Magazine of National Parks Association of Queensland
Legacy: National Parks Assocation of Queensland's 90th Anniversary PLUS Volunteer conservation groups Let's talk ecotourism - part II ALSO FEATURED Wetland rewind
Ranger profile Issue 27 Autumn 2020 1 Contents From the President ������������������������ 3 The Value of Volunteer FROM THE PRESIDENT Conservation Groups...... 10 Legacy: NPAQ's 90th Anniversary ��� 4 Wetland Rewind ...... 12 90 years of achievements �������������� 6 Ranger of the Month ...... 14 Let's Talk Ecotourism - Part II ...... 8 What’s On...... 15
Editor Advertising enquiries Marika Strand. Please email [email protected] or phone (07) 3367 0878. Graeme Bartrim Contributor guidelines Advertising policy President, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ) NPAQ invites contributions to Protected Advertisements are required to align with articles. Please email [email protected] for a relevant NPAQ policies. NPAQ reserves the Welcome to the Autumn edition of of the few advocacy groups in the discourse can become nasty. Tom schedule of future editions. right to refuse any advertisement at any time. Advertisement in Protected does not imply Protected. "environmental" arena - this made Nichols in his book "The Death of Contributors, please include contact details NPAQ’s endorsement of products or services. We live in challenging times and it easier to broadcast messages. Expertise" examines this phenomenon. and brief personal summary. Articles can be I wish you and your families well Now there are a plethora of groups • The scientific knowledge on our submitted via email or hard copy. Digital photos Copyright and disclaimer consisting of well-meaning people all should be minimum 300dpi. during the coronavirus pandemic. plants and animals and how best to NPAQ retains copyright of Protected. Articles Like so many, we have had to make competing for funding and advocating ensure their ongoing presence is well Cover image may be quoted provided that appropriate major adjustments in response to for specific and often similar causes. developed (compared to decades ago) acknowledgement occurs in the reproduction the consequences of the virus and • Queensland was a large state with and land management techniques are Historic national park signage. Photo: NPAQ and use of material. archives. community precautions. Unfortunately much unallocated land. Now the state well established. Articles in Protected do not necessarily reflect our 90th birthday celebrations and is occupied by tenures and rights often • The community recognises the NPAQ’s opinion or position. parks campaign, for which much work overlapping which makes land use value of national parks (in the past had been done, have been cancelled. change administratively difficult and it was a few visionaries) and it is About NPAQ The contributions of all is much sometimes expensive and contentious. generally accepted that it wants appreciated. In 1938 Queensland's population more. There are many voluntary hours Our Purpose In this edition you can read about the was around 1 million, now it is over 5 spent rehabilitating land, removing The National Parks Association of Queensland Association over the past 90 years, the million. weeds and caring for wildlife. There is (NPAQ) promotes the preservation, expansion, importance of volunteer conservation • Over the 90 years a large number good reason to be optimistic about a good management and presentation of National groups, ecotourism debate, wetlands of the State's plants and animals growing interest in care for our natural Parks, and supports nature conservation in research and more. world. Queensland. have become threatened because of It is a privilege to be part of a not clearing and the spread of feral animals The Association's work is far from Council Staff for profit that has been continuously and weeds. done, yet to be successful going President Graeme Bartrim Conservation Principal Laura Hahn active for nine decades. This has been • There was very little legislation forward it needs to adapt to change Vice President Yvonne Parsons and be constantly asking how we use Operations Manager Marika Strand achieved by people of passion and specific to parks and biodiversity our resources to best effect. Hon Treasurer Neil Williams goodwill who have given generously to conservation. Now there is a mountain Contact details a simple cause: aiming for Queensland Hon Secretary Jacqueline Rose’Meyer of related legislation, regulations and References Asst Hon Secretary Debra Marwedel Office Unit 9/36 Finchley St, Milton QLD to have representative and well policies that an athletic lawyer may Nichols, Tom. The Death of Expertise. Oxford Councillors David Ball Post PO Box 1040, Milton QLD 4064 managed national parks. have trouble jumping over. It almost University Press, 2017. Suzanne Cooper Phone (07) 3367 0878 Common association themes over seems that as the number of pages Julie Hainsworth Web www.npaq.org.au the 90 years have been the recognition Email [email protected] of legislation grow, it is inversely Colleen Thornton of the value of nature in its own right proportional to the quality of our ABN 60 206 792 095 and its value to us human beings. It is environment. In this year of a review of gratifying to see the present Council the EPBC Act it is worth considering Want to get involved with NPAQ? enthusiastic about the Association - does our legislation prioritise the being active and successful for the NPAQ welcomes people from all walks of life and offers