Fire Management Strategy Macleay Gorges Reserves

FIRE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

MACLEAY GORGES RESERVES

includes

OXLEY WILD RIVERS, CARRAI and CUNNAWARRA (west) NATIONAL PARKS, GEORGES CREEK NATURE RESERVE and OXLEY WILD RIVERS & CARRAI STATE CONSERVATION AREAS.

Department of Environment and Climate Change Parks and Wildlife Division Northern Tablelands Region June 2007

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This Fire Management Strategy was developed by the Northern Tablelands Region of the Parks and Wildlife Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change. The fire management strategy was written by Rangers Patrick Lupica, Don Hardman and Piers Thomas, and project managed by Fire Management Officer Glenn Cranfield with the GIS and mapping undertaken by Senior Technical Officer Robyn Bryant. Input and supervision was provided by Area Managers Roger Mills, Mark Ingram and Trevor Dess.

The development of the fire management strategy involved consultation and planning meetings with the staff of Forests NSW, the New England Team of the Rural Fire Service and park neighbours through the local Bush Fire Brigades whose areas adjoin the parks and reserves covered by this strategy.

Special acknowledgment is given to those neighbours who manage lands within the Macleay Gorges and who have assisted in the development of the Strategy. By agreeing to the inclusion of parts of their lands in Strategic Fire Advantage Zones, these landholders have made possible a cooperative community based landscape approach to fire management.

Acknowledgment also to Greg Roberts and Peter Metcalfe for assistance with vegetation classification.

This strategy utilises text and other information contained in a document prepared under contract to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service by consultants, Bushfire and Environmental Services Pty Ltd.

This document is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Inquiries should be addressed to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Published by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Northern Tablelands Region, April 2006. Contact: PO Box 402 Armidale, NSW, 2350.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.1 Scope and Purpose ...... 1 1.2 Fire Management Objectives ...... 2 1.3 Description of the Reserves...... 3 1.3.1 Location and Terrain...... 3 1.3.2 Fire Weather and History ...... 5 1.3.3 Natural and Cultural Heritage ...... 5 1.3.4 Capital Assets...... 6 1.3.5 Recreational Use and Facilities...... 7 1.3.6 Summary of Key Fire Issues ...... 7

2. BUSHFIRE RISKS ...... 9 2.1 Introduction...... 9 2.2 Life and Property...... 11 2.3 Cultural Heritage...... 11 2.4 Natural Heritage ...... 12

3. BUSHFIRE RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES...... 16 3.1 Introduction...... 16 3.2 Prevention (Reduction) Strategies...... 16 3.3 Preparedness Strategies...... 16 3.4 Response Strategies...... 16 3.5 Recovery Strategies...... 16

4. BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT ZONES ...... 18 4.1 Asset Protection Zones...... 18 4.2 Strategic Fire Advantage Zones ...... 25 4.3 Land Management Zones...... 41 4.4 Fire Management Assets and Utilities...... 49 4.4.1 Fire Management Trails and Roads...... 49 4.4.2 Other Fire Control Advantages...... 54

5. REFERENCES ...... 56

Introduction

1. INTRODUCTION

The Parks and Wildlife Division (PWD, the former National Parks and Wildlife Service) of the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) is responsible for the management of national parks, nature reserves and state conservation areas throughout New South Wales. As such the DECC is required to manage these lands so as to minimise the impacts of bush fires on the community at the same time as providing appropriate fire regimes that will maintain the natural and cultural values of the reserves.

1.1 Scope and Purpose

This strategy describes the approach the DECC will implement in Oxley Wild Rivers, Carrai and Cunnawarra (west) National Parks, Georges Creek Nature Reserve and Oxley Wild Rivers and Carrai State Conservation Areas between 2005 and 2010. The strategy aims to meet the fire management obligations of the DECC under the Rural Fires Act 1997, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

Due to the rugged terrain and the fragmented nature of the parks and reserves within the planning area, it is impossible to effectively plan for fire management within these reserves in isolation to the surrounding privately owned lands and State Forests. For this reason the strategy for these reserves has been prepared in conjunction with the NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Forests and private landholders to effectively form the basis of a Macleay Gorges Local Area Fire Management Strategy.

This strategy has been prepared in accordance with: · NPWS Fire Management Manual (NPWS 2005). · NPWS Strategy for Fire Management (NPWS 2003). · Bush Fire Environmental Code for Asset Protection and Strategic Fire Advantage Zones (2003). · Oxley Wild Rivers and Cunnawarra National Parks and Georges Creek Nature Reserve Plan of Management (NPWS 2005). · Carrai National Park and State Conservation Area Plan of Management (NPWS 2004). · The Bush Fire Risk Management Plans for Armidale Dumaresq, Walcha and Uralla Shires.

This strategy is supported by:

· Fire Management Works Programs that are prepared annually and list the fire management strategies to be implemented each year. · Bushfire Suppression Guidelines that are prepared annually and identify natural, cultural and capital assets to be protected from bushfire each year and fire control advantages. · Northern Tablelands Region Incident Response Procedures which are prepared biannually and detail general bushfire preparedness and response procedures.

This strategy comprises this document and a number of hardcopy maps and a Geographic Information System (GIS) database maintained at the PWD Northern Tablelands Regional Office, Armidale.

1 Fire Management Strategy for the Macleay Gorges Reserves

Introduction

2 Fire Management Strategy for the Macleay Gorges Reserves

Introduction

1.2 Fire Management Objectives

Consistent with the statutory obligations and policies of DECC, as defined in the NPWS Fire Management Manual (NPWS 2005), the fire management objectives defined for the planning area include:

· Protect life, property and community assets from the adverse impacts of fire;

· Develop and implement cooperative and coordinated fire management arrangements with other fire authorities, reserve neighbours and the community, to minimise the potential for the spread of bushfires within, from or into the reserves;

· Manage fire regimes within reserves to maintain and enhance biodiversity;

· Protect Aboriginal sites and places, historic places and culturally significant features known to exist within NSW from damage by fire; and

· Assist other fire agencies, land management authorities and landholders in developing fire management practices to conserve biodiversity and cultural heritage across the landscape.

· Allow wild fires to burn within defined perimeters and under specified prescribed conditions, as well as conducting prescribed burns to maintain fire regimes within the bio- diversity thresholds specified in Table 6.

1.3 Description of the Reserves

1.3.1 Location and Terrain This Strategy applies to Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Carrai National Park, the western section of Cunnawarra National Park, Georges Creek Nature Reserve, Oxley Wild Rivers State Conservation Area and Carrai State Conservation Area. The planning area covers approximately 165,000 ha. This strategy also considers fuels, assets and fire control advantages that are outside but continuous with, or adjacent to, those in the park.

The reserves are located approximately 490 km north of Sydney in the south-eastern extremity of the Northern Tablelands. The reserves are predominantly located within the local government areas of Armidale -Dumaresq and Walc ha Shires. An area of approximately 650 ha in the Dangars Falls/ Mihi Falls area is located in Uralla Shire.

The parks and reserves lie within the middle catchment area of the Macleay River and largely consist of gorges and deeply incised river valleys. Relatively small areas of tableland are located on the escarpment edge of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Spectacular gorges and waterfalls are prominent features of these reserves. Large sections of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park have been declared wilderness with the majority of this reserve being inscribed on the World Heritage list as part of the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia (CERRA).

Adjacent lands on the tablelands have largely been cleared for grazing. There are large areas of native vegetation to the east, in both State Forest areas and private leasehold.

3 Fire Management Strategy for the Macleay Gorges Reserves

Introduction

Map 1: Location of Oxley Wild Rivers, Cunnawarra and Carrai National Parks, Georges Creek Nature Reserve and Oxley Wild Rivers and Carrai State Conse rvation Areas.

4 Fire Management Strategy for the Macleay Gorges Reserves

Introduction

1.3.2 Fire Weather and History

The elevation of the land covered by this strategy varies greatly, ranging from 200 m above sea level along the Macleay River to 1,294 m at Baynes Mountain. This gradient exerts a major influence on climate and weather patterns.

The reserves are located within a zone of transition between cool-temperate winters associated with the higher elevated tablelands on the western side, to sub-tropical climates in the bottom of the gorge systems.

Historically, the combination of moderate temperatures, strong winds, and comparatively low relative humidity during late winter and spring is reflected in the fire history of the reserves, with many bushfires occurring in spring. This has also traditionally coincided with the preferred time for graziers burning the gorge country in association with grazing operations. In most years, subtropical summer rainfall in January brings the fire season to an end. However, in some years the subtropical rains do not occur and the fire season lasts from September to March.

Fire history records for the reserves dates back to the 1950s but only the last 20 years of records are considered reliable. Bushfires have occurred in the reserves almost every fire season since 1983 and collectively have burnt at least 55% of the area, or around 90,000 ha.

High frequency burning practices (associated with cattle grazing) occurred in the majority of the Macleay Gorges prior to the larger core areas being acquired by NPWS in 1986. This is a practice that continues on some leasehold areas of the gorges today however the practice is much less wide spread than it was previously.

