National Parks and Wildlife Service€¦ · National Parks and Wildlife Service. Office of Environment and Heritage . Southern Ranges Regional Advisory Committees’ Conference

National Parks and Wildlife Service

Office of Environment and Heritage

Southern Ranges Regional Advisory Committees’ Conference

Tumut Bowling Club & Kosciuszko National Park

11 – 13 November 2011

Proceedings

Photos Taken By David Moore

Published by: Office of Environment and Heritage 59 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000 PO Box A290, Sydney South NSW 1232 Phone: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard) Phone: 131 555 (environment information and publications requests) Phone: 1300 361 967 (national parks, climate change and energy efficiency information, and publications requests) Fax: (02) 9995 5999 TTY users: phone 133 677 then ask for 131 555 Speak and listen users: phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 131 555 Email: [email protected] Website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au

Report pollution and environmental incidents Environment Line: 131 555 (NSW only) or [email protected] See also www.environment.nsw.gov.au

ISBN 978 1 74293 715 1 OEH 2012/0551 May 2012 Printed on environmentally sustainable paper

© 2012 State of NSW and Office of Environment and Heritage With the exception of photographs, the State of NSW and Office of Environment and Heritage are pleased to allow this material to be reproduced in whole or in part for educational and non-commercial use, provided the meaning is unchanged and its source, publisher and authorship are acknowledged. Specific permission is required for the reproduction of photographs.

Record of Proceedings Southern Ranges RAC Conference 11-13 Nov 2011

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mailto:[email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD.........................................................................................................................................................4 FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2011 – SESSION ONE EARLY BIRD AFTERNOON ACTIVITY, BIRIMAL WAGGA AMPHITHEATRE .................................................................5 BBQ DINNER & WELCOME - STOCKWELL ROOM, TUMUT BOWLING CLUB

Paul Davies, Welcome..........................................................................................................................6 Ken Prendergast & Suzanne Jones, NPWS Advisory Council Review................................................6 Dave Darlington, Acknowledgement of Country and Overview of Field Day and Logistics..................7 Martin Chalk, Photographic Journey.....................................................................................................7

SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2011 – SESSION TWO FIELD TRIP Blowering Foreshores – Green Fleet Site......................................................................................................8 Cotterill’s Cottage............................................................................................................................................9 Yarrangobilly Caves

Cave Tour...........................................................................................................................................10 Caves House Restoration...................................................................................................................11 Introduction to Site and Welcome To Country....................................................................................14 Seed Bank Program, Sewage and Grass Rehabilitation....................................................................15

Tumut Ponds Hairpin Bend Rehabilitation Site..........................................................................................16 Cabramurra Township – Lookout.................................................................................................................19 Kiandra Courthouse Precinct.......................................................................................................................19 Black Perry Lookout......................................................................................................................................24 OFFICIAL OPENING DINNER AND PRESENTATION

Paul Davies, Chair Southern Ranges Region RAC - Master of Ceremonies......................................25 John Larter, Mayor Tumut Shire Council - Welcome To Tumut..........................................................25 Sally Barnes, Deputy Chief Executive-Head NPWS - Introduction of The Minister...........................25 The Hon Robyn Parker, Minister for the Environment - Official Opening...........................................26 Armstrong Osborne, Ass. Prof.- Key Note Speaker-National & Int. Trends in Geodiversity...............28 Dave Darlington, Regional Manager Southern Ranges Region – Thank You Presentation...............31

SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2011 – SESSION THREE CLOSING SESSIONS

Bob Conroy, Welcome and Overview of Arrangements and Logistics...............................................32 Stephen Meehan, Geodiversity and NSW Parks................................................................................33 Dr Bob Young, The Snowy Mountains within the Geodiversity of South-Eastern Australia................37 Dr Ann Young, Geodiversity and Ecological Niches...........................................................................39 Ted McDonnell, Former Snowy Scheme Sites Rehabilitation Program..............................................41 Liz MacPhee, Principles of Successful Rehabilitation........................................................................42 Sally Barnes, DCE- Head NPWS - Year Ahead and Concluding Address.........................................43 Paul Davies, Conference Evaluation..................................................................................................43

PROGRAM.........................................................................................................................................................44 PRESENTERS AND STAFF INVOLVED...................................................................................................................48 LIST OF DELEGATES..........................................................................................................................................49 PRESENTERS AND SPEAKERS’ BIOGRAPHIES......................................................................................................50 SEE APPENDIX ONE FOR ANNUAL REPORTS.......................................................................................................54


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FOREWORD Paul Davies

Photo Taken By Jo Caldwell

Regional Advisory Committees Conference Tumut 11 - 13 November 2011 “Rehabilitation, Restoration and Geodiversity” Tumut was the ideal location for the 2011 Regional Advisory Committees Conference as it offered all the amenities needed, and is close to Kosciuszko National Park, which provided excellent on-ground examples to showcase the Conference theme of “Rehabilitation, Restoration and Geodiversity”. Tumut also turned on great weather for the weekend. Kosciuszko National Park is the jewel in the crown of the Southern Ranges Region and, indeed NSW, and provided a full day of field activities. Rehabilitation examples included former grazing land along the Blowering foreshores, which is being revegetated in partnership with Greenfleet, the former Jounama pine plantation and two of the more than 400 former Snowy Hydro sites used in the construction of the Snowy Scheme. Further information was provided on these Snowy sites by Park staff on Sunday morning outlining in more detail the work they are undertaking. This work has recently received recognition through a National Engineering Excellence Award and is a major achievement by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) which is an organisation not usually associated with engineering. Examples of restoration sites visited were Yarrangobilly Caves House and Kiandra Courthouse. Yarrangobilly Caves House has been restored and is now being successfully used for accommodation and there are plans to restore and extend accommodation to the two-storey building. The restoration of the Kiandra Courthouse is an excellent example of the rich history of the area in gold mining and early skiing. These sites will also increase the range of visitor opportunities available in the northern part of Kosciuszko. The improved visitor facilities and interpretation at Black Perry lookout and Yarrangobilly caves provided excellent examples of the Geodiversity theme, which was further explored by expert speakers at the opening dinner and on Sunday morning. The Aboriginal discovery program presented on Friday afternoon provided memorable hands-on experience and it has recently won a Canberra and Capital Region Indigenous Tourism Award. The Conference could not have been a success without the hard work of the steering committee, members of the Southern Ranges Advisory Committee and NPWS staff based in the region at Tumut and Jindabyne and in Head Office. On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank everyone for their help and assistance and to the presenters and speakers for their professional expertise and insights into the field day and conference themes. Paul Davies Chair Southern Ranges Regional Advisory Committee

DAY 1 – FRIDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 2011

EARLY BIRD ACTIVITY – “A TASTE OF INDIGENOUS CULTURE”

Mark Lees, Shane Herrington and Talea Bulger

For those attendees arriving early on Friday afternoon the Tumut Visitor Services Unit arranged an early bird afternoon activity at the Tumut Birimal Wagga Amphitheatre. Delegates were whisked away on a bush walk, where they sampled local bush tucker and were presented with a hands-on experience in rope and spearhead making, and basket weaving.


Photos Taken By Lorraine Donne


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DAY 1 – FRIDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 2011

SESSION 1: INFORMAL BBQ DINNER & WELCOME Paul Davies

On Friday evening, delegates were greeted with gift bags on arrival at the Stockwell Garden Room. The conference then commenced with a warm welcome to the first day of proceedings by Paul Davies, the evening’s MC and Chair of the Southern Ranges Region Advisory Committee.



ADVISORY COUNCIL REVIEW Ken Prendergast

Photo Taken By Lorraine Donne

Ken Prendergast, a member of both the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council and the Southern Rangers Region Advisory Committee, briefed the attendees on the backgrounds, expertise and experience that the members bring to the NPWS Advisory Council.


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Suzanne Jones, a National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council member, addressed the attending delegates on the Advisory Council’s expertise and experience, functions, makeup and roles:

The Council was not Sydney-centric; it is comprised of members from various towns and rural areas throughout NSW.

The skills and backgrounds that members brought to the Council were exceptionally varied – nature conservation; education; scientific knowledge; aboriginal culture; farming; recreation; tourism; fire management; planning; local government etc.

The role of the Council is to provide the Minister of the day with independent, expert advice on issues of strategic significance and matters specified under the legislation.

Council members respect diversity of opinion within Council. Wherever possible, Council members try to reach a consensus position to advise the Minister. However, this option is not always possible so sometimes a range of views are submitted.

Examples of where the Council provide advice:

Strategic or long-term planning issues Policies related to state-wide operations or issues e.g. Sustainability Guidelines, Biking Policy Proposed changes to the legislation Strategy for new parks and reserves Proposed revocations (hopefully not too often) Proposed licences and leases longer than 10 years Draft plans of management High impact or state-wide issues, e.g. pests and invasive weeds and bushfires

Council’s legislated roles include providing the Minister with advice on:

Draft conservation plans Draft plans of management Leases or licences involving new permanent structures or for a term longer than 10 years Head leases for Perisher and/or Smiggins Hole Permanent residential leases Draft guidelines relating to easements, right of ways etc for in holdings

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY AND FIELD DAY LOGISTICS Dave Darlington

Dave Darlington, Regional Manager Southern Ranges Region, greeted the attendees, gave an acknowledgement of country and ran through an overview of field day logistics for Saturday.

PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY Martin Chalk

After a delicious BBQ dinner, Martin Chalk, a SRR RAC member took delegates on an incredible photographic journey with his breathtaking photos highlighting the regions picturesque beauty.


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DAY 2 – SATURDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 2011 SESSION 2:

FIELD TRIP – KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK Delegates assembled bright and early in the Tumut Bowling Club Courtyard for staff introductions and a field trip activities briefing by Dave Darlington and Bob Conroy before splitting into designated Kiandra and Jounama Groups.

BLOWERING FORESHORES The first site was a drive by of Blowering Foreshores on Humes Crossing to view the Blowering Rehabilitation project, which included planting of native species on former agricultural land. The program is a joint initiative between Greenfleet and National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Photos Taken By Jo Caldwell



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COTTERILL’S COTTAGE Mick Pettitt

Cotterill’s Cottage is located in the Yarrangobilly Karst area and near the Jounama Pine Plantation Rehabilitation site. During their morning tea break, conference delegates were able to view the destruction caused just days before by the rain and cyclonic wind at picturesque and historic Cotterill’s Cottage.


Photo Taken By David Moore

Photo Taken By David Moore

This was also our first taste of the gourmet refreshments provided by Mylk Delights and Catering’s mobile canteen, which also provided lunch at Yarraongobilly Caves and snacks further along our journey.



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YARRANGOBILLY CAVES

Slide 1

NATIONAL PARKS & WILDLIFE SERVICESouthern Ranges Region Riverina Highlands Area

Slide 2

Yarrangobilly is regarded as nationally significant karst environment in terms of its geological, geomorphological, hydrological and zoological values

The showcave precinct has historic values of state significance as an example of 19th century tourist cave development and the associated social movement

Providing for a wide range of recreational pursuits it is also recognised as a recreational destination of national significance

Slide 3

Maintaining or enhancing this recreational resource is essential if the park is to continue to serve as a key recreational and economic hub in the region [KPOM 2006]

Coach tours - approximately 70 coaches per year;

Supporting local education with curriculum-based cave tours – approximately 1075 school students per year

Tailor-made tours - elderly and wheelchair-bound visitors

Aboriginal Discovery and Caves Discovery Programs

Yarrangobilly Caves is of State social significance as a place traditionally visited by locals and tourists for more than 150 years. This long and continuous history of use has created a strong sense of community attachment to the place. [Bradshaw et al 1998]

Slide 4

Caves House Heritage Accommodation

Closed for almost 50 years – reopened August 2007

1901-built single-storey East and West Wings restored, comfortably furnished and fully-equipped for small self-contained groups:

- Family reunions and friendly gatherings

- Nature lovers and special interest groups

- Workplace meetings, training & conferences

Slide 5

“Your resurrection of Caves House is excellent. It’s going to capture enormous appeal from discerning travellers”

– Rowley & Clare, 28th December 2007

Caves House Heritage Accommodation

Revenue increased 61.9% from 2007 to 2011, with 17% repeat visitation, currently operating at 69% occupancy.

Fully operated and serviced by NPWS staff, providing a sense of ownership, commitment to customer service and increased employment opportunities for casual staff

Slide 6

“Best equipped & decorated accommodation we’ve stayed in. Great beds. And all set in magnificent surroundings”

– Ian & Meri Stewart, 6/10/08

“A wonderful experience being lost in old world charm & unspoilt nature”

– Phil Clark, 14/09/08

Slide 7

South Glory (Self-Guided) Cave Project

The Project has removed and replaced all 1960’s lighting and handrail infrastructure, reducing negative cave impacts and improving safety and the visitor experience

Stainless steel handrail installation:

- 570m handrail

- 292 posts

- 529m safety wires

Computer-programmed, energy efficient LED lighting installation

Slide 8

South Glory (Self-Guided) Cave Project:

LED lighting installation involved:

- 700m mains cable - 600m fibre optic cable

- 3,000m lighting cable - 1,200m comms cable

The new lighting system uses far less energy than the old incandescent lighting i.e. 500 watts per hour rather than 7000 watts per hour, with the overall reduction in the electrical load of around 3 KVA

Before After


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Slide 9

South Glory (Self-Guided) Cave Project:

LED lighting components installed:

- 119 Enviro Mini lights (6W) and 115 Rockstar lights (1.5W)

- 7 stainless steel distribution boxes

- Emergency lighting equipment (with no visitor impact)

Before After

Slide 10

No mains connection – Hydro power generation

Chemical-free sewerage treatment, UV potable water treatment and black water reuse

Climate Change Cave Research - assisting with future climate change modelling and projections

Slide 11

In the 5 years from 2006/07 to 2010/11:

- Total revenue increased 40.6% (excluding Caves House)

- Visitors Centre sales revenue increased 87.6%

- Cave tour revenue increased 36.7% to $216,448

- Cave visitation increased 18.7%

Visitors on cave tours during summer holidays increased by 26.8% from 2007/08 to 2010/11 (a 33.6% increase in revenue)

Easter Long Weekend cave visitation increased by a massive 62.9% from 2010 to 2011 (a 42% increase in revenue)

Caves House revenue increased by 61.9% over 4 years to $111,447

Slide 12

Yarrangobilly Caves House:

Double-storey section undergoing adaptive reuse, aiming to provide for a wider demographic

Develop an interpretive centre with conference and kitchenette facilities for groups

Improving access to Visitors Centre and precinct for elderly and disabled guests through landscaping, pathways and access ramps

Utilise environmentally-friendly technologies:

- Hydronic heating and black water reuse- Energy-efficient cogeneration for power & heating- Photovoltaics and battery power storage bank

Slide 13

Slide 14

Caves House adaptive reuse will provide opportunities for Precinct wide improvements:

Visitor Services:

Develop new interpretive walking tracks – heritage and eco-techo tours (sustainable infrastructure tours)

Seal the access road so that we can accommodate a broader range of tourist groups and vehicles

Purchase of 4WD minibus to assist visitors access the thermal pool and provide a more diverse range of Discovery Tours in the Northern Kosciuszko region

Utilize the popularity of Yarrangobilly Caves as a regional tourist icon to promote the Northern Kosciuszko National Park region

Repeat visitors looking for other experiences and tours

Increase in number of cave tours available daily

Improved visitor services and cave tour variety

Aboriginal Discovery and the Outdoor Classroom

Opportunities for CTO – walking and fishing tours

Increase in local employment

Slide 15

Increase Power Generation & Capacity:

Solar Array

Wind Turbines

no “one” solution

Installation of a to feed back into the Stand Alone Grid, providing additional load for the precinct during the summer months, at a time when water is not available 24 Hrs per day.

Installing , while not as regular or predictable as solar the advantage of a wind system is that they are not limited to daytime hours and would supplement what's already being achieved

While we have to our power requirements, we do have a great sustainability story, a story that should be told.


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YARRANGOBILLY CAVES - CAVES TOUR George Bradford

Delegates were treated to a cave tour by George Bradford, Manager Yarrangobilly Caves. The tour highlighted the lighting systems, handrails, energy conservation measures and hydro plant electricity generation.




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YARRANGOBILLY CAVES – CAVES HOUSE RESTORATION George Bradford

An inspection of the single-storey Caves House was conducted and delegates were briefed on plans for the two-storey building, which will undergo a refurbishment program during March 2012 to October 2012.





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YARRANGOBILLY CAVES INTRODUCTION TO SITE & WELCOME TO COUNTRY

Aunty Marg Berg and Uncle Vince Bulger


Lunch commenced with a site introduction by Dave Darlington, Regional Manager Southern Ranges Region, followed by a warm Welcome to Country from Aunty Marg Berg and Uncle Vince Bulger. Delegates were kept entertained by Uncle Vince’s jokes and story telling. Both Aunty Marg and Uncle Vince are Aboriginal Elders from Wiradjuri and Wolgalu Country.



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SEED BANK PROGRAM – SEWAGE & GRASS REHABILITATION PROGRAM Ted McDonnell and Elizabeth MacPhee


Yarrangobilly Caves is a tourist destination within Kosciuszko National Park and a sewerage treatment system has been installed that results in nitrate laden (grey) water being released into the soil profile under pressure. The discharge area at Yarrangobilly is a large flat sedimentary rock area of about one hectare in size located outside the karst geological systems.

To utilise this nitrogen and to stop it moving into the limestone karst system of the caves, 17,000 Poas (nature grasses) of five species were planted in 2006. Plants were spaced at 50 cm apart and were, planted in the spring of 2006 and the summer of 2007. Nearly 100 kilos of seed was collected in the second summer after planting. To date over 300 kilos of highly viable Poa seed has been collected and used in rehabilitation across the park. The thatch (seed heads and cut off straw) has also been harvested and used as organic mulch on some of the sites.

