CONSERVATION OURNEYS A short history of the VNPA

CHAPTERS ONE TO FOUR The VNPA’s two main founders with their families in the early 1950s. Left, Philip Crosbie Morrison with wife Lucy and sons James (left) and Tom (died 1978) in 1952. Right, Ros Garnet with his wife Elsie (third from left), daughter Joan (left), son John (right) and friends at Britannia Creek, 1953. Photos: courtesy Historic Places DSE, and John Garnet

Celebrating 60 years of the Victorian National Parks Association The world’s first national park came to pass not in VNPA lies in part because we are justifiably proud of our Victoria, nor indeed in Australia. The first country to achievements and should celebrate them. But above this, encircle a remarkable, beautiful and important tract of we want to remind ourselves that the things the VNPA land in a protective embrace was the United States of stands for have international and national significance – America, with the establishment of Yellowstone National just as our native plants and animals are part of the web Park in 1872. of life, so the role we play in protecting them makes us part of a movement that is critical to ensure that natural Australia followed suit with Royal National Park near life on earth, particularly in our unique corner of the Sydney in 1879. Victoria, always progressively minded, planet, survives and flourishes into the future. reserved a small area at Fern Tree Gully in 1882, and then Wilsons Promontory and Mt Buffalo, our first ‘real’ What the VNPA will chronicle 60 years hence will national parks, in 1898. depend on social, environmental and political factors, some of which we can reasonably expect to face, and The formation of these parks was not an isolated others which we may never see coming. What we are moment in time; rather, those events and our own history confident will be chronicled, however, is that with your are entwined strands in the much wider conservation support, one of the voices heard speaking out on behalf movement story that spans decades, borders, of Victoria’s wild places and wildlife will be ours. generations and philosophies in equal measure. This is the first chapter in the VNPA’s history, taking Today, Victoria boasts 45 national parks, 13 marine the story to 1956 and the passing of Victoria’s National national parks, 11 marine sanctuaries, and numerous Parks Act, the first in Australia. As a celebration of our other parks and reserves. The VNPA name, and the 60th anniversary, subsequent chapters will be released names of our supporters, stand behind the creation of throughout 2012. We hope you enjoy reading it, and we many of these areas. This is a remarkable achievement welcome any feedback or comments you may have. for an association that is less than half the age of Yellowstone. Matt Ruchel, Executive Director. And so, the decision to chronicle the history of the

2 A Short History of the VNPA CONTENTS

Chapter 1: Foundations & Early Years 1.1 The foundations of national park protection – pre-WWII ...... 4 1.2 The post-war rise of conservation ...... 8 Crosbie Morrison and the formation of the VNPA ...... 10 1.3 Creation of the VNPA ...... 12 J Ros Garnet and scenery preservation ...... 14 1.4 The first campaigns – a push for national parks legislation ...... 16 Map of Victoria’s national parks in 1955 ...... 18-19

Chapter 2: The Difficult Years – 1957-72 2.1 Conflicting ideologies in the 1960s ...... 20 2.2 The VNPA and the National Parks Authority ...... 22 2.3 The work of the VNPA ...... 24 2.4 Commercialisation of national parks ...... 28 2.5 Little Desert ...... 30 Map of Victoria’s national parks in 1972 ...... 32-32

Chapter 3: Highs & Lows – 1972-82 3.1 The VNPA and the Land Conservation Council ...... 34 3.2 Aspirations – the early 1970s ...... 36 3.3 Challenges and Issues 1975-1982 ...... 40 3.4 The Alpine Campaign – Part 1 ...... 44

Chapter 4: A Change in the Environment 1982-92 4.1 The VNPA and the Cain/Kirner governments 1982-92 ...... 48 4.2 The Alpine Campaign - Part 2 ...... 52 4.3 East Gippsland ...... 54 4.4 Within the VNPA ...... 58 4.5 Denouement ...... 62 Footnotes ...... 64-69

About the author Associate Professor Don Garden, FFAHS, FRHSV, Environmental Historian, is Senior Fellow, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, and Principal Fellow, School of Historical Studies, The University of Melbourne. © Victorian National Parks Association and Don Garden Cover photo: Victoria’s Alpine National Park, by Paul Sinclair.

3 CHAPTER 1: FOUNDATION & EARLY YEARS

1.1 The foundations of national parks protections – pre-WWII

n the Victorian National Parks establishment of organisations to later somewhat inappropriately called Association Newsletter of study and experience nature and its a national park and in due course ISeptember 1955 the following elements. Unfortunately, 19th century was absorbed into the Dandenong unsourced definition was presented: enthusiasts were also collectors who Ranges National Park. The first played a role in denuding natural Victorian reservation to be given the A NATIONAL PARK DEFINED places of the very things that were title of a national park was Tower Hill A national park is an area under public being studied. However, later in in 1892, a status that meant very little control, dedicated and set apart for the nineteenth century the camera in terms of protection and the reserve the protection and preservation of and other less obstructive and was subsequently downgraded to a indigenous plant and animal wildlife, destructive means of observing and game reserve. of features of special scenic, historic or scientific interest and for the benefit, recording became popular. In 1898 significant reserves were edification, education and enjoyment of Another response to degradation declared at Wilsons Promontory and the people. was a drive to preserve and protect Mt Buffalo, both of which, along with Its boundaries shall not altered nor any areas of natural significance, often Ferntree Gully, came to be referred portion made capable of alienation as ‘national parks’. At first, the to as national parks. In 1908 the except by the Parliament. underlying purposes of government Wilsons Promontory reservation was upgraded to a more permanent It shall be a sanctuary the natural and the non-scientific general resources of which shall not be subject to public were largely anthropocentric, ‘national park’. This move followed a commercial exploitation and within which aesthetic and recreational. Most early lobbying campaign by a number of the hunting, killing or capturing of fauna national parks were areas of natural august organisations and individuals and the destruction or collection of fauna beauty that were set aside largely which appears to have been is prohibited except by or under the to protect them for future human initiated by a letter from Melbourne control of the park authorities.1 enjoyment, and while scientific and ophthalmologist James Barrett to species protection motives were the Argus in February 1908. He While modern definitions of present they were often secondary. was highly critical of the neglect of national parks are more complex Variations on the idea were apparent Wilsons Promontory and pointed and tend to nominate and place in many countries, but it was out that although the area had been greater emphasis on such matters Yellowstone (1872) in the United reserved for protection it had been as biodiversity, ecosystems, States that is generally recognised badly degraded by cattle grazing. cultural heritage and minimum as the first true national park. Further agitation by Barrett and sizes,2 this 1955 depiction of a park others led to the grazing licences was indicative of the advanced In matters of conservation, the being cancelled in June and the environmental knowledge, Australian colonies tended to follow government deciding to upgrade the philosophy and ambitions that were the American example, rather than reservation to a permanent national driving the VNPA in its lobbying to the British as they did in most other park and to appoint a committee establish an appropriate national matters, and soon the colonists were of management. Professor Baldwin park system and level of protection in mentioning the need to create their Spencer was appointed chair Victoria. own reserves and parks. A number of the committee, and one of its of reservations were made, but the Even then, national parks were prominent members and a significant first to be designated a national park not a new concept and their campaigner for national parks in was in New South Wales in 1879, the purpose and role had undergone future years was Arthur Mattingley, area south of Sydney which is now significant change over time. As one of the founders of the Australian the Royal National Park. 3 human populations increased Ornithologists Union. and Europeans spread across the Victoria also established several Building on that success, in planet in the nineteenth century, reservations that would subsequently October 1908 Barrett convened a on a scale never seen before, the become part of national parks – meeting of interested organisations threats to the natural environment although the status and nominations to establish a National Parks became increasingly apparent. of reservations makes it problematic Association of Victoria (no One response was public interest to identify the earliest ‘true’ national connection with the present in ‘natural history’, the publication parks. A reservation was made at organisation), which had Barrett of numerous field guides and the Ferntree Gully in 1882 which was and Professor Baldwin Spencer

4 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 1 Tower Hill as painted by Eugene von Guérard in 1855. Much of the vegetation was cleared in the 19th century, but Tower Hill still became Victoria’s first official national park in 1892. This painting was used to guide revegetation from the 1960s on. Warrnambool Art Gallery, Victoria. Image: courtesy National Gallery of Victoria as its joint honorary secretaries. took these resolutions to Premier Barrett was a major force in this A public meeting was then called Murray and, although he responded new Association and he continued which filled the Melbourne Town favourably to the suggestions,5 there periodically to push for a better deal Hall on 2 December 1908, to air was little further enhancement of for national parks until his death in the issues surrounding the neglect Victoria’s parks in coming years. 1945.7 of existing reservations and to call The National Parks Association for new ones. Resolutions were continued lobbying for parks in Although further reservations passed calling for ‘the reservation conjunction with other activities such were declared in the years up to the of land, &c, at Mallacoota and as seeking to establish monuments outbreak of WWII, notably Wyperfeld Wingen [sic] (now spelt Wingan) to explorers6 – national parks and National Park in 1921, to speak of inlets, East Gippsland; the islands national monuments were often Victorian ‘national parks’ prior to surrounding Wilson’s Promontory; joined as a common cause until the 1956 is rather problematic. The a national park in the Mallee; and 1950s. In 1914 the Association was suite of reserves, some of which the erection of simple memorials absorbed into the Town Planning and had the title of national parks, varied to mark the routes travelled and Parks Association, which at times considerably in their official status the landing places of the early also called itself the Town Planning and most had very low levels of explorers.’4 In May 1909 a deputation and National Parks Association. protection and management. Those

The first Victorian reservation to be given the title of a national park was Tower Hill in 1892, a status that meant very little in terms of protection and the reserve “ was subsequently downgraded to a game reserve. In 1898 significant reserves were declared at Wilsons Promontory and Mt Buffalo, both of which, along with Ferntree Gully, came to be referred to as national parks.

FOUNDATION & EARLY YEARS 5 Eugene von Guérard’s 1857 painting ‘Ferntree Gully in the Dandenong Ranges’ encouraged visitors to the area to see its tree-ferns and other plants. In 1882 it became Victoria’s first official protected area, a ‘site for public recreation’, but was not made a national park until the 1920s. National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Gift of Dr Joseph Brown AO OBE, 1975. Image: courtesy National Gallery of Victoria

areas subsequently absorbed of species. Most prominent among that were concerned about into the post-1956 National Parks them was the Field Naturalists Club environmental degradation were system were Fern Tree Gully, Wilsons of Victoria (FNCV) and a number bird watchers (Bird Observers’ Club, Promontory, Mount Buffalo, Bulga, of individuals connected with it.8 Gould League of Bird Lovers and the Werribee Gorge, Tarra Valley, The FNCV had been established Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Wyperfeld, Mallacoota Inlet, Wingan in 1880 in a period when there was Union (RAOU) and bushwalkers Inlet, Lind, Alfred, Sperm Whale keen amateur and professional (Federation of Victorian Walking Head, Kinglake and the Dandenong enthusiasm to experience and study Clubs (FVWC), Melbourne Bush Police Paddocks. Australian ‘natural history’. It worked Walkers, Melbourne Walking Club largely through monthly lecture During the 1930s and 1940s and Victorian Mountain Tramping meetings, frequent excursions there was growing concern, Club). The Victorian Advisory Council and an informative newsletter to perhaps a sense of alarm, among on Flora & Fauna was also active share and spread the interests of 10 mainly Melbourne-based networks in the 1930s and 1940s. Two new its members across the coming of scientists, public servants bodies were established in the decades – and set a pattern which and ‘amateur’ naturalists about 1940s: in 1944 the Save the Forests would subsequently be largely the degradation of the State’s Campaign which in 1951 became duplicated by the VNPA.9 water systems, the need for soil a non-profit company retitled the conservation and the mounting loss Prominent among other groups Natural Resources Conservation

During the 1930s and 1940s there was growing concern, perhaps a sense of alarm, among mainly Melbourne-based networks of scientists, public servants “ and ‘amateur’ naturalists about the degradation of the State’s water systems, the need for soil conservation and the mounting loss of species.

6 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 1 League of Victoria,11 and in 1945 Society of Victoria and FNCV), A.G. gave a detailed account of the a relatively short-lived Council of Campbell (RAOU), G.N. Hyam degradation of Victoria’s ‘primitive Scientific Societies.12 (FNCV) and J.F. Matthews (FVWC). areas and national parks’ and They represented a grouping of nominated several regions that they An example of the work of these twenty-nine organisations that wished to see become national groups was a deputation to the were concerned about the need parks.13 Even if other circumstances Minister for Lands on 9 August 1939 for controlled planning of leasing had been favourable, however, this on the subject of ‘national parks of Crown land containing ‘primitive’ was a doomed effort as WWII began and primitive areas’. The deputation areas, to stop them being spoiled just over three weeks later. consisted of James Barrett (Town and to enable the creation of new Planning and National Parks national parks. The deputation Association), A.S. Kenyon (Historical

FOUNDATION & EARLY YEARS 7 1.2 Post-war rise of conservation

he decades after WWII saw the War was the widely renowned Press and witnessed by some of its the beginning of dramatic writer, editor and broadcaster members, and stresses the need for Teconomic, philosophical and Crosbie Morrison (1900-1958 and a comprehensive plan for post-war contextual changes for the worldwide President FNCV 1941-43). [see rehabilitation of this and all our other environmental movement. While war biography, page 10] An educated, fauna and flora sanctuaries; and that had been immensely destructive of erudite and perceptive naturalist, this motion be passed officially to the global environment, the return to he had been concerned about both State and Federal authorities’.15 peace eventually brought even wider environmental degradation and As attention turned to the State’s degradation. Major technological the state of the ‘national parks’ for national parks and reserves it advances during the war were many years. However, a visit to became apparent that the problems applied in peacetime, such as better Wilsons Promontory in early 1946 were far more widespread than tanks paving the way for better shocked him profoundly. The army just Wilsons Promontory. A number bulldozers and chemical research had taken over the reservation for of management committees had promoting the use of artificial commando training during the War become defunct, and as they were fertilisers and pesticides such as and, combined with the effects of not funded by government some of DDT. Developed nations returned to fires, drought, rabbits and ongoing the remaining ones had become so prosperity, in due course achieving grazing, much of the Promontory’s desperate for income that they had a higher level of personal affluence vegetation and fauna had been leased parts of the parks for grazing than previously experienced and damaged or destroyed. In May and timber cutting. As Morrison with greater personal consumption. 1946 Morrison took up the threats later recounted, one of the worst Human populations rose rapidly in to Victoria’s flora and fauna and examples was at Tower Hill: most countries, and the impact on its degraded national parks in an the planet spread in proportion. editorial in the journal he edited, Wild The local Borough Council was Such conditions promoted alarm Life, in which he remarked that ‘Our appointed as the Committee of Management (each National Park is among environmentalists about first urgent need is a stocktaking to find what is gone, and how much is nominally controlled by a committee the increasing degradation and consisting of public spirited citizens disappearance of natural heritage. left… if we do not have a post-war acting in an entirely honorary capacity), There was also a slight transition New Deal for the fauna and flora, the and in recent years this Council has occurring in their philosophy or birthright of the coming generations attempted to ‘develop’ the area as a motivation. Whereas anthropocentric will have gone, and, once gone, it people’s playground. At one stage the internal slopes of the crater were utilitarian motivations for protection can be replaced by neither money 14 being ‘improved’ to provide a track had been uppermost half a century nor toil nor tears.’ for motor-cycle racing, and funds for before, there was now less emphasis Morrison described the the ‘improvements’ were being raised by quarrying road-metal from the on protecting scenery or ‘national degradation of Wilsons Promontory monuments’, and on preservation very feature the park was created to to a meeting of the FNCV and was preserve.16 for the sake of future scientific supported by another member, study or availability for human Margaret Wigan, who had also Another element that since the purposes. Among the most aware, recently visited the park. Arthur 1920s had promoted environmental and this included many of the Mattingley was present and he concern was increasing soil erosion people associated with the FNCV pointed out that the Defence and siltation of water systems caused and the other Victorian naturalist Department had promised that there by a combination of bad agricultural organisations, there was a conceptual would be no damage to flora and practices, bushfires, overgrazing understanding of the importance of fauna, but that the promise had not and grazing in forest country. biodiversity and ecosystems and a been kept. Morrison again called Justice Leonard Stretton, who had sense that ‘nature’ had an intrinsic for a stocktake of all the State’s conducted a Royal Commission into value beyond human benefit. Among national parks and he moved, the 1939 bushfires, was appointed the wider public, however, such seconded by Margaret Wigan, ‘That in mid-1946 to undertake an inquiry concepts did not gain wide currency the F.N.C.V. registers its abhorrence into forest grazing, and his report until the later 1960s and 1970s. at the destruction of protected was highly critical of licensed forest One of the main triggers to fauna in the Wilson’s Promontory and mountain grazing, particularly on renewed activity in Victoria after National Park, as reported in the Mount Buffalo.17

8 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 1 In this atmosphere the FNCV several recommendations.20 These set out in more detail the called a meeting or Conference of nature of the national parks authority The Standing Committee met allied societies and other interested that was being advocated and the in July 1948 to consider and bodies to discuss a course of system of management.23 A major adopt the report, which was then action on Wilsons Promontory and, figure in all of these developments submitted to the second meeting more broadly, grazing in national and reports was the FNCV Secretary of the Conference a week later.21 parks. The meeting, held on 7 June J. Ros Garnet, who was also In essence the main aims of the 1946 and chaired by Morrison, report, and of the movement in secretary to both the FNCV sub- was attended by delegates from coming years, were to bring the committee and the Conference’s more than twenty organisations. It current and new reserves under Standing Committee. At this critical established a National Parks and new legislation to establish a single time in 1948 Garnet stepped down National Monuments committee state-wide national parks authority as FNV Secretary, but in order to (later generally referred to as the that would identify and recommend become its President. His workload Standing Committee) to investigate new areas deserving to be declared and achievements were enormous. the condition of the Promontory, national parks and would supervise [see biography, page 10] and to explore how to improve well-resourced and skilled local All this publicising, lobbying protection and administration of the management committees. Because and writing was rewarded by the park system. Among its members of limited time, this meeting of the government agreeing in late 1948 to were Crosbie Morrison as Chairman Conference endorsed only five initial refer the matter to a parliamentary (Trustees of the National Museum, resolutions which were considered to standing committee, the State Melbourne and active in the FNCV), be of particular importance: Development Committee, which was F.S. Colliver (FNCV), J.R. Garnet given the task of inquiring into the (Australian Association of Scientific 1. That the Victorian Government be national parks issue.24 Garnet, Hyam Workers and prominent in the FNCV), asked to enact legislation to ensure the and E.G. Stewart were invited to E. G. Stewart (FVWC) and Margaret adequate control and management of give evidence. In September 1949 Wigan (first woman President of the Victoria’s National Parks and Reserves Morrison, Garnet and representatives Bird Observers’ Club of Victoria and of like nature. of a number of organizations a long-term member of the FNCV).18 2. That all the several types and classes of Reserve dedicated to the use of the conducted a deputation to the 25 That Committee met in June public and the protection of nature and government, and in October Garnet 1946 and decided to widen its to the preservation, of historic, scenic and others again gave evidence to inquiry to all Victorian national and natural monuments be defined in the State Development Committee.26 parks, and also delegate the task and covered by the Act. The SDC report was finally of investigation to the FNCV, which 3. That the projected Act provide for the released in November 1951. It was had its own similarly-named sub- creation of a single corporate Authority highly critical of the state of the committee on National Parks and to administer such control and parks and adopted many of the National Monuments. The FNCV management. recommendations that had come committee consisted of George 4. That the Authority be endowed with from the Conference and the FNCV Hyam (Chairman, former President sufficient funds from general revenue committee. However, there was a and Vice President of FNCV, retired to administer the Act effectively. significant change of flavour in that from Department of Agriculture), J. the SDC prioritised tourism over Ros Garnet (Secretary), Stan Mitchell 5. That the Authority be empowered biodiversity protection as the main and Colin Lewis (former employee of to recommend the acquisition and proclamation as a National Park or focus of a proposed National Park the Fisheries and Game Department Reserve of any object, site and/or area and Tourist Authority that would be now active in FNCV). Over the next which, in its opinion, should be so responsible to the Minister of Tourist two years they undertook a detailed reserved in the interest of posterity.22 Development.27 examination of Wilsons Promontory and the other parks19 and in June The Standing Committee It is worth pausing here to 1948 produced a widely-circulated continued to meet during 1948 and recognise the mounting importance ‘Report on the National Parks and in December reported to the third of tourism and the dilemmas that it National Reserves of Victoria’ Conference meeting, at which five creates for people concerned with containing damming criticisms and further resolutions were adopted. environmental protection. In the

FOUNDATION & EARLY YEARS 9 years after WWII there began the 1950s tourism to the bush and along the line of the SDC period of mass use of the motor car reserves was on a much smaller recommendations, the Tourist and and of greater public mobility. The scale than it would become in the National Parks Development Bill, number of people able to reach twenty-first century, and of course was prepared and was presented and enjoy ‘the bush’ and state did not involve the widespread use to the parliament in October reserves for picnics or camping of 4WD vehicles. However, visitation 1952, it aroused mixed pleasure rose exponentially. In many respects was on the increase and there (legislation at last) and concern increasing nature appreciation were mounting pressures to open (the direction it took). Besides the was good, but more people meant parks to greater numbers of people emphasis on tourism, there was more pressure on accessible sites and to commercial enterprises angst that the legislation did not and higher demands to provide that could develop and exploit the provide for an independent Director facilities that were not always in tune parks. Such ideas were anathema of the proposed authority. However, with nature protection. There was, to the principles of national parks political instability led to a change and is, some public resentment at as outlined in the definition of at the of government and the legislation start of this chapter. ‘locking up’ the country in national lapsed.28 Perhaps that was not parks and other reserves. In the Therefore when legislation entirely unfortunate!