a variety of ways to be involved: environment or enable continued next 90 years. • Have fun in the bush – come • Step up – become a National • Connect with us – Facebook, development whilst considering the along on a bush walk or Parks Conservation member Instagram and Twitter Much has changed in the last 90 environment? or a National Parks Protector other activity • Stay in touch – read regular years and it is accepted that the rate • We are awash with information and • Donate – support our work • Get your hands dirty – updates on our website of future change is likely to be faster. opinions. Compared to the occasional participate in on-ground • Volunteer on exciting projects • Share a bush adventure with There are a few obvious differences for telegraph or phone call, books and conservation efforts • Subscribe to Protected and children – download NPAQ’s an Association born in last century's direct conversation, we now have • Join us – become a member Neck of the Woods via email Kids in National Parks guide depression compared to now: instant access to great volumes of Above: Lamington National Park. Banner: SUPPORT NPAQ AND HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE • For some decades (except for information and views. Opinions can Early NPAQ trip to Hinchinbrook Island. Photos: BECOME A MEMBER, DONATE OR VOLUNTEER some of World War II) NPAQ was one override facts and unfortunately social NPAQ archives. www.npaq.org.au/get-involved www.facebook.com/NPAQld @nationalparksassocqld www.npaq.org.au
2 Connect and Protect 3 LEGACY: NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY
Graeme Bartrim, President, and Laura Hahn, Conservation Principal, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ)
The National Parks Association of Secretary and George H. Barker is prescient that in NPAQ’s 1948 campaigned against the revocation 50th anniversary 1930-1980 edition volunteers have made the Association Queensland (NPAQ) has been active as Treasurer. From the outset, all Annual Report it is stated that "... of parts of Lindeman Island National stated that 2.3 of the 2.6 million acres thrive and affect change over nine in increasing Queensland's National positions were honorary. national parks... must be available Park; however, was unsuccessful in (about 1 million hectares) of national decades. Every volunteer brings Park Estate and seeking management The Association's objects throughout to the people and means for their preventing the lease over national parks secured were in recommended unique experience, skills, perspective of threats for 90 years. and energy and offers countless time can be summarised as: to accommodation must be provided, park land for a golf course. The recent areas submitted by NPAQ which 2017 campaign to avoid further hours. Romeo Lahey looms large in the advocate the preservation of existing but the right place for this is on their was almost 90% of the first million revocations was successful. establishment and early years of parks and the reservation of all outskirts ...". This NPAQ position hectares declared. Early parks Our current office bearers and the the Association. Lahey recognised other suitable areas, educate public continues to be communicated to The Association’s 60th year was proposed by NPAQ include: many who came before them have that "no body of public opinion was opinion, form a link between the government. launched in 1990 by the Hon. • Springbrook NP guided NPAQ’s outstanding legacy. organised to combat the influences Pat Comben who provided great public and the parks administration, The first NPA News was produced • Girringun NP Volunteers give their time generously which were operating against the co-operate with other organisations in December 1953 and continues political leadership in extending the to guide activities, organise outings, • Glass House Mountains NP best interests of national parks". with similar objects and assist in today in two forms, Neck of the park estate. The anniversary was regenerate bushland, survey potential Discussions with like-minded people enforcing national park protective Woods email bulletin and Protected also marked by NPAQ adopting • Obi Obi NP park areas, prepare proposals, serve led to the official formation of NPAQ Magazine. The magazine provides the Boombana Revegetation regulations. • Wooroonooran NP on committees, host stalls, raise at the (just constructed) Brisbane City educational and information articles project starting in earnest under the To enable the public to visit and learn 2 funds, review management plans, Hall on the 15th of April 1930. about issues related to national parks stewardship of Ruth Read and Ken • Main Range NP from nature, Romeo Lahey and Arthur make submissions (on policy and and provides enjoyment to NPAQ Sandercoe. It has continued steadily It was a powerful group, with Groom established Binna Burra Lodge • Tully Falls NP legislation), provide evidence (at members and supporters, as well as ever since, now under the leadership Governor Sir John Goodwin as in 1932. The connection between the • Chillagoe-Mungana Caves NP official enquiries), supply photos, write being highly regarded by government of Angus McElnea, expanding to patron, Romeo Lahey as President, Lodge and the Association remained articles, post on social media, help Archbishop James Duhig and and rangers. Jolly's Lookout and hopefully beyond, • Eungella NP with mail outs, support events,donate strong and is destined to continue into into the future. Professor E. J. Goddard as