September 2004

Namadgi's birthday celebrations Woodlands conserved Water matters NPA BULLETIN Volume 41 number 3 September 2004 CONTENTS From the President 3 Think Water. Act Water 14 Kevin McCue David E. Pfanner Annual Genera! Meeting 3 Impact ot the next ALT water source on NNP 14 President's Report August AGM 2004 4 Cotter catchment a year and a bit on 15 Kevin McCue Len Haskew Namadgi Plan of Management 5 National Parks in Thailand 16 Syd Comfort Kevin McCue and Sonja Lenz A ranger's view of Canberra Nature Park 6 Over the Booth to the Bog 17 Syd Comfort Russell Wenholz Goorooyaroo—a tale and a heartfelt thank you 7 Tennent Homestead—post fire 18 Margaret Aston Babette Scougall Field Guide to the Native Trees of the ACT 7 Conservation management plans for Namadgi 19 Beverlev Hammond Syd Comfort Namadgi National Park 20'" anniversary celebration 8 Cotter work party 20 Syd Comfort. Eleanor Stodart, Fiona MacDonald Brand Martin Chalk Contemporary park management 10 Environmental announcements 21 Brett McNamara Compiled by Graeme Wicks Concern over impact of rural villages 11 The ACT Lowland Woodland Conservation Strategy 22 Graeme Wicks Eleanor Stodart Submission on Draft Plan of Management Kosciuszko NP. 12 Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group 22 Draft alpine resorts plan 13 Syd Comfort Syd Comfort Early Bushwalkers of the Canberra Region—Reg Alder 23 PARKWATCH 13, 20 Len Haskew Compiled by Len Haskew Meetings and Calendar of events 24

National Parks Association of the ACT Incorporated The NPA ACT office is in MacLaunn Crescent. Chitley. next to the Inaugurated 1960 preschool. It is staffed by volunteers but, at present, not on a regular basis. Callers may leave phone or email messages at any lime and they Aims and objectives of the Association will be attended to. The posi office mail box is cleared daily. • Promotion of national parks and of measures for ihe protection of Phone/Fax: (02) 6282 5813 fauna arid flora, scenery, natural features and cultural heritage in the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the Email: npaact(li higpond.com reservation of specific areas. Address: PO Box 1940. Woden ACT 2606 • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areas. Internet: www.npaact.org.au • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment of, Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by organised field Household membership $40 Single members $35 ouiings. meetings or any other means. Corporate membership $30 Bulletin only $30 • Cooperation with organisations and persons having similar Concession $25 interests and objectives. • Promotion of. and education for, conservation, and the planning Advertising of landuse to achieve conservation. The Bulletin accepts advertisements and inserts. The standard cost of an A4 insert is $310 but some concessional rates may be Office-bearers arranged. President Kevin McCue 6251 1291 (h) I ice-Prestdent Vacant NPA Bulletin Secretary Christine Goonrey 6231 8395 (h) Contributions of articles, line drawings and photographs, including Treasurer Rod Griffiths 6288 6988 (h) colour prints, are welcome and should be lodged with the office or Committee members Syd Comfort (02) 6286 2578. Chris Emery 0249 76U4 (h) Deadline for December 2004 issue: 1 November 2004 Judy Kelly 6253 1859 (h. after 7.30pm) Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect association Steven Forst 6251 6817(h), opinion or objectives. 6219 5236(w This Bulletin was produced by the NPA Bulletin Working Group Immediate Past President Printed by Copy-Qik, Canberra, ACT. Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (h). 040 778 3422 (mob) ISSN 0727-8837 Conveners Outings Suh-eommiitee Steven Forst 6251 6817(h), Cover photo: The Hon Tom Uren OA and Fiona MacDonald 6219 5236(w) Brand OAM at celebrations of the 2(fh anniversary oj Namadgi Bulletin Working Group Syd Comfort 6286 2578 fh) National Park. PbotoKevin McCue Environment Sub-committee Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (h) contact 040 778 3422(mob) From the President The draft plan of management for strenuously oppose any such old-growth trees on public lands. Their Namadgi National Park is now development proposals for Namadgi. agenda calls for gutting the Endangered expected to be released in January The recent experience of routing the Species Act, opening wilderness to 2005. The extra time will hopefully Gunghalin Drive extension through the commercial development and allow us to evaluate feedback from the Canberra Nature Park on Black motorised recreation, and outsourcing recently released draft plan of Mountain gives us cause to wonder just management of national parks to management for the adjoining how secure are the declarations or private firms. Could it happen here? Kosciuszko National Park. At least we disallowable instruments guaranteeing The 2004 defense authorisation bill can use the NPAACT submission on our system of nature parks. The ACT of $401.3 billion that President Bush the KNP POM to hone our own Government excised the GDE route signed into law in November 2003 response to the Namadgi draft plan. from the park and the Conservator of exempts the military from abiding by As members of the Australian Alps ACT Wildlife signed the death the Endangered Species Act and the National Parks we would hope for warrants of many native plants, animals Marine Mammal Protection Act. The significant similarities in the plans of and birds, simply by making a Commonwealth Government has management. We each share a common declaration that the land ceased to be recently agreed to establish several vision: that the parks are there to reserved land, a process made without joint military training grounds in preserve the natural and cultural values recourse to public consultation. The Australia with the US, two of them for future generations. Each park has as destruction of the bush on O'Connor near sensitive marine parks. Will its core significant wilderness areas Ridge and Black Mountain—I can hear similar exemptions be granted to the that are recognised internationally the mechanical clashing of machinery military here? Who in government has under various conventions. Each of the as I write—has been unexpectedly a mandate to protect our wildlife parks surround large man-made brutal and cruelly effective. species when the conservator is also reservoirs with multi use functions, the The situation in the US is worse. their executioner? These roles ought to provision of potable water, irrigation, Vice-President Cheney and his be separated, just as the national parks power (mini-hydro plants in the ACT), colleagues have issued a report calling are not under the protection of the head and recreation. for the opening of the Arctic National forester. There are differences too, some of Wildlife Refuge and wilderness areas Obviously there is much ahead for which we hope to remove such as the of the West to fossil fuel development. the new Committee. Wish them luck KNP POM allowing bike riding in The first point of their 25-point Wise and better still join the committee or wilderness areas, an activity that is Use Agenda also calls for oil drilling in offer some help. Thanks to all of you banned in ACT and Victorian national the Refuge. In addition, they propose to and we hope you will be there again parks. The issue of Alpine Resorts is log the Tongass National Forest of through the coming year. Alaska (which the Bush administration one we don't suffer and we will Kevin McCue, President approved in late 2003), and all other

NPA annual general meeting There was a good attendance at the Regeneration Group. Members passed a baobabs", based on a recent trip to AGM held at O'Connor on August 19. vote of thanks to the office bearers and Madagascar, Mauritius and Reunion. The minutes of the 2003 meeting were Committee members in appreciation of The talk was complemented by some accepted and the President, Kevin their work during a busy year. wonderful slides including some gems McCue, presented his annual report Office bearers for the ensuing year of a chameleon the size of a which is printed in full on page 4. were elected, the new committee being fingernail. The evening concluded Treasurer Steven Forst presented the set out on page 2, opposite. The with the traditional gluhwien supper. financial report which showed an President asked members to consider Syd Comfort operating profit of $3310 for the year. offering to fill the vacant positions of Both reports were accepted by the Vice President and committee members. meeting. Judy Kelly reported on the At the conclusion of the formal part publication of Burning Issues, David of the meeting, association member Large on the Outings Committee and Adrienne Nicholson gave a fascinating Eleanor Stodart on the Gudgenby Bush presentation, "Lemurs, chameleons and

"Red" Spot — 2004-2005 Subscriptions are overdue Members' subscriptions for the 2004-2005 year became due on June 30. A marker has been put on your Bulletin address label if the association's records show that your 2004-05 subscription has not been received. Please check. President's Report August AGM 2004 the year we have had The 2003-2004 year was no less and realised that written policies were parks using the three NPA field guides. challenging for NPA ACT than the necessary to underpin our future Preliminary planning has ensured previous 12 months though certainly not submissions for protecting park values. NPA ACT will jointly host the Great as traumatic. Over time a structure of So a lot of energy has focused on Australian Bushwalk with the Canberra sorts has re-emerged consisting of the drafting policies on: wilderness; Bushwalking Club this coming spring. management committee and working Aboriginal culture and heritage; roads Another work party is progressing groups: and vehicles; commercial use; well with revising and republishing a Management Committee recreation and access; and fire coloured edition of the out-of-print book • Policy management in Namadgi NP. and then on the trees of the ACT that is bound to • Bulletin taking them to two general meetings for be a popular seller. • Environmental Submissions discussion, modification and approval. The task of publicising NPA and • Outings This democratic process, consensus not member activities, and informing and • Newsletter majority, is not yet complete. We are educating members and public falls to • Office working on policies relating to nature the Bulletin and newsletter groups and and purpose of national parks; land use • Tree Book exhibiting our colourful display. We are in close proximity to national parks and • Web site. reactivating the association's web site; a reserves; flora and fauna; walking We have interacted regularly with design brief and style have been agreed tracks; settler and post-settler cultural Environment ACT. mainly through the upon from which a mockup has been heritage. The process has certainly Parks and Wildlife Service, and with built and the content is being assembled strengthened and focused our environmental groups including the so that we can go to tender. understanding of the issues. Conservation Council of the Southeast The NPA office is run by another Region and Canberra, the Victorian and When release of the draft Namadgi group of volunteers: some take phone NSW NPAs and the Colong Foundation, plan of management was deferred for a messages, open mail, file material, and and have promised support to the year, the Environmental Submissions deal with membership issues while Friends of the Mongarlowe River in Working Group responded to the draft others organise the upgrade of computer their interest in the Monga National plan of management for Kosciuszko software and hardware, essential Park. National Park, and a separate draft plan activities that save the committee a lot The Committee recognised early on on proposed developments of the alpine of time. that to respond to the various bushfire resorts. 1 would like to sincerely thank the enquiries and provide input into draft Since the bushfires of January 2003, outgoing Committee for their plans of management for Namadgi and NPA members have participated in a enthusiasm and good humour, it has Kosciuszko National Parks, members series of work parties in Namadgi, been a pleasure working with them. And would need to speak with one voice on several on the Yerrabi Track, others on their behalf I would like to thank behalf of the organisation. The concerned with feral plants and animals, those many dedicated members who organisation of NPA in tum must yet others on water quality and hut quietly get on with producing the represent members' values. Our values safety. Great progress has been made in Bulletin and Burning Issues, the Outings date back to our beginnings in I960 ridding the park of the Gudgenby pine program, volunteer work programs and which culminated in the declaration of a plantation following a five-year a new ACT tree book. Other members national park for the national capital and lobbying effort by NPA members and support the Gudgenby Bush by continuing activities such as: others in the Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group, the NPA ACT preparation of submissions on Regeneration Group. This group has office, our meetings speaker-program, environmental issues, participating in made great progress re-vegetating part take minutes or prepare suppers, even work parties in the national park and of the former plantation. write submissions and policy documents nature reserves, and bushwalking in the It hasn't all been work. We and letters to newspapers and members region. We aim to ensure that Namadgi celebrated with many others including of parliament. National Park exists for future the then Minister Tom Uren, the 20th All of these activities will continue generations as part of a broader Alpine anniversary of the declaration of into and through next year. The National Park with a lasting and diverse Namadgi National Park out at the committee hope that the many series of nature parks throughout the Namadgi Visitor Centre. We organised volunteers who selflessly gave of their ACT. Canberra is after all the Bush bushwalks. always an integral part of time and energy will continue to do so Capital. NPA activities, from pack walks to and be joined by new members, making We needed to formulate and write more social strolls through the bush. this a better natural world than the one down our policies. Members had been Many members use these walks for we now live in. bloodied by a searching series of public social and health reasons, others for Kevin McCue forums on the new draft plan of educational purposes to learn about the management for Namadgi National Park birds, trees, and reptiles that inhabit our Namadgi Plan of Management The July issue of the association email The current working draft of the Boboyan Road, the working draft newsletter, Burning Issues, outlined the plan includes a system of zones proposes that the Mount Clear Pound matters discussed at the community covering the whole park and which be upgraded to provide shelter for workshop conducted by Environment would be fundamental to defining horse riding groups. This was ACT on June 30. The main concern of allowable practices and permissible questioned as perhaps being at the the meeting was the Namadgi National establishment of facilities and expense of other park users. NPA Park Plan of Management, the draft of structures in the park. In this process representatives at the forum proposed which is now expected to be available the use of the term "wilderness" as a that horse riding be limited to in January 2005. The following zone name would be discontinued. As management trails. paragraphs summarise some of the the construct of zones would be a key A wide range of issues associated main issues concerning the plan, most element of the plan, agreement on the with the operation of commercial of which were considered during the details for each zone is a major focus interests within the park was raised at forum. for all parties with an interest in the the forum. These included the zones The revised plan will contain a lot park. For example, in the forum, available to commercial operators, the more detail than does the existing plan concern was expressed that the draft operation of a licensing system and and is likely to follow the pattern set zoning provisions permitted the use of allowable group sizes. Concerns were out in the recently released Kosciuszko wilderness areas by commercial also raised about large non-commercial draft plan. The amount of detail will, groups, something that is not permitted groups using the park. however, be constrained by the need in the draft Kosciuszko plan. The future of huts in the park has for the plan to have sufficient Fire management provisions in the been addressed in the plan and flexibility to meet circumstances which plan present a major issue in which the although there is no proposal to permit may arise during the life of the plan. results of broader studies such as the the construction of new huts, provision The establishment of the Interim McLeod Inquiry, the Coronial Inquiry is made for the replacement of existing Namadgi Advisory Board, and the and the ACT Strategic Fire Access Plan huts. announcement in 2001 of the intention will have significant impact. The Noting that the park includes to establish a special Aboriginal lease options include the establishment of a extensive water catchments, questions over the park, represent significant new complex of fire trails in the Booth were raised about the power any new changes in the machinery for the Range to accommodate tankers, which catchment management authority administration of Namadgi. The full in addition to consideration of damage would have to issue directions to introduction of these proposals can be flowing from the construction, would land—that is, park—managers. The expected to take some time and the raise questions about the policing of the forum was told that the Catchment development of the Namadgi plan of use of the trails by unauthorised Management Board will have a management will continue in the vehicles. In answer to questions at the coordinating role for the key meantime. The plan will be affected to forum, the Director of Environment stakeholders who have management the extent that eventual changes ACT, Dr Maxine Cooper, stated that and other responsibilities in the flowing from the proposals can be although the Namadgi Fire catchment and for the implementation anticipated. Management Plan will not be entirely of the Cotter Catchment Plan. The introduction of the Interim complete it is hoped that the draft plan During the forum, many issues Namadgi Advisory Board has enabled will include a fire trail network rather were raised concerning uie use of the the views of the indigenous community than options or scenarios. Dr Cooper park for various forms of recreation in the operation of Namadgi to be also indicated that she will he ranging from mountain bikes to non- expressed and some specific responsible for making the decision powered flight, each of which involves suggestions to be made, for example, and will put a recommendation to the its own specific questions. The NPA the establishment of Aboriginal cultural Minister. continues to press that the conservation camps within the park. This process The provisions for horse riding in values of the park must take introduces a dimension in the operation the park continue to raise concerns. precedence in all these considerations. of the park not specifically recognised Although it is proposed that horse Syd Comfort in the existing plan but which now riding access be maintained at current needs to be addressed. levels, that is, on trails east of Old

