Magazine of National Parks Association of bees in national parks

visitor centres noosa national park mt maroon bulloak jewel the national park experience

Issue 4 October-November 2015 1 Welcome to Contents the October/ Welcome to Protected 2 November edition of Bees in national parks 3 Protected Visitor centres 6 Noosa National Park 8 Michelle Prior, NPAQ President Mt Maroon summit 10 Thank you to all Councillors who Bulloak Jewel butterfly 12 renominated, and were elected at the September AGM, for another The National Park Experience 13 term on the NPAQ Council – Tony What’s On 14 O’Brien (Vice-President), Athol Lester Book Review 15 (Vice-President), Debra Marwedel (Honorary Secretary), Graham Riddell (Honorary Treasurer), Yvonne Parsons Council (Assistant Secretary); and Councillors President Michelle Prior Mike Wilkie, Richard Proudfoot and Vice Presidents Tony O’Brien Julie Hainsworth. Three Councillors Athol Lester – Peter Ogilvie, Geoff Lowes and Des Hon Secretary Debra Marwedel Whybird continue in office for a further Asst Hon Secret Yvonne Parsons year. Hon Treasurer Graham Riddell Councillors Julie Hainsworth I would like to acknowledge all Geoff Lowes Councillors, and thank them for Peter Ogilvie their continuing commitment to the Richard Proudfoot Des Whybird Association, and their generous Mike Wilke contribution of time and skills. Staff At this year’s Annual Dinner, NPAQ Principal Advocate was honoured to celebrate eight Paul Donatiu members who have been members Business Development Officer for fifty years or more – Allan Brown, Anna Tran Len Fraser, Nola Fraser, Jeanette Project and Office Administrator Porter, Hugh Porter, Terry Rayner, Jeannie Rice Ian Webb, and Lorna Williams – with the bestowing of the Romeo Lahey Mission Statement Recognition Award. Thank you for The National Parks Association promotes the preservation, expansion, your involvement and commitment to good management and presentation of NPAQ. National Parks in Queensland. Thank you to NPAQ’s staff - Paul Donatiu, Anna Tran and Jeannie Rice Contact Details Unit 10/36 Finchley Street, Milton - for your assistance and support, and PO Box 1040, Milton QLD 4064 for your willingness to embrace the ABN: 60 206 792 095 changes required for the Association Phone: (07) 3367 0878 Web: www.npaq.org.au to build a strong foundation for the Email: [email protected] future. Disclaimer Most importantly, I would like to thank Articles in Protected do not necessarily reflect the NPAQ members. Change is not the opinion or position of the National Parks an easy process. Thank you for Association of Queensland. your tolerance of the process, your Advertising enquiries continuing support and belief in the [email protected] future of the Association. Images Cover - rocks and surf at Mon Repos (courtesy of Qld Government); page 2 strip - Pigface on coastal dunes (Paul Donatiu). 2 BEES IN NATIONAL PARKS

Neil Douglas NPAQ Member

Around ten years ago, the Bees forage up to 2 km from their Effects of beekeeping on the beekeeping industry was hives and gather two products – nectar environment (which is of course the basis of honey) given notice that hives are to Prior to the introduction of honeybees as their main energy source, and be phased out of Queensland in Australia, pollination of native plant pollen which provides the hive with national parks by 2024. Despite species and gathering of nectar were protein for the growth of juvenile bees. changes in government since carried out mainly by native bees, of During the collection of pollen the host then, this policy has remained which there are over 1,500 species. plant may be fertilised if conditions are in place. As the deadline Some of these are quite specialised right. gradually approaches, sections as regards plants they access. Since of the industry have become The beekeeping industry is mobile honeybees forage for longer periods more vocal in seeking to have in nature. Hives are moved around and over greater distances than their the policy reversed. This article according to where the most nectar native counterparts, this obviously examines the relationship and pollen are available at a particular gives rise to concerns about adverse between the industry and time. Hives may be moved several effects on the environment, not only national parks in Queensland times a year and remain at a given as regards floral resource depletion, and explores the arguments location for only a few weeks. The but also promotion of undesirable plant for and against allowing it to industry claims that hives are placed in hybridisation. continue in those areas. an area only when nectar and/or pollen The most extensive studies on the is abundant and there is an excess for The beekeeping industry in environmental effects of honeybees native fauna. Australia in Australia appear to have been The European honeybee (Apis Although some nectar is derived from carried out in the 1990s, especially mellifera = honey-bearing bee) was non-native sources such as crops, by by Paton4. The studies considered first introduced into Australia about far the most desirable source is native various factors, including reductions 170 years ago and beekeeping soon shrubs and trees. In Queensland, in numbers of native bees and became established in all States. The there is a concentration of the target nectar-dependent birds (mainly annual output of the industry is now trees in the south-east of the State. honeyeaters) when honeybees were around $100 million per annum1. Unfortunately this is also the part of present, and evidence of native plant Australian honey is valued for the Queensland which suffers from the hybridisation. Experimental evidence distinctive flavours imparted to it by greatest development pressures and varied with different ecosystems, but the flowers of native plants such where much of the privately-owned overall it suggested that honeybees as eucalyptus and leptospermum forest country is being lost. Therefore, did cause a decline in native bee species. So far the industry has been the industry has become increasingly numbers, although Paton was not able to remain free of the parasites dependent on publicly-owned forests convinced that this resulted from and diseases that have devastated to remain viable2. The conversion of competition. The introduction of beekeeping in many other parts of the many state forests in the south-east honeybees caused a reduction in the world. This means that it is not only to national parks, which are to be number of honeyeaters visiting some Australian honey that is an important closed to beekeeping from 2024, is a plant species (e.g. Callistemon) but export but also breeding stock to development which has caused much not others (e.g. Banksia) – although replenish disease-ravaged hives concern to the industry. It is reported in the latter case it was noted that overseas. that over 3,000 apiary sites will be lost3. there was a surplus of floral resources

