National Parks Association of the A.C.T. Vol. 24 No 1 September 1986 NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY INC.
Inaugurated I960
Aims and Objects of the Association Office bearers and Committee
Promotion of national parks and of measures for the protection of fauna and flora, scenery and natural features in the Australian Capital Territory and else President- Kevin Frawley. 4 SNels PI. Curtm, 2605 where, and the reservation of specific areas. 82 3080 (H) 68 8309 (W) Vice-President Vacant Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor re el edtiofi al 6d5. secretary Jun Trainorr, 2 Hill Cornei, Yarralumla. 2600 Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoy 81 1195 (H) 62 1296 (W) ment of, such natural phenomena by organised field Treasurer: Jan Gatenby, 34 Florentine Cct.. Kaleen. 261 7 outings, meetings or any other means. 52 5738 (W) 41 6284 (HI Co-operation with organisations and persons having Publicity Officer- Vacant (contact Secretary) similar interests and objectives. Committee Members: Glyn Lewis 95 2720 • H) Neville Esau 86 4 1 76 (Hi 49 4554 (W), lan Haynes Promotion of. and education lor. nature conservation, 51 4762 Outings Convenor: lan Haynes. 21 Roberts Street. CONTENTS Maequarie 2614 51 4762 (H) Public Officer. Charles Hill 95 8924 (H) (1 July - 30 June) President's Foreword 3 Annual Subscription Rates Committee News 3 Household Members S20 Corporate Members $10 Heritage Week 1987 3 Single Members $15 Bulletin Only $10 New Members 3 Concession: Half Above Rates Namadgi Consultative Committee 4 For new subscriptions joining between: Namadgi Sub-Committee Report 4 1 January and 31 March - half specified rate Letters to the Editor 5 1 April and 30 June - annual subscription Jervis Bay • A Brief History 6 (1 5 months membership benefit) Ine Natural values or jervis Bay 7 The Navy and Jervis Bay 8 Map of Jervis Bay Area 9 The Beecroft Peninsula 10 Jervis Bay: A Special Place 1 1 Just Briefly1 12 The NPA of the ACT office is located m Kingsley Street. A Weekend Away 14 Acton. Hours: 10 00am to 1.00pm Mondays. 9.00am Students Again Help Tree Project 14 to 2.00pm Tuesdays and Thursdays. Brownie Points for Conservation 1 5 Telephone: 57 1063 ivlt Anne 15 Postal Address: Box 457 GFO. Canherra 260i A New Breed ot Leaders 1 6 Australian Alps National Parks Agreement: Membership Enquiries welcome, please phone Laraine Frawley at Ihe NPA office on 57 1063 Recreation Management Workshop 16 An Environment Code for the Bush 17 Flying Foxes and Bald Mice 18 1 Thougm i Would Be Amongst Friends 19 Dingoes in Namadgi and Kosciusko 20 DEADLINE DATES for NPA BULLETIN contributions: Feral Pig Exercise in Namadgi 22 15 October, 15 December, 15 April, 15 July The Early Dreaming 23 General Meetings 24 Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect Association opinion or objectives. Printed by Derek Kelly 54 1 226 Typeset by Top Typesetters 51 6550 COVER Murray's Beach. Jervis Bay Photo by Reg Alder PRESIDENT'S FOREWORD Thechallengesfacing our Association are changing but are nonetheless real and important. Our cooperative role with the authorities in relation to the management and development of Namadgi National Park will become even more significant as the pressures on the park increase in the future. The threats to the environment of the ACT and the surrounding areas of NSW will no doubt be different but no less intense than they have been in the past. And our increasing membership will put pressure on our ability to mount a walks program which meets everybody's need. We will need more leaders and more training for both leaders and walkers if we are to continue to safely introduce people to the bush and open their eyes to what it contains. However, the Association has a long history and a sound core of dedicated members and I have no doubt that it will continue to play a vital conservation role in our corner of the world. This is my last foreword as President. Two years ago I accepted this position because I felt I owed something to the organisation which had given me so much and because, at the time, all the other possible contenders were keeping their heads down. I can now say that I have found the job so rewarding that, far from reducing my debt to the Association, I believe I have increased it.The committee has been a joy to work with and I have been able to share in all the activities of the Association and get to know many more of the members personally. My thanks to you all. COMMITTEE NEWS NEW MEMBERS HERITAGE WEEK 1987 The following new members are "A Week of Discovery" At its June meeting the Committee welcomed to the Association: 5-12 April welcomed Keith McRae to its ranks. Keith has particular interests in Robyn ALDERS, Canberra; Mr & Mrs C. BARTHOLOMEW, Griffith; The ACT Heritage Week Committee education and public awareness. Chris BELLAMY, Downer; Mrs J. has been allocated $12000 from The Orroral Homestead Conserv BENNETTS, Deakin; Tom & Wil ma the 1986/87 Community Develop ation Project has been considered BOSMAN, Bungendore; Paul and ment Fund.theMinisterforTerritor- at each meeting this quarter as Adrienne BRADLEY and family, ies, Mr Gordon Scholes, announced various approaches have been Weston; John BUTLER, Macgregor; recently. The grant will help meet pursued to enable work to recom Mr & MrsT.CORBELL, Chapman; S. CRAIG, Canberra; Norm aCROSBIE, operational expenses associated mence. At the time of writing the Curtin, Sean DAVIDSON, Deakin; with staging Heritage Week 1987, Association remains frustrated in Dianne DEANS, Kambah; Deborah and in particular, will enable the these attempts. Another item which EDWARDS, Turner Celia FAR- Committee to employ a part-time has become more difficult to resolve QUHARSON, Manuka; Nell FLINN, co-ordinatorto handle promotional than expected is determination of Gilmore; Alan & Margo FRASER, and administrative duties. The Yarralumla, lan GARVEN, O'Connor; the best way to meet our insurance Committee, comprising represen requirements; Kevin is Mr & Mrs HADLOW, Fisher; Kath Totterdell arine HALL, Griffith; Rochelle tatives from various local community still pursuing this. The NPA has HANSON, Fisher; G. HEARLEY, groups including NPA, will meet joined with other Childers Street Wanniassa; Roger HOLDEN, Bel shortly to begin planning the 1987 residents in considering the future connen; Llndy JEFFERSON- festival. use of buildings in the area. There is BROWN, Deakin; Carolyn & Derek Members are invited to suggest general support forthe retention of JURY, Melba; Mr& Mrs KERR, Page; activities that the Association could a central location for the Environ Mrs E McEWAN & Mr J. SAVAGE, Holder; Mr& Mrs MEDER, Dickson; present during Heritage Week ment Centre. The Community Dev Mr & Mrs J A MILES, Pearce; Annet 1987. Please contact Anne Robert elopment Fund heritage grants for PETTERSSON, Flynn; Mr & Mrs son (ph. 82 1141 ah) with your 1986/87 brought good news for PARKER, Macquarie; Eileen QUINN, ideas. the Association with the approval of Yarralumla; Stanley RUSSELL- $10,000 for office salaries and SMITH, Hughes; Scott SIEVERTS, expenses and $1200 to assist in Holder; M. Lorraine THOMSON, the publication and distribution of Griffith; R. & E. TULIP, Waramanga; Katie WHITE, Dickson. the Bulletin. as one entity and at achieving co NAMADGI CONSULTATIVE zones needs to be a more formal operative management over the COMMITTEE procedure than a Minister pub lishing a notice in the Gazelle state boundaries. The Consultative Committee Den Robin The Committee's preference has discussed the need for comm Management Plan would be for a procedure that required public notice and a unity understanding and support Adequate resources for manage formal laying on the Table of for moves in this direction and will ment and amendments to the ACT Parliament for a specified period be meeting soon with the Kosciusko Nature Conservation Ordinance allowing for disallowance of the Advisory Commitlee and represen are still the two most pressing con proposal. tatives from Victoria to develop cerns of the Namadgi Consultative means of providing more support Committee . The Ordinance should include for the initiative provisions requiring a plan of The committee believes that the While there are governments of management to be prepared, management plan, adopted in June, the same shade in the two states with statutory force, so that the isofhighqualityand addresses the and Territory, a would be a good area is managed in accord with issues as well as could possibly be time to move on to a formal agree such a plan once it is approved. done with existing information. There should be a specified ment to follow the Memorandum of However, in its letter to the Min review period for such plans. Understanding. ister for Territories on the comple tion of the plan, the committee has . The Ordinance should include Education and Namadgi stressed the fact that the accept provisions that require public A working group has been formed ance of the plan is an initial step participation in changes to to examine the committee's role in only. Funds must be made available boundaries, the planning pro community education relating to to implement it. to develop more cess, and ongoing management Namadgi and other nature conser specific plans and to review the of protected areas. vation issues in the ACT. The group plan in five years time. Alpine Parks System will be looking at the feasibility of a The committee also advised the The Consultative Committee number of ideas, ranging from the Minister of the need to overcome has been closely following the development of curriculum mater the inadequacies of the ACT Nature moves towards an Australian Alpine ials for schools to the involvement Conservation Ordinance. Hisatten- Parks Agreement. Recently a of community groups and the dev tion has been drawn to the following Memorandum of Understanding elopment of field studies centres. three points: was signed by relevant Common The next meeting of the Consul . The dedication or revocation of wealth and State Ministers aimed tative Commitlee will be held late reserved areas or wilderness at ensuring recognition of the alps September. Namadgi Sub-Committee Report Fiona Brand The Plan of Management for Namadgi National Park is now complete and you can get your copy from the ACT Parks and Conservation Service. The sub committee has spent much time over the past year in presenting the Association's views about manage ment to the ACT Parks and Conser vation Service and the House of Representatives Standing Comm ittee on Environment and Conserv ation. It is important that all members become familiar with the Plan and alert the Association to any straying by the managers from the plan. It is with disquiet that the Association has been informed by a member that military manoeuvres have been noted in the national park. We In the management plan the Cotter Hut has a 5 year reprieve from demolition. are seeking clarification on this Is it an intrusion in the already modified landscape within a wilderness area or event and the Management Plan's is it part of the history of human use of the area? What do you think? policy towards such happenings. Photo by Reg Alder No Uncertainties Federal Service was seen as an important issue by some members, Dear Sir, but the day to day management of the Parks and Conservation Service, Letters The final paragraph of our Pres which has not been questioned, ident's report (NPA June Bulletin) can still be maintained. There is Care of Boots on the Association's submission to provision in the Commonwealth Act the House of Representatives for the Director, subject to the on Environ Dear Sir, Standing Committee approval of his Minister, to delegate ment and Conservation Inquiry on all or some of his authority to Our attention has been drawn to an Namadgi National Park, concluded another body. Norfolk Island pro article published in your Bulletin, with the statement that it was an vides a pattern for this style of June 1986, p. 16 entitled: unsatisfactory one, as the uncert operation and no doubt a formula "Fitting Your Feet" ainties made it impossible to do could be evolved to satisfy the diff by Peter Marshall otherwise. erent conditions applicable to We are concerned to read under Ourapproach should have been Namadgi. maintenance, the advice: more specific with firm objectives Funding approval for a specific "Don't use Neatsfoot Oil or Dubbin" and recommendations as the issues project is always difficult to predict As manufacturers of both Neatsfoot were clear. and no doubt in the ACT there will Oil and Dubbin (from amongst our To many of there were no uncert be tussles in the division of funds range of total shoe care products) ainties, for under the present ACT between urban parks and a reserve we draw your attention to a Special Nature Conservation Ordinance, which is mainly wilderness and out Investigation Report prepared by Namadgi is no more than a reserve of sight. Funds to the National Parks SATRA, (Shoe and Allied Trade named Namadgi National Park. It and Wildlife Service are by parlia Research Association) on the use was declared thus by the then mentary vote and at least, once of oils and greases in waterproofing Ministerand with equal facility could allocated, must be spent on the sporting footwear. be partitioned or revoked at any project for which the funding was. Neither Neatsfoot nor Dubbin will future date by a Minister who has applied for. Adequate and ongoing rot boots. What sometimes happens no environmental consciousness. sources of funding come second to is that certain Neoprene adhesives An amendment to the Ordinance the integrity of the park. used in adhering the sole react with may give it true national park status, The Association had a long fight overuse of oil on the boots, eg. but no further protection from the to have a reserve called Namadgi some users actually saturate new whim of a Minister or under self National Park Its future is precar boots overnight in Neatsfoot Oil. government than that afforded by a ious under the present ordinance, Neatsfoot Oil (as distinct from shire to its reserves under single under self government it would be Compound Neatsfoot Oil - ie., house legislature with purely local little better. Grazing could be usually an admixture of Parafinic interests. The authority of the resumed, the forests denuded, ski Mineral oils) is used as a softening NCDC in the regulation of the use runs built or other recreation based agent in the tanning process of of rural lands has been disputed in activities commenced with little leather. some submissions to the Parlia public input or effect on the pro mentary Committee. posals. Use of genuine Neatsfoot Oil re The security of Namadgi is the The fight is not finished, Namadgi places the natural