Soil tests within the production area and the surrounding area have been done for the last three years and nitrogen levels have not increased. A slight change in pH (tending to pH 5 as compared to pH 5.5 to 6) occurred after two years of production. Lime was incorporated at 2.5 tonnes of lime per hectare and the pH has moved closer to six rather than five. The analysis suggests that the change in pH came about because of the displacement of calcium ions with sodium ions from the effluent. Annual soil monitoring and peizometer monitoring of the ground water is done to keep track of the use and movement of nitrogen in this landscape and to monitor any changes in soil chemistry.

Other target species needed for rehabilitation in KNP have also been planted in the last two years for seed production (Bossiaea foliosa and Lomandra longifolia) to provide cutting material for propagation of a variety of difficult to germinate shrubs.

The success of the seed bank illustrates how one person’s problem is the solution to another’s and how ingenuity and lateral thinking can produce inventive results to problems.

Photos taken by Elizabeth MacPhee

Yarrangobilly Sewerage Discharge Area Prior To

Planting

Poa Species Growing In The Yarrangobilly Sewerage

Treatment Area

Grasses Ready For Harvesting


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TUMUT PONDS HAIRPIN BEND

Photo Taken By Elizabeth MacPhee

The Site Prior To The Works

Ted McDonnell and Liz MacPhee

Ted McDonnell, Manager Assets, Roads and Rehabilitation Unit, and Liz MacPhee, Rehabilitation Officer, provided a summary of the rehabilitation activities that have occurred at the Tumut Ponds Hairpin Quarry and Spoil Dump, and delegates were able to inspect the rehabilitation of the former Snowy Hydro scheme quarry site. Tumut Ponds quarry and hairpin site was created for the construction of Tumut Pond dam. The quarry was established to supply rock for the road construction and works associated with the Tumut Ponds Dam Wall construction. Spoil was also dumped into it as part of the scheme construction and for many years after by Snowy Hydro, National Parks and Tumbarumba Shire. The site had major erosion, weed and aesthetic issues that needed to be addressed. Rehabilitation of the site commenced in November 2007 with landform re-shaping works undertaken to reduce the risk of slope failure. The aim of the reshaping was to construct a slope that personnel could traverse in revegetation activities; that would better support plant growth and enable the creek to flow through the site without producing scour and erosion in high flow events. About 10,000 seedlings were planted at the site in late 2007. A further 2,000 seedlings have been planted since then in maintenance programs. In September 2008, a large storm event occurred which scoured the creek channel traversing the site which threatened the stability of the western side and bottom of the site. In May 2009 further stabilisation works were undertaken in the channel which included using concrete (and Shotcrete) lining to areas of the channel and importing additional rock to the site for use as riprap. The site is being maintained on an annual basis. Maintenance activities include weed control, further planting and monitoring the drainage channel. The Tumut Ponds Hairpin site is a medium sized site in the Former Snowy Scheme Sites Rehabilitation Program. There are numerous sites that present much larger challenges; however, these sites are more remote and access is more difficult. What this site does allow us to see are the three main challenges faced in the rehabilitation program: landform stabilisation, revegetation activities and allowing water to flow safely through our sites.


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Photos Taken By Elizabeth MacPhee

Initial Rehabilitation Land Form Design Planning

Winter Conditions

3D Landform Design Initial R Form

Design Planning esign Credit to Ian Rose

Drainage Line Work 2009

ehabilitation Land

D


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Shotcrete stabilisation of Zone 2 Rock bars spaced at 10m c/c Rock chute and flow dissipation Concrete

apron Flow dissipation

Reshaped and planted landform

Photos Taken By Gabriel Wilks

The Site Now


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CABRAMURRA TOWNSHIP At Cabramurra Township, delegates were driven through the town located within Kosciuszko National Park where they were briefed by Steve Horsley, Special Projects Manager, and Mick Pettitt, Area Manager Riverina Highlands, on the Snowy Hydro Scheme and Snowy Hydro contributions with regard to the shared Kings Cross Road.


KIANDRA COURTHOUSE PRECINCT Mick Pettitt and Jennifer Hewitson



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KIANDRA COURTHOUSE PRECINCT Mick Pettitt and Jennifer Hewitson

Uncle Vince Bulger - Photo Taken By Lorraine Donne

At Kiandra Courthouse Precinct Mick Pettitt, Area Manager Riverina Highlands, and Jennifer Hewitson, Kiandra Historic Heritage Project Coordinator, updated delegates on the Kiandra Heritage Tourism Project, restoration and adaptive reuse, heritage, skiing and Gold Mining History of the site. Overview In the short term, the building will function as an interpretation centre and other uses are being evaluated.

Prior To Stage 1 Restoration 2009 – Photo Taken By Simon Allender

At The Completion Of Stage 1 Restoration June 2010

Photo Taken By Jennifer Hewitson

Whilst the restoration of the Kiandra Courthouse and Chalet is the focus of works at Kiandra the NPWS has widened the scope of works and activities to include actions aimed at revitalising the precinct and most importantly ‘putting people back in the picture’ at Kiandra.


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Precinct works and activities include: Two new heritage trails with digital interpretation – one over New Chum Hill and the other

around the perimeter of the Kiandra town plan taking in Kiandra’s first township site ‘Camp Town’ and the Gold Commissioner’s camp, as well as other sites;

Renew and provide digital interpretation for the existing heritage trail; Establish Wolgal’s Lodge for paid accommodation; Conserve and re-present Pattinson’s Hut for viewing at open days and for possible volunteer

accommodation, and Commence landscape rehabilitation reconciled with heritage management.

Revitalisation activities aimed at ‘putting people back in the picture’ include: Building a dedicated Kiandra volunteer group to assist with works, tour-guiding and Kiandra

research within a NPWS framework; Continue to run the established annual events and public programs schedule in April and

November in order to reconnect the site with local communities, stakeholders and others; Ensure that the progressively released interpretation for the site is based on accurate social

commentary, first person narrative, primary references and family histories and that it draws on the breadth and depth of research already undertaken at Kiandra, including that by the ANU School of Archaeology;

Continually aim to expand the group of people connected with Kiandra to include those from tertiary institutions, other NPWS sites and key target markets such as motorcyclists, skiers, fishermen and others, and

Establish Kiandra as a place of meaningful exchange and authenticity of experience as is befitting its local and regional significance.

2009 Stage 1 of the restoration of the Kiandra Courthouse and Chalet commenced in 2009 and were completed in May 2010. Despite terrible weather, 160 visitors attended the celebratory open day on 29 May 2010. Images of the open day can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/thekiandraproject/sets/72157625607515234/


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http://www.flickr.com/photos/thekiandraproject/sets/72157625607515234/

2010/11 In late 2010 community members sent letters of support for the continued restoration of Kiandra to Mick Pettitt, Riverina Highlands Area Manager. These letters demonstrated Kiandra’s enduring social significance. Digital media projects There are several key drivers behind using digital media at Kiandra. As far as heritage trails are concerned, NPWS is reluctant to install any more signage panels in the open Kiandra landscape. As far as the Courthouse is concerned, the limited space available within it and the possible infrequency of its use as an interpretation centre will necessitate use of digital media. In addition to digital heritage trail interpretation, the NPWS has worked with an internship student from the Australian National University (ANU) to create a 30-minute Kiandra ski history movie and a shorter 150 years of skiing promotional clip, which can be viewed at: http://vimeo.com/22796751. This clip was produced at the one-day Kiandra ski history exhibition in April: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thekiandraproject/sets/72157626519177857/

Kiandra stakeholders Bruce and Colin Hoad, Tumut, 2010 after being interviewed for the Kiandra ski history movie, which will feature in Kiandra’s ski history exhibition.

Photo Taken By Vanessa Bertagnole

Historic Heritage Hub projects The idea behind the ‘Historic Heritage Hub’ with Kiandra as a key driver is to promote the heritage assets and history of the region – including off-Park assets, such as the Adaminaby Snowy Scheme Museum. The historical and social connections between sites will be promoted during the annual April heritage festivals. This activity will develop Kiandra’s heritage market. As far as on-Park assets are concerned, Kiandra will link especially well with Yarrangobilly and Currango to provide activities and accommodation for consecutive days and nights spent within the Park. This will enable NPWS to develop packaged tours and accommodation across the three sites. In April 2011, the NPWS (Kiandra) assisted to facilitate the following historic heritage hub activities:

ANU delivered a week long traditional building conservation course, based at Currango; Kiandra-Snowy's coach tour to Kiandra, Three Mile Dam, Adaminaby Snowy Scheme Museum

and Neville Locker’s private museum collection; Kiandra ski history exhibition to celebrate Kiandra’s 150th anniversary as the birthplace of

recreational skiing in Australia this year, and Assisted in establishing a stonework and lime workshop and tour at Adelong falls.

The NPWS promoted the ski exhibition and the Kiandra-Snowy’s tour widely in the ACT and NSW Heritage programs.


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http://vimeo.com/22796751

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thekiandraproject/sets/72157626519177857/

Exhibition projects The Kiandra Ski History Exhibition was the first simple themed exhibition delivered at Kiandra. The second exhibition due for release on 20 November 2011 focuses broadly on Kiandra’s historical themes, its ongoing revitalisation and its context within the Australian Alps National Landscape. The exhibition is part of Kiandra’s annual public programs and events schedule but this year will also coincide with the 25-year celebrations for the Australian Alps National Landscape. The aim of Kiandra’s exhibitions is to progressively develop exhibition content with community input. The exhibitions are based in community celebration as is befitting Kiandra’s social significance. They also help re-establish Kiandra as an authentic tourism destination in keeping with the Australian Alps National Landscape Tourism Strategy.

About 100 visitors attended the two-hour only Kiandra ski history exhibition. In addition to the exhibition, Ray Quinn from the Tumut and District bushwalkers took tours of the New Chum Hill heritage trail.

Photos Taken By Vanessa Bertagnole

Successes The Kiandra Courthouse and Chalet won the Adaptive reuse under $1 million

corporate/government award at the 2011 NSW National Trust Awards. The Kiandra Courthouse and Chalet was awarded a grant (from the Foundation of National

Parks and Wildlife) for two months of the Historic Heritage Project Coordinator’s Salary. The Kiandra Courthouse and Chalet was also awarded a grant under the National Landscapes

Promotional Scheme to promote Kiandra as the birthplace of recreational skiing in Australia. Highlight University of Canberra Conservation students, led by Conservation Lecturer John Greenwood, and (partly funded by the Federal Government’s National Landscapes Promotional Scheme), commenced work uncovering a mural on the Courtroom wall. The NPWS continues to work on the mural and on determining who its creator was.

See the mural behind the UC team. It is of two men carrying their skis. – Photo Credit To University Of Canberra Students

Contact information For more information on Kiandra please contact Jen Hewitson on 02 6947 7011.


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BLACK PERRY LOOKOUT Stephen Meehan, Matt White & Mick Pettitt

At the Black Perry lookout tour Stephen Meehan, Manager Karst and Geodiversity Unit, Mick Pettitt, Area Manager Riverina Highlands, Steve Horsley, Special Project Manager, and Matt White, Ranger, provided delegates with a very informative session on Geodiversity, Centenary Funding, 2006 Kosciuszko National Park PoM Visitor site, Aboriginal Heritage and post-works rehabilitation.

Photos Taken By Karst and Geodiversity Unit

Garnet-rich skarn, Black Perry Mountain

Black Perry Mountain is one of the best skarn exposures in Australia. Combined with its topography and diverse mineralogy, this renders it of state and potentially national significance.

Skarn is a coarse-grained metamorphic rock (i.e. a type of rock converted into another due to the influence of heat, pressure or chemical changes), which typically consists of garnet, pyroxene, epidote and wollastonite minerals.

The skarn at Black Perry Mountain is comprised of uncommon and rare calcium, iron and silica rich minerals, such as babingtonite and hedenbergite, and formed in the early Devonian period (approx 410 million years ago), when molten granite interacted with the Yarrangobilly limestone.

Skarn is often more resistant to erosion than other types of rock. Hence, Black Perry Mountain protrudes in an area that has otherwise been heavily eroded over millions of years.

A limited number of smaller skarn deposits also occur in the area. These are located within a few kilometres of Black Perry Mountain and in proximity to Yarrangobilly Village.

On the lower slopes of Black Perry Mountain and its adjoining ridges, the limestone was exposed to less intense heat and turned into marble, rather than skarn. Small caves have formed in marble including at least one on the mountain and 15 in Cave Creek Valley.

Potential threats to the skarn and adjoining karst include invasion by introduced flora (e.g. briar, pine and blackberry species), intense and frequent fire events and the illegal collection of skarn minerals.

On the lower slopes of Black Perry Mountain and its adjoining ridges, the limestone was exposed to less intense heat and turned into marble, rather than skarn. Small caves have formed in the marble including at least one on the mountain and 15 in Cave Creek Valley.

Bibliography Basden, H. (ed) (1990). Geology of the Tumut 1:100 000 Sheet 8527. New South Wales Geological Survey, Department of Minerals and Energy Gole, M.J. (1981). Ca-Fe-Si skarns containing babingtonite. Canadian Mineralogy 19:289 –77. The mineral and locality database 2011. www.Mindat.org Spate, A.P. (2004) Chapter 7: Karst Values. Independent Scientific Committee: An Assessment of the Values of Kosciuszko National Park, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney.


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http://www.mindat.org/

FORMAL DINNER & PRESENTATION - OFFICIAL OPENING

Paul Davies

The 2011 Regional Advisory Committee Conference officially opened with a formal dinner held at the Tumut Bowling Club, in the Stockwell Garden Room. Paul Davies, Chair Southern Ranges Region Advisory Committee the Master of Ceremonies, warmly welcomed delegates and introduced John Larter, the Mayor of Tumut Shire Council who addressed and welcomed the Conference Delegates to Tumut on behalf of the Council.

Paul Davies, Chairs Southern Ranges

Region Advisory Committee

John Larter, Mayor Tumut Shire Council


Sally Barnes, Deputy Chief Executive, Head NPWS introduced Minister Robyn Parker, who performed the official opening of the Regional Advisory Committee Conference.

Sally Barnes, Deputy Chief Executive, Head NPWS



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The Hon Robyn Parker , Minister for the Environment


Minister’s address The Hon Robyn Parker , Minister for the Environment Welcome The Minister acknowledged the Elders Auntie Marg Berg and Uncle Vincent Bulger from Wiradjuri and Wolgalu Country. It was only a few months prior that the Elders and key members of the Tumut Brungle Gundagai community had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Parks and Wildlife Service which was one of the 23 Aboriginal joint management arrangements covering around 28% of the park system from Mungo National Park and Mutawintji National Park in the far west, to Arakwal National Park and the Worimi Conservation land on the eastern seaboard. Having met local staff and having caught up with many of the operators of the alpine resorts while visiting Kosciuszko National Park a week before, the Minister was happy to learn that everyone shared a desire to see more visitors enjoying the national park and to have more and better facilities to attract and support them. She was certain that the conference field trip had left delegates inspired by the wonderful area with its high mountains, crystal clear streams and underground landscapes. The Minister also remarked that one of the most enjoyable parts of her role had been getting out-and-about in our magnificent network of national parks. Key Messages

There are more than 850 national parks and reserves in New South Wales, protecting more than 7 million hectares and comprising a stunning diversity of landscapes and habitats.

National Parks have a key role to play in achieving 2021 targets to double tourism expenditure by 2020, as well as encouraging greater participation in cultural and recreational activities.

Engaging with more visitors is also critical to help build support for conservation.

The Minister thanked delegates for providing their interest and expertise to assist NPWS in undertaking their role.


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Achievements

This Government has a strong commitment to environmental issues, especially national parks. This has been made clear through our election commitments and through priority actions in NSW 2021: A Plan to Make NSW Number One.

Government is committed to improving customer service and access to information and this includes development of a new, visitor-focused national parks website that will make it easier to find out about all the great things to do and places to stay in our parks.

Providing experiences that help all groups in our community visit remarkable places, such as Kosciuszko National Park, is critical to help build support for conservation. We are also committed to helping people of every age enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

I recently launched a new Sustainable Mountain Biking Strategy for NSW National Parks, encouraging cyclists into our national parks for safe and sustainable recreation. This ten-year plan delivers on the O’Farrell Government’s promise to create high quality, sustainable mountain biking experiences for the community and visitors to enjoy.

In June, I launched an innovative and dynamic nature-based tourism campaign – Wild-About Whales. It follows the annual whale migration along our coast, and taps into the immense fascination that humans have for these giant but graceful marine mammals.

Wild about Whales embodies our commitment to improving access to information; allowing people to find out what’s going on in their parks, and providing new and compelling reasons to visit prime coastal destinations such as Cape Byron, Montague Island and Sydney’s beaches and headlands over the cooler months – our off-season.

Conclusion

We certainly have many wonderful experiences in NSW and I strongly believe that it is critical that local communities have a say in how their parks are managed.

I want to thank you for offering your interest and your expertise to assist National Parks in undertaking their role. I would appreciate if you could pass on my thanks to your colleagues on the regional advisory committees who are not here today.

I am pleased to officially open this conference for 2011. It is a very full and exciting agenda, and I hope that you all have an enjoyable and informative stay.

I would like to finish by leaving you with a short video of one of our new initiatives to improve communication and promote nature and cultural tourism.

As I touched on earlier, a key priority is to deliver a new visitor focused website for national parks – and importantly, allow us to communicate information in exciting new ways.

It is indeed the digital age and now is the time for us to use this technology to our advantage, whether it be for real-time information on what to do and see; high quality interpretation; making booking your holiday easier, or helping to keep our visitors safe.

This video shows our vision for what we will achieve over the next three years … Vision video played…


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NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL TRENDS IN GEODIVERSITY Armstrong Osborne – Conference Keynote Speaker

Saturday night’s keynote speaker Armstrong Osborne, Associate Professor from the University of Sydney, provided an interesting presentation on “The Value of Geodiversity to the Community” from National and International perspectives, including emerging trends, case studies in geoconservation, and current and future challenges anticipated, followed by questions from the floor.