3 at the time of the study. Evidence from exposure to honeybees. However, it is well known that in times suggested fairly clearly, however, that of widespread drought honey prices Published studies do, however, when floral resources were in short can rise substantially, and this presents nearly all suffer from the disadvantage supply both native bee and honeyeater a temptation to use forests regardless that the native flora studied have numbers declined in the presence of in a bid to get whatever monetary been limited to shrubs close to honeybees. returns are available. Under such the ground where observation is circumstances the natural ecosystems As a result of his investigations, Paton relatively easy. There is a dearth of are placed under even greater stress, concluded that honeybees should knowledge regarding tall trees, such but licences are not suspended continue to be excluded from reserves as eucalypts, which are also targets or revoked according to climatic that had not been regularly used for of both honeybees and native insects. conditions. apiculture, but could remain in areas There are unpublished observations with an established industry. However, that honeybees have been the main A further factor to bear in mind is this was subject to some provisos – insects caught in nets deployed that, although most managed bees that there was no specific evidence around eucalypt blossoms. These remain in hives, some do escape and of detrimental effects, and that 30% same observations also reported that form feral colonies. Beekeeping in of the natural resources within each Callistemon stands have lost up to national parks increases the risk of biogeographic region should be free 50% of their honeyeater visits when feral bees becoming established in bee numbers rose. those parks or increasing in numbers if they are already there. Unlike the Honeybees are good pollinators and managed bees, these will definitely be can potentially replace native insects present to compete with native fauna in fertilising native species if the latter for nectar and pollen even in times of decline in numbers. However, this scarce resources. However, there is more likely to be of assistance in is not much evidence that feral bees degraded environments rather than occupy nesting hollows used by native in national parks. One concern that animals. appears to be unfounded, though, is that of plant hybridisation. No Controls on beekeeping in other studies have found that honeybees jurisdictions increase this in native plant species, So far the Northern Territory is the only despite that they are less selective part of Australia to ban beekeeping in in foraging than native bees. It has protected areas entirely, but that is set been proposed that this is because to change. Only South Australia and native plants are genetically resistant Victoria are issuing new licences on to interbreeding and that other factors such lands5, so by 2024 several other such as flower shape may also play a States as well as Queensland may well role. have fallen in step with the Territory. The industry claims that beehives In 2002 New South Wales declared are moved into forest areas only competition from feral honeybees when floral resources are abundant. to be a Key Threatening Process