oils leached out first and principal consideration of still falls short of its potential bound from leather boots in general wear the Association and all allegiances aries, the Lower Cotter Catchment and tear. to a system or personalities in it is still under the threat of logging We make a number of balanced should be secondary to this prime for the brown barrel and alpine ash leather conditioners to be recom objective. timber it contains and until the mended for hiking, mountaining, The Commonwealth National threat is removed the Lower Cotter sports and heavy walking footwear. Parks and Wildlife Service Act re is unlikely to be included in Nam quires a national parkto bedeclared These include: adgi. We should not rest until with the approval of both Houses of Joseph Lyddy - Beeswax Leather Namadgi is extended to its natural Parliament and proclaimed by the Dressing boundaries to includeall the natural Governor General. It can only be Joseph Lyddy - Leathaphane forested areas surrounding it. They revoked by a similar procedure. Leather Oil are important as a buffer and to Other items of possible interest The Com monwealth Act has preserve the visual line of mountains to the south of Canberra. Only in can be seen from the attached leafprovision for public consultation in this way can the name and visual let: How to Waterproof the preparation of Plans of Manage ment, which have a currency of 10 impact of the mountain ranges as I hope that these details will be of years and likewise have the approval perceived and first recorded by Dr interest to your readers. of both Houses of Parliament. A Lhotsky in 1834 be perpetuated. Yours faithfully Plan of Management has been Namadgi should be a model to R A DALLAS prepared with public consultation all states for the management and General Manager and issued by the Parks and Con integrity of a national park Our WAPROO PTY LTD servation Service. It has no legal objective should be to make Nam (Lack of space prevented us fromstatu s at present but an amendment adgi a model national park, an oasis reproducing 'How to Waterproofo f the Ordinance could give it somein the surrounding cleared pasture but we will endeavour to do so in thelega l force. and urban lands. next issue. - Ed) Local control rather than by a Reg Alder Jervis Bay - A Brief History . A lease on Bowen Island (part of the Commonwealth Territory), was Neville Esau granted in 1953. The lease was extended in 1967, to expire in 1977, The current status of land around was transferred to Flinders Naval when the intention was to include Jervis Bay reflects decisions by Base in Victoria and the College the Island in the Jervis Bay Nature New South Wales and Common buildings were adapted to tourist Reserve. Following a vigorous wealth Governments tor over 150 accommodation; the Navy returned campaign by the lessees, however, years. A brief history of these decis during the Second World War. The the lease was again extended to ions can give some insight into the present access from Nowra and the 1985. In December 1985 the Island present situation and provide a airstrip were also constructed at was declared under the Nature pointer to strategies for conserv this time. The College reopened in Conservation Ordinance and the ation of the Bay and hinterland. The 1957 as HMAS Cresswell incorp lessees were asked to leave. Instead pre-history of the area is also orating the airstrip and other assoc they have initiated an action in the extensive and has significance for iated facilities. During the 1960s ACT Courts to force the Minister to conservation plans, although this the airstrip was upgraded and a reverse this decision and extend aspect will not be covered here in radar station constructed at Bher- the lease again. This case is due for any detail. werre Trig. Although some Naval hearing later this year. training has now been transferred Early History to the Defence Force Academy tn - Apart from the Commonwealth Territory the balance of the Jervis The first European to explore the Canberra, current policy is to retain Bay area is part of the Shoalhaven Bay was a Lieutenant Bowen (hence training facilities at Jervis Bay. Shire and some 60ao of the fore Bowen Island) in 1791, who named . In 1951 an annexe to the Nat shore is zoned for village/holiday it Jervis Bay after a Sir John Jervis. ional Botanic Gardens was estab development. Recent moves along The district was explored in more lished at Jervis Bay. Initially of 2 ha., these lines have seen the Shire detail by George Bass when his this has subsequently been ex buying further areas of hinterland ship Cumberland was wrecked panded to 78 ha. for speculative sales in anticipation south of Jervis Bay in 1797. In 1805 . In 1954 hardwood logging was of further transfers of Naval facilities Lieutenant Kent (HMS Buffalo) and approved in forest areas; pine plant to the Bay area. James Meehan, Assistant Surveyor ations were established in the General, explored the Shoalhaven . Along with the nuclear power logged areas area and reported on the timber station the most damaging proposal resources discovered. As a result of . In 1969, the Government decided for the Bay foreshores was estab this report cedar quickly began to to construct a nuclear power station lishment of a steel works adjacent be removed. Landward exploration in the Territory. A site at Murrays to Callala Beach to produce semi began in 1818 when James Meehan Beach was excavated and an access finished steel products for export. and Charles Throsby set out to find road constructed. Houses were The New South Wales Government an overland route to Jervis Bay. built in Jervis Bay village for staff of announced a feasibility study into In the 1820s the Government the proposed station. Construction this proposal in 1969. Fortunately began issuing land grants in the was abandoned at the excavation the project has not proceeded vicinity of Jervis Bay and by 1840 stage. beyond the feasibility stage. wool was being shipped from the . Beecroft Peninsula (the northern . Two-thirds of the Territory was Bay. By the 1870s cattle were also arm of the Bay), was leased by the declared a public park under the being grazed, and timber was being Commonwealth from the New ACT Public Parks Ordinance in harvested and shipped on an South Wales Government for def 1971, following a land-use report extensive scale. Later, fishing and ence purposes, primarily as a naval on the Territory, and is known as whaling developed from the Bay gunnery range. The greater part of the Jervis Bay Nature Reserve. and also shipbuilding, in support of the Peninsula was purchased by Despite the availability now of the these industries. the Commonwealth in 1974. Two Nature Conservation Ordinance, smaller areas on the Peninsula are and the greater protection this Recent History also part of the ACT. would afford for the secure conser In 1915, the New South Wales vation of the Reserve, no plans to As this brief survey shows, many Government ceded some 73 square effect the transfer to the NCO are and varied proposals have been kilometers of land and water at under way. made for the use of the bay and Jervis Bay to the Commonwealth in . All commercial primary product foreshores. Some have been accordance with the terms of the ion activities have now ceased. The implemented, many have fortunately Seat of Government Act. This act remaining pine plantations are not petered out. Apart from the declar provided the Commonwealth Terr considered commercially viable ation of the Jervis Bay Nature itory would have access to the sea. and are managed as experimental Reserve, none was designed to Jervis Bay was to be that access. areas. Most of the land not included achieve conservation of the natural Some of the significant decisions in the Reserve or the Naval areas is values of this area, with its rich and affecting the Commonwealth Terr managed in sympathy with the varied flora and fauna. Until all itory since that time have been: Reserve. It should be noted that remaining natural foreshore and popular beach and camping areas marine areas are included in parks . The Royal Australian Naval including Green Patch, Bristol Point, or reserves the Bay must be con College was opened in 1915 at and Murrays Beach are not in the sidered at risk from alien develop Captains Point. In the economic Reserve. ments. depression of 1930 the College The Natural Values of Jervis Bay recorded from sedge land and wet heaths on Beecroft Peninsula. This Kevin Frawley species is now considered to be The Jervis Bay area is rich in natural extremely rare, as its habitat has values of both a marine and terrest within a small area there is a great been progressively destroyed by rial kind. Combined, they result in a diversity of vegetation - of scientific coastal development. The Eastern landscape of high scientific value interest because of its relatively Bristle Bird is expected to occur in andscenicquality.The ecosystems undisturbed state, and particularly dense heaths such as those on of the area resemble those of the in the spectacular spring flora! dis Beecroft Peninsula and behind sandstone areas to the west and plays in the heaths-of great attrac Hyam's Beach. Birds found in the north (eg,the Budawangs and the tion to visitors. area which have suffered habitat Blue Mountains) but are particularly The diverse plant communities destruction elsewhere include the valuable at Jervis Bay because around Jervis Bay could be expec Little Tern, Pied Oyster Catcher, they have been less affected, so far, ted to support an equally varied Top Knot Pigeon, Bar Shouldered by human activity. fauna, however, there have been no Dove and the Peregrine Falcon. The waters of Jervis Bay vary in systematic long term surveys in the This is only a brief introduction to depth from 22 metres in the centre area. An overview of the fauna can some of the natural values of the to extensive relatively shallow only be obtained from the brief area, but to even the casual obser areas such as Hare Bay (5 metres). studies conducted, and inference ver, the natural attractiveness of They support a rich and diverse fish from similar ecosystems on the the area derived from a combination fauna. About 180 species belonging south coast. Mammals common in of striking geology, crystal clear to more than 80 families have been the Jervis Bay Nature Reserve waters and undisturbed bushland recorded. These form the basis of a include the Greater Glider, Ringtail is obvious. Much of the use of Jervis tuna baitfish industry. The marine Possum, Grey Kangaroo, Swamp Bay is concentrated in foreshore plant communities have attracted Wallaby, Red-necked Wallaby, and areas where these natural aspects much interest. They appear to be in the small marsupial carnivore, juxtapose. It is in this zone also that a natural state and taken as a whole, Stuart's Antechinus. The Grey the greatest changes are proposed. are unique and of considerable headed Flying Fox is also found in scientific importance. The sea-grass the area. Theforegoing has been drawn from beds are probably the most exten Bowen Island, at the entrance to the following sources: sive in New South Wales, with the the Bay has a particularly interesting 1. Dept. of the Capital Territory, sheltered conditions and clear birdlife. It has been estimated that water allowing growth in depths of 1979 Jervis Bay Nature Reserve: 1,000 breeding pairs of Little Draft Development and Manage 10 metres. The largest beds occur Penguins inhabit the island. Three in Hare Bay (north-west) where ment Plan (AGPS, Canberra). species of Shearwater are also 2. Ingwersen, F., 1976 Vegetation dense Posidonia australis (strapfoun- d there - the Short-tailed (or weed) meadows cover several of the Jervis Bay Territory, Dept. Muttonbird), Sooty, and Fluttering. of the Capital Territory Cons. square kilometres of shallow bottom. All are migratory. Eel grass (Zostera capricorni) is Ser. No. 3 (AGPS, Canberra). Some rare and endangered birds also very abundant in the Bay in 3. Pollard, DA (Ed), 1973 Jervis have been recorded from the Jervis deeper waters. Theirextensive cov Bay: The Future? (Special Publ. erage of Jervis Bay might be com Bay area, and it is thought others Aust. Littoral Society, Sydney}. pared with their reduced extent in may occur there due to the suitable 4. Shoalhaven City Council, n.d. the turbid and polluted waters of undisturbed habitat. The sedentary Jervis bay Part 1: Situation Paper Botany Bay. Ground or Swamp Parrot has been (S.C.C., Nowra). A striking visual feature of the Bay is its fringe of long beaches with fine, white sand. These are broken by low rocky headlands and tidal creeks while on the southern part of Beecroft Peninsula, cliffs emerge directly from the sea. The creeks and wetlands adjacent to the Bay are an important habitat for fish breeding. The Jervis Bay Territory and Beecroft Peninsula are sandstone areas with a flora similar to the Sydney and Blue Mountains area Heath and sclerophyl! forests and woodlands predominate with small er areas of coastal scrub, wet heath and relict rainforest patches. Similar vegetation is found on the western margins of the Bay. There are also limited areas of mangroves on small estuarine mudflats. Thus Governor Head and Bowen Island. Photo by Den Robin The Navy and Jervis Bay Phillip Ford The adjoining article by Neville 'Esau (Jervis Bay - A Brief History) shows that the Navy's perception of the usefulness of Jervis Bay has waxed and waned. Until recently, the Navy was contracting and withdrawing from the Jervis Bay area. With the demise of the Fleet Air Arm HMASj-' Albatross had lost its raison d'etre. The opening of the Australian Defence Forces Academy had greatly reduced the requirement for HMAS Creswell. All this changed on 3 October 1985 when the Min ister for Defence hastily announced it is quite remote from any concen The conservation values of the the construction of an ammunition tration of likely protesters; and the areas have been long known and depot and armaments loading wharf NSW Government would get lots of recognised by incorporation in the on Jervis Bay, and the initiation of prime waterfront real estate. National Heritage Register. Inputs investigations to relocate the Fleet The present situation4 is that the by NPA of ACT could be influential Base to Jervis Bay. Prime Minister and the then State in determining the outcome. Why has the RAN suddenly re Premier declared (17 November discovered Jervis Bay? Unfortun 1985) that the armaments depot ately it is not for the area's excep and loading facility will move to References: tional conservation and recreational Jervis Bay at a cost of more than values. It is rather that the fore S100M, and that the relocation of 1. I use the term "Jervis Bay" shadowed moves to Jervis Bay other