Most fires in the last 20 years have been a result of lightning strikes or fires lit by graziers for grazing operations that have escaped from leasehold land. Arson attacks are uncommon as visitation is low and much of the area is inaccessible. Very few bushfires have been recorded as having escaped from camp sites or visitor facilities. The largest bushfire throughout the Macleay Gorges including both reserved lands and leasehold land since 1983 occurred in the 2000-01 fire season when approximately 78,000 ha was burnt.

1.3.3 Natural and Cultural Heritage The reserves contain a large number of vegetation communities ranging from dry rainforest to tablelands woodlands. Map sheet 2 and section 4.3 contain the NPWS standard vegetation communities and their associated biodiversity thresholds (NPWS, 2002a), however, the vegetation within the reserves can be broadly classified into the following groupings;

Dry exposed slopes (roughly corresponding to Community F in the NPWS (2002a) groupings) communities make up over 50% of the area. This land system is dominated by one community, forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), - silvertop stringybark (E. laevopinea), - yellow box (E. melliodora), - rough-barked apple (Angophora floribunda) association. These sites are often characterised by having low to moderate fuel loads.

Dry rainforest (Community A in the NPWS groupings) is the main form of rainforest found in the reserve. It occurs on concave slopes and gullies ranging from extensive areas to small stands of vine thicket on steep slopes and rocky scree slopes. Except for drought years and in severe fire weather, fire will not generally burn through dry rainforest communities, therefore these are sometimes used as a

5 Fire Management Strategy for the Macleay Gorges Reserves

Introduction fire advantage. Wherever possible dry rainforest areas should be avoided when determining the boundaries of hazard reduction burns.

Plateau remnant vegetation (Communities B, C and F) , a mosaic of both moist sclerophyll and dry sclerophyll communities, occurs on the plateau areas. A large proportion of these communities has been cleared away from the escarpment edge. Ground and elevated fuel loadings are usually higher than the forests of the dry exposed slopes.

Gorge rim (Community H) plant communities occur along sheer cliff edges in the upper catchments at places such as Apsley Falls, Steep Drop Falls and Dangars Falls. They have a large number of plants that are rare, threatened or have unusual distributions.

Valley floors (Community B) support a woodland community dominated by rough-barked apple and forest red gum, with river oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana subsp. cunninghamiana) and black paperbark (Melalueca bracteata) along the riverbanks. These communities are spread along the major watercourses.

Other Floristic Communities that occupy relatively small sections of the reserves include; tall moist eucalypt forests, sedgelands, cool-temperate rainforest, warm-temperate rainforest and sub-tropical rainforest. These areas are located predominantly in the upper Kunderang Brook catchment of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Carrai National Park, Cunnawarra National Park and Georges Creek Nature Reserve.

The range of vegetation communities provides habitats for at least 36 threatened flora and fauna species. Of particular significance are The Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata), the Hastings River Mouse (Pseudomys oralis), Grevillea guthrieana, Grevillea beadleana, Eucalyptus magnificata and the gorge rim communities which contain an array of undescribed, rare or threatened plants.

The reserves have a long history of Aboriginal use and lie within the area of the Thunghutti Aboriginal people, whose territory is thought to have extended over the entire Macleay River. Other tribal groups whose territory covered part of the planning area are the Anaiwain, Gumbaingarri and Amaroo. The reserves and surrounds contain numerous Aboriginal heritage sites. Most of these sites are concentrated along the edge of the tablelands or along the valley floors and include open campsites, carved trees, artefact scatters, massacre sites, spiritual sites and burial sites.

Prior to the dedication of much of the gorge as national park or nature reserve the majority of the area was used for cattle grazing. Numerous heritage sites, mostly relating to remote grazing operations, are recorded within the planning area, including the state heritage listed Kunderang East Pastoral Station and Gara Hydro-electric Scheme. There are 20 private leasehold areas within the gorges with some of these still running cattle. There are also isolated mine sites associated with the mining of heavy metals and slate.

1.3.4 Capital Assets The reserves contain a number of built structures including a NPWS depot, historic homestead, stockman's huts and stockyards, camping areas, day use areas and lookout platforms.

Whilst there are no urban settings within the reserve there are rural retreat subdivisions on the eastern edge of the Yarrowitch Gorge and on the Carrai Plateau. These areas contain isolated properties and associated dwellings considered vulnerable in fire events. There are also a number of isolated dwellings and stockman’s huts on private leasehold land within or adjoining the gorge area. 6 Fire Management Strategy for the Macleay Gorges Reserves

Introduction

The mining villages of Hillgrove and Metz, east of Armidale are located on the rim of Bakers Creek Gorge approximately 6 kilometres north of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. The issue of fire management in relation to these villages may more appropriately be addressed by a village protection plan rather than in the context of this strategy.

1.3.5 Recreational Use and Facilities The reserves receive approximately 200,000 visitors a year. The majority of visitation is focussed on the edges of the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park at key waterfall and scenic locations such as Apsley and Tia Falls in the south and Gara, Dangars and Wollomombi Gorges in the north. There are a number of visitation areas in the core of the reserves that provide remote camping and day use facilities as well as holiday rental of an historic homestead. There is relatively low visitor use of the remainder area of the reserves with small numbers of bush walkers and canoeists predominantly utilising the river system.

A small privately operated camping area with relatively low visitation is located on the Macleay River at Kunderang West. This property is an in-holding within Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. A popular campsite along the Macleay River at the junction with Georges Creek receives moderate use during holiday periods and long weekends.

1.3.6 Summary of Key Fire Issues · The reserves contain a mosaic of vegetation types with highly variable fuel loadings. Whilst there are continuous areas of highly pyrogenic vegetation which can burn at high intensity, the reserves are also characterised by a mosaic of low fuel areas, comprising of dry exposed slopes or rock scree. Dry rainforest vegetation communities generally do not burn, or burn at lower intensities. · Bushfires will most likely arise from lightning strikes or graziers burns that have accidentally escaped into the reserves. · Traditionally the fire season is in the spring however in drought years the fire period may extend from September through to March. · There are a number of capital assets within and adjacent to the reserves. · Most visitation is on the edges of the reserve at scenic gorge locations, there are however a few remote camping areas where it may be more difficult for visitors to escape from fire.

7 Fire Management Strategy for the Macleay Gorges Reserves

Bushfire Risks

2. BUSHFIRE RISKS

2.1 Introduction

Bushfire Risk Analysis has been undertaken to identify those assets most at risk and therefore most in need of the application of active fire management strategies.

For the purpose of this strategy, Bushfire Risk is defined as the chance of a bushfire or inappropriate fire regime occurring and causing damage to assets within or adjacent to the reserves. Assets include life and property, cultural heritage and natural heritage.

The Bushfire Risk Analysis method described in NPWS Strategy for Fire Management (NPWS 2003) has been applied to classify all assets within and adjacent to the reserves into one of the following risk classes: Low, Moderate, High or Very High. All assets within and adjacent to the reserves that have been classified as being at High or Very High Bushfire Risk are illustrated in the bushfire suppression sheets and listed in the following sections.

9

Fire Management Strategy for the Macleay Gorges Reserves

Bushfire Risks

Map 2: A key to sheets 6 to 20 used in this Strategy.

10

Fire Management Strategy for the Macleay Gorges Reserves

Bushfire Risks

2.2 Life and Property

Based on the criteria specified in the NPWS Strategy for Fire Management (NPWS 2003), there are 15 locations within and around the reserves where life and property is at High or Very High Risk from Bushfire (Table 1).

Table 1. Locations within and around the reserves where there is a High or Very High Bushfire Risk to life and property (see attached Bushfire Suppression Sheets).

Bushfire Location Tenure Bushfire Location Tenure Suppression Suppression Sheet(s) Sheet(s) 17 Dwellings on the Private 18 Youdales Hut visitor NPWS Paradise plateau area facilities 19, 20 Yarrowitch Park Estate Private 12 Kunderang East Homestead NPWS and associated dwellings 15, 18 Properties associated Private 11, 14 Kunderang West, buildings, Private with the Fitzroy Plateau yards and Camping Ground area 10 “Winterbourne Pines” Private 8 Long Point visitor facilities NPWS plantation and surrounding area 10, 11, 13, 14 Properties in the Private 8, 9 Properties in the Long Point Private “Tabletop” area area 16, 17 Properties on the north Private 12 Properties in the Georges Private side of Apsley gorge – Creek area “The Retreat” to “Bulimba Downs” 12, 15 Private properties on Private 6 Villages of Hillgrove and Private the Carrai Plateau Metz and associated mines 14, 17 Riverside Visitor Area NPWS

2.3 Cultural Heritage

Based on the criteria specified in the NPWS Strategy for Fire Management (NPWS 2003), there are 21 Cultural Heritage Sites within and around the reserves at High or Very High Risk from Bushfire (Table 2). All these sites are Historic Heritage Sites.

