December 2003 NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION (ACT) INCORPORATED

Moments of Wilderness Ring of Fire launched Vale Reg Alder NPA BULLETIN Volume 40 number 4 December 2003

CONTENTS President's Report 3 Did you ever want to ... ? 12 Kevin McCue Syd Comfort Committee member—Christine Goonrey 3 Honorary life membership 13 Fiona MacDonald Brand Reg Alder: 1917-2003 4 Len Haskew PARK WATCH 14 Recreational directions for Namadgi and the Alps 5 Compiled by Len Haskew David E Pfanner Black Mountain Nature Reserve walk 15 After the fires: impacts on ecosystems 6 Fiona MacDonald Brand Graeme Wicks Pine plantations—not sustainable 16 Policy forum at general meeting on October 16 7 Chris Watson Christine Goonrey Bushfire recovery report 17 Moments of wilderness 8 Martin Chalk Andrew Lyne July weekend in Bundanoon 18 Ring of Fire launched 9 Chris Emery Syd Comfort Recent publications and reports 18 Shaping Our Territory—Final Report: Opportunities Book review 19 for Non-urban ACT 10 Graham Scully Syd Comfort Meetings and Calendar of events 20 Slim but significant—the Draft Canberra Spatial Plan 11 Syd Comfort

National Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated The NPA ACT office is in MacLaurin Crescent, Chifley, next to the Inaugurated 1960 preschool. It is staffed by volunteers but, at present, not on a regular basis. Callers may leave phone or email messages at any time and they Aims and objectives of the Association will be attended to. The post office mail box is cleared daily. • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the protection of fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and cultural heritage in Phone/Fax: (02) 6282 5813 the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the Email: [email protected] reservation of specific areas. Address: PO Box 1940, Woden ACT 2606 • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areas. Internet: www.npaact.org.au • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment of, such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by organised field outings, meetings or any other means. Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) • Cooperation with organisations and persons having similar Household membership $40 Single members $35 interests and objectives. Corporate membership $30 Bulletin only $30 • Promotion of, and education for, conservation, and the planning Concession $25 of landuse to achieve conservation. Advertising Office-bearers The Bulletin accepts advertisements and inserts. The standard cost President Kevin McCue6251 1291 (h) of an A4 insert is $310 but some concessional rates may be Vice-President David Large 6291 4830 (h) arranged. Secretary vacant Treasurer Steven Forst 6251 6817(h), 6219 5236(w) NPA Bulletin Contributions of articles, line drawings and photographs, including Committee members colour prints, are welcome and should be lodged with the office or Chris Emery 6249 7604 (h) Syd Comfort (02) 6286 2578. Christine Goonrey 6231 8395 (h) Rod Griffiths 6288 6988 (h) Deadline for March 2004 issue: 1 February 2004. Judy Kelly 6253 1859 (h, after 7.30pm) Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect association Lyndall Young 6286 3277 (h) opinion or objectives. This Bulletin was produced by the NPA Bulletin Working Group. Immediate Past President Printed by Copy-Qik, Canberra, ACT. Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (h), 040 778 3422 (mob) ISSN 0727-8837 Convenors Outings Sub-committee David Large 6291 4830 (h) Bulletin Working Group Syd Comfort 6286 2578 (h) Environment Sub-committee Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (h) Cover photo: Snowgum Ligno tuber, Alpine Way, contact 040 778 3422(mob) Kosciuszko National Park from Di Thompson's Ring of Fire President's report

One of the joys of living in the national population increase to that in the US. Canberra's once-green older suburbs capital today is the wide range of The environmental consequences for the and suburbanisation of Stromlo and intellectually stimulating public talks ACT, such as increased water demand Kowen forests promised in the draft available. I attended one recently at the and loss of recreational space, have yet spatial plan, we will face great pressures ANU that addressed the possible to be formulated. To stay level, let alone to diminish our precious nature parks impacts on landscape and cbmate of keep to the Kyoto agreement on C02 and national park and to halt any changes in C02 based on the geological emissions, would require us in the ACT environmental impacts of past C02 record, particularly of the past few to plant a large acreage of trees—where emissions. million years. The two eminent are these plans? Our young need to keep listening to geologists addressing us pointed out Recently I attended a primary school people like Bob Brown, but history that the increase of C02 in the last 200 concert in Sydney—what a contrast to shows we don't heed such prophets in years equalled that of the last 100 000 my own annual school concerts here in time. So far politicians in developed years and that the effects of such a the nation's capital back in the 1960s nations are not heeding the warnings on dramatic change could occur quickly, that started with God Save the Qiieerii global C02 levels. Our ACT politicians not in thousands or even hundreds of In Marrickville me kids recited, with need to start looking at the long-term years but in decades. Amazingly, great gusto and genuine enthusiasm, effects of their current short-term developed nations have done nothing to their school pledge paying tribute to the decisions on population growth. halt, let alone reverse, the rise in C02 former custodians of the land. They then Ensuring the long-term health of levels, despite Uie agreements at Kyoto, went on to pledge to look after the Namadgi National Park and Canberra and population increase is driving the natural environment. Sadly there were nature parks will require NPA ACT change ever faster. no Aboriginal kids in the Canberra getting more involved in lobbying The US population has risen classroom of my new school and our governments and the media than we are 100 million since 1970, a rate exceeded local environment that was so rich in at present. We will also need to change by few countries. This is placing huge insects, frogs, lizards and birds was the demographics of our membership by demands on the environment and has soon paved or converted into football taking our concerns and interests to resulted in US C02 emissions that are fields and cricket pitches, the creek schools and universities to attract those one quarter of the world's man-made diverted through concrete pipes and young people as they age. emissions. The ultimate effects of this covered over. What a change there has We, the committee and I, hope to rapid rate of increase of C02 on the been for the young in the last 50 years. see you all at the Christmas party and World's climate are as yet unknown, but It does seem that environmental wish you all the joys of Christmas and some predictions are dire indeed. education has progressed dramatically the New Year, and a safe and bushftre- Here in Canberra, the ACT for primary school kids in the last free summer. 50 years, but how will they be able to Government's draft Canberra Spatial Kevin McCue, President Plan anticipates a population of half a honour Uieir pledge on the environment 6 November 2003 million by 2050, a similar rate of in the next 50 years? With the infill of Committee member—Christine Goonrey

Christine is an ex-teacher and a recently vehicles of any sort, skiing away from before the fires, was finding them in so retired public servant. She has joined the madding crowds and instructing her many different environments in national the NPAACT Committee because of husband on the best way to take a good parks in the southern region. She is her interest in conserving our natural photograph when he is up to his armpits enthusiastic about protecting this unique heritage and in particular Namadgi in a swamp. part of Australia in the challenging National Park. She loves walking She has a particular love of native months and years ahead as the park Uarough the bush undisturbed by motor ground orchids and a special thrill, regenerates.

NPA ACT CHRISTMAS PARTY 2003

Sunday, 14 December

11.30 am, Namadgi Visitor Centre, Tharwa

Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the spirit of the season with nibbles, drinks, Christmas cake and the company of fellow members.

After lunch mere will be an opportunity to stroll to the Tennent Homestead site to see what the bushfires have left and what may be done to preserve the remaining ruins of this part of the ACT's pastoral heritage. Reg Alder: 1917-2003

