Mt Lawson and Mt Granya State Park Management - Parks Victoria

Mt Lawson and Mt GranyaState Parks

May 1998

This Management Plan for Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park is approved forimplementation. Its purpose is to direct management of the Park until the Plan is reviewed. A DraftManagement Plan was published in May 1997. A total of eight submissions were received.

Copies of the Plan can be obtained from:

Parks Victoria378 Cotham RoadKEW VIC 3101

Parks Victoria Information CentreVault 11Banana AlleyFlinders StreetMELBOURNE VIC 3000∋ 13 1963

NRE Information Centre8 Nicholson StreetEAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002

For further information on this Plan, please contact:

Tony Long, Chief Ranger - Murray Park Management AreaParks Victoria, Wodonga Office∋ 03 6055 6111

ii Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park

Published in May 1998 by Parks Victoria378 Cotham Road, Kew, Victoria, 3101

National Library of AustraliaCataloguing-in-Publication entry

Parks Victoria.Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park.

Bibliography.ISBN 0 7306 6254 3.

1. National parks and reserves - Victoria - Management.2. Mount Lawson State Park (Vic.). 3. Mount Granya State Park(Vic.). I. Title.

333.78309945

Cover: Koetung Creek: Mount Lawson State Park. (Photo: Peter Ashton, Parks Victoria.)

Printed on recycled paper to help save our natural environment

Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park iii

FOREWORD

Although Mount Lawson and Mount GranyaState Parks in north-east Victoria are notwidely-known parks, they have significantconservation values and allow for a range ofvisitor activities in scenic and remote settings.

Featuring slopes, ridges and plateaux withattractive waterfalls and cascades and rockycliffs and bluffs, they protect areas ofuncommon Black Cypress-pine Woodland andcontain several rare or threatened plant andanimal species.

The Plan proposes that the remote atmosphereand natural values of the Parks will beprotected and that low key facilities for visitorswill be provided.

The Parks have the potential to become an en-route attraction for travellers between Victoriaand NSW, and a part of nature-based tourismopportunities in north-eastern Victoria.

I look forward to the community’s support inmanaging these parks, which are importantcomponents of Victoria’s outstandingly diversepark system.

Marie Tehan MPMinister for Conservationand Land Management

iv Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park

APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN

This Approved Management Plan has beenprepared under section 17 of the NationalParks Act 1975 (Vic.) and is approved forimplementation.

Mark StoneDirectorNational Parks

The Plan provides the basis for the futuremanagement of Mount Lawson State Park andMount Granya State Park. It was finalisedfollowing consideration of eight submissionsreceived on the Draft Plan.

Jeff FloydChief ExecutiveParks Victoria

Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park v

SUMMARY

This Management Plan covers Mount LawsonState Park (13 150 ha) and Mount GranyaState Park (6140 ha). These Parks areseparated by a small forested area includingState forest and privately owned land. TheParks share many characteristics andmanagement issues.

Extending from Lake Hume and the MurrayRiver in the north to the Murray ValleyHighway in the south, these Parks form a largetract of remote and undeveloped land. BothParks contain a range of environments withsignificant conservation values.

The Parks are not highly visited but offer arange of opportunities for recreationalactivities, especially bushwalking, picnickingand self-reliant camping.

These Parks will be managed for conservationand recreation consistent with their State Parkstatus. Management will aim to retain anundeveloped and remote character and toprotect and enhance the largely undisturbedenvironments of each Park.

Visitors will be able to use low key visitorfacilities while enjoying a sense of remoteness,pleasant scenery and interesting culturalfeatures. As part of a series of similar Parks inthe North East, these two Parks will play animportant role in nature-based tourism in theUpper Murray area.

Major management directions for the Parks areoutlined below.

• The remote character and scenic qualitiesof the Parks will be protected.

• Significant features, and flora and faunawill be given special protection.

• A pest plant and animal strategy will beprepared which identifies key sites, targetspecies and methods of control.

• Visitation will be increased through thepromotion of three key visitor contactpoints, located near major tourist routes.

• A new picnic and camping area will beestablished at ‘The Kurrajongs’ in MountLawson State Park within easy access ofthe Murray River Road.

• New walking tracks will be constructed toimprove access for visitors.

vi Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park

Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park vii

CONTENTS

FOREWORD iii

SUMMARY v

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Location and planning area 11.2 Regional context 11.3 Significance of the Parks 11.4 Creation of the Parks 21.5 Legislation and guidelines 21.6 Park management aims 2

2 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 4

2.1 Park vision 42.2 Management directions 42.3 Zoning 4

3 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 7

3.1 Geological and landform features 73.2 Vegetation 73.3 Fauna 83.4 Landscape 93.5 Cultural heritage 9

4 PARK PROTECTION 11

4.1 Fire management 114.2 Pest plants and animals, and diseases 12

5 THE PARK VISIT 13

5.1 The Park visitor 135.2 Visitor recreational activities and facilities 15

5.2.1 Vehicle access 155.2.2 Day visits and camping 185.2.3 Bushwalking 185.2.4 Horse riding 215.2.5 Rock climbing and abseiling 215.2.6 Orienteering and rogaining 215.2.7 Dogs 21

5.3 Visitor information, interpretation and education 215.4 Commercial tourism operations 225.5 Public safety 23

viii Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park

6 COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT 24

6.1 Friends and volunteers 246.2 Community awareness and Park neighbours 24

7 OTHER ISSUES 25

7.1 Authorised uses 257.2 Boundaries and adjacent uses 26

8 IMPLEMENTATION 27

REFERENCES 28

TABLES

1 Management zones and overlays 62 Summary of recreation activities 143 Management of vehicle roads and tracks 164 Existing and proposed visitor facilities 195 Management of walking tracks 206 Priority management strategies 27

APPENDICES

I Rare or threatened flora 29II Rare or threatened fauna 29

FIGURES

1 Regional locality plan End of Plan2 Mount Lawson State Park End of Plan3 Mount Granya State Park End of Plan

Introduction

Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park 1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Location and planning area

Mount Lawson State Park and Mount GranyaState Park are in North East Victoria, about400 km north-east of Melbourne and 50 kmeast of Albury-Wodonga.

The Parks are to the north-east of theTallangatta township. They are bordered on thenorth by the Murray River and Lake Hume, andto the south by the Murray Valley Highway(figure 1).

At their closest point the Parks are separated byapproximately 5 km of forested land consistingof State forest and freehold land.

This Management Plan covers the followingareas:

• Mount Lawson State Park (13 150 ha)which includes the Bungil Reference Area(1750 ha) (figure 2);

• Mount Granya State Park (6140 ha)(figure 3).

1.2 Regional context

These Parks are two of a series of parks in theUpper Murray Region extending eastwardsfrom Lake Hume to Corryong and across theNew South Wales border into KosciuszkoNational Park.

There is a variety of recreational opportunitieson public land within the Upper Murray areaincluding:

• Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park—arelatively undeveloped Park which offersopportunities for day visits, extendedbushwalking and camping;

• Jarvis Creek Regional Park (proposed)—utilised for day use, 4WD touring andcamping;

• Alpine National Park and KosciuskoNational Park—both of these Parks providefor a diverse range of visitor experiencesand attract large numbers of visitors;

• Murray River—attracts many visitors forfishing and camping;

• Lake Hume — one of the Region’s majorattractions, popular for fishing, camping andwater sports.

1.3 Significance of the Parks

Mount Lawson State Park and Mount GranyaState Park make a valuable contribution toVictoria’s parks system, which aims to protectviable, representative samples of the State’snatural environments occurring on public land.Parks also provide opportunities for visitors toenjoy and appreciate natural and culturalvalues, and make important contributions totourism.

The Parks are assigned the IUCN Category II(National Parks) of the United Nations’ List ofNational Parks and Protected Areas. CategoryII areas are managed primarily for ecosystemconservation and appropriate recreation.

The Parks are both listed on the Register of theNational Estate, in recognition of theiroutstanding values and their importance as partof our heritage.

Two areas including Aboriginal art sites inMount Lawson State Park are listed on theRegister of the National Estate in recognition oftheir value as part of our heritage.

Significant features of the Parks aresummarised below.

Natural values

• Highly diverse vegetation, including BlackCypress-pine Woodland and ClayHeathland.

