NA nONAL PARKS ASSOCIA nON (ACT) INCORPORATED

September 1993

Antarctica: a dream come trueThe future of water in the ACT

NPA BULLETIN

CONTENTS

Volume 30 number 3 September 1993

Commissioner for the Environment 3Letters 4ACTEndangered Species 6Parkwatch 8Environment and ConservationConsultative Committee 11The future ofwater 12Dreams come true-Antarctica 14Sue City canoe trip 18

CoverPhoto: Olive BuckmanGentoo penguin feeding twin chicks atParadise Bay, Antarctica.

National Parks Association (ACT)IncorporatedInaugurated 1960

Office-bearers and committeePresident Beverley Hammond 288 6577(h)Vice-president Dianne Thompson 288 6084(h);

2447558(w)

Aims and objects of the Association• Promotion of national parks and of measures for the pro-tection of fauna and flora, scenery and natural features inthe Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and thereservation of specific areas.

• Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreationareas.

• Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoymentof, such natural phenomena by organised field outings,meetings or any other means.

• Cooperation with organisations and persons having simi-lar interests and objectives.

• Promotion of, and education for, nature conservation, andthe planning ofland-use to achieve conservation.

ImmediatePast PresidentSecretaryTreasurer

Les Pyke 281 2982(h)Len Haskew 2814268(h)Mike Smith 286 2984(h); 248 3624(w)

Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June)Household members $20 Single members $15Corporate members $10 Bulletin only $10Concession: half above ratesFor new subscriptions joining between:1 January and 31 March-half specified rate1April and 30 June-annual subscriptionMembership inquiries welcomePlease phone Charmian Crimmins at the NPA office.

The NPA (ACT) office is located in Maclaurin Cres,Chifley. Officehours are:lOam to 2pm Mondays9am to 2pm Tuesdays and ThursdaysTelephonelFax: (06) 282 5813Address: PO Box 40 Chifley ACT 2606.

Contribute to your BulletinContributions of articles (news, description orfiction), black-and-white photographs and linedrawings are keenly sought for the Bulletin. Pleaselabel photographs with the name of the subject, thename of the photographer and the date. Leave contri-butions at the officeor phone the editor, Roger Green,on (06) 247 0059. The editorial fax is (06) 249 7373.

Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflectAssociation opinion or objectives.

Deadline for December issue: 1 November, 1993.

Subcommittee convenersEnvironment vacant (volunteer needed)Outings Michael Kelly 241 2330(h)Namadgi vacant (volunteer needed)

Other committee membersClive Hurlstone 288 7592(h); 246 5516(w)Doreen Wilson 288 5215(h)

NPA Bulletin is produced by Green Words for theNational Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated. It isproduced with the assistance of an ACT Heritagegrant.

Printed on recycled paper by Goanna Print,Fyshwick, ACT.

ISSN 0727-8837

2 NPA BULLETIN

President's ForewordAt the end of June we welcomedCharmian Crimmins as the newNPA Office Secretary. Charmianis settling in to our Chifley officequickly, learning her way throughthe filing system and library hold-ings, coming to grips with the com-puter programs in use andlearning about our timetable ofmeetings. Do call in to see herwhen the office is open, it willmake the task more interesting ifshe knows our members.

Laraine Frawley was farewelledafter nine years of faithful workfor NPA. She was responsible forsetting up our office and throughthe years has built up a good rap-port with members and otherorganisations. We wish her well inher position with the ConservationCouncil.Thank you to all of our Bulletin

contributors. This is an importantdocument.

Beverley Hammond

COlD.lD.issioner for the EnvironlD.entEminent scientist, Dr Joe Baker,has taken up the position as theACT's first Commissioner for theEnvironment.Dr Baker will provide indepen-

dent evaluation of the effectivenessof ACT environmental managementby government agencies. He willproduce an annual State of theEnvironment Report for the ACTand special reports on significantenvironmental issues affecting theACT. He is also our environmentalombudsman, empowered to investi-gate community complaints about

Dr Joe Baker

general government environmentalmanagement and specific environ-mental issues.The appointment was announced

with the introduction of theCommissioner for the Environmentlegislation.The legislation is intendedto give the ACT more comprehen-sive protection for the environmentand greater government accounta-bility to the community. The ACT isthe first state or territory with sucha thorough legal framework forenvironmental protection, althoughVictoria does have a Commissionerfor the Environment, with more lim-ited powers.Dr Baker is extraormnarilywell

qualified for the task. A marine biol-ogist of international standing andformer Director of the AustralianInstitute of Marine Science inTownsville, Dr Baker's concerns formany years have extended well intothe hinterland. His career has cen-tred on scientific research and envi-ronmental issues, ranging fromprotection of mangrove swamps andold growth forests to the manage-ment of Australia's world heritageareas and landcare. ,He was amember of the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority 1975-1988,Chairman of the AustralianHeritage Commission -in '1985(when the Commission listed .theLemonthyme and other native

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forests in Tasmania), Trustee of theWorld Wildlife Fund (Australia)1979-1987 and President of theAustralian Museum Trust1978-1984. He is a member of sev-eral UNESCO committees and ispresently Chairman of theCommunity Rainforest ReforestationProgram Management Committee(jointly funded by the Federal andQueensland Governments) andChairman of the National LandcareAdvisory Committee (appointed bythe Minister for Primary Industriesand Energy, Simon Crean).Dr Baker recently came to live in

the ACT and has set up theCommissioner for the EnVironment .Office in Civic. Our Association haswritten to the -Minister for theEnvironment, Bill Wood, welcomingDr Baker's appointment.

Den Robin

Red dotNB:If there is ared dot on your

mailing label this isyour last Bulletin andyou need to renewyour subscription.

3

LETTERSUnusual blazeLate last year I was walking in theTidbinbilla Nature Reserve on thelower slopes of the TidbinbillaRange when I happened ~cross apeppennint tree upon which wasinscribed an unusual blaze. The treeis located 1500metres south-east ofTidbinbilla Peak at grid reference717757 (Tidbinbilla 1:25000 map).Given the governmental char.ac~rof the inscription and its proxlImtyto the trig station on TidbinbillaPeak, it is tempting to imagine thatits origins are in the early surveyactivities conducted in the area.

Old blaze 1500 metres south-eastof Tidbinbilla Peak.

Upon presenting my finding to thepark ranger, she was unable to helpme to identify the blaze. Indeed shewas unaware of its existence. .AB thearea has been a nature reserve for anumber of years, the feature couldbe ofreasonable age.I think that the background to

this feature would be of interest toall those who walk in, and are oth-erwise associated with, Canberra'sbushland. Accordingly, I am call-ing on the collective knowledge ofNPA members to try and shed alittle light on the' puzzle of thisold(?)mark.

Martin Chalk

4

Austrian-Scottishconnection .I was most interested in JudyWebster's European travel article,especially the last section (June1993). Did Judy~r any reader-wonder why a small Austrian townshould invite a Scottish Regiment tohelp celebrate their BOOth birthday?If so I can provide the answer.

Austri~ (like Gennany) was dividedinto four 'zones of occupation' tillthe early 60s. .AB an honorary offi-cer, attached to the army andresponsible for welfare and off-dutyhours of some 300 National Serviceboys, I lived in Spittal am Drau in1952-53. When the West YorksRegiment left, the Queen'~ own(Cameron) Highlanders arnved. Iwill never forget the amazement ofthe locals, who had turned out infull force to see them march fromthe rail station to the barracks.Most had never seen kilts before,

and the boys received t.heende~gnickname of 'men in skirts'. In spIteof many high jinks-having thefreedom of a delightful small townafter being confined behind barbedwire during the coldwar in Egypt-they were MOST po~~ar, as wh:n'Beating the Retreat III the mamstreet for specialoccasions. .For me it was one of the happI-

est periods of my life, especiallytaking them climbing at the week-ends-to 'tire them out and keepthem out of mischief, as the colo-nel put it when he asked if I wasinterested. It did me old heartgood to read that their time therehad been remembered.

Olive Buckman

Unbalanced articleOn 15 April I attended the NPAGeneral Meeting and listened toMr Aldred's discussion of loggingpractices in the Badja .StateForest. I found his presentatIOn tobe enlightening. In particular, hispolicies towards'sustainable, selec-tive logging of old growth. forestswere good news to those With bothconservation and the greaternational wealth at heart. !' •

Although some members seemedless convinced,I believehe was wellreceived. Furthennore,Jp.ote that

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his offer to demonstrate his policiesat first hand has been taken up inthe next Outings Program.Having provided this back-

ground I would like to observethat the article. 'Why Protect theDeua?' on page 16 of the currentBulletin is less than balanced.This article is borrowed from TheWilderness Society and clearly hasa message to send-it is not aboutbalanced argument and discus-sion. One could be forgiven forbelieving - that the foresters areraping the Deua; quite a contraryview to that put by Mr Aldred.The juxtaposition of Beverley

Hammond's synopsis of MrAldred's presentation does little toredress the situation, as Beverley'stheme is specifically about plant~-tions, not forest management IIIgeneral.Whilst each of us has a point of

view and is entitled to express it, Ibelieve editorial articles presented'in the Bulletin need to show bal-ance if the credibility of the NPAis to be maintained.

Martin ChalkThe' Bulletin publishes almost allitems presented to it but does notattempt to impose balance on anyparticular article.-Editor

New MembersSimone Disney-FarrerJudy Olrner-KingstonMax and Marie Lawrence-WarramangaAndrew Chalklen- TurnerSusanne Middlewood andJohn Fuary-DicksonJeff Blarney and JeanetteMills-GriffithSue Matthews-FloreyFleur Davies-ForrestJohn Herrick-PearceJulie Englund~ChapmanElizabeth and JamesGralton-Garran

Allan Brownson-PalmerstonCecHarris-AinslieRobert B~iggs-Lyons

. \

Mountain hpts and heritageCentre for Continuing Education: spring course.Coordinator: Dean Turner. Lectures November 2, 4, 9 and 11.Field trip: November 13-16. Phone Pamela Montgomery on 2493856.

Award schemeintroduces youngpeople to bushNext time you're walking inNamadgi National Park you mightcome across a party of 20 youngpeople camping near a hut. Chancesare it will be an expedition of theACT Division of the Duke ofEdinburgh's Award scheme.The scheme is designed to comple-

ment academic education by stimu-lating qualities of self reliance,community responsibility, preserva-tion, initiative and self improve-ment. At the June meeting of theAssociation, the expedition officer ofthe Duke of Edinburgh's Awardscheme, David Wames, describedthe activities of participants, partic-ularly in relation to national parks.The scheme is open to members of

organisations and individualsbetween the ages of 14 and 25. Ithas three awards-bronze, silverand gold-for those over 14, 15 and16 respectively. Each award isdivided into four sections-community service, expeditions,skill development and physical rec-reation. The participant has to com-plete a certain number of hours ineach pursuit to gain an award.In the ACT there are about 3000

participants in the awards, mainlycoming to the scheme throughschools. About 75 per cent of theparticipants are girls. About 600young people join the scheme eachyear.This means there are large num-

bers of young people roamingCanberra looking for some sort. ofcommunity service they can provide.David suggested the National ParksAssociation could have some ideasfor outdoor service. It could also be a

good way to let young people findout about the Association.David described the expeditionary

activities which he supervises.Before going out into the bush theyoung people are trained in naviga-tional techniques, bushcraft, whatthey need to take and bushwalkingethics-keeping to tracks, cleaningup campsites, minimum use of fires.Though the parties are often largethey try to reduce their impact bycamping in places that can handlelarger numbers. This often meansaround huts, where there may betoilets, or in cleared areas. -The ACT Parks and Conservation

Service has suggested that thelower Naas corridor on the easternside of Namadgi National Park ismore suitable for mass bushwalksthan some of the wilder areas ofwestern and southern Namadgi.Recently a party of 53 set out fromShanahan's Mountain and campedat Horse Gully Hut.Accompanying David were two of

the more senior expeditioners, Beckyand Kirsten from Canberra Girls'Grammar School. They describedtheir growing interest in and appre-. ciation of the bush following theirparticipation in the award scheme.Becky had been on a trip to MariahIsland National Park in Tasmaniawhere she and other award seekershad done track clearing and historicbuilding maintenance.The ACT Division of the scheme

relies on grants from theCommunity Development Fund,donations, sponsorship of activi-ties and equipment hire.