maps as easily as others was, for a time, its National Co­ read novels and he opened ordinator. Reg was made a life member up new destinations and of NPA in 1984—an honour of which routes for NPA members. he was extremely proud. Many of these routes have Reg was always actively involved in become well-trodden the many issues that were important to footpads today. NPA. He was largely responsible for As well as pamfinding cultural heritage becoming part of the and leading walks, Reg association's aims and objectives. He introduced many members contributed ideas to many submissions to the pleasures of and was instrumental in the relocation packwalking. He of the Yankee Hat carpark and then the encouraged so many to rehabilitation of the inappropriately undertake a new activity sited and constructed alternative. and he was extremely He was a keen and willing participant in generous in imparting both most NPA work parties. Work party his skills and knowledge. coordinators could rely on Reg to bring At the memorial service along the appropriate tools and he was Neville Esau told the always able to advise on die best way to gathering that he regarded undertake and complete a task. Thanks Reg as a "mentor" and I to his vision and perseverance Orroral believe he was seen in this Homestead has been restored and the light by so many NPA Yerrabi Track constructed. These two members. Several of projects on their own will be lasting and today's skilled navigators much appreciated memorials to Reg. and map readers readily As a keen photographer and skilled acknowledge Reg's darkroom worker Reg contributed many contribution in developing superb photographs to the Bulletin. For their skills. many years it was the very odd edition Reg had an uncanny ability to remember with continued next page NPA ACT lost one of its icons when great detail so many of the life member Reg Alder succumbed to areas he had visited. It may have cancer on 6 October 2003. When been 30-odd years since he last presenting his eulogy for Reg at the walked a particular route but he Namadgi Visitor Centre, Matthew could remember the terrain with Higgins described Reg as a "man of the great clarity and could caution mountains." I am sure that all who knew about those spots where die map Reg and his tireless and constant would tend to lead a walker interest in both bushwalking and the astray. environment would agree with this By the mid '70s Reg was description of him. actively involved in the Reg began bushwalking with the administration of NPA and he was Sydney Bushwalkers in 1938 and he a long time Committee member. quickly developed a consuming interest He was Editor of the NPA Bulletin not only in the activity itself but also in for six years and during this time the natural and cultural environment it grew to the fine publication it is which he had begun to explore. These today. Characteristically, Reg paid interests lasted all his life and he was meticulous attention to every never happier than when he was out detail and changed printers among the gum trees or sitting enjoying frequently to ensure that it was a cup of coffee on the verandah of one ready on the first day of the of the mountain huts. appropriate month at the very latest. Throughout all his He came to Canberra in the early membership he was active on sub- '70s and immediately became a member cornmjttees (particularly for of NPA. He soon made his mark on the Namadgi and the Bulletin) and he Outings Program. Reg's influence saw maintained this interest even longer, more challenging day walks when his health began to fail. For being undertaken as well as overnight many years he was NPA's and extended trips. In the '70s Namadgi representative on the Australian was largely an "unexplored" area for National Parks Council and he bushwalkers. Reg had an ability to read Reg with tools and ready for work Photo Fiona MacDonald Brand Recreational directions for Namadgi and the Alps David Scott (Planning Coordinator— Alps National Parks. The importance of opportunities in the Park were told that Namadgi NP Management Plan, recording and monitoring recreational it was very unlikely such pressure Environment ACT) provided a usage is essential, as is the need for would develop. Furthermore, off-trail challenging set of issues for those zoning and fire control. Two strategic use and riding competitions would be assembled for the August meeting of the options to manage visitor impact were prohibited. NPA. Intense interest in his presentation presented: to concentrate visitors in Following the presentation, NPA was revealed in questions and lively restricted areas on prepared tracks, or to members raised a number of questions. discussion following his address. Space allow dispersal as a means of reducing With reference to whether decisions on does not permit a full review of the impact. This issue raised a question park management could be postponed or topics covered which included from the floor as to whether Namadgi delayed, both David Scott and Geoff Aboriginal joint management, was to be managed as a "conservation Butler (Co-chair of uie mterim Namadgi catchment management, bushfire area or as a playground". This theme Board of Management) replied that management, cycling, groups, recreation occurred throughout the evening in a planning must go ahead at once because fundamentals and developing the park number of ways. of anticipated increased visitor pressure for environment protection. What Balancing conservation and for park access and faculties. When one follows is a selection of topics that recreation required taking the long view member asked to what extent decisions received emphasis and had particular said David Scott. There is an underlying on management options would be made interest for the audience. assumption that with increased on the basis of relative cost, Geoff Environment ACT is considering a population pressure there will be an Butler vigorously assured the group that broad range of options related to the increased demand for park access and decisions would only be made on the recreational use of Namadgi NP. David facilities with resulting environmental basis of what was best for the park and Scott anticipates that the plan of impact that must be carefully managed. not due to a low resource base. management will probably be available For this reason, Environment ACT is Concern was expressed by to the public by mid to late 2004. considering how best to manage hikers, President, Kevin McCue Qiat there was Progress on the plan has been delayed vehicles, horse riders and cyclists etc. no scientific underpinning for decisions due to the recent bushfires, the release for environmental protection. Among being made concerning fire of the McLeod Inquiry report, the non- the decisions being considered are management in uie park. Geoff Butler urban study and uie forthcoming policies regarding hardened tracks, hut disagreed, but admitted that because Coroner's report. It was made clear that replacement, signage and what was there was at present no real fuel Environment ACT and the Interim referred to as "hardened nodes" such as management plan for Namadgi it was Board of Management have not campgrounds. crucial to call on responsible experts to resolved all issues including the Those worried about horses in investigate. interpretation of the term "wilderness". Namadgi will be pleased to learn that A final question brought up the non- In addressing recreation Environment ACT maintains a hard line urban report and the implications of fundamentals, the speaker said that against feral horses in the catchment suggested settlements which could Environment ACT regarded Namadgi and would retain existing low altitude affect the natural values of the park by NP as an essentially low-key and semi- riding areas outside the catchment. influencing its biodiversity. remote ' park with important links to Those with fears that there would be David E Pfanner oUier parks, especially the Australian pressure for commercial horse riding

Reg Alder: 1917-2003 /,rom previous page when one of Reg's photographs was not on the front cover. He was still contributing photographs and perceptive (sometimes provocative) articles until ill-health prevented him. It is because of people of the calibre of Reg that NPA is a well-respected and forceful voice in Uie ACT's environmental community. As Matilda House said, He was a well respected Elder. Len Haskew

Flags at half mast for Reg at the Namadgi Visitor Centre. Photo Sophie Guy After the fires: impacts on ecosystems The January bushfires bumed 70 per Wet fern gully vegetation had been tailed quolls were found in a range of cent of the ACT, but they were not a expected to regenerate slowly, but a sites. The probably severe impact of the single event. They burned different severely impacted fern gully was found fires on populations of the uncommon places in different ways, and affected to be regenerating rapidly, with herb and yellow-bellied glider, because of different plant, animal, bird and fish shrub species sprouting from rootstock widespread canopy scorch, was of species in different ways. Early and tree ferns sprouting from crowns. concern. observations showed that different Bracken fern was regenerating so Rabbits, wild dogs and foxes were locations and different species—and the quickly it was "becoming the dominant commonly seen in fire-affected areas. same species in different locations— ground cover and performing a useful Because of lack of cover, many native were recovering at different rates. role in helping stabilise soils". animals (particularly lizards, small Environment ACT's first report on Woodland and grassland areas ground-dwelling mammals, brush-tailed the event states that although the survey generally experienced lower fire severity possums and some birds) will be more was conducted only three to four months than the forest ecosystems. Yellow box, susceptible to predation. Pigs, goats and after the fire, and before any rainfall to red gum and other eucalypts in grassland horses have the potential to damage break the drought, a significant number areas were regenerating well, but the regenerating habitats or concentrate of plant species showed signs of only known specimen of white box in damage on unbumt habitats. regeneration. Bird and animals species the ACT (on Huntly Estate) was The major implications of the fires showed some surprising but variable showing no response. for ACT fish species were seen as the survival rates, but fish stocks were under The fire gave weeds their big chance, threats posed by increased sedimentation threat mainly from stream sedimentation. and they will need to be managed—as of streams. Streams of particular concern Wildfires in the ACT 2003: Report on will grazing by feral animals and are those in the Cotter catchment where Initial Impacts on Natural Ecosystems— wandering stock to protect reshooting populations of four threatened species begins with the stark statement: "The native vegetation and seedlings. (Macquarie perch, trout cod, two-spined 2003 wildfires burnt 70% (164 914 "The results of the fauna surveys and blackfish, and the Murray River hectares) of the ACT including 90% of opportunistic observations suggest that, crayfish) are known to be present. Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla with few exceptions, populations of most "Wetland communities are often Nature Reserve ... . The geographic species have been substantially reduced assumed to be 'immune' to fire though extent and severity of the fires was in fire-affected areas," the report says. the impact of the 2003 fires clearly unprecedented in the ACT and is likely "Very few animals were observed in demonstrates this is not so. In particular, to have significant short- and long-term areas of high or very high severity burn, the fires burnt most of the Sphagnum consequences for the natural ecosystems where almost all green vegetation moss bogs, and at many sites it was of the Territory." (understorey and canopy) and ground apparent that the Sphagnum hummocks In looking to the future, it cover has been removed." were dead. Little information exists of emphasises the need for more Eastern grey kangaroos were the long term effects of fire on these monitoring and more study, and for commonly observed, and swamp bogs." targeted remedial action. wallabies and red-necked wallabies were In the report's 17 recommendations The survey revealed that the many seen over a wide area. Small ground- were continued monitoring and plant species that had begun to dwelling mammals such as Antechinus surveying of various areas and species, regenerate quickly were usually the more species and bush rats were caught in providing advice to land managers to fire-tolerant species, with mature plants traps in unexpectedly high numbers. assist recovery of flora and manage regenerating from lignotuber, rootstock "Numerous small lizards were an weeds, training Environment ACT staff or epicormic shoots. Even in areas of obvious feature of most areas following to recognise signs of threatened fauna very high fire intensity there were signs the fire," the report says. "However, the species of conservation concern, such as of regeneration after only three months, abundance of reptiles and lyrebirds the smoky mouse and the broad-toothed although big variations were apparent: apparently crashed within three months rat, and encouraging the involvement of for example, the kurrajong had almost following fires. It is possible that a community groups in the monitoring of completely restored canopies while the combination of lack of food and lack of fire-affected areas. The report snow gum showed only the first signs of shelter (leading to increased recommends that environmental flows be shoots. River she oak with scorched susceptibility to predation) may have maintained in the Cotter River below canopies showed significant epicormic been responsible." Bendora Dam to imnimise sedimentation growth, but those that had lost their Wombats seemed to be coping and other measures to protect fish canopies showed no response. well—they shelter in deep burrows, can species. It also recommends that the The report noted that in high severity use poor quality foods and, in the impacts of feral animals—pigs, horses, burn areas where a higher proportion of absence of grass, probably feed on goats, rabbits, foxes and wild dogs—on trees had been killed, much of the subterranean fungi and roots. critical habitat and selected species be canopy cover may not be restored until Corroboree frog habitat was severely identified and be managed accordingly. seedlings mature, which will take many affected, and even though the fires The report's final recommendation is years. Steeper slopes with northern or coincided with the breeding season, the for research findings to be western aspects were the most severely frogs bred and eggs were collected for a communicated to interested community burnt. On the moister eastern and captive husbandry program. No groups and land managers, and to southern slopes the fires burned information exists on the impact on encourage community-based monitoring downhill and slower and less severely. smoky mouse populations. However, where appropriate. scats of broadtoothed rats and spotted- Graeme Wicks Policy forum at general meeting on October 16 A major part of the general meeting of on limits on use of firewood below plantation and recreational forest 16 October 2003 was a policy forum 1500m. managers). The phrase "degrade park which reviewed the key planks of the The discussion on commercial use values" should be replaced with NPA's policy statement "Caring for focused on making any such use more "maintains biodiversity and other Namadgi Together". The issues were open and accountable by notifying natural values." grouped around five key areas: proposals for licences for commercial Finally the meeting discussed huts • wilderness activities in the Canberra Times before and (non-indigenous) heritage. It was • access and recreation being granted, wim opportunity to lodge agreed the whole document should be • commercial use an objection; and to ensure fees don't checked for references to the 1986 • fires penalise organisations such as the NPA, Burra Charter as it should now read • huts and heritage. Scouts, etc by stating "All commercial "1999 Burra Charter". There was In the discussion on wilderness, and non-profit organisations that charge considerable discussion about the suggestions were made to modify the fees for commercial services ... ." standing proposal for a review of Cotter definition to delete "quality of from the Proposed additions to the existing Hut—such a review should have a definition so that it reads "Wilderness is policy would seek to prohibit any specific purpose; if not, the point a large area in an essentially natural sponsorship arrangements in exchange shouldn't be there. Also, a point should state..." and to add "industrial" to the for signage within the park; and to be added about huts not to be used by definition so that it reads "... where oppose any construction of commercial horse groups—both commercial and modern industrial human interference huts, roofed or semi permanent non-commercial. has been limited." A series of dot points accommodation and networks of Overall, the policy forum was a outlining the values of wilderness will camping/walking facilities (such as in fruitful and lively debate which has be added. Croajingalong, Cradle Mountain, etc.) tightened up our policy document. The In the discussion on recreation and The meeting agreed that bushfire Committee has been taking additional access it was agreed to strengthen the fuel management policy should include comments from anyone who has statement that "recreation and access is a statement about supporting proscribed something to add and hopes to get the a secondary consideration ..." and to burning in surrounding farmland and final policy document circulated to look at developing additional points on would expect farmers to take action to members as soon as it is finalised. 4WD clubs gaining additional access as prevent fires burning into parks, Christine Goonrey a reward/trade-off for work parties, on including leasehold and "land use by mountain bikes and horses and managers" (in order to include