• The occurrence of several rare orthreatened flora and fauna species.

• Natural rugged beauty includingprominent mountain ranges, rockyoutcrops and waterfalls.

Cultural values

• Aboriginal rock shelters and art sites.

• Historic mine sites and relics.

Introduction

2 Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park

Tourism and recreation values

• A variety of attractions and recreationalopportunities in remote settings withoutsignificant intrusion by developments orhigh visitor numbers.

• Visitor attractions adjacent to majortourist routes in the Upper Murray.

• Opportunities for self-sufficient walkingand camping in rugged and remote areas.

• A network of 4WD touring tracks withspectacular views of the Parks and theMurray River Valley.

• Several short walks to some of the Parks’interesting features.

1.4 Creation of the Parks

Mount Lawson State Park was included onSchedule Three of the National Parks Act on 21June 1988 as a result of the National Parks(Amendment) Act 1987 (Vic.) and wastransferred to the new Schedule Two B (StateParks) in 1989.

Mount Granya State Park was included onSchedule Two B (State Parks) on 3 August1995 as a result of the National Parks (YarraRanges and Other Amendments) Act 1995(Vic.).

Mount Lawson State Park and Mount GranyaState Park were created following Governmentdecisions on the following recommendationsfrom the Land Conservation Council (LCC):

• Mount Lawson State Park: North-EasternArea (Benalla-Upper Murray Review)(LCC 1986);

• Mount Granya State Park: North EasternStudy Area District 1 (LCC 1973) andNorth-Eastern Area (Benalla-UpperMurray Review) (LCC 1986).

1.5 Legislation and guidelines

Mount Lawson State Park and Mount GranyaState Park are reserved and managed under theprovisions of the National Parks Act. The Actrequires the Director to preserve and protect thenatural environment of the Parks, and theirnatural and other features and, subject to this,to provide for the use of the Parks by the public

for enjoyment, recreation and education. TheAct also provides for appropriate research.

Specific LCC recommendations for MountLawson State Park include phasing out grazingunless considered necessary for managementpurposes, and permitting apiculture (LCC1986).

The Bungil Reference Area in Mount LawsonState Park has been proclaimed under theReference Areas Act 1978 (Vic.) and ismanaged in accordance with Ministerialdirectives and the relevant park guideline.Within this area, which forms a reference forcomparative study purposes, natural processesare to be allowed to continue undisturbed.

The Parks are managed in accordance withpark guidelines for the management of parksand LCC recommendations, and other parkplans and guidelines, including the North EastRegion Regional Fire Protection Plan (DCE1990).

1.6 Park management aims

Sections 4 (Objects) and 17 of the NationalParks Act provide the main basis formanagement of the Parks. The followingmanagement aims are derived from thosesections and as such govern all aspects of parkmanagement.

Resource conservation

• Preserve and protect the naturalenvironment.

• Allow natural environmental processes tocontinue with the minimum of interference.

• Maintain biodiversity.

• Conserve features of archaeological,historical and cultural significance.

Park protection

• Protect water catchments and streams.

• Protect human life, the Parks and adjacentlands from injury by fire.

• Eradicate or otherwise control introducedplants, animals and diseases.

The Park visit

Introduction


• Provide opportunities for appropriaterecreation and tourism.

• Promote and encourage an appreciation,understanding and enjoyment of thenatural and cultural values of the Parksand their recreational opportunities.

• Encourage appropriate park use andvisitor behaviour, and foster aconservation ethic in visitors and anunderstanding of minimal impactbehaviour.

• Take reasonable steps to ensure the safetyof visitors.

Other

• Provide for and encourage scientificresearch, surveys and monitoring that willcontribute to a better understanding andmanagement of the Parks.

• Co-operate with local, State and interstategovernment authorities, the communityand other interested organisations to assistin the management of the Parks.

Strategic directions


2 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

2.1 Park vision

A future visitor to Mount Lawson State Parkand Mount Granya State Park finds wellmanaged and relatively undeveloped Parks.The Parks are being managed with anincreasing understanding of their diversenatural environments.

A number of interesting short walks, includingwalks to Granya Falls and Mount LawsonSummit, are popular with day visitors. Manyvisitors also enjoy car-based sightseeing and4WD day tours and picnicking at pleasantlocations such as Cotton Tree Creek and ‘TheKurrajongs’.

Rugged gorges and rock outcrops, a semi-remote atmosphere and panoramic viewspresent popular and challenging opportunitiesfor adventurous bushwalkers, cyclists and4WD tourists.

The Parks and their attractions are well knownin larger population centres like Albury-Wodonga, and by people in Melbourne andSydney, and are appreciated by the localcommunity and adjoining landholders for theirimportant conservation values.

Highly successful control programs havevirtually eradicated pest plants and animalsfrom the Parks. Native plant communities haverecolonised areas once heavily infested withweeds.

In conjunction with Lake Hume, the MurrayRiver and other nearby parks and reserves, theParks are increasingly valued as an importantpart of the nature-based tourism opportunitiesin the area, facilitated by the popular touristroutes of the rail trail along the formerCudgewa Railway and the Murray ValleyHighway.

Visitor facilities are low key and restricted to aminimal number of sites, mostly near Parkboundaries. A quality visitor experience isfacilitated by high standard interpretation of thevalues of both Parks.

Careful and sensitive management by ParksVictoria, with some input from volunteer and

community groups, ensures that the parksvalues will be maintained for futuregenerations.

2.2 Management directions

Major management directions for the Parks areoutlined below.


• Significant species and communities willbe monitored, and threats to these speciesand communities identified and managed.

• Cultural features will be monitored andprotected from visitor impacts,management activities and other threats.

Park protection

• Fuel reduction burning will be managed toprotect particular assets and adjacent land.

• A pest plant and animal strategy whichidentifies key sites, target species andmethods of control will be prepared.

• Roads and tracks will be maintained, andclosed on a seasonal basis as required toprevent erosion.

The Park visit

• Visitor information and day use facilitieswill be provided at key attractions nearmajor tourist routes.

• The experience of relative remoteness willbe retained at the same time as access toseveral semi-remote areas through thedevelopment of walking tracks isimproved.

2.3 Zoning

A park management zoning scheme has beendeveloped to:

• provide a geographic framework in which tomanage the Parks;

• indicate which management directions havepriority in different parts of each Park;



• indicate the types and levels of useappropriate throughout each Park;

• assist in minimising existing and potentialconflicts between uses and activities, orbetween those and the protection of parkvalues;

• provide a basis for assessing the suitabilityof future activities and developmentproposals.

Two principal management zones apply to theParks—Reference Area, and Conservation andRecreation.

In addition, Special Protection Areas are usedto summarise requirements additional to thoseof the underlying primary management zones.

Special Protection Areas

Special Protection Areas have been designatedsurrounding the following locations:

• Black Cypress-pine Woodland—occurs inboth Parks on the dry north-western slopes,and is particularly fire sensitive;

• three Aboriginal art sites in Mount LawsonState Park—the cultural significance ofthese sites warrants protection from visitorimpacts and management activities;

• Clay Heathland—occurs near ThologolongTrack in Mount Lawson State Park. ThisEcological Vegetation Class is poorlyrepresented in parks and reserves.

Table 1 specifies management zone and overlaycharacteristics, and figures 2 and 3 show thelocation of these areas except for the Aboriginalart sites.



TABLE 1 PARK MANAGEMENT ZONES AND OVERLAYS

AREA/MANAGEMENT ZONES MANAGEMENT OVERLAY

ACTIVITYREFERENCE AREA CONSERVATION AND

RECREATION

SPECIAL PROTECTION

AREAS

AREA/LOCATION Mount Lawson State Park: BungilReference Area (1750 ha, 13% of thePark).

All of Mount Lawson State Park exceptfor the Bungil Reference Area(11 400 ha, 87% of the Park).

All of Mount Granya State Park(6140 ha, 100% of the Park).

Black Cypress-pine Woodlands,Aboriginal art sites and Clay Heathland.

VALUES Relatively undisturbed land types andassociated vegetation.

Important natural values and scope for lowimpact recreation opportunities.

Discrete significant areas requiring specialattention.