Vice the future as the Lodge undergoes The Association has a long history • Hinchinbrook Island NP and make bequests. Many members Presidents, Arthur Groom as reconstruction after devastating of campaigning for declaration of Throughout NPAQ’s nine decades, • Girraween NP say NPAQ has been central to their new areas and protection of existing the Association has looked out for the lives. And we are grateful to each and bushfires late last year. • Cooloola NP national parks. Even at the age of well-being of Queensland’s National every one and hope they get as much It is of sombre note the Association 70, in 1957, Lahey commenced Park Estate and the public’s interests. • Great Sandy NP3 out of NPAQ as they put in. recessed during World War II, with a campaign resulting in the (now) Leon Misfeld, writing on the occasion 4 many officers and members joining • Munga-Thirri NP Daintree National Park. Typically, of the 70th anniversary, said "the price Footnotes the armed forces. It is good to note that from the NPAQ campaigns are quiet, behind of conservation is eternal vigilance." 1 Now Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. beginning NPAQ has urged use of Before and during the war, NPAQ the scenes, with NPAQ working in Achievements come in varying sizes 2 Indigenous naming rather than any Then Cunningham’s Gap National Park. opposed attempts to cut timber in collaboration with the government, and from many people. To name but 3 person’s name for national parks in Then Fraser Island National Park. national parks. In the late 1940s wherever possible. Unfortunately, a few, Undara Volcanic National Park Queensland. 4 Then Simpson Desert National Park. the Government decreed that no not all NPAQ campaigns have was declared in 1992 in no small timber would be cut in Queensland succeeded. Despite wide-spread part thanks to the tireless work over NPAQ’s recent 2019 Yabba national parks. NPAQ was also public opposition, Hayman Island many years of Norm Traves, who was National Park Links Proposal has, instrumental in preventing damage to was removed from the National Park NPAQ president at the time. Sarabah we believe, strong government Consider making a 90th Lamington National Park and Fairfax Estate allowing a major airline and National Park, Queensland’s smallest support. We now eagerly await the Anniversary donation to ensure Island National Park (now part of the tourist company (now defunct) full park at a modest 1.416 ha, was gifted Queensland Protected Area Strategy the Association stays strong and Capricornia Cays National Park) as a possession in 1961. to the State by an NPAQ member, but are concerned it will not be influential well into the future. result of military training exercises. The Queensland National Parks Agnes Curtis. In contrast, the largest adequate to address the Queensland You can donate at In 1948, the Association called and Wildlife Service1 was formed increase to the Estate came in 1967 government’s 2015 commitment to www.npaq.org.au/donate a meeting attended by some 700 out of the Forestry Department in when Munga-Thirri National Park (then establish a ‘world-class protected or by calling (07) 3367 0878. the Simpson Desert National Park) area network’. people, from many clubs and 1975, the same year an interpretive Thank you for your ongoing was declared raising the area from associations, to protest a proposal for centre was established at Girraween An association’s strength is closely support. Above: NPAQ founders Romeo Lahey (left) under 1 million to over 2 million acres. and Arthur Groom. Banner: Early NPAQ trip to a hotel and road near Mt Wanungara. following NPAQ’s suggestion. In linked to the continued efforts of Hinchinbrook Island. Photos: NPAQ archives. The proposal did not proceed. It 1986, the Association successfully The August 1980 the NPA News active volunteers and donors. NPAQ’s
4 5 HIGHLIGHTS FROM NATIONAL PARKS OVER NPAQ'S 90 YEARS A timeline of achievements, happenings, and anecdotes
1870-1929 (Pre-NPAQ) • June 1939 NPAQ members 295; company • 1975 National Parks Australia rainforest listed as World Heritage campaign preventing extension of NPAQ account balance £ 7/6/0 Council established (NPAQ a area; Queensland's National Park stock grazing in NPs; NPAQ’s first • 1872 Yellowstone National Park – • 1962 Queensland's National Park member) Estate ~3.5 million ha (~2% of female president World’s first National Park 1940s Estate ~375,000 ha • 1975 Cooloola NP gazetted state). • 2014 Tracking of wider NPAQ • 1879 The National Park declared • NPAQ recessed during WWII • 1963 Wallaman Falls; Mossman 23,030 ha, 16 years after NPAQ 1990s member and supporter base under The Land Act 1897 (now • Jan 1948 multi club protest Gorge recommendation • 1990 60th Anniversary Year 2,061; Qld NP Estate 8.75 million Royal National Park), Australia’s meeting over hotel and road near • 1966 Simpson Desert NP (now • 1975 NPAQ Special projects launched by Hon Pat Comben ha (over 5% of the State) first National Park Mt Wanungara Munga-Thirri) 1,248,000 acres funds at Jolly’s Lookout; Boombana • 2016 Helped restore the cardinal • 1900 Barron Falls earliest • 1947 Mt Barney NP, Mt Lindesay (505,000 Ha) Revegetation Project; NPAQ principle, mandatory management Queensland reserve (The Land • 1975 QPWS established (then NP gazetted membership 1110; History of planning and consultation Act 1897) • NPAQ membership 838 QNPWS); Queensland's National • 1949 Noosa NP officially opened Park Estate ~ 1,128,000 ha Lamington National Park by J • 2017 NPAQ member and • 1906 The State Forest & 1970s Keith Jarrot published by NPAQ • Late 1940s Government formally • 1977 Regular day walks began – supporter base 5,380 National Parks Act 1906 (Qld) • 1971 First NPAQ overseas decreed there would be no 96 people to Mt Glorious • 1991 Purchased office at Milton • 2017-2018 Kids in National Parks – first Australian legislation (and extended outing – 36 members, logging in Qld national parks with bequest, donations and booklets for SEQ and Tropical possibly world) for legislation 3 weeks in New Zealand • 1978 First Interpretive Centre in fundraising for declaration/management of 1950s NP (suggested by NPAQ in 1972) North Qld • 1972 NP Estate Area > 2.5 • 1992 Nature Conservation Act national parks • 1950 NPAQ membership 500 • 1979 NPAQ began commenting • 2018 NPAQ successful campaign million acres (1 million ha) 1992 (Qld) passed by parliament; against revocation of part • 1908 First Queensland national • 1951 NPAQ Extended outing to on park management plans Qld National Park Estate 5 million park declared under The State • 1974 NPAQ membership 1000 of Lindeman NP; Protected North Qld 1980s ha; Fraser Island (Great Sandy Area Alliance - 23 eNGOs; Forests and National Parks Act • 1975 National Parks and Wildlife National Park) inscribed on World • 1952 Mt Aberdeen NP • 1980 50th Anniversary Cuthbertson Grant established 1906 (Qld) - Witches Falls NP Heritage List Act 1975 (Qld) proclaimed Celebration at Cunningham’s (Tamborine Mountain) • 1952 First NPA calendar • 2019 Yabba Links National Park Gap; Supported large increase in • 1998 NPAQ Bird Group Proposal • 1915 Lamington NP declared • 1953 First NPA News NSW Bald Rock NP established Presidents of NPAQ 2020s (Romeo Lahey instrumental in • 1954 Magnetic Island NP, • 1930 - 1961 Romeo Lahey • 1981 NPAQ colour slide library 2000s park declaration and pioneering Glasshouse Mountains NP, • Seeking recovery resourcing established • NPAQ membership 1058 standards for walking track Cunningham’s Gap Extension • 1961 - 1967 Edgar Kemp for post-fire weed and pest system) • 1981 NPAQ membership peaked • Part time Executive Coordinator management (now Main Range NP) • 1967 - 1970 Lionel Simpson at 1344 appointed • 1920s (late) Rucksacks came • 1957 Mt Edwards (now • Seeking adequate funding for • 1970 - 1977 Clif Bell • 1986 NPAQ incorporated into common use Moogerah NP) • Increasing number of park urgently needed Queensland • 1977 - 1980 G. Horwood • 1986 Lindeman Island National management plans and Protected Area Strategy 1930s • 1957 At age of 70, Romeo Lahey Cossins Park – successfully fought discussion papers • Seeking declaration of Yabba • 15 April 1930 NPAQ established; commenced campaign which revocation but unsuccessful in Qld Governor NPAQ patron resulted in the declaration of the • 1980 - 1983 Brian Egan • 2007 Queensland's Protected Links National Park by 2021 preventing golf course lease Area Estate ~ 8 million ha (4.6% ~20,000 ha • 1930 NPAQ proposed a NP to Daintree NP • 1983 - 1986 George Haddock • 1988 North Qld Wet Tropics of state) • Seeking transition of native include Glasshouse Mountain • 1958 Queensland's National Park • 1986 - 1990 Brian Egan state forests - 2000 South East Peaks Estate ~ 340,000 ha (0.2% of 2010s • 1990 - 1996 Norm Traves Major Bequests Queensland Forestry Agreement • 1930 Qld NPs area just over state) • 2013 grazing/tourism resorts • 1996 - 2001 John de Horne in national parks – cardinal • Seeking national parks to be 161,000 acres (~65,000ha) • 1959 Forestry Act 1959 (Qld) – • 1992 Caroline Pender principle overridden by provision listed as a Matter of National included the cardinal principle • 2001 - 2005 Rob Hitchcock • 1993 Marianne Florence Murray • 1932 Romeo Lahey and Arthur for recreational/tourism uses, Environmental Significance Groom established Binna Burra 1960s • 2005 - 2008 John Bristow • 2009 Frederic Kemp removed mandatory management • April 2020 – NPAQ 90th Lodge to connect people with • 1961 Hayman Island - • 2008 - 2013 Tony O’Brien • 2009 James Cuthbertson planning and downgraded Anniversary nature unsuccessful campaign against consultation • 2013 - 2017 Michelle Prior • 2016 Susan Mary (Molly) Blake • 2020 NPAQ member and • 1937 First financial allocation for revocation of entire island for • 2013 NPAQ successful supporter reach over 8,000 NPs in government budget airline (now defunct) and tourism • 2017 - Graeme Bartrim • 2018 Norman Traves 6 7 LET'S TALK ECOTOURISM - PART II
In October last year, NPAQ organised Of course. By better presenting, only be permitted where there is a Ralf Buckley is the International sector. accessible tourist facilities and Chair in Ecotourism Research infrastructure inside parks, as a seminar in Brisbane to discuss an protecting and promoting the clear understanding of how the park The Queensland Ecotourism Trails (Emeritus) at Griffith University. proposed in the QET, detract from this important issue: the pros and cons of ecological values of national parks, functions as an ecosystem, and (QET) strategy adopts approaches Here is what he had to say. goal. ecotourism in national parks. we’ll be able to better support where it can be shown that the sites’ attempted in the 1990s, when tourism In the last edition we caught up with the conservation of these areas. cultural and heritage values can be Queensland escaped the lobbyists pushed the language of Currently, track maintenance in Using a collaborative model with two of the speakers and now we conserved. 