Presentation by Armstrong Osborne “National & International Trends in Geodiversity”

Figure 1 Figure 2

National & International Trends in

Geodiversity

Gora Zborow, Poland

Armstrong Osborne

GEODIVERSITY

2

The natural range of geological, geomorphological and soil features,assemblages, and processes including evidence of past life, ecosystemsand environments in the history of the earth as well as the range of

Atmospheric, hydrological and biological processes currently acting on rocks landforms and soil (after ANHC, 2002).

Figure 3 Figure 4

NATIONAL

3

GSA Committees active in all states and territories, NSW just revived after hiatus of 17 years.

1974 “Hope” Report on the National Estate recommends funding for documentation of Geological Heritage.

AHC, Environment Australia, DEH, long interest, funds geoheritage work work through NEGP, RFA and National List. Many sites listed on RNE

Australian Natural Heritage Charter (1996-2002) gives Geodiversity equal status with Biodiversity in natural heritage conservation.

2007 RNE “Frozen”

Feb 2012 Federal Minister no longer required to consider RNE

INTERSTATE

4

Qld- Regional Books

Vic Geoconservation included in Regional Environmental Plans since 1990

Tas Work in Tas Forests by G. Dixon & C. Sharplesdeveloped Geodiversity principle TGD from 1997, 2010 version lists 1049 sites Conservation Geomorphology course by K. Kiernan

SA 9 Volumes of Geological Heritage of SA since 1977 listing 400+Sites, Strong links with Museum, National Parks and Mines Dept

WA Active GSA Committee


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Figure 5 Figure 6

NSW

1865 W187218881890190419271970

1979

1998

2001

20062010

2011

ombeyan CavesBungonia LookdownSlaven Cave

s-1900s Cave Reserves: Colong, Yessabah, Bendithera, Willi WilliFennel Bay Fossil TreesHatton’s CornerTalbragar Fish Beds

Geological Heritage of NSW Volume 1 (+3 more Vols to 1991)

Osborne, Docker & Salem, CRA 1746 sites

NPWS Act amended to include: -

“iii) landforms of significance, including geological features and processes, and

(iv) landscapes and natural features of significanceincluding wilderness and wild rivers,”

K & GUSymposium on Geodiversity, Geoheritage and Geotourism

EPA Act Review

5

INTERNATIONAL

Figure 7 Figure 8

USA

7

US National Parks Service : - National Parks & National Monuments

Bureau of Land Management : - Geologists, National Conservation AreasLandscapes of the American Spirit

Geologic Resources Division"The Geologic Resources Division, in partnership with parks, regions, networks,and others, works to preserve, protect, enhance, and understand geologic features and

and integrate this knowledge into resource stewardship within theNational Park System."

Geologic HeritageOver time, as Congress added to the National Park System, the variety and diversity of geologic features in parks has come to represent America's geologic heritage. Significant geologic features include fossil resources, cave & karst resources, and much more.

The National Landscape Conservation System consists of 900 units covering 27-million acres of our most treasured landscapes. Learn about these diverse resources of the American landscape, including red-rock deserts, rugged ocean coastlines, deep river canyons, and broad Alaskan tundra.

UK Brief History

8

Nature Conservancy Council- SSSINational Trust1990 Earth Science Conservation in Great Britain Report1991 NCC Split into 31993 1388 RIGS1997 Geological Conservation Review begins

2011 2,100 Geo SSSI in UK, 3,500 RIGS in UK, 36 of 42 GCR Volumes Completed, 40 Local Geodiversity Action Plans

Figure 9 Figure 10

UK Organizations

9

Natural England: Local Geodiversity Action Plans (40+)

Area Geology Trusts

“The Geology Trusts is a national umbrella organisation for Geoconservationand Earth Heritage groups. Presently its members are the counties of Herefordshire & Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Monmouthshire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Bedfordshire. It is a county-based association working in a similar way to the Wildlife Trusts””

UK Publication

10

“Earth Heritage is a magazine produced twice yearly to stimulate interest in a broad range of geological and landscape conservation issues within the UK and

further afield. It circulates among geological conservation specialists, and to universities, colleges and to many staff in secondary education”.

Figure 11 Figure 12

TRAINING

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“School of Geography at Queen Mary, University of London

GEG6208 Geodiversity and GeoconservationRating: 15 credits

Lectures: 2 per week, semester A

Seminars: Module will be taught through updating lectures and class discussions based on pre-reading of the course text and other material

Fieldwork: 1 day or half day trip – date and location to be confirmed

Assessment: 2.5 hour exam - 50%, Course paper outline - 10%, Course paper c 4,000 words - 40%

Module convenor: Dr Murray Gray, Lecturer: Dr Murray Gray

Module aims:- Most emphasis in nature conservation is on living nature (wildlife and biodiversity). The main

aim of this module is to outline abiotic nature (geodiversity) of the planet and the –• values of non-living nature

• threats to these values

• need for geoconservation

• approaches to geoconservation

• principles of integrating geodiversity and biodiversity in sustainable land management”

EUROPE- ProGEO

12


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Figure 13 Figure 14

JOURNAL

13

Geoheritage,International journal published by Springer“Covers all aspects of geoheritage and its protection

This journal details all aspects of our global geoheritage, both in situ and portable. It examines conservation of sites and materials--use, protection and practical heritage management--as well as its interpretation through education, training and tourism.

The journal covers all aspects of geoheritage and its protection. Key topics include:

- Quantification and management of geoheritage

- Integration of biodiversity and geodiversity in nature conservation and land-use policies

- Geological heritage, sustainable development, community action,practical initiatives and tourism

- Geoparks: creation, management and outputs

- Conservation in the natural world, Man-made and natural impacts, climate change;

- Geotourism definitions, methodologies, and case studies

- Pedagogical use of geological heritage: publications, teaching media, trails, centers, on-site museums.”

HUNGARY K & G UNIT & Pangea

14

Csardra Heygi

Figure 15 Figure 16

POLAND- Landscape Conservation

15

POLAND-Geotourism

16

Figure 17 Figure 18

SLOVENIA- Motorway Studies

17

While motorways across the Karst require extra care, geodiversity studies are undertaken on all new motorway developments

SLOVENIA

18

Natural Process Culvert Block stream above culvert

Maintaining natural earth processesis a key idea in theAustralian Natural Heritage Charter,In Slovenia they takethis idea seriously!

The culvert must allow the blocks to pass

Figure 19 Figure 20

Czech-German Sandstone Landforms

19

For Progress we need in addition to K & GU

20

Thanks for your attention


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SPECIAL THANKS Before dessert the Planning Committee, Elders, and external speakers were presented with thank-you gifts of genuine Australian made millet brooms made from Riverina Highlands millet dried and created in the traditional way. The premium and great long-lasting brooms have been manufactured by the family-owned factory at Tumut for over 66 years.


Special thanks and bottles of Tumut wine were also presented to two Southern Ranges Region Advisory Committee members Martin Chalk for his spectacular “Photographic Journey” presentation and David Moore who stepped in to help as a last minute Photographer on Friday 11 November 2011 when Jo Caldwell, our official Photographer, fell ill.


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DAY 3 – SUNDAY, 13 NOVEMBER 2011 SESSION 3: CLOSING SESSIONS

LOCATION: Tumut Bowling Club Bistro – 24-30 Richmond Street

Bob Conroy and Paul Davies

Bob Conroy, Executive Director Park Management Division and Paul Davies, Chair Southern Ranges Region Advisory Committee welcomed delegates to the closing sessions of the conference, and provided an overview of the days arrangements and logistics, with short biographies from Bob Conroy.



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GEODIVERSITY & NSW PARKS Stephen Meehan


Stephen Meehan, Manager, Karst and Geodiversity, was the first presenter of the day with his presentation on “Geodiveristy and NSW Parks” followed by questions from the floor. The term ‘geodiversity’ describes the natural diversity of rocks, minerals, landforms, fossils, sediments and soils, and the processes that have shaped these features over time. Geodiversity is the foundation on which ecosystems are based and is largely responsible for the variety of plants, animals and other organisms, which exist today. The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) groups geodiversity into three broad types: landforms, bedrock and soils, which are further defined into categories and subsequently, elements, to derive the basic geodiversity model (Attachment 1). Historical perspectives The term geodiversity was first used in the early 1990s as the geological equivalent of biodiversity. In Australia a landmark event for having geodiversity formally considered in conservation planning was the adoption of the Australian Natural Heritage Charter in 1996. This document gives equal weight to biodiversity and geodiversity when assessing proposals for nature conservation sites and requires conservation to involve the least possible physical intervention to ecological processes, evolutionary processes and earth processes. Consideration of geodiversity in the conservation paradigm gained momentum from 2000 to the present day. Over this period, countries such as Canada, Japan, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Poland, New Zealand and the USA declared parks and other public lands as geoheritage sites, due principally, to their geodiversity values. In England (and more recently Australia), geodiversity action plans have also been developed for areas containing significant geodiversity values.


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Geodiversity in OEH Reserves The OEH manages many of NSW more significant geological and geomorphological sites including:

Abercrombie, Borenore, Jenolan and Wombeyan karst conservation reserves – contain karst landforms/features of state, national and international significance.

Blue Mountains National Park – renown for its dissected plateaus, precipitous cliffs, deeply incised valleys, gorges, waterfalls and caves.

Hat Head National Park – characterised by long sweeping beaches, dramatic headlands and one of the largest dune systems in NSW.

Kosciuszko National Park – contains Australia’s only glacial landforms as well as a wide variety of periglacial features. Mt Kosciuszko, at 2,228 m, is the highest peak in Australia.

Mount Warning National Park – includes the Tweed Caldera, one of the largest and best examples of an erosion caldera in the world.

Mungo National Park – best known for its ancient, fossil rich lakes and array of wind-derived landforms including lunettes, sand dunes and plains.

The Warrambungles National Park – covers an area of approximately 21,400 ha which is well known for its craggy spires, towering dykes and steep gorges.

Key Issues

While appreciation of geodiversity amongst the community and OEH staff is increasing, the view remains that the abiotic world is stable, prolific and of a sufficient level of robustness to not warrant its specific protection. Fortunately, however, a growing number of people recognize that the threats to geodiversity are often of comparable nature to those facing biodiversity, particularly as they relate to smaller sites and features. Activities of known or potential impact on geodiversity include:

Clearing and cultivation of land; Mining, quarrying and fossicking; Infrastructure development associated with urban expansion; Construction of sea/revetment walls, re-profiling of beaches and coastlines; Channelling, dredging or damming of rivers; Inappropriate waste disposal and landfill; Recreational activities (including tourism), and Aforestation and deforestation.

Protection of geodiversity In New South Wales (NSW) the extent to which geodiversity is considered in legislation, policy and land use planning varies, and ranges from broad references to more specific provisions. Key pieces of legislation which directly, or indirectly, offer protection to geodiversity include the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (and related amendments) and Soil Conservation Act 1938. OEH and its predecessors have undertaken a range of initiatives to ensure that the geodiversity is better understood and protected. Recent initiatives include the development of the New South Wales National Parks Establishment Plan 2008, which identifies places of geological significance as a priority theme for building the public reserve system; a significance assessment of the cavernous karst areas located off-park, and an analysis of the extent to which the various types/categories of geodiversity occur in OEH reserves. Past initiatives have also proven invaluable. In 1997 the declaration of Abercrombie, Borenore, Jenolan and Wombeyan caves as karst conservation reserves, was a defining moment in having geodiversity values recognised in their own right. Similarly, the declaration of World Heritage Areas based to a large degree on their significant geological and geomorphological features, is contributing to their long-term protection.


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Promotion of geodiversity

The promotion of significant or interesting geological sites (or geosites) can be traced to the mid-late 1800s with the designation of Jenolan and Wombeyan caves as public recreation reserves. In more recent times, the convening of the inaugural 2006 Global Geotourism Conference in Perth and the National Landscapes Program, have highlighted the growing role of geological and geomorphological features in providing a base for experiential tourism.

OEH reserves contain a diverse range of geosites, which, together with its significant biodiversity, form part of a broader tourism product oriented towards sustainable, nature-based tourism. Prominent OEH geosites include the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and Kosciuszko and the Warrumbungles National Parks.

Conclusion

It is generally agreed that reference to geodiversity in conservation has increased since the early 1990s. This aligns with trends at the international level, which suggest that the issues surrounding geodiversity are of growing importance to conservation agencies across the world.

In NSW, the Office of Environment and Heritage has stewardship over a large portion of the State’s geodiversity including numerous sites of State, National or International significance. Consequently, it has a responsibility to ensure that relevant members of its staff understand geodiversity and how it fits into the contemporary conservation model. It is also important that geodiversity is recognised and appreciated for its scientific, landscape and recreational values, which are often the most discernable aspects of a park’s identity.

Past initiatives by the NSW Government, such as the declaration of Australia’s only karst conservation reserves in 1997, have provided a sound base for the OEH to meet its geodiversity objectives. This base is being strengthened by recently completed projects such as the significance assessment of NSW cavernous karst areas and geodiversity gap analysis, which have provided OEH with a more strategic approach to geodiversity management, underpinned by a growing bank of staff and community knowledge.

The Geodiversity in NSW Parks Presentation overviews the extent to which the various types and categories of geodiversity are represented in the OEH reserve system. Moreover, it provides examples of some common management issues, which were noted during a recent inspection of key geodiversity sites in Kosciuszko National Park by the OEH Karst and Geodiversity Unit, and that were more broadly identified in the 2006 Plan of Management for Kosciuszko National Park. Bibliography DECC, (2008) Geodiversity; the foundation for life. geoLOGIC 1, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Goulburn Street, Sydney South 1232 Gray, M. (2003) Geodiversity: valuing and conserving abiotic nature. John Wiley and Sons Ltd, West Essex, England Gray, M (2008) Geodiversity: a new paradigm for valuing and conserving geoheritage: In Geoscience Canada June 2008 Osborne, R (2000) Geodiversity: “green” geology in action. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 122, 149-173 Sharples, C (2002) Concepts and Principles of Geoconservation. Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service 2002


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THE BASIC GEODIVERSITY MODEL

Aeolian Coastal Fluvial Glacial

Hydrological Karst

Mountain Meteor Impact

Oceanic Volcanic Others

(e.g. sandstone pagodas and

slot canyons)

Rock, mineral,

sediment, fossil and

stratigraphic sites

14 orders of soils as identified

under the Australian Soil Classification

System

Type

Category

Element The distinct features, characteristics and attributes

of a particular category of geodiversity

Bedrock Landforms Soils


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THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS WITHIN THE GEODIVERSITY OF SOUTHEASTERN AUSTRALIA

Dr Bob Young The second speaker, Dr Bob Young, Geomorphologist, retired academic, School of Geosciences, University of Wollongong, presented on “The Snowy Mountains within the Geodiversity of South-Eastern Australia”.

Dr Bob Young


Presentation by Dr Bob Young “The Snowy Mountains within the Geodiversity of South-East Australia”

Figure 1

The Snowy within the Geodiversity of South-east

Australia

Presentation to the NPWS RAC Conference at Tumut

November 2011by Dr Bob Young

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6


37


38

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

GEODIVERSITY AND ECOLOGICAL NICHES Dr Ann Young

Dr Ann Young, Geomorphologist, retired academic, School of Geosciences, University of Wollongong presented on “Geodiversity and Ecological Niches” followed by questions from the floor before morning tea.

Dr Ann Young


Presentation by Dr Ann Young “Geodiversity and Ecological Niches”

Figure 1

Dr Ann Young

Geodiversity & Ecological Niches

Presentation toRAC Conference Tumut NSW

11-12 November 2011

Figure 2

almost mirror images

geodiversity biodiversity

Figure 3

Geodiversity

rock typelandscape position / climatic zonetopographysurface and subsurface water flow

Figure 4

A walk through Royal National Park

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9


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Figure 10

Figure 11

But what about below the surface?

Geodiversity is also influencedby soils and subsurface water flow

Figure 12

Figure 13

Geodiversity creates niches with variations in:

parent material - rock type, sediment

shelter - valleys, rock outcrops

soil type and soil processes

water flow - surface and subsurface

Figure 14

from Australian Soils and Landforms

byMcKenzie et al

2 t/ha of micro-organisms in top 10 cm of fertile soilwombats, worms, ants move 5-9 t/ha/yr of soil

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

organic carbon - 27%in A horizon, 3% in B

pH- 4.1 in A horizon, 4.3 in B

problems- susceptible to compaction- destruction by fires- nutrient intolerance

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

organic carbon - 2.7%in A horizon, 0.5% in B

pH- 4.4 in A horizon, 4.2 in B

problems- susceptible to erosion- water repellent after fires

- poor root penetration

Figure 21 alpine fjaeldmarkvery exposed rocky sites

cushion plants

alpine heath

exposed rocky siteswith shallow soils

shrubs 20cm-1m tall

alpine herbfield

hills and slopesnot too rocky

snow not persistentdaisies and grasses

alpine bog and fen

valley floors & hollowsSphagnum or shrub bogs

sedge-dominated fensData from

hore to Desert DunesD. Keith

Dr Ann Young, Dr Bob Young & Mr Bob Conroy


Both Bob and Anne’s presentations inspired the audience and left everyone with a better understanding of the connection between the local geology/geomorphology and the plants and animals that derive from this.


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FORMER SNOWY SCHEME SITES REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Ted McDonnell

Ted McDonnell, Manager Assets, Roads and Rehabilitation presented on “Former Snowy Scheme Sites Rehabilitation Program”.


The presentation provided a summary of the Former Snowy Scheme Sites Rehabilitation Program.

SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES

The Former Snowy Scheme Sites Rehabilitation Program is tasked with the rehabilitation of areas of disturbance within Kosciusko National Park that remained after the construction of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme. The rehabilitation activities are the responsibility of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and is funded by money from Snowy Hydro Limited at the time of corporatisation. The rehabilitation team is based in Tumut and Jindabyne This program has been running since 2003 and has seen the expenditure of over $18 million in rehabilitation activities.

