Annual general meeting Namadgi National Park agreement Walking in northern Kosciuszko NPA BULLETIN Volume 38 number 2 June 2001

CONTENTS

Annual general meeting 3 An urban pioneer 11 Len Haskew Reg Alder

A busy three months for the Violent times on Milford Sound 12 Environment Sub-committee 3 Graeme Barrow David Large Wildlife at the Prom 13 Namadgi National Park agreement 4 Eleanor Stodart Syd Comfort Protecting and insuring your camping gear 14 NPA briefed on Namadgi management plan 5 Justine Block Eleanor Stodart On climbing mountains 15 Managing the southern region 6 Reg Alder Len Haskew Parkwatch 16 Walking in northern Kosciuszko 7 Len Haskew

Robyn Barker NSW National Parks Association meets in Canberra 18 Funding Gudgenby regeneration 8 Cliue Hurlstone Legal eagles for the environment 9 Book Review 19 Len Haskew Calendar 19 NPA reports on implementation plans 10 Eleanor Stodart General meetings 19

National Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated The NPA (ACT) office is located in MacLaurin Crescent, Inaugurated 1960 Chifley, next to the preschool. It is staffed by volunteers Aims and objectives of the Association but, at present, not on a regular basis. Callers may leave • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the phone or email messages at any time and they will be protection of fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and attended to. Mail from the post office box is cleared daily. cultural heritage in the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the reservation of specific areas. Telephone/Fax: (02) 6282 5813 • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation Email: [email protected] areas. Address: PO Box 1940, Woden ACT 2606 • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment of, Membership such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by organised New members are welcome and should enquire through the field outings, meetings or any other means. NPA office. • Cooperation with organisations and persons having similar Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) interests and objectives. Household members $40 Single members $35 • Promotion of, and education for, conservation, and the Corporate members $30 Bulletin only $30 planning of landuse to achieve conservation. Concession $25 Office-bearers, committee and convenors For new subscriptions joining between: President Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592(h); 1 January and 31 March - half specified rate 040 778 3422(w) 1 April and 30 June - annual subscription Vice President David Large 6291 4830(h) NPA Bulletin Immediate Contributions of articles, line drawings and photographs Past President Eleanor Stodart 6281 5004(h) including colour prints are welcome and should be lodged with Secretary Len Haskew 6281 4268(h) the office or Syd Comfort (02) 6286 2578. Treasurer Mike Smith 6286 2984(h) Deadline for September issue: 1 August 2001. Committee members Steven Forst 6251 6817(h) 6279 1326(w) Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect Judy Kelly 6253 1859(h) association opinion or objectives. Timothy Walsh 6285 1112(h) This bulletin was produced by the NPA Bulletin Working Group Eleanor Stodart 6281 5004(h) with assistance from Green Words & Images. Max Lawrence 6288 1370(h) Printed by Ausdoc On Demand, Canberra, ACT. Neville Esau 6286 4176(h) Jacqui Cole 6241 9984(h) ISSN 0727-8837 Convenors Cover photo: Mike and Babette negotiating the Environment Sab-committee David Large 6291 4830(h) Outings Sub-committee Max Lawrence 6288 1370(h) Queanbeyan River during Mike Smith's Compo Bulletin Working Group Syd Comfort 6286 2578(h) Canyon walk. Photo Max Lawrence Annual general meeting

8.00pm Thursday 16 August 2001 committee members have indicated machine (6282 5813) for more Forestry House, Yarralumla that they will not be seeking re­ information. election. We are fortunate to have Judith Business set down for the AGM Membership of committees is both Webster as the guest speaker at the includes the President's report on stimulating and rewarding, and AGM. Judy has made many progress during the year just offers you the opportunity to make presentations at NPA meetings and concluding, presentation of the a significant and personal they are always interesting, annual financial statements, and contribution to conservation and the informative and well received. election of a new committee to steer national parks movement. Recently Judy has spent a lot of time us through the coming year. Come along, have your say, get walking the southern end of the All office-bearer and committee involved, and help us make a real Alpine Walking Track, so will positions become vacant at the AGM difference in advancing the things entertain us with anecdotes and so that members may be elected to that really matter to us. We would slides about the Track. be pleased to discuss with you, and the following positions: President, See you there. Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, to arrange a nomination, if you are Immediate Past President (ex- a volunteer. Please phone Clive officio), and up to eight other (6288 7592), or Len (6281 4268), or Len Haskew members. Several 'veteran' leave a message on our answering Secretary A busy three months for the Environment Sub-committee The past three months have been these changed arrangements. This You may have seen or heard about busy, with members of the Sub­ submission will probably be the the calling of public meetings by committee completing submissions most significant document we local (NSW) political figures who on implementation plans for produce in the second half of this take the opportunity to denigrate Murrumbidgee River Corridor, year. Anyone wishing to assist in the work done by the NSW NPWS. Canberra Nature Park and research will be made very welcome. This opposition is driven by populist Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Please contact me if you can help. sentiments and has no scientific A significant response to the Nature A major worry is the orchestrated base. We will need to monitor this Based Tourism Strategy was and concerted activities of people activity closely and respond where forwarded to Environment ACT opposed to the declaration of appropriate. which, in particular, detailed our Southern NSW Wilderness areas. David. Large concern about the proposal to utilise Gudgenby Homestead Gudgenby Homestead as an accommodation facility. In this regard, we are surprised to see in the recent ACT Budget further expenditures proposed prior to there being a prehminary assessment plan developed. We are continuing to make representations about this issue.

We were concerned, also, about the manner in which the ACT Government, without notice, signed an agreement with the indigenous community for the joint management of Namadgi National Park. A further report on this issue is contained in this Bulletin. We had started work on developing our input to the Second Namadgi National Park Management Plan and our Group of hearing-impaired walkers who accompanied Mike Smith's NPA work will have to take account of walk to Compo Canyon. Photo Max Lawrence Namadgi National Park agreement On April 30 an agreement between the Long term management Interim arrangements Australian Capital Territory and two The instrument to be used to Upon withdrawal by the Aboriginal ACT native title claim groups involve the Aboriginal parties in the Parties to this agreement of their concerning the management of management of Namadgi National native title claims, and until the Namadgi National Park, was signed Park is termed the Namadgi NSAL commences, the territory in Canberra. The Chief Minister, Special Aboriginal Lease. The agrees to implement interim Gary Humphries, signed for the territory offers to grant a Namadgi arrangements for the involvement of territory and Nurri Arnold Williams Special Aboriginal Lease (NSAL) the Aboriginal parties in the and Agnes Shea signed for the over Namadgi National Park management of Namadgi National Aboriginal parties. Another native subject to all native title claims Park. (For the NSAL to be granted title claim group did not sign this being determined or withdrawn. it is required that all native title agreement. In this article I have The Aboriginal parties will be claims be withdrawn or determined.) attempted to summarise the main incorporated as a statutory An Interim Namadgi Advisory terms of the agreement, and in a corporation and legislation will be Board will be established comprising further article Eleanor Stodart makes developed to establish the NSAL. 10 members, five Aboriginal a commentary on it with particular The NSAL will not be a lease within (representing the Aboriginal parties) reference to the NPA. The summary the meaning of the Land (Planning and five non-Aboriginal, appointed has been made under the three and Environment) Act 1991 but will by the Minister. This board must be headings of general matters, long be subject to negotiation to consulted in the preparation of the term management and interim incorporate the following rights and draft plan of management for arrangements. privileges: Namadgi National Park and in relation to any decision about General • acknowledgement of the consenting to particular activities in The agreement recognises that Aboriginal parties as people the park under section 56 of the Aboriginal Australians have had an with an historical association Nature Conservation Act 1980. historical association with the ACT with the area; Section 56 prohibits a number of region which has been constrained in • participation of the Aboriginal activities in a reserved area without the last two centuries to the detriment parties in the management of the written consent of the of Aboriginal people. The parties make the park; Conservator, including: this agreement in a spirit of • consultation on specific reconciliation- Aboriginal cultural issues; and • driving a vehicle off a designated There are two undetermined native consultation on development of road; title claims over the ACT before the amendments to legislation • camping except in a permitted courts and, although this agreement impacting on the park. area; involves matters other than native The management arrangement to be • erecting a building or other title, the parties believe that the negotiated will be on the basis of the structure; agreement will lead to resolution of establishment of a statutory board of • supplying goods and services and these native title claims. management with responsibility for using a firearm, bow and arrow The Parties are the Australian preparing and overseeing the or animal trap. Capital Territory and Aboriginal implementation of a Plan of Where the territory wishes to consult Parties. The agreement is not an Management for the park. The board on specific cultural issues or to agreement about native title but is will have six Aboriginal members extend invitations to representatives made under section 86F of the Native elected by the Aboriginal parties, and of the regional Aboriginal people to Title Act 1993 of the Commonwealth, six non-Aboriginal members. There attend official functions it will do so and the parties have negotiated this will be a process of public consultation through the Aboriginal Parties. agreement with a view to the on the detail of the NSAL. Syd Comfort withdrawal under that section, of the Once there is an incorporated native title determination application. body representing the Aboriginal It is agreed that additional native title parties, the territory will consult claim groups who are not initial with the management committee of signatories to this agreement may that body on specific cultural issues Email address become Parties at a later date. and on the nomination of The association's email address representatives of the regional is now: Aboriginal people to attend official npaact@asiaonline. net.au functions. NPA briefed on Namadgi management plan

