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Volume 27 number 4 December 1990

Canberra: Arcadia in the Antipodes? A walking track for the south coast NPA BULLETIN volume21 number4 December 1990

Contents ACT planning 4 Rational environment 5 Arcadia in the Antipodes 6 Sustainable development 7 Parkwatch 10 Coolangubra forest 12 Walking the south coast 14 Botany Bay 16 Cover Development in SA parks 19 Photo: Len Haskew REG ALDER, CENTRE, AND LEN CROSSFIELD, BEARDED, IN THE LATE SEPTEMBER SNOW AT PRIOR'S HUT IN THE BRINDABELLA RANGES.

National Parks Association ACT Subscription rates (1 JULY - 30 JUNE; Incorporated HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS $20 SINGLE MEMBERS $15 CORPORATE MEMBERS $10 BULLETIN ONLY $10 INAUGURATED I960 CONCESSION: HALF ABOVE RATES Aims and objects of the Association FOR NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS JOINING BETWEEN: 1 JANUARY AND 31 MARCH - HALF SPECIFIED RATE • PROMOTION OF NATIONAL PARKS AND OF MEASURES FOR THE |;roU'Ctirm OF FAUNA AND FLORA, SCENERY AND NATURAL FEATURES 1 APRIL AND 30 JUNE - ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION in the AUSTRALIAN CAPITA] TERRITORY AND ELSEWHERE, AND THE Membership enquiries welcome RESERVATION OF SPECIFIC AREAS. PLEASE PHONE LARAINE FRAWLEY AT THE NPA OFFICE. • INTEREST IN THE PROVISION OF APPROPRIATE OUTDOOR RECREATION .lreas. The NPA (ACT) office IS LOCATED IN KINGSLEY STREET, • STIMULATION OF INTEREST IN, AND APPRECIATION AND ENJOYMENT ACLON. OFFICE HOURS ARE: OL', SUCH NATURAL PHENOMENA BY ORGANISED FIELD OUTINGS, 10AM TO 2PM MONDAYS nu'i'tings OR ANY OTHER MEANS. 9AM TO 2PM TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS • (VJ-OP(-RNT;OFI WITH ORGANISATIONS AND PERSONS HAVING (OH) 257 1063 s:m ILAR INTERESTS ARID OBJECTIVES. Telephone: • PROMOTION OF, AND EDUCATION FOR, NATURE CONSERVATION, AND Address: GPO BOX 457 CANBERRA 2601. '.HE PLANNING OF LAND-USE TO ACHIEVE CONSERVATION. Contribute to your Bulletin Office-bearers and Committee CONTRIBUTIONS OF ARTICLES (NEWS, DESCRIPTION OR fiction), President LES PYKE 281 2982(H) BLACK-AND-WHITE PHOTOGRAPHS AND LINE DRAWINGS ARE Vice-President KEENLY SOUGHT FOR THE Bulletin. PLEASE LABEL PHOTO­ BEVERLEY HAMMOND 288 6577(H); 258 1877(W) GRAPHS WITH THE NAME OF THE SUBJECT, THE NAME OF THE Immediate Past President SYD COMFORT 28G 2578(H) PHOTOGRAPHER AND THE DATE. LEAVE CONTRIBUTIONS AT THE So-n'tary JUDITH WEBSTER 2-11 4646th:: 276 614Kw) OFFICE OR PHONE THE EDITOR, ROGER GREEN, ON Tn-asurer MIKE SMITH 286 2984(H); 2-18 3«2-KWI (06) 247 0059. THE EDITORIAL FAX IS (06) 249 7373.

•SUB-COMMITTEE CONVENORS Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect Co-( 'onvenor Environment Association ojjinion or objectives. TIM WALSH 285 1112(H); 27-1 1465(W.) Cn-('onrenor Environment Deadline for March issue: 1 Februaiy, 1991. LEN CROSSFIELD 241 2897(H); 263 2267(W.I (\>iucn<>r Outings A-7'A llullelin IS PRODUCED BY GREEN WORDS FOR THE PHIL BUBB 281 4929(H); 246 6L28(W) NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION (ACT) INCORPORATED. It IS Convenor Namadgi SYD COMFORT 286 2578(H) PRODUCED WITH THE A^SI.-4ANEE OF AN ACT COMMUNITY Convenor Marketing, Publicity & Education DEVELOPMENT FUND GRANT. LEN ILASKEW 281 4268(H) PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER BY UNION OFFSET CO PLY LTD,

(LLHER COMMITTEE MEMBERS FYSHWICK, ACT. JILL ROBERTS 249 1390(H); 272 4 192(W) DUGALD MONRO 231 8776(H) ISSN 0727-8837 MOREEN WILSON 288 5215(H); 248 521KW) IN COMMITTEE

President's foreword We can take pride in stating what leges throughout the ACT, and we we are about. Members who joined have just updated and reprinted the Association because of particu­ our popular booklet, Field Guide to lar interests, and outsiders, may the Native Trees of the ACT. Our be unaware of the total scene of material on the Yerrabi Track and our activities. The aims and ob­ other subjects has been distributed jects of the Association stated on or used by the authorities. page two of the NPA Bulletin en­ During 1989-90, as in previous compass a wider spectrum than years, our Association made sub­ most other organisations we might missions to governments on poli­ be compared with. cies concerning conservation, We not only provide outings, we environmental, planning and also provide publications, field zoning matters. These emanated working parties and written sub­ from a very busy structure of com­ missions on governmental policies. mittee and subcommittees, the Our outings cater for as many members of which do their best to needs as possible—day walks, keep abreast of the environmental overnight backpacks, car camps, and conservation issues exploding Les Pyke. Photo: Babette Scougall. canoe excursions, ski outings, mid­ around us. Most of our committee week walks and specialty walks. and subcommittee members hold ecological, botanical, zoological, bi­ We roll up our sleeves and form down full-time jobs. Their efforts ological and other aspects. If you volunteer field parties to work in absorbing the heavy documenta­ wish to assist please supply your with the authorities in the forma­ tion coming in and in drafting sub­ name and contact phone number tion and renovation of tracks in missions and papers are OT address to the Association's national parks, in removing un­ applauded. office. Your offer would imply no wanted vegetation, in planting I therefore ask members of the commitment on your part; your trees and in combatting erosion. Association generally to consider participation would depend on the We prepare, publish and distrib­ whether they have a relevant skill nature of the task and what is ute written material. For example, to offer, professional or otherwise, needed from time to time and your this bulletin is distributed to li­ towards the study and authoring availability at the time. braries, secondary schools and col­ of papers which might cover legal, Les Pyke The Environmental Budget 1990-91 The Association, consistent with cussed for the Canberra Nature dor that extends from the South­ its proper role, is quick to lobby Park, the Murrumbidgee River ern Tablelands to the alpine re­ and make demands on govern­ Corridor, the Jerrabomberra Wet­ gions'. Also the extensions will ments. It is therefore refreshing to lands and the Tidbinbilla Nature cover 'the north Cotter region with be able to give a bouquet where it Reserve. The draft plan for the its ecologically valuable vegetation is due. The Environment Budget Nature Park is due in April 1991 species and the Mount Tennent/ Statement 1990-91 presented by and the final plans for the Jerra­ Blue Gum Creek area which has a the Chief Minister on behalf of the bomberra and Murrumbidgee diverse ecology including some ACT Government is claimed to be River projects are due in March flora and fauna species that are the first of its kind for the ACT. 1991. uncommon in the rest of the terri­ Without prejudice to our views A total of $3.71 million has been tory'. The existing management from time to time on particular allocated to new programs and plan for Namadgi will be revised points, the government and its ad­ capital works including $0.1 mil­ in 1991; it will put forward man­ visers are to be congratulated on lion 'so that the Parks and Conser­ agement strategies for all pro­ this 41-page document which so vation Service can develop, co­ posed extensions. conveniently lays out the policy ordinate, promote and evaluate a The government promises exten­ landscape before us. program to use local volunteers in sive and broad public consultation. Its contents encompass the con­ conservation activities to revege- Your committee will monitor this servation of natural resources, the tate and rehabilitate areas which with the objective of putting the urban environment, energy con­ it manages'. Association's case where possible. servation, environment education, With regard to Namadgi Nation­ Th e En vironmental B udget water and air quality, waste man­ al Park, there will be extensions to Statement is available for $5 at the agement and conserving the cultu­ 'link into the proposed NSW Brin­ ACT Government Shopfront, ral heritage. dabella National Park thereby North Building, Civic Square. Management plans are dis­ generating a natural wildlife corri­ Les Pyke SUBMISSIONS

Discussion paper on ACT planning The Interim Territory Planning the provision of open space has where should it be located?' Authority is seeking comment on been four hectares per 1000 Another topic relevant to open plans for the ACT. This follows the people. In the light of evidence of space is the question of whether release of a discussion paper over-provision of open space on hobby farms should be permitted which aroused considerable public this basis and the increasing cost in some rural areas. debate in September. burden of maintaining open The discussion paper also raises Seme of the key discussion spaces, there is a need to assess the matter of air pollution. Cars points concern open space and con­ the use of land which exceeds the are the major contributors but the servation. The section on protect­ guideline and to develop a mecha­ use of wood and other solid fuels ing the environment says that nism to ensure that open space is for heating is also a significant maintaining natural resources and provided in a way which meets the source. The paper notes that fine ecological processes for future gen­ community's aesthetic and recrea­ particles from these fuels cause a erations could mean: tional requirements but which is grey-brown haze and are also a • promoting higher density devel­ sustainable in budgetary terms. potential health hazard. opment as a basis for more effi­ 'The cost of maintaining open The authority is canvassing com­ cient transport systems, space is high and an important, munity opinion on these and other reductions in energy consump­ issue for the territory is who planning issues as part of the tion and savings in infrastruc­ should pay and how, or should the preparation of a new territory ture costs, and existing quality of maintenance lie plan. Contributions and ideas • promotion of public transport at continued. The key related plan­ should be addressed to the chief the expense of private transport. ning issues are: What constitutes territory planner, Interim Territo­ This appears related to a comment open space? How much should be ry Planning Authority, GPO Box in the the section on open space provided and how much can we 158, Canberra ACT 2601. and recreation. The paper states: afford to maintain? What type of 'In the urban areas, a guideline for open space should be provided and Environment subcommittee The Association's Environment Association in May by Ian Taylor (See the contents page for suhcommittee continues to meet of the Canberra Ornithological telephone numbers). They will on the fourth Thursday of every group, the Subcommittee has been send you a copy of the minutes of a month lo pursue a range of considering a study into remnant recent meeting and an agenda for activit ics connected with the woodlands in the ACT. The aim of the next meeting. You've nothing environment of the ACT and this is to identify areas of remnant to loose but your apathy! surrounding region. woodland of conservation value in Timothy Walsh Some of the subjects being dealt the ACT, outline their current with at the moment include the conservation status, demonstrate proposed terrestrial and marine the short to long term threats to national park for Jervis Bay, their ecological values and make participation in the recently recommendations to the ACT established National Endangered Government on strategies for Species Network, the Interim achieving their reservation. A Territory Planning Authority's party from the subcommittee Draft Territory Plan, regional recently spent a Sunday cooperation for the Murrumbidgee inspecting four of the areas in 4V River Corridor, the Gungahlin question: Mulligan's Flat, Galium KMemal Travel Plan, Canberra Brae, Rob Roy and parts of Mount Nature Park, the future of Ainslie. Molonglo Gorge, the Industry Subcommittee meetings continue Commission's draft report Mining to be well-attended, lively and Minerals Processing in evenings and are an excellent 'which suggests that Australia means by which members of the mineral exploration and mining Association can get involved in the -should be allowed in national ever increasing range of parksj, ACT bird habitat and the environmental issues facing the ACT Government's Environmental ACT and its related region. Give Budget Statement. Kangaroo grass, Tim Walsh or Len Crossfield a call Themeda australis. In response to the talk to the if you would like to come along. Drawn bv Helen Hewson-Fruend. POLICIES

