Magazine of National Parks Association of state of the park 2016

why advocacy matters bunya mountains national park warrie circuit walk lamington spiny crayfish the national park experience

Issue 7 February-March 2016 1 Welcome to Contents the February/ Welcome to Protected 2 March edition of State of the park 2016 3 Protected Why advocacy matters 6 Bunya Mountains National Park 8 Michelle Prior, NPAQ President Warrie Circuit walk, Springbrook 10 As this edition of Protected goes to Lamington spiny crayfish 12 press, NPAQ is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Nature Conservation The National Park Experience 13 and Other Legislation Amendment Bill What’s On 14 2015, which if passed, will reinstate Letters to the Editor 15 the nature as the sole goal of the NC Act (which governs the creation and management of national parks Council President Michelle Prior in Queensland), and undo some Vice Presidents Tony O’Brien retrograde amendments made during Athol Lester the Newman term of government. Hon Secretary Debra Marwedel Asst Hon Secret Yvonne Parsons Another important issue currently Hon Treasurer Graham Riddell in the pipeline is the opportunity to Councillors Julie Hainsworth phase out sand mining on North Peter Ogilvie Stradbroke Island by 2019, supported Richard Proudfoot by an economic transition package. Des Whybird The Bill which proposes this end Mike Wilke date also serves to respect the rights Staff of the native title holders of North Conservation Principal: Stradbroke Island. The government Kirsty Leckie has a responsibility to protect and Business Development Officer: preserve what remains of the island’s Anna Tran remarkable natural environment and Project & Office Administrator: stem the tide of irreversible damage. Jeannie Rice The public debate and discussion about mining, Indigenous land Mission Statement rights and the environment on North The National Parks Association promotes the preservation, expansion, Stradbroke Island has lasted many, good management and presentation of many years. It is now time to finalise National Parks in Queensland. once and for all. This edition of Protected includes the Contact Details Unit 10/36 Finchley Street, Milton second article in our annual series of PO Box 1040, Milton QLD 4064 the State of the Park in Queensland. ABN: 60 206 792 095 Phone: (07) 3367 0878 Hopefully, the changes beginning to Web: www.npaq.org.au occur will ensure positive outcomes Email: [email protected] for protected areas. Disclaimer NPAQ welcomes Kirsty Leckie, our Articles in Protected do not necessarily reflect new Conservation Principal. Kirsty the opinion or position of the National Parks Association of Queensland. brings extensive experience and excellent qualifications and skills. Advertising enquiries Commencing in February, Kirsty has [email protected] already become a valuable member of team of staff and volunteers. Images Cover - Walking track in Bunya Mountains National Park (Yvonne Parsons). Strip pg2 - Mountain White gum bark (Eucalyptus dalrympleana subsp. heptantha). (Paul Donatiu).

2 Connect and Protect STATE OF THE PARK 2016

Michelle Prior, NPAQ President Don Marshall, NPAQ Member

National parks protect our reinstated active communication with provision over national parks. natural heritage – a magnificent the community, including conservation 4. Reinstate public consultation in spectrum of spectacular organisations, underscored by a the development of management landscapes and unique policy commitment to consultation. plans for protected areas. This improved communication and wildlife, whilst also contributing 5. Remove Rolling Leases for grazing consultation has extended through significantly to our personal in national parks from the Land to departmental staff and is a health and well-being. National Act. parks are universally recognised welcome relief after three years in the as a key strategy in nature wilderness. As NPAQ had successfully Whilst the Bill has taken a very positive conservation and for their worked with all major political parties direction, and there remains the importance in conserving in its 85 year history, the previous promise of further amendments to biodiversity. Queensland’s banishment was difficult to understand. come, several key items are yet to be national parks protect areas addressed: that are critical in preventing Reinstating the Primacy of the 1. The full restoration of the Cardinal extinctions of some the world’s Conservation of Nature Principle in the Act - “to provide, threatened mammals, birds and In October 2015, amendments to to the greatest possible extent, amphibians. the Nature Conservation Act - which for the permanent perseveration of the area’s natural condition Despite this important role, in recent governs the creation and management and the protection of the areas’ years national parks in Queensland of national parks in Queensland - were cultural resources and values” came under siege from numerous introduced into Parliament by Minister – and hence the appropriate quarters. However, this past year Miles MP. The Nature Conservation management of Queensland’s has seen several improvements in the and Other Legislation Amendment national park estate. protected area arena. Bill 2015 represents progress in the direction of restoring the primacy of 2. The removal of the Special This is the second article of an annual nature conservation in Queensland’s Management Area (controlled series which explores the state of protected areas. The effect of action) from the Act. The current national parks in Queensland. the previous changes had led not situation allows the manipulation only to the downgrading of nature of national park tenure and not One Minister, Two Departments conservation in protected areas, but just detracts from the cardinal Although national park acquisitions to confusion of the very purpose of principle, but sends mixed and national park management remain Queensland’s national parks. messages, as this section can separated in different departments, easily be interpreted as allowing Specifically, the Bill proposes to: the joint ministerial portfolio of the development or inappropriate 1. Reinstate the conservation of environment, national parks and the activities on national parks. nature as the Act’s sole object. Great Barrier Reef has caused a 3. The removal of the ability to 2. Reinstate National Park (Scientific) significant reunification. establish tourist facilities in national and associated management Minister Miles MP - the Minister for parks. The concept of tourism principles, and Conservation Park Environment and Heritage Protection facilities (eco or otherwise) has categories. and Minister for National Parks and not been fully reviewed, and the Great Barrier Reef - has also 3. Remove the hardship grazing the potential impacts thoroughly