Second policy forum

Following the success of our October Members wishing to contribute to * Should the Namadgi Plan of policy forum, the committee is planning the draft recommendations should Management be ready for publication to have a second policy forum at the contact any of the committee members about then, Environment ACT have March 2004* general meeting. or send submissions to the NPAACT offered to brief us on the contents, in The Uiree remaining policy issues on office by mail or email. which case the policy forum would be Namadgi NP concern postponed. • Aboriginal culture Kevin McCue • weeds and feral animals President NPA ACT • tracks.

Regfs last article

Readers of the NPA Bulletin may be because it was likely that Reg would Walkers and their accounts appeared in interested in knowing that a long article have seen the piece before he passed the publication, Sydney Bushwalker. by the late Reg Alder will appear in the away. Reg himself was a member of the March 2004 issue of the Canberra The article is a fascinating account Sydney Bush Walkers from 1938. I Historical Journal, published twice a of bushwalkers in the south-east region guess the article to appear next March year by the Canberra and District of NSW and the ACT and includes was his last, unless other writings of his Historical Society. extracts from their writings in books are with other publishers. and journals. Many of those who It was my intention to run the article Graeme Barrow, Editor in the September 2003 issue, but other travelled around Oris part of Australia Canberra Historical Journal matters intervened and I found it were members of the Sydney Bush impossible to do so. That was a pity Moments of wilderness Those who came to our July general what that meant but I meeting were rewarded with an thought this would be a excellent and thought-provoking good beginning. My photographic presentation by photographic love at this Andrew Lyne, a botanist on long time was landscape and, service leave from the Australian perhaps unsurprisingly, National Botanic Gardens. Andrew my photographer hero presented his personal experiences was Peter Dombrovskis, of many elements of the Canberra undoubtedly familiar to Nature Park, mostly close-up and many of you for his detailed, occasionally expansive, or exquisite photographs of examined from unexpected angles. Tasmanian wilderness. His wonderful images were evidence Well I wanted to do that of a well-developed sense of how to as well! So off I went to close out the surrounding suburbia the School of Art with so as to become acutely aware of the this in mind. The School natural processes continuing in of Art, if I may enthuse their own little environments — very for a moment, is a most localised wildernesses. And it is wonderful place. I possible that, for the robber fly, that became immersed in an moment captured by Andrew really environment of new was being spent in its own little learning, new ideas and wilderness. Adrienne Nicholson new challenges. I had a Dewy spiderweb, Mount Taylor. Photo Andrew Lyne Here are Andrew's very interesting great time. style". This proved very difficult at introductory remarks. During this time I kept mulling over the wilderness idea. There was little first—CNP is not a wilderness in the Tonight I'll be showing a series of some chance of me ducking down to generally accepted sense. It exists 60 or so slides of photographs made in Tasmania to go photographing the largely as islands isolated by grazing the various nature reserves dotted about wilderness so I needed to think of land and suburbs and awash in traffic Canberra that comprise Canberra Nature somewhere closer to home. Namadgi? noise. The wide-angle lens approach to Park (CNP). CNP of course is what puts Deua? The Budawangs, I thought. Well capture the grand vista just wasn't really the "Bush" into "The Bush Capital". yes, but I'd need to visit regularly, so it possible. Everywhere you look in CNP But before the slides ... some would have to be close. you see barbed-wire fences, roads and background on the photographs and my It took a while, but what about CNP, tracks, powerlines, water reservoirs, lines of thought. I thought. It's close—I can duck out telecommunications paraphernalia, I began photographing in CNP in before and after work. Hardly the stuff condensation trails, grazing land and 2000.1 had just started a course of study of wilderness though, I also thought. suburbia. And of course, the weeds! in the Photomedia Workshop of the But maybe, that's the challenge. Give it But it wasn't just a matter of wide- School of Art at the Australian National ago. angle lenses. I found myself rethinking University. I was keen to become a So off I went and began my accepted notion of what wilderness "better photographer". I wasn't sure photographing in CNP in a "wilderness is and what wilderness might be. I began thinking about what CNP is and what CNP might be. Does or can wilderness and CNP intersect? What might this mean? So the whole exercise soon became one not purely of photography, but rather one of ideas. I began to spend much more time thinking about it than actually taking photographs. On numerous occasions I have ventured forth into a reserve, spent half a day traipsing about and not even taken my camera out of its bag. I just didn't see a photograph that fitted in with what I was trying to express. When you see the slides you will see that I believe wilderness does exist in CNP. I'll grant that it is a somewhat

Sunrise, Cooleman Ridge. Photo Andrew Lyne Ring of Fire launched

Many members of the association were Di outlined how the present when fellow member Di concept of the book had Thompson's first book, Ring of Fire, developed as she saw the was launched by Bill Wood, the areas she knew well, Minister for the Arts. A large and lively devastated by the fires. crowd gave the book an enthusiastic She paid tribute to the welcome at the Botanic Garden's many people who had Crosbie Morrison Centre. The book is a encouraged her to push collection of landscape photos recording ahead with publication the change and regeneration brought and to family and friends about by the recent fires in natural areas who had contributed a in the ACT and Kosciuszko. great deal to seeing the The Minister recognised that concept realised. although the photographs had their It is difficult to do the origins in tragedy they portrayed a more images justice by buoyant oudook as they focused on the reproducing them in black regeneration and recovery from the fires and white but maybe there rather than on the unrelenting disaster. is enough in what is He saw this in a broader way reflecting shown on our front cover the approach adopted by the community to encourage those who affected by the fires to rise above the have not yet looked at the problems and concentrate on book, to do so. overcoming them and rebuilding for the Syd Comfort future. He also drew attention to the artistic merit of the photographs and his Di TJiompson and Minister for the Arts, Bill Wood at the attraction to the almost surreal quality of book launch. Photo Nick Weare many of them.

Moments of wilderness continued from previous page toned down, narrow and impure concept "wilderness" often requires a fair bit of propose to build new housing on it. Yet of wilderness, one that is unashamedly effort and heavy rucksacks, lots of the sign at the gate says "Nature human in its perspective. Every so often walking, big hills, rain, cold, Reserve". you are able to find yourself in a discomfort. It's not that I don't like As a community I don't think we situation where you can no longer hear doing this, because I do. It's just that I really believe that CNP can offer us the traffic, the barking dogs, the now feel many of the qualities people many of the things that we as humans Iawnmowers (and, should you live in seek in wilderness—space, opportunity need—space, opportunity for pause and Chapman at the moment, the for pause and reflection, physical reflection, physical exertion, fresh air, chainsaws). All you can hear is quiet. exertion, fresh air, solitude, a place solitude, a place where one can No overt evidence of humanity where one can experience some of the experience some of the majesty of intrudes—just the quiet, the warmth of majesty of nature—can be found in a nature—those moments of wilderness. the sun, the bush, a soaring eagle, the place like CNP. CNP is a most wonderful place. It is scent of Acacia and your own thoughts. Of course all of this leads me to well worthy of preservation and A fleeting moment. A moment of think that CNP has kind of fallen deserving of greater nurture. With more wilderness. through the cracks—a nowhere place care and attention and a really solid I'm a great believer in wild places lost between the shopping mall and the concept of what CNP could be, there is but at this point in my CNP exercise I "true wilderness". As such I feel that it no reason to think that it couldn't rival can't help but feel that the "wilderness" is under-appreciated and much abused. some of Australia's other landscapes as idea is all a bit unobtainable for many We graze sheep and cattle in it, we want a place of great significance. I'm sure it people. To experience a traditional to build big roads through it and we could be done.