Upon program inception the techniques and procedures for rehabilitation in alpine habitats, in very poor nutrient soil conditions and on such a large scale was poorly documented. The Rehabilitation Team has developed a successful suite of procedures and techniques based on sound engineering practice, sound environmental principals and experience.

The Rehabilitation Program undertakes all size projects from weed control on a localised basis to major landform reshaping projects involving the movement of in excess of 100,000 cubic meters of rock spoil. Major landform stabilisation projects over the last two years have been carried out at four sites at a total expenditure of over $2.4 million dollars. There have been three major ecological rehabilitation projects that have planted over 120,000 plants.

This Program has demonstrated a development in systems and specifications has demonstrated positive benefit to local communities and environment and has utilised sound engineering and environmental procedures in seeking solutions to design problems. It would be fair to say that the program is leading the way in rehabilitation practices in Australia.

The Former Sites Rehabilitation Program was a winner in Engineering for Regional Communities at the Institute of Engineers Australia (Sydney Division) Excellence Award 2011 and then was awarded a National Award for Environmental Engineering Excellence.

CONCLUSION

The Former Snowy Scheme Sites Rehabilitation Program has achieved very good outcomes over the last eight years and is scheduled to continue to undertake rehabilitation activities until 2022.


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PRINCIPLES OF SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATION Elizabeth MacPhee

Elizabeth (Liz) MacPhee, Rehabilitation Officer, followed on with her very passionate presentation on “Principles of Successful Rehabilitation”.

Liz MacPhee


The presentation provided a summary of the basic principles for successful rehabilitation of disturbed ecological systems. SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES Ecological rehabilitation is commonly approached as the replacement of the species that once occurred in an area. Successful rehabilitation however is a lot more than this and is based on sound ecological principles.

It is important to understand that there is NO generic solution to good land rehabilitation and that each site needs its own prescriptive solution based on addressing the issues of a site. However, the following principles can be applied to any rehabilitation project and need to be adhered to for the best chance of success:

1. Ecological rehabilitation begins in the planning process for any level of soil disturbance. Include rehabilitation in the plan.

2. Manage the rehabilitation project within the capacity of the resources available. 3. Conserve all organic material that is removed or excavated in “development” for reuse in

rehabilitation. 4. Cover all bare ground as quickly as possible with an organic layer. NO BARE GROUND! 5. Understand the ecosystem you are working in. Nature provides most of the answers for

successful rehabilitation if it is observed and understood. 6. Be adaptive; ecosystems are alive and are constantly changing. Good rehabilitation is about

acknowledging the pressures on an ecosystem and responding to it. 7. Address all the issues: the little things matter. It only takes one factor for a rehabilitation project to

fail. 8. Stability, water infiltration and nutrient cycling are the short, mid and long-term drivers of a

rehabilitation project. 9. Do the maintenance. Successful rehabilitation is 30 to 40 % about the maintenance.


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YEAR AHEAD AND CONCLUDING ADDRESS Sally Barnes


Sally Barnes, Deputy Chief Executive, Head NPWS gave a short overview of the Conference and thanked the committee representatives, guest speakers and the staff for contributing to a well run and inspiring Conference. She provided a special thanks to Southern Ranges Region and the Stakeholder Liaison Group for their contributions and work.

Paul Davies

The 2011 Regional Advisory Committees’ Conference concluded with a call for the completion of Evaluation Forms and much appreciated thanks to all the organisers and Southern Ranges Region staff, from Paul Davies, the amazing Conference MC and Chair of the Southern Ranges Region Advisory Committee.


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PROGRAM Day 1 - Friday 11 November 2011 LOCATION: Birimal Wagga Amphitheatre - Tumut 15:00 – 17:00 Early Arrivals Afternoon Activity

SHANE HERRINGTON A Taste of Our Indigenous Culture TALEA BULGER 18:00 – 21:00 SESSION ONE LOCATION: Tumut Bowling Club

Stockwell Garden Room 24-30 Richmond St 18:00 – 18:15 Conference Delegates Welcome by Chair of PAUL DAVIES Southern Ranges Region Advisory Committee 18:15 – 18:45 NPWS Advisory Council Review JANE JUDD 18:45 – 19:00 Acknowledgement of Country DAVE DARLINGTON and Overview of Field Day and Logistics 19:00 PM – 21:00 PM BBQ Dinner 20:00 – 20:15 Photographic Journey by Member of MARTIN CHALK Southern Ranges Region Advisory Committee


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PROGRAM Day 2 - Saturday 12 November 2011 Kiandra Group 1 LOCATION: Tumut Bowling Club

Courtyard - 24-30 Richmond St 8:00 - 8:20 Staff Introductions and Field Day Trip Activities Briefing 8:20 – 8:30 Board Coaches and depart from Tumut Bowling Club Courtyard DAVE DARLINGTON 8:30 – 18:00 SESSION TWO – FIELD TRIP

REHABILITATION, RESTORATION AND GEODIVERSITY 8:55 - 9:05 Blowering Foreshores – Green Fleet Site MICK PETTITT (Rehabilitation of Former Grazing Land) 9:50 – 10:20 MORNING TEA STOP 1 Cotterill’s Cottage 9:50 - 10:20 (Techniques used to rehabilitate former Jounama Pine Plantation) MICK PETTITT STOP 2 - 10:45 - 13:10 Yarrangobilly Caves (Geodiversity and Conservation) 10:45 – 11:30 MICK PETTITT Cave Tour 11:30 – 12:00 GEORGE BRADFORD Caves House Restoration (Planning for Two-Storey Building) 12:00 – 12:20 ABORIGINAL ELDERS Introduction to Site and Welcome to Country 12:20 – 12:50 LUNCH - YARRANGOBILLY CAVES

REHABILITATION, RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION 12:50 – 13:10 LIZ MACPHEE Seed Bank Program, Sewage and Grass Rehabilitation STOP 3 Tumut Ponds Hairpin Bend 14:00 – 14:30 (Rehab of Former Snowy Hydro Scheme Quarry Site) LIZ MACPHEE /TED MCDONNELL STOP 4 Cabramurra Township - Lookout 14:45 – 15:15 (Snowy Hydro Lease and Licence Arrangements) MICK PETTITT STOP 5 Kiandra Courthouse Precinct 15:35 – 15:55 (Restoration – Adaptive Reuse) MICK PETTITT/JENNIFER HEWITSON STOP 6 Black Perry Lookout 16:40 – 17:00 (Geodiversity Feature) MICK PETTITT/STEPHEN MEEHAN 18:00 Arrive in Tumut and delegates return to their individual motels to dress for opening dinner @19:00


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PROGRAM Day 2 - Saturday 12 November 2011 Jounama Group 2 LOCATION: Tumut Bowling Club

Courtyard - 24-30 Richmond St 8:00 – 8:20 Staff Introductions and Field Day Trip Activities Briefing 8:20 – 8:30 Board Coaches and depart from Tumut Bowling Club DAVE DARLINGTON 8:30 – 18:00 SESSION TWO – FIELD TRIPS

REHABILITATION, RESTORATION AND GEODIVERSITY 8:55 - 9:05 Blowering Foreshores – Green Fleet Site STEVE HORSLEY (Rehabilitation of Former Grazing Land) MATT WHITE (Commentary on Coach) STOP 1 Black Perry Lookout 9:30 – 9:50 (Geodiversity Feature) STEPHEN MEEHAN, STEVE HORSLEY AND MATT WHITE 10:10 – 10:40 MORNING TEA STOP 2 Cotterill’s Cottage 10:10 - 10:40 (Techniques used to rehabilitate the former STEVE HORSLEY Jounama Pine Plantation) STOP 3 – 11:05 – 13:40 Yarrangobilly Caves (Geodiversity and Conservation) 11:05 – 11:30 GEORGE BRADFORD Caves House Restoration (Planning for Two-Storey Building) 11:30 – 12:00 LIZ MACPHEE Seed Bank Program, Sewage and Grass Rehabilitation 12:00 – 12:20 ABORIGINAL ELDERS Introduction to Site and Welcome Ceremony 12:20 – 12:50 LUNCH - YARRANGOBILLY CAVES

REHABILITATION, RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION 12:50 – 13:40 GEORGE BRADFORD Cave Tour STOP 4 Tumut Ponds Hairpin Bend 14:30 – 15:00 (Rehab of Former Snowy Hydro Scheme Quarry Site) LIZ MACPHEE /TED MCDONNELL STOP 5 Cabramurra Township - Lookout 15:15 – 15:45 (Snowy Hydro Lease and Licence Arrangements) (Commentary on Coach) STOP 6 Kiandra Courthouse Precinct 16:05 – 16:25 (Restoration – Adaptive Reuse) JENNIFER HEWITSON

18:00 Arrive in Tumut and delegates return to their Motels to dress for opening dinner @19:00


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PROGRAM Day 3 - Sunday 13 November 2011 8:30 – 12:45 SESSION THREE LOCATION: Tumut Bowling Club

Bistro - 24-30 Richmond St

GEODIVERSITY

8:30 – 8:40 DAVE DARLINGTON Welcome and Overview of Arrangements and Logistics 8:40 – 9:00 STEPHEN MEEHAN Geodiversity and NSW Parks 9:00 – 9:10 Questions and Introductions 9:10 – 9:30 DR BOB YOUNG The Snowy Mountains within the Geodiversity of South-Eastern Australia 9:30 – 9:50 DR ANN YOUNG Geodiversity and Ecological Niches 9:50 – 10:00 Questions from the Floor

10:00 – 10:15 MORNING TEA REHABILITATION AND EVALUATION

10:15 – 10:35 TED MCDONNELL Former Snowy Scheme Sites Rehabilitation Program 10:35 – 10:55 LIZ MACPHEE Principles of Successful Rehabilitation 10:55 – 11:15 SALLY BARNES Year Ahead and Concluding Address by Deputy Chief Executive, NPWS 11:15 – 11:45 Questions from the Floor 11:45 – 12:00 PAUL DAVIES 2011 Conference Evaluation 12:00 - 12:30 PM LUNCH AND DEPARTURE

Conference Concludes


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LIST OF CONFERENCE DELEGATES

Minister and Presenters Hon Robyn Parker Minister for the Environment and Minister for Heritage Armstrong Osborne Associate Professor, Science Education - University of Sydney Dr Ann Young Geomorphologist, Retired Academic, School of Geosciences, University Wollongong Dr Bob Young Geomorphologist, Retired Academic, School of Geosciences, University Wollongong Special Guests Mr John Larter, Mayor, Tumut Shire Council Aunty Marg Berg, Aboriginal Elder Uncle Vince Bulger, Aboriginal Elder Departmental Presenters Ms Sally Barnes Deputy Chief Executive, Head NPWS Mr George Bradford Manager, Yarrangobilly Caves Ms Jennifer Hewitson Historic Heritage Coordinator Ms Liz MacPhee Rehabilitation Officer Mr Ted McDonnell Manager, Assets, Roads and Rehabilitation Unit Mr Steven Meehan Manager, Karst and Geodiversity Mr Mick Pettitt Area Manager, Riverina Highlands Planning Committee Ms Janet Anderson Member, Southern Ranges Regional Advisory Committee Ms Jo Cox Member, Blue Mountains Regional Advisory Committee Mr Paul Davies Chair, Southern Ranges Regional Advisory Committee Mrs Marhi Koch Chair, Northern Tablelands Regional Advisory Committee Mr Kevin Mills Chair, South Coast Regional Advisory Committee Mr Ken Prendergast National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council Conference Coordinators Ms Carmel Bellette Admin and Customer Service Assistant, Southern Ranges Region Mr Dave Darlington Regional Manager, Southern Ranges Region Ms Lorraine Donne Manager Stakeholder Liaison and Group Coordination Ms Claire Francis Acting Stakeholder Liaison Officer Mr Steve Horsley Manager Special Projects, Park Management Division Ms Susan Learmont Admin and Customer Service Assistant, Southern Ranges Region Mr Mark Lees Manager, Tumut Region Visitor Centre Mr Shane Herrington Discovery Ranger Ms Talea Bulger Discovery Ranger Ms Jo Caldwell Ranger Matt White Ranger

Record of Proceedings

Southern Ranges RAC Conference 11-13 Nov 2011 48

ADVISORY COMMITTEES

Blue Mountains Region Tracey Austin - Chair Joanne Cox Far South Coast Region Bruce Leaver - Chair Chris Kowal Far West Region Diana Hoffman - Chair Anne Kiely Hartley Historic Site Margaret Combs Annette Gilbey Hunter Range Region Fran Corner Alana Parkins Metropolitan North East Region Garry McILwaine - Chair Carlita Warren Metropolitan South West Region Sheelah Boleyn - Chair Brian Everingham North Coast Region James Tedder - Chair Georgia De Biasi Northern Plains Region Kay Durham Northern Rivers Region Raylee Delaney - Chair Melissa Ladkin Northern Tablelands Region Mahri Koch - Chair Bryan Johnston South Coast Region Kevin Mills - Chair Rowena Morris Southern Ranges Region Rosemary Black Martin Chalk Paul Davies – Chair David Moore Peter Southwell Dianne Thompson Vivien Thomson Western Rivers Region Bill Moller - Chair Nella Smith KARST MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Andy Spate Alfred Walker NPW ADVISORY COUNCIL Anne Reeves Dominic Lane Jane Judd Robin Heath Ronnie Harding Suzanne Jones


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PRESENTERS AND SPEAKERS’ PROFILES

George Bradford began his career in karst management as a Site Interpretation Officer in 1993 with Parks Victoria at Buchan Caves; this is where he became a keen recreational caver and developed his passion for the cave and karst environment. In 2000, George moved to South Australia and took up a position with the Department of Environment and Heritage at Naracoorte Caves World Heritage Site. It was here that he had the opportunity to coordinate a major Green Corps cave restoration project in Victoria Fossil Cave. After two successful Green Corps projects George moved to Adelaide and became the Greening Australia SA Youth Programs Manager/Green Corps State Operations Manager, coordinating Green Corps projects across South Australia. On the move again, in 2005 George moved to Sydney and the position of Green Corps Project Manager with Greening Australia NSW. In 2006, George returned to the karst environment as the Yarrangobilly Caves Manager. Since being here he has overseen the re-opening of Caves House, redevelopment of South Glory Cave’s handrails and LED lighting system, upgrades of hydropower generation and battery bank installation, and the planning for the adaptive reuse of Caves House. Martin Chalk is a person with practical bent who approaches environmental advocacy in the same way. Over the last 21 years, he has attempted to convey an appreciation of the environment to others through awareness. He has undertaken this task through articles published in the NPA (ACT) Bulletin and Wild Magazine and through photography used by Australian Conservation Foundation, NPWS, Environment ACT/Parks, Conservation and Lands, Craft ACT and the website of the NPA (ACT) and ECOPIX. He has also undertaken advocacy in a more animated way by leading interpreted bushwalks and conducting bush navigation training. In this way, he has attempted to introduce people to the natural environment in a non-threatening way, which allows them the intellectual space to see the environment with greater depth and understanding. Martin's work with the Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group and Waterwatch has allowed him to engage with Parks’ managers in the tasks of rehabilitation. This led, in the post 2003 fire period, to him undertaking the role of volunteer and work party coordinator for the NPA (ACT), a role he still fulfils. The region encompassed by the Southern Ranges Region is a continuum that knows nothing of jurisdictional boundaries and Martin's nomination to the Regional Advisory Committee offers him an opportunity to contribute to its wellbeing on both sides of the ACT border. Paul Davies has over thirty-five years experience in natural resource management and conservation policy development at national, state, regional and community levels. He has a strong interest in current and emerging nature conservation issues and the environment. Paul has extensive experience at the senior management level in protected area management, policy development, program development and implementation including experience with the ACT and Federal Governments. Paul’s personal interests include many years experience bushwalking, bush camping, 4WDriving, cross-country skiing, canoeing, sailing and amateur ornithology. He is a regular visitor to national parks and nature reserves in the ACT, NSW, Victoria and across Australia; he has visited parks and reserves in New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, UK and Europe.


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Suzanne Jones appreciated that the common element between the NPW Advisory Council and the Regional Advisory Committees was that members cared for the environment, the sustainability of the reserve system and the wise management of crown assets for the benefit of current and future communities. Suzanne also expressed Council’s strong desire to work co-operatively with the RACs for the benefit of the reserve system joint members. Twenty years working with the NSW Government coupled with the last seven years in the private sector has given Suzanne a sound understanding of the government and corporate decision making processes, political environment, an extensive network of State and Commonwealth senior bureaucrats, Ministers, their staff and external advisors combined with a solid appreciation of the legislative and policy framework governing major infrastructure projects. Suzanne’s skills, experience, loyalty and dedication have been widely recognised by many including the US Government who awarded her with an international leadership fellowship to study trade policy formulation. Elizabeth (Liz) MacPhee has over 22 years experience in ecological rehabilitation of the Australian Alps. Her current position is Rehabilitation Officer for NPWS – OEH with her primary focus on the rehabilitation of the former construction sites of Snowy-Hydro Scheme across Kosciuszko National Park. As a professional horticulturist and ecologist, Liz has developed plant production methods, seed production systems and rehabilitation techniques for the Australian Alps from alpine to montane zones. Formally based in Victoria, her range of rehabilitation work involved borrow pits, old mining sites, walking tracks, grazing damage, sphagnum peatlands, snow patches and ski resorts. In 2006 she was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to investigate high altitude rehabilitation techniques used in Finland, France, USA, Chile and Argentina. Liz Macphee, Rehabilitation Officer, presentation provided a summary of the rehabilitation activities that have occurred in the establishment and management of the Yarrangobilly Caves Poa Seed Bank and outlined the benefits of the symbiotic relationship between the seed bank and the sewage treatment plant. Ted McDonnell has over 20 years management and engineering experience. This experience commenced at the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Royal Military College Duntroon, which was followed by over 13 years with the Australian Army. This Army service culminated in deployment with the International Force in East Timor (INTERFET) in early 2000. After leaving the Army in 2001 Ted spent a number of years delivering humanitarian assistance projects in East Timor, Afghanistan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka and working for engineering consultancies in Jindabyne, Canberra and Tumut. Ted joined NPWS in April 2009 and is currently enjoying the challenges presented as the Manager of the Southern Ranges Region Assets, Roads and Rehabilitation Unit.