Feral horses in Namadgi The NPA President sent the following Dear Minister message to the ACT Chief Minister NPA ACT applauds your Government's Your Government's response accords Mr Jon Stanhope on 16 June following action in removing feral animals from with NPA ACT policies on the removal the Government's decision to remove Namadgi National Park and we support of feral animals from the national park feral horses from Namadgi National your Government shooting horses as the and nature reserves of the ACT. Park. most effective and humane method of Kevin McCue effecting their removal. A ranger's view of Canberra Nature Park

for Canberra Nature Park staff. These include; • weed and feral animal control • fire management—the most active brigade in the ACT is the park brigade • dealing with urban wildlife and straying stock—for example, relocating snakes • grazing management where it is used as a control measure within the p;irk • management of some 40 parcels of land—for example, leases—not part of CNP • conduct of surveys of flora and fauna in conjunction with wildlife research agencies. In all these areas the emphasis is on the long-term management of the reserves. With a combined area of some 16 000 hectares. Goorooyaroo and In his talk lo the July meeting of the Goorooyaroo and Mulligans Flat Mulligans Flat constitute the largest association. Ranger Steve Taylor provide the best locations for remaining area of yellow box-red gum outlined the breadth of responsibilities shinglebacks, but dog owners often fail woodland. It also represents a transition involved in the management of the to realise the importance of keeping from grassland tlirough woodland to 27 reserves which make up Canberra dogs on leashes and that unleashed dogs forest. Most of the reserve area has been Nature Park (CNP) and the particular in their exuberance can seriously injure grazed for many years but within this values of the most recent addition to the these animals. there has been considerable variation in park, Goorooyaroo. Steve, currently Another problem which is the grazing practice with the result that working in the northernmost reserves, particularly significant in these the northern section has benefited from brings to the position an extensive suburban located reserves is the damage a more conservative regime and now background in bush regeneration and done to fences and other assets by contains a greater cover of native plants. botanical gardens management. walkers, trail bike riders and the Goorooyaroo is home to many rare birds The reserves of (Canberra Nature dumping of stolen cars, all of which including the brown tree creeper and the Park are adjacent to the suburban areas place a heavy drain on the time of staff. hooded robin and a number of of the city and, as might be expected, Steve discussed the options available to threatened species such as the this interface leads to some particular reduce problems of this type which in shingleback and the striped legless problems that may not be a worry in summary come down to compliance and lizard. Weeds such as serrated tussock more remote reserves. The nature education. Effective patrolling for and phalaris present problems and reserves are biologically important but compliance demands staff levels which require the development of specific the parks' neighbours do not always are not available, so although these control programs. A fox baiting recognise the significance of the compliance measures are used, greater program has already achieved some endangered species in the reserves nor emphasis is placed on programs directed good results although the problem of for that matter some of the cultural towards gaining public cooperation and reintroduclion from the suburbs values protected by the park. For understanding of the importance of the remains. Domestic animals from nearby example, Black Mountain reserve values of the reserves and respecting suburbs pose threats and despite contains over 50 species of orchid, management practices. Ranger-guided controls on cats which apply to about half of the native orchids. Again, walks are becoming increasingly neighbouring suburbs, park staff are important in this aware that as suburban development regard. Other comes closer these problems can be interpretative work expected to increase. being undertaken Two conclusions remained with me includes wildflower from Steve's talk—firstly that in walks, spotlighting, Goorooyaroo wc have an outstanding school talks, press addition the ACT's system of reserves releases and radio and secondly that the management of and TV interviews. this reserve is being developed from a Steve drew sound data base with the emphasis on attention lo the wide the long term. responsibility range Svd Comfort

Photos of Goorooyaroo taken during Len Haskew '.v walk on A July. Goorooyaroo—a tale and a heartfelt thank you The 4th of July was a beautiful Canberra and decisive action. While my muddled So as Steve and his group winter's day with clear skies and a sb'ght mind was nutting out a few wobbly disappeared into the unknown of breeze—quite ideal for an attempt on ideas, Leader Len announced a sound Goorooyaroo, Len and Adrienne walked the Guinness Book of Records. So off evacuation plan within no time. Max me to the homestead, Len thoughtfully went 14 walkers, ably led by Len Lawrence knew the owner of the scouting ahead to find the quickest route Haskew, to explore Goorooyaroo, the boundary property (is there any local and Adrienne guiding me around then latest local nature reserve. Along property owner Max does not know?) anything that looked like a "trippable the track we went, past the empty dams, and kindly offered to walk back to the object"!! They even rustled up several and up and down a couple of hills until carpark to bring my car to the property lovely horses for me to talk to, to help we reached a scenic spot for our homestead. This meant I only had to forget the painful arm, and capped their morning nibbles. We talked of the walk half a kilometre. Len asked Steve distractions with a flock of some splendid views of Canberra and Hill to assume leadership of the 50 wood ducks on a large ornamental surrounds, the dryness of the remaining group and Steve, I heard, lake. countryside, the paucity of bird life and fearlessly edged his troop back to the It was Max who drove me home and how good it felt to be out and active cars before nightfall. parked my car and Adrienne who took with such a congenial group. Meantime, I was rugged in a plastic mc to Canberra Hospital and waited Yet barely a half hour later she cape and Judy Webster's elegant with me until relieved by Beverley tripped on a small rock and fell to the woollen cap (the latter to keep that Hammond. And Col McAlister, not on concrete-like ground. It almost required fogged brain under control) while the walk, cheerfully drove Max back to block and tackle to get her upright. But Adrienne Nicholson volunteered to collect his car at Lyneham. she surely had earned a place in that accompany me and Len to the I sincerely thank those named above famous book—the first person to break homestead to await Max's arrival. and all the others on the NPA walk for a limb in Goorooyaroo and the first Everyone else offered comfort, and their kindness in assisting me after my female to break two shoulders just sweets, and drinks, etc, and although I accident. Your caring concern and 14 months apart!! had let the team down, no one showed practical aid were indeed appreciated What followed is what we have the slightest displeasure that a chunk and helped lessen the trauma of an come to expect and admire when NPA had been taken out of their day in the unwelcome incident Thank you, thank members are faced with an bush. you. emergency—a truly textbook response Margaret Aston Field Guide to the Native Trees of the ACT Colour is the way to go! main identifying feature, such as a specimens and locations have been The Tree Book committee has juvenile leaf, flower, seed pod, or the badly damaged. decided that the way to inform fne whole tree shape. The pen drawings will Now is the time to talk to a member general public and to encourage them to still be there. of our group—Sonja Lenz, Roger buy NPA ACT's book to learn more Eucalyptus calandulensis has been Farrow, Roger Green, Clive Hurlstone, about the local trees, is to offer a well- added and corrections and additional and Beverley Hammond—if you have bound, easily carried, water-resistant, information have been incorporated into any suggestions. colourful book. the text. Some extra, accessible places Beverley Hammond We plan to have a coloured photo to to view specific trees have been accompany each tree, picking out a included as, since the 2003 fires, several