Industry C

In late September the Federal to the environment must be re­ remain immune from other poten­ Government's Industry Commis­ garded as part of the basic costs of tial land uses (such as mining). sion released a draft report, mining. Repeated clashes between There are those who would argue Mining and minerals processing in mining and environmental groups that immunity from other land use Australia. The draft provides an have led to some familiarity with seems central to the whole point of overview then a series of findings each other's viewpoint and a less having a national park. The report and recommendations in sections black and white approach to the recommends national parks be re­ on access to land, mining and envi­ issues. quired to justify their existence in ronmental concerns, government The report reveals however that terms of economic costs and regulation, taxation and royalties, the Commission has a good deal of benefits. construction and operating costs, faith in market forces as the best On mining and the environment other influences on competitive­ mode for solving disputes, and the commission recommends ness and special topics and case even viewing the issues in the first mining companies be required to studies such as Kakadu, uranium place. One of the findings on post rehabilitation bonds to cover and the Office of the Supervising National Estate listings says, the cost of mine-site rehabilita­ Scientist. 'Because they often effectively pre­ tion, and that rights and obliga­ tions of property ownership be The report's focus has been on clude other uses and since econom­ more carefully defined. what Australian governments at ic considerations play no role in There are inevitably several con­ state and federal level can do to the decision-making process, Na­ troversial recommendations in the improve the efficiency and compet­ tional Estate listings can frustrate report and its tenor suggests there itiveness of mining and early-stage rational assessment of the likely is a still a lot of territory between mineral processing in this country. costs and benefits of alternative opposing camps. That territory The draft report estimates that if land uses.' This seems to betray a will have to be covered by both just some of its recommendations belief that economics is the only sides before the emergence of a were implemented, 'output of Te- form of rational behaviour. way to proceed instead of just a source-based products is estimated A finding on exploration and way of standing in each other's to increase by around $4 billion, mining in national parks claims path. with economy-wide gains likely to National Parks have been set up be very much greater.' 'without a convincing case being Donald Gill The report acknowledges damage made that the entire area must Canberra's natural are as

In August 1989, as part of drawing The call for public submissions environmental education. up a draft management plan for drew over 570 responses from indi­ The next step for the future of Canberra Nature Park, the ACT viduals and groups, covering a the Canberra Nature Park is that Parks and Conservation Service in­ wide subject range. The most pop­ the ACT Parks and Conservation vited public contributions. The ular areas of nature park were Service will prepare the draft man­ ACT Government has published a found by household survey to be agement plan during the rest of brief summary of the submissions Mount Ainslie, Mount Majura, 1990 in consultation with other it received from the community. Mount Taylor, Black Mountain ACT and Federal government Canberra Nature Park includes and Red Hill. Next most popular bodies. On completion this docu­ most of the undeveloped hill and were Cooleman Ridge, Farrer ment will be available for public ridge areas in and around Canber­ Ridge, the Pinnacle, Aranda bush­ comment before going to the Legis­ ra, and the Jerrabomberra wet­ land and O'Connor ridge. lative Assembly. This draft report lands. The wetlands have been The bulk of the publication deals will be one worth waiting for and it covered in a study of their own. with topics brought up in the sub­ will be important to make final Most of Canberra Nature Park missions and how many respon­ submissions to help shape govern­ falls somewhere between a nation­ dents commented on each topic. ment policy for one of Canberra's al park and a recreational reserve, These include values of Canberra most beautiful and particularly providing both bushland and a re­ Nature Park, future protection, Canberran resources. source for human activity; neither areas for inclusion, management, pristine nor manicured. development, access, litter and THE GARDEN CITY

Canberra: a pastoral ideal or Arcadia in the Antipodes?

Guest speaker for the June NPA Griffin's ideas. For instance Griffin each hill a different colour. meeting was Associate Professor wanted a city of large monuments, Ken illustrated his talk with a Ken Taylor of the University of imposing buildings and residential wide variety of well-chosen slides Canberra whose subject was the complexes. Sulman saw a including: views of Canberra and landscape heritage of Canberra. Canberra of low buildings with Washington (what Canberra Ken divided Canberra's land­ modest cottages and bungalows in might have been if the American scape heritage into three catego­ the suburbs. Griffin's residential 'city beautiful' concept had been ries: urban open spaces and the suburbs were geometric in concept developed rather than the Europe­ setting of Canberra, rural lands of with narrow streets and right- an 'garden' city one, as it is now); a the ACT, and its natural land­ angled corners and with open then-and-now series of Canberra's scape. These he sees as being inde­ spaces behind the residential development; aerials of Canberra pendent of one another while areas. Sulman brought the park­ in autumn; and a fine collection of making a cohesive whole. He be­ land to the front of the houses, landscape and pastoral paintings lieves they should be marketed widened many of the streets and to illustrate how the development more for tourism. rounded the corners. Ken used the of landscape painting can be seen The open space system is what suburb of Reid, one of his special in Canberra's development. he considers to be the major aspect research areas, to illustrate the Phil Bubb thanked Ken Taylor of Canberra's landscape. It is what points he was making. on behalf of the Association for his Canberra is famous for and what Thomas Weston set the highest interesting and informative talk. will be the most enduring. Inroads possible standard in research and Phil said that it was a feast for the into the system are now taking in street and park planting— mind as well as for the eye and place and we all have to take steps native trees for major avenues and that after hearing Ken's views on to protect it. deciduous trees for minor roads. the subject he would be looking at Rural lands he sees as part of This is a heritage we need to con­ Canberra's landscape quite our inheritance. It has an intangi­ tinue according to Ken Taylor. differently. ble value—it relates us to the Weston also reafforested the hills, Babette Scougall early history of the area through planting over one million trees. events and people as well as Griffin on the other hand wanted places. The natural heritage of the area Canberra Nature Park taken from ihe upper slopes of Mount Ainslie. is important because of the way Black Nountain, Bruce and O'Connor Ridges are in the distance. we relate to nature and Canberra's Photo: ACT Parks and Conservation Service. close proximity to large tracts of natural lands makes it easy for residents to keep in touch with nature. Placed as it is in a rural setting with wilderness in the back­ ground, the first impression of Canberra is picturesque. The natu­ ral surrounds add to the value of Canberra. Pioneers and early visi­ tors to the region related warmly to the same scene and all the early paintings of Canberra depicted this pastoral beauty. Of the city landscape Ken not only gave full acknowledgement to Walter Burley Griffin's original concept, he also pointed out how much we owe to John Sulman, the man responsible for putting Griffin's plan into effect, and to Thomas Weston for the initial street and park plantings. Sulman softened many of APPOINTMENTS

Working groups on ecologically sustainable development The Federal Government has ap­ ernment discussion paper Ecologi­ working groups. pointed Professors Stuart Harris cally Sustainable Development. Since the report's release the and David Throsby and Dr Roy This report announced the forma­ Government has received com­ Green to chair the working groups tion of nine working groups com­ ments from many sectors on the on ecologically sustainable prising representatives of report; working groups will have development. industry, the conservation and this commentary before them as These working groups have trade union movements, State and well as the original report. Many grown out of a review of the topic Commonwealth governments and comments pointed out issues that which culminated in the June the CSIRO. Consumer groups will have relevance in several working 1990 release of the Federal Gov­ also be represented on relevant groups and these groups have been asked to take these into account. These comments will all be made public and be considered by the Federal Government. Each chairperson will be respon­ sible for three working groups. Professor Harris will chair the mining, manufacturing and energy production and distribution work­ ing groups; Professor Throsby the transport, energy use and tourism groups, and Dr Green the agricul­ ture, forestry and fisheries groups. The three appointees will be re­ sponsible for ensuring other inter­ ested groups and individuals not on the working groups are able to give information and opinions. The three will consult together as well as with Government Ministers. Stuart Harris is currently profes­ sor at the Department of Interna­ tional Relations in the Research School of Pacific Studies at the Australian National University. He was previously director of the Centre for Resource and Environ­ mental Studies at the Australian National University. David Throsby is professor of ec­ onomics at Macquarie University.. Roy Green has been director of the CSIRO Institute of Natural Resources and Environment since January 1988. He has been secre­ tary to the Australian Science and Technology Council. Copies of the Commonwealth discussion paper, Ecologically Sus­ tainable Development, and a relat­ ed Treasury paper, Economic and Regulatory Measure for Ecological­ ly Sustainable Development, are available at Australian Govern­ Ian Haynes in the Shrouded Gods Mountain area of Morton ment Publishing Service book­ National Park. Photo: Russell Kefford. shops in all capital cities. NAMADGI

ACT environment management Future directions for conservation tares the area of land in the ACT major community consultations and environment management in reserved under the Nature Conser­ and resource planning to identify the ACT was the title given by vation Act. those components of the undevel­ Greg Fraser to his talk to the Octo­ In Mr Fraser's view areas of oped hills and ridges of Canberra ber meeting of the Association. Mr open space in the ACT should only which are important for nature Fraser, director of the Environ­ be reserved as public land if the conservation and related public ment and Conservation Bureau of community is satisfied that there uses. The end result will be a the ACT Department of the Envi­ is value in their long term reserva­ range of protected areas which will ronment, Land and Planning tion. Thus not every block of open contain significant elements of the began his talk by describing the space will be reserved. The ACT Canberra landscape, nature con­ creation of a new department in Parks and Conservation Service is servation, recreation and educa­ July to oversee planning, lease ad­ identifying areas to ensure that tional resources. ministration, heritage and envi­ significant natural and cultural re­ Mr Fraser praised the NPA for ronment matters in the ACT. This sources receive appropriate protec­ the important role it has played to new entity includes the Interim tion and management. The NPA, date in the establishment and Territory- Planning Authority and Mr Fraser reminded the audience, maintenance of an ACT nature re­ the Land Division and the ACT was involved in this process serve system. He also pointed out through its membership of the Parks and Conservation Service. that the Government would in the ACT Parks and Conservation Con­ These changes, Mr Fraser ex­ future be relying more and more sultative Committee and participa­ plained, provide for a more effi­ tion in the consultative processes on volunteers and community cient and simplified land system associated with the preparation of groups in the managing of these for the ACT community in line the Territory Plan. areas. In this regard he mentioned wit}) the new package of legisla­ the Parkcare groups that are being tion for heritage protection, plan­ Mr Fraser then went on to ex­ formed in various parts of Canber­ ning, environmental and lease plain how the Canberra Nature ra to allow people to participate in management being considered by Park was currently the subject of the management of areas near the ACT government. Mr Fraser described in consider­ able detail the philosophy behind the new legislative proposals; in On parks and visitor particular the aim of promoting ec­ Display in the NSW national onomic growth while also address­ parks office in Tiboaburra. ing environmental concerns and Photo: Barbara Comfort. community expectations with an emphasis on community participa­ of New South Wales with park tion in the planning process. After headquarters and information describing each of the proposed centre located in the town of Tiboo- bills in detail Mr Fraser spoke of burra. The centre occupies the old the program for declaring reserves courthouse, a fine single storied in the ACT. The aim of this pro­ stone building in the centre of the gram is to develop a comprehen­ town. One enters an attractive sive system of ACT nature foyer containing a number of natu­ reserves which contains represen­ ral exhibits and hacked by a coun­ tations of native plant and animal ter where the rangers provide com munities. information and advice. The main display room, the old courtroom In this respect the Government proper 1 imagine, opens off the has made specific commitments to: foyer and contains a variety of dis­ • the protection of wilderness plays covering natural and cultu­ areas of Namadgi National Park ral aspects of the park. There is no • extension to Namadgi to include film or slide presentation but a the Lower Cotter catchment and very well selected series of exhib­ the Mount Tennent/BJue Gum its, paintings, maps and models Creek area bout the time the Namadgi providing a good sample of park • gazettal of Jerrabomberra Wet­ Visitors Centre was opened I features. lands, the Murrumbidgee River Avisited two other park infor­ Corridor nature reserves and the mation centres which in their own The original Cameron's Corner Canberra Nature Park under distinctive ways also impressed wooden survey post is placed in a the Nature Conservation Act . me. realistic and artistic setting evoca­ This action will, Mr Fraser ex­ The Sturt National Park covers a tive of that site. Nearby is a model plained, increase by 23 000 hec- large area of the northwest corner of the Burke and Wills convoy where they live. Tree planting and weed control are two of the activi­ ties being undertaken by nearly 400 people in 11 groups now in existence. In his vote of thanks Syd Com­ fort mentioned the good working relationship the Association has with the ACT Parks and Conserva­ tion Service and thanked Mr Fraser for his detailed explanation of the direction in which nature conservation in the ACT is taking under self-government. Syd point­ ed out that Canberra was going through a major period of change as far as land management and planning matters are concerned. He emphasised the need for the Association to continue to monitor closely the developments proposed by the Government. It is only by constant vigilance and active par­ ticipation that the Canberra of the future will be as we and earlier members of the Association would wish. Group of NPA members walking along a track in the Naas River valley on the western side of Boboyan Road after visiting the ruins near Luton's Timothy Walsh crutching shed. Photo: Babette Scougall.