Roger Green

-TALKS

Technology andthe mapmaker's artAt our General Meeting of 20 April1993 those present were able to hearan extremely interesting address fromFrank Blanchfield,Client Manager forthe Australian Surveying and LandInformation Group's (AUSUG) ACT/NSWregional office.As Frank's slides showed, he

began work as a surveyor, completewith theodolite and field notebook,but now he is quite at home withcomputers and satellite technology.Frank pointed out that AUSLIG

is now a commercial enterpriseand that the organisation's maininterests are at the high technol-ogy end of surveying and mapping.Because AUSLIG is now 'com-

mercially' driven there are manybenefits for the consumer. Frankillustrated this point with somemagnificent maps of Antarcticagenerated. principally by satellitedata. These maps are produced tothe Antarctic Division's specifica-tions and are available as required.Of interest to NPA members in par- -ticular is that digital technologymeans that maps can now be up-dated both cost-effectively and con-tinuously with the result that wewill have access to more accuratemaps even though they may be alittle more expensive. .Frank had both anecdotes and

slides showing how both electronicsand computerisation have resultedin a complete change of techniquesin mapping and commented thatcartographers are a dying race.As AUSLIG's maps are now being

produced to satisfy client needs,some members present wonderedwhat the possibility would be ofhaving those especially good walk-ing spots taken off the corners offour maps and amalgamated onone map. Frank's feeling was thatperhaps we wouldn't be able toafford this luxury but he did showus a handheld computer that for$1500 would fix a walker's posi-tion accurately to within at least100 metres and that would alsoassist with navigation.

Len Haskew

NPA BULLETIN 5

WILDLIFE

ACT endangered speciesThe Nature Conservation Act 1980is the primary legislation for theprotection and handling of nativeplants and animals in the ACT. Thegovernment has produced a draftNature Conservation (Amendment)Bill 1993 which amends the NatureConservation Act.The primary objective of the

draft Bill is to provide for the iden-tification and protection of threat-ened native plants and animalsand ecological communities of theACT. Wildlife is considered to bethreatened when extinction is fore-seen if the circumstances threaten-ing its well-being in the wildcontinue to prevail.It is prop.osed that a listing pro-

cess be established. Listing wouldcomprise firstly, assessment of theconservation status of nominatedspecies and ecological communities.The conservation status of a speciesor community is an indication of itsability to survive, flourish and evolve

in the wild throughout its naturalrange. Secondly, where the conser-vation status of a species or commu-nity is determined to be one of'threatened', then it would be for-mally recognised as such byministe-.rial declaration.A management response would

follow declaration of a species orcommunity. The Bill requires thatconservation proposals be developedfor each declared species or commu-nity. Species declared as endan-gered, that is, in immediate dangerof extinction, would have extra pro-tective provisions applied.A similar approach would apply to

the identification, declaration andmanagement of threatening pro-cesses. Threatening processes aretYPicallyhuman-induced. Examplesmay include the effects of a pestplant or animal species, or degrada-tion/destruction ofhabitat.It is proposed that longer term

issues be addressed by developing

a nature conservation strategy forthe ACT. The strategy would con-tain proposals for ensuring thecontinuing survival in the wild ofthe native flora and fauna of theACT. Particular attention wouldbe given to the management of. potentially threatening .processesand the development of commu-nity programs for the promotion ofnature conservation in the ACT.If you would like to submit com-

ments, contact: The Director, ACTParks and Conservation Service.Attention: Flora and Fauna Officer,PO Box 1119, Tuggeranong ACT2901.

The deadline for submissions isearly September. Late submis-sions will probably be accepted.The above information is an

excerpt from a government docu-ment outlining the draft Bill.

Anne Forsythe

Heritage week walk'Botanists, Brumbies and BrindabellaSkiers' was a bushwalk hostedjointly by the Kosciusko HutsAssociation and the National ParksAssociation (ACT) during HeritageWeek. Held on Sunday 2 May, thewalk visited a range of heritagesites in the Brindabellas. At MtFranklin we had a good look at the1938 vintage Mt Franklin Chaletand were told of the building's col-ourful history by Canberra AlpineClub member Bert Bennett. Afterwalking over some of the former skiruns. the group moved on to MtGinini where two brumby trap-yards were located. Yours trulyprovided some historical informa-tion on the yards and explainedhow they were used. Lunchtimesaw the group at Pryor's Hut. HereProfessor Lindsay Pryor, afterwhom the hut is named, explainedthe history of the Alpine Botanic

6

Garden in connection with whichthe hut was built in 1952.We thenvisited the actual site of the formergarden 'and Lindsay recalled morefascinating memories. A handful ofbrave adventurers then made theascent of Mt Gingera while therewas still light. Thanks to Bert andLindsay and to Namadgi rangersBrett NcNamara and. RichardPhelps who provided 'transport forLindsay and his wife Nan, the daywas both a very enjoyable and veryenlightening experience ill a beau-tiful part of Namadgi NationalPark. Over 25 pepple participatedin the outing. .

Matthew Higgins

Lindsay Pryor (centre) explains theAlpine Botanic Garden to the

group of Heritage Week walkers.,

NPA BuLLETIN

A frog he willa'wooing stayA frog had everyone hopping withexcitement in conservation circlesrecently.The nationally endangered

Spotted Tree Frog Litoria spencerihas been discovered in Namadgi .National Park on the Cotter Riverupstream of Bendora Reservoir.The story of the frog's discovery

seemed to capture everyone's imagi-nation. The May meeting of theEnvironment and ConservationConsultative Committee was rear-ranged to include a fascinatingbriefing from ecologist Dr WillOsborne. The Minister, Bill WoodMLA, put out a media release. Themedia responded enthusiastically tothe news.The Spotted Tree Frog is consid-

ered to be one. of Australia's mostendangered frog species andoccurs only along rocky unpolluted

..:::.".' ....

rivers in mountainous terrain. Ithas been found previously at a fewsites in the eastern highlands ofVictoria and one other site nearMt Kosciusko.Little is known about its breeding

or habitat requirements. Bill Woodsaid the discovery in the ACT con-tributed significantly to the conser-vation of the threatened species byproviding another opportunity toprotect a breeding location. He saidfurther surveys would be conductedto assess the status of the popula-tion and to consider the existing and

potential impacts on the species inthis region.Tree frogs are distinguished by

pads on their toes. Two other typesof frog-Lesueur's Frog (LitoriaLesueurii) and the Leaf Green TreeFrog (Litoria phyllochroa) are some-times found in streams with theSpotted Tree Frog. However Litoriaspenceri can be identified as follows:Size: Adults may be up to 4.5cmlong

Upper surface: Extremely variable;brown to grey or olive green withirregular darker mottling; oftenwarty. Note that individual colourvaries in intensity with tempera-ture and temperament changes.

Belly: White to pale yellow and dis-tinctly granular

Underside of leg:Distinctly orangeEar opening: Not obvious

Fingers: Broad with large adhesivepads.Valued in .its own right, the

Spotted Tree Frog is also a symbolof hope for the environment. Thereis still the chance to save rare spe-cies if we can protect their habitat.Remember, all frogs are pro-

tected and must not be taken fromtheir natural habitats. If you dosight a Spotted Tree Frog, pleasecontact Will Osborne at the ACTParks and Conservation Service.

Den Robin

NPA BULLETIN

Libraryadditions listOrroral Valley-RecreationalDevelopment PreliminaryAssessment, ACT LandscapePublic Works Dept 1993

The Territory Plan Response toPublic Submissions on GeneralIssues (six publications), ACTPlanning Authority 1992

Feral Animal Information Kit,ANPWS 1992

Old World Fruit Bats-an ActionPlan For Their Conservation,SP Micklenburgh, AM Hutson,PA Racey 1992

Tropical Biodiversity, IndonesianFoundation for the Advancementof Biological Sciences 1992

Protected Areas and DemographicChange: Planning for the Future aWorking Report Of Workshop 1.6,4th World Congress on NationalParks & Protected Areas 1992

Biological Diversity, Its FutureConservation in Australia, Dept ofEnvironment, Sport & Territories

1993

Development of a Future WaterSupply Strategy for the ACT,ACTEW 1993

Environmental Economics,Sustainable Development andSuccessful Economies, MichaelJacobs - - 1993

Methods for Analysing Developmentand Conservation Issues: TheResource Assessment Commission'sExperience, David Palmer 1992

Meet theACTCommissionerfor the EnvironmentThursday 18 November

8 pm, Room 11Griffin Centre

7

PARKWATCHFrom the conservation mediaElephant grouptranscends politicsThe African Elephant SpecialistGroup (AESG) convened a meetingat Victoria Falls [in November,1992]. 'The AESG meeting achievedparticular progress with regard toscientific and technical input,' saysthe new AESG Programme' Officer.'This was a refreshing change fromprevious meetings marked by politi-cal controversy.'The meeting began with presen-

tations on elephant biology, conser-vation and management, includingupdates on elephant numbers andconservation status in SouthernAfrica, Eastern Africa and West!Central Africa. After a number ofplenary presentations, the meetingdivided into working groups to dis-. cuss technical matters related toground and aerial surveys and ele-phant-habitat interactions.IUCN Bulletin, 1/93

RainforestConservationDesigned to conserve the onlysubstantial remains of tropicalrainforest in North America-approximately two million hectaresin the humid tropics of southernChiapas-the Selva Lacandona pro-gram has mobilised the attention ofpeople and governments in Mexicoand elsewhere. An additional andcomplementary objective of the pro-gram is to support the economicdevelopment of the more than 200000 principally indigenous peopleslivrng around the Montes AzulesReserve, an area vulnerable toextraction activities (of wild ani-mals, plants and precious woods),contamination from the neighbour-ing use of pesticides, and conversionby settlers to agricultural uses.During the past 100 years, the

area around the Montes AzulesReserve has been extensivelylogged for valuable tropical hard-woods, especially mahogany andSpanish cedar, and, in the last 20years, has seen its populationmore than double as new settle-ments have been established. The

reserve includes a relativelyuntouched area of primary growthforest of about 250 000 hectares,which is important for its greatbiodiversity of animal and plantspecies. Ecologically, it is a contin-uation of the great forests of thePeten in Guatemala.The team identified three main

factors threatening the MontesAzules Reserve: increasing popula-tion around the reserve due tomigration and rapid internal pop-ulation growth; a current patternof economic development based oncostly forms of land use, such ascattle; and a lack of any naturalbarriers in most areas.Environment Bulletin, Newsletter ofthe World Bank, Vol. 5, No.2, 1993

NP 13 ShirleyThis new national park in CentralQueensland conserving vegetationonce common in the brigalow belthas been declared a national park.This new 32 607 hectare nationalpark is 220 kilometres north ofAramac and complements the exist-ing Thistlebank National Park.Many of the provincial land types

not contained in Thistlebank arerepresented in the new park. Thepark conserves extensive areas ofdiverse vegetation including gidgeelow woodlands, blackwood lowwoodlands, woodlands of White'sironbark and Mitchell grass downs.NPA News, (NPAQ),June 1993

Mozambique: old ties,new beginningsMozambique's National Directorateof Forestry and Wildlife (DNFFB)has been a member of IUCN since1969, and is one of the oldest gov-ernment members in the SouthernAfrican region. Until recently, thecivil war prevented IUCN frombecoming actively involved inMozambique.. With the cessationof hostilities, however, a freshpartnership is beginning to evolve,and in December 1992 ROSA wasasked to help with the developement of DNFFB's wildlife conser-vation program.