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Stephen Meehan commenced his career with Government in May 2006, following the transfer of Abercrombie, Borenore, Jenolan and Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserves to the management of the then, NSW Department of Environment.

Stephen currently holds the position of Manager, Karst and Geodiversity Unit, which is responsible for developing plans, policies and operational guidelines in relation to over 40 karst environments within the public reserve system. More recently, he has taken on the additional responsibility of promoting the broader concept of geodiversity both within and external of government.

Stephen has a diverse background in natural resource planning and management. He has previously held strategic and operational positions with the Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust, Toowoomba and Hervey Bay City Councils, the Department of Defence and the Phillip Island Penguin Reserve for a period spanning 17 years.

Stephen is a committed conservationist and regards his current challenge as one of his greatest. He holds a Degree in Applied Science (majoring in coastal resource management), a Masters Degree in Applied Science (majoring in parks, recreation and heritage) and a Diploma in Government (majoring in project management).

Armstrong Osborne has been investigating caves, karst and palaeokarst in the complex impounded karsts of eastern Australia for the last 35 years. A geologist by training with a PhD from the University of Sydney, his original focus was on the stratigraphy and petrology of cave sediments and palaeokarst deposits. During the 1990s he realised that while the sediments and palaeokarst in eastern Australian caves made sense, the caves themselves did not, so his interests expanded to include cave morphology and hypogene speleogenesis. Over the last fourteen years, he has been involved in collaborative studies of cave minerals, palaeokarst and hypogene caves with colleagues in central Europe and more recently on gneiss caves in Sri Lanka.

Armstrong has been actively involved in karst and geodiversity conservation through advisory committees, consultancies, contract research, cave guide training and as an expert witness in court cases for the last 32 years. From 1980-1994 he was a member of the Geological Society of Australia, N.S.W. Division, Geological Sites and Monuments Sub-Committee and was Convenor from 1981-1984 and 1988-1991. From 1980 until its abolition in 2000 he was on the Australian Heritage Commission, NSW Natural Environment Evaluation Panel, evaluating nominations for the Register of the National Estate.

He is a Visiting Fellow of the Karst Research Institute, Postojna Slovenia, a Research Associate of the Australian Museum and serves on editorial and advisory boards for journals related to caves and karst. As Associate Professor, Science Education at the University of Sydney he coordinates and teaches science units for primary education students along with earth science and “science as a human endeavour” units for secondary education students.

Mick Pettitt’s career spans over 30 years in natural resource management. Having completed a Bachelor of Science Degree (Forestry) at the Australian National University, he commenced as a Forester in Tumbarumba in 1980. Having lived and worked in Tumbarumba and Eden, Mick moved to Tumut in 1992. He commenced as the Area Manager of Riverina Highlands Area in January 1999. The huge variety of work ranging from a major 603 hectare revegetation program of a previous pine plantation within Kosciuszko National Park and revegetation programs of former agricultural lands along the Blowering foreshores to heritage revitalisation of the 1917 Caves House and the 1890 Courthouse at Kiandra has provided wonderful opportunities and satisfying challenges.


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Dr Bob Young graduated from Sydney University and became a high school geography teacher, until returning to the University to do postgraduate study. His PhD was written on the landform development of the Shoalhaven River Catchment, and his research helped to prove that the age of uplift of the Great Divide was much greater than the few million years estimated at the time. Moving to the University of Wollongong, he continued his interest in landform development, collaborating with Dr Ian McDougall on dating and interpretation of basalt flows in the Lachlan Valley, Tumbarumba and Ulladulla-Sassafras areas. He extended his work on ancient hardened soils (silcretes and laterites) from southeastern Australia to central Queensland, and also began work on coastal landforms. This led to the identification of tsunami deposits along the NSW coast. With Ann, he wrote 'Sandstone Landforms', published in 1992. This was the first comprehensive account of sandstone landforms world-wide, and now in its 2nd edition published in 2009, this remains the benchmark work. Bob has had over 100 papers published in scientific journals. He has had a long interest in weathering of rocks, with major contributions on the development of granite terrain near Bega and the solutional weathering of sandstones in both temperate and tropical Australia. In 2002, he and Ann wrote 'Soils in the Australian Landscape', a book designed for environmentalists and teachers that dealt with all soils rather than focussing mainly on agriculturally valuable soils. They have written two books on national parks - 'Understanding the Scenery - Royal National Park' and 'Understanding the Scenery - Morton National Park'. These are written for bushwalkers and teachers, and describe the ways in which the distinctive landforms and scenery of the Royal and Morton National Parks have formed. They are currently doing research for a similar book on the far south coast of NSW. Dr Ann Young graduated from Sydney University and began work as a tutor in geography at the University of Wollongong. After completing her MSc on slope instability in urban Wollongong, she worked for the State Pollution Control Commission before returning to the University to do a PhD on upland swamps on the sandstone plateau of the Sydney Catchment Area. She taught mainly in the area of environmental impact and assessment, writing 'Environmental Change in Australia Since 1788' for her course. She also taught courses on soils and on remote sensing and satellite imagery. She was involved in many environmental consultancies and studies, including a major study of lead pollution and health in Wollongong. She has returned to her interest in upland swamps because of the impacts of long wall coal mining on the sandstone plateaus and the catchment areas around Sydney. She contributed to the Inquiry into the Southern Coalfield and to NSW Government inquiries into two major mining proposals. She has been a member of the Community Consultative Committee for BHP Billiton's Dendrobium mine since 2007. She was recently invited to participate in DEWHA discussions concerning research and possible review of Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone. Both Ann and Bob are members of National Parks Association.


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Appendix 1

ANNUAL REPORTS

OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE

PARKS AND WILDLIFE GROUP

RESTORATION, REHABILITATION AND GEODIVERSITY REGIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES’ CONFERENCE

TUMUT, NSW

11 – 13 NOVEMBER 2011


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BLUE MOUNTAINS REGION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Annual Report January to December 2010

Significant Highlights

The Committee commented on the following Draft Plans of Management: Kanangra-Boyd National Park

Blue Mountains National Park

Mugii Murrum-ban SCA (formerly Proposed State Conservation Area at Mount Airlie)

Capertee National Park SIMI Marangaroo National Park SIMI

Membership

A new Committee was appointed in January 2010. The members are listed in the Attendance Schedule below.

Meetings

Committee meetings are held throughout the year, either as a stand-alone meeting, or combined with a field excursion. In 2010, meetings were held on the following dates: 20 February, 17 and 18 April, 20 June, 22 August, 16 and 17 October, 11 December.

Field Excursions

20/2/10 Grand Canyon

17-18/4/10 Mt Airlie, Mt Genowlan

20/6/10 Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens World Heritage Exhibition Centre

16-17/10/10 Marrangaroo National Park, Capertee National Park

Regional Management Programs

The Committee was not involved in any Regional management programs in 2010. However, the following members represented the Committee on other committees, as indicated. Warwick Armstrong: Member of the DECCW Wild Horse Management Committee

Tracy Austin: Member of the DECCW Karst Advisory Committee

Robyn Bushell: Observer on the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Advisory Committee

Community Involvement

The committee met particular stakeholders while considering draft plans of management for Marangaroo National Park and Mugii Murrum-ban SCA, and the Marangaroo National Park SIMI. Andy Macqueen attended a public forum on the NPWS discussion paper on mountain biking.

Ongoing Issues

The Committee began working through the draft new Plan of Management for Blue Mountains National Park and Kanangra-Boyd National Park late in 2010 and expects to finalise the process in 2011.


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Conclusion

Chairperson Andy Macqueen commented that most of the major agenda items dealt with during the year were in early development stage. Hence, this was very much a preparatory year for some busy times ahead. The new committee is now functioning very constructively and is well positioned to meet that challenge.

Regional Advisory Committee Attendance Schedule

Blue Mountains Region Advisory Committee meetings held during the period 1 January to 31 December 2010.

20/2/10 17/4/10 20/6/10 22/8/10 16/10/10 11/12/10

Tracy Austin P A P P P A

Warwick Armstrong P P A P A P

Elizabeth Black P A P A A A

Robyn Bushell P A P A A P

Joanne Cox A P A P P A

Robert Degabriele P P P P P P

Helen Drewe P P P P P P

Jessie Garbellini P A P P A A

Lachlan Garland P P P P P P

Heidi Lawson A P P P P P

Andrew Luke P P A A A A

Andy Macqueen P P P P P A

Fiona Meller A P P A P P

Chris Tobin A A A A A P

Jack Tolhurst P P P A P P

Ian Tucker P P P P P P

Merle Williams P A P P A P

Legend: P=Present, A=Apology, N=Not in attendance and no apology recorded


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Central Coast Hunter Region Advisory Committee Annual Report January to December 2010


The committee has been involved in the development and finalization of a number of plans of management including:

Watagans National Park / Jilliby State Conservation Area

Belford National Park

Glenrock State Conservation Area

The committee has endorsed the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area PoM audit.

The committee has played a major role in raising awareness of the plant disease myrtle rust and its potential impact on national parks and reserves as well as the nursery industry This included correspondence to Advisory Council, local councils and Department of Industry and Investment.

The committee has been involved in the development of the Ash Island SIMI and endorsed the Region’s position on a proposal from council for a bike track through littoral rainforest in Wyrrabalong National Park.

Membership

Anita Chalmers resigned from the committee on 7 June 2010

Meetings

Six Committee meetings were held during 2010.

Field Excursions

Areas visited during the year include: Ash Island in Hunter Wetlands National Park

Glenrock State Conservation Area including inspection of purpose built mountain bike tracks

Wyrrabalong National Park in particular route of bike track proposed by Wyong Shire Council Dharug National Park, the World Heritage listed Old Great North Road


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The Advisory Committee has been involved in the development of the Ash Island Statement of Interim Management Intent.


There have been no opportunities to participate in this type of community activity.

Ongoing Issues

Myrtle Rust in our parks and reserves. Mountain biking in Glenrock State Conservation area. Weed and feral animal eradication.

Conclusion

The Advisory Committee has worked in a very productive, cooperative and coordinated way throughout the year, dealing with issues such as highlighting the destructive nature of Myrtle Rust in our parks ad reserves, the mountain bike issues in Glenrock State Conservation area

As a committee, we would like to thank Tom Bagnat, Regional Manager and Susan Davis for their strong support, encouragement and willingness to consult, listen and assist the committee in its ongoing role.

Daryl K Bower, Chair Central Coast Hunter Range Region


Central Coast Hunter Range Regional Advisory Committee meetings held during the period 1 March 2010 to 31 December 2010

Name 6/3/10 2/5/10 26/6/10 28/8/10 23/10/10 4/12/10

Kim Baillie P P P A P P

Daryl Bower (C) P P P P P P

Anita Chalmers P N n/a n/a n/a n/a

Kendal Caynes P A P A P P

Narelle Howard A P P P P P

Nick Jacomas A P A N P A

Robert Kelly P A P P A P

John LeMessiuer P P P P P A

Jeff Strickson P N A A N N

Rose White P P P P P P

Trevor Woolley P P P N P P

Margaret Matthews N N N N N N

John Matthews N N N N N N

Jason Edwards N N N N N N

Robert Smith A N N P N N

Legend: P=Present A=Apology N=Not in attendance and no apology recorded


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Far South Coast Region Advisory Committee Annual Report January to December 2010


During 2010, the Far South Coast Region Advisory Committee continued to devote a large part of available time to reviewing regional plans of management. The committee provided advice on the Mimosa Rocks and Ben Boyd National Parks Plans of Management, and met the tight time schedules for review of public comments. Comments were also provided for the Kooraban National Park Draft Plan of Management, Nadgigomar Nature Reserve DPOM, and amendments to the Montague Island Nature Reserve POM.

Membership

George Sheriff resigned from the Committee during the year. George joined the Committee in 2003 and during his seven years, he took an active role on the committee and provided constructive and valuable advice to the Region.

At the 27 August meeting, we welcomed Mr. Keith Dance (Councillor, Eurobodalla Shire Council) to the Committee. Keith’s appointment was confirmed in December.

Meetings

The newly appointed Committee commenced with a meeting at Merimbula on 12 February 2010. A total of five meetings were held during the year – 2 at Merimbula, 2 at Narooma and one in Cooma.

The attendance by Ken Prendergast – Advisory Council member- at the 4 November meeting in Cooma provided a valuable opportunity to improve communications with the Advisory Council, by briefing Ken on regional items of concern.

Mr Terry Bailey commenced as Director – Coastal during the year and he met the committee during the 27 August meeting in Narooma.

The chair attended two RAC meetings in Sydney, one on 2-3 July and one on 12-13 November. He also represented the Committee at the Green Cape Light station Heritage Award Ceremony on 19 February 2011.

Field Excursions

Field trips included an inspection of Mimosa Rocks NP on 12 February by a subcommittee appointed to provide input to the review of the Mimosa Rocks NP DPOM. The full committee went on a field trip to Cascades and other areas in Wadbilliga and Deua NPs on 5 November, after the 4 November committee meeting in Cooma. On 26 November, the Committee visited Bendethera in Wadbilliga NP on an inspection trip with Park staff, and a field trip to Ben Boyd NP was held on 31 May.


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Ongoing Issues

Budget Cuts

The committee has continued to be concerned about the real reductions in the region’s annual budget over recent years, and the impact this will have on the ability of the region to meet its commitments in managing the national park estate on the Far South Coast.

Reintroduction of Koalas

The ongoing campaign by the FSC Advisory Committee over the last 7 years to encourage the NPWS to introduce a program for reintroduction of koalas to Far South Coast national parks has achieved some success. The Region has carried out an extensive and effective survey of existing koala numbers in regional parks. The results indicate a dramatic drop in the numbers of koalas in the FSC park estate, and I expect the Committee will continue to recommend that the NPWS establish an ongoing program for reintroduction of suitable koalas to viable areas where koalas are no longer present.

Mapping Bridle Tracks

A map of bridle trails has been prepared, and the Committee may wish to recommend ways in which the map can be used and maintained.

Restoration of Access to the Pinnacles, Ben Boyd NP

The closure of the access steps at the Pinnacles in Ben Boyd NP due to safety risks has complicated the development of this outstanding area as a regional tourist attraction. The Committee is expected to continue to recommend and encourage ways in which this area can be repaired and advertised.

Conclusion

I thank Tim Shepherd and all of the regional staff for their support during the past year, and I thank the committee members for their enthusiasm, support, and active contribution. I give a special thank you to Dr. David Shaw for his support, advice and hard work as the Committee Secretary.

I will not be seeking re-election as Chair. I was first elected as Chair of the Far South Coast Advisory Committee in July 2003, when Wendy Rose retired after chairing the Committee for its first 3 years, and I believe it is time for someone else to take on the position and bring fresh enthusiasm and direction.

I have enjoyed the last 7 years and I look forward to the next 12 months of the Committee.

Bob Ross Chair Far South Coast Region


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Far South Coast Region meetings held during the period 1 January to 31 December 2010

DATE 12 Feb 26 Mar 23 Jun 27 Aug 4 Nov

Location Merimbula Narooma Merimbula Narooma Cooma R Ross (Chair) P P P P P D. Reckord (Deputy Chair)

P A P (until 2.15 pm)

A P(arrived 5 pm)

D. Shaw (Secretary) P P P P A Y Thomson P P P P P M Darcy A P P A P C Lawler P P P P P M Litchfield P P P A P S McAlister P A P P A C Kowal P P P P P G. Sherriff P A A N/M N/M G. Cooper P P P A A B. Leaver P P P A P S. Swensson P P P P P G. Story P A A P P J. Bourne P P P A P K. Dance N/M N/M N/M P# P# T Shepherd (FSC - Regional Manager)

P P P P P

J. Atkinson(Minute Taker)

P P P P P

LEGEND: P= Present; A = Apology; N = Not in attendance no apology recorded; N/M = Non-Member; # = new member


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Far West Region Advisory Committee Annual Report January to December 2010


Significant rainfall throughout the Far West Region. Inclusion of the Bourke Area, inc.Toorale. Committee field trips and park inspections.

Membership

Phillip Johnston (Bourke Area) resigned from the Committee May 2010.

Meetings

The Committee has held three meetings during 2010. Fourth planned but cancelled due to flooding.

Field Excursions

All meetings have coincided with field trips. These have included the new Toorale NP and Ledknapper/Culgoa NR’s, with the planned trip to Mungo NP having to be cancelled due to flooding.


We are represented in many stakeholder meetings conducted by staff, for example meeting with park neighbors, discussions with the Branch Director when he attends our meetings, written reports from each Unit Manager at Advisory Committee meetings. The meeting with the Advisory Council was unfortunately cancelled due to the weather. Several members attended the National Parks Foundation forum in Mildura which considered the new Mungo NP centre. This included presentations and discussions with local traditional owners, and members of the scientific community.

The Chair attended two State Chair’s Meetings; 1) July 2010 at Gap Bluff 2) November 2010 at the Mercure Hotel, Sydney Airport


There have been no opportunities to participate in this type of Community activity.

Ongoing Issues

Continued integration of the Bourke Area into the Far West Region, finalization of Region’s Operations Plan, and plans of management, and continued involvement as requested by staff.

Conclusion

Diana Hoffman, Chairperson. This is a very cohesive team willing to discuss difficult issues yet able to arrive at a consensus. All members thoroughly study any draft plans of management and bring forward any areas requiring further investigation or explanation. It has been a difficult year with regards to traveling throughout our Region due to distances involved, and extensive rain and flooding.

Diana Hoffman Chair Far West Region


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Far West Regional Advisory Committee meetings held during the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010.

