Magazine of National Parks Association of Queensland cape york national parks canyon survey undara volcanic national park blackdown tablelands walks blushwood the national park experience

Issue 3 June-July 2015 1 Welcome to the Contents June/July edition of Welcome to Protected 2 Protected Cape York Tenure Resolution Process 3 Canyon Survey 6 Michelle Prior, NPAQ President Undara National Park 8 Blackdown Tableland walks 10 A draft decision from the United Nations Blushwood 12 conservation agency UNESCO has recommended that the Great Barrier The National Park Experience 13 Reef not be placed on the World What’s On 14 Heritage ‘In Danger’ list. Whilst this Letter to the Editor 15 provides relief for the Australian and Queensland governments, it remains to be seen if this recent ‘scare’ will Council result in appropriate actions being President Michelle Prior undertaken to provide sufficient relief to Vice Presidents Tony O’Brien the reef. UNESCO flagged concerns Athol Lester about the poor outlook for the reef, and Hon Secretary Debra Marwedel recommended that the reef be placed Asst Hon Secret Yvonne Parsons on the watch list for two years. Hon Treasurer Graham Riddell Councillors Julie Hainsworth This edition of Protected takes Geoff Lowes us to Central, North and Far North Peter Ogilvie Queensland. National parks in Richard Proudfoot Des Whybird Queensland capture areas of natural Mike Wilke and cultural significance, and highlight the biological and geological diversity of Staff our large state. Principle Advocate Paul Donatiu The feature article describes the Business Development Officer land tenure reform in Far North Anna Tran Queensland arising from conservation Project and Office Administrator and Indigenous cooperation. This Jeannie Rice reform delivered new national parks to Queensland, whilst simultaneously Mission Statement assisting the return of land back to The National Parks Association Traditional Owners. promotes the preservation, expansion, appropriate management and The second article provides the context presentation of National Parks in Qld. for, and gives a summary of, what was found during the recent survey of Contact Details Unit 10/36 Finchley Street, Milton The Canyon National Reserve System PO Box 1040, Milton QLD 4064 property near Forsayth in the Einasleigh ABN: 60 206 792 095 Uplands. This and 11 other properties Phone: (07) 3367 0878 Web: www.npaq.org.au remain ungazetted as national parks. Email: [email protected] Far North Queensland trumps again Disclaimer with the finding of the magical cancer Articles in Protected do not necessarily reflect curing berry of the Blushwood tree, the opinion or position of the National Parks which grows only in FNQ. Association of Queensland. The marvels of the volcanic Undara Advertising enquiries National Park are under the spotlight, [email protected] including the wonders of one of the world’s longest lava tube cave systems Images Cover - Starke Coastal Wetlands (Kerry Trapnell) in the world. Page 2 strip - Butterflies on eucalypt flowers at The Canyon property (Sheena Gillman). 2 CAPE YORK TENURE RESOLUTION PROCESS

Andrew Picone Northern Campaigner Australian Conservation Foundation

The Cape York tenure resolution These changes provided a unique potential World Heritage significance. balance between protection in program is one of the most New beginnings for old parks successful and longest running perpetuity while still accommodating land use and conservation Traditional Owner rights and interests Across Cape York, all national parks planning processes in Australia. under Native Title legislation. This declared since the 1970s are being Since 1995, the Queensland became the basis for allowing Australia’s returned to Aboriginal ownership and Government has returned first Aboriginal owned and managed re-named by local Traditional Owner 3,225,000 hectares of land on national parks. groups. Cape York Peninsula back to A new chapter in Australia’s The first of the old parks to be returned Aboriginal ownership including National Parks was the 37,000 hectare Mitchell-Alice 1,933,958 hectares of jointly Rivers National Park declared in 1977. Reflecting the changes to legislation, managed National Parks and over Back then, little consideration was given National Park CYPAL – Cape York one million hectares of Aboriginal to the Traditional Owners, the Kunjen Peninsula Aboriginal Land – provided freehold. and Oykangand, many of who reside in a unique tenure that allowed joint the nearby community of Kowanyama. Background management of national park between In 2009 it was renamed Errk Oykangand Traditional Owners and the Queensland The process was born out of the early National Park (CYPAL) and is now jointly Government. campaigns to prevent the sale of the managed. Starcke and Silver Plains pastoral The first national park under these new Since then, the once familiar names stations to foreign developers. legislative arrangements was declared of the old national parks across the as Lama Lama National Park (CYPAL) Out of these campaigns, the Cape York region have followed suit. Over the last in 2008 in the country around Princess Land Council, Australian Conservation four years Lakefield became Rinyirru, Charlotte Bay on Cape York’s east Foundation, The Wilderness Society Mungkan Kandju became Oyala- coast. That same year also saw one and the Cattlemen’s Union reached Thumotang and Iron Range became of the most significant conservation agreement with the signing of the Cape Kutini-Payamu National Parks. The outcomes on Cape York for many years. York Heads of Agreement in 1996. re-naming is an important aspect of the Signing on to the Agreement in 2001, With the support of the Kaanju, Umpila, return of the parks and the recognition of the Queensland Government began Lama Lama and Ayapathu Traditional their cultural significance. Jardine River acquiring the most important properties Owner groups the rainforests of the is the final remaining park to transferred throughout Cape York to protect their McIlwraith Range were protected in the across to the CYPAL tenure. KULLA National Park (CYPAL). Together natural and cultural values. Additions Righting a wrong were made to existing national parks with the Iron Range rainforests, they during this period, including Cape comprise some of the most extensive, Importantly, steps were taken in 2011, Melville, but it was not until amendments diverse and least disturbed forests of before the transfer of Mungkan Kandju were made to the Nature Conservation their type in Australia. Scientifically they National Park back to Traditional Act 1992 and the introduction of the are recognised as unique examples of Owners, to put right what then Premier Cape York Peninsula Heritage Act 2007 overlapping South East Asian flora of Anna Bligh described as “a shameful that the Cape’s national park estate more modern ancestry and the more chapter in Queensland’s history”. began its transformation. ancient Australian and New Guinean When Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke- flora and fauna; all contributing to their Petersen declared Archer Bend National