Naval facilities including the broadly to mean not only the were seen as solving three pressing Fleet Base be investigated 'back of waters of the Bay, but also the (largely political) problems. the envelope' cost estimate is Bherewere and Beecroft Penin The principal RAN Fleet Base is S1.500M). sulas. at Garden Island, in Sydney Harbour. The preferred site of the arm 2. Mr John Brown, Member for As well as being the home port of aments wharf (see map) is Green- Parramatta and Minister for major Australian naval vessels it is point on the Beecroft Peninsula. Sport, Recreation and Tourism visited, on occasion, by US ships. The indicative site for the Fleet and (coincidentally?) Minister These visits generate considerable Base (see map) is on the Bhere- Assisting the Minister for political controversy and public were Peninsula on Jervis Bay. It Defence. concern, especially when the ships would occupy about 2km of the are nuclear powered and, probably, presently unspoilt foreshore from 3. This paragraph is based on a nuclear armed. The State Govern Murray's Beach to Scottish Rocks. forthcoming article by Mr John ment 'cops' much of the political A number of breakwaters and Langmore (Member for Fraser flak for the Commonwealth's political wharves would be built in this area which includes the Jervis Bay decisions on these visits. and public access would be pro Territory) in Bogong. I am in The second problem is that hibited. About 120ha would be debted to Mr Langmore for pro Sydney's urban spread has envel required for the waterfront area viding a preprint. oped the principal Naval ammunition and barracks accommodation. The A. Anonymous: The Navy and Jervis depot at Silverwater, and it does hinterland ot E.pilularis and E.botry- Bay-How it would affect you (an 5 not satisfy recently promulgated oides forest and relic rainforest , 8 page pamphlet issued by NATO safety standards. Further now carefully and successfully Defence Public Relations and more the local member^ wants managed by the ACT Parks and letterboxed throughout the 90ha of the present depot to be Conservation Service in sympathy Nowra area). used to build facilities for the World with the adjoining Jervis Bay Nature Student Games3 in 1989. Reserve, would be totally trans 5. F. Ingwersen: Vegetation of the Jervis Bay Territory. ACT Con Thirdly, the RAN occupies a formed into an industrial/urban servation Series No. 3. AGPS number of highly desirable water area. The character of Green Patch, Canberra 1976. front sites on Sydney Harbour. The and of the Bristol Point Beach would State Government has been press be irrevocably changed. ing the Commonwealth for years to What is to be done? Whetherany vacate much of this land. of the Navy's proposals go ahead Map showing conservation capabilities ^ If the armaments depot, fleet depends largely on the public of the Jervis Bay area, and possible sites port and the other facilities went response to them. Whilst there are tor proposed Naval installations. It is elsewhere, hey presto !, everybody political advantages, the economic taken from 'Jervis Bay Situation Paper' (especially NSW State politicians) costs are enormous. There is con prepared by the Town Planning Depart ment of the Shoalhaven City Council would be happy. Hence Jervis Bay. siderable hostility (for different and incorporates information from the It is Commonwealth territory, hence reasons), both within the Navy and Navy's circular to local residents. the 'Feds' get the political brickbats; within the AUP, to the proposals. CULBURRA bomb ard.merA' CONSERVATION CAPABILITIES H| Existing Reserved Area Jervis Bay Nature Conservation Arcn f Slate Wide Signihcance CafJt .t.Geo^c [TTTTJ Buller Area Social Signihcance Significant lo Common Fauna Population'- >z~r~^ Managed along Conservation lines SOURCE : National Tarks & Wildlife Service assign a high priority to' recreation The Beecroft' Peninsula and conservation in the area. In 1974 he refused a further extension Phillip Ford of the Commonwealth's lease in what was widely reported as a pre lude to the designation of the whole area as either a National Park or The Beecroft Peninsula is the pro A Beecroft Peninsula National State Recreation Area. tective land arm defining the eastern Park? These promising moves were largely undone by the sale ol the and northeastern shores of Jervis The Beecroft Peninsula is of land to the Commonwealth. Clearly Bay. From the Jervis Bay Territory it major conservation significance appears as a single giant heath- the Department of Defence has The bombing and shelling have covered block tilted upwards to other prime uses for the area and ensured that the area has escaped wards the coast, with 90m high has neither the expertise nor the the 'development' commonplace cliffs plunging into the ocean all enthusiasm to manage the area for on most ot Jervis Bay. Apart from along its eastern face. This giant its conservation values. At present Ihe shell and bomb craters there cliff line marks the Point Perpen a single ranger on loan from the have been fires arising from the dicular Fault'. There are no rock ACT Parks and Conservation Branch bombardments and heath fires platforms at sea level, and the cliffs in the Jervis Bay Territory is respon deliberately lit to improve pasture 'plunge' on a further 30-60m under sible for overseeing a 4.600 ha quality when the area was open to water. These vertical walls are area. There is a Management Plan grazing. covered with spectacular displays for the area but as far as I can The flora is especially diverse of marine life. This area, as well as establish it has not been published, due to the wide variety of different the sheltered and sparkling clear nor subjected to public scrutiny, niches, having at the one time an waters of Jervis Bay, is a mecca for comment, and inputs. Only token under-water enthusiasts'. unusual southern extension of the efforts are going into implementing heathland and flora ol Sydney and the plan and despite the best efforts Closer inspection reveals a the Blue Mountains, and remnant of the overburdened ranger many more varied and diverse topography. rainforests closely akin to the north of the prettiest and most valuable Clefts and gaps dissect the cliffs ern NSW rainforests. areas are being damaged, and giving access to several small The sedgeland and wet heaths erosion of vehicle tracks is a growing beaches, including Target Beach of the Beecroft a Peninsula provide problem. On the Jervis Bay side the cliffs home for the Ground Parrot, now a The final assault is the proposed give way to a variety of woodlands rare species; and Lake Wollumboola ammunition wharf and associated and forests, extended sandy provides breeding grounds for the breakwater to be built on the beaches, and finally to seagrass Little Tern and the Pied Oyster extensive sea grass beds at Green beds near Green Point and man Catcher, two species under threat Point (see map). It involves consid groves m Carama Inlet. due to loss of habitat. The rainforest erable construction work in an area patches provide shelter for the now of national conservation signific Ownership rare Top Knot Pigeon and the Bar - ance. To sensible shouldered Dove. my mind the solution is to abandon these pro The whole of the Beecroft Pen The diversity of environments, posals and realise Myles Dunphy's insula up to Carama Creek is now the juxtaposition of land and sea. original vision of a National Park owned by the Commonwealth. and the relatively unspoilt nature of encompassing all of the Beecroft Originally only a narrow coastal the area make it a fascinating place Peninsula and reaching up to and Strip running around the cliff tops to explore on foot (but watch out for including. Lake Wollumboola. This was ceded to the Commonwealth the big (ca. 2m) black snakes!). The has long been the position of our in 1909 for defence purposes. The area's virtues have been long rec sister organisation, the NPA ot area was used as a gunnery range ognised. In 1944 the National Parks NSW. With the area now a de and. subsequently, a separate and Primitive Areas Council (Myles facto part of the ACT perhaps N PA of ACT bombing range was established J. Dunphy, Hon. Sec.) proposed should take a similar stand. near Carama Inlet when the Mt measures to preserve the land, and Jervis Estate was acquired by the its flora and wildlife, over the bulk of Commonwealth. The rest of the Ihe Peninsula up to, and including, References Peninsula, apart from Currarong Lake Wollumboola. This met with a 1. Beecroft was the maiden name Village and the Abraham's Bosom particularly enlightened response of Hannah and Mary Copeland, Flora Reserve in the north-eastern from the then Minister for Lands, successive wives of the Minister corner, was acquired by the Com who withdrew from sale all state for Lands in 1886. monwealth (for'defence purposes') controlled land in the area and 2. Catford. A.. 1984. 'Jervis Bay - A in 1981. This ended one of the promulgated measures for the plea for small "d" development.' strangest examples of multiple preservation ot the native flora and Habitat. 12(4), pp. 20-25. land use I know of. The Beecroft its use for public recreation. The Gunnery Range and the Currarong Commonwealth subsequently 3. Spencer. M., 1984. Jervis Bay: Flora Reserve overlapped4 to the acquired a 20-year lease (expiring Pristine Wilderness. Ibid. pp. 25- considerable disadvantage of the 1974) for the gunnery range. Fur 26. latter; Commonwealth ownership ther initiatives, in 1968, by the 4. Currarong 1:25,000 (Map: effectively disestablishes the Nature Conservation Council led 9027-1-N). Central Mapping Reserve. the then Minister, Mr Tom Lewis, to Authority, 1981. Jervis Bay: A Special Place Diane Garrood0 Situated a mere 200 km south of Sydney, the white sandy beaches of Jervis Bay encompassing shelt ered clear waters are truly a tran- quiliser for the smoke-filled, noise- rattled soul. Jervis Bay Nature Reserve lies on the bay's southern peninsula. It is located within the Commonwealth Territory of Jervis Bay and is man aged by the ACT Parks and Conser vation Service. The Territory's total area of 7360 hectares includes 800 hectares of bay waters. The management objectives for the territorial waters are to maintain the marine ecosystems in a naturally Murray's Beach. Photo by Phil Gatenby evolving state to provide oppor tunities for scientific, educational dredging was carried out, mainly walks which are conducted both and recreational use consistent under the cover of night. Random day and night. with their protection. Commercial marine patrols by nature reserve Both the ACT Parks and Conser fishing is not considered compatible staff were increased in frequency vation Service and the NSW State with the management objectives and through learning by mistakes, a Fisheries are aware of the ecolog and lapsed licences are not renew successful prosecution was accom ical value of Jervis Bay, particularly ed. No new licences are being plished and suitably advertised! as a nursery area for many of the issued. Now, three years after the boom, commercially and recreation ally Approximately 700,000 people the scallop population is slowly important fish species in the area. visit Jervis Bay Territory each year recovering. Recreational divers, The NSW State Fisheries is currently and the sheltered water of the Terr however, are exerting considerable considering a wide variety of sea itory attracts swimmers, anglers sail pressure on the remaining scattered grass and mangrove habitats in board riders, boating enthusiasts, scallop beds in Territorial waters. Jervis Bay as potential aquatic SCUBA divers, snorkellers and In addition to protective legis reserves. Hopefully, through app underwater photographers. Unfor lation, public awareness and support ropriate legislation and widespread tunately, the area also attracts shell is imperative if the bay is to survive public support, the whole of Jervis collectors and food gatherers and in its natural state. To kindle this Bay can be protected so that visitors the littoral zone is especially suffer awareness, the nature reserve in a hundred years' time can look at ing under the pressure of the interpretive programs are designed its unspoilt, natural beauty and still increasing numbers. to promote understanding and say 'Jervis Bay is truly special!'. During the early 1980s, the appreciation of the marine environ scallop population boomed in Jervis ment as well as the terrestrial ° Edited from an article in Australian Bay. Despite the passing of protect environment. Activities range from Ranger Bulletin Vol. 3 No. 3 1985 ive legislation forbidding the dredg slide shows and film nights with a pp 35-36. ing fbr scallops in ACT waters, illegal marine theme, to rock platform WANTED Renewal Speakers for General Meetings of Subscriptions The NPA holds general meetings on the third Thursday of each month The response of members to from February to November inclusive. 1986/87 renewal notices has been These meetings are planned to provide a variety of guest speakers very good. However, a red spot on and films on conservation and national parks issues. the label of your Bulletin indicates that Association records show you Volunteers and/or suggestions for topics are always needed. If you as unfinancial and that Mrs Laraine would like to know more about a particular subject, or know someone Frawley would just love to hear who is willing to speak, we'd like to know! from you. The Bulletin distribution Please contact Anne Robertson {ph. 82 1141) with your ideas. list will be revised in December by deleting any unfinancial members. The first series in 1984 was led by has not stopped talking about it Just Briefly-Muriel (Story) Edwards *, wh o later since. called upon Jenny Morrison to help because of the large number of • • • people participating - 45 and upwards. The following year when Muriel was unable to continue, Bob Congratulations to Phil Gatenby and Sybil Story and Shirley Lewis and Jan Ogden on their recenl led the autumn walks, with Sheila marriage. Kruse and Ken Johnson taking over in the spring. By the time you • • ik- read this, the 1986 spring series will be underway, with Sheila Kruse and Ken Johnson leading the North- Charles Hill tells of a positive, if side walks and Shirley Lewis and unexpected by-product of the tree Bob Story leading those on the maintenance project. Two Brownies Southside. These walks are com now, have gained their Conservation Some of the best things of life in fortable two-hour rambles in urban Badges through joining in a working Canberra are free, eg magnificent bushland and there is no age limit bee on the scheme. They were set music, gorgeous gardens, and ... The meeting places are always at tasks such as checking for damaged excellent exhibitions Regarding bus stops to facilitate use of public trees and insect infestation, weed the latter, I wish to (hank Rodney transport. Contact 46 21 74. Harvey. Interpretation Officer at ing and remove scale from leaves. the Australian National Botanic In addition they learned about the Gardens for the following infor • * * different species of trees and a mation. Taking the place of the little about the surrounding area. 