2019/20 summer bushfire season “partnership”, to persuade parks national parks in Queensland focuses present the views of the other two Governments, Traditional Owners, comparatively unscathed. NSW agencies to grant them preferential heavily on sections immediately It’s been fantastic to see Traditional speakers to get their perspectives in local communities and the private did not. Immediately following the development rights. This is why QET adjacent to car parks, because of Owners on country offering more detail. sector, we’ll create genuine fires in NSW national parks, tourism is driven by QDITID, not QDES. concerns over potential liability for ecotourism experiences and knowledge and skills to help with enterprises throughout much of Over the past 30 years, parks poorly prepared and inexperienced David Edwards is the Projects unlock new income streams for the the parks’ protection. Through the regional NSW reported 60% loss tourists. There are many older Chief Executive at the Queensland agencies worldwide have tested preservation and management of collaborative approach we have of business. The roads were open, tracks and trails that are completely Department of Innovation and a wide variety of arrangements parks. established, we are all gaining a far the tourism facilities intact, but the abandoned. They are no longer Tourism Industry Development with private tourism entrepreneurs, As always, a balanced approach better understanding of Traditional attractions – views, vegetation and summarized at the NPAQ seminar. shown on parks maps, and only What is your view on ecotourism between sustainable development Owners’ special cultural places and wildlife – were less attractive. This global practical experience bushwalking clubs and local residents know that they exist. infrastructure in national parks? and conservation is essential. the strong linkages there are between Effectively, the fires created a shows that with few exceptions, I’m very supportive of ecotourism Ecotourism operations in parks will cultural heritage and biodiversity. giant natural experiment, showing these approaches have created Lamington National Park, an infrastructure and adventure and that parks support tourism outside environmental impacts, social internationally famous World Heritage nature-based tourism experiences in their boundaries. This is not new: inequities, and economic costs, for area close to Queensland’s largest national parks as long as it’s delivered “benefits beyond boundaries” is a taxpayer-funded national parks. population centres, provides a prime responsibly and sustainably. I’ve long-established concept in parks There are a few private tourism example. There are many abandoned travelled around New Zealand and economics. It was a very practical companies worldwide, that do trails, well constructed 80 years ago, Tasmania to look at best-practice demonstration for the regional tourism contribute to conservation. They do with stone steps and supporting walls and there are great examples of industry, however, just how much their so, however, under very different that still survive in places. Even thirty government, the private sector and routine customer base is connected arrangements from those proposed years ago, these tracks were still local communities working together to park visitation. under the QET. QET could adopt the in reasonable condition, and used regularly by international tourists as to create and showcase unique To reiterate: the tourism industry most successful features of each. But well as locals. Now, however, they are ecotourism experiences. makes much more money from it does not: rather the reverse. tumbledown and overgrown, hard to This is the approach we’re taking large numbers of people traveling to It is now 2020. The world has find and slow to traverse. with the Queensland Ecotourism Trails visit public national parks cheaply recognized that people need nature program which focuses on three key or free, than from exclusive private not only for ecosystem services, but If Queensland is serious about an pillars: protecting culture, preserving tourism operations inside the parks to maintain individual mental health. economic boost to tourism through and presenting natural assets and themselves. Much more. And via Human societies are increasingly busy trails in parks, then restoring existing future-proofing regional communities. businesses that already exist. If and urbanized, with less exposure trails should be the top priority. More For a proposal to be considered governments want to boost tourism, to nature, and higher costs of poor trails means more visitors, and more however, it must be delivered and they should increase parks agency mental health. For immediate human visitors bring more tourist expenditure operated in-accordance with strict budgets directly. health as well as long-term biodiversity along access roads and gateway towns. That means a substantial environmental legislation, regulations Private tourism businesses inside conservation, we need more boost in the Queensland Parks and frameworks. Any facilities in parks sell exclusivity. This discourages parks, better protected, and more budget, for trail maintenance and parks must be located, designed and public visitation to those areas. That accessible. repair specifically. managed sensitively and sustainably reduces total visitor numbers, which Low-impact tracks and trails, to ensure compatibility with the area’s reduces client numbers for tourism lookouts and toilets, signs and But perhaps the real issue was well natural and cultural values. businesses outside the parks. Private campsites all contribute to this stated many years ago by cartoonist Do you see ecotourism ventures tourism developments inside parks goal; but only if they are equally and Patrick Cook, in regard to government as likely to benefit the ecological Above: Lamington National Park. Photo: Chris Fuller. Banner: NPAQ Ecotourism Seminar, October thus decrease the total economic cheaply available to all park visitors. funding of railway tracks: “Both ends values of national parks? 2019. Photo: Kalam McTaggart. contribution of parks to the tourism Privately owned and preferentially must be in marginal electorates.” 8 9 THE VALUE OF VOLUNTEER CONSERVATION GROUPS