NO Desperandum restoration announced

The Chief Minister has announced that The homestead was built between example of a vernacular pise cottage Nil Desperandum homestead in 1896 and 1899 for Henry Gilman, a built at the close of the nineteenth Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is to be champion of small-holder selectors century. restored to its original state after being against the fencing policy of squatters, significantly damaged by the January particularly A J Cunningham of bushfires. Congwarra and Lanyon. It is the best Shaping Our Territory—Final Report: Opportunities for Non-urban ACT The Non-urban Study was requirements are outside the remit of as a land management regime rather commissioned by the ACT Government this report. Discussion of the than as a commercial enterprise. to provide advice on the best pattern of Tantangara pipeline option does not future non-urban land use in the ACT in include any reference to the issues Tourism (including nature- the wake of the January fires. A raised by NPA. preliminary report was released for based tourism) public comment in August and the NPA Ecological resource The NPA opposes the establishment of made a lengthy response to this. In this quality accommodation within Namadgi article I have attempted to summarise conservation National Park possibly to replace the NPA submission and to relate each The study should have provided destroyed huts. It also opposes the use part of it to the relevant section of the descriptions of the environmental values of Gudgenby Homestead as a hospitality final report of the Non-urban Study in non-urban areas and the impacts of centre. released in early November. In the the fires on biodiversity, and dealt with The final report maintains that the following paragraphs the summarised issues around the recovery of the natural potential for nature-based tourism NPA position is printed in normal type values after the fires. The study fails to should be pursued and recognises the followed by the Non-urban Study provide a benchmark against which the provision of accommodation as part of response in italics. impacts of development proposals could this but there are no specific It should be noted that the Non- be measured. The NPA opposes the use recommendations for accommodation in urban Study report is just that: the of weed cover for revegetation of burnt remote areas or in Gudgenby Government has yet to decide what areas. Homestead. action is to be taken in respect of its The section of the final report recommendations. This will, no doubt, reviewing the ecological resources of Rural villages be closely related to further the ACT is virtually unchangedfrom the The NPA opposes village settlements development of the Canberra Spatial draft report. The discussion on the use close to Namadgi and Tidbinbilla Plan. of weeds for soil stabilisation is unchanged but adoption of this process Nature Reserve due to the bushfire risk. is not recommended. It also opposes village settlements General comments because they will stimulate population The study emphasises development and growth in non-urban areas and impact commercial opportunities ignoring the Recreation and community on water conservation . The question is ecological impact of development. well-being also raised as to how these villages There is scant recognition of the values The NPA concurs with the study in could be financed from land sales if of national parks and nature reserves in proposing that the pine forests cater for they are to be occupied by former assisting values such as biodiversity. the greatest diversity of recreational use. residents noting that they were largely There is a lack of recognition of the The study recommends that the in public housing and unlikely to afford nature of non-urban areas and a seeming breadth and quality of recreational current land prices. assumption that they are solely for amenity should be as great as, and Tlie study no longer supports utilisation by people. desirably greater than, before the fires villages at Tidbinbilla and No general statements, additional to and that ACT forests should continue to Williamsdale. The study supports a those in the draft, are made to recognise be available for recreation. village in Uriarra of 85-100 houses, ecological values of non-urban areas and 60 houses in Pierces Creek, the but there are a number of ACT Forests and plantation latter subject to assessment of bushfire recommendations to enhance risk It is proposed that these villages environmental values in specific ways, forests house former residents and new for example, endorsement of the ACT NPA considers that the softwood residents with the proceeds of land sales Lowland Woodland Strategy and plantation industry is not viable and (presumably from the latter group) proposals to enhance it. There is in a recommends alternative uses for these financing the villages. number of places within the final report areas which include catchment less emphasis on commercial protection, conservation and recreation. Rural residential possibilities. Specific recommendations were made The NPA opposes the establishment of for some areas. rural residential developments. The chapter on plantation land and Water resource planning The report does not generally areas managed by ACT Forests has The NPA opposes a pipeline from support rural residential as a fonn of been largely rewritten. The Steering Tantangara unless it can be shown not land use within the ACT, with the Committee has concluded that the future possible exception of the Ingledene to degrade the nature conservation use of the plantation lands should be forest area, subject to detailed values of Namadgi National Park (NNP) determined primarily by considerations and to be free of the risk of introducing of water quality, fire protection, investigation. non-indigenous or pest organisms. ecology, recreation and landscape. The final report states that key Forestry should be viewed principally decisions about future water NPA OUTINGS PROGRAM

Outings Guide Walk grading Terrain grading Distance grading (per day) A—Road, firetrtail track 1—up to 10 km B — Open forest 2 — 10km to 15 km C—Light scrub 3 —15 km to 20 km D — Patches of thick scrub, regrowth 4 — above 20 km E — Rock scrambling F — Exploratory Day walks Carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. Pack walks Two or more days. Carry all food and camping requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY PRIOR WEDNESDAY OR AS INDICATED IN THE PROGRAM. Car camps Facilities often limited or non-existent. Vehicles taken to site can be used for camping. BOOK EARLY WITH LEADER. Other activities include nature rambles and environmental and field guide studies.

Points to note

Please help keep our outings program alive by volunteering to lead outings. New leaders are welcome. The outings convenor is happy to suggest locations suitable for a walk if you do not have something in mind yourself. Feel free to send in suggestions for outings to the association's office as soon as you think of them, with a suggested date.

All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Association of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and as such accept responsibility for any injury howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders, are absolved from any liability in respect of injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing.

The committee suggests a donation, to the nearest dollar, of THIRTY cents per kilometre, DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS in the car, including the driver, be offered to the driver by each passenger accepting transport