4 in south-east Queensland. There Industry. Report prepared for the Australian beekeeping industry (published on-line). have been proposals to establish 3. Australian Broadcasting Commission plantations of trees (“trees for bees”) as Landline programme, 1.5.2005. alternative nectar and pollen resources 4. Paton, D. (1996). Overview of the Impacts for the beekeeping industry, but this of Feral and Managed Honeybees in Australia. Australian Nature Conservation is expensive in terms of both land and Agency. labour and few economists think it is 5. Compatibility of Management Objectives a viable proposition given the almost in Public Lands with Beekeeping. March 2015. Rural Industries Research and “niche” nature of the honey industry. Development Corporation. Having regard to all the circumstances, it is considered that on balance the Images Queensland authorities are right to Pg3 - Apiary site and marker in D’Aguilar NP. adopt the precautionary principle and Pg4-5 banner - Flowering heath in the future Apsey-Badgery NP just north of Inglewood. phase out beekeeping in national Pg4 map - Extent of apiary sites in souther parks. The limited natural environment D’Aguilar NP (red indicates active locations). we have left needs to be protected Pg5 - exotic bee on Xanthorrhoea flower spike (all photos by Paul Donatiu). from as many stressors as possible. in protected areas. Although the decision related to feral bees, some Editors Note of the reasons were also relevant to In September this year the South managed beekeeping – especially the Australian government, in collaboration removal (up to 80%4) of floral resources with the University of Adelaide, initiated used by native birds and insects, and a $600K program to map bee activity, reduced seed-set of native plants prevent the loss of crop-pollinating caused by removal of pollen. species and protect pollination rates. Commentary Researchers are trying to stay ahead of the Varroa mite, which has devastated One can sympathise with the bee populations around the world (but difficulties faced by the beekeeping is not yet in Australia), and projected industry in Queensland as a result of climate impacts on habitat suitability for loss of available forests. However, native plants and crop species alike. extensive clearing has made protection It appears that native bees are not of the remaining forests and their affected by the Varroa mite. fauna even more important, especially given that this State has the lowest proportion of national park (5.05%) References of any Australian jurisdiction. The 1. The Australian, 22.8.2015. beekeeping industry is just one 2. Gibbs, D. and Muirhead, I (1998). The casualty of poorly controlled land use economic Value and Environmental Impact of the Australian Beekeeping

5 VISITOR CENTRES

John Sinclair, Fraser Island Defender Organisation

Visitor centres play a pivotal role In Queensland I have been particularly focussed on history and all have in elevating public appreciation struck by some visitor centres. The received government funding to help and awareness of national visitor centre for the World Heritage establish them. There is no reason parks, their constituent wildlife Riversleigh Fossil Fields is located why visitor centres that are explaining and natural ecosystems. They in Mt Isa, about 200kms from and presenting natural history should are vital gateways to fostering Riversleigh. This centre is privately not receive the same level of public and building an enduring run and seems to have been created support. through a local government initiative. understanding of our protected The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium in It is supported by admission fees ($12 areas. Townsville is a particularly effective per adult, with concession prices for Having seen visitor centres in all visitor centre for this large World pensioners and children). other states and many overseas Heritage area. It focuses on countries, I am concerned at the The Age of Dinosaurs Museum presenting the natural history of the lack of visitor centres in Queensland has a spectacular 1,800 hectare reef, and does so with such success national parks, and at how poorly location atop a large mesa donated that thousands of visitors annually those visitor centres that we do to the foundation 20kms outside extend their Townsville stay. The have compare with their interstate Winton. It is such a must-see that centre opened in 1987 as part of the counterparts. There are some great most people stay an extra day in Bicentennial Commemorative Project, visitor centres in Queensland, but Winton. Interestingly, it was built by with foundation funding from the these have not been developed by a private foundation in a collaborative Commonwealth Government. Visitors the Queensland Government. Rather, effort supported by $500,000 from now pay $28 per adult to explore this they have grown out of community the Queensland Government’s amazing facility. and commercial interests with strong Q150 Legacy Infrastructure funding, local government support. $500,000 from Winton Shire Council, in addition to funding from other If anyone wants to appreciate good sources. The museum is now mostly national park visitor centres, they self-sufficient, but continues to seek need to look no further than Tasmania widely for additional funds. and the Northern Territory. I never cease to be impressed by the visitor Other outback visitor centres are centre in the Alice Springs Desert often associated with historical Park or at Cradle Mountain. Both museums, which receive some of these provide unforgettable funding and support from local vistas looking out into the natural and state governments. Some are environment being protected. The much more ambitious, becoming former also has a range of activities vital components of the economy of for families to deepen their experience regional communities. Longreach, of, and associations with, Australian for example, has the Stockman’s Hall arid environments. Close to the Park of Fame and the Qantas Museum, boundary, the latter has a wonderful while Barcaldine has the Workers’ interpretive display, as well as detailed Heritage Centre, and Blackall has park information. its wool scour. All of these are 6 David Fleay Wildlife Park at West many iconic Queensland wildlife such Rangers to view nesting or hatching Burleigh, on the edge of Tallebudgera as the Playtpus, , Cassowary, turtles. Creek, is one of three visitor centres Dunnarts, Brolgas, Dingoes, Having explored so many visitor operated by the Queensland Parks Crocodiles, Bridled nail-tail wallabies centres during 25 years of leading and Wildlife Service. The others are and Lumholtz’s tree kangaroos. The bush safaris to every state in Australia, Walkabout Creek in , and park has wetlands and forests that I have long deliberated on what sort the Mon Repos Turtle Centre near connect to the surrounding bushland. of visitor centre is needed for Fraser Bundaberg. The State Government There is also a mangrove boardwalk Island. It may be that the most is investing millions of dollars into from the main car park to the front appropriate location is not actually upgrading these visitor centres, with entrance, which then continues on the Island itself, but part of a the intention of encouraging people through Tallebudgera Creek Regional local gateway community. Maaroom to visit nearby National Parks. All Park along Tallebudgera Creek. David would make a great site - close to provide information about plants Fleay is a popular destination for Maryborough, only five kilometres and animals found locally, and their local school excursions, and is also from the Cooloola Coast Road, and conservation. popular with overseas tourists wanting offering spectacular views of the a quieter alternative to the larger more David Fleay Wildlife Park was named Ramsar listed Great Sandy Strait and commercial wildlife parks. in memory of naturalist Dr David Fleay across the water to World Heritage who bought the land in the 1950s In Brisbane’s backyard is the listed Fraser Island. It is also one to create a sanctuary for wildlife Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre, of the best bird-watching sites in research and education. To this day, gateway to D’Aguilar National Park Queensland for migratory waders, and the park still continues to display and only 12km from the CBD. While it offers no distractions to appreciating the displays and settings have aged the area’s natural history. a bit, kids and their parents/carers Time will tell how we introduce new can still come face-to-face with local visitors to this, and other, uniquely birds, mammals, reptiles and even the Queensland national parks. elusive platypus. The Centre is one of the few places in Brisbane where Useful Links you can buy interpretive and natural http://www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/ history publications (another is the http://australianageofdinosaurs.com/museum- hub.php Queensland Museum which continues http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=7560 to produce quality guides for places http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/mon-repos/ throughout the state). turtle-centre.html#mon_repos_turtle_encounters http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/daguilar/ Just 14km east of Bundaberg, Mon walkabout-creek.html Repos Conservation Park is a truly http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/david-fleay/ index.html remarkable place, with the Turtle http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/managing/plans- Centre defining what accessibility to strategies/gateway-visitor-centre-upgrades.html our protected areas really means. Images Here visitors can learn about turtle Beach at Mon Repos (courtesy of Qld journeys, turtle research, the local Government) and Information Centre at Noosa National Park (Paul Donatiu). history of the area, and then join