Award for Joan Goodrum Long-time association member Joan organisations concerned with natural Goodrum has been awarded the NRMA conservation, indigenous culture and Insurance ACT Volunteer Award in the archaeology. Her recent work with Burning Issues environmental category. Joan was one Water Watch and the rehabilitation of Judy Kelly, the editor of the NPA of the winners in the ACT Volunteer of the Gudgenby area, and her respect for email newsletter, Burning Issues, the Year Awards announced in May. and understanding of Aboriginal culture would like members to notify her of Volunteering is no new thing for are well known to NPA members. any change of email address. Her Joan who joined the Women's Association members congratulate phone number is 6253 1859 (h) and Voluntary Service in India aged 15. Joan on her well deserved award. her email address is shown in Since coming to Canberra in 1968, Joan Burning Issues. has been involved in many community Namadgi National Park 20 anniversary celebration Environment ACT hosted a illustrate my talk, and lunch and afternoon program some of the photographs in the Visitor Centre on also related to other Sunday June 6 to mark the talks. 20^ anniversary of the I began by saying creation of Namadgi that in Namadgi cultural National Park. This was also and natural values are an opportunity to mark intertwined as people World Environment Day and were part of the the establishment of ecosystem as it changed Gudgenby Nature Reserve, and the tree line moved the precursor of Namadgi higher after the last Ice National Park. The principal Age. Photographs guest was the Hon Tom supported the Uren OA who as Minister intertwining, with for Territories and Local Brayshaws Hut Government approved the blanketed in snow establishment of Namadgi illustrating the National Park on World uniqueness of having Environment day !9S4. snow near a capital city Guests were welcomed and the Aboriginal rock by Dr Maxine Cooper, the formation on a granite Executive Director of slab on Mt Namadgi Environment ACT, and to being one of the Cuffing the cake. Dr Maxine Cooper. Executive Director of Environment Ngunnawal country by illustrations of the ACT and Agnes Shea, member of ihe Interim Namadgi Advisory Board, Agnes Shea. In addition to importance of boulders with Mr Tom Uren. Photo Syd Comfort an address by Mr Uren, there in the landscape. was a series of presentations I spoke about the by a number of speakers each with a The natural values— importance of water collection and strong involvement with Namadgi. filtering both for the ACT and as part of Peter Hann spoke of his working life in Eleanor Stodart the Murray-Darling Basin, of the the park spanning the period from being As part of the 201 anniversary landscape viewed from the city and the first ranger to park manager. celebration for Namadgi National Park I from the hills and valleys in the park, of Daphne Curtis lived for many years on was asked to speak about the park's the boulders, and the wilderness the Mount Clear property and spoke natural values. With only 12 minutes experience. 1 touched quickly on the feelingly of her life there before Mount allotted I had to make it a quick different vegetation types, the tall wetter Clear was incorporated into Namadgi overview. I chose to start from the broad forests, tree ferns, alpine trees, forests when the park was formed. Namadgi picture, the landscape values, and move on drier slopes, wetlands, and grassy ranger Amanda Carey gave a very frank to the detail of variation in soil types. valley floors, and the importance of the but inspiring account of a ranger's life I talked to Martin Chalk and he variation in soil types, before today. Matthew Higgins drew on his offered to provide photographs. I gave concluding with thanks for those who extensive knowledge of the area to give him an approximate list of what I had the foresight to ensure the values a concise but comprehensive picture of wanted and he delivered a selection on a are protected for future generations. the cultural values of Namadgi. Dianne CD, and then put Thompson, representing the Interim together the final Namadgi Advisory Board, gave an choice in PowerPoint interesting presentation on park values format for showing built around a painting "Drought on the Visitor Spirits" by Yorta Yorta artist Treahna Centre's brand new Hamm. Other speakers were the projector (installed on Manager of Namadgi. Brett McNamara, the Wednesday and NPA members Fiona MacDonald before the Brand and Eleanor Stodart. Dr Cooper presentation). The brought the proceedings to a close by photographs were presenting her vision of the future of commended and I Namadgi. Summaries of some of the think they were well presentations are set out below. worth the effort. I was the only speaker to Svd Comfort Len Haskew and Eleanor Stodart among ihe audience. Photo Kevin McCue generations; secondly, a The political scene— group who shares the The Hon Tom Uren OA vision forms around this person and idea and Tom Uren lost no time in declaring his demonstrates the staying empathy with Namadgi by saying that power to lobby during the 2003 fires, "When Namadgi governments for as many was burning I was burning with it". He years as it takes; thirdly, recalled being the Labor Party's first there has to be political environmental spokesman and when will to eventually legislate included in the first Whitlam ministry to declare the national would have welcomed being given the park. environment portfolio. Instead he was These three elements given other responsibilities and are in the story of the particularly enjoyed those for the foundation of Namadgi National Estate which included the Two past president of NPA A CT, Neville Esau and National Park. establishment of the Heritage Kevin Frawley. Photo Kevin McCue Dr Nancy Burbidge, a Commission and the Register of the botanist at CSIRO and a member of the we climbed the 6000ft high Mount National Estate. For eight of his Royal Society, in 1959 arranged an Kelly. The views all round, over 31 years in Parliament he had ejdiibition of the nature photography of mountain ranges and valleys and to the rninisterial responsibilities and the time Edric Slater of CSIRO. Nancy wanted to Long Plain and mountains of Kosciusko he spent in the capital developed into a (1test the waters" to see if the people of National Park convinced us that this love affair with Canberra. Canberra were interested in the natural piece of beautiful alpine country must When he was appointed Minister for environment and the idea of forming a be a national park for all future Territories and Local Government in the National Parks Association which could generations. Hawke government he did not approach lobby for a national park in the ACT. Julie and Robert wrote the proposal his responsibilities for the ACT as a A large number of people viewed the for a modest sized national park, calling "generalissimo" but sought to work with exhibition and expressed interest, so upon CSIRO and ANU experts to add members of the community. He Nancy with several CSIRO colleagues their information. The proposal, with developed a great respect for the and Prof. Pryor of the Forestry School, maps and photographs was presented to National Capital Development called a meeting at the Institute of the Minister for the Interior, Mr Gordon Commission during his five years as Anatomy in early March 1960. The Freeth, in 1963 and the association minister but did not always agree with meeting was well attended and a awaited the result. the commission's views. He took the committee was appointed to found a It proved to be a long wait, but the bold step of ruling out all development National Parks Association of the ACT committees patiently presented the to the west of the Murrumbidgee River with the aim to gain "A National Park proposal to each succeeding Minister for and approved the declaration of for the National Capital". the Interior. None of them said the Namadgi National Park despite the The NPA Committee in 1962 proposal was nonsense, but they said commission's opposition. Whilst not authorised Dr Robert Story, Julie Henry money was not available for such a claiming authorship of the concept, he and myself to investigate the bushland proposal. Fortunately, there was supported the vision of one great around Mt Kelly to see if that area was goodwill within the Minister's national park embracing the alpine suitable as a national park. The Alpine department and over the years areas. He considered that the issues not Club had a bushwalk to Mt Kelly on sympathetic public servants added the politics must come first. their autumn program so we joined this pieces of land to the original proposal, At 83, he admits to feeling like 21 party led by Allan Bagnall. We walked and the Gudgenby Nature Reserve of and that being in Namadgi gives him a over the paddocks of the Boboyan 51 OOOha was declared in 1979 by the feeling of great warmth. Valley, climbed into the forested hills Minister Bob Ellicott Syd Comfort between Mt Gudgenby and Mt Scabby In the year 1983 Mr Tom Uren was and followed sparkling Sams Creek to appointed Minister for Territories and The community the foot of Mount Kelly where we Local Government, and he agreed to camped overnight. On the following day accompany the NPA Committee, led by perspective—Fiona Vice President Den Robin and Past President Neville Esau, into MacDonald Brand OAM the proposed national park area. As a member of the Canberra Mr Uren was and is a great community I acknowledge we are environmentalist and when he saw meeting on Ngunnawal land. the beautiful mountains and I've been asked to tell you briefly valleys he said of course the area the history of the formation of Namadgi has to be a national park. The National Park as seen by a founding Namadgi National Park was member of the National Parks gazetted in 1984. Association of the ACT. Political will had given the The history of the formation of community what it had been national parks worldwide shows that seeking for 21 years. there are three necessary elements. Firstly, someone has to recognise that a Adrienne Nicholson with the NPA certain area is so environmentally display at the Visitor Centre. valuable that it must be kept for future Photo Syd Comfort. Contemporary park management - Brett McNamara Today's park manager carries a vast array of skills and abilities in his or her tool kit. He or she needs to be adaptive, flexible, somewhat opportunistic and very responsive. It's one of those jobs where on any given day you can be called to a fire as the Incident Controller, respond to ministerial requests or coordinate a search and rescue operation for a lost bushwalker. When 1 first started my career as a land manager some 22 years ago in the Northern Territory, I recall that park management revolved around the protection of plants and animals. You learnt the scientific names and studied the habiiats of those plants and animals, and you got to know your patch by wandering around the place. What a Agnes Shea, Brett McNamara and Fiona MacDonald Brand at the Namadgi job—you got paid to go wandering hirthdav parti: Photo Kevin McCue. around in the bush! But over the years, like all sciences, bush with digital mobile phones management language! It all sounds park management has evolved. While strapped to their belts, drive around in very important, so one day I should gel the general philosophy may still be the 4wd vehicles fitted with Global someone to explain to nie what it all same, the underlying principles and Positioning Systems, then stop and really means. values have further evolved. Today we download traffic information data on to One thing that has not changed over see park management more holistically, a laptop only to return to the office to the years is the passion and enthusiasm we see it more in terms of catchment access their electronic mail. Truly rangers and field officers bring to their management and from a bioregional amazing advances! jobs. I am yet to come across a group of perspective. Perhaps the best example of To give you a quick example of how people more committed to their jobs rhis approach to land management is the things have changed from Peter's than those employed by park Australian Alps national parks experience of 20 years ago, allow me to conservation agencies. cooperative management program. The paint you the following picture. It's a My family and I have been very Alps program is all about breaking Monday morning, and like 20 years ago fortunate in that not only have we had a down state and territory barriers and the manager starts his day with a quick close associalion with the mountains of viewing the Alps parks as a bioregion, glance over the in-tray, the only Namadgi for over 12 years, but we have not just individual parks and reserves— difference being that my in-tray is my also spent some time living on and in to my mind a significant development in email inbox. The emails can range from the estate. While the devastating fires of the "science" of park management. material which needs to be urgently 2003 have changed the fabric of the Today, I see park management as reviewed for an ongoing coronial park, and affected us directly, I believe being based on four key 'foundation inquiry, through to providing comments that the fires in turn will enrich the principles': the management and on a detailed ministerial briefing on landscape as nature continues to enhancement of the natural and cultural vertebrate pests in the park, followed by recover, with the fires also forming part values of the estate, recreational access, an email requesting the latest of the history of the mountains. and community engagement and expenditure figures as well as a forecast What park management is all about involvement in our parks and reserves. timeline regarding a complex capital is leaving and enriching the lasting As you can appreciate sometimes works project. This is then closely legacy for those who will follow. I these values come into conflict with one followed up by an email from our would like to acknowledge those who another, but as a park manager you need recruitment area highlighting the need to have preceded me and thank them for to be able to strike a balance in extend a number of temporary staff their efforts in leaving us their legacy. resolving such issues while delivering a contracts. All of these need to be In rum, I can only but hope that at the positive outcome for the overriding responded to and dealt with before 9am! end of my shift as manager of Namadgi conservation values of the estate being National Park the legacy that you have the park. The other striking feature of today's given us will flourish and prosper well contemporary park management is the Reflecting un the presentation into the future. language we now use ... phrases such as provided by Peter Hann, I am struck by strategic planning, integrated nature We are merely caretakers of a rich the advances made in such areas as conservation planning, operational and unique community asset. information technology. Who would implementation plans, core business, have thought 20 years ago that one day key result areas, outcomes versus rangers would be wandering around the outputs, are all part of everyday park Concern over impact of rural villages Community and conservation groups as "While the case for revitalising the house costing $300 000, plus added well as the National Capital Authority Stromlo settlement, which adjoins the costs for fire, ambulance, police and (NCA) have reservations about the ACT suburb of Duffy, has considerable merit, other services. Government's plan to rebuild the former the re-establishment and expansion of The Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, 13-home Pierces Creek settlement as a Pierces Creek settlement to a village of said on June 3 the Government's plan rural village with 50 homes built to 50 houses is questionable, given its fire- was to create two new rural villages and (tworld class" standards and establish prone setting," Mr Adams said in The a settlement connected to the urban area new villages at Stromlo and Uriarra. Canberra Times on July 21. "built to the highest standards of The January 2003 bushfires 'Tn the case of Uriarra, which lies sustainability". The plan would enable destroyed 83 per cent of the houses at outside the Spatial Plan's 15km the residents to return, joined by small Uriarra, Stromlo and Pierces Creek. consolidation zone, the 21-dwelling numbers of people who chose to live a Twelve of the 13 Pierces Creek houses settlement is to be expanded to an rural lifestyle. were destroyed upmarket village of 120." The Government had had to decide The NCA in August told the Federal The "social, economic and to leave the villages as they were, Parliament's Joint Standing Committee environmental issues which flow from replace only the homes that were on the National Capital and External these proposals are tendentious and destroyed, or to "create something quite Territories that the National Capital questionable, the rural village concept new and advanced—socially strong Open Space System was at stake and it has little support from concerned communities which incorporate the would not agree to change the community groups". latest technology for managing water, classification of the Pierces Creek area "In the case of the Conservation energy and waste sustainability". from "mountains and bushlands" to Council, which represents the interest of "Cost was also an issue—the "rural" to allow the 50-house plan to go some 35 community and conservation Government could not justify spending ahead. However, the NCA did not organisations, it has consistently substantial amounts to re-build public object to the 12 Pierces Creek homes advocated a more compact city for housing without the prospect of any real being rebuilt. economic, social and environmental returns on the investment," Mr Stanhope The President of the ACT Rural reasons," he says. said. Lessees Association, Harold Adams, "It has pointed out that rural villages He said the revenue from the sale of says that the ACT development lobby and rural residential developments, such the restricted number of housing blocks has convinced the ACT Government as hobby farms, are a prime example of would offset the necessary infrastructure that rehousing the former residents of urban sprawl which impacts adversely costs the Government would face in forestry settlements destroyed in the on greenhouse and biodiversity replacing lost assets and improving road bushfire is "best done by expanding the outcomes." access and other amenities. former forestry settlements into Mr Adams says the ACT Graeme Wicks upmarket rural villages—in other Government envisages development words, suburbs in the country." costs of $98 000 per block, with each