Although there has been a number of localised and opportunistic surveys there has not been a comprehensive or systematic survey of Aboriginal sites within the reserves. As a result there is the possibility that unrecorded sites may be damaged by fires and associated control operations. In the main most Aboriginal sites within the reserves consist of stone artefact scatters, however there are also a number of scarred trees located within the reserves. Aboriginal artefacts such as scarred trees may be directly impacted upon by bushfires and fuel reduction burns. Fire fighting operations such as the construction of control lines by earth moving equipment also pose a major threat. Indirect impacts can also result from erosion following the removal of ground cover over stone artefact sites.

The Aboriginal sites shown on the accompanying operational sheets provide the general location of any recorded sites. Due to the need to ensure the security of these locations, site specific details will only be made available as required during fire events.

Since European settlement of the area, the predominant land use within the gorge area use has been cattle grazing, therefore it is not surprising that the majority of the cultural heritage sites are associated with that industry. The State Heritage Listed Kunderang East Pastoral Station and Gara Gorge Hydro- Electric Scheme are both located within Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. There are also significant

11

Fire Management Strategy for the Macleay Gorges Reserves

Bushfire Risks

artefacts adjacent to the planning area in the Hillgrove and Metz areas, within Bakers Creek Gorge, relating to the mining of gold and other metals. The archaeological remains of a small village in the Melrose/Postmans Creek area just adjacent to Oxley Wild Rivers National Park were also associated with gold mining. Table 2. Locations within and around the reserves where there is a High or Very High Bushfire Risk to Historic Cultural Heritage.

Bushfire Location Bushfire Location Suppression Suppression Sheet(s) Sheet(s) 18 Youdales Hut and Stockyards 6 Mine sites in Bakers Creek Gorge associated with Hillgrove and Metz 15, 18 Sunderlands (Middle Yards) Hut and 12, 15 Waller's Grave, Kunderang West environs 15 Left Hand Hut Duvals Hut and stockyards 14 Front Tableland Hut and Stockyards 8, 10 Melrose gold mining village remains 19 Sunnyside Woolshed 14, 15, 17, 18 Green Gully Hut and Stockyards 11 Salt Hut 15, 18 Birds Nest Hut and Stockyards 11 Bark Hut 17 Yarrowitch Hut and Stockyards 11, 12 Kunderang East Homestead and 11, 14 West Kunderang complex outbuildings 7 Wooden dog fence Wollomombi Gorge 9, 11 Ciccolinis Hut and Stockyards, Raspberry Road 6 Remains of the Gara Hydro-electric 9, 11 Faints Hut, Raspberry Road scheme. 6 The villages of Hillgrove and Metz

2.4 Natural Heritage

Based on the criteria specified in the NPWS Strategy for Fire Management (NPWS 2003), the only locations where a high fire frequency is posing a High or Very High Risk to biodiversity are shown on the bushfire suppression sheets and are listed in Table 3. The reliable fire history for the reserves does not date back far enough to identify, with any confidence, any significant areas where a low fire frequency is posing a High or Very High Risk to bio-diversity.

26 threatened fauna species have been recorded in the reserves, however most of these species are highly mobile and all are widely distributed both within and outside the reserves. There is considered to be minimal risk to the long-term viability of these species from the impacts of fire.

Table 3. Locations where there is a High or Very High Risk to biodiversity.

Bushfire Area Suppression Location Species Affected Legal status (ha) Sheet(s) 8 Salisbury Waters Grevillea beadleana Endangered 15

10,11 Tabletop trail Eucalyptus magnificata Endangered 0.5

7, 8, 9 Long Point Eucalyptus magnificata Endangered 0.5 8 Dangars Falls Bertya ingramii Endangered 0.3

6 Gara Gorge (very old record) Bertya ingramii Endangered Unknown 16 Apsley Falls Bertya ingramii Endangered Unknown

12

Fire Management Strategy for the Macleay Gorges Reserves

Bushfire Risks

8 Mihi Falls Bertya ingramii Endangered 2

12, 15 Mary's View and nearby locations Grevillea guthrieana Endangered 2 (upper Stoney Ck, Carrolls Ck, Felters Ck and Carrai Ck)

13

Fire Management Strategy for the Macleay Gorges Reserves

Bushfire Risks

Much of the narrow strip of gorge rim occurring throughout the area has a large number of plants that are rare or threatened or have unusual distributions. There are vulnerable gorge rim plant communities at locations such as Apsley, Rowleys Creek, Dangars Falls, Salisbury Waters and Mihi Gorges. Where possible, high intensity or high frequency fires and the use of machinery should be avoided in these areas.

14

Fire Management Strategy for the Macleay Gorges Reserves

Bushfire Risk Management Strategies

3. BUSHFIRE RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

3.1 Introduction

The fire management strategies illustrated in Sheets 1 to 20 and described in the following sections will be implemented over the life of this Strategy. Maps detailing bushfire suppression strategies are shown on the Bushfire Suppression Sheets numbered sheets 6 to 20. The strategies have been designed to reduce the Bushfire Risk to assets within and adjacent to the reserves, as identified in Section 2. A Fire Management Works Program, listing which of the strategies listed in this Strategy will be implemented each year will be prepared annually for the reserves within the planning area.

The NPWS Fire Management Manual details general bushfire risk management strategies. These are not repeated here, but are referenced to the appropriate section of the Fire Management Manual.

3.2 Prevention (Reduction) Strategies

Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the Fire Management Manual indicate specific prevention strategies and objectives. Annual fire management works programs are undertaken throughout the planning area, comprising manual fuel reduction (slashing), fire trail maintenance and prescribed burning programs.

· Assist landholders/occupiers to undertake prescribed burns on private property in designated strategic fire advantage zones adjacent to the reserves where this burning will help protect assets on neighbouring property from bushfires that may exit the reserves or will help prevent fires entering the reserves from adjacent land.

· Develop Memoranda of Understanding for all jointly maintained strategic fire advantage zones and fire trails as specified in table 5.

3.3 Preparedness Strategies

Section 3 of the Fire Management Manual specifies preparedness strategies to be undertaken within the planning area. The following strategies will also be implemented;

· Continue to collect data with regard to Aboriginal and historic cultural sites and add this information into the strategy. · Continue to collect data with regard to threatened species sites and add this information into the strategy. · Continue to collect data with regard to threatened property and assets adjacent to the reserves and add this information into the strategy. · Establish monitoring sites to identify the need for prescribed burning in Asset Protection and Strategic Fire Advantage Zones.

3.4 Response Strategies

Section 4.1 of the Fire Management Manual specifies preparedness strategies to be undertaken within the planning area.

3.5 Recovery Strategies

Section 5 of the Fire Management Manual specifies preparedness strategies to be undertaken within the planning area. The following strategies will also be implemented; 16 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Risk Management Strategies

· Establish sites in key vegetation communities to monitor the effects of implemented fire regimes on bio-diversity.

17 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

4. BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT ZONES

Fire Management Zones

The NPWS uses a zoning system to achieve the fire management objectives for the reserves under its management. This zoning system is compatible with that adopted by the Bushfire Coordinating Committee for use in the District Bushfire Management Committees bushfire management plans.

The reserves have been divided into Fire Management Zones according to the zoning system described in the NPWS Strategy for Fire Management (NPWS, 2003). As far as possible, the boundaries of Fire Management Zones have been defined by fire control advantages including roads, water and areas of low bushfire behaviour potential. The objectives of these zones consist of:

Asset Protection Zones

· To protect human life, including permanent residents, visitors and fire fighters from bushfires · To protect identified high risk assets which may include residential areas, utilities, camping areas, day use areas, urban interface, cultural heritage sites and other built assets.

Strategic Fire Advantage Zones

· To reduce fire intensity to assist in strategic control and containment of bushfires · To reduce the probability of bushfires being ignited in areas of high bushfire risk · To compliment asset protection zones and to strengthen existing fire control advantages · To restrict the movement of bushfires between fire management zones · To restrict the movement of bushfires from other land onto NPWS estate and from NPWS estate onto neighbouring land · To break up large continuous area of high bushfire potential to reduce the probability of large scale bushfires.

The nature of the planning area has resulted in some Strategic Fire Advantage Zones extending beyond the boundaries of the reserves onto other land tenures. In instances where this has occurred it is with the written concurrence of the landholder.

Land Management Zones

· To prevent the extinction of all species which are known to occur naturally within NPWS estate · To protect Aboriginal sites, historic heritage sites and other culturally significant features from fire.

The NPWS will continue to work with the Rural Fire Service, neighbouring landholders and Forests NSW towards a broader local area fire strategy for all land tenures within the Macleay Gorges.

4.1 Asset Protection Zones

A total of 24 Asset Protection Zones have been defined within and around the reserves (Sheet 4). The primary fire management objective in Asset Protection Zones is the protection of life and property (see Section 1.2) which will be achieved, except where noted otherwise, by maintaining the Overall Fuel Hazard (McCarthy et al. 1999) at or below Moderate. This will be achieved by implementing the strategies prescribed in Table 4.