GENERAL

MANAGEMENT

AIM

Protect viable samples of one or more landtypes that are relatively undisturbed forcomparative study with similar land typeselsewhere, by keeping all humaninterference to the essential minimum andensuring as far as practicable that the onlylong term change results from naturalprocesses.

Protect less sensitive natural environmentsand provide for sustainable dispersedrecreation activities and small-scalerecreation facilities without significantimpact on natural processes.

Protect specific natural or cultural valuesin specific areas and sites where a specialmanagement focus is required.



3 RESOURCE CONSERVATION

3.1 Geological and landformfeatures

The landforms of Mount Granya State Parkand the southern section of Mount LawsonState Park are similar in appearance. Montaneslopes rise from valley floors to form prominentridges and plateaux at elevations ofapproximately 240 – 610 m. Mount Granya(870 m) and Mount Lawson (1041 m) are thehighest points in the respective parks.

Soils range from friable red gradational soils onthe plateaux of both Parks to granite-derivedsoils in the northern portion of Mount LawsonState Park. These granite soils are particularlysusceptible to erosion.

The Bungil Land System covers the majority ofMount Lawson State Park and Mount GranyaState Park, but the northern portion of MountLawson State Park is different. This area is anorthern extension of the Koetong uplands andcontains an intrusion of Devonian grey granite.This has resulted in the rocky ridges, cliffs andprominent bluffs characteristic of MountLawson State Park.

Both Parks feature scenic cascades andseasonal waterfalls. Granya Falls in MountGranya State Park is a pleasant destination forday visitors. Flaggy Creek Gorge in MountLawson State Park is a more remote featurewith an impressive and rugged atmosphere.Koetong Creek in Mount Lawson State Parkflows throughout the year and is popular withcampers.

Aims

• Minimise impacts from visitors andmanagement on significant geologicalfeatures, including waterfalls and rockoutcrops.

• Prevent and control soil erosion caused byvisitors and management activities.

Management strategies

• Monitor the impact of visitors at GranyaFalls and develop management guidelinesas required.

• Prevent erosion of vehicular and walkingtracks during wet weather by closing roadsand tracks, particularly those on granitesoils, on a seasonal basis as required.

• Ensure adequate drainage of all tracks tominimise erosion, particularly on granitesoils.

3.2 Vegetation

A feature of both parks is the wide diversity ofvegetation types.

The uplands of Mount Lawson State Parksupport open forests dominated by Narrow-leafPeppermint, whereas ridges and drier sites haveopen forests of Broad-leaf Peppermint. Otherspecies including Candlebark, Manna Gum,Blue Gum and Brittle Gum also occur in theseopen forests.

A small isolated Clay Heathland communityoccurs in Mount Lawson State Park. Thiscommunity is not well represented in existingparks and reserves.

The northern portion of Mount Lawson StatePark contains large areas of the EcologicalVegetation Class (EVC) known as GraniticHills Woodland. This EVC is characterised byBlack Cypress-pine Woodland with a sparseshrubby understorey. Shrubby Dry Forest,Heathy Dry Forest and Herb-rich FoothillForest are common EVCs in the remainder ofthe Park.

Vegetation in Mount Granya State Park isdominated by open forest of Red Stringybarkand Long-leaf Box on the dry steep north andnorth-eastern slopes. The plateaux and southernslopes are dominated by Broad-leaf andNarrow-leaf Peppermint. The understoreyvaries throughout the Park but is dominated bydistinctive open tussock grass areas or lowshrubs. Shrubby Dry Forest and Heathy DryForest are the predominant EVCs present. Asmall area of Black Cypress-pine is alsopresent on the dry northern slopes of MountGranya State Park (section 4.1).

Some 235 native plant species have beenrecorded in Mount Granya State Park,



including two significant species, CrimsonGrevillea and Grey Rice-flower (appendix I).Approximately 278 native plant species havebeen recorded in Mount Lawson State Park,including two additional significant species:Mountain Dampiera and Cupped Bush-pea(appendix I).

Aims

• Protect native plant communities in theirnatural condition, and maintain geneticdiversity.

• Enhance the long-term survival prospects ofthreatened or significant plant species orcommunities.


• Manage Flora and Fauna Guarantee listedplants according to approved actionstatements.

• Encourage surveys and research onsignificant flora and plant communities inthe Parks to improve knowledge of theirmanagement requirements.

• Ensure that significant plants andcommunities are adequately protectedfrom management activities, including fireprotection works.

• Survey and investigate managementrequirements for the Clay HeathlandSpecial Protection Area.

• Increase knowledge of fire regimesrequired for the conservation of vegetationcommunities within the Parks. Useecological burning in accordance with firemanagement policies and guidelines wherenecessary to ensure the conservation ofplant communities (section 4.1).

3.3 Fauna

The range of vegetation, topography andclimates within the Parks creates a variety offaunal habitats. There are three main habitattypes: wet open eucalypt forest, dry openeucalypt forest and dry rocky Black Cypress-

pine Woodlands. A comprehensive faunasurvey of the Parks has not been undertaken.

Common species in both Parks include theEastern Grey Kangaroo, Black Wallaby andCommon Wombat. The Parks also providehabitat for many species of bats, birds andreptiles.

The Barking Owl, a rare species in Victoria,has been recorded in Mount Lawson State Park(appendix II). These Parks contain significantareas of rarely visited habitat suitable for theSpot-tailed Quoll and Tree Goanna. Thesespecies previously inhabited these Parks buthave not been sighted in them in recent years.

Trout Cod were released in Mount LawsonState Park at Koetong Creek in 1990 as part ofa statewide re-introduction program (CNR1994). Trout Cod are listed on Schedule 2 ofthe Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988(Vic.) as a threatened species. Koetong Creekwas identified as a suitable release site, butpreliminary surveys indicate that the releasewas unsuccessful.

Aims

• Protect native fauna from management andvisitor activities, and maintain geneticdiversity.

• Enhance the long-term survival prospects ofthreatened or significant fauna.


• Undertake an extensive faunal survey ofthe Parks and identify any significantspecies and their habitats. Encourageuniversity groups to participate.

• Increase knowledge of the managementrequirements of the Park’s fauna, anddevelop management actions for theirprotection as required.

• Continue to implement the Trout CodResearch and Recovery Plan inaccordance with the Flora and FaunaGuarantee Trout Cod Action Statement.



• Manage any Flora and Flora GuaranteeAct listed species according to approvedaction statements.

3.4 Landscape

Mount Lawson State Park and Mount GranyaState Park are dominant features in the UpperMurray landscape. The steep forested slopes ofthe Parks rise dramatically above Lake Humeand the surrounding valleys of clearedfarmland, creating a spectacular andcontrasting landscape.

The landscape of the northern part of MountLawson State Park is particularly distinctive.The steep dry slopes, cliffs, gorges and rockybluffs in this area enhance the Park’s remoteand rugged character. Developments on landadjoining each Park have the potential toimpact on landscape values.

Panoramic views of the Parks, Lake Hume, theAustralian Alps and the surrounding landscapecan be obtained from lookouts on the summitsof Mount Lawson and Mount Granya.

Views from Mount Granya Summit arepotentially outstanding but are largely restrictedby surrounding vegetation and the lack of asuitable vantage point. The Mount Granya FireTower currently has an adverse visual impacton the site.

There are pleasant waterfalls in each of theParks: Granya Falls in Mount Granya StatePark, and Flaggy Creek Falls within the FlaggyCreek Gorge in Mount Lawson State Park.

Aim

• Protect and preserve the landscape values ofthe Parks, especially areas of greatest scenicquality and viewer interest.


• Ensure that maintenance, developmentsand fire protection works are designed tohave a minimal impact on the landscapevalues of the Parks.

• Liaise with the Towong Shire andadjoining land owners to minimise impactson landscape values from developmentsproposed on adjoining freehold land,

particularly near the northern boundary ofMount Lawson State Park.

• Maintain the view from the Mount Granyasummit viewing area through the slashingof regrowth as required.

• In consultation with the Forests Serviceand licensees, seek to minimise the visualimpact of the Mount Granya Fire Towerand telecommunications facilities on thePark (section 7.1).

• Investigate the construction of a viewingplatform on the Mount Granya FireTower. Seek the involvement of licensees inconstruction.