3 4 Park in 1977, which later became part needed protection. Together with the deliver. of Mungkan Kandju, his motivation was Queensland Government the Olkola Since 1994 the Queensland and not conservation. John Koowarta and declared the Alwal National Park Federal Governments have spent a number of his fellow Wik Mungkan (CYPAL), named after the endangered around $48 million on the strategic countrymen sought to purchase the golden-shouldered parrot which inhabits acquisition of properties for cultural Archer Bend pastoral holding in 1974. the area. and natural conservation values. While This land was part of the Wik Mungkan In December 2014, the historic there have been substantial outcomes people’s traditional homelands. They hand-back of five pastoral properties over the last twenty years, a number had maintained a strong connection totalling 633,630 hectares brought the of very significant properties remain with their country by working and living Olkola people’s total land-holdings to subject to ongoing negotiation and on the Archer Bend property for many 766,272 hectares, which is most of their await return to Traditional Owners. This years. ancestral homelands. It was also one includes the iconic Shelburne Bay Despite a legal right to purchase of the largest single handovers in recent and former Bromley lease. Both have the land which the Wik Mungkan history. The deal included one of the substantial conservation and cultural successfully took to the High Court, largest national park declarations since values and have come perilously close Bjelke-Petersen prevented the sale by 2008. The new 269,630 hectare Olkola to destructive development from sand declaring the Archer Bend National Park. National Park (CYPAL) protects ancient mining and the infamous Cape York For the last 30 years, many Aboriginal bora-grounds, rock art and many other spaceport. people saw this as an example of how cultural values important to the Olkola The return of these lands back to their protected areas can serve as another people. Extensive wetlands, rare Traditional Owners under the terms of form of dispossession. and unique tall open forests, remnant the Cape’s unique tenure resolution rainforest refugia and vast tracts of In 2011, 75,854 hectares of the former process provides multiple benefits intact savannah woodlands are also Archer Bend section of Mungkan Kandju across social, cultural, economic and conserved. These habitats also support was revoked from the park’s former environmental imperatives. populations of the critically endangered 456,000 hectares. Of the revoked golden-shouldered parrot and many area, 32,000 hectares became a nature other rare and threatened species of refuge to protect the extensive monsoon flora and fauna. and riverine rainforests of the Archer River demonstrating the Traditional Sticking with a good process Owner’s goodwill and commitment to The process was created to provide conservation. land use certainty through the Charting new ground and re- identification, acquisition and protection making history of areas of high natural and cultural significance. It is now viewed as the All images courtesy of Kerry Trapnell - http://www. In 2010, the Queensland Government kerrytrapnell.com/gallery-list most successful land use planning returned the 42,510 hectare Mulkay East Coast wetlands (pg3) initiative on Cape York Peninsula. pastoral lease to the Olkola people of Emerald Python, McIlwraith Range Rainforests Despite changing governments and (above) south central Cape York. Knowing other policy agendas, the tenure Jardine River Catchment (pg5) the significance of that country, resolution process has continued to Map courtesy of Queensland Department of the Olkola decided that the area Natural Resources and Mines