18 Fire Management Strategy for the Macleay Gorges Reserves

Bushfire Management Zones

Table 4. The specific fire management objectives and strategies to be applied in each Asset Protection Zone (see sheet 4)

Bushfire Asset Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies Suppression Protection Inside Outside Sheet(s) Zone Name Reserves Reserves

16 Apsley Falls 30 - · To protect the facilities and cultural sites · Manual removal of fuels such as raking, slashing, mowing and hand Visitor Area associated with Apsley Falls Visitor Area removal around key assets. · Camping area – clean any debris or high fuels from the toilet structure and immediate area. · Lions lookout - clean any debris or high fuels from the toilet structure and immediate area. · Gorge Rim Walk – remove excess ground fuels from under wooden lookout decks. · Oxley Walk - remove excess ground fuels from under wooden lookout decks. · Limited amount of prescribed burning if necessary. 11 Bark Hut 9 - · Protection of historic hut · Manual removal of fuels such as slashing and mowing around key assets. · Limited amount of prescribed burning when necessary. · Removal of organic debris such a leaves from roof and other structural components. · Removal of fuels around yards (east of Hut along trail) · Maintenance of the Tabletop Trail. · Conduct heritage conservation assessment. 15, 18 Birds Nest Hut 8 - · Protection of historic hut and yards · Manual removal of fuels such as slashing and mowing around hut and & Yards stockyards. · Removal of fuels from under hut and on top of roof and other structural components · Maintenance of access trail 6 Blue Hole 1.5 - · Protection of facilities located within the Blue Hole · Manual removal of fuels by slashing and mowing around key assets Visitor Area, and cultural assets associated with such as shelter, toilets, furniture Aboriginal sites and artefacts and with the Hydro- · Protection of identified Aboriginal sites/ artefacts and artefacts electric scheme associated with the Hydro-electric scheme · Installation of gas BBQs in picnic area to reduce the chance of fire escape. · Appropriate information and signage for fire usage. · Installation of fold down Total Fire Ban signs

19 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Asset Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies Suppression Protection Inside Outside Sheet(s) Zone Name Reserves Reserves

14, 17 Budds Mare 6 - · Protection of facilities associated with Budds Mare · Manual removal of fuels such as slashing and mowing around key Visitor Area Visitor Area assets. · Removal of fuels under lookout platform. · Removal of fuels from picnic galley structure · Education of visitors concerning safe fire use via interpretation materials. · Erection of fire ban signs at park entrance when necessary. 18 Calwells Hut 5 - · Protection of hut and yards · Manual removal of fuels such as slashing and mowing around key assets. · Limited amount of prescribed burning when necessary · Removal of fuels from under hut and on top of roof and other structural components · Maintenance of Birds Nest access trail 18, 20 Cedar Creek 6 - · Protection of works depot and associated · Manual removal of fuels such as slashing and mowing around key Huts & Yards equipment assets. Removal of organic debris such a leaves from roof and other · Protection of historic huts, sheds and associated structural components. fabric · Limited amount of prescribed burning when deemed necessary. · Storage of fuel or other flammable liquids away from structures in shipping container or other appropriate areas. · Repair of dam to be used as immediate water source. 8 Dangars Falls 3 - · To protect the facilities and cultural sites located · Manual removal of fuels by slashing and mowing around key assets Picnic and within Dangars Falls Visitor Area such as; such as: Camping Picnic shelter · Camping sites Areas Picnic tables · Picnic area Toilets · Lookout platforms, toilets, furniture and information structures– Gas barbecues · Protection of Aboriginal sites and artefacts Information shelters · Installation of gas BBQs in picnic area and mowing around campfire Lookout platforms sites to reduce the chance of fire escape. · Appropriate information and signage for fire usage · Installation of fold down Total Fire Ban signs

20 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Asset Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies Suppression Protection Inside Outside Sheet(s) Zone Name Reserves Reserves

12 East 66 - · Protection of park users in a isolated location. · Manual removal of fuels by slashing and mowing around key assets. Kunderang · Protection of historic homestead, cattle yards, · Limited amount of prescribed burning when or if necessary. stock fences, outbuildings and associated · Maintain pumps, tank water lines and sprinklers associated with infrastructure. lawn watering system around homestead building. · Extend watering system to out buildings. 7 Edgars 2 - · Protection of facilities associated with the Edgars · Manual removal of fuels by slashing and mowing around picnic area lookout platform and picnic area · Installation of gas BBQs in picnic area to reduce the chance of fire escape. 14 Front 9 - · Protection of historic hut and yards · Manual removal of fuels such as slashing and mowing around key Tableland Hut assets. · Limited amount of prescribed burning when necessary · Removal of fuels from under hut., on top of roof , around yards and other structural components · Maintenance of access trail 7 Green Gully 1.5 - · Protection of facilities associated with the Green · Manual removal of fuels by slashing and mowing of camping sites, Camping Gully Camping Area particularly around fireplaces. · Camping area – toilet, furniture and information structure. · Appropriate signage for fire usage. · Installation of fold down Total Fire Ban signs. 14, 15, 17, 18 Green Gully 2.5 - · Protection of historic hut and yards · Manual removal of fuels such as slashing and mowing around key Hut & Yards assets. · Limited amount of prescribed burning when necessary · Removal of fuels from under hut., on top of roof , around yards and other structural components · Maintenance of access trail 15 Left Hand Hut 10 - · Protection of historic hut · Manual removal of fuels such as slashing and mowing around key assets. · Limited amount of prescribed burning when necessary. · Removal of fuels from under hut and on top of roof and other structural components · Education of bushwalkers and horse riders about appropriate use of fire.

21 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Asset Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies Suppression Protection Inside Outside Sheet(s) Zone Name Reserves Reserves

8 Long Point 2 - · Protection of facilities associated with Long Point · Manual removal of fuels by slashing and mowing around key assets Visitor and Visitor Area such as toilets, picnic shelter, furniture. Camping · Limited amount of prescribed burning when necessary. Areas · Appropriate signage for fire usage. · Installation of fold down Total Fire Ban signs. 15, 18 Middle Yard 15 - · Protection of historic hut and associated fabric · Manual removal of fuels such as slashing and mowing around key Hut assets. (Sunderlands) · Limited amount of prescribed burning if and when necessary · Removal of organic fuels from under hut and on top of roof and other structural components · Education of bushwalkers and horse riders about appropriate use of fire. 14, 17 Riverside 8 - · Protection of park visitors in a remote location · Limited amount of prescribed burning when or if necessary. · Protection of Riverside Visitor Area and associated · Manual removal of fuels such as slashing and mowing around key Indigenous and Historic Heritage items assets. Removal of organic debris such a leaves from roof and other structural components. · Fire ban signs to be put in place when total fire bans are imposed or at the discretion of NPWS management. · Replacement of wood barbeques with gas to be explored. · Education of visitors concerning safe fire use via interpretation materials. 11 Salt Hut 3 - · Protection of hut with some historic value · Manual removal of fuels such as slashing and mowing around key assets. · Removal of organic debris such a leaves from roof and other structural components. · Prescribed burning when necessary. 19 Sunnyside 6 - · Protection of historic woolshed and associated · Manual removal of fuels such as slashing and mowing around key fabric. assets (mainly woolshed). · Limited amount of prescribed burning when necessary. · Removal of organic debris such a leaves from roof and other structural components.

22 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Asset Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies Suppression Protection Inside Outside Sheet(s) Zone Name Reserves Reserves

6, 8 Threlfall 2 - · To protect the visitor facilities within the Threlfall · Manual removal of fuels by slashing and mowing around key assets Visitor Area, and cultural assets associated with such as: Aboriginal sites and artefacts and the Hydro- · Picnic area - electric scheme. · Lookout platforms, toilets, furniture and information structures – · Aboriginal sites and artefacts - · Artefacts associated with the Hydro-electric scheme · Installation of gas BBQs in picnic area to reduce the chance of fire escape. · Appropriate information and signage for fire usage. · Installation of fold down Total Fire Ban signs. 19 Tia Falls 15 - · Protection of facilities associated with Tia Falls · Manual removal of fuels such as slashing and mowing around key Visitor Area Visitor Area assets such as toilet, interpretation shelter, wooden ramps and signs. · Limited amount of prescribed burning when necessary. · Tia Falls Walk - remove excess ground fuels from under wooden lookout decks. 7 Wollomombi 2 - · Protection of facilities associated with the · Manual removal of fuels by slashing and mowing around key assets. Wollomombi Visitor Area · Picnic area - Toilets, shelter, furniture. · Aboriginal sites and artefacts. · Installation of gas BBQs in picnic area to reduce the chance of fire escape. · Appropriate signage for fire usage. · Installation of fold down Total Fire Ban signs 17 Yarrowitch 2 - · Protection of historic hut and yards · Manual removal of fuels such as slashing and mowing around key River assets. Hut & Yards · Limited amount of prescribed burning when necessary. · Removal of fuels from under hut and on top of roof and other structural components · Maintenance of access trail.