'Kakadu' Display in the Visitors' Encouraging to know that some Welcome back to Sophie Caton Centre finishing on 1 September, Brownies are now Greenies' who has returned from a month's will be'Gardening in Australia'which visit to Europe. After the heat of will last until early January. This summerin Londonand Paris, she is promises to be an intriguing insight • • * anxious to resume mountain walks into '...influences on Australian with the NPA which will, in her own gardening from early days to the words '.. enable me to breathe present'. Could it be that Kakadu again'. After a long walk through National Park is the flavour of the year? It In late September there will be a forests in her native Germany, she appears in the film 'Crocodile Dun unique opportunity tor those inter brings the good news that the trees dee'. Recentlytherewasa beautiful ested in the endangered species of atfected by 'die-back' are in forests Australian plants to see some of of mono-culture, mainly pines. The and informative exhibition complete these growing at the AN BG. Guided forests containing oaks and with live olive python at the Visitors' tours with discussions are to be beeches seem to be healthy and Centre of the National Botanic held on 24-26 September. Guided thriving. Gardens. This was held in conjunc tours will also be held on 28 Sept tion with the launching of the book ember, after a public lecture in the • • Ik- 'Kakadu - A World Heritage of Theatrette at 2pm, given by the Unsurpassed Beauty' (ANPWS) Director. Dr R. Boden. on The Role published by AGPS. Then in the June issue of the NPA Bulletin was of Botanic Gardens in the Conser Residing in Brisbane since late last vation of Endangered Plants'. Unfor a delightful short article on Kakadu year. Sylvia Outridge made a brief tunately by the time you read this, it by the young Vanessa Lee. Mem stop in Canberra during July. She will be too late to act upon the ories of this fascinating place were came south to attend a week's information regarding Wattle Week. evoked for an NPA member during CC E ecology course held at Jervis During the last week in August, a recent visit to Melbourne when Bay. Sylvia returned to Canberra to activities organised by the ANBG she attended an exhibition of 30 join some of her back-packing included wattle propagation work works by well-known Victorian artist cronies including the Thompsons, shops and guided tours around the Clifton Pugh. Through the rain- Reg Alder, etc. for a long weekend Acacia sections. It may be that these spotted windows of the old marble in the Weddin Mountains, Conimbla could be repeated next year. banking chamber, the wind-torn and Nangar National Parks. She trees of Bourke Street provided a misses her Canberra friends, but is perfect contrast for the warmth of enjoying bushwalking around the • * • some of these paintings. Works Brisbane area. such as 'Waterfall, Arnhem Land', 'Billabong, NT.', and 'Black Cockatoo It seems that the NPA has become and Falls, N.T. vividly recalled to traditionally associated with the * * + this member the irresistible atmos Life Be In It walks sponsored by the phere of Kakadu National Park, Department of Territories and Reid captured so perfectly in Vanessa TAFE. A handful of members gen Another NPA member at Jervis Bay Lee's beautiful article. erously give their time and efforts was Joan Hegarty who enjoyed the to lead these urban bush rambles. ecology course to the utmost and • • • 12 November - Wednesday Weekday Walk (A) 6 December-Saturday Tree Maintenance The Pinnacle/Mt Painter Ref: UBD Canberra Glendale Ref: ACT 1:100 000 OUTINGS PROGRAM Leader: Ingrid Friedrich 543218 Leader: Charles Hill 95 8929 Meet at Hlgglns Shopping Centre 1000. A 12 km walk on Arrive anytime after 0930 with gloves and heavy garden regular tracks with very short climbs to The Pinnacle and ing tools for tree and guard maintenance. Mt Painter with excellent views over Canberra. 6/7 December - Pack Walk (2) 15/16 November - Flexl Car Camp Kiandra: Ref: Tantangara 1:100000 October - December 1986 Green Patch Ref: Sussex Inlet 1:25 000 Leader: Denise Robin 81 4837 Leader: lan Currie 95 8112 Contact leader by Wednesday for details of this walk Contact leader early for details of this car camp in the from Kiandra to iltz's Hut, Hains Hut and Gooandra threatened Jervis Bay area with its distinctive plant and Ruins. Walk mostly on tracks, over undulating terrain. bird communities. 380 km drive. 15 November - Saturday Walk (C) 7 December-Sunday Walk (A) Sentry Box Ref: Yaouk 1:25 000 Big Hole/Marble Arch Ref: Kain 1:25 000 Leader: Philip Gatenby 52 6994 (W) Leader: Arno Wynd 47 8542 Meet at Kambah Village Shops 0730. A 550m climb up to Meet at Canberra Railway Station 0730. A pleasant 10 Sentry Box from the Yaouk Valley. Off track; but relatively km walk on tracks crossing the Shoalhaven River to the open bush with rock scramble. Easier than the Sheep intriguing Big Hole and then to the fascinating Marble Station Creek route. A12 km walk which is well worth the Arch. 190 km drive. effort. 170 km drive. 14 December - Canoe Sunday 16 November- Sunday Walk (C) Caauarlna Sands/Urlarra Crossing The Pimple Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Leader: Lyle Mark 86 2801 Leader: Peter Marshal 47 4899 Meet at Eucumbene Drive/Cotter Road 0815. A 10 km Meet at Casuarina Sands car park 0800. A canoeing walk with a climb of 700m partially along Camel Ba ckfire Sunday down the Murrumbidgee from Casuarina Sands trail to Tidbinbilla Peak and The Pimple, returning via to Urlarra Crossing. All equipment, instructions and bus Tidbinbilla Mtn and Lyre Bird Spur. Chance to see rare shuttle provided. All inclusive cost $60.00 for this all day OUTINGS GUIDE (for ACT) Eucalyptus Glaucescens. Unsuitable for begin event. Contact leader early for details. 14 December- Sunday Xmas Party Day Walks - Carry lunch, drinks & protective clothing ners. 40 km drive. Pack Walks - Two or more days, carry all food and camping 23 November - Pack Walk (1) Orroral ACT 1:100 000 requirements. CONTACT LEADER BEFORE Quilty's Mountain Ref: Endrick 1:25 000 Leaden President Meet at Orroral picnic grounds for NPA Xmas party. WEDNESDAY. Leader: Reg Alder 54 2240 Car Camps - Often limited or no facilities. Vehicles taken Contact leader early for details of this easy introduction to camping and the Budawangs, wildflowers and historic to site can be used for camping. BOOK WITH Quilty's Pass with an ideal campsite on Blacket Ck. 16 km LEADER EARLY. fire trail walking. 270 km drive. POINTS TO NOTE Overactivities Include Nature Rambles, Field Guide Studies, Ski Tours, Snow Crafts, Tree Maintenance and other projects. 23 November - Sunday Walk (C) New faces to lead, new places to got Mt McKeahnie Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Please help to keep our Outings Program alive by DAY WALKS - GRADING Leader: Neville Esau 864176 volunteering to lead a walk occasionally. A Up to 15 km, mainly on tracks orforest roads, relatively Meet at Orroral Tracking Station site 0800. A 22 km walk Contact Walks Convenor lan Haynes on 51 4762 (h). flat terrain or shorter distances through trackless open along Orroral Valley with a 500m climb at the end of the ****** bushland. valley. Spectacular views over the northern end of All persons joining an outing of the National Parks B Up to 20 km, mainly on tracks or shorter walks through Namadgi National Park. Please ring leader for details as trackless open bush. this Is not a walk for beginners. 100 km drive. Association of the ACT. do so as volunteers In all respects and as such accept sole responsibility for any C As for 'B' may include rougher terrain, i.e. heavy scrub, 29/30 November - Pack Walk (3/5) Injury howsoever incurred and the National Parks rock hopping or scrambling or steep terrain. Boolljah Creek Ref: Sassafras 1:25000 Association of the ACT., its office bearers and appointed D Up to 30 km, relatively easy terrain or less over track Leader: Philip Gatenby 41 6284 less or steep terrain. Contact leader by Wednesday for details of this walk in leaders are absolved from any liability In respect of any the Morton National Park. No tracks and some rock Injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any such PACK WALKS - GRADING scrambling may be Involved. Total climb of about 500m. outing. 1 Up to 14 km a day over relatively easy terrain. 240 km drive. ****** 2 Up to 20. km a day, may Involve long ascents. The Committee suggests a donation of FIVE cents per 3 As for '2' may include rougher terrain, le.heavy scrub, 30 November-Sunday Walk(C) rock hopping or scrambling. Gibraltar Ref: Tldbinbllla/Corln Dam 1:25 000 kilometre (calculation to nearest dollar) be offered to Leader: Lyn Richardson the driver by each passenger accepting transport. 4 Strenuous long distance or much steep climbing or Meet at Kambah Village Shops 0830. An 8 km walk to a Drive and walk distances quoted in the Program are for very difficult terrain. peak SE of Gibraltar Falls. Some track and some bush approximate return journeys. 5 Exploratory In an area unfamiliar to the leader. with a climb of 200m, views across 'Booroomba' and ****** Additional Information will be contained in the actual walks Paddys River. 40 km drive. programme. If necessary contact leader. 14 September — Sunday Walk (A/B) 4/5/6 October - Car Camp 25 October - Saturday Walk (A) Nursery Swamp Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Bournda Ref: Eden Forests Map/Bega 1:100 000 Pierces Creek Falls Ref: Cotter Dam 1:25 000 Leader: Shirley Lewis 95 2720 Leaders: Shirley and Glyn Lewis 95 2720 Leader: Lyle Mark 86 2801 Meet: Kambah Village shops 0830. An 8 km walk mostly Camp at Bournda State Recreation Area on shore of Meet at Eucumbene Drive/Cotter Road 0830. For begin on bush tracks to the swamp. A total rise of 200m. Approx Lake Wallagoot. Beach and forest walks, canoeing. About ners, this is a medium to hard 12 km walk at an easy pace 100 km drive. 520 km drive. Meet at camping ground, noon on Saturday. via Hardy Range. A 12 km walk with 180m climb. 30 km Contact leaders before Wednesday for transport or infor drive. mation. 20 September - Saturday Nature Ramble (A) 25/26 October - Pack Walk (1) Black Mountain Ref: Canberra UBD 5 October - Sunday Walk Gudgenby/Orroral Valley Leader: George Chippendale 81 2454 Stockyard Creek Ref:Corin Dam 1:25 000 Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Meet at Belconnen Way Entrance 0930. Morning ramble Leader: Kevin Frawley 82 3080 Leader: Dianne Thompson 88 6084 to see flowers for those aged 4 to 80. Bring morning tea. Meet Eucumbene Drive/Cotter Road 0830. Visit the Introductory pack walk from Gudgenby to Orroral Valley Finishes midday. highest remaining arboretum in the ACT, parking vehicles via Rendezvous Creek and Nursery Swamp. A 16 km on top of Mt Ginini which affords views of parts of walk with 250m climb. A car shuttle will be necessary. 21 September-Sunday Walk (A/B) Namadgi NP, Kosciusko NP and Bimberi Wilderness 160 km drive. Contact leader by Wednesday. Boboyan Hill Ref: Yaouk 1:25 000 Area. 120 km drive. Leader: Beverly Hammond 88 6577 9 October - Thursday Week-Day Walk (A) 1 /2 November - Pack Walk (2) Meet at Kambah Village shops 0900. A pleasant 12 km Murrumbidgee Corridor/Urlarra Forest Dubbo Falls Ref: Brindabella 1:25 000 walk beginning with a gradual climb of 200m through Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Leader: Garth Abercrombie 81 4907 open bushland to Boboyan Hill, descend to Bulls Flat Leader: Robert Cruttwell 81 3100 Contact leader for details of this walk into Feint's Range Creek then join the Old Boboyan Road passing the Meet at Cotter Road/Eucumbene Drive 0930. A pleasant with the main point of interest, Dubbo Falls. ruined homestead. A 1 20 km drive. walk on good tracks overlooking the Murrumbidgee. 2 November - Canoe Sunday 12 October - Sunday Walk (A) 20/21 September-Car Camp Casuarina Sands/Uriarra Crossing Mt Lowden Ref: Bendoura 1:25 000 Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Kangaroo Valley Ref: Kiama 1:100000 Leader: Arno Wynd 47 8542 Leader: Peter Marshal 47 4899 Leader: Russ Kefford 26 2631 Meet at Canberra Railway Station at 0830. Drive via Meet at Casuarina Sands car park 0800. A canoeing Contact leader for details of this car camp and walks in Captain's Flat to Tallaganda State Forest. Walk on tracks Sunday down the Murrumbidgee from Casuarina Sands the Kangaroo Valley for views and flowers. A 400 km with climb through forest to the top of Mt Lowden. There to Uriarra Crossing. All equipment, instructions and bus drive. is a lovely park with short marked walks for family shuttle provided. All inclusive cost $60.00 for this all day members who want an easier day. event. Contact leader early for details. 20/21 September-Ski Weekend Venue depending on snow. 1 2 October - Sunday Walk (C) 2 November - Sunday Walk (A) Leader: Craig Allen 52 5746 (W) Bogong Creek Valley Honeysuckle Creek Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Beginners snow camp. Contact leader early for details of Ref: Yaouk/Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Leader: Shirley Lewis 95 2720 this trip. Numbers limited. NPA members only. Leader: Frank Clements 31 7005 Meet at Kambah Village Shops 0830. A14 km walk along 27 September - Saturday Map and Compass Instruction Meet at Kambah Village Shops 0730. A 20 km walk with fire trails and through bush in the Honeysuckle Creek more than half through rough bush with a steep 200m area. Black Mountain Ref: ACT 1:100000 climb to a waterfall high up in the Bogong Creek Valley. Leader: Margus Karilaid 48 6149 7/8/9 November - Ski Lodge Weekend Numbers limited. Please contact leader early for details 100 km drive. Charlotte Pass Ref: Kosciusko 1:100 000 of this much awaited tuition on map and compass use. 19 October - Canoe Sunday Leader: lan Haynes 51 4762 This will include a morning of instruction followed by an Casuarina Sands/Uriarra Crossing Arrive Friday or Saturday morning by 0900. Do your own afternoon of field experience on Black Mountain and Ref: ACT 1:100 000 thing or join a walk. See the Caltha Introloba which further field experience on Sunday. Leader: Peter Marshal 47 4899 develops under the snow or just relax. Bring sheets, 28 September - Sunday Walk (B/C) Meet at Casuarina Sands car park 0800. A canoeing pillow slips (or sleeping bags) and food (cook your own). Mt Domain Saddle Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 Sunday down the Murrumbidgee from Casuarina Sands Please contact leader by 29 October to confirm bookings Leader: Margus Karllaid 48 6149 to Uriarra Crossing. All equipment, instruction and bus - NPA members only. 420 km drive. Meet at Kambah Village Shops 0800. This walk is an shuttle provided. All inclusive cost S60.00 for this full day 9 November - Sunday Walk (B) extension of Saturday's map and compass instruction. A event. Contact leader early for details. Billy Billy Rocks Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 12 km round trip up the Fishing Gap fire trail then on bush 19 October - Sunday Walk (C) Leader: Syd Comfort 86 2578 tracks to climb Mt Domain. A climb of 300m returning Yaouk Peak Ref: Yaouk 1:25 000 Meet at Kambah Village Shops 0830. A forest walk from along saddle with view of Colter and Tidbinbilla down Leader: Garth Abercrombie 81 4907 Smokers Flat with 200m climb to the granite tors of Billy Lyre Bird Spur. Short car shuffle. A 60 km drive. Meet at Shannons Flat at 0830. A 14 km walk via Billy Rocks overlooking Tidbinbilla Valley. 