5 CANYON SURVEY

Paul Donatiu, NPAQ Principal Advocate

Our Christmas Appeal in 2014 Government will actively work to retire focussed on using iconic species permits over the next decade, allowing (primarily the Gouldian Finch, but also Regional Park areas to be upgraded to other listed endangered species) to National Park in due course. attract interest in building political One of these properties was a place momentum for the gazettal of 12 called The Canyon, two hours drive national reserve system properties west of Undara Volcanic National Park as national park. These12 properties in the Einasleigh Uplands. had been purchased between 2010 and early 2012, and eventually should The initial Queensland Parks and constitute a 400,000 hectare addition Wildlife Service (QPWS) report on The to the park estate in Queensland. Canyon summarises its conservation From 2012 to the start of 2015, all 12 and strategic value: properties were part of a protected The Canyon incorporates a area review established by the then significant part of the Newcastle LNP State Government - a process Range and its associated red soil which sought to examine the tenure of tableland, a biogeographic isolate all gazettals made since 2002 (1.2m and centre of endemism with ha). high species diversity (especially With an ALP minority State invertebrates). Four rare and Government now in place, the new threatened plant species, as well environment minister the Hon Dr as a number of other priority Steven Miles has moved quickly species have been recorded on, to assure conservationists and and in the vicinity of the property. the broader public of his interest The property has a high diversity in converting these properties to of ecosystems (25) including national park. However, the Minister several that are naturally restricted faces the same complications arising in distribution and five which are from the extent and coverage of currently unrepresented. The mining exploration permits that his whole area is of ‘State Significance’ predecessor faced (10 of the 12 for biodiversity. The plateau area properties are affected by these provides a recharge surface for permits). In short, it is likely that wetlands and adjacent springs and permit free areas of the 12 properties watercourses, and the remainder will be gazetted as National Park in of the property covers upper this term of State government, with catchments of tributaries of both the permit-affected areas gazetted as Einasleigh and Etheridge rivers. The Regional Parks. Mining exploration property includes the western bank permits are viable for 5-10 years, and alluvials of the Einasleigh River, and the expectation is that the State a perennial spring-fed watercourse. Black-breasted Button-quail (Ross Monks) 6 One of the commitments made to In total, surveyors found: donors from the 2014 Appeal was 80 species of birds including a that a proportion of funds raised population of Squatter Pigeons would be used to resource a survey (vulnerable), 231 species of plants team to identify the conservation including Solanum augustum values of one of the 12 properties. (endangered; found during preliminary The Canyon property was selected work) and Cycas cairnsiana (a because: stunning blue-grey cycad listed as a It is within the known range of the vulnerable species), the most western Gouldian Finch (which previously record of some regional ecosystems covered much of Northern Australia). (such as Eucalyptus exserta woodland on alluviums), various Populations of Black-throated Finches species of macropods, snakes, frogs, have been recorded within 10km geckoes and invertebrates, many of of the Canyon (on neighbouring which are still to be formally identified. properties to the east). They also conducted a number of It is accessible - the Canyon lies transects through various parts of 30km east of Forsayth (with only the the property to confirm some of the last couple of kilometres of road travel regional ecosystems found on this on gravel); it is also the closest of future national park. The lack of a the four properties to a major airport proper monsoon during the 2014/15 (Cairns or Townsville). summer meant that the property was The Canyon NRS property was largely dry, with little grass seed to surveyed by a team of nine attract species such as the Gouldian ornithologists, botanists, ecologists Finch. and traditional owners from Monday The final Canyon Survey Report 18th May to Friday 22nd May 2015. will be available shortly. Our very Although NPAQ had hoped to get sincere thanks to the nine wonderful a team on site earlier, this was the people who gave their time, energy earliest date post-election that and passion to document some of weather conditions were conducive to our fascinating wildlife, and to the survey effort and that key participants generosity of all our donors who made were available. this survey possible! The purpose of the survey was to compile results into a report that can Images clockwise from top left - Eastern Grey kangaroos, Squatter Pigeon (Geophaps scripta be used to highlight the conservation scripta), Blue dragonfly, native bees, Canyon values of this future National Park, dam, Bumpy Rocket Frog (Litoria inermis), Freshwater snake (Tropidonophis mairii), and and the importance of its gazettal, to Bynoe’s gecko (Heteronotia binoei). Minister Miles and the broader public. All images kindly supplied by Sheena Gillman and Elly Hetlam.