Biography: Crosbie Morrison and the formation of the VNPA

any people were involved in the including the Field Naturalists Club of Conference of about twenty conservation Mformation of the VNPA in 1952, but Victoria (FNCV – President 1941-43), the and nature organisations which met on the most important public figure was Philip Royal Society (President 1949-51) and the four occasions between 1946 and 1952, Crosbie Morrison (1900–1958). Royal Australian Ornithologists Union. He and which Morrison chaired. was a Trustee of the National Museum of For older members of the VNPA, The Conference delegated to a Victoria and Chairman from 1955 to 1958. Morrison’s name will be familiar from subcommittee the task of inquiring into the state of Victoria’s reserves and his multitude of writings and films about CONCERN wildlife, his school broadcasts, his preparing recommendations for legislation extraordinarily popular and long-running In the middle of the 20th century the to establish a proper system. The central nature radio programs on 3DB and 3UZ, steady loss of flora and fauna in Victoria, planks of its recommendations included and a short-lived television series. under pressure from agriculture, legislation that would consolidate the development and introduced species, protection of national parks, and establish What may not be as well known is the was a profound source of concern for a National Parks Authority headed by a major role he played in the formation of Morrison and other conservationists. Even Director who would supervise wellfunded the VNPA and in working towards a better the so-called ‘national parks’ were in and properly instituted local management national parks system in Victoria. severe decline from inadequate legislative committees. To read Crosbie Morrison’s biography protection, poor administration and no government funding. As it drew towards the end of by Graham Pizzey is to be almost approving these recommendations, overwhelmed by Morrison’s activities and Wilsons Promontory NP (established in the Conference decided in 1952 that achievements. He was a keen amateur 1908) was seriously degraded by military there should be a new and permanent naturalist who in 1925 graduated as a use during WWII and by fire and rabbits, organisation to continue its work. It would zoologist and then worked mainly as a while across Victoria park management comprise organisations and individuals journalist until he was poached in 1938 by committees (where they existed) resorted interested in the preservation of areas of the Herald & Weekly Times to found, edit to leasing parks for grazing, timber cutting scenic, historical or scientific interest. and write much of a natural history and and quarrying in order to raise revenue. conservation magazine, Wild Life – a task Morrison took up the threats to Victoria’s VNPA ESTABLISHED he did until 1954. For much of that time he flora and fauna and its degraded national A provisional Council established under also presented radio broadcasts and was parks in an editorial in Wild Life in May Morrison developed a constitution a popular public speaker. 1946 in which he called for a ‘New Deal’ which was approved at a meeting on 26 Morrison was also an activist and an for the parks and reserves. Perhaps on November 1952, at which the Victorian active member of many organisations, his initiative, the FNCV called together a National Parks Association was formally

10 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 1 Philip Crosbie Morrison (left) with Committee of Management members at Mt Buffalo National Park, 1957. Photo: courtesy DSE Historic Places.

established and its Council appointed, Morrison’s chief ally in the FNCV, the this took a toll on Morrison, who tragically with Morrison as President. Conference and in the establishment and died suddenly, aged only 58, of a cerebral operation of the VNPA was J. Ros Garnet. haemorrhage on 1 March 1958. On 1 July 1953 the first Newsletter was While Morrison was the figurehead and published. It quoted the objects of the Morrison’s work was still far from public voice, Garnet appears to have Association, which are listed on the next complete, but he will be long remembered been the main driving force and organiser page. and appreciated for what he achieved behind the scenes. The official public in a life devoted to the preservation The Council consisted of P. Crosbie launch of the VNPA was at a meeting held and protection of the environment, and Morrison (President), J. Ros. Garnet (Hon. in the Lower Melbourne Town Hall on 23 especially our national parks. It is fitting Secretary), Hugh Wilson (Hon. Treasurer), July 1953 – so many people came that that he has a building named after him at A.W. Burston, E.T. Charlton, Prof. J.N. ‘hundreds’ were turned away. the National Botanic Gardens in Canberra. Greenwood, J.M. Harkins, F.P. Hill, Jack Jones, T.E. Kilburn, Fred Lewis, R.T.M. FRUSTRATION VNPA’S WORK CONTINUES Pescott, N. Richards, E.G. Stewart and The next three years were intensely After Morrison’s departure and death (the only woman) Miss M. Wigan. The frustrating for Morrison and the VNPA the work of the VNPA continued. The Corporate Members were the Bendigo as they sought, through submissions and weaknesses of the NPA meant that the Field Naturalists’ Club, Bird Observers’ delegations to the government, to have battle was renewed, both to protect Club, Gould League of Bird Lovers, Field legislation passed to put national parks existing parks and to have new ones Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, Maryborough on a proper footing. Morrison and Garnet created, as well as the broader battle to Field Naturalists’ Club, Melbourne continued tirelessly to push the cause. protect Victoria’s natural heritage. Bushwalkers, Melbourne Walking Club, Finally, in October 1956 the government Native Plants Preservation Society of of Liberal Premier Henry Bolte passed the Those who wish to learn more about Victoria, National Museum of Victoria National Parks Act, and in May 1957 the Morrison and the formation of the VNPA Trustees, Portland Field Naturalists’ Club, National Parks Authority was created, with can do so in Graham Pizzey’s biography Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union, Morrison as its first Director. Crosbie Morrison: voice of nature (Victoria Sunraysia Filed Naturalists’ Club, Victorian Morrison resigned as President of Press 1992), and online at www.adb. Compost Society, Victorian Mountain VNPA to take up the position. anu.edu.au/biography/ morrison-philip- Tramping Club and the Youth Hostel crosbie-11177 Association. For a brief period it looked like a great victory, but the cracks soon appeared. There were also about eighty individual The NPA proved, despite Morrison’s members. best efforts, to be weak and flawed in its powers and authority and its finances. All

FOUNDATION & EARLY YEARS 11 1.3 Creation of the VNPA

y then another course had official administration of National Parks representations for further reservations been chosen by the FNCV in Queensland and the Queensland of National Parks. Band other organisations in the National Parks Association and he • To co-operate with persons or Conference – to establish a new hoped that Victoria would develop an organizations having similar objects or Association which could function in permanent body to take over the interests. a parallel way – in a way that would work of the Conference. It was felt provide the link between the public and While the VNPA was being set that the Standing Committee and the administrative structure that was about to up, in September 1952 there was Conference had taken matters as far be set up by the Victorian National Parks another change of government that as they could and there needed to 30 legislation. initiated a period of relative stability be a body whose principal role was of nearly three years under Labor to continue the fight for legislation The Conference duly debated, and then to be the advocate for partly amended and then adopted led by John Cain senior. Members national parks once a new system the resolutions and elected a of this government indicated on had been established. Provisional Council which met on a number of occasions that they a number of occasions to initiate intended to introduce national parks A meeting of the Standing the organisation and to develop its legislation, but it was also made Committee in March 1952 Constitution and rules.31 A meeting clear that national parks were not a proposed the establishment of on 26 November officially formed the priority and consequently there was the new organisation, comprising Victorian National Parks Association no legislation for the first three years all organisations and individuals and confirmed the Council - Morrison of the VNPA’s existence. interested in preservation of areas of as President, Garnet as Honorary Meanwhile the VNPA got on with scenic, historical or scientific interest. Secretary (a position he would hold its work and by the time its first The idea was developed further at a for twenty-one years), Hugh Wilson meeting of the Standing Committee (Hon. Treasurer), A.W. Burston, E.T. Newsletter was published on 1 July in July which prepared resolutions Charlton, Prof J.N. Greenwood, J.M. 1953, the Association had about to be taken before the next meeting Harkins, F.P. Hill, Jack Jones, T.E. eighty individual members and of the Conference that included: Kilburn, Fred Lewis, R.T.M. Pescott, fifteen Corporate Members - the ‘This Conference resolve itself into a N. Richards, E.G. Stewart and (the Bendigo Field Naturalists’ Club, Bird permanent Association to be known only woman) Miss M. Wigan.32 Observers’ Club, Gould League as the Victorian National Parks of Bird Lovers, Field Naturalists’ Association’.29 The resolutions also The objects of the Association were: Club of Victoria, Maryborough included a framework Constitution. • To strive for the welfare of National Field Naturalists’ Club, Melbourne Bushwalkers, Melbourne Walking When the Conference gathered Parks and for their preservation in Club, Native Plants Preservation for its fourth and final meeting on perpetuity. Society of Victoria, National Museum 28 August 1952, Morrison set out • To foster interest in and appreciation of of Victoria Trustees, Portland Field the details of the proposal and National Parks. Naturalists’ Club, Royal Australasian explained that one of the aspirations • To form a link between the public Ornithologists’ Union, Sunraysia was to duplicate a successful and the Administration in matters Field Naturalists’ Club, Victorian arrangement that had been achieved concerning National Parks, and to in Queensland: advise, when required, the appropriate Compost Society, Victorian Mountain authority. Tramping Club and the Youth Hostel He spoke of the close liaison of the • To make investigations and Association.33

The public meeting was extraordinarily successful. The attendance was so great that the doors of the hall had to be closed about 7.40 pm and some hundred “ (including, no doubt, some invited guests) were shut out. About 150 were obliged to stand throughout the evening.

12 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 1 Aftermath of the fire that burnt most of Wilsons Promontory in 1951. The tree trunks on the ground may be those of trees killed in an earlier fire. Photo: Dr L. H. Smith, Director of National Parks 1958-75

That Newsletter also announced achieved, as Ros Garnet reported Those who managed to cram in that the VNPA’s inaugural public to the National Parks Association of were treated to films about national meeting was to be held in the lower Queensland: parks in Canada and Queensland, hall of the Melbourne Town Hall on and about Wilsons Promontory. The public meeting was extraordinarily 21 July 1953. Behind the scenes, The government was represented the Council had decided that as successful. The attendance was so by Hon C.P. Stoneham, Minister of the meeting was intended to garner great that the doors of the hall had to Agriculture, who promised that new good publicity for the cause, it would be closed about 7.40 pm and some 35 be better to overfill a small hall than hundred (including, no doubt, some legislation was being prepared. underfill a large one – hence the invited guests) were shut out. About 150 The Age reported the meeting lower town hall was chosen rather were obliged to stand throughout the and a few days later published a than the main one. Their aim was evening.34 supportive leading article.36

FOUNDATION & EARLY YEARS 13 Biography: J. Ros Garnet and scenery preservation

In December 1958 the VNPA Council discussed what it saw as necessary amendments to the Victorian National Parks Act. One suggestion was to rename the legislation as the National Parks and Scenery Preservation Act. One of the proponents of this idea was J.Ros Garnet, Honorary Secretary and one of the chief architects of the VNPA and its national park policies. Scenery preservation struck me as a rather strange notion to be advanced in 1958 as a crucial element or justification of national parks, as it was already a fairly dated concept. In the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th the reasons behind nature reservations were essentially anthropocentric – to preserve places for human enjoyment (such as the preservation of grand scenes) and for future human scientific research or other benefits. But by the 1950s educated and aware environmentalists looked beyond human benefits and were at least equally J. Ros Garnet, VNPA Secretary, at work in the Commonwealth Serum concerned about the ‘rights of nature’, Laboratories, 1965. Photo: courtesy John Garnet biodiversity and ecosystem preservation. quarrying), is considered by the [National bicycle. So what was going on, and why did Parks] Authority in the light of the His energy, commitment and Garnet, who seems to have been so possible spoiling of scenic appeal. acutely aware of such issues, support determination were amazing, and while scenery preservation? Was he really a Ros Garnet was a clever man and a he was amiable and charming, he could closet anthropocentrist? most interesting character who, together react strongly and be very forceful when with Crosbie Morrison, was one of necessary. As fellow VNPA Councillor Then I realised that ‘scenery the most important individuals in the Tom Kilburn reflected, “Ros would get preservation’ was both a reflection of his foundation and early years of the VNPA. ideas and concepts and couldn’t see love of nature and part of his strategic But because Morrison died prematurely why others did not agree on his priorities. thinking to protect Victoria’s natural in 1958, Garnet’s role was longer and He was a bit adamant.” Others might heritage. In various writings Garnet more influential. have used less gentle terms, and during referred to the beauty and joy of scenery John Roslyn Garnet (1906-1998) was the height of the Little Desert dispute in as part of what he wanted to preserve. At early 1970, Premier Henry Bolte struck the same time, he was aware that there born at Narracan and spent his early childhood on a small dairy farm in South Garnet’s name off a list of the members were benefits to be gained by extending of a deputation who wished to see him. the concept of nature protection beyond Gippsland before moving to Melbourne, national park boundaries. To advance where he completed his secondary The following is a brief summary of ‘scenery preservation’ might enable the education. In 1922 he began working as the impressive range of activities he a laboratory assistant in Melbourne and consideration of adjacent wider areas. undertook. subsequently studied at the University There is an article entitled ‘Scenery of Melbourne where he qualified as Ros Garnet was a long-term member and Sense’ in the VNPA Newsletter an industrial chemist. After a stint with of the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria no. 22, November 1958, which, while the Commonwealth Department of (FNCV) and its Honorary Secretary 1946- anonymous, I strongly suspect to have Health in Port Pirie, South Australia, he 47, Vice President 1947-48 and President been written by Garnet, who was acting returned to Melbourne and worked at the 1948-49 and 1957-59. as editor at the time. The writer stated: Commonwealth Serum Laboratories as a Through the FNCV he became the biochemist until retirement in 1971. Our task here is to ensure that the Secretary of, and a major figure in, the particular attraction—scenery—is From his early years Garnet loved the Conference which was established in preserved, and that any plans for roads, Victorian bush, and as a young man 1946 and gave birth to the VNPA in buildings and works (such as clearing or he explored much of Victoria, often by 1952. Garnet was Secretary of the FNCV

14 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 1 Ros Garnet at Suggan Buggan, eastern Victoria, in 1970. Photo: courtesy John Garnet

Standing Committee on National Parks as a free online download. Among Biographical notes supplied by Geoff and National Monuments which did other works, there was a book on the Durham most of the assessment in the late 1940s wildflowers of south-eastern Australia. of existing national park reservations Over the years, among many Some works by J. Ros Garnet: and drafted the guidelines for possible organisational roles he was Vice legislation that were submitted to the Vegetation of Wyperfeld National Park President of the Conservation Council Conference. It was as these matters (North-West Victoria): a survey of its were developing that in 1948-49 he first of Victoria and a member of the Native vegetation and plant communities, became President of the FNCV. Plants Preservation Society of Victoria, together with a check-list of the vascular the Royal Society of Victoria, the Society flora as at December 1964, FNCV, 1965 Garnet became a foundation councillor for Growing Australian Plants and the Venomous Australian animals dangerous of the VNPA in 1952 and was its honorary Australian Conservation Foundation. In to man, Parkville, Commonwealth Serum secretary until 1973. He also took on 1966 he was awarded the Australian Laboratories, 1968 a multitude of other responsibilities Natural History Medallion and in 1982 he over the years, including copious letter was given an Order of Australia (AM) for Wildflowers of South-eastern Australia, writing and lobbying, and assisting in the services to conservation. Melbourne, Nelson, 1974 organisation of meetings and excursions, Wilsons Promontory, Oxford University as well as editing and writing for the Few have done as much for the VNPA, Press, 1970 Newsletter. He was on the on Council Victorian conservation and ‘scenery preservation’ as that most committed The Wildflowers of Wilsons Promontory until 1977 and was Vice President 1974- National Park, Lothian, 1971 77. activist, Ros Garnet. A History of Wilsons Promontory, now As a keen naturalist, with a special available on the VNPA website www. interest in indigenous botany (notably Biographical Sources: vnpa.org.au orchids), he travelled widely to study [http://historyofwilsonspromontory.files. flora both within and outside national W.R. Lane, Foreword in J. Ros Garnet, wordpress.com/2009/05/a-history-of- parks and wrote a small number of books Spider, Insect and Man, Parkville, wilsons-promontory.pdf] and numerous articles for the Victorian Commonwealth Serum Laboratories, Naturalist, VNPA Newsletter and other 1966. ‘Nature Reserves in Victoria: How journals. VNPA Newsletter, Sept, 1973 much open space can we afford for the protection of scenery and the Stephen Johnson, ‘Profile of a Parks His was particularly interested in preservation of nature?’, Victorian Pioneer’, Park Watch, June 1992. Wilsons Promontory and Wyperfeld Naturalist, vol 87, no. 5, May 1970. National Parks, and wrote booklets about Obituaries: Age, 6 March 1998 (by their natural and human history – his Malcolm Calder); Park Watch, June 1998 detailed History of Wilsons Promontory (by Geoff Durham); Park Watch, March was published by the VNPA in 2009 2002 (by Kelvin Thompson)

FOUNDATION & EARLY YEARS 15 1.4 The first campaigns – a push for national parks legislation

he VNPA began to develop NATIONAL PARKS POLICY what would become three of its emphasis on a special feature such as the main areas of regular activity Preamble conservation of particular species or the T preservation of a historical monument or sci- – a pattern that was very similar Our Motto is, “For all the People for all Time.” It is our policy that the National Parks of Vic- entific object, this purpose should be stated to those of the FNCV from which it toria should be freely available to the public, in the proclamation of the National Park. had largely sprung. These were: consistent with the preservation of the parks Obligation of the Authority identifying threats to parks and other and their contents. It should be the obligation of the Authority areas and seeking to have them The First Objective – A National Parks Act to regulate the public use of National Parks protected; the quarterly Newsletter; Our immediate objective is to have passed and to conserve the scenery and the natural and excursions to national parks and a Victorian National Parks Act, under which and historic objects and the indigenous wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment other places of natural interest. The will be set up an Authority to administer the National Parks of Victoria. of the parks in such a manner as will leave one aspect of the FNCV that it did them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future not emulate was in holding members Representation on the Authority generations. lecture nights and meetings – for the The National Parks Authority, and the Com- The use of a National Park for any other mittees appointed for the management of purpose should be strictly controlled by the first several years the annual general individual parks, should contain representa- Authority to ensure that such use does not meeting was its only public meeting tives of the sections of the public who use interfere with the purposes for which the event. By mid-1956 the Association the parks for recreation and those interested park was reserved. in the preservation of scenery, flora and In general, roads should be provided to take had thirty corporate members and fauna, and local history. people to the parks, and for access for fire 469 individual members. The National Parks Authority should contain protection and control purposes. Roads a public representative of those interested and works should be sited so that they are The identification of places under in each of the following – outdoor recreation inconspicuous and in harmony with the sur- threat and in need of protection would suitable for a National Park, conservation of roundings. inevitably be, and remains, one of the flora, conservation of fauna, national histori- cal monuments, and touring. Education of the Public chief activities and responsibilities The education of the public to preserve of the VNPA, both within and outside Reservation of National Parks National Parks from harm, so that they will national parks. This included the Land reserved for National Parks should be continue unchanged for the enjoyment of future generations, should be a duty of the identification of regions which the reserved in such form that it may be added to but may not be revoked nor any portion National Parks Authority. The Association Association believed should be given excised without an Act of Parliament. Areas will also engage in education and publicity national park status or incorporated under consideration as being worthy of per- to this end. manent reservation as National Parks should into an existing park. A good deal of be temporarily reserved pending a decision. National Parks Staff letter writing and lobbying occurred Senior Staff should posses a sound knowl- behind the scenes, and the following What should be reserved edge of conservation and National Park administration. matters were among those raised National Parks should be sufficient in number and variety to contain selected por- The staff employed in National Parks should by the Council and publicised in the tions of all types of the landscape, and they be selected for their suitability and interest Newsletter in the first three years: should be of sufficient size to ensure that in conservation, and training for personnel protection of the former Coranderrk the scenery and flora and fauna of reach should be provided. Rangers are neces- locality are represented adequately and will sary, and at least some of the staff should be Aboriginal Station at Healesville – be conserved. resident within or close to the park. and celebration when 340 acres was added to the Colin Mackenzie Purpose of the reservation Finance The purpose of a National Park should be Finance for the development and mainte- Sanctuary in 1955; destruction of to maintain the reservation in its natural nance of National Parks should be a charge blue gums on the Lorne foreshore; condition and to conserve wild life, natural on the State and should be adequate. preventing the You Yangs being features, historic landmarks, and objects (From VNPA News Letter, January 1954) of outstanding interest. Should there be taken over by the military for a munitions dump; preserving the Yanakie Common from agricultural in 1955 the government reserved knowledgeable in their diverse development and adding it to Wilsons what would later become the first relevant fields, and determined in Promontory NP; trying to stop the small section of the Little Desert NP.37 their aims. The organisation was spread of 1080 poison in Wyperfeld certainly not insular and there NP; the start of what would be a very In the absence of frequent were frequent items on what was long campaign to establish an Alpine meetings, the Newsletter was the happening interstate and overseas, NP; a proposal for a new national park VNPA’s main voice in the world. It especially in the United States and at Mt Richmond; and pleasure when indicates that the members were New Zealand. In January 1954

16 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 1 it published the VNPA policy on Bolte, was sworn in during June 1955. would be Chairman, representatives national parks38 (boxed, left). from six government departments Crosbie Morrison greeted the or authorities (Lands, Forests, new government by writing an open Excursions and walks have Public Works, Soil Conservation, letter to Bolte which was published always been a central function of Fisheries & Game and Tourism), in the Argus on 25 June 1955 the VNPA, to assist members to two representatives of public and subsequently reprinted in the experience Victoria’s bushland organisations concerned with flora & Newsletter. He set out the reasons and national parks, but with an fauna and national parks, and finally and need for national parks and overlay of education and social the Ski Association of Victoria. (The nature protection, and the fact that gathering. The first VNPA excursion, VNPA expressed surprise at this last the two previous governments had very appropriately given its key inclusion, but it was apparently forced prepared legislation. ‘This time, what significance in the birth of the VNPA, on the government by the Country dare we hope? After all, it is not a was to Wilsons Promontory National Party.) Thirteen National Parks party question. Perhaps that is the Park during the Queen’s Birthday were nominated in the legislation – trouble!’42 weekend in June 1954.39 The second Wyperfeld, Kinglake, Ferntree Gully, was organised for the Australia To continue pressure on the Wilsons promontory, Mount Buffalo, Day weekend in January 1956 to government, Ros Garnet and Dewar The Lakes, Lind Park, Alfred Park, Mount Buller, Mount Stirling and the Goode of the Australian Primary Wingan Inlet, Mallacoota Inlet, Tarra headwaters of the Delatite River.40 Producers Union organised another Valley, Bulga Park and Churchill. conference of interested organisations New national parks could only be Perhaps inevitably, the main focus and government departments in established by an Act of Parliament, of the VNPA Council in these first September 1955. A deputation of which made the process more three years under the leadership of representatives from the conference difficult but provided a higher level of Morrison and Garnet was to try to met with Bolte in November and protection.44 persuade the Cain government to were assured that he would draw up introduce national parks legislation. After the years of struggle the legislation to be introduced in the Morrison continued relentlessly initial response from the VNPA was autumn 1956 session of parliament. generally one of satisfaction, although through his broadcasting, speaking, He requested that the VNPA submit there were still reservations and Ros writing and other public activities a paper on what it wished to see in Garnet commented that ‘The Act to push the cause. Garnet was a the legislation. The Association duly is recognized as an experimental tireless letter writer and talker who thanked Bolte in its Newsletter and measure, and it remains to be seen was constantly seeking to raise sent him its recommendations.43 awareness of the issue and to enlist how far its administration will be support.41 The Cain government, True to his word, legislation successful’. On the positive side, while apparently sympathetic and was introduced late in the autumn there was much pleasure that in commencing work on drafting a session in May 1956 by Hon May 1957 Crosbie Morrison was Bill, struggled for survival in difficult Alexander Fraser, MLA, who guided appointed as the first Director of the times and national parks did not the legislation through parliament National Parks Authority. The Hon. appear on its legislative agenda. The and was and would continue to be Alexander Fraser, Assistant Minister complexities facing the government a great supporter of the national for Conservation, was appointed appear to have been compounded parks movement. Debate began Chairman, and another member of by disagreement and rivalry between in September and a number of the VNPA Council, C.E Isaac, was government departments which had amendments were made, most of appointed Deputy Chairman. There responsibilities and power that might which were felt by the VNPA to have were still reservations about such be affected – tourism, agriculture, brought improvements. matters as the relationship between the NPA and local management lands and forests. Nevertheless, The Victorian National Parks Act committees, but it was felt that the legislation had apparently been was finally passed on 25 October parks system was in the best of drawn up and was about to be made 1956. It established a National Parks hands, and a significant step forward public when the Labor government Authority to administer the parks had been taken for the future of was ‘split’ in 1955 and subsequently system which would consist of eleven national parks in Victoria. lost power. A new Liberal Country members including a Director, the Party government, headed by Henry Premier or his representative who >> Footnotes: page 64

FOUNDATION & EARLY YEARS 17 Wyperfeld Approx Area: 72,779ha Typical Mallee country in the Shires of Dimboola and Karkarook. Reserved in 1909 for the preservation of the characteristic flora and fauna of the region. Approached by road from Rainbow or Hopetown from which its entrance is about 30 miles distant. Permanent water and shelter hut for visitors is available. Kinglake Approx Area: 5698ha Forest on the southern slopes of the Plenty Ranges, within the Shires of Whittlesea and Eltham. Approached by road from either Whittlesea of Hurstbridge – about 42 miles from Melbourne. Reserved in 1928 mainly for the preservation of its forest scenery, fern gullies and waterfalls. Contains much of palaeontological interest as well as a good representation of the fauna and flora of the Silurian formation. Camping sites are established at Mason’s Falls and Jehosephat Gully while a number of hiking tracks lead to outstanding beauty spots with the Park. VICTORIA’S NATIONAL PARKS 1955 Descriptions of the conservation reserves and parks are reproduced and appeared in the VNPA newsletter in 1955.

