Volume 53 Number 4 December 2016

National Parks Association of the Australian Capital Territory Inc.

Butterfly Book to be launched

PM’s Science Prize to Rick Shine

Bilby trilogy to ACT primary schools NPA Bulletin Volume 53 number 4 December 2016 Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect association opinion or objectives.

CONTENTS The ‘Butterfly Book’ and an invitation to its launch ...... 9 On the outcome of the ACT election...... 2 Kevin McCue Rod Griffith River rides, pitcher plants, and macaques in ...... 10 From the Committee ...... 3 Malaysian Borneo’s Sarawak Rod Griffiths Judy Kelly Shimmering...... 12 NPA spreads the Bilby’s Ring story ...... 3 Gerry Jacobson Esther Gallant NPA outings program, December 2016 – March 2017 ....13–16 NPA’s monthly get-togethers ...... 4 Max Lawrence Bushwalks Rosenberg’s Monitors on Mount Ainslie...... 4 Temple of Doom ...... 16 Max Lawrence Philip Gatenby River Red Gum in the ACT ...... 5 Bungonia Gorge...... 17 Martin Chalk Philip Gatenby More trees for Gudgenby...... 5 A walk to The Rolling Ground ...... 17 Hazel Rath Brian Slee et al Glenburn/Burbong Historic Precinct news...... 6 Some Central Queensland national parks...... 18 Col McAlister Rupert Barnett NPA Art at Gudgenby Cottage...... 7 A few days in the Cockburns...... 20 Hazel Rath Philip Gatenby Another award for our lad ...... 8 Exploring the Kimberley Coast...... 22 Max Lawrence Esther Gallant Max Day and the ‘unraveling’ of the Scribbly Gum Moth...... 8 PARKWATCH ...... 23 Dr Ken Green Compiled by Hazel Rath A visual feast of native Rock Lilies...... 9 NPA notices...... 26 Klaus Hueneke Meetings and speaker information...... 27 Butters Bridge: a new crossing of the Molonglo ...... 9 NPA information and contacts ...... 27 Max Lawrence On the outcome of the ACT election The recent ACT election has seen a the major political parties. This interaction there will need maintenance of the status quo with return led to The Greens putting forward a to be strong to government of the ACT Labor / Green proposal for a feasibility study into the lobbying to alliance. But what does the ACT election new national park, which has ensure the mean for the NPA? subsequently been included in the environment The election itself provided an parliamentary agreement between Labor does not suffer. opportunity for the NPA to flag its new and The Greens for the next 4 years. The Minister for Housing national park proposal to the political NPA welcomes this progress but would and Suburban Development – parties. This proposal seeks the creation contend the feasibility of a new national Yvette Berry: of a single management unit for the park has already been confirmed as a this portfolio will be directing green ACT’s lowland grassy woodlands. The result of a report prepared for the ACT field development in the ACT, which ACT is blessed with some of the finest Commissioner for Sustainability and the has the potential for habitat reduction. Environment (OCSE). This report, by Ian remaining examples of the ecosystems Minister for Climate Change and making up lowland grassy woodlands. Pulsford, forms Appendix H to the 2011 Nature Reserves Investigation Report and Sustainability – Shane Rattenbury: The NPA believes that these national climate change will continue to have treasures should be given broad can be found on the OCSE website. The election has also resulted in significant biodiversity impacts for the recognition through the creation of a ACT. national park devoted to their changes to portfolio responsibilities in the management. While many examples of ACT Assembly. Of particular relevance Shadow Spokesperson on the the ACT’s lowland grassy woodlands are are the following: Environment – Elizabeth Lee: included in Canberra Nature Park, the Minister for the Environment and one of the new Assembly members. NPA believes that the creation of a Heritage, Minister for Planning and Land The NPA will be engaging with all specific national park would help focus Development (including major projects) Assembly members to flag the management actions, promote further and Minister for Urban Renewal – Mick importance of the ACT’s reserve system connectivity and provide an appropriate Gentleman: and the significance of the ACT’s national level of recognition. During the these three portfolio responsibilities biodiversity. election campaign the NPA wrote to all have the potential for conflicts and Rod Griffiths

2 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 From the committee The NPA ACT has continued its wide recreational aircraft landings by Australian Capital Territory, range of activities. A key recent focus Namadgi’s plan of management. the latter to be launched in December. has been the ACT election which saw the The NPA continues to engage the Fire management has long been an NPA: younger ACT community in a number of issue for the NPA and work has • interviewed on ABC local radio in ways. Recently, all of the ACT’s public, continued in the planning for a fire respect to the ACT Liberal Democrats’ Catholic and independent private primary symposium to be held in July 2017. election policy to ‘open up’ Namadgi schools have received a set of the Bilby’s On the cultural and heritage front, a and the NPA’s own proposal for a new Ring trilogy of books as a donation from detailed submission has been made on national park the NPA. This series of books (see article the draft Conservation Management • lobbying political parties, which in this issue) covers many of the issues Plan for the Glenburn Precinct, Kowen resulted in The Greens adopting a facing Australia’s biodiversity in an Forest. policy to investigate the feasibility of a engaging way through the journey and The NPA was pleased to comment new national park. adventures of five friends, each on the well-developed new draft of the In support of its new national park representing an endangered species. If Mt Ginini Wetlands Management Plan. proposal the NPA has also held you haven’t seen the books, there will be The management plan provides for a discussions with the ACT Conservator some for sale at the NPA’s Christmas range of comprehensive actions for the and the Director of Parks and party. protection of these important wetlands. Conservation. The NPA has also continued its The above provides a snapshot of The NPA has also been expressing its involvement with ‘nature play’, a the many activities in which the NPA is concerns in response to a privately program to engage younger people in involved. With so much to do there are supported proposal for the introduction outdoor activities and also a new version always opportunities to assist. If you of commercial helicopter tours in of the junior ranger program. would like to deepen your involvement Namadgi National Park. These concerns The NPA’s publications subcommittee with the NPA, please don’t hesitate to have been raised at various levels of the remains active with work continuing on a contact any of the members of the administration. A key point against new edition of the NPA’s tree guide and a committee. helicopter tours is the banning of new Field Guide to the Butterflies of the Rod Griffiths NPA spreads the Bilby’s Ring story Kaye Kessing’s Bilby’s Ring comprises Bilby’s Ring is three books for 8–12-year-olds written as a quest describing the perils faced by many story in which a endangered native animals as a result of small band of human activities and the proliferation of endangered native feral animals. The National Parks animals (‘The Association of the ACT (NPA ACT) Ring’) crosses the recently donated a set of the books to continent in search each of the 108 primary schools in the of help. Along the public, private and independent school way they are aided systems of the ACT. by many friendly NPA ACT is a community-based animals and a few conservation organisation with a history humans, and of more than 50 years working to protect threated by quite a our natural environment. A key objective few predators. of the NPA is to promote a greater They pass through awareness of the issues facing the many different ACT’s, and Australia’s, natural heritage. ecosystems and When launching the Bilby’s Ring are amazed by the Esther Gallant from the NPA ACT Committee presenting 67 sets trilogy at the Australian National Botanic changing of ‘Bilby’s Ring’ books to Jason Borton, Acting Gardens last year, Commissioner for landscape. Director of ACT Learning and Teaching. Threatened Species Gregory Andrews Bilby’s Ring Photo by Quentin Moran. commented that every school library readers learn should have the books. Donating them about geography and native animal Bilby’s Ring trilogy ticks many of the thus became a ‘natural’ for NPA. Here biology as well as natural and human- Australian curriculum’s boxes, and the was an epic tale stretching across the altered environments. Online teaching NPA believes that it will be a valuable breadth of Australia involving endearing resources are available now for use in the resource for the ACT’s teachers. characters taking action on some of teaching of English. Others are likely to Esther Gallant Australia’s environmental challenges. become available in the future. The

The NPA ACT management committee wishes all NPA members and their families a safe and happy Christmas break and all the very best for the New Year.

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 3 NPA’s monthly get-togethers As you know, one of the really Bettongs (complementing the program at accompanied by an excellent array of rewarding features of NPA membership Mulligans Flat Sanctuary), and Northern photos depicting examples of the is being able to come along to our Corroboree Frogs. His description of the wonders to behold, all of which he took monthly general meetings, commune process of cross fostering of SBTRWs himself during his wanderings over the with like-minded people, discuss directly using Yellow-footed Rock-Wallaby past 3 years. At the two extremes were with our office-holders what issues are mothers was very interesting, as was his shots of Sugar Gliders on Mount Ainslie being looked at, what’s being done about description of the breeding process at and Mountain Pygmy Possums above them, and share a cuppa and nibbles. TNR for Northern Corroboree Frogs. In the tree line around Kosciuszko. But, as the promo goes, wait – there’s the latter case they are able to Matthew’s main message was to urge more! And that ‘more’ is hearing the successfully breed large numbers of frogs people to be aware and appreciative of presentations of our guest speakers. The at TNR, but survival rates are low when the wonderful natural world around us, program for coming months is shown on they are transferred to their natural and to enjoy it for what it is here and page 27 of successive Bulletins. Over the habitat of High Country sphagnum bogs, now. Christmas period we’ll be having a bit of where they are just ‘hanging on by their In October our guest speaker was a break, but activities resume as normal fingernails’. Brandon Galpin, a ranger with the ACT with the February general meeting. In July, our guest speaker was Kate Parks and Conservation Service. NPA has had a wonderful series of Auty, Commissioner of the ACT Brandon’s topic was ‘Old fella trees’, guest speakers in recent months, and this Environmental Defenders Office, and in and his talk took a look at the dynamics will continue in 2017. August Rod Griffiths spoke at the Annual of the largely missing contingent of old- In June our scheduled speakers had to General Meeting of his bushwalking growth trees in the landscape, even in cancel, but they did arrange for a adventures in Tasmania. Namadgi itself, and how Australia’s particularly good substitute in Scott In September Matthew Higgins, local national parks system can offer long- Ryan, Senior Wildlife Officer at historian and naturalist, chose ‘Ainslie to term restoration of forest ecology. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (TNR). Kossie: window on a wonder wander’ as Brandon noted that, in Namadgi, Scott’s topic was ‘An overview of TNR his topic. Matthew’s presentation focused changes in fire regimes since European threatened species programs’. on the wonderful array of natural flora settlement and logging, especially of Accompanied by an excellent and fauna to be found in a traverse from Alpine Ash trees in the Brindabellas, PowerPoint display Scott gave members Canberra Nature Park’s Mount Ainslie had meant that his old fella trees had a lively and very expert insight into the through the urban areas, across the become increasingly scarce. extent and detail of TNR’s programs to Murrumbidgee, and on through Namadgi The feast continues in the new year. re-introduce and preserve local and Kosciuszko national parks to the Don’t miss out. populations of Southern Brush-tailed alpine areas above the tree line on the Max Lawrence Rock-Wallabies (SBTRWs), Eastern Main Range. The presentation was

Rosenberg’s Monitors on Mount Ainslie!

According to NPA’s Field Guide to the Reptiles and Frogs of the ACT Rosenberg’s Monitor is a large ground-dwelling goanna, over 1.5 metres long. Up to 19 eggs are laid in termite mounds; hatchlings are able to escape from the nest when the female parent reopens the mound. At his presentation to NPA’s September general meeting, Canberra historian and naturalist Matthew Higgins reported that he had observed Rosenberg’s Monitors on Mount Ainslie, and was keeping an eye on a termite mound where they had laid eggs. He was waiting for the adults to return and open up the mound, and to observe the emergence of the young. In the Canberra Times of 25 October it was reported that Matthew has in fact observed the hatchlings emerging from the nest, and there are photographs of the happy occasion. However, the hatchlings are very vulnerable to predators, of which there are plenty on Mount Ainslie. We hope that some will survive. Matthew will be giving us a full report at our March 2017 general meeting (see page 27 of this Bulletin). Max Lawrence