7 PARK IN F CUS Undara Volcanic National Park

Denis McMullen, NPAQ Member

Undara National Park is set in surprise. Barkers Cave, formed when It seems that the tubes were not used the McBride Volcanic Province, the lava flow through a narrow gorge by the local indigenous people - there 400km northwest of Townsville. was constricted into a vertical oval have been no discoveries of wall I grew up believing that Australia has been measured at 13.5 metres paintings or camp sites. Perhaps was bereft of volcanoes – a high. Many other caves reach widths there must have been sufficient bad slow realisation that there were of 10 to 17m, though there are many experiences of sudden disappearances some “extinct” ones around which are smaller. 26 caves have been as people fell into some of the many didn’t excite me. The Undara measured, as reported in Atkinson holes left in the area, or deaths from experience opened my eyes: (2001), but another 30 or so have asphyxiation as people entered tubes standing on the rim of Mt only been estimated. The total length full of carbon dioxide. There must have Kinrara, a scoria cone, I didn’t that the Atkinsons report of caves been song-lines and stories warning of need binoculars to spot a large discovered to their date of publication the evil action of dark spirits in the area. number of hills of volcanic origin. was 6,040 metres. The whole area remains dangerous for the unwary, so open access is not The McBride province alone had The caves are terminated with piles possible. over 160 volcanoes. of rocks from roof collapses, so the Undara was a shield volcano – it was longest sections are less than 300m, In post invasion times, the area was low lying, and belched and disgorged with most much shorter. It is thought selected by the Collins family in 1862, lava over a very long period starting that the latest eruption, from the Kinrara and worked as a cattle property, but some 190,000 years ago and engulfing Volcano, was around only 10,000 years it was only in 1989 that Gerry Collins more than 155 square kilometres of ago, a blink in geological time. decided to buy and develop the area, containing many of the tubes, as a country. Undara, at an elevation of This Cainozoic volcanic activity is part of tourist attraction. In 1991 however, 1100 metres, is at the highest point a process that extends 4,000kms along the Queensland Department of the of the Province so the estimated 23 the east coast of Australia from Cape Environment began a process of cubic kilometres of lava, at 1200oC York to Tasmania in a band extending acquiring the property from the Collins spread across country in all directions, 200–400km from the coast. It includes family and reached an agreement but some flowed down existing the vast lava flow fields extending where the property was gazetted in watercourses: from Melbourne to Warrnambool, 1992 as a national park and the family These flows cooled and hardened remnants of which can be seen at retained a significant area outside the on the outside but the effect was to the Organ Pipes National Park. The park to develop as a tourist facility, provide insulation for the lava still flowing existing Undara volcano crater is an with access to the tubes available only inside. This flow continued until the unimpressive 20m high, but is 340m through guided tours. Interestingly, volcano stopped erupting, leaving the across and 49m deep. Running north the proposal that Undara should be drained tubes hollow. This allowed the and northwest are two alignments of gazetted as a national park originally lave to spread unbelievable distances, depressions up to 100m wide, most came from the Queensland National over 90 km to the North and over choked with dark green rainforest-type Parks Association in 1967. 160 km to the Northwest, the latter vegetation, which like the growth inside becoming the world’s longest lava flow the craters, is a relic of the Gondwana The result has been that national from a single volcano. rainforest. These depressions are park Rangers work on developing thought to be remnants of drained lava the infrastructure and caring for the The size of the tubes was another ponds. land, including controlled burning of

8 the extraordinary grass growth that The textures and designs displayed Whilst the family company has a 75 follows a Wet Season, whilst the in the caves are remarkable. The year agreement with the Queensland management of visitors is controlled by intense heat left glazed surfaces. Other Government, the success of the Lodge the Savannah Guides operating from material such as the underlying pink is obvious. It bring a lot of tourists into the Undara Lava Lodge. The Savannah granite and sand, picked up and melted the Park under circumstances which Guides organisation is committed to by the heat, provide a kaleidoscope of protect a very special environment, and conservation and the Guides have to browns, white, greys, reds, yellows and the Department controls the numbers meet high levels of knowledge and skills black in vast irregular displays. of visitors who can access the National to be accredited. 40,000 visitors come Park. It seems like a good example There is prolific wildlife around the to the Lodge to view the tubes each of symbiosis on a large scale, and a Lodge, including wallaroos, wallabies year and the Guides ensure that while model for sustainable development of and eastern grey kangaroos, a wide the tubes that are visited are treated other parks. range of birds, including the Australian with respect and visited safely, many bustard and Brolga. There are also other tubes are left undisturbed. As great nightly presentations on the References each tour member also pays a park fee wildlife from the Savannah Guides. Atkinson A and Atkinson V 2001. Undara Volcano as part of the tour cost, this provides a and its Lava Tubes. Brisbane. Tours can be complemented with significant income for the Park. http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/undara- bushwalking through well-signed walks. volcanic/ So, what is the Undara Experience Some of these incorporate scrambling All images courtesy of Matthew Kenwrick - https:// like? You can stay in beautifully over granite boulders to gain views www.flickr.com/photos/58847482@N03/sets/ converted railway carriages, cabins or across the plains, worth the effort when swag tents. An Evening Wildlife Tour timed with sunset. will take you to Barkers Cave where the insect-eating micro-bats take flight at dusk and sweep out of the cave entrance in their thousands, avoiding the ambush of pythons and black tree snakes hanging from fringing trees. When I was there, we went to some of the other 8 visited caves, including one flooded by the heavy rain, where swimming was available in the metres deep, blue-tinted rainwater, cold and refreshing after the heat outside. We also walked through the Arch and the Wind Tunnel, which is a 289 metre long section, with eucalyptus roots hanging from the roof, drawing moisture from the damp atmosphere inside the cave. The tubes are huge, really overwhelming, and the interiors are highly coloured.