velopment of the grounds into a particular values and attractions park with sweeping lawns, Europe­ of each and how to see and enjoy centres an trees and formal plantings. these. The slides projected are of a which graphically emphasises the Lakes and other waterways with high quality, those of the bird life scope and complexity of this most skirting woodland walks were par­ being outstanding. When the lavishly equipped of Australian ticular features of the property. lights come up at the conclusion of inland expeditions whose distant Most of this was still in place when the presentation, Coolart's warden spirit still inhabits the corner the Victorian Government ac­ speaks briefly to the audience and country. There is an interesting quired the property ten years ago. makes himself available to answer oral history exhibit which, Coolart offers a wide span of at­ questions. When the audience is through headphones, allows the tractions: the house, the gardens about to leave he quietly moves visitor to hear Aborigines of this with wonderful specimens of the along the front wall of the theatre area tell the story of their forced deciduous trees so favoured in raising the blinds to reveal a pano­ relocation earlier this century to English country parks, landscapes ramic view over the wetlands and reserves many miles to the east. Tedolent of English country es­ of their avian inhabitants, a stun­ So one can move around the dis­ tates, and woodland walks. All of ning finale and irresistible invita­ plays, some active some passive, these reflect a culture introduced tion to go out into the reserve. 1 but all carefully selected and well from the 'old country . But there is Displays in visitor centres in na­ presented which together give a another side to Coolart, its lakes tional parks and reserves serve to comprehensive picture of the and wetlands are host to huge inform, entertain, inspire and to unique area forming Sturt Na­ numbers of water birds of many motivate visitors to go into the re­ tional Park. species including the sacred ibis serve for further understanding Located on Victoria's Western- which nests there in its thousands. and enjoyment. The ways of port, the Coolart Reserve is far re­ Thus when a visitors' centre was achieving these goals are varied moved from Sturt National Park built it was placed beside a lagoon and limited only by the imagina­ in distance, natural features and on which many birds live and tion of the staff and the resources cultural heritage. Farmed from breed. The centre is largely given at their disposal. The Namadgi the 1830s onwards, the Coolart over to a tiered theatre where an Visitors' Centre adds yet another property came to prominence audiovisual presentation is shown. dimension to the spectrum of such around 1870 when it was devel­ Following a general and historical displays offered in Australian oped as a gentleman's country introduction this presentation parks. estate with the construction of a takes the visitor into Coolart Syd Comfort fine two storied residence and de­ section by section, indicating the PARKWATCH

workshops were: the world conser­ SA endangered vation strategy for the 1990s, New World species think tank human population dynamics and Heritage sites resource demand, designing and formed implementing the global strategy overseas A number of groups and individu­ for conserving biodiversity, conser­ We all know about southwest Tas­ als in South Australia have come vation of the marine environment, mania but several sites in Africa together to form a think tank on realistic strategies for tropical have recently been added to the endangered species and habitats forest conservation, critical issues World Heritage Committee list. in the state. Those involved bring for protected areas, sustainable One is Banc d'Arguin National together a lot of expertise in this utilization of wildlife, implement­ Park, 1 200 000 hectares on the field. Members of the think tank ing the global strategy for conserv­ Mauritanian coast which hosts are the South Australian Museum, ing wetlands, the conservation millions of migrating birds and South Australian National Parks strategy for antarctica, the envi­ which was nominated for both ter­ and Wildlife Services, Native Veg­ ronmental implications of global restrial and marine environments. etation Management Branch, Fish­ change, conservation an sustaina­ Zambia and Zimbabwe jointed eries Department, Black Hill Flora ble development in the Sahel and nominated the Victoria Falls/Mosi- Centre, Adelaide Zoo, Nature Con­ other arid regions, and harmoniz­ Oa Tunya regions, adjacent in the servation Society of South Austra­ ing environmental conservation an two countries. lia, Australian Conservation economic development. Finally the Bandiagra in Mali Foundation, the Wilderness Socie­ has been accepted to the World ty, South Australian National Heritage list for its cultural impor­ Parks Association, the Marsupial Labor pledges tance and as home of the Dogon Society and the Federal Member national parks people. Eight more sites around for Hawker, Mrs Christine Gallus. the world are currently under The NSW Labor Party has pledged With so many eminent scientists consideration. to create 20 new national parks in and researchers together there is IUCN Bulletin, March 1990 excellent opportunity for exchange its first year in government and of ideas and methods and stronger add two million hectares to nation­ links between some of these al parks over 10 years. This would Threat to bodies. also involve creating 75 new posi­ tions, principally park rangers, Australia's oldest The bodies aims to identify spe­ within the state's National Parks cies and habitats at risk, set con­ national park and Wildlife Service. servation and research priorities, Royal National Park south of identify projects for government The majority of the proposed Sydney, established in 1879, is and non-government organisa­ parks are along the coastal region threatened by a draft plan for tions, and identify bodies which with three inland near Bathurst, urban and industrial development have relevant expertise for any Dubbo and Tamworth. The ALP at Helensburgh. project. proposal also contains plans for an The plan suggests 2000 to 3000 inventory of wildlife in existing Xanthapiw October 1990 new home sites and 40 hectares parks, and setting up marine na­ zoned for industrial use in the tional parks. upper catchment of the Hacking IUCN general NPA, lllawarra Branch Rivor, the main waterway of Royal assembly in Perth newsletter, August-September 1990 National Park. Stonnwater runoff The General Assembly of the In­ associated with the development ternational Union for the Conser­ will mean special ponds will need vation of Nature (IUCN) was held History of to he constructed, possibly partly in Perth at the Burswood Island Lamington within the Garawarra State Recre- Convention Centre from 28 No­ ation Area adjoining Royal Nation­ vember to 5 December 1990. Over National Park al Park. 1200 delegates were expected to Past secretary of the National The proposed development attend from around the world. The Parks Association of Queensland, threatens to pollute and silt up the ILJCN is a unique body whose Keith Jarrott, has written History I lacking, promote weed and do­ membership comprises 63 coun­ of Lamington National Park. The mestic animal infestation and gen­ tries, 110 government agencies book covers the period from the erally degrade the ecosystem of a and over 400 non-government mid-1880s to the 1960s and was vital green buffer between Sydney organisations. launched in June this year, the and Wollongong. The development Twelve technical workshops were seventy-fifth year of Lamington breaks into a green area that cur­ held at the University of Western National Park. The book is pub­ rently links Royal National Park Australia during the Assembly. lished by Jarrott and the National with the lllawarra escarpment. They analysed relevant sections of Parks Association of Queensland. This could endanger some species the World Conservation Strategy NPA News (Queensland). such as the greater glider and the for the 1990s. The titles of the September 1990 powerful owl which is already listed as vulnerable and rare. only known life forms grow. A con­ selected as typical for the region. The preservation of this green tinent covered with an average Costs are shared by the two or­ A walking track for the buffer between two of Australia's depth of about 2.5 kilometres of ganising bodies and the farmers of largest cities is vital for the quali­ snow is not one man can easily the three properties. Courses for ty of life of their human inhabi­ change he says. farmers of twelve, weeks have been south coast? tants and the preservation of what Large areas of the land mass run and the three farms used for is known to be one of the most bo- At the northern end of the South and confusing, and civilisation often Murramarang is already compro­ under the ice are actually below demonstration. tanically diverse areas of its size Island of New Zealand is a pleas­ intrudes suddenly. The walk needs mised. Look at the hills between sea level, forced down by the huge The Tasmanian Conservationist, in the world. ant three-day walk along the coast to be formalised, rerouted, promot­ Batemans Bay and Durras: riddled weight of the ice cap. This ice cap August 1990 called the Abel Tasman track. The ed and, most of all, extended. Not far with eroding four-wheel-drive NPA, Illawarra Branch is believed to have begun to form track runs across beaches and over to the north are Murramarang tracks. These tracks should be newsletter, August 1990 about 15 million years ago and to Uniting for the headlands and towards the end of a Point, Meroo and Termeil Lakes. closed and revegetated and re­ have advanced and receded sever­ day's walking is usually a rough Why can't a strip of land connect placed by one well-graded walking Sand mining al times. Researchers drilling in escarpment wooden hut for the trampers. them all? track: the increased numbers of the Ross Sea in 1986 found a 30 A number of bodies have combined The vegetation is not spectacu­ An objection might be that track walkers and rangers (paid for by the opposed million year old leaf apparently be­ to form the Escarpment Coalition lar—the mild dry climate does not construction could damage the walkers) would ensure that they The central west branch of NPA is longing to a form of nothofagus to protect the Illawarra Escarp­ allow the excesses of New park's wildlife. And the people it at­ stayed closed. Look at Pebbly campaigning against further sand very similar to species still found ment. This is a vital area for the Zealand's rainforest. Most of the tracts could make things even Beach: private enclaves in various mining on the Newnes plateau in Tasmania and Chile. There is Wollongong region and is not a re­ parkland has been reclaimed from worse. Certainly people are always states of repair and a simple camp­ north of Lithgow in the Blue other evidence to suggest vegeta­ newable resource. There has been farming, so the regenerating a problem. But formal management ing area among the spotted gums. Mountains. They say more mining tion as recently as 2.5-3 million concern that each development native trees are mixed with exot­ could confine and redirect them. This could be replaced by a camping will adversely affect the area by years ago. proposal for the escarpment is ics. But the views across the bay stream siltation, noise pollution One of Dr Quilty's favourite being, fought individually and not are great, with clouds drifting and weed infestation. Several sites things about Antarctica is its lack necessarily most effectively. across the grey water. would affect rare high altitude of boundaries and devotion to sci­ The coalition members are resi­ A walk through Murramarang shrub swamps. entific research. Another thing dents, members of Wollongong and National Park brought the Abel Newnes Plateau was proposed as well worth preserving about Shellharbour Councils, local mem­ Tasman track to mind. The south part of a Blue Mountains national Antarctica. bers of Parliament, Council plan­ coast of New South Waleshas a few a park by Myles Dunphy in 1932 National Parks Journal, NSW, ning officers, a South Coast Labor tiny national parks surrounded on and recently some of the area has September 1990 Council representative, the Aus­ three sides by development pres­ been suggested for inclusion in the tralian Conservation Foundation, sures. The development pressures proposed Gardens of Stone nation­ Nth Brindabellas wilderness groups and the South are not likely to abate but the case al park. Coast Conservation Society. for conservation could be strength­ National Parks Journal, NSW, nominated for Smoke Signal, August 1990 ened with a unifying theme. At September 1990 Murramarang I realised that this National Estate theme could be a walkingtrack. The Canberra branch of the Aus­ Canberra energy MurramarangNational Park is a Robust and tralian Conservation Foundation, has prepared a submission to in­ use beautiful strip of land north of precious A Perth academic and renowned Batemans Bay containing forest of clude the northern Brindabellas Antarctica on the National Estate register. energy expert, Dr Peter Neuman, spotted gum and burrawang palms is to conduct a study of Canberra's Assistant Director of the Australi­ The region nominated, entirely as well as Sydney blue gum, black- energy usage. The study will ex­ an Antarctic Division, Dr Patrick within NSW, is a magnificent one butt, stringybark, ironbark and amine urban consolidation, car Quilty, recently presented the first worthy of inclusion. bloodwood. Rainforest patches live use, public transport and energy lecture of the NPA Sydney ACT ACF September update in the moist gullies. Glossy black efficiency. The study is being Branch's series, Global Environ­ cockatoos feed on the casuarina funded by the Australian Conser­ mental Futures. Dr Quilty is a re­ seeds in the area. Whole farm vation Foundation, Canberra Asso­ search scientist and has spent Since 1985 the Total Environ­ ciation for Regional Development, several seasons in the Australian ment Centre in Sydney has been planning Australian Federation of Construc­ Antarctic Territory. trying to have the park's rather ar­ The National Soil Conservation tion Contractors, Master Builders bitrary boundaries rationalised Dr Quilty gave some scientific Program and Greening Australia Association and the Building and its area extended. The present background on Antarctica and on (Tasmania) have combined forces Owners and Managers some of the work being conducted park is too small for all its habitats to begin the Tasmanian Whole Association. there now. His talk revealed a con­ Farm Planning Project. This tack­ to survive intact. This rationalisa­ ACT ACF September update tion and extension could be based tinent of extremes, the highest les Australia's biggest environ­ on a scenic walkingtrack. B Wf continent, the windiest, the cold­ mental issue, soil degradation, It is already quite feasible to BftT£toAHS est, the most lifeless, the remotest, especially of agricultural land. start on the north side of Batemans but also he said, possibly the most The plan enables farmers to Bay, stop at Durras for lunch, and beautiful. An interesting aspect of identify soil types, land capacity, camp at Pebbly Beach. The next Dr Quilty's remarks was his state­ farm use, water, wildlife and other day one can walk out at Merry ment that Antarctica is not a frag­ factors which determine ecological­ Beach. It is a pleasant traverse of ile environment but an extremely ly sound farm management. It is beach, forest and mountain. But robust one except for that two per currently based around three test the vehicle tracks are unmarked cent not covered in ice where the farms in the Tasmanian midlands,