23 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Asset Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies Suppression Protection Inside Outside Sheet(s) Zone Name Reserves Reserves

18 Youdales Hut 3 - · Protection of historic hut and associated materials · Manual removal of fuels such as slashing and mowing around key · Protection of visitor facilities assets. Removal of organic debris such a leaves from roof and other structural components. · Fire ban signs to be put in place when total fire bans are imposed or at the discretion of NPWS management. · Replacement of wood barbeques with gas to be explored. · Education of visitors concerning safe fire use via interpretation materials.

24 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

4.2 Strategic Fire Advantage Zones

A total of 77 Strategic Fire Advantage Zones have been defined within and around the reserves (Sheet 4). The primary fire management objectives in Strategic Fire Advantage Zones are to reduce the occurrence of human caused unplanned fires in the reserves and to prevent the spread of fire within, from and into the reserve (see Section 1.2). Except where noted otherwise, this will be achieved by maintaining the Overall Fuel Hazard (McCarthy et al. 1999) at or below High. The strategies prescribed in Table 5 will be implemented within Strategic Fire Advantage Zones.

Due to the rugged nature of the landscape in the planning area it is not feasible or practical to have adequate control features such as trails or rivers around the perimeter of every proposed Strategic Fire Advantage Zone. Many of these ‘open-ended’ zones will be prescription burnt when appropriate seasonal, climatic and weather conditions prevail. During every prescribed burning event fall back control features will be nominated. Table 5. The specific fire management objectives and strategies to be applied in each Strategic Fire Advantage Zone (see Sheet 4).

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard

25 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard

26 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard

27 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard Dingo Creek 286 - · To prevent bushfires spreading between Land · Maintain Kunderang Trail to a Primary Trail standard suitable for Management zones. Cat 1 tankers. · Identify appropriate tie-off point at the northern and southern end of zones into rainforest gullies. · Use of wheel tractor to create temporary fuel reduced line at northern end of zone prior to prescribed burning activities (up to 500m heading north from Kunderang Trail along ridge that runs perpendicular to trail). 15 Dourallie - 503 - · To prevent bushfires spreading between Land · Maintain Dourallie Trail to a Secondary Trail standard suitable for Fitzroy Creek Management zones. Cat 7 & 9 tankers. · Provides protection to properties on the Fitzroy · Maintain Kunderang Brook Trail to a Secondary Trail standard plateau. suitable for Cat 7 & 9 tankers. · Provides and alternative to over burning Fitzroy East · If necessary aerial ignite north-western ridge section during HR SMZ. operations. · Provides some limited and additional protection to · Further investigate the viability of Fitzroy Creek as an adequate the Left Hand Hut Asset Protection Zone. northern control line. · Maintain tie in to rainforest at east end of Dourallie trail. 9, 12 Eastern 460 - · To prevent fires spreading from or into Georges · Maintain Eastern Boundary Trail to a Primary Trail standard suitable Boundary Creek Nature Reserve, Oxley Wild Rivers and for Cat 1 tankers. Cunnawarra National Parks. · Maintain Sunday Creek Fire Trail to Secondary Trail standard · To provide protection for assets on private land in suitable for Cat 7 & 9 tankers. (Sunday Crk Trail may be too the Georges Creek area. steep for Cat 9 tankers. One unit should remain at top of hill). · To provide protection for rainforest areas in the · Locate and record route of hand tool line on northern boundary of reserve from fire moving from private lands. zone from Eastern Boundary Trail to the top of rainforest gully into Sunday Creek and carry out routine maintenance on route. · When planning HR burn, monitor water levels in Sunday Creek to provide effective containment line to west. 8 Faint’s - 327 · Provide a connecting low fuel zone between areas of · Carry out maintenance to gorge section of Faints Trail with (This zone is cleared land. permission of the landholder prior to HR burn to Secondary Trail entirely on · Provide protection to improved pasture to east of standard suitable for Cat 7 & 9 tankers. private property) zone. · Utilise natural control features such as rainforest gullies, creeks and · Prevent the movement of fire between heritage zones. rivers. · Establish a rake hoe line(s) into the top of rainforest gullies where required.

28 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard

29 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard Oaky River catchment into the Styx and · Utilise natural control features such as rainforest creeks and rivers for land tenures Macleay River catchments. burning operations. and is 1 of 3 · To protect timber assets in Styx River SF. zones identified in this area) 8 Glenmore 94 - · To provide protection for visitor facilities including · Maintain the Long Point Picnic and Camping Areas access road to a Boundary picnic and camping areas, lookout platforms and Primary Trail standard suitable for Cat 1 tankers. walking tracks. · Encourage Armidale Dumaresq Shire to maintain Long Point Rd to a · To provide protection to private property from fire Primary Trail standard. escaping from park visitor facilities. · Reopen existing access route from the Camping Area through to · To prevent the movement of fire between Land Faints Trail prior to HR burns to Secondary Trail standard suitable Management zones. for Cat 7 & 9 tankers. · Maintain Faints Trail to Secondary Trail standard suitable for Cat 7 & 9 tankers. 10, 11, 13 Hole Creek 55 - · To maintain a fuel reduced buffer along part of the · Encourage and assist private landholder to maintain Tabletop South western boundary trail of the “Tabletop” property. Boundary Trail to a Secondary Trail standard suitable for Cat 7 & 9 · To prevent fire burning onto the “Tabletop” tankers. property. · Identify appropriate tie-off points at northern and southern ends. · To prevent fire burning east into the greater reserve area. 11, 14 Kunderang 48 226 · To prevent bushfires spreading between Land · Encourage and assist landholder to maintain northern end of Trail North Management zones. Kunderang Trail to a Secondary Trail standard suitable for Cat 7 & 9 · To provide protection to “West Kunderang”. tankers. · Ground truth and identify appropriate tie-off line into rainforest gully at the south end of this zone. · Liaise and work with landowner of “West Kunderang” concerning any of the above strategies.

30 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard

31 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard

15 Magpie 150 - · To prevent bushfires spreading between Land · Maintain Dourallie Trail and Kunderang Brook Trail to Secondary Management zones. Trail standard suitable for Cat 7 & 9 tankers. · Time any prescribed burn with appropriate seasonal and weather conditions to prevent fire burning beyond desired perimeters. 14, 15 McCarthys 222 - · To prevent bushfires spreading between Land · Maintain Kunderang Trail to Primary Trail standard suitable for Cat Management zones. 1 tankers. · Maintain Front Tableland Trail (Ciccolini Trail) to Secondary Trail standard suitable for Cat 7 & 9 tankers. · Utilise natural control features such as rainforest gullies, creeks and rivers for control lines at extremities of zone.

32 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard

33 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard

34 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard

35 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard

36 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard Smalls Creek 290 - · To prevent bushfires spreading between Land · Maintain Kunderang Trail to a Primary Trail standard suitable for Management zones. Cat 1 tankers. · To give further protection to the assets associated · Identify and establish control lines on the northern and southern ends with Cedar Creek Field Depot. of zone. 14, 15, 18 South Blacks 172 - · To prevent bushfires spreading between Land · Maintain Kunderang Trail Camp Creek Management zones. · Identify appropriate tie-off point into rainforest at southern end. · Machine and/or ground crews to tie-off at northern end into rainforest gully. · Time any prescribed burn with appropriate seasonal and weather conditions to prevent fire burning beyond desired perimeters. 14 Spear Creek 1 255 · To prevent bushfires spreading between Land · Maintain Kunderang Trail. Management zones. · Maintain Spear Creek Trail and control line extension into the · To prevent bushfires spreading into or out of private rainforest gully at the east end of the zone. lands. · Ground truth and identify appropriate tie in line to rainforest at northern end of zone. · Time any prescribed burn with appropriate seasonal and weather conditions to prevent fire burning beyond desired perimeters. · Liaise and work with landowner of “West Kunderang” concerning any of the above strategies. 12 Stewarts Arm 123 - · Provides direct protection to private properties on · Maintain Cochrane Fire Trail and unnamed zone perimeter trails. the Carrai plateau. · Investigate potential for control line along park boundary, southern flank of the zone. · Liaise and work with landowners on the Carrai plateau concerning any of the above strategies. 8, 11 Tabletop North 487 - · To provide a fuel reduced zone along the western · Maintain Tabletop Trail to a Secondary Trail standard suitable for side of the Tabletop Trail. Cat 7 & 9 tankers. · To provide further protection to Salt Hut and Bark · Maintain and improve, where possible, the limited number of water Hut asset protection zones. points in the area. 10, 11 Tabletop 359 - · To provide a fuel reduced zone along the western · Maintain the Tabletop Trail, Tabletop Link Trail & north-east South side of the Tabletop Trail and the northern side of section of the “Tabletop” property boundary trail the Tabletop Link Trail. This will assist in stopping · If possible identify a tie point along the “Tabletop” property the spread of fire in an easterly and southerly boundary (north-west edge of zone). direction from the Hole Creek catchment into a wider area of the park where control features are limited.