The program is especially impor-tant because wildlife is a resource ofenormous potential in the economicrecovery of Mozambique. Besidesattracting tourists, the country'swildlife represents vital food secur-ity for some fivemillion people.DNFFB is responsible for the

management of 86 906 square kilo-metres of protected areas repre-senting 10.8 per cent of the area ofMozambique. This is a massiveresponsibility for an institutionwith minimal funding, staff andinfrastructure, and with littleinformation at hand about wildliferesources-the consequences ofsome twenty years of war.The Union's assistance in 1992/

93 has focused on the developmentof a portfolio of seven priority pro-jects for the conservation, manage-ment and utilisation of wildliferesources. They include a programfor field staff training and demo-bilisation of troops for wildlifemanagement, surveys to assessthe current status of protectedareas, technical assistance to wild-life legislation, and integrated con-servation and rural development.IUCN Bulletin, 1/93

Albania'senvironmentalproblemsAs Albania embarks on a funda-mental transition from a centrallyplanned economic system to amarket-oriented one, it must focuson key priority environmentalissues and problems in order todevelop an environmentally benigndevelopment strategy as part ofAlbania's overall plan for economictransition.DuringPhase 1ofthe Environmental

Strategy Study, the objectiveswere to (1) assess the general envi-ronmental situation of the country(2) identifY major sources of pollu-tion and environmental degrada-tion (3) assess the adverse effectsof pollution on human health andenvironmental quality (4) identifypriority issues to be addressedunder Phase 2. The second phasewill concentrate on the prepara-

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•.C-' - - '" ~'c--c~- ~_....;..-=="""'='~~::::=================~iiiiiooio __liiiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiiililll •• iiiiiiii _

tion of environmental laws andregulations; institutional strength-ening for the Committee forEnvironmental Protection andPreservation; watershed manage-ment in the Shkumbin River Basin;and natural resources management.Environment Bulletin, Newsletter ofthe World Bank, Vol.5, No.2, 1993

Tree PlantingGreening Australia has received agrant of $17 000 for work to pro-tect the future of native woodlandtree species by making seed collec-tions and establishing native treeseed orchards in selected locationson rural land within the ACT.There are few remaining healthystands of native trees in the ACTwhich are still actively regenerat-ing. Good quality seed from thesespecies will become increasinglyscarce, jeopardising future revege-tation programs which seek to uselocal seed sources. The project willidentifY and map existing standsbefore seed collections are made.The collected seed will then beused to grow seed orchards whichwill, where possible, be locatedclose to the parent stands.Broadcast, ,(Greening Australia)June/July 1993

New marine programIn October, scientists, park manag-ers, conservationists, governmentofficials and resource users fromthroughout Central America gath-ered on the island of Roatan,'Honduras, at a workshop on prior-ities for coastal zone management.

'The meeting laid the foundationsfor a program for conservation andsustainable development, of themarine and coastal zones of CentralAmerica, with a special focus ontourism and protected areas,' saysCarlos de Paco,Marine ConservationCoordinator for IUCN's RegionalOffice for Central America. 'Onereason Roatan was chosen as thesite was that it offers a clear exam-ple of the conflicts associated withspontaneous economic developmentand the resulting deterioration ofnatural resources.

'Workshop recommendations willform the basis for a marine and

coastal program for the entireregion. One positive effect hasalready been realised: the meetingled to a request for an environ-mental impact assessment whichhas already begun, and a formalrequest for IUCN's involvement ina possible strategy for conserva-tion and environmentally sounddevelopment in the Bay Islands.'IUCN Bulletin, 1/93

Gardens of Stone NPMs Clover Moore MP will shortlytable legislation before Parliamentwhich would, if supported, make an18 030 hectare Gardens of StoneNational Park over what is cur-rently Crown land. The area meritsprotection as part of the proposedBlue Mountains World Heritagelisting. No freehold or perpetualleasehold land will be affected.

Claims that this ,proposal coversextensive coal reserves are not

- accurate. Only about 4000 hec-tares are affected by a marginallyeconomiccoal resource.

The principal feature of the pro-posal is its pagoda landscapes.Pagodas are intricately laminatedsandstone formations reminiscentof ancient cities, forts, towers andcastles. Beneath these formationsare caves, mazes, moist forestglades and sometimes slot canyons.The Colang Bulletin, May 1993

First meeting ofAfrican Rhino,GroupThe first meeting of the new AfricanRhino Specialist Group (ARSG)washeld at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe inNovember, 1992. Attended by 18ARSG members and several invitedspecialists, its primary aims were toreview the status and trends of therhino populations in Africa and toidentifYpriority projects.

Information provided by the del-egates indicated that black rhinonumbers had declined to only2500, mainly due to continuingheavy poaching in Zimbabwe. Thepopulation sizes of the southernand northern white rhinos had,however, both increased by 3 percent over the previous year to 5800and 31, respectively.

The meeting identified the keypopulations of black and white

NPA BULLETIN

PARKWATCHrhinos in Africa (those consideredto be most important for the survi!."val of the various subspecies), aswell as those projects requiringinternational funding.IUCN Bulletin, 1/93

ZimbabweMost of Zimbabwe's finest wilder-ness and wildlife areas, and manyof its most valuable naturalresources, lie in the Zambezi basinin the north of the country. TheZambezi Society was created in1982 by a group of people who feltthat the region's aesthetic and eco-logical values merited the creationof a separate conservation agency.

The Society opposed a hydroelec-tric project that would havedestroyed the ecologicalheart of theMiddle Zambezi Valley, as severalless damaging alternatives wereavailable; and was instrumental ingaining World Heritage status forthis area. Later, the Society wassuccessful in promoting environ-mentally friendly methods of oilexploration in the Zambezi Valley.Deeply concerned over catastrophiclosses ofblack rhino in the region, ithas been locating funds and equip-ment for an emergency de-homingoperation that seems to be workingto reduce poaching.IUCN Bulletin, 1/93

WildernessThe Wilderness (Private Property)Amendment Bill introduced intoParliament by Bruce Jeffery(National Party) was supported bythe government but narrowlydefeated by just one vote. Clearlythe aim of the Bill was to render itimpossible for environmental organ-isations to nominate wilderness. Ifcarried, the Bill would have setnominators the impossible task ofobtaining permission from all land-owners affected before making thenomination. This would have effec-tively sterilised the nomination pro-cess provided in the Wilderness Act.The fact that all government mem-

,bers voted for the Bill clearly indi-cates their opposition to wildernesspreservation.The Calong Bulletin, May 1993

9

COMMITTEES

Namadgi work partiesTwo well supported work partiesundertook quite different tasks inJune. A large group worked on thenew alpine track on the slopes ofMount Tennent (see page 20) and asmaller group joined KosciuskoHutAssociation members and NamadgiPark staff to erect some temporaryprotection over the pise section ofthe Tennent Homestead. Readersmay recall that a territory heritagegrant has been provided to developa conservation plan for this home-stead; now a contract has beenarranged for this work to be done sothat the conservation plan should beavailable by November.Progress on restoration of the

Orroral Homestead has been disap-pointingly slow so far this year. A

Namadgi Park ranger, CraigRichardson, has now assumedresponsibility for coordinating workon the homestead and has agreed toan NPAwork party for Saturday 21August. The Orroral Woolshed islocated between the homestead andthe Orroral Road but needs stabili-sation to conserve it and make itsafe for public viewing.Work on thewoolshed had been planned for thisyear but some unforeseen problemshave arisen so that work has beendelayed. We are keen to assist inthe completion of work on both thehomestead and the' woolshed asthey are key elements in theplanried development of the Orroral"area as a major focus for the publicto access and enjoyNamadgi.

A matter of interest for all of uswith a feeling for Namadgi is thepossible impact of any flow-on fromthe Mabo decision. The Associationhas developed some guidelines onAboriginal involvement in nationalparks which were published in theMarch Bulletin. We will continue tomonitor how these issues mightaffectNamadgi.The Namadgi subcommittee is

open to all members of theAssociation. The convenor wouldbe pleased to hear from anyoneinterested in becoming involved inanyway.

Syd ComfortConvenor Namadgi

subcommittee

Environment subcommitteeattacks issuesWhat makes a lot of noise everyfourth Thursday evening in themonth, has a load offun and perhapsdoes some good? The Associationenvironment subcommittee ofcourse!Many local and national issues

have been dealt with in recentmonths. A few examples follow:

• A proposal by the SnowyMountains Hydro-ElectricityAuthority to resume experi-ments in Kosciusko National"Park into the effectiveness ofcloud-seeding to increase precip-itation. A draft EIS has been. issued and comments will besubmitted by the Association.

• Correspondence has beenexchanged with various NSWMinisters concerning a proposalto convert Crown Leases in theBraidwood area to freehold.These affect the Morton andBudawang National Parks. Theproposal has been delayed andthe National Parks and Wildlife

10

Service appears to be involvedin more appropriate consulta-tion with the Lands Authoritythan was to be the case.

• The Association has been pursu-ing with Austel, the Government'stelecommunications authority,the increasing placement of tel-ecommunications towers in pro-tected areas, including nationalparks. We see this as a veryworrying trend.

• The effects of the Mabo HighCourt decision on nationalparks was a matter for discus-sion in the subcommittee longbefore it became such a heatedpublic issue. We helped draft apolicy for the AustralianNational Parks Council and arecontinuing to attempt to bring abalanced view to the issue.

• A submission was prepared forACTEW's Water Strategy forthe ACT. We are pleased to seethat a number of the ideas weexpressed are being included by

NPA BULLETIN

ACTEW in their public consulta-tion process. .

• That hardy perennial JervisBay remains on our agenda'. Wecontinue to worry that there islittle real political interest inpreserving the area's uniqueand magnificent environment. .

• The ramifications of so-called'eco-tourism' on the environ--ment and national parks in par-ticular have been discussedfrequently and certain measuresare being taken to ensure ourviews are known.

• 'Our Bush Capital-Protectingand Managing the NationalCapital's Open Spaces', a reportprepared by the Joint Committeeon the National Capital has beenstudied and comments preparedin association with the Namadgisubcommittee.Once again, all members, both old

and new are invited to contact theconvenorif they wish to participate.