Fern Tree Gully Approx Area: 324ha Typifying what once were the magnificent forests and lovely fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges. Situated on the south-western slopes of the range, little more than 20 miles east by road or rail from Melbourne. First reserved in 1882 it became an exceedingly popular picnic spot during and following the First World War over which period many of its famous fern bowers were despoiled by over-enthusiastic visitors. Wilsons Promontory Approx Area: 41,440ha Rugged granite mountains in the Churchill southernmost part of the State, situated in the Shire of South Approx Area: 193ha North-east corner of what used to be known Gippsland and approached via the Yanakie isthmus. First as the Police Paddock – a large reserve originally used for the reservation gazetted in 1898 as a centre for the preservation of agistment of police troopers’ mounts. The small section set apart in flora and fauna. Notable for its magnificent coastal scenery and 1930 as a national park is a timbered portion of the southern slopes frequented as a very popular holiday resort. Self-service cottages of the Lysterfield Hills, about 3 miles from Dandenong. and good camping facilities available.

18 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 1 Mount Buffalo Approx Area: 11,137ha Rugged, granite, Lind sub-alpine plateau in the Shire of Bright. First Approx Area: 1165ha East Gippsland rain forest with attendant rank reservation of 5 square miles made in 1898. fern gullies. Reserved in 1926. Situated in the Shire of Orbost between Approached by road fom Myrtleford, Porepunkah the township of Orbost and Cann River to the east. The Prince’s or Bright. Notable for its snow field attractions in Highway traverses the Park through the lovely Euchre Creek Valley. winter and for its profusion of alpine wildflowers, bird life and bracing climate in summer. The Government Chalet caters for tourists in all seasons and camping is permitted in specified area. Alfred Peak Approx Area: 2072ha Sub-tropical rain forest centred on the Mount Drummer jungle through which passes the Prince’s Highway. Is in the Shire of Orbost and several miles east of Cann River. Reserved in 1925 and is notable for its containing the Gippsland Waratah (Telopea oreoides), some very rare ferns and two of the State’s five species of epiphytic orchid.

Mallacoota Inlet Approx Area: 4462ha Land bordering the Inlet. Situated in the Shire of Orbost. Reserved in 1909. It is the State’s most easterly national park, notable for the entrancing inlet seascapes and, incidentally, the wildlife of the forests bordering the inlet. Hotel and camping ground are outside the boundaries of the Park. Approached from Genoa on the Prince’s Highway. There is a hope that the contiguous Howe Ranges will be added to the park to provide one of Victoria’s conservation areas for rich concentration of sub-tropical vegetation which occurs in the region.

Wingan Inlet Approx Area: 1843ha A little more than 7 square miles of land bordering Wingan Inlet on the southern coast of far east Victoria. Reserved in 1909 for its natural features of inlet scenery and forested coastal vegetation. Is inaccessible, except by boat, unless one is prepared to push through miles of trackless bush. To botanists it is notable as being the only known habitat in Victoria of the shrubby, Larch-leaved Trigger Plant (Stylidium laricifolium) until recently known only from New South Wales.

Lakes National Park (Sperm Whale Head) Approx Area: 1843ha Sand dune country on the Sperm Whale peninsular between Lake Victoria and Lake Reeve. Included a number of adjacent small islands. Although in the Shire of Rosedale is easily accessible only by boat from Paynesville in the Shire of Bairnsdale. Reserved in 1927 for the preservation of flora and fauna. It is the only known habitat of the plant Thryptomene miqueliana and the western limit of the Mahogany Gum (Eucalyptus botriodes). There are no facilities for tourists or visitors.

Bulga Park Approx Area: 37ha Reserved in 1904 to preserve another remarkable fern gully and the associated rain- forest vegetation. The main gully is crossed by a long picturesque suspension bridge. This park also, is Tarra Valley entered from the Grand Ridge Road two miles north of Tarra Valley at Balook, 1,900 feet above sea level. Both Approx Area: 81ha Reserved in 1909 to parks are little gems of nature and, for their preservation intact need to be increased in size to protect them preserve the rain-forest vegetation which, in from the hazards which could beset them were the adjacent forests cleared. times gone by, characterized most of the valleys of the Strezlecki Ranges. Within 18 miles of Yarram, it is entered from the Grand Ridge Road.

FOUNDATION & EARLY YEARS 19 CHAPTER 2: THE DIFFICULT YEARS – 1957-72

2.1 Conflicting ideologies in the 1960s

n 1957 the future of Victoria’s As the sixties advanced it was the scenic and cultural features and national parks looked promising. clear that despite their role in the wildlife of the country. These IAn eleven-member National Parks putting the state’s national parks on constitute the basic attractions that Authority had been appointed with a somewhat better footing, Bolte the tourist industry has to sell, and Philip Crosbie Morrison as Director and his ministers had few further from which it draws its life blood. So of National Parks, and there was environmental aspirations. As a the preservation of this raw material is a legislative structure for better conservative farmer with a utilitarian vital to the development of tourism. protection and administration of view of the land and economic The loss of any single natural, existing parks and the nomination of development, Bolte had a limited historical or scientific attraction is a new ones. understanding of environmental serious blow, not only to the tourist science or philosophy – although in However, disappointment and industry but to the people of the state this it should be recognised that he disillusion soon set in as it became as a whole.1 very much reflected the mainstream obvious that the legislation was of his time. That is where he saw the role of flawed and weak, the National Parks national parks – ‘as very important Authority was not very effective In many respects it is not reserves for the conservation of and the expected protection and surprising that Victoria’s landmark our natural resources: they provide expansion of the parks system was environmental dispute over the Little protection for native plants and something of a chimera. Under these Desert was during his government. animals whilst encouraging people circumstances the honeymoon period Alexander Fraser, who had been to seek enjoyment in natural with Henry Bolte and his government so supportive in obtaining national surroundings.’2 He went on to soon deteriorated, and in following parks legislation, became Minister proclaim the achievements of the years relations were at times quite for State Development with 1956 Act and subsequent expansion tense. responsibility for national parks, but of Victoria’s parks. While few in the he and his successor (Vance Dickie) The 1960s is a fascinating period. environmental movement would manifested limited support for park We all know its image as the decade have agreed with such boasts, they protection or expansion. It is notable of challenge to conventional values, would have very much endorsed that this combination of ministerial the Vietnam war and protests, two uncharacteristically insightful responsibility for ‘state development’ free love and the pill. It was also a sentences: and national parks was indicative of decade of prosperity, consumerism the mindset in the government. We believe that all must be made and development and, largely as a to realise that we are simply tenants result, it was a major turning point in Bolte’s understandings and using, but conserving, our resources environmental degradation but also attitudes were summed up in an in trust for those who follow after us. in environmental awareness. The article purportedly written by him, environment emerged as a political entitled ‘The Government’s Attitude My government believes that the and conscience issue as never Towards Conservation’, and published quality of the environment must be before. in March 1968 in Victoria’s Resources, looked upon as a basic human right the journal of the Natural Resources just as much as food, clothing and The Little Desert campaign 3 Conservation League (NRCL). In his housing. of 1969-70 (over the proposed eyes conservation was essentially subdivision of previously uncleared In practice, Bolte and his ministers about the wise use of ‘natural land for farming in western Victoria) soon ran out of steam on the idea resources’ for human use, rather than is often seen as one of the most of nature protection and they because of any intrinsic ecological significant starting points for the were no great fans of extending value. So the article was about environmental movement in Victoria the reserve and national park such matters as the work of the Soil system, especially when it involved and even Australia. However, a Conservation Authority, building more potentially ‘productive’ land. Their close study of the VNPA in the 1960s dams (water conservation), ‘game prime aspiration was for economic indicates that the Little Desert issue management’ and ‘conservation development and growth economics. was really a culmination of a decade and tourism’. On the last subject his of mounting dissatisfaction and The public, meanwhile, was anthropocentrism was explicit: tension with the Bolte government, not increasingly exposed to ideas of the the beginning. The raw materials of tourism are vulnerability of natural ecosystems

20 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 2 and the damage that human ‘development’ was doing. From America there came a stream of environmentally conscious literature. Pre-eminent was Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring in 1962 which identified the repercussions of using pesticides, notably DDT, and has been seen as the most influential book in the twentieth century.4 It certainly helped people to understand the connectedness of nature and the dangers of intervening in ecosystems. In fact, at a VNPA Council meeting on 30 May 1963 one of the councillors drew the book to the attention of fellow members.5 There were also many Australian texts published in these years, including three major works in 1966 – Jock Marshall’s superbly titled The Great Extermination: a Guide to Anglo-Australian Cupidity Wickedness and Waste6 (the VNPA Council sent Marshall a congratulatory letter7), Vincent Serventy’s A Continent in Danger8 and Alan Moorhead’s The Fatal Impact9. In 1968 Geoff Moseley published a guide to Australian national parks10, in 1969 Eric Rolls published They All Ran Wild (his pioneering account of invasive species) and in that same year Len Webb teamed with Derek Whitelock and John Le Gay Brereton to produce The Last of Lands: conservation in Australia.11 These men were among our most prominent environmentalists. As their concerns and those of an increasing number of scientists and environmentalists became more widely known, so did the demand for greater recognition and action from politicians. All told, while there was mounting public sympathy with its cause, the VNPA had a difficult decade as it sought to protect and expand the national park system. Rudd Campbell was the sole ranger at Wyperfeld National Park from 1958 until his death in 1970.

THE DIFFICULT YEARS – 1957-72 21 2.2 The VNPA and the National Parks Authority

rosbie Morrison resigned as President of the VNPA when Che was appointed Director of National Parks in 1957 and was replaced by Hugh Wilson, who had been a foundation councillor, treasurer and the editor of the Newsletter. The challenge facing Morrison at the National Parks Authority (NPA) was probably greater than he had anticipated. While it seemed that there had been a great victory in persuading Bolte to set up a better national parks system with its own Authority, the cracks soon appeared. The NPA proved, despite Morrison’s best efforts, to be weak and flawed. It was The cleared ski slopes at Cresta, Mt Buffalo NP in the early 1960s. very poorly funded and Morrison took a severe cut in salary to take again he ran into resistance from of timber industry chainsaws.14 on the position. The legislation did local committees of management Although there was minor community not require existing management and with lack of funds, and there was representation on the NPA it did committees to surrender their no professional ranger service for a not include the VNPA, so when in independence and come under number of years.13 1959 the government proposed to the auspices of the NPA. Some did add a representative of the Country There were also reservations not – notably the Mount Buffalo Women’s Association the VNPA was among environmentalists about committee12 – and they continued far from impressed.15 the membership of the Authority, to resist efforts to improve their particularly its numerical dominance Much of Morrison’s time in the operations in such matters as by senior public servants with early months was spent battling using grazing leases as a source of an interest in promoting and these obstacles, inspecting existing revenue. There was little in the way of defending the interests of their and possible parks, planning and pest control or fire protection. own departments. The Lands publicising. The strain on him was It had been expected when Department, for example, was considerable, especially once he the 1956 legislation was passed believed to be opposed to further was diagnosed with high blood that it would be followed by the significant areas being declared pressure. Tragically, he died establishment of a formal National national parks, and the Forests suddenly, aged only 58, of a cerebral Parks Service with a Head Ranger Commission of Victoria was not often haemorrhage in March 1958.16 There to supervise ranger staff. Morrison willing to see potential timber coupes was great sorrow across the Victorian expected to be able to do this, but being removed from the swathe community at his death and he is still

Much of Morrison’s time in the early months was spent battling these obstacles, inspecting existing and possible parks, planning and publicising. “ The strain on him was considerable, especially once he was diagnosed with high blood pressure.

22 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 2 Winter at Mt Buffalo’s Cresta ski fields, early 1960s. remembered and appreciated for was caught on one side between a similarly achieved very little, at least what he achieved in a life devoted largely unsympathetic government partly when it became the venue for to the preservation and protection of and Authority members who interdepartmental disputes over land the environment, and especially our represented their departmental use.17 national parks. Fittingly, among the interests first, and on the other side memorials in his honour is a building the VNPA and other environmental By the late 1960s the VNPA was at the National Botanic Gardens in organisations. At times, the openly advocating the need to Canberra that is named after him. environmentalists saw Smith as restructure the NPA and for clearer inadequately resisting inappropriate assessment principles and allocation Morrison was succeeded as government policies. of Crown land.18 Director by Dr L.H. Smith with whom VNPA would have a mixed Substantially because of its relationship. Smith faced similar limited resources and confused problems to Morrison running a role, the NPA did very little to poorly financed organisation with evaluate new regions in the state to a small staff, although over time become protected areas. Another the budget was increased and the government body, the Land parks service came under control of Utilization Advisory Council (LUAC) the NPA and was professionalised. had been established in 1950 to offer Nevertheless, he was in a somewhat advice to government on the use and invidious position in the 1960s. He allocation of Victorian Land, but it

THE DIFFICULT YEARS – 1957-72 23 2.3 The work of the VNPA

ost likely due to mounting community awareness of Menvironmental matters and concern about the actions of the Bolte government, membership of the VNPA doubled from 610 ordinary and 31 corporate members in 1959 to 1370 members and 58 corporates at the end of the Little Desert campaign in August 1970.19 The Presidents in that period were Hugh Wilson (1957-63), Ray Specht (1963-64), David Lahey (1965-66), J.H. Quirk (1966-67) and Gwynneth Taylor (1968-71). The Committee members undertook an immense amount of voluntary work with no paid staff to assist them. Administration was substantially undertaken by Ros Garnet, who used his Pascoe Vale home as the VNPA office, although he was apparently able to get some of the secretarial work The southern coastline of Wilsons Promontory hides a series of rugged undertaken by staff in his office at the indentations and precipitous headlands that still attract tourists today. Commonwealth Serum Laboratories. usage scheme (of which see more in the Newsletter in August 1962, For Committee members, besides below).20 the ‘Government has not fulfilled the normal monthly meetings there the expectations it raised when the were various sub-committees, park As this indicates, one of the [1956] Act was passed.’21 inspections, documents to be read main concerns of the VNPA was and written, people to meet and campaigning for the creation of In September 1969, when a lobby, etc, etc. Some must have new parks and the extension of number of new parks were on the spent extraordinary hours travelling existing ones. The main new areas cards, Ros Garnet pointed to the to and from the suburbs to meetings, that were worked for included the small total area that had been often by train or tram as not all had Alpine, Brisbane Ranges, Lower brought into the Victorian parks cars. Travel was often late at night as Glenelg, Little Desert, Otways, system. Most of the 375,000 acres in meetings generally started at about Grampians and Yarra Valley, while existing parks had been dedicated 8pm and ran late – sometimes after the principal extension campaigns between 1898 and 1928. There midnight if there was a particular involved Wilsons Promontory, were only two substantial parks in crisis or issue. Mallacoota Inlet and the Kulkyne. the state, Wyperfeld and Wilsons A good deal of detailed VNPA However, prior to 1969 all this effort Promontory, and only two significant work was undertaken by sub- produced few results, with only parks had been created by the committees. In 1963, for example, minor extensions and six new parks: current government - Fraser and sub-committees were responsible for Fraser (1957), Hattah Lakes (1960), Hattah Lakes. Even the proposals Membership, Excursions, Finance, Mt Richmond (1960), Mt Eccles that the government was looking at and for individual campaigns for (1960), Glenaladale (1963) and Port in 1969 were far smaller than had new parks in the Yarra Valley and Campbell (1964). Of these, only been proposed, and meanwhile the Alps, the inclusion of the Kulkyne Hattah Lakes was of a substantial areas that the VNPA had been into Hattah Lakes National Park, size, but even so it was far smaller advocating as parks for many years and a Master Plan committee for the than desired as it did not include the were deteriorating from commercial development of a statewide land Kulkyne area. As Hugh Wilson wrote development and other exploitation.22

24 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 2 As early as 1960 Hugh Wilson had concluded that as there was little progress in the care of existing parks or the declaration of new ones, the VNPA would again have to shoulder the burden of providing leadership in the community and acting as a needle in the side of government and the NPA. In March 1960 it organised a major conference on new parks and the management of existing ones. The conference demanded great stamina from participants, running from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm, with an excursion to Churchill National Park on the following day. Presentations included: • Principles in Selecting New National Parks, by Hugh Wilson • Victoria’s need for a Representative System of National Parks and Nature Reserves, by Jack Jones • Kulkyne National Park Request, by Jack Jones and Hugh Wilson • Alpine National Park Proposal , by W. Rege Mann • Proposal for a National Park in the Little Desert by Keith Hateley • A National Park Service, by Ros Garnet23 A long list of motions was passed and sent to the government, but with no result.24 As the subjects of the presentations indicate, an increasing focus of the VNPA was the need to develop a range of parks that was representative of the state’s ecological systems, and particularly John Hart-Smith, son of Dr L. H. Smith, Director of National Parks 1958-75, 25 of its vegetation communities. This looks down on the Wilsons Promontory lighthouse in 1951. Built by con- matter was discussed over a number tract labour in the 1850s, the lighthouse was the site of a radar station in of years, but there was little progress World War II and is still an important navigational facility. as the government and the NPA lacked the drive and/or resources to and other conservation reserves. David Lahey raised sufficient to start undertake the necessary preliminary The main initial driving force was the work. detailed scientific survey of public academic biologist Ray Specht when With invaluable assistance and lands. he was President in 1963-64. Known guidance from Professor John Finally, the VNPA decided that it at first as the Master Plan, the survey Turner, who from 1959 was a VNPA would have to do the work itself, or was rebadged as a ‘study of nature Council member, the VNPA in at least undertake the first stage of conservation in Victoria’. In 1965 a 1965 employed a young biologist, evaluating existing national parks fund-raising campaign promoted by Judith Frankenberg, to do the

THE DIFFICULT YEARS – 1957-72 25 work. She was a science graduate in Victoria: a survey was finally The VNPA publication gave the LCC from Melbourne University with published in late 1971.26 By then an excellent base from which to distinctions in botany and zoology, there had been a major change in work.27 and a member of the VNPA and government administration, and a Inevitably, most of the work of the FNCV. It proved to be a long new authority, the Land Conservation VNPA was more routine. It continued and drawn out process for her to Council (LCC), had been established the publication of its quarterly undertake the survey and then for to evaluate and advise on the use of Newsletter, and from March 1964 Turner to edit it. Nature Conservation Victorian public lands (see below). began holding regular speaker meetings for members. Fittingly, the first presentation was by Ros Garnet.28 The annual excursions became so popular that in the later 1960s they were increased in frequency. Most were to existing parks or to proposed ones (Brisbane Ranges, Kulkyne, Little Desert). A great deal of energy was devoted to what can best be described as trying to put out the ‘spot fires’ that broke out frequently and threatened to degrade both existing and aspiring parks. The Mallacoota national park was a constant source of attention because the VNPA wished to see it extended to the NSW border. However, sawmillers and the local Shire were opposed. In 1964 the local Shire even applied to the NPA to excise thousands of acres from the National Park (in exchange for other areas) to enable the town to expand. When the NPA was slow to reject the notion, one VNPA member described it as ‘supine’.29 An even greater challenge in East Gippsland was the emergence of the woodchipping industry in the late 1960s.30 The proposed alpine national park also had its local opponents, particularly mountain cattlemen and timber millers. However, an equal threat came from the increasing popularity of snow skiing and the need to provide roads to access the developing ski fields.31 One of the most interesting dilemmas facing the VNPA involved Tidal River beach has long been a favourite for visitors to Wilsons Prom. the Sporting Shooters Association (SSA). In 1967 the SSA sought

26 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 2 and, after a long discussion by the Council, was granted corporate membership. Not surprisingly, some VNPA members questioned the acceptance of a group that shot animals, and at the 1967 annual general meeting there was a move to revoke SSA membership. After a fiery discussion the motion was defeated. But in coming months it became clear that the SSA had an agenda to use VNPA membership to gain access to protected areas. Proclaiming themselves true environmentalists because they shot introduced feral animals such as deer and foxes, the SSA sought to have the Yanakie area adjacent to Wilsons Promontory National Park declared a game reserve where they could hunt. The VNPA membership was deeply divided between those who were profoundly opposed to any association with shooters and to having a game reserve on the border of a national park, and those who saw some benefits in the removal of feral animals. Following discussions Looking across Norman Bay towards Wilsons Promontory’s Mt Oberon. with the SSA, at the next annual Pillar Point, the headland which the people are standing on, was proposed general meeting in 1968 there was a as the site for a large ‘chalet’ in the early 1960s. heated discussion after which a large majority voted to expel the SSA.32 However, the biggest ‘bushfires’ the VNPA had to deal with, more than just spot fires, involved government support for the encroachment of commercial enterprises into the parks.