3 investigated. Tourism facilities inland Australia and several threatened continues to be a complex task, are incompatible with the species including Major Mitchell’s particularly within the context of cardinal principle of national park cockatoo, painted snipe, painted resource and financial constraints. management. NPAQ is of the honeyeater and grey falcon. This is exacerbated by the sheer area opinion that encouraging the of land to be managed both on-park Additions were made to Blackbraes continuation of developing tourism and state-wide; natural pressures such National Park (14,853 ha) and several facilities on private land adjacent to as damage from cyclonic activity and regional parks, including the dedication national parks would be more cost wildfires; and external circumstances of Mount Blandy (358 ha). Several effective and of considerably lower such as fewer windows of opportunity forest reserves were transferred to impact. for controlled burns to reduce fuel state forest. 4. The reinstatement of several loads due to a changing climate. A 586 ha expansion of Lamington abolished protected area National Park took the rugged World Grazing categories. Heritage listed park a total of more Cattle grazing is inconsistent with The Minister’s speech in Parliament than 21,000 ha. the management principles of a about the amendments to the Nature Eleven new nature refuges were national park. The previous LNP Conservation Act may provide an declared, bringing the total to more Government introduced provisions for indication of we may expect for the than 4 million ha - almost half the rolling term leases that allow leases rest of this term of office. size of the National Park Estate in for agriculture, grazing or pastoral National Parks Exceed 5% Queensland. purposes within nature conservation areas and specified national parks, to The long awaited magical five Whilst these acquisitions are more be extended beyond their expiry date. percent mark was achieved with the than welcome, additional funding Many of the current leases and permits gazettal of three properties (Boorara, for management is required to were issued before the land became Werewilka and Oolamon) in South maintain the national park estate to national park and recognised grazing West Queensland as national park. an appropriate standard; and ensure as a pre-existing interest. This extension to Currawinya National that national parks are not vulnerable Park, make the park one of the largest to threats from competing land None of these leases have been in Queensland at 344,000 ha. uses on the grounds of inadequate converted to rolling leases on national management on-park. parks and several leases have been The properties were purchased by the allowed to expire during the course previous LNP Government, following A Challenging Situation of last year. This issue is somewhat some hard lobbying by NPAQ for a On 5th June 2015, Queensland Parks complex, relating back to changes national park acquisition fund for the and Wildlife Service (QPWS) - currently in land tenure (eg from state forest 2012-2015 term of state government. now part of the Department of National to national park) on property where However, the declarations were the Parks, Sport and Racing - began its termed leases (ie leases that were due first national park declaration since the 41st year as principal manager of all to expire at a specified time) existed. previous ALP government. classes of national park, regional parks As mentioned previously, Parliament Currawinya contains a variety of and forest reserves. will be debating the proposed threatened species and arguably, However, protected area management amendments to the Nature some of the most diverse wetlands in

4 Conservation Act, including the increasingly come under threat from Reclaimed from the past as a legacy proposal to revert these rolling term the governments that created them in for the future, the present interposed leases back to term leases. the first place. with short-term requests. Whilst recognizing the diversity of opinions The imminent expiration of some large After the problems facing the and values in society is essential, it is grazing leases over parts of what are environment were recognised several also essential to recognize that the true now national park will test the current decades ago, the focus shifted to value of national parks, and to consider ’s resolve on finding solutions. In the arena of nature that once conservation values are lost, this subject. conservation, national parks and other they rarely can be re-gained. protected areas were regarded as The Question Remains key solutions to preserving our truly Images wonderful biodiversity and unique Protected areas in several other Banner pg 3, forest trail (Ryan Pockran) jurisdictions, not just in Queensland, landscapes. Then recent events took Banner pgs 4-5 - view across the valley (Ryan over, reigniting the need for ‘selling’ the Pockran) have all experienced the snowball Image below - Bunya Mountains NP (Y Parsons) effect of the unravelling of value of national parks all over again. environmental protections in recent Why was this so? times. In particular, they have