3.5 Cultural heritage

Aboriginal people are said to have inhabited thearea and are thought to have used the rockshelters and rock outcrops overlooking theMurray River for shelter and lookouts.

Three art sites are recorded in Mount LawsonState Park at two separate locations. Thesesites have been surveyed and recorded byAboriginal Affairs Victoria. Two areastotalling 620 ha around these sites have beenentered on the Register of the National Estate.These areas have been designated SpecialProtection Areas (section 2.3).

These sites are of particular significance giventhe lack of known artefacts or other links withAboriginal culture in the area. One of these artsites is occasionally visited by the generalpublic and has been the subject of somevandalism. Many parts of these Parks areinaccessible and rarely visited and may containfurther archaeological sites.

The Shepparton Aboriginal Arts Council Co-operative Ltd is the relevant authority forcultural heritage in these Parks. All Aboriginalsites and relics are protected under theArchaeological and Aboriginal RelicsPreservation Act 1972 (Vic.) and theAboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderHeritage Protection Act 1984 (Cwlth).



Mining occurred in both Parks, particularly inMount Lawson State Park. Alluvial tin miningoccurred periodically around Flaggy Creek andKoetong Creek from 1872 until the early1980s. Lukins Wolfram mine, later known asthe Womoboi Wolfram Mine, operated nearFlaggy Creek between 1939 and 1943. Themine produced fluorspar, bismuth andmolybdenum as a by-product of wolframite. Anumber of interesting relics remain intact at theWomoboi Wolfram Mine. Gold mining alsooccurred in and around Mount Granya StatePark.

The disused Wodonga to Cudgewa railway lineadjoins the southern boundary of MountLawson State Park.

Grazing and small-scale logging for posts,firewood and sawlogs occurred in both Parksprior to their declaration.

A log hut constructed by the Granya ScoutGroup in 1937 is situated on the walking trackbetween Cottontree Creek Picnic Area andGranya Falls.

Part of Bridle Track in Mount Granya StatePark was a former access road for coachestravelling to Granya. Sections of the road’soriginal stonework are still visible.

Aims

• Protect cultural sites and significant historicsites from potentially damaging humanactivity.

• Improve appreciation and understanding,and where appropriate foster the use, ofhistoric sites as a cultural, scientific andeducational resource.


• Develop a Management Plan for theprotection and management of Aboriginalart sites in consultation with the

Shepparton Aboriginal Arts Council Co-operative Ltd and Aboriginal AffairsVictoria. Give attention in the Plan to firemanagement (particularly fuel reduction)in the vicinity of each art site (section 4.1).

• Investigate and document Aboriginalhistory and protect identified sites asappropriate in consultation with theShepparton Aboriginal Arts Council Co-operative Ltd and Aboriginal AffairsVictoria.

• Identify, assess and manage historicplaces in accordance with Parks Victoriaguidelines.

• Record and catalogue the location ofrelics at the Womoboi Mine and assesstheir significance. Identify any threateningprocesses and take appropriate action, inconsultation with relevant experts, toensure appropriate protection. Encourageuniversity groups to participate.

• Develop a strategy for the conservation,management and interpretation of theWomoboi Mine and tin mining sites.Record and catalogue the location ofrelics at these sites. Encourage universitygroups to participate.

• Encourage the Granya community tomaintain the Scout Hut near Cotton TreeCreek Picnic Area.

• Monitor the condition of, and any threatsto, significant historic places.

• Maintain an archive of historical recordsand records of relevant ongoing landmanagement activities.

Park protection


4 PARK PROTECTION

4.1 Fire management

The National Parks Act requires the Director ofNational Parks to ensure that appropriate andsufficient measures are taken to protect parksfrom injury by fire.

Current fire protection measures are inaccordance with the North East Region FireProtection Plan (DCE 1990). This Planprovides for fire prevention and suppressionactivities in order to protect life, property,assets and natural and cultural values withinthe Parks and surrounding areas includingVictorian Plantations Corporation plantationsand farmland.

Wildfires in 1952 and 1985 burnt extensiveareas within Mount Lawson State Park.

The fire protection strategy for the Parks willbe reviewed in association with any review ofthe Fire Protection Plan, or as new informationbecomes available. Mount Granya State Park isvirtually all designated as a priority 3 burningzone. Mount Lawson State Park is mostlydesignated as priority 3 and priority 4 burningzones but also contains significant areas whichare not to be burnt. Priority 3 and 4 burningzones have a relatively low burning frequencyin comparison with priority 1 and 2 burningzones.

The Bungil Reference Area is to remainunburnt. Black Cypress-pine communities arelocated in both Parks but are mainlyconcentrated in Mount Lawson State Park.Because of their fire sensitivity, thesecommunities have been designated as SpecialProtection Areas and should not be burnt.

Research is required into the fire ecology of theflora and fauna in each Park, especially firesensitive species and communities, threatenedspecies and significant plant communities.Ecological and other controlled burningstrategies may be necessary to ensure theconservation of certain plant communities.

Aims

• Protect human life, property and park valuesfrom injury by fire.

• Maintain fire regimes appropriate for theconservation of native flora and fauna andnatural ecological processes within theParks.

• Minimise the adverse effects of fires and firesuppression methods.


• Undertake prescribed burning inaccordance with the North East RegionFire Protection Plan (DCE 1990) and theCode of Practice for Fire Management onPublic Land (CNR 1995a).

• Review burning zones in conjunction withthe review of the North East Region FireProtection Plan.

• Ensure the continued exclusion of fuelreduction burning from the BungilReference Area.

• Where practicable, exclude intensive firefrom Aboriginal art sites in the SpecialProtection Areas.

• Give preference to using the followingsuppression methods whenever practicablein the Bungil Reference Area:

• use of hand tools and aerialsuppression;

• use of existing roads and tracks andnatural features as control lines;

• backburning;• allowing wildfires to burn out to

appropriate control lines, outside themain fire danger periods and whereconditions allow.

• Avoid, as far as practical, earthmovingand other suppression operations insensitive areas including scenic areas,sites of significance and recreation areas,or exercise extreme care to minimiseenvironmental disturbance if operations insuch areas are essential.

• Rehabilitate any areas of the Parks whichmay be disturbed by control lines and

Park protection


other suppression activities as soon aspracticable following fire suppressionoperations, in accordance with the Code ofPractice for Fire Management on PublicLand (CNR 1995a).

• Exclude Black Cypress-pine Woodlandswithin the Black Cypress-pine SpecialProtection Areas from prescribed burning.

• As research provides a betterunderstanding of fire regimes, ensure thatthis information is included in anyecological fire management strategy, andin the review of the North East Region FireProtection Plan.

• Incorporate information on fireregulations and the role of fire in theParks into Park brochures, guides, displayboards and interpretation programs.

• Slash grassed picnic areas regularly toprotect visitors to the Parks.

• Minimise the use of earth-movingequipment in fire suppression operationson steep granite slopes within MountLawson State Park

4.2 Pest plants and animals, anddiseases

A number of pest plant species are presentwithin the Parks. Blackberry, Patersons Curseand St Johns Wort are the major weedproblems.

Although accurate numbers of pest animalshave not been obtained, wild dogs, foxes, pigs,goats and rabbits are recognised as problemspecies. Feral cats and foxes are believed tohave caused a significant reduction in thenumbers of ground-dwelling native mammals.There are several wild dog fences on theboundary of Mount Lawson State Park.

A detailed study of pathogens within the Parkshas not been conducted.

Aims

• Control, and where possible eradicate, non-indigenous plants and animals.

• Minimise the impact of control programs onnative flora and fauna.

• Protect the Parks from other threats, inparticular new infestations of non-indigenous plants and diseases.


• Prepare and implement a pest plant andanimal control strategy for the Parkswhich:

• identifies key target species andlocations;

• identifies particular conservation areaswhere special efforts may be required tocontrol pest plants and animals (e.g.rare or threatened species locations);

• specifies appropriate control methodswhich ensure maximum protection ofnon-target species, in particular theSpot-tailed Quoll, and which minimisetheir impact on the naturalenvironment;

• gives initial priority to the control ofBlackberry, St Johns Wort andPatersons Curse.