4 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 River Red Gum in the ACT The River Red Gum (Eucalyptus Murrumbidgee confluence. camaldulensis) is an uncommon tree in About 900 seedlings have been the ACT. The NPA Field Guide to the propagated from this tree and Native Trees of the ACT records its planted to date, with a good distribution as follows: ‘In the ACT survival rate.1 known from a solitary large tree This past volunteer activity probably predating European occupation, has included some of the NPA’s on a small creek south of Tharwa’. members who participated in Indeed, I have driven past this tree many African Boxthorn and African times over the years en route to points Lovegrass removal in 2008 and south, but have been preoccupied with subsequent follow-up work. (An the bumpy crossing of Spring Station account of the 2008 activity can Creek (the aforementioned small creek) be found in NPA Bulletin Vol. and the activities that lie ahead. That is, 45, No. 2, June 2008.) until I recently organised a work party to In September and October start ridding the site of its latest weed 2016, the NPA undertook two infestation. However, I’m getting ahead more work parties. The villain of myself. this time was blackberry Over the past 20 years, ACT Parks infestation. Two distinct thickets and Conservation Service has covered about a third of the coordinated many community groups in enclosed reserve area. Also, the weeding and seed collection activities tree’s low-hanging dead around this tree. The species’ drought branches were vulnerable to resistance and fire tolerance has made it grass fire, as was the overgrown It’s a big tree! Photo by Martin Chalk. a popular riparian revegetation tree state of the three saplings at the downstream of the Gudgenby/ bottom of the reserve. After two work During these visits I took the parties, all but a opportunity to look closely at the tree small patch of and was taken aback by the sheer size of blackberry had the plant. The four trunks, each of been cut/dabbed substantial size, stem mallee-form from and removed from a central bowl, which reflects an the site, the low- original trunk of similar size. hanging branches Martin Chalk cut off and removed from the Note 1. From information provided site, and 22 Red by Darren Roso, Senior Ranger – Gums located and Murrumbidgee, ACT Parks and marked with tape Conservation Service (12 inside the reserve and 10 outside). Clearing the blackberries bit by bit. Photo by Max Lawrence. More trees for Gudgenby Last year in spring, a small group of ATV even though it was his day off. He improved. We held an extra work party ‘Gudgenby bushies’ met at Greening also took Fiona for a ride so she could during the first week of the school Australia (GA) to plant some tree, shrub ‘supervise’ as we worked. Fourteen holidays so we had some younger and grass seeds in pots so that they could workers planted about 130 trees that day, members to help out. The ground was be planted out in the regeneration area placing tree guards around everything very wet and soft and made digging the following year. Then, over the except the grasses. The site was on a holes much easier. So after 3 hours work summer months, the seeds were nurtured windy hillside that had been graded due we had completed the task. and watered by GA, enabling all the tube to rabbit warrens, although some grass We hope that most of these trees and stock to grow well and be at the right had started to grow again after the two shrubs will survive, as they have had a stage when we needed them. year interval. However, the wind proved a good start with all the rain. It is very We planned to begin planting in early problem and Clive later had to take a satisfying to see Gudgenby taking on a winter, but the wet weather commenced staple gun to attach the tree guards to the more mature environmental profile as and it was impossible to use the fire stakes as many were blown away in a the work over the past 15 years or so is trails in the Gudgenby area without storm. changing the landscape from a sterile doing some damage. So it was August The remaining 100+ trees were to be pine forest to a native woodland and a before the first plantings took place. We used above Frank and Jack’s Hut, on a home for wildlife. had to park our vehicles well below closed fire trail that we had attempted to Hazel Rath, Gudgenby Bush Peppermint Hill and walk up to the repair on several occasions. But again the Regeneration Group planned site. Fortunately, Ben the ranger weather defeated us and we had to ferried all the plants and tools up on his postpone the planting until the weather

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 5 Glenburn/Burbong Historic Precinct news Since my last report in the June 2016 of these signs, as well Bulletin, there have been some important as those for the other developments. Despite the wet weather, 10, are on the NPA web volunteers have carried out some site www.npaact.org.au important work in the precinct. under Friends of Glenburn. The Conservation Management The cost of the Plan (CMP) plates for the latest three signs was $1,631. During October I provided detailed This was paid for by comments on two, near-final drafts of the The Friends of CMP. Glenburn from money I am very pleased with the material in donated to the NPA for the drafts. work on Glenburn. The They provide baseline data, including Parks Service provided sketch plans and many colour the posts, and Ranger Sally Hatton, Brian Slee, Diedre Shaw, Matthew Higgins, photographs, on the physical layout and volunteers assisted and Col McAlister with one of the first marker posts for condition of each of the historic sites Parks Service staff to the new Glenburn Heritage Trail, June 2016. together with comprehensive, practical erect them. Work is Photo by Max Lawrence. advice on what should be done to each of progressing on the them together with suggested priority preparation of the texts for an Burn Creek near River Road. Other rankings. interpretative sign for the Glenburn tasks include erecting traffic signs on Implementation of some of the Precinct overall, to be located at the new Charcoal Kiln Road, improving the advice, particularly for the Glenburn car park on Charcoal Kiln Road, and for a surface of some management tracks and Shearing Shed, the Glenburn Shearers pamphlet on the Glenburn Precinct. Both slashing the trail where it passes through Quarters and Glenburn Homestead will include a map showing the route of some paddocks. would be very expensive. the Glenburn Heritage Trail. The intention is that the Parks The challenge in the years ahead will The Friends of Glenburn will pay for Service will invite the relevant Minister be for the ACT Government to provide the plate for this interpretative sign also. to officially open the trail, probably the ACT Parks and Conservation Service Because it will be much larger than the around Easter 2017. with sufficient funds for it to put a other 13 interpretative signs, its cost I hope that the completion of the substantial dent in the high priority tasks could be as much as $1,500 to $2,000. Glenburn Heritage Trail will encourage that need to be done in this important more Canberra, Queanbeyan and ACT heritage area. The Glenburn Heritage Trail Bungendore residents to visit the area, The Friends of Glenburn, through the The trail for walkers and cyclists is which was once a small, vibrant, NSW NPA will be able to provide some small effectively three trails. The Glenburn rural community. financial assistance from donations. The Heritage Trail will link, via River Road, The Heritage Trail will provide a Friends will also be able to continue to almost all of the historic sites in both the good exercise venue. And there is much provide hands-on practical assistance by Glenburn and Burbong areas. The to see. The precinct contains many rich its volunteers. Glenburn Trail will connect those in the relics of early European settlement that I look forward to receiving the final Glenburn area and the Burbong Trail will give an insight into how the early report in the near future. It will provide connect those in the Burbong area. settlers lived, worked, played and the fundamental building blocks for the More than 20 route marker posts have educated their children. Parks Service to set its work programs been erected by the Parks Service and for many years to come in the Glenburn Visit by Edmonds Descendant volunteers. Also, four gates have been Precinct, which is an important ACT installed by the Parks Service in the On 27 September, Ross Edmonds and heritage site. fences near the site of Curleys his wife Robyn, from near Tweed More donations and volunteers would Homestead, near the Glenburn Shearing Heads, visited Glenburn Homestead. be most welcome to help the NPA assist Shed complex, on Charcoal Kiln Road Ross’s grandfather, Stanley Augustine, the Parks Service. Tax-deductible near Glen Burn Creek and at the was born in the slab home in 1898. donations can be made to NPA intersection of Charcoal Kiln Road and He was the first of John James and requesting that the money be spent on River Road to improve access for Agnes May Edmonds’ five children who Glenburn. Anyone interested in pedestrians and cyclists. The Friends of were born in the homestead before the volunteering can contact me on Glenburn will pay for the manufacture family moved to Glencoe in northern 6288 4171 or at and installation of two of these gates at a NSW in 1906. A further six children [email protected] . cost of some $730. were born there. Interpretative Signs All work on the trail should be Members of the Edmonds family completed by early 2017. The most have spread to the four winds. I was Three more interpretative signs have significant work still to be done is the pleased to show the homestead to some been erected in the precinct, bringing the erection of the new, large locked gate other family members for the first time. total to 13. They are for the sites of the (which has been manufactured already) in Glenburn Hayshed, the Glenburn Hay/ Col McAlister the yet to be constructed car park on Friends of Glenburn Machinery Shed and Yards, and the Charcoal Kiln Road, and the Glenburn Sheep Dip and Yards. The texts improvement of the crossing of Glen

6 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 NPA Art at Gudgenby Cottage The weather dominated the activities of the spring art week held in the first Gudgenby Cottage, Spring 2016 week of September at Gudgenby The flames sing Or darting up the slope. Cottage. It delayed the planned early In the black fire box, No basking in the sunlight today start at the beginning of the week due The log turns white and red But eating and movement. to water on the roads and we had the As ash and coals accumulate. The cloud lowers and obscures same problem at the end of the week! The heat warms the residents the hill tops. On this cloudy cold morning. But in between the wind blew the Hazel sits at the desk clouds away and we had sunshine for a Out on the hillside Paintings orchids for the few days when we could sit on the The small roos keep warm exhibition veranda and enjoy the view. This is Hopping in circles around their And Fiona writes a poem. what makes art week so special. Time mothers to enjoy the birds, roos and lizards, and Fiona MacDonald Brand all the bush creatures that inhabit the area around the cottage. Nine people stayed for a night or more, with some enjoying the whole week. We had visitors too. Sarah and Jocelyn from the homestead; Clive called in for afternoon tea; and friends of Adrienne’s from Queensland came for the day. Rangers Ben and Mark also stopped by to say hello. Painting, poetry, prose and photography were just some of the activities during the week. Books were also an enjoyable pastime as we huddled around the fire, especially in the evenings. During the day, the weather restricted many of the outdoor activities as the rain never seemed too far away, but when the sun shone we followed it from the front veranda to Drawing lessons were the answer to bad weather during May art week. Teacher Maria the back yard! Boreham (right) added her collection of insects and miscellaneous items to gathered Friday brought a deluge of rain and leaves and wood pieces; students Ailsa Brown (left) and Fiona MacDonald Brand the creek rose quickly. The water made good use of the materials and the marvellous instruction. rushed over the banks forming a lake Photo by Adrienne Nicholson. and almost overflowing onto the footbridge, bringing with it lots of Acronym Free branches and debris so that it had to be Water everywhere Gudgenby cleared before it threatened a bridge Cottage Cosy fires collapse. On Saturday the weather had Abundant pools Convivial not improved and the planned Teeming creeks Creative Gudgenby Bushies work party had to company Carve. be cancelled so, instead, everyone Eddying along Relax! came into the cottage for morning tea. minds The entertaining did not end there as in Restless the afternoon scones and cream were Paint, write, muse, cook Syllable Poem provided to the rangers Ben and family, Large Sally and Jess. This was supposed to Dylan Thomas Portraits Diverse have been the afternoon tea post work Have you ever seen a swallow? Intricate party but became an opportunity to Welcoming, diving, snuggling? Interwoven thank the rangers for all their work in With many large sticks the park and for looking after us while Have you ever tasted Hazel’s High off the ground we were staying at the cottage. scones? So the chicks Once again, a very enjoyable week Light, fluffy, delicious. Can be for those who came to stay. Our work Safe will be on exhibition at the Namadgi Haiku Visitor Centre over the months of November to January. Call in and see Civilisation. what can be achieved over a few days. Thankfully it’s left behind. Barbara Slotemaker de Bruine Peace has descended. Hazel Rath

Brooding A travesty of a name – Yankee Hat Onyong beckons Kevin McCue

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 7 Another award for our lad Way back in 1967 NPA ACT conducted a The Prime Minister’s Prize recognises schools essay competition, the winner of the research Professor Shine has done on which was a young fellow by the name the Cane Toad invasion of tropical of Richard Shine. His essay was a Australia, and the devastating impact the treatise on the Red-bellied Black Snake. invasion was having on the native reptile It was reproduced in the March 2010 predators of the region. As a result of this Golden Anniversary edition of this work Northern Australia’s peak Bulletin, which may be accessed via the predators – snakes and lizards – are now NPA ACT website. Rick was the guest more likely to survive. speaker at NPA’s 50th anniversary After accepting the award Rick said ‘I meeting in 2010. was the kid who brought Blue Tongue Since then Rick has gone on to great Lizards to school. When my big brother heights in his chosen career, and the learnt to drive, he took me out into the focus has always been on reptiles and bush where I could capture snakes and into the bush and you see what the amphibians. Today he is Professor of bring them home’. animals are doing, there’s nothing more Biology with the School of Life and He went on to say ‘The Prime sophisticated than a notebook involved’. Environmental Sciences at the University Minister’s Prize for Science is an Max Lawrence of Sydney. He has had a very impressive incredible recognition of the value of academic career, but the crowning basic, simple science, it’s the kind of achievement must be winning the 2016 thing Charles Darwin did when he Prime Minister’s Prize for Science. wandered around the world. You go out