Letter on Namadgi anniversary

To Kevin McCue The groundwork on boundaries etc I think Neville Esau and Den NPA ACT President was done in the period 1960 to 1979. Robin are wrong about their 1978 The breakthrough came with Darryl date for Gudgenby. It was gazetted Dear Kevin Hawke's effort which persuaded Ellicott in 1979 following its announcement I noticed your presidential appeal for to create the Gudgenby Nature Reserve by Ellicott (see page 4 of Namadgi information about the events leading up and announce it on 26/4/1979 as part of POM). to the 1984 park declaration and am the celebrations of the centenary of the Also please note that the taking up the challenge. world's first "national Park" (gazetted 'National Park" at Port Hacking These events are covered in pages 26/4/1879). I hope Darryl (NPA (now Royal) was the first park in the 72 to 74 of my book Battle for the Bush President in 1979) will be invited to the world to be so named (several years (1999) and will be further dealt with in 2004 celebration. before Yellowstone) not just the first a book I am now working on which is The CBC pressed for the wider in Australia and I have long argued concerned with the wilderness part of boundaries, eventually accepted in 1984, that at least NPAs in Australia the park. whereas the NPA was initially worried should try to get this right. If you In a nutshell I think it is important to that such a large area would result in a want more information on this see the 1984 event from the perspective Kosciusko State Park style multiple use please let me know. of the earlier events (ie as one step in an set up. As things improved at Kosciusko Regards (eg banning of grazing throughout the organic evolution), including all the Geoff Mosley park and national park status) NPA's groundwork put in by the NPA 31 May 2004 (especially Nancy Burbidge) and the vision widened and it was NPA which CBC. took Uren to the Upper Cotter in 1983. Submission on Draft Plan of Management Kosciuszko National Park This oven-iew of the NPA s submission haphazard focus on property We support the proposal that no new on !he draft Kosciuszko National Park development and service provision huts wj]J be built in the park and that Plan of Management {POM) has been within the park as the main economic reconstruction of destroyed huts will not prepared by Christine Goonrey. driver of development in the region. usually occur as a matter of course but The National Parks Association considered on a case-by-case basis. The draft plan is obviously a distillation (ACT) opposes resort development Again, we note the claims of horse of a huge input of information following within Kosciuszko National Park. riding groups to special access to these a long process of planning and Competitive pressure from other resorts places despite evidence of such access consultation and we congratulate those either interstate or overseas should not destroying the cultural and natural responsible for an excellent job in be accepted as a reason to diminish the values of the huts. We take this as difficult circumstances. natural and cultural values of the park. further evidence of these groups' Members of the NPA ACT have a The KNP resorts are unique in that they inability to separate personal interest long and valued history with are within a national park which gives from long term preservation of the Kosciuszko National Park. Some of us them a huge advantage over other park's historical sites. are scientists who have worked over the resorts, an unfair advantage it might Other threats to soil stability, such as years on assessing and preserving its well be argued. We do not support any the continued acceptance of bike riding natural values and those of its line of argument that trades off natural in wilderness areas, concern us. We neighbours. Most of us have driven, values for future generations for encourage the KNP POM to align its walked, skied and photographed the economic gain to a few today. policy on cycling in wilderness areas park on a regular basis and our children The emphasis on sustainability with those of fellow Alpine Parks follow in our footsteps. The park has a throughout the plan is worthy but may members across the borders of the ACT very special place in our lives and we prove ultimately useless without and Victoria where it is banned for good value this opportunity to contribute to specific definitions and enforcements. reasons. Adequate personnel should be its further protection and preservation. Recreational opportunities in KNP provided to police this and other The NPAACT believes that the should not lead to environmental policies designed to prevent degradation primary purpose of national parks is for degradation. We strongly support the of park values and conflict with other conservation purposes. Therefore we plan's emphasis on the monitoring of park users. strongly support two of the plan's recreational impacts and the recognition This raises the important point of guiding principles: firstly to maintain of the need to amend access where consistency across the Alpine National and improve the natural and cultural environmental degradation is occurring. Parks and associated reserves, which values of the park and secondly that We support the ban on grazing in the should be encouraged by the POM. The each generation should ensure that the Park but note the inconsistency in the provision of recreation opportunities in condition of the environment is acceptance of feral horse populations in KNP should consider any restrictions in maintained or enhanced for future the park and believe they should be place in adjacent reserves and be generations. removed professionally. We oppose the managed so as to not compromise these Our greatest concern is that, by use of community volunteers in the restrictions. trying to balance the conflicting needs removal or culling of avian or There are some notable bits missing of a wide range of users, park values mammalian pests. This is a job for in the Plan, namely a lack of definition will have been diminished rather than professionals. There should be no bird of limits on the upper and lower limits maintained or enhanced by the time the shooting, pig hunting or brumby of the Park to anticipate funire demands next POM is due. We would have trapping by people with a sporting or for activities such as mineral or expected Natural Values and Cultural recreational interest. groundwater mining or overflights. Such Values to be given the highest priority We strongly support the ban on activities will impact on the important but that does not appear to be the case in horse riding in Wilderness areas and the natural and cultural values of the park the body of the plan. For example, there Main Range area. The NPA ACT is and must be covered. There is no is no clear statement that the Plan of particularly concerned about pressure mention of requirements for authorised Management is the overarclu'ng from a small lobby group to increase users to undertake, let alone make document and overrides the Alpine horse access to sensitive areas of the available, risk analyses for existing Resorts Plan. park. There is considerable confusion in infrastructure in the park such as The effect of climate change on the this group between personal interest and electricity switching stations and power Park gives an added urgency lo the long term interests of KNP. Their lines. If they are available in the management of the park. We consider emotive approach to planning and emergency management system they that the impact of development and management of KNP should not be should be made available for public recreational use will be compounded allowed to distract us from proper comment. over the coming years by climate preservation of the park's natural Thank you for the opportunity to change and that this is not given due values. The environmental impacts of make our views known. The following weight in the body of the plan. We horses are well documented and even pages give specific detailed comments strongly object to the meek acceptance maintaining current levels of access puts on the plan. in the plan of tourism, recreation and significant pressures on KNP's accommodation continuing their current environment. 11 September Saturday work party advised by email or contact leader. party walked from the turn-off to Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Not more than $12 a car. Cotter Gap and went via Pond Creek, Contacts: Syd Comfort 6286 2578, Little Creamy Flat, over Mt Namadgi [email protected] or 25 September, Saturday work party and down to camp at Rotten Swamp. Clive Hurlstone 0407 783 422 Yerrabi Track The next morning they climbed [email protected] Contact: Martin Chalk 6292 3502 or Mt Kelly and then returned to the cars at Nursery Swamp via Middle Creek, Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre, Philip Gatenby, 6254 3094 Big Creamy Flat, Mavis Ridge, Tharwa at 9.15am, or Yankee Hat The Yerrabi Track maintenance tasks Rendezvous and Nursery Creeks. To carpark at 10.00am. Tools will be are not complete. Still to be commemorate the declaration of provided. undertaken are continued step repair above the tor viewing platform, track Namadgi National Park, CBC has stabilisation on the approach to Mura decided to recreate this walk—but 12 September, Sunday daywalk Swamp and removal of a healthy over three days! The intention is to Pierce's Trig family of thistles on the western side walk in to an appropriate camp site on Leader: Steve Hill of Mura Swamp. Meet at the Namadgi Saturday, a day walk to Mt Kelly (and Grading: 3A/C/E Visitor Centre at 8:30am. 75km, $24 Burbidge?) on Sunday then walk out Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 per car. to Nursery Swamp car park on Contact: 6231 9186 or Monday. Contact leaders for details. [email protected] 26 September, Sunday daywalk The first chance to re-visit the 9 October Saturday work party northern end of the Tidbinbilla Range Lower Orroral Valley Loop Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group after the severe fire damage of January Leader: Steven Forst Contacts: Syd Comfort 6286 2578 2003. Pierce's trig offers some of the Grading: 2A [email protected] best views of Canberra and environs. Map: ACT 1:100 000 Clive Hurlstone 0407 783 422 We follow the steady climb of the Contact: 6219 5236 (w), or [email protected] Mountain Creek firetrail to the trig. 6251 6817 (h) or Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre, We return to the carpark largely the [email protected] same way but, depending on Meet at Kambah Village shops at Tharwa at 9.15am, or Yankee Hat conditions, may divert to climb up the 8:30am. A gentle walk along the track carpark at 10.00am. Tools will be northern side of the Camel's Hump for from the camping ground to the provided. further spectacular views. The walk is Orroral homestead, the site of many on track, except for some mild bush NPA work parties of the past. The 9 October, Saturday Morning Walk bashing if we divert over the Camel's walk continues on to the remains of Black Mountain spring wildflower Hump, and a rock scramble down the the NASA tracking station then celebration southern side to return to the firetrail. crossing back over the Orroral river Leader: Gwyn Clarke Meet at Kambah Village Shops car and returning to the camping ground. Contact: Jean Geue 6251 1601, park at 8.30 for a beaut day. Cost is 85 km drive $25 per car. [email protected] $ 15 per car. Meet at 9.15am Belconnen Way stile 29 September, Wednesday midweek before Caswell Drive corner (use 17-19 September, Weekend car daywalk eartier carpark for overflow). Gwyn camp and work parry Leader: Syd Comfort Clarke will continue the 33 year Leader: Richard Stanley Contact: 6286 2578 or Burbidge/Chippendale tradition of a Contact: 6288 1212 or [email protected] social ramble to enjoy the spring flowering and show us more about the [email protected] Mid week walk in conjunction with incredible diversity of our Black Joint activity with Kosciuszko Huts CBC and FBI. Details to be advised Mountain plants. George Chippendale Association. This weekend will by email or contact leader. Not more hopes to be there for the handover and combine work on the Gudgenby than $12 a car. others with plant ID skills will help. Managers cottage with walks to sites It's an opportunity for a big gathering of historical interest in the Gudgenby 2-3 October, Weekend Pack Walk to show we value our Bush Capital Valley. Tony Corp's definitive history Mt Kelly heritage and are devastated at the will be used as the basis for talks and Commemorating the Declaration of bulldozing of the lower and more walks. An additional bonus will be the Namadgi National Park fertile slopes. Bring your friends, your attendance of the Gourmet Leaders: Rob Horsfield and enthusiasm, morning tea, water, hat, Bushwalkers who will share their Steven Forst sunblock and stout shoes. knowledge and skills for car camping, Contacts: 6231 4535 (RH), overnight walks and extended treks. [email protected] and Contact leader for further directions 10 October, Sunday Snowshoe Walk 6251 6817 (SF), and information. Kerry View Hill [email protected] Leader: Brian Slee Joint walk with Canberra Grading: IB 22 September, Wednesday midweek Bushwalking Club. In May 1976 Map: Geefai Dam 1:25 000 daywalk members of the CBC invited Senator Contact: 6281 0719 Leader: Mike Smith John Knight and John Haslem MP to Contact: 6286 2984 or walk to Mt Kelly and return; they [email protected] [email protected] accepted the invitation (challenge?). Snowshoeing for beginners. Midweek walk in conjunction with This was part of the CBC's lobbying Participants need to be fit. Bring good CBC and FBI. Meeting details to be effort to have a National Park declared walking boots, snowshoes and poles. in the southern part of the ACT. The Instruction provided. Any hiring (eg from Jurkiewicz or Paddy Pallin) to be 7 November, Sunday daywaik completed prior to departure. Depart ".' 24 October, Sunday. Demandering and Horse Gully Huts Kambah Village at 6:30am. Park at Leader: Steven Forst f, Great Australian Bushwalk Dainers Gap and walk north to f Grading: 3 A/B ><• Mt Ainslie to Mulligan's Flat Mt Sunrise, climbing 100 metres. Map: ACT 1:100 000 $ Leader: ACT Chief Minister, After a break, cross Plains of Heaven Contact: 6219 5236(w) or Jon Stanhope to Kerry View ridge and walk length 6251 6817(h) or of ridge for fine views of snow < Grading: 3A s [email protected] covered mountains. After lunch, a <. Contact: NPA Committee or Environment ACT Meet at the Kambah Village Shops at leisurely return to Dainers Gap via 8.00 am. A walk from the Mt Clear >/ The Great Australian Bushwalk is an southern route, taking in a side tour, Camping ground along the Naas river £ initiative of the NSW NPA and, depending on conditions and to Horse Gully Hut. Returning via following the success of their 2003 inclination of group. Afternoon tea at Demandering Hut to survey the site. >> event under the patronage of the NSW Jindabyne. Book with leader as 150 km drive $35 per car. weather check essential. Numbers Premier, it is being promoted as a limited by availability of snow worthy <. national activity. Jon Stanhope has vehicles. Drive 420kms, $120 per car '< agreed not only to be patron of the 12-14 November Weekend Pack Walk >r + $15 without park entry permit. > ACT event, but also to lead a walk Queens Pound River \ from Mt Ainslie through Goorooyaroo Leader: Pat and Eric Pickering $> Nature Reserve to end at the trackhead Grading: 2F 16-17 October, Weekend Pack v.; at Mulligan's Flat. This is expected to Map: Yowiel:25 000 Walk \ be a major exercise and is being Contact: 6286 2128 or Fosters Mountain ^ conducted jointly by Environment [email protected] Leader: Phil Gatenby £ ACT and the NPAACT. Further \ Joint with FBI, an exploratory walk Grading: 2A/D/E >> details will be published in The > (3 days) in Wadbilliga National Park Map: Endrick 1:25 000 £ Canberra Times and through Burning ;>; east of Cooma, with wading, some Contact: 6254 3094 4 Issues. rock scrambling, and a steep 300m [email protected] climb to a ridge above the river. Fosters Mountain is on the western Contact Eric or Pat by 7 November for edge of the Budawangs. The walk 27 October, Wednesday midweek details. Transport TBA ($40+) starts at the Nerriga entrance to daywaik Morton National Park and is partly on Leader: Adrienne Nicholson 13 November, Saturday work parry tracks. Some rock scrambling across Contact: 6281 6381 Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group creek gullies and through cliff lines Mid week walk in conjunction with Contacts: Syd Comfort 6286 2578, will also be involved, as will a climb CBC and FBI. Details to be advised of about 300 metres. Contact leader by by email or contact leader. [email protected] or the Wednesday before the walk. Drive Clive Hurlstone 0407 783 422 320 kms, $96 per car. [email protected] 6 November, Saturday daywaik Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre, Mt Gudgenby Tharwa at 9:15am, or Yankee Hat 17 October, Sunday daywaik Leader: Martin Chalk carpark at 10:00am. Tools will be Boboyan Trig Grading: 4A/C/D/E provided. Leader: Syd Comfort Map: Rendezvous Creek and Yaouk Grading: 3B/D 1:25 000 14 November, Sunday daywaik Map: Yaouk 1:25 000 Contact: 6292 3502 or Contact: 6286 2578 Mt Morgan [email protected] Leader: Steve Hill [email protected] This will be the NPA's first Grading: 3A/E Walk from Gudgenby car park along programmed walk to Mt Gudgenby creek to Hospital Hut then to Boboyan since the fires. From casual Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Ridge returning to carpark on Old observation, much of the standing Contact: 6231 9186 or Boboyan Road. Meet at Kambah dead timber towards the top has now [email protected] shops at 0830. 70km, $21 per car. gone, so the route might be a little Back by popular demand, A chance to easier. Rise to the challenge: see the see fabulous views from one of the most spectacular mountain tops in the 23 October, Saturday work party now 'gone' Boboyan Pines from region, including over much of the Yerrabi Track above, witness the result of the fires KNP and Namadgi National Park. We Contact: Martin Chalk, 6292 3502 and 22 month's of regeneration, return climb up the Lone Pine trail before Philip Gatenby, 6254 3094 to Canberra's iconic day walk turning left, towards the summit at This work party will be a continuation mountain. Fit walkers only please. some high alpine frosty hollows. We of the September activity. Meet at the Meet at Kambah Village at 7.30am for tour the summit for a view of the Namadgi Visitor Centre at 8.30. a long but rewarding day. 140km, $42 things that matter to us. The bushfire 75km, $24 per car. per car. damage around this region is still obvious, but the regeneration is heartening. The climb of nearly 700 metres is steepish in parts, but is mainly on track and no serious bush bashing is involved. Meet at Kambah Village Shops car park at 7.30am for a