14 NPA BULLETIN NPA BULLETIN 11 HISTORY PULP

Namadgi oral history A walk in a threatened project near completion forest The draft report on the Kosciusko associated with the region were On 28 and 29 July, Judy Webster This was an area that had never Huts Association's Namadgi Oral another important theme of the and I joined a small party of been logged and it was History Project was completed at interviews and ranged from the Canberra bushwalkers led by criss-crossed by small streams the end of September. Project routine of dipping and drenching Mike Morriss for a walk in the reflecting pockets of tall tree ferns. historian and KHA member sheep to droving stock through beautiful but threatened Soon, however, we came across a Matthew Higgins has interviewed Orroral and the Cotter to the snow Coolangubra State Forest. forest 'expressway', wide and well over 20 people associated with the leases, chasing brumbies up on Our walk commenced near the surfaced, with logs tidily lining the Namadgi area and the sound and Ginini and Gingera, trapping tiny village of Rocky Hall and verges marked MILL or PULP!! pictorial archives produced as a rabbits during the Depression, after an easy stroll through a rural We followed this road up towards result of the project represent a schooling, raising families and settlement of mostly young Coolangubra Mountain and almost major contribution to our running households in the days Victorian settlers we began as soon as the road surface knowledge of Namadgi's European before electricity and other walking and rock-hopping up deteriorated so did the apparent history. modern conveniences, skiing on Myanba Creek. The creek was tidiness of the logging. The slopes The project, conceived by KHA Franklin and other peaks, flowing with clear water and for of Coolangubra Mountain are President Graham Scully, was bushwalking, and glimpses of the the most part cut its way through relatively steep and it was here funded by an ACT Government social life of the people who a fairly narrow, rocky valley. Just that the logging effects were Community Development Fund preceded the national park. before it entered a deep gorge we worst. The area (kept secure by Heritage Grant and materially Observations on wildlife and climbed up out of the creek bed to (he presence of a watchman) was a supported by the National Library attitudes to the park itself were where we could just see Myanba churned up, boggy mess of stumps, of Australia. All the interview also touched upon. Falls tumbling into the creek broken trees, stacked logs, bark tapes have been deposited with While focusing on Namadgi, the below. We camped at a flat site a and soil. We had morning tea amid the Oral History Section of the project also uncovered valuable kilometre or so above the falls and all this mess and wondered how library where they will be stored material relating to areas adjacent beside the creek. in perpetuity under proper to the park—particularly the Sunday morning saw us take a archival conditions and will be northern snow lease country of leisurely stroll through an open Below: Fallen trees in Coolangubra accessible to the public. (The KHA, Kosciusko National Park and forest with many tall old trees. State Forrest. Photo: Len Hashew. which holds copyright on the parts of Bimberi Nature reserve. contents of the tapes, has its own Since completing the draft set of cassettes of the interviews). report, Matthew has conducted About 100 photographs were able several additional site visits with to be borrowed from interviewees interviewees (with the assistance during the project and were copied of ACT Parks and Conservation by KHA member Graeme Handley. rangers) and the results of these A small amount of documentary will be incorporated into the final material was also copied. report which is due to be An 'overmature' tree in Coolangubra State Forest. Interviewees talked about a wide completed early in December. Photo; Li'n !!askew. and varied range of aspects of The KHA is deeply indebted to Namadgi's past. These included all the people who agreed to be some people could accept the humbling) to hear of how they had details about past and present interviewed during the project. devastation of such a beautiful supported the demonstrations in structures in the park such as Without their cooperation the area. an effort to save these magnificent Boboyan, Orroral, Brandy Flat, Namadgi Oral History Project After our return to camp the stands of old trees. Cotter House, Mt Clear, Mt would not have got off the ground. party separated into two groups, Len Haskew Franklin Chalet and RMC Matthew Higgins one group rock-hopping hack Duntroon ski lodge, Gudgenby and downstream and the other, the various huts that once fringed including Judy and myself, going that property, Old Station, Frank's inland climbing a steep spur and Hut, Curtis Refuge Hut, Stockyard then dropping down an even Creek Hut, Pryor's Hut and many steeper spin" into Mvanba Creek 0' more. People who once lived in or near the new settlers. were strongly associated with the If any of us had an\ doubts region, like Dick Brayshaw, Jack about the effects of logging in Maxwell, Tom and Ada Oldfield, areas of almost pristine lived again in people's memories wilderness, these doubts vanished and much information was gath­ after this experience. Mike and ered on aspects of the various fam­ some other members of our party ilies who had holdings in the park. are dedicated forest supporters Acacia mearnsii. From Field guide The lifestyles of the people and it was very interesting (and to the native trees of the ACT.