Name Meetings 20/02 28/05 21/8 Nov - Cancelled Due To Rain

Peter Beven P P P

Beryl Carmichael P A A

Michael Davis A P A

Clarence Elliot P P A

Desmond Ferguson P A A

Jim Graham P P A

Diana Hoffman P P P

Richard Kelly P P P

Anne Kiely P P P

Dorothy Martin A P P

Michael McCulkin P A A

Fran McKinnon P A P

Maureen O’Donnell A A A

Archie Vann A P P



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Hartley Historic Site Region Advisory Committee Annual Report January to December 2010


Development of the Hartley Master plan with the Site Manager and securing approximately $3 million dollars under the HARP program

Membership

Nil changes to appointments

Meetings

Five committee meetings were held during the year with attendance recoded in the attached table. Attendance at Annual Advisory Committee meeting by Margaret Combs.

Field Excursions and Regional Management Programs

Not applicable.


Committee members act as Liaison for the Committee and site with the following organisations: Rural Fire Service, Lithgow branch of the National Trust, and the Hartley Progress Association

Ongoing Issues

The impact of proposed road works to the great Western Highway. Committee members have and continue to attend public meetings in relation to this issue and working with the Region to minimise or negate any adverse impacts.

Conclusion

It was pleasing to note the Master Plan’s acceptance. I think all Advisory Committee members were happy with it because of the input they had. Thanks to Steve Ring for his hard work and dedication to this plan. Bob Morris, Chair Hartley Historic Site Region


Hartley Historic Site Advisory Committee meetings held from 1 January to 31 December 2010

Name Meetings 17/3 26/5 15/9 17/11 4/12 Robert Morris P P P P P John Luchetti P P P A P Margaret Combs P P P P P Ross Fragar A A P P P Noel Kind P P A P P David Peters P N P P A Cheryl Kenny P N P A A Annette Gilbey A P A P P Siobhan Lavelle P A A P Linda Lovegrove P N A P P Krystina Campbell A P A P A Malcolm McDonald N N P P A Sharon Simcoe P P A A P Legend: P=Present A=Apology N=Not in attendance and no apology recorded


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Hunter Region Advisory Committee Annual Report Year Ending 31 June 2011

Previous Chair unable to provide report.


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Metropolitan North East Region Advisory Committee Annual Report Year Ending 31 June 2011


Sydney Harbour National Park – Plan of Management

Metro North East Regional Advisory Committee (MNE RAC) had intensive involvement in the development and review of Sydney Harbour National Park (SHNP) Plan of Management (POM).

RAC members participated in three field inspections of SHNP during the development of the POM. One field inspection focused on the historic huts at Crater Cove, the second on North Head and the third on the islands and Bradley’s Head.

The North Head inspection was in collaboration with the planning subcommittee of the National Parks Advisory Council. The group inspected a potential addition to SHNP in the immediate vicinity of Manly Hospital.

Key issues where the RAC made a significant contribution to the policy settings in the POM included the Sydney Harbour Scenic Walk, the Crater Cove huts, Goat Island, selected fauna reintroductions and the commitment to integrated packages of walking and accommodation experiences.

Reserve Establishment

MNE RAC involved in the announcement and work to establish a new National Park in the Eastern Suburbs at Malabar.

MNE RAC members participated in the review of two new Voluntary Conservation Agreement proposals.

MNE RAC were involved in detailed discussion regarding the management of the seven Aquatic Reserves in the region and conducted a site inspection of Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve. Responsibility for this category of reserve was removed from the NPWS during this reporting period.

Working Groups

MNE RAC members participate in a range of NPWS and related working groups, including the Little Penguins Working Group and Quarantine Station Community Committee.

Discussions with Branch Director

The Director for the newly established Metropolitan Branch attended the September 2010 meeting of the MNE RAC. The Director explained the rationale for the restructure of NPWS regions and noted a number of priorities for the following year. The increased focus of the NPWS on different types of visitor experience, including mountain biking, commercial tours, special events and the adaptive re-use of historic buildings, all have major implications for Metro North East Region.


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Membership

MNE RAC received no resignations during this period and has not received any new members. MNE RAC Members

Mr Simon Roger Balderstone Mr Laurence Bimson Mr Trevor Robert Brown Mr Stuart Lawrence Burley Mr Jason Coombs Ms Emma Degenhardt Mr Grahame Douglas Mrs Brigid Dowsett Dr Dennis Foley Mrs Catherine Griffin (Deputy Chair) Ms Penelope Jane Holloway Ms Tracey-Lee Howie Mr Garry McIlwaine (Chair) Dr Julie Old Ms Christine Rand Mr William Victor Simms Ms Carlita Warren

Meetings The agreed pattern of meetings for the MNE RAC is an office-based meeting on the 4th Wednesday of every second month, with a field day programmed on a Saturday in the intervening months.

During this period, the MNE RAC conducted six office meetings and six field days.

The field days were to Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve, Lane Cove National Park, Garigal National Park and Sydney Harbour National Park.


Metropolitan North East Regional Advisory Committee attendance at meetings 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011.

Name 28/7/2010 29/9/2010 24/11/2010 02/02/2011 30/03/2011 25/05/2011 Garry McIlwaine P P P P P P

Simon Balderstone P P A P A A Laurence Bimson P P P P P P

Trevor Brown P P A P P P Stuart Burley P P P P P P

Jason Coombs P P A P P P Emma Degenhardt P P P A P P Grahame Douglas P P A P P A

Brigid Dowsett P P P P P P Dennis Foley P P P A A P

Catherine Griffin P P P P P P Penelope Holloway P P A P P P Tracey-Lee Howie A A A A A A

Julie Old P P A P A A Christine Rand P A P A P P Victor Simms P P P P P P

Carlita Warren A P P P P P Gary Dunnett P P P P P P


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Field Excursions

MNE RAC members participated in the following Field Trips: Saturday 26 June 2010- Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve

Saturday 28th August 2010 Lane Cove National Park

Saturday 30th October 2010 Sydney Harbour National Park Saturday 26th February 2011 Garigal National Park

Saturday 21st May 2011 Sydney Harbour National Park

Saturday 25 June 2011 Sydney Harbour National Park


Each MNE RAC meeting received a report from the Regional Manager outlining key management issues confronting the region. The MNE RAC members provided feedback on these issues. This is recorded in the meeting minutes. This included review of the regional budget and Regional Operations Plan 2010-2011.

Specific issues for which the MNE RAC provided detailed feedback and/or recommendations to Metro North East Region include: Liaison with the Quarantine Station Community Committee Outcomes of the Goat Island Reference Group process

Stakeholder Working Group for Sydney Harbour Plan of Management Review of Priority Action Statement actions for MNE RAC

VCA Proposals

Sydney Harbour National Park and Lane Cove National Park Plans of Management Management of stakeholder expectations for the La Perouse Museum

Public art programs for the Soldiers Institute and La Perouse Museum


MNE RAC members participated in a number of public events, notably: The opening of Artist in Residence Exhibition at the Soldiers Institute; Regional Volunteers Day at Lane Cove National Park; Launch of the Mosman LGA Aboriginal Heritage and Teaching Kit; Launch of the Field Guide to the Lane Cove Bushland Valley; Public announcement of the transfer of Malabar Headland to the NPWS; and

Sustainable Mountain Biking community workshops.


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Ongoing Issues

Priority issues for the involvement of MNE RAC members over the coming year include: Development of the new Reserve Pest Management Strategy; Review of Bush Regeneration priorities; Ongoing liaison with marine protected area managers; Finalisation of the Sydney Harbour and Lane Cove National Park Plans of Management; Commencement of new Plans of Management for Garigal, Ku-ring gai Chase and Malabar Headland National Parks; Scrutinising the mountain bike strategy for northern Sydney and proposals for a loop track; Reviewing the implementation of regional budget management strategies; Visitor risk management, especially in high visitation areas and on the islands; and

Continued improvements to the provision of disabled access to key locations around the region.

MNE RAC has serious concerns regarding the large reduction of the Metro North East Region budget in 2011-12 and consequently the need to ensure that service delivery is not compromised in such a large, vibrant and highly visited region.

Conclusion

Statement from The Chair

The last 12 months have been very challenging with regards to the merger of the former Sydney North and Sydney Regions and the establishment of the new Metro North East Region. The delays in securing a regional office are symptomatic of the difficulties that such mergers generate.

It is noteworthy that the new structure brings together five of the top ten most visited parks in NSW into a single region. This extraordinary level of visitation, coupled with the high significance of these same reserves, ensures that the region has a pivotal role in shaping the community’s understanding and appreciation of the NSW system of national parks and reserves. The committee has a key responsibility in highlighting the need for parks management to respond appropriately to this pressure and responsibility.

In addition to the high levels of visitation a distinctive feature of the region is the extent to which it is expected to provide community services beyond those normally associated with national parks. These include several of the most intensively used boating facilities around Sydney’s waterways, special events ranging from the New Years Eve firework displays to the Oxfam Trail walk event, to emerging recreational activities such as single track mountain biking.

I have attended the NPWS Chair’s meetings with senior management. I greatly appreciate the time and resources which these officers have committed to the occasions. I found them to be a particularly valuable exchange of information and learning process from the committee’s perspective. The most recent meeting on Cockatoo Island provided valuable insight into the opportunities to enhance visitation to the harbour islands, provide accommodation and the need to coordinate access around the harbour sites.

Garry McILwaine, Chair Metro North East Region

23 September 2011


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Metropolitan South West Region Advisory Committee Annual Report January to December 2010


The most important achievement of 2010 was the formation of a harmonious, working team. With the creation of the Metropolitan South West Region, came the amalgamation of two disparate groups of committee members, each group with quite separate sets of knowledge regarding the areas they represented. We have worked hard as a committee to exchange that information and to work together to best represent the new region.

As a new committee, we have supported the Wianamatta Plan of Management, the Plans for Sydney Olympic Park and the Western Sydney Parklands, and are actively involved in the construction of the new Plan of Management for Royal. We are involved in the construction of the new precinct at Audley and the devolution of plans for increased tourist facilities throughout the Region.

Membership

Metro South West RAC now responsible for five areas- Royal, Botany Bay, Nattai, Cumberland South and Cumberland North. Membership reconstitution process completed in March 2010 with 8 members from previous Sydney South Region joining new committee and 5 members new to a NPWS RAC and one member from previous Sydney Region RAC.

Meetings

The Metropolitan South West Regional Advisory Committee was convened in early 2010 with four meetings held in 2010. The first meeting held on May 13 and further meetings were held on July 15, September 16 and November 18. The meeting venue was rotated between Audley, Hurstville and Parramatta NPWS offices in order to be equitable for all members.

Field Excursions

Field trips concentrated on familiarizing members with the reserves of Cumberland North and South and the majority of the members had no past association with these areas. Field trips were held June 19 to Cumberland North reserves, August 21 to Cumberland South reserves & December 18 2010 field trip to Royal to inspect Audley Dancehall upgrade, Providential Head camping area and the remains of the Garie Youth Hostel. Chair Sheelah Boleyn attended the Blue Mountain World Heritage Advisory Committee meeting at Picton.


Advice of Regional Advisory Committee involvement in Regional management programs (e.g. pest species management, neighbour relations) and projects initiated within the Region.

RAC provide comment and supported Joadja and Wollondilly Draft POM, supported the recommendation of the previous committee for the Wianamatta Regional Park, ongoing negotiations for Western Sydney Regional Park Plan of Management and Olympic Park. Currently active in review of Royal, Heathcote and Garawarra Plan of Management.

Support Regional planning for peak visitation in Royal, Georges River and Kamay Botany Bay National Parks.

RAC support expansion of Discovery Program into western Sydney. RAC proposed amendments to draft POM for Nattai reserves


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Comment on committee activities involving the community, e.g. open days, field days, public meetings, displays.

Stakeholder representations considered for Hilltop Shooting Complex and referred to South Coast RAC

Committee attempted to conserve radar-transmitting loop in Wianamatta RP. Ongoing monitoring of Gandangarra lands

RAC a conduit of community involvement in the Royal POM amendments

Involvement in the ‘key messages for Royal National Park’ workshop

Committee involvement in the Friends of Royal Reserves

Raising the profile of the RAC by being involved in the discussion around the possible impacts of long wall coal mining under Dharawal SCA

Ongoing Issues

Royal PoM & Regional PoM’s in various stages of review (including Western Sydney Regional Park draft PoM, Wianamatta Regional Park draft PoM, Bents Basin draft PoM) Regional fire management strategy, peak visitation in Royal, Kamay Botany Bay and Georges River National Parks, transfer of former ADI site to NPWS, Audley upgrade, Hilltop Voluntary Conservation Agreement all in progress.

Conclusion

The creation of the Metropolitan South West Region has meant that we as a committee have had to acquire a great deal of knowledge very quickly. The process has been daunting and exciting. We have formed a close, collegiate team, assisting one another to understand new modes of operating and the geography of new areas. I anticipate that our future operations will be highly productive as a result of the effort we have made to build such a functional committee.

Sheelah Boleyn, Chair Metropolitan South West Region


Metropolitan South West Regional Advisory Committee meetings held during the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. Name Meetings May July Sept Nov Sheelah Boleyn P A P P Glenda Chalker P A A P Sharyn Cullis P P P P Joanne Daly P P P P Brian Everingham P P A P Paul Irish P P P P Philip Sansom A A P A Brendon Graham P P P P Shayne Williams A P P A Cita Murphy P P A P Rhonda Lenardon P A P P Dr Charles Morris P P P A Norma Shankie-Williams P P A A Alison Woodbury P P A P Legend: P=Present A=Apology N=Not in attendance and no apology recorded

Comments

Field trips were not considered as ‘formal’ meetings so went ahead regardless of a quorum. For this reason, formal business was generally not conducted unless considered essential or urgent and a quorum was achieved. In order for the committee to be more effective, a decision was recently made to achieve a quorum before a field trip is conducted in the future.


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North Coast Region Advisory Committee Annual Report January to December 2010

This Committee advises and serves the newly enlarged North Coast Region of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, part of the Department of Climate Change, Environment and Water.

Country

The Service in this part of NSW is responsible for 116 terrestrial reserves of various categories totalling 488,631 hectares plus 87,423 hectares of marine reserves. The latter do not come within the role of this Committee. This enlarged area is the result of abolishing the Mid North Coast Region and placing two of their three areas in the North Coast Region. The area north of the Clarence River has been transferred to the Northern Rivers Region. It is a huge area measuring some 270km from north to south and up to 110km from west to east. It covers the traditional lands, or parts thereof, for the Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Anaiwan and Birpai peoples. At each meeting, the Committee pays respect to Elders past and present, the traditional owners, and acknowledges Country.

Committee Members

The new Committee was appointed by Minister Sartor in January 2010. The previous Committee totalled 12 members but the new Committee was enlarged to 16 members to cater to the residents in the previous Mid North Coast Region. Eight of these members had served on previous committees.

Meeting Attendance

The first meeting of the new Committee was held at the Coffs Coast Area office with eleven members present. The first part of the meeting was taken up with introduction of all members and explanation of the role of the Committee, Plans of Management, future subjects for discussion and meeting dates.

The second meeting was held on 6 June at the Macleay Area Arakoon office and 14 members attended this. It was followed by the AGM at which the interim office bearers were re elected. James Tedder was elected Chair, Robin Heath as Deputy Chair, Judith Mortlock as Secretary and Annette Harrison as Assistant Secretary. An inspection of Trial Bay Gaol followed.

The third meeting held at the Coffs Coast Area office on 9 September was attended by only seven members.

The forth meeting held at the Nambucca Entertainment Centre on 28 November was attended by 10 members. One member has been transferred by her firm to Sydney.


During the meetings, members selected reserves of which they had an interest to serve on sub-committees to consider plans of management, which were being prepared or were up for review. These amounted to twenty sub committees. This is quite a workload as some of the reserves involve long drives.

The following planning activities were completed in the reporting year: Consideration of submissions on the draft plans of management for Ulidarra National Park

and for Willi Willi National Park. Consideration of Advisory Council’s recommendations on the plans for Macquarie Nature

Reserve, Warragai Creek Nature Reserve and Willi Willi National Park.


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Review and comment upon the preliminary draft plan for Yarrahapinni Wetlands National Park (prior to its exhibition).

Consideration of the self-audit on the implementation of the plan of management for Maria National Park.

The following field inspections of reserves by sub-committees took place during the year:

Babadaga Group of reserves, Macquarie NR, Ramornie NP, Ulidarra NP, Yarrahapinni Wetlands NP.

The inspection of Ulidarra National Park raised a number of issues, which are now under discussion. The Plan of Management for Willi Willi NP resulted in a minority report expressing concern over the retention of exotic vegetation in the park. It has not been possible due to time constraints to organise any field inspections for the whole Committee.

One member was nominated for the Karst Management Committee. One member is also a member of the Coffs Coast Regional Park Board of Management and the Solitary Islands Marine Park Advisory Committee.

The committee also considered the Draft Sustainability Assessment Criteria, Sustainable Tourism Action Plan and Ecopass licensing as part of a focus on Tourism & Partnerships; the Regional Operations Plan; the Regional Assessment of Management Priorities project; the on-park environmental assessment process, and; the Mountain Bike Discussion Paper.


The Chair attended two meetings in Sydney of all the Chairs of the Advisory Committees.