Drive and walk distances quoted in the program are approximate distances for return jouneys. 13 December, will also see the Franklin Gudgenby Bosh 11 January, day walk Chalet ruins on the way in. Regeneration Group South Rams Head 150kms, $45 per car. Christmas Party Leader: Brian Slee Contact: Syd Comfort 6281 0719 24 — 26 January, Three day 6286 2578, Clive Hurlstone briansleefSiiprimus.com.au pack walk, joint with FBI 0407 783422 Grading: 1A/B/C Woila/Tuross clive.hurlstonefS) csiro.au Map: Chimneys Ridge, Leader: Eric Pickering Meet at Namadgi Visitor Perisher Valley, and Tom 6286 2128, Centre, Tharwa at 9:15am, or Groggin 1:25000 [email protected] Yankee Hat carpark at Depart Kambah Village Grading: 1C/D/E 10:00am. 7:00am. Proceed past Maps: Snowball, Badja "Tools will be provided." Thredbo to Dead Horse Gap. 1:25000 Climb to unnamed 2040 peak Medium pack walk, off track 14 December, for morning break. Descend on the first and third days, NPA Christmas Party south to South Rams Head possibly camping in one Contact: David Large (1951 metres). View into location for two nights. Those 6291 4830 Victoria and Mt Kosciuszko.. who want to stay in camp on [email protected] Return north to promontory the second day are welcome. Meet at Namadgi Visitor overlooking Leather Barrel It is a beautiful area to lounge Centre, Tharwa at 11:30am. Creek gorge, stopping at about, dirnk tea, read, swim An opportunity to join saddle to see alpine sunrays etc! The intention, however, members of the NPA for and other wildflowers. Return is to do a walk with day conivial lunch and drinks. We to Rams Head Range for packs. I have two adjacent will stroll or drive around to lunch and perhaps climb walk areas in mind, but we Tennent Homestead site in Rams Head (2190 metres) will only do one: Woila the afternoon to see what has before joining walking track Creek and Scout Hat been left since the January east of Bogong Creek and Mountain, or, Tuross River bushfires and what has to be return to vehicles. Afternoon and the mighty Jillicambra done to preserve remaining tea Jindabyne. Book with Mountain. The weather will ruins. leader as-weather check to some extent dictate bow essential. 420kms, $120 car strenuous the day walking plus $15 for park entry (if 21 December, day walk will be! Cars TBA Closing necessary). Muellers Peak date 15 January 2004. Leader: Brian Slee 6281 0719 18 January day walk 24 -26 January car camp briansIeefgiiprimus.com.au Mt Gingera and Brumby Thredbo Diggings Grading: 2A/C Flat Leader: Adrienne Map: Perisher Valley Leaden Max Lawrence Nicholson 62816381 1:25000 6288 1370, Grading 00/1 A/2 A/B/C Depart Kambah Village mlawrencefSiDetspeed.com. choices 6:30am for Charlotte Pass. au Map Mt Kosciuszko Descend to Snowy River and Grading: 3AB 1:25000 climb Mt Clarke, south of Mt Map: Conn Dam 1:25000 Options to be as active or North cote and climb Muellers Meet at Deeks Park carpark inactive as participants Peak. After break, descend to on the Uriarra Road near the desire. Can take the chairlift Lake Albina for lunch. Return Cotter Road intersection at from Thredbo and walk to via Northcote Pass and Club 8:30am. From Gimni carpark Kosciuszko and return; Lake Creek. Several steep we will walk along the follow the Thredbo River climbs. Afternoon tea established road and track to from the village up to dead Jindabyne. Book with leader Priors Hut and Gimni summit Horse Gap and return; take as weather check essential. and then on to Brumby Flat the Skitube up to Perisher anr 420kms, $120 per car plus A chance to check out the Blue Cow for a day walking $15 park entry fee (if regeneration process in the in that area. Half or full-day necessary). high Brindabellas, and we walks, or simply relax by (or in) the river around the 1 February day walk 14 — 28 February pack walk campsite. Please contact Snowy Mountains — Alice The Great South West leader by Wednesday 21rt. Rawson Peaks Walk Drive 430 kms, $ 130 per car Leader: Steve Hill Leaders: Mike and Annette plus $15 per car for cars 6231 9186 Smith 6286 2984 without a parks permit la ndsbil(5> webone.cora.au msmithfStnetspeed.com.au Grading: 4 A/C/E Grading: 2/3 A/B 28 January day walk Map: Perisher Valley Map: Walk Map and Notes Googong Foreshores 1:25000 A 10 day walk in south-west Leader: Max Lawrence A day of fabulous views Victoria plus 2 days of travel 6288 1370, when the wildflowers should each way to get there. Will [email protected]. be out This will proceed only start at Moleside Camp and au if the weather conditions are walk along the Glenelg River Grading: 3A likely to be safe. We drive to to Nelson then coastal Map: Googong Foreshores Thredbo (2.5 hours) and take walking to Portland with brochure the chair to Crackenback. possible inland trip over Mt Walk towards Mt Kosciuszko Richmond. Generally on Wednesday walk with FBI and then the Main Range track with no major climbs and CBE. Meet at Canberra track to Muellers Pass. Turn but some hard walking along Railway Station, Kingston at off on the Mt Townsend the beach. Numbers are 8:30am, or somewhat later at footpad then north along the limited, contact leader by end the Foreshores car park (boat spur to Alice Rawson Peaks. January for further details. launching area) near We drop down towards Lake Options to stay in Cape Googong Dam. A walk along Albina then climb to the Nelson lighthouse, if the western foreshores northern end of Muellers available,.and other places firetrail to Tin Hut and Peak to return. The walk be along the track. Travel London Bridge and return. A partly off track and involve expenses to be arranged chance to check out our city's some climbing. An early start between drivers. Camping dwindling water reserves and and late return to Canberra, fees apply. perhaps visit some of the but the sights are worth it Contact Steve Ffill by Friday islands. If weather is hot we 14 February work party will walk one way only with a 30 January to register and for Gudgenby Bush car shuffle. 50kms, $15 per details of meeting place. 400 Regeneration Group car. kms, $120 per car. Contact: Syd Comfort 6286 2578, Clive Hurlstone 31 January day walk 7-8 February pack walk 0407 783422 Bungonia Gorge Long Point clive.hu rlstonefg; csiro.au Leader: Mike Smith 6286 Leader: Steven Forst Meet at Namadgi Visitor 2984 6251 6817 (h) Centre, Tharwa at 9:15am, or msmith(g> nets peed.com.au steven.forst(5).aca.gov.au Yankee Hat carpark at Grading: 2/A/E Grading: 2B 10:00am. Map: Caoura 1:25000 Map: Caoura 1:25000 Tools will be provided. Meet at Southwell Park Ring leader before Thursday. Netball Court parking area at A walk down from the Long 15 February day walk 8:00am. A steep walk on Point lookout near Tallong Square Rock track down to the junction of into the Shoalhaven Gorge to Leader: Steven Forst 6251 the Shoalhaven River and a shady campsite by the river. 6817 (h) Bungonia Creek. Follow A walk to the bottom of [email protected] creek upstream through the Bungonia Gorge as a side Grading: 2A spectacular Bungonia Gorge trip. A long haul (600m Map: ACT 1:100000 which involves rock climb) back up to the Long A walk to Square Rock from scrambling. Climb (400m) Point lookout on Sunday. 280 the Smokers Fire Trail car out via the steep "Efflux" kms, $70 per car. park off the Corin Dam road. route. 220km drive, $66 per Meet at Kambah Village car. shops at 8:00 am. The walk takes us through the once tall 28 February work party, 12 -15 March four day eucalypt forest to the Namadgi National Park - pack walk, joint with FBI prominent granite boulders of Recovery Ettrema Gorge Square Rock which provide a Contact: Martin Chalk, Leaders: Pat and Eric good resting place with views 6292 3502, Pickering 6286 2128 back to Canberra. Walk [email protected] [email protected] dependant on park access due Monthly work party. Grading: 1 C/D/E to fire season restrictions etc. Probably weed removal Maps: Tonga, Yalwal 75 kms, $22 per car. (blackberries) at Coree 1:25000 Falls/Creek Four days in this interesting, 22 February day walk remote and beautiful 400 Snowy Mountains - The 6-7 March pack walk metre deep gorge. Rock Sentinel - Mt Twynam - The Rolling Ground hopping along the creek, Headley Tarn Leader: Philip Gatenby scrambling, swimming in Leader: Steve Hill 6354 3094 crystal-clear pools and 6231 9186 [email protected] .a magnificent views. Total [email protected] u climb up to 800 metres. Grading: 3 A/C/E Grading: 3 A/C/F Rated hard because of steep, Map: Mt Kosciuszko Map: Geehi Dam 1:25000 trackless descent into the 1:50000 An overnight walk from gorge. Intend to camp two Drive to Charlotte Pass Guthega Power Station to nights at one site with at least carpark (2.5 hrs) and follow explore the Rolling Ground one walk without packs to the Main Range Track to the and ot climb Mt Tate and investigate waterfalls on a Blue Lake look out Climb some of the nearby peaks. side creek. Cars TBA. Please over the Main Range and Contact leader by Wednesday contact leader by 3 March to down to the Sentinel. On to for more details. 400 kms discuss or register your Mt Twynam (2196 m) for $120 per car. interest more views and lunch. Descend via Little Twynam 13 March day walk 20 - 21 March pack walk down the Crummer Spur past Goulburn History Walk The Vines the Headley Tarn back to the Leader: Col McAlister 6288 Leaden Steven Forst cars. The walk will require 4171 6251 6857 good fitness mainly off track Grading: 2A [email protected] and will involve regular Map: Goulburn street map Grading: 3 A/B climbs including a small rock and self guiding walking Map: CMW Budawangs scramble. It brings with it an tour pamphlets Ring leader before Thursday. early start and late return to A walk taking in some of A walk to a campsite near the Canberra, but the sights are Goulbums heritage buildings. base of Quilti.es Mountain. supremely rewarding (a two We start with a guided tour of Visit the forests of the Vines film walk). Contact Steve Hill the Old Goulburn Brewery area with possible side trips by Friday to register and for (fee) then walk up Rocky Hill up Styles Pass or to Quilties details of the meeting place. to the War Memorial for clearing. 340 kms, $100 per 400 kms, $120 per car. views of the city. We will car. visit some of the heritage 25 February day walk buildings including the two 24 March Wednesday day Leader: David Large cathedrals, having lunch on walk 6291 4830 the way. hi the afternoon Leader: Adrienne [email protected] visits to the Water Works Nicholson 6281 6381 Grading: 2 A/B Museum and/or Kenmore Mid week day walk in Map: Various Hospital, (fees/donations). conjunction with FBI and Mid week day walk in Meet at 8:30 am at the ACT CBC. Final details notified by conjunction with FBI and Netball Centre carpark just email or contact leader. Not CBC. Final details notified by past the Dickson traffic lights more than $ 12 per car. email. Not more than $ 12 per on Northbourne Ave. 200 car. kms, $60 a car. 27 March work party 2-4 April car camp joint Register with Graham Scully. Namadgi National Park — with KHA On registering you will Recovery - Yerrabi Return to Snowy Plain receive details on how to get Contact: Philip Gatenby Leader; Graham Scully to the campsite, together with 6254 3094 6230 3352 suggestions on what to bring. philip.gatenbvfSidewr.gov.a scuilymob(£}netspeed.com.a u u 3 — 5 April pack walk Monthly work party. Repairs A re-run of a very successful Mt Namadgi to steps down to tor. KHA car camp on the Leader: Martin Chalk, Gungarlin River held several 6292 3502, 31 March day walk years ago. We will visit many martin.chalkf2itpg.com.au Leader: Syd Comfort 6286 of the historical sites on Grading: 3 B/D/E 2578 Botheram Plain and walk Map: Rendezvous Creek, Mid week day walk in through Kalkite Gap to the Yaouk 1:25000 conjunction with FBI and site of Broadhead's 1875 A walk in the "heart" of CBC. Final details notified by water powered sawmill. The Namadgi National Park email or contact leader. Not races are still visible, ar are starting at Boboyan Pines car more than $12 per car. the chimney stones and the park. Mostly off tracks and a graves of two children. A 20 climb of about 800 metres on page historical summary is first day. Contact leader by available at $3.00 per copy. 31 March for details. 140 These must be ordered and kms, $42 per car. prepaid on registration.

Kimberley in May 2004

Walkers interested in joining a fourteen day expedition aimed at exploring the fascinating, remote and beautiful region surrounding King George Sound are invited to call Pete Tedder on 6282 1711 (phone and fax) for an information sheet giving the itinerary and costs. The walk, which is provisionally scheduled on 15 - 29 May 2004 will be of moderate grade. Willis Walkabouts will be chartered to guide and arrange the logistics. A food drop is being organised so that we will not have to cany more than seven days rations.

It is to the advantage of those people who are interested to contact Pete as soon as possible as the cost is tied to when you pay.

Russell Willis of Willis Walkabouts is visiting Canberra on the 26 January 2004 and will show slides of the region and other areas where he operates. The location of the presentation is the St James Uniting Church Hall, Curtin at 7:30pm.

Slim but significant—the Draft Canberra Spatial Plan In early November the Minister for • future industrial and transport related sufficiently emphasise their Planning, Simon Corbell, released the employment growth will be fundamental role? Draft Canberra Spatial Plan saying that accommodated wthin existing • what will be the effects of residential sustainability was a key feature in industrial areas and by opening up a development on the natural values of developing this strategic plan which will corridor comprising the Majura and the Molonglo corridor? provide guidance over the next 30 years Symonston valleys; • what effect will the encroachment of and beyond. As an element of the • major transport connections, including settlement in Gungahlin have on its Canberra Plan this draft will encourage public transport, will link the town grassy woodlands? and facilitate population growth, up to centres with Civic and link future • what will be the effects of building half a million in the Canberra- urban settlement in Majura and major transport links to Molonglo and Queanbeyan metropolitan area. Kowen into major employment Kowen on the nature reserves and The plan has been well publicised corridors; and open spaces between these locations but the following features may be noted: • a Fire Abatement Zone will be and the city centre? • growth is to be within the boundaries established around the city. • will the Fire Abatement Zone be of the ACT rather spread into New Whilst recognising the value of the established in a way that rrhhimises South Wales as envisaged in the containment of the city that the draft damage to natural areas? earlier "Y" Plan; plan proposes there are some There are many steps to he taken • Canberra will be a city with growth environmental questions that concern before the draft plan, or an amended initially contained within a radius of me. These include: version of it, can be implemented. In 7.5km, later of 15km; • If sustainability is a key feature, addition to public consultation and • residential needs will be met by should the plan "encourage and consideration of the Non-urban and intensification of existing urban areas facilitate" growth? other studies, negotiations with the particularly the town centres, by • noting that during the life of the plan National Capital Authority, the NSW continued growth of Gungahlin and oil could become less available and Government and local councils will be later in the Molonglo Valley and on more expensive, has sufficient required. Changes to legislation and to the Kowen Plateau; provision been made for the statutory plans will also be necessary. • Civic will be the centre of culture, development of a city that is less But for the moment the matter to note is business and creativity and existing dependent on the use of cars? that responses to the draft are required centres including Civic will be the • observing the fundamental by 17 December 2003. focus of employment growth; significance of transport links in the Syd Comfort operation of a city, does the plan