Max Day and the ‘unraveling’ of the Scribbly Gum Moth Max was publishing on mountain * The scribbly gum moth larvae insects as long ago as 1954 with the (Ogmograptis scribula and classic paper with Ken Key [Key, K.H.L. O. fraxinoides near the elevational and Day M.F. (1954) A temperature- limit of E. pauciflora) bore a controlled physiological colour response meandering tunnel through the in the grasshopper Kosciuscola tristis eucalypt tree’s bark at the level of the Sjost. (Orthoptera, Acrididae). Australian future cork cambium, first in long Journal of Zoology 2, 309–338.]. I can irregular loops and later in a more recall getting a question from him in regular zigzag which is doubled up 2006 about the elevation to which after a narrow turning loop. When the scribbles go on Snow Gums and whether cork cambium starts to make cork to they were present at Charlotte Pass. I shed the outer bark it produces scar couldn’t recall seeing scribbles on Snow tissue in response to the feeding of the A panel has recently been unveiled at the Gums at all above the winter snowline so caterpillar, filling the doubled up part Australian National Botanic Gardens in I went to check at Rennix Gap. At of the larval tunnel with highly honour of Dr Max Day and to 1,550 m elevation none of 25 snowgums nutritious, thin-walled cells. These commemorate the work he did on had scribbles on the bark, while slightly replacement cells are ideal food for the Scribbly Gums that began in the gardens. below at Wilsons Valley (1,440 m), 9 of caterpillar, which moults into its final Max, the oldest working scientist in the 20 did. Talking with Dane Wimbush larval stage with legs, turns around and Australian Institute of Alpine Studies about this he told me that this is at about eats its way back along the way it has (aias.org.au), had his 100th birthday in the turnover from E. pauciflora to come. It now grows rapidly to maturity December. E. niphophila. Later, Roger Good and leaves the tree to spin a cocoon at Max Day’s research found that the brought Max up from Canberra and we its base, where it pupates. Not long scribbles were made by the larvae of did a similar survey along the Alpine after the caterpillar leaves the tree, the several species of moth that make tracks Way to above Thredbo. The results in the bark cracks off and exposes the iconic underneath the bark.* The scribbles 2012 paper confirmed that scribbles are scribbles beneath. become visible when the bark is peeled found only up to an elevation of about Anyone interested in alpine lake off. The Scribbly Gum Moth research 1,400 m and might be restricted to ‘ssp. research (and alpine research was published in 2012 when Max was pauciflora’. While some may distrust the generally) might like to log on to 97 years old, in a paper senior-authored taxonomic split between Eucalyptus http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/cirmount/ by Marianne Horak, with mountain moth pauciflora and E. niphophila it seems as publications/mtnviews.shtml stalwart Ted Edwards another in the if the moths can tell one from the other. team. Dr Ken Green

8 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 A visual feast of native Rock Lilies On 27 October, in the company of the conquering, years. Surely nothing native glauca). New to me but not to him. ‘A caring and down-to-earth Yass Valley could survive here. rare species, possibly endangered and Landcare Group, the naturalist Rainer Then lo and behold, after passing very vulnerable, used to be abundant Rehwinkel and a superb bird imitator some cliffs, the first signs – a splash of across the local area.’ I looked it up in from Greening Australia, I had the waving yellow here and there, on high, Woodland Flora, the new encyclopaedic pleasure of stepping, snaking and among the rocks. Someone called, ‘must bible by Sarah Sharp and others. ‘Tufted, stumbling up a narrow, rocky track along be Bulbine Lily’. A little further the perennial forb with unbranched flower the Yass River (turn right at the last cliffs opened on to a precipitous slope of stems, leaves onion-like’, they wrote in roundabout in Yass town). The Yass riotous, floral abundance right up into language more scientific than mine. River was a creek no more but rather a the sky. Spying hundreds of nodding, That’s it. I checked in the beautifully turbulent cascade of thick brown soup arching, deep-yellow flower heads, thick presented Ngunnawal Plant Use but they with piles of flood debris from four as thieves, jostling for a bit of light, we had only Bulbine Lily. ‘Eaten roasted recent floods, the piles sometimes were, for a moment, quite spellbound. and rich in calcium and iron, harvested 3 metres tall, 10 metres long and This was an Australia rarely seen by with digging sticks’, it said. Probably 5 metres across. The earth was thickly urban dwellers. true for both species. I must try them – matted and sprouting with the weeds of Rainer came to the rescue: ‘not yum, yum. white man’s 200 unstoppable, all Bulbine Lily but Rock Lily’ (Bulbine Klaus Hueneke Butters Bridge: a new crossing of the Molonglo The lower Molonglo has a perspective of the river big new bridge about a corridor. Park your car at kilometre downstream from the carpark at the Weston Coppins Crossing. However, Creek end of Coppins it is not a road bridge. Its Crossing, and it takes about primary purpose is to support 15 minutes to walk down a sewer pipe servicing the the river to the bridge. new Molonglo suburbs, The bridge is named after linking in with the sewer Sir John Butters, who was main to the treatment works the first Chief Com- on the northern side of the missioner of the Federal river. Capital Commission during A beneficial feature of the 1920s. Essentially, his the structure is that it also task was to organise the provides a substantial public building of Canberra from access walkway for dusty paddocks to a national pedestrians and cyclists to capital. Details are provided cross the river. At 242 metres on an interpretive sign at the long and 25 metres above the site. river the bridge provides Max Lawrence walkers with a whole new Butters Bridge. Photo by Mike Smith.

The ‘Butterfly Book’ An invitation The NPA ACT is privileged to have been approached by Dr Suzi Bond with an invitation to publish a book on the butterflies of the ACT. Suzi Field Guide to the Butterflies offered considerable enticement with a wonderful selection of photos so of the ACT we readily agreed. We ended up working out of Esther’s dining room, many pleasurable hours going through the text and photos, being kept alert by Suzi Bond with freshly baked ginger snaps and fair-trade hot coffee or interesting with Steve Holliday and John Stein soups. Mariana Rollgejser turned good photos into artworks and we are thrilled to be part of Suzi’s book. All of us on the Working Group have will be launched by been converted into Lepidoptera photograph hunters. Genevieve Jacobs This book is a valuable addition to our series of field guides on natural Crosbie Morrison Building species of the ACT: birds, frogs and reptiles, trees, and orchids, all written by experts with beautiful photos or paintings and enough non-technical text Australian National Botanic Gardens to help you identify and value them and their environment. We hope you Tuesday 13 December 2016 will enjoy this new field guide as much as we will. 3.30 pm. Kevin McCue All welcome. Contact: Sonja 6251 1291 or Photos © CSIRO [email protected]

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 9 River rides, pitcher plants, and macaques in Malaysian Borneo’s Sarawak A trip outline under the auspices of British colonised pitcher plant specialist, Stewart Malaysian Macpherson, and Canberra naturalist, Borneo, whereas Ian Fraser, tempted us to leave Canberra Indonesian in early May 2016 for 3 weeks to see a Borneo fell into selection of Malaysian Borneo’s natural Dutch hands. wonders. Our group of We’d be avoiding the smoke blanket fourteen landed which results from Indonesia’s burning in the early of rainforest to clear land for small-scale afternoon in the farming and commercial palm oil hot and steamy plantations. Burning starts in early July city of Kuching, and coincides with the dry season. capital of Straddling the equator, Borneo is the Malaysian third largest non-continental island in the Borneo, with its world. It is also north-west of dividing gilded mosque lines that scientist Alfred Wallace, turrets, colonial biologist Thomas Huxley and buildings, and biogeographer Richard Lydekker, parliament established in the mid to late 1800s to wearing its mark biogeographical differences multilayered roof shaped like a four- exaggerated clown-like snouts which between the natural world of Australia cornered hat. might enhance their communications, and New Guinea and that of South-East and pot bellies. A noticeable feature of Asia. Their lines follow the deep-sea Motorboats passed us, laden with the male Proboscis Monkey is its trenches between continents which nets and their cargo of jelly fish permanent erection. Why, we don’t know. formed during the ice ages. Leaving Kuching by bus, we transferred Upward movements of molten to motorised river boats that took us Baby Proboscis Monkeys … enter magma, volcanic activity, tectonic plate from the broad estuary flowing into the tained us with their acrobatics movement, and the actions of ice over South China Sea, across a bay to Bako, Baby Proboscis Monkeys are dark rock have moulded Borneo through the our first national park in the state of millennia. The areas we visited were brown in contrast to the orange of the Sarawak. Wooden houses perched on adults. The babies entertained us with largely sedimentary with outcrops of stilts formed small settlements along the limestone and granite. their acrobatics, risky leaps, swings, and riverbank. Motorboats passed us, laden near falls. Their alert mothers were The sketch map shows how Borneo with nets and their cargo of jelly fish for is divided between Malaysia with the constantly on the watch, grabbing their drying and selling at markets. Verdant offspring if they started slipping off the state of Sarawak on the west and that of vegetation on the banks contrasted with Sabah to the north-east, with Indonesia branch and cuddling them when they’d the brown water where plastic containers had enough action. By contrast other to the east, while Brunei is squashed into and bags bobbed along. the north-east corner of Sarawak. The adults in the troop could be amazingly As in Australia, discarded plastic was rough with the babies. a noticeable problem. For health reasons Our two guides took us along a we and many others were drinking walkway through the forest, explaining bottled water, which was only the Iban use of plants as medicine or in exacerbating the problem. building, with indigenous names which Our two Malaysian guides were from weren’t always easy to match with a the Iban tribe, one with the name of botanical name. The thorny trunk of the Rivas that a Portuguese Catholic priest Nibung Palm (Oncosperma tigillarium) had given him. Both spoke English and is used for fish poles; a Calophyllum thanked us for coming on the trip, saying tree species yields the component of a it was people like us whose patronage medicine used in treating AIDS and HIV provided them with their employment. although the vaccine is now The path to our accommodation took manufactured synthetically and the tree us past mangroves and through rainforest is protected. where we saw our first monkeys, the A highlight during the walk was a Pig-tailed Macaques, smallish, bold, pool with a resident turtle and two grey and very quick to swipe food from catfish, like eels with two long ‘rays’ an unguarded lunch plate on the balcony. near their mouth. Mossy-nest Swiftlets Silver-leafed Monkeys, darker than the were flying into their nesting holes in Macaques, were also part of the mix. the sandstone above the pool, one just Then the orangey-brown Proboscis discernible on its nest. Emerging from Monkeys swung into view with their the forest one of ourPhotos group by Ain noticed a Beach and cliffs, Bako National Park. Photo by Dave Kelly. (continued next page)

10 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 River rides, pitcher plants, and macaques in Malaysian Borneo’s Sarawak (continued) movement on a lower tree trunk. It was a Green Tree Lizard that moved with lightning speed along a branch before taking a leap into space and landing on a tree several metres away. It was like a translucent toy on springs, similar in colour to the venomous Tree Pit Viper that lay passively coiled on a low bush near a building, merging with the leaves. The pitcher plants (Nepenthes spp.), looked other worldly … For one of Baku’s best surprises, we climbed up a rough track to a sandstone plateau to find pitcher and ant plants growing amongst vegetation including a She-oak or Casuarina sp. that reminded us of Australia’s sandstone habitat. The pitcher plants (Nepenthes spp.), looked other worldly, nature’s jugs with lids forming the end of the leaf. The number Orchid. Photo by Dave Kelly. and diversity of these plants in a small water sparingly. Several times during humour suggested one of us might have area were striking, not to mention their night walks Stuart and Ian noticed the to be sacrificed to a resident crocodile. mechanics. Stewart showed how rain is lack of insects and wondered if it was Fortunately, the others returned to funnelled down the leaf into the pitcher related to the drought. support our lame boat with jests as the plant. Little spikes or the white line of Strange round ant plants that driver tried to restart the engine with the hairs as in Nepenthes albomarginata or resembled desiccated succulents were help of a drinking straw. Simple but it another curiosity. The ants live in the worked. plants, feeding off their nectar and, in Crews skilfully manoeuvred rocky turn, protecting the plant from being rapids as we passed the verdant eaten. rainforest with breaks where villagers Birdwatching in Borneo presented were growing spindly rubber plants and problems for the beginner because birds sometimes tobacco. Gouges on the were quick and the foliage was dense. banks indicated where timber was being Malaysian bird specialist, CK Leong, harvested on a small scale. Surprisingly known as CK, was on hand to help spot heavy earth-moving equipment emerged birds and identify them. Of course the every now and then. bigger birds like the Fish Eagle that Unbroken stretches of forest soared overhead in Bako were easier to alongside the river gave us a feeling of see. isolation and a picture of times before any settlement. [Bako] park and its wildlife are Tying up under a rickety wooden vulnerable to climate change bridge with a friendly village dog and population increase. wagging a welcome, we climbed up to As with many of Malaysia’s national our Nanga Sumpa lodging. The villagers parks, Bako is a relatively small area from Nanga Sumpa across the river had between water and the hinterland built the lodge from local timber after mountains, close to settlements and demanding that the English architect human activity. The park and its wildlife change his Balinese design which is are vulnerable to climate change and popular in peninsula Malaysia, to one Nepenthes bicalcarata showing fangs. population increase. Again, as in Photo by Dave Kelly. more in keeping with their local Australia, a supposedly developed Sarawak buildings. the white-coloured pitcher plant attract country, park infrastructure needs Nanga Sumpa Lodge is a cooperative insects which fall into the pitcher, maintenance and renewal. venture with the villagers, who benefit ultimately decomposing and providing Our next experience in Sarawak was from the earnings. Village women the plant with its food. The pitcher plant a boat ride along the Delok River, a worked cheerfully in the kitchen, colours varied from green to purplish- significant local transport route, to preparing our meals of steamed or fried brown, with different shapes, stripes and Nanga Sumpa Village near Batang Ai chicken pieces and Australian beef (part sizes. National Park. Foul-smelling fuel of an Australian trade deal), stir-fried Theo, a Nepenthes enthusiast from powered our low, streamlined boats, greens and boiled rice. Small sweet Germany, returned from a circular walk each with two skilful crew who enjoyed bananas were a delicious dessert. Early on the plateau saying that most of the racing each other. every morning we heard the roosters, pitcher plants on the far side had died Our transport stuttered to a halt in prompting CK to wish all would be from the 4-week drought that had been the middle of a broad reach of water. dispatched to the cooking pot. affecting Borneo before our arrival. Several attempts to start the motor were Notices in hotel rooms asked us to use unsuccessful. CK with his sly sense of (continued next page)