Things had gone very quiet comliaison/Indigenous/ regarding the Native Title claims to ATSIagreement.html. The large sections of the ACT, mainly agreement took effect on May 4, Namadgi National Park, and so the when the Aboriginal signatories announcement in The Canberra withdrew their native title claim Times on Sunday April 29 that an (AG 6001 of 1998). agreement had been signed by Chief An interim advisory board, made Minister, Gary Humphries, and up of five Aboriginal representatives elders of the Ngunnawal people as defined in the agreement and five seemed to come as a bolt out of others, is to be set up. The five others the blue. to be appointed will be The claims were lodged before the representative of relevant scientific Native Title Tribunal in October expertise, heritage expertise, 1996 by Nurri Arnold Williams ecotourism, nongovernment Williams (AG 6001 of 1998) and in July 1997 conservation and the Conservator, by Phillip Edward Carrol (AG 6002 but they will be appointed as of 1998). NPA applied and was individuals rather than as accepted as an interested party by representatives of their field or the tribunal and had meetings with organisation. Members of the its representative. NPA also advisory board will receive a fee but commissioned a report that was to arrangements for that will not start explore the options for the joint till after the Remunerations Phil Gatenby below Mount management of Namadgi National Tribunal meets in August. Park. This report by Dermot Smyth, Burbidge. Photo Martin Chalk. The agreement proposes that this titled "Nourishing Namadgi", was board should be followed by the received in mid '98. It compared the Director of Environment ACT, and setting up of a Special Aboriginal different models of joint Terence Uren, of Environment Lease and a management board, but management already in place Planning and Legislation, neither the lease nor the board can around Australia and was Environment ACT, who will be be established while the second distributed by NPA to anyone looking after the day-to-day claim (AG 6002 of 1998) remains interested, including the ACT implementation of the agreement. unsettled. Don Bell has decided to Government and the three different proceed with the claim rather than groups of Ngun(n)awal people. In We expressed concern that we had 1999, in a spirit of reconciliation, the not been kept informed that sign the agreement. Therefore the Government announced the offer of progress was being made on an advisory board will continue to a lease of Namadgi with joint agreement, especially since we had operate until the claim is withdrawn management if the different parties been accepted by the Native Title or determined. could come to agreement, and a Tribunal as an interested party. Our Eleanor Stodart genealogical study was undertaken, concern will need to be taken up but agreement seemed just as with the Chief Minister's far away. Department, but we were told that a condition of the mediation process Following the announcement of was strict confidentiality, and that April 29, NPA asked for a briefing an aim had been to have the on the agreement. The agreement agreement signed before the had been developed by the Chief meeting of the tribunal on May 4 ANNUAL GENERAL Minister's Department but now when claims could be withdrawn MEETING allowing farther progress towards that it has been signed, to be held on implementing the agreement. Environment ACT is looking after Thursday 16th. August its implementation. The agreement is now a public at 8pm So, on Tuesday May 14 Clive document. Excerpts from the at Hurlstone, David Large and I, with agreement are printed on page 4 Forestry House, Banks Street, representatives from the of this Bulletin, but the whole text Conservation Council, had a is available at www.act.gov.au/ YAERALUMLA meeting with Liz Fowler, now government/department/cm d/ Managing the southern region

"Managing the Southern Region" these valuable conservation areas are assist with the provision of was the title of Dr Tbny Fleming's managed properly and efficiently. The corridors. This is another address to the well-attended April Southern Region also has a Resorts management challenge and Tony general meeting of the association. Division to oversee the management believes that it will probably be a Tony is currently Director of the of resorts in Kosciuszko National Park. lengthy process but he is optimistic Southern Region of the NSW The Southern Region about the outcomes. National Parks and Wildlife Service Comprehensive Regional Assessment At present approximately (NPWS) and is well known to many (CRA) process has resulted in 320 000 45 per cent of the area administered members as he has had a long hectares of new parks being added to by the Southern Region is declared association with our area. Tony has the system. Many of these additions wilderness under the provisions of been a Director of the Conservation were formerly state forests with an the NSW Wilderness Act, 1987 and Council, a candidate for the ACT entirely different management so meets the criteria of naturalness, Assembly and a Ministerial Adviser. routine. Among some very significant size and the ability to provide Now with NSW NPWS he is additions are: solitude and self-reliant recreation. responsible for the management of The Southern Region CRA • Brindabella National Park - this 1800 sq km of parks extending from identifies a host of areas in the addition closed a 'gap' between the just south of Wollongong to the existing Parks or new areas that ACT border and KNP. Victorian border and across to meet these criteria and thus have • Woomargama National Park - (near Holbrook and Cowra in the west. the option of being declared a Albury) the first park of this nature Tony joined NSW NPWS at the wilderness. Wilderness declaration in the western section of the region. time of a very significant is a contentious issue - community • Buckenbowra/Monga National restructure. The service was views tend to be polarised, Park - this addition has added to extensively decentralised with the especially when traditional access the concept of a continuous belt object of making management more is altered or prohibited, eg in of national parks along the aware of local issues, providing local Brindabella NP traditional four- escarpment. communities with a much more wheel drive and horse riding routes • Murramarang Murramarang National Park accessible point of contact, and could be closed. And not only would extensions and the Coastal dispelling community concerns that those who formerly enjoyed such Lakes National Parks (eg Meroo decisions were being made by an access feel disadvantaged, but also NP) are significant additions as executive remote from the regions. another outcome could be increased they not only preserve valuable The NPWS structure is now made use of other areas for such conservation areas, but also up of four regional field directorates activities. In the Southern Region provide links from the coast to and four corporate directorates The a total of 200 845 hectares have the escarpment. Tony field directorates have their main been found to satisfy the criteria for recommended that we should centres at Grafton, Parramatta, wilderness. It is up to the become acquainted with these Dubbo and Queanbeyan. Ibgether, Government to decide which, if any, additions. they incorporate 19 regions, made of these areas it will formally Some of the new additions pose up of more than 50 areas, with declare wilderness. The service is many management challenges to the offices and work depots strategically now seeking community views on service. Previously they were located to meet the needs of the the values of the identified areas, managed as state forests with the community and to efficiently and their suitability for wilderness many logging roads providing manage protected areas. declaration. Tony urged interested almost unlimited access to The Southern Region, people to make a submission. unrestricted camping areas. Now headquartered in Queanbeyan, The NSW Government commissioned that they have been included in the comprises four areas, Nowra Garrood a review by Mr Bret Walker SC national parks estate community (managed by Dianne Garrood), following recommendations by the expectations regarding access and Merimbula, Jindabyne and Tumut. Coroner's report into the 1997 Thredbo use may have to be changed. This is The region not only has a large landslide. The Walker Report made four a major public relations exercise for number of national parks and key recommendations, all of which were the service. Tony is pleased that the reserves, but also many off-reserve accepted by the Government These key new areas comprise good conservation areas presently covered recommendations are: representative eco-systems and are by local government and regional valuable additions to the areas • to retain the ski resorts within environmental plans. Tony has set up managed by the Southern Region. Kosciuszko National Park, under a division for the management of West of the escarpment the new the management of NPWS; these off-reserve areas. The challenge additions are sometimes small and to the service is to initiate a culture scattered and consequently of critical management to ensure that landholders are being encouraged to Walking in northern Kosciuszko

The very northern end of get a good feel for the surrounding Kosciuszko, north of the Snowy country with views to Tabletop, Mountains Highway, is excellent Jagungal and the Main Range in the walking country. Most of the sub- south, the Bogong Peaks to the west, alpine peaks are easy to access and the Brindabellas in the north and provide good views over extensive Scabby and Yaouk-Bill Ranges to the frost hollow plains like Long, Boggy east. You can also see some major and Nungar. By climbing to the intrusions on the landscape like dams summits of hills like Tantangara and powerlines, and the damaging (1745m), Nungar (1710m), Nattung effects of illegal 4WD trails and feral (1618m) andMichelago (1580m), you animals like brumbies and pigs.

Tantangara Mountain

Photos and text by Mount Nungar Robyn Barker

Managing the southern region - continued fro m page 6 • to develop a Regional He also told us that the on top of his job but also deeply Environmental Plan to apply to the Government had made a decision to committed to the conservation sM resorts; increase the number of beds at ethic. He also pointed out that the • the Minister for Urban Affairs Perisher and that negotiations are Act under which national parks and Planning to be the consent under way to build a village centre. are established provides for the authority for future major Tony is confident that this can be parks to meet a recreational developments. These will be done successfully. function as well as a conservation those over the value of At the conclusion of his function. It is a statutory approximately $2 million, while presentation Tony accepted requirement on the service to the NPWS would remain the questions from the audience. facilitate both components. Tony consent authority for minor Questioning was very vigorous and also has the extremely difficult developments; and pointed. Some concern was task of ensuring that the park's • responsibility for the Alpine Way expressed about ski resort neighbours are satisfied with park and the Kosciuszko Road to be development but the main thrust management, and reiterated that transferred from the NPWS to of the questioning concerned horses the decentralisation of NPWS's the Road Traffic Authority. within Kosciuszko National Park - administration was a strategy put in place to help achieve this aim. The report concluded that NPWS both domestic and feral, with horse should retain responsibility for the riding coming in for a major The enthusiastic applause that ski resort villages due to their location "caning". Tony answered all carried Clive's vote of thanks within the park and due to their questions thoroughly, cheerfully indicated our appreciation of Tony's highly specialised purpose and use. and politely. From both his answers address and his obvious and address I gained the Tbny is confident that planning commitment. impression that Tony was not only and management will continue to Len Haskew emphasise conservation. Funding Gudgenby regeneration

In March, Eleanor Stodart, Stodart• fellin asg of pines as ACT Forests President of the Gudgenby Bush appear unwilling to do this from Regeneration Group, wrote to the their own resources; Minister for Urban Services, • burning of slash as this has Mr Brendan Smyth, conveying some proved valuable for germination concerns about future support for and weed control; the project. As readers are probably • spraying of weeds which are OCCURRENCE: Matnly on drier and lower slopes; extends down to edges of grassy plains, aware, the task is to regenerate to beyond manual control; and also wio taller forests at high altitudes Native ID native species some 350 hectares of supervision by a dedicated Parks and planted m city area. Examples along Ma jura Rd N of airpon. Also NSW. Vic. Qld. SA. Namadgi previously planted to staff member for at least part of FORM: Small irregular tree 10-15 m on poor sices; straighten tall (to 25 m) in forests, large u pines. Whilst acknowledging the each year. and spreading m woodlands. { , i progress made so far Eleanor drew BARK: Smooth, creamy white, usually tinged The text of the Minister's red in late summer. Often rough at base and in attention to the need for funds, in reply dated 26 April 2001 is strips, sometimes extensive, on trunV. LEAVES. ADULT: Stalked, alternate; lanceolate, grey-green particular for: reproduced below. and dull. JUVENILE: Stalk I ess, opposite, round and very glau­ cous, may be wider than long, with a notched end. BUDS- Axillary 3-fowered umbels, glaucous Flowprc Nov- Feb FRUIT: Stalkless. cup-shaped wrth fl« or slightl* domed xop. protruding knives. 5-7 mm diam NOTES Similar to E dattyrnptvana and £ wTunoM. Distinguish by drier hjibnat. dull grey-green adult leaves, very glaucous Dear Eleanor juvenile leaves

Thank you for your letter received 19 March 2001 regarding the Eucalyptus rubida (Candlebark) has future of the Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Project. germinated well from seed broadcast during Gudgenby regeneration.. I acknowledge your concerns regarding the continued funding of This description is taken from the this project and wish to advise that the government is strongly NPA's publication, Field Guide to committed to supporting the project and ensuring that appropriate the Native Trees of the ACT. outcomes are achieved.