37 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard

38 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard

39 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Strategic Zone Zone Area (ha) Specific Objectives Strategies* Suppression Name Inside Outside * All zones have an overlying strategy to maintain the Overall Fuel Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves Hazard

40 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

4.3 Land Management Zones

The remainder of the reserves not classified as Asset Protection or Strategic Fire Advantage Zones will be classified as Land Management Zones. The primary objective for Land Management Zones is to conserve bio-diversity and prevent the extinction of all species which are known to occur naturally within the zone as well as to protect Aboriginal sites, historic heritage sites and other culturally significant features from fire (see Section 1.2). Except where noted otherwise, the objectives for Land Management Zones will be achieved by a range of activities that may include:

· Suppression of wild fires. · Allowing wild fires to burn within defined perimeters specified as well as conducting prescribed burns to maintain fire regimes within the bio-diversity thresholds specified in Table 6. · Implementing the threatened species and cultural heritage management guidelines specified in Tables 7 and 8 in locations where fire sensitive threatened species and cultural heritage sites likely to be under threat from fire management activities are known or are likely to occur.

Map sheet 3 outlines the status of fire thresholds for the mapped vegetation communities within the reserves.

Table 6. The biodiversity thresholds to be applied in these reserves (adapted from Benson, J and Roberts, G 1985, Bradstock et al. 1995, Thomas 2003, & NPWS 2002a ). NOTE: All vegetation communities (except rainforest) have the following recommendations: · Crown fire should be avoided in the lower end of the interval range. · It is strongly recommended that any short-inter-fire intervals (at or below the minimum threshold) be followed by a longer interval (ie minimum interval plus 3 years to allow for building of seed bank reserves.

Class Vegetation Biodiversity Thresholds & Recommendations ID Communities

A Rainforest, Cleared or · Fire should be excluded where ever possible. partially, agricultural · As much as possible limit the use of rainforest as fire control lines. or developed, · Avoid using rainforest patches with advancing or retreating boundaries as control plantation lines · Exclude fire from rainforest boundaries that have been invaded by Lantana camara. B Riverine grassy · Minimum fire interval 25 years. woodland, wet · Maximum fire interval 60 years. sclerophyll forest

C Semi-mesic grassy · Minimum fire interval 7 years. forest · Maximum fire interval 30 years. D Swamp sclerophyll · Minimum fire interval 7 years. forest · Maximum fire interval 35 years. E Sclerophyll grassy · Minimum fire interval 5 years. woodland · Maximum fire interval 40 years. F Grassy dry · Minimum fire interval 5 years. sclerophyll forest · Maximum fire interval 50 years. H Heath/ shrubland, · Minimum fire interval 7 years. shrubby dry · Maximum fire interval 30 years. sclerophyll forest, sparse shrubland/ rocky outcrops J Grassland · Minimum fire interval 2 years. · Maximum fire interval 10 years.

41 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

L Rocky heathland · Minimum fire interval 20 years. · Maximum fire interval 60 years. Nil Lantana, rock/ scree · Nil Other communities Gorge rim Much of the narrow strip of gorge rim occurring throughout the area has a large number of plants that are rare or threatened or have unusual distributions. There are vulnerable gorge rim plant communities at locations such as Apsley, Rowleys Creek, Dangars Falls, Salisbury Waters and Mihi Gorges. Due to the la rge number of rare and threatened taxa present within these communities and the lack of knowledge about their basic biology and fire response, it is recommended that fire should be excluded from this community until further research is undertaken, and, where possible, the use of machinery should be avoided. These communities are however somewhat naturally protected from fire as they occur on quite rocky sites close to or on major cliff lines.

Table 7 (Refer to Section 1.3.2 and 2.4). Fire Management Guide lines for Threatened Species within the reserves.

The reserves covered by this strategy have numerous threatened flora and fauna species scattered throughout the planning area. The majority of the flora and fauna species found within the reserves are either highly mobile, well represented in other reserves or not at high risk from fire due to their ecological requirements. These management guidelines apply to those threatened species that are unique to these reserves, are near their geographic limits or are likely, due to specific habitat requirements or locations, to be directly impacted on by inappropriate fire management practices.

Bushfire Fire Management Guidelines Threatened Species1 included in Fire Management Suppression Guidelines Sheet Symbol fl1 · Exclude high frequency and high Eucalyptus magnificata, Grevillea guthrieana intensity fires. fl2 · Exclude high frequency and high Bertya ingramii intensity fires. An appropriate fire regime is 1 in 20 years (C. Gross, pers comm.) fl3 · Exclude high frequency and high Grevillea beadleana intensity fires. An appropriate fire regime is 1 in 15 years (NPWS 2002). 1 As per schedule 1 and 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

42 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Table 8 (Refer to section 2.3). The Aboriginal cultural heritage management guidelines to be applied in the reserves.

NOTE: · Numerous Aboriginal Heritage sites are known throughout the reserves. It is ESSENTIAL to obtain specific site information when required from the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System. · In the case of Aboriginal heritage occurring in vicinity of fire management activities, ensure close liaison with the relevant Aboriginal Heritage Conservation Officer in order to check for &/or identify new sites.

Bushfire Fire Management Guidelines Site types Suppression Sheet Symbol ah1 · As far as possible, protect site from fire. Scarred and carved trees · Do not cut down trees. · Use of foams, wetting agents and retardants is acceptable. ah2 · As far as possible, protect site from fire. Stone arrangements, ceremonial rings, · Avoid all ground disturbance including the use of rock engravings, rock art, grinding earthmoving machinery, handline construction, and grooves driving over sites. · Avoid water bombing, which may cause ground disturbance.

ah3 · Avoid all ground disturbance including the use of Burials, artefact scatters, middens earthmoving machinery, handline construction, and driving over sites. · Avoid water bombing, which may cause ground disturbance. · Site may be burnt by bushfire, backburn or prescribed burn without damage.

Table 9: The Historic cultural heritage management guidelines to be applied in the reserves (refer to table 2). NOTE: · Many more sites are listed in HHIMS for the planning area. Only those sites at risk from fire operations are included in this list. · Only those sites located on NPWS estate or immediately adjacent are listed in this table.

Bushfire Site Name Fire Management Guidelines Suppression Sheet 16 Apsley Falls · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. 11 Bark Hut · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. 15, 18 Birds Nest Hut · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. and Yards Numerous Bridle Trail · Undertake cultural heritage assessment (numerous) · Restrict vehicle and earthmoving equipment movements in areas of assessed high cultural heritage significance. 18, 20 Cedar Creek · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. 11 Ciccolinis Hut, · Exclude fire from the site where ever possible. Raspberry Road · Undertake direct protection works if site under threat from fire. 43 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Site Name Fire Management Guidelines Suppression Sheet 15 Daisy Plains · Exclude fire from the site where ever possible. Huts · Undertake direct protection works if site under threat from fire. 15 Daisy Plains · Restrict vehicle and earthmoving equipment movement in the immediate Village vicinity. 7 Dangars Falls · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. 7 Dingo Control · Undertake cultural heritage assessment Fence, St Helena · Exclude fire from the site where ever possible. · Undertake direct protection works if site under threat from fire. 9, 11 Duvals Hut, · Exclude fire from the site where ever possible. Raspberry Road · Undertake direct protection works if site under threat from fire. Dysons Hut and · Restrict vehicle and earthmoving equipment movements in immediate vicinity. Yard site 9, 11 Faints Hut, · Exclude fire from the site where ever possible. Raspberry Road · Undertake direct protection works if site under threat from fire. 14 Front Tableland · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. Hut and Yards 6, 7 Gara River · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. Hydro-electric scheme complex 10, 11 Graphite Mine, · Undertake cultural heritage assessment Cheyenne · Restrict vehicle and earthmoving equipment movements in immediate vicinity. 14, 15, 17, 18 Green Gully · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. Hut and Yards 18 Kookaburra · Exclude fire from the site where ever possible. · Undertake direct protection works if site under threat from fire. · Restrict vehicle and earthmoving equipment movements in area. 12 Kunderang East · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. complex 12 Landers Ridge · Undertake cultural heritage assessment Trail · Restrict vehicle and earthmoving equipment movements in areas of assessed high cultural heritage significance. 15 Left Hand Hut · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. 17 Lone Pine · Exclude fire from the site wherever possible. Stockyards · Undertake direct protection works if site under threat from fire. 7, 10, 11 Melrose gold- · Restrict vehicle and earth moving equipment movements in the immediate mining village vicinity. remains 15 Middle Yards · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. Hut · Restrict vehicle and earth moving machinery movements in the area of the existing hut and ruins of other two huts. 13, 14 Red Cedar · Undertake cultural heritage assessment Flying Fox – · Restrict vehicle and earth moving equipment movements in the immediate Rowleys Creek vicinity. 14, 17 Riverside · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. 14, 17 Rusdens Creek · Exclude fire from the site where ever possible. Yards · Undertake direct protection works if site under threat from fire. · Restrict vehicle and earth moving equipment movements in the immediate vicinity. 11 Salt Hut · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. 18 Speleos · Restrict vehicle and earth moving equipment movements in the immediate (Dysons) Hut vicinity. 7 Styx River · Located on park boundary with freehold land. Hydro-electric · Exclude fire from the site where ever possible. scheme · Undertake direct protection works if site under threat from fire. 44 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Site Name Fire Management Guidelines Suppression Sheet 19 Sunnyside · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. complex 12, 15 Wallers Grave · Protect site from fire · Restrict vehicle and earth moving equipment movements in the immediate vicinity. 17 Yarrowitch · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. River Hut and Yards 18 Youdales Hut · Refer to Table 4 above, objectives and strategies for asset protection zones. and Yards

45 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Table 9. The fire management strategies to be applied in each Heritage Zone (see Sheets 6 to 20).