Len Lowry Coordinator, Friends of Tamborine National Park, & Member, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ)
We are fortunate in Australia to European settlement of the centre to gauge interest in starting a subtropical rainforest species from turkey have given the regenerated plot Some young people join because they have some of the oldest and largest Tamborine Mountain Plateau started volunteer group to support the local the group’s propagation nursery are their stamp of approval. are interested in or are studying for subtropical rainforest left on the in 1875 when some of the plateau national park rangers. The activities planted. A project to attract the Richmond conservation, land management or planet. This has been achieved was cleared for dairying and fruit and being proposed were eradicating An example one of the plots is in a birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera horticulture certificates or degrees at local universities or undertaking study by the foresight of some of our vegetable farming. Fortunately some weed species, track maintenance, 3.7 hectare parcel of land which was richmondia) to the Pirralilla Section by correspondence. Some courses pioneers who recognised the value of these early pioneering families plant propagation, revegetation donated by Kath Dobbie and added commenced with the planting require students to undertake practical of these special places that were, donated land to be included in the of degraded areas and general to Tamborine National Park in 1978 of Richmond birdwing vines work in this field. Others join for the in some cases, being exploited for national park. maintenance such as painting. It was and is known as Pirralilla Section. Part (Pararistolochia praevenosa), the food source for the larvae of this butterfly camaraderie and social networking their timber, minerals and agricultural For me, Tamborine Mountain was a from this meeting that the Friends of of the parcel had remnant rainforest species. Due to clearing of rainforest the group provides and to contribute resources. The reservation and place to escape the city and take up Tamborine National Park (FoTNP) was and a plant survey found it to contain areas in south east Queensland to a cause that is dear to their heart. preservation of these areas goes back bushwalking. Later it was a natural formed. a high concentration of Marbled and the migratory habits of this A volunteer soon learns it is easier to to the formation of the National Parks wonderland to take a young family to My involvement started when my baloghia (Baloghia marmorata) which beautiful butterfly, the natural breeding protect an existing stand of rainforest Association of Queensland (NPAQ). find strange insects and, if we were elder daughter showed an interest in is vulnerable and confined to isolated cycle had been severely affected. than to create one from planting tube quiet, creep up on a land mullet or a becoming a park ranger. A parent’s areas from Lismore to Gympie and on On Brisbane’s doorstep we are Planting of the Richmond birdwing stock. sleepy carpet python. involvement has led to a 32 year Tamborine Mountain. fortunate to have some iconic national vines around the perimeter of the Reporting to the local base of commitment to improving the national parks in Lamington, Main Range, Tamborine National Park has an area The Pirralilla Section was originally revegetated area was undertaken. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service D’Aguilar, Fraser Island and Tamborine of 11.6 square kilometres and is made park and giving others the opportunity used as a flower farm and at the time After several years’ growth, the mature (QPWS) is an important part of the National Parks. While I have visited up of 14 parcels of land that are not to get a hands-on experience in what it was gifted to the National Park, vines in Pirralilla Section now attract responsibilities for the group in order many national parks in Australia and contiguous. This is somewhat of a could be their future career. was partly covered in kikuyu grass this butterfly and the breeding cycle to advise of fallen trees and work overseas, I have a close affinity with disadvantage as our native animals The FoTNP was one of the first and lantana along with all the usual begins. that needs to be undertaken on the abandoned farm equipment. Tamborine National Park. do not have the corridors to move national park volunteer groups to be Nature does require a helping hand, tracks by the ranger crews. QPWS This Park occupies part of the from one parcel to another to feed formed in Queensland. There are over In 1995 some of the lantana was and although the rich volcanic soils provides all training, equipment and materials that the group requires for its Tamborine Mountain Plateau which and breed. In