I am advised that ACT Forests wili continue felling operations in the near future and it is expected that felling of the remaining pine trees will take place over the next two years. Vale Where necessary a project officer may be appointed to manage It is with deep regret that we record elements of the project including slashing, burning and weed the death of association member Ken Johnson who passed away on control. Saturday, April 14. Ken was a I applaud the efforts of the Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group, draughtsman and artist of talent who was always willing to give of which has significantly contributed to the success of this project. his time and expertise and did so for It is encouraging to note that partnerships between government the NPA on many occasions. He was and community groups can result in such positive outcomes. also a passionate walker with a very strong feeling for the Budawangs. Thank you for raising your concerns with me. I trust I have been In the early 80s, together with NPA of some-assistance. life members Sheila Kruse and Olive Buckman, he was involved in Yours sincerely a Health Department sponsored move to interest the general Canberra public in recreational walking. The success of their efforts flowed down to the Walking For Brendan Smyth MLA Pleasure we know today. Members of the association extend their 26 April 2001 sympathy to Ken's widow, Jo, and other members of the family.

Syd Comfort Legal eagles for the environment

Melissa Honner , solicitor with the that results from ACT Environmental Defender's Management of an inability to Office, (EDO) was the guest speaker Public Lands access legal at our March general meeting. Her services in relation A. »ieniG»rt pan rf lhe ACT (HW) ii Und(iu Fact Sheer 7J. talk gave members an outline of the rcserad is Pnblic Lmd; wfckh creates specific The Land Ad prrrvidea that (bo Conservator to matters affecting history of the EDO network, its should prepare i Management Plan Jbr agencies. Public Land as soon as practicable aflo- it it the natural and funding and activities. f What H Public Umd? iiaHGed'talie Terrttory Plan, Unlila built environment. MvaBjcmnt Plan is prepared, thr PubEc The Environmental Defender's Public Land it reserved, through lilt- i *nrt n jnanerfccl aom flingt o objectivea •To educate wJ? Territory Plan (ier Fart Shot I) lot specified in Schedule I ofibc Land Act Office (ACT) Inc. is one of a network one w more of tneje purposes Ibis suits primary and members of the M*$ secondary ca^ecsnca, wr* Ihe nrJTBsry of community legal centres across . (*)awilderne^ar«; objocrivc pjuvjiteig if (ban is any community about \1>) a notional pork, fg. Namadgi Bawmitaty, to, (be primary objective tor Australia which specialise in ffi-ffat, NaaeHalfiark a mauic raerve u "lo ccsuovc (be natural the processes [• (c) a tiatarc mow, rg. Tidknbtth tnvniittnenl" tad (ha scccodary objective environmental law. The first EDO I Nature Rair/t • - is "to provide fur poblio UK of (be uca ten established by and was established in Sydney in 1985. I (S) a ipeeii] purpose mmr, eg recreation, educarirD ud research" rights under jK^'rarrO of ikt Mvrrvmbidgee Rnv Ihatfirre, me public may be T«-1HA^ if This Office was followed later by the ^Corridor.- flierr aetxvities K mornament with environmental L Cc) *n nrban ijjioi spaco, tg urban carucrvstioD oTlbe Kc-ismroao. opening of offices in Brisbane and jf parks andiparttpaanh laws. JK(0^oeirMiayarburialrpT)urNl; ' Melbourne. In more recent years, WhtisaManmgminwtPtait? -(g) stake, eg-'Laif Jbggtivnatg •To undertake A MaDagcmcnt Plan ii a docurDcot *hkh following a Commonwealth [ OO-a'^iort mdjcCTratian reserve,' racliides o description of for area of activities that will ig-Mwoka Oval Government commitment in May Public Load and cpeciEei tbe mamer in Hindi ibe usnt&mcDt oojertives are promote access to 1995 to fond a national network of fpnLgtn be iraplxiiiculedoT pomoied"tn um ma Tbe processes i-'^i the legal system environmental lawyers, the other • The innr/ (Planning wvSKrrtfrtaairTil) Ad fijr flicnukin g and variation of » for persons states and territories have FlarrefMaugianert are lbs> sane :C^ir^^*e/JMfl'rjroyirfc%lhe and ire illustrated in Figure D. seeking to protect established their offices to complete rnanafantaa of nibliclind.. ' MjTTiygrTT*n> ptaoj typically deal the environment. Trie Nature Ojoirmeipn Act provides tor a the EDO network across Australia. wiib uica istucs at pfotcctiDD of »ConicxvtfQr'rj£ Flora and Tpaiaza (die natural rosouioea, mdudme •The office CuruerrtnijO «al rbe ACT Pwi^ and ; Gmwvoion Service [the-Servicci. "hit The EDO (ACT) was established frrcacction oTcultuml rejwrct*, provides free, Coucrvaeat-and (be Service are gsvea ponen such is heritage places: visitor lo regulate acuvoia on Public Laid. v>bich ii in 1995. It is an independent ok; «vJ ccotrol of pot planu. aid initial advice on Teamed fra crnjeryirjDD piaposes. lb* . fnqr»li Tbcyisay addresadte community legal centre specialising Ceniervasaralio bis atdisjaubai 10 preptrr a environmental law revolvement of Padrrarcand Nature Conservation ScrHegy and ACUOB Landcare gftwpt n maoagerDast of in environmental law. The ACT Plaas fbr ifnaleiied apeciei. Kbiob all hive to members of the Public Land. EDO was operational by mid-1996 ' uspGcBUona fbr the managpiina-of Public public. and has since had a productive Environmental Defenders Office (ACT) Inc. EDO services to history which has included holding the ACT and environmental law workshops and regional community include: seminars, successfully suggesting constructive changes to important other means available to assist • Assisting the community to legislation such as the Land cUents. Moreover, the EDO (ACT) is participate in environmental (Planning and Environment Act), currently exploring other possible decision-making. writing detailed submissions on avenues of funding to assist in • Providing legal advice and Government proposals, eg the litigation-related activities, such as assistance to people seeking to Environmental Protection and donations and market cost-recovery. protect the environment; At present the local EDO receives Biodiversity Conservation Act, • Presenting environmental law $35 000 annually from the Federal giving presentations to schools and seminars for the community and Government. This is sufficient to community groups and publishing interested professions; employ Melissa three days a week a quarterly newsletter, EDO Talk. • Providing community legal and an office assistant one day per information, such as printed EDOs are funded by the week. A grant from Environment materials, fact sheets, etc; Commonwealth Attorney-General's ACT produces the newsletter. • Researching public interest Department under the Community Funding in other states seems to matters in environmental law; Environmental Legal Program. more generous as NSW, for example, • Promoting laws and law reforms A recent Government decision has has five full-time solicitors. prevented EDOs from using these that help protect the The objects of the Environmental funds to assist clients in environment; Defender's Office (ACT) are: environmental litigation-related • Assisting the community to participate in environmental activities. Nevertheless, the EDO • Tb operate a community legal aid decision-making. encourages clients potentially service to provide legal services on involved in litigation-related environmental and related activities or other environmental matters to persons who cannot law matters to contact the EDO all otherwise afford or obtain such the same, in order that the EDO can services. assess whether assistance can be • lb relieve the sufFering, distress, provided or whether there may be helplessness and disempowerment NPA reports on implementation plans