9 FEATURED WALK Trails in Blackdown Tableland National Park Michael McCabe, Capricorn Conservation Council

Rising to over 900m, and eroded gorges, natural spongy orange ‘bacon and egg’ flowers. perched at the conjunction peat springs, and low nutrient Long sleeves, trousers and gloves of the Shotover, Dawson, sandy soils, has created a unique are highly recommended for off-track and Expedition Ranges, the cool, damp microclimate resulting walking to minimise scratches. In rim of Blackdown’s uplifted in numerous endemic species of recent decades, with longer dry sandstone cliffs stand above flora and fauna. Towering up to periods interspersed with above the undulating alluvial plains. 45m the Blackdown Stringybark average wet years, there appears (Eucalyptus sphaerocarpa) drew to be a thinning of Blackdown’s The sheer, red-gold sandstone cliffs the attention of saw-millers right up understory scrubs and reduced of Blackdown Tableland dominate to the declaration of the National recruitment of larger species as many the view from the Capricorn Highway Park in the 1970s. Sydney Blue of the 100+ year old trees succumb whether you’re approaching from Gum (Eucalyptus saligna) survives to hotter more frequent fires. the west or east. The surrounding here as a geographically isolated country, formerly dominated by Cross country walking can still be a reminder of an earlier wetter climate. Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) very rewarding experience if you have The majestic trunks of Rusty gum ecosystems, has been substantially the fortune to arrive after recent rains (Angophora leiocarpa) will, depending altered through broadscale clearing have freshened the native grasses, on the season, display hues of for grazing and cropping. The encouraged leaves to reshoot from grey, pink, or orange bark - great for Tableland and plains lie over the epicormic buds, and scrambling photos at early light and dusk. Bowen Basin coal measures formed vines like Hardenbergia violacea are during the Late Permian Era (250- While the cliffs, gorges, overhangs, producing masses of violet flowers. and balancing boulders appear 270mya) when Australia was still part The cracks and overhangs of deep timeless, the vegetative variation is of Super-continent Pangea. potholed, solid sandstone creek spectacular. June to September Blackdown, the traditional home beds, cascades and larger waterfalls is golden with the scent and floral of the Ghungalu people, was first are a haven for mosses, sun-dews sprays of over 30 wattle species, sighted by Europeans in 1844 and other delicate species. Tread including the aptly named Zig-zag when Ludwig Leichhardt crossed softly and look where you step wattle (Acacia macradenia) and the Expedition range into Arcadia and you will see miniature forests the large broad-leaved Acacia Valley east of Carnarvon Gorge of ground orchids, fringed lilies, bancroftiorum. Banksias, grevilleas, while following the , micro ferns and the endemic cycad, boronia, bottlebrush and many other on his First Expedition to Cape Macrozamia platyrhachis. flowering shrubs attract nectar and Palmerston. Queensland Parks insect feeding birds aplenty. Quiet Since the cessation of logging, and Wildlife Service have been group or solitary walks, which allow visitors no longer have to negotiate working progressively with Ghungalu frequent stopping and sitting, give with timber-jinkers on the narrow custodians to celebrate their the best bird observing experience. tracks. For the uninitiated and continuous stewardship of country, regulars alike, the pea-like iron-red Depending on fire frequency, you through the protection of galleries, (bauxite) pebbles prevalent on may encounter spikey thickets naming of locations and installation of roads and tracks make it seem like of leguminous shrubs such as interpretative signage. you are on roller skates, and many Pultenaea millarii and Daviesia The height of the tableland, its deep weary walkers have had thrills and quoquoversus displaying their yellow-