• Reduce the risk of new infestations bychecking sites of potential weed sources(e.g. cleared areas, recent roadworks) andimplementing an appropriate controlstrategy.

• Identify and record the presence of anypathogens which occur in the Parks, andtake appropriate action.

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5 THE PARK VISIT

5.1 The Park visitor

Mount Lawson State Park and Mount GranyaState Park contain a variety of features in asemi-remote setting. Most day visitor sites areeasily accessible, while other attractions areaccessible to the more adventurous. The Parksoffer a variety of quality recreationalopportunities, including picnicking, 4WDtouring and bushwalking.

Visitor use of the Parks is relatively low. Longtravel times from major centres mean that mostvisitors to the region will be attracted by thebetter known features of the Australian Alps.Nevertheless, there is scope to promote theParks as an en-route attraction for suchtravellers, or as part of a series of naturalattractions in the Upper Murray area includingnearby parks and the Murray River.

Promotion of the key attractions within theseParks is currently limited. Increasing tourismin the Upper Murray and the development andpromotion of key visitor attractions in the Parksis anticipated to increase visitor numberssignificantly.

Most Park visitors are local residents involvedin recreational activities such as trail bikeriding, 4WD touring and camping. Dayvisitors from Albury-Wodonga also use theParks. Natural adventurers and Escape toNature are the visitor segments most likely todisplay an interest in the Parks.

Vehicle access to both Parks is restrictedbecause of inadequate signs, steep rocky terrainand complex access routes which pass throughprivate property in many cases. Most trackswithin the Parks are suitable for 4WD vehiclesonly.

Providing for the visitor

Mount Lawson State Park and Mount GranyaState Park offer opportunities for two distinctvisitor types:

• day visitors who enjoy accessible attractionson the fringes of each Park such as CottonTree Creek Picnic Area;

• self-reliant visitors seeking an ‘adventureexperience’ in the more remote areas. Thesevisitors may be involved in four-wheel drivetouring, bushwalking and camping,particularly in Mount Lawson State Park.

Future management will focus on these visitortypes. Most visitor facilities will be confined toexisting sites near Park boundaries, ensuringthat the semi-remote atmosphere of each Park isretained.

Two sites accessible to 2WD vehicles areproposed for promotion as key visitor contactpoints; Cotton Tree Creek Picnic Area and theproposed ‘Kurrajongs’ picnic and campingarea. A third site is at the Historic BridgePicnic Area, south of Mt Lawson State Park.

The more isolated areas will remainundeveloped but will be promoted as‘adventure’ destinations, with interestingfeatures and a variety of recreationalopportunities.

Aims

• Develop an understanding of visitornumbers, profiles, attitudes, expectationsand needs.

• Provide for visitors in accordance with theabove overview of future management forvisitors.

• Ensure that visitor use of the Parks is notdetrimental to their natural values.


• Permit recreational activities inaccordance with table 2.

• Provide facilities and services whichhighlight, but are in keeping with, thearea’s distinctive character (section 5.3and tables 3, 4 and 5).

• Promote the Parks as an en-routeattraction for Victoria-New South Walestravellers and as part of a series of naturalattractions in the Upper Murray area.

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TABLE 2 SUMMARY OF RECREATION ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY REFERENCE AREA

ZONE

CONSERVATION &RECREATION ZONE

SPECIAL

PROTECTION AREAS

Picnicking No Yes Yes

Camping—designated sites(with facilities)

N/A Yes N/A

Camping—dispersed(no facilities)

No Yes Yes

Horse riding No YC (5.2.4) YC (5.2.4)

Camping—horse based No No No

Walking No Yes Yes

Bicycle riding No YC (5.2.1) YC (5.2.1)

Orienteering and rogaining No YC (5.2.6) YC (5.2.6)

Rock climbing and abseiling No YC (5.2.5) YC (5.2.5)

Hunting No No No

Trail-bike riding No YC (5.2.1) YC (5.2.1)

2WD sightseeing No YC (5.2.1) YC (5.2.1)

4WD touring No YC (5.2.1) YC (5.2.1)

Fishing No Yes Yes

Dogs No No No

Firewood collection No Yes Yes

Fossicking No No No

Yes AppropriateNo Not appropriateYC Conditional—refer to relevant section for detailsN/A Not applicable

• Investigate development of a regionaltouring guide in consultation with theTowong Shire.

• Conduct visitor surveys to assess visitorprofiles, patterns of behaviour,expectations and preferences.

• Establish a program to determine levels ofrecreational activity consistent withprotecting recreational experiences andpark values.

• Encourage all visitors to adopt minimumimpact techniques and to adhere to codesof conduct appropriate to their activity.

• Monitor visitor use to ensure adequateprovision of facilities, consistent withappropriate types and levels of use.

• Monitor the impacts of visitor use atpopular visitor destinations and takeappropriate action as required to reducevisitor impacts.

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• Liaise with the Towong Shire and touristagencies to ensure that the Parks areincluded in any future tourist promotionsfor the region.

5.2 Visitor recreational activitiesand facilities

5.2.1 Vehicle access

Vehicle access is important for parkmanagement and for enabling visitors to useand enjoy the Parks. The existing smallnetwork of 2WD and 4WD tracks (table 3, andfigures 2 and 3) gives adequate access formanagement but visitor access is restricted,particularly during wet weather when seasonalclosures are required on a number of tracks toprevent damage. All roads and tracks in theParks are managed by Parks Victoria. Thereare opportunities in both Parks for 4WDtouring, trail-bike riding and mountain biketouring.

Mount Granya State Park has 2WD vehicleaccess to two key visitor attractions: MountGranya Summit and Cotton Tree Creek PicnicArea.

Vehicle access is restricted in Mount LawsonState Park, particularly in the north of the Park.There is 2WD vehicle access to the MountLawson Summit, but the existing route throughVictorian Plantations Corporation land ispoorly signposted and is primarily used forplantation timber extraction. Flaggy CreekGorge is potentially a popular attraction butrequires the resolution of inappropriate accessthrough private property before it can beeffectively promoted as a visitor destination.

There are a number of legal access points intoboth Parks through private property. Many ofthese access points are infrequently used by thepublic and are an annoyance to adjoininglandholders. Identification of appropriate 4WDaccess points will enable several public accesspoints to be promoted.

The northern part of Mount Lawson State Parkis relatively free of vehicle tracks. This areawill remain relatively undeveloped to preserveits remote and natural values.

Aims

• Provide an appropriate network of tracks for2WD and 4WD vehicles for both recreationand management purposes.

• Minimise the impact of vehicle use on parkvalues.


• Manage roads and tracks in accordancewith table 3.

• Apply temporary or seasonal closures totracks as required, to ensure public safetyand minimise environmental disturbance(section 3.1).

• Liaise with the Victorian Association ofFour Wheel Drive Clubs (VAFWDC) overtemporary, seasonal and any necessarypermanent public road closures.

• Permit cycling on all roads and tracks inaccordance with table 3, but not onwalking tracks.

• Permit cycling on Koetong Creek Trackwith prior approval from the Ranger inCharge.

• Investigate opportunities for improvingpublic vehicular access to the northern endof each Park and in particular to FlaggyCreek Gorge.

• Investigate opportunities for thedevelopment and promotion of 4WDtouring routes through each Park inconsultation with adjoining landholders.

• Liaise with VicRoads and the TowongShire to improve signs for both Parks inthe surrounding area, and in particularalong major tourist routes.

• Liaise with the Victorian PlantationsCorporation to improve signage to MountLawson Summit through pine plantations.

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TABLE 3 MANAGEMENT OF VEHICLE ROADS AND TRACKS

ROAD/TRACK CLASS COMMENTS/USES STATUS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

CURRENT PROPOSED

Mount Lawson State Park

Firebrace Track 3 Forest & Fire/PV management track.Park access.

O O Unchanged.

Firebrace LinkTrack

3 Forest & Fire/PV management track.Park access.

O O Unchanged.

Koetong CreekTrack

3 PV management track. Fire access. MVO MVO Undertake drainage work where necessary to minimiseerosion. Investigate realignment of steep eroded sections.Permit horse riding and cycling subject to prior approval.