NPA OUTTNGS PROGRAM— SEPTEMBER / DECEMBER 2004 fabulous day. Distance 210km: $70 Village shops at 8.30am. This walk Continue west, above 2000 metres, on per car. crosses and recrosses the steep Bullen circuit around headwaters of Wrights Range between the Murrumbidgee at Creek to Mt StilweU. Views to all 21 November, Sunday daywalk Kambah Pool and the Tidbinbilla parts of Main Range. Snow drifts in Nursery Hill Circuit Tracking Station, where no doubt area. Return to Spencers Creek via Leader: Max Lawrence we'll stop for a cuppa. If the river scrubby descent near Wrights Creek, Grading: 3B/C/E remains low we'll start from Kambah mostly off track. Afternoon tea at Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Pool with a rock hop across the river, Jindabyne. Distance 420 kms, $120 Contact: 6288 1370 or otherwise we'll start from the per car + $15 without park entry [email protected] Tracking Station. Entirely off track, permit. Meet at Kambah Village shops at steep grades over loose rocks, and 8.30am. From where Boboyan Road excellent views of familiar territory 11 December, Saturday Christmas crosses Nursery Creek, climb ridge to from a different perspective. Drive party Nursery Hill summit (500m), then 70kms, $21 per car (for a Tidbinbilla Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group start), or peanuts (for a Kambah Pool descend to Nursery Swamp. Return to Contacts: Syd Comfort 6286 2578, start). cars via ridge on northern side of [email protected] or Nursery Creek. Good views over Clive Hurlstone 0407 783 422 Glendale to Billy and Booth Ranges. 27-28 November Weekend Pack [email protected] Walk is entirely off track through Walk Details to be advised. burnt country—steep grades, loose The Rolling Ground rocks, some scrub remnants. Drive Leader: Philip Gatenby 70kms, $21 per car. 12 December, NPA Christmas party Grading: 3A/C/F Honeysuckle Campground and Map: Geehi Dam 1:25 000 Picnic Area 21-27 November Car Camp Contact: 6254 3094 or Contacts: NPA committee Newnes and the Wolgan Valley [email protected] This year we plan to hold our Leader: Mike Smith An overnight walk from Guthega Christmas Party at me Honeysuckle Maps: Ben Bullen and Mount Power Station to explore the Rolling Campground, All the usual features. Morgan 1:25 000 Ground and to climb Mt Tate and We will hold a short walk to see the Contact: 6286 2984 or some other nearby peaks. A climb of regeneration between Honeysuckle [email protected] about 700 metres. Contact leader by and Booroomba Rocks. Details will be A 7-day car camp including optional the Wednesday before the walk for in the next Bulletin and Burning 2-day pack walk at the old shale oil more details. Drive 400 kms, $120 per Issues. mining area of Newnes in the Wollemi car. National Park, generally north of 19 December, Sunday daywalk Lithgow. Three possible day walks 28 November, Sunday daywalk Mt Tate would be exploring Newnes, the Camels Hump from Bendora Leader: Brian Slee Glowworm tunnel and along the Leader: Max Lawrence Grading: 3B/C Wolgon River. The optional overnight Grading: 3B/C/E/F Map: Geehi Dam and Perisher pack walk is along the pipeline track Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 from Newnes to Glen Davis (another Contact: 6288 1370 or Valley 1:25 000 shale oil mining area). This is Contact: 6281 0719 or [email protected] essentially a 'mid-week' event; arrival [email protected] Meet at the Deeks Forest Park carpark would be on Sunday and departure on Depart Kambah Village at 7:00am. off the Uriarra Road at 8.00am. An the following Saturday but Park at Guthega and climb Guthega exploratory walk from the Cotter participants could arrive and depart Ridge. Should be good for River below Bendora Dam. It involves earlier or later. Camping would be at wildflowers on way. After morning climbing up a ridge to the Camels the Little Capertee Creek tea, cross Consett Stephen Pass and Hump on Tidbinbilla Range. Entirely campground; grassy sites, pit toilet climb to Mt Tate for great views. off track through severely burnt and sometimes wood but no water Return via Gills Knobs and Tate East country. Steep grades, loose rocks, other than the river. Email for more Ridge. Participants need to be fit. probably some scrambling to do. details. Please provide own transport, Afternoon tea at Jindabyne. Drive 120kms, $36 per car. ahhough it may be possible to arrange 420kms, $120 per car + $15 without some lifts. park entry permit. 5 December, Sunday daywalk Mt StilweU 24 November, Wednesday midweek 22 December, Wednesday midweek Leader: Brian Slee daywalk daywalk Grading: 2B/C Bullen Range Circuit Leader: David Large Map: Perisher Valleyl:25 000 Leader: Max Lawrence Contact: 6291 4830 or Contact: 6281 0719 or Grading: 2B/C/E [email protected] [email protected] Map: Tuggeranong, Tidbinbilla Final Wednesday walk for the year. Depart Kambah Village at 7:15am. 1:25 000 Opportunity to prepare for Christmas. Park next to Kosciuszko Road at Contact: 6288 1370 or Leader is unsure where to go but will Spencers Creek and after crossing have festive season in mind. [email protected] Johnnies Plain, climb Trapyard Creek Mid week walk in conjunction with and inspect ruins, still substantial, of CBC and FBI. Meet at Kambah ill fated Alpine Way-Stilwell chairlift. Draft alpine resorts plan The NSW Department of Infrastructure, migrating to these areas, thus doubling cannot be defined they cannot be Planning and Natural Resources has the impact from increased resort activity applied. The plan should, even at this developed a draft Alpine Resorts Plan on the ecological balance of the park. stage of planning, define the limits of which is complementary to the The final Plan of Management for development in terms of ecological Kosciuszko Plan of Management in that the Alpine Resorts must make clear that sustainability, for example, it applies to matters which are the further expansion of accommodation "development must not increase the responsibility of that department such within the park, and of ski lift based existing impact on water, air, fauna or as the type of development and the activities is not an option because of vegetation in areas surrounding the regulations applying to buildings and ecological damage and high public costs resorts." structures in the alpine area. The incurred in reducing the ecological Further, there is no reference to National Parks Association ACT has damage of this expansion. including in the development costs any made a submission on this draft, provision for "put-it back" costs, that is, committee member Christine Goonrey Sale of public assets for private costs associated with rehabilitation of a developed site once it is no longer taking the lead in its preparation. profit viable, e.g. a ski run. So we could have Extracts from this submission are Following patterns established development applications for a new ski reproduced in the following elsewhere in resort developments, run as the climate changes and then the paragraphs. development and sale of private obsolescent run is abandoned as further accommodation is an accepted option warming proves it unviable. Such Economic viability of the alpine for profit taking by resort management considerations must be part of the companies. This issue is not addressed original development process. resorts in the current draft. This must not There is no satisfactory economic continue in the alpine area where high analysis of the viability of alpine resorts maintenance ecological and Adequacy of controls over the next 20 years despite infrastructure costs are met from the Are the performance and prescriptive predictions that climate change will lock public purse. Selling leases in national controls advocated in the draft the resorts into dependence on parks for privately owned adequate? No. They are vague, expansion of ecologically damaging ski accommodation locks scarce resources subjectively expressed and unrelated to lifts and associated structures. The draft away from public use and ties up the purpose or nature of the national makes clear that, with the predictions of expensive infrastructure while allowing park. They lack any scientific relevance reduced snow cover and increased private individuals to profit through to the potential environmental impact of snow-making costs, economic viability capital appreciation from "ownership" development within the resorts. In for the resorts will increasingly rest on of national parks. addition they offer little protection for greater access to park resources the natural values of the park and seem including river flows, more severe slope to confirm that the resorts operate in grooming and higher areas for ski lifts Lack of specific standards for isolation from their surroundings. When and ski runs. Yet this expansion would ecological sustainability applied to a specific purpose, be taking place at the same time as flora Ecological sustainability is a key point e.g. application for development of a and fauna would be at greater risk from of protection for the park in Part 2, new ski run, they fall short of the sort of changed climatic conditions. According Overarching Ecological Aims and controls which would actually protect to the park's scientific advisors, rare and Principles, of the draft plan. Such terms, the park, its flora and fauna. endangered species are likely to be sprinkled liberally through the draft, are Syd Comfort subjected to even greater competition so open-ended as to be practically from lower altitude plants and animals meaningless. The rule is simple: if they

PARKWATCH Development threat in South cultural values are so significant that it community, local shack owners, Cockle is managed under the World Heritage Creek campers and others join forces. West Tasmania Area Management Plan (WHA MP). This would be the first major new Heather Kirkpatrick of the Tasmanian Eighteen Aboriginal sites are identified development inside a national park in NPA has asked us to alert members to a in the proposed construction area. Tasmania. The TNPA has successfully development proposal in the state's The WHA MP was altered to allow stopped three out of three development South West National Park. the development. The proposal faced proposals in national parks since 2000; Imagine a new 800 metre road submissions opposing it and a challenge let's go for four out of four! We carved in to an approved David at the Planning Tribunal, and there is encourage your support! More Marriner development in South West now a wait for reconstruction of the information on www.tnpa.asn.au National Park. Plans include a lodge, 80 nearby Catamaran Bridge before the VNPA Update. July, 2004 cabins, boat sheds and a 50m jetty at bulldozers move in. Cockle Creek East (near the South Opposition is building in Tasmania More PARKWATCH on page 20 Coast walk). This area's natural and as the TNPA, the Tasmanian Aboriginal Think Water, Act Water

There is no more important supply options: 1) a new dam near Mt with consultants who were examining environmental and social issue facing Tennent; 2) enlarging Cotter Dam; and this issue. Variables such as bushfires the ACT community than the provision 3) transfer of water from Tantangara and climate change were difficult to of a sustainable supply of water. The Dam to Cotter River. Investigation of factor in to the strategy. Input by NPA ACT Government has seriously the three major options is expected to be was particularly welcomed. considered both the short- and long- completed by March 2005. Other questions arising in the term issues involved in the demand and The water strategy elaborates means discussion period included the supply for water and these were capably of increasing domestic water efficiency relationship of ACT water supply to outlined by Karen Civil at the NPA in a number of respects, some of which New South Wales. Resolution of this General Meeting on 17 June 2004. are already available and can be issue is awaiting a comprehensive Ms Civil is Communications Officer of implemented by domestic users now or regional development strategy. the Water Resources Taskforce of in the near future. An initial water Environmental flows, bore water and Environment ACT Her colleague Peter efficiency incentive program including a cloud seeding also came up for Liston assisted her in her presentation. showerhead rebate, an indoor and discussion. The ACT's long-term water resource garden water tune-up program, dual More information on Think Water, strategy embraces directions for water flush toilets, rainwater storage systems Act Water is available on the web site resource management lo 2050 when the and pricing incentives will provide wivw.thinJavater.act.gov.au or by ACT population is expected to reach rebates and cost subsidies to calling Environment ACT on 460 000 persons. There are three parts householders. Attention is also being 6207 9777. The three volumes cited to the strategy which have been paid to government and commercial above are available to NPA members at incorporated into three separate instihitions to implement water •o cost. They substantially expand on documents. Volume 1 begins with efficiency in 2004-2005. Reclaimed the overview by Karen Civil and these "Strategy for Sustainable Resource water use. pricing. construction brief notes. Management in the ACT". Volume 2 is regulations and mandatory labelling and David E. Pfanner an explanatory document, while minimum performance standards also Volume 3 is entitled "State of the form part of the strategy. It is expected Note: // was announced in mid August that ACT's Water Resources and that the National Capital Authority will the new water recycling facilih- at Fvshwick Catchments". also work with the Government on had been commissioned and would deliver recycled water for irrigation of parks and Ms Civil briefly reviewed the mutual concerns. ovals in North Canberra. The facility treats development of the strategy that called The issue that dominated discussion effluent from the Fyshwuk Sewerage for significant public participation in the following Ms Civil's presentation was Treatment Plant using membrane form of meetings with focus and that of the three options for long-term technology. With this scheme s added reference groups, a community water supply. There was general agreement on output, recycled water use will reach about summit and formal public consultation. the importance of careful environmental 9 per cent (from 5 2 per cent in 2001-02). The outcome of the strategy set a impact studies for all options, The Think Water. Act Water strategy aims to number of water resource targets and particularly those that impacted in increase reclaimed water use to 20 per cent objectives. Of particular interest to NPA Namadgi National Park. Mr Liston said bv 2013. members are the three long-term water there was a 25-member team together