12 NPA BULLETIN NPA BULLETIN 13 listed as vulnerable and rare. only known life forms grow. A con­ selected as typical for the region. The preservation of this green tinent covered with an average Costs are shared by the two or­ A walking track for the buffer between two of Australia's depth of about 2.5 kilometres of ganising bodies and the farmers of largest cities is vital for the quali­ snow is not one man can easily the three properties. Courses for ty of life of their human inhabi­ change he says. farmers of twelve, weeks have been south coast? tants and the preservation of what Large areas of the land mass run and the three farms used for is known to be one of the most bo- At the northern end of the South and confusing, and civilisation often Murramarang is already compro­ under the ice are actually below demonstration. tanically diverse areas of its size Island of New Zealand is a pleas­ intrudes suddenly. The walk needs mised. Look at the hills between sea level, forced down by the huge The Tasmanian Conservationist, in the world. ant three-day walk along the coast to be formalised, rerouted, promot­ Batemans Bay and Durras: riddled weight of the ice cap. This ice cap August 1990 called the Abel Tasman track. The ed and, most of all, extended. Not far with eroding four-wheel-drive NPA, Illawarra Branch is believed to have begun to form track runs across beaches and over to the north are Murramarang tracks. These tracks should be newsletter, August 1990 about 15 million years ago and to Uniting for the headlands and towards the end of a Point, Meroo and Termeil Lakes. closed and revegetated and re­ have advanced and receded sever­ day's walking is usually a rough Why can't a strip of land connect placed by one well-graded walking Sand mining al times. Researchers drilling in escarpment wooden hut for the trampers. them all? track: the increased numbers of the Ross Sea in 1986 found a 30 A number of bodies have combined The vegetation is not spectacu­ An objection might be that track walkers and rangers (paid for by the opposed million year old leaf apparently be­ to form the Escarpment Coalition lar—the mild dry climate does not construction could damage the walkers) would ensure that they The central west branch of NPA is longing to a form of nothofagus to protect the Illawarra Escarp­ allow the excesses of New park's wildlife. And the people it at­ stayed closed. Look at Pebbly campaigning against further sand very similar to species still found ment. This is a vital area for the Zealand's rainforest. Most of the tracts could make things even Beach: private enclaves in various mining on the Newnes plateau in Tasmania and Chile. There is Wollongong region and is not a re­ parkland has been reclaimed from worse. Certainly people are always states of repair and a simple camp­ north of Lithgow in the Blue other evidence to suggest vegeta­ newable resource. There has been farming, so the regenerating a problem. But formal management ing area among the spotted gums. Mountains. They say more mining tion as recently as 2.5-3 million concern that each development native trees are mixed with exot­ could confine and redirect them. This could be replaced by a camping will adversely affect the area by years ago. proposal for the escarpment is ics. But the views across the bay stream siltation, noise pollution One of Dr Quilty's favourite being, fought individually and not are great, with clouds drifting and weed infestation. Several sites things about Antarctica is its lack necessarily most effectively. across the grey water. would affect rare high altitude of boundaries and devotion to sci­ The coalition members are resi­ A walk through Murramarang shrub swamps. entific research. Another thing dents, members of Wollongong and National Park brought the Abel Newnes Plateau was proposed as well worth preserving about Shellharbour Councils, local mem­ Tasman track to mind. The south part of a Blue Mountains national Antarctica. bers of Parliament, Council plan­ coast of New South Waleshas a few a park by Myles Dunphy in 1932 National Parks Journal, NSW, ning officers, a South Coast Labor tiny national parks surrounded on and recently some of the area has September 1990 Council representative, the Aus­ three sides by development pres­ been suggested for inclusion in the tralian Conservation Foundation, sures. The development pressures proposed Gardens of Stone nation­ Nth Brindabellas wilderness groups and the South are not likely to abate but the case al park. Coast Conservation Society. for conservation could be strength­ National Parks Journal, NSW, nominated for Smoke Signal, August 1990 ened with a unifying theme. At September 1990 Murramarang I realised that this National Estate theme could be a walkingtrack. The Canberra branch of the Aus­ Canberra energy MurramarangNational Park is a Robust and tralian Conservation Foundation, has prepared a submission to in­ use beautiful strip of land north of precious A Perth academic and renowned Batemans Bay containing forest of clude the northern Brindabellas Antarctica on the National Estate register. energy expert, Dr Peter Neuman, spotted gum and burrawang palms is to conduct a study of Canberra's Assistant Director of the Australi­ The region nominated, entirely as well as Sydney blue gum, black- energy usage. The study will ex­ an Antarctic Division, Dr Patrick within NSW, is a magnificent one butt, stringybark, ironbark and amine urban consolidation, car Quilty, recently presented the first worthy of inclusion. bloodwood. Rainforest patches live use, public transport and energy lecture of the NPA Sydney ACT ACF September update in the moist gullies. Glossy black efficiency. The study is being Branch's series, Global Environ­ cockatoos feed on the casuarina funded by the Australian Conser­ mental Futures. Dr Quilty is a re­ seeds in the area. Whole farm vation Foundation, Canberra Asso­ search scientist and has spent Since 1985 the Total Environ­ ciation for Regional Development, several seasons in the Australian ment Centre in Sydney has been planning Australian Federation of Construc­ Antarctic Territory. trying to have the park's rather ar­ The National Soil Conservation tion Contractors, Master Builders bitrary boundaries rationalised Dr Quilty gave some scientific Program and Greening Australia Association and the Building and its area extended. The present background on Antarctica and on (Tasmania) have combined forces Owners and Managers some of the work being conducted park is too small for all its habitats to begin the Tasmanian Whole Association. there now. His talk revealed a con­ Farm Planning Project. This tack­ to survive intact. This rationalisa­ ACT ACF September update tion and extension could be based tinent of extremes, the highest les Australia's biggest environ­ on a scenic walkingtrack. B Wf continent, the windiest, the cold­ mental issue, soil degradation, It is already quite feasible to BftT£toAHS est, the most lifeless, the remotest, especially of agricultural land. start on the north side of Batemans but also he said, possibly the most The plan enables farmers to Bay, stop at Durras for lunch, and beautiful. An interesting aspect of identify soil types, land capacity, camp at Pebbly Beach. The next Dr Quilty's remarks was his state­ farm use, water, wildlife and other day one can walk out at Merry ment that Antarctica is not a frag­ factors which determine ecological­ Beach. It is a pleasant traverse of ile environment but an extremely ly sound farm management. It is beach, forest and mountain. But robust one except for that two per currently based around three test the vehicle tracks are unmarked cent not covered in ice where the farms in the Tasmanian midlands,

14 NPA BULLETIN NPA BULLETIN 11 area that catered for more people. south coast walk, where Australi­ Look at Durras Mountain: a spec­ ans and overseas visitors could tacular view compromised by leave their cars, for days on end, per­ cleared forest and exotic plants. haps even catch public transport be­ Planning could re-establish the tween parks, and go overnight forest (without eliminating the walking beside the sea. The model view) and add some information could be how New Zealand has about the place's history. turned informal routes into interna­ At the end of that stretch of na­ tionally renowned tracks. The south tional park the track would strike coast track would need careful plan­ caravans. The track should go ning, land acquisition, revegetation through Kioloa beach to Bawley of some roads, weeding out exotic Point and beyond. plants and perhaps even hut build­ Further north and south are the ing. This may disturb some habitats national parks at Jervis Bay, but it could provide the stimulus Mimosa Rocks and Ben Boyd. They and the money to protect others. contain plenty of walking tracks, A popular walking track would be most based on the principle of driv­ a great barrier, both physical and ing to the roadhead and then taking electoral, to more damaging sorts of a short stroll to the headland. What coastal development. And it could Murramarang National Park. they need most is walking tracks be­ form the case for a much longer and tween them. wider coastal national park. This leads to a vision of the great Roger Green

Buy a THIS YEAR MAKE YOUR GIFT REALLY COUNT.

i-^-TOW E^VC—r^r Stunniliff posters, diaries, print for books and cards, orginal T-Shirts natural soape and oils, soft toys Durras recycled stationery, cassettes, gift The Friends of Durras are vouchers and much. more. making progress in their campaign to buy a piece of land adjoining Durras Lake to add to Murramarang National Park on the south coast of New South Wales. Their latest scheme is to sell copies of a painting of a gum tTee by artist Peter Kestel. An advertisement for the print and an article about the campaign recently featured in Women's Weekly. Simply gluing the print to a board makes an attractive picture with a good imitation of a wooden frame. The campaign still has a long way to go so all donations and purchases are welcome. The print is available for $19.95 from Freepost 521, Friends of Durras, GPO Box 1988, Canberra ACT 2601. Or alternatively speak to Gutta Schoefl at a general Extended Trading over Christmas meeting of the Association. Griffin Centre, Bunda Street Canberra City ACT 2601 Ph: (06) 349 8011 TRIPS

Botany Bay National Park With such an historic name, this Site, accessible from La Perouse. published much about the area. A area, first visited by Europeans in The construction of this fort was few interesting leaflets are avail­ 1770, has a number of parts to it. begun in 1881 and probably com­ able but nothing specifically There is the original landing site pleted bv 1885, but barracks were about the full range of plants and at Kurnell where Captain James added after 1889. From 1912 to animals. The Kurnell site of Cook and his party landed on 29 1963 the fort was used as a home course is a most popular picnic April 1770. Cook recorded in his for war veterans, although it was area with some good walks, diary that he saw a rabbit-like occupied by garrison forces during namely the Muru, Yena and Cape animal, which may have been a World War Two. Since 1967 Bare Baily tracks with numbered posts bandicoot, as well as signs of large Island has been under the care of showing points of interest in animals (kangaroo, wallaby, the NSW National Parks and some cases. wombat), and abundant birds. Wildlife Service. The Botany Bay Not yet included in the Nation­ Then there is the La Perouse National Park was officially de­ al Park but of great botanical im­ Historic Site where Captain clared on 23 November 1984, portance is an area of bushland Arthur Phillip and the first set­ added to on 14 November 1985, off Jennifer Street, Little Bay, tlers met Comte de La Perouse and expanded by the addition of quite near the national park. and the French contingent of two Bare Island, La Perouse Monu­ This bushland abuts St Michael's ships, L'Astrolabe and La Bosasole ments and Captain Cook's landing Golf Course and there has been on a world trip of discovery. There place historic sites on 18 January much dumping of rubbish in this is a memorial at La Perouse to 1988. The total area is 435 area, including car bodies, car­ Pere Receveur, a Franciscan monk hectares. pets, tins, bottles and garden acting as both chaplain and scien­ Walking tracks go from La refuse. This area was referred to tist, who died while the French Perouse near the bus terminal via by Malcolm Reed in the Decem­ were on land. The oldest building the small beach of Congwong Bay ber issue of the NSW National remaining on Botany Bay shores leading to Henry Head."The NSW Parks Journal, in which he stated is the Macquarie Watchtower, Soil Conservation Service has es­ that the area was the 'last re­ built 1820-22 to enable reporting tablished some reclamation areas maining five-hectare remnant of Banksia on ships entering or leaving in parts of this bushland with wire aemula shrubland in Botany Bay. fencing. Not many people seem to Sydney's eastern suburbs', and Of somewhat more recent histo­ visit this part of the national park, that this area is in danger of ry are the remains of some fortifi­ possibly because it is at the end of being used for housing. The area cations of the Army during World the line in its area, or possibly be­ is identified as being old leached War Two, at Henry Head near the cause it has not been as promi­ sand dunes, quite different from NSW Golf Club. Of course, too, nently known as a national park. the younger sand dunes in the there is the Bare Island Historic The Wildlife Service has not nearby national park. Malcolm Reed also mentioned that the sand dune vegetation once oc­ curred from Bondi Junction to Botany and from Surry Hills to La Perouse, and that only tiny fragments remain today. Walking in the Jennifer Street bushland in spring is a delight, despite the dumped litter. Surely it would be far more valuable to conserve this area and join it to the national park rather than use it for a very few houses in an already well- occupied suburb. There are actu­ ally three golf courses side by side in this area! In an article in the Proceedings of (he Ecological Society of Aus­ tralia, 'Sydney's Vegetation 1788-1988'"D.H! Benson and J. Howell show that the eastern suburbs banksia scrub covered 8,000 hectares in 1788, and that Actinotus helianthi, Flannel flower, Botany Bay National Park. only 3.5 per cent of this remained Photo: George Chippendale. in 1988 and of the 7,000 hectares A bushwalking hazard that existed between Bondi and On the way back to the cars on He then said that if healing of Botany Bay only 2 per cent re­ the Namadgi Peak pack walk in the eye is prolonged he prescribes mains, mostly on the Kurnell .Pe­ April we stopped at a small clear­ one or two drops of castor oil in ninsula, and that Banksia aemula ing for lunch and I took the water the injured eye every night for is not at Kurnell but is in the Jen­ bottles of the four of us back to one year, and in severe cases a nifer Street area. the creek we had just crossed for corneal graft is necessary. I I have been delighted with the filling. wasn't too happy at the thought sight of wildflowers in the La Per- At the edge of the clearing and of either treatment but he said to ouse area of the national park and straddling the animal track we see how the eye went for a few in the Jennifer Street area. One of had picked up, there was a small weeks and in the meantime if the my greatest delights is to see the cluster of regrowth wattles. With eye was particularly sore on any native fuchsia (Epacris longiflora) four water bottles clutched to my morning to come and see him with its pink or red and white stomach I had no free hand to without an appointment first flowers at many times through part the branches, so I put my thing in the morning, Any time the year but particularly in head down and pushed my way after that would be too late as it spring. Other epacrids include As- through. In so doing I must have was on this day. troloma piniforium, Brachyloma walked into a hard twig on a I 'saw' how the eye went for a daphnoides, Woollsia pungens, branch because I received a pain­ few weeks. If there was any im­ and Epacris microphylla. Flannel ful jab in my left eye. provement it was very slow and it flowers (Actinotus heliantki), wax I think most bush walkers have was still painful first thing in the flower (Crowea saligna), and suffered the occasional flick in morning, though I did not judge Christmas bells (Blandfordia nob- the eye from scrub flicking back this to be so bad as to warrant a ilis) are other delights with trees from the walker in front, or of visit to the specialist—a hopeful of lillypilly {Acema smithii), vari­ course, by just walking through sign. ous banksias, eucalypts, tea trees, scrub, but in my experience of Then one night four weeks after bottlebrushes, boronias, wax flow­ these any pain suffered has not the injury I felt something in the ers, trigger-plants and many lasted very long. But the pain corner of the eye. I probed with a more. There are also some intro­ from the jab I received that finger and there came away on duced plants, some of which seem Sunday was to last five to six th e fi n ger a y ell ow di sch arge to have started from garden weeks. some of it quite solid. From then cuttings disposed of in the area I kept the eye closed for most of on the eye healed rapidly and as and including canna, watsonia, the remaining three hours or so far as I can judge is normal now. lion's tail and other common back to cars, it being marginally I write all this as a warning. weeds, including the very intru­ less painful closed than open, and Look after your eyes. Heed the sive boneseed or bitou bush that night at home the television NPA subrule which says that the {Chrysanthemoides monilifera). I did watch was watched with one walker behind is responsible for The Botany Bay National Park eye only. I was half asleep so dodging or fending off any branch is within easy reach of the city things evened out. flicking back off the walker in area of Sydney and members of By the following Wednesday front. Don't walk too close to an­ the National Parks Association of and Thursday I had noticed that other walker so as to be out of the ACT should make a visit. It the eye was at its most painful in range of any flying branch. It will refresh you to be in this his­ the morning from when I opened pays to be careful in any scrub, toric spot and see wildflowers seen it until two or three hours after. alone or with other people by Joseph Banks in 1770. Fortuitously I had an appoint­ So to steal a line from Hill George Chippendale ment with my eye specialist on Street Blues, TDe careful out the Thursday and naturally I told there', and to add one of my him about the injury. He exam­ own—bushwalking can be ined the eye and yes, I had dam­ heyeghly hazardous! aged it. He asked if it was painful And if anyone asks me to fill up on opening the eye when I woke a water bottle for them... up and receiving an affirmative Frank Clements answer, he proceeded to tell me that during the night some heal­ ing would take place but for rea­ sons not understood, when the eye was opened in the morning the eyelid would take some of the healed tissue with it as it opened, this accounting for the soreness for a few hours. ARGUMENTS