5 WHY ADVOCACY MATTERS

Kirsty Leckie, Conservation Principal

In this issue of Protected, a summary of NPAQ’s submission. their rights and interests. The full text is available, along with recent examples of NPAQ’s Summary advocacy efforts are presented other submission via the Finance and including: seeking to restore Administration Committee’s website. NPAQ does not support the NSIPS(RML)A Bill 2015 introduced the 2019 end-date for mining Environmental Rationale on North Stradbroke Island by the Katter Party that seeks and highlighting environmental North Stradbroke Island (NSI) is to extend sand mining on North issues associated with the second largest sand island in Stradbroke Island to 2024, with the constructing and maintaining the world, consisting of massive leases expiring on 2029. deposits of sand overlying bedrock. barrier fences in Queensland. In parallel, NPAQ welcomed the The majority of rainfall passes quickly $28 million economic package North Stradbroke Island below the surface of sand, with (which includes $5 million for groundwater percolating through the Sand mining has occurred at North assisting workers affected by the highly permeable sand and soil strata Stradbroke since 1949. After transition) and acknowledged the to form a massive freshwater mound a series of legislative changes, State Government’s willingness to or unconfined aquifer. the Queensland Government is involve the native title holders, the committed to phasing out sand Unique geological processes formed Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee mining on North Stradbroke Island an island of high ecological and Aboriginal Corporation. by 2019. As part of this process, mineral value. Whilst NSI’s ecology is NPAQ believes the Government has a the Queensland Government invited similar to the World Heritage Fraser responsibility to protect and preserve submissions from all interested parties Island, its landscape is still being Stradbroke’s remarkable natural on the issue. dramatically altered by sand mining. environment before the damage Mined land cannot be restored to its NPAQ has been active in advocating becomes irreversible. This view was natural state, partly because of the for the government to substantively reflected in the submission presented destruction of complex ancient sand phase out sand mining on North and in NPAQ’s participation in the dunes and the associated water flows Stradbroke Island (NSI) by 2019 recent Public Hearing. through the NSIPSOAA Bill 2015. or hydrology. NSI is the only sand This Bill proposes to repeal island in Barrier fences the amendments to the North where sand mining still occurs. The management of wild dogs Stradbroke Island Protection and Cultural Rationale and rabbits in Queensland is a Sustainability Act 2011 made by the complex issue with economic and The passage of this Bill (NSIPSOAA) NSIPSAA Amendment Act 2013 environmental repercussions. that extended mining on NSI to 2035. will also serve to respect the rights of the Quandamooka people. Following NPAQ welcomed the recent inquiry NPAQ asserts that the environs of the passing of the NSIPSAA (led by Queensland Parliament’s the island and its rich natural assets Amendment Act 2013, which Agriculture and Environment should be protected and managed ignored native title agreements Committee) into barrier fences in to conserve, rather than to exploit by extending mining to 2035, the Queensland. In particular, it was and damage. Sand mining, like most traditional owners were forced to take reassuring to see the inclusion of if not all forms of mining, is subject action in the High Court to protect two issues: the consideration of to hazardous outcomes. Below is unintended impacts on native species

6 WHY ADVOCACY MATTERS

and the effectiveness of barrier fences threatened species (Senate Enquiry, resulted in decimation of the bilby in managing introduced species. 2013). population in the area. In preparing a submission, NPAQ From a conservation perspective, Barrier fences should not be focussed on the following items from adequately maintained fences can considered in insolation of other the Terms of Reference: provide secure habitat for native control methods for feral species. • The effectiveness of barrier species on the proviso that all feral Instead, barrier fences should be fences at protecting stock and species (including foxes, rabbits, etc) viewed as complementary to other crops from wild dogs, rabbits and have been removed. It should be control methods (shooting, trapping, other introduced species noted that that in parallel, there may etc). An integrated approach which also be unintended adverse impacts considers all of the options available • The unintended impacts of barrier on native species. including barrier fencing is preferable. fences on native species • Whether barrier fences should be Fences should be designed to In summary, if installed and expanded to other areas of the prevent in the ingress of feral species maintained properly barrier fences can State to protect stock. whilst not inhibiting the movement benefit native species and serve to of native species. This may require improve the conservation outcomes For the full details of NPAQ’s additional research and monitoring in of a target area. Fences are most submission, including discussion the design phase in order to ascertain effective when designed to prevent of these items please refer to the native species present, and making ingress by feral species, whilst not Queensland Parliament’s Agriculture accommodations accordingly. hindering the movement or foraging and Environment Committee’s of native species. Other appropriate website. In the interest of brevity, Once constructed, fences require control methods should be utilised this article focuses on the issue of maintenance and monitoring. This can in conjunction with barrier fences to effectiveness. prove costly and time-consuming. maximise the conservation outcomes. Barrier fences are subjected to Effectiveness of barrier fences weathering and possible damage Barrier fences can also serve to from native and introduced species. References act as a barrier preventing the Animals may become entangled, Dickman, C.R (2012). Fences or Ferals? incursion of feral species into burrow under or short out electrical Benefits and Costs of Conservation Fencing in Australia. In: Fencing for Conservation: protected areas. In 2013, the Senate fences. All of these incidents Restriction of Evolutionary Potential or a Riposte to Threatening Processes? pp.43- enquiry into the Effectiveness of necessitate repair, incurring additional 63. Eds: Michael J. Somers, Matthew Hayward. Threatened Species and Ecological expense. Springer Press. Communities Protection in Lund, R. & De Silva, S. (1994). Animal Exclusion fencing is used at part behaviour needs consideration. In: Wires & Australia recognised that predator- Pliers, the Farm Fencing Manual. ed by M of the management program Casey. pp 65–67. Kondinin Group, Belmont, proof sanctuaries can assist in the on Currawinya National Park W.A. recovery of threatened species. The in Queensland for the greater Senate Enquiry (2013). The Effectiveness inquiry recommended to the Federal of Threatened Species and Ecological bilby. Maintenance of the fence Communities Protection in Australia. Government that further consideration (constructed in 2001) has proven be given to the ‘greater use of Image difficult. Inadequate maintenance, exclusion fences’ and other forms Rainforest creek (Ryan Pockran). flood damage (2011 and 2012) and of ‘mainland island sanctuaries’ for pressure from feral species have