10 spills on the last leg back to camp. of the series of falls, surrounded by western escarpment. Fortunately for visitors, access varied vegetation providing a haven A gorge walk (2-4 days) bouldering, to most of Blackdown’s scenic for chirruping unseen frogs, a variety to below the large falls in Mimosa features has been made easier with of birds, water dragons and skinks. and Rainbow Creeks is possible the sealing of the range road, well Blackdown’s major streams, after but advice should be sought from maintained camping area, and the full forming deep gorges, cascades and QPWS Rangers and people who diversity of walking experiences from falls, drain southwest to the Comet are aware of accessible ‘get-downs’ leisurely circuit strolls, short morning/ River (Planet Creek), north to the and numerous hazards (particularly afternoon walks right through to Mackenzie River (Stoney Creek- the lack of any ability to make serious multi-day treks. Blackwater Creek), north-west to the outside contact, and extreme rescue If it’s your first time, a morning tea Mackenzie (Spring and Charlieview challenges). picnic/brunch at the top of the range Creeks) and south-easterly to the As the coal road is recommended. Stepping Dawson River (Mimosa Creek). The mines expanded around Blackwater, from the car you’ll immediately latter has the most reliable flows. and Blackdown became more widely notice the cooler air compared to Stoney Creek Falls has the greatest known, its increasing popularity the flatlands. The lookout just past sheer drop, flowing spectacularly required limitations on camping sites the picnic tables - Yaddamen Dhina but briefly following big rains. Even and the closure of some tracks. (Horseshoe Lookout) - provides if bone dry, it is nevertheless very Early bookings are essential for vistas to the north and an opportunity worth the long, often hot walk. overnight and longer camping, but to be greeted by inquisitive Two-lined Day 2 is usually a good time to drive its also close enough with an early dragons Diporiphora bilineata; just be past the camp grounds to spend morning start to Rockhampton and wary of uninvited table guests, such a day at Gudda Gumoo (Rainbow other towns for highly enjoyable day as cheeky Pied-Currawongs and Creek lookout). This requires trips. Kookaburras, which will plunder food moderate fitness for the 3.6 km right out of your mouth! Check out All images by Lorelle McCabe - from page 10 return walk, and further if intending clockwise - Rainbow Falls, Mimosa Creek and nearby Goodela - a great little 1.8km to continue to the falls and negotiate Rainbow Creek potholes. walk. More information: http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/ the many steps leading to the pool parks/blackdown-tableland/about.html After arriving at the Munall and cascades below the falls. campground on the second Mimosa For experienced, fit bushwalkers Creek crossing, the first day can with expert navigational and climbing be occupied with short easy walks skills, Rainbow Creek and access (under 3km) to Mook Mook Lookout road can provide the start/end down the gorge with easy grades point for 2-3 day walks south to the and creek crossings, or a walk Ballamoo Cliffs, the southern edge of upstream to the Ghungalu galleries. the National Park and the beginning If you have several days to explore of Expedition Range. Local there’s no rush to see it all at once. bushwalking groups have completed Find your site, stroll downstream a many of these walks taking in Planet couple of hundred metres to see the Creek and Falls along the south- deep circular eroded pools, the first

11 WILDLIFE FEATURE Blushwood

Michelle Shaul, Contributor

Although its name might give berry. After noticing that animals awaiting final regulatory approval for the impression of a modest and avoided eating the fruit, the husband- Phase I human clinical trials. However, unassuming plant, this endemic and-wife team sent a sample of researchers caution that the drug can Queensland tree has something crushed kernels to a commercial only be used on cancers accessible big to boast about – properties laboratory that in turn found powerful for injection or topical treatment; there in its berries appear to be able anti-cancer properties. Since then, is no evidence that EBC-46 would be to kill cancer. the couple have been working with effective for metastatic cancers. scientists from the Berghofer Medical A unique and discerning tree, Hylandia It’s incredible that such a promising Research Institute in Brisbane to see dockrillii is found only in the tropical treatment for a life-threatening disease if the berries could be developed into rainforests of North Queensland that affects so many people and an effective cancer treatment, with between Cooktown and Tully at an animals across the world has been astounding results. altitude range of 400-1100 meters. It is sitting right in our backyard. How many the only known species of the Hylandia The resulting compound, a drug called more of these medical treasures are genus (named in honour of renowned EBC-46, acts quickly and rapidly hidden away in the national parks of Australian botanist Bernie Hyland) and a when injected or applied as a gel to Queensland, Australia, or the world? an external tumour or melanoma on member of the Euphorbiaceae family. How many have we already lost and animals. Within a few minutes the The Blushwood begins its life how many more could we lose if we lesion turns red and then purple as the underground as a swollen, bottle- don’t act to protect them? drug cuts off the blood supply. Within a shaped stem before growing to a few days only a scar remains. height of around 14m, well below the Atherton Tablelands’ lush canopy. On It’s believed that EBC-46 works by the tough but flexible stems grow dark stimulating a local tissue response that green leaves 8-20cm long by 4-10cm cuts off the blood supply and kills the wide with raised veins. Its small tumour. With a 70% success rate, a delicate flowers have white petals with single injection has been able to kill short, soft rust-colour hairs covering the most kinds of large-mass tumours and outside of the sepals. cancerous tissue in a variety of animals. Not only does the drug stimulate a While its wood provides good general- rejection of the tumour, but it also purpose timber, its dark brown barky appears to encourage tissue repair, trunk is too skinny to be of any interest reducing the patient’s healing time. In to loggers. Instead, it’s the tree’s these pre-clinical trials, the results have velvety crimson berries that have been long-term and enduring, with very researchers excited about establishing little relapse over a 12 month period. Blushwood plantations. With such encouraging initial results, For the past nine years, forest researchers are moving into the next ecologists Paul Reddell and Victoria stage of testing. EBC-46 is currently Gordon of the biotechnology company being used in formal veterinary clinical EcoBiotics have been researching the Hylandia dockrillii in flower in far north Queensland trials in Australia and the USA and is (Hugh Nicholson) medicinal potential of the blushwood

