without change, and a lot of hope that either tracks, they were rarely, if ever, used. the comforts of home and worried that greenhouse emissions can be Pigeon House Mountain has also they might not ever return to those dramatically reduced by the now been granted a dual name with the comforts. There are some easy steps to comparatively simple step of stopping inclusion of Didthul. This recognises the take to ease those worries. logging, or forests can be saved by Mountain’s significance in the culture Often at this time the first concern showing that logging is contributing and mythology of the local and regional voiced by the walker is his/her own significantly to greenhouse pollution. Aboriginal communities. ability to read a map. There is something To contextualise this complex area of NPA National Parks Journal NSW much more important to read. Something policy, we need to draw a crucial October–November 2008 that is vital. And that is the land across distinction between avoiding greenhouse which you walk. Without the ability to emissions, and removing emissions from Compiled by Hazel Rath

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 17 NPA notices National Parks Association Calendar Dec 08 Jan 09 Feb 09 Mar 09 General Meetings Thur 25 Thur 1 Public holidays — Mon 9 Fri 26 Mon 26 Third Thursday of the month General meetings — — Thur 19 Thur 19 (not December or January) Committee meetings Tues 2 — Tues 3 Tues 3 1 8:00pm NPA ACT Christmas Party Sun 14 2 Gudgengy Bush Regeneration Sat 13 3 — Sat 14 Sat 14 Uniting Church hall 56 Scrivener Street Further details: 1 NPA Christmas Party at the Managers Cottage (Readycut Hut), Gudgenby O'Connor 2 Yankee Hat car park 10:00am contact Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592(h) 0407 783 422(mob) 3 Includes GBRG Christmas party

New members of the association The NPA ACT welcomes the following new members:

Sunday, 14 December Andrejs and Aira Grigulis, Cliff Williams, Valerie Manager’s Cottage (“Readycut Hut”) Cheater and Ed Highly. Gudgenby Valley from 11:30am We look forward to seeing these members at NPA activities. This year we plan to hold our Christmas Party at the “Managers Cottage” (also known as the “Readycut Hut”) in the Gudgenby Valley. Follow the Old Boboyan Road towards NPA 2009 calendars the Yankee Hat carpark, turn right about 1km along, through a If your calendar order has not gate at our sign. been filled, or you have not yet All the usual features; bring your picnic lunch and been contacted, please ring Christmas cheer — nibbles, Christmas cake and some drinks Sonja on 6251 1291. will be provided. Bring along your spare items to donate for our fund raising auction. Contact: NPA committee members. Accommodation required NPA member needs accommodation for approximately six Check Burning Issues for details months from January 2009. I am looking for a house-sit preferably, or a one-bedroom flat, or one or two rooms in a non-smoking household. Please contact Lorraine Ball on 6248 8256.

The NPA ACT website is hosted by our generous sponsor, Encode. See the outings program for details of the Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group’s Christmas lunch on its work party day Front cover photographs Saturday, 13 December Contacts: Michael Goonrey 6231 8395 Main photo. Kevin McCue and Sonja Lenz paddling off to [email protected] explore Lake Wapengo (article page 8). Photo Adrienne Nicholson or Clive Hurlstone 0407 783 422 Insets(l to r). Namadgi mountain scenery. Snow gum [email protected] Eucalyptus pauciflora (page 3). Photo Philip Gatenby

Understanding the Stockyard Spur proposal (page 6). Photo Max Lawrence Christmas sleepover at the "Readycut Hut" on Saturday 13 December. Eastern blue devil fish, Batemans Marine Park (page 5). Photo NSW Marine Parks Authority Contact Kevin McCue (6251 1291) for information.