7 PARK IN F CUS

Bunya Mountains National Park

Denis McMullen, NPAQ Member

The Bunya Mountains National The Bunya Mountains, based on may encounter the ‘crying baby’ calls Park is an extremely beautiful granite pushed up by ancient shield of the elusive green catbirds, the piece of Queensland. volcano, are a remnant from the coordinated calls of the whip birds Cretaceous period. Erosion of the and tantalising glimpses of many other The drive from the plains takes you granite has left the mountain with birds. towards the top of the mountain and a deposit of dark fertile soil which out onto a road weaving through Whilst you may not see a Great Barred supports a wealth of foliage. the forest. The road leads to what Frog when visiting the park, if you is rapidly becoming the small town Walking down to Paradise Falls takes listen carefully you may hear one as of Dandabar, seemingly popping up visitors through a pale green forest into you walk, or see their tadpoles in the across the summit ‘bald’. The ‘balds’ the gully. This is a most impressive streams. Spotlighting can provide are areas which were kept clear of and moving place – perhaps due an opportunity to see possums and growth by a pattern of burns by the to the age-old environment, or gliders. perhaps the colour and silence of Indigenous owners. This practice has The Bunya Mountain National Park, the surrounding forest, with the been continued by the QWPS staff. of 9,112 hectares, was gazetted in creek flowing gently past your feet. These areas are the preferred home 1908, making it the second National Regardless, it may readily evoke an of the red-necked wallabies, which Park in Queensland after Witches atavistic response. The Westcott to gracefully adopt photogenic poses for Falls (now part of Tamborine National Cherry Plains track walk along the tourist’s cameras. Park). However, the mountains have escarpment provides many lookout A journey to the interior of the park long been a gathering place and a points with extensive views, though the provides visitors with glimpses of welcoming refuge – offering cool condition of the track sometimes made the beauty and wonder of the forest. mountain respite from the heat below for careful walking. Feral pigs have Large sections of the park have and the bounty of the bunya nut left their mark on some tracks with rainforest with hoop pines, with Bunya harvest. the surface disturbed. There is also pines providing the emergent cover. significant evidence of prickly pear. Indigenous tribes from as far away as Other lower areas of the park contain the Clarence River and the Maranoa As you move into the rainforest, you eucalypt woodland. joined the traditional owners of this

8 land, the , , As the climate dried, the araucarias languages, was called the ‘Bunya Djaku-nde and Barrungam, every few retreated to higher ground and now Pine’ by settlers. Whilst the trees years for the bunya harvest. People are found only on the ridges of the bear cones, they are not from the walked, apparently unhindered, Bunyas, Blackall Ranges and a small Pinus family. The botanical name through agreed pathways across tribal enclave in the wet tropics of Northern is Araucaria bidwilli named after the territories, from what is now Charleville, Queensland. botanist who classified it. The bunyas Dubbo, Bundaberg and Grafton to were originally caught up in the forestry Bunya trees are impressive, and come together to feast on the bunya industry particularly after the building unlike the hoop pines (Araucaria nuts, to conduct ceremonies, trade, of the “Great Bunya Sawmill” in 1883, cunninghamii) which are also prolific resolve grievances, make alliances, when the demise of the red cedar led in the area, they have dome shaped arrange marriages and engage in to the bunya trees being harvested crowns, rather than the pointed peak competitions of skill. For the period of for timber. The spread of timber of the hoop pines. The Bunya trunk is the bunya harvest, the wonders and harvesting on the mountains led to clear of branches for the lower 5-10 delights of the mountains were thrown a demand for protection. After 20 metres. There are scars on the lower open to many. years of lobbying, the area was first area. The cause of these scars are proposed as national park in 1903. These gatherings followed the cycle subject to question; whether they of the ripening of the bunya cones, are naturally occurring remnants of Other notable vegetation includes which takes from two to three years in shed lower branches, or indications the tallest branched grass trees favourable seasons. When the time of climbing toe holds made by people (Xanthorrthoea glauca) which are up was right, messages of invitation were climbing the tree to access the cones. to several hundred years old and the sent, by message stick or by smoke There are photos of traditional owners narrow-leaved bottle tree (Brachychiton signals from Coyne’s Lookout at the climbing in this manner. rupristris) which dominate drier forest top of Mount Kiangarow, read and on lower slopes. Orchids are also Bunya cones are massive, growing repeated over long distances by the plentiful in the park. as big as a basketball and weighing intervening tribes. up to 10 kilograms. Each cone could The many natural assets and cultural Evidence from contemporary yield as many as 60 - 100 nuts, which heritage of the Bunya Mountains make observers such as Ludwig Leichhardt, could be eaten raw as soft, young it an important part of Queensland’s who wrote of his 1844 expedition to nuts; more mature nuts could be park estate. QPWS management the Mountains, indicates that the timing roasted or crushed to a paste and of the park has been successful in of the festivals could vary between two baked in the hot coals into a nutritious providing visitors a mixture of access and seven years, depending on the cake. The nuts are very low in protein to the original forests and the beauty weather at the time of pollination, and but contain 66% starches. The cones and grandeur that can be found there. drought or heavy rainfall conditions when ripe can fall from the trees, during the 18 months of cone presenting a considerable hazard, development. given their weight. Many of the bunya Images trees can grow to as high as 30 to 45 Bunya Mountains NP (Yvonne Parsons). The Bunya is a relic of vegetation metres. from 200 million years ago, in the Cretaceous period when araucarias The Bunya ‘Bonyi’, ‘Bunyi’, Bonye’ were a major part of Australia’s flora. ‘Bunya Bunya’ in different indigenous