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 11 River rides, pitcher plants, and macaques in Malaysian Borneo’s Sarawak (continued) … we spotted a striking Asian is needed for food and Paradise Flycatcher commercial crops like rubber or pepper. Rivas said that high- The most inviting part of the lodge was yielding crops, using fertiliser, the open-air dining room with seats lessened the need to clear even overlooking the river. From there we larger areas of land, which was spotted a striking Asian Paradise a win for conservation. The Flycatcher with its dark-blue head and villagers lived and worked long white tail feathers rippling behind their land within the park as like shooting stars. We also saw a small part of an agreement with the Malaysian Blue Flycatcher, blue on top government. and orange underneath. Finally we reached our We visited the new village longhouse destination, the Enseluai which is being rebuilt with the help of waterfall cascading into a large Malaysian and Australian funding after inviting pool. As we waded and fire destroyed the old one last year, sank into the pool, heat and killing two elderly occupants. About fatigue dissolved. 10–15 families, each with their own room, will occupy the longhouse which … little fish used to treat has a large communal space. Our guide psoriasis at spas came to told us the village site had been nibble at our limbs. occupied for 200–300 years and was one If we sat in the shallows long of very few where most of the young enough, little fish used to treat people had remained instead of moving psoriasis at spas came to nibble to cities. at our limbs. Initially they … orangutan nests … looked like tickled faintly but then grew leafy hammocks formed from unpleasantly bolder and more intertwined branches persistent until it was time to move. The next day we set off for a 3-hour We left our grotto to cross walk through the rainforest following a to the opposite bank where the Waterfall near Nanga Sumpa. rough path behind a machete-wielding longboat crews with Rivas had Photo by Dave Kelly. local Iban villager from Nangpa Sumpa. prepared a fire. What was for He pointed out orangutan nests, which lunch? Lemon chicken and rice were to the lodge. That evening a tropical looked like leafy hammocks formed steaming separately in hollow bamboo thunderstorm broke, sending the rain from intertwined branches. The nests stems over a fire while Rivas prepared bucketing down. The river rose had been made 2–3 weeks ago but the eggplant and garlic in a wok over impressively, which made our orangutans had gone. another fire. Stir-fried beef plus steamed downstream trip over the rapids easy Putting his ear to the stump of a sago spinach and green beans were also on next morning. The brilliant flash of the palm, our local guide heard sounds and offer. Black and Red Broadbill and a long slim unerringly dug out a caterpillar that the It was hard to believe our luck to be black snake with orange belly that was locals eat. Another food source was the sitting on the quiet stretch of river on swimming across the river were inner kernel of a rattan, which was used seats from the longboats with a feast at enduring memories as we made our way as survival food during World War 2. hand. The boat crews sat on their back to Kuching. Conditions were steamy and trying haunches, eating, talking and laughing. with 99 per cent humidity and the Judy Kelly They seemed genuinely happy and temperature about 35 degrees Celsius. relaxed. Insects chirred, rasped and clicked After watching a graceful constantly like electronic toys. From a demonstration of casting a fishing net, ridge top, we looked across at a plot of we boarded our longboats and returned dry rice. As families increase, more land

Shimmering

That recurrent dream. A rocky mountain ridge rises out of deep forest. the dark cloud The sun shines on warm rock, and no one has been here before. Our slowly lifts and I see calendar’s on the fridge. I turn the page for April and it’s a frosty snow covered morning on the Labyrinth plateau looking across the valley to misty mountains shimmering Mount Geryon. Were those the days my friend? Did they never end? in distant sunlight

Gerry Jacobson

12 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 NPA outings program December 2016 – March 2017 Bushwalk Grading Guide Distance grading (per day) Terrain grading 1 up to 10 km A Road, fire-trail or track E Rock scrambling 2 10 km to 15 km B Open forest F Exploratory 3 15 km to 20 km C Light scrub 4 above 20 km D Patches of thick scrub, regrowth Day walks Carry lunch and snacks, drinks, protective clothing, a first aid kit and any required medication. Pack walks Two or more days. Carry all food and camping requirements. CONTACT LEADER EARLY. Car camps Facilities often limited. Vehicles taken to site can be used for camping. CONTACT LEADER EARLY. Work parties Carry items as for day walks plus work gloves and any tools required. Work party details and location sometimes change, check NPA website, www.npaact.org.au, for any last minute changes. Other activities include ski trips, canoe trips, nature rambles and environment or field guide studies. Wednesday walks (WW). Medium or somewhat harder walks arranged on a joint NPA, BBC (Brindabella Bushwalking Club) and CBC (Canberra Bushwalking Club) basis for fit and experienced club walkers. Notification and details are only emailed to members registered for WW. Only NPA-hosted WW are shown in this program. For WW email registration, contact the Outings Convener. Transport The NPA suggests a passenger contribution to transport costs of 40 cents per kilometre for the distance driven divided by the number of occupants of the car including the driver, rounded to the nearest dollar. The amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader. Drive and walk distances shown in the program are approximate for return journeys. NPA ACT members undertaking walks or other activities in this program are advised they should have PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE or, at least, AMBULANCE COVER in case of an accident requiring evacuation by ambulance or helicopter. Points to note Please help keep our outings program alive by volunteering to lead outings. New leaders are welcome. The Outings Convener is happy to suggest locations suitable for a walk if you do not have something in mind. Feel free to send in suggestions for outings with a suggested date to the Outings Convener by email to [email protected] All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Association of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and as such accept responsibility for any injury howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders, are absolved from any liability in respect of injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing. In voluntarily participating in these activities conducted by the NPA ACT, participants should be aware that they could be exposed to risks that could lead to injury, illness or death or to loss of or damage to property. These risks could include but are not limited to slippery and/or uneven surfaces, rocks being dislodged, falling at edges of cliffs or drops or elsewhere, risks associated with crossing creeks, hypothermia, heat exhaustion and the risks associated with any of the Special Hazards listed on the Atten- dance Record and Risk Waiver Form provided by the leader at the activity. To minimise these risks participants should endeavour to ensure that the activity is within their capabilities and that they are carrying food, water, equipment, clothing and footwear appropriate to the activity. Participants should advise the leader if they are taking any medication or have any physical or other limitation that might affect their participation in the activity. Participants should make every effort to remain with the rest of the party during the activity and accept the instructions of the leader. By sign- ing the Attendance Record and Risk Waiver Form participants agree that they understand these requirements and have considered the risks before choosing to sign the form and waiver any claim for damages arising from the activity that they might have against the association, the leader or any other participants in tort or contract. Children under 18 years of age are welcome to come on NPA ACT activities provided they are accompanied by a parent, guardian or close relative. Parents or Guardians will be required to sign a specific Risk Waiver for a Child form. Leaders to note: please send copies of completed Attendance Record and Risk Waiver Forms to Brian Slee, contact 6281 0719 or [email protected]

2–5 December Pack Walk about 300 m. Two days exploring up- and 4 December Sunday Walk ETTREMA GORGE downstream from a base camp, then MOUNT LEE AND ALPINE Joint NPA / BBC / CBC activity retracing our inwards track back to the WILDFLOWERS Map Nerriga 1:25,000 cars. A truly beautiful place to be. Map Perisher Valley 1:25,000 Grading Overall 4 C/D/E/F Gaiters, gloves for the walks in and out, Grading 2 A/B Leader Barrie R possibly wear volleys for the walks up Leader Brian Slee Contact 0437 023 140 and down the river which may also Contact 6281 0719 or Limited numbers, deadline for bookings involve some compulsory swims. Day [email protected] 25 November. packs with waterproof liners also Depart 6.30 am and drive to Charlotte A relaxed trip in the iconic Ettrema advisable. We will need four-wheel drive Pass. Take trail to Snowy River then Gorge. Read, swim, paint, photograph. A vehicles. follow Club Lake Creek to the lake, walk in of about 4 km and a descent of Drive about 330 km, $132 per car. looking for anemones. After a break,

NPA BULLETIN − DECMBER 2016 13 NPA outings program December 2016 – March 2017 (page 2 of 4) climb ridge to Main Range Track. Divert 8 January Sunday Walk 4-5 February Canoe and Walk to Mount Lee and descend to Kunama GUBUR DHAURA, GUNGAHLIN HILL AND TALBINGO PADDLE AND WALK Hutte ruins for lunch. Return via slope of GUNGADERRA CREEK Joint NPA / CBC Activity Mount Clarke. Some steep climbs and Map UBD Street Directory, Maps Maps Yarrangobilly 1:100,000 or descents. 12 km. Afternoon tea at 29, 30, 39 Ravine 1:25,000, Yarrangobilly Jindabyne. Book with leader by Saturday Grading 2 A/B/C 1:25,000 morning for weather check and departure Leader Brian Slee Grading 1C (for any walking) point. Twice cancelled – third time lucky? Contact 6281 0719 (h) or Leader Mike Bremers Drive 420 km, $168 per car plus park [email protected] Contact 0428 923408 or entry fee. Morning walk. Depart 8.15 am from [email protected] by the Gubur Dhaura entrance (Diane Barwick previous Wednesday 10 December Saturday Work Party Street, Franklin – UBD map 29, location Paddle from “Sue City” (O’Hares Rest and CHRISTMAS PARTY P11) and after walking over hill, head Area) 4 km to the campsite on Talbingo GUDGENBY BUSH REGENERATION GROUP south west across grassland reserves to Reservoir. Options for the afternoon and Leader Michael Goonrey Gungahlin Hill. Some fence climbing. the next morning include paddling, Contact 6231 8395 or 0419 494 142 or Return across grasslands to Gungaderra swimming or walking up some of the [email protected] Creek and follow path through wetlands to many nearby hills for views over the Meet at the Namadgi Visitor Centre, Harrison before returning to Gubur reservoir. A beautiful location suitable for Tharwa at 9.15 am. Car pool to Dhaura. Gaiters useful. Brunch/lunch at beginners. BYO canoe or kayak. Limit 8. Gudgenby Valley. Weeding and spraying the district (pub), Crace, unless someone Drive 450 km, $180 approx per car. around Gudgenby Homestead. Tools has a better idea. provided. Stay for Christmas lunch at the There are long unshaded sections so 5 February Sunday Walk Gudgenby Cottage. Bring a plate to share, walk can be shortened if weather is hot. MOUNT TWYNAM AND MOUNT some drinks provided. CARRUTHERS 14–16 (17) January 3–4 day Pack Walk Map Perisher Valley 1:25,000 11 December Sunday Activity ETTREMA GORGE Grading 2A/B NPA CHRISTMAS PARTY Map Nerriga 1:25,000 Leader Margaret NAMADGI VISITOR CENTRE Grading 2 D Contact 0418 645 303 or FROM 11.30 AM Leader Dave Kelly [email protected] Leader Rod Griffiths Contact 6253 1859 or Depart 6.30 am and drive to Charlotte Contact 0410 875 731 or [email protected] Pass. We’ll take the Main Range track to [email protected] A walk from the creek 1 km north of the Snowy River, then to Blue Lake This year our Christmas Party is to be Bullfrog Creek, down along Ettrema lookout. From here we’ll ascend steeply held at the Namadgi Visitor Centre. Gorge to Transportation Spur (visiting off-track to a ridge and then proceed to Bring your own lunch and something Jones Creek), then return to Tolwong Mount Twynam. After a break, we’ll to share. Some drinks and Christmas cake Road via Pardon Point. Scrub, rock- follow the ridge south, with fabulous will be provided. hopping, wading, and possibly swimming. views in front of us, and then re-join the Contact leader early. Main Range track. If time and energy 3–6 January Pack Walk Drive about 330 km, $132 per car. permits, we’ll follow the track up to HIGH COUNTRY Mount Carruthers before returning to Map Geehi Dam 1:25,000 and 25 January Wednesday Walk Charlotte Pass. Book with leader by Jagungal 1:25,000 Joint NPA / BBC / CBC Activity Saturday morning. Grading 2 C/D/E Leader Philip Gatenby Drive 420 km, $168 per car plus park Leader Philip Gatenby Contact 0401 415 446 entry fee. Contact 0401 415 446 or jandp.gaten Details are emailed to those on the [email protected] Wednesday walks email list. Otherwise 7 February Tuesday Work Party Walk from Munyang and explore the contact the leader. GLENBURN PRECINCT areas north and east of Disappointment Leader Col McAlister Ridge. The walk is partly exploratory and 2 February Thursday Outing Contact 6288 4171 or mostly off-track. There will be climbs of SECOND TIP TRIP [email protected] about 500 m on the first 3 days. Expect Leader Esther Work in the Glenburn Precinct to be patches of thick scrub. Note that the dates Contact [email protected] or negotiated with the Parks Service. Meet at of the walk may vary slightly depending 0429 356 212. the Canberra Railway Station, Kingston at on the weather. Contact leader for more The Soft Landing Mattress Recycling 9:00 am. details closer to the date of the walk. Facility received ACT Sustainable Drive 50 km, $20 per vehicle. Limit 8. Bookings by Sunday 1 January, Communities awards in multiple preferably by email. categories in 2016, only 6 months after 11 February Saturday Work Party Drive 430 km, $172 per car. opening. Join this tour at Mugga Lane GUDGENBY BUSH REGENERATION GROUP followed by morning tea and questions. Leader Michael Goonrey Soft Landing will provide tea and biscuits. Contact 6231 8395 or 0419 494 142 or Spaces limited. Contact leader by Monday [email protected] 30 January to reserve your place and for Meet at the Namadgi Visitor Centre, directions to meeting place and time. Tharwa at 9.15 am. Car pool to Gudgenby Valley. Work will include weeding and spraying around Eleanor Grove and Hospital Creek. Tools provided.