18 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 General Meetings 2010 is NPA ACT’s 50th Anniversary For a wonderful, collaborative celebration we are asking for help with the sub-com- mittees that will organise our 50th anniversary celebrations. No specific tasks have Note: no general meeting in been listed yet but if you have ideas and enthusiasm, see which working group you December or January would like to join and please contact Judy Kelly, general co-ordinator, or phone a group co-ordinator directly. Symposium: Kevin McCue (6251 1291 h) will re-establish the 2008 working group, but extra participants are welcome. Thursday 19 February Special speakers program for 2010: Clive Hurlstone (6288 7592 h). Anyone with Nature-based park management, ideas for speakers? Maybe we can get earlier speakers to revisit their previous tourist development and the topics and give us an update. importance of wilderness Public meeting at the National Film and Sound Archive (formerly the Institute of conservation. Anatomy): Christine Goonrey (6231 8395 h) will convene the working group. Speaker(s) to be decided. Other ideas: the winner of a schools’ essay competition Keith Muir OAM, Director, could give a short speech. Afterwards a celebration with drinks and nibbles Colong Foundation for Wilderness (perhaps 1960s style tea and scones?). A special dinner? Exhibition with old New legislation for tourist facilities photos and the ‘blue book’. The original Aboriginal owners and previous lessees is being planned for NSW national of Namadgi National Park to be invited. Special certificate for participants in the parks. The Colong Foundation for establishment meeting. Reproduce the original public notice in the Canberra Wilderness proposes further Times in the invitation. wilderness protection as a circuit Publications Sub-committee: Sabine Friedrich (6249 7604 h) to convene and breaker to prevent a vicious cycle of organise a special anniversary logo. future park development. Special 50th Anniversary Bulletin: Judy Kelly (6253 1859 ) with Annette Smith Images by Henry Gold and maps by (6286 2984 ) and the Bulletin Sub-committee. John Macris will illustrate the areas Special request: photos or slides of historical interest that could be used in a display in question. or in the 50th Anniversary Bulletin. We would like to ensure that copies of historic NPA ACT images are also deposited with the ACT Heritage Library to complete our archives.

National Parks Association of the ACT Incorporated Inaugurated 1960

Aims and objectives of the Association Conveners • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the protection of Outings Sub-committee Mike Smith 6286 2984 (h) fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and cultural heritage in [email protected] the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the reservation Publications Sub-committee Sabine Friedrich 6249 7604 (h) of specific areas. [email protected] • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areas. Bulletin Working Group Max Lawrence 6288 1370 (h) • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment of, such [email protected] natural phenomena and cultural heritage by organised field outings, meetings or any other means. The NPA ACT office is in the Conservation Council building, • Cooperation with organisations and persons having similar interests Childers Street, City. It is staffed by volunteers but not on a regular and objectives. basis. Callers may leave phone or email messages at any time and • Promotion of, and education for, conservation, and the planning of they will be attended to. The post office mail box is cleared daily. landuse to achieve conservation. Phone: (02) 6229 3201 0412 071 382 Office-bearers Website: www.npaact.org.au President Christine Goonrey 6231 8395 (h) Email: [email protected] [email protected] Address: GPO Box 544, Canberra ACT 2601 Vice-President Chris Emery 6249 7604 (h) [email protected] Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) Secretary Sonja Lenz 6251 1291 (h) Household membership $44 Single members $38.50 [email protected] Corporate membership $33 Bulletin only $33 Treasurer Rod Griffiths 6288 6988 (h) Concession $11 [email protected] Advertising Committee members Mike Bremers 6292 3408 (h) The Bulletin accepts advertisements and inserts. Contact the Editor [email protected] for information and rates. Sabine Friedrich 6249 7604 (h) NPA Bulletin [email protected] Contributions of articles, letters, drawings and photographs are Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (h) 0407 783 422 (mob) [email protected] always welcome. Items accepted for publication may also be Judy Kelly 6253 1859 (h) published on the NPA website. Send all items to The Bulletin Team, [email protected] [email protected], or the postal address above. Kevin McCue (Immediate Past President) 6251 1291 (h) Deadline for the March 2009 issue: 31 January 2009 [email protected] Annette Smith 6286 2984 (h) Printed by Instant Colour Press, Belconnen, ACT. [email protected] ISSN 0727-8837

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2008 19 Extreme

2003 Canberra Firestorm

2003 Mt Stromlo

Mushroom Rock, near Tidbinbilla. Photo Philip Gatenby Early Canberra bushfire Thinking books for Christmas? Think NPA ACT publications.

Flood in Canberra

Threatened species

Little Eagle

Photo acknowledgements:

http://www.npaact.org.au HoodedFor Robinassociation information please visit our website