Impact of the next ACT water source on Namadgi National Park

In April 2004, ActewAGL Water • building a new dam near Mt Tennent, Centre. Flooding the Naas River valley Division published an interesting report: • enlarging Cotter Dam, would cut the Boboyan Road in several Options for the next water source for • transferring water from Tantangara places. Recreational uses proposed for the ACT. The report addresses future Dam in NSW. the clam would include fishing and low- supply problems given projected Each of these proposals impacts on powered boats. population growth of the ACT to Namadgi National Park although the 440 000 or even 460 000 people by report does not consider this in the short Enlarging Cotter Dam 2032. The report authors modelled environmental impact statement. supply variations due to weather A higher, roller-compacted concrete gravity dam built on top of the existing variability and climate change as well as Mt Tennent Dam demand variability due lo uncertain dam is being considered. The new dam population g rowth, supplying The National Capital Plan, prepared would hold back a larger reservoir additional NSW consumers, and and administered by the National which would impinge on a small area of continuing water restrictions. Capital Authority, set aside Tennent and Namadgi National Park. The report Coree as possible future Canberra water mentions that the headwaters of the Engineers in the Water Division supplies. The proposed earth and existing Cotter Dam contain significant costed eleven options and finally roekfill embankment on the Naas River populations of native fish including recommended three options for detailed would be about 4 km south of Tharwa evaluation: not far upstream from the Visitor Cotter catchment a year and a bit on Alan Wade had a salutary message for his listeners at the association's May general meeting: there is no doubt that the 2003 fires in Namadgi were catastrophic but they were by no means unique. Alan is the Principal Water Quality Adviser with ActewAGL and the R & D Project Manager. His wonderfully illustrated talk revealed not only his enthusiasm for his work but also his comprehensive knowledge of the areas contained in the Cotter catchment. Not surprisingly, I suppose, many of his favourite areas were ones highly valued by many NPA members. He presented many before and after slides showing areas before the fire and the subsequent recovery of the same areas. One of the most striking impressions was the extensive damage to the riparian environment The catchment was so severely drought affected that the fires burnt not only down to the water's edge, but also jumped across what were once strongly flowing streams. Sphagnum bogs were also extremely dry and suffered the same fate. Immediately after the fires there was little if any riparian filtering Alan Wade addressing the May general meeting. Photo Chris Emery vegetation remaining, many channels and banks had collapsed and under- researchers who estimate that: "The And what about water quality canopy groundcover had gone. As a joint probability of severe fire followed following the most recent fires? Alan result, severe sheet erosion occurred by erosive rainfall is somewhere in the believes that: during the February storms (it is vicinity of 4% per annum." This • The catchment flats will have estimated that this resulted in the translates into a major fire event about regenerated extensively in one or two deposition of about 8000 tonnes of every 25 years. years; sediment in the Corin Dam alone) and So, asked Alan, what can be done? • Most vegetation will provide river channels widened and meandered. As he said, this fire was by no means catchment protection in 3-5 years; Alan and some students from ANU "special". Alan does not think • Maximum water quality will be have been looking at the archaeological "controlled" burning or other simplistic gained in 10-15 years; but record of siltation from previous fires in reactions are the answer. He believes • Swamps and some slopes may never Namadgi. It would seem that there have that fire is largely controlled by the recover—certainly a time frame of been many more fires like the 2003 one weather and that "landscape altering" 40-pIus years must be considered. over the last 12 000 years. Digging has fires such as the 2003 fire will become Alan probably left his listeners with shown many sand layers and many silt more frequent. Because vegetation can more questions than answers but all left layers indicating fires of comparable change dramatically with climate shift with the impression that he is committed severity. These fires all occurred in and is part of fire regime evolution we to nurturing and protecting the Cotter years of severe drought and all should be thinking more about the long catchment. indications are that extremes in weather term rather than immediate human Len Haskew are becoming more likely. Alan quoted intervention.

Impact of the next ACT water source... connnuedfromPreviousPage Macquarie Perch and Blackfish which existing Tantangara Dam to the Cotter in a fiiture ActewAGL report detailing would require protection during deeper River in the ACT via a tunnel and/or analysis of the recommended options so flooding of their habitat, pipelines. All of the proposed routes that they can be debated by the ACT would require construction of a tunnel public. Tantangara Dam or pipeline through the Bimberi Wilderness Area. Four different routes have been Hopefully the impacts of each of the identified to siphon water from the proposals will be covered in some detail National parks in Thailand

Travelling through another country total some 25 000 sq km. They vary many rivers are home to a myriad presents an opportunity to see other considerably in size, some as large as species of plants and animals including national parks, and compare them with 1200 sq km (cf Namadgi NP 1060 sq rare orchids, trees, birds and spectacular our own. We recently had such an km). The parks are administered by the butterflies. Some of the rivers have opportunity in Thailand, brief though it Marine National Park Division and the been dammed and these have become was, travelling through national parks in National Park Division. A further popular places for recreation, with the north near Chiang Mai and then the 33 national parks and three marine parks growing potential for environmental south near Krabi on the Andaman Sea are in the planning stage. degradation of the parks. coast. In Thailand, a national park is Northern National Parks Koh Phi Phi National Park defined as an area uf at least ten square kilometres that contains natural Nearly 70 per cent of Chiang Mai The Koh Phi Phi Islands are located resources of ecological importance or province is covered by mountains and south-east of Phuket and west of Krabi. unique beautv. or flora and fauna of forests including the Doi Inthanon The islands are remnant steep-sided National Park with the country's highest special importance. Currently there are limestone blocks in Phang Nga Bay peak, Mt Jnthanon at 2565m, (cf Mt 102 national parks dating back to the with low shrub thriving in the cracks Kosciuszko 2228m). Two hill tribes, the mid 1980s, most of them in the north and fissures. The limestone has poorly Karen and Hmong, live there. The fertile and northeast, with a further 21 marine developed soil cover, if any, and the forests in rugged mountain ranges with national parks in the south, covering in soils are not very fertile, supporting limited mangrove forest, coconut groves and bamboo. The weather is hot and humid, the south-west monsoon in May to October is accompanied by cyclonic storms and heavy rain. Due to rapidly expanding tourism demands over the last four or five years, the Phi Phi Islands NP has suffered a lot of environmental damage resulting from garbage disposal problems and encroaching tourist facilities. The government seems at a loss as to how to balance the tourism and environmental demands but at the moment the environment is losing. We only glimpsed the Thai national parks but realised that population and development pressures are causing problems similar to those facing our park managers in Australia. The Thai national parks are beautiful, but the managers have very limited resources and are facing an uphill battle against a rising population and expanding tourism industry, either of which could destroy the unique environment and therefore the tourism which Thailand Sonja thanks the elephant with a bunch of bananas after a long ride. The Khun Chae National Park, located an hour S drive lo the northeast of Chiang Mai. was declared a depends on. national park in 1995. One of the tourist attractions here is an enonnous fig tree that Useful web site: grows near the park headquarters. This tree covers approximately 1660 sq m and http://www.trekthailand.net/listy supports a great number and variety of epiphytes. Khun Chae national park has two Kevin McCue and Sonja Lenz guest houses with a capacity of 35. Photo Kevin McCue.

New Members NPA CHRISTMAS PARTY The association extends a warm Paul Lashko Bruce welcome to the following new Neil Sloan & Amanda Pratt Braddon Sunday 12 December members and invites them to David & Elizabeth Teather Canberra participate in NPA activities. Kerne Tucker Canberra Put this date in your diary for an Marijke Gilchrist Braddon Brad Wilson Banks important social gathering for the Helen Kaye Fraser association. Details will be given in the Outincs Proeram. Over the Booth to the Bog I decided to go on an NPA walk. A 2C/D, "The Bog" to be led by the affable, low-key leader, Max Lawrence looked suitable. But it was on a Saturday (May 8). I would have to miss my Saturday punting. I left my car outside the TAB at the Kambah Village shops and travelled past Glendale Crossing to the end of the bitumen, in Max's vehicle. There were eight starters for the walk to the Bog. The first section was a comfortable descent from the carpark to the aptly named Dry Creek. I enjoyed this part of the walk until Max pointed out that the corresponding ascent, on the way back, would not be so pleasant. The next stage was the hard one: a climb to the top of the Booth Range. There was some discussion and map interpretation to determine the actual vertical rise involved. But figures mean nothing. Uphill is uphill—made no easier by areas of broken rock, blackened fallen trees and a summit that appeared to recede as we ascended. When we did reach the top there was no NPA walkers at the Bog on 8 May 2004, (left to right) Tim Walsh, Janet Thompson, rewarding vista. Through the trees and Max Lawrence (leader), Russell Wenholz, Martin Chalk, Allan Bills haze it was just possible—looking and Peter Wellman. Photo Neville Esau. west—to make out the peaks of Namadgi, Kelly and Burbidge. At our remembered it as being green and that I had not noticed on the way out. feet, the remains of an old barbed wire parklike. However, there was water in Things improved after we topped the fence managed to entangle my the creek and some fence posts had Booth Range and began the long bootlaces. survived. descent to Dry Creek. Conversation Then it was downhill again to the We lunched at the Bog and I between walkers increased. Wearily, I Bog: a large clearing straddling Swamp watched the sun start to descend in the recalled Max's warning of the climb Creek which flows northerly into the north-west sky. I imagined how the from the creek back to the parking area. Naas River. Max related that the shepherds living here must have Among the eight of us there were Oldfield brothers had leased the area (in watched the sun through the seasons— varying degrees of preparedness— earlier times) from their base at Cotter what else was there to watch that was physical and mental—for this last Hut. A shepherd had lived in a hut at the moving? Max destroyed this image for section. Each walker traversed it Bog. On a previous visit, Max had me when he explained that the locality according to their own degree of found remains of the hut consisting of a was too cold for human habitation and preparedness and then enjoyed the gabled roof resting on low posts which, that the shepherd moved to another hut reward: to sit down, to take the boots off Max explained, you could shelter under downstream in more livable conditions. and look back over the completed walk. if you bent double and were prepared to There would have been very little 1 dozed a little on the drive to town. 1 take your chances with spiders and sunwatcbing. was back at my car (in front of the snakes. But that was before the January After lunch we headed back. No Kambah TAB) by 4:15pm so I went in 2003 bushfires. Now the remains of the prospect of something new to see. No and had a bet on the last races in hut were an assorted collection of sheets cut lunch to look forward to. I accused Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. I of corrugated iron. The clear area was Max of trying to upgrade (or is it should not have bothered. covered by rank brown grass with areas downgrade?) the walk to a 2C/D/E by Russell Wenholz of bare earth—whereas Max leading us through some rock outcrops

Note: Members may place advertisements for personal items in the Bulletin witiiout charge

Bushwalking boots for sale Great Australian Bushwalk Hi Tec Lady Altitude HW012 Dark choc/black It is hoped that all over Australia people will be Size US 080, Europe 39. Worn on only four occasions on bushwalking on Sunday October 24. See Outings Program short day walks. Sell for $100 (Retail $209). for details. Ring Cathatworkon 6215 2561. Tennent Homestead—post-fire

The site is on the Register of unnecessary loss or damage. the National Estate, ACT Unhappily, I have to agree with their Heritage Places Register and recommendations. This is a great shame National Trust of Australia as Tennent was the only intact cultural (ACT) Register of Classified heritage site left in Namadgi National Places. Park. I've always felt that its value to The firestorm that swept the park was never fully appreciated or through the northern foothills of used to best advantage. It's unfortunate Mt Tennent was particularly that so little can be done for what's left severe and left the Tennent of the pise dwelling other than for it to Homestead Precinct as a charred be "monitored on a six-monthly basis to ruin, with one exception—the identify when and if stabilisation or 1970 garage. Interestingly, a conservation measures need to be group of NPA members (Reg introduced to slow deterioration". It is Alder, Les Pyke, Frank noted that the walls will need to be Clements, Len Haskew, Col propped to slow their collapse. McAlister, Syd Comfort (and Even though the site has been others?) spent a day nailing up assessed as asbestos contaminated, some flattened pieces of old tidying up will need to take place. This corrugated iron onto this •ew Plan of Management states clearly structure. Perhaps their work that "It is important that experienced helped to save it from being conservation practitioners and bumt. EMA suggest that the tradespeople are involved in any future garage could be used as part of a works on the Precinct and that sound display or for interpretation conservation principles are applied to purposes once the doors are any work, so that character and repaired. significance of the place will be retained Tennent homestead us it was m 1993. Other than the garage and and conserved." Photo Babette Scougall. two walls of the pise dwelling, An important clement of the the rest is little more than burnt conservation plan is uvterpretation. It is The Conservation Plan of Management stumps and posts and twisted sheets of suggested that the site be interpreted as prepared by Eric Martin and Associates corrugated iron. EMA consider that a whole, with three key elements:

(EMA) in June 2004 for the ACT most evidence of construction i) setting and landscape; ii) homestead Heritage Unit is now available. It techniques and workmanship has been group; iii) woolshed and yards. It is also updates the 1993 Conservation Plan lost in the fire, therefore, any new recommended that plaques (images and prepared by Roger Hobbs by recording structure or any reconstruction of lost text etched onto aluminium plates) be the extent and impact of the January elements is considered inappropriate, erected at key locations.