Timothy Walsh

COMM,ITTEES

Environment and ConservationConsultative CommitteeThe committee continues to pro-vide a community perspective tothe ACT Government on environ-ment issues.

Yankee Hat car parkThe car park, which was part ofworks to improve access to theYankee Hat rock shelter paintings,became the centre of considerablecontroversy because of the mannerof its construction and siting. Rockshad been removed from the sur-rounding area to form the car parkperimeter causing considerable dis-turbance and potential damage toAboriginal sites of significance. Thedesign and siting were unsympa-thetic to the landscape.A working group was set up toadvise the service on the removal ofthe car park, rehabilitation of the 'area and selection of an alternativesite. Work has been completed onthe new car park which is situatednear the Boboyan pines.

Rural lease policyA draft policy aimed at improvingmanagement of rural leases wasreleased in February. It proposesimproving security of tenure andrequires the' development of a prop-erty management agreement andan environmental audit of leases.The committee endorsed the needfor policy and guidelines to ensureproductive land management and

secure tenure while achieving thegoal of ecologically sustainabledevelopment. The principle of anenvironmental audit was supportedand it was seen as essential thatthe department assist in its prepar-ation. The draft requires further 'development to produce a completepolicy and the various elements ofthe policyneed to be integrated intoan action plan. The department iscontinuing to develop the policy.

Orroral woolshedWork on the woolshed has not pro-ceeded due to arsenic contamina-tion of the soil surrounding thesheepdip. Money (or the projecthas been transferred to theLondon Bridge Homestead. Theservice has undertaken to providethe committee with a briefing .onthe implications of the contamina-tion for the management of thesite, and the future of rehabilita-tion works.

Feral plants and animals'enquiryThe ACT Legislative Assembly'sStanding Committee onConservation Heritage and theEnvironment held an enquiry' intothe effects that feral plants andanimals have on the natural envi-ronment of the ACT. The commit-tee's submission focused on theneed for the enquiry to give impe-

tus and guidance to feral plant andanimal management and controlprograms in the ACT and region.In particular the adoption of a feralplant and animal policy, and in line'with this policy a feral plant andanimal management plan for theACTwere recommended, so that allmanagement and control programswill form part of a coherentregional strategy.

2020vision statementThe committee prepared a submis-sion to the Canberra in the Year2020 Study titled «AVision for theACT Environment in 2020". Thesubmission includes a set of broadprinciples for the state of the envi-ronment and its management anda number of themes for achievingthis.

Forward programIssues which the committee will bedealing with in the future are:

• Development of a recreationalfishing policy for the ACT.

• Furthering ofthe AlpsAgreement.

• Examining draft legislation:Proposed Nature Conservation(Amendment) Bill; and IntegratedEnvironmentProtectionLegislation

Anne Taylor

Fourth National Wilderness ConferenceThe Colong Foundation for Wilderness will sponsor this year's conference with

the agreement and support of the Australian Conservation Foundation.It will be held in Sydney from 8-10October 1993.

Anyone interested should write to:Fourth National Wilderness Conference, Colong Foundation for Wilderness

88 Cumberland Street, Sydney NSW2000

NPA BULLETIN 11

WATER

The future of waterThe NPA has been pursuing itsinterest in the planning of theACT's water supply on two fronts.Representatives from ACTEW havegiven an informative talk (see arti-cle opposite) and. comments havebeen submitted to ACTEW on itspublication The Water Future of theACT: a Community DiscussionDocument on the Major Issues.The submission commented in

detail on the document, goingthrough it section by section:Subjects covered included waterconservation, pricing policies,financial incentives, future sourcesof supply and water re-use.NPA stressed that environmental

protection is a value that it wouldlike ACTEW to consider when plan-ning for the long-term future. Withthis in mind, it was stated that theoption of delaying a new dam for anextra ten years is a minimalapproach. ACTEW should state howthe ACT community can avoid any

new dams. Gully and river valleyecosystems are diverse and impor-tant. The NPA believes that anotherwater storage dam in the ACTwould lead to a further, and unac-ceptable, loss of important aquaticand terrestrial ecosystems. ACTEWshould extend its developing envi-ronmental awareness and responsi-bility to conserving terrestrialecosystems as well as aquatic eco-systems. If a dam does become nec-essary, ACTEW must select theleast ecologically destructive siteavailable, and complete detailed eco-logical surveys of prospective sitesbefore decisions are made. Thesesurveys should be started immedi-ately if the required ecologicaldetailis to be achieved.Education and information cam-

paigns are a viable option for man-aging demand for water; Waterconservation via an understandingand cooperative community isprobably the most effective way to

limit demand. Use of regular mail-outs with water rates and electric-ity bills (for rented houses) todistribute information, well tar-geted programs for schools, radiointerviews, talk-back radio andpress advertisements must beeffective in the long term.As for pricing policies, the NPA

submission pointed out inconsis-tencies such as the continuance ofa rebate for institutions, as thisdoes not encourage conservativeuse. User pays should cover allusers. Financial incentives, espe-cially encouraging use of water-efficient appliances, is a goodapproach, as it is an opportunityfor people to take positive action.The use of 'grey water', effluent

and stormwater was regarded asbeing less efficient than reducingthe amount of water used in thefirst place.

Environment subcommittee

The leech upon Bill's pole.Billy Burford is his name, the onethat takes the pics

Of rocks and leaves, of trees andsky, and sometimes even sticks!

But none at all of people-hedoesn't like their form.

"No bods will mar my pictureswhen I have a lovely dawn."

He often takes his camera andjoins us in our walking, and tailsbehind,

His camera clicks, with us up frontall talking, about this and that,and our next camp, of one wehad one year.

Our Bill turned up, with tent andstove, and loads of camera gear.

We went upon a walk one daydown deep and glorious burn,

Creeks beside us all the way, lotsof lovely fern, soggy underfoot,

slippery here and there,A rushing river, craggy rocks,dainty maidenhair.

12

'--'----_.._---=--.- ~._~---~

We stopped for lunch and lit a fireto give ourselves some heat.

Took off our boots, wrung out oursocks, and then we saw our feet,

Our Bill leapt up and racedaround and gave a mighty cry,

"Leeches, leeches ugh!" he yelled,"They're bleeding me quite dry."

It's true, oh yuk the horrid things,they crept into our socks.

No matter where we tried to sitthey were there all on the rocks,

and trees and ugh, even in our hair!So back we raced into our campand stripped ourselves all bare.

We got them off and changed ourclothes and felt again oncewhole.

But Bill let out a mighty yell, andpointed to his pole (tent).

And there a leech, a seeking bloodout on a feeding prowl.

We looked at Bill, his face wentred, he gave an angry growl.

NPA BULLETIN

But instead of killing, as wethought, he grabbed his cameragear,

Set up his tripod, framed theleech, aperture on near,Concentration, furrowed brow,he framed its ugly head, but evil.thoughts were pouring out.

"I'll kill the sucker dead."He took the shot, then mighty yell,his tripod swinging high,

He brought it down upon thatleech and squashed it like a fly.

Bill shows his pics throughout theyear to friends both young and ole,

But the one they really want tosee, is the leech upon Bill's pole!

Ann Tedder

WATER

Water supply in the ACTThe cost of water, both in financialand environmental terms, to ACTresidents is high and rising. Thiswas graphically illustrated at theJuly General Meeting when theNPA had as its guests KerryReynoldsand RodUsback fromACTElectricity and Water (ACTEW).As can be expected from a respon-

sible public utility in the 1990s,ACTEWis concerned with the envi-ronmental consequences of its oper-ations. To this end it released in1992 its first Electricity and WaterEnvironment Plan. This detailedACTEW's strategies, goals and per-formance standards and invitedcomment on these from the ACTcommunity. This document coverssuch topics as ACTEW's corporatephilosophy, key environmental ini-tiatives, the need for communityconsultation, the standard of serviceto be aimed for, water conservationand the need to provide for environ-mental sustainability and publichealth.Following the release of this

plan, ACTEW embarked on a com-munity consultation process toprepare a strategy for the ACT forthe next 50 years. This was ini-tiated by the preparation by theCSIRO of a community discussiondocument on the major issues forthe water future of the ACT.ACTEW felt it was important toobtain an independent andthought-provoking view on thefuture ofwater in the ACT.The speakers gave examples of

some startling facts presented inthis discussion paper. For instance,at the present rate of consumptionand population growth, the ACTwill need a new dam by 2005 at acost of$100million.Over two-thirds of the ACT's

treated water is consumed by domes-tic residences. The government isthe next biggest user at 16%.Fifty-five per cent of domestic use is out-side the house, 52% being used towater gardens. If the communitydoesn't reduce its use of water andpopulation projections are borneout, six new dams will be neeaed bythe ACT next century. The impact

on those areas so 'loved by NPAmembers can readily be imagined.Despite vigorous publicity pro-

grams in the last few years, ACTresidents have done little toreduce their individual consump-tion of water. The mechanismsthat appear likely to work in thefuture are user pays prices andrestrictions on use.The speakers outlined a series of

measures that can and must betaken by the community if theneed for a new dam is to be post-poned. These include the greateruse of native and low water plantsin our parks and' gardens, use ofwater saving devices and appli-ances, water restrictions at certaintimes of the day and, in certainsellsons, the use of residentialwater tanks, the use of 'grey'water, storm and ground water.The question ofa pricing policyfor

the supply ofwater to the ACTcom-munity has been explained byProfessor Max Neutze of the ANDin a paper commissioned byACTEW. Professor Neutze arguesthat there is a need to make greateruse of pricing of water in the ACTfor economic,financial and environ-mental reasons. He argues thatwater should be priced at aboutwhat it costs to supply and for us touse it. He points out that the finan-cial losses made on the supply ofwater in the ACT are greater thanfor any other large Australian cityand that the ACT budget justcannot afford to continue to subsid-ise the supply ofwater.Professor Neutze feels that the

price ofwater should reflect the addi-tional cost of the water that peopleuse. He suggests that ACTEW:• move over a few years to charg-ing for all water used, keepingonly as much .of a fixed chargeas is necessary to balance theaccounts;

• increase the price to reflect envi-ronmental costs and to remove.the fixed charge;• reduce fixed charges for sewerageand raise a major part of sewer-age revenue from a charge on dis-

NPA BULLETIN

charge to the sewer, assessed onthe basis of winter water use byresidential consumers and mostcommercial users, and metereddischarge by others;

• increase the price of waterduring the months when con-sumption is high and reduce itduring months when it is low;

• transfer some of the capitalcosts developers now have topay for off-site capital facilitiesfor water supply.to an increasein the price of water. (Note thiswould be a modest change andcould proceed as soon as the nec-essary cost .assessments hadbeen completed.)

• develop and announce a packageof restrictions and pricing meas-ures which would be adopted tosave water in time of drought,and which would be triggered byparticular levels of water in thestorages. Announce also that infuture water planning for theACT would accept that therewould be some shortages in peri-ods of severe drought.The ACTEW speakers gave a

vivid demonstration of the starkchoices currently before' the ACTcommunity in regard to theirwater supply. Either we modifyour use of water and pay theproper price for its supply, or weface having to fund a series of newdams next century with devastat-ing financial and environmentalconsequences.The .excellent presentation by

Messrs Reynolds and Usbackshowed the very intense andthoughtful work being done byACTEW. The ACT communitymust continue to participate inthis process and 'own' the result ..[Afull set of the papers issued by

ACTEW to date on this issue areavailable in the NPA Library. It isa matter of continuing interest tothe environment subcommittee,who have played a significant rolein the community consultationprocess to date.]