Members also attended a number of NPWS events throughout the year: Gondwana launch and opening of the new bridge at Dorrigo NP

New England National Park Picnic Day

New England National Park 75th Anniversary attended by Minister Sartor

Openings of various exhibitions at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre

Yuraygir Coastal Walk Opening

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park celebration

Issues Of Concern To The Committee

Tourism

Surf schools

Fire management Aboriginal knowledge for incorporation into management Damage by 4WDs

Insensitive development in some parks

Lack of resources to deal with weeds

Size of committee and Region

Contact for NCRAC

Barbara Webster Advisory Committee Liaison Officer National Parks and Wildlife Service, Office of Environment and Heritage P O Box 170, DORRIGO, NSW 2453 Phone: 6657 5929 Fax: 6657 2145 Email: [email protected]


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North Coast Region Committee meetings held during the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2011

NAME 1/2010

Coffs Coast 24/3/2010

2/2010

Arakoon 6/6/2010

3/2010

Coffs Coast 9/9/2010

4/2010

Nambucca 28/11/2010

DE BIASI, Georgia P A A A

GEE, Allister A P A P

HARRISON, Annette P P A P

HEATH, Robin P P P P

HOWLETT, Marie P P A A

McKELVEY, Rod A P P P

MORGAN, Peter P P P P

MORTLOCK, Judith P P P P

NORTON, Paul P P A P

NOVICKY, Belinda P P A A

PALMER, Bob P P P A

PRICE, Paul A P A A

RAMKE, Barry A P A P

ROSENBAUM, Belinda

A A P A

TIBBETT, Terry P P P P

TEDDER, Jim P P A P

ATTENDANCE 11/16 14/16 7/16 10/16

Legend: P = present A = Apology N = Not in attendance (no apology)

North Coast Region Advisory Committee Members

Back row: Belinda Novicky, Bob Palmer, Alan Jeffery (NPWS Region Manager), Peter Morgan, Robin Heath, James Tedder, Terry Tibbett, Paul Norton, Judith Mortlock, Peter Clark (NPWS Hastings AM). Front row: Georgia de Biasi, Andrew Winter (NPWS Macleay AM), Barbara Webster (NPWS SR-NCR), Janelle Brooks (NPWS ROC), Annette Harrison, Janet Cavanaugh (NPWS planner), Marie Howlett.

Absent: Rod McKelvey, Allister Gee, Paul Price, Barry Ramke, and Belinda Rosenbaum.


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Northern Plains Region Advisory Committee Annual Report January to December 2010


The committee was active during the year in visiting a number of reserves and discussing a wide range of issues. This included progressing the Warrumbungle NP Plan of Management, an amendment to the Narran Lake NR Plan of Management, numerous draft Fire Management Strategies and reserve category and naming citations.

Membership

The Northern Plains Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) commenced its new 4-year term at the start of 2010. The committee expanded to include Dubbo Area which was previously part of the Upper Darling Region. The committee has 17 members from across the Region.

The Chair for the period of the report was Sandy Findlay and the Secretary was John Whitehead.

Meetings and Field Excursions:

Four meetings were held during the year over 2 days each incorporating a field trip and formal meeting.

Dates Meeting Location Field trip 19-20/3/10 Moree Gwydir Wetlands SCA 4-5-6/10 Warrumbungle NP Warrumbungle NP 10-11/9/10 Narrabri Mt Kaputar NP 20-21/11/10 Dubbo Coolbaggie NR, Beni SCA

Regional Management Programs: During the year, the RAC provided input on the following issues: Meeting Issues 19-20/3/10 Old Dromana naming and reserve category

Old Dromana Statement of Interim Management Intent Old Dromana Fire Management Strategy Ukerbarley naming and reserve category Dandry naming and reserve category Mt Kaputar NP walking track strategy

4-5-6/10 Dubbo Area profile presentation Budelah NR Plan of Management – Advisory Council comments considered Warrumbungle NP – drat Plan of Management Northern Plains Regional Operations Plan – Issues and priorities Pillicawarrina Environmental water management and floodplain restoration

plan Process for determining reserve naming and naming

10-11/9/10 Visitation and tourism amendments to National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 Narran Lake NR Plan of Management amendment Ukerbarley Fire Management Strategy Macquarie Marshes NR Strategic Adaptive Management Plan workshop

20-21/11/10 Careunga NR Plan of Management self audit review Narran Lake NR Plan of Management amendment Outline of new reserves within Northern Plains Region as a result of the

National Park Estate (South-Western Cypress Reservations) Act 2010 Northern Plains Region Community Relations, Promotions and Visitor

Monitoring Plan


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The work of the committee was promoted through an article in Northern Plains Region behind the Scenery quarterly newsletter.

Ongoing Issues

As part of the Plan of Management process for the Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve the RAC is assisting in the development of the Strategic Adaptive Management Plan for the reserve.

Involvement of the RAC in the development of the plans of management for the new Gwydir Wetlands SCA and the Narran Lake NR will be significant tasks over the next 2 years.

Conclusion

An aim of the first term of the new committee was to provide opportunities for members to visit and gain an appreciation of a number of reserves within Northern Plains Region and to have input into a wide range of issues. This included discussion of the Plan of Management for the National Heritage listed Warrumbungle National Park.

2010 continued to see expansion of the reserve estate within Northern Plains Region. This included the significant purchase of the Old Dromana property and ramsar site in the Gwydir Wetlands as well as the Ukerbarley property near Coonabarabran.

Comment from Chairperson

In the last 5 years, the Northern Plains Region has been undergoing significant change in land use, management and visitation. We have seen improved regional roads, greater adoption of vehicle towed accommodation, development of co-management committees, and greatly increased area of conserved lands in conjunction with the opening of an additional Area Office at Baradine.

The management of this increasingly complex and diverse environment has allowed for many opportunities for this Regional Advisory Committee to act in its advisory capacity to support the National Parks and Wildlife Service in a broad range of management objectives.

The Northern Plains Committee has been in a privileged situation where land acquisitions in recent years have seen the National Parks and Wildlife staff at the forefront of aiming to manage the restoration of agricultural land to a state more conducive to facilitating environmental outcomes. Few Advisory committees around NSW have had this opportunity right from the start of land acquisition and input into the naming process.

The strength of the Northern Plains Region Parks & Wildlife staff in experience, leadership and teamwork have given the region sound management of over 550,000 ha of conserved lands across very diverse landscapes.

I would like to acknowledge the consistent support of Rob Smith and his team in their commitment to facilitating this Advisory Committee in its role.

I extend thanks also to the members of the Regional Advisory Committee for their commitment, expertise and contributions as stakeholders. Their commitment to the sound management of our conserved lands shows in their focus and input. The region is fortunate in having such a robust working partnership.

Sandy Findlay Chair Northern Plains Region


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Northern Plains Regional Advisory Committee held four meetings during the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010

Name Meetings 19/20/3/10 4-5/6/10 10-11/9/10 20-21/11/10 Lynton Auld 3 P A P P Megan Collins 2 P A A P Meryl Dillon 1 P A A A Kay Durham 3 P P A P James Faris 2 A P P A Sandy Findlay (Chair) 4 P P P P Eric Fisher 3 P P P A Shonelle Gleeson-Willey 1 A A P A Janis Hosking 4 P P P P Jane Judd 3 P P A P Ronald Magann 4 P P P P Geoffrey Mitchell 2 P A P A Peter Shinton 2 A P P A Maureen Sulter 4 P P P P Joan Treweeke 0 A A A A Tom Underwood 0 A A A A John Whitehead (Secretary)

4 P P P P



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Northern Rivers Region Advisory Committee

January 2010 – December 2010 Highlights

Appointment of new members to the committee for the period 2010-2014 The addition of 22 reserves from the Clarence North Area to the region and

familiarisation by the committee of most of these areas. Approx 380 hectares of additional land gazetted to existing 5 Reserves

The creation of two new parks bringing the total reserves to 101 reserves. Participated in the development of two Plans of Management Review of seven Planner’s Report on public submissions

Responded to nine Advisory Committees recommendations

Commented on one Self Audit Held six RAC meetings and attended five field excursions

Chairperson attended two RAC Chairs conferences in Sydney (Summary of activities below)

Northern Rivers RAC Representatives On Committees

Rob Andrews Lorraine Vass Rod Caldicott Jeanette Olley - Chairperson Raylee Delaney – Vice Chairperson Max Willoughby Michael Brett Melissa Ladkin - Secretary Camilla Freestone Marjorie McKelvie Aaron Kennedy Christine Fury Hugh Nicholson Hannah Rice-Hayes

Membership

Changes in membership of the Advisory Committee during the year: Newly Appointed Aaron Kennedy Camilla Freestone Rob Andrews Marjorie McKenzie Christine Fury Hannah Rice-Hayes Melissa Ladkin Michael Brett

Resignations

Aaron Kennedy 17/7/10 Camilla Freestone 25/8/10

Advisory Committee Meetings

Six Advisory Committee meetings were conducted bi-monthly throughout the year. All meetings were held at the Byron Coast Office in Arakwal NP. Main meetings:

26/2/10 - the inaugural meeting of the new committee 31/3/10 26/5/10 30/7/10 24/9/10 26/11/10

RAC Chairs Meeting

1-2/July – The Armoury, Gap Bluff Centre Sydney 12-13/November – Mercure Sydney Airport, Wolli Creek - Sydney

Summary of Main Activities

NR RAC comments on Draft Plans of Management:

Cumbebin Swamp NR – March Bundjalung and Jackywalbin SCA – August


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NR RAC Comments on Planner’s Reports following public submissions:

Woodford Island Duroby NR Cape Byron Headland – POM

Amendment Julian Rocks

Dubay Jarjum Nurahm AA Yaegl NR Cook Island NR

NR RAC responded to Advisory Council’s recommendations:

Cape Byron Headland – POM Amendment

Duroby NR

Mooball NP Marshalls Creek NR Dubay Jarjum Nurahm AA Julian Rocks NR Woodford Island NR Yaegl NR Cook Island NR

Plan of Management Self Audit Reports:

Cape Byron SCA

Field Excursions

Following each field trip a photo report was submitted to the NPWS staff

1-2/5/10 - Orientation weekend with an over-night stay at Woody Head NP facilities.

Parks visited Victoria Park NR, Broadwater NP, Bundjalung NP, Iluka NR & Woody Head campground facilities

19/4/10 – Cumbebin Swamp NR 23/9/10 – Clarence North – Yaegl NR Chatsworth Hill SCA, Mororo

SCA 18/11/10 – Moore Park NR

Regional Management Programs (Extra Workshops, Presentations & Openings): Presentation by Janet Cavanaugh (NPWS) on Clarence North Parks Presentation by Georgia Beyer (NCT) on the Great Eastern Range Alliance

Tele-conference presentation on Amendments to the NPW Act (Visitor and Tourist ) Bill and the Sustainability Assessment criteria by Ray Fowke (NPWS)

Raylee Delaney (RAC) power point presentation on Horse Riding in NP

Presentation on Northern Rivers Bushfire Risk management Plan–Michael Brett (RAC)

16/8 Several members Science Week lecture at Southern Cross University – Threatened Species and Fire Management – Phil Redpath (NPWS)

Presentation by Peter Evans (NPWS) on NPWS Special Projects Field Operations 19/3/10 – Jan Olley attended the QPWS/NPWS Cross Border MOU Meeting – Byron

Bay

22/5/10 Jan Olley attended the WH Gondwana Rainforest Forest Reserve AC meeting at Murwillumbah & attended the book launch of the “Remnants of Gondwana” – A Natural and Social History of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia at Mount Warning

4/7/10 Lorraine Vass attended the opening of the 2010 Northern Rivers Aboriginal Art Award at the Lismore Regional Art Gallery

RAC made submissions to the NR Bush Fire Risk Management Plan & NSW Fire Management strategy


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The high expectation for the RAC to focus on ‘on park’ management precludes opportunity for the involvement in broader conservation issues, however activities of individuals RAC members in the community include:

Jan Olley as co-ordinator of Byron Bird Buddies works closely with National Parks staff and the community from the Tweed River to Evans Head on shorebird issues including presentations on shorebirds in the NPWS Discovery program. Is also a member of the recently formed Regional Shorebird Committee and is involved in BA Shorebird 2020 Australia wide monitoring program.

Lorraine Vass is President of the Friends of Koala Inc which is licensed to rescue, rehabilitate and release koalas across the Northern Rivers under Section 120, 132C and 127 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1947. She is also Public Officer of the North Coast Environment Council Inc and the NSW Wildlife Council. Inc

Melissa Ladkin (Secretary) represents the RAC on a panel of six along with the RM (Mark Johnston) to determine and select a proponent for the lease of the Pass café. The process is ongoing and hopefully finalised within the next 2-3 months.

Raylee Delaney liaises between horse-riding clubs/groups and NPWS focusing on the establishment of sustainable trails for recreational riders and their education, awareness and compliance of the protocols of the NPWS Horse Riding Policy. In March 2010, she delivered a presentation to the State AGM of the Australian Trail Horse Riders State Association called “A Ride in the Park” outlining environmental and conservation considerations for that recreational group. President of the Northern Horse Action Group, member of ATHRA and Bangalow Easyriders.

26/3/10 Jan Olley, Lorraine Vass and Rob Andrews attended the “Who Cares About the Environment” seminar in Lismore

Ongoing Issues

Beats in Natural Areas Policy – the committee raised concerns regarding the impact of “Beat” activities (males meeting in public places for the purpose of sexual encounters) in public reserves. RAC member produced a discussion paper to encourage NPWS to develop a policy.

Eco-system Services recognised as a value in the national parks reserve system in POMs

Both issues have been raised with Deputy Chief Executive Sally Barnes.


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Conclusion

Climate change remains a major issue for the National Estate as well as the world. The boom and bust nature of the Australian climate with a likely increase in bushfire, floods and sea level rise poses many challenges for the managing the National Reserve system and biodiversity. The Reserve system plays a very important part in lessening the impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems and while there is an increased demand by the community for recreational opportunities in parks it remains paramount that conservation values are never compromised. Resources and strategies are required to provide for rigorous monitoring of impacts and quality education programs are essential. National Parks and Reserves are rich in “ecosystem services” providing benefits that sustain and support life as well as for the well-being of people and it is important that this message continues to be conveyed to the wider community.

Even in our Reserve–rich Region the National Estate accounts for only a little over 13% of the total area. The survival of our extraordinary biodiversity will require on-going community engagement, which, in the Northern Rivers is already strongly evident. I would like to acknowledge the many community groups, such as the Iluka Landcare Group, various wildlife rehabilitation groups and others that volunteer their services to the benefit of the NPWS. Many of these groups are not known to the Committee, however I am proposing that over the next couple of years that we familiarise ourselves with their activities.

The Northern Rivers region covers the lands of the Bundjalung Nation and our committee welcomes the co-management agreements with National Parks and traditional owners and give our support to the local communities who work to connect with their spiritual lands and culture. Advisory committees are an important platform for communication with the local aboriginal communities however as these agreements come into being the communication between the RAC with the aboriginal communities decreases. There is a need for our Committee to seek out alternative ways to establish communication and engagement with these communities.

I would like to personally thank all members of the committee for their support, knowledge, and interesting contributions at meetings and field trips through out the year. On behalf of the committee, I sincerely thank all the staff and rangers for their friendliness, dedication and warm welcome they always extended to us. We are particularly grateful to Heather Lloyd for keeping us up to date on Planning Issues and once more thank and are most appreciative of our Staff Liaison Officer Karin Bennett for her assistance and patience with minutes, agendas and meetings. Equally, we wish to thank our Regional Manager Mark Johnson for his valuable support and guidance and in keeping us well informed on local and state issues. Jan Olley, Chair Northern Rivers Region 25 January 2011


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Contacting the Committee

Any member of the Advisory Committee may be contacted through the Liaison Officer at the Northern Rivers Region office in Alstonville:

Address: PO Box 856, Alstonville, NSW 2477 Telephone: 02 6627 0200 Email: [email protected]


Northern Rivers Regional Advisory Committee meetings held from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010

Member 26/2/10 31/3/10 26/5/10 30/7/10 24/9/10 26/11/10

Aaron Kennedy A N N

14/7/10 Resigned

Christine Fury P A P P A P

Camilla Freestone P P PHONE A

25/8/10 Resigned

Hannah Rice-Hayes

P P A P P P

Hugh Nicholson P A P P A P

Lorraine Vass P P P A P P

Jeanette Olley - Chairperson P P P P A P

Marjorie McKelvie P P P A P P

Max Willoughby A A A P A P

Mellisa Ladkin - Secretary P P P P P P

Michael Brett P A P P P P

Raylee Delaney – Vice Chairperson P P P P P P

Rob Andrews P P P P P P

Rod Caldicott P A A P P A

LEGEND: P = Present; A = Apology; C=Cancelled Meeting N = Not in attendance & no apology recorded


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Northern Tablelands Region Advisory Committee


Northern Tablelands Region

The Northern Tablelands Region of the NPWS covers an area of approximately 51,000 square kilometres of northern New South Wales stretching from the NSW-Queensland border in the north, to below Walcha and Tamworth in the south and from around Warialda/Gunnedah in the west to half way down the escarpment in the east.

There is over 600,000 hectares of land in over 90 reserves in the Northern Tablelands Region. The reserves on the eastern gorge country are well known for their conservation and scenic features. The reserves on the tableland and north-west slope areas conserve unique areas of the landscape and high conservation remnants of the original New England Tableland and Nandewar bioregions.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service is part of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water.

Membership Of The Committee

The Northern Tablelands Region Advisory Committee (NTRAC) is constituted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

Members of the NTRAC were appointed by the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment in January 2010.

The members of the Committee come from across the Region. They represent a variety of interests, including Aboriginal interests and heritage, European cultural heritage, nature conservation, agriculture, outdoor recreation and visitation, environmental education, animal welfare, native plants, environmental assessment and planning and research.

The Members and Officers of the Committee for 2010 were as follows.

