Caring for Country — The Otways and You - Parks Victoria

CARING FOR COUNTRY — THE OTWAYS AND YOUGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest ParkManagement PlanDecember 2009

Published in December 2009 byParks Victoria, Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000and the Department of Sustainability and Environment, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne 3002Parks Victoria and DSE 2009, Caring for Country — The Otways and You. Great Otway National Park and Otway ForestPark Management Plan, Parks Victoria and DSE, MelbourneCover photos from top left: Gunditjmara and Kirrae Whurrong dance group (Photo: Terry Woodcroft), and Melba Gully,Spot-tailed Quoll and Cora Lynn Cascades (Photos: Parks Victoria)National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entryCaring for Country — The Otways and You.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest ParkManagement Plan / Parks Victoria andDept of Sustainability and EnvironmentISBN 9780731183845 (pbk)Bibliography.National parks and reserves--Victoria--Otway Range.Tourism--Victoria--Otway Range--Planning.Recreation--Victoria--Otway Range--Planning.Otway National Park (Vic.)Otway Forest Park (Vic.)Parks Victoria.Victoria. Dept of Sustainability and Environment333.783099457AcknowledgementsAcknowledgement of Country: In their rich culture, Aboriginal Australians are intrinsically connectedto the continent — including the area now known as Victoria. Parks Victoria and the Department ofSustainability and Environment recognise that the parks are part of Country of the Traditional Owners.Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment are grateful to all thoseorganisations and individuals who have contributed to this Management Plan.Note:Technical terms used in this plan are explained in the Glossary at the end of the plan.DisclaimersThis plan is prepared without prejudice to any negotiated or litigated outcome of any native title determination applicationscovering land or waters in the plan’s area. It is acknowledged that any future outcomes of native title determinationapplications may necessitate amendment of this plan; and the implementation of this plan may require further notificationsunder the procedures in Division 3 of Part 2 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth).The plan is also prepared without prejudice to any future negotiated outcomes between the Government/s and VictorianAboriginal communities. It is acknowledged that such negotiated outcomes may necessitate amendment of this plan.Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this plan is accurate. Parks Victoria and the Department ofSustainability and Environment do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims allliability for any error, loss or other consequence that may arise from you relying on any information in the publication.Text printed on 100% recycled paper to help save our natural environmentiiGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

FOREWORDGreat Otway National Park protects extensiveforest and much of the coastline betweenTorquay and Princetown in south-westVictoria. Otway Forest Park includes mountainand foothill forests on the northern fall of theOtway range, adjacent to the national park.The Otways have always been, and willcontinue to be, a place for people. The creationof the parks represented substantial progress inachieving a major change in direction for themanagement of public land in the Otways. Theparks make a substantial contribution to theconservation of biodiversity and culturalvalues. They will also continue to be animportant aspect of local lifestyles and supporta broad range of nature based recreationexperiences and a vibrant regional tourismindustry.Parks play a vital role in ensuring the healthand wellbeing of society by providing clean airand water, protecting biodiversity and habitatfor native species, sequestering carbon andother ecosystem services. Parks also provideopportunities to connect with each other in anatural setting thereby reducing stress. HealthyParks Healthy People is all about conservingthe natural and cultural values to sustaincommunities.The parks are an integral part of KirraeWhurrong, Gulidjan, Gadubanud andWathaurong Country, and Parks Victoria andthe Department of Sustainability andEnvironment are working with TraditionalOwners and other Indigenous people tosupport greater involvement in management ofparks.This approved plan establishes a shared visionfor management and clear strategic goals forthe long-term management of the parks. Aheadlies a challenge to involve the wider Otwayand Victorian communities, visitors andgovernment agencies in implementing the planto achieve the shared vision of protecting theparks for the enjoyment of current and futuregenerations.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Planiii

APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLANThis management plan, prepared under section 17of the National Parks Act 1975 (Vic.) and section22 of the Forests Act 1958 (Vic.), is approved forimplementation.The plan provides the basis for the futuremanagement of Great Otway National Park andOtway Forest Park. It was finalised followingconsideration of the 493 submissions and 367additional comments received on the DraftManagement Plan.ivGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

ContentsTABLESFIGURES1 Management zones and overlays 142 Summary of permitted activities 153 Management of visitor sites and services 464 Management of walking and shared tracks and routes 535 Designated companion dog area in Great Otway National Park 606 Roads open for horse riding in Great Otway National Park 631 Management zoning End of plan2 Visitor access and facilities "viiiGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

1 INTRODUCTION1.1 Location and planning areaThe planning area comprises Great OtwayNational Park and Otway Forest Park.Together the parks total just over 140 000 haand are located south-west of Melbournebetween Torquay and Princetown, extendingfrom the coast almost to the Princes Highway.Great Otway National Park (103 185 ha)includes extensive forests and heathlands onmuch of the southern fall and many northernareas of the Otway Ranges, and much of thecoastline between Torquay in the east andPrincetown in the west. Its coastal boundary isgenerally the low water mark (figure 1).