70 km drive. trackless ridge with 600m climb for good views of the 9 November - Sunday Walk (A) 4/5/6 October - Pack Walk (3/5) Main Range and also Namadgi. 170 km drive. Mt Tarn/Crooked Falls Ref: Corang 1:25 000 Orroral Valley Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Leader: Neville Esau 86 4176 25 October - Saturday Walk Leaden Margaret Aston 88 7563 Walks to Mt Tarn, Crooked Falls(Angel Falls) and Holland Jerrabomberra Wetlands Ref: UBD Canberra Meet at Kambah Village Shops 0930. A leisurely walk of 6 Gorge. Some rock scrambling and scrub, partly on tracks. Leader: lan Currie 95 8112 to 8 km in an open grassed valley beyond the Orroral Numbers limited. 300 km drive. Contact leader by Meet at Canberra Railway Station 1400. A lazy Saturday Valley Tracking Station site, returning along timbered fire Wednesday. afternoon with the birds of the Wetlands. _ ti ail (if hot). 100 km drive. Some NPA members have been and Mary MacDonnell, from whom From the Story Book 'From a enjoying tours of Kakadu. Among we anticipate some travellers' tales Farmyard' those recently returned are Audrey of the tropical north. It is probably not generally known and Charles Hill who, travelling in even among our own members that an International Park Tours 20- whereas birds have one occipital seater bus, spent 3 weeks camping • • • condyle (the pivot at the base of the in national parks of the Northern skull), we have two. Thanks to this, Territory. After visiting Katherine birds have a more flexible arrange and Kakadu, they were fortunate At the other end of the climatic ment and contemplate their tails enough to spend time in the less- spectrum, we not-so-fortunate whenever they wish, while beyond frequented Gurig National Park on stay-at-home Canberrans were a certain limit, our arrangement the Cobourg Peninsula. experiencing a fairly severe winter. catches and the more introspective Imagine then, the surprise of walk of us would need a system of mirrors. leader lan Haynes when at 8.30 on • * • a -6° morning of thick fog, sixteen This nature note now switches people arrived to join in a walk to not to a national park but to a Tidbinbilla Mountain. (This was to farmyard and not to our native birds Travelling with the same group of have been Olive Buckman's walkto but to the sparrow. It is spring, and people was another NPA member, Tidbinbilla Peak, but as she was after feeding, nest-building takes Penny Hebbard, a keen bird obser unable to attend, lan took over at precedence. The hen bird has ver who made an impressive list of short notice. He decided to extend found just the very thing for that sightings. Containing altogether the walkto the summit of Tidbinbilla unstable side of the nest - a long over 120 bird species, it included Mountain.) Whereas Canberra piece of string or whatever. She about 50 which Penny saw for the remained enveloped in fog until picks up the end and takes off. But first time - some not found in south after 11 am, lan and his courageous she overlooks two matters - one, ern Australia, such as the great companions were rid of it much that every string has two ends, and bowerbird, others uncommonly sooner, and enjoyed clear crisp air two, that this other end is firmly sighted in the south. She reported and breathtaking views. They rested jammed in the rubbish. One of our many types of honey-eaters for lunch on the saddle between helicopter pilots on survey once endemic to the northern regions of Tidbinbilla Peak and the Mountain told us 'There's only one thing that the continent. Waterbirds included before climbing to thesummit. After comes down faster than a helicopter jabiru, brolgas, egrets, herons, two taking in the almost 360° views upside down, and thafs a greased kinds of whistling ducks, the glossy from Tidbinbilla Mountain, they crowbar". Well, of course he hadn't ibis, pygmy and magpie geese, and returned via Lyrebird Spur, reaching seen this episode! But come on, the fascinating jacana or 'lotus bird' the car park by about 4pm. lan tells get groggily to your feet and never which struts with large feet over the of catching a momentary glimpse of give in, think of Margaret Thatcher; water-lily pads. Penny suggests Mt Bimberi before it was obscured fluff out your feathers, pick up the that anyone intending to visit by a snowcloud, and of the 'fairyland' end, and put a little more beef in it Kakadu NP should avail themselves effect of thick rime on a stand of this time... The cock bird had seen of the excellent bird-list put out by bare-branched trees. it all. He flew down. 'Hens!' he said the Australian National Parks and (as plain as plain) 'Here, mind out of Wildlife Service in Canberra. the way and I'll give you a demon...' • • • Crash! A sneeze and a long pause. 'But no wonder, and how silly of me, •¥•-¥• * I took off to the left instead of vertically like this ..Smash! NPA member John Ashman found it lan Currie's car camp at Durras You see the point of the single hard to come to terms with the idea South on the June long weekend condyle? Butforthatwise provision of a sealed bitumen road running seems to have been a great success. of nature for bird-brains he would through a national park, and burning The children, (big kids too, I'll bet), have broken his tomfool neck. off being carried out throughout enjoyed cracker night, and the little the area. He feels that these factors ones loved the 'sparklers'. Apart • • • are not compatible with the concept from the first day, the weather was of a national park. Information on good, making it possible to enjoy the subject of fire management in the millionaires' breakfast table on the beach one morning. However, it Well.. .that all 'til next time, and its Kakadu National Park has been not only 'fairy floss' and trivia. received from ANPWS, and will be seems there are some people who can't bear peace and quiet. Stalk There's some good solid stuff in summarized in the Bulletin at a there to get your teeth into. How later date. ing, with a camera, someone well- known for not wanting to be photo many of you knew, before reading graphed, is just asking for trouble. this column, that you have two So when the unwilling subject occipital condyles? How about phoning your thought-provoking • • • retaliates with a bucket of water, can he be blamed? The camera and intellectually-stimulating ideas escaped the deluge so where is the to 88 1889. Other NPA members still touring resulting 'action' photograph? with International Park Tours, atthe Melliodora time of writing this, are Gladys Joyce • • • A Weekend Away Alice Thompson age 9'years In the mid term break my family. Reg. Tim and Bill went to several national parks. We left Canberra and stopped at the Wallaby Track in Conimbla National Park and we went on that When we got back we had lunch. It was about 2pm when we reached the camping spot in the / Nangar State Forest. There was a nice, clear, civilized!1 camping spot but knowing Reg. he chose a rough bush camp to stay in but still I liked it. When we had unpacked all our gear and put up our tents we had tea. The first thing we did when we reached the camp we lit a warm fire. We waited and waited for Sylvia who had driven down from Queensland via Jervis Bay She finally saw our fire at dark and was ready to wave to us when she drove through a long, deep the rest of the day and cooked tea. coach. The first walk we went on in hole. It was very muddy, and slippery. That night was cold too and as we the Weddin Mountains was up a Earlier on Reg had drained the drove out we saw all Ihe puddles really high cliff We had lunch up water into the creek but the mud and grass were frozen at the civilized there. Then when we came down remained. campsite. I was glad Reg didn't pick we went on our second walk to see It was very cold compared to that. the creek and camping site. The Canberra that night. We went on a We packed up to go home and creek was empty. When we came walk to the top of Mt Nangar and we on the way to the 'Weddin Mount back we had a snack before heading saw a ramp that hang-gliders jump ains' we went to the Escort Rock. home. We went to Yass and had tea off. I saw a little rock pool and found Ben Hall and his gang used to hide there and after that we went home. 100 in it. We stayed at our camp for behind it and hold up the stage Students Again Help small number of regular, dedicated position and most of the work done, Tree Project NPA members made up the team including a subsurface coating of together with the father of a Brownie creosote and sumpoil. To assist Charles Hill who was working for her Conserv ready identification the tops of the ation Badge. stakes were painted red, together The main taskfortree maintenance Two hundred hardwood "tomato" with the fingers of some members! at Glendale on Saturday 19 July stakes were kindly provided by The weather was kind — calm 1986 was to provide all the trees Namadgi management. The stakes and bright sun; outer clothing was under 90cm height in weedy areas had to be pointed and this was soon soon discarded. After lunch the with tall stakes. The trees are not achieved with various carpentary College group climbed up to the tied to stakes, but there is a need to tools and no lost fingers. The rain, rocky outcrops on the range to the readily locate them when the weeds as hoped, had softened the some west of the tree site, and reported are high both to guide the operator times concrete-like soil and we some impeding scrub in places. of the weed slashing tractor and for rarelly needed to use a crowbar or The Association expresses its maintenance tasks by members. pickwhich I had brought along. Two appreciation of the efforts of all NPA member and teacher at tubular starpost drivers had been concerned, particularly the helpers Narrabundah College. Lois Perry, hired for the occasion and these from Narrabundah College who arranged for a group of College proved very good. have a busy programme of outdoor students to help and she and hus The team worked with enthus recreation at weekends. band John worked with them. A iasm and by 1 pm thestakeswerein show where the trees are, the Brownie Points for Conservation Rangers were cutting down the trees as well. Rebecca Lehrer While they were staking trees, (Aged 10) Mrs Hill, my father and I went around looking at the trees to see if they I have wanted to do my conservation all {Mrs Hill sometimes kindly carried were infected or if there were many badge for Brownies for some time. them). insect eggs because the insects In the list of things to earn it, you When I was told that I was going killed them by chewing on the leaves have to do a Pack Nature Calendar on a tree maintenance outing I had and when we found some we or go on some sort of outing activity a picture of going to an oakwood. squashed them orscraped them off helping with conservation. My So when I got there I was surprised. with an old toothbrush. I collected mother had some problems organ It was dry even though there was a some interesting ones. At the end ising an outing for me but eventually river running through it. Mr and Mrs of this time I had quite a collection. was able to arrange one for me. Hill were trying to put back the So I went to Namadgi National natural vegetation because this Most of the trees looked dead. Park on a tree maintenance day to area had been used for grazing But Mrs Hill showed me where new an area in Glendale. The leader of property and for a dump when shoots were coming from the bottom the outing was called Mr Charlie people were building the road. Mr of the plants. Hill, an elderly man who had raised and Mrs Hill, with the help from After lunch I went on a nature from seeds the trees in the area in some other people cleaned it up. ramble with Mrs Hill and a retired which we were and had gone on Then they went around with a anthropologist. It was a tough job many of these tree maintenance botanist and collected some seeds going up that hill (or is it that I am trips. from the area. They got someone in unfit?). When we returned to where I went on Saturday, 19th July at the ANU to germinate them. The the cars were, I had quite a collection II o'clock. Namadgi National Park trees are three foot in height now of bones. is all in the ACT. Mr Hill had warned and, on the day, Mr Hill and some I thoroughly enjoyed the day and Mum that the area could get very students from Narrabundah College hope that other children can go on cold and windy at times and to rug were staking the trees to show the outings like it. up well. As it turned out it was a Rangers where they are when the CONSERVATION FOR EVER. beautiful day and I boiled in all my grass is cut. In the spring the grass clothes. I ended up carrying them is so long that without stakes to Mt Anne panion. The walking I soon discov way across the State. ered was on a track and then above As we descended the ridge, Co/ Simpson the tree line the route was well Lake Pedder lay still and exposed, marked with small rock cairns which, receding behind islands and pen Walking through the streets of South while unnecessary on a clear day insulas. Grace agreed that it was a Hobart I easily found the house would be of much assistance in fog panoramic view but not sufficiently where my walking companion lived. or rain. atmospheric for her to want to put it I dropped my pack on the footpath, Up a ridge, from which large Lake down with her oils onto masonite. safe enough at 7 am mid-week She Pedder can be seen, and an hour or Condominium Creek water is was ready, more fully equipped so walking leads to a small, well- red-brown from the tannin off the than I, for she was walking on over maintained hut with a