2003 bushfires and establishes new and the site should be preserved and So that the site can be interpreted as management policies for the site. The managed as a ruin. At the same time, a whole, il is recommended that the conclusion reached by EMA is that, [hey point out that it's important to boundary fence of the precinct be despite the bushfire, "the site remains ensure that the surviving building, ruins extended beyond that proposed in the one of local significance and must be ancj vegetation are protected from 1993 report, taking in the upper dam conserved". and cultivation paddocks. Unfortunately the new all-metal fence, erected since the firestorm, separates the upper dam and old fence lines from the homestead precinct. What 1 don't understand is why this fence no longer follows the old park boundary east of the woolshed. Instead, it continues downhill between the 1970s orchard and the upper dam, across (he two water courses, turns to the north and follows the fence line west of the precinct. Does that mean that Tennent Homestead Precinct is no longer part of the national park?

Large quantities of gravel and debris have been washed off the fire-damaged slopes of the mountain and deposited in Folly Hollow. Both dams and water

A reminder of what has been lost: the western end of the Tennent woolshed as it was in 2000. Photo Babette Scougall Conservation management plans for Namadgi In June of this year the ACT Orroral Woolshed and an outline of this, interpretative potential for local, Heritage Unit engaged consultants to based on the executive summary in the interstate and international visitors. prepare conservation management plans report, is set out below. It is intended to "The woolshed meets the threshold for Orroral Woolshed, Tennent report on the remaining conservation for entry to the Heritage Places Register Homestead, Gudgenby precinct (not plans in a subsequent edition of the in its own right. However its heritage including the homestead), Cotter House Bulletin. significance is inextricably linked to the and six huts in Namadgi National Park. Orroral Woolshed Orroral Homestead precinct, including Community organisations interested in the slab dwelling, Gregory's ruin, management conservation plan these places were invited to be former outbuildings, structures, fences represented at a hastily called seminar The Orroral Woolshed, part of the and ploughlands. Therefore it is on June 1 and NPA members David Orroral property, is located a short recommended that the proposed listing Large, Dianne Thompson and Syd distance from the homestead. The NPA of the homestead and ploughland in the Comfort attended. was heavily involved with the ACT Heritage Places Register be Representatives expressed their restoration of the homestead which is expanded to encompass the whole of the concems that the short notice did not now a much-visited heritage site. precinct. allow organisations to prepare Visitors to the homestead often also look "Some sections of the structure are considered positions on these places and at the woolshed which, although from a in very poor condition, particularly the thus the discussions would reflect much later period, is an important part east wall and the junction of the roof personal observations rather than the of the Orroral precinct. The following and the north wall. Part of the roof has full views of the organisations. extracts provide a summary of the blown off, the structure is open and it Questionnaires were completed and conservation management plan for the will only be a matter of time before there were discussions on relevant woolshed prepared by Pip Giovanelli. there is structural collapse. In its present issues between the representatives and state the building is not safe to enter and the consultants, summaries of the "Orroral Woolshed is culturally the surrounding site is dangerous, with discussions being prepared. The significant for its association with the numerous trip hazards, sheets of iron development of the conservation plans pastoral activity in the Orroral Valley, lying unsecured on the ground, and the has proceeded and at the time of writing and in particular the shift from cattle to ever-present risk of more iron sheets those for the Orroral Woolshed and sheep grazing following the purchase of blowing off the roof and walls. Tennent Homestead have been received the property by Andy Cunningham in "A costed and prioritised scope of by the NPA. These are of particular 1928. The building is a good example of work has been prepared that suggests interest to association members because a small-scale shed and is the only the bulk of the work be done by of the NPA's active involvement with shearing shed remaining in Namadgi contractor or by the Service, as it is in these sites over a long period. National Park. It is highly valued by excess of that which could be Babette Scougall is keenly interested several community groups as a satisfactorily tackled by a volunteer in the preservation of Tennent component of the park's cultural group. Some minor work and Homestead and outlines the heritage as well as for its educative maintenance could be done by conservation management plan prepared value. The interior of the shed has a volunteers, however, given the high by Eric Martin and Associates in a high degree of integrity. Because of its visitation, the Service must remain separate article location within the Orroral Homestead ultimately responsible for site safety." precinct it already enjoys high Pip Giovanelli has prepared the Syd Comfort conservation management plan for the visitation, and has excellent

Tennent Homestead—post-fire continued from previous page courses are full of gravel and much has kurrajong trees are representative of • The welded steel sheep dip is a rare been swept into the homestead area. the subsistence living and and unusual detail. Hoof prints of animals now crisscross modification of native landscapes by • The only other elements that reinforce this wide expanse of gravel. European settlers in the late 19th and the story of the homestead are the The Statement of Significance (4.4) early 20th centuries. Bega stove, ships tank, wool press and summarises EMA's findings: • The lack of improvements after 1920 chimney remains. • The Tennent homestead and woolshed is representative of the impact of the Anyone interested in this evocative ruins and associated landscape selection of Canberra as the national old site with its quaint humble structures elements are of local significance as capital. The complex illustrates the will find this Conservation Management surviving reminders of a small threat of bushfires and the impact of Plan of interest. It is 78 pages long and a struggling 19th century pastoral the 2003 bushfires and the resulting copy is available from the NPA office. 1 holding selected under the Land Act loss of ACT s heritage assets. Babette Scougall of 1884. • The surviving knrrajong trees are • The cleared setting, fences around the unusual in their application as homestead, orchards, quince and domestic trees. Cotter work party

On Saturday 22 May, seven members the negotiation of the creek participated in an impromptu work party with a 10kg, 2m, willful in the vicinity of the Cotter House. sausage over one's shoulder. Namagdi Ranger, Darren Roso, had While the hard labour was been concerned about the amount of underway in the creek bed, creek bank and creek bed erosion in one Kevin exercised the of the tributaries of Licking Hole Creek President's prerogative and and needed some help to implement lus he and Sonja stayed at the anti-erosion plan. Cotter House and removed This particular creek has a rather the top strand of barbed wire small catchment that essentially from the compound fence. comprises the western side of Coronet Darren reported that it had, Peak. However, the fires denuded the on occasion, caused damage area of vegetation and consequently to wildlife, and with the allowed the rainwater run-off to have a cessation of horse travel in scouring effect in the creek. The the area, the barbed wire no vegetation is now recovering, making longer served a purpose. this small creek difficult to follow. Darren and the majority of Darren's plan comprised locating the group walked the 2km "coconut logs" in the eroded areas to from the site of the creek slow water flow and cushion the banks back to the Cotter House and and creek bed from the direct impact of inspected various sites on the the flowing water. The "coconut logs" way. After lunch the valley comprise a 2m long hessian sausage was left to resume its filled with the husks of coconut, sewed peaceful recovery while the together with hemp string. They are work party drove back to the imported from India and are reported to Orroral Gate. Although the be free of any living matter. day consisted more of driving Additionally, they are supposed to fully than working, it allowed the "Coconut logs " wedged into an eroding corner of degrade in about five years—so, no NPA to participate directly in the creek. Photo Martin Chalk follow-up work party to remove them. ranger work activities. And The logs were held in place with timber on this occasion, Darren and attended to see the post-fire Cotter or iron stakes (again degradable), as the two non-NPA helpers who were on Valley without the need of a long walk appropriate. hand would have had a full and tedious and overnight camp. The task was completed in about an day had the NPA not been able to assist. Martin Chalk hour with the only complication being Additionally, the day allowed those who