14 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 NPA outings program December 2016 – March 2017 (page 3 of 4)

12 FEBRUARY Sunday Walk 22 February Wednesday Walk 4 March Saturday Walk MOUNT TOWNSEND Joint NPA / BBC / CBC Activity SQUARE ROCK Map Perisher Valley 1:25 000 Leader Mike S Map Corin Dam 1:25,000 Grading 3 A/C Contact 0412 179 907 Grading 1 A Leader Brian Slee Details are emailed to those on the Leader Steven Forst Contact 6281 0719 (h) or Wednesday walks email list. Otherwise Contact 0428 195 236 or [email protected] contact the leader. [email protected] Depart 6.30 am. Drive to Charlotte Pass A short morning walk, through subalpine and follow Kosciuszko Road to Seamans 24–26 February Pack Walk forest high in the hills to avoid the heat. Hut. Take footpad down to Rawsons SNOWY MOUNTAINS WALKING FROM Meet at Kambah Village Shops at Creek and climb to Mueller Pass, cut GUTHEGA (3 days, 2 nights) 8.00 am. around Mueller Peak and climb Joint NPA / BBC / CBC Activity Drive 75 km, $30 per car. Townsend (2,209 m) for lunch. Return Maps Perisher and Geehi Dam same way or via Mount Clarke. 1:25,000 11 March Saturday Work Party Spectacular views. Afternoon tea Grading GUDGENBY BUSH REGENERATION GROUP Jindabyne. Contact leader by Friday for Leaders Terrylea R and Barrie R Leader Michael Goonrey departure place and weather check. Contact 0437023140, or Contact 6231 8395 or 0419 494 142 or Drive 410 km, $164 per car plus park [email protected] [email protected] entry fee. This is a lovely walk along the Main Meet at the Namadgi Visitor Centre, Range with time to explore. From Tharwa at 9.15 am. Car pool to 14 Feb to end February Pack Walks Guthega walk north up the ridge to Gudgenby Valley. Work will include Two 6-day Walks Consett Stephen Pass where we camp on weeding and maintenance of the CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF TASMANIA the first night, with time in the afternoon Gudgenby Track towards Hospital Creek. Maps Walls of Jerusalem National to explore the Tate West Ridge. The Tools provided. Park, and Olympus 1:25,000. second day walk south-west along the Grading 2 C/D/E Main Range to Mount Anderson where 11–13 March Pack Walk Leader Dave and Judy Kelly we spend the night, with time in the Canberra Day Weekend Contact 6253 1859 or afternoon to explore Mount Anderson. On THE VINES AREA [email protected] the third day possibly go up Mount Anton Map CMW Budawangs Walk 1 (partly on tracks). A circuit from or Little Twynam before returning to Grading 2 A Mersey Valley to the Walls of Jerusalem, Guthega via the lower slopes of Little Leader Steven Forst Junction Lake, Cathedral Mountain, Twynam and Illawong Lodge. Contact 0428 195 236 or followed (after a break) by Deadline for bookings 17 February [email protected] Walk 2. (mainly off-track). A traverse of (maximum number 8). A walk in to The Vines area in the the Traveller Range from Du Cane Gap Drive 446 km, approx. $178 per car. Budawangs near the base of Quiltys to Derwent Bridge. Variable scrub and Mountain from the Nerriga entrance to some scrambling, visiting the wildest and 25 February Saturday Work Party Morton NP. Contact leader early as least damaged parts on the western edge HONEYSUCKLE CREEK AREA numbers limited. of the Central Plateau, with glacial lakes Leader Martin Chalk Drive 360 km, $140 per car. and alpine heathland. Contact 6292 3502 Between the two, a short trip to In May 2015 and again in March 2016 we 19 March Sunday Walk Tyndall Range is possible (glacial peaks removed a number of exotic plants from YANKEE HAT NORTH and lakes). this area. This work party will continue Joint NPA/BBC/CBC activity Contact leaders for more details. this activity. Cut and dab equipment will Map Rendezvous Creek 1:25,000 be provided but suggest you bring gloves Grading 2 D/F 19 February Sunday Walk and your favourite bush saw. Meet at Leader David Dedenczuk BRINDABELLA RAMBLE Kambah Village shops at 8.30 am. Contact 0417 222 154 or Map Cotter and Tidbinbilla Drive 87km, $32 per car. [email protected] 1:25,000 Starting at the Yankee Hat car park, we Grading 3 A 26 February Sunday Walk will skirt the southern flanks of the Leader Steven Forst BIG HOLE / MARBLE ARCH mountain before following a tributary of Contact 0428 195 236 or Map Kain 1:25,000 Bogong Creek towards the saddle [email protected] Grading 2 A/B between the north and south peaks. The A walk in the hopefully slightly cooler Leader Mike S walk will be very scrubby. Meet at tall mountain forests of a south-facing Contact 0412 179 907 Kambah Village shops at 8.00 am. Please fold of the Brindabella Range. The walk Meet Canberra Railway Station car park contact leader by Thursday 16 March if mainly on fire trail, follows Old Mill by 8.30 am. A walk mainly on bush track you wish to participate. Road and Wark’s Road before climbing past the Big Hole to the Marble Arch in Drive 140 km, $56 per car. back up to the Brindabella Road. the Deua National Park. Wading across Drive 85 km, $35 per car. the Shoalhaven River is required and it could be slippery in wet conditions at the Arch. Old footwear or sandals for crossing the river are advisable. Drive 180 km, $72 per car.

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 15 NPA outings program December 2016 – March 2017 (page 4 of 4) Bushwalks 22 March Wednesday Walk Temple of Doom Joint NPA / BBC / CBC Activity Leader Steven Forst Date: Sunday 31 July 2016. Contact 0428 195236 or Participants: Philip Gatenby [email protected] (leader), John Brickhill, Details are emailed to those on the David Dedenczuk, Jan Wednesday walks email list. Otherwise Gatenby. contact the leader. Weather: Fine, cool and windy. 25 March Saturday Work Party Outcrops of large granite BLUNDELLS FLAT WEED CONTROL boulders are a feature of many Leader Martin Chalk of the ridges of Namadgi Contact 6292 3502 National Park. The ridge to the This is a new work area for the NPA but south of Orroral Hill is complements the work we have particularly well endowed in previously undertaken on the slopes this regard and one of its most above Blundells Flat. The area has spectacular outcrops is known heritage-listed exotics but the weeds colloquially as the Temple of include wilding exotics and the usual Doom. It includes a number of suspects – plenty to do. Some tools subterranean passages that allow provided but a bush saw and/or loppers the outcrop to be traversed. Eric and gloves would be handy. Meet at Pickering was the first person I Cooleman Court (behind McDonald’s) at heard to use this name to 9.00 am. describe the outcrop. Drive 45km, $18 per car. This walk started from the Orroral Valley on the well-used 26 March Sunday Walk track to Nursery Swamp. About CENTENARY TRAIL: CAMPBELL TO 2 kilometres in and 200 m above WATSON the car park the track goes Map Canberra Centenary Trail map 1 through a saddle and curves to One entrance to the Temple. Photo by David Dedenczuk. or UBD Street Directory the south on its way to Nursery Grading 3 A/C Swamp. The remnant of an older track, started. Torches were required and some Leader Brian Slee now a footpad, heads north-west up passages were quite tight and damp. Contact 6281 0719 (h) or Nursery Creek to Indigenous rock art a Lunch was at the base of the rocks [email protected] kilometre or so away. The track, faint in then a course was set back to the saddle Depart 9.00 am from Treloar Crescent car places, keeps to the creek’s true left on the Nursery Swamp Track. Flat and park, Campbell, opposite High School bank. We intended to look at the art work scrubby to begin with for a kilometre or (UBD map 2, location L3). Climb steeply then go uphill to the Temple of Doom. so, then we went steeply downhill to Mount Ainslie and follow track north After more than half an hour stumbling through more scrub until we re-joined before connecting to Centenary Trail. around in the scrub beside Nursery Creek the track at the saddle. This took less Continue to Mount Majura for lunch. and not finding any sign of the paintings time than expected and we were back at Descend to Centenary Trail and continue we turned to the north-east for the climb the cars by 2.30 pm. to Federal Highway, North Watson. Car on to the ridge, detouring in places to I mention as a bit of an aside that shuffle required. avoid collections of large boulders. It much of the walk was through scrub, was the best part of an hour from the regrowth since the 2003 bushfires, and 29 March Wednesday Walk creek to the Temple of Doom. thick and scratchy in places. Joint NPA / BBC / CBC Activity Arriving at 11.30 left plenty of time Nevertheless, and maybe it was my Leader Barrie R and Terrylea R to explore. We walked, crawled, slithered imagination, but the scrub seemed Contact 0437 023 140 and climbed through a number of thinner than on an earlier walk to the Details are emailed to those on the passages. We crossed underneath the Temple of Doom in March 2014. Wednesday walks email list. Otherwise rock outcrop, while at least one passage Philip Gatenby contact the leader. took us back to almost where we’d

Vale Mike Ogden Mike Ogden joined NPA only recently, but ago, I would not still be alive. I late in life. Mike really appreciated his joined because I have very good welcome-to-membership phone call from friends amongst your membership. I Graham Scully, and decided he would well know and appreciate the good write a letter to NPA stating his reasons for work NPA has done and is doing, joining. That letter was published in the and in its advocacy role member- June 2014 Bulletin (page 5). It reads in ship numbers give strength. part: I am 76 years old and, had my Mike passed away on 26 October, and oncologists been correct 18 months will be missed by his NPA friends.

16 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 Bushwalks (continued) Bungonia Gorge Date: Wednesday 23 March 2016. Participants: Mike S. (Leader), John D., Jan and Philip G., Barry K., John K., Terrylea R., Barrie R., Phillip S. and Andrew S. Weather: Warm and mostly sunny. Bungonia is one of the oldest reserves in New South Wales, dating back to 1872, the year after the limestone quarry across Bungonia Creek from the reserve opened. Both are still going strong. The reserve was established, so the sign in the car park says, to protect water supply, for recreation and, later (1902), to preserve the area’s limestone caves. For many years a state recreation area, Bungonia has been a national park since 2010. Mike led us on what’s known as the White Track down to the junction of Bungonia Creek and the Shoalhaven River, initially around the flank of Mount Ayre, then steeply down hill. Negotiating the boulders in Bungonia Gorge. Photo by Philip Gatenby. Morning tea was at the junction, where some members of the party a pad known as the Red Track. Where Bretons Creek was our exit point contemplated a swim in the river’s the creek has carved a passage through from the gorge. A drainage path has been limpid brown waters but didn’t venture the walls to form Bungonia Gorge slot cut from one of Bungonia’s caves to the in. From here we turned up the creek, canyon, huge chock stones appeared to lower section of the creek, which is passing numerous sparklingly clear block our way but the emergence of a known colloquially as the Efflux. The pools and a number of signs warning of group from the Shoalhaven belied climb out on the Red Track was steep rock falls due to explosions at the appearances. A scramble under and over and slippery, especially where the creek limestone quarry. We admired a large the boulders took us upstream to a was trickling. Eventually, a series of zig- fish in one of the pools and noticed an flatter, more open section of the gorge. zags lessened the gradient as the Red eel gliding above it towards us. We then Voices overhead indicated rock climbers Track took us back to the car park to noticed the eel was glossy black with a precariously scaling the cliff walls. conclude a memorable walk. From two red belly. Fortunately, when the snake Lunchtime entertainment at the junction lookouts nearby, with spectacular views pretending to be an eel noticed us it of Bretons and Bungonia creeks was of the Shoalhaven Valley, Troy Walls and quickly about-turned and swam to the provided by a male lyrebird. It was one the Marulan quarry, we had an overview opposite bank. of a number we saw during the day and of much of our route. Soon the massive limestone cliff of it scratched around on a nearby rock face Philip Gatenby Troy Walls towered above us. We joined seemingly unconcerned by our presence. A walk to The Rolling Ground … almost NPA’s snowshoe walk to The Rolling We had not encountered much snow descent of 500 metres back to the hut Ground, scheduled for 21 August, was on the way to the hut but there was and Munyang. cancelled due to adverse weather. plenty beyond, in firm condition, so we Brian Slee with Margaret Power, However, four of us decided, at short began climbing west on snowshoes up Mike Bremers and Max Smith notice, to set out on a private walk from the ridge through trees. Munyang the following Sunday, We had barely seen the 28 August, with the aim of getting to sun in the morning and Horse Camp Hut and deciding whether as we rose steeply into to proceed from there. open country, clouds As reported in Kosciuszko Huts descended and the Association Newsletter (Winter 2016), wind increased. At Horse Camp Hut was dismantled and 1,860 metres, less than rebuilt between 15 November 2015 and a kilometre from The 16 May 2016. The main purpose was to Rolling Ground, we raise the structure from the ground huddled beneath ice- where it was rotting away. The only encrusted Snow Gums obvious change is that the wood stove for lunch, hoping the has been moved from the middle of the almost white-out hut into the fireplace. The loft remains conditions would clear. locked for safety reasons. A They did not but we commendable effort. had a delightful