Following enquiries by Legislative ACT's response, were considered rational and defensible basis for Assembly Standing Committees into appropriate to the IPs rather allocating priorities between the Management Plans for the than to the Management Plans. actions where resources are limited Murrumbidgee River Corridor and 3. EnvironmentACThasindicated (for allocating funds within Canberra Nature Park, that there is a need for still more budgets and perhaps for indicating Environment ACT agreed to prepare planning. This is reflected in the budget needs). Tidbinbilla and Implementation Plans for reserve commitment to specific reserve Canberra Nature Park IPs use the areas, each based on the relevant strategies for Canberra Nature broad priority rating given in the Management Plan, but setting out Park, and site and function Management Plans. more specific information. The management strategies for 7. The value of the IPs as a Implementation Plans were to Tidbinbilla. The reserve specific framework for reporting also include tasks to be performed, target plans for the Canberra Nature varies, with the Nature dates and performance measures for Park in particular, need to have Conservation Strategy IP being the annual work programs, output a strong practical focus and to be most effective, then the River statements and performance worked out in consultation with Corridor and Tidbinbilla, with indicators. As part of the 1999-2000 the relevant park care groups. the Canberra Nature Park being Environment Grants Program, the 4. Management Plans for the least effective. NPA undertook to produce a report Murrumbidgee River Corridor 8. The Legislative Assembly which examines how well the and Tidbinbilla stated that the Standing Committee on Urban Implementation Plans produced to Implementation Plans would Services requested that the IPs date supply detail on current indicate tasks to be performed, be public documents. However management actions and budgets in target dates and performance they have been made available to parks and reserves. measures. The IPs vary a limited extent only. The report, which was submitted considerably in how well they 9. Future directions for the IP to Environment ACT in mid-March, achieve these goals. Only the IP process. The preparation of IPs, incorporated input from the for the Nature Conservation rather than being just time Conservation Council of the South Strategy has satisfactory targets. consuming should save time later East Region and Canberra and used The structure of the River as well prepared IPs will aid the results of a telephone survey of Corridor IP looks effective, but in efficiency in directing resources , park care groups affected by the practice the descriptions are not and will also make reporting more Implementation Plans. The body of always target or performance efficient. Adoption of a three year the 14-page report provides oriented. The Tidbinbilla IP sets cycle of planning, as is being used supporting materia] for nine key target dates for some actions or for the Nature Conservation points which are outlined below. stages of actions while the Strategy, could increase cost Canberra Nature Park IP has efficiency. Similarly, increased Key points very few targets or performance efficiencies will come with 1. Environment ACT has prepared measures. incorporating the plans and Implementation Plans (IPs) for reporting process into the normal Canberra Nature Park, 5. The Legislative Assembly annual reporting process, as Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Standing Committee on Urban planned. Experience in preparing Murrumbidgee River Corridor, Services requested that the IPs IPs should ensure that any future and the Nature Conservation indicate budgets. No budget is Management Plans (such as Strategy but all, with the shown in the Nature Namadgi) will be written in such a exception of the last, are well Conservation Strategy IP while way as to simplify the preparation behind schedule. The approach to the IPs for Tidbinbilla and the of IPs. The Murrumbidgee River the IPs has varied with the result Canberra Nature Park indicate Corridor IP would make the best that there are three different funds available for functional model for IPs which are based on a models. Differences in the style areas in broad terms. The River Management Plan, with wording of the Management Plans also Corridor IP has quite detailed of projects better addressing the contribute to the inconsistency of budget figures, with an important need for reporting, and with the IP models. distinction made between funds targets for each year clearly allocated to discretionary and 2. As intended, the Implementation expressed. Separating out the non-discretionary items. Plans contain more planning continuing actions from actions of detail than do the Management 6. The degree to which IPs indicate a more project oriented nature Plans but they have failed to pick priorities between actions varies. could make the setting of targets up all the comments made in The Nature Conservation much easier. submissions on the Management Strategy and River Corridor plans Plans which, in Environment have a scoring system to give some Eleanor Stodart NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION (ACT) INCORPORATED NPA outings program June - September 2001 Outings guide

Walk gradings : Terrain grading Distance grading (per clay) A - Road, firetrail track 1 —up to 10km B-Open forest 2 - 10km ro 15km C-Light scrub .3 - 15km to 20kra . D — Parches of thick scrub, regrowth 4 —above. 20km E — Rock scrambling F - Exploratory

Day walks carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. Pack walks two or more days, carry all food and camping requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY WEDNESDAY OR AS INDICATED IN PROGRAM. Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent. Vehicles taken to site can be used for camping. BOOK EARLY WITH LEADER. Other activities include nature rambles, environmental and field guide studies and ski tours.

Points to note Please help keep our outings program alive by volunteering to lead outings. New leaders are welcome. The outings convenor is happy to suggest locations suitable for a walk if you do not have something in mind yourself. Feel free to send in suggestions for outings to the association's office as soon as you think of them, with a suggested date. All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Association of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and as such accept responsibility for any injury howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders are absolved from any liability in respect of injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing. The committee suggests a donation, to the nearest dollar, of THIRTY cents per kilometre DIVIDED BYTHE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS in the car, including the driver, be offered to the driver by each passenger accepting transport. Drive and walk distances quoted in the program are approximate distances for return journeys.