9 FEATURED WALK Warrie Circuit Walk Springbrook National Park David Vial and Tony Parsons NPAQ Leaders

The Warrie Circuit walk, within 4km Twin Falls circuit may be worth If you start at the Canyon Lookout the Springbrook National Park, considering. and head south, you will follow the top of the cliff face, experiencing is one of the most popular Springbrook National Park’s earliest open eucalypt forest and heath with day walks in South East human inhabitants were the Yugambeh stunning views, and glimpses of Queensland. people. They see the area as part of waterfalls and the canyon rainforest Approximately 100 km south of their sacred and spiritual link to country area. The crescent of perpendicular , the main access to the park and as a place to be nurtured and cliffs extending from Springbrook to is via the Springbrook – Gold Coast respected; a place for ceremonies. the Lamington plateau and the Tweed Road at the Mudgeeraba turnoff along The plateau’s formidable terrain was Range above the Mount Warning vent the Pacific Motorway. The moderate surveyed in the 1860s with the help valley, is the largest and best example grade 17 km walk features cliff faces, of the , with many of its geological age in the world. waterfalls, creeks and spectacular landmarks, trees and animals being views nestled within a predominantly named using Aboriginal words from the The landscape of the Springbrook sub-tropical rainforest. Yugambeh language. plateau is a remnant of the northern side of a once huge shield volcano The circuit track is well graded and The Warrie track is named with the that dominated the region about 23 suitable for moderately fit walkers Yugambeh word for ‘rushing water’. million years ago. The volcano was and family groups comprised of older The arrival of Europeans changed built up of highly mobile basalt lavas, children or teenagers. The length the Yugambeh people’s lifestyle and although centred on Mount of the walk is probably not suitable forever. Yugambeh land was divided Warning, was about 80km across. for younger children unless you are for settlement, restricting waterhole At about 2,000 m high, the volcano prepared to carry them most of the access and making hunting and food poured lava over 6,000 km² (north way. If this is the case, the shorter gathering difficult. Many Yugambeh people were moved to reserves. Some stayed, found occasional work and adapted slowly to a new lifestyle. The park forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area and represents a major stage of the earth’s evolutionary history. It contains very important natural habitats for conserving biological diversity. The park is also a part of the Scenic Rim Important Bird Area acknowledged by Bird Life International, as it plays a crucial role in the protection of numerous types of endangered birds. The Warrie Circuit is the longest and most interesting track on the plateau.

10 to Tamborine, south past Lismore to The Warrie Circuit descends further The author has endeavoured to ensure that the information presented here is as accurate Coraki and west to Kyogle). into the canyon area crossing a as possible. However, they or NPAQ do number of streams until it reaches its not accept responsibility for any loss, injury Just past the top of Twin Falls, a or inconvenience sustained by any person lowest point, near the junction of a guided by this article. break in the cliff face enables the number of creeks, where it starts to track to descend into the warm ascend through a number of switch temperate rainforest within the canyon, backs and eventually up a break in the characterised by a closed canopy, cliff face to its starting point at Canyon vines, palms, epiphytes and large Lookout. trees such as strangler figs. The pink- trunked brush box Lophostemon For those who like to experience confertus and the mottled, lichen- spectacular views, walk behind encrusted coachwood Ceratopetalum waterfalls, be in rainforest, see apetalum characterise this area. spectacular cliff faces and walk 17 km, this is a walk to put on your bucket list The slender Brown Cuckoo-Dove is or enjoy time and time again. often heard calling a plaintive ‘oop oop’ throughout the park. The elusive Images Albert’s Lyrebird is another species Banner (left) Purlingbrook falls (P Donatiu), that is more often heard than seen. Banner (right) creek in Warrie Circuit (D Vial) Other images: taken from the Warrie Circuit The raucous and distinctively plumed (David Vial) Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo is often heard near the cliff tops within the area. Smaller bush birds that may be seen along the tracks include the Eastern Yellow Robin, Rufous Fantail and the dainty Superb Fairy-wren. Three species of rosella are present in the park. The most striking is the descriptively named Crimson Rosella with its plumage of scarlet and royal blue. The black and gold Regent Bowerbird and the larger midnight- blue Satin Bowerbird represent the bowerbird family. Springbrook’s rainforests and rocky outcrops provide the ideal habitat for the vulnerable Spotted-tailed Quoll, mainland Australia’s largest native marsupial carnivore.