Mt Lawson Road 3 Shire/VPC/Forest & Fire/PV. Alternativeaccess to Mt Lawson Summit.

O O Upgrade to Class 3 for 2WD summer access and establishsignage in conjunction with VPC and Shire.

Mt Lawson Road/Hempenstall Road

1 VPC/Forest & Fire/PV. Current access toMt Lawson Summit.

O O Seek to establish signage in conjunction with VPC andShire.

Boulder Track 3 PV management track. Park access. O O Seasonal closure. Ensure maintenance does not impact onthe Bungil Reference Area.

Thologolong Track 3 PV track. Park access through privateproperty.

O O Seasonal closure. Ensure maintenance does not impact onthe Bungil Reference Area.

Flaggy Creek Track 3 PV track/Private Property. Access toFlaggy Creek Gorge & freehold inlier.Park access through private property.

O O Undertake drainage work were necessary to minimiseerosion. Continue to maintain and upgrade in conjunctionwith the owner of the freehold inlier (section 7.2). Partseasonal closure.

Houstons Track 3 PV track. Park access through privateproperty.

O O Seasonal closure.

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Table 3 (cont.)

ROAD/TRACK CLASS COMMENTS/USES STATUS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

CURRENT PROPOSED

Stockyard CreekTrack

3 PV track. Park access through privateproperty.

O O Unchanged.

Mount Granya State Park

Mount GranyaRoad

1 PV management road. Access to MountGranya Summit and Fire Tower.

O O Continue to maintain in conjunction with the ForestsService.

Webb Track 3 PV management track. Park access. O O Unchanged.

Bridle Track 3 PV management track. Park access. O O Unchanged.

Jurgies Track 3 PV management track. Park access. O O Unchanged.

Jurgies-WisesCreek Link Track

3 PV management track. Park access. O O Unchanged.

Wises Creek Track 3 PV track. Park access through privateproperty.

O O Unchanged.

Pub Track 3 PV track. Park access through privateproperty.

O O Unchanged.

Star Track 3 PV track. Park access through privateproperty.

O O Unchanged.

Webb Lane 1 Shire road. Access to Cotton Tree CreekPicnic Area.

O O Unchanged.

Sugarloaf Track 3 PV track. Steep fire access track. O O Unchanged.

Class 1 All vehicle - all weather Status MVO Management vehicles only2 All vehicle - dry weather O Open to public vehicles3 4WD - dry weather

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5.2.2 Day visits and camping

Mount Lawson State Park and Mount GranyaState Park have many interesting features, somewith adequate 2WD access.

Mount Granya State Park offers two maindestinations for day visitors, Mount GranyaSummit and Cotton Tree Creek Picnic Area.Both sites have low key picnic facilities andshort walks. A short walk from Cotton TreeCreek Picnic Area leads past an old scout hut toGranya Falls.

Mount Lawson State Park has day visitorfacilities at Koetong Creek and the MountLawson Summit. The Summit has a picnicarea, and a short walk around the MountLawson summit with outstanding views andinteresting rock outcrops.

There are currently no designated campsites inMount Granya State Park. Dispersed campingis permitted in the Parks, but most campingoccurs at designated sites on Koetong Creek inMount Lawson State Park. These sites arepopular during holiday periods but aregenerally only accessible to 4WD vehicles.

A site on the northern boundary known as ‘TheKurrajongs’ is proposed as the main campingand day visitor site in Mount Lawson StatePark. This site is adjacent to the Murray RiverRoad near a rehabilitated gravel pit.Development at this substantially modified sitewould have a minimal impact on park values.

This site is proposed as the starting point forwalking tracks with spectacular views of theParks and Lake Hume. It would be a key visitorcontact point for visitors travelling along theMurray River Road.

The Historic Bridge Picnic Area, to the south ofMount Lawson State Park, is an existing dayvisitor area with picnic facilities and a shortwalking track to an historic railway bridge.Day visitor facilities at this site are currentlymanaged by Parks Victoria. The site isadjacent to the Murray Valley Highway outsideMount Lawson State Park and is a key visitorcontact point to the south of the Park. Thisarea is proposed for consideration as anaddition to the Park (section 7.2).

Aim

• Establish and maintain day visitor andcamping facilities which enhance visitorenjoyment of the Parks and are consistentwith protecting park values.


• Provide and maintain low key, unobtrusivepicnic and camping facilities inaccordance with table 4, and figures 2 and3.

• Permit dispersed camping in accordancewith park guidelines in areas more than50 m from a road or a designated picnicor camping area.

• Allow fires in designated picnic orcamping areas only in fireplaces provided.

• Allow fires for cooking and heatingthroughout the Parks except within 50 m ofa designated picnic or camping area orroad.

• Design and construct a picnic andcamping area at ‘The Kurrajongs’ in thenorth of Mount Lawson State Park.

• Monitor visitor use at Cotton Tree CreekPicnic Area and establish camping areasas demand requires.

5.2.3 Bushwalking

The Parks offer several short walking tracksbut also provide opportunities for self-reliantwalks to a variety of interesting features.Because of the remoteness of both Parks andthe lack of vehicular access, walking is an idealway to experience the features of the Parks.

The northern section of Mount Lawson StatePark in particular has enormous potential as adestination for adventurous, self-sufficientwalkers. Rocky outcrops, cliffs and bluffsoverlooking the Murray River, a semi-remoteatmosphere and a diversity of features makeinteresting and challenging conditions forwalkers. In Mount Granya State Park there areshort, easy walks at the Granya Summit(Lyrebird Walk) and from Cotton Tree Creek

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TABLE 4 EXISTING AND PROPOSED VISITOR FACILITIES

SITE CAMPING TOILET PICNIC

TABLES

FIRE

PLACES

CAR

PARK

WATER WALK

TRACK

INFO

BOARD

MANAGEMENT

ACTIONS AND

COMMENTS


Mount LawsonSummit

- - E E E - E - Maintain.

Koetong CreekCamping Area(2 sites)

E - E E - E - - Maintain.

‘TheKurrajongs’

P P P P P - P P Design andconstruct.Establish avegetativescreen fromHighway.


Cotton TreeCreek PicnicArea

- P E E E E E P Upgradewalking trackto GranyaFalls.Removefencing andrevegetate.

Mount GranyaSummit

- E E E E - E E Revegetateand maintainweed controlprogram.

KEY: E Existing facilityP Proposed facility- Not available

Picnic Area to Granya Falls. In Mount LawsonState Park there are two short walks SummitTrack and Explorers Track at the MountLawson Summit.

There is potential in both Parks for thedevelopment of several long walking trackslinking interesting and remote features.

Aim

• Increase the range of walking opportunitieswhile minimising impacts on park values.


• Develop new tracks in the more remoteareas of the Parks and maintain theexisting walking tracks in accordance withtable 5 (section 3.1).

• Encourage the use of fuel stoves forcooking and heating by dispersed campers.

• Promote minimal impact practices forbushwalkers.

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20 Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park

TABLE 5 MANAGEMENT OF WALKING TRACKS

NAME LENGTH

(ONE WAY)CURRENT

STANDARD

FUTURE

STANDARD

ADDITIONAL WORK

REQUIREMENTS


Summit Track 1 km D D Upgrade signage.

Explorers Track 1.5 km D D Upgrade signage andlink to summit track.

‘The Kurrajongs’Loop Track

2 km Proposed D Locate and construct aloop track starting at‘The Kurrajongs’ andincorporating the nearbylookouts and rockyridges.

Flaggy Creek GorgeWalking Track

10 km Proposed E Locate and construct atrack from TheKurrajongs to FlaggyCreek Gorgeincorporating theWomoboi WolframMine.


Lyrebird Walk 400 m C B Upgrade.

Granya Falls WalkingTrack

1 km D C Upgrade and investigatea loop walk option.

Mount GranyaSummit WalkingTrack

4 km Proposed D Locate and construct atrack, incorporatingJurgies Track, whichlinks the Mount GranyaSummit with CottontreeCreek Picnic Area.

Standard (Parks Victoria - guideline 17.5R)

Category B Track well defined and drained and surfaced where necessary.Category C Track well defined, benched and drained where necessary.Category D Track defined through use, usually drained and cleared.Category E Track defined through use with no basic construction.