7 PARK IN F CUS

Noosa National Park

Denis McMullen, NPAQ Member

In the heart of one of the high sand dunes, the headlands are Peregian Beach. Noosa has significant most popular international a mixture of diorite boulders and cliffs, management challenges including the destinations on the planet lies quartzite and some basalt dykes. application of ecological fire regimes, Noosa National Park. Here the During the last interglacial it is highly a large Park-residential interface, intersection of sun, surf, sand, likely that the headlands would have susceptibility to weed intrusions, rocky shores and the pristine been separated from the mainland as and balancing an ever increasing waters of the South Pacific an island. recreational demand with preservation of the Parks wild features. Ocean conspire to produce 20 distinct vegetation communities a park idyll that is the envy of and 870 species of plants (including But let’s check out what’s on offer in the rest of Australia. Tea Tree fungi and algae) have been recorded this seaside wonder. Bay, Granite Bay, Hell’s Gates, in the Park, as well as 372 different Noosa is jam-packed full of great Alexandria Bay - all are well animals, birds, frogs, freshwater fish, little walks for families and those just known iconic places, and all are reptiles and invertebrates. Like many wanting a short stroll. In particular, capable of delivering memorable other parks in Southeast Queensland, have a go at: experiences of being in a Noosa NP provides valuable habitat beautiful natural place. Even for a range of rare and threatened Palm Grove circuit (1km) - a short walk incredibly high visitation and a species in a highly urbanised area through fascinating coastal rainforest. burgeoning local population has (amongst these are the koala, glossy Noosa Hill track (2.4km one way) not dampened the outstanding black cockatoo, swamp orchid, natural attributes of this pocket an endangered eucalypt, a highly park. And that’s just the restricted she-oak, and the red headlands component! goshawk). This would largely be unknown however, if it were not for the great Information Centre (managed by the Noosa Parks Association) and outdoor interpretive display located at the main trailhead, both of which provide visitors with details about the history and natural values of the Park. One of the most startling images in this display is a photo graphically depicting what the headlands would look like without the national park! The first sections of the Park were The Noosa National Park Management declared in 1939, and it now covers Plan (1999) notes that reports of 2,883 hectares (including parts of feeding and ceremonial sites at Noosa Lake Weyba, Peregian and Coolum). Heads are common but the exact The geology of the Park dates back at locations of many sites are not known. least 140 million years. While Noosa Midden sites have been located on Hill itself is sandstone surrounded by the shores of Lake Weyba and at