Pines win levels series Confident after the massive 5000 this first day was by the Louden rain to pass but it did not and point win in their previous encoun­ family with juniors Michele and before noon the game was aban­ ter in May, the NPA Wanderers Katie making their first appear­ doned. In accordance with the left Canberra in bright sunshine ance in the senior league, being rules the match was awarded to and with high hopes for an away particularly impressive. Rain and the Pines, an outcome I believe the game against the Boboyan Pines. snow flurries threatened play Wanderers will appeal. The game was set down as a two during the morning but the Wan­ Disappointment could be read on day fixture over the weekend of derers applied themselves to the the rain drenched faces of the 20-21st October to be played on task and by lunch time appeared Wanderers as they left the field the Pines' home ground. to be cutting into the opposition. and plodded back to the dressing But the buoyant hopes of the However the Pines put up a stub­ room. The large attendance of Wanderers were not to be realised. born resistance and the Wander­ home team supporters jeered deri­ Trouble started as the visitors ap­ ers' strike rate was down sively at them in their despair proached the ground when the appreciably on previous with an appalling, mocking cry clear skies gave way to threaten­ performances. very like the sound of a strong ing cloud. One vehicle carrying Steady rain during the luncheon wind blowing through tall pine three players had a disagreement adjournment threatened to cause trees—a truly eerie and dispiriting with one of the fords over the abandonment of the day's play but note. Not sporting in victory are creek on the approaches to the the skies relented and the players the Boboyans! venue and some players who had resumed their steady if not spec­ As the Wanderers were enduring already arrived at the ground tacular chipping away at the their humiliation their team man­ went back to assist. Those strand­ opposition. ager, Les Pyke, arrived on the ed were displaying highly coloured But the heavy conditions and scene conveyed there by some feet and legs, a condition induced cold and wet weather together sixth sense of foreboding. But the by involuntary paddling in the with the earlier frustrations start­ day was already lost and despite frigid waters of the creek. Further ed to take their toll and some his application of rich, dark, iced time was lost as two of the team's players were forced to retire and fi­fruitcake therapy there was noth­ cars experienced some problems nally play was called off 30 min­ ing left but mutual commiseration with a muddy patch just outside utes early. and an even more mutual urgency the dressing room (known locally However the team was not dis­ to escape the rapidly softening as Frank's hut) and caused con­ pirited. With improving weather mud outside the dressing room. sternation when manoevres to re­ forecast, some fresh players and Well, with a break in the series lieve this situation resulted in substitutes known to be available for the summer recess the NPA some of the veteran players being for the crucial Sunday play and in­ team has time to think over tactics liberally doused with a glutinous, tensive relaxation therapy over a for the next match and to do some black mud even before they had a camp fire under a star-filled sky, team rebuilding. To be fair, the chance to change into their play­ the team faced Sunday with confi­ Wanderers were unlucky to lose ing gear. These minor frustrations dence. And the day started well this match: they were the better and the time lost gave the Pines a with seasoned players Neville team both on form and on the day psychological edge from the outset. Esau, Mike Smith, Sonia Lenz and but events conspired to defeat The field selected for the match Graham Guttridge arriving as them. I confidently predict a con­ was a short distance from the planned, Mike sporting not one but vincing win for the NPA Wander­ longer central pitch played on last two new clubs. Interstate player ers in their next encounter with time but had a very uneven sur­ Dennis Murray arrived a little the Boboyan Pines. face which had been poorly pre­ later and then there was Fiona For the sport historians amongst pared and clearly favoured the Brand fresh from a successful over­ you, on the same day as this home team. Nevertheless, when seas tour. Play commenced just match, 21st October, just 185 play opened the Wanderers after nine with the home team ra­ years ago England beat France in showed the form which had shiv­ diating a smug confidence. a big international. The captain of ered the timbers of the Pines earli­ The Wanderers pushed the score the winning English team was er in the season. Veteran opener along at a good pace and before that great all-rounder, Horatio Reg Alder took the game to the long had knocked out the last of Nelson, and the venue, Cape biggest of the opposition while Ken the opposition for a sound if not Trafalgar. Johnson and Doreen Wilson put dazzling firstinning s score. After Syd Comfort up a spirited partnership. drinks and into the second innings Adrienne Nicholson, breaking in a the Wanderers were in full cry, the new club was as steady as ever Pines falling before them thin and while Donna and Richard created fast. Then the Powers intervened, havoc in the outfield. Perhaps the the heavens opened and the most promising performance on players left the field to wait for the RESORTS

South Aust ralian test f or developmei nt in nation al parks

Wilpena Pound is a remarkable ge­ newsletter of the Nature begin by November. ological formation at the southern Conservation Society of South Aus­ Whatever the environmental end of Flinders Ranges National tralia, reported that the new resort merits of the proposed resort there Park in South Australia. Red cliffs would require the clearing of 300 is little doubt that the present guard all sides of the bowl-shaped river red gums and 5000 Callitris tourist arrangements are an envi­ crater. Within, trees are scattered trees (native pines). There is thick ronmental disaster. They straddle across the former grazing land. A native vegetation and owls and both sides of the main creek out of few ruined farm buildings stand at bats that will be affected. the pound and choke the approach the entrance to the narrow gorge Xanthopus says, 'Surely a national route. While none of the area is which links the pound's water­ park area of class A conservation wilderness, the wildlife would cer­ courses with the outside world. At status should be a safe refuge for tainly have a better chance of sur­ the exit from the gorge, on either these and other creatures and any vival amid the hordes of tourists if side of the creek, is a clutter of 200 to 300 year old Callitris trees.' accommodation was further re­ motel, tourist services and camp­ There are also doubts about the moved from the pound. Well ing areas amid the red gums. availability of water to a site that planned walking trails and inter­ In January 1989 the South Aus­ may have 55 000 visitors in the pretation sites could protect the tralian Government signed a lease first year. area closest to the pound. The with Ophix Investments to build a The conservationists suggest rough trails and shanties of the $50 million resort in Aroona Valley that accommodation should be park, which is understaffed and near the pound but a bit further built at Hawker. under-resourced, seems to come away than the present tourist Some people in favour of the de­ from the old era of laissez faire area. The government has recently velopment have apparently de­ park management. said it would help build an airport scribed the resort site as clapped Though the resort proposal may at nearby Hawker and a power out pastoral land. Certainly it was be inappropriate, the tourist ac­ line to the resort. grazed till quite recently. The commodation must be moved Conservationists in South Aus­ design would evoke rural Australia away from the pound if the pound tralia have been mobilising against with air-conditioned buildings is to be managed for conservation. the resort for some time. Not only made of stone, timber and Meanwhile, the Australian Con­ is the government setting a corrugated iron. There would be servation Foundation has taken precedent for development in na­ 400 campsites, 180 dormitory beds, up the issue. It has undertaken a tional parks, it is helping the de­ 60 cottages and over 150 hotel High Court action against the velopers do so. Xanthopits, the rooms. Construction was due to development. Roger Green Ml BOOKS

Kosciusko-—where the ice-trees bi In this very attractive book author The photography is remarkably about photography and cameras. Klaus Hueneke pays tribute to his varied and evocative and seems to Here the author generously prais­ favourite part of Australia—the encompass every mood of the es fellow photographers and ac­ high country. It is a more personal mountains from the vast expanse knowledges the impact they have statement than his two previous of the ranges to close detail, from had on this work, as well as shar­ books on this region, Huts of the winter into summer and from in­ ing his knowledge and experience high country and Kiandra to Kos­ animate objects to intimate obser­ with the reader. ciusko. This latest book is almost vations of companions, it is all I recommend the book to all who autobiographical. there. In this his only book of are interested in Kosciusko Na­ Only 80 pages long, with 11 colour, Klaus shows that he has an tional Park. It would make an pages of text and 61 of photo­ excellent eye for colour as well as ideal gift for anyone who has been graphs it will be appreciated by black and white prints, it is sur­ touched by the Snowy Mountain's lovers of both fine photographs prising we have not seen more of magic. and the Snowy Mountains alike. his colour work before. The book costs $32.95 at all tra­ The book is a comfortable-to-hold Just as the photographs portray ditional book outlets. It is availa­ almost A4 size and features 86 ob­ visual impressions, the text also ble for NPA members who attend viously very carefully selected col­ conveys personal impressions of monthly meetings at the reduced oured photographs, plus another his visits to the mountains, first price of $25. A copy is available in on the dust jacket, printed on with his parents and brother and the NPA library in the office. quality glossy paper. The design is sister and later with friends and Babette Scougall excellent, using a variety of shape, children. To read the book is to size and placement of photos to listen to Klaus talking in his own Kosciusko—where the ice-trees good effect. The interesting mix- natural style. burn, by Klaus Hueneke, 1990; and-match groupings by theme Essentially a book of photo­ published by Tabletop Press, 40 and colour is especially pleasing. graphs, the final chapter is mainly Miller St, O'Connor, ACT 2601.