THE DIFFICULT YEARS – 1957-72 27 2.4 Commercialisation of national parks

ne of the most difficult issues inappropriate. That brought them response from the VNPA was the for the VNPA in its relationship into frequent conflict with the periodic revival over the next eight Owith the government was the Bolte government – and created years of a proposal to create a question of commercial activities in a crisis in the VNPA. In 1960 the recreational lake near the Inn, and in national parks. At the heart of the government passed an amendment 1971 to undertake a major expansion matter was the range of different to the national parks legislation that of the premises to include motel conceptualisations of the role and empowered the NPA to lease parts accommodation. The VNPA fought purpose of national parks. At one of parks for unspecified purposes these all the way, and finally in 1972, extreme were the environmentalists for up to up to 33 years, or for 75 after Bolte had retired, the Hamer who preferred, if not to ‘lock out’ years if lessees erected a building government announced through most people and human activity, worth more than 100,000 pounds Conservation Minister Bill Borthwick at least to keep them tightly ($200,000). Underlying the plans, that it would not to allow the dam or controlled and minimal. At the it seems, was pressure from the further development, and in 1975 the other were those who saw national tourism industry to provide more lease was bought back.36 parks as little more than temporary upmarket accommodation and But it was the Wilsons Promontory reservations and recreational areas dining facilities, and soon after proposal that elicited more that could and should change and the legislation was passed plans immediate opposition from the adapt to meet the needs of free were announced for these at Mount VNPA and caused more problems enterprise, tourism, development Buffalo and Wilsons Promontory. for the organisation. This was and community recreation. The VNPA The VNPA had opposed the partly because the defence of ‘the had many of the former among its legislation, and in a briefing paper Prom’ had been so significant in members, and the government, Hugh Wilson set out the reasons: the foundation of the VNPA, and Country Party, business, tourism and its ongoing protection was dear to rural communities had many of the National parks are for all the the heart of VNPA members, none latter. These differences continue, people all the time. We do not want more than Ros Garnet. However, and pressures to commercialise or privileged individuals with holiday the scale of the Wilsons Promontory change the protection of parks have homes on leased land in national development was horrifying – continued to re-emerge every few parks, or privileged to have leases although the VNPA was probably years. for other purposes not essential to not fully aware of the extent as the providing facilities for all the public One of the first challenges was details do not appear to have been to enjoy the natural condition of grazing leases which, as mentioned made public. The developer initially the park. As nearly all the parks above, did not immediately planned to take over 350 acres of are small in extent, provision of disappear with the formation of the the park for a very large international accommodation, motels and caravan NPA because some independent standard ‘chalet’, a motel and parks should be outside the parks local committees still used grazing a convention centre, with liquor rather than in them.34 as a source of revenue. However, licence, providing accommodation over time and despite some local Nevertheless, the VNPA seems for 600 guests and 200 staff, with resistance from graziers, the to have done relatively little to try to accompanying car parks and other practice was removed from most prevent the initial development of a facilities, including a golf course and parks. Nevertheless, grazing in restaurant, some accommodation clubhouse. There could even be a national parks continued to have its and other tourist facilities at Mount mini-railway to take tourists around advocates – as it still does.33 Buffalo. The NPA played a role in the coast. The NPA made it clear that initiating the developments, of which such plans were unrealistic, and the More serious was the question Sir Rupert Clarke was the principal proposals were subsequently scaled of the provision of recreational shareholder, and the Tatra Inn was down and the site changed, but a facilities and accommodation in opened in August 1964 with relatively long fight ensued.37 parks. While camping was deemed little fuss. However, the VNPA was acceptable, and even permanent The VNPA was opposed in subsequently highly critical of the cabins and a shop/café at Tidal River principle to commercialisation, but environmental damage and visual in Wilsons Promontory, upmarket there was a necessary sensitivity scar that resulted.35 accommodation and restaurants about how best to deal with the were seen by the VNPA as essentially What created an even greater government. Bolte and Fraser had

28 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 2 Tatra Inn under construction at Mount Buffalo NP, early 1960s. been responsible for the new national disturbed by these developments and remained in the chair until the parks regime and, while they were and campaigned against them. In AGM in September 1963 when he left showing less interest in protection early November he issued a press the VNPA. Biologist Dr Ray Specht and more in development, the VNPA statement condemning the plan then became President and Garnet still needed to work with them. As a which was picked up by the Age returned as Honorary Secretary.41 result, in the early 1960s the VNPA and Herald. He asserted that ‘The There was no immediate carefully expressed opposition to National Parks Authority and the construction of the proposed Wilsons the motel because of its ‘luxurious’ State Government were out of touch Promontory development, at least nature and where it was to be sited. with public opinion in allowing a partly because of public opposition, At its September 1962 meeting licensed motel to be built at Wilson’s and while the plans periodically the Council passed three motions, Promontory’.40 the first opposing the hotel/motel re-emerged they were eventually 42 development, the second opposing Hugh Wilson, the then President, dropped in the 1970s. in principle any leases to private was outraged that Garnet had enterprise and the third seeking to taken it on himself to issue such a rescind the legislation allowing long- statement criticising the government term leases.38 and wrote immediately to Bolte to apologise: ‘Mr Garnet feels The matter came to a head in strongly about this matter, but he October 1962 when the government had no authority to speak for the announced, with the (possibly Association’. He also wrote to Garnet, reluctant) support of the NPA, reprimanding him. In turn, Garnet that a 33-year lease had been was outraged by Wilson’s actions, granted for a motel at Bishop Rock and a serious crisis followed. Put overlooking Leonard Bay. What simply, when efforts at reconciliation made it even more problematic for failed it was recommended that conservationists was that the plans both men take leave for a year. included a licensed restaurant.39 Garnet agreed, but Wilson refused Ros Garnet was particularly to vacate his position as President

THE DIFFICULT YEARS – 1957-72 29 2.5 Little Desert

he culmination of the broader public awareness of and plans), Lower Glenelg and Captain deteriorating relationship with involvement in conservation and James Cook. Some 17,500 acres Tthe Bolte government was environmental matters. From the of land at Yanakie were also the Little Desert dispute of 1969- VNPA perspective there were three added to Wilsons Promontory NP. 70. The details of the dispute are specific results. The strength of the public protest discussed in another chapter, but in movement was also credited with First, the nature of the dispute essence it arose from the decision having a major influence on a by- resulted in an initiative in mid-1969 by the government in 1968, pushed election in the seat of Dandenong in by G.T. Thompson, President of the by Lands Minister Sir William December 1969 in which there was NRCL, to create another permanent McDonald, to clear and sell for a landslide from Bolte’s governing umbrella conservation body from the farming most of the so-called Little Liberals to the Labor opposition. existing organisations to promote Desert region in western Victoria. environmental causes. To a degree, How much the election result The VNPA and other groups had this was a repeat of the moves was a response to the Little Desert been campaigning since the late that had resulted in the formation issue, and how much Bolte’s 1950s to have all or part of the Little of the VNPA in 1952, but the new subsequent transformation resulted Desert declared a national park, body would have a much broader from the loss of the by-election, it is but there had also been various remit than national parks. As the impossible to say. Nevertheless, a proposals to develop it for farming. Newsletter remarked ironically, ‘… it marked transformation came over The development schemes had is safe to say that conservationists, his attitudes (less confrontational) lapsed for financial reasons or largely through the efforts of the and policies (more environmentally because of opposition, but this Minister of Lands, have been friendly) prior to the general election time the government, particularly welded into a very unified team of May 1970. The environmental McDonald, was determined to whose spokesman from now on – in policies were influenced by Cabinet push ahead. The 1968 Little Desert matters of State-wide concern – will Ministers Bill Borthwick and Dick proposal coincided with plans to be the Conservation Council of Hamer, and in his election speech develop much of the Kentbruck Victoria.’44 In the changed political Bolte even declared an intention Heath area in south-west Victoria circumstances following the Little to increase Victoria’s proportion of for farms and pine plantations. Desert campaign, the CCV would land held in conservation reserves This was another region that VNPA receive government support and to 5 per cent compared with the and other conservationists had would be involved in high-level then total of about 1 per cent. been campaigning for years to consultations on environmental Bolte was returned to office but Sir have reserved as a Lower Glenelg matters. Ros Garnet was a long- William McDonald lost his seat and National Park. term VNPA representative on the Borthwick became the new Minister A strong community backlash CCV (and for a period its Vice for Lands and Conservation. was ignited against these plans in President) and won some notoriety During 1970 and 1971 a number which the VNPA and its members and plaudits in early 1970 when of new initiatives were enacted, played a significant role, notably Bolte refused to accept a deputation including the establishment of the VNPA President Gwynneth Taylor. from the CCV if it included him – he Environment Protection Authority She was one of the founders and struck Garnet’s name off the list of and major changes in the evaluation prominent members of the Save deputation members.45 The CCV of land use in Victoria and in the Our Bushland Action Committee was renamed Environment Victoria administration of the national parks (SOBAC) which carried the fight in 1995. system.46 up to the government and enlisted The second major repercussion These legislative and substantial community support. was the commencement of political administrative environmental When Bolte saw the political winds transformation in Victorian politics, reforms are the third major Little changing against him he backed including the retirement of Bolte Desert repercussion. Legislation away from the scheme in late 1969 in 1972. In December 1969 four in December 1970 abolished the and early 1970.43 new national parks were suddenly National Parks Authority and passed The Little Desert dispute had declared – Morwell, Little Desert (to administration of the parks system to several important repercussions, mollify public protests 87,000 acres the Minister for State Development, including the stimulation of a much were hived off from development who had a new Division responsible

30 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 2 The Little Desert National Park provides important protection for the endangered Malleefowl. Photo: Sue Hayman-Fox for national parks within the lands and in the development of All photos in this chapter except for the Malleefowl were taken by Dr Len Smith, Department under the control of a the state’s national parks. One of Director of National Parks 1958-75, Director of National Parks (initially the principal factors had been the and provided courtesy of John Hart-Smith L.H. Smith). Under this arrangement personal views of Henry Bolte, but and Helen Kosky a more professional National Parks he was complemented in this by Service was developed during the prevalence of similar attitudes the 1970s. The VNPA would have and understandings among his preferred that the administrative own party, and by the even more authority was a Commission, not a reactionary stances among Country government department. However, a Party members and electors upon National Parks Advisory Committee whom Bolte was partly dependent. was created which included VNPA representation. However, a gradual change in public attitudes in the 1960s, Responsibility for evaluating especially among the more ‘balanced’ land usage needs and environmentally-minded urban advising government on future middle class, was brought to a head classification of Victorian public over the Little Desert dispute. The lands was handed to a new resulting political shock waves led to authority, the Land Conservation a much more progressive period in Council, which was established the 1970s – at least for a few years. by the Land Conservation Act in 1970. Its role was to investigate and >> Footnotes: page 64 evaluate Victoria’s public land and to recommend future ‘balanced’ use to government. The LCC also included representatives from community groups, including the CCV.47 The 1960s had proved to be far more disappointing for the VNPA than its members had expected when the 1956 National Parks Act had been passed. There had been minimal progress in the assessment of Victoria’s public

THE DIFFICULT YEARS – 1957-72 31 Hattah Lakes National Park (now Hattah-Kulkyne NP)

Wyperfeld National Park

Little Desert National Park

Fraser National Park (now Lake Eildon NP) Kinglake National Park Lower Glenelg National Park

Churchill National Park Mt Eccles National Park

Mt Richmond National Park Port Campbell National Park

32 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 2 VICTORIA’S NATIONAL PARKS

Parks established up to 1957 Parks established 1957-1972 1972

Mt Buffalo Lind National Park National Park Alfred National Park

Fern Tree Gully Mallacoota Inlet National Park National Park (now part of Dandenong Ranges NP)

Glenaladale National Park (now Mitchell River NP)

Morwell National Park Wingan Inlet The Lakes National Park National Park

Bulga National Park

Tarra Valley Captain James Cook National Park National Park (Together with Wingan Inlet and Mallacoota Wilsons Promontory Inlet national parks and other areas, now part National Park of Croajingolong National Park)

THE DIFFICULT YEARS – 1957-72 33 CHAPTER 3: HIGHS & LOWS – 1972-82

3.1 The VNPA and the Land Conservation Council

t is very noticeable that over the last sixty years the VNPA, and the Ienvironmental movement more generally, have experienced a number of phases of high points and low points. For a short period all will seem promising and environmental protection will rise to the top of a wave, but this will soon be followed by a decline into another deep trough of resistance and opposition before slowly rising again. For the VNPA the 1970s and then the 1980s were very much a period of such undulations. There were two main factors in this. The first was fluctuations in the environmental friendliness in the policies of government. The second, arguably even more potent, was responses to the activities and recommendations of the Land Conservation Council (LCC), which had been established in 1970. While criticism of the LCC was (and is) sometimes made, it nevertheless offered an optimistic and measured process of evaluation of the future use of remaining Crown Published in 2006, this book is a comprehensive account of the formation Land in Victoria. Its role was to make and work of the Land Conservation Council. recommendations for those areas that should be protected or could be used for other purposes such as forestry, recommendations. Another period of expertise and input of the VNPA and agriculture and tourism facilities. public consultation and submissions other environmental groups. Through preceded the publication of final The LCC began by dividing the sheer hard work of its members recommendations, which were the State into a number of regions the Association prepared detailed required to be tabled in parliament. or Study Areas and started to initial submissions and subsequent work methodically through them, It was a system that had been responses, and fought hard to have wisely commencing with some of consciously designed to offer its views heard by the public, LCC the relatively less problematic or independence and freedom from and governments. controversial ones, such as the far political influence. Sam Dimmick, the The actual results of the south-west. Chair of the LCC, was a strong and process during parts of the period independent force for conservation For each Study Area there was were, however, disappointing for until he died in 1984.1 a reasonably lengthy and complex environmentalists. In its early years process which commenced with The LCC process was one that the LCC generally worked well but, a scientific study by an expert enabled the VNPA to be deeply like the National Parks Authority group. This was followed by a involved and to have some influence before it, most of its members were phase of public consultations – indeed one could argue that the drawn from government departments and the publication of initial LCC LCC somewhat depended upon the and authorities and therefore, despite

34 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 3 expectations of independence, Park and Warrandyte State Park.3 often saw themselves primarily as The 1975 Act proved to be a representatives of the interests of landmark piece of legislation, though those departments and authorities. less for its impact on national parks Some of them, notably the Forests and more for the much wider range Commission of Victoria, fought of types of protected public lands relentlessly to hold on to as much as and spaces that it facilitated. With this they could of their responsibilities and Act behind it, the LCC developed a power and sought to limit the growth tendency to recommend a wide range of national parks. At times these of levels of protection, and over time internal divisions frustrated quick the number of new categories grew decision-making. steadily to include Reference Area, However, the LCC also had a small Wilderness Area, National Park, State community representation, and two Park, Regional Park, Flora and Fauna of those who served on it were men Reserve, Natural Features and Scenic closely involved with the VNPA. In Reserve, Bushland Reserve and State the early years Professor John Turner Forest. In due course, there would was one of the community members, be about forty categories, which and later Dr Malcolm Calder brought potentially caused more confusion his botanical expertise to the than clarification.4 Definitions, deliberations for many years. classifications and levels of protection were subject to a good deal of debate A second source of frustration among VNPA members, but there and delay was that even when LCC was strong support for the concept of recommendations were finalised and Reference and Wilderness areas with tabled in parliament, governments their higher levels of protection and generally moved slowly to enact the human exclusion.5 declaration of new protected areas. There were statutory requirements for The VNPA seldom received all it governments to respond, but politics wanted from the LCC, but that was often came to the fore. Governments inevitable in a process that sought could not be required to endorse balance through compromise. or proceed with implementing Balance and compromise, however, the recommendations of the LCC were very undesirable concepts for and so the list of unimplemented those who saw the speed with which recommendations steadily environmental degradation was lengthened. The VNPA called upon gathering pace across Victoria. Premier Hamer to ‘Make it Happen’ The VNPA adapted to, and was as his motto promised, despite the somewhat transformed by, this new resistance of ‘farmers, sawmillers, environment and, combined with dune-buggy organisations’ and other the passing of its first generation interest groups.2 of enthusiasts, evolved into a very In 1972 the small Organ Pipes different organisation. National Park was established on privately donated land, but it was not until 1975 that a new National Parks Act finally established any more protected areas. These included Brisbane Ranges National Park and some ‘lower-level’ parks, among which were Cape Schanck Coastal

HIGHS & LOWS: 1972-82 35 3.2 Aspirations – the early 1970s

or the VNPA the first half of to the Australian Conservation the ’70s was a high point of Foundation for the establishment Fexpectation, if not always of of a Victorian Environment Centre, fulfilment. The reforms introduced which was initially set up in in the last two years of Henry Drummond Street, Carlton. The Bolte’s government after the Little offices were occupied by a number Desert dispute were subsequently of environmental groups including endorsed and even furthered by the the VNPA and the Conservation government of Premier Dick Hamer Council of Victoria (CCV).8 This and his Minister for Conservation, address was not long-lived and there Bill Borthwick. They were in power would be many moves of the VNPA throughout the decade, and brought a office before finally settling in the 60L generally more sympathetic approach Green Building in Leicester Street, to environmental issues – or they did Carlton, in 2002. so as far as the pro-development The timing of the establishment and anti-conservation elements in the of the Environment Centre was Liberal Party and National Party would fortuitous for the VNPA. Ros Garnet allow them. stood down in 1973 after 21 years Other reforms were also promising. Bill Borthwick, Minister for as Honorary Secretary. Until then the The new National Parks Service Conservation in Rupert Hamer’s organisation had operated largely (NPS) was better funded and Liberal Government, was largely from his Pascoe Vale home and his more successful and professional responsible for setting up the Land office at the Commonwealth Serum than the previous National Parks Conservation Council. Laboratories.9 Finding someone to Authority in the development and Photo from The Alps at the Crossroads take over all the things that Garnet care of declared national parks. had done proved nearly impossible. Dr Len Smith was Director until his Other transformations in the Until this time the VNPA had been retirement in 1975, when he was political landscape followed the entirely run by volunteers, but at followed by John Brookes.6 The NPS federal election at the end of 1972 about the same time as the office also had the assistance of a National which was won by the Labor Party was established the VNPA was Parks Advisory Committee (NPAC), led by Gough Whitlam. Whitlam awarded state and Commonwealth 10 re-formed in 1975 as the National introduced a period of almost frantic grants to enable it to employ staff, Parks Advisory Council, which reforms, including in environmental which changed the nature of the included a number of community heritage policy. A Committee of organisation from its earlier ‘amateur’ and expert members. The VNPA was Inquiry into the National Estate model. able to nominate members through was appointed, headed by Justice In September 1974 the VNPA the Conservation Council of Victoria Robert Hope. Malcolm Calder, appointed an Executive Officer, Dr (CCV). Dr Malcolm Calder, Budge Ros Garnet, Eric Quinlan and John Jenkin, but when he resigned Bleakley and Geoff Durham were John Turner appeared before the in July 1976 it was decided instead each members for several years. commission for the VNPA, and there to employ an Office Manager, Eileen was also a written submission.7 The Somewhat paradoxically, the McKee, who was already working Hope recommendations resulted Victorian environmental cause was in the office. She became not only in major reforms in Australian stimulated at the start of the decade the chief administrator for the next heritage protection, including the by the unsuccessful campaign in decade but was a major force and establishment of the Australian Tasmania to save Lake Pedder organiser in the VNPA. She served Heritage Commission in 1975. as editor of Park Watch and in the from flooding. Like the Little Desert mid-1980s was a member of Council. campaign before it, the threatened In 1974 the federal Minister for Her service and contribution were loss stimulated public awareness of the Environment and Conservation, invaluable, providing both control broader environmental matters and Moss Cass, established National and continuity.11 the flooding of Lake Pedder in 1972 Estate grants to assist environmental sounded a widely-heard alarm. organizations. One of these went The reduced day-to-day

36 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 3 Dr Len Smith, Director of National Parks 1958-75, in Sherbrooke Forest. He was an authority on lyrebirds. Photo: Dr Len Smith administrative responsibilities somewhat freed the Council to concentrate on the LCC process, policy issues and responding to threats. To undertake these tasks it was fortunate to have a series of influential and hard-working leaders, including: • Professor John Turner, a VNPA nominee to the CCV and through that a member of the LCC 1971-78.12 • Dr Malcolm Calder, University of Melbourne botanist and colleague of John Turner, President 1971-74 and 1975-77. He was active on the CCV and through that he served on the LCC 1983-94. • H.R. (Budge) Bleakley, President 1974-75 and 1977-78, a leading figure in many conservation organisations including SOBAC, CCV and the Dr Malcolm Calder, VNPA President 1971-74 and 1975-77. National Parks Advisory Committee Photo: James Calder, Park Watch September 1994 (NPAC).13 • Eric Quinlan, a councillor for 33 yeas who served in several capacities • Jean Blackburn, a long-term councillor • W.R. (Rege) Mann, a long-term including Honorary Secretary and and Treasurer from 1959-83 as well councillor and Vice President for many Newsletter editor. He was a major force as a major figure in the Melbourne years. in the Alpine campaign, excursion Women’s Walking Club. She was a organiser and promoter of roadside • Geoff Durham, a solicitor, brought legal conservative treasurer whose careful conservation. He was also unusual in skills and an immense commitment that he was a committed Christian who and wise control of the finances was to the VNPA over many years in such believed that it is a Christian duty to one of the reasons that the VNPA areas as bushwalking, Friends groups care for the planet and its creatures.14 survived and at times even prospered.15 and the administration of national parks.

HIGHS & LOWS: 1972-82 37 He was President in the difficult and in the office. The VNPA was very excursions of the previous decade tense years of 1978-81. fortunate to have the services of evolved into organised bushwalks, Finances and membership were David Tatnall, a highly skilled nature which were becoming one of the main perennial issues, as they are for photographer whose images graced activities and attractions of the VNPA. most voluntary environmental and its calendars and enlivened its By 1978 there were about twenty 16 17 heritage organisations. Membership newsletters for many years. He also walks per annum. edited Park Watch for a number of fluctuated but essentially plateaued An offshoot of the work of the VNPA years. at about 2000, with individual and in the 1970s and 1980s was the family memberships becoming rather Newsletters played a critical role establishment of a number of Friends more significant than corporate in the public face of the VNPA and a groups for some of the national parks members. However, subscriptions great deal of effort and finance was and other protected areas across the did not provide an adequate income invested in them. Over time they state. The first group was formed to for the organisation to employ the became larger, better illustrated and rehabilitate previously private land staff it needed or to undertake its more glossy, and eventually coloured. which, when it was proclaimed as many activities and demands. Other In 1975 the title was changed from Organ Pipes National Park in 1972, sources of income were required. Newsletter to Journal, and in 1978 to was badly weed infested. Jack Lyale There was some success in Park Watch. (the park’s first Caretaker/Ranger) and Don Marsh (a volunteer who had obtaining government grants for Regular activities were mounted previously formed the Maribyrnong general administration and for special to keep members involved and to Valley Committee) built a group of purposes such as research studies encourage new ones. There were volunteers (Friends of the Organ to assist with LCC submissions. A general meetings with speakers Pipes) to help them with weed small income was brought in by to bring everyone up-to-date with control and revegetation. The Park publications and the annual calendar, campaigns and with what was was transformed.18 This success sold partly through a small bookshop happening in existing parks. The was noted, other Friends groups were established and, on becoming Director of National Parks in 1979, Don Saunders was instrumental in the establishment of many more. Geoff Durham was the major force within the VNPA in the development of the Friends groups, both while he was President and subsequently as VNPA Coordinator of Activities. Their objectives were: 1. To provide support and foster public awareness of the park. 2. To assist the National Parks Service with special projects. 3. To bring into contact people with a mutual interest in the park. There was some initial resistance from rangers who saw the volunteers as intruding on their jobs, but overall the Friends made such a valuable contribution that they were (and are) Keen bushwalker Jean Blackburn, third from left in this photo, was VNPA welcomed and valued. For those who Treasurer 1959-83. The photo, from From Uphill After Lunch: the Mel- wish to see the work of one Friends bourne Women’s Walking Club 1922-1985, shows walkers leaving Bindaree group, an excellent video is now Hut, New Year 1939. Jean was president of MWWC in 1956 and 1957. available – Wyperfeld 100: A traverse

38 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 3 Don Marsh at the site of the Organ Pipes NP car park in 1972. The Friends group, which helped restore the park’s indigenous vegetation, is still active today. in time, produced by the Friends of strident from the second half of the had a special feature, ‘Motorised Wyperfeld. 1970s. The timber industry worked Madness or Valid Recreation?’, with partly through the Hoo-Hoo Club, a a front cover photograph of young The VNPA frequently looked mysterious and secretive American- boys on trailbikes.26 Strangely, in beyond national parks to broader style men’s club for people in the 1975 the Land Rover Owners’ Club of environmental issues, such as Victorian Sawmillers Association and Australia (Victorian Branch) became intensively promoting the care and the FCV. Its role was to promote and a corporate member of the VNPA.27 protection of remnant vegetation in lobby for timber industry interests.23 However, they had no impact and roadside reservations19 and opposing soon dropped out. logging in water catchment areas.20 Besides the various commercially- Beyond Victoria the VNPA took interested groups, there was also Nevertheless, mounting community an interest in events and threats opposition from recreational users resistance to environmental groups occurring interstate and worldwide. of the bush. The increasing use of and to the creation of more national The Association expressed alarm off-road vehicles caused obvious parks would mark the coming at the flooding of Lake Pedder21 environmental damage, but this decade. in Tasmania and sand mining on seems only to have fed the demand Fraser Island in Queensland, and by some groups to gain full access also supported the emergence of to parks. In the sparring over such awards of World Heritage status to matters, in 1973 the Land Rover Club areas of particular natural history objected to an item in the Newsletter significance. In 1975 VNPA was a that described owners and drivers founding member of the Australian of 4WD vehicles as ‘mechanised National Parks Council, an umbrella morons’.24 In 1975 the Journal group for the state national parks featured the threat from off-road associations. Ros Garnet was the first vehicles in two editions. In the first representative from Victoria.22 it reprinted an article from Off-Road Australia that argued that as most Despite the lessons that should parts of national parks could not have been learned in the Little be seen without a long walk, they Desert dispute, there were continued should be opened up to 4WDs - ‘The rumblings of outright opposition to National Parks have been “preserved” the designation of more areas of the long enough, it’s time to begin state for national parks, and such enjoying them.’25 The next edition voices became louder and more