8 Ocean track at Peregian (1km return) - accessible as Noosa, but that also dunes and coastal wildflowers. provide that distinct feeling of being away from it all. It remains one of the Emu Mountain summit (850m return) best parks to take family and friends - montane heath and the endangered from interstate or overseas. Emu Mountain she-oak Allocasuarina emuina. References Hakea track at Emu Mountain (1.8km http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/noosa/about. return) - the distinctive shrubby hakeas html http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/noosa/pdf/ have amazing woody pods that protect noosa-headland-map.pdf their seeds from fire. http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/noosa/pdf/ emu-mt-peregian-track-map.pdf Lake Weyba management trails - no http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/managing/plans- official walks as such, but a great strategies/pdf/noosa-national-park-1999.pdf gateway to spectacular wildflower Willmott WF and Stevens NC 1988. Rocks and landscapes of the Sunshine Coast. Geological heaths (caution - stay on fire trails - this Society of Australia (Queensland Division). part of the Park was a military training Images ground during WWII and unexploded Banner - Tea Tree Bay. From left - rice flower, walkers on coastal track, Emu Mt she-oak fruit, - through eucalypt woodlands to ammunition may still be found in this family fishing (Paul Donatiu). a heavily treed lookout (the Park area). management plan notes that during NPAQ representations for a larger World War II trenches were dug national park at Noosa headlands date on Noosa Hill as part of a series of back to 1947. In September that year, fortifications for the Sunshine Coast). NPAQ conducted a field outing to Tanglewood track (3.8km one way) Noosa Headland when 90 members - showcasing a suite of different and guests studied closely the vegetation types. wildflowers of this area.....examined the many coastal and headland Coastal track (5.4km one way) - for features and made recommendations the more ambitious, this is one of the to extend the Park south along the classic coastal walks in Australia. Note headland as far as the permanent this track is wheelchair and stroller creek which emerges just south of accessible to Dolphin Point. the cliff line marked Paradise Caves Alexandria Bay track (4.6km return) (excerpts from a letter to the then - the quickest way to reach this Queensland Department of Public wonderful bay is through the heart Lands). Since the Noosa Parks of the parks woodlands and heath Association was established in 1962, (caution - all beaches in the Park are both organisations have continued to unpatrolled, and some have strong campaign for additions to the Park. currents and surf). There are few national parks Beyond the headlands, have a look at:

9 FEATURED WALK Cotswold Track to South Peak Mt Maroon Mary Anne Ryan, NPAQ Member

One of the most interesting The Climb walks in Southeast The Cotswold Track, via the north- Queensland is the summit east ridge, is one of a number of climb to Mt Maroon in Mt ways to approach the summit of Barney National Park. Mt Maroon, and reported to be the Lush eucalypt woodland on the easiest and most straightforward approaches, a steep ascent up route to walk. The track is well used a very manageable gully, rocky so it is straightforward to follow the platforms, incredible displays worn footpad and where the track of wildflowers during spring, crosses over rocky areas, there and some of the best mountain are arrows painted on the rocks, or top views in the State - this markers on the trees or occasionally walk has it all! a cairn or two to help guide you to the top. Mt Maroon is not only favoured by walkers. There is a challenging and spectacularly beautiful rock face, so don’t be surprised if you are joined means sand goanna in the Yugger for part of the walk by rock climbers language. gaining access to the base of the eastern face of the mountain. Some research indicates that the current name for the mountain comes From the car park (at 351m) walk up from the first grazing property in the the ridge, past two old corrugated Walk Notes area called ‘Maroon’. water tanks. At this point, you are Distance is approximately 6 km, on private property, but soon enter Continuing up the ridge, the but can be extended to explore the the National Park. Mt Maroon was steepness increases and the rocks summit plateau. first gazetted in 1938 as Mt Maroon morph into boulders. Clamber over the boulders until you find a Most suitable for fit walkers. National Park. In 1950, Mt Barney National Park was extended to spot that offers views over the valley. Allow 4-7 hours for the return journey include Mt Maroon and nearby Mt depending on fitness and the size of May. your group. Mt Maroon is part of the McPherson This walk is best avoided in wet Range, a spur of the Great Diving weather because of slippery rocks. Range and is recognized by its twin The walk commences from the car peaks – the north and south. The park at the end of Cotswold Road, South Peak is the highest point on off Boonah-Rathdowney Road, the mountain (966m at the summit). Rathdowney, Southeast Queensland. The original indigenous name for the mountain was Wahlmoorum which