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21 Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park

• Seek the assistance of volunteers inconstructing and maintaining walkingtracks.

• Investigate the potential for thedevelopment of walking routes(particularly within Mount Lawson StatePark) which create a walk linking ‘TheKurrajongs’ to the southern end of thePark.

• Investigate the development of a walkingtrack along the Conic Range to MountLawson in Mount Lawson State Park.

5.2.4 Horse riding

Horse riding is not a popular use of the Parks.Despite this, precautions must be taken tominimise soil erosion and the introduction ofweeds. Areas suitable for camping with horsesare available outside the Parks.

Aim

• Provide opportunities for recreational horseriders but minimise the impact of horseriding on park values and other users.


• Permit horse riding on public vehicleroads and management vehicle only tracks(table 3) but not on walking tracks, orseasonally closed roads.

• Permit horse riding on Koetong CreekTrack with prior approval from the Rangerin Charge.

• Do not permit horse camping in the Parks.

5.2.5 Rock climbing and abseiling

Rock climbing is not a popular activity in theParks, but some opportunities exist for rockclimbers in Mount Lawson State Park.

Aim

• Provide for rock climbing and abseiling inthe Parks but minimise impacts on parkvalues.

Management strategy

• Promote the use of minimal impacttechniques for abseiling and rock climbingactivities.

5.2.6 Orienteering and rogaining

Both Parks have been used infrequently fororienteering and rogaining, although both arewell suited to these activities.

Aim

• Provide for orienteering and rogaining in theParks, but minimise impacts on park values.


• Permit orienteering and rogaining inaccordance with Parks Victoria guidelines.

• Liaise with orienteering groups tominimise impacts on park values.

5.2.7 Dogs

Dogs have never been allowed in the Parks andthe area has not been used for walking orexercising dogs in the past.

Native fauna is at risk from injury or predationby domestic dogs and may be frightened awayfrom an area by their scent or noise. Dogs canalso cause inconvenience and annoyance toother Park users.

Aim

• Minimise disturbance to fauna and visitorsby dogs.

Management strategy

• Continue to prohibit dogs from bothParks.

5.3 Visitor information,interpretation and education

Information, interpretative services andenvironmental education help to orientatevisitors, foster an understanding andappreciation of a Park’s features and values,management problems and contribute to abroader understanding of natural environmentsencourage appropriate visitor use, reduce

The Park visit


and management objectives. Contact with theParks by people travelling through the area iscurrently low because, although the Parks arehighly visible from major roads, they arelargely surrounded by cleared farmland and donot have adequate visitor information or goodsigns to key features. There is currently nointerpretative program for the Parks.

A general information board outlining all parksof the Upper Murray is situated on the MurrayValley Highway at Bullioh, and there is avisitor information board at the Mount GranyaSummit. There is a need to improve visitorinformation for both Parks.

Key visitor contact points will be established atCotton Tree Creek Picnic Area and ‘TheKurrajongs’ (proposed) providing informationabout the Parks. A third point is south of MtLawson State Park at the Historic BridgePicnic Area. These points are within easyaccess of major tourist routes.

Aims

• Provide visitors with information andknowledge about the values of the Parks.

• Provide educational opportunities forschools, tertiary institutions and communitygroups.


• Develop a signs plan for the Parkscovering roads, walking tracks and othervisitor destinations, including the three keyvisitor contact points.

• Install information boards givinginformation about Mount Lawson StatePark at the Historic Trestle Bridge PicnicArea and at ‘The Kurrajongs’.

• Install an information board about MountGranya State Park at the Cottontree CreekPicnic Area.

• Develop a Park Interpretation Plan, inconjunction with other Parks in the area,to guide Park managers and staff indeveloping, supporting and evaluatinginterpretative and education services inthe Parks.

• Ensure that information on the need forminimal impact practices by Park visitorsis incorporated into Park information andinterpretative material.

• Establish and implement monitoring andmaintenance schedules for allinterpretative facilities.

• Provide Park information for tourismoutlets in the region.

• Update information boards andpublications produced for the Parks asrequired.

• Upgrade publications for each Park.

• Investigate opportunities for commercialor volunteer-run holiday interpretativeprograms in each Park.

5.4 Commercial tourismoperations

The Parks are currently a ‘low-level’ attractionin the Upper Murray area but have potential forcommercial tourism operations.

Aims

• Provide opportunities for sustainablecommercial tourism.

• Realise the potential of the Parks as regionaltourism attractions consistent with parkmanagement objectives.


• Encourage applications from commercialtour operators to provide a range of tourscompatible with park values.

• Assess the Parks to identify opportunitiesfor new tourism experiences, itineraries,themes and services, and make theseknown to local tourism bodies andpotential operators.

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5.5 Public safety

The climate and topography of the Parkspresent inherent dangers and risks to Parkvisitors and these are increased in parts of theParks by their remoteness and lack of access.High cliffs, unstable rocky slopes, slipperyrocks, large areas without roads or tracks, andexposed mining access tunnels, presentpotential hazards to visitors.

Aim

• Promote and encourage safe practicesamong staff and visitors to the Parks.


• Encourage visitors to seek information onany activities they intend to undertake inthe Parks, including the associated risks.

• Include appropriate information aboutpotential hazards, such as wateravailability, mine shafts and dangeroustopography, in relevant Park information.

• Ensure that staff are sufficiently trained toassist in emergency situations.

• Prepare and implement a strategy toensure visitor safety at the Womoboi Mine.

Community awareness and involvement


6 COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT

6.1 Friends and volunteers

Currently, Friends of Mount Lawson StatePark or Mount Granya State Park groups donot exist, although several local communitygroups have been involved in volunteer projectsand may be interested in developing a Friendsgroup.

Aim

• Encourage volunteer involvement inmanaging the Parks.


• Encourage and assist volunteers informing a single Friends group for theParks if interest arises in the localcommunity, and support such a group onceestablished.

• Develop and evaluate a long-termvolunteer strategy for the Parks whichmakes use of the skills and interests ofvolunteer groups in undertakingappropriate park management activities.

• Encourage tertiary study which will assistin developing knowledge relevant tomanagement of the Parks.

6.2 Community awareness andPark neighbours

Most neighbours to the Parks are primarilyinvolved in agriculture. Their main interest inthe Parks relates to the management of fire andpest plants and animals.

Pine plantations managed by VictorianPlantations Corporation and private landholdersare situated to the east of Mount Lawson StatePark. State forests adjoin both Parks,particularly the eastern boundary of MountLawson State Park. Protection of these timberresources from fire is an important concern forPark neighbours.

Various illegal activities such as firewoodcollection, rubbish dumping and shootingoccur, particularly in Mount Lawson State

Park. A lack of recognition within thecommunity regarding the status andsignificance of these Parks is thought to be acontributing factor to these problems.

Aims

• Increase public awareness of park values,regulations and management activitiesincluding fuel reduction burning, and pestplant and animal control.

• Encourage adjoining landholders toparticipate in park management (includingplanning).

• Encourage conservation and sound landmanagement practices on private landadjoining the Parks.


• Liaise with local community groups andlandholders and, as appropriate, involvethem in relevant aspects of planning andmanagement of the Parks.

• Apply, and encourage the application of,the Good Neighbour Policy tomanagement issues on or near theboundaries of the Parks.

• Liaise with Victorian PlantationsCorporation on mutual land managementissues, including fire management and pestplant and animal control.

• Encourage a co-ordinated pest plant andanimal control program with Parkneighbours.

• Seek regular local media coverage of Parkactivities, such as improvement to visitorfacilities, pest plant and animal control,results of research and surveys and otheritems of interest.

• Promote the importance of significantfeatures in the Parks, including significantplants and cultural sites, through contactwith community groups, schools and thegeneral public.

Other issues


7 OTHER ISSUES

7.1 Authorised uses

7.1.1 Utilities

Communications facilities currently exist onboth Mount Lawson and Mount Granya inconjunction with existing fire towers.

Australian Newsprint Mills (ANM) operate acommunications facility attached to the MountLawson Fire Tower. This facility predates thedeclaration of the Parks but is currentlyunlicensed.

Power is supplied to the Mount Granyacommunications facility by a single span powerline on the western face of Mount Granya. AStatewide Mobile Radio facility including amast and shed is adjacent to the fire tower.