some cases the Scenic 60 other volunteer groups working in cleared by machine but most of the promote the growth of the planted operations. is part of the northern spur of the Rim Regional Council reserves and Queensland’s national parks and these work has been done by hand by the trees, the perching birds bring in seed McPherson Range. Tamborine has private land has stands of subtropical can be found at https://apps.des.qld. FoTNP volunteers. A broad selection from outside the park from weed The question that is often asked: rich volcanic soils and basalt rock rainforest which adjoins the national gov.au/park-volunteers/ of subtropical rainforest plant species species such as privet, wild tobacco, Why do we do it? There is a certain outcrops which are a legacy of being parkland and provides these corridors. The FoTNP has 12 plots in the endemic to Tamborine Mountain were ochna, climbing asparagus, Chinese amount of satisfaction in seeing a on the outer rim of the Mount Warning In March 1988 a meeting was National Park where we work. After planted over a 12 year period. celtis - to name a few. Ongoing degraded area being replaced with shield volcano. convened at the local information weed species have been removed, This area is now completely covered maintenance is required in the planted a natural environment where animals in a well-established rainforest and areas and in the mature rainforest to can breed and survive. Isn’t that what is a wonderful example of what a keep the weed species at bay. our pioneers wanted when they gifted areas of their land to be protected in committed volunteer group can All this work requires volunteers, and its natural state? achieve. Eastern whipbirds, green a steady stream of new recruits join catbirds and the Australian brush- the FoTNP group for varying reasons.
Above: Volunteers involved in revegetation work on Tamborine National Park. Banner: Some of the many volunteers of the Friends of Tamborine Above: (L ot R): Volunteers involved in revegetation work on Tamborine National Park; Richmond birdwing butterfly in the Pirralilla section; propogation National Park. Photos: Len Lowry. nursery plants. Photos: Len Lowry. 10 11 WETLAND REWIND: Learning from the Past at Sanamere Lagoon, Cape York Peninsula
Emma Rehn and Maria Rivera Araya PhD candidates, ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, James Cook University
Studying past environments and sedges are surrounded by the nearby Jardine River by one or term monsoonal climate transitions. York Peninsula, and more research is (palaeoenvironments) gives us a dwarf heathland, a vegetation type more severe storm events, such as However, careful management is required in heathland environments better understanding of how currently containing numerous endemic plants tropical cyclones. The last of these required to maintain stability, to to determine ideal fire return intervals protected areas have (or haven’t) (e.g. Nepenthes pitcher plants, storm events to affect Sanamere conserve wetlands and heathlands and patchiness to achieve the best changed over thousands of years. Grevillea, and Banksia) and threatened Lagoon occurred over 170 years into the future and to protect these biodiversity outcomes (Keith et al. Natural archives, such as lakes, by inappropriate fire regimes (Keith ago, as sediments have resumed environments from threats caused 2014, p.305). capture this environmental information; et al. 2014, p.288). Appropriate use accumulating since that time. directly and indirectly by humans. Sanamere Lagoon stores 32 sediments incorporating microfossils of fire for biodiversity conservation These threats include land clearance, Learning from the Past thousand years of environmental such as pollen, charcoal and other is a key management issue for this changing fire regimes, invasive plants history of the wetlands and unique plant matter blown or washed into environment (Department of the The water permanency of Sanamere and climate change (Keith et al. 2014, Above: Sampling a sediment core on heathlands of Cape York Peninsula. the water slowly build up and are Environment & Energy 2017). site. Banner: Dwarf heathland vegetation Lagoon and persistence of heathland p.298-304). vegetation over thousands of years Deliberate management, including preserved in layers at the bottom Wetland Rewind surrounding Sanamere Lagoon. Photos: Emma The long term occurrence of high of the lake. Palaeoenvironmental Rehn and Maria Rivera Araya. indicates stability of the site and of fire regimes, is required to avoid Sanamere Lagoon formed intensity fires in the Sanamere Lagoon sciences provide insights into lakes across Cape York Peninsula associated ecosystems. This includes the disappearance of heathlands, as approximately 32 thousand years ago. heathland tells us that hot fires are a interactions between fire, climate, as conditions became increasingly during previous phases of both higher these landscapes can be susceptible At this time, Papua New Guinea and key component of this environmental humans and vegetation over wet throughout the region (Luly et and lower rainfall, and overall long to invasion by exotic weeds and Tasmania were still connected to the system; this is supported by modern timescales beyond the observational al. 2006). The land bridge between degradation by other demands of land Australian mainland (Reeves et al. studies demonstrating that heathland record, which in Australia covers Cape York Peninsula and Papua New use (see Keith et al. 2014, p.298- 2013) creating one large land mass. plants require infrequent, hot fires for approximately the last century. Guinea was also flooded by rising sea 304). Our team, led by Professor Michael regeneration (Crowley 1995, p.18; levels around this time (Reeves et al. Sanamere Lagoon gives us a glimpse Sanamere Lagoon located alongside Bird of James Cook University and Keith et al. 2014, p.299). Fire also 2013). the Jardine River National Park is one the ARC Centre of Excellence for plays an important role in nutrient into the extensive environmental such natural archive, recording over Australian Biodiversity and Heritage Charcoal throughout the record cycling in these characteristically history of our important wetlands. 