10 Although the track up the gully is bells, grass trees and guinea flowers. steep, there are foot and hand holds You may even be lucky enough to and it is possible to maneuver up see the pale yellow flowers of Mt with confidence and safely ascend Maroon wattle (Acacia saxicola) - an this particular section of the track. endangered plant only found in this The top of the gully brings you out to national park! a flattish section with trees and a dry To descend, follow the route in creek bed - a pleasant shady spot reverse. A deviation may include a for a rest. Climb the large boulders trip to the north peak before returning on the left and admire more amazing to the main track and climbing down views of the surrounding countryside. to the car park. The walk to the Just past this section is a path to summit of Mt Maroon is challenging, the right that leads up to the north but a great experience in one of our peak area above the East Face cliffs. most spectacular national parks. Ignore this path and follow the main track, as it meanders onward through tallish shrub. Skirt up and over the boulders following the arrows until Onwards, the track begins to flatten you reach your destination. out but then heads downhill towards At the summit, you will be greeted by the magnificent 200m vertical East an eight foot cairn. The views from Face cliffs. A sharp turn to the Mt Maroon extend for 360 degrees. left and the track ascends into a The close up view of Mt Barney is significant gully. Just before entering spectacular, with the wedding cake the gully, another track runs off to the References shape outline of Mt Lindsay in the right, largely used by climbing teams http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/mount- background. The Lamington Plateau barney/about.html#Cotswold_track looking for access to the East Face. and Mt Tamborine are some of the https://www.thecrag.com/climbing/australia/ Often climbers can be heard calling sights from this vista. To the north, mt-maroon to each other, their voices resonating the interestingly shaped depression Images against the rock face. Banner - Moogerah Peaks in Southeast is the north peak of Mt Maroon. Queensland (Paul Donatiu). Clockwise from left - part of the East Face (Korinne The montane plateau of Mt Maroon Northwood), white flowering form of Seringia hillii on the summit plateau (Paul Donatiu), offers a diverse range of habitats beautiful Olearia microphylla (Paul Donatiu), for many unusual plant and animal montane heath and woodland on the summit (Korinne Northwood), and view south towards species. During spring months, Mt Barney (Korinne Northwood). many native wildflowers add splashes The author has endeavoured to ensure of colour to this rocky landscape that the information presented here is as accurate as possible. However, they do including the sprawling sarsaparilla not accept responsibility for any loss, injury vine, mint bushes, tea trees, or inconvenience sustained by any person guided by this article. matchstick plants, native iris, blue

11 WILDLIFE FEATURE

Bullock jewel butterfly

Michelle Shaul, Contributor

Just west of Queensland’s listed as endangered in Queensland. caterpillar’s back. Additional information Darling Downs within the spindly, Surveys have confirmed six populations on the habitat and ecology of the fine foliage of the bulloak tree of the species within a 5km radius Bulloak jewel can be found in Sands lives a colourful native butterfly as around Goondiwindi and Leyburn. and New (2002). There are hopes that additional beautiful as it is rare. Given this close, mutual relationship, populations will be found further north Sitting on the smaller end of the size protection and recovery action for after the relatively recent discovery of a spectrum, the Bulloak jewel butterfly the butterfly depends not only on population at Bendidee National Park. (Hypochrysops piceatus) has a protecting remnant bulloak trees wingspan measuring a mere 23-25 The Bulloak jewel’s rarity is no doubt but also preserving ant habitat. The millimetres. Its delicate wings are made due to its particular and complex habitat Queensland Department of Environment up of iridescent scales, the topside requirements, and exacerbated by recommends avoiding burning or of which appear a dull dusty purple the historic clearing of this habitat for removing undergrowth surrounding in males, and a pale bluish-purple in agriculture. It relies on the presence bulloak trees, such as fallen logs and females. Both sexes have broad wing of one species of tree - its namesake leaf litter, which the attendant ant uses margins coloured black and metallic - the bulloak or buloke (Allocasuarina for nesting. Additionally, as areas of the green as well as a contrasting light, luehmannii) and piggy-backs on the Darling Downs and surrounds remain creamy tan underwing with black spots activities of its neighbour insects, which unsurveyed for the species, you can and bands of orange-red. Females are include an undescribed ant, moth larvae also help its conservation by keeping the larger of the species, with broader and felt scale insects. an eye out for any fluttering within the bulloak tree canopies and reporting any and more rounded wings. On the The Bulloak jewel is particularly potential sightings to the Queensland hindwing of both sexes is a prominent interested in older bulloak individuals, Parks and Wildlife Service. black spot edged with orange-red. which have holes bored in the upper branches from the larvae of the xylorctid moth. These mazes of squiggly tunnels are used as shelter by the Bulloak caterpillars, which come out at night to feed on the tree’s fresh growth. The Bulloak jewel has a mutual relationship with Anonychomyrma sp., the attendant ant of the eriococcid scale insects Rhyzococcus sp. Pregnant females of the Bulloak jewel are thought to exclusively lay their eggs on branches buzzing with intense ant activity as the ants protect the butterfly’s Images/References larvae from parasites and predators. In Butterfly images courtesy of the CSIRO. Banner Found in only few small, isolated image of Allocasuarina woodland west of exchange, the ant is welcome to feed Toowoomba. pockets of vegetation in the state’s on a sugary, protein-rich secretion Sands, D.P.A. and New, T.R. (2002). The Action southeast, the Bulloak jewel butterfly is Plan for Australian Butterflies. Environment released from the glands on the Australia, Canberra. 378 pp. and CD.