16 June Saturday daywalk 18 — 21 June midweek packwalk arranged for both peaks. On the final day we The Long Flat Winter on Namadgi Peaks — Gudgenby return to our cars via a very old track, where Leader: Martin Chalk and Sentry Box two people buried at Bobeyan were killed in 3A7B Leader: Graham Scully a dray accident long ago. In the event of bad Maps: Colinton, Bredbo 1:25 000 2A/C/D/E weather we'll stay in the valleys and visit huts. Phone: 6268 4864(w), 6292 3502(h) Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk 1:25 000 In any case warm clothing for day and night Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.00am. The Phone: 6230 3352 is essential. Phone leader for details and walk will start at the Mt Clear campground. Starting at the locked gate at the southern end bookings, numbers limited. I60kms, We will travel south along Grassy Creek to of the Old Bobeyan Road we spend the first $48 per car. the NSW border, and then follow it along to day leisurely visiting a number of historic sites the most southerly point of the ACT. We will in the Naas Creek valley, setting up camp return along the Long Flat and generally below Mt Gudgenby. On Tuesday we climb follow the old farm track back to base. A walk Gudgenby and return to camp. The next day through some rural history of the ACT. we move to a new camp and climb Sentry 160kms, $48 per car. Box. A light dusting of snow has been 24 June Sunday daywalk 2 - 18 July carcamping and daywalking 15 July Sunday daywalk Red Rocks on the Murrumbidgee . escape Mc Nungar Leader: Steve Hill Warrumbtingles and Mt Kaputar National Leader: Max Lawrence 1A/C/E . Parks IB Map: Tuggeranong 1:25 000 - Leader: Graham Scully Map: Tantangara 1:25 000 Phone: 6231 9186 ; Phone: 6230 3352 Phone: 6288 1370 A relatively easy walk, mainly on track, but • Another chance for those of you who missed Mt Nungar is a notable peak just to the east involving a little rock scrambling along the last November's great trip, or for those who of the road into Tantangara Dam from the Murrumbidgee Corridor from the confluence jusr want a couple of weeks in some grear Snowy Mountains Highway. Afrer a steady of Tuggeranong Creek to Red Rocks. We country away from the Canberra winter. A car 400 metre climb through open bush we might divert to 'the canyon along the way . camping and day walking combination to should be in the snow, and weather (some more mild rock scrambling). This is these two spectacular national parks. The permitting, enjoying some great winter one of the most scenic stretches of the river . itinerary (flexible) is to drive up on 2 July, mountain scenery. This is not a difficult walk, and, if we are quiet, we will be overwhelmed daywalk in the Warrumbungles on 3, 4 and but arrangements will depend on road and by a huge variety of native birds and 5 July, drive to Mt Kaputar on 6 July, daywalk weather conditions at the time. Ring leader kangaroos. Meet at the Urambi Hills carpark 7, 8 and 9 July, and return home on 10 July. for bookings and details. 300 kms, near the corner of Athllon and Learmonth Join us for one section only if you don't have $90 per car. Drives at 10.00am for a pleasant day. • rime for both. No vehicle costs. For the Warrumbungles stage we will be 21 July Saturday daywalk staying at the property of fellow NPA Deadmans Hill members Jim and Helen Srevens, a shorr 27 June Wednesday daywalk Leader: Rob Forster . distance from the park boundary. They will Parliamentary Triangle 2A welcome us to their excellent camping Leaden Ken Free Maps: Corin Dam, WilliamsdaJe 1:25 000 . facilities, which include flushing toilet and 1A Phone: 6249 8546 • hot shower! Map: Canberra Street Directory Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.30am. Good warm clothing for day and night is Phone: 6295 8894 Starting from Honeysuckle carpark a very essential. Phone leader for details and A cultural walk! Meet in the carpark of the pleasant walk through new section of the . bookings. Up to 1400kms, $420 per car. Australian Archives at East Block at 9.00am. Alpine Walking Track to Booroomba Rocks We will rake a Uesurely stroll to old Parliament carpark, then on old firetrail to Deadmans Hill House to cake in the Portrait Gallery. From 8 July Sunday daywalk for lunch and view. Return same route. there, depending on the interests of Pierces Trig 80kms, $24 per car. participants, we have a choice of the National Leader: Steve Hill gallery, the High Court, the National Library 3AJC/E 25 July daywalk and the Regatta Point Exhibition. Time Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 Wednesday walk permitting, there is also the opportunity to ; Phone: 6231 9186 visit the new National Museum of Australia. Leader: Col McAlister A chance to rise above the fog to visit the A walk designed to soak up some winter Phone; 6288 4171 . northern end of the Tidbinbilla range. There sunshine, pleasant Jake foreshore views and a The July edition of our series of monthly mid­ may even be some snow scenes to enjoy. iitde bit of culture. A few dollars will be week walks. Phone leader for details, which Pierces Trig offers some of the best views of needed for places that have an entry fee will be determined nearer the date. • Canberra and environs to be seen. We follow (exhibitions) and for cappucinos. the steady climb of the Mounbtain creek Fire Trail to the trig and, if we are quiet, we will 28 July Saturday daywalk July 1 Sunday daywalk see lyre birds in action. We return to the car Orroral Circuit Mt Sentry Box park largely the same way, but will divert to Leader: Steven Forst Leader: Max Lawrence climb up the northern side of the Camels 2A 2C/D/E Hump for some spectacular views, mainly to Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Ref: Yaouk 1:25 000 the south. The walk is on track, except for Phone: 6251 6817(h) Phone: 6288 1370 some mild bushbashuing to the camels A walk from Orroral Campground up the Hump, and an easy rock scramble down the Meet at the Kambah Village shops at 8.00am. track to Orroral Homestead and the tracking southern side to return to the fire trail. Meet A steep offrrack climb up the southern side station site and beyond, returning on the other at Kambah Village shops carpark at 8.30am. of Sentry Box from the Yaouk road, with time side of the river. Meet at Kambah Village shops 60kms, $18 per car. to explore the broad and expansive summit, at 8.30am. 70kms, $21 per car. including Sentry Box Rock. Some rock scrambling, and magnificent views. 180 kms, 14 July Saturday work party $54 per car. Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Contact: Eleanor Stodart, Syd Comfort Phone: 6281 5004 (Eleanor), 6286 2578 (Syd) Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre Tharwa at 9.15am, or Yankee Hat carpark at 10.00am. Weeding, wilding removal or other work for rehabilitation of the Boboyan pines area. Tools will be provided. 29 July Sunday daywalk/shuffie 19 August Sunday daywaik 26 August Sunday daywaik A winter walk on snow shoes to the Upper Rendezvous Creek The Pimple Paralyser Leaden Ken Free Leader: Steve Hill Leader: Brian Slee 2A/C 3A/C/E IB (in snow) Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 Map: Mt Kosciuszko 1:50 000 Phone: 6295 8894 Phone: 6231 9186 Phone: 6281 0719(h) Meet at Kambah Village at 8.30am. From A day of fabulous views and a huge variety of Our first snowshoe walk. Need to be fit, but Nursery Swamp carpark in Orroral Valley we life (including rare vegetation) on a quite snowshoe experience not necessary. Snowshoes walk on track to Nursery Creek, and then rugged mountain range righta t our door step. (worn with ordinary boots) can be hired from across a low saddle to Rendezvous Creek. We We climb to Snowy Corner from the top of Jurciewicz (Fyshwick) and Wilderness and/or then proceed off track upstream to some very the Lyrebird Trail, and then to Tidbinbilla Paddy Pallin (Jindabyne). From Guthega pleasant flats. Return by same route. 80kms, Mountain for a 360 degree view. On to The climb on to the Paralyser from Farm Creek $24 per car. Pimple for great views into the rugged Cotter and follow ridge to trig point and beyond. Valley. Home via Tidbinbilla Peak and Superb views of Main Range and Perisher. Mountain Creek Fire Trail. The walk is mainly Early start (to secure parking) and early finish. 22 August daywaik off track. There is no serious bushbashing, but Book early with leader, bearing in mind that Wednesday walk it is a long day with lots of climbing, so you walk will be dependent on favourable weather Leaden Ken Free need to be fit. Meet at Kambah Village shops oudook. 430kms, $129 per car, plus $15 for Phone: 6295 8894 carpark at 8.30am. 60kms, $ 18 per car. vehicle without permit The August edition of our series of monthly mid-week walks. Phone leader for details, which will be determined nearer the date. 29 August daywaik 5 August Sunday daywaik Wednesday walk Honeysuckle to Visitors Centre Leader: Mike Smith Leader: Barbara Edgar 23 — 27 August packwalk Phone: 6286 2984 Kowmung River 3A NPA has two midweek walks this month. Leaders: Max Lawrence and Wayne Veide Maps: Conn Dam, Williamsdale 1:25 000 Phone leader for details, which will be 3A/C/E/F Phone: 6230 5685 determined nearer the date. Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.30am. Maps: Kanangra, Yerranderie 1:25 000 Walk from the Honeysuckle carpark back to Phone: 6288 1370 (Max), 02 6553 4351 the Namadgi Visitors Centre along the Alpine (Wayne, at Wingham) 1 September Saturday daywaik Walking Track, including the new section A three day packwalk and a days driving at Parliamentary Gardens and Calthorpes between the Honeysuckle and Booroomba either end. On day 1 an 850m descent over House Rocks carparks. Nearly all downhill with the 16kms on the Uni Rover Trail to the Leaden Col McAUster notable exception of a stiff climb from Kowmung. Day 2 is a 10km walk along the 1A Bushfold up to the Tennent ridge. Car shuffle. river to the junction with Christys Creek, with Map: Canberra Street Directory 80kms, $24 per car. a possible visit to Church Creek caves along Phone: 6288 4171 the way. Day 3 is an 800m ascent over 14kms A pleasant stroll from Garran over Red Hill up the Colboyd Ridge back to Kanangra. A saddle to the gardens of Old Parliament 11 August Saturday work party tough walk in rugged and steep country, but House, where we will be taken on a guided Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group the scenery should make it all worthwhile. tour. Return via gardens at new Parliament Contact: Eleanor Stodart, Syd Comfort Numbers limited, phone leader early to ensure House and a guided tour of Calthorpe's Phone: 6281 5004 (Eleanor), 6286 2578 a booking. Approx 800kms, $240 per car. House. Meet at end of Brereton Street Garran (Syd) at 8.30am. Okms, $0 per car. Fees at Old Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre Tharwa at Parliament House and Calthorpe's House. 9.15am, or Yankee Hat carpark at 10.00am. 25 August Saturday daywaik Weeding, wilding removal or other work for Long Point rehabilitation of the Boboyan pines area. Tools Leader: Steven Forst 8 September Saturday work party will be provided. 2A7B Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Map: Caoura 1:25 000 Contact: Eleanor Stodart, Syd Comfort Phone: 6251 6817 Phone: 6281 5004 (Eleanor), 6286 2578 12 August Sunday daywaik Meet at the netball centre just past the (Syd) Honeysuckle Creek area Dickson traffic lights on Northboume Avenue Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre Tharwa at Leader: Mike Smith at 8.00am. Drive to Long Point near Marulan, 9.15am, or Yankee Hat carpark at 10.00am. 2B/C then walk down a track into the Shoalhaven Weeding, wilding removal or other work for Reference: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Gorge. Excellent views of the river on the way rehabilitation of the Boboyan pines area. Tools Phone: 6286 2984 down. Lunch on a sandy beach. A long haul will be provided. Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.30am. back up to the cars. 250kms, $75 per car. Starting from Apollo Road about 2 Km before the tracking station, a climb of some 400 metres will take us to the ridge running to the SW and ending at spot height 1364 metres. From here we will walk down the un-named flats (portion 23) for lunch. Return to cars will be via Spinnaker Rocks and the fire trail. 60 kms, $18 per car. 9 September Sunday daywalk 22 - 23 September weekend carcamp Mt Gingera and Brumby Flat The Rock and Galore Hill Better than a Leader: Steve Hill Leader: Col McAlister 3A/E 1A country mile Map: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Phone: 6288 4171 While looking for the Jack Lovelock Track Phone: 6231 9186 On Saturday morning drive to The Rock via outside Fairlie in New Zealand's South A chance to visit Mt Gingera with a difference. Wagga Wagga, and climb 'the rock' (about We start with the usual walk from Ginini 365m above the surrounding plains) in the Island recently I heard an expression new carpark to the southern Gingera summit afternoon. Drive on to Lockhart where we will to me. (1857) and its great views. Then we drop spend the nighr at the caravan park or other I called at a farmhouse to inquire whether down a short way to a beautiful, secluded accommodation. On Sunday morning climb I was getting close to the signposted track alpine frosty hollow to the west called Brumby Galore Hill (215m above the plains) and and was told by a cheerful woman that while Flat. We visit some ancient snow gums and return to Canberra in the afternoon, perhaps she didn't know how far it was in kilometres, then find our way to a quite spectacular by a different route. Opportunity for other it was "three paddocks up". viewpoint just below the northern summit visits such as Monte Cristo homestead at She was dead right too. (1847), before we drop down to Priors Hut. Junee, Bradmans birthplace at Cootamundra, Graeme Barrow The walk is pardy offtrack, but no serious and the motor museum at Binalong. Phone bushbashing is involved. Meet in the carpark leader for details and bookings before off Uriarra Road near its junction with the 9 September. Approx 650kms, $195 per car. Outings car travel Cotter Road ar 8.30am. 150kms, 345 per car. The May walks meeting discussed the rate 29 September - 1 October long weeked of suggested donation to drivers of cars 15 - 16 September weekend packwalk packwalk offering transport for association outings. Coronet Peak Mt Talaterang Noting the continuing rise in the cost of Leader: Phil Gatenby Leader: Steven Forst fuel it was agreed that the suggested rate 3A/C/D/F 2/C/D/E should be raised to 30 cents per kilometre. Maps: Coronet Peak, Rendezvous Creek Reference: CMW Budawangs The formula by which this amount is 1:25 000 Phone: 251 6817 (h) divided by the number in the car (including Phone: 6254 3094 Contact leader by Wednesday 26 September. the driver) to determine the individual Although not as high as many of the nearby After a long drive with stops at Fitzroy Falls donation, has been retained. peaks there are great views from the top of and Cambewarra Mountain, an easy two and Coronet Peak. The walk to the peak starts and a half hour walk to camp at the top of finishes in the the Orroral Valley. It will also Ngaityung Falls - a spectacular spot with involve exploring some of the other sights of views into Pigeon House Gorge. Next day the upper Cotter valley. For bookings contact walk to Mt Talaterang with daypacks, leader by Wednesday 12 September. 85kms, returning to campsite. Return to Canberra $25 per car. Monday. 400 kms, $120 per car.

16 September 2001 Sunday daywalk Bungonia Tops Leader: Col McAlister 1A/B Map: Caoura 1:25 000 Phone: 6288 4171 An easy loop walk taking in the three main lookouts with breathtaking views (Bungonia Lookdown, Jerrara Lookout and Adams Lookout). A side trip to view Bungonia Gorge and the Shoalhaven Gorge from Mt Ayre. Time and energy permitting, an optional side trip towards Jerrara Falls and Bungonia Falls. Meet at 8.00am at the Netball Centre carpark, Northbourne Avenue Lyneham. 220kms, $72 per car (including $6 park entry fee). An urban pioneer

"An urban pioneer" is the name given to me in the National Museum of Australia display concerning my home building during the 1940s at North Epping. William Chorley, who owned an exclusive menswear shop near Wynyard, Sydney, bought the whole of the present suburb of Cheltenham which had been subdivided into 10-acre blocks. It was known as the Chorley Estate. A covenant placed on each block excluded the building of shops, hotels, etc and stipulated the design and use of building materials during development. By the 1930s all of the land except for one block had been sold and further subdivided. This remaining block had been retained at 10 acres because a high cliff prevented the building of an access road. It was suggested to me in 1943 that this bush block of 10 acres, with a creek frontage of 1000 feet, would be a good buy at £95 if I could somehow make it accessible. There was a poultry farm above the block and I managed to persuade the owner to sell me an unused corner with a street frontage for £35. I selected a house site on a flat rock outcrop with shallow soil and cleared the low scrub from it, but the real task was to build a 900ft road. This An urban pioneer - National Museum of Australia. Photo Reg Alder involved gathering 600 cubic yards of soil and rock from the house site Belted"!! A change had been made Let me dispel any ideas that to build it. The first wheelbarrow during the course of the exhibition I used the chain saw to clearfell my load over a cliff, which only dusted - this meant my house could not be 10 acres. Because of the rock slabs, the ground, showed the enormity of built. From letters to the Premier only marginal clearing was the task. I learned that prior to the master required around each house: the To cut travel time, I built an iron plan becoming law, building could saw was used to cut firewood from shack 16ft x 12ft and lived in it for progress provided plans had been dead or fallen timber. Sixty years five years with only a water supply approved and building completed up of observation have shown the bush from the farm above. From this to floor level. Hastily acquired bricks on the block is now denser and I built the road, a rock-walled allowed this requirement to be met higher than when I first saw it. garage and a cavity brick house of and after a delay of 12 months Weed control is good through