welcome button grass; Grace had the tent up to Melaleuca, while I was returning watertank. Built by the Hobart Walk while I was still assessing the pros to Hobart the next day. ing Club it commemorates, among and cons of camping under the I drove, down through the city others, Olegas Truchanas; the roof enormous paper-barks on the bank and out along the Derwent. Like is wired down against the wind. of the creek Cups of tea led to a Canberra, you're quickly out of the From the hut, rock scrambling is leisurely meal finished with some city. I didn't know exactly where we necessary until a long rolling plateau thing warming from an old vanilla were headed or how far we were is reached, reminiscent of the essence bottle. Chatting, I learned driving and the journey stretched approach to Blue Lake. In deference of the possible commercialisation pleasantly on. Through New Norfolk, to an old knee problem and the of huts in some of the wilderness then Maydena and we were starting three day walk ahead of her.Grace areas and of the danger of the peat to get into the south-west: bush, decided to rest while I went on, rock like soil allowing a camp fire to distant peaks, Mt Tim Shea, Mt hopping again, following the cairn smoulder down below ground level, Wedge; my guide listed off their line. Surprisingly, small drifts of to be later fanned by the wind into names. After a couple of hours we snow began to appear, but the flame. finally turned off a narrow gravel summit with a couple of exposed Seven-fifteen next morning and road into a parking/camping area. scrambles eluded me that day. my companion headed off down Mid March, a blue, still day, so we Back on the plateau we lunched the track which led past the distant decided to share a day pack- it was and drank from one of the shallow Arthurs on what I hope was a pleas certainly a day for walking in shorts pools; on the northerly horizon ant walk and T-shirts. I had insisted on a map Frenchmans Cap, to the south Pre which seemed to amuse my com cipitous Bluff - our view was half Australian Alps National Parks Agreement: Recreation Management Workshop lan Garven A workshop on recreation manage signed a Memorandum of Under ment in the Australian Alps National standing aimed at developing co Parks is lo be held in Canberra operative management for the during October 1986. This will be Australian Alps as well as recogniz the third in a series of workshops ing this region's national signif focusing on the development of the icance. This agreement does not Australian Alps National Parks seek to change management Agreement. arrangements, leaving the three The workshop will include a state and territorial agencies with A New Breed of Leaders? public forum held at the Australian their existing responsibilities while Academy of Science on the evening the Australian National Parks and Olive Buckman of Wednesday 1 October 1986 Wildlife Service will co-operate commencing at 7.30pm. The forum with these agencies providing The nine takers for Lyle Mark's will include a keynote address foll assistance to selected programs. Biack Springs walk one Saturday at owed by a discussion period in the end of May were more than The workshop will be considering which community groups and indiv happy to have him as leader. How a wide array of recreation manage iduals have an opportunity ever, word of the shortage of leaders wi\\ io ment strategies and planning issues raise issues and questions which for NPA must have got around, for including: will be considered within the rest of soon after starting up the fire trail to . a common code of ethics for var the workshop and by the Liaison Fishing Gap. there ahead of us, ious management philosophies, Committee which is developing the bang in the middle of the path, eg. fire risk and hazard manage agreement. stood a large emu. Like all good ment, feral animal, grazing and A similar forum held at the leaders, he/she waited till we erosion control. Canberra College of Advanced caught up a bit. then set off ahead Education in June proved most fruit . management of horseriding/ in front of us tossing his head from ful, leaving the representatives of equestrian access, side to side, counting numbers and the various government authorities . the integration and co-ordination checking on the slower ones. In this with plenty to think about. of educational and interpretation way, we were carefully guided along The area covered by the Austral programmes to promote more for half a kilometre - or more. Were ian Alps National Parks Agreement than the 'Man from Snowy River' we too fast? too slow' - we shall is approximately 1.2 million hect image of the high country, and never know, as she (I am sure of ares and encompasses Namadgi that now - by the rear end sway) . arrangements for co-operation National Park in the ACT, Kosciusko finally thought we were quite capable between community advisory National Park and Bimberi and of going it alone. bodies in NSW. Victoria and the Scabby Nature Reserves in NSW However, word spread quicker ACT. and the Snowy River, Cobberas, than thought, for another More detailed publicity about three Tingaringy, Bogong and Wonnan- awaited us, again keeping an eye the public forum will be available in gatta - Moroka National Parks. on us, as they too led us lor a due course. Additional information Wabonga Plateau State Park and considerable distance before dev can be obtained from lan Garven of the Avon Wilderness in Victoria. iating into the bush the ACT Parks and Conservation Together these areas contain The animal grapevine must have Service - phone 46 2189. some of Australia's outstanding been a little wary of our capabil st\\\ and unique natural features. ities to keep to the trail, as a small, lan Garven works in the Policy Victorian, New South Wales, almost black wallaby sat brightand and Projects Branch ot the ACT Australian Capital Territory and alert, a metre or so off the track, Parks and Conservation Service. Commonwealth Ministers respon counting each head as we passed sible for national parks recently by. From there, we must nave passea the test, and a very pleasant walk it proved too, including a most ingen ious bridge of stones - built by the male members, and complete with Australia's Alpine Areas: handrail - to cross the delightful Management for Conservation Cotter for lunch in the sunshine. Lyle had to lead the group back- Papers from a conference organised by the National Parks Association no more'natural' leaders appeared, of the ACT, to foster a co-operative approach to the management of but a dear baby wombat did trot Australia's Alpine areas. Edited by Kevin Frawley. alongside check our cars to that we This illustrated publication now available. left the reserve at the end of a memorable day. Enquiries to NPA Office - Ph 57 1063 or Box 457 GPO Canberra 2601 An Environmental Code forthe Bush Keith McRae Over the past decade there has Camping Association and the Con vailing and developing conditions been a dramatic upsurge of interest servation Council of Canada have (e.g. weather, fire, water); particular and participation in bushwalking established codes of behaviour. In precautions and care required both and other outdoor leisure activities. Australia, our Association and a for the environment (e.g. endang Organizations such as the National number of othergroups have issued ered species, compacted campsites) Parks Association are helping to guidelines. The pamphlet Enjoy the and the participants (e.g., overgrown meet the growing demand for activ Bush has proved a useful source of trails, polluted water); and other ities ranging from those which are ideas for NPA members over a matters of interest or concern. relaxed and contemplative to those number of years. Maybe, however, (b) Keep the group size small which are vigorous and challenging. the time is right for consideration to enough to protect the particular These activities, if well organized be given to developing a new set of environment(s) involved. Remem and led, can provide participants guidelines? In a series of articles in ber, however, that the impact of a with many positive benefits includ this Bulletin, a tentative set of guide group is not necessarily or only a ing enjoyment and satisfaction; lines which is both comprehensive function of numbers. A party of relaxation; a sense of well-being or and environmentally 'protectionist' personal achievement; and an twelve knowledgeable and careful will be outlined. The guidelines will appreciation of the beauty and people can cause far less ecolog draw upon existing codes but mod importance of nature. ical damage than one or two people ifications will be made to make who are ignorant and/or careless. Two dangers are, however, in them as appropriate as possible to herent in any increased participation Australian conditions. Many of the (c) Undertake a careful reconnaiss in outdoor leisure activities. First, it guidelines will be widely accepted ance of the proposed route (close is likely that some leaders may not as they stand. It is anticipated that to the time of the event), locate have the leadership competencies other items will be subject to crit suitable and sound campsites and necessary to ensure safe outdoor icism for different reasons and with assess the environmental implicat outings or to avoid negative out different levels of intensity. Hope ions of any proposed activity. comes for participants. In the Pres fully, the code will promote a healthy (d) Ensure that at least two party ident's Foreword in the December debate which will lead eventually to members have the knowledge and edition of the Bulletin, Ross Carlton the promulgation and wide accept skills required (e.g., first aid, map- drew attention to the proud record ance of an environmentally sound reading and navigation, emergency of the Association for safety and to set of guidelines. and safety procedures). the need for leaders and walkers to Subsequent editions of the (e) Conduct pre-trip discussions act responsibly in the bush so that Bulletin will contain guidelines and instruction so that all members everyone can enjoy the experience. relating to travelling through the Second, the impact of larger num of the group are aware of the require bers of people could lead to bush, campsites, fires and firewood, ments of minimum impact camping, unnecessary damage being caused human waste, rubbish, washing the tripplan and of the food, clothing to natural environments. Concerned and special measures needed to and equipment needed. The envir environmentalists who have ven protect natural communities and onment should not be relied upon tured off the beaten track in Aust entities. The first section of the to keep people dry, warm, well-fed ralian national parks or wilderness code deals with the' planning or comfortable. areas will have had the experience responsibilities of leaders. It is (f) Consult with authorities at the of being appalled at the thoughtless suggested that leaders should: completion of each trip about con behaviour of some of the people (a) Consult with relevant authorities ditions and problems encountered who use 'the bush' for leisure purp and other knowledgeable persons and suggest any follow-up activity oses: the discarded tin or plastic about management guidelines; pre required to protect the area. wrapping; the broken bottle; bran ches torn off a living tree; scraps of food in a small creek Concern to eliminate such gross examples of behaviour generally considered to LIVING WITH POSSUMS be anti-environmental and to ensure that outdoor experiences are enjoy Residents of Canberra share their gar able and worthwhile has prompted dens and roofs of their houses with the various organizations throughout ubiquitous brushtail possum. To help the world to promulgate behavioural people better understand these delight guidelines for natural environments. ful, but at times annoying creatures, the ACT Parks and Conservation Service has produced a pamphlet entitled, 'Living In the United States, organiz with Possums'. It gives information about the possum's biology and encourages ations such as the National Outdoor people to develop a more positive attitude Leadership School, the Wilderness towards these animals. Education Association and the Sierra Club have issued sets of guidelines. Similarly, the Canadian Courtesy of Australian Ranger Bulletin, Vol. 3 No. 4 1986 p. 315. Flying Foxes and bald Mice C R. Tidemann Bats, although rarely seen, have flying fox and some smaller nectar conspicuous by virtue of sheer attracted the attention of people of feeding bats (Megachiroptera) and numbers. One colony of bats in all cultures through the ages. The many microchiropterans. which Mexico has over 20 million inhab bizarre appearance of many, their tend to be smaller. The smallest of itants and the bent-winged bat in almost universal habit of flying only these as adults weigh less than Australia may form colonies num at night and their tendency to three grams, whereas a large flying bering hundreds of thousands of occupyy sepulchres, churches and fox may weigh more than one kilo. bats. In the south east of Australia other places inhabited by the dead Many microchiropterans have there are only two species - the have led to many myths and fallacies the ability to lower their body temp bent-wingeo bat and the horseshoe about these truly remarkable eratures and go into torpor in the bat (see photo) which are obligate animals. With the exploration of face of food shortages or low temp cave dwellers, compared with over South America stories of blood eratures. This has enabled the family Vespertilionidaea dozen which typically roost in sucking bats became jumbled with e (Latin vesper-light tree-holes. Most of these species tales of human vampires and bats evening breeze) to colonise all the live in small groups of ten or twenty acquired an extremely sinister continents except Antartica. bats which are widely dispersed reputation, which in the Western Megachiropterans do not go into through limbered areas. Colonies world has been embellished by torpor and consequently are restric of cave bats are much more restric horror films and the press. By ted mainly to the tropics and sub- ted because caves are infrequent contrast, the Chinese regard bats tropics. Vesperti lion ids comprise in most places. Megachirropterans as good omens and stylized motifs most of the bat species in temperate . with one of five bats are common on artefacts areas, but are outnumbered in exception do not use sonar, but from this culture On islands of the warmer climates by other groups. rely instead on excellent vision and Pacific and Indian Oceans and in All microchiropterans have eyes, a good sense ot smell to navigate Africa flying foxes are regarded as a but in some species they