12 THE NATIONAL PARK EXPERIENCE why national parks should be valued, told through the lens of personal experience in national parks Tony O’Brien, NPAQ Vice President

The arrival of our first grandchild has Shenandoah National Park Virginia for able to provide all the enjoyment we added another dimension to the her 80th birthday, he might come up could possibly imagine? already dimension-crowded idea of with something which will be a special Perhaps his generation, who will have National Parks in my psyche. How it moment for me. to deal with the consequences of changes the oft used phrase “for our I hope that he forms deep friendships accelerated climate change, will also children and our children’s children” through shared experience of challenge be the ones to harness increased when you actually hold this child and and achievement, striving and failure, scientific knowledge to modify human think about taking him into the bush which will come his way if he embraces activity in favour of a sustainable role for for the first time and exploring with him that dimension. Perhaps he will even us on this planet. the wonders of the natural world. The find a soulmate with whom to share smells, the sounds, cold winds, hot Perhaps they will be looking at National these wonders. winds, cold water, still water, running Parks in a more fluid way where water. I know he would find some shared geopolitical boundaries become even experience with others who are more meaningless and there will be Creatures doing what they have done passionately protecting the tiny fraction an understanding that the order of for millions of years. Very old rocks. of the planet which still remains largely natural balances in air, water and earth Trees that evoke all kinds of responses untouched by human habitation, both systems must be respected. through shape, age, size and texture. in National Parks and in other privately I hope his National Park experiences His wonderful mother is Scottish and conserved areas. are as fulfilling and enriching as mine I hope that Angus has inherited some I hope that he may in time appreciate have been. of the Scot of Jon Muir and is going to the historical social context of National love wild places, doing wild things and Parks intended to provide a secure wild ideas. opportunity for all people, irrespective I hope that he experiences the travel of their personal circumstances, to dimension of National Parks where engage directly with the natural world he can explore the vast array of and appreciate our place in this landscapes and ecologies with an dynamic evolutionary system. inquiring mind where there is always I think about how he might deal with more to learn. Shared with people of the social and political challenges for different languages and cultures. Seen National Parks where the sheer wonder from great heights and through a scuba of the personal experience in nature mask. Sleeping close to the Earth. contrasts so sharply with the relentless I hope that he can also experience march of human activity toward a world the restfulness of solitude by walking without wilderness. alone through desert or forest or Could we believe that he may not have heath and being able to have his own to experience the dismay of spirit which thoughts in his own time. Maybe he comes when treasures of the natural will share some of this with me. Just world are degraded for entertainment as my mum loved a phone call from experiences as if nature itself is not the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains in

13 5 Social Walk - Lunch Æ Birding at Nudgee on the Hop around Waterhole Reserve and WHAT’S Alderley Nudgee Beach Wednesday 28 October Sunday 22 November N Location: Grinstead Park near Shand Location: Nudgee Waterhole Reserve Street, Alderley Grading: Easy Grading: Easy Leader: Ian Peacock (3359 0318) Leader: Len & Laurelle Lowry (3355 7288) Fee: $3 (members) $10 (non-members) NPAQ Activities Fee: $3 (members) $10 (non-members) Spend a lovely morning checking out the Brisbane has some great walking tracks bird life at Nudgee Waterhole and beach. Ï Vegetation embedded in the heart of suburbia. This High tide is 7.28am allowing us to walk walk will start at Alderley and follow the along the sand flats later in the morning Management Group paved walking track to Crushers Sports to view the wader birds. Mangrove and Saturday 24 October Club. salt marsh areas near Nudgee beach are Location: Brisbane area After a leisurely lunch and chat at the Club, captured in the photograph below (Paul Donatiu). Leaders: Angus McElnea, Russell Gardner we’ll retrace our steps back to the cars. (0429 854 446) We may extend the walk towards Everton If you couldn’t make it last month, this is Park and observe the flying fox colony another great opportunity to get involved before making our way home (2.5km each with our great little restoration project at way). Boombana and Jollys Lookout, D’Aguilar National Park! Grass trees near Boombana pictured below (Paul Donatiu). 5 Clif Bell Memorial Picnic Sunday 1 November Location: O’Shea’s Crossing (also known as Schultz’s Crossing), corner of Esk-Kilcoy Road and Cooeeimbardi Road, Caboonbah. Grading: Easy Leader: Wendy Bell (3300 2473) and Jennifer Parker (3378 5211) Fee: Free This picnic celebrates our wonderful memories of Clif Bell, and will take place on the banks of the Brisbane River at O’Shea’s Crossing at the Northern end of . This park provides a wide variety of activities including swimming, kayaking, fishing (permit required), birdwatching or just strolling along the riverbank (BBQs and facilities available).