Mahri Koch Glen Elgin (Chair)

Tony Sonter Inverell (Deputy Chair)

Lynne Hosking Armidale (Secretary)

Rosemary Curtis Glen Innes (Aboriginal Representative)

Dianne Roberts Armidale (Aboriginal Representative)

Alan Grace Uralla

Wendy Hawes Inverell Bryan Johnston Armidale

Don Noakes Walcha

James Rainger Armidale

Russell Robinson Inverell Elton Squires Dundee


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Northern Tablelands Region held twelve meetings during the period 1st January 2010 – 31st December 2010. Members AGM Ordinary Meeting Dates 6/6/201

0 14/03/10 6/6/10 12/9/10 21/11/10

meeting cancelled

Mahri Koch P P P P Tony Sonter P P P P Lynne Hosking P A P A Rosemary Curtis P P P P Dianne Roberts P A P P Alan Grace A P A P Wendy Hawes A P A P Bryan Johnston P P P A Don Noakes P P P P James Rainger A P A A Russell Robinson P P P P Elton Squires P P P P LEGEND: P = Present; A = Apology; N = Not in attendance and no apology recorded

Ordinary Committee Meetings were held at the Northern Tablelands Region Office. The Annual General meeting was held at the Northern Tablelands Region Office on 6 June 2010. Attendance at the meeting is summarised in the table above. The meeting scheduled for 21 Nov 2010 was cancelled due limited agenda items (most POM issues had been well progressed) and several planned field inspections had to be post-phoned due to wet conditions. The Chair and Regional Manager agreed that the necessary business could be dealt with by out out-of-session correspondence. Occupational Health and Safety

The Committee was briefed by the Regional Manager on OH&S issues and responsibilities concerning the Committee. A Job Safety Analysis and Job safety Briefing system was developed for field inspections. Field Inspections

A business scheduled for NTRAC Plan of Management issues was developed to plan scheduling of POM business for Committee meetings and field inspections of POM issues.

The Committee formed six sub-committees to deal with the detail of draft POM issues and to attend field inspections arranged by the Regional Manager.

Field inspections were conducted during 2010 for the following reserves. Mummel Gulf, Nowendoc & Aberbaldie reserves

Butterleaf reserves

Currys Gap, Doctors Nose & Mount Mackenzie reserves

Bolivia and Bluff River reserves

Timbarra NP


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Summary of Committee Business During 2010

At the first Committee meeting, as an induction exercise, the Regional Manager provided a comprehensive summary and overview of the following.

a) The role of Regional Advisory Committees. b) The DECCW / NPWS Northern Tablelands Region. c) Park management by DECCW / NPWS. d) Administration and OH&S issues in regards to operations of the Committee. e) NPWS reserve Plan of Management process and the proposed POM business

schedule for the Northern Tablelands Region.

The Committee was updated by the Regional Manager on operational achievements for the Region in 2009/10 and provided an overview of operational priorities for 2010/11.

The Committee dealt with a number of policy and discussion issues during 2010 including

a) Bushfire Hazard Reduction, b) Mountain Bike Policy, c) NPWS Amendment (Visitors and Tourists) Bill, d) Sustainability Assessment Criteria, e) PWG Strategic Plan 2010 update, f) Gondwana World heritage Area Prioritisation project and

g) DECCW draft Managing Bushfires in National parks and Reserves 2010-20.

The Committee dealt with and progressed a number of POM issues including issues for

a) Mummel Gulf NP & SCA, b) Nowendoc NP, Ngulin NR & Tuggolo Cree NR, c) Aberbaldie NR, d) Gibraltar NR, e) Avondale SCA, f) Bolivia Hill and Bluff River NRs,

g) Currys Gap SCA, Mount Mackenzie NR & Doctors Nose NR, h) Butterleaf NP & SCA, i) Timbarra NP and

j) Cataract NP & SCA. Contacting the Committee

Any member of the Advisory Committee may be contacted through the NPWS Regional Manager Northern Tablelands at the NPWS Northern Tablelands Region office in Armidale:

Address: National Parks and Wildlife Service

Level 1, 85 Faulkner Street PO Box 402

ARMIDALE NSW 2350

Telephone: (02) 6776 0000 Fax: (02) 6771 1894


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South Coast Region Advisory Committee



Work on the preparation of plans of management remains one for the core areas of activity for the committee. Work includes comment upon public submissions made to draft plans.

The committee has been instrumental in progressing dual naming of certain features in Morton National park and re-naming locations back to their historically recognised names.

As part of the restructure of the branches and regions during the year, the South Coast Region was extended to the north to take in several reserves behind Wollongong; the region is now within Coastal Branch.

The NPWS estate expanded in some areas, particularly on the tablelands in the Goulburn sub-region. Total reserves now number 60 covering a total of 346,827.74 hectares.

Membership

There was one resignation from the committee during the year; Renee Campbell resigned from the Committee in mid-2010. Current members are listed in Attachment 1.

Meetings

Four meetings and four field outings were held during the year. The attendance/apologies of members are recorded in a separate attendance matrix; see Attachment 1.

The Chair was to attend the RAC Chairs Meeting in Sydney on 12-13 November 2010, but in the end could not do so. He produced two papers for discussion at that meeting, both covering issues that the committee has been discussing for many years. Namely – bee hives in reserves and appropriate promotion of reserves.

Field Excursions

Areas visited during the year were Budgong NP, Budawang NP, Morton NP, Illawarra Escarpment SCA, Bomaderry Creek RP.


Not relevant.


No committee initiated community open days, field days or public meetings were held during the year.

Ongoing issues

Issues that the committee is continuing to work on include: Management of UXO hazard in the army Tianjara firing range within Morton National Park; Cycling (mountain biking) in Budawang Wilderness; Group sizes in wilderness and changes to relevant plans of management; Lake Wolumboola and RAMSAR nomination;


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Conclusion

As usual, I thank the committee members for their attendance and participation in the work of the committee over the past 12 months. On behalf of the committee, I thank Pam Lunnon, Project Officer at Nowra, who attends to meeting minutes, organises meetings and outings and generally keeps the committee working. Finally, Diane Garrood, Regional Manager, must be thanked for her ongoing support of the committee.

Dr Kevin Mills, Chair South Coast Region


South Coast Regional Advisory Committee meetings and field outings held during the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010

Name 12 Feb Office

28 Mar Field

7 May Office

20 Jun Field

6 Aug Office

12 Sep Field1

22 Oct Office

12 Dec Field

Barnetson, William P A A P P P A Bean, William P P P P P A P Bloxsome, Lena P P P P P A P Bray, Frances P A P P P P P Campbell, Renee2 A A A A Clarke, Justin P P P P P P P P Clear, Mike P A P P P P P P Crossley, Grace A P P A A A A Douglas, Steve P P P P P P P P Gregory, Genelle A P A P A A P Hayes, Rebecca A P P A P A A Hill, Tony P P P P P P P Kidd, Sky A P P P P P A P Mills, Kevin P A P P P P P Morris, Rowena P P P P P A P P Pallin, Robert P A P P P P P Snedden, Bob P A P P P P P

Legend: P = Present; A = Absent. Notes: 1. 12 September field trip was for new members. 2. Renee Campbell resigned from the Committee in mid-2010.


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Southern Ranges Region Advisory Committee


Significant Highlights The focus for the year was on the restructure of the Region and management planning including: • Acquisition of Goulburn CRA Reserves, South Western Cypress Reserves, and Doodle

Comer Swamp Nature Reserve. • Recommendation and adoption of Plans of Management: Key plans progressed in

2010 included Burrinjuck Nature Reserve, Binjura Nature Reserve, and Tallaganda National Park and State Conservation Area.

• Plan of Management Self-Audits were conducted for Jingellic, Bogandyera and Clarkes Hill Nature Reserves and Flagstaff Memorial Nature Reserve.

• Amendment to the 2006 Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management to increase ski patrol beds.

• Development of a Strategic Plan for the Advisory Committee. • Planning and construction of projects associated with Centenary Funding for KNP. • Refurbishment of the Kiandra Courthouse and development of the precinct. • Development of the Thredbo Valley Multi-Use Track.

pSouthern Ranges Region Advisory Committee has seventeen members.

Meetings

The Committee held meetings on four occasions during the year at the NPWS Queanbeyan Area Depot, NPWS Office Jindabyne and Tumut State Emergency Headquarters.

Field Excursions

• June 2010: The Committee visited the NPWS Office at Perisher to discuss planning and development in Perisher Village. The Committee then toured the Perisher Sewage Treatment Plant. Members travelled to Charlotte Pass Village, rode the chairlift to the Mount Stillwell Lookout and walked to Charlotte Pass Lookout.

• September 2010: The Committee inspected McLeod’s, Oakdale and Bango Nature Reserves in the Gunning area, which were acquired through the Goulburn CRA process. Discussions centred on recent survey work, grassland values and management issues.

• November 2010: Members met at the Kiandra Courthouse and inspected the restoration of the building. The Committee then visited areas associated with recreational horse riding in the Long Plain area and work undertaken to improve recreation facilities for horse riders and other visitors. The impact of feral horses was also considered.


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Regional Management Programs Including Community Consultation

Advisory Committee members were involved in a range of regional management programs including: • Finalising Plans of Management, Fire Strategies and Self-Audits. Field trips were

undertaken with the Advisory Council Planning Sub–Committee and Regional staff. • Preparation and Implementation of Wild Dog Management Plans with various Livestock

Health and Pest Authorities. • Advisory Committee Chairs Induction Meeting. • Kosciuszko Huts Strategy and opening of Pretty Plain Hut in March and Dr Forbes Hut

at Geehi in May. • Liaison with Four Wheel Drive Association. • Development of Southern Ranges Region Pest Management Strategy. • Development of the conservation plan for the Kiandra precinct and Yarrangobilly Caves

Two-Storey Building. • Continued development of an MOU of the southern Kosciuszko National Park Aboriginal

Working Group.

Community involvement

• Paul McLeod attended the second Alps Traditional Owner First People’s Gathering at Jindabyne on 30 April to 2 May 2010.

• Dianne Thompson proposed a trial camp hosting program in northern Kosciuszko National Park.

• NPWS is planning to set up a display in the Adaminaby Museum following a request from Ken Prendergast.

• Euan Diver and Jo Larkin were involved in the development of the Thredbo Valley Multi-Use Track.

• Iris White and Paul McLeod represented the Southern Kosciuszko National Park Aboriginal Working Group on the Australian Alps Traditional Owners Reference Group.

Ongoing issues

• Preparation of Plans of Management for new reserves. • Acquisition of South Western Cypress Reserves and Goulburn CRA Reserves. • Management of the impacts of feral horses and deer in Kosciuszko National Park. • Review of Kosciuszko Plan of Management and Biosphere Reserve status. • Assist with the development of a Conservation, Research and Monitoring strategy for

the Region. • Off-park conservation, connectivity of public and private land and threatened

communities e.g. box-gum woodland, and landscape scale issues.


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Conclusion

The Southern Ranges Region Advisory Committee is an amalgamation of two former Advisory Committees, the South West Slopes Region (based in Tumut) and the Snowy Mountains Region (based in Jindabyne). The Committee is a mix of members of the previous Committees plus a number of new members.

The key challenge for the Committee is getting to know more than 90 national parks and nature reserves and SCAs and the relevant issues and members need to operate at a much higher and strategic level, as in most cases detailed ground knowledge will be difficult to obtain. In order for the Committee to better understand these issues the Committee developed a Strategic Plan, which will provide a primary focus and direction for the Advisory Committee over its term.

The Committee has had a successful year getting a better understanding of the issues covering the larger region including field trips to two Alpine Resorts and Long Plain in Kosciuszko NP and three of the Goulburn CRA reserves. The Committee has considered a number of management plans and has been involved with a range of visitor management issues.

The Committee would like to express our appreciation to National Parks and Wildlife staff for the support they have provided over the last year and for maintaining a professional and positive relationship.

Paul Davies, Chair Southern Ranges Region


Southern Ranges Region Committee meetings held during the period 1 January to 31 December 2010

Name

26 March 2010 At NPWS

Queanbeyan Area Depot

4 June 2010 At NPWS

Jindabyne Office

3 September 2010 At NPWS

Queanbeyan Area Depot

5 November 2010 At SES Building

Tumut

Janet Anderson P P P P Rosemary Black P P A A

Martin Chalk P P P P Paul Davies

(Chairperson) P P P P

Euan Diver P P P P Joanne Larkin P A A P

John Hood P P A P Paul McLeod A A A A David Moore P P P P Vikki Parsley A A A A

Kenneth Prendergast

P P P A

Roger Quarterman P P P P Peter Southwell P P P A Jacqueline Stol P P P A

Dianne Thompson P P P A Vivien Thomson P P P P

Iris White

(Deputy Chair) P P A A

Legend: P = Present A = Apology N = Not in attendance and no apology recorded


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Western Rivers Regional Advisory Committee



Among the highlights for 2010 in the Western Rivers Region were: The Acquisition of:

- the majority of the River Red Gum Forests in the Murray, Murrumbidgee & Lachlan Rivers Valleys

- a number of Cypress Pine Forests within the Region

- the property of Hunthawang

Visits to Yathong, Nombinni, and Round Hill Nature Reserves, Goobang National Park and the newly acquired River Red Gum Forests of the Millewa, Gulpa and Moira Precincts. To see these areas wet after a considerable period of years of well below average rainfall was a relief, to know that the natural systems on this country can make such a recovery

Membership

Seventeen members were appointed to form the Western Rivers Advisory Committee in January 2010.

The members were:

During the year the following four members resigned

Sandy Butler WAGGA WAGGA Claire Davis FORBES Andrew Kennedy ORANGE Cilla Kinross ORANGE Bill Kite BINYA Ian Lockhart GOODNIGHT Ian Lunt ALBURY Steve Meredith NERICON Bill Moller GRIFFITH Nerida Reid HAY Marie Russell via COBAR Mike Schultz LEETON Nella Smith NARRANDERA Roy Stacy GRIFFITH Ian Thompson TEMORA Sue Wakefield ROCK FOREST James Williams ORANGE

Sandy Butler WAGGA WAGGA Claire Davis FORBES Ian Lunt ALBURY Steve Meredith NERICON

This left the committee with only 13 members for the balance of the year. With the acquisition of significant River Red Gum Forest and some Cypress Forests into the reserve system of the region it was considered advantageous to attempt to recruit new members to fill the vacancies primarily from areas where these new reserves were established. Recruitment had not been completed by years end.


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Meetings

Four meetings were held during the 2010 calendar year, these included:

An introductory meeting held at Griffith on 18 April This meeting gave members the opportunity to introduce themselves and to meet other members and the key managers in the region. The meeting proceeded to the election of Office bearers. Bill Moller was elected as the Chairperson, Bill Kite as the Deputy Chair and Nella Smith as the Secretary. Key points of the Role of the Regional Advisory Committee and the Memorandum of Understanding were discussed. A meeting timetable was established for the balance of the year.

Yathong Nature Reserve 3 July Members received an up-date of regional issues including the changes to the Region. These changes included the addition of the Cobar Area and the establishment of the Murray Area and other moves to establish a facility to manage the newly acquired River Red Gum Reserves. A brief overview of the key issues for Yathong NR and the Cobar Area was delivered by the Area Manager Cobar. Parks 29 August

Members discussed the field trip to Goobang NP particularly in relation to the various methods of fire management and issues re the installation of a dam at the camping area.

Mathoura November

The meeting was held in the Mathoura Office and quite some time was spent discussing the issues relating to park management and visitation management.

Field Excursions

Three field excursions were carried out during the year, including visits to: 1. Yathong and Round Hill Nature Reserves – Issues discussed included Feral Animal control (primarily foxes and goats) and visitation and camping to Round Hill Nature Reserve. The trip to Yathong was accompanied by a sufficient amount of rain on the red sand road surface to render the event considerably exciting. However, it seriously curbed the group’s ability to view much of the Reserve during the weekend.

2. Goobang National Park - Issues discussed included Park management, management of visitor facilities, various options for hazard reduction and fire management.

3. Murray Valley National Park, the Millewa, Moira & Gulpa Precincts - The group visited new office accommodation. We met with Local Council representatives to listen to their concerns re the loss of forest industry employment in the area and its perceived impact on the shire. Some discussion proceeded on options for tourism in or adjacent to the Reserves.


Representative members attended a meeting at Yanga with the Advisory Council to discuss the progress of the Yanga National Park & State Conservation Area Plan of Management and issues of vegetation management including the concept of adaptive management of the River Red Gum. The following documents were reviewed: - Borenore Karst Reserve - Plan of Management Review

- Eusdale Nature Reserve - Draft Plan of Management - The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management


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Representative members attended: - a meeting at Yanga with the Advisory Council to discuss the Plan of Management and

issues of vegetation management. - a community liaison meeting at Yanga. The aim of the meeting is to inform the community

representatives of development at the Yanga National Park and State Conservation Area and to air any grievances the community members may have.

Conclusion

The year was a little late starting, our first meeting was in April but we managed three excellent visits to distant corners of the Region. It is an exciting time in the Region with the acquisition of a large number of new reserves. Despite much recruitment, there remains several positions to be filled. The Region’s staff are groaning under the strain of bedding down so many new reserves in such a short period.

However, it is great to see that such a significant proportion of the River Red Gum Forests has come under reserve and that addition to other vegetation communities is also proceeding in the Region. The committee supports the Service’s move to examine the feasibility of “Adaptive Management “of some of the Region’s vegetation and its use of environmental water to achieve quality environmental outcomes. Moves to recruit four additional members will bolster the diversity of member’s knowledge, attitudes and experience, which should make for a more effective committee. Bill Moller Chair Western Rivers Region


Western Rivers Regional Advisory Committee meetings held during the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010

Meetings Griffith Yathong Parkes Mathoura

Total attendance

Name April 2010 July 2010 29th August 14th November Sandy Butler P P Resigned N/A 2 Claire Davis P Resigned N/A N/A 1 Andrew Kennedy P P A P 3 Cilla Kinross P P P P 4 Bill Kite P P A P 3 Ian Lockhart P A P A 2 Ian Lunt P P Resigned N/A 2 Steve Meredith P A Resigned N/A 1 Bill Moller P P P P 4 Nerida Reid P A A P 2 Marie Russell P A P P 3 Mike Schultz P A P P 3 Nella Smith P P P P 4 Roy Stacy A A P P 2 Ian Thompson P P A P 3 Sue Wakefield P P P A 3 James Williams P P P A 3 Present 16 10 9 10 N/A Legend: P=Present A=Apology N=Not in attendance and no apology recorded

Documents

National Parks and Wildlife Service€¦ · National Parks and Wildlife Service. Office of Environment and Heritage . Southern Ranges Regional Advisory Committees’ Conference