Bushfire Heritage Zone Zone Area (ha) Strategies Suppression Name Inside Outside Sheet(s) Reserves Reserves 16, 17, 19 Apsley-Tia 6334 - Guidelines for Land Management Zones 7, 8 Bakers Creek 2535 - · Suppress bushfires and conduct prescribed burns as appropriate to maintain fire regimes within the biodiversity 15 Bees Nest 89 - thresholds specified in Table 6. 8, 10 Blue Mountain Creek 1367 - 12, 15 Carrai 9292 - · Implement the threatened species management strategies specified in Table 7 as required. 7, 8, 9 Chandler/ Oaky 7314 -

12 Cochrane North 1480 - · Implement the cultural heritage management strategies specified in Table 8 as required.

11, 14 Daleys 1354 - · Pre-fire season review of fire trail conditions and undertake maintenance to fire trails, boundary access on 15 Dourallie Creek 963 - cyclical basis when required. 8, 10, 11 Enmore 884 -

12, 15 Fitzroy Creek 9279 - · Erect trail name signs at all trail and road junctions. 9 Freds Gully 345 - 9 Georges Creek 1443 - · Maintain dams and other water points and sign post access points. 9, 12 Goffeys Creek 395 - 14, 15, 17, 18 Green Gully 17299 - · Maintain access to water points, helipads and other fire advantages. 9, 11, Halls Peak 2386 - 10, 11, 13 Hole Creek 2536 - · Monitor fuel accumulation throughout the zone particularly those areas adjacent to pastoral lands. 14, 17 Kanangra 64 - 8 Long Point 43 - · Where possible, target areas of high fuel accumulation when initiating prescribed burns to manage fire thresholds. 14, 17 Moona Falls 204 -

17 Point Cunderang 311 - · Identify and where possible undertake prescribed burning in key locations across known fire paths and between natural control features. 14, 17 Rusdens 10321 -

6, 8 Salisbury/ Gara 5719 - · Identify natural containment lines throughout the zone. 7, 9 Styx River 1662 -

7, 9, 12 Sunday Creek 3673 - · Identify potential containment lines that can be constructed prior to or during a fire event. 14, 15, 18 The Brook 7357 - 8, 9, 11 The Muddy 4336 - 18, 20 The Upper Brook 5634 - 15, 18 Threadneedle 6347 - 9, 11, 12 Top Creek 6368 -

46 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Zone Area (ha) 10, 11, 13, 14 Winterbourne/ Table 17842 - Top 11, 12 Yard Creek 5129 - 14, 17, 19 Yarrowitch 11002 -

47 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves

Bushfire Management Zones

4.4 Fire Management Assets and Utilities

4.4.1 Fire Management Trails and Roads

Table 10 lists the fire management trails and roads that will be maintained or constructed during the life of this Strategy. Roads and trails classified as ‘Primary’ will be maintained to a standard sufficient to allow the passage of Category 1 fire tankers (4WD Heavy Tanker from 3001 to 4000 litre capacity). Roads and trails classified as ‘Secondary’ will only be maintained to a standard sufficient to allow the passage of Category 7 or 9 fire tankers. (Cat 9 – 4WD Ute/Cab Chassis with 305 to 800 litre capacity; Cat 7 - light 4WD truck with 801 to 1600 litre capacity). Both primary and secondary roads and trails will be maintained as per the Bush Fire Coordinating Committee Policy ‘Guidelines for the classification of Fire Trails’ 01\03.

Table 10. The fire management trails and roads that will be maintained or constructed in and around the reserves (see Sheets 6 to 20).

Existing Trails to be maintained: Primary - (Category 1 tankers)

Bushfire Trail Name km Tenure Objective/Comment Suppression Sheet(s) 16 Apsley Falls Picnic and 1.6 NPWS Maintained by NPWS, bitumen road. Camping Area Roads 14, 17 Budds Mare Trail 0.8 NPWS Maintained by NPWS, gravel road. 15, 18 Carrai Road 24 NPWS, Ministerial roads, gravel and natural surface. Private, SF, Public 18, 20 Coachwood Road 30.2 NPWS, SF Maintained by NPWS, gravel and natural surface 12 Cochrane North Trail 7.7 NPWS Maintained by NPWS, natural surface. 12, 15 Cochrane Road 11 Ministerial Ministerial roads, MoU managed and maintained Road by NPWS, gravel and natural surface. 12, 15 Cochrane Trail 6 NPWS, Ministerial roads, MoU managed and maintained Private, by NPWS, gravel and natural surface. Ministerial 8, 9 Dangars Falls Picnic and 0.7 NPWS Maintained by NPWS, bitumen and gravel roads. Camping Area Roads 7, 9, 12 Eastern Boundary Trail 16.3 NPWS Maintained by NPWS, gravel and natural surface. 7 Edgars Lookout Road 0.5 NPWS Maintained by NPWS, bitumen road. 7 Green Gully Camping 0.3 NPWS Maintained by NPWS, bitumen road. Area Road 11, 12 Kunderang East Road 12.1 NPWS Maintained by NPWS, gravel and natural surface. 11, 14, 15, 18, Kunderang Trail (to top 40.0 NPWS & Maintained by NPWS & landholder, natural 20 of hill above Kunderang private surface. West). 8 Long Point Picnic Area 0.9 NPWS Maintained by NPWS, gravel and natural surface. Road 12, 15 Mines Road 7.1 NPWS, Maintained by NPWS, natural surface. Ministerial Road 18, 20 Racecourse Trail 14.1 NPWS Maintained by NPWS, gravel and natural surface.

7, 9, 11 Raspberry Road 32.5 NPWS, Public Maintained by NPWS and Armidale Dumaresq Shire, gravel and natural surface. 14, 17 Riverside Trail (top 0.9 NPWS Maintained by NPWS, gravel and natural surface. section)

49 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Trail Name km Tenure Objective/Comment Suppression Sheet(s) 6 Threlfall Road 0.9 NPWS Maintained by NPWS, gravel surface. 19 Tia Falls Picnic and 0.5 NPWS Maintained by NPWS, gravel surface. Camping Area Roads 7 Wollomombi Falls Road 0.7 NPWS Maintained by NPWS, bitumen road.

Secondary - (Category 7 and 9 tankers) Bushfire Trail Name Tenure Objective/Comment Suppression Sheet(s) Various Various Unnamed Various Various roads 14, 17 Apsley River Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS 14, 17 Argyll – Kanangra NPWS/ Private Criss crosses NPWS estate boundary. Maintained as Vale Boundary Trail necessary by NPWS 13, 14 Bark Hut Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 10, 11, 14 Baynes Mountain NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access Trail 10, 11, 14 Baynes Mountain NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access Trig Trail 15, 18 Birds Nest Hut Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 18 Birds Nest Trig Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 17, 19, 20 Black Springs Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS 10 Blue Mountain Creek Private (4 Maintained by NPWS and private landholders Boundary Trail landholders) 8, 10, 11 Blue Nobby NPWS Maintained by NPWS Boundary Trail 9 Booths Trail NPWS/ Private Maintained by NPWS & private landowners 17 Bulimba Downs NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access Boundary Trail 18 Bull Creek Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 18 Bull Creek Link Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 10 Burnt Hut Boundary NPWS/ Private Maintained by NPWS and private landholders Trail 18 Calwells Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 9, 11 Carters Road Private/ Forests To be maintained during fire operations NSW 9, 12 Cedar Road Forests NSW Maintained by NPWS and Forests NSW. Enables access to Waterloo and Haydons Fire Trails into Oxley Wild Rivers and Cunnawarra NPs 14 Dalys Creek NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 14 Dalys Dam Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 14, 15 Dourallie Trail NPWS/ Private Maintained by NPWS, no public access. Eastern end traverses private property 9, 11, 12 Duvals Trail NPWS/ Forests Maintained by NPWS & Forests NSW. NSW 13, 14 Ellandonan Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 17, 19 Enfield North NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access Boundary Trail 8 Enmore Fire Dam NPWS Maintained by NPWS Trail 10, 11 Enmore Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 8 Faints Trail NPWS/ Private Maintained by private landowner & NPWS through park.