11 WILDLIFE FEATURE

Lamington spiny crayfish

Daniel Kelly, Contributor

You are walking through a rain range. Additionally, there are pocket population of Lamington Spiny Crayfish sodden Lamington National populations along the Tweed, are quite fragmented due to its Park and suddenly you hear Richmond and Yabbra Ranges as well ecological requirements. Coupled with a perspicuous hiss. You reel as on Mount Warning. the extremely long time it takes for the species to reach sexual maturity (4-5 back in fright, thinking you are At 100-130 millimetres long, they are years for females), significant events about to step on a snake but considered to be a large crayfish and such as bush fire, habitat destruction, are relieved to see our spiny are generally only active during the fishing on private property or poor blue friend has reared up in the warmer parts of the year when there is forest management practices could middle of the path in a threat more rain. Although the true biological quite easily endanger this species display, showing you how big reason for this is unknown, this could further. Cane toads could also be a her cheliped (claws) are. potentially be explained by higher potential threat to the Lamington Spiny Have no fear, although she may look temperatures that increase metabolic Crayfish as well as other introduced highly weaponed with spines and rate or more moisture outside of their pest species that are known to predate claws, she isn’t looking for trouble. river homes due to the increased on crayfish like cats, foxes, goats and As your initial feeling of fright passes, rainfall in the warmer parts of the year. pigs. Although there is no species you notice the beautiful bright blue When they are active they fill the role specific protection for the Lamington with which nature has painted this of a forest detritivore, cleaning up Spiny Crayfish, its range is largely audacious invertebrate’s carapace. and eating the leaf litter that falls into covered by National Parks, shielding Furthermore, you can’t help but be streams and onto the surrounding the species from some adversity. The enamoured by its adorable white ground. Lamington Spiny Crayfish fills a vital ‘hat’ and ‘gloves’ covering the head, When it isn’t raining, they largely reside role in maintaining the health of our claws and walking legs. Bright red in undisturbed, high-flow streams with pristine rainforest riparian systems and showing from between the gaps in her the surrounding riparian vegetation it would be disastrous to lose such a carapace along with the prominent intact, combining to provide a highly magnificent species considering the spines ridging her cheliped, walking oxygenated and shaded environment. potential consequences. legs and abdomen, in addition to her They will commonly be found within other features, makes her a unique rock crevices or burrowed under logs Images/References and beautiful animal. on the stream banks. Banner - Lamington spiny crayfish (Ryan Pockran) Endemic to Australia, the Lamington Different areas of the Lamington http://www.publish.csiro.au/?paper=MF05172 Spiny Crayfish only occurs at altitudes http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ Spiny Crayfish’s range yield different doi/10.1111/j.0014-3820.2004.tb00441.x/ above 300m in the mountainous colours and spine anatomy. A chance abstract rainforest and wet sclerophyll areas meeting with an individual in Northern http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ S105579030500165X of south east Queensland and North would have you http://www.qm.qld.gov.au/Find+out+about/ East New South Wales. The population describing a red and white animal. A Animals+of+Queensland/Crustaceans/ of the Lamington Spiny Crayfish ommon+freshwater+and+terrestrial+crustaceans/ similar scenario in the western areas Lamington+Spiny+Crayfish ranges from Tambourine southwards of the McPherson Range would have http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/153638/0 to Springbrook National Park then you describing an animal that is green- http://australianmuseum.net.au/uploads/ journals/17835/429_complete.pdf westwards through Lamington brown with less white colour. National Park along the McPherson Although locally abundant the

12 THE NATIONAL PARK EXPERIENCE why national parks should be valued, told through the lens of personal experience in national parks Kirsty Leckie, NPAQ Conservation Principal