Shaping Our Territory—Final Report continued from page 10 Science and education options for water quality control ponds would impact adversely of the park's on the Molonglo. conservation values. The NPA opposes the development of The final report considers that the rural villages as biotechnical, Cotter and Uriarra natural value of Namadgi National environmental or space industry hubs. The NPA expressed concern that Park can add to the tourism potential of The recommendations in the draft development of walking and recreation the ACT. However the final report does for these uses have been dropped from tracks could impact on conservation not discuss nor recommend the the final report. values through increased visitation. establishment of accommodation or Walking and recreation tracks have tourist complexes in the park been retained in the final report without Stromlo and lower Molonglo Upgrading of Boboyan and Brindabella reference to impacts on conservation River area roads are retained as options. values. Syd Comfort The NPA is concerned that increased access on walking tracks along the river Namadgi corridor could impact on the natural Bird book is 10 years old values in sensitive areas. In siting water The study failed to address the The NPA's Field Guide to the Birds of quality control ponds for Weston Creek significance of the wilderness qualities the ACT with text by McComas Taylor in the Molonglo corridor, there is a need of Namadgi much of which is to consider the impacts they may have attributable to its remoteness, and which and illustrations by Nicolas Day was on the conservation values of the area. qualities are easily affected by human launched in 1993. The book, made The recommendation in the draft to intervention. The NPA opposes further possible by a generous donation from provide improved access for walkers in developments within Namadgi National Alastair Morrison, was reprinted in the lower Molonglo Corridor have been Park because such development would 1999 and continues to meet the need for retained in the final report, as are be exposed to bushfire damage and a convenient and authoritative reference to our local birds. near the summit in 1877. More than 50 miners lived and worked on the mountain between 1880 and the turn of the century, by which time 335kg of gold had been won from the reefs. There was some further mining in the 1950s. Recognising that many areas of land in private ownership have heritage values and warrant protection, the NSW Government has established a range of schemes through which landholders have the opportunity to participate in a cooperative strategy to conserve areas of value. These arrangements include Wildlife Refuges, Management Contracts and Voluntary Conservation Agreements. The various types of agreement have varying conditions, periods of operation and legal commitments, and attract different Sign proudly displayed at the front gate of "Burrawang ". Photo Den Robin levels of assistance and support. Den and Geoff opted for the Did you ever want to pack up living in countryside and is still 800m at the Voluntary Conservation Agreement the suburbs and establish yourself in a summit. Numerous creeks flow in a (VCA) which is the most long term and natural setting and see that the radial pattern from the high spur. The comprehensive of the range of environment around you was protected? mountain is the subject of an Aboriginal conservation agreements. The Perhaps you did, but ... didn't. creation story and the area continues to agreement is between the Landholder However Den and Geoff Robin did, and be very significant to the local and the NSW Minister for the ... did. They moved on to 41 hectares at Aboriginal people. The slopes contain Environment. It is permanent and Dignams Creek on the south-western rainforest with a wide array of plants, registered on the title of the property. slopes of Gulaga (Mount Dromedary) birds and other animals and is of world The agreement includes a detailed site some six years ago, built a bouse that is heritage significance. It was not, description of the conservation values largely self-sustaining and then moved however, included in the World of the property and a comprehensive on to protect the area around them. Den Heritage temperate rainforest area when flora survey. A plan of management is explained to the association's that was declared, but in 1968 was developed wiui the owners which can September meeting what they have done declared a flora reserve. In 2000 Gulaga be modified over time to reflect to achieve this. National Park was created and title changing circumstances. Gulaga is the remnant of a volcanic handed to the Aboriginal people. Den said that she found the surveys eruption which lifted the mountain some Alluvial gold was discovered at of the property carried out by scientists two kilometres above the surrounding Dignams Creek in 1852 and reef gold from the Parks and Wildlife Service fascinating and a source of detailed information about the property that went beyond her previous knowledge. The development of the agreement and the plan of management were carried out in a cooperative way and ensured that me outcome was the one that suited tfieir situation rather than having a fixed set of conditions imposed. Specialist advice was available on such matters as the fencing needed to protect the land. The NSW Government also provides funding assistance for on-ground conservation work and there is provision for permanent council rate exemptions over the conservation area. Whereas a number of VCAs had been established in the neighbouring Bega Valley Shire, the Robin VCA was

The tall forest includes silver top ash, monkey gum, woolybatt, yellow stringybark, ferns and remnant rainforest species along the watercourses. Photo Den Robin Honorary life membership

Syd and Eleanor broadcasting seed at the Gudgenby regeneration area after the January fires burned the felled pines.

Honorary life membership awards have the association. She has been a driving following year. In 1989 he became been rare in the NPA with only 12 force behind many reports and President, at a time when the Committee members honoured in the 43 years of submissions made by the association, was dealing with such issues as the the association's existence. Perhaps we including the recently completed report logging of the south-east forests, and should be more generous in this matter. on protecting native remnants in pine nearer to home, Canberra Nature Park However, it is pleasing that the forests and the major document, and the push for the removal of the Committeee and membership granted "Caring For Namadgi Together". Boboyan pine plantation. This last issue honorary life membership to two of its Eleanor has also brought her scientific is one which he continues to pursue hard-working members at the August background and writing skills together through the Gudgenby regeneration meeting. I'm sure that they will need no in many articles published in the project. introduction, but please congratulate Bulletin. Syd has been involved in a number Eleanor Stodart and Syd Comfort. When the removal of the pines in of facets of the association's work Eleanor joined the NPA in 1994 Gudgenby Valley became a reality including the Namadgi sub committee, because, as she has said, her family had Eleanor joined the regeneration group organising work parties, leading walks been enriched by holidays walking, and soon became the President and and more recently, editing the NPA skiing, and being in contact with nature showed herself as an excellent organiser Bulletin. Through his tact and in national parks, and she wanted to do and leader. She has now stepped into experience, Syd has contributed to the something for the parks in return. She the position of Secretatry but it was her association over many years. mlfilled this desire by immediately enthusiasm that kept the group active It is because the NPA attracts and joining the Committee and soon after, over the past four years. The three metre holds people of the qualify of Eleanor accepting the position of President, a high trees on the slope above Hospital and Syd that this association has been post she held for three years until 1996. Creek reflect her dedication to this task. able to continue to influence the Eleanor continued on the Committee Syd Comfort joined the NPA in environmental management of the ACT. until 2001 to complete eight years of 1980, was elected to the committe in Fiona MacDonald Brand attentive involvement with the affairs of 1984 and became Treasurer the

Did you ever want to ... ? continued from previous page the first in the Eurobodalla Shire. Den consider what effect this may have on Large has this in hand so keep an eye on explained that she and Geoff had the value of the land and its market the Outings Program. worked through the process of prospects should one wish to sell. They Syd Comfort developing the VCA with their family had thought through all these issues so that the commitment was shared with before comnntting to the agreement. all family members. She went on to And now for the really good news: explain that the VCA was a legal Den has invited the NPA to arrange for contract that was bound in perpetuity to members to visit to the property. David the title of the land. Thus one had to PARKWATCH

The Waterfall Way walking raising the risks of cyanide accidents initial two-year research phase to the and massive birdkill. tune of about SI million. track, New England "The proposed methods for Field Natter, August, 2003 The possibility of a long distance measurement for WAD cyanide walking track in the New England area discharged in the mining process and to Tasmania destroying its most is being investigated by members of the neutralise the cyanide are inadequate. valuable asset New England Ecotourism Society The extent of arsenic—a dangerous Tasmania's rural land and (NEES) based in Annidale. The walk poison that can enter the food chain, manufacturing potential is limited, but it may eventually start from Walcha and affecting fish, wildlife and humans— does have one magnificent natural reach the coast, passing through or near that will occur in mine waste rock has asset—its old growth forests. As to such places as Armidale, Ebor, not been properly assessed. temperate region old growth forests Dorrigo, Bellingen and Coffs Harbour. "Alternatives to the mine that could elsewhere are logged, this will become These communities and others along the deliver ecologically sustainable jobs and an ever more attractive tourist attraction. way would benefit from the tourism save these wetlands have not been This fact is not recognised by the potential of the track. properly addressed," Ms Rosenhek said. Tasmanian Government or Forestry The track will pass through habitat, August 2003 Tasmania, though it has gained spectacular gorge country with many international recognition The great views, some splendid waterfalls Quoll rescue effort Independent (UK) writes: and other special features of the Given the seriousness of the threat and For tourists the visual impact of Tablelands and escarpment rim. As it the need for urgent intervention, Parks logging can be shocking. On country nears its destination on the coast, the and Wildlife scientists and Northern roads, huge mucks laden with logs scenery will change to include rich Land Council Caring for Country Unit rattle noisily past. As you drive rainforest and beautiful beaches. staff have been working alongside through enchantingly beautiful The track is being investigated in six traditional owners, Parks Australia scenery you are suddenly confronted zones. These are: North (Kakadu) and the Territory by a desolate charred landscape that is 1. Walcha to Dangars Falls near Wildlife Park to source quolls from sites utterly devoid of life—every tree cut Armidale, on the mainland around Humpty Doo, down and the location firebombed and 2. Dangars Falls to Wollomombi Falls, Darwin River Dam and Kakadu then laced with poison to kill the 3. Wollomombi Falls to Point Lookout, National Park before cane toads arrive. wildlife that might eat the fast 4. Point Lookout to Dorrigo, These animals are being translocated to growing plantation seedlings that are 5. Dorrigo to Coffs Harbour. two islands in north east Arnhem Land subsequently sown. Here lies the Anyone interested in learning more which have suitable habitat and are paradox of Tasmania, which markets about this exciting project can contact likely to remain cane toad free. Robert itself as the clean, green land but NEES at PO Box 929, Armidale, NSW Brown, a Larrakia and Wulna elder who appears hellbent on destroying its 2350 or visit the website at speaks for country near Darwin where most precious natural resources. www.ecotourism.com.au. some of the quolls were collected, said The Colong Bulletin The Bushwalker, August 2003 it was vital the animals were protected September 2003 "the best way we can". Traditional Lake Cowal mining lease owners of the islands from the Coongie Lakes to become a granted Warrirnirri, Galpu and Djambarrpuyngu Clans, agreed to accept the quolls onto national park Lake Cowal in New South Wales* their islands and to work with Parks and central west is the seasonal home to The State Government has moved to Wildlife scientists in releasing and thousands of migratory birds from protect valuable wetland habitat in the monitoring. across the globe, including 12 migratory State's far north east. The State bird species listed in international The Web, Winter 2003 Government, joint-venture oil protection agreements. It is also the companies headed by Santos and state's largest inland fake. The cyanide- Germ warfare—next step in conservation groups have arrived at an leaching mine is planned to be built on cane toad fight agreement for the establishment of a 279km2 National Park. its shores. "It's a high risk project in the Scientists are ready to wage germ heart of sacred Wiradjuri country and in Coongie Lakes, located within warfare on cane toads. The CSIRO is Innamincka Regional Reserve (also wetlands worthy of RAMS Ail listing," developing a virus that would stop says conservationist Ruth Rosenhek. used for pastoral purposes), tadpoles maturing. The Territory's Daly approximately 1000 kilometres north­ "The New South Wales government River region is a key research base for east of Adelaide provide important did not approve the project in 1996. It the project. CSIRO senior scientist habitat for a vast array of biodiversity. was simply incompatible with the high Tony Robinson said two years of The area is part of one of the most arid conservation values of Lake Cowal. A prelhrtinary research had shown the landscapes in the world, and few changes were made to the design virus could be developed. He said a key encompasses wetlands surrounded by but some of these changes have actually part of the research, carried out in dunes, interdune flats, swamps and increased the project's risks. conjunction with the Australian Animal stony plains. "Reducing the number of tailings Health Laboratory in Victoria, was to Xanthopus, August 2003 ponds from four to two, but doubling ensure the virus would not affect native their sizes has increased the dangers to frogs. The Federal Government agency birds and other small animals. Birds will Environment Australia has funded the find the ponds an attractive habitat thus Black Mountain Nature Reserve walk