50 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Trail Name Tenure Objective/Comment Suppression Sheet(s) 16 Falls View Boundary NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access Trail 15, 18 Fitzroy Boundary NPWS/ Private Maintained by NPWS, no public access. Trail criss- Trail crosses NPWS estate boundary 7, 9 Fletchers Gap Trail NPWS To provide a control line in conjunction with rainforest gully between the Chandler and Oaky Rivers. Maintained by NPWS, no public access 10 Fredroy Falls Road NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 14 Front Tableland Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 13 Glendower Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 8 Glenmore Boundary NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access Fire Trail 14, 17, 18 Green Gully Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 9, 11 Halls Peak Mine Trail NPWS, Forests Maintained by NPWS and Forests NSW. NSW and Private 9, 12 Haydons Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS to enable fire management in both Oxley Wild Rivers and Cunnawarra NPs. 10, 11, 13 Hole Creek Trail NPWS/ Private Maintained by NPWS, no public access 18, 20 Hoppys Lookout NPWS Maintained by NPWS. Access to lookout. Trail will be Trail closed when day use facility developed. 7, 9 Jeogla Boundary Trail NPWS/ Private Maintained by NPWS and neighbour to provide protection to the Jeogla property from fires moving out of the Oaky River. 17 Jiskerdale Boundary NPWS Maintained by NPWS Trail 14, 17 Kanangra Vale NPWS Maintained by NPWS Boundary Trail 17, 19, 20 Kings Gunyah NPWS Maintained by NPWS Boundary Trail 12, 15, 18 Kunderang Brook NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access. Route of Trail Bicentennial National Trail 11, 14, 15, 18, Kunderang Trail Private Maintained by NPWS and private landholder, no public 20 access 18 Link Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 9 Little Georges Trail NPWS Very steep trail, down hill access preferable. Maintained by NPWS, no public access. 17 Lone Pine Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access. Trail begins on private property with restrictions on access. 8 Long Point Boundary NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access Trail 8 Long Point Picnic NPWS Maintained by NPWS Area Road 9, 11 Long Point Ridge NPWS Maintained by NPWS to assist in preventing the Trail movement of fire between the Chandler and Macleay River catchments. No public access. 9, 11 Long Point Ridge NPWS Maintained by NPWS to assist in preventing the West Trail movement of fire between the Chandler and Macleay River catchments. 9 Macleay Trail NPWS Dead end trail. Maintained by NPWS, no public access 12 Macleay River Trail Private/ NPWS Private property. Only maintained during fire operations. 9, 11 Mine Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS 14, 17 Moona Creek Access NPWS Maintained by NPWS Road 51 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Trail Name Tenure Objective/Comment Suppression Sheet(s) 14, 17 Moona Plains NPWS/ Private Maintained by NPWS and private landholder, no public Boundary Trail access 18 Mooraback Spur Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS during management activities. No public access. 17, 19, 20 Mount Partridge Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS 17, 19, 20 Mount Vyner Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS

10, 11, 14 Narrow Neck Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 14, 17 O’Neills Trail NPWS/ Private Key access to Apsley River. Maintained by NPWS and private landholder. No public access. 9, 11 Oakey Fire Road NPWS/ Forests Maintained by NPWS and Forests NSW NSW 17 Paradise Trail NPWS/ Private Maintained by NPWS and private landholders. No public access. 14, 17 Paradise Trig Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 12 Peach Tree Creek Fire NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access Trail 18 Pinnacle Creek Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS and NPWS spraying contractors for weed control operations. No public access. 18 Pinnacle Link Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 7, 9 Powerline Access NPWS Maintained by NPWS for access to maintain powerline. Trail 10 Puppy Hill Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 15 Ring ‘O’ Rocks Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 19 Riverglade Boundary NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access Trail 14, 17 Riverside Trail, below NPWS Maintained by NPWS, restricted public access road Budds Mare Trail 13, 14 Rocky Creek Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 13, 14 Rowleys Gorge NPWS/ Private Maintained by NPWS and private landholder. No Boundary Trail public access. 8 Salisbury Waters Private Located on private property adjacent to park boundary South Trail (7 landholders) due to rugged terrain in park. Maintained by NPWS & private landowners. No public access. 14 Spear Creek Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 18, 20 Speleos Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 19 Stockyard Flat Spur NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access Trail 10, 14 Steep Drop Falls Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 9 Sunday Creek Trail NPWS Very steep, dead end trail. Keep one vehicle at top to assist in recovery if required. Maintained by NPWS, no public access. 19 Sunnyside Boundary NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access and Management Trails (multiple) 10, 13 Tabletop Boundary NPWS, Private Maintained by NPWS, private landholder. No public Trail access. 10, 11, 14 Tabletop Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 10, 11 Tabletop Link Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 17, 19 Terraces Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 17, 19 Terraces South Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 15, 17, 18 The Rocks Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 9, 12 Tibbs Trail NPWS Steep trail, down hill access preferable. Maintained 52 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Bushfire Trail Name Tenure Objective/Comment Suppression Sheet(s) by NPWS. 9, 11 Tooses Top Trail Forests NSW Maintained by Forests NSW 9, 11 Tooses Road NPWS Maintained by NPWS 7, 9 Warm Corner Trail NPWS/ Private Maintained by NPWS to assist in preventing the movement of fire between the Chandler and Oaky Rivers. No public access. 12, 15 Warrick Road NPWS Maintained by NPWS 9, 12 Waterloo Trail NPWS/ Forests Enable fire management between Oxley Wild Rivers and NSW Cunnawarra NPs. Maintained by Forests NSW and NPWS. 17 Yarrowitch River NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access Trail 18 Youdales East Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, no public access 18, 20 Youdales West Trail NPWS Maintained by NPWS, restricted public access road

Quad Access Routes Bushfire Trail Name km Tenure Objective/Comment Suppression Sheet(s) 11 Long Point Ridge West 2.5 NPWS To allow ground crew access along quadbike trail southern boundary of Long Point Ridge SFAZ for HR burns 11 Long Point Ridge South 2.5 NPWS To allow ground crew access into Bottom quadbike trail Gully SFAZ for HR burns

53 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

Proposed Trails or Access Routes to be constructed: Primary Bushfire Trail Name km Tenure Objective/Comment Suppression Sheet(s) Nil at present

Secondary Bushfire Trail Name km Tenure Objective/Comment Suppression Sheet(s) 8 Michaeliana Access Route 1.5 NPWS Identify and slash route as eastern control line for the Long Point Road SFAZ as required for HR burns. 8, 11 Enmore Fire Trail 2 NPWS To provide a linkage between the end of extension the existing trail to the head of a rainforest gully running into the Macleay River. 8, 11 Melrose Boundary Trail 1.5 NPWS Southern extension of the Blue Nobby Boundary Fire Trail to provide access to the ‘Melrose’ boundary.

Quad Access Routes Bushfire Trail Name km Tenure Objective/Comment Suppression Sheet(s) 8 Reedy Hole Access 2.5 NPWS To allow ground crew access along eastern boundary of Owens Creek SFAZ boundary for HR burns.

4.4.2 Other Fire Control Advantages

Other fire control advantages are features that may be used to support bushfire suppression operations and include water points (both helicopter and vehicle accessible), helipads and refuge areas. The information on these points is stored in the NPWS GIS database. These files contain comments relevant to the use of these advantages, such as the reliability of water or any work needed to be undertaken prior to using the advantage. These advantages are illustrated on sheets 6 to 20 as;

WH - Water Point – Helicopter. This is a point that is easily accessible by rotary winged aircraft, with little or no modification to the area needed.

WV - Water Point – Vehicle. This is a point that is easily accessible by vehicles (either Cat 1 or Cat 7 and Cat 9, depending on the classification of the access road) to fill up with water for fire management purposes.

- Helipad (Potential). A point that can be maintained as a cleared helipad suitable for rotary winged aircraft during fire management activities.

R - Refuge Area. An area either devoid of or with very low fuels that can be used as a refuge during fire management activities with little or no preparation.

There are no other fire control advantages proposed to be constructed during the current planning period.

54 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves Bushfire Management Zones

55 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves References

5. REFERENCES

Benson, J and Roberts, G (1985). Flora and Vegetation – Sclerophyll communities. In: Macleay-Apsley Natural Resources and Landuse Study, pp. 104-144. Unpubl. Report to the Department of Environment and Planning.

Bradstock, R A, Keith, D A and Auld T D (1995). Fire and conservation: imperatives and constraints on managing for diversity. In: Conserving Biodiversity: Threats and Solutions (eds RA Bradstock, Auld, T D, Keith D A, Kingsford R T, Lunney D and Sivertsen D P) pp 323-333. Surrey Beatty and Sons, Sydney.

McCarthy, G.J, Tolhurst, K.G. & Chatto, K. (1999). Overall Fuel Hazard Guide, Third Edition. Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne.

NPWS (2002). Recovery Plan for Grevillea beadleana. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

NPWS (2002a). Fire Interval Guidelines for Broad Vegetation Types. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Thomas, J. (2003). Fire Management in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. A review and synthesis of available data. Unpublished report, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

56 Fire Management Strategy for Macleay Gorges Reserves

NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

43 Bridge Street Hurstville NSW Australia 2220