Timothy Walsh

13

TRIPS

Dreams come true-Antarctica at last

Day 4-:-Lowering a Zodiac nearElephant Island.

There are other places in the worldwhere nature stuns, amazes, orutterly dominates man's achieve-ments, but there are few placeswhere all these forces combine.Antarctica is a continent that con-tinually humbles man and, notleast, man's greed.

-HRH Prince Edward,in the forward to Wild Ice

\.

to the south. They were a great joythe whole trip-a riot of colourfrom pristine white through tur-quoises to blues. Shapes werenever the same-peaks, folds, pin-nacles, corrugations, flutes,holes-everything imaginable,worn by wind, sun and sea action.Day 4, we woke anchored off

Elephant Island, easternmost ofthe South Shetland Islands, to adull, grey, chilly morning, butAntarctica at last! A Zodiac waslowered by crane and Greg bobbedashore only to .find the surf far toohigh to land-a great set-back, aswe would have stood on a very his-torical spot.Shackleton, in his 1914--16expedi-

tion, and his men landed there afterbeing caught in pack ice for 281days, and finally taking to sea toland on Elephant Island 485 daysafter leaving the UK. The leaderand some men rowed off, finallymaking South America, findingfinancial assistance, and returning-to rescue 22 men-all in a ghastlycondition after 105 days-but nevergivingup hope. Nota man was lost.Day 5 and we were offLivingston

Island, largest of the Shetlands.

Olive Buckman going ashore. Photo: Warwick Deacock

(Argentina) with 13 days on aRussian ship. Arriving in Ushuaia, _southernmost city in the world,looking delightful under snow-capped mountains, I boarded mynew home.Our leader was Greg Mortimer -

geochemist, Aussie climber withmany 'firsts' in Nepal and Antarcticexplorations. Co-leader ColinMonteath had been with NZAntarctic service in many capaci-ties. He made the first descent intothe crater of Erebus, and assistedwith the air disaster rescue there._MargaretWerner (whomI met yearsago on Booroomb arocks!)had climb-ing and Antarctic expeditionsbehindher-a delightfulpersonality.Day 1, we sailed down the_

Beagle Canal, pilot ahead, to leaveland and head into Drake Passage,700 kilometres of notorious wildwater. We were lucky with asmooth crossing and by the secondday, knew Antarctica was aheadby a change in the wind, drop intemperature, albatross overhead,movement of the waves and thesight ofwhales and icebergs.- Icebergs were everywhere-hugetabular ones from the Weddell Sea

-. '1

The Antarctic. had little appealduring the larger .part of my lifeliving in UK, Germany, Austria andEgypt, but in my .30 years inAustralia, the urge grew andgrew-to see the last great unspoiltwilderness, where the air is so clearit distorts distances, and every-where is so pristine that a blowing,rustling toffee paper would spoil theperfect peace and beauty.Literally selling the family jewels,

I booked through Worldventure(PO Box 54, Mosman, NSW 2088)for a trip led by my friend W~ckDeacock, for early January 1993-not the area Aussies think about,south of us with bases and 'civilisa-tion'-but forthe AntarcticPeninsulaThis meant flying to South

America-to Tierra del Fuego

r- .-

l

14 NPA BULLETIN

TRIPS,

Day 7-Wieneke Island from Gerlaehe Strait.

Day 5-Seal pups at Hannah Point.

before the pack ice caught us. Likeall fairytale journeys, the returntrip took on equal magnificenceand grandeur. 0

Heading north, recrossingBismarck Strait, we anchored inPort Lockroy. In glorious sun-shine, the iceberg-strewn bay wasa' magnificent sight, with a, 180degree curving wall of ice behind,on the west of Wiencke Island,once a vast glacier. A range ofsnow-capped granite peaks tow-ered in the background.Early in the last war, the Brits

built a base there, fearing thePanama Canal might be blocked

was unforgettable for the 'fantasti-cally shaped icebergs, many withseals atop, their colours and reflec-tions making it all an evening Ishall never forget.Ashore was a team fromCambridge University studyingthe effects of tourism. I was toldthey felt that 5000 tourists a yearwas not too many; I wish I couldagree.Slowly we moved south: it was

all out of this world-the deepblue sea packed with icebergs, aforest of sculpture and colour.About two~thirds down, we had-toturn, while there was still room

Chugging ashore, we put our firstfoot on Antarctic soil, delighted byour first penguins which weremainly chinstrap-the black lineunder their chins making theirheads look like a policeman'shelmet. (There are three main spe-cies on the peninsula.) Skuas werea menace, huge birds swoopingdown at our heads. They are thescavengers of the Antarctic, clear-ing carcases, but also predators ofbirds' eggs and chicks.Sailing around the south end of

the island, we landed again atHannah Point in Walker Bay.Here, among the rocks, weregentoo penguins, clearly markedby the white triangles above theireyes. Among them was a maca-roni, named after the yellow feath-ers on its head. All penguins goashore in spring and rebuild theirnests. The female lays two eggs,then goes to sea while the maleincubates them. They then alter-nate between collecting krill andplankton at sea, and feeding thechicks. They have thousands offine feathers per square inch, forwarmth at sea.Sleepy seals were everywhere-

mainly crabeater and Weddell-and they seemed to like to lie withtheir heads on another's tail! Theywould open their eyes and say,'Take your photos if you must andlet me go back to sleep,' followedby a grunt.Day 6 and we had crossed

Bransfield Strait during the night,heading to Trinity Island, whichhad peaks to 1830 metres.Anchoring in Mikkelson Bay, itwas off to cruise around the vastglacier coming down from thepeaks. Around us were hundredsof penguins swimming with a por-poise-like action, making a kalei-doscope of colour: black backs,white fronts and red beaks.The huge face of the glacier, with

pressure from above, leant for-ward and was also undercut fromwave action. It is from these thou-sands of glaciers that thousandsmore huge icebergs fall.Around 9.30 pm the Zodiacs took

us ashore at Cuverville Island inbright sunshine. Being mid-summer, a sort of greyness betweenabout 1 am and 4 am was the onlynight. Zodiacing around the island

NPA BULLETIN 15

TRIPS

Day 7-Port Lockroy, Wieneke Island, gentoo penguin colony.

to shipping. Once ashore, wealmost lost breath at the seem-ingly untouched, magnificent scen-ery. Ice cliffs, gigantic glaciers,mountain ranges, plus penguins intheir thousands on the rocks.Climbing over boulders, we gaineda grandstand view to the bay.Photographic sessions over, theZodiacs toured the bay: icebergswith sleepy seals, the sun castinga golden glow on their backs;petrel, albatross and gulls over-head; and penguins swimmingaround us.

Day 8 and we were back on themainland, anchored off a' baysouth of the Arctowski Peninsula

. on the Danco coast. One glance allaround, and we could see howParadise Bay got its name-a pro-tected harbour surrounded by icecliffs, gl~ciers. and snow-cappedmountains, with sea-strewn ice-

.bergs in the foreground. Landingat Almirante Brown, an aban-doned Argentinean station where,so the story goes, it was left withonly one man on duty. Lonelinessgot to him, he packed a bag, setfire to the buildings, and radioedto'be picked up.

Here, we plodded up the steephill behind the station for theviews. When not in thigh-deepsnow, we were on lichen-coveredrocks (yes, Antarctica has somegrasses, lichens and mosses, manyendemic). The view down to thebay was worth the effort, and I dida 'first' for me in sledging down onmy back, rucksack on my front.

In nearpy Glacier Bay, we saw aglacier some 60 metres high and250 metres long, the top sculp-tured with crenellations, verticalgashes- and flutes, while deeparches at sea level gave an overall

picture of the front of an elongatedcastle. The peace and beauty wasoverwhelming, as we switched offengines and drifted through theice-strewn sea, with magnificentreflections. The only noises were asort of thunder as avalanches fell,somewhere, from time to time, anda crunching as the Zodiacs driftedthrough the ice.

After lunch we visited an aban-doned Chilean station taken overby .hundreds of gentoo penguins.They seemed completely obliviousof us, as long as we kept to theirheight, and sat still. That eveningwe watched whales. from the ship:humpback and crabeaters, bothable to dive to a great depth, bycollapsing their lungs, thus shunt-ing oxygen to vital organs.

Day 9, and overnight we hadmoved northwards to anchor offDeception Island. Having an

Day 7-Entrance, Lemaire Channel (mainland left).

16 NPA BULLETIN

interest in volcanoes, this was ahighlight for me, as it is the onlyactive volcanic area in Antarcticaapart from Mt Erebus. The island,almost a complete 9 kilometrecircle, was once thousands of feethigher than now. Many, manyyears ago it blew in the centre,leaving a doughnut shape, withthe sea in the centre. There is avery narrow opening into the 8 kil-ometre wide caldera-a naturalharbour. The ship anchored inWhalers Bay, once a Norwegianstation about 1910-30. A Britishsurvey base was built nearby in1944 and lasted till destroyed byvolcanic action in 1967. The mainpart of that volcano erupted at aChilean base to the north, nowonly a tangled mass of twistedmetal from severe fires. The menfled to the British base, destroyedmore by earth movement, and allwere rescued by helicopter.

Whalers Bay is now one mass ofupturned petrol tanks, lopsideddilapidated buildings, half-buriedpiles of whalebones, broken cratesand equipment.

Walking the length of the beach,I climbed the lava to Neptune'sWindow where volcanic action hadblown a huge hole in the island'souter rocky coast back in the1920s. During lunch we moved toPendulum Cove, where the tem-perature of the water 5 centime-

tres down can reach 50 degreesCelsius. Here, although never akeen swimmer, I lay in thewater-while the braver swam-and along with others played thefool a little.

Leaving the inner island wesailed the outer west shore toBaily Head, a magnificent, memor-able area. From our landing spot,huge 'pancake' rocks of yellow andgreen rose on our left. Ahead andto the right stretched a vast beachwith thousands of'penguins, whilebehind, the hills were packed tightwith rookeries. Add to this, a rivercoming down from the hills at theleft and out to sea by the rocks,plus the whole area being alivewith movement. I sat 'talking' to achinstrap family a metre away,penguins passing to and fro, oneputting a stone on my boot, othersstealing stones from their neigh-bours' nests. I was reminded of aquote from Bernard Stonehouse: 'Ioften had the impression that, topenguins, man is just another pen-guin~ifferent, less predictabie,occasionally violent, but tolerablecompany when he sits still andminds his own business.'

Day 10 and we visited Esperanz,an Argentinean research base(1950) at Hope Bay on the tip ofthe peninsula. That night westarted our sail back to civilisa-tion, and on the evening of day 12

TRIPS

Chinstrap penguins.,- Photos: Olive Buckman

we were back in Ushuaia, thewonderful never-to-be-forgottendays behind us. I can only sum upthe whole memorable experienceby saying that if I was given onelast wish in a long, interesting,colourful life, it would be to returnto Antarctica.I will be ,happy to share my

memorable experiences withgroups via slide talks, or individu-als via slides, photos; or video (notof my making!)

Olive Buckman

Day B-Akademic Sergei Vavilov in Paradise Bay.