12V2 squares. awaiting brickyard bricks the real leaving leaf litter on the ground. In It was nearly all in vain. The construction started. one area flannel flowers have Cumberland County Council A move away from Sydney for five bloomed continuously over the launched their Master Plan in 1948 years meant that my dream house years. Unfortunately privet carried for the future development of Sydney had to be sold but not before down the creek has heavily infested and put it on public display for three another battle with the its banks and the large pool in months. I made an early check and bureaucracy to allow a subdivision which I once swam is now silted and found the purpose of my block to be made. On this block I badly contaminated. unchanged. A friend called later to subsequently built another house, say my block had been "Green again mainly by my own efforts. Reg Alder Violent times on Milford Sound

What proved to be a wild experience West Arm, followed by a bus trip and we chugged back to Deep Cove. on Milford Sound in New Zealand's through cool temperate rainforest to Foveaux Strait, which separates Fiordland recently was far removed Deep Cove where the third stage, the Stewart Island from the South from the publicity pictures of actual cruise, begins. Island, is not for the faint- hearted rippling waters and mountains On the way to Deep Cove, the bus when the weather is foul. But sharp and clean against a deep blue detours to take visitors down a fortunately conditions were tranquil sky. Instead the waters were grey spooky 2km tunnel, hacked out of as we - backpackers, tourists and and choppy, clouds hung low, rain granite, into the heart of the locals - dashed across in another pelted down, and screaming gusts of Manapouri electric power scheme catamaran, the 35km-journey from wind buffeted our cruise boat, the deep inside a mountain. Years ago Bluff taking about an hour. Milford Wanderer. there was a public outcry over a plan I thought the vista of gentle seas Dozens of waterfalls cascaded to raise Lake Manapouri by 30m for and timbered islands even more down mountainsides and one, extra power generation and this beautiful than the Bay of Islands in Bowen Falls, was a gigantic white protest is reckoned as marking the New Zealand's north. My stay was bulge. The whole violent scene was birth of the conservation movement brief, just two days, but in that time a spectacular sight and although in New Zealand. I was able to make two 10km walks I missed seeing the famous Mitre The flooding would have destroyed through rainforest and drier bush Peak, it was still a dramatic outing lakeside forests and pristine islands while enjoying gorgeous coastal to relish. (Manapouri has 33 of them), but views of bays and islands. Our skipper decided to abort the luckily the plan was abandoned. Best of all was a kiwi-spotting

2V2-hour journey after about 45 This was after Parliament received expedition by torchlight, initially by minutes when he considered the a petition with 265 000 signatures boat followed by a saunter through conditions too dangerous to protesting against the plan, and it the bush and a silent walk up and continue. Clinging to a deck rail and had become an election issue. down Ocean Beach on which kiwis thinking that if I relaxed my grip I'd I found Doubtful Sound to be a forage. Only two Stewart Island be whirled instantly into the sound, lovely fiord. Mountains rose steeply kiwis, brown and small, the female I simultaneously agreed with him from the water's edge, their flanks larger than the male, were seen, but while regretting we could not go on. thick with native bush. Bright the total experience, ghostly in the I had heard of the phenomenon of sunlight, penetrating cloud, created darkness of early night, was one to waterfalls heading uphill, but on shafts of gold across the slopes. savour. Milford Sound that day I witnessed Unlike the previous day at Milford, Kiwis have no human predators on it with my own eyes. The gusts were the waters of the sound were placid. Stewart Island where 20 000 birds so fierce that several falls were There's a resident pod of dolphins are said to exist. The same cannot truncated, their mass being flung and in keeping with the balmy be said for the sooty shearwater or backwards. conditions they cavorted joyfully, muttonbird, which nests on what are Earlier, on a bus trip from leaping and twisting as if staging a known as the Titi Islands. Maoris Te Anau, the stepping-off point for display for our special benefit. have eaten muttonbirds for Milford Sound, the downpour had Towards the end of the three-hour centuries and this traditional created scores of remarkable cruise, the boat's engines were cut industry remains protected. In a waterfalls either side of the Homer and we drifted in silence except for "good season" 200 000 to 300 000 Tunnel, some snake thin, others the splash of waterfalls and the birds are harvested, but it is claimed metres wide. This spectacle must lapping of water against the hull. that numbers are "seemingly occur often because the Milford Looking out at water, forest and unaffected" by this extraordinary Sound region is drenched by 7m of mountain I thought that this scene, kill. How can this be? rain a year. But when the rain stops, quiet and serene, must have been Graeme Barrow the thundering cataracts dry up unchanged for centuries and within an hour - according to our wondered what the New Zealand coach driver. Maori and then the first European I had stopped at Te Anau on my explorers must have thought of it. way to Stewart Island to experience My reverie, which was verging on Milford Sound and also Doubtful the spiritual, was shattered from Sound. It was with relief that the down below by the sudden raucous weather improved and the three- bellowing of "C'mon Aussie, c'mon!" stage trip to Doubtful Sound next I gazed shamefaced at the deck as day could occur in calm conditions. my fellow passengers mumbled and First, there is an hour-long journey tittered. Dreamy meditation broken, down beautiful Lake Manapouri to our skipper restarted the catamaran Canberra Alive 2001 WILDLIFE AT THE PROM. Canberra Alive this year was held on the later date of Sunday, March 19 and in Glebe Park rather Oe^Y I- "~ r° -dealer &>jt than on the lawns in front of Old Cxt.iy.pcA. u*Atr •fall •f/'MJ jiA^oui^olecl Parliament House. The National Parks Association was there (eedut lyfij i»\ wait. bringing itself before the Canberra public once more. The President would like to extend his thanks to the members who gave their time to staff the NPA booth.

Lara£ Jck«ol fjn3lu9 [loif t>C*-^ u_l Updating NPA's display ^l^un near- -Wit- At ACT Alive this year it was quite clear that our display is in urgent need of updating. I have undertaken to form a fott'l fo-d. working group to do this, but we will also need new photos of wildlife, landscape and cultural heritage in Namadgi, and NPA activities. Could anyone who has suitable photos, or would like to take some, please aUAied -CAC>> o(-Lur ACSGU -t-U*. contact me on 6281 5004.

Eleanor Stodart TU» eloirr we. t-t^t *io Aff-

XotM.« IOIACIC JP*( brotji^. Production of the Bulletin Greenwords, now Green Words and tkem. LiJt v lei Uie. Images, has been involved with the production of this publication since the firm was founded by *7 Roger Green over 12 years ago. In April the ownership changed hands and is now with Paul and Kathie Hely. Roger will continue an involvement with the firm and NPA will remain a customer.