may be and find food. They are without delicacy and are enthusiastically very small - hence the saying blind exception, eaters of plant products hunted The German word for flying as a bat'. The use of vision in these (fruit, pollen, nectar, leaves). Many fox is "flughunde" and for the species has to a large extent been species of plant have become smaller bats "fledermaus". The supplanted by echolocation. which dependent on bats for pollination French call the latter ,,chauve- is also used by some whales and or seed dispersal and exhibit char souris". which translated literally olher animals. Echolocation (or acteristics which make them attrac means bald mouse Observed and sonar) has become extremely tive to bats, but not to other animals. remarked upon throughout their sophisticated in microchiropterans. Many tropical fruits (for example, almost world-wide distribution, They can use it to fly in complete avocado, mango, banana, fig) have bats in fact are no less fascinating darkness and avoid obstacles as been cultivated from species which than their counterparts in fiction. fine as piano wire. They also use it were originally dependent on bats All bats (over 900 species) belong to locate their prey - mostly insects. as pollinators or seed dispersers and the long-term stability of some to the order Chiroptera, which Some species, however, eat other ecosystems may well be geared to comes from two Greek words vertebrates (bats, fish, birds) and the continued existence of these meaning hand-wing. They are the three South American species-the animals. only animals apart from birds and vampires - are true parasites, feed insects which can truly fly. This ing entirely on blood They obtain Rabies causes substantial eco ability has enabled bats to colonize this by shaving a piece of skin from nomic losses to the cattle industry even remote oceanic islands New a victim with their very sharp incisor in South America each year and is a Zealand has only two native teeth. The consequent bleeding is human disease problem in some mammals, both of which are bats promoted by anticoagulant saliva. areas. However, the overall impact and the Indonesian island of Krak- Vampires have become well known of bats on man has been mainly atoa has been recolonized by 13 for their propensity to spread rabies, beneficial. Agricultural insect pests species of bat only 100 years after although it is not generally known are destroyed in their millions by the complete destruction of its that any mammal can carry the insectivorous species and the inter biota in 1 883. disease. In Europe the main vector dependence of tropical plants and Bats are grouped into two sub is the fox. Rabies is fortunately not megachiropterans has already orders, the Megachiroptera and yet present in Australia although it been mentioned. The effects of the Microchiroptera. Modern sci occurs on the Indonesian island of humans on bats have not been so entific opinion tends towards the Lombok. Bat-related diseases in benign. Two species of flying fox belief that these two groups have Australia have been limited to a few have become extinct through over- evolved quite independently. This cases of histoplasmosis (a fungal hunting and devegetation and in comes from recent evidence of disease of the respiratory tract) closely settled areas of Europe and radically different brain organisation which is present in some bat-caves, North America colonies of tree- in the two sub-orders, which corr including one al Wee Wee Jasper. hole bats now occur almost exclus oborates other anatomical and Contrary to popular opinion ively in buildings. In Australia the physiological dissimilarities. In most bats do not live in caves, part situation is better, but clearing of Australia both groups are repres icularly in temperate areas. Cavern- timber and, latterly, felling of dead ented. We have four species of icolous species can, however, be trees for firewood has resulted in habitat loss for many species. One or two species are regarded as rare or endangered. Flying foxes were placed on the protected fauna list in NSW early this year, although they are not protected in Queens land where they sometimes come into conflict with orchardists. Bats are unlikely ever to have the popular appeal of obvious groups such as birds. Apart from flying foxes, bats are small, shy and rather secretive creatures, unlikely to be seen at close quarters, except by accident. Nevertheless, many species are quite common around cities in Australia, including Can berra and in the warmer months can be seen flitting about at dusk in the pursuit of insects. For those who are interested, it would be a rewarding experience to participate in the summer interpretation prog ramme run by the ACT Parks and Conservation Service at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Bats are, without doubt, fascinating examples of the products of evolution and an impor tant part of our natural heritage. Further Reading Strahan, R.A. (1983) The Australian Museum Complete Book of Aust ralian Mammals. Angus and Robert son, Sydney. Yalden, D.W. and Morris, P.A. (1975) The Lives of Bats. David and Charles Newton Abbott, London. ° Chris Tidemann is Curator of the The Eastern Horseshoe-Bat, Rhinolophus megaphyllus, is one of the only two species Zoology Department's Museum at the of obligate cave-roosting bat in south-eastern Australia. Most bats are dependent on ANU. trees for roost sites. Photo by G.B. Baker I Thought I Would Be evening is not what I expected it to mining cannot be permitted in nat Amongst Friends be... I thought I would be amongst ional parks. Voicing disagreement friends.' No doubt Milo Dunphy had of a club policy to a guest speaker is Reg Alder the same feeling about some of his counter-productive and hardly questioners. Speakers invited as appropriate to the occasion. Earlier this year a Sydney walking guests to address an organisation, It has to be remembered that club, with a long record of environ with similar objectives, in agreeing persons in responsible positions 1 mental achievements and dedic to answer questions on their work have many demands on their time ation, had on separate occasions and policy, no doubt expect them to and if a forum is arranged, the the NSW Minister for Planning and be raised on points of elaboration occasion should be used to further Environment, the Hon. Bob Carr and not on other past controversial objectives and not retard them. and Milo Dunphy, a leading environ issues on which decisions have Public embarrassment does little mental activist, address them on been made. towards their fulfilment and makes their work and environmental issues. One question, by the same the chair's lot hardly a happy one. At the conclusion of his talk, the member, at both meetings raised Minister made the remark This the issue at some length as to why Dingoes in Namadgi and Kosciusko David Wheeler Are dingoes of The Australian Alpine ates is coat thickness and length, Having discussed the question area a distinct physical type, genet and body mass and shape. (The of 'types'. I would now like to ically different from other dingoes? larger and more compact the object, comment on why the Namadgi- If so, are they in danger of extinc the smaller the surface area to vol Kosciusko dingo is in danger of tion? ume ratio). In the case of animals a extinction, and what could be done large compact body results in a lo save it and oVier indigenous Alpine Type greater ability to retain heat and fauna. According to Mrs Berenice Wal less ability to lose heat. ters of the Australian Native Dog Since no study has compared Extinction Danger Training Society of NSW, dingoes such characteristics ol dingoes Illegal hunting is common in these throughout Australia have innate distributed throughout Australia, it parks. The authorities are unable to physical characteristics which vary would be unscientific to state cat stop it because the alleged offender from region to region. These dingoes egorically that there is or is not a must be tried and proven to be are classifed into 'types', such as genetic difference between dingoes guilty beyond reasonable doubt. the 'Alpine', 'Tropical' and 'Desert'. of different regions. This is difficult and expensive. It is The dingo which inhabits Kosciusko also hardly worth it when it only and Namadgi Parksissaidtobethe Genetic Difference results in a small fine. Alpine type, which Mrs Walters My own hypothesis is that there The killing or injuring of indig believes is rare in its pure form. is a difference. My reasons are: enous wildlife must remain a crim There is a wildlife park in Victoria . Ancient and 'pure' domestic inal offence. However should a which also shares the beliefs of her dogs such as the greyhound occas person be found guilty of such a society. They are also trying to breed ionally produce long coated indiv crime, a jail term should be mandat up this type to ensure its survival. iduals such as 'Woolly Wilson', who ory. A fine is obviously insufficient I have spoken to several govern is famous within the greyhound as a deterrent, particularly when ment officers employed in this field racing community. Such long coated the coat ofanalpinedingocouldbe who do not share the views of these individuals would have sprung up sold for a considerable sum (it is people. They believe that any phy long ago within the dingo population. rumoured that these coats are ill sical differences between dingoes A long coated dingo would have a egally exported). of different regions could only be a greater chance of coping with the On the spot fines of S200 should result of hybridisation or climatic harsh climate of the Kosciusko be the preventative medicine to conditions which they think all region. It would be able to inhabit ensure prosecutions are rare. If dingoes can adapt to without being areas its shorter-coated relatives rangers were empowered to search genetically different. They believe found difficult to cope with. This vehicles without having cause for that if a pure dingo pup from Marble would increase its chances of sur suspicion (as have fruit inspectors), Bar was raised on the slopes of Mt vival. Dingoes born with a greater and issue such fines to persons Kosciusko, it would be indisting and more compact body mass would found in possession of dogs, weap uishable from any local Kosciusko also have an advantage in a cold ons, traps or baits, few people would dingo by the time it had matured. climate. hunt in national parks. Though They believe a cold climate (and not amending legislation to allow this genetics) would cause tne coat of . Other species divide into types would mean a loss of civil liberties, the Marble Bar dingo to thicken when the climate varies with their it would be the lesser pain when and would encourage a greater distribution. I have observed long compared to the loss of various degree of body fat. Mrs Walters coated rats in an Auckland freezing indigenous species. believesthe Marble Bardingowould works. This 'type' of rat took only a perish in the Kosciusko environ few years to evolve. Despite the Dingo and Wild-Dog Control ment. fact that our species has clothing Methods An acquaintance of mine wrote and fire to enable it to adapt to Within the ACT. the Department to the CSIRO to get their official varying climates, it was still unable of Territories allows NSW wild dog viewpoint and their evidence for it. to survive the climatic extremes authorities and adjacent rural less Their reply stated that they were without dividing into 'types'. Note ees and their employees to use not convinced that bushy coats and the physical differences between poisons and steel-jawed traps to tails on Kosciusko dingoes were the African and the Eskimo. kill dingoes up to one kilometre anything more than hybridisation. The dingo has been in Australia inside the border of Namadgi Nat However, they did admit that when up to 8000 years. This would give ional Park I believe a similarsituation several extensive studies were ample time for the forces of natural occurs within Kosciusko Park. The conducted on a large number of selection to run their course. dingo has no hope of surviving trapped dingoes throughout central . Mrs Walters breeds several under these conditions, not to men and south eastern Australia, it was dingo types on her farm in Bargo tion other indigenous wildlife. mainly skull dimensions and coat They remain physically different, Though I have much sympathy colour which were noted. despite the fact that they dwell in for graziers who lose their livestock The main differences one would the same climate. They should be of to dingoes, there are far more effec expect to find between members of uniform appearance if there were tive methods of control Alternative a species inhabiting varying clim no such thing as 'types'. methods include: politicians and government officers fail to do the right thing, future generations will hold them in con tempt, as we hold in contempt their early 20th century Tasmanian counterparts who failed to protect the Tasmanian tiger. I have visited the headquarters of the Australian Native Dog Training Society at Bargo and have observed how physically distinct the dingoes from the different areas are, despite being brought up in the same cli mate. I have since corresponded with Professor Clyde Manwell and CM. Ann Baker of Adelaide University. These people are both eminent zoologists and have had much work published on canine origins and the symbiotic relationship of canines and humans. They feel there is ample evidence of regional variation amongst dingoes and have recently written several art icles giving such evidence to supp ort their views. Dr F.K. Bell of the University of Queensland has kindly volunteered to perform several highly sophis ticated blood tests on dingoes from various areas, in an effort to settle the debate on types. If such tests can show a genetic difference between known domestic breeds . Taste aversion therapy - this To not erect a dingo fence is with subtle genetic differences, ie involves lacing sheep or calf car 'penny-wise and pound-foolish', red and blue heelers, miniature and casses with lithium chloride. Once when one considers the continual standard foxterriers, long and short the sheep or calf is eaten, the dingo cost of stock losses and baiting and haired german shepherds I feel becomes ill, though it suffers no trapping programs. An electrified they may be relevant and absolute permanent physical damage. It dingo fence could be solar powered proof that there is genetic geo consequently develops an aversion as are such fences elsewhere in graphic variation amongst dingoes. to eating sheep or calves. This idea Australia. However, as far as I am concerned, was developed from Pavlov's exper Though the construction of this the proof is visual and can be shown iments. Pavlov proved that canines fence would not be cheap, it would with a tape measure. I urge alf would not forget a negative exper be much less than what is spent on interested persons to visit the ience. national parks to benefit humans. A.N.D.T.S. headquarters at Bargo There are plans underway to up and see for yourselves. . Guard dogs - dogs such as Ger grade the Boboyan and Mt Franklin man Shepherds were used for roads within Namadgi Park This 1 have received correspondence guarding sheep against ravaging will cost several million dollars and from Healesville Sanctuary in Vic wolves for centuries. I am not aware will only have a negative effect on toria who are conducting a breeding of any graziers who have attempted wildlife. program of the Alpine race of dingo. They believe it is not distinct to train such dogs to protect their I believe the object of a national livestock from dingoes. enough to warrant special programs park should be to preserve nature. for protection and they were unable . The erection of an electrified Benefits to this generation of to give a list of characteristics dingo fence around Kosciusko and humans should be a secondary which make the Alpine race distinct Namadgi Parks. 