My experience of national parks began Nowadays so much of what we do Another enormous benefit I gain from at a very young age. One of my earliest seems to sap our energy. It seems spending time in our wonderful national memories is coming face to face with as though there is little we can do to parks and wild places is perspective. an enormous red kangaroo when I recharge our energy and spirit. We Getting away from the everyday was about four years old. I was in awe are in such a rush to get everything and visiting a natural place provides of this majestic creature, a towering done. For me, one of the quickest a greater sense of perspective on pillar of muscle and strength. I don’t ways to recharge is to go for a walk life. Problems fade and my thoughts remember being scared. On the in the bush. The wilder the place, the become clearer as I spend time contrary, I remember feeling excited better. We are blessed in Queensland outdoors. I can breathe fresh air, walk and perhaps even reverent. Growing to have a litany of options right on our through a tunnel of trees or maybe up in Far North Queensland meant doorstep. From the rainforests of the taking a swim under a waterfall. All my childhood was filled with these far north to the beautiful beaches along these things are possible in our moments. Experiencing first-hand, our coastline. I feel at times that the wonderful parks. the majesty of wild places and the hardest decision is choosing where to Now as I encourage my own children to creatures who lived there. These early go! connect with nature, I am finding new experiences piqued my curiosity about Camping is a great way to take this reasons to love our parks. National the natural environment. Over time my idea even further. There was an Parks provide our communities with so curiosity grew to a deeper connection interesting study undertaken by Harvard many benefits. Clean air, clean water, and ultimately influenced my choice of University a few years ago, looking protecting our native species and vocation. To this day, I remain curious at the impact of electronic devices heritage. All the while also providing about the environment and believe on our sleep patterns. To overcome a neat ‘reset’ button for our psyche that natural places are the best spot to adverse effects all one had to do was and wellbeing. The next challenge is to unplug, refresh and recharge. go camping (and leave the iPad at ensure our national parks are protected Today, with the advent of smart home). Leave the electronic devices at for future generations. In parallel we phones, iPads, the internet and home, and rise with the sun instead. need to encourage all children to social media we are bombarded by No iPads or smartphones. Just trees, explore, connect and ultimately value information. The pressure to work, camp lights and time outdoors. Sounds our national parks as national treasures. consume and interact with others simple doesn’t it? can seem exhausting at times. We are surrounded by others striving to do the same, all the while searching for a sense of belonging. In 2010, psychologists from Washington University recommended ‘unplugging’ from technology for your wellbeing. According to their research, we need to take a break from this information overload to allow our creativity to thrive and to reconnect with the world around us.

13 WHAT’S Upcoming Activities Vale Æ Birding - Raven Street Our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the members below who Reserve have recently passed away: Sunday 17 April 2016 N Dorothy McNeill Raven Street Reserve, Chermside Hills Sid Curtis Lesley Joyce Roland & Margaret Lavers Raven Street Reserve is home to the Phillip Mott NPAQ Activities Downfall Creek Bushland Centre. There is a George Winter good network of tracks along Little Cabbage Ï Vegetation Management Tree Creek and Downfall Creek, as well as a Our sincere condolences to the family Group connecting bridge to Milne Hill Reserve. and friends of the well known Girraween conservation champion and NPAQ life Saturday 19 March 2016 Please note - this is not our normal monthly member Bill Goebel, who passed away Location: Meet at Jolly’s Lookout carpark, birdwatching Sunday, due to the Anzac Day on 2nd December 2015 at age 93. D’Aguilar National Park long weekend. Grading: various < May Long Weekend Many of our older members from the Leader: Angus McElnea (0429 854 446, or 1940’s onwards will fondly recall their [email protected]) Camp trips to Girraween were met and led by Saturday 30th April to Monday 2nd May Bill, who enriched the experience with Get your hands dirty! Come and spend a 2016 his extensive local knowledge. Even couple of hours to help with lantana control Border Ranges National Park as recently as 2011 newer members and revegetation work in the Boombana and may have encountered Bill when being Jollys Lookout sections of D’Aguilar National Tony Parsons involved with Wombat surveys, National Park, west of Brisbane. Join us for the long weekend in the iconic Park Day celebrations or other Girraween Border Rangers National Park, camping at projects. Sheep Station Creek campground. Æ Birding - Wynnum North Spend the days exploring the national park, As per his wishes, on Friday 11th Boardwalk and evenings around the campfire. December 2015, Bill returned home to the Girraween landscape forever in a Sunday 20 March 2016 We will have the chance to view Mt Warning private dedication ceremony. Location: Wynnum North Boardwalk from the Pinnacle at sunrise and sunset. Grading: Easy Bring your family and stay for the weekend Leader: Jocelyn Dixon (07 3378 8486) or come down for a day. It will be enjoyable. NPAQ Annual Fee: $5 (members) $10 (non-members). ½ Extended Activity – Join with us to view the water and bush birds of this area. Central West Qld National Raffle Parks A track from Wynnum North Road leads Buy a raffle ticket to have to a bird hide for viewing a diverse mix of Saturday 27th August to Sunday 4th waders. From there we will take a short walk September 2016 your chance to win some to the Mangrove Boardwalk. Wendy Bell (ph 07 3300 2473) great prizes in this year’s Exciting opportunity to visit and explore at NPAQ Raffle. < Easter Camp least six National Parks in the comfort of a Friday 25th to Monday 28th March 2016 4WD coach and be accommodated, rather There’s nearly $10,000 worth of prizes to be than camping. won in this year’s Annual Raffle and tickets Private property adjacent to Girraween are just $5 each, $10 for 3, or $30 for a National Park Basic cost for the tour is $3400 per person. Total cost includes all transport, all meals, book of 15. Grading: Easy to Hard and activity fees. Leader: Ian Peacock 1st Prize is a spectacular four day, all- Nominations with $200 per person deposit inclusive, guided walk experience exploring The campsite is on flat private property, required now. with easy access for tents caravans and stunning mountains, escarpments, forests For any queries and a detailed iinerary, campers. Camping facilities will be basic. and ancient volcanic plateaus of one of please contact Wendy Bell. Non-potable creek water should be Australia’s most remarkable regions. The available and can be used for showering Scenic Rim Trail package is valued at etc. Pit toilets will be provided. Evening $4,600. Happy Hours are planned and a night time camp fire provided. There are 18 prizes in total to be won. NPAQ Events Including magazine subscriptions, tickets Bring all your camping requirements, Special Evening with QPWS to the zoo, accommodation, vouchers, including drinking water. camping and outdoor equipment. Arrive from noon Thursday 24th and depart Wednesday 20 April 2016 before 10am Tuesday 29th. Location: Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens NPAQ would like to thank all the sponsors of More details will be supplied after Auditorium at 7.30pm the Annual Raffle. nominating. www.npaq.org.au/annualraffle