HIGHS & LOWS: 1972-82 39 3.3 Challenges and Issues 1975-1982

rom about the mid-1970s the circumstances and philosophies Woodchipping, of which the FCV Fearlier optimism and faith in of the post-WWII era, however, the was a strong promoter, emerged as change under the Hamer government term ‘conservation’ came to mean a serious threat to Victoria’s forests in gradually ebbed away as progress protection of ecosystems rather the 1970s. In 1967 NSW introduced in establishing new parks remained than conserving ‘resources’ for woodchipping in its southern forests, slow, and as fresh challenges to the human utility, as it had previously. not far across the border from East environment arose. Under these circumstances such Gippsland, and during the 1970s there were recurring proposals and For the VNPA there were five forester attitudes were increasingly mounting pressure to chip Victoria’s main and somewhat overlapping outdated, and Moulds and the FCV forests as well. The export of chipped challenges and issues. Most became deeply unpopular with timber for paper production was an important was the Alpine campaign environmentalists. One gains the attractive proposition to the timber which is dealt with in the next section. impression that the foresters were industry as it ostensibly added The others were East Gippsland, somewhat mystified by this, and value by using the waste that would the Otways, the Grampians and Moulds appears to have been quite otherwise be left on the forest floor woodchipping. At the centre of each hurt by the criticism levelled at him or burned after logging. However, in of these was the Forests Commission and the FCV by the VNPA and other practice over the years, vast areas of of Victoria (FCV) which had under environmentalists. good timber trees, sawlogs and areas its control large areas of remaining However, Moulds went far beyond with high ecological values were Victorian public land – including most mere advocacy of forest interests clearfelled for chipping. Clearfelling of the areas that the VNPA believed and in 1977 attacked La Trobe was favoured by some foresters as should become national parks. The University staff and the ABC for it provided the opportunity to clear FCV resisted most encroachment publicising research on Cinnamon the forest of ‘rubbish’ and start afresh on its territory, and as its Chairman Fungus in Victorian forests, and with a new crop of strong and healthy from 1969 to 1978, Dr Frank Moulds, effectively called upon the university trees. But for environmentalists, represented the FCV on the LCC until to dismiss or discipline the staff. He clearfelling represented loss of habitat 1977, its voice was heard loud and was also clearly a close reader of and an attack upon biodiversity by clear. VNPA publications and responded promoting a monocultural eucalypt The role of the FCV was essentially quite angrily and defensively to any forest. to ‘manage’ Victoria’s forests. Until criticism of the FCV and its policies 28 There was also strong support in the middle of the 20th century that and practices. Woodchipping of the timber and forestry lobbies for the term was essentially defined as native forests was a particular bone of notion that they could further value- implementing wise-use conservation contention.29 add by converting chips in a local so that forests would be available Geoff Durham remembers another pulp mill ready for paper production. in perpetuity as a timber ‘resource’. example of the gap in understanding On one level this was a sensible As a concession, some areas might between VNPA and foresters. When idea, but pulp mills are large, heavily be retained un-logged to represent the Grampians National Park was polluting enterprises that need to native forests in their ‘pristine’ state, about to be declared and handed devour vast quantities of timber to be but this was not perceived as the over by the FCV to the control of the viable, and therefore represented an main purpose of forests or the FCV. National Parks Service, it was found even greater environmental threat. A As foresters, employees of the FCV that many of the trees in popular small mill had operated at Maryvale had a reputation for believing that areas had been ringbarked. The in the La Trobe Valley by Australian they knew the forests best, and knew foresters explained that they had Paper Mills since the 1930s, and it what was best for the forests. Indeed, done this prior to the handover as provided a salutary lesson about it is clear that many foresters saw good silvicultural practice, since the timber and energy consumption themselves as true conservationists thinning forests enabled survivors and pollution capacity of paper mills. because they promised to ensure the to grow straighter and more quickly. Nevertheless, in the 1970s there were longevity of regrowth forests for long- The ringbarking seems to have been various proposals to establish much term sustainable supply to the timber done in good faith, not as an act of larger pulp mills in Victoria, notably industry. sabotage of natural processes or as at Orbost. These proposals were In the changing environmental revenge against environmentalists.30 staunchly resisted by the VNPA and

40 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 3 The Grampians in the 1970s. Grampians NP was established in 1984. other environmentalists.31 In 1980-82 large-scale proposals When the EES was released, it was for woodchipping and a pulpmill re- described by the VNPA as ‘distorted’ Potentially any remaining forests emerged. During 1981 the Japanese and ‘misleading’.35 Woodchipping in Victoria could be opened up to the company Harris-Daishowa, which in East Gippsland would be one of chipper for export or for pulp. The ran the Eden scheme, applied for the key issues in the 1982 election areas most under threat were East a licence to export woodchips from campaign. Gippsland and the Otway Ranges. Victoria, and the FCV commissioned Saving what was left of the Otway Relatively small amounts were an Environmental Effects Study forests was also a source of great chipped and carried interstate which was widely seen to be token concern for the VNPA, since the for processing in the 1970s. A and biased. Even before the EES region was recognised as ecologically pilot scheme commenced in East was released, however, the Liberal and strategically ideal for a national Gippsland in 1975 but Premier Hamer government, now led by Lindsay park. Standing in the way was the put a stop to it in the following year. Thompson, announced the start of a FCV, which managed the area as a However, the threats continued, pilot woodchipping export scheme. State Forest and wished to continue and in 1976 two big companies Hamer had recently retired, and under permanent logging, including for proposed large-scale exports and Thompson more pro-development woodchipping. There was also an there was increasing discussion of forces had taken control in the Liberal alarming expansion of clearing native the establishment of pulp mills in government and there was little forests for pine plantations to feed East Gippsland. The VNPA Journal apparent interest in environmental paper production. described this as ‘Victoria’s Forests protection.33 The conservation In the second half of the 1970s - Down to the Sea as Chips’. These movement and parts of the Victorian the LCC scheduled work on the proposals were not favoured by community were alienated and Corangamite Study Area, which the Hamer government, but some enraged, as Park Watch illustrated: ‘waste’ was sent from East Gippsland included the Otways, and its This scheme joins a growing list of to Eden in NSW, and at the other preliminary recommendations in early destructive projects being supported 1978 were ‘blasted’ by the VNPA and end of the state from the Otways to by the morally bankrupt Government of Mount Gambier for processing. The Victoria, as part of its ‘new directions’ described as ‘a disaster’. The LCC VNPA’s position was not to resist policies, such as an export woodchip recommended declaration of only a the use of residues, but it staunchly scheme in the Otways, logging in the so- small area for an Otway National Park, opposed the use of standing trees, called ‘national parks’ in the Alps and the and even within the park it supported Grampians, not to mention the annihilation 36 the establishment of mills which ongoing logging to 1988. Park of some 20 000 ha of peppermint forests Watch commented: would create chemical waste, and the in the North-East over the next 20 years, export of woodchips or pulp. to make way for pine plantations.’34 There appears to be a complete

HIGHS & LOWS: 1972-82 41 Croajingolong NP protects Victoria’s ‘Wilderness Coast’. Photo: Courtesy Parks Victoria violation of basic conservation principles, The matter came to a head at the relatively inaccessible areas made and one can only assume that the L.C.C. end of the 1970s and in the early up of lower grade timber that would has been unable to decide if timber or 1980s as the South-Western 2 Study be protected, and interspersed with nature conservation interests are more important – unlike Solomon, Council has Area, which included Grampians, the best stands of commercial timber lowered the sword in an abortive attempt passed through the LCC processes. that were to be excluded and retained to satisfy both.37 It was believed in the VNPA that FCV for logging. Among other problems, employees were actively opposing a as the VNPA pointed out, this meant Nevertheless, the recommendation national park by spreading rumours that the park would protect only a was essentially adopted, and the first that it would lead to weed infestation, distorted representation of Grampians 12,750 ha of the later much larger bushfires and other problems. The ecosystems. There was to be a State Otway National Park was legislated local traders were even told that it Park enclosed within the National for in 1981. Logging in this first stage was intended that the NPS would Park boundaries that would be under 38 ended in 1985. take over control of Halls Gap.39 FCV control, but ‘most terrible of The situation was similar in the Because of these pressures, in 1979 all and totally unforgiveable’, it was Grampians, one of Victoria’s most the LCC discussed the possibility recommended that there should be magnificent natural regions, but one of recommending that the FCV ongoing logging within the National where the FCV also held sway and be given ongoing control over a Park. The VNPA held a public protest fought attempts within and outside proposed national park. The idea meeting41 and there was such a the LCC to limit any national park did not go down well with the VNPA strong community response that and to maintain logging and grazing. and other environmentalists and was there was little further progress while There were, of course, very real later abandoned. Nevertheless, the LCC and the Liberal government 42 concerns for local communities in while the LCC was still considering considered their positions. its recommendations in 1981, four the loss of jobs if a national park was East Gippsland also emerged in Liberal Party members of parliament declared and the timber industry the late 1970s and early 1980s as publicly opposed a Grampians was curtailed or closed. However, a major source of concern for the National Park and advocated ongoing the VNPA was able to point out that VNPA, and in some respects it is the FCV control.40 the timber industry was already main region in Victoria that has yet to on the decline as most of the best The initial LCC recommendations in be satisfactorily resolved. This large and readily accessible timber had 1981 received a mixed reaction from forested region was covered with been logged, and that the tourist the VNPA. While it was proposed that majestic stands of trees interspersed employment benefits in the region there should be a substantial national with fern-filled wet gullies. Until had the potential to outweigh timber park of 108,000 ha under NPS control, demand and technology made it job losses. the park was a strange patchwork of feasible to log the region in the 1960s

42 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 3 it had been substantially intact. The Kulkyne National Park. It is interesting timber industry, facilitated by the FCV, to note how much easier and less gradually expanded its activities in controversial these Wimmera and East Gippsland, and there was much Mallee parks were to achieve, discussion about issuing licences to especially after the Little Desert allow the export of woodchips. The controversy, as they did not have drawn-out LCC process caused some large stands of usable timber and anxiety but its initial decisions were their land was considered much less generally found to be ‘pleasing’ by valuable for exploitation. the VNPA. The coastal region was In 1981 the first small part of the made more secure by the creation of Otway National Park was legislated Croajingolong National park in 1979, for, together with three more relatively bringing together and extending the small national parks in the Alpine area existing Mallacoota Inlet, Wingan – Bogong, Wonnangatta-Moroka and Inlet and Captain James Cook Cobberas-Tingaringy (see below).44 national parks. However, the 1980s would see ongoing conflict over the As these terrestrial victories future of the large East Gippsland were achieved, the VNPA began to hinterland forests, notably including look towards other aspects of the the Errinundra Plateau and Rodger environment and new issues. One River regions, and from the threat of that emerged in the second half woodchipping.43 of the 1970s was an awareness that there was little or no coastal or As the creation of Croajingolong marine protection in the state. At NP illustrates, despite difficulties and first, attention was mainly directed to delays there was some progress in the care of coastal land regions from the achievement of both new parks the pressures of development and and the extension of old ones in the pollution, but in due course the vision late 1970s and early 1980s. Most extended equally out to sea and notably, to celebrate the centenary began the long process of working of Australia’s first national park on towards the declaration of marine 26 April 1879 - the Royal National national parks and other protected Park near Sydney - the Victorian zones.45 government established four new national parks, sixteen ‘other’ parks The main focus of attention in the and some extensions to existing second half of the 1970s, however, parks. The new national parks were was the alpine region in Victoria’s Baw Baw, Croajingolong and two north-east. small parks in the Alpine region (Snowy River and Tingaringy). Also in 1979 Brisbane Ranges National Park was extended, 43,500 ha were added to Wyperfeld NP, and the first Victorian Wilderness Area was established with the declaration of the 113,500 ha Big Desert Wilderness Park. This last area was almost immediately added to the Register of the National Estate. In 1980 the long-sought extension of Hattah Lakes National Park was achieved with the addition of the Kulkyne State Forest to form Hattah-

HIGHS & LOWS: 1972-82 43 3.4 The Alpine Campaign – Part 1

ince the foundation of the VNPA development ethos of the Bolte era there had been two areas of than to empathy for protected areas. Sthe state that appear to have The Liberals were also in competition been particularly dear to the hearts with the Country/National Party for the of Association members. The first rural vote, and in rural areas there was was Wilsons Promontory which, a strong and increasingly vehement since it was already a national park, anti-environment sentiment. generally needed little more than the In a vain effort to mollify the hosing down of externally-imposed threatening conflict over the Alps, problems and keeping a watchful eye in 1973 Hamer set up a special on conditions there. After the attempt committee, the North-East Alpine to build a hotel/motel in the 1960s, the Areas Working Group, to work Prom was generally quiet in the 1970s through the various demands and and 1980s – apart from growing arrive at a compromise which could numbers of visitors. Nevertheless, be provided to the LCC.49 It was problems periodically arose, such reconvened in 1976 and made fresh as in 1973 when the Committee recommendations, but it did little to of Management prevented the mollify the sparring groups.50 destruction of rabbits because ‘the public like to see rabbits here’.46 While these early moves were taking place, the VNPA made its A much greater challenge was interests vociferously resisting the own outstanding contribution to the to fulfil an ambition towards which establishment of a large alpine park. campaign and to public awareness the VNPA had aspired since its At the forefront were the FCV and the of the issues by commissioning Dick foundation - the establishment of a timber industry which, together with Johnson to write a book on the Alps. large alpine national park stretching many rural residents and regional Johnson, a metallurgist who worked from the region east of Mount Baw councils, were fearful of any reduction with BHP, had been deeply involved Baw to the NSW border, and therefore of timber cutting and its effects on in the Lake Pedder campaign and contiguous with the NSW Kosciusko employment and timber communities. had written a book on it. A VNPA National Park. However, more than Beside them were mountain Councillor since 1970 (and in the any other region the Alps campaign cattlemen who for decades had 1980s would serve as President, was subject to dispiriting delays grazed their cattle (and previously Secretary, Editor and Treasurer), and opposition. There was a hope sheep) in mountain pastures over Johnson had a profound interest of success as early as 1959, but summer. Cattlemen numbers and in the Alps issue. The book was a Bill was abandoned because of economic importance were small, financed largely by the VNPA but with opposition from the Country Party.47 but they were an immensely effective financial and research assistance VNPA anxiety over the future of lobby group through their appeal from the Federation of Victorian the Alps mounted in the 1970s as to heritage and tradition. Concerns Walking Clubs (FVWC) and Save recreational use and commercial about being ‘locked out’ of areas or Our Bushlands Action Committee exploitation increased and having activities curbed were also (SOBAC).51 Johnson was assisted degradation escalated. For example, voiced by off-road vehicle owners and by a team of VNPA people including community affluence facilitated clubs, the ski and tourism industry Sandra Bardwell, Geoff Edwards and greater popularity of snow skiing, and the gun lobby. Ann and Lindsay Crawford. which in turn led to more areas being The politics were complex. Bill The Alps at the Crossroads was turned over for ski villages and ski Borthwick was a strong sympathiser published in 1974, and launched by runs, and more areas being accessed with environmental groups and was Bill Borthwick.52 Johnson was a man by newly-carved roads.48 widely admired by them. However, of strong opinions and assertions, Work on the North-East Study both he and Hamer had to operate and not all of the VNPA councillors felt Zone, which included the alpine within a political reality in which comfortable with the strength of some region, began in 1973. Already a large proportion of the Liberal of the opinions he expressed in the there was a formidable range of Party were more aligned to the pro- book, but all would have agreed that

44 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 3 it was an impressive achievement. It began with an outline of the international wilderness movement, placing Australian environmentalists within that context, and went on to describe the exploitation of Australian land since European settlement and the twentieth century campaign for Victorian national parks. Johnson analysed the impact of each of the interest groups that in the 1970s were pressing for continued alpine access and were resisting an alpine national park – miners, foresters. timber cutters, graziers, skiers and off-road vehicle owners. It was a hard-hitting and compelling polemic which sold quickly – 10,000 in the first few weeks and with a number of reprints which took its total sales to 23,000. VNPA councillors, staff, members and anyone who could help was recruited to distribute it to newsagents, bookshops, etc. The profits were used to fund future publications.53 The number of sales is indicative of the influence of the book in informing the public and spreading awareness of the importance of the Alps. Predictably, the publication was not without controversy, and Johnson and the VNPA came under sustained criticism over many years for their promotion of the alpine park.54 Dr Cypress-pines in Cobberas-Tingaringy NP. Photo: VNPA L.H. Smith, previously the Director of the National Parks Authority (NPA) Conservation to investigate the is likely to be HOSTILE and ANGRY.’57 and then Director of the National proposed alpine park region. Nine After an attenuated process, Parks Service until retirement in university graduates were employed the LCC presented its first 1974, bridled at some of the book’s to undertake what was arguably the recommendations in mid-1978. At the unfavourable references to him and most extensive research study of the core was a proposal to divide the Alps the NPA. Strangely, he left it until 1983 area to that time.56 into eight zones, with responsibility for to make an issue of the comments There was mounting community management of the zones allocated and to be mollified.55 tension in north-eastern Victoria and to a number government authorities, Meanwhile the VNPA continued its in 1976 the VNPA decided to send but notably to the FCV. Over these campaign, encouraging Victorians a delegation of councillors to meet there would be a new authority, to ‘Elp Save an Alp!’. In 1974 the with residents of Omeo, Heyfield and the Alpine Reserve Council. Less Association received a Technical Bright. The Executive considered it than 20% of the area would be in a Assistance Grant from Australian necessary to impress ‘on Council the protected zone and there would be no Department of Environment & fact that the audience in these towns significant new national parks.58

HIGHS & LOWS: 1972-82 45 The idea satisfied no-one and there The very different human histories and timber, as though these small morsels will began four years of bitter conflict states of the environments were not satisfy its ravenous maw. Incapable of between environmentalists and those considered relevant.60 dying graciously, it thrashes about with its dragon’s tail, blindly destroying all that opposed to them, and between the Bruce Evans, the National it touches, too stupid to recognize that various interest groups. The VNPA Party MLA for Gippsland East, its greedy hunger builds even greater must have known that bad news was resistance to its continued actions. And was particularly vociferous in his coming from the LCC as it began politicians, ever cautious of the present, opposition to environmentalism and to plan a protest meeting about the gravely sooth the diseased monster as it environmentalists, and among his gasps towards its close.63 ‘Alpine National Farce’ several weeks many attacks moved a motion in in advance of the announcement of parliament that control of national Hamer and his new Minister for the recommendations. Symbolically it parks be handed to the FCV.61 Conservation, Vasey Houghton, chose the lower hall of the Melbourne announced that the government Town Hall in recognition of the hall In the months after the initial LCC would accept virtually all of the LCC having been used for the VNPA’s recommendations were published recommendations, but even then foundation meeting in 1952. As then, the VNPA set to work to prepare its the fight was not over. There was the crowd was so large that not response, which it submitted later in intense lobbying by opponents of everyone could gain entry.59 1978.62 There then began a long and the proposed parks, notably by the tense period of campaigning and Because of its ongoing campaign, timber industry, from within the Liberal sparring with opposition groups until the VNPA came under heavy fire from Party and from the National Party the LCC final recommendations were those who wanted to use the Alps where Bruce Evans focused some of handed down in the second half of for other purposes. VNPA members his attacks in the press on the VNPA. 1979. These were an improvement were abused as selfish, city scum He described its members as a ‘self- on the previous recommendations, and communists, and had their centred greedy minority’ and had a dropping the proposed Alpine position misrepresented. Several terse exchange of correspondence Reserve Council and recommending with Geoff Durham.64 new anti-environment groups were four small new national parks in the established to work alongside existing east and Alps - Wonnangatta-Moroka, Community and political division bodies, at least one of which asked Bogong, Cobberas-Tingaringy and delayed action by the government as the Commonwealth for a grant equal Snowy River. There was also to be an the details were fought out, especially to that of the Australian Conservation Avon ‘Wilderness’ and other lesser the issue of ‘once-only logging’ prior Foundation so that it could fight extensions and creations. to declaration and then some ongoing against parks and protected areas. logging, mining and grazing. In However, grazing, mining and Indeed, the fact that government May 1981 the VNPA Council called hunting were to be allowed to financial support was given to a special meeting to discuss the continue in many areas, and others environmental groups to do their work legislation that had been presented were to be logged before they were caused deep resentment among to parliament and it was noted in the declared part of a protected area many anti-environmentalists. minutes that ‘G. Durham thinks the or national park. The latter seems a L.C.C. is being used in a manner Among the key terms in the lexicon very strange proposition but it was contrary to the original intention with of such groups were ‘multiple use’ considered a necessary concession special studies being done for small and ‘balanced use’, which in reality in order to get sufficient political areas for special purposes.’65 were code for opening land to all support. It was reluctantly accepted uses and exploitation. These groups by the VNPA. Overall, the VNPA was Finally, later in 1981 legislation was brought a Professor Mellanby from ‘extremely disappointed’ and Dick passed to establish Bogong National Britain to argue for the adoption of a Johnson wrote two stinging criticisms Park (81,000 ha), Wonangatta- model of national parks for Australia in Park Watch, including passing Moroka National Park (107,000 ha), similar to the one used in Britain. judgement on the behaviour of the Cobberas-Tingaringy National Park There, traditional villages, farms and timber industry: (107,000 ha) and an extension to other human and economic activities Snowy River National Park. took place within national park It is the death throes of the milling industry which have thrown up the most boundaries. It was argued that under dust. As the industry groans slowly By then, faith in the Liberals was the principle of ‘multiple use’, such a towards extinction in the Alps, it grabs waning among environmentalists and model could be adopted in Australia. feverishly at small remaining pockets of there was mounting hope for a better

46 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 3 deal from a resurgent Labor Party. Eileen McKee wrote in Park Watch in late 1981: I see the conservation movement as ‘the thin red line’ between the environment and the developers. In Victoria, Mr Hamer’s concern for ‘quality of life’ has given way to an obsession with ‘quantity of money’ and if you watch carefully you will be able to see your taxes at work helping the developers along, in the snow fields, in the coal to oil projects, in the alumina industry, but we pray not in a pulp mill or wood chip industry for East Gippsland.66 Hamer had much broader problems than the chagrin of the environmental movement. The state had deep financial challenges, there was a festering issue over land scandals in the Housing Commission and dissent within the Liberals had steadily increased over a range of issues. Meanwhile the National Party was snapping at Hamer’s heels and he had only just scraped back to power in the 1979 election with a miniscule majority. Hamer saw the writing on the wall and resigned in June 1981, to be replaced by Lindsay Thompson. At the next election, in April 1982, the political and environmental landscape was changed when Labor, led by John Cain junior, was elected. The battle for a full Alpine National Park was renewed. >> Footnotes: page 64