George Chippendale led his 35th orchid walk in Black Mountain Nature Reserve on Saturday morning October 11. An interested group of people, some new to the walk and some who walk the mountain each year, listened to George's explanations of the various plants. It was a sunny morning with a cool wind blowing and we were rewarded for two and a half hours by vistas of blue Caladenia orchids and donkey orchids on each side of the track. We walked up the mountain to the edge of a very recent "burn-off' then descended into a gully with water in the creek and more and more blue Caladenia orchids. Changes are afoot in the reserve nearest Caswell Drive with trees "spotted" and waiting for removal for the new road. Acres of beautiful orchids will also be swept away. What a high price to pay so that we can get from A to B in less time! Fiona MacDonald Brand

Above right. George Chippendale leading his 35th Black Mountain spring walk. Right. Laurie Adams (left) and Graeme Wicks on the Black Mountain walk. Photos Fiona MacDonald Brand

PARKWATCH continued from previous page Barmah-Millewa National Park Management Authority, the Mayor and Councillors from Campaspe and Murray The Victorian National Parks Tourist lookout to be Shires Mayor and representatives from Association (VNPA) launched its the wider community. The VNPA will campaign for the establishment of a developed be working with locals and other Barmah-Millewa National Park and for environment groups including via a The ACT Government is to redevelop River Red Gum conservation on the groundbreaking collaboration with the the tourist lookout at Hospital Hill in Murray River at Echuca on March 27, National Parks Association of NSW Namadgi National Park. This will take 2003. (NPA), who are working on similar advantage of views of an area not as The President of the Australian issues. A new body, the Cross-border badly affected by the fires as were many Conservation Foundation, Peter Garrett, Conservation Council has been formed other areas in the park. It looks out joined Yorta Yorta elders and VNPA under the auspices of NPA to coordinate across Yankee Hat Aboriginal rock art President Ian Harris to release the the different elements involved in both site, and to the Gudgenby bush "River Red Gum Forests" brochure and states. regeneration area. to officially launch the campaign. Joining them for a cruise on an historic Inland Rivers Network, Winter 2003 paddle steamer were representatives Compiled by Len Haskew from Goulburn-Broken Catchment Pine plantations—not sustainable

The September 2003 issue of the NPA trees and understated appearance, they supply and has lo be properly Bulletin contained a two-page article can contain a very rich array of plants replenished for production lo be entitled "Stretching radiata pines into and animals; and of course the myriads maintained. It is salulary to realise lhal drier areas" by David Spencer of of insects and microorganisms, which most of the commercially applied CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products in are invariably "out of sight and out of fertilisers only partially restore the soil, Canberra. mind". which must therefore deteriorate sooner Firstly, I am most concerned that the or later. inclusion of such an article could well Further expansion Now lo the use of increasingly be seen as giving our imprimatur to the costly fossil fuels. The manufacture, One is now alerted to the fact— very concept of Pinus radiata transport and application of fertiliser unpalatable to me—that CSIRO plantations (let alone their expansion), (and biocides) needs fuel, as does a Forestry is selecting hardier strains of P. which now cover huge swathes of highly mechanised limber harvesting radiata in order to have plantings that south-eastern Australia. This species operalion; in other words, each linear can be put in areas receiving less than was introduced from California. metre of wood at the mill is equivalent 650mm of rain. And. their efforts don't to "so many litres of oiF\ stop there! Crossbreeding is in place to NPA's objectives allow commercial plantations down to These objectives, in part, read 500mm. So, potentially, unless the Native vegetation needed "promotion ... of measures for the brakes are applied, very large tracts of It is unforlunale that the use of pine protection of flora and fauna 1 take country are likely to be covered in the hybrids for treating degraded land on this to mean that we wi 11 ever be decades to come with P. radiata or its farms is being advocated. Surely the key mindful to protect—and also hybrids. principle, here, is to commence regenerate—our native biological restoration with the very species which heritage anywhere, and not just in Plantations unsustainable have been so ruthlessly erased over the proclaimed national parks, which can last 100 to 200 years. Of course, finding only ever cover a relatively small part of First and foremost, a plantation (of local seed is often not easy—eg, in the Australian landmass. any one species) is a monoculture and, highly cleared cropping counlry—nor as such, very prone—sooner or later— Soon after coming lo Canberra in may a good strike with some species be to be affected by a whole host of pests 1970, I grieved at the razing—for oblained on clapped-oul land. However, and diseases. Reports of loss of pine pines—of so much of the biologically persistence is the key in bringing back plantation yields due to fungal blights diverse, high rainfall eucalypt forests in the whole suile of indigenous grasses, and insect attacks have come from the ranges above Tumut. With the ground covers, shrubs and trees, all of various locations throughout south­ guidance of Hedda and Alistair which have evolved—-on particular soils eastern Australia. As the overall area of Morrison. I also witnessed the clear- and climes—over millennia. this particular species is so large, the felling al Tallaganda. At the time, too, I Contrast the sterility of simplistic potential for disaster is dire—parallels, was privileged to have contact with that stands of introduced pines, which will indeed, the spread and impact of Dutch wonderful pair of local campaigners, nol foster the local insects and birds, let elm disease in the northern hemisphere. Richard and Val Routley, who wrote the alone the host of soil organisms. (One could well point out lhal seminal, 400-page book The Fight for Ecologisls, for some time, have been virtually all of our currenl agriculture— the Forests: The. takeover of Australian urging more sustainable and resilient be it for introduced cereals or domestic forests for pines, woodchips and systems of land use. where some 30 per nd grazing stock—is also very prone to intensive forestry (1974, 2 ed). cenl of all land should be covered with disease; it needs to be propped up by It was thanks to the Roulleys, and native species. biocides as well as breeding programs many other conservationists who took in an attempt to keep one jump ahead of up this issue, that David Spencer could (he latest predalor.) Time to cut pine area report lhal "by the mid 1980s, il was no We are all well aware that the fires longer possible lo clear native forest to The introduced European-style of both 2002 and 2003 have killed some establish pines". agricultural and forestry methods have not only decimated the indigenous II OOOha of pines (out of 16 OOOha). biota, bul invariably degraded the soil in Now let us take our cue from Toby Current policies a multitude of ways, ihe very exposure Jones, who heads Greening Australia in However, that did not stop the of soil after clearing allows erosion by the ACT. He has this vision: "Over the tentacles of the State Forest wind and rain, let alone large losses of next 10 years we can transform this bureaucracies slill bent on increasing soil organic mailer. With pine there is landscape. We can replace the bumed the area of plantation: they "looked to also the ongoing periodic exposure out plantations with yellow box/grassy pasture land already cleared" or so- belween rolalions, and after fire an woodlands." (See "Waler" supplement, called "marginal sites". These erodable moonscape with no ensuing Canberra Times. 22 October 2003. p4.) alternatives may sound quite benign, but regeneration (of which Canberrans are NPA has experience aplenty—with in many instances, remnants of native only too well aware). its Gudgenby regeneration—to bring to grasslands were planted over. In fact, Il is nol generally realised that this lask. Hopefully ihe most erodable "natural temperate grassland" is now plantation foreslry in Auslralia—just steep slopes can be restored first; also, 1 isted as an endangered ecological like agricultural practice—requires those very visible plantation areas community. Perhaps most of us still periodic applications of imported alongside Ihe Tidbinbilla Range. underestimate the innate biodiversity of fertiliser. Removal of wood, as with any grassy ecosystems—despite their lack of produce, depleles [he soil's nutrient Bushfire recovery report

Since the last Bulletin, most activity has been spent on the Yerrabi Track. We have had two work parties and have finalised the replacement of the rotting "cheeses" on the approach to Mura Swamp with hard wood chords. Additionally, some rabbit warren survey work has been conducted in the Boboyan Valley to finalise work in that area. In the next period we have another work party at Yerrabi to conduct some repair work on the cement steps laid by the NPA in 1987 and an anti-blackberry trip to Coree Creek in the Brindabella National Park. (The area below Coree Falls was burnt and the blackberries, thistles and nettles are doing very nicely!) See the Outings Program for dates. Martin Chalk

Above. Laying the corduroy track (I to r) Frank Clements, Phil Gatenby, Allen

Pine plantations—not sustainable continued from previous page We need to be aware, of course, of the 2003). The Canberra-based National unsustainable, for the reasons outlined many vested interests, who continue to Association of Forest Industries, with above. The whole operation is, in fact, advocate pine replanting. The ACT Kate Carnell as Executive Officer, is an exploitative or "mining" one, similar Forestry Section themselves, have been also a force to be reckoned with: they to the typical Australian cropping and quick off the mark with some areas want wholesale replanting both in the grazing regime. already done! Unfortunately, there ACT and across the border (Canberra Let us ponder those refreshing seems to be little environmental Times, 1 November 2003, p8). remarks made earlier this year by the direction coming from the Government, Wentworth Group of eminent scientists: or from most of our elected Assembly Concluding remarks "We need to learn to live with the Members. However, the Government- Plantation forestry—particularly landscape, not fight against it." sponsored "Non-Urban" study, chaired with the use of introduced species such Chris Watson by Sandy Hollway, did canvas various as Pinus radiata (more vulnerable to options in its recent report (August pests and killed by fire)—is July weekend in Bundanoon

Chris Emery provided these photos of the weekend at Bundanoon YHA arranged in mid July by David Large. A full day's walk on Saturday, a Christmas-in-July dinner in the YHA hostel, a shorter walk on Sunday morning and a visit to the Buddhist monastery were the highlights of a very successful weekend.