32 thousand years of environmental (https://epicaustralia.org.au), sampled shows the persistent presence of fire low nutrient environments (Crowley To understand and conserve these conditions. The site is within the this natural archive and reconstructed in the dwarf heathland ecosystem, 1995, p.8; Keith et al. 2014). environments long-term we need to Jardine River wetlands, part of the its environmental history. often at high intensities. Burned Maintaining a regime of hot fires at expand our awareness to include a lands of the Angkamuthi people intermediate to long intervals is critical deep time perspective, learning from Sanamere Lagoon has been sedges also appear throughout the (AIATSIS 2020). Sanamere Lagoon to conserving the heathlands of Cape the past to create a stronger future. permanently wet since it formed. None record, demonstrating that conditions today is a large, shallow lake fringed of the sediments in the two metres were periodically dry enough for these by sedges that also extend in shallow References 142°21’32”E elevation 16m, viewed 10 February collected from the centre of the site usually waterlogged plant types to 2020,
Rob Miller is Ranger-in-Charge based For the most up to date information on what activities and events are upcoming, please visit our website: in Mareeba on the Atherton Tableland www.npaq.org.au/activities-events in North Queensland. Initially his goal was to become a Forest Ranger so he attended Gatton Agricultural College and obtained an Associate Diploma in Forestry. Rob worked in forest management for Queensland Forestry from 1994 until 2002. Then a restructure saw many of the state forests and forests reserves that Rob was managing move across to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Rob, along with many other Above: QPWS Ranger Rob Miller in Dinden National Park. Banner: View from Kahpahlim Rock, forestry staff, also made the move. Dinden National Park. Photos: Queensland Government. It was not an easy transition but one and interesting work they have to treasures such as huge trees or out- he realized was necessary and, in offer. of-the-way waterfalls. retrospect, very much welcomed. What is your most memorable What is the best part about Why did you decide to become a moment? working in a National Park? Ranger? There are so many and varied The best thing is the opportunity I decided to become a Ranger for the memorable moments, from aerial to be inquisitive about the natural reason most of us do and that is to burning in eastern Cape York environment—learning about, and work outside, make a positive impact Peninsula and seeing the hoop pine from, nature, while presenting the on the natural world, and learn and do emergents of the rainforests of the park or forest to the community who some cool stuff. McIlwraith Range (Kulla NP) from enjoy the area you help manage. How long have you worked in the air, to coming across an illegal What is your top tip for visitors to national parks? mobile meth amphetamine (ice) lab parks for bushwalking? From 2002 to the present. in production on a road in Dinden Do some homework on where NP. Both experiences have left vivid Which parks have you worked in? you’re walking, such as distance, memories, which I’ll never forget! topography and vegetation I have worked mainly around the Can you describe your favourite type. Phone the rangers or local Atherton Tableland and Wet Tropics national parks experience? bushwalking club to ask about districts in North Queensland, on highlights before going and always As a Park Ranger the thing I get the parks and forests including Davies have spare clothes, a jumper and most consistent pleasure from is Creek, Dinden, Danbulla, Kuranda, leech repellent in the car! and Hann Tableland. I’ve also worked walking cross-country in parks and on other parks in the Wet Tropics forests that are managed well for fire What is your top tip for campers? such as Mount Windsor, Mount and pests, where not too much is out Don’t over-think it! ‘Less is more’ but Lewis and Wooroonooran. Over of place. These parks and forests are make sure you have plenty of the the last five years we’ve seen some such a pleasure to walk and work in! basics, such as food, water and time. new acquisitions come to the Dry As a citizen, my favourite experience NPAQ thanks Rob for taking time to Tropics such as Wairuna, Littleton is getting out on trails and tracks answer our questions. We appreciate and Rungulla. I’ve spent some time at that I’ve not seen or been on for a the work all QPWS rangers undertake in these parks and enjoyed the varied long time, and discovering new little protecting Queensland’s national parks.
Above: Pages from Hattie Clarke's 1937 journal of an NPAQ trip to the Glasshouse Mountains. 14 15 Celebrating 90 years.
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