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 17 Some Central Queensland national parks

Australia has many environments very The carved trees of Walgett and Carnarvon Gorge east edge. Photo by different to the south-east around Collymongle Rupert Barnett Canberra and, in July 2016, I drove to The Australian Women’s Weekly of Central Queensland to learn more about The visitors centre in Walgett gave me 12 November 1949 gives an interesting some of them. My intention was to spend directions to Collymongle, then asked if account of that operation, and also a time in national parks in central NSW, I was aware of the town’s own small insight into the bora ceremonies, then the Carnarvon Range and ‘dinosaur collection … and there by the Barwon as recounted by a few of the men that triangle’ of Central Queensland. The River 6 kilometres to the west, were had been involved in its ceremonies. return route would visit parks further more than a dozen trunks in covered The reporter for the Weekly wrote: west. cages. It appeared the bark from these had been taken for practical uses, while I have a vision of a procession of I set off with fine weather projected frightened lads. Their tongues tied for 10 days. As it turned out, that’s when accompanying information described the long Aboriginal occupancy of the area. It literally, so that they could make no the sunshine ended; days of rain closed sound, they were led at dusk from most parks and the dirt roads of the area, also answered a question I’d been discussing with passing travellers the one grotesquely carved and painted so I headed home. tree to another, their elders One aim of the trip had been to previous day – these inland rivers, now always muddy, had run clear before imparting dread secrets along the follow up the interest in scarred trees I’d half-mile lane to the sacred circle. discussed in the March 2016 issue of the European settlement. Bulletin. That had alerted me that The carved trunks at Collymongle The youths would spend the night removal of bark by Aboriginal groups had marked a nearby bora ground. Last in the circle, in absolute silence, was done not only to produce items for used 1896, in the 1940s most of them under kangaroo skins, awaiting and both practical uses but also to mark sites were removed to avoid further fearing the initiation rites to follow of ritual significance, such as burials and deterioration; some have been housed for on the morrow … bora grounds, by carving patterns in public viewing in covered cages on the Informed general comment about nearby trees. The property of property and, in 1949, a dozen or so were marked trees is available at Collymongle north-west of the village of transported to State museums in each of https://www.creativespirits.info/ Collarenebri has a rare collection of such Sydney and Adelaide; two went to aboriginalculture/land/aboriginal- trunks. Brisbane. scarred-trees. (continued next page)

White Mountains National Park. Left. Grevillea pteridifolia. Right. Grevillea decora. Photos by Rupert Barnett

18 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 Some Central Quueensland national parks (continued) Parks of the Carnarvon Range The Carnarvon Range was named by Major Mitchell on his way in 1846 to Port Essington, east of Darwin. It includes the popular Carnarvon Gorge NP and other parks and reserves to its east and west, which here comprise the Great Dividing Range, some 600 km from the coast. The park has almost 600 dicots, 100 monocots, 50 orchids, 250 birds and over 90 mammals. The three western parks had for decades been grazing properties, and the external and internal access reflects this. Mount Moffatt NP is reached by a long drive from the south. Much of it is grassy woodland, with colourful sandstone ridges and hills that include arches and pinnacles. According to one tribal memory, a European fitting the description of the explorer Leichhardt (d. 1848) was killed in one of the rivers Carnarvon Gorge Amphitheatre. Photo by Rupert Barnett. which starts in this park, the Maranoa. A notable feature is Tombs Rock, an important Aboriginal cemetery site stark white cliffs. Side gorges contain a team to distract me from my meal, where wrapped bodies were placed in ferny waterfalls, fluted walls that press spectacular red or orange grevilleas in natural holes in the high face. At its foot close, hidden sink holes. Here too are the midst of a swarm of flashing locusts, a gallery of rock art includes lattice extensive galleries of important two bustards staging a warm-up for a patterns thought to be associated with Aboriginal art and, on a hidden face pair of brolgas, and they in turn for a the burials, and a world-unique stencil of beyond all the paths, the incised names large snake with a shiny black head. All a full size human torso. of some visitors in 1897 – bogus, graffiti, good, and inviting my return … The Carnarvon Range continues west or heritage? Rupert Barnett of Mount Moffatt through the Ka Ka On such a trip there are the expected Mundi and Salvator Rosa NPs and well points of interest, such as the Dinosaur beyond; these parks are accessible only Museum at Hughenden or the Tree of from the north side. They offer drives Knowledge at Barcaldine. This Ghost and walks through open woodland – and Gum was healthy when I saw in 2003 but on Homoranthus Hill the flashing cheeks was poisoned 3 years later. Its remains Photos below by Rupert Barnett. of a squabble of Blue-faced Honeyeaters have been preserved and now stand Left. Black-faced python, Torrens Creek Road. – or upwellings of artesian waters such under an impressive canopy as a Centre. Fluffed up Apostle birds at Injune. as the Major Mitchell Springs that green memorial to its role in the Shearers Right. Big Bottle tree beside the parts of what is often a dry and dun Strike of 1896 and formation of the Dawson Development Road. landscape. Australian Labor Party. Its clones survive around the town and in the National Galleries of Aboriginal art Arboretum. The plateau in Carnarvon Gorge NP is Many satisfactions are unexpected similar terrain, but the popular track though – Pied Butcher Birds working as along the Gorge floor leads through the different world of remnant subtropical forest, tall fan palms (a Livistonia), taller

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 19 A few days in the Cockburns

In June and July this year, NPA (CBC) and others have completed walks to the plateau, en route crossing a largely members Jan and Philip Gatenby in the Cockburns previously, typically defunct toad fence, then south across an drove to the Kimberley and across taking over a week to traverse the range undulating landscape of dry northern Australia to Queensland. from Diggers Rest in the north-west to watercourses, knee-high dry grass and When the opportunity arose for a Emma Gorge in the south-east. Our walk scattered small trees. The grass obscured break from driving they completed was based on part of a traverse led by loose rock underfoot so the unwary a multi-day walk in the Cockburn Linda Groom in 2014 and advice from could easily stumble. Intermittent Range. Linda on what to visit on a shorter ‘there footpads, from either wild cattle, people and back’ walk rather than a traverse, or both, eased progress. After a couple of The Cockburn Range lies south of the with the help of kml files of the routes kilometres we were overlooking the Kimberley town of Wyndham and to the followed by Linda’s party and an earlier head of an extensive system of gorges. It north of the Gibb River Road and group led by fellow CBC member Ian was hot, we’d seen no water since Emma Pentecost River. The range is an Hickson. The environmental officer at El Gorge but were confident we’d find extensively dissected red sandstone Questro, where we camped the night some in the gorge even if it wasn’t mesa which reaches a maximum altitude before the walk, was also very helpful. flowing. A steep but easily negotiable of 580 m. Of main interest to We contacted him believing permits ridge gave us access to the gorge. Its bushwalkers are its numerous gorges, were needed from El Questro for higher reaches were dry but about a the result of millions of years of erosion overnight walks in the Cockburn Range. kilometre down a creek bed we came to mainly by water. This proved not to be the case with a the first of a series of rock pools. We had As time was limited, we started and very recent change in land tenure no hesitation about jumping in. Our finished our 4-day walk at Emma Gorge, arrangements meaning El Questro no mood lightened considerably. It was where El Questro have a resort with an longer has a lease on the range. Still, we clear now that whatever happened, interpretive track that provides access to left our details and plans with the EO finding water would not be a problem. the gorge, a couple of kilometres to the who said we’d have the place to north. The Canberra Bushwalking Club ourselves (which turned out to be the … at the base of a cliff 30 m above case) and who also the creek was a gallery of art work contacted the relevant WA We set up our tent beside the pool in the government department on rocky creek bed, the only flat area our behalf to let them know available. This was the same place that our intentions. Linda’s party had camped 2 years earlier. From Emma Gorge Resort Nearby, at the base of a cliff 30 m above was a steep climb of 200 m (continued next page)

20 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 A few days in the Cockburns (continued) the creek was a gallery of art work. That afternoon we explored 2 km downstream from our campsite, where the gorge deepened and rock pools became more numerous and larger, to a cliff line and a large, dry waterfall. … the beautiful sound of flowing water could be heard Our route on day 2 headed downstream, mostly on the creek’s true left bank. We found a way through the cliff and down to the base of yesterday’s waterfall, which was in a spectacular four-way valley surrounded by towering red cliffs. Approaching the falls the beautiful sound of flowing water could be heard. At their base a pool of clear water was replenished by a spring a couple of metres above, well below the top of the falls which were dry. Near the pool were two wildlife motion-activated cameras which we’d been told to look out for. Continuing downstream through a narrow gorge (which we later named Green Ant Gorge) and, once again more open, with a number of waterholes valley. With a 6.30 am start on the last taking Linda’s advice, we avoided a and honeyeaters in abundance, before a day of the walk, again largely retracing compulsory swim by climbing to and climb to bypass an impressive 150 m the route we’d followed on the first day, following a ledge above the creek. pool. Another spectacular pool 500 m we took advantage of the cool morning Beyond the gorge the creek changed further on was passable only by weather and returned to Emma Gorge direction and led to our second swimming so we decided here was a Resort by 10 am. campsite., a sandy area at the base of good place to turn around. We returned Philip Gatenby cliffs with a couple of Great Bower Bird to camp, collected our gear and retraced bowers. our steps, camping our last night near the base of the waterfall in the four-way … the residents of a colony of Photos by Jan and Philip Gatenby. several thousand bats … whizzed around our heads That afternoon we explored a tributary of the main gorge system we’d been following. Soon our side creek became tunnel-like and to proceed we had to swim. It was dark enough to need head torches. This disturbed the residents of a colony of several thousand bats which Bend. whizzed around our heads. The walls of the bat cave were covered in bat droppings and great care was needed to avoid swallowing any of the poo- infested water we were swimming through. The whole exercise had then to be repeated because soon after we’d got through the cave a small waterfall blocked our progress and the only way out was the way we’d come in. With day packs we explored further down-stream next morning. First up was another gorge about 600 m long, then a stretch of creek where the banks were

Second Trip to the Tip Thursday 2 February The Soft Landing Mattress Recycling Facility Soft Landing received 2016 ACT Sustainable Communities awards in multiple categories only 6 months after opening. Join the tour at Mugga Lane followed by questions. Soft Landing will provide tea and biscuits. Spaces limited. Contact leader by Monday 30 January to reserve your place and for directions to meeting place and time. Contact Esther at [email protected] or 0429 356 212.