NPA BULLETIN

Going onleave,

holidays?Need someone to care for your

• home• garden• pets?

Professional female availablefrom November, 1993

for house sitting.

Excellent references,no charge.

Phone Mardie Trothon2412129.

17

TRIPS

Sue City canoe trip in theKosciusko National ParkSue City is a lovely camp site inthe KNP that I have alwaysenjoyed visiting. During each ofthe last two summers I have led acanoe trip to Sue City and bothattracted a lot of fellow paddlers.This account is based on those twotrips. Imight put the trip on againnext summer if there is enoughinterest.Sue City is an isolated campsite

and lies at the southern end ofTalbingo Reservoir in south-easternNSW. Talbingo Reservoir is one ofthe larger water storages in theSnowy Mountains Scheme. Fed bythe Tumut and YarrangobillyRivers, Talbingo Reservoir wasformed by a dam across the north-ern end of a deep and ruggedvalley carved out by these tworivers over the last hundred mil-lion years or so. Unlike most waterstorages, the deep nature of thisvalley makes for sheltered waters,just ideal for canoeing. The nextreservoir below, Blowering, whilstmore open is similar and was usedby Ken Warby in his attempts onthe world water speed recordsusing a jet powered craft. Forthose relying on paddles, Talbingois the more impressive and shel-tered of these two reservoirs in the

18

Tumut Valley. illtimately theypush large quantities ofwater intothe narrow Tumut River justnorth of Tumut township and thislast section of the Tumut attractsmany canoeing parties seeking toride the strong currents rightdown to Gundagai.Talbingo township, just off the

Snowy Mountains Highway, is theaccess point at the northern end.Talbingo township has severalshops and a very attractive cara-van park. One used to be abl~ tohire canoes in Talbingo but todayTumut has the nearest canoe hireoperator. The actual launchingspot is on the eastern side of thedam wall which is about 4 kilome-tres south of Talbingo townshipwhere there is an excellent rampand an extensive car park.Sue City, an old Snowy construc-

tion camp site, lies at the southernend of Talbingo..Just a few relicsremain of this old KaiserConstructions camp site. TheAmerican Kaiser Companybroughtthe latest in things American to'this site in the early 1950s, includ-ing what was claimed to beAustralia's first supermarket! Todaythe currawongs have Sue Citymostly to themselves apart from

NPABuLLETIN

the weekend fishermen who like tolaunch from this end now that asealed road links Sue City withnearby Cabramurra.Paddling from the dam wall to

Sue City it is about 22 kilometres.On leaving the dam wall, thesheer sides of the valley make foronly a few landing spots for thefirst 5 kilometres. With recentrain, an impressive waterfall soonappears on the eastern sideformed by Lansers Creek. Moremassive valleys appear from 5 kil-ometres on seeking to distract thepaddler from their southerly course.Apart from northerly winds, thevalley is windless and superbreflections can be seen in the usu-ally clear, still waters. A strongnortherly wind however can haveone's kayak on a southerly courseon the plane if you are lucky; a

(above) Eastern water dragonenjoying the sun in KNP.

(left) Morning launch fromTalbingo Dam wall ramp on abright and sunny day.

Photos: Chris Bellany

north-bound paddler would not beso lucky.Just before reaching the junction

with the. Yarrangobilly River agood landing spot appears on aheadland on the western side. Aworthwhile side trip here is a 5kilometres each way trip to wherethe white water starts on theYarrangobilly. Some good campingspots can be found here too onsome of the rare, flat banks alongthe reservoir. Just before thewhite water begins one paddlesthrough a steep rocky gorge. Forthose with the time to do so, an oldabandoned mine and a pub lurkbehind the blackberry bushes liningthe river now. Unfortunately thelast beers were poured last centurysoyouwill have to bring your own.Having returned to the junction,

the paddler continues south head-ing for Sue City. About 2 kilome-tres south of the junction is theConaro rest area. This makes an

ideal camping area. Whilst onlyable to take a limited number ofpeople, it has picnic tables, toilets,a beautiful view, catches the morn-ing sun and is not accessible byroad, which makes for a quiet andpeaceful evening.Sue City is some 4 kilometres on.

During a weekday Sue City is alovely spot to stop at; however itcan get crowded on weekends withfishermen, cars and the like. Southof Sue City one can paddle intosome easy white water. Campingoutside the officialcamping area atSue City is not recommended as alarge release from dams higher inthe Snowyscheme couldmake for adamp awakening during the night.Elsewhere on the reservoir thewater level never varies.Returning northwards from Sue

City or Conaro about 8 am or so,can be a surreal experience for thepaddler. Puffs of morning mistnormally waft across the water. So

TRIPS

one may paddle across a glisten-ing, still surface tracking the bub-bles of the wake of the boat aheadpassing into and out of waftingmorning mist. Looking north onemay be rewarded by flashes ofsunlight off the paddles of thatboat far ahead seemingly sus-pended between sky and water.On the last 7 kilometres before

the dam wall the paddler lookstowards the now visible dam walland presses on. Unfortunately forsome the vista' seems to get everfurther away and then one comesround the last false headland andthere is the launching ramp beck-oning. Before loading the boat ontothe car a swim before leaving iswell worthwhile as the water isnot as cold as reservoirs often are,particularly'those in the KosciuskoNational Park in which Talbingoreservoir is located.

Chris Bellamy

Relocation of car park in GudgenbyvalleyIt is now in the annals of NPA his-tory, the events of last year whena car park appeared on the promi-nent ridge in the Gudgenby valleyat the head of the track' whichleads to the Aboriginal paintingssite. The car park was ringed byboulders removed from the rockclusters which are a scenic featureof that part. of the valley, and alsocontain possible Aboriginal stonearrangements and graves.A protest led by the Conservation

Council was strongly supported bythe NPA. A relocation of the carpark was promised and the replace-ment of the boulders as closeas pos-sible to their original positions.The boulders are now back in

their clusters and the car park hasbeen removed. The old car parksite at the edge of the pines hasbeen redesigned and made to holdcars and buses (see diagram). This'site will eventually -be shaded bynative trees and shrubs.

A committee of four with repre-sentatives from the ConservationCounciland NPAhas met with ACTParks and Conservation Servicerepresentatives to discuss theseevents and is glad to see a satisfac- .tory conclusion to the 15monthssaga.Fiona MacDonald Brand

NPA BULLETIN

(below) Members of the NPA,Conservation Council and parksservice met at the relocated YankeeHat car park (on the site of the oldBoboyan road car park at the pineforest) to inspect the completed carpark and to survey the route of thewalking track to the shelterpainting site.Photo: Reg Alder

19

NAMADGI

Mt Tennent work partyOne sunny, cold Saturday in Junea work party led by Syd Comfortworked on a section of the newtrack on Mt Tennent. We walkedfrom the visitors centre onto themountain, carrying suitable toolsfor track-making and cutting backshrubs. We were divided into fourgroups and given a section to workupon. At lunchtime we all met ona rocky outcrop which gave lovelyviews over the valley. A lyrebirdserenaded us as we sat and ate. Itcontinued its song at intervals allafternoon.All afternoon we worked, placingsmall logs across the new track toprevent erosion. We also blockedoff and covered old tracks so thatfuture walkers would see clearlythe path to follow. .It was a very satisfying day forall who attended and we weregiven 10/10 for our work by theNPWS ranger who worked along-side us.Fiona MacDonaid Brand

20

(above) NPA work party leader, Syd Comfort addresses the troops.

Oeft) Mt Tennent work party-NPA members.Photos: Fiona MacDonald Brand

Management of Relict Lowland Grasslands- Conference and workshop -

Canberra, Friday 24 and Saturday 25 September 1993The conference will include a field trip and two workshops: 'Aims ofconservation' and 'Management case studies' and a public seminar

on the Saturday afternoon.

Further details from Sarah Sharp, Wildlife Research Unit,ACT Parks and Conservation Service, PO Box 1119,

Tuggeranong, ACT, 2901. Phone 207 2125.

NPA :eULLETIN

Tennent homestead

N AMADGI

Just when we thought we knew allthe buildings in Namadgi NationalPark, some more have beenacquired. Two years ago Namadgi'sboundaries were e~nded in twoareas-near Mount Tennent and inthe northern Brindabellas. TheMount Tennent extension, we havenow discovered, includes (onlyjust!)a farmhouse complex of severalbuildings. Three years ago a partyof walkers led by Phil Gatenby vis-ited the homestead; in July last yearone of that party, Di Thompson,returned to the site with husbandGary, Beverley Hammond andBabette Scougall and this triparoused awareness of the possibilityof the place now being inside thepark. That the buildings are inNamadgi has nowbeen verified.The group of structures is of quite

some interest, particularly becauseit includes a pise building, the onlysuch building within Namadgi.There is also a shearing shedwithin the group of five or so struc-tures, thus doubling the park'snumber of woolsheds, and there isa dip at the shed too (as at theOrroral shed, although this one ismetal and not concrete as are theOrroral and other Namadgi dips).So far, the following historical'

information on the site has been col-lected, although there is still muchmore to discover and the data thatwe do have may need some correc-tion in time.At the tum of the century the

property was held by brothers Jackand Bob Dunne and their sisterAnnie (all unmarried). Just whenthey acquired the place is not yetknown, nor do we yet know whentheir pise building, the adjoiningslab building (now minus its slabs)and the shearing shed were built. Itis possible that they were built forthe Dunnes sometime late last cen-tury, but we don't yet know for sure(they may have been built for anearlier owner). Who built thesebuildings? It is known that last cen-tury two. South Americans, MessrsRodriguez and Ponsi, played an.important role in developing pisebuilding techniques in the area.Then in the 1870s George Hatcliffe

and George Green arrived and theyquite probably learned about pisebuilding forom these two men;Hatcliffe and Green built pise build-ings in the Tidbinbilla area. So hereare four possiblebuilders of the pisestructure in question, but we can'tyet be sure.Dunnes held the property until

some time during the 1910-1920period (during which it becameleasehold). After their departurethe property was .unoccupied until1,931when Bob Thomson and hiswife Catherine (nee McIntyre)acquired it. Bob (born in Australiaof Scottish parents about 1870)and Catherine had previouslylived near Queanbeyan, at Naasand at Riverview and had a verylarge family, though by the timethey moved into the Dunne placeonly one son, Doug, was still livingat home. The pise section only hadtwo rooms, so another of the sons,Arnie, built an extension onto it.Over time the buildings deterio-

rated. The slabs started fallingout ofthe walls of the slab part of thehomestead in the 1940s (today threeof this building's four walls areentirely open; the fourth is cladwithfibro). Catherine died, and a fewyears later in about 1953 Bob died.Doug continued to live on the prop-erty alone. Owing to the advancingdeterioration ofthe homestead, Dougneeded better quarters, soduring the1950s a pine-clad cottage from sub-urban O'Connor was bought andwith the aid of brother-in-law TedTong and brother Bill Thomson thebuildingwas trucked (in one piece)tothe property and placed on founda-tions. A verandah was then added.Doug lived in this cottage until hisdeath in 1964 or 1966; his death.marked the end of full-time occupa-tion ofthe homestead.At the end of the 1960s Doug's

sister Barbara Tong bought thelease and from then until the leasewas acquired by the governmentin about 1984, the property wasworked by Barbara's sons Laurieand Bill, who only stayed in thehouse periodically during stock-work. The orchard at the site wasplanted by Barbara and husband