For more information, or to register JOIN, DONATE, for an activity, please go to our website: SUBSCRIBE, VOLUNTEER www.npaq.org.au/events www.npaq.org.au

14 magazine. Letters to the The QHTWG in principle support the publication of Mr Douglas’s article by Editor NPAQ. The QHTWG was formed in September I refer to the article titled “Horse 2013 as a voluntary representative Riding – Should It Occur In National committee of horse riders, horse riding Parks?”, written by Neil Douglas and organisations, clubs and equestrian published in the December 2015-January based tourism operators across 2016 edition of the NPAQ “Protected” Queensland who ride in protected areas magazine. and national parks for recreation, sport QORF welcomes the publication of Mr and tourism. Douglas’s article by NPAQ. Since its formation the QHTWG has The recognition of differences between strived to work with state and local the situations in New South Wales governments, the Queensland Parks and Queensland is an important point and Wildlife Service (QPWS), the in the article. Of particular note is Queensland Outdoor Recreation the recognition that the wide-scale Federation (QORF), conservation groups, conversion of state forest in south east other outdoor recreation groups and the Queensland to national parks has caused local community for science based best a significant reduction in opportunities practice management of responsible to engage in horse riding in more natural horse riding in protected areas. settings, and that consideration of We appreciate Neil Douglas’s recognition reintroduction of horse riding could be of our existence in his article and his considered on a case by case basis, references to the state government subject to conditions such as those in sponsored scientific study in to the the QPWS strategy document. impacts of horse-riding in SE Queensland The final sentence of the article signals which has now been going for more than a mature approach to this issue: “A 6 years of its proposed 20 year span. It degree of responsible self-regulation is important to note that findings released encouraged by partnering between after 5 years of the study indicated park staff and equestrian organisations that when horse riding is conducted on seems a desirable way to proceed.” marked trails and road surfaces that the QORF concurs with this sentiment. impacts in protected areas are negligible. QORF strongly believes that recreation We also appreciate Neil Douglas’s is not the antithesis of conservation. acknowledgement that under previous QORF’s position is that appropriate state governments a large proportion of nature-based recreation creates state forests were converted to national advocates for the continued protection parks which suddenly, and in our view of natural areas, while at the same time very unfairly, excluded horse riders allowing people to obtain the wide array from trails they had previously enjoyed of benefits associated with connection to riding without any appreciable negative nature. impact for many decades. The QHTWG Outdoor recreation can be used to help working together with QORF actively our communities place a higher value seeks collaboration with all stakeholders on conservation of nature. QORF notes involved with conservation and recreation that NPAQ offers bushwalks, kayaking, in protected areas and national parks camping trips and other recreational so that everyone can enjoy the benefits activities within protected areas. We of the nature-based experiences in applaud NPAQ for the development an environmentally responsible way of your “Getting Kids in National Parks respecting the rights of others. With Guide” and your south east Queensland this approach we have seen some specific guide. QORF has been pleased spectacularly successful outcomes to promote those resources through our working government and then with the channels and through our Nature Play QPWS and other community groups at a QLD programme. local level. QORF looks forward to working with Neil Douglas hits it on the head when he NPAQ in the future to facilitate both concludes in his article that “A degree of conservation and recreation outcomes in responsible self-regulation encouraged protected areas throughout Queensland. by partnering between park staff and I would be pleased for NPAQ to publish equestrian organisations seems a this letter in the next issues of “Protected” desirable way to proceed.” as a response to Mr Douglas’s article. Together with QORF the QHTWG look Yours sincerely, forward to working with NPAQ in the Dom Courtney, QORF Executive Officer future to ensure the best outcomes for all lovers and users of natural areas in I write on behalf of the Queensland Queensland. We would appreciate it Horse Trails Working Group (QHTWG), in greatly if NPAQ would publish this letter regard to the article titled “Horse Riding in your next issue of Protected Magazine. – Should It Occur In National Parks?”, Yours sincerely, written by Neil Douglas and published Alex Watson in your December 2015-January Chairperson, Queensland Horse Trails 2016 edition of the NPAQ “Protected” Working Group

15 NPAQ welcomes people from all walks of life and offer a variety of ways to be involved

Have fun in the bush Come along on a bushwalk Join us Become a member Share a bush adventure with children Connect on Facebook

Win great prizes in our Annual Raffle

Visit www.npaq.org.au/get-involved Phone 07 3367 0878 Email [email protected]

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