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 21 Exploring the Kimberley Coast Clear blue sky, calm waters, waterholes watched them surfacing and and plunge pools, salties at a safe blowing until they finally distance, rock art and raptors galore! headed on their way. Nights And that is just the beginning of the we watched sharks and crocs story of my Kimberley cruise. swimming around the boat The 10 kg limit on luggage meant attracted by the small fish that that no one would ‘dress’ for dinner. in turn came for insects Those who did chose sarongs, also worn attracted to our lights. during much of the day under the upper- Raptors and their nests deck shade sail. The captain on his were seen throughout the trip: eleventh year in the Kimberley is known Wedge-tailed and White- to some locals as ‘Lennie the Legend’. bellied Sea Eagles, Osprey, He dresses in T-shirts, shorts, a sly smile and Square-tailed, Whistling and bare feet. In addition to navigating, and Brahminy Kites. The he leads all on- and off-boat activities. majestic Brahminy Kites The boat has two tenders so that all were seen many times and put 22 passengers can go ashore together – on an impressive show at our no waiting in queues. The food was last anchorage where the delicious, varied and seemed unlimited. cruise always either starts or A huge array of choices was presented finishes. A nesting pair has each night, including fresh veg and piles become accustomed to the of baby spinach for all 13 days. And best boat. Captain Lennie has of all, the catamaran spends the nights enticed them to perform for anchored in sheltered coves, all but one the passengers with a with no other boats in sight. monthly supplemental feed of Brahminy Kite. Photo by Esther Gallant. meat cubes. Both birds There were numerous art sites to caught cubes tossed in the air be visited and one took them from a pencil held in from the end of a pack walk completed The 2-metre draft of our boat meant we his hand (to protect from talons). in 2014), the Anderdon Islands and the could travel up channels big boats Apparently no Kimberley cruise Roe and Hunter rivers. On the last day couldn’t. And then we went further up would be complete without a chance for we were picked up from a beach on gorges and creeks in the tenders. There an adrenaline rush at Horizontal Falls. Naturalist Island by a helicopter and were many ‘scenic’ tender tours up We were there early to beat the crowd flown across the Mitchel Plateau with a narrow gorges and through the and had opportunities for both the circle over Mitchell falls. From the ubiquitous mangroves. At times we helicopter and boat trip. In addition, on Mitchell Falls airstrip we flew back to walked and/or climbed further to visit the return to Broome, we saw the falls Broome in a small plane with views of waterfalls, swim in saltie-free plunge from our small plane – perhaps the most places we had seen from the water. A pools and admire unspoiled nature. interesting view of all. memorable trip indeed. There were numerous art sites to be Esther Gallant visited. We learned the differences … our visits to various sites between Wandjina, Gwion and Archaic needed to be timed according art styles. At Fresh Water Cove an elder to the massive 10+ metre led us on a tour of Cyclone Cave and tides explained three different styles of Gwion The 13-day itinerary started art. The traditional style of her mob was in Broome with an early the one depicted in the Sydney morning bus trip to Derby. Olympics opening ceremony and was a There we boarded the source of great pride for her. After catamaran DiscoveryOne morning tea and damper she explained (formerly a small Sydney the stories illustrated in an enormous ferry) for an all day cruise out painted banner in their open-air art of King Sound into the gallery. Several of our group left with Buccaneer Archipelago. From paintings. there we travelled sometimes in circles as our visits to Nights we watched sharks and various sites needed to be crocs swimming around the timed according to the boat … massive 10+ metre tides. We saw Saltwater Crocodiles, Tawny Especially notable stops Nurse Sharks, dolphins and Humpback included Montgomery Reef as Whales. Three whales delighted us by the tide went out, St George swimming parallel to our course for a Basin including Prince time and then directly toward us. Regent River and King Captain Lennie stopped the boat and we Cascade (only about 15 km

A very close look down the saltie’s throat. Photo by Esther Gallant.

22 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 PARKWATCH Edited extracts from recent issues of Research suggests that dingo control plus a few large stands of Cumberland journals and newsletters, and efforts may actually be counter- Plain Woodland (e.g. Kemps Creek online sources. productive when it comes to stock Nature Reserve) surrounded by Sydney’s predation, with intact dingo packs suburban sprawl. Many of these Dingoes and wild dogs: are we exhibiting behavioural boundaries that fragments have been disturbed by just splitting hairs? limit such predation. When packs are grazing, logging, increased nutrient The autumn rewilding edition of Nature fractured through baiting, loss of social loads from fertilisers, dumping and NSW featured a variety of perspectives cohesion leads to more opportunistic urban expansion. highlighting the ecological importance feeding patterns. Additionally, the Considerable effort is being directed of dingoes, along with the continued reduced ability of dingo packs to hunt to restoring these remnant patches to pressure and persecution the species large prey such as kangaroos sees greater their former glory: but insect pollinators faces. Many of the views expressed are herbivore pasture competition with are rarely considered in restoration plans those that have led Humane Society stock – ceasing ‘wild dog’ control efforts even though they provide a crucial International (HSI) to campaign for may be the most economically sensible service to ensure the reproductive dingo protection over the past decade, management option for pastoralists. success of an ecosystem. The most recently through the submission of Dingoes have been shown to play a NPA (NSW) will be ‘bringing the buzz Environment Protection and Biodiversity positive conservation role by supressing back to the Cumberland Plain Conservation Act 1999 nominations for a number of introduced pest species Woodland’ with our new project funded Canis dingo as a ‘conservation- including rabbits, goats, pigs and deer. by the Environmental Trust Restoration dependent species’ and the cascading But perhaps the greatest ecological and Rehabilitation grant. We have effects of the loss or removal of dingoes benefit is their control of feral cats and teamed up with the University of Sydney from Australian landscapes as a Key foxes. Dingoes are known to supress and three councils from SW Sydney – Threatening Process (KTP). populations of these introduced species Camden, Campbelltown and Liverpool – Since domestic dogs were introduced and, in areas where dingoes are baited, to restore the floral diversity of six into Australia, dingoes have been subject numbers of small predators tend to patches of Cumberland Plain Woodland to hybridisation with them. The term increase along with their predatory adjacent to new housing developments. ‘wild dog’ is widely used in legislation impact on prey. We are working with the councils to and management documentation to A healthy dingo presence is start up new bushcare groups at each of group hybrid dingoes and feral domestic beneficial for threatened species the sites to encourage new residents in dogs, differentiating them from dingoes conservation, and this ecological role new housing developments to protect and attributing them little or no value. was the focus of HSI’s KPT nomination their local woodland. Concurrently, Hybridisation is frequently used as a which, if successful, would lead to ‘Bringing back the buzz’ will be running ground for ongoing control of ‘wild greater scrutiny on current ‘wild dog’ an education program at school and dogs’ under the auspices of dingo management practices. Despite the community ‘working bees’ to encourage conservation, despite there being no weight of science supporting our pollinator-friendly behaviour in evidence that it has led to a nomination growing each year, suburban backyards. We’ll be surveying predominance of dog genes in dingo meaningful dingo conservation measures insect pollinators throughout our project populations. will take bold government action. Here’s to see how they respond to our bush A growing body of evidence suggests hoping 2016 is the year, as management regeneration effort and improved habitat. that hybrids not only look like dingoes, practices have so far led to nothing but a Hopefully the results will be un-BEE- but share important aspects of social loss of biodiversity, and time is running lievably fantastic! behaviour such as pack formation, home out for our threatened species. Nature NSW, Vol. 60, ranges, reproductive cycles and feeding Nature NSW, Vol. 60, No. 3 (Spring 2016) habits. There is also little agreement No. 3 (Spring 2016) Flooding wilderness, wild rivers between genetics and morphology when Bringing the buzz back to the and world heritage assessing dingo purity, so arguments Cumberland Plain Woodland Two weeks before the federal election regarding hybridisation do little but with Warragamba Dam threatening to divert the debate from ecological Land clearing for agriculture and urban expansion in Western Sydney has spill due to severe storms, the Baird function to superficial semantics. Since Government committed to raising the hybrids share the same ecological role as reduced the Cumberland Plain Woodland to less than 10 per cent of its original dam wall to prevent potential flood dingoes they should be considered impacts on the marginally held seats in equally as important to conserve as apex distribution. The Cumberland Plain Woodland is a critically endangered Western Sydney. The economic case and predators in Australian ecosystems, and environmental impact statement for such the difficulty in distinguishing hybrids vegetation community that grows on the shale soils of Western Sydney with a a major project are years away, so it from pure dingoes means all ‘wild dog’ seems to be another case of decision, controls are essentially indiscriminate. grassy to herbaceous understorey and a canopy dominated by one or more of the judgment later, for NSW. Conservation efforts should instead This is not a new proposal. A similar focus on understanding and managing following tree species: Grey Box (Eucalyptus moluccana), Forest Red scheme was defeated in 1995 following a the role of modern dingoes in different strong campaign by the Kowmung regions and habitats throughout Gum (E. tereticornis), Narrow-leaved Ironbark (E. creba), Thin-leaved Committee led by Andrew Cox, after the Australia. Greiner–Fahey Government had Indiscriminate control, particularly in Stringybark (E. eugeniodes) and Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata). This committed to raising the wall in 1993. the most common method of baiting, is The subsequent Carr Government then intended to reduce stock predation and is ecologically significant community is increasing throughout Australia. represented mostly by small patches, (continued next page)

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 23 PARKWATCH (continued) approved construction of a large spillway 2003 bushfires, which destroyed its lights, the blaring music and the party beside the dam, completed in 2002, to habitat in areas of Namadgi National atmosphere in the carpark we were protect it from major floods. Park. A study by the ACT Government condemned to be in with countless Raising Warragamba Dam’s wall will and the Australian National University others. Fair enough, I told myself – this inundate over 3,000 hectares of World found the species has recolonised burnt- is a special place, and the hordes of Heritage listed national park land, out areas and returned to pre-fire people had to be constrained in some wilderness and wild rivers. Lower reaches distribution. way. of protected wild rivers, including the ‘A decade on, the habitat has However, by dawn the next morning Kowmung, Coxs and Nattai rivers, will recovered remarkably,’ ACT my patience was ground to dust, as red as be flooded. Temporary inundation caused Government senior ecologist Dr Murray the dust at my feet. Desiring to watch the by the proposal will scar wilderness Evans told 666 ABC Canberra's Drive sun stream its first glorious rays of the areas, kill riverbank vegetation and program. ‘Now that the habitat has day on our world heritage listed icon, we deposit sediment. The affected parts of rebounded, the Broad-toothed Rat has attempted to ‘fit’ into the designated the southern Blue Mountains national rebounded as well.’ location in the pre-dawn. Desperately we parks, arguably the most protected parks The rise of the rat is an indicator of fled, seeking to find a quiet place away in Australia, may have to be revoked as wider recovery at Namadgi National from the hordes of camera-clasping, they will be degraded if the scheme Park. ‘Our ecosystems are pretty resilient video-clutching, ear-plugged tourists proceeds. to things like fire,’ Dr Evans said. crammed together in the barricaded The Blue Mountains Conservation ‘Species we’ve seen return [to Namadgi] area – all pushing for a front line spot. Society is opposed to the development. are arboreal marsupials like gliders, After driving frantically to find an Vice president Tara Cameron said: ‘We possums – there’s good populations of ‘ecologically and culturally appropriate’ are very concerned that between those. Some species are still struggling, place in which we could experience this Badgery’s Creek Airport and raising the like the Corroboree Frog, but overall I’d magic sight unhindered, we finally found Warragamba Dam wall, the World have to say the report card for Namadgi a spot to ourselves by the side of the Heritage values of the Blue Mountains is looking pretty good. I don’t know of road. Just as the sun’s rays met the Rock will be deemed at risk by UNESCO. any species that we’ve actually and the magnificent spectrum of colours Australia has an international obligation completely lost due to those 2003 fires’. appeared, up pulled other vehicles, to protect these areas, not destroy them’. The Broad-toothed Rat is rare in the complete with music pumping. The best way to reduce the impacts of ACT and is in decline nationally. ‘As The resounding stillness of the land flooding on people is to relocate low- well as climate change, which reduces was shattered. Our moment was gone, lying homes and avoid further building in habitat in alpine areas, the species faces our singular communion with nature lost. flood-prone areas. Floodplains are for other risks such as predation by foxes, I longed for the Larapinta Trail and that floods and the proposed higher dam wall habitat degradation by feral pigs and the feeling of being an integral part in a land does not alter that fact. spread of exotic grasses and plant foot so vast, so steeped in time that it was Given Sydney Water’s new capacity fungus,’ Dr Evans said. He said beyond mental comprehension. The to access water from the lower levels of protecting habitat and national park experience also highlighted why national Warragamba Dam, and the water security corridors would go a long way to parks matter to me. National parks provided by the desalination plant, a less securing the rat’s future. protect nature’s beauty and diversity, and damaging solution would be to reduce the ‘It’s very important to have areas that help stem the destruction of the natural dam’s full storage level by a third and are well connected ecologically where world in the push for never-ending allow that proportion to be used for flood animals can move through from one development. They are the last bastion storage. The dam’s hydroelectric plant habitat to another to recolonise if those for conservation. could be refurbished and then operate to populations are lost,’ he said. ‘It’s also National parks connect us to our lower the stored water to desired levels important to have large areas like country, our land. They contribute to following a flood, while generating Namadgi that are conserved – if bridging the gap between the traditional electricity for the national grid. Efficient Namadgi was highly broken up, there’s a peoples and those who have come after. use of existing dam capacity, along with greater chance that you’ll lose species They provide a place of refuge from our better flood planning and emergency such as the Broad-toothed Rat.’ fast-paced and often stressful lives; and response will save lives and the World 666 ABC News Canberra website, are invaluable in counterbalancing the Heritage area from an unnecessary $700 accessed 20 October 2016 urban life. National parks provide the million dam project and its contingent opportunity to experience the glories, real estate development boom on the The national park experience and the mundaneness of the Australian flood plain. (Written by Michelle Prior, Bush. Superlative descriptions of Colong Bulletin, No. 264 President NPAQ) Australia’s national parks abound, (August 2016) A few years ago, I took a little jaunt on particularly in tourist brochures. For me, they ring true, they live up to their Native Broad-toothed Rat makes the Larapinta trail. Somewhat satisfied (and astonished) at our completion of expectations. But national parks do more a comeback in the ACT 229 km, we moved onto the final than that, they take me beyond my small, Rat populations are not usually celebrations – a family pilgrimage to the human, constructed world to an something to celebrate but an increase in heart of Australia: Uluru and Kata Tjuta. expansive, astounding, natural domain. Broad-toothed Rat numbers in the ACT The long-awaited destination was not the The untamed wildness of the bush has researchers excited. The Broad- culmination I had naively believed it realigns my internal compass and makes toothed Rat is a medium-size native would be. Despite the indescribable my spirit soar! rodent which lives in alpine and brilliance of the rising of the July full Protected QNPA, Issue 10 subalpine swamps and grasslands. The moon over Uluru, the experience was (August–September 2016) rodent was nearly wiped out during the shattered with the glare of vehicle head (concluded on page 25)