.NPA BULLETIN

L

Ted Tong, while the fibro garagewas erected by Ted and son BilLVandalism of the buildings (usu-ally by children) was a problem forthe Tongs during later years.Bob Thomson originally sheared

his sheep with blades, and it wasonly in the late 1940s that Douginvested in a Lister diesel two-stand shearing plant. The shear-ing shed was quite small and inthe 1970s it was expanded toabout three times its original size(the original size of the shed canstill be determined at the site).The Tongs did their shearing withelectrically powered equipment.. It was during the 1970s too thatthe dip was constructed. Previously,hand-spraying of the sheep hadbeen sufficient, but then lice-infested sheep came onto a neigh-boUring property and the only waythat the Tongs could overcome theinfection was to fully immerse theirsheep in a dip (dipping has for sometime been virtually obsolete in ruralAustralia). Owing to the rock at thesite, a trench sufficiently deep couldnot be dug so a metal dip, with itssides well up above ground level,was purpose-built. Now the dip hasrusted out and has subsided backinto the trench.As for the name of the complex,

we know that in correspndenceDoug Thomson referred to hishome as 'Tennent'. Today, standingat the foot of Mount Tennent, andsurrounded by fine old kurrajongtrees, the homestead is in a state ofadvanced decay. The roof of thepise section (originally shingled, asis evident from the battens, butlater clad with corrugated iron) ispartly gone, and the wind sailsthrough the former slab-walled sec-tion. The shearing shed is looking alittle tired too (there are whiteants), though the pine cottage isn'ttoo bad. A lot of work is needed ifthe more significant parts ofThomson's homestead are going tobe conserved.Information provided by Laurie

Tong, Barbara Tong, Una West,Hugh Read and Bert Sheedy is muchappreciated.

Matthew Higgins

21

UNDERGROUNDA diviner at workReaders of the Bulletin may beinterested in some account of thedivining techniques being prac-tised and developed by our ener-getic member Reg Alder. I thinkthat most people who have seensomething of these techniques willbe impressed. Unless, of course,they have a vested interest in notbeing impressed!There is nothing novel about

divining. It has been practisedever since the dawn of time, princi-pally for the location of water sup-plies. There is an extensiveliterature on the subject.Reg first became involved in 1951

while working at the Garden Island

dockyard. His immediate boss,having heard an account of divin-ing, decided to put it to the test. Heequipped Reg and a colleague witha length of bronze wire and' toldthem to walk over an: area in thedockyardwith the wire held in frontof them and to report any move-ment in the wire. The boss, but nothis subordinates, knew there was awater main in the middle of thearea. Both Reg and his colleagueexperienced movement in the wirewhen they walked over the main. Itwas a simple matter to determinethe line ofthe subterranean pipe.Reg's revival of interest has been

sparked off by our member Fiona

Brand's discovery of what she tookto be an Aboriginal grave on asmall hill in Namadgi where anumber of rocks had been neatlypiled together near the top at thebase of the summit outcrop. It isknown that local Aboriginal tribesburied their dead. The discoverydid not, however, gain universalacceptance. A counter argumentwas advanced that the find was nograve but instead the work ofremarkably neat and orderlyrabbit exterminators! And therethe matter rests.What the divining technique

does is to respond to disturbanceanomalies on or near the surface

. .

••. of,," ""

"', .~. .;.,.~ "!!;~

~

22

~=-. -- ,~. ~~ . "'-'~ ..

NPA BULLETIN

.. "

(left) Fiona Brand standing at thesite of the grave near Rustin'shouse, Middle Creek where babySutcliffe was buried about1920-21. The site was located bydivining the area.

(below) A typical rock arrangementin the Gudgenby valley aroundwhich divining shows indicationsof burial sites. It is most unlikelythat a person engaged in diggingout rabbits would waste his time. arranging rocks in this manner orrisk a hernia by lifting the largeupper stone to the position itoccupies.

Photos: Reg Alder

UNDERGROUNDof the ground. Reg uses one, orsometime two, V-shaped lengths ofwire grasped in the centre of theV. He holds the wire level, point-ing forwards and held close to thebody. On reaching an anomaly andwhen almost immediately above itthe wire, if held in the right hand,will swing to the left. If held in theleft hand it will swing to the right.If wires are held in both handsthey both swing outwards. If cross-ing an area of disturbance thewires will respond on each side ofthe anomaly. Consequently it ispossible to delineate the area ofdisturbance.Vsing this technique to examine

Fiona's find revealed a discrete,grave-shaped disturbance.Another 43 such anomalies werelocated in the vicinity. More suchanomalies have been located nearsimilar outcrops elsewhere inNamadgi.Whether these ariomalies are in

fact graves is not yet proven. Thiscould be difficult. Because of theacid nature 0'£ the granitic soils inthe locality, human remains woulddisappear after a period of time.But it is known that localAborigines buried their dead. Andover the millennia of Aboriginalexistence in Australia large num-bers of Aboriginals would havebeen buried and it would. not besurprising if many grave sitescould still be located today.Comparative chemical analysis orprofile studies of core samplestaken from anomalies and fromundisturbed ground might per-haps provide some useful answers.Reg has employed the technique

in the long disused Weetangeracemetery. The sites of knowngraves were readily picked up bythe technique. More importantly,it located and delineated severalgraves no longer visible on the sur-face. A trustee of the cemeteryknew of their existence but he didnot tell Reg precisely where theywere.On a receht visit to his sister in

Kansas, Reg was able to followand delineate sections of theOregon Trail and a number of longsince disappeared graves andbuilding sites. He was assisted byhis nephew who enjoys the sametalent for divining. ._

As well as grave sites, the tech-nique will also establish bothrecent and very old tracks, fe~celines, post holes and the exactground plans of old buildings. Itcan pick up surface objects, even afive cent coin left on the carpet.An important feature of the tech-

nique is that it differentiatesbetween undisturbed rocks andstones and those which have beenmoved. The significance of this inassessing whether stones or rocksare naturally or artificially posi-tioned will be obvious.Its use in tracing drain pipes has

long been recognised. Reg foundthat in America specially madestainless steel divining rods aresold in plumbing supply stores forVS$25 each. The rods used by Regare made from old coat hangers!He learned of the V-shape from apaper on Russian archaeology.As one much interested in Asian

affairs, I have been struck by thepossibility of using the techniquefor locating plastic mines. Thesehave caused enormous loss andsuffering in Cambodia andAfghanistan but do not respond tonormal mine detectors. The trou-ble is that the divining rodsrespond when the diviner isalmost immediately above theground disturbance sought.Vnless some means could be foundfor getting a response when theground disturbance is well aheadof the body, the technique wouldobviously be very dangerous:The scientific explanation for

divining is apparently stillunknown. It is not a rare phenom-enon though many people do nothave the ability. Its potential usesin national parks are clearly con--siderable in locating evidence ofhuman occupation and establish-ing the nature of long disappearedtracks and buildings. It wouldseem that more remains to bedone to prove the full applicabilityof the technique and no doubt the _- idea will, along the way, encoun-ter plenty of scepticism. But scep-tic BEWARE! You too may havebeen endowed by the Almightywith the gift and ability fordivining!

Alastair Morrison

NPA BULLETIN

Is there abody?Gudgenby valleystone arrangementsites

Shadow image of the grave at Site12 at the foot of a rock outcrop in .the Gudgenby valley produced bya pendulum method of divining.The outline was drawn on a pieceof paper placed over the grave andmarks made every 2-5 cms as theskeleton was traversed.Because of the long period since

interment it is unlikely that anybones are in the grave and theindications are from their decom-posed remains. Allowing for scat-ter, the scale closely followed theoutline of a human skeleton.The person was not without feet

but the paper used was not longenough.

Reg Alder

23

CalendarSEPTEMBERThursday 9 Namadgi subcommittee, phone Beverley Hammond, 288 6577Thursday 23 Environment subcommittee, phone Tim Walsh, 274 1465(w)

OCTOBERThursday 7Thursday 14.Thursday 28

Committee meeting 7.30 pm, 21 Hyndes Cr Holder, Beverley Hammond, 288 6577Namadgi subcommittee, phone Beverley Hammond, 288 6577Environment subcommittee, phone Tim Walsh, 274 'l465(w)

NOVEMBERMonday 1 Deadline for December BulletinThursday 4 Committee meeting 7.30 pm, 21 Hyndes Cr Holder, Beverley Hammond, 288 6577Thursday 11 Namadgi subcommittee, phone Beverley Hammond, 288 6577Thursday 25 Environment subcommittee, phone Tim Walsh, 274 1465(w)

DECEMBERThursday 2 Committee meeting 7.30 pm, 21 Hyndes Cr Holder, Beverley Hammond, 288 6577Thursday 9 Namadgi subcommittee, phone Beverley Hammond, 288 6577

NPA BulletinNational Parks Association of the ACTPO Box 40 Chifley ACT 2606

Registered Publication No. NBH0857

SURFACEMAIL

POSTAGE

pAID

AUSTRALIA

General meetingsHeld at 8pm, Room 1, Griffin Centre, Bunda Street, Civic.

Thursday 16 September: Ducks UnlimitedTony Sharley will address wetlands and river management issues and the role of Ducks Unlimited (Australia).

Thursday 20 October: Wildlife conservationHank Jenkins, from the Australian Nature Conservation Agency (formerly Australian National Parks and WildlifeService), will discuss the sustainable use of wildlife for resource conservation outside protected areas.

Thursday 18 November: The Commissioner for the EnvironmentJoe Baker will speak on his role as Commissioner for the Environment in the ACT and his thoughts on the ways heand NPA can work together.

December-No meeting.

NPA Christmas PartySunday 12 December 3 pm, Orroral Valley Picnic Area. Drinks, cheese and cake provided. Bring your own tea.

9/10 October Car CampThe Castle

16/31October pack walkVictoria's Great SWWalking Track

17 October Sunday walkBullen Range

16 October Saturday walk 2/B/CBooroomba Rocks area Ref: Corin 1:25000Leader: Murray Dow Phone: 257 4371 hMeet leader at Kambah Village shops at 9am. Starting at theBooroombaRocks car park a short walk to view occurrences ofEuc.Triplex, previously only known on the slopes ofMt. Lincoln(Blue Gum Hill). 60 kms $12 per car.

16 October Saturday Work partyNamadgi Work PartyLeader: Syd Comfort Phone: 286 2578 hPlease ring organiser for details ofwork and otherarrangements. Party will tackle either further track work inthe Tennent area or weed eradication in the Yankee Hat area.

2/A/DRef: Tidbinbilla

Tuggeranong 1:25000Leader: Syd Comfort Phone: 286 2578 hMeet leader at the comer ofEucumbene Drv and Cotter Rd at830am. From Flints crossing along the southern part ofBullenRange and on to the Murrumbidgee River. Partly on trackswith some steep pinches and scrub. 45 kms $9 per car.

23 October Saturday walk 1/ABlack Mtn Nature Ramble Ref: Canberra Street MapLeader: George Chippendale Phone: 281 2454 hMeet at the BelconnenWayentrance to BlackMtn reserve (several100metres to the East ofCaswell Drive) at 930am. Amorningramble to see the birds and flowers.Suitable for those aged4 to 80.Bring your morning tea, camera, binoculars etc. Finish midday.