'Good fences consideration. from other races. I found their stance make good neighbours' and this If a strong electrified fence was totally illogical since they were going seems the obvious solution. It has erected around Kosciusko and to the trouble of breeding the "race" been said that some graziers would Namadgi Parks (it is claimed the and admitted that they had had to oppose this because they wish to smaller types of electric fences use the desert type in their program graze their animals illegally within have not been successful) future because of a lack of breeding stock national parks in times of drought. generations of Australians would Their reasoning became clear to However, I believe the enlightened be extremely grateful to todays me when they said they were a grazier would forego this conven authorities for having the foresight semi-government agency and ience knowing they would be pro to ensure a valuable part of our supported the government's pol- tected from dingoes and feral pigs. ecology survives. Should today's icies (No government department will admit to genetic regional varia tion amongst dingoes and Heales- ville is dependent on government funding.) To sum things up, I am totally disgusted by successive Australian governments and their departments, as the question of dingo types should have been known many years ago. All that would have been required was to raise a large number of dingoes from various regions in the same climate and examine any differences with scientific scrutiny. No such work has ever taken place. Although we should not give up and cease lobbying, history has shown that governments cannot be relied upon to protect and conserve unique animals. It is up to dedicated individuals to ensure the various Jenny 11 t) and Alice 18) Thompson neanng the enoot their 40 km, 4 day winter pack types of dingo do not become walk in the Budawangs during which they walked around and climbed Quiltys extinct. I urge all interested mem Mountain. Each earned packs equivalent to 25% of then body weight. The notice bers to apply to join, or support carries a NPWS prohibition against camping fires in Monolith Valley financially. The Australian Native Print by Reg Alder from a colour negative by Dianne Thompson. Dog Training Society Further information on the Austra lian Native Dog Training Society of NSW can be obtained from the Fera! Pig Exercise in Namadgi Secretary. MerigaT. Anna Road. Mike Braysher BARGO NSW 2574. Tel: (046) 841 156 During April/May 1986 the ACT transits for rooting activity and Parks and Conservation Service co dung occurrence which were David Wheeler is an inspector ordinated a joint study to test the established in the control and ex with the RSPCA (ACT) The above effectiveness of the warfarin/gram perimental areas were used to article is reprinted with permission baiting technique for controlling assess the effectiveness of the from BOGONG, Jan-Feb J986 feral pigs in the event of an outbreak control technique. PP12-13. of exotic disease. Warfarin, an anticoaglant poison, Those involved in the study were was chosen because feral pigs are the Australian Animal Health and much more susceptible to this panted Quarantine Service, NSW Depart poison than most other animals. ment of Agriculture, CSIRO Wildlife The selectiveness of this poison and Rangelands Research, Mr J. was increased by adding it tosoaked Hone iPhD student) and the ACT gram which is not taken by non Parks and Conservation Service target animals such as catlle and It was assumed that there was kangaroos, and by burying the Editor an outbreak of foot and mouth poisoned giam. disease on Gudgenby Station within The exercise is still being assess Namadgi National Park. Boundaries ed but preliminary examination FOR NPA BULLETIN to the presumed outbreak were indicates that warfarin baiting is selected as Orroral Valley (North effective in reducing pigs numbers ern! and Boboyan Vatley (Southern!. to an acceptable level. 92% of the For the purposes of the exercise, radio-tagged animals were killed no eastern or western boundary by the poisoning programme. was delineated. There was no evidence of secon Prior to laying the poison bail. 44 dary poisoning or poisoning of non- feral pigs of various age and sex target species. classes were fitted with radio trans The ACT Parks and Conservation mitters. These were used to deter Service proposes to use this tech mine the habitat preferences and nique to control feral pigs, through home range size of the animals the rest of Namadgi National Park The percentage kill of the radio- and in the other parts of the ACT. tagged pigs in conjunction with the THE EARLY DREAMING forty years wide of the mark She to her fictional stores. Reg Alder began subconsciously to sense the The most profound experience need for man's harmony with nature that came to Colin Thiele was to be The Early Dreaming with its Fred and to have a deep affinity with it in the natural environment with the William's jacket painting 'Coota- when she was moved to Sydney in freedom to roam incessantly as part mundra Wattles', suggestive of the 1940 to be with her father during of its universal patterns and rhythms. great outback, is not what it would the construction of a bridge over Standing day after day on a hilltop appear to be at first glance as a the Hawkesbury River. On moving or knoll with the long fall of the story of the Aboriginal dreamtime. later to Tasmania and the Latrobe valley below and arch of the sky The deception covers a collection Valley, her perception of man's above and the realisation that he from ten of Australia's best authors responsibility towards the earth was but a speck of no more conse of children's books on their own and the importance of maintaining quence than an ant or bee taught childhoods and the influences that balance grew steadily and keenly. him humility, just as solitude gave led to them becoming writers for For Lilith Norman, she is the sum peace. the young. of everything heard, seen, touched, Later when he came to write Hesba Brinsmead in her story felt, tasted, loved, hated, feared, books, it was inevitable that the sets the pattern for others to follow dreamed, believed and done — a things that had drenched him so in her observations of how writers different childhood would have wholly and deeply he would share like herself have made desperate made her a different person. Her with children. The incredible beauty efforts to retain the perceptions of earliest experience of the land, the of natural form and colour, texture childhood — a place of childhood is black soil plains, the space, the and light — hawk's feather and what you remember it to be — you scruffy bush, the coiled and dream magpie's wing, hilltop rock and see it as a somewhere-nowhere ing loneliness, was at the age of six. creekbed pebble, peeling bark and place. Nobody can return there to She says it got into her blood and bending bud, rabbit's fur and dead be proven right or wrong. bone and muscle and down to the bird's claw, star flowers in wild grass The theme that comes through marrow of her bones. like a startled spider's eye, bull- in all but one of the author's stories The little incidents are the ones rushes and frogs, rosellas and ring- is the effect the natural environment remembered most vividly and, as necks, running wind on the hillside, of their childhood has had on their Joan Phipson found, the feelings of sunshine on ripening wheat, and later life, the direction of their writing experiencing them are the very straw — golden stooks on slopes. and what they wrote. Mavis Thorpe essence of memory — the smell of All these and a thousand more Clark, although born in the city, was cow manure around a muddy gate became for him part of the joy and always a lover of the country. It was way on a farm, the sound of horses' sorrow of the human heart — the not a passing appreciation but an hooves on a blue metal road, the struggle for meaning, the acts of active demanding love. A love that sound of carriage wheels on a gravel living and dying. demanded love in return — the drive, the smell of paint on the earth — the land that is Australia seaside toys, wet from waves and The early childhood experiences, which moulded the Aborigines and rubbed bythesand.thespring smell the influence of the environment in which, she believes, is now moulding of wistaria, the trickle of a shaded moulding the adult cannot be white Australians. She feels she brook under hot eucalyptus leaves, underestimated. They are exper has ttie same affinity to the red the pang of joy at the first experience iences never to be forgotten. The earth as any Aborigine whose spirit of mysterious veils of mountain mist. influence of childhood on these home is her country. adult writers is testimony enough. Unableto sleep, Noreen Shelley's All reached their goals by different Max Fatchen spent his early life father wrapped her in a blanket and paths and it is what they passed on on a hay farm out of Adelaide and, carried her outside into the night. the way that makes the book so although now over fifty years old, Together they looked at the starry interesting to read. A walk through finds nothing can pull his memory sky, the Southern Cross, the Great the bush can provide a wealth of back to his childhood more rapidly Dipper and the Milky Way. They experience to young formative than the smell of crushed gum talked about day-time friends, the minds. leaves. Later when he talked to a birds, the shiny beatles, the tiny songman on the banks of the Kool- The Early Dreaming. Australian dainty lizards. There first surf was children's authors on childhood, atong River in Arnhem Land, he always before breakfast when the listened fascinated as it was ex compiled by Michael Dugan, Jac- sea had an extra newness, and aranda Press, 1980. plained to him why the rivers ran, extra shine and sparkle. how fish swam, how rain fell — all handed down in legend and sung Finding subjects to write about about around campfires and in the was an early problem for Eleanor playabout corroborees. Spence until hermothersuggested that writers did best by writing about The subject of conservation was places that they knew; it wasn't becoming a matter of concern and until then that she began to look beginning to receive belated atten around to see her own landscape. tion when the books of Christobel Miles of beaches that were genuin Mattingley were just beginning to ely deserted, sandhills melting into be published. Anyone who tagged acres of bush, winding country roads, her stories with the glib phrase lagoons and scrubby little hills that 'band wagon conservation' or token looked like mountains became all ecology* would in fact be almost the more promising as a background FLORAL EMBLEMS OF AUSTRALIA Can you name the floral emblem of your State or Territory? If not. then you should refer to the new poster depicting the Floral Emblems of Australia, produced jointly by the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Canberra and Kodak. Australa sia An information sheet accompanies 7t the poster Available free of charge from the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Y *//V \ GPO Box 1777. Canberra ACT 2601 pea (Clranthus formosusi. Common heath Epacris Courtesy of Australian Ranger Bulletin, floral emblem of South Australia impressa), floral emblem of Victoria. Vol. 3 No. 4 1986 p32. Sturt's Desert pea NPA Bulletin National Park;, Association the ACT POSTAGE PAID PO Box 457. Canberra City 2601 AUSTRALIA REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST PUBLICATION No NBH0857 ISSN 0727 8837 GENERAL MEETINGS Held at 8 pm, Room 1, Griffin Centre, Bunda Street, Civic SEPTEMBER — Thursday 18 In 1985 the Federal Government announced its intention to transfer the Commonwealth's naval facilities from Sydney to Jervis Bay Conservationists are concerned about the impact this decision will have on the physical and human environment of the Shoalhaven region, and are monitoring the Commonwealth's proposal closely. At this evening's meeting, Mr Chris Egan will describe the region's natural and cultural significance and discuss the ramifications of the proposed defence installations. Mr Egan is affiliated with the Jervis Bay Protection Committee and the Jervis Bay Coalition lobby OCTOBER — Thursday 16 The NCDC has designated 70% of the ACT under the National Capital Open Space System. The objective of the NCOSS is to ensure that the lakes, rivers, hills, ridges, mountains and bushland of the ACT are managed as an integrated system balancing the needs of both development and conservation. This evening. Mr Richard Freeman. Principal Landscape Architect, NCDC, and Mr Paul Davies. ACT Parks and Conservation Service, will jointly present an illustrated talk on the concept and development of the NCOSS. NOVEMBER — Thursday 20 Photographer Colin Totterdell is well known to members of the NPA as co-author of Kosciusko Alpine Flora. His superb photographs have appeared in a wide range of environmental publications including, most recently, Derrick Ovington's book Kakadu-A World Heritage of Unsurpassed Beauty. At this evening's meeting Colin will introduce members to the largely unfamiliar landscapes of the Alligator Rivers region in the Northern Territory, and the Kimberley region in north-west Western Australia. Colin has participated in government-lunded expeditions to record the flora, landforms and aboriginal art of both these regions. His illustrated talk will provide a scientific and artistic account of his journeys.