Books at beirgain price S Do you know that you can buy Parks Association's publication Two quality guides to flora books at our General Meetings at Bushwalks in the Sydney Region which will fit into the pocket of considerable savings on normal at $11, Bushwalking in the Bu­ your pack are The Alps in Flower retail prices? These books range dawangs by Ron Doughton at $10 at $7.50 and The Mallee in Flower from small walking guides to as well as The Total Environment at $12. Both these books are print­ glossy, high quality productions. Centre's Discovering NSW Rainfo­ ed on glossy paper and contain a So come along to a General Meet­ rests at $10. wealth of clear, colour ing to see our extensive range photographs. including: If you like background informa­ tion about where you are walking/ Two high quality bargains are The 1990 Revision of our own touring we have Pigeon House and Kiandra to Kosciusko by Klaus Field Guide to Native Trees in the Beyond at $20 and its sister publi­ Huenke at $25 and Range Upon ACT at a low price of $5. cation Fitzroy Falls and Beyond at Range, a book of superb photo­ ~*~ $23. graphs by Harry Nankin at $33. Walking guides such as two pub­ ~#~ lications by one of our own mem­ If reports are your thing you will bers, Graeme Barrow, Walking find Eden Woodch ipping • A Canberra's Hills & Rivers at $5, Review at $1, The Northern Cotter and Exploring Namadgi & Tidbin­ Catchment, ACT at $5, Jervis Bay billa at $7. Marine Park at $2, Australia's ~*~ Alpine Areas at 50c and Fighting If you would like to explore fur­ for the Wilderness at $7. ther afield we have the latest edi­ tion of Charles Warner's Bushwalking in Kosciusko Nation­ al Park at $9, the NSW National BEASTS

Jervis Bay photo competition

The Jervis Bay Protection Com­ mittee is organising a photograph­ ic competition which will be run over the Christmas holidays. Aimed at promoting the Bay, espe­ cially in the long term campaign by the Committee to have the Bay declared a marine park, posters and flyers will be distributed to businesses, schools, tourist facili­ ties and camera and dive shops on the south coast, in Sydney and Canberra. An unusual feature of the compe­ tition is that entries will be in the form of unprocessed film which will be developed locally and judges will select the best prints and slides available. Two of the judges will be NPA member and wildlife photographer, Ed Slater, and manager of the Jervis Bay Nature Reserve, Graham Beech. There are seven locations where entry forms and film must be ob­ tained and the used film returned: Mining threat to Feral animal • Lance Sewell's Pharmacy, Nowra WA parks survey On 13 November the Western Aus­ National Parks and Wildlife • B&K Camera House, Nowra tralian Government announced Parks rangers have called for • Jack Soters, 20 Albatross Rd, that it may allow mining in some public help to conduct a survey of Nowra of the state's national parks. The sightings of pest or feral animals • Pro Diving Services, Huskisson government had earlier tried to near or in national parks and re­ • Sea Sports, Huskisson ban mining but been blocked by serves in the Nowra district. Dis­ • Vincentia Auto Marine Centre, conservatives in the state parlia­ trict superintendent Mr Geoff Vincentia ment's upper house. Spencer has written to the Can­ • Jervis Bay Store, Jervis Bay The new policy will allow miner­ berra NPA as part of the request Village. al exploration in three important for public help. The final date for entries is national parks—Rudall River, Ha- The survey asks people to 19 January 1991. mersley Range and record any sightings during 1991 A presentation night will be held D'Entrecasteaux. These parks of feral and pest animals such as on 25 January 1991 where the se­ make up about half the area in­ cats, cattle, dogs, deer, foxes, lected slides and prints will be dis­ cluded in the state's 60 national goats, hares, horses, pigs and played. This will be accompanied by professionally taken photos of parks. Exploration will be banned rabbits. the Bay and an area set aside for in the other 57 parks. Information required by the trade displays as well as entertain­ Both houses of parliament will survey is in which park the sight­ ment and dancing. have to give permission to any ing was made, location by a six mining. point grid reference, estimated The mining industry has for numbers of the animal, reliability some years been campaigning for of the report, and the impacts of access to national parks around the animal in the park. Australia. Conservationists see Further information and survey the WA decision as the first chink forms are available from Geoff in the protection offered by nation­ Spencer at the Nowra National al park status. Parks and Wildlife office, PO Box The Australian, 707, Nowra NSW 2541, Phone 14 November 1990 (044)219969. BRIEFS

Moss covered granite in the Bimberi wilderness Photo: Roger Green.

Environmental assets for sale Conference on water in Victoria's financial troubles are already having an effect on envi­ ronment policy in the state. The the arid zone government has announced plans The latest in a series of industry will be discussed at the to sell off the Mount Buffalo conferences on issues in water conference. Chalet which would result in a management will be held in Alice The Centre for Continuing private enclave in the centre of a Springs during April next year. Education at the ANU and the national park. This reverses the The conference, titled Arid zone Nothern Territory Power and usual recent trend where the De­ water: a finite resource, will Water Authority is sponsoring partment of Conservation and address several aspects of what is the conference. For further infor­ Environment has bought up such becoming a more urgent issue as mation contact Shirley Krai at enclaves. demands on outback water the Centre for Continuing The proposed sale of the pine supplies increase. Education. ANU, GPO Box 4, plantation is a huge loss of public Two-thirds of Australia is arid Canberra. or telephone property with possibility of a com­ and the lack of or poor quality of (.06)249 4580 or 249 2892. plete change in use of the land water is a serious constraint to after the pines have been har­ development. Towns such as Alice vested, thereby potentially plac­ Springs draw on fossil ing greater pressure on native groundwater at a considera­ forests. ble.rate. The prospects for the Victorian NPA newsletter, sustainable development of these November 1990 resouces by agriculture and 17 February-Sunday Walk (2/B/C) 10 March-Sunday Walk (2/A/B) 23 March-Saturday Walk (2A/C) Honeysuckle Creek to Corin Dam Road Blue Gum Creek Mt. Gingera/Snowy Flats Ren Corin Dam 1:25 000 Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Leaden Lyle Mark Ph286 2801 Leaden Phil Bubb Ph 248 6769h Leader: Les Pyke Ph 281 2982 Meet at Eucumbene Dr and Cotter Rd at 8am. 14km walk Meet at 8 am at Kambah Shops. A walk along the ridgeline Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 8.30am. A 10km walk of from Ginini to Gingera visiting Snowy Flats. Return on fire from Honeysuckle Creek to the Corin Dam Road. Car shut­ which 3km is uphill. Excellent scenery from rocky outcrops, trail. Good walk for beginners. 120km drive ($24 per car). tle or car swap. 150km drive ($30 per car). creeks, light scrub or open. 60km drive ($12 per car). 23/24 March-Weekend Pack Walk (1/A/B) 16/17 February-Pack Walk (1E/F) 9/10 March-Weekend Pack Walk (2/A/B/D) Mt Talaterang Ref: CMW Budawangs Belowra Creek/Yadboro River Shanahan's Mountain, Naas River and Reedy Creek Leaden Steve Forst Ph 251 6817h 274 8426w Ren Corang 1:25 000 Ref: Colinton 1:25 000 Contact leader for details of this walk to a less visited high Leader: Di Thompson Ph 268 6084b. 284 5043w Leader: Jack Smart Ph 248 8171 point in the Budawangs. An easy short walk with packs to Contact leader by Wednesday. Short scramble to Belowra Contact leader early for details. Over Shanahan's Moun­ campsite on top of a waterfall, then a harder walk to the Creek, and further walking/scrambling to junction of Yadbo- tain, down Shanahan's Falls Creek to gorges and junction summit and back, without packs. 600km drive ($120 per ro River and downstream. 12 kms walking and 360 metres with Naas Creek. Camp site near Horse Gully Hut or per­ car). ascent or descent. Sandy beaches, swimming holes, rock haps further north. Return up Reedy Creek and over Shan­ formations. Car swap required. 350km drive ($70 per car). ahan's Mt. 160km drive ($32). 29/30/31 March,l April Easter Pack Walk (2/A/B/E) 24 February-Sunday Walk (1D/E) 9/10 March-Weekend Pack WaUc (3/E/F) Namadgi National Park Cur rowan Creek Wadbilliga Ref: Yowrie 1:25 000 Leader: Phil Bubb Ph 248 6769 Ref: Braidwood 1:25 000 Leader: Phil Gatenby Ph 254 3094h Numbers limited: contact leader early. Walk to separated Leaden Len Haskew Ph 281 4268h Contact leader by Wednesday. A partly exploratory walk in base camps on upper Cotter. Day walks to Bimberi, Scab­ Meet at Canberra Railway Station at 8am. An easy scram­ the Wadbilliga National Park visiting Wadbilliga and the by, or explore closer to camp. 100km drive ($20 per car). ble/rock hop/wade along the creek, through fern glades and upper reaches of the Wadbilliga River. Spectacular views. rainforest vegetation. Plenty of opportunities for swim­ A climb of 300m on the first day and 700 on the second. 7 April-Sunday Walk (2/A) ming. Bring your camera. 240km drive ($48 per car). 350km drive ($70 per car). Brindabella Range Ramble Ref: Cotter 1:25 000 Steve Forst Ph 2516817h 2748426w 23/24 February-Pack Walk (1/A) 13 March-Wednesday Walk (2/A) Meet at the corner of Eucumbene Drive and the Cotter Goodradigbee River Lyneham to Lyons off road Ref: Canberra UBD Road at 8.30am. A walk of about 14km in the Brindabella Leaden Fiona Brand Ph 247 9538 Leader: Les Pyke Ph 281 2982h Range mainly on fire trails, exploring less visited areas. Meet at 10am in front of shop at Wee Jasper. An easy walk Meet at Power Sub-Station cnr. Heysen and Devonport 100km drive ($20 per car). of 40 minutes to campsite. Swimming, gathering blackber­ Streets Lyons at 9am. After a car shuffle, walk from Lyne­ ries and nature watching. 160km drive ($32 per car). ham via Bruce Ridge, Black Mountain, Cork Plantation, Green Hills Pines, Scrivener Dam, and other open spaces to 2 March-Saturday Walk (2A/D/E) Lyons. 13km drive ($2.60 per car). Tidbinbilla Mountain Points to note Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 16/17/18 March-Car Camp New faces to lead, new places to go. Please help keep our Leaden Frank Clements Ph 231 7005h Beauty Point, Wallaga Lake outings program alive by volunteering to lead a walk Meet at the corner of Eucembene Drive and the Cotter Road Leader: Beverley Hammond Ph 288 6577h occasionally. at 8.30am. A walk of 13 km to Tidbinbilla Peak and Tidbin­ Phone the leader by Wednesday 6 March, earlier if van or All persons joining an outing of the National Parks billa Mountain, with a climb of 600m, mostly through bush unit sought. Commercial campsite by the lake with some Association of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and steep in parts. 80km drive ($16 per car). on-site vans and units. Walk the beach, climb Mt Drome­ and as such accept sole responsibility for any injury dary, explore Tilba and Bermagui, fish, watch birds... re­ howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of 2/3 March-Weekend Pack Walk (2A/E) lax... 500km drive ($100 per car). the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders are Diamond Creek absolved from any liability in respect of any injury or Ref: Bendethera 1:25 000 16/17/18 March-Pack Walk (3/A/D/E) damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing. Leaden Mike Smith Ph 286 2984h Wog Wog to Monolith Valley Ref: Corang 1:25 000 The committee suggests a donation of TWENTY cents Contact the leader by Wednesday for a walk in the Deua Leader: Phil Bubb Ph 248 6769 per kilometre DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF National Park inland from Moruya along Diamond Creek to Contact leader early. A walk on tracks from Wog Wog to OCCUPANTS in the car, including the driver, (to the Coondella Creek and return via Bendethera Mountain. Bibbenluke campsite, a day without packs exploring Mono­ nearest dollar) be offered to the driver by each passenger Spectacular creeks with many 5-10 metre waterfalls in an lith Valley and peaks, and return to Wog Wog. 260km accepting transport. Drive and walk distances quoted in area threatened by future upstream logging activities. drive ($52 per car). the program are approximate distances for return 500km drive ($100 per car). journeys. 6 January-Sunday Walk (1-2 C/D) 27 January-Sunday Walk (1/A/C) Tuross Falls and Cascades Murrumbidgee Corridor/Molongolo Outings program Ref: Belowra 1:25 000 Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Leader: Phil Bubb Ph248 6769h 246 6128w Leader: Olive Buckman Ph 248 8774 January to April 1991 Meet at Canberra Railway Station at 8am, to provide for a Meet at the Murrumbidgee Lookoutfsign) off Stockdill long drive to Tuross Falls. Swimming is a possibility. Drive, Holt at 9am. A pleasant riverside walk of about 4- 360km drive ($72 per car). 5km. Suitable for beginners. Swimming opportunities.