20 October Wednesday walk 1/AiCMt. Gibraltar Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25000Leader: Beverley Hammond Phone: 288 6577 hMeet leader at the comer ofEucumbene Drv and Cotter Rd at930am. Climb steeply up firetrail from Tidbinbilla VisitorsCentre to Mt Gibraltar for spectacular views. Return throughthe bush for a total walk of 6kms. 60 kms $12 per car.

24 October Sunday walk 21A1CMiddle Orroral Valley Ref: Corin Dam 1:25000Leader: Mike Smith Phone: 286 2984 h 248 3624 wMeet at Kambah Villageshops at 830am.Awalk from theOrroral gate alongCotter Hut Rd until saddle at the weatherstation. Climbto unamed peak 1339mfor lunch and exploration.Continue on to Sawpit Creek and return along valley track via .RowleysHut. total climb400m. 100kms $20 per car.

17 October Spring FlingBotanic GardensContact: Doreen Wilson Phone: 288 5215 hVolunteers required to man the NPAdisplay tent in BotanicGardens on Sunday 17October. Get to talk with lots of people;also an opportunity to view areas ofbotanical interest notusually opened to public. Please phone Doreen at least 2 weeksprior to above date.

2/AIERef: CBW Sketch Map of

BudawangsLeader: Mick Kelly Phone: 241 2330 hPlease contact leader by the Wednesday, numbers limited. Myintention is to car camp on the YadboroRiver on the Fridaynight for an early 8am start for trek to The Castle (day packs).Walk up is onerous with a total climb of about 850metres. Notrecommended for beginners or those who can't handle heights,rock scrambling also involved. If time permits a quick trip toMonolithValley also on agenda. Sunday we may take in Mt.Pigeon House. 300 kms $60 per car.

2/3/4 October Car CampWomboyne Anglers Resort Ref: Narrabarba 1:25000Leader: Babette Scougall Phone: 248 7008 hContact leader byWednesday 29/9, earlier if van or cabinrequired. Resort is a commercial caravan park and cabin sitebyWomboyneLake. Explore the Northern end ofNadgeeNature Reserve, beach, lake and river walks. Fish, swim,watch birds and other wildlife...or just relax. 640 kms.

3/ARef: Nelson andPortland 1:100000

Leader: Eric and Pat Pickering Phone: 286 2128 hAwalk in Victoria's Nelson /Portland area with just a touch ofSA.Mainly in the Glenelg/DiscoveryBay/ RichmondNP's.Walk the limestone gorges of the Glenelg River (possible sidetrips to caves);experience the 60 km beach ofDiscoveryBay;and enjoy the rugged headlands ofCapes Montesqueiu,Duquesne, Bridgwater and Nelson. Contact Eric or Pat formore detail etc ASAP.

13 October WednesdayOutings Committee MeetingOutings Convenor: Mick KellyMeet at 1 Fitzmaurice St Kaleen at 730pm. to prepare outingsprogram for January to April. All are welcome.If unable toattend but willing to lead an outing please contact MickKellyon 2412330h.

~e note that Mick Kelly's pack walk to Mt Namadgi timefor 25/26 September (previous program) will now be held on18119 September. Departure from Canberra late afternoonFRIDAY 17. Exploratory segment also included.

14 October Thursday walk 2/ABooroomba Rocks Ref: ACT 1:100000Leader: Olive Buckman Phone: 248 8774 hPlease phone leader for details ofmeeting place and time. Apleasant walk on fire trails and track to Canberra view point,then some rock scrambling and scrub to the highest point ofthis vast granite outcrop, fine 360 degree views. Returnthrough light scrub to fire trail. 100kms $20 per car.

Outings programOctober to December 1993

Outings guideDay walks carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing.Pack walks two or more days, carry all food and camping

requirements. CONTACT LEADER BYWEDNESDAY.

Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent.Vehicles taken to site can be used forcamping. BOOK EARLYWITH LEADER.

Other activities include nature rambles, environmental andfield guide studies and ski tours.

Walks gradingsDistance grading (per day)I-up to 10km2 - 10 km to 15 km3 - 15 km to 20 km4 - above 20 km.Terrain gradingA - Road, fire trail, trackB - Open forestC - Light scrubD - Patches of thick scrub, regrowthE - Rock scramblingF - Exploratory.The walks program contains additional information. Ifnecessary, contact the leader.

13/14NovemberPack walkMt.KellyLeader: Frank Clements

20/21NovemberPack walkKiandra area

30October Saturday (forestry outing)Tallaganda State Forest. .Leader: TomAldredContact for outing: MickKelly Phone: 2412330hThis outing timed for 31 July previous program was cancelleddue to the weather etc. Details are the same as printed in ourJuly to September Outings Program

30/31October Canoe trip Ref:BraidwoodEasy whitewater canoe trip Araluen 1:100000Leader: Chris Bellamy Phone: 2497167hPaddle through easy whitewater on either the Shoalhaven orDeua rivers, enjoy wildlife, scenery and the fun in your own orhired canoe. Camp out on Saturday night. A good introductionfor beginners to easy whitewater. Please ring leader by theprevious Wednesday. 300kms $75 per car.

2NovemberTuesday walk VAMichelagoCk Ref:1:25000Leader: Margaret Roseby Phone: 2883679hMeet in the carpark of Tuggeranong Swimming Pool (justacross from swimming pool) at 9:30am. Stroll down creek bedof (Michelago Ck) past old mining relics to boil the billy on thebanks of the 'Bidgee. 140kms $28 per car.

6NovemberSaturday walk 3/B/CIDMt.McKeahine Ref:Corin 1:25000Leader: Murray Dow Phone: 2574731hMeet leader at Kambah Village shops at 8am. Starting fromCorin Rd where it crosses Kangaroo Ck. Walk through openforest and interesting rock formations and view the SpinningGums on Mt. McKeahine. Not for beginners. 70kms $14 per car.

6/7/8NovemberPack walk VAIBCotter Gap and beyond . Ref:ACT1:100000Leader: Beverley Hammond Phone: 2886577hContact the leader by the Wednesday for details. Walk 9 Kmsfrom Orroral Valley gate up the firetrail and along track toCotter Gap for camp. Without packs visit the magnificentCotter Rocks and Cotter Hut. Return on the Sunday or Mondaydepending on your work situation. 100kms $20 per car.

4/AIDRef:Yaoukand

RendezvousCk 1:25000Phone: 2317005h

Contact leader by the Wednesday for details. A pack walk to Mt.Kelly the old way, via Gudenby Saddle, Naas Ck, and Sam's Ck.Alternative return routes available. 100kms $2Oper car.

13/14NovemberCar camp VAWombeyanCaves Ref:Richlands 1:25000Leader: Len Haskew Phone: 2814268hContact leader by the Wednesday for details. Camp with bowerbirds and wallabies. Pleasant strolls along nature trails toviews or waterfall. Explore a cave or two. 300kms $60 percar.

aovember Thursday walk eARed RocksMurrumbidgee Ref:Canberra street mapLeader: OliveBuckman Phone: 2488774hPhone leader for details of meeting place and time. A differentapproach via the Urambi Hills. We will ha~e lunch at thegorge; swimming available weather permitting. Total distanceabout 8kms

20NovemberSaturday walk 2/CIE/FBungonia Gorge and Falls Ref:Caoura 1:25000Leader: MikeSmith Phone: 2862984h 2483624wMeet at Southwell Park and comer of Northbourne Ave at8am. Hard descent 400m to the Bungonia gorge via the steep"effiux" route. Explore the gorge then follow Bungonia creekupstream towards Bungonia and Jerrera Falls. Rockscrambling required to get to the falls but the less adventurouscould stay and swim at pool and cascade before the rockblockup. Retrace steps to return. 250 kms $50 per car.

3/AIBRef::Tantangara &

Y/Billy1:100000Leader: Steven Forst Phone: 2516817h 2748426wPlease contact leader by the Wednesday for details. A walkfrom Kiandra goldfields to Four Mile Hut and possibly BrokenDam Hut exploring the tributaries of Four Mile Ck. 350 kms470 per car.

28NovemberSunday walk 3/AUpper Orroral Valley Ref:Corin Dam1:25000Leader: RegAlder Ph. 2542240hMeet at Kambah Village shops at 830am. A 16 km walk up thefire trail to the peak at 1339m and down to Sawpit Ckreturning via the Valley. 100kms 20 per car.

27/28NovemberPack walk 1/D1EIFTianjara and Yarrayumyum Cks Ref:Sassafras 1:25000Leader: Eric and Pat Pickering Phone: 2862128hThe creeks are located in the Morton NP about half way alongthe Turpentine to Nowra Rd. I propose to enter Tianjara Ckclose to the famous falls for a close up view; then walkdownstream to the junction with Yarrayumyum Ck hoping fora reasonable camping site. On Sunday we exit via a convenientspur after a morning side trip with day packs to theheadwaters ofYarrayumyum. 350 kms $70 per car.

28NovemberSundayDawes Island t1atwater canoe trip Ref:Yass1:50000Leader: Chris Bellamy Phone: 2497167hPlease phone leader by the Wednesday for details of meeting.place and times. Easy day trip, launching from Hume Park oneastern part of Burrunjuck, paddling to Dawes Island for lunchand return, on quiet sheltered waters. Hume Park is a 1 hourdrive from Civic. A good introduction for beginners, BYO canoeor hire. 150 kms $30 per car.

1DecemberWednesdaywalk VA.Back O'Bredbo Ref:Colinton 1:25000Leader: Margaret Roseby Phone: 2883679hMeet at Kambah Village shops at 9:30am. A 12 km walk fromthe "Roseby Built" bridge along the Murrumbidgee for views ofthe Colinton Gorge. Swimming if desired. 200 kms $40 per car.

5December Sunday walk 4/AIBIESentry BoxMtn Ref:Yaouk 1:25000Leader: MickKelly Phone: 2412330hContact leader for details by the Wednesday. I intend to departfrom Naas Ck carpark about 8am, walk along Old Boboyan Rdto climb Sentry Box Moo and visit Sentry Box Rock. Greatviews. Depending on time etc may return via Grassy Ck. Totalclimb 600 m. Not suitable for beginners. 150 kms $30 per car

4/5DecemberPack walk 2/AIBShoalhaven Ref:Caoura 1:25000Leader: Steven Forst Phone: 2516817h 2748426wA short walk down Long Point to camp on the ShoalhavenRiver. Optional day walk up into Bun Canyon or just wanderby the shores of Lake Louise; possibly a Friday evening start ifpeople interested. 300kms $60 per car.

12DecemberSundayXmasParty Ref:Rendezvous Ck 1:25000Leader: Beverley Hammond Phone: 2886577h. Meet at the Orroral Valley picnic ground at 3pm for the annualNPA Christmas get together. Members and friends welcome.Bring a picnic tea.

Points to noteNew faces to lead, new places to go. Please help keep our outingsprogram alive by volunteering to lead a walk occasionally.

All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Associationof the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and as such acceptsole responsibility for any injury howsoever incurred and theNational Parks Association of the ACT, its office bearers andappointed leaders are absolved from any liability in respect of anyinjury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing.

The committee suggests a donation of TWENTY cents perkilometre DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS in thecar, including the driver, (to the nearest dollar) be offered to thedriver by each passenger accepting transport. Drive and walkdistances quoted in the program are approximate distances forreturn journeys.