Legal eagles for the environment - continued from page 9 The EDO's overall work is directed community events to explain If you ever have wondered how to: by an elected committee consisting environmental issues of concern, • Object to a development application; of concerned environmentalists, writing papers, submissions and • Contribute to environmental lawyers and other professional and articles, Tallying the Friends of EDO, assessment processes; interested persons. The Committee producing a quarterly newsletter, • Apply to the Heritage Council to meets bimonthly. From the organising meetings and planning have a place listed on the Register; committee, a small and dedicated days and other important matters. • Contribute to nature conservation; team forms the executive, which Volunteers are always welcome! • Or perhaps you may be just meets fortnightly to consider day-to­ The ACT EDO has produced an worried about the pollution from day issues. The Chair of the Environmental Law for Citizens your neighbor's barbecue; Committee is Sally Petherbridge. Handbook, and recently launched a • then you might like to contact Volunteers assist Melissa with the booklet of Environmental Law Fact Melissa on 6247 9420 (an administration of the office and with Sheets which cover a wide range of answering machine is there legal research as required and under topics to assist citizens, conservation when the office is closed) or by her supervision. They also undertake groups and regulatory authorities. email [email protected]. important tasks such as staffing stalls (Melissa left copies of these Fact to promote the EDO at community Sheets with NPA). Len Haskew events, accompanying Melissa to Protecting and insuring your camping gear This article is copied from the Don't leave any valuables in What to do if you are September, 2000 edition of the car. robbed Parkwatch, the journal of the If possible, do not leave anything of Victorian National Parks value inside the car, glove box, or You have done all the right things, Association. Recent experiences of boot. If you have to leave gear in the but your car is still robbed. What do some of our members and the car, make sure it is kept out of sight. you do next? The first thing is to reporting of similar experiences in Some people leave the glove box check if there is any evidence around journals such as The Sydney open with no valuables inside and or in the car that the police can use Bushwalker and in threats on the hide valuables under the car seats. to investigate the break in. Craig internet news group, aus Craig Gillard, Sergeant at Halls Gillard of the Hall Gap police says, bushwalking suggest that thefts from Gap police station, says, "Seeing "if possible, drive to your nearest and damage to cars is becoming more gear is an invitation. People leave police station and point out any prevalent. The VNPA article was cameras, CDs, backpacks in the car evidence that may be in the car or written by Justine Block, Social and someone just has to punch a let the police know of any evidence Activities Coordinator on the BWAG window and grab it." about the scene of the crime." Be Committee, and offers practical careful not to touch any potential Park in designated areas. advice on minimising theft from your fingerprints on the windows or the vehicle. If possible, park in designated interior of the car. If you have a The article is reprinted with the camping areas. During busy times camera, take a photograph of any permission of VNPA. at Wilsons Prom, such as weekends, damage to the car. This will help in there are more people around and claiming insurance. It is also John and Ruth Stirling recently security checks are done several essential to obtain a police report if planned a 7 day camping trip in times a day. Sandy Brown and his you are making a claim. In Victoria, Kanangra-Boyd National Park, colleagues not only check the you must attend the police station NSW. The day before leaving they security of cars but also make sure in person to get a police report. were parked in Manly. Their car that everyone has a legitimate day Ruth and John Stirling did all the window was smashed and their pass. For areas that don't have right things. Their car was securely camping gear, worth $3000, was allocated car parks, ask for advice locked. Their valuables were out of stolen. One of the pitfalls of spending at the local Parks Victoria office or sight behind a blind pulled across a day or several days in the bush is police station. For instance, Craig their gear in their station wagon. the security of the car you leave Gillard recommends that campers They were parked in a well-lit area behind. However, there are simple park opposite the police residence in Manly when the robbery occurred steps you can take to minimise the in Halls Gap. and they contacted the police after risk of break in. And if you are not the robbery. The gear that was Do not leave notes for fellow so lucky, you can also take steps to stolen included their tent, pack, walkers on your car. ensure you are doing all you can to clothing, navigation equipment, If friends are meeting you for your claim on insurance. comprehensive first aid kit, sleeping walk, don't leave notes on your bags and stove. Their next step was windscreen giving details of your to contact their insurance company. What to do to prevent plans. Sandy Brown says "this theft provides a great opportunity for the less than honest person." There are What to do to insure your Make sure you secure your car. times, however, when you are gear At Wilson's Prom, Park Rangers required to fill out your plans in an Insurance policies to cover constantly run security checks of the Intentions Book. Gill Anderson, Park belongings outside the home range car parks in the area. While not Ranger, Alpine National Park, widely depending on the company common, Sandy Brown, Park Ranger Bright says that is not necessary to you are insured with. Before leaving at Wilsons Prom, has seen a variety leave your registration number in for any trip it is worthwhile of break-ins including smashed the intentions book if you are following these steps: windows and picked locks. "But concerned about security. "However," believe it or not", says Sandy, "lots she says, "it is vital that you still of people leave vehicles unlocked and leave your name and contact details. windows open." So make sure that You can then leave your registration you double check your car is locked number with a person who will be before heading off on your walk. contacted in case of an emergency." On climbing mountains In his classic book The Spirit of to a successful climb than making the to say that the person would not be the Hills published in 1933, Frank body climb without rhythm. Jerky as good as one who is normal in both S. Smythe, the British climber, movements, sudden bursts of speed, of these respects. devotes a whole chapter to the gasping lungs, frequent stops and a Another curious fallacy is that physical aspects of climbing. For variable output of energy can denote a mountaineers should be broad and Smythe the word lulls' covers the variable rhythm. On this score alone brawny. Developing muscles may lowest in Britain to the highest in an otherwise strong person may fail result in an increase of physical the Himalayas. when put to the test. strength but a product of physical He contends that physical Rhythm does not necessarily imply culture maybe, more often than not, power does not make a good slowness, but at the same time few can pitiful spectacle on a difficult climb. climber unless it is supported by move both quickly and rhythmically The fact that one person is the mental capacity to endure the because the quicker movements are, physically stronger than another physical strain caused by the the more difficult it is to make them counts for little once on a mountain. extreme effort, altitude and hot or conform to a rhythm. It is better to go Endurance is the most important cold conditions. There have been slowly and to keep going than to go fast quality and is usually dependent on many examples of ordinary, weak or rest at intervals. the power-weight ratio. In this, a persons performing outstanding The question is often asked "what lighter person, on average, is feats of endurance and it would makes a good climber?" and the answer capable of more energy over a longer appear that one is able is expected to include abstinence from period per pound of body weight consciously or subconsciously to smoking and alcohol allied to a than someone heavier. Lightness transmute nervous energy into rigorous training schedule. It is and lissomness are of greater value physical energy. fallacious to suppose that work in in mountains than heaviness and Our mountains, though not as which the first requirements are the muscular strength. high as the Himalayan massifs, are right mentality, stamina, rhythm and When the body is fit and the of a steepness and roughness which skill, will be greatly assisted by nerves and muscles are able to when coupled with extremes of abstinence. Moderation in all things is ensure that the demands made on temperature can make severe the only training worthwhile for them are being met, climbing to the demands on the fittest. Even on mountaineering. To be able to run a top of a mountain becomes a great comparatively low Kosciuszko it is hundred yards, a mile or 10 miles in joy. Tiredness from such an not unknown for persons to good time does not in the least qualify experience is a sensation of succumb to the effects of altitude a person physically to climb a happiness, goodwill and satisfaction on the first couple of days before mountain. with life. becoming acclimatised. Nevertheless, a person needs to be (Extensively abridged and with One thing common to both fit within limits. If one's breath cannot slight additions) physical and mental energy is be held for half a minute or the pulse rhythm. Nothing is less conducive is abnormally high it is possibly safe Reg Alder