Ï Vegetation Management Group Saturday 21 November 5 Social Walk along Location: Brisbane area Leaders: Angus McElnea, Russell Gardner the Brisbane River (0429 854 446) Wednesday 25 November Æ Birding at Fig Tree It’s getting warmer now, and those weeds Location: Northshore Riverside Park, Pocket will really need a blast! Come and lend Hamilton 3-6pm a hand at our great restoration project at Grading: Easy Sunday 25 October Boombana and Jollys Lookout, D’Aguilar Leader: Jennifer Parker Location: Fig Tree Pocket National Park! Fee: $3 (members) $10 (non-members) Grading: Easy A great ramble along the riverbank at Leader: Ian Peacock (3359 0318) Hamilton. Note that this walk is yet to be Fee: $3 (members) $10 (non-members) posted on the NPAQ website. A great morning birding around the Biambi Yamba Lagoon, with a short walk to the park For more information, or to register for an beside the Brisbane River. Different birds activity, please go to the website - www. should be sighted amongst the mangroves npaq.org.au/events and woodlands. Then down to the boat ramp in Mandalay Other Images Park for morning tea! Left - Red-browed Finch (Paul Donatiu). Note that this is a different location to Right - Rainbow lorikeet (Ryan Pockran). the site previously listed.

14 Upcoming Activities NPAQ Events Book Review

F Walk the Southern Cross Safari: Bicentennial National Around Australia by Trail (Blackbutt to bus and train Killarney – 363km) By Bruce Gall Wednesday 30 December 2015 Redgum Publishing / 516 pages / RRP $35 (approx. 18 days) This is the tale of a veritable odyssey, and a fascinating tale it is too. It’s a substantial tome moreover, but in the end I returned 5 Social Twilight Walk my library book in favour of Gall’s first Sunday 9 January 2016 venture into publishing. Put simply, this is the account of a journey round Australia with a focus on visiting national parks and reserves, staying in hostels or pubs and using public transport as much as possible (though he hired cars where essential, until Calendar Dates Kangaroo Island and guilt got the better of him!). the Murray River There are many threads to the book, ReefBlitz Wednesday 21 October one of which is his scrutiny of how parks are managed, especially with regard to 16-17 October Location: Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens track maintenance and interpretation. http://www.barrierreef.org/reefblitz Auditorium from 7.45pm Gall has excellent credentials for such An evening with Len and Laurelle Lowry observations, having worked in such major Cairns Esplanade Bioblitz on their most recent adventure to the parks as Kosciuszko and Sturt and having 17 October mighty Murray River and fascinating managed one of the world’s great parks in http://fc-test.ala.org.au/project/ Kangaroo Island. The Island hosts a Kakadu. Further, he has headed the park index/007c26c3-e5fe-43e5-9380- national park, several conservation parks services of the ACT and Queensland. His d67dbe268f8e and in 2009 was declared part of Tourism observations on signage and track design Australia’s National Landscapes program. and maintenance around the country (he is a Very Serious Walker) are sometimes Aussie Bird Count complimentary, sometimes acerbic and 19-25 October always constructive. I hope park managers http://aussiebirdcount.org.au/ the country over study the book. Another thread concerns the strengths – more often weaknesses – of the nation’s train and bus systems to enable a traveller to get around the country and its reserves, a thread he often allows fellow- travellers, especially backpackers, to make observations on. Again, transport managers could well take note (especially in Tas!). Yet another thread concerns the nature and vagaries of hostel accommodation, a topic most of us don’t get a chance to explore, and gently astute observations on his Images - Murray River reflections (top) and Cape de Couedic, Flinders Chase National temporary travelling companions abound. Park, Kangaroo Island (Len Lowry). It is whimsical, lively, astute, with flashes of humour – he’s obviously an excellent informal interviewer and note-taker – and NPAQ Quarterly philosophy. My only concern is that he, as a Members Meeting Canberran, omitted any mention of Namadgi National Park or the Canberra Nature Park! Wednesday 18 November This could be a minor classic – read it Location: Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens before the movie comes out though. Auditorium from 7.45pm Ian Fraser - Naturalist, author & radio presenter Guest speaker Tony O’Brien will discuss the rise of private conservation reserves across Australia. JOIN, DONATE, or National Water Week SUBSCRIBE to NPAQ 20-26th October http://www.awa.asn.au/nationalwaterweek/ Vale Our sincere condolences to the families World Fisheries Day of the members below who have recently 21st November passed away: http://www.gdrc.org/doyourbit/21_11- Jeanette Covacevich www.npaq.org.au fisheries-day.html Barry Porter

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