Above. One table at the Christmas-in-July dinner. To the left Margaret and Rob Forster, Lyndall Young and Robert Abel; to the right Neville Esau, Gail Bums, Di and Gary Thompson.

Right. The supervisory and cooperative efforts involved in passing a barrier designed to stop rabbits. Was this the morning after the party?

The Great Australian Bushwalk Recently the NPA of New South Wales gathered a great deal of monentum and NPAs and our President has been conducted a highly successful Great was taken up eagerly by the press. prompt in agreeing to the NPA ACT Australian Bushwalk. The event was Now the NPA of NSW plans to being involved in the 2004 Great created as a way of exposing large extend the event to the other states and Australian Bushwalk. numbers of the public to the territories. This has already met with Our outings program next year will association's bushwalking program. It positive responses from some state carry details, so keep an eye out for it.

Recent publications and reports Towards the Canberra Social Plan - requirements - Mark Lintermans A Nation Charred: Inquiry into the ACT Government. Sets out the draft Environment ACT Technical Report Recent Australian Bushfires - House of social priorities and goals for the No 15. Representatives Select Committee. Canberra community. The Canberra Managing the Australian Alps: a history Social Plan is expected to be released in of cooperative management of the December 2003. Australian Alps national parks - Peter Joint paper addressing the need for Crabb joint publication of the socially equitable water strategies for Australian Alps Liaison Committee and Len and Gerry on the ACT- Conservation Council and the the Centre for Resource and top again ACT Council for Social Services. Environmental Studies, ANU. Advances a strategy for making Congratulations to Len Haskew and reductions in water usage by memods Molonglo Catchment Project Planning Gerry Jacobson who have "bagged" already available that would also reach Framework and Information Resource - their first peaks since recovering from low cost basic households. Molonglo Catchment Steering major surgery. Gerry was quite elated to Committee and the Conservation be sitting on the rocks atop Orroral Peak Action plan number 25, Ginninderra Council supported by Environment when he took part in Doug Finlayson's peppercress and number 26, silver ACT. Family Bushwalkers mid-week walk in perch - ACT Government. Both are ACT Natural Resource Management October, and Len surveyed the world endangered species for which action from Mount Morgan on Max Plan—draft for public comment - ACT plans are required by legislation. Lawrence's pack walk through Murrays Natural Resource Management Board. Gap in early November. The status of fish in the ACT—a review of current knowledge and management

IS NPA BULLETIN — DECEMBER 2003 Book review companionship, and Huts in the Victorian Alps are where people can and the people who built develop their creative writing and and cared for them. spirituality. Huts are By Klaus Hueneke, Tabletop Press, often built in places Palmerston ACT, 2913. $45.00, plus that are special, the postage $5.00. places feel good to us. Huts become The 2003 winner for the best self- special to those who published book, non-fictional section. use and care for them, NSW Writers Centre, this is the a focus for the complex story of 120 of the best known associations and and accessible huts in the Victorian memories. When Alps. Written in an engaging style, it is families reconnect based on interviews, journal articles, with a hut it becomes books, visits and time spent, and, above special indeed. all, Klaus's own highly personal Klaus is not only reactions to Uie huts, their histories and mystical, he is also their place in the Victorian High practical and political, Westons Hut, Bogong High Plains, in 1956 with Hilke Country environment. and makes the point and Shirley Stielow. Peter Dunbar's photograph Cattlemen, skiers, bushwalkers, that huts are good for reproduced in Huts in the Victorian Alps. scouts, miners, loggers, hydro-workers, the environment and strong. I too take records, gather film makers, and dingo trappers built wilderness. By enabling a large number notes, stories, maps and images. the huts. The book is illustrated with of walkers to be accommodated in one We both have a legacy from the 170 black and while pholos, some area, the impact of literally hundreds of German Romantics, one small 20 drawings, and seven maps. It can be campsites is eliminated. human presence witnessing the used as a guidebook, a work of history, The book is not simply a guidebook, enormous spirit and beauty of the an encyclopedia or as a photographic it is for those of us who hunger to landscape, we merge with the essay. Just as his first book, Huts of the experience ourselves in wild places. Its identity of the land and come to High Country (1982), has an appendix appeal lies not only in the historical and know ourselves. b'sting maps and map references and technical details of the huts, but also in In Klaus, tempering the grand other details of all huts described, so the skills by which Klaus opens for the vista, is a methodical attention to does this one. It will be a useful tool for reader glimpses of the people who built detail. In his writing endless small hut lovers, and a good companion to and used the huts, as well as bis own details are gathered together, years Fiona Magnussen's Victoria's Alpine unique personality. He creates word of notes, many trips, step by step, Heritage, The Huts of the High Plains pictures of his deepest feelings: "We click of the camera, photo by photo, (2003), which gives brief histories and stared into the fire and were content to word by word, sentence by sentence. clear directions to locating 56 huts and let that be the sum of our universe" or "I Step by step carefully he goes sites in the Bogong, Dargo and Hotbam like to squat in silence, especially in knowing there will be a hut at the regions. powerful places in the Alps". end. His books are his babies, and For me, the most important chapter The book was launched in his home he sends them to good homes. is the first, "Huts, much more than (hut) in Canberra in September this Finally his humanity, his capacity meets the eye". This is the product of a year, and his daughter Anna was one of through his writing to bring his hfetime's contemplation on the human the speakers. What she said was simply inner self out there for all to see, his need for shelter, and its physical, social, so good that some of her gems need to strengths and terrors, his stories of psychological and spiritual meanings. be repeated in this review. poos and farts and human processes Klaus touches the deepest recesses of / have known Klaus Hueneke for abound. The hut, the human, the our psyche as he writes about the over 33 years. Over that time, rough, the raw. The hut is the human variety of shelter huts and the words together and apart, we have presence in the landscape. The hut describing them and their attributes: traversed many mountains and holds us together in our earthy "cave, shelter, dwellings, huts, homes, valleys. As a daughter, one knows humanity. homesteads, warmth, safety, nest, cubby one's father both from the outside A book that will be treasured by house, tree house, shed and bolthole through experiences we share, as those who hold it, a book that will be (schlupfloch)". Much of this chapter well as from a spirit that lives inside, returned to often over the years. Highly calls to mind Jung's concept of me and is passed from generation to recommended. collective unconscious, a variety of generation. Write to Klaus Hueneke, 2 Lambell deep and primitive human needs and My father makes the wilderness Close, Palmerston, ACT, 2913 and send attributes inherited and passed down known through photos, maps and a cheque or money order. Alternatively over aeons. stories. He has a strong sense of the phone on 6242 0995for details of EFT. Huts are featured in human imaginal, his photos capture potent mythology and fairy tales; they are moments, his compositions are Graham Scully associated with warmth, shelter, safety, National Parks Association Calendar

New members Dec Jan Feb Mar The association extends a warm welcome to the following new members and invites Public holidays Thur 25 Thur I them to participate in NPA activities. Fri26 Mon 26 1 R and G Bateman Lyneham General meetings Thur 19 ! Thur 18 Gillian Bratt Campbell John and Anthea Bundock Wanniassa Committee meetings Thur 4 Thur 5 Thur 4 Hugh and Mary-Lou Chalmers . Canberra Gudgenby Bush Regeneration 1 Sat 13 Sat 14 | Sat 13 Trevor Lewis Downer Jillian Clark Chifley Spatial Plan responses close Wed 17 ! Val Oliver Spence NPA ACT Christmas Party Sun 14 !

Further details. 1 Yankee Hat carpark 10:00am, Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (b), 040 778 3422 (mob)

Thursday 19 February 2004 Thursday 18 March 2004 General Meetings After the fires Second members forum on Dr Roger Good NPA ACT polices concerning Namadgi National Park NB: No general meetings in Senior Projects Manager, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. December or January A follow-up to the successful October On 8 January 2003 hghtning strikes policy forum, this forum will discuss usually from dry thunderstorms started bush three remaining issues—Aboriginal fires in the Australian Alps across culture, weeds and feral animals, and Third Thursday of the month NSW, Victoria and the ACT. By the tracks. Contributions to recommendations are invited. 8:00pm end of February 950 000 ha of national parks had been burnt. Roger will talk NB: The forum will be postponed in Uniting Church hall about the fires in Kosciuszko and favour of a briefing by Environment 56 Scrivener Street Brindabella National Parks in New ACT on the Namadgi Plan of South Wales, the regeneration process Management should the plan be ready O'Connor and the rehabilitation projects being for publication about this time. See undertaken where nature needs a notice on page 5. helping hand.

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