HIGHS & LOWS: 1972-82 47 CHAPTER 4: A CHANGE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 1982-92 4.1 The VNPA and the Cain/Kirner governments 1982-92

n Park Watch in mid-1982 Dick Johnson (VNPA President 1981- I83) welcomed the election of the Labor government of John Cain in the previous April as ‘A New Dawn for Conservation!!’ and celebrated the end of the ‘major rampage of intended destruction’ of forests that he associated with the later years of the Liberal government.1 There were good grounds for his optimism as Labor had been elected on a platform that promised much to the environmental lobby, including the longed-for major Alpine National Park; a larger and better-protected Grampians National Park than had been first recommended by the LCC; more controls on the clearing of native forests and their replacement with pine plantations; controls on woodchipping; and a system of marine and coastal parks.2 Labor also had a number of Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands Joan Kirner (left) and VNPA members who had expressed member Beverley Broadbent at the VNPA Picnic, 1987. environmental sensitivity, including it immediately began to strip back govern, Labor also had to appeal to Evan Walker who became Minister for environmental protections.) As rural regions where conservative (and Planning and Environment 1982-86, had also happened before, while often anti-conservation) communities and Rod Mackenzie who was initially many of the initial expectations were highly suspicious of city people, Minister of Forests and Minister of of the new government were Labor and greenies, all of whom Lands 1982-83 and then Minister of met, in the longer term the forces they saw in fairly negative terms. Conservation, Forests and Lands resisting environmental protection The Liberal and National parties (CF&L) 1983-85. Mackenzie was and the failing political strength played upon these Labor dilemmas succeeded as Minister for CF&L by of the government would result in in both urban and rural electorates. Joan Kirner, who arguably became increasing difficulty in maintaining the It was a challenging balancing act Victoria’s best-ever environment momentum of reform. for Labor to meet the expectations of and conservation Minister (except its supporters and win over sufficient A major challenge for Labor was perhaps in the protection of East conservative urban and rural support. Gippsland forests). After John Cain that it had serious internal divisions resigned in 1990 she was Premier and external pressures over its The 1980s also demonstrated until 1992. environmental stance. Links with that while the LCC was ostensibly the trade union movement were independent and free of political Labor fulfilled much of this strong, and unions, notably those interference, it could at times promise, particularly in its early in the timber and forestry industry, be influenced by the policies of years, which continued a pattern that tended to be far more concerned with the government and the wishes has seen changes in governments growth economics and jobs than with of Ministers. These could be generally followed by a period of conservation matters. Much Labor made clear to the authorities and significant environmental advances. support came from Melbourne and departments that were represented (It might be pointed out that this other large urban areas which tended on the LCC, and subsequent LCC pattern was discontinued by the to be more green in their sympathies. recommendations were likely to be Baillieu government in 2010 when However, to win enough seats to in accord. The two areas in which

48 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 4 Rocky landscape, Grampians National Park. All photographs in this chapter were taken and generously supplied by photographer David Tatnall, who took many photos of this influence was most obvious after fifteen years. Nevertheless, the VNPA activities, events and people, as well the election of the Labor government government accepted virtually all the as parks and other natural landscapes, in were the Grampians NP and the recommendations and legislated for the 1980s and 1990s. Alpine NP. (The latter is dealt with this enlarged Grampians National below.) Park (later given the Indigenous name Gariwerd) which was declared in When Labor came to power the 1984. At that time it was the largest protected areas, which resulted in a Grampians situation was still not Victorian national park, and an very impressive more than tripling of finalised. All sides were staunchly immense victory for the VNPA and the area of the state held in protected resisting the patchwork park that other environmental groups.3 the LCC had recommended in reserves under the 1975 National 1981, but in May 1982, a few weeks As well as establishing the Parks Act. In 1982 the National Parks after Labor came to office, the LCC Grampians NP, the 1984 legislation Service had 985,113 ha under its issued its final recommendations. included extensions to six existing control; by 1991 this had expanded There had been a significant national parks, the creation of four to 2,780,000 ha. As Victoria’s land transformation as it now proposed new state parks, and extensions to area is about 22,760,000 ha, this a much larger area (166,000 ha) many other types of park. These last represents an increase from about of mainly contiguous park without included Cape Schanck Coastal Park 2.3% to 8.2%. The number of parks 4 the many timber exclusion zones. and Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. had risen from the original thirteen in 1956 to more than one hundred in All this was well received, but the As the decade advanced the 1992.5 VNPA was profoundly unhappy that government supported and nudged there could be ongoing logging the LCC towards the establishment A significant part of this increase of up to 40% of the park for up to and extension of numerous parks and in area in the 1980s was in the

A CHANGE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 1982-92 49 Mallee eucalypts and wildflowers in Murray-Sunset National Park.

Mallee and Wimmera regions in the communities. A new Murray-Sunset while 28,800 ha was added to the Big north-west and west of the state. NP of over 633,000 ha in the far Desert Wilderness Park.9 They became a focus of renewed north-west incorporated and greatly Apart from Cape Schanck Coastal interest in the 1980s when the LCC extended existing state parks to Park and Gippsland Lakes Coastal undertook a second assessment become the second largest national Park mentioned above, the Cain process in the middle of the decade. park in the state at that time. Both of government was initially slow to fulfil Its initial proposals in 1985 were these included significant Wilderness its 1982 election promise to establish limited in extent and not well received areas.7 by conservationists, especially as a system of marine and coastal Further south in the Wimmera, a large area of the Sunset Country reserves. The VNPA maintained in 1988 Joan Kirner declared open was recommended for farming. pressure and a 1983 issue of Park a greatly expanded Little Desert Farmers leasing the land immediately Watch was devoted to the need for National Park of 132,000 ha, began a rash of clearing, including marine reserves and the VNPA’s finally bringing to a conclusion the 10 bulldozing of Malleefowl mounds. proposals. Eventually, in March watershed Victorian environmental After widespread protests about 1986, Joan Kirner announced five controversy of 1969-70.8 both the poor recommendations new marine reserves and parks and the damage, the clearing was The LCC also undertook two in South Gippsland – Wilsons slowed and the LCC went back to special studies at the start of the Promontory Marine Reserve, Wilsons the drawing board.6 The final LCC 1990s which impacted on the Mallee- Promontory Marine Park, Shallow recommendations in 1989 were a Wimmera – on Rivers and Streams, Inlet Marine and Coastal Park, Corner great improvement with significantly and on Wilderness. The first resulted Inlet Marine and Coastal Park and enlarged areas recommended for in part of the Wimmera River being Nooramunga Marine and Coastal protection, although combined with designated a ‘Heritage River’ and the Park. They covered a much smaller some continued grazing, broombush second led to legislation in 1992 that area than the VNPA had sought and harvesting and gypsum mining. The increased the number of Wilderness had lower levels of restriction, but new parks were declared in June areas to twenty-two, encompassing were much applauded.11 In 1988 1991. Wyperfeld was significantly 786,000 ha. This included three the VNPA listed marine conservation expanded from 100,000 ha to 323,700 Wilderness Areas within Wyperfeld as one of the continuing ‘neglected ha and took in some important floral and a ‘Remote and Natural Area’, issues’ in the state.12

50 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 4 Less successful was the VNPA campaign to have a national park declared over the Barmah forest on the Murray River, with its superb River Red Gums and wetlands. Once again, the struggle was largely against entrenched grazing and timber interests which fought to maintain Conservation Minister Joan Kirner at the opening of extensions to Little their access to the grasses and trees Desert National Park, 28 May 1988. in the region. A state park of 7,900 ha was legislated for in 1987 (along with Rather than state-wide departments were realised, especially when it five other state parks, including in the responsible for separate functions, was felt that former FCV officers in Otways and Grampians). However, there would now be eighteen regions CF&L frustrated and undermined the Liberal opposition succeeded across the state, each responsible in inserting amendments to allow environmental issues and had far too for this clustering of government ongoing grazing and timber cutting. much influence within the department functions, including protected area 15 VNPA campaigning continued, both and on the LCC. management. At the same time, Evan to remove these anti-conservation A VNPA Restructure Watch Walker became Minister for Planning activities and to lift Barmah’s status to committee was established, led by and Environment, thus separating that of a national park.13 Geoff Durham, and throughout the public land planning from public land mid-1980s the Association kept a A significant achievement of Joan management, a division questioned watchful eye on the implementation Kirner’s period as Minister for CF&L by the VNPA. was the passing of the Flora and of the new administrative structure, On one level the creation of Fauna Guarantee Act of 1988, the criticising and probing where they CF&L, or the ‘mega-department’ as first legislation of its kind in Australia. saw inappropriate actions or neglect it became known, appeared to be a It provided for the identification and of national park and environmental logical and reasonable administrative protection all threatened species interests. There was some relief in structure. However, environmentalists and ecological communities, the 1984 when it was agreed that the NPS were immediately suspicious that preservation of their habitat and would retain a degree of separate it would place the administrators controls on threats to them such as identity within CF&L, but questions of Lands and Forestry, often not weeds, pollution and inappropriate remained about resourcing and the renowned for their environmental development and exploitation. While expertise and priorities of regional understanding and sympathy, within it has not always been well resourced management. In one case, the first the same regional division as the and enforced, the legislation stage of the Alpine National Park, much smaller and administratively became an important weapon in the park/s overlapped six of the weaker conservation functions, the environmentalists’ armoury in new regions, thus adding layers including the National Parks Service. the battle to save Victoria’s natural of administrative confusion. There Who would be in charge of the heritage. was little doubt as far as the VNPA regions? What would their attitudes was concerned that this had been a A complication in both the work be to conservation and protected restructure with few if any benefits for of the Cain government and its areas? Would they have relevant Victoria’s conservation.16 relationship with the VNPA was expertise? As Geoff Durham pointed While the Labor governments the government’s decision in out, ‘the danger is that the National from 1982-92 achieved much, there 1983 to make major changes to Parks Service will be weakened were two particular areas in which its land-associated departmental and rendered less effective, or even the VNPA campaigned with limited administrative structure. Several obliterated.’14 Another concern that success for many years – the Alps previous departments and agencies emerged was that all CF&L members and East Gippsland. that had been responsible for the of the LCC would vote as a block, management of public land were as decided by the Directorate, and united into a new department of not necessarily in the best interests Conservation, Forests and Lands of environmental protection. Over under Minister Rod Mackenzie. the years some of these fears

A CHANGE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 1982-92 51 4.2 The Alpine Campaign - Part 2

ne of the early actions of conservative popular media. The Minister Evan Walker in 1982 Liberals won Nunawading, committed Owas to direct the LCC to to reject the Alpine NP which they did reopen its study of Victoria’s north- when the legislation went to the LC in east as a Special Investigation 1986.20 Area. The clear inference was that Hopes of establishing the the LCC should examine how to contiguous Alpine NP receded once bring about the government’s stated more. As Dick Johnson remarked, policy of a large and contiguous ‘The VNPA sat down in despair to Alpine NP. The VNPA was greatly begin again – to pick up the pieces cheered and quickly produced and prepare for the next decade of a submission that repeated its what was more and more seeming previous arguments, justifications like an endless struggle.’21 and aspirations and reaffirmed the Dick Johnson in 1986. Author of necessity of phasing out logging, The Alps at the Crossroads and Over these years the VNPA mining and grazing.17 It then looked an energetic campaigner for an maintained its campaign and was forward with anxious anticipation to Alpine National Park. fortunately in a position to employ the LCC recommendations – and was people as specialist Alpine Projects generally not disappointed. As Dick Alpine legislation prior to the March Officers. At different times these Johnson later wrote: 1985 state election. Labor won a included Carmel McPhee and Jamie The LCC Final Recommendations of narrow majority in the Legislative Pittock - the latter also worked as 1983 were a masterpiece of cartography, Assembly and for a brief period also Central Highlands Project Officer until carefully stepping around the big stands had a one-seat majority in the LC. his departure in 1992.22 of ash, soaking up big swathes of logged However, the result in the LC Province In 1985 Joan Kirner had been country, absorbing the Dartmouth Dam of Nunawading was so close and and establishing contiguity along the appointed Minister for CF&L, a there were so many complications entire length of the NSW boundary with position to which she brought a new that a new poll was called for August. the Kosciusko National park. And it level of enthusiasm, determination established the most intricate balance If Labor won, it would retain control of on timber reserves broken down to and political guile to support the the LC, but if the Liberal opposition environmental cause. allocations for specific sawmills. won Labor would lose its majority of The millers growled and groaned the upper house. Both sides threw Although the path through at the time, but once the Final everything into the critical bye- parliament for the Alpine park was Recommendations were accepted by apparently blocked, the VNPA Cabinet, they virtually dropped out of the election. increased its campaign and Mrs action and played only a minor role in the Dick Johnson and VNPA urged debate thereafter…. But the cattlemen Kirner proved not to be averse to were an entirely different matter.18 the government to pass the Alpine finding other ways to further the legislation through the LC while it cause. Political reality then set in and still had control, and Joan Kirner it would be another six years of reputedly argued the case in Two main new strategies political battle and lobbying before Cabinet. However, in an apparent were adopted. First, Mrs Kirner the Alpine NP was finally legislated misjudgement that the Alpine NP signed an arrangement with the 19 for and declared. The main reason might be a vote-winning issue, the governments of NSW, the ACT and for the attenuated process was the government did not act. Meanwhile, the Commonwealth to manage opposition of the Liberal Party, the the Mountain Cattlemen mounted the Australian Alps cooperatively. National Party and the Mountain a very effective campaign in Administrative machinery was Cattlemen, but compounded by Nunawading, blitzing the electorate established and plans were political misjudgement in the Labor and riding their horses through the drawn which introduced de facto government. management care for the region, streets in an appeal to the spirit of almost as if it had legislative For reasons that are not clear, but the bush and the cultural heritage protection as part of a national park.23 possibly because it lacked a majority of the Man from Snowy River. Their in the Legislative Council (LC), the campaign supported the Liberal Party Second, in 1987 the Cain government had not presented the candidate and was endorsed by the government announced its intention

52 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 4 to seek World Heritage listing for parts of the Alps and East Gippsland. With fresh memories of the role played by World Heritage nomination in defeating Tasmanian government plans for the Franklin Dam in the early 1980s, the VNPA enthusiastically took up the issue. Geoff Mosley, who had been Executive Director of the Australian Conservation Foundation 1973-86, was commissioned in 1987 Victoria’s Alpine National Park. to prepare the nomination report which he presented in 1988. It was published by the VNPA and launched credentials clear. Environmentalists contained 646,000 ha in the longed- by Joan Kirner. 24 Although the VNPA received some encouragement from a for contiguous stretch of alpine and others continued to press the new Shadow Minister for CF&L, Marie country that ran east to west across matter, World Heritage status was Tehan, and the VNPA felt sufficiently approximately a third of the state. It not achieved, but the process was confident to appoint a full-time Project consisted of an irregularly shaped a useful part of developing public Officer (Jamie Pittock and then David series of large blocks that were understanding and political support Risstrom) to work on the Alpine connected by narrower corridors. for protection of the Alps. campaign and liaise with Mrs Tehan The now contiguous areas, not all of and to facilitate the passage of the which were technically included in A special coup by Mrs Kirner was Bill.27 However, the Liberals went to the Alpine NP, were as follows. The her surprise purchase in April 1988 the election still essentially opposing most western large block, which lies of the 445 hectares of Wonnangatta the park. east of Mansfield and Woods Point, Station, a privately owned parcel contains the Wonnangatta-Moroka of land in the middle of the Alpine Labor narrowly won the election, block, the Avon Wilderness and the country surrounded by Wonnangatta- but did not gain control of the Wabonga Plateau. These were linked Moroka National Park. The acquisition upper house. Having lost again, the to the large Bogong block, which made it possible for the NPS to Liberals became more reflective was then narrowly connected to the supervise activities in the region about the need to produce more Cobberas-Tingaringy block, which and reduce the mounting risk of popular policies and Marie Tehan was ran a substantial distance along damage by off-road driving and other apparently able to make her party the NSW border and adjoined the uncontrolled activities.25 aware that it had a better chance of Snowy River National Park.29 The achieving government if it presented All this, of course, took place in protected region was very large, the a greener face to the electorate. the face of sustained attacks from range of ecosystems within it was those opposed to the Alpine park. In 1989 the Alpine Bill moved very diverse, and the gift to Victoria’s One Age columnist even accused through parliament again, this time future generations was incalculable. conservationists as conducting a ‘war under the guidance of Joan Kirner’s It could be seen as a magnificent against our country cousins’.26 successor, Kay Setches. After a achievement for the VNPA and its long debate, many amendments, allies who had fought for nearly four What finally brought about success much negotiation and substantial decades, but others were deeply in the Alps was a moderation in compromise the Bill was passed in disappointed. Geoff Mosley later the Liberal Party’s stand. Prior to May. There would be some ongoing wrote: the Victorian election in October timber cutting, and cattle grazing 1988, the government again tabled With grazing more entrenched than would continue to be a blight on ever before, with few areas of alpine ash an Alpine National Park Bill as an the park, but for environmentalists stands in the park remaining unlogged election sweetener. Together with the the achievement and relief were and a tortuous boundary having been proposed World Heritage nomination, drawn to avoid permanent logging areas immense. The Alpine National Park the Alpine park issue now put and alpine resorts it was very much a was declared on 2 December 1989.28 30 considerable pressure on the Liberal ‘Clayton’s park’. Party to make its environmental The Alpine National Park

A CHANGE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 1982-92 53 4.3 East Gippsland

hile significant regions of north-eastern Victoria were Wnow protected, further south and east in East Gippsland the Bicentenary Year 1988 also brought some success in establishing national parks. But the battle to save the forests would be ongoing.31 Much of the East Gippsland coast and its low hinterland had been encompassed in Croajingolong National Park in 1979. Further inland, as the land rises into the foothills and then towards the mountains of the Alps, it is more heavily forested, including areas of cool wet sclerophyll rainforest and fern gullies, the most important of which was on and around the Errinundra Plateau, where there were trees up to 500 years old. Victoria’s largest remaining forest of mountain ash was in the Rodger River Basin, near the Snowy River NP. Its majestic stands of mature trees were greatly sought after by both environmentalists and the timber industry. 32 East Gippsland is dissected by a number of rivers that gather their waters in the Alps and flow south out of the mountains towards the coast; these include the Snowy, Genoa, Wingan, Cann and Benn Rivers.33 At the start of the 1980s there were three national parks in the region: the small Lind and Alfred NPs from the 1920s, and the first stage of the somewhat larger Snowy River NP in the north- west that was created in 1979. Such a large and heavily timbered Errinundra National Park. area was mouth-wateringly tempting for the timber industry and, as However, East Gippsland was the industry and to sustain timber recounted in Chapter 3, there had the area about which VNPA and communities, and to stimulate been a substantial increase in other environment groups would regional economies while also activity in the 1970s, including some be most disappointed, and at odds placating the environmental vote. woodchipping. It had been subject with the Labor government. It was The rate of timber cutting was to large-scale proposals for chipping an immensely difficult issue for already beyond sustainability and licences and a pulp mill. Labor came the government because of the reduced allocations were required, to office in 1982 with a promise to political and economic pressures but people associated with the control these expansions. on it to provide sources of timber for timber industry were often more

54 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 4 concerned with short-term profits, damage. The VNPA was very the East Gippsland Coalition (EGC) job security and even just survival, concerned with its image and that it to fight a coordinated campaign.37 rather than long-term sustainability.34 should not be associated with such The initial VNPA representatives were VNPA did not oppose timber logging actions. The Association therefore Graham Proctor, John Renowden in principle, but sought to ensure that reacted strongly by complaining to and Dick Johnson. Through the EGC it was done sustainably and away the newspapers that had carried the the VNPA was a significant player from the most important areas of old- story and setting out to explain to the in East Gippsland, but not the main growth forest.35 public the sort of activities it actually one. 36 The government experienced undertook. Over the next several years the great pressure to open up, log and The VNPA also faced something of EGC put in an immense effort into chip the forests from the Victorian an internal dilemma about whether at trying to influence government policy, Sawmillers Association, large its core its purpose was essentially negating the forces of the former Japanese paper companies and to focus on the creation and care FCV and working with government other interested groups, including of an ecologically diverse range of and the timber industry to find unions. Locally, there was mounting parks and protected areas across sustainable solutions for the industry anger and alienation in towns the state – or, as in the case of the and its employees, and to improve and communities such as Orbost East Gippsland forests, should it forestry practices. which looked to the maintenance of be fighting more broadly to protect Soon after coming to power in logging, the expansion of chipping wider regions from environmental 1982 the Cain government declared and the establishment of a pulp threats, such as the ravages of the a moratorium on woodchip harvest mill as their promised future. The timber industry? licences and, in a reversal of Liberal polarisation and intensity of the government practice, insisted battle in the 1980s were similar to or In East Gippsland the choice upon proper Environmental Impact even greater than the contemporary seemed fairly clear, and it was Statements before future licences animosity over the Alps. increasingly apparent that the VNPA could not afford to stand back. were issued in the Otways and The fight for the East Gippsland Largely under the pretence of using East Gippsland. As it did with the forests also generated fresh waste, woodchipping threatened Alps, the government ordered the challenges for the VNPA. The widespread clearfelling of major areas LCC to undertake a review of East traditional VNPA role was to of trees, with accompanying threats to Gippsland. campaign and lobby through endangered species and the loss of However, logging was already conventional means for the invaluable ecosystems. A potentially under way at Rodger River, and while protection of natural systems and greater threat was a pulp mill which, Minister Mackenzie was sympathetic establishment of protected areas to be economic, would act like a huge to conservationist demands that and national parks. However, in the vacuum cleaner sucking in forests it be stopped, it was another year 1980s and in East Gippsland an and water, and spewing out chemical until he was able to call a two-year increasing presence in environmental and other waste. moratorium while a Timber Industry campaigning was that of activist Inquiry took place. organisations such as Forest People In the event, while the Association and Environment East Gippsland, was far from simply being a Meanwhile, logging continued which were made up substantially spectator on the sidelines in East on the Errinundra Plateau in 1984 of younger people using more Gippsland, because it was so in the face of a range of public confrontational direct-action methods much focused on the Alps and protests and blockading by Forest including blockades. There was a because other organisations took People and the Nomadic Action minor crisis in 1991 when a green on much of the heavy lifting, the Group. The government responded ‘ecoterrorist’ advice book was being VNPA was slightly less central than by moving to prevent such actions sold in Melbourne and the VNPA in other campaigns. In August 1984 and many protesters were arrested. was accused of supporting it. The the Association joined with the There were also cases of sabotage situation became worse when a Conservation Council of Victoria, the of equipment, angry confrontations timber truck was damaged by a Australian Conservation Foundation, and counter-protests.38 Never before drill bit that had been buried in the the Native Forests Action Council had there been such hardline ground with the intent of causing and the Wilderness Society to form environmental protest, authoritarian

A CHANGE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 1982-92 55 response and local community anger be protected and a lot given over chipping to proceed and in 1988 and fear in Victoria. to logging, and the way cleared for some 100,000 tonnes of pulpwood more chipping and a pulp mill. It were cut for woodchip exports. The recommendations of the was even proposed to revoke the The government also called for Timber Industry Inquiry in 1985 national park status of the small expressions of interest to build a pulp alarmed conservationists by Lind NP, which would have set a opening the way to woodchipping and paper mill in East Gippsland, very dangerous precedent.44 There and even to a pulp mill. When but the process was stopped in 1989 were various meetings and protest Minister Kirner essentially accepted because of conflict with the federal marches by both sides, and a large its recommendations there was government over the threat to forests rally by conservationists at the Myer profound disappointment. The that had been listed as part of the Music Bowl in November 1986. An 48 government then moved to the National Estate. interesting new aspect was that in development of a Timber Industry October the Australian Heritage In an effort to placate the Strategy (1986) and a Code of Commission gave large areas of East environmental movement, late in the 39 Forest Practice. Although well- Gippsland forests interim protective decade the EGC and the VNPA were intentioned in endeavouring to listing as part of the National Estate.45 granted some say in the selection of achieve a sustainable and balanced logging sites in East Gippsland and continuation of the timber industry, The LCC’s final recommendations were involved in the complex, almost such measures were unlikely ever in December 1986 were a minor week-to-week negotiations over 46 to gratify the wishes of all sides. The improvement. The move to which coupes were to be logged and downgrade the status of Lind NP was Strategy was certainly viewed by which places to be avoided.49 environmentalists as handing too dropped, and three significant new much to the loggers and chippers areas of national park were proposed Another threat came at the end of at the expense of intact ecosystems which, after a nerve-wracking delay the decade from proposals to build and endangered species, and the to late 1987, were accepted by the a Very Fast Train from Melbourne to Code of Practice was demonstrated government. The legislation was Sydney which would run through the repeatedly to be breached and passed when, under the influence of middle of East Gippsland, creating a ignored by the loggers and the its new Shadow Minister for CF&L, great destructive scar between the forest officers who were expected to Marie Tehan, the Liberal Opposition Snowy River and Errinundra National supervise it.40 agreed to pass it through the Parks.50 This proposal was raised Legislative Council. The parks were again early in 2013. Both separately and through declared in 1988. These included To complicate matters further, as the EGC the VNPA maintained two of the most sought-after and its East Gippsland campaign to contentious regions – Errinundra and regions in East Gippsland were either save the forests and to establish Rodger River. Much of the Errinundra protected or in dispute, the timber more protected areas and parks.41 plateau was cordoned into the industry and their bureaucratic In much of this the VNPA was Errinundra National Park of 25,100 supporters began to turn more represented for a number of years ha, and Snowy River National Park attention to the mountainous regions by Peter Christoff, who in 1986 was was extended to include much of the of ash forests that stretched eastward appointed the VNPA East Gippsland Rodger River catchment. The remote from Melbourne towards Gippsland. Project Officer. He became the very Coopracambra NP of 35,100 ha on This region, which became known active face of VNPA in the campaign, the NSW border was created out of as the Central Highlands, had been and as its representative on the East an upgraded and extended former largely burned out in the great 1939 Gippsland Coalition. He was also co- state park.47 bushfires. Some fifty years later the opted to the VNPA Council in 1986.42 stands of regrowth were reaching While the new national parks maturity and the temptation for Meanwhile, as tensions rose in were celebrated, most of East loggers was almost irresistible. From 1984 the LCC had pushed on with Gippsland was, and would the late 1980s the Central Highlands its reassessment of East Gippsland remain, unprotected, and under emerged as the next great theatre in and all sides of the debate lifted the LCC recommendations areas the war to save the forests from the their campaigning.43 The initial were earmarked for logging and chainsaw and the chipper. recommendations in May 1986 were woodchipping. The Victorian unsatisfactory, with limited areas to government issued licenses for

56 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 4 Anti-logging protest at Brown Mountain, East Gippsland, 1990.