A powder magazine constructed by the formerForests Commission is located near the westernborder of Mount Granya State Park.

Aims

• Minimise the impact of fire towers andcommunications facilities and other utilitieson Park and landscape values.

• Ensure that existing and proposed utilitiesare licensed where appropriate.


• Investigate alternative options for thedesign and location of the Mount Lawsoncommunications facility, in consultationwith ANM and the Forests Service, whichwill minimise visual impacts on the Park(section 3.4).

• License the ANM communications facilityunder Section 26A of the National ParksAct if an alternative location cannot befound.

• Assess future proposals for additionaltelecommunications sites in accordancewith relevant legislation, codes of Practiceand guidelines.

• Ensure that all utilities are authorised andmanaged in accordance with ParksVictoria guidelines.

• Manage the powder magazine inconjunction with the Forests Service.

7.1.2 Apiculture

In accordance with approved LCCrecommendations (LCC 1986), apiculture ispermitted on a maximum of 20 sites in MountLawson State Park, although they are rarelyutilised. Apiculture is not permitted in MountGranya State Park. No apiary sites arecurrently in use and none has been used inrecent times in either Park.

Aim

• Provide for apiculture in accordance withLCC recommendations and park guidelines.


• Permit up to 20 apiary sites within MountLawson State Park at suitable locationswhich will minimise impacts on the Parkand visitors.

• Manage apiary sites in accordance withParks Victoria apiculture guidelines.

• Encourage apiarists to use alternativeapiary sites outside Mount Lawson StatePark, and in consultation with theVictorian Apiarists Association, review therequirement for sites based on demand.

7.1.3 Defence Force and EmergencyService training

The Defence Force makes occasional use of theMount Lawson State Park for small-scaleadventure training exercises such asbushwalking. Similar uses by EmergencyServices would be appropriate.

Other issues


Aim

• Allow for appropriate training exercises bythe Defence Force and Emergency Services.

Management strategy

• Continue to allow level 1 Defence Forcetraining and emergency services trainingin the Parks in accordance with ParksVictoria guidelines.

7.2 Boundaries and adjacent uses

Many boundaries of the Parks are in steeprocky terrain. As a result, boundary fencesoften do not follow the correct alignment.Several areas near Park boundaries arecurrently occupied by adjoining landholders.

Both Parks adjoin State forest and agriculturalland which is primarily used for grazing.Mount Lawson State Park is also near pineplantations managed by Victorian PlantationsCorporation.

A 225 ha cleared freehold inlier known as‘Kings’ land is situated within Mount LawsonState Park. The Park provides the only accessto this farm.

An area included in Mount Lawson State Parkin response to LCC recommendations (LCC1986) links the main part of the Park (theformer multi-purpose park) to the MurrayValley Highway. However, it does not includean occurrence of a significant EVC known asSwamp Riparian Woodland which hadpreviously been intended for inclusion in thePark.

An adjoining area of State forest containssignificant features including Swamp RiparianWoodland, an historic timber trestle bridge anda grassland adjoining the Koetong Creek.

Aims

• Minimise the impact of adjacent uses onpark values.

• Rationalise Park boundaries.


• Seek to address issues associated with thesouthern boundary of Mount Lawson StatePark in conjunction with the ForestsService.

• Conduct a survey to determine accurateon-ground Park boundaries and boundaryissues.

• Identify occupancies and formalise licencearrangements where appropriate, inconjunction with Park neighbours.

• Remove grazing from, fence andrevegetate the area currently underoccupation adjacent to Cottontree CreekPicnic Area (Mount Granya State Park),as appropriate.

• Continue to manage the historic trestlebridge in conjunction with Mount LawsonState Park.

• Prepare a written permission, forsignature by the Director, which allows theowner of the freehold inlier within MountLawson State Park to continue toundertake the following activities withinthe Park:

• transport and droving of stock alongMount Lawson Road, Flaggy CreekTrack and Thologolong Track;

• transport and use of working dogsalong Mount Lawson Road, FlaggyCreek Track and Thologolong Track;

• vehicular access to ‘Kings’ alongFlaggy Creek Track and ThologolongTrack at all times including duringperiods of seasonal road closure;

• the carrying of firearms;• maintenance of firebreaks along park

boundaries;• maintenance of Flaggy Creek Track.

Implementation


8 IMPLEMENTATION

A three-year rolling implementation program will be prepared for the Parks to ensure efficientimplementation of the Plan. Priorities for management are identified in table 6 as an initial step in thisprocess.

TABLE 6 PRIORITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

MANAGEMENT STRATEGY SECTION IN PLAN


Undertake drainage works to prevent track erosion. 3.1

Survey and investigate management requirements for the Clay Heathlandcommunity.

3.2

Develop a Management Plan for Aboriginal Art Sites. 3.5

Park protection

Undertake prescribed burning in accordance with the North EastRegion Fire Protection Plan.

4.1

Prepare and implement a pest plant and animal strategy for the Parks. 4.2

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Upgrade Mount Lawson Road and establish signs. 5.2.1

Design and construct a camping and day use area at ‘The Kurrajongs’. 5.2.2

Develop walking tracks in accordance with table 5. 5.2.3

Establish information board at ‘The Kurrajongs’, the Historic BridgePicnic Area and Cottontree Creek Picnic Area.

5.3

Prepare a signs plan and improve signs for both Parks on major touristroutes.

5.3

Other uses

Liaise with the Forests Service to address boundary issues. 7.2

Remove grazing, fence and revegetate the area adjacent to CottontreeCreek Picnic Area.

7.2

Monitoring and research

Continue to implement the Trout Cod Research and Recovery Plan. 3.3

Undertake an extensive faunal survey. 3.3

References


REFERENCES

CNR 1994, Trout Cod, Maccullochellamacquariensis (culvier)(pisces:percichthyidae), Resource Handbook andResearch and Recovery Plan, Departmentof Conservation and Natural Resources,Victoria.

CNR 1995a, Code of Practice for FireManagement on Public Land, Departmentof Conservation and Natural Resources,Victoria.

CNR 1995b, Threatened Fauna in Victoria -1995, Department of Conservation andNatural Resources, Victoria.

DCE 1990, North East Region Regional FireProtection Plan, Department ofConservation and Environment, Victoria.

LCC 1973, Final Recommendations: North-Eastern Study Area District 1, LandConservation Council, Melbourne.

LCC 1986, Final Recommendations: North-Eastern Area (Benalla-Upper Murray)Review, Land Conservation Council,Melbourne.

NPS 1995, National Parks and ConservationReserves: Guidelines and ProceduresManual, National Parks Service,Department of Conservation and NaturalResources, Melbourne.

NRE database (1997) Flora InformationSystems, Department of Natural Resourcesand Environment, Melbourne.

Appendices


APPENDIX I RARE OR THREATENED FLORA

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME VICTORIAN STATUS *

Mount Lawson State ParkDampiera purpurea Mountain Dampiera RareGrevillea polybracatea Crimson Grevillea Rare, FFGPimelea treyvaudii Grey Rice-flower VulnerablePultenaea vrolandii Cupped Bush-pea RareMount Granya State ParkGrevillea polybracatea Crimson Grevillea Rare, FFGPimelea treyvaudii Grey Rice-flower Rare

* Status NRE database (1997)

Rare: Taxa with small populations that are not at present Endangered or Vulnerable but areat risk.

FFG: Listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act.

APPENDIX II RARE OR THREATENED FAUNA

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME VICTORIAN STATUS*

Mount Lawson State ParkNinox connivens Barking Owl RarePseudemoia rawlinsoni Glossy Grass Skink Insufficiently knownGalaxis olidus Mountain Galaxis Insufficiently knownMount Granya State ParkGadopsis marmoratus Freshwater Blackfish Insufficiently knownGalaxis olidus Mountain Galaxis Insufficiently known

*Status CNR (1995b)

Rare: Taxa with small Victorian populations that are not at present Endangered orVulnerable but are at risk.

Insufficiently known: Taxa in Victoria that are suspected but not definitely known to belong to any of theabove categories.

Documents

Mt Lawson and Mt Granya State Park Management - Parks Victoria