PARKWATCH Expansion of Horse Riding in • No new horse camps to be established Fixing the Murray at Behrs Flat. Geehi Village. Currango Kosciuszko National Park A £500 million deal will deliver up to Homestead and Old Yell ow Bog, as an extra 500 gigahtres of water a year to Opposed foreshadowed in the draft PoM, or the Murray River. A scientific report The National Parks Association of NSW anywhere else in the Park, released in October stated that a flow of (NPA) and the Kosciuszko Huts • The closure and rehabilitation of 1500 gigalitres of water was needed lo Association (KHA) today announced existing horse camps at Cooinbd, arrest the river's long-term decline. their deep concerns about the expansion Long Plain, Rocky Plains, Wares Yard According to the Australian of horse riding opportunities in and Pinch River because they Conservation Foundation, the water will Kosciuszko National Park (KNP), as constitute a direct threat to European be focused on six ecologically important facilitated by proposed actions and Aboriginal heritage values and the sites. These are: the Murray Mouth and contained within the KNP draff Plan of fragile environment at these sites, Chowilla flood-plains in South Management (PoM). • No vehicular access for horse nders Australia; Bunbower and Koondrook- The two organisations share strong throughout the Park—all horse riding Perricoota Forests, Barmah-Millcwa concerns at the level of damage to the must be "ride in-ride out", and Forests, and Hattah Lakes in Victoria, Park's heritage and environment caused • At no time should horses be permitted and the River Murray channel (the by horse riding. The depth of these within 200 metres of huts or tethered "main artery") of the Murray River). concerns has brought them together for within 200 metres of watercourses. The decision is regarded as the first step the first time to rectify elements of the Joint Media Release, National Parks in returning health to the river system. proposed Plan of Management. Association of NSW. Kosciuszko Huts Wild, April-June, 2004 They are demanding the following Association. July 8. 2004 strict management controls over horse riding activity in Kosciuszko: Compiled by Len Haskew Environmental announcements Two new reserves Save the frog and the Environment ACT Information Centre. Two new grassland reserves created in Although the latest survey indicates the Jerrabomberra Valley will help that there are only about 100 adult preserve the habitat of threatened northern corroboree frogs in the wild Tree plantings species such as the grassland earless in the ACT, a second captive Plans to plant around 30 000 trees dragon, one of the ACT's most husbandry facility is to be built at the around Canberra last autumn were put threatened species, and the striped Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to on hold because of continuing drought legless lizard accommodate the large numbers of the conditions, but the ACT Government Announcing the creation of the frogs it is planned to raise. It is remains committed to begin wide scale reserves, the Chief Minister and expected to be operational by January planting as soon as there is suitable Minister for the Environment, Jon 2005. rainfall. Stanhope, said about 90 per cent of the The status of the northern world's grassland earless dragon corroboree frog has been reassessed Recreational forest population is now confined to the from 'Vulnerable" to "endangered". Majura and Jerrabomberra valleys. Last year, about 300 eggs were A recreational forest—Deeks Forest The new reserve to the west of the collected from Namadgi National Park—is to be established in the bumt- Monaro Highway, on part of the Woden Park, resulting in 290 one-year frogs out Mount Stromlo area. Named after and Callum Brae properties, is an area at mid-2004. A second collection, Canberra Olympic runner Robert de of 190 ha of native grassland and habitat made in April 2004, will form the Castella, the park will cover more than and 100 ha of yellow box-red gum second generation in the Tidbinbilla 1500 ha and will contain a mix of native grassy woodland. facility, trees, exotic species and pines, and will To the east of the Monaro Highway, Corroboree frogs take three years include woodland settings and open in au area stretching from Mikes Hill on to reach breeding maturity. areas. the ACT/NSW border at Queanbeyan to An interpretive display is expected the Defence communications facilities to be opened at the Tidbinbilla Visitor New Commissioner at Harman and Bonshaw; an area of Centre by September, and designs are Dr Rosemary Purdie has been appointed about 235 ha of native grassland and in hand for a future "live display". The as the new Commissioner for the habitat will be protected. The reserve interpretive display will provide Environment following the retirement of was next to similar habitat across the information on the frog, its habitat, the inaugural Commissioner, Dr Joe ACT/NSW border in the Queanbeyan and the impact of the 2003 bushfires. Baker. Nature Reserve at Letchworth. It is "There were a number of highly currently occupied by the Department of Big ecological footprint quafified candidates for the position, but Defence will be managed for its Dr Purdie's extensive experience in conservation values and will form part Canberra's "ecological footprint" environmental issues at both a local and of the reserve once vacated. gives cause for "prudence about the impact of our consumption on the national level made her the outstanding environment," according to the Chief choice for the position," the Chief Callum Brae reserve Minister, Mr Jon Stanhope. He was Minister, Mr Jon Stanhope, said. A new reserve at Callum Brae will commenting on findings contained in protect about 150 ha of yellow box-red the report Measuring Our Progress: New member Canberra's Journey to Sustainability, gum grassy woodland, which is Mr Paul Perkins has been appointed a which looks at how well the ACT is identified as a priority for protection in member of the ACT Natural Resource progressing towards sustainability. The ACT Lowland Woodland Management Advisory Committee. Conservation Strategy. The ecological footprint measures Mr Perkins is an adjunct professor at the Announcing this on July 22, the the amount of laud required to support Centre for Resources and Environment Chief Minister and Minister for the the lifestyle and was one of two Studies (CRES) at the Australian Environment, Jon Stanhope, said that perspectives for assessing progress National University, Chair of the only 34 per cent of the original box- towards sustainability. The other National Environment Education gum woodlands remained in the ACT— comprised 11 "core dimensions" Council and recently retired as Chief but this stood in positive contrast to the covering social, economic and other Executive Officer of ACTEW less than 10 per cent of the original factors. Corporation. He is also an Honorary extent of the box-gum woodlands Due in part to Canberra's higher Life Member of Environment Business remaining in the ACT region. than average incomes and fewer than Australia. The Government intended to average persons per household, The advisory committee is a non­ establish heritage precincts around the Canberra's ecological footprint is statutory body which advises the Callum Brae and Woden Homesteads in higher than cities such as Melbourne Minister for the Environment on natural addition to preserving natural value. and Sydney, the report showed. The resource management issues in the ACT 'These will preserve outstanding footprint of 5.7 hectares per person as well as performing the role of examples of our early rural settlement equates to a total land use of 1.8 'Territory Body" for the delivery of the that display the important role that the million ha. Natural Heritage Trust and other related rural environment has played in shaping Copies of the report can be natural resource management the ACT," Mr Stanhope said. obtained at ACT Government investment programs. Shopfronts, the ACTPLA Shopfront Compiled by Graeme Wicks The ACT Lowland Woodland Conservation Strategy This document was released by gum grassy woodland. This expansion into units such as Red Hill. Mugga Lane Environment ACT in March this year. It recognises the way that communities West, Mugga Lane East, Wanniassa is very comprehensive, containing merge. Other ACT woodlands such as Hills and Farrer Ridge for Callum Brae- 132 A4 pages plus 12 A3 maps (folded subalpine snow gum. brittle gum dry Jerrabomerra, with each being to fit) and one A3 table. It covers all forest and river fringes are not considered on its merits. A map lowland woodland, not just the included as they are protected in showing distribution of woodland and endangered yellow box red gum grassy Namadgi National Park, Canberra another showing landuse are included woodland (YBRG), and includes all the Nature Park or in river corridors (for for each complex. These maps are endangered and vulnerable plants and which a riparian strategy is being useful and comprehensive but animals that are associated with grassy produced). Also included is secondary unfortunately include at least some woodland. grassland, where groundcover plants horse paddocks as Public Land (Nature Endangered or vulnerable species are those found in YBRG, but trees Reserve). and communities covered by this have been removed, as trees can The real "meat" of the document is strategy are yellow box red gum grassy readily be reinstated. Table 6.1 which summarises the vision, woodland (endangered. Action Plan 10), Threats and actions for each goals, objectives, actions and a leek orchid (endangered. AP 4), small threatened or vulnerable species (and performance criteria for protecting purple pea (endangered, AP 9). hooded some other uncommon plant species) woodland. robin (vulnerable. API5), swift parrot are considered separately in the text, This strategy is certainly a great step (vulnerable, -AP 16), superb parrot with descriptions in Appendices, with forward for the protection of woodland (vulnerable. AP 17). brown tree creeper the conclusion that all woodland fauna in the ACT, in particular because it (vulnerable. AP 18), painted honeyeater will be advantaged by conservation of made obvious the regional significance (vulnerable. API9), regent honeyeater large, well-connected areas of of the ACT's woodlands, and two large (endangered, AP 20), varied sittella woodland in sound ecological remaining areas of lowland woodland, (vulnerable, new), and white-winged condition. The strategy looks at Gooroo and Callum Brae, are now triller (vulnerable, new). connections to NSW as well as within protected as part of Canberra Nature When the original Action Plans the ACT. However, some birds are Park. came out in 1997-1999 they were seen more wide ranging than areas covered There are limits to its value, to be quite comprehensive but were by reserves and so off-reserve however. It mentions the need for criticised for the piecemeal approach of conservation will be important for education, largely through community looking at interdependent species them. Off reserve conservation will parkcare groups. I believe that education individually. Not only is the latter also be important for woodland needs to be much more widespread if criticism answered by this new remnants on rural leases and areas we are to successfully look after these document, but further research has been such as the Majura Firing Range. areas. For example, as long as people done so that records of the occurrence of As well as recognising the need for consider that it is more important to be these species and regional context are good connectivity between areas of able to drive individually to work than even more comprehensive. Canberra woodland, the strategy recognizes the to preserve natural values and to build Ornithologists Group has provided need for replication of large areas, so houses anywhere, these areas will much of the information about birds. that events such as January 2003 fires always be under threat. The current The fact that so many of these Action do not severely damage our entire tension between the need to reduce fuel Plans are included in this strategy is a woodland. loads and the need for fallen timber to strong indicator of the need to protect Following the section on protect some birds is an example of one lowland grassy woodlands for the whole individual species, lowland woodland of the difficulties. Table 6.1 mentions community of organisms they support. is considered as a series of five the need to manage controlled bums to Woodlands covered are at an altitude complexes—Gungahlin, Majura- reduce the direct effects on fauna but of 600m to 1000m and include dry Kowen, Callum Brae-Jerrabomberra does not mention them as a threat shrubby box woodland adjacent to Valley, Tuggeranong-Naas, and North through the removal of fallen timber. YBRG on mountain foothills and dry Murrumbidgee-Lower Molonglo. Eleanor Stodart hill slopes and tableland valley snow Each of these complexes is divided Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group The annual general meeting of the now been felled after the Parks Namadgi Park Manager Brett group held on August 18 reelected the Service completed the removal of McNamara who attended the meeting committee with Clive Hurlstone trees remaining after ACT Forests said that the Parks Service hoped to be continuing as President and Eleanor had harvested all the merchantable able to bum the trash from the clearing Stodart as Secretary. The meeting noted timber. Discussion then shifted to the next April and to seed into the ash as with great satisfaction that all of the plan for the rehabilitation of areas pines of the old Boboyan plantation had now cleared. Early Bushwalkers of the Canberra Region—by Reg Alder Most of us remember Reg Alder as an provided them with a substantial and rural workers who lived in almost enthusiastic bushwalker and a dedicated morning tea and advised her on the total isolation knew no bounds. photographer. But Reg was also a great easiest way to climb Bimberi and Comments such as "but, oh, were the gatherer of information on many topics, then to return via Kangaroo Creek. cups of tea given me by the kindly especially bushwalking, and he had an There are numerous other accounts landholder between Naas Creek and the extensive collection of bushwalking of walks to places such as Murrumbidgee welcome!" and magazines, particularly The Sydney Kosciuszko, Yarrangobilly and "Onwards I went and from a distance Bushwalker, a. large library of historical Kiandra. For today's readers saw Mr J Bluett waiting for me on the books and a fund of memories and probably the most fascmating feature spur to give me a lead, and the most recollections all relating to the early of these accounts is the chance careful directions to Mt Franklin". development of bushwalking near meetings with various locals— Others who had never come on walks Sydney and in the south-eastern region including "the dirtiest looking man" before prevailed upon walking parties to of NSW. He was a close friend of many the chronicler of one walk had ever stop the night. of the early bushwalking pioneering seen, and the two Chinese half-caste We are also introduced to the legends including Dot Butler, Myles boys at Lob's Hole. The "dirtiest concept of environmental awareness that Dunphy and Marie Byles. man" proved to be an avid cultivator was beginning to grow in these pioneer Just before becoming so seriously ill of pansies and when he started bushwalkers. In 1941 Brian Harvey was Reg decided to put some of his talking pansies the writer "thought he able to record "the complete absence of memories about the early bushwalkers would never stop". He also presented cattle", his particular bugbear, in the of the area around the ACT into an them with a lettuce when they left. area near Cotter House and "the article for the Canberra Historical "Rather vague tourist maps" were restrictions on firearms, etc that seemed Journal. With his health rapidly all that many parties had to guide to make the wildlife more plentiful". deteriorating, this was no easy task, mem on some lengthy journeys and Still, according to Reg, it was a occupying him just prior to they depended on chance meetings matter of grave concern to the old-time hospitalisation for the last time. witti me "locals" to give them bushwalkers that the declaration of Unfortunately, he did not live to see his realistic advice. When they did have reserves caused "the resumption of the article published in the journal in March more reasonable maps there were properties of friends [who] had gladly of this year. Reg was too ill to do the still serious limitations. Another [given] food, hospitality and help". Reg final editing and this task was party intending to climb Bimberi in saw the spinning of yarns, the undertaken by his friend (and the 1940 travelled using a "10-mile-to- hospitality and the generosity of both journal's editor) Graeme Barrow. the-inch map which was mostly large settlers and bushwalkers as mutual Early Bushwalkers of the Canberra white spaces". They were often benefits. He concludes his article by Region provides a little of the historical alarmed/confused by the manner in saying, "No longer is the friendly background of bushwalking in general which intended destinations "seemed greeting and hospitality bestowed on the but it concentrates on walks undertaken to oscillate backwards and forwards passing bushwalker". He evidently by members of The Sydney according to local and official missed and mourned the passing of this Bushwalkers commencing in the early estimates of the distance". On one rural custom. 1930s. He begins with an account of occasion Alex Colley was met by a There is much to interest and engage Myles Dunphy's epic 1930 walk which horseman who had sought the party us all in Early Bushwalkers of the became Myles' inspiration for the out especially to tell them "not to Canberra Region. The article can be Kosciuszko National Park. On this follow the sulky's tracks because the found in the Canberra Historical journey Myles encountered innumerable chap in it was lost". In 1945 one Journal, No 53, March 2004 (pp2-14). mobs of wild horses. party recalls meeting an old Copies of the journal can be found in There is an account by Marie Byles bushman, who also grew prize most public libraries and the Canberra of her inadvertent trespass on the Cottar winning gladioli, who walked back to Historical Society can be contacted on (sic) catchment where she said the the Goodradigbee from Nyngan— 6262 8881. The society also has an government official whose duty it was 400 miles away—during "the off- office at the Canberra Museum and to preserve the purity of Canberra's time for gladioli". Gallery. water supply could have had the party It seemed that the generosity and Len Haskew "shot at dawn". Instead, the official kindness of the many landholders

Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group continued from previous page soon as practicable. He is investigating area in Victoria. During discussion it investigation to be done before a the use of a helicopter to spread the seed emerged that although there was decision could be made. over most of the area with volunteers enough seed to cover the area, there With some promising results already from the group covering areas would be little to spare so that careful achieved the group was looking forward inaccessible to aerial seeding. He said use of the seed would be necessary. to the opportunity of completing the that this type of seeding had proved However there was a good deal of seeding in the coming year. successful in recent work in the Eildon Syd Comfort National Parks Association Calendar

i September October November December General Meetings Public Holidays Mon 4 Mon 27, Tues 2S

General meetings Thu 16 i Thu 21 Thu IS • — Third Thursday of the month 8:00pm Committee meetings Tue 7 Tue 5 Tue 2 Tue 7 Uniting Church hall Bulletin Working Group ' Tue 12

56 Scrivener Street Gudgenby Bush Regeneration 1 Sat 11 Sat 9 Sat 13 Sat 11 O'Connor Great Australian Bushwalk Sun 24

NPA Christmas Party Sun 12

Thursday 16 September 2004 Further details 1 Yankee Hat carpark 10:00am. Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (h), 040 778 3422 (mob); : Syd Comfort 6286 2578 Making the waters clear. Andrew Winter these projects and how they fit in with and conservation in Namadgi, Walking ACT Forests the strategic plan for rehabilitation of Tracks and Settler and Post Settler ACT Forests is responsible for the the lower Cotter Catchment. Culture. management of the pine plantations Discussion on each topic will be preceded by a short presentation on the located in the lower Cotter Catchment Thursday 21 October 2004 that were destroyed in the ACT present situation regarding Namadgi, Third Members forum on bushfires of January 2003. This fire NPA's previously expressed views and NPA ACT policies concerning event resulted in a change of what form our policy could take. management emphasis for these areas Namadgi National Park from primarily commercial one to one The draft of the new Namadgi Thursday 18 November 2004 with a stronger focus on water quality. National Park Plan of Management The Kokoda Track It is widely recognised that roads are a will be released for comment early in Ian Hawke significant sources of erosion and 2005. The NPA ACT Committee sedimentation in commercial forestry believes that it is important to have This talk will address the Track as a environments. A number of key input from members on what NPA's walk which combines a number of strategies are being implemented response should be, and also assist challenges with significant Australian including removal of approximately with NPA policies for the wider ACT history. Kokoda means many things to 50% of existing roads and the upgrading conservation estate. To facilitate this, many people and in this talk lan will of many roads and stream crossings. the Committee will hold another short recount his experience and those of the Specific erosion control projects are forum to discuss issues that will lead group with whom he walked. also being completed. Steep areas and to policies for NPAACT. At this Observations of the going, vegetation, areas associated with creeks and streams meeting we will discuss 5 topics. locals and the evolution of the Battle of are being re-established to native plant Nature and Purpose of Namadgi Kokoda will be supported by species. National Park, Land use in close photographs taken during lan's walk in Andrew will provide an overview of proximity to National Parks and August 2003. how ACT Forests are implementing reserves. Flora and fauna management

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