Protecting and insuring your camping gear -continued from page u

Call your insurance to pay for "Extras'' cover. Make sure Keep receipts and take company before you leave that your Extras cover includes photographs of all your gear. home. camping gear as some companies only This might sound laborious but it Ask for details on your insurance insure valuables such as jewellery, only needs to be done once and filed. policies in relation to property cameras and electronic equipment. This level of preparation helps outside the home. They may be make claims on insurance policies Make a detailed checklist of all covered either by car insurance or much easier. your belongings. contents insurance. Often car Ruth and John heeded the It is often difficult to remember policies will include damage or precautions and prepared well exactly what gear you have. It is theft for items that are fixed in the before they left home. While this did useful to make a detailed fist of your car such as car stereos, broken not prevent the robbery, it helped in belongings. In the case of a robbery, windows and so on. Belongings resolving the difficulties they insurance claims are more easily that are not part of the car are experienced after the event. verified if you have a record of gear usually covered by contents that has been stolen. Justine Block insurance. Your gear may be covered under a standard contents policy but most often you will need Environmental flow saves A reverse policy has been adopted existing national parks and nature water birds in W.A. In the NPA (ACT) December reserves barely covering 2% of the land area. With the enactment of the Up to 4000 breeding waterbirds newsletter, Stephen Johnston Forestry and National Park Estate were the target of an environmental reports that, as a result of extensive Act 1998, a number of new national release of 340 000 megalitres (about aerial fox baiting, there has been parks and nature reserves were two-thirds the volume of Sydney such a marked recovery of native established in the region, bringing Harbour) from Hume Dam on the species that three endangered the proportion in reserves to a more Murray River in December and species - the bettong, the quenda respectable 10%. January The release is the largest and the tammar wallaby - have Among the new additions are four dedicated environmental flow in been removed from the threatened natural gems that dominate the Australia's history. About a dozen register. spectacular escarpment fringing the species of egret, cormorant, herons The Colong Bulletin, January 2001 Comboyne Plateau and the nearby and others started building their Large scale housing unlikely Lansdowne Valley. The four are nests in redgum trees in the in Jerrabomberra Valley Coorabakh National Park, Killabakh internationally recognised Barmah- The ACT Government has ruled out Nature Reserve, Coxcomb NR and Millewa Forest following the largest the likelihood of future large scale Goonook NR. These reserves have all flood n ten years in spring last year. residential development in the been long-standing NPA proposals. The flood was the best for Jerrabomberra Valley. The four reserves in part protect a waterbirds since the 1970s. For the Originally earmarked as the next landscape that is visually stimulating first time in a quarter of a century, Town to be developed after and has regional scenic significance. four species of egrets were breeding Gunghalin, the Jerrabombera Valley The landscape mainly consists of a in the forest. However dams and was found to be home to several steeply dissected sedimentary extractions for irrigation upstream threatened species and communities escarpment interspersed with threatened to cause river levels to including the earless dragon, the numerous volcanic plugs and fall before the chicks had fledged, legless lizard, yellow box, red gum, associated trachyte flows. The upper and the environmental release was and natural temperate grassland. escarpment is fringed by a fertile used to ensure the breeding event 'More than 475 hectares of land at basalt plateau, while lower down was a success. However, the Jerrabomberra Valley will be plunging ridgelines and low rounded environmental release from Hume reserved for the threatened species,' hills dissipate into a subdued Darn at Albury was probably too said Tony Adams from PALM. 'A landscape of alluvial terraces cold for breeding for listed further 415 hectares has been The dramatic landscape - when threatened native fish species such identified as having high combined with a high and relatively as silver perch and catfish. ACF is conservation values, which means dependable rainfall, a range of soil campaigning for the construction of any development would have to be types, variable aspect and altitude off-take towers that will allow warm low impact and compatible with - provides diverse habitat for many surface water rather than cooler conservation needs. Development rare and often threatened native bottom water to be released from the would be possible, subject to normal plants and animals. Hume Dam. planning processes, on a further habitat, February 2001 As a result of numerous surveys 460 hectares.' and assessments, at least twelve Wild life sacrificed to ferals Future uses possible at mammals, four birds, one reptile and The cessation of killing horses in the Jerrabomberra could include three amphibians listed in the Guy Fawkes National Park means community uses, broadacre schedules of the Threatened Species that their numbers will increase institutional and commercial Conservation Act are known to occur once more, destroying native flora activities telecommunications and within the four reserves. At least and depriving native fauna of aviation facilities, some tourist three additional threatened species sustenance. The damage to the river facilities and low impact agriculture - two mammals, one bird and one flats of the Macleay Gorges, caused such as grazing. amphibian - are likely to be present. by cattle and brumbies, was PALM, Summer 2001 National Parks Journal, February2001 described in our last bulletin. If the New reserves on the Draft master plan for QPWS policy of not destroying feral animals Comboyne and Landsdowne The Queensland Parks and Wildlife is extended to pigs, wild dogs, foxes, escarpments Service is preparing a Master Plan to rabbits and other pests, few native Prior to the recent Lower North East guide management of protected areas, animals will be seen in national Regional Forest Agreement, the including national parks, over the next parks. It is of course quite in order Manning Region — centred on Taree 20 years. The Master Plan will identify for landowners to kill these animals on the Mid North Coast of NSW — vital issues affecting Queensland's on their own properties. was particularly poorly endowed national parks and provide guidelines with nature conservation reserves, for managing them. The Plan is one of the most It is likely that the ACT region will Legislative effect is to be given significant initiatives of the experience an increase in to management plans to ensure Queensland Parks and Wildlife temperature and changes to they are reflected in local Service and participating seasonal patterns of rainfall over the planning schemes and conservation organisations. It next 50 years due to human induced considered in the assessment of should be emphasised that this is climate change. These changes will development applications. not yet government policy, but more result in an increased probability of Statutory recognition will be of a discussion paper. The release of climate related events, such as given to Queensland's the Master Plan Discussion Paper drought, flood, lire, heatwaves and responsibility to fulfil its gives everyone interested in the phases of El Nino and the Southern obligations under the World future management of Queensland's Oscillation. Heritage Convention. NPAQ parks the chance to comment on its The potential consequences of considers these actions should be content and have a say in shaping global climate change are far- high on the government's agenda the final Master Plan. Already, a reaching for the ACT region, for the implementation of committee which includes many particularly in combination with election undertakings. representatives of conservation other global and regional impacts • Special action has been flagged organisations with ideals similar to such as population and development to implement management plans NPAQ have had input to the Draft. pressure. Acknowledging and in Cape York Peninsula and the The present Draft is very different discussing these possible impacts Great Sandy Region while from that which was first drafted for are among the first steps to finalising submissions to expand consideration. achieving appropriate adaptive the Fraser Island World Heritage Queensland NPA News, February2001 planning and risk assessment in the Area to incorporate the Great ACT region. Sandy Region including Cooloola Can we predict the likely Climate Change Newsletter, National Park. impacts of climate change in December 2001 Queensland NPA News, March2001. the ACT Global climate changes in Implementation time Just a manner of thought temperature, rainfall and Among the undertakings given by A common bumper sticker in timber seasonality have many implications. Premier Peter Beattie in the lead up towns is The only true wilderness But what will be the local to the election were several of prime is between a greenies ears'. At first consequences of climate change for interest to NPAQ and included the I thought it was meant to be an a particular region? Can we predict following: insult, but if my mind had the the likely impacts of climate change • Over a five year period, a ten qualities of a wilderness then for the Australian Capital Territory million dollar initiative will I would be very happy so it must and its surrounds? showcase Queensland's natural have some other message. Climate change will affect natural areas by the construction of a After some thought the answer ecosystems within conservation path across the State from Cape was obvious; it is the mission reserves in the ACT region. Most York to Coolangatta. It was statement for extractive industries. past climate changes occurred dubbed The Great Walks of They will not rest until the onlv true slowly, allowing plants and animals Queensland. wilderness is just a memory. to adapt to the new environment or • A Forest and Natural Landscape From a Letter to the Editor in move somewhere else. However, if Recreation Strategy for South- Parkwatch, March 2001 future climate changes occur as East Queensland will be Compiled by Len Haskew rapidly as predicted, species and developed to complement the ecosystems may in some cases fail Great Walks initiative. NPAQ to adapt, placing further selection welcomes the initiative as one pressure on species which are Landscape Exhibition which should provide already struggling to cope with opportunities for nature-based Member John Tassie and his habitat fragmentation. Weed recreation away from national sister, Anne, have been showing problems in many ecosystems may parks where the special nature an exhibition of their landscapes increase. of national parks is not central in Adelaide, and in August will Disruption to ecosystem services to the recreation. present them in Canberra. is a growing area of concern. • Park management funding will Geo, an exhibition of landscape Australia's ecosystem services be augmented by ten million paintings by Anne Tassie and include a plethora of processes and dollars a year and up to one digitally manipulated landscapes conditions that enhance our well hundred and forty extra rangers by John lassie, will be on display being. Without these services, our have been promised. at the ANCA Gallery, 1 Rosevear environment, economy and culture • The Nature Conservation Act Place, Dickson, from Wednesday would simply not operate. The will be amended to recognise 1st to Sunday 12th August 2001. consequences of climate change as wilderness areas and guarantee Gallery hours are Wednesday to a result of human activity may be their protection from Sunday 12 to 5pm. negative for ecosystem services. incompatible activities. NSW National Parks Association meets in Canberra In January I received a phone call addressed the meeting. The topics Committee. This was followed by from Mike Thompson, a NSW NPA he covered included: reports from NPA representatives on State Councillor, to let me know that • the Regional Forestry Agreement the government advisory council the Southern Highlands branch of within the Southern Directorate; and peak councils. The reporting the NPA was hosting the State • the second phase of the session ended with reports from Council meeting. This was to be held Wilderness declaration process; branches. in Canberra on Saturday March 3. • the Walker Report; and The last major item of business NPAACT committee members were • future directions for the was the endorsement of an interim invited to attend. Southern Directorate. policy on maintaining national park The meeting was held in the Ian Pulsford, from the directorate, integrity. I spoke briefly on the conference room at the Canberra was on hand to assist Tony with opportunities for, and the benefits of, Motor Village, a very pleasant some of the specific questions. more cooperation between NPAACT venue. Twenty-three delegates from The meeting resumed after lunch and NPA NSW. four state branches and Sydney with reports from the State A barbecue was expertly prepared attended. Executive and a special motion of and cooked by NPA ACT Members The business of the morning congratulation to State Councillor Sue Chadwick, Steven Forst and comprised two workshops. The first Andrew Sourry on receiving an David Large. concerned the outcomes of an earlier OAM. Attending the meeting was a great planning day and actions arising, In items on notice, State opportunity to hear at first hand including a draft five-year strategic Councillors raised a number of how things are done in NSW. plan .The second was on the need to issues, ranging from the parks On Sunday morning I led a walk review policy on commercial service consulting 4WD for 11 of the visitors on Black facilities and operations in national organisations to coastal Mountain with some explaining parks. development. Council moved on to about the Canberra Nature Park After the workshops, Dr Tony Flemingreport s from NPA committees system and what makes Black Fleming, Director of the NSW including the Park Management Mountain Reserve so special. NPWS Southern Directorate, Committee and the Bio diversity Clive Hurlstone

NPA group in the Blue Gum Forest while on the Grose Valley walk. Photo Max Lawrence Book Review Calendar National Parks of Australia 2001, by Jim Jul Aug Sep Alan Fox, New Holland Publishers Committee meeting Thu7 Thu 5 Thu 2 Thu 6 Pty Ltd. 1 As is to be expected from Alan Fox, Environment Sub-committee Thu 14 Thu 12 Thu 9 Thu 13 this book contains informative well- General meeting Thu21 Thu 19 Thu 20 written text and beautiful AGM Thu 16 photographs to illustrate the theme. The introduction gives an Bulletin Working Group2 Tue 26 overview of the 'island Gudgenby Regeneration3 Sat 9 Sat 14 Sat 11 Sat 8 commonwealth' with its long human history and ancient beginning from 1 David Large 6291 4830 Gondwana. The author points out 2 Syd Comfort 6286 2578 that nature conservation began with 3 Yankee Hat carpark 10:00 am, Eleanor Stodart 6281 5004 the Aboriginal people, that the first national park in the world was Royal General meetings National Park outside Sydney, and Our general meetings are held at Forestry House, CSLRO Forestry and that conservation is now a citizen's Forest Products, Wilf Crane Crescent, off Banks Street, Yarralumla, and movement. the meeting commences at 8:00 pm. Each state is introduced with a Thursday 21 June 2001 one-page statement, then a selection of the state's national parks is Rethinking salinity control in the Murray-Darling Basin explored with text and photographs. Dr Baden Williams For example, the national parks in The Decade of Landcare has been a tremendous success in raising public New South Wales that are explored awareness of land, water and biological degradation, but logical solutions and their implementation for salinity control have been less than impressive. are Dorrigo National Park, Lord Every review of dryland and irrigation salinity since the early 1980s has Howe Island World Heritage Area, produced higher and higher estimates of damaged areas and yet more Mungo National Park, Myall Lakes devastating predictions for the future. We have been through a series of National Park, Blue Mountains "admitting the problem" and "best-bet solution" stages and yet seem to be National Park, Royal National Park falling further and further behind in devising successful controls. and Kosciuszko National Park. It would appear that we are still not recognising and acting upon one or A strip on the first page of each more key aspects to this problem. This talk will challenge a number of park's chapter, giving important, scientific, social, and political concepts associated with current salinity quickly referenced information is control strategies in the Murray-Darling Basin. very helpful. The headings in the Thursday 19 July 2001 strip are: Location, Climate, When Over the plains and far away. to go, Access Permits, Equipment, Gary and Di Thompson Facilities, Watching Wildlife, Visitor A talk on the experiences of a 4-day camel safari in the Lake Eyre area of Activities. South Australia in the spring of2000. The trip involved a step back-in-time A large map of Australia marked and a mini experience of what exploration through the desert areas would with locations of the national parks have been like in years past - the heat, lack of water and other discomforts. is included in the book. Thursday 16 August 2001 The photographs are most Annual General Meeting - Please refer to notice of meeting on page 3. stunning, especially the aerial Heading north photographs. Judith Webster The book is great as a present for Judith set off with friends from Walhalla in Gippsland in November 1998 to family members or friends, or to walk the Alpine Track in stages. By May this year at the end of stage 4 she keep on your bookshelf as a had made it to Dead Horse Gap. reference for your travels into Judith will talk about her walks on the track so far with some observations Australia's national parks. on how the Alpine Park estate is being managed.

Fiona MacDonald Brand Thursday 20 September 2001 Greenhouse - your house Chris Mackenzie Davey, the Cool Communities Facilitator for the ACT, will talk about global warming and local consequences, what it means, and what we can do. Thursday 18 October 2001 Charles Weston Dr. John Gray has made a definitive study of Charles Weston and will speak about Weston and the early days of conservation and afforestation in the federal capital 1911-1926. National Parks Association (ACT

Neville Esau and Max Lawrence on Mount Burbidge. Photo Martin Chalk

NPA Bulletin POSTAGE If undelivered please return to: SURFACE National Parks Association of the ACT PAID PO Box 1940 Woden ACT 2606 I AUSTRALIA Print Post Approved MAIL PP 248831/00041