A CHANGE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 1982-92 57 4.4 Within the VNPA

hile the ongoing LCC processes and the fight to Wprotect Victoria’s natural heritage were inevitably the main focus of the VNPA, in the 1980s the Association worked continuously to expand its range of activities and its services to its members. These rose in number from 2170 in 1980 to 3719 in 1990, promoted in part by the public support for the major environmental controversies of the 1980s such as the Alpine and East Gippsland forests campaigns.51 Park Watch flourished as both the Association’s principal public mouthpiece and its means of communication with members. Its editors during the decade included Dick Johnson, Eileen McKee, David Tatnall, James Calder and Chris Former VNPA Presidents Graham Wills-Johnson and Geoff Durham, 1986. Banks. In 1982 it was decided that the three-month break between issues of Park Watch was too long to keep of naturalists, park managers and about whether it would operate the members up-to-date on issues and others with appropriate expertise.52 Committee as a sub-committee of events, so publication of a monthly the Association, as it did with the Newsletter was introduced. The chance to help weed, Bushwalking and Activities Group, revegetate and otherwise rehabilitate Organised bushwalks continued to or would support an independent areas of bush had popular appeal attract members for their fellowship committee and new organisation. In and the number of Friends groups and to appreciate Victoria’s natural due course the latter arrangement grew rapidly, to thirty in 1987 and to environment. The Bushwalking was agreed to, and in 1991 the thirty-nine in 1990. One interesting and Activities Group lived up to its Friends Network was formalised. It group that was formed in the late name and by the second half of the is now the Victorian Environmental 1980s to support to the Flora and decade there was an organised Friends Network.53 Fauna Guarantee legislation was not walk or parallel activity virtually every place-based but was a more inclusive As these references to Geoff weekend. An innovative variation Friends of Flora and Fauna. Durham indicate, he was one began in 1982 when Geoff Durham of the major forces in the VNPA started running ‘Introduction Days’ to In 1983 several of the Friends throughout the 1980s. Through his educate people who were unfamiliar groups came together for the first of wise guidance in matters such as the with the Victoria’s flora and fauna, what became biennial conferences mega-department and for a period bushwalking, national parks and to discuss and coordinate their as Treasurer, and his leadership other natural and historic places. In activities. Subsequently it was in activities, bushwalking and the due course these events became recognised that there would be Friends, he made an enormous known as ‘Walk, Talk & Gawks’, and great benefits in having a permanent contribution. the name was registered by the umbrella body to coordinate and VNPA as a business name and later educate members of the groups, Another to do so was Dick as a trademark to obtain national and to liaise with the National Parks Johnson, who after his period as protection. The VNPA Council Service. A Friends Committee was President in 1981-83 had stints as adopted a Walk, Talk & Gawk policy. formed in 1986 with Geoff Durham as Secretary, Treasurer and Editor prior The walks were led by an authorised Convenor. However, in this case the to his retirement from the Council person with involvement by invitation VNPA faced something of a dilemma in 1989. His was a constant and

58 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 4 VNPA personalities and conservation activists Janet Coveney, Geoff Westcott, Eileen McKee and Philip Sutton, 1986. influential presence which shaped undertook membership drives, its organising campaigns as well as much of the public face and administrative structure came under office and administrative functions. campaigning of the Association. periodic review. It was no longer In 1984 VNPA was awarded a simply a voluntary organisation. $90,000 Community Employment The other Presidents in the period were Geoff Nodin (1983-84), Dr An administrative review in 1983 Program grant to employ and train Graham Wills-Johnson (1984-87, a recommended that a more senior four unemployed people - a primary chemistry lecturer at RMIT), Joan person than an Office Manager was and a secondary teacher (to develop Lindros (1987-90) and Stephen needed to run the organisation, and teaching materials), a secretary/ Johnston (1990 – 93). the Council decided to appoint a full- book-keeper and a graphic artist time Director. In fact, two short-lived (Philip Ingamells, now the VNPA’s At the 1982 annual general meeting appointments were made, in early Parks Protection Project campaigner). Ros Garnet retired from Council after 1984 and again in late 1984. The Part of the grant was used to employ thirty years of unstinting service to experiment being deemed not to have former Office Manager Eileen the VNPA. He remained a member, worked, it was decided to return to McKee to supervise them, though and generally an active one, until his having an Office Manager in charge, in fact three of them worked out of death in 1998. His retirement was and Cheryl Morvell was appointed the National Parks Service office in appropriately honoured by the VNPA. in 1985. When she resigned in mid- East Melbourne.56 There must have At the same annual general 1989 the VNPA advertised again been a hum of activity around the meeting tributes were paid to for a Director, appointing Doug office at that time, and in the next few Jean Blackburn, who had been Humann who was already a member years when others came in under the a Councillor since 1957 and was of Council. He served the VNPA with scheme. great effectiveness until 1997.55 Treasurer for a remarkable 25-year The office was also made busier term – 1958-83. She died early in As functions increased, so there by the presence of many volunteers, 1983.54 was a rise in the number and variety and employees who were generally As the VNPA expanded its range of staff needed to run the VNPA occupied with specific projects such of activities, increased its income operations, and for special tasks as campaigns or work on a particular from grants and other sources and such as research projects and region, and usually on a part-time

A CHANGE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 1982-92 59 basis. Research on vulnerable regions to obtain a better comprehension of their ecosystems and how to manage threats was a major component of the work undertaken by the office. The late Jenny Barnett, for example, focused on mining for some years; others who did research included Janet Coveney and James Ensor. At the 1994 Annual General Meeting three honorary life memberships were announced which point to the types of time contribution that were given to the VNPA in the 1980s. Janet Coveney had been a Councillor for twelve years, ten of these as Honorary VNPA office manager Cheryl Morvell, 1986. Secretary, and a member of the Executive, as well as contributing in many other ways. Claire Coats had second Nature Conservation Review. Calder, the VNPA commissioned worked as a volunteer in the office When Jean Blackburn died she left Doug Frood, a Research Fellow in the for over ten years. Phil Ingamells had a generous bequest of more than Botany Department at the University been involved in campaigns and $24,000 to the VNPA. The Council of Melbourne. In-kind support was other matters since the early 1980s, decided to use the money to given by the LCC and the University. but was particularly recognised for his commission and publish an updated As with its predecessor, the writing 57 work with publications. His is still a Nature Conservation Review, building and production of the study became constant presence in the VNPA office on the example of the one produced a drawn-out process, but it was 58 in 2013. by Judith Frankenberg and John finally launched in late 1987. In some respects the delay was Another major achievement Turner in 1971. In 1984, with the advantageous, as by the time the was the publication of the VNPA’s advice and guidance of Malcolm Review was published the LCC had effectively completed the first stage of its regional assessments of Victorian public land, and was commencing a second stage of re-examination and more detailed management planning. The Review provided valuable data and guidelines that were used by the LCC. 59 In essence the purpose of the Review was to identify and summarise the existing information and research relating to Victoria’s natural heritage, and ‘to identify deficiencies in the adequacy of protection of the native plant and animal communities in the State’.60 The focus on vegetation communities produced one unexpected result – it drew attention to the importance of grasslands as an ecosystem and to the parlous state Conservation Minister Kay Setches at VNPA Picnic, 1988. of Victoria’s indigenous grasslands,

60 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 4 most of which had been grazed, ploughed, built upon or otherwise destroyed. The Review stated: Very little remains of these formerly widespread vegetation types, at least in relatively intact condition, and relics are frequently deteriorating at an alarming rate. Little land remains in public ownership on the lowland plains, and demand for various types of public uses can be high. Grasslands in particular are extremely poorly represented in biological reserves, and species-rich examples are virtually confined to rail reserves, roadsides and cemeteries which have not Author Jane Calder and designer Ann Wojczuk at the launch of ‘The Grampians – been heavily grazed or subject to broad- a noble range’, 1987. scale disturbances such as ploughing or fertilizing. Larger areas of grassland in private ownership are mostly severely modified and deficient in indigenous species.61 Thereafter, the VNPA gave more attention to remnant grasslands in its campaigning, established a Grasslands sub-committee and won a National Estate grant to study grasslands. One result of the attention given to grasslands was the creation of the small Terrick Terrick State Park (later National Park) containing one of the few remaining areas of remnant northern plains vegetation.62 The Review also noted the threatened state of many coastal vegetation communities, which both reflected existing VNPA interest in the Educator and VNPA activist the Naturalist and photographer the late Janet Coveney in 1986. late Ian McCann in 1988. He matter and stimulated it further. produced the popular VNPA ‘In During the 1980s the VNPA Flower’ guide books. expanded its popular and sometimes profitable publishing program with Parks: Victoria’s national and state of photographs by Ian McCann, of several more books.63 In 1985 Sandra parks, a very useful outline of and flowers in bioregions of the state. Bardwell’s Park Walks near Melbourne guide to Victoria’s main protected They were The Mallee in Flower was published and in due course areas.66 Jenny Barnett, who would be (1989), The Coast and Hinterland in it sold 10,000 copies.64 Two other a long-term employee of the VNPA Flower (1992) and The Grampians in books were by Jane Calder. The as its Research Officer and a leading Flower (1994).68 first of these was The Grampians: a campaigner, had written a book which noble range, which was published was originally published by the Town in 1987. It was essentially a study of and Country Planning Association the natural history of the Grampians - Standing Up for your Local but also included a short history of Environment: an action guide. In 1988 the region and a brief account of the the VNPA published a second edition establishment of the national park.65 and then a revised edition in 1993.67 Her second book, in 1990, was The VNPA also published three books

A CHANGE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 1982-92 61 4.5 Denouement

t the VNPA’s fortieth anniversary picnic at Seawinds on the AMornington Peninsula in 1992 some 400 people gathered to celebrate and reflect on what had been achieved. Guests included Sir Rupert Hamer and several of the leading figures in the Association from across the decades.69 To a large degree the VNPA could afford to congratulate itself on a job well done. Victoria now had a substantial network of protected areas covering a wide range of ecosystems, and the VNPA’s role in achieving these had been fundamental. As a consequence, the functions of the VNPA were evolving. Whereas for its first thirty or forty years it had been so largely focused on fighting against inappropriate exploitation of Victoria’s natural heritage and for the establishment of new protected areas, an increasing proportion of the organisation’s time and energy were now spent on maintenance matters. The reviewing and development of park management plans, supporting the National Parks Service and encouraging Friends groups were just part of the new direction. Nevertheless, there were many of the old challenges still ahead, particularly the creation of a system of marine parks, the protection of Victoria’s remaining forests (notably in East Gippsland and the Central Snowy River National Park. Highlands) and the removal of cattle grazing from the Alpine National Park. deteriorated further in 1990-91 when Melbourne and into regional centres. Problems in the economy and Steve Crabb was Minister for the At the same time, there would be a within the government brought a Environment. His sympathies with significant reduction of staff numbers. period of financial and political and interest in the environment were The proposal brought a strong instability, including John Cain’s not strong, but it was his decision to united action from both unions and retirement and Joan Kirner’s elevation have yet another restructure of the environmental groups. The main to Premier in August 1990. This renamed Department of Conservation concern of the environmentalists was period coincided with the VNPA’s and Environment that caused that there would be another major relationship with the government most trouble. The main element disruption to the NPS, a loss of skills, becoming increasingly fractious, of the restructure was to move a less effective department and a substantially over East Gippsland the central administrative offices decline in research, and all for no and woodchipping, but matters of the departmental units out of apparent administrative advantage.

62 A Short History of the VNPA CHAPTER 4 A battle ensued that dragged on for about eighteen months, culminating in a ‘State Funeral for the Environment’ protest march in October 1991. Crabb threatened to resign if he did not get his restructure, but a couple of months later Premier Kirner took the opportunity of moving him to another portfolio during a reshuffle. Barry Pullen was appointed Minister and he quietly dropped the restructure and set out to mend fences.70 However, it was clear that Labor had little chance of being re-elected in 1992 and that the Liberal Party led by the unpredictable Jeff Kennett would take government. Nevertheless, the VNPA were somewhat cheered by the fact that the Liberals had shown some signs of softening in their environmental policies and were more sympathetic in their consultations.71 Time would tell. >> Footnotes: page 64

A CHANGE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 1982-92 63 Footnotes

Chapter 1 Victoria 1880-2005, Blackburn: Field Naturalist, vol. 66, no. 1, May 1949; Naturalists Club of Victoria, 2005. Crosbie Morrison, ‘National Parks 1. VNPA Newsletter, no. 9, Sept 1955. Plan for Victoria’, Wild Life, Jan 12. Victorian Naturalist, vol 62, no. 7, 2. eg. International Union for 1949; Minutes and correspondence Nov 1945, p. 127. Conservation of Nature, http://www. can be found at VNPA Archives, iucn.org/about/work/programmes/ 13. Victorian Advisory Council for Fauna University of Melbourne Archives, pa/pa_products/wcpa_categories/ and Flora, Correspondence 1936 – 95: 121, Box 1 (pt 1), File 4; pa_categoryii/ 1945, VNPA Archives, University of accounts of the foundation of the Melbourne Archives, 95: 121, Box 1 VNPA can be found in Graham 3. Argus 29 Feb, 11 May, 30 June, 15 (pt 1) Pizzey, Crosbie Morrison: voice of Aug, 31 Aug, 10 Oct 1908; Esther nature, A Victoria Press Publication, Anderson, Victoria’s National Parks: 14. Crosbie Mossison, ‘Stocktaking’, 1992; William J. Lines, Patriots: a centenary history, State library of editorial, Wild Life, May 1946, p. Defending Australia’s Natural Victoria and Parks Victoria, 2000. 141. Heritage, St Lucia: University of 4. Victorian Naturalist, vol. 26, no. ? 15. Victorian Naturalist, vol 63, no. 1 Queensland Press, 2006; Malcolm June 1909; Argus 29 Oct, 24 Nov, May 1946. Calder, ‘The FNCV and the VNPA’, 28 Nov, 3 Dec 1908; National Parks Victorian Naturalist, vol. 122, no. 6, Association, (account of public 16. Victorian Naturalist, vol. 67, no. 10, 2005; Stephen Johnston, ‘Profile of meeting at Melbourne Town Hall, Feb 1951. a Parks Pioneer’, Park Watch, June Dec 1908, VNPA Archives. 17. Stretton, L.E.B., Report of the Royal 1992. 5. Argus, 6 May 1909. Commission to inquire into Forest 24. Victorian Naturalist, vol. 66, no. 1, Grazing together with Minutes of May 1949. 6. Argus, 7 April 1909. Evidence, Melbourne: Government 25. Material relating to the deputation 7. Bardwell – READ; Janet Coveney, Printer, 1946 can be found at VNPA Archives, ‘James Barrett and Victoria’s 18. Victorian Naturalist, vol 63, no. 2 University of Melbourne Archives, National Parks’, Park Watch, Nov June 1946, no. 4 Aug 1946, vol 66, 95: 121, Box 1 (pt 1), Files 4 & 6; 1995; Robin, p. 25 & 29 ff. no. 1 May 1949. Victorian Naturalist, vol. 67, no. 3, 8. Sheila Houghton & Gary Presland 19. Minutes and correspondence July 1950, no. 10, Feb 1951. (2005) Leaves from our history: the can be found at VNPA Archives, 26. Victorian Naturalist, vol. 68, no. 2 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria University of Melbourne Archives, June 1951. 1880-2005. Melbourne: Field 95: 121, Box 1 (pt 1), File 4. Naturalists Club of Victoria 27. VNPA Archives, University of 20. ‘Report by the National Parks and Melbourne Archives, 95: 121, Box 1 9. Calder, Malcolm, ‘The FNCV and National Monuments Sub-Committee (pt 1), File 7; Victorian Naturalist, vol. the VNPA’, Victorian Naturalist, vol. of the Field Naturalists’ Club of 69, no. 1, May 1952. 122, no. 6, 2005; Linden Gillbank, Victoria’, June 1948, VNPA Archives, ‘Rambles, Reports and Reserves: University of Melbourne Archives, 28. Victorian Naturalist, vol. 69, no. 3, the FNCV’s early conservation of 95: 121, Box 1 (pt 1). July 1952, no. 7, Nov 1952. Victoria’s Natural History’, Victorian 29. VNPA Archives, University of Naturalist, vol. 122, no. 6, 2005. 21. Minutes and correspondence can be found at VNPA Archives, Melbourne Archives, 95: 121, Box 1 10. Victorian Advisory Council for Fauna University of Melbourne Archives, (pt 1), File 4. and Flora, Correspondence 1936 – 95: 121, Box 1 (pt 1), File 4. 30. ‘Records of Proceedings of the 1945, VNPA Archives, University of Conference of Delegates… 28th Melbourne Archives, 95: 121, Box 1 22. Victorian Naturalist, vol. 66, no. 1, August, 1952’, VNPA Archives, (pt 1) May 1949. University of Melbourne Archives, 11. Victorian Naturalist, Vol 61, July, 23. G.N. Hyam, J.R. Garnet, S.R. 95: 121, Box 1 (pt 1), File 4. Aug 1944, No 11 March 1945, vol Mitchell & S.C. Lewis, ‘Report of 31. VNPA Council Minutes, VNPA 62 Sept 1945; Libby Robin, Building the National Parks and National Archives, University of Melbourne a Forest Conscience: an historical Monuments Standing Committee, Archives, 95:121, Box 1A (pt 1), File portrait of the Natural Resources Field Naturalists Club of Victoria 1. Conservation league of Victoria – April 1949’, FNCV Archives, no. (NRCL) 1994—1990, Springvale: 66; ‘Report of National Parks and 32. VNPA Archives, University of NRCLV, 1991; Sheila Houghton & National Monuments Standing Melbourne Archives, 95: 121, Box 1 Gary Presland, Leaves from our Committee. Field Naturalists Club (pt 1), Files 4 & 8; VNPA Newsletter, History: The Field Naturalists Club of of Victoria – April 1949’, Victorian no. 1, July 1953, no. 2 October

64 A Short History of the VNPA 1953. Chapter 2 Victoria’s Land Conservation and Environment Conservation Councils, 33. VNPA Newsletter, no. 1, July 1953. 1. Victoria’s Resources, March 1968 Victorian Environmental Council, 34. Letter Ros Garnet to National Parks 2. Victoria’s Resources, March 1968 2006. Association of Queensland, 11 Aug 3. Victoria’s Resources, March 1968 18. VNPA Council Minutes 6 Feb 1953, VNPA office. 1969; for an outline of the National 4. Rachel Carson, Silent Spring, 35. VNPA Council Minutes, 20 March, Parks Authority period see Esther Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1962. 15 May, 2 July 1953, VNPA Archives, Anderson, Victoria’s National Parks: University of Melbourne Archives, 5. VNPA Council Minutes, 30 May a centenary history, State Library of 95: 121, Box 1A (pt 1); also Box 1 (pt 1963, VNPA Archives, University Victoria and Parks Victoria, 2000, 1), File 8; Pizzey, Morrison, p. 244; of Melbourne Archives, Archives Chap 3. Crosbie Morrison, ‘Call to Victorians’, 95:121, Box 1A (pt 1). 19. VNPA Newsletter, no. 25 Aug 1959, editorial, Wild Life and Outdoors, no. 77 Aug 1970 July 1953; ‘Victorian National Parks: 6. A.J. Marshall, (ed), The Great Government Promises New Bill’, Extermination: a Guide to Anglo- 20. VNPA Newsletter, no. 44 Sept 1963 Wild Life and Outdoors, Sept 1953; Australian Cupidity Wickedness and 21. VNPA Newsletter, no. 38 Aug 1962 VNPA Newsletter, no. 3, Jan 1953, Waste, Panther, 1966. no. 6, Sept 1954. 7. VNPA Council Minutes, 2 June 22. VNPA Council Minutes, 10 Sept 1969; see also J.R. Garnet, ‘Nature 36. Age, 24 & 27 July 1953. 1966, VNPA Archives, University of Melbourne Archives, Archives Reserves in Victoria: How much 37. VNPA Newsletter 1953-56 passim; 95:121, Box 1A (pt 1). open space can we afford for correspondence about You the protection of scenery and the Yangs, Wyperfeld, VNPA Archives, 8. Vincent Serventy, A Continent in preservation of nature?’, Victorian University of Melbourne Archives, Danger, Andre Deutsch, 1966. Naturalist, vol 87, no. 5, May 1970. 95: 121, Box 1 (pt 1), File 8; VNPA 9. Alan Moorehead, The Fatal Impact: 23. VNPA Newsletter, no. 29 March Council Minutes 1953-56 passim, The Invasion of the South Pacific 1960. VNPA Archives, University of 1767-1840, Hamish Hamilton, 1966. Melbourne Archives, 95: 121, Box 24. Proceedings of Conference, VNPA 1A (pt 1). 10. J.G. Mosley, National Parks and Council Minutes, 21 April 1960. Equivalent Reserves in Australia; 38. VNPA Newsletter, no 3, Jan 1954. guide to legislation, administration 25. VNPA Newsletter, no. 33 March 1961 39. VNPA Newsletter, no. 4 June 1954, and areas, Australian Conservation Foundation, 1968. no. 5 July 1954. 26. Judith Frankenberg, edited by John S. Turner, Nature Conservation in 40. VNPA Newsletter, no. 8, July 1955, 11. L.J. Webb, D. Whitelock & J. Le Gay Victoria: a survey, VNPA, 1971. no. 10 Dec 1955, no. 11, May 1956. Brereton (eds), The Last of Lands, Jacaranda Press, 1969. 27. VNPA Newsletter, no. 4, Dec 1963, 41. VNPA Archives, University of no. 52 March 1965, no. 53 June Melbourne Archives, 95: 121, Box 1 12. Dan Webb & Bob Adams, The 1965, no. 58 Aug 1966, no. 60 May (pt 1), File 7. Mount Buffalo Story 1898 – 1998, The Miegunyah Press, 1998, pp. 1967, no. 77 Aug 1970, no. 85 Dec 42. VNPA Newsletter, no. 8, July 1955. 116-17. 1971; VNPA Council Minutes, 15 Oct 1964, 29 Sept 1965, 14 Sept 1966, 8 43. VNPA Newsletter, no. 10 Dec 1955, 13. eg, Council Minutes, 15 Oct 1959. Feb 1967. no. 11 May 1956, no. 12, Sept 1956. 14. Council Minutes, 21 Nov 1962. 28. VNPA Newsletter, no. 46 Feb 1964. 44. VNPA Archives, University of Melbourne Archives, 95: 121, Box 15. VNPA Newsletter, no. 23 March 1959 29. VNPA Council Minutes, 23 Sept 1 (pt 1), File 7;VNPA Newsletter, no. 16. VNPA Newsletter, no. 16 August 1964, 15 Oct 1964; Herald, 14 Oct 12, July 1956, no. 14, Jan 1957; 1957, no. 20 July 1958; see also 1964. J.R. Garnet, National Parks Act’, Graham Pizzey, Crosbie Morrison: 30. VNPA Council Minutes, 9 Oct 1969. Victorian Naturalist, vol 73, no’s 8 & voice of nature, A Victoria Press 9, Dec 1956/jan 1957. Publication, 1992, pp. 250 ff 31. VNPA Council Minutes, 8 Feb 1967, 5 April 1971. 44. J.R. Garnet, National Parks Act’, 17. Libby Robin, Robin, Defending the Victorian Naturalist, vol 73, no’s 8 & Little Desert: the rise of ecological 32. VNPA Council Minutes, 1 June 1967, 9, Dec 1956/jan 1957. consciousness in Australia, MUP, 20 June 1968, 27 Sept 1967, 6 Aug 1998; Danielle Clode, As If For 1968, 25 Sept 1968. a Thousand Years: a history of