9 January-Wednesday meeting 26/27/28 January-Car-based Canoe Trip Outings subcommittee Murrumbidgee River Leader: Phil Bubb Ph248 6769h 246 6128w Ref: Tarcutta 1:100 000 Meet at 27 Geerilong Gardens, Reid, at 7.30pm. Leader: Chris Bellamy Ph 249 7167h Contact leader by Wednesday. Paddle the Murrumbidgee 13 January-Sunday Walk (2A) River from Gundagai to Wagga, over 3 days, subject to wa­ Corn Trail-Clyde Mountain ter levels. Car-based camping. Pleasant paddling, suit be­ Ref: Araluen/Monga 1:25 000 ginners. Byo canoe or hire. 600km drive ($120 per car). Leader: Phil Bubb Ph 248 6769h 246 6128w Contact leader by Wednesday so that a bus can be organ­ 2 February-Saturday Walk (4A/D) ised for transport, if possible, to save a car shuttle. Meet at Ginini-Gingera area Canberra Railway station at 8.30am for a walk down the Ref: Corin Dam 1:25000 historic Corn Trail, with a 650m drop from Clyde Mt to Leader: Phil Gatenby Ph 254 3094 Buckenbowra. The cost of bus travel would be $l0-$20, or a Contact leader by Thursday for details of this long walk in drive of 240km ($48 per car). ! the vicinity of Mt Ginini and Mt Gingera. Visit Stockyard Arboretum, Snowy Flats and Hanging Flat. Climb Gingera. 20 January-Sunday Walk (3/A/C/D) ! Partly on tracks and partly rough bush. 120km drive ($24 Outings guide Nursery Hill per car). Day walks carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. Ref: Rendezvouz Creek 1:25 000 Leader: Jack Smart Ph 248 8171 Pack walks two or more days, carry all food and camping 3 Feb-Sunday Walk (1/C/E) requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8am. Walk from Orroral Shoalhaven Li-lo Trip Valley past Nursery Swamp, up Nursery Hill and on to WEDNESDAY. Ref: Braidwood 1:100 000 point 1403 for a better view. 100km drive ($20 per car). Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent. Leader: Neville Esau Ph 286 4176h 249 9500w Vehicles taken to site can be used for Meet at Canberra Railway Station at 8.30am. A walk camping. BOOK EARLY WITH LEADER. 19/20 JanuaryJ^ack Walk (1/B/C) downstream from the Warri Bridge with swimming and li- Other activities include nature rambles, environmental and Corang River Ref: CMW Budawangs loing. Distance depends on river and party. 140km drive field guide studies and ski tours. Leader: Babette Scougall Ph 248 7008 , ($28 per car). Contact leader by Wednesday. Short walk to base camp. , Swim or 1 i-lo in Corang River or wander along old water 8/9/10 Feb-Car camp canoe trip Walks gradings race. A relaxing weekend. 240km drive ($48 per car). j Mallacoota Inlet Distance grading (per day) Ref: Eden, Mallacoota 1:100 000 1 - up to 10 km 18-21 January-Pack Walk (2D/E/F) Leader: Chris Bellamy Ph 249 7167h 2 - 10 km to 15 km Ettrema/Yalwal Area Contact leader early. Paddle Wallagraugh and Genoa Riv­ 3 - 15 km to 20 km Ref: Yalwal/Sassafras 1:25 000 ers, which flow into the estuary at Mallacoota, part of Croa- 4 - above 20 km. Leaders: Eric and Pat Pickering Ph 286 2128h jingolong National Park. Scenery, wildlife and islands. Terrain grading Please contact the leaders by Friday of the previous week. Car-based camping. Easy paddling, suit beginners. Byo ca­ A - Road, firetrail, track A four day trip to Bundunah Creek near Ettrema in Morton • noe or hire. 520km drive ($104 per car). B - Open forest National Park. Two reasonably strenuous days walking in C - Light scrub and out, and two nights at the one campsite, with day trips 10 Feb-Sunday Walk (2A/C) D - Patches of thick scrub, regrowth to explore nearby creeks and waterfalls, or swim and relax Cotter River via Fishing Gap, Tidbinbilla E - Rock scrambling at camp. 400km drive ($80 per car). Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 F - Exploratory. Leader: Mike Smith Ph 286 2984 The walks program contains additional information. If Meet at corner of Eucumbene Dr and Cotter Rd at 8.30am. necessary, contact the lender. A long, gradual climb to Fishing Gap by fire trail, and de­ scent to the (\itur hv t rack. Tuk m drive i ^ 14 pel" can. New members Churchill Bob Allanson, Woden; Nell Ander­ Bequests Fellowships son, Macgregor; Kay Bailey, Jabiru The Churchill Trust is inviting ap­ The National Parks Association (NT); Justine Brennan, Narrabun­ plications for its 1992 fellowships. ACT Incorporated is an organi­ dah; Lorraine & Barry Browning, These can be to further study over­ sation which cares for our natu­ Weetangera; Helen Caese, seas in any topic, though not for ral heritage for future Downer; David Frost, Yass; Colin higher or formal academic qualifi­ generations. The Association Hurlstone, Bega; Ms V. Knight & cations. Fellowships usually pro­ Mr R. Vasey, Evatt; Helen & Lewis expends funds on special stud­ vide living allowance, fares and Loudon, Weston; David & Patricia ies and materials of an infor­ fees for about three months. For Morton, Pearce; Robert Ogden, mative and educational kind 1992 there are also four additional Wanniassa; Richard Sinclair, Dick­ and makes representations to­ Churchill fellowships: son; John van Beurden, Narrabun­ wards the establishment and The Amcor fellowship to study dah; Pauline West, Kaleen; David protection of national parks. paper recycling in Europe or North Whitfield, Curtm; L. Wishart- Bequests of funds OT property America. Lindsay & R. Lindsay, Hughes; would help achieve these The Lamington Park fellowship Wendy Zarb, Kambah. objectives. to study national parks, nature Stephen Carter, Spence; Chris­ Please consider making your conservation and the environment. tine Clark, Duffy; Kelly & Brian contribution towards the The Royal Australian Institute Garrett, Campbell; Bruce and future. The Association would of Parks and Recreation fellowship Julia Graham, Hackett; Susan and gladly discuss the matter of a for study related to parks and rec­ Greg Gurr, Giralang; David Henry, bequest with you. You may con­ reation in Australia. Holt; Mary and David Hicks, Holt; tact the Association on GPO The Swire group fellowship to Val Hill, Cook; James Horniblow, Box 457, Canberra ACT 2601. study woody weed management, Downer; Kerry Jackson, Aranda; Telephone (06) 257 1063. Muller family, Hawker; Dennis applicable to rangelands of and Beth Murray, Queanbeyan; Australia. Gail Newmann, Civic; Iris Philp, Waramanga; Peter and Ann Tedder, Curtin; Angela Wydeveld, Field Guide to the . Belconnen. Native Trees of the ACT The 1990 Revision of this easily pocketable book is now available. The Field Guide concisely de­ Interested in inland Mudbrick Cottage scribes the 60 tree species which A fully self-contained mudbrick cot­ occur naturally in the Territory and rivers? tage (sleeps 4-6) available from No­ is divided into 3 sections: Acacias, I am looking for persons to join a vember at beautiful Mallacoota. Eucalypts and the 21 species which party paddling canoes or kayaks, This cottage backs onto bushland do not belong to either of these byo or hired, over 2 or 3 weeks and is a few minutes walk from categories. through red gum forested sections of lown and the beach. Superb spot to A page is devoted 1o each spe­ either the Murrumbidgee or Murray enjoy nature, photography, painting, cies and in addition to the non- Rivers during either February, March bird watching or just plain relaxing. speciaiised description there are or April 1991. Contact Chris Bellamy Reasonable rates. Contact Barbara sketches detailing the main features 2497167(h) or Chris de Bruine (06) 258 3531 for recognition and a map showing (ah) or (06) 2592642 where authenticated specimens have been recorded. In addition, a key to all species (together with notes on its use for Advertising rates the uninitiated), a glossary, descrip­ Black-and-white camera-ready artwork: tions of commonly planted euca­ $140 full page lypts not native to the ACT, suggestions for further reading and $75 half page a comprehensive index increase $50 one-third page the functional value of the Guide. $2 per column centimetre The Field Guide is useful also in Add 50 per cent for typesetting and design. neighbouring areas such as Goul­ Subtract 10 per cent for annual bookings. burn, Cooma and Kosciusko Inserts supplied: $120 for 10 grams or less. National Park. For further information telephone Laraine Frawley on (06) 2571063 Price $6.50 or $5 if purchased at before 2pm on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday, or Roger Green on 247 0059. an NPA General Meeting. Calendar DECEMBER Thursday 13 Namadgi subcommittee meeting 7.30pm, 87 Shackleton Cct, Mawson; Syd Comfort 286 2578(h) Sunday 16 NPA Christmas party, 3pm, Orroral picnic ground JANUARY 1991 Wednesday 9 Outings subcommittee meeting 7.30pm, 27 Geerilong Gdns, Reid; Phil Bubb 248 6769(h) Thursday 24 Environment subcommittee meeting 7.45pm, 43 Fitchett St, Garran; Tim Walsh 285 1112(h) 274 1465(w)

FEBRUARY Friday 1 Deadline for March NPA Bulletin, NPA office; Roger Green 247 0059(w) Monday 4 Marketing, Education and Publicity (MEP) subcommittee meeting 8pm, 24 McCormack St, Curtin; Len Haskew 281 4268(h) Thurday 7 Committee meeting 7.30pm, 35 Millen St, Hughes; Les Pyke 281 2982(h) Thursday 14 Namadgi subcommittee 7.30pm, 87 Shackleton Cct, Mawson; Syd Comfort 286 2578(h) Thursday 28 Environment subcommittee meeting 7.45pm, see January 24 meeting

MARCH Monday 3 Marketing, Education and Publicity (MEP) subcommittee meeting 8pm, 24 McCormack St, Curtin; Len Haskew 281 4268(h) Thursday 7 Committee meeting 7.30pm, 35 Millen St, Hughes; Les Pyke 281 2982(h)

NPA Bulletin National Parks Association of the ACT POSTAGE GPO Box 457 Canberra 2601 SURFACE PAID Registered Publication No. NBH0857 MAIL AUSTRALIA!

General meetings

Held at 8pm, room 1, Griffin Centre, Bunda Street, Civic.

21 February Rob Jenkins of the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service will speak on snakes of the Canberra region. 21 March Dr Peter Bridgewater, director of the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, will speak on 'National Parks or national Parks'.