24 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 P ARKWATCH (continued) Announcing Bushwalking101.org: The results so far are encouraging. was a good idea in principle. However, Look, Learn, Explore! Tasmanian bettongs introduced to he said to make the extra land a Mulligans Flat have thrived. The latest worthwhile tourist attraction, there For a beginner, going bush is a very reintroduction is the Eastern Quoll. Some would need to be additional funding daunting task. Bushwalking101.org is a of the woodland treatments, such as the from all three levels of government. He website to help people better settle into addition of dead wood to provide said funding would be required for bushwalking with the NPA (NSW). It’s additional habitat, have been so maintenance of the initial infrastructure about sharing ‘bite-size’ information and successful, that they will be applied to as well as an upgrade of roads, picnic practical advice to new bushwalkers. Our other areas in the ACT. Most and camping areas. ‘A lot of work has hope is to encourage our new members importantly, the community is involved got to be done on what the impact of it to take up bushwalking as a lifelong with the projects, through a management will be, not only ecologically but passion and to continue to grow and subcommittee that oversees a range of financially,’ Councillor Johnston said. improve their bushwalking skills. View land care activities, in partnership with Dungog Chronicle, the website. We love feedback. ACT Parks and Conservation. The 28 September 2016 E-newsletter, NPA NSW, impact of actually seeing bettongs back October 2016 where they once belonged is the most Large increase in known vivid possible demonstration of the population of Night Parrots Review: Restoration conserv- importance of ecosystem restoration. ation: the Mulligans Flat and it (magazine of the Canberra Bush- A joint initiative by Australian Wildlife walking Club), August 2016 Conservancy and the Queensland Parks Goorooyarroo Woodland and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has experiment Barrington Tops National Park uncovered the largest known population [Report of talk by Professor Adrian expansion plan presented of the endangered Night Parrot in Manning on 20 July 2016 at A proposal to extend the Barrington Tops Diamantina National Park. Canberra Bushwalking Club.] National Park by about 9,500 hectares A field survey led by AWC Senior Australia has an unenviable record when has been presented to Dungog Shire Field Ecologist, John Young – who in it comes to species extinction, Council. The suggestion is to incorporate 2013 became the first person in over a accounting for 28 per cent of mammalian part of the Chichester State Forest in the century to find a living Night Parrot – losses worldwide. The toll has been adjacent World Heritage-listed park in has confirmed a significant increase in greatest among small mammals weighing the Upper Paterson and Allyn River its known population and distribution. between 350 and 550 grams. Around Valleys. The submission was prepared by Exploring remote sections of Canberra, the bettong has been gone for NPA NSW (Hunter Branch) in Diamantina National Park by helicopter, 80 to 100 years. Birdlife has been consultation with community groups in all-terrain vehicle and on foot, John affected too. As suburban development the Dungog and Gresford area. NPA Young located three nests, observed has extended, the Hooded Robin and the NSW (Hunter Branch) president Ian birds at these three nests and at another Brown Tree-creeper have retreated from Donovan said the extension would help location, and identified birds at three the city. preserve the area. additional locations by their distinctive As a result of the declines, the ‘The park extension will protect high call. John was assisted by AWC Senior community’s understanding of ecological natural and scenic values of the area, Ecologist Dr Rod Kavanagh, and by a ‘normality’ changes. Expectations grow water catchments and rationalise land number of experienced volunteers. lower, and the constituency for management arrangements,’ Mr AWC scientists have developed a conservation degrades. In a program Donovan said. ‘Importantly the habitat model which indicates a large designed to provide evidence to reverse submission to the NSW Government area of Diamantina National Park is these trends, the ANU, with partners included an economic analysis preferred roosting habitat for Night CSIRO, James Cook University and the highlighting the high tourism and Parrots. It is hoped the model will help ACT Government, has implemented an recreational benefits that the proposal identify and protect additional ambitious program of restoration ecology can bring to the area.’ populations of the Night Parrot. at two dedicated nature reserves at A key part of the proposal was to Australian Wildlife Conservancy. Mulligans Flat and Goorooyarroo. improve public access to the southern Lachlan Valley National Park ANU’s Adrian Manning took an end of the Barrington Tops National Park appreciative CBC audience through the for recreational use. The submission also The NSW Government has declared as wide-ranging research that had been provided a framework for improving national park an additional area of over undertaken. The principal aim is to management of recreation in the Upper 20,000 hectares between the towns of restore Box Gum woodland as the basis Allyn area. Additional NSW Government Hay and Balranald NSW. The area has for supporting improved wildlife investment in tourism infrastructure has Lachlan River frontage and links diversity. A key part of the restoration is also been sought. separate portions of the former Kalyarr based on the reintroduction of the This year marks 60 years since the National Park. bettong, a small burrowing marsupial establishment of the NPA in the Hunter NSW Government Gazette that turns over and conditions soils as it Region. Mr Donovan said the No. 88 (4 November 2016) organisation had continued its support searches for food. In addition, identified Compiled by Hazel Rath woodland compartments have been given for nature conservation in the area after different treatment (such as removing having a key role in the establishment of grazing marsupials) and the effects on Barrington Tops National Park nearly broad species diversity measured. Ninety 50 years ago. six 1-hectare sites are being carefully Dungog Mayor, Councillor Harold monitored in this way. Johnston, said he thought the proposal

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 25 New members of NPA notices the association National Parks Association Calendar The NPA ACT welcomes December January February March Anastasia Sim and Sun 25– Sun 1–Mon 2, Carol Anderson Public holidays — Mon 13 Tues 27 Thurs 26 as new members. We look forward to seeing you General meetings — — Thurs 16 Thurs 16 at NPA activities. Committee meetings Tues 6 — Tues 7 Tues 7 Call for volunteers 1 2 Gudgengy Bush Regeneration Sat 10 — Sat 11 Sat 11 At every NPA general meeting 3 volunteers from the membership Glenburn work party — — Tues 7 — set up the hall and the supper. We NPA Christmas Party Sun 11 need more volunteers for 2016 as the roster is by no means full. Further details: 1. GBRG. Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre 9.15 am. Please contact Quentin Moran if 2. Includes GBRG Christmas Party. you would like to help on 3. Friends of Glenburn meet at Canberra Railway Station, Kingston at 9.00 am, or at [email protected] the locked gate off the Kings Highway at 9.20 am. Thank you

NPA books available from some bookshops (eg ANBG), or contact the association office

Butterfly book in press.

Contributions for the NPA Bulletin This Bulletin was prepared by: Editor, Max Lawrence Subeditor, Ed Highley Contributions of articles, letters, poems, drawings and Presentation, Adrienne Nicholson. photographs are always welcome. If possible keep contributions to no more than 1,000 words. Items accepted for publication will be subject Its all happening at Mulligans to editing and may also be published on the NPA website. Send all Note there is now a Facebook page for Mulligans Flat items to the Bulletin Team, email [email protected], or to the Sanctuary where people can keep up to date with NPA ACT postal address (see page 27). developments there. Deadline for the March 2017 issue: You can find it by Googling 31 January 2017. The Wild Things of Mulligans Flat.

NPAACT Cover photographs Front cover Christmas Party Main photo. Grevillea sessilis, White Mountains CG track, Central Namadgi Visitor Centre Queensland (article page18). Photo by Rupert Barnett. Insets. Top. Yellow Admiral, butterfly wings close up Sunday 11 December (see page 9). Photo by Adrienne Nicholson. Centre. Rick Shine, winner of NPA ACT’s 1967 schools essay competition, from 11.00 am wins the 2016 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science (article, page 8). Bring your picnic lunch and Christmas Bottom. Bilby’s Ring books have been presented to ACT primary schools cheer. (article page 3).

Nibbles, some drinks and Christmas cake Back cover will be provided. Top. Cockburn Range, WA, from the Pentecost River crossing (article page20). Check Burning Issues or the NPA website Photo from Philip and Jan Gatenby. for last minute details. Bottom. Dargonelly CG waterholes, Mount Moffat National Park, Contact an NPA committee member if you Queensland (article page 18). Photo by Rupert Barnett. need a lift, or for further information.

26 NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 General Meetings Third Thursday of the month, (not December or January) 8.00 pm, Uniting Church hall, 56 Scrivener Street, O’Connor Thursday 16 February Thursday 16 March Effect of coarse woody debris on Adventures with Rosie: monitoring browsing inside woodland reserves Rosenberg’s monitor on Mount Ainslie 2013 – There is no Joseph Stapleton 2016 General Meeting in Joseph was the recipient of the 2016 Matthew Higgins December 2016 or NPA ACT Student Scholarship at the Historian and outdoor enthusiast. Fenner School, ANU. Rosenberg’s Monitor, a large goanna rarely January 2017 High herbivore densities in ACT seen in the ACT, is listed as a threatened spe- reserves can repress regeneration, one cies in NSW, Vic. and SA. Matthew looks at ecosystem feature that may reduce key activities of these beautiful reptiles, browsing is coarse woody debris recorded on Mount Ainslie. The project was a (CWD). Recently, CWD has been partnership between Matthew and ACT manually applied into endangered Government Senior Ecologist Don Fletcher. woodland reserves. This study looks at Rosenbergs lay their eggs in termite mounds whether this can help reduce browsing and Matthew took what are probably the first and how it compares to CWD from ever photographs of egg-laying and hatching in natural sources. the Territory, and for a good distance beyond.

Conveners National Parks Association of the ACT Incorporated Outings Subcommittee Vacant [email protected] Inaugurated 1960 Environment Subcommittee Rod Griffiths 6288 6988 (h) Aims and objectives of the Association [email protected] Cultural Subcommittee Quentin Moran 6288 9840 • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the protection of [email protected] fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and cultural heritage in the Publications Subcommittee Kevin McCue 6251 1291 (h) Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the reservation of [email protected] specific areas. Promotion and Engagement Vacant • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areas. Subcommittee • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment of, such Bulletin Working Group Kevin McCue 6251 1291 (h) natural phenomena and cultural heritage by organised field outings, [email protected] meetings or any other means. NPA Work Party Co-ordinator Martin Chalk 6292 3502 (h) • Cooperation with organisations and persons having similar interests [email protected] and objectives. Glenburn/Burbong Work Col McAlister 6288 4171 (h) Parties [email protected] • Promotion of, and education for, conservation, and the planning of landuse to achieve conservation. The NPA ACT office is in Unit 14 / 26 Lena Karmel Lodge, Barry Office bearers Drive, Acton, together with the Conservation Council. It is staffed by volunteers on an irregular basis. Callers may leave phone or email President vacant messages at any time. Vice-President Christine Goonrey 6231 8395 (h) Phone: (02) 6229 3201 or 0410 875 731 (if urgent) [email protected] Website: www.npaact.org.au Secretary Sonja Lenz 6251 1291 (h) Email: [email protected] [email protected] Address: GPO Box 544, Canberra ACT 2601 Treasurer Chris Emery 6249 7604 (h) Facebook: [email protected] www.facebook.com/NationalParksAssociationOfTheAct Committee members Membership subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) Isobel Crawford 6257 1660 (h) The subscription rate is $22, which includes a digital copy only of our [email protected] Bulletin. Esther Gallant (Minutes Secretary) 6161 4514 (h) If you want to receive a printed copy of the Bulletin, the subscription [email protected] rates are: Household membership $44 Single members $38.50 Rod Griffiths (Immediate Past President) 6288 6988 (h) Corporate membership $33 Full-time student/Pensioner $22 [email protected] Note: All the above subscription categories reduce to $11 if a George Heinsohn 6278 6655 (h) donation of $100 or more is made. [email protected] Advertising Kevin McCue 6251 1291 (h) [email protected] The NPA Bulletin accepts advertisements and inserts. Contact the NPA office for information and rates. Quentin Moran 6288 9840 (h) [email protected] Printed by Instant Colour Press, Belconnen, ACT. ISSN 0727-8837

NPA BULLETIN − DECEMBER 2016 27 For information on NPA ACT activities, please visit our website http://www.npaact.org.au and follow us at www.facebook.com/NationalParksAssociationOfTheAct