Footnotes 65 33. VNPA Council Minutes, 16 Nov 1967. Victorian Environmental Council, VNPA Council Minutes 16 Oct 1974, 2006. 4 Feb 1975, 28 Oct 1975, 16 Nov 34. ‘Statement by the VNPA … 1976; VNPA Executive Minutes, 29 concerning the National Parks 47. Danielle Clode, As If For a Thousand Oct 1976; Eileen McKee, My Years Amendment Bill, 4 May 1960’, VNPA Years: a history of Victoria’s Land in the VNPA Office 1975 – 1987, office records. Conservation and Environment VNPA 2006; Interview Geoff Durham. Conservation Councils, Victorian 35. VNPA Newsletter, no. 51 Dec 1964. Environmental Council, 2006. 12. Parkwatch, 165, June 1991 36. VNPA Newsletter, no. 61 June 1967, 13. Parkwatch, 178 Dec 1994. no. 85 Dec 1971; VNPA Council Minutes, 23 Sept 1963, 2 Dec 1963, Chapter 3 14. Parkwatch, 172 March 1993, 189 18 June 1964, 17 May 1967, 20 July June 1997. 1. For a detailed history of the Land 1967, 6 Aug 1970, 7 Oct 1970, 22 Conservation Council and its 15. Parkwatch, 180 March 1995. Sept 1971, 6 Feb 1973; Herald, 3 operations see Danielle Clode, As Feb 1973; Dan Webb & Bob Adams, 16. Parkwatch 126 Spring 1981. if For a Thousand Years: a history The Mount Buffalo Story 1898 – of Victoria’s Land Conservation 17. VNPA Council Mins 21 Feb 1978. 1998, The Miegunyah Press, 1998, and Environmental Conservation pp. 117 ff. 18. Robert Bender (ed), Beginnings at Councils, Victorian Environmental Organ Pipes National Park: Jack 37. Leonard Hart Smith, ‘Building a assessment Council, 2006; Esther Lyale’s work diary 1973, Friends of National Parks Service for Victoria Anderson, Victoria’s National Parks: Organ Pipes National Park, Inc., 1958-1975’, ms completed ca 1989, a centenary history, State library of 2001; Robert Bender, People of the to be published online in 2012 Victoria and Parks Victoria, 2000, Organ Pipes: some biographies by the Victorian National Parks Chap 4. C.J. Ashe and J.M. Lumb 1840 to 2000, Friends of Organ Association, Chap 18. ‘The Land Conservation Council – Pipes National Park, Inc., 2002; The First Ten Years’, Parkwatch, 121, 38. VNPA Council Minutes, 19 Sept 1962 interview Geoff Durham. Winter 1980; . 39. VNPA Newsletter, no. 31 Sept 1960, 19. VNPA Council Minutes 14 Aug 1974, 2. Newsletter 95, Nov 1973. no. 38 Aug 1962, no. 50 Nov 1964, 10 Dec 1974. no. 53 June 1965, no. 55 Nov 1965; 3. Newsletter, 103 Nov 1975 20. VNPA Council Minutes 21 June Herald, 10 Oct 1962; Age, 11 Oct 4. Danielle Clode, As if For a Thousand 1977. 1962. Years: a history of Victoria’s Land 21. Newsletter, 94 Sept 1973, 95 Nov 40. Age 15 Nov 1962; Herald 13 Nov Conservation and Environmental 1973. 1962. Conservation Councils, Victorian Environmental assessment Council, 22. VNPA Journal, 101 June 1975. 41. VNPA Council Minutes, 19 Sept 1962 2006 – 23 Sept 1963, passim. 23. Newsletter, 96 March 1974, 97 June 5. VNPA Council Mins 27 Feb 1974; 1974, 99 Nov 1974; Rod Anderson, 42. VNPA Newsletter, no. 55 Nov 1965. Journal, 100 March 1975, 103 Nov Cheap as Chips: a history of the 43. Libby Robin, Robin, Defending the 1975. campaign to save Victoria’s native Little Desert: the rise of ecological forests, Dr R.W. Anderson, 2006, pp. 6. For a history of the National Parks consciousness in Australia, MUP, 29-30. Service see Esther Anderson, 1998. Victoria’s National Parks: a 24. Newsletter, 95 Nov 1973 44. VNPA Newsletter, no. 75 March centenary history, State library of 25. Journal, 100 March 1975 1970; also no. 71 June 1969, no. 72 Victoria and Parks Victoria, 2000. Aug 1969. 26. Journal, 101 June 1975. 7. VNPA Council Minutes, 22 Nov 1973, 45. VNPA Newsletter, no. 75 March 19 April 1977; Newsletter 99, 1974. 27. VNPA Council Minutes, 10 June 1970. 1975. 8. VNPA Council Minutes, 18 July 1973, 46. VNPA Newsletters 1969 and 1970,; 19 Sept 1975. 28. VNPA Council Minutes 16 May Libby Robin, Robin, Defending the 1973, 17 Oct 1973, 22 Jan 1976; 9. Newsletter 95, Nov 1973, 96 March Little Desert: the rise of ecological Newsletter 83 Oct 1971, 84 Nov 1974. consciousness in Australia, MUP, 1971, 85 Dec 1971, 89 Sept 1972, 1998; Danielle Clode, As If For 10. VNPA Council Minutes, 17 April 92 June 1973, 98 Sept 1974; Journal a Thousand Years: a history of 1974, 19 June 1974. 102 Sept 1975; Rod Anderson, Victoria’s Land Conservation and Cheap as Chips: a history of the 11. VNPA AGM Minutes 25 Sept 1974; Environment Conservation Councils, campaign to save Victoria’s native

66 A Short History of the VNPA forests, Dr R.W. Anderson, 2006, p. June 1977; Parkwatch, 127 Summer Perspective’, Common Ground, 27. 1981; Rod Anderson, Cheap as December 1989; Interview Geoff Chips: a history of the campaign to Durham. 29. VNPA Council Minutes, 16 May save Victoria’s native forests, Dr R.W. 1973, 17 Oct 1973, 22 Jan 1973; 54. VNPA Council Minutes, 10 April Anderson, 2006. 1979. 30. Interview Geoff Durham. 44. Parkwatch, 116 March 1979, 117, 55. VNPA Executive Minutes, 14 Sept 31. Rod Anderson, Cheap as Chips: June 1979, 125 Winter 1981; Esther 1983, 9 Nov 1983, 21 Dec 1983; a history of the campaign to save Anderson, Victoria’s National Parks: interview Geoff Durham. Victoria’s native forests, Dr R.W. a centenary history, State library of Anderson, 2006, pp18 ff. Victoria and Parks Victoria, 2000; 56. Newsletter, 95 Nov 1973, 103 Nov Eileen McKee, My Years in the VNPA 1975, 105 June 1976, 106 Sept 32. VNPA Journal, 104 March 1976. Office 1975 – 1987, VNPA 2006. 1976, 108 March 1977. 33. Rod Anderson, Cheap as Chips: 45. VNPA Council Minutes, 19 March 57. VNPA Executive Minutes, 16 March a history of the campaign to save 1981; Journal, 108 March 1977; 1976. Victoria’s native forests, Dr R.W. Parkwatch, 112 March 1978, 118 Anderson, 2006, pp68ff. 58. VNPA Journal, 106 Aug 1976, 111 Sept 1979. Nov 1977; Parkwatch, 113 June 34. Parkwatch, 127 Summer 1981. 46. VNPA Council Minutes 22 Aug 1973 1978; Dick Johnson, ‘An Alpine 35. VNPA Council Minutes 8 June 1975, Perspective’, Common Ground, 47. VNPA Council Minutes 3 June 1959, 19 Aug 1980; VNPA Executive Conservation, Forests and Lands, 15 July 1959. Minutes 18 Dec 1975, 17 Nov 1980, Alpine National Parks Special 5 Aug 1981; Newsletter, 96 June 48. VNPA Council Minutes, 18 Feb 1960, Commemorative Issue, vol 2, no 1, 1974; Journal, 104 March 1976, 18 July 1962, 27 July 1966, 8 Feb Dec 1989. 105 June 1976, 107 Nov 1976: 1967, 6 April 1967, 15 Feb 1968, 20 59. VNPA Council Minutes, 21 Feb Parkwatch 118 Sept 1979, 125 June 1968, 3 July 1969, 3 Dec 1970, 1978, 18 April 1978, 3 May 1978; Winter 1981, 126 Spring 1981, 127 5 April 1971. Parkwatch, 114 Sept 1978. Summer 1981, 128 Autumn 1982, 49. VNPA Council Minutes, 18 July 130 Spring 1982, 131 Summer 1982. 60. VNPA Executive Minutes, 3 Oct 1973; Dick Johnson, ‘An Alpine 1978; Parkwatch 114 Sept 1978, 123 36. Parkwatch, 112 March 1978, 116 Perspective’, Common Ground, Summer 1980-81; Age 16 Feb 1978; March 1979, 121 Winter 1980, 128 Conservation, Forests and Lands, Bulletin 13 Aug 1977 Autumn 1982 Alpine National Parks Special Commemorative Issue, vol 2, no 1, 61. VNPA Council Minutes 17 June 37. Parkwatch, 112 March 1978 Dec 1989; a very comprehensive 1980; VNPA Executive Minutes, 19 38. Esther Anderson, Victoria’s National account of the Alps issue is that March 1979, 2 April 1979, 23 July Parks: a centenary history, State by Geoff Mosley, Battle for the 1980; Parkwatch, 122 Spring 1980. library of Victoria and Parks Victoria, Bush: the Blue Mountains, the 62. Parkwatch, 114 Sept 1978, 115 Dec 2000. Australian Alps and the origins of the 1978, 116, March 1979. wilderness movement, Envirobook 39. Interview Geoff Durham. in conjunction with the Colong 63. Parkwatch, 120 Autumn 1980, also 40. Parkwatch, 125 Winter 1981; Foundation for Wilderness, 1999. 118 Sept 1979. Danielle Clode, As If For a Thousand 50. VNPA Journal, 105 June 1976. 64. Parkwatch, 122 Spring 1980, 123 Years: a history of Victoria’s Land Summer 1980-81; Weekly Times 23 Conservation and Environment 51. VNPA Council Minutes, 18 July 1973, April 1980. Conservation Councils, Victorian 22 Aug 1973. Environmental Council, 2006, p. 72. 65. VNPA Council Minutes, 26 May 52. Dick Johnson, The Alps at the 1981. 41. VNPA Executive Minutes, 10 Nov Crossroads: the quest for an Alpine 1981. National Park in Victoria, VNPA, 66. Parkwatch, 127 Summer 1981. 1974. 42. VNPA AGM Minutes, 23 Sept 1981; VNPA Council Minutes 21 Oct 1981, 53. VNPA Council Minutes, 4 Feb 1975; 10 Nov 1981; Parkwatch, 118 Sept Newsletter, 98 Sept 1974, 99 Nov 1979, 121 Winter 1980, 127 Summer 1974, 100 March 1975, 106 Sept 1981, 130 Spring 1982, 136 Autumn 1976; Eileen McKee, My Years in 1984, 137 Winter 1984. the VNPA Office 1975 – 1987, VNPA 2006, p. 7; Dick Johnson, ‘An Alpine 43. VNPA Journal, 105 June 1975, 109

Footnotes 67 Chapter 4 Victoria’s native forests, Dr R.W. Foundation for Wilderness, 1999, Anderson, 2006, p.53. pp. 99-100; information provided by 1. Parkwatch, 129 Winter 1982. Geoff Mosley. 16 VNPA Executive Minutes, 30 Nov 2. Parkwatch, 140 Autumn 1985. 1983, 5 Dec 1984, 6 Feb 1985, 20 25 Age 11 April 1988; Parkwatch, 153 3. Parkwatch, 130 Spring 1982, 136 Oct 1987; VNPA Council Minutes, 21 June 1988, 177 June 1994. Autumn 1984, 137 Winter 1984; December 1983, 21 Feb 1984, 21 26 Age, 17 Feb 1987 Esther Anderson, Victoria’s National Aug 1984, 9 July 1985; Parkwatch, Parks: a centenary history, State 136 Autumn 1984, 139 Summer 27 VNPA Executive Minutes, 9 Jan Library of Victoria and Parks Victoria, 1984, 140 Autumn 1985, 143 Dec 1987, 5 May 1988. 2000, pp. 159 – 61. 1985. 28 Dick Johnson, ‘An Alpine 4. Esther Anderson, Victoria’s National 17 Parkwatch, 132 Autumn 1983. Perspective’, Common Ground, Parks: a centenary history, State Conservation, Forests and Lands, 18 Dick Johnson, ‘An Alpine Library of Victoria and Parks Victoria, Alpine National Parks Special Perspective’, Common Ground, 2000, p. 161. Commemorative Issue, vol 2, no 1, Conservation, Forests and Lands, Dec 1989; Dick Johnston, ‘Alpine 5. Annual Report of the National Parks Alpine National Parks Special Retrospective’, Part 2, Parkwatch, Service for the Year ended 30 June Commemorative Issue, vol 2, no 1, 160 March 1990; VNPA Council 1982; Victoria’s Parks 1992-93, Dec 1989, pp 20-1. Minutes, 20 June 1989; Parkwatch The 1992-93 Annual Report of the 19 For a comprehensive account of the 154 Sept 1988, 156 March 1989. National Parks Advisory Council to Alps issue see Geoff Mosley, Battle the Hon Mark Birrell, Minister for 29 Jane Calder, Victoria’s National and for the Bush: the Blue Mountains, the Conservation and Environment; State Parks, VNPA 1990. Australian Alps and the origins of the Parkwatch, 166 Sept 1991; Age, 12 wilderness movement, Envirobook 30 Geoff Mosley, Battle for the Bush: Sept 1991 in conjunction with the Colong the Blue Mountains, the Australian 6 VNPA Exec Minutes 3 April 1985, 25 Foundation for Wilderness, 1999. Alps and the origins of the June 1985; VNPA Council Minutes, wilderness movement, Envirobook 20 Parkwatch, 143 Dec 1985, 146 Sept 16 April 1985, 29 May 1985, 18 June in conjunction with the Colong 1986. 1985; Parkwatch, 152 March 1988, Foundation for Wilderness, 1999, p. 153 June 1988, 155 Dec 1988. 21 Dick Johnson, ‘An Alpine 95. Perspective’, Common Ground, 7 Parkwatch, 159 Dec 1989, 166 Sept 31 For an account of the East Conservation, Forests and Lands, 1991; Geoff Durham, Wyperfeld: Gippsland forests campaigns Alpine National Parks Special Australia’s First Mallee National Park, see Geoff Mosley, Battle for the Commemorative Issue, vol 2, no 1, Friends of Wyperfeld National Park, Bush: the Blue Mountains, the Dec 1989, p 21; Bryan Jameson, Inc, 2001. Australian Alps and the origins of the Movement at the Station: the revolt wilderness movement, Envirobook 8 Parkwatch, 154 Sept 1988. of the Mountain Cattlemen, William in conjunction with the Colong Collins, 1987. 9 Parkwatch, 170, Sept 1992, Foundation for Wilderness, 1999, 173 June 1993; Geoff Durham, 22 VNPA Executive Minutes, 9 March pp. 106ff. Wyperfeld: Australia’s First Mallee 1983, 9 Jan 1987; VNPA Council 32 Parkwatch, 138 Spring 1984, 140 National Park, Friends of Wyperfeld Minutes, 16 June 1992. Autumn 1985, 145 June 1986. 151 National Park, Inc, 2001, pp 34-5. 23 Parkwatch, 150 Sept 1987. Dec 1987. 10 Parkwatch, 134 Spring 1983. 24 VNPA Executive Minutes, 1 July 33 Parkwatch, 145 June 1986. 11 Parkwatch, 145 June 1986. 1987; VNPA Council Minutes 19 May 34 John Dargavel, Fashioning 1987; Dick Johnson, ‘Alpine Update: Australia’s Forests, Oxford University 12 VNPA Council Minutes, 21 Feb 1984; World Heritage Status’, Parkwatch, Press, 1995, pp. 195ff. Parkwatch, 154 Sept 1988, 155 Dec March 1988, 154 Sept 1988; Geoff 1988. Mosley, Australian Alps World 35 Parkwatch, 145, June 1986. 13 Parkwatch, 136 Autumn 1984, 147 Heritage Nomination Proposal, 36 VNPA Council Minutes, 17 Dec Dec 1986, 149 June 1987, 150 Sept Victorian National Parks Association, 1991. 1987, 151 Dec 1987, 159 Dec 1989. 1988; Geoff Mosley, Battle for the Bush: the Blue Mountains, the 37 VNPA Council Minutes, 21 Aug 14 Parkwatch, 135 Summer 1983. Australian Alps and the origins of the 1984. 15 Rod Anderson, Cheap as Chips: wilderness movement, Envirobook 38 John Dargavel, Fashioning a history of the campaign to save in conjunction with the Colong

68 A Short History of the VNPA Australia’s Forests, Oxford University 1983, 10 Sept 1985, 27 Nov 1985, 8 69 Parkwatch, 171 Dec 1992 Press, 1995, pp. 195ff. June 1989; VNPA Council Minutes, 70 VNPA Exec Minutes, 26 April 1990, 21 June 1983, 21 Feb 1984, 21 Aug 39 VNPA Council Minutes, 9 Dec 17 May 1990, 16 Jan 1991, 6 Nov 1984, 5 Sept 1984, 20 Aug 1985, 10 1986; John Dargavel, Fashioning 1991, 27 Nov 1991, 29 Jan 1992; Sept 1985, 14 Nov 1989; Parkwatch, Australia’s Forests, Oxford University VNPA Council Minutes, 15 Oct 135 Summer 1983, 136 Autumn Press, 1995, pp. 214ff. 1991, 17 Dec 1991, 29 Jan 1992; 1984, 139 Summer 1984, 190, Sept Parkwatch 178, Sept 1994. 40 Parkwatch, 145 June 1986, 153 1997. June 1988, 168, March 1992; Rod 71 Parkwatch, 153, June 1988. 56 VNPA Executive Minutes, 23 March Anderson, Cheap as Chips: a history 1984, 6 June 1984. of the campaign to save Victoria’s native forests, Dr R.W. Anderson, 57 VNPA AGM Minutes, 13 Sept 1994. 2006. 58 VNPA Council Minutes, 17 April 41 Parkwatch, 153, June 1988. 1984, 26 July 1984, 19 Feb 1985, 18 Feb 1986; VNPA Executive 42 VNPA Council Minutes, Council, Minutes, 25 July 1984, 19 July 1986; 15 Apr 1986, 17 June 1986, 9 Dec Parkwatch, 135 Summer 1983, 141 1986. Winter 1985, 142, Spring 1985, 144 43 Parkwatch, 144, March 1986. March 1986, 149 June 1987, 150 Sept 1987, 152 March 1988 44 Parkwatch, 146, Sept 1986. 59 Doug Frood and Malcolm Calder, 45 Parkwatch, 147 Dec 1986 Nature Conservation in Victoria, 46 Parkwatch, 148 March 1987. Study Report, A Report to the Victorian National Parks Association, 47 VNPA Council Minutes, 9 Dec 1986. Inc October 1987. 48 Parkwatch, 151 Dec 1987, 152 60 Doug Frood and Malcolm Calder, p. March 1988, 157 June 1989, 3. 163 Dec 1990; John Dargavel, Fashioning Australia’s Forests, 61 Doug Frood and Malcolm Calder, Oxford University Press, 1995, p. 62 VNPA Council Minutes, 21 June 215. 1988, 16 Aug 1988, 18 Oct 1988; 49 VNPA Council Minutes, 19 May VNPA Executive Minutes, 22 Nov 1987; VNPA Executive Minutes, 8 1988, 23 Oct 1990. Dec 1988. 63 Parkwatch, 165 June 1991. 50 Parkwatch, 155Dec 1988, 158 Sept 64 Sandra Bardwell, Park Walks Near 1989 Melbourne, VNPA, 1985. 51 VNPA Executive Meeting Papers, 24 65 Jane Calder, The Grampians: a May 1990. noble range, VNPA 1987. 52 VNPA Council Minutes, 27 Feb 66 Jane Calder, Victoria’s National and 1991; VNPA Friends Groups State Parks, VNPA 1990. Correspondence and Papers, U of M Archives 95:0121, Unit 10/12; 67 Jenny Barnett, Standing Up For Your Information provided by Geoff Local Environment: an action guide, Durham. VNPA 1988 and 1993; Parkwatch, 172 March 1993. 53 VNPA Council Minutes, 16 Dec 1980; VNPA Friends Groups Files, U 68 I.R. McCann, The Alps in Flower, of M Archives 95:0121, Unit 10/12; Victorian National Parks Association, Parkwatch, 115 Dec 1978, 129 1987 & 1990; I.R. McCann, The Winter 1982, 149 June 1987, 150, Mallee in Flower, Victorian National Sept 1987; Interview Geoff Durham. Parks Association, 1989; I.R. McCann, The Coast and Hinterland 54 VNPA AGM Minutes, 22 Sept 1982. in Flower, Victorian National Parks 55 VNPA Executive Minutes, 9 Nov Association, 1992.

Footnotes 69 VICTORIAN NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION Level 3, 60 Leicester St Carlton Victoria 3053. PH: 03 9347 5188 | FAX: 03 9347 5199 | EMAIL: [email protected] | WEB: www.vnpa.org.au | ABN 34 217 717 593