12 THE NATIONAL PARK EXPERIENCE why national parks should be valued, told through the lens of personal experience in national parks Annette Flower, NPAQ Member

Can you imagine a world without Sichuan province in south west China, I We humans, more than ever need National Parks? was blown away by the blazing autumn the peace, awe, respect, wonder foliage colours and watching a ‘so cute’ and humility generated by special Nowhere in the world was there a family of endangered Golden snub- landscapes. The wise thinkers who National Park until 143 years ago when nosed monkeys leaping in the treetops. envisaged National Parks a century and Yellowstone in the US became the In parks in Japan it was heart-warming a half ago, (there are now more than first in 1872. Just a few years later, in to see the clusters of little children 6,500 parks worldwide and around 1879, the Sydney (Royal) National Park sitting on the ground framed and 650 here in Australia) would be rightly was the first to be declared in Australia perfumed by gorgeous cherry blossom proud of their legacy. Can I imagine and only the second in the world. A trees. a world without National Parks or the notification in the Sydney Morning dedicated, passionate people who care Herald of 29 March 1879, in part These natural experiences are integral about them for future generations? For stated:- to my lifestyle and to that of millions me, such a scenario is unthinkable, and worldwide. The tourism industry is a I’ve got a sneaky feeling that I’m already A National Park huge user of national parks, and it’s no talking to the converted. The Government have taken the wonder. People are increasingly looking Annette Flower is a long-tern NPAQ member and a passionate important step of setting apart a for walking holidays to pristine places lover of national parks! large and very suitable tract of land where the goals of a healthy lifestyle, for a National Park, which will be fitness, genuine cultural exchanges and within easy reach of Sydney…….and senses-filled experiences are a balm for which, when the trustees to whom their mental health and happiness. the land will be vested have dealt But national parks today serve many with the park in accordance with the purposes other than ‘sport and arrangements that will be made for recreation’. Now the imperative of its preparation and management, and conservation of flora and faunal species when our proposed system of branch and indeed of the very land itself, railways is carried into operation, under constant threat from population will afford to the people of the whole growth, climate change, mining and colony means of sport and recreation gas demands and development, is of not to be surpassed probably in the primary importance. world….. A big plus in the national parks Fast forward almost a century and a experience for me, wherever I‘m half and we’re in a totally different world. walking, is the information and Can I imagine a world without National resources provided by interpretative Parks? Absolutely not! Since retiring centres. National Parks personnel more than a decade ago my life has these days gather and analyse data, do been enriched immeasurably by walking research, conduct field projects, and in national parks both in Australia and carry out advocacy and lobbying and Heath near the Heads, Sydney overseas. Most recently in parks in education of the public. (Paul Donatiu)

13 F Daves Creek Wildflower Walk at WHAT’S Lamington National Park N Sunday 30 August Location: Lamington National Park Grading: Easy Leader: Dave Jones (3343 2447) NPAQ Activities Fee: $3 (members) $10 (non-members) A shortish 12km walk from Binna Burra Ï Vegetation timed to cooincide with the peak of the Management Group wildflower season! Saturday 18 July Walkers will leave Binna Burra and climb gradually to about 1,100 metres through a Location: Brisbane area variety of vegetation communities including Leaders: Angus McElnea, Russell Gardner sub-tropical and temperate rainforest, and (0429 854 446) box forest, before emerging onto montane Be part of a great revegetation program heathland containing a profusion of native Interactive rainforest at Boombana and Jollys Lookout in the wildflowers. identification key and heart of D’Aguilar National Park, right on Morning tea at the Molongolee Cave or information package. Brisbane’s doorstep. nearby lookout before lunching on Surprise * Essential for botanists, bush Rock with magnificent views towards the regenerators, landowners, and enthusiasts. Gold Coast and Mts Hobwee and Merino. Æ * Over 12,000 photographs covering all 1139 Birding at Tingalpa Part of this view captured in the image rainforest trees, shrubs and climbing plants Reservoir below by Paul Donatiu. south of the Tropic of Capricorn. Sunday 19 July * Includes ferns, mistletoes and weeds. For more information, or to register for an Location: Brisbane area For more information, contact:- activity, please go to the website - www. Grading: Easy www.rainforestplantsofaustralia.com npaq.org.au/events Hugh & Nan Nicholson 02 6688 6204 Leader: Geraldine Buchanan (3349 1109) Fee: $3 (members), $10 (non-members) The Trotter Family donated 28 hectares of bush in 1958 which became the core of the Reserve. The main track wanders through Scribbly gum woodland with a heath understory of grasstrees, banksias, barb wire grass and wild may.

Ï Vegetation Management Group Saturday 22 August Location: Brisbane area Leaders: Angus McElnea, Russell Gardner (0429 854 446) It’s almost spring - a great time to get your hands dirty in our wonderful restoration project at Boombana and Jollys Lookout, D’Aguilar National Park!

F Mount Maroon Saturday 29 August Location: Mt Barney National Park Grading: Intermediate Leader: Mary Anne Ryan (3277 8889) Fee: $3 (members) $10 (non-members) Depart from the Cotswold Track and follow the north-east ridge to the summit of Mount Maroon. This mountain is one of the most botanically diverse places in Southeast Queensland, and provides habitat for a wattle found nowhere else in Australia! Wonderful views to Mt Barney to the south from the top.

14 Upcoming Activities NPAQ Events Letter to the

Æ Extended Bird Kaputar and the Editor How good it was to see the Mt Coot- Activity to Capricorn Warrumbungles tha Auditorium full on 22nd April for a Coast Wednesday 15 July conservation seminar and to mark the 85th anniversary of NPAQ! Apart from the cross- Monday 31 August to Saturday 12 Location: Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens section of NPAQ members, the number of September Auditorium from 7.45pm visitors with conservation interests added an An evening with NPAQ member Stewart extra dimension to the evening. Parker who will speak about his 2011 Ï Vegetation adventure to Kaputar and the Warrumbungles. We listened with interest to the Hon Dr Management Group Steven Miles, Minister for Environment and Australian Antarctic Heritage Protection and Minister for National Saturday 19 September Parks and the Great Barrier Reef to hear Division what the new Government has in store. Æ Wednesday 19 August His message was encouraging but some Birding at Oxley resolve seems to be needed in the areas Creek Common Location: Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens of grazing and commercial development in Auditorium from 7.45pm Sunday 20 September national parks. Questions ranged through An evening with Trevor Luff on the latest sand mining, park classification, revenue cutting-edge science programs and research and Departmental structure to name a Long Weekend Camp, projects of the Australian Antarctic Division. few. Hopefully the Minister took away our message that national parks should be Goomburra section, valued for their conservation and natural Main Range NP Notice of Annual heritage worth and not for their potential Saturday 3 to Monday 5 October commercial worth. General Meeting Jason Jacobi, Executive Director Regional Ï Vegetation Operations West, QPWS, grabbed our National Parks Association of Queensland attention with his rapid-fire presentation on Management Group Inc. invites members, supporters, and challenges in the practical management of the natural environment covering about Saturday 24 October interested parties to the Annual General Meeting to be held at Mt Coot-tha Botanical half of Queensland. Jason’s update on Gardens Auditorium on 16 September several issues dear to NPAQ was direct, Æ Birding at Moggill 2015 at 5:30pm. diplomatically showing the need to protect the estate while delivering on instruction of Regional Park, Anstead the government of the day. It appears that Sunday 25 October restoration of the cardinal principle to its James original form needs more attention and our support. Cuthbertson Quiet enthusiasm for his work was apparent Calendar Dates in the presentation from Allan Williams, National Park Director of Landscape Conservation, World Day to Combat DEHP. Allan’s ground breaking modelling concerning resilience and climate change Desertification and Drought Volunteer Project provided an insight into the planning 17 June necessary for conservation of important www.unccd.int/en/programmes/Event-and- Grant areas in changing conditions. The topic is campaigns/WDCD/Pages/default.aspx large enough for a series of sessions. To honour the legacy of James Cuthbertson, World Population Day NPAQ will be initiating the James The combination of the three speakers 11 July Cuthbertson National Park Volunteer Project made for an interesting evening. It www.unfpa.org/swop Grant in 2015. A grant of $2,000 over gave some encouragement but also two years will be awarded to a volunteer demonstrated the need for NPAQ and National Tree Day project that benefits national parks or other kindred organisations to keep working 26 July protected areas in Queensland. After the to lift environment issues higher on the treeday.planetark.org/about/ initial grant period, other projects may be Government’s agenda. The seminar was considered, such as research projects. a good example of NPAQ’s advocacy and National Science Week Criteria and details forthcoming. Thank you information sharing work. 15 – 23 August to Don Marshall for this suggestion, and to Leon Misfeld www.scienceweek.net.au/ everyone who offered suggestions. National Biodiversity Month JOIN, DONATE, or September Vale SUBSCRIBE to NPAQ http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/ biodiversity-month Our sincere condolences to the families of the members below who have recently National Threatened Species passed away: Day Jean Harslett 7 September Oliver Hess http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/ David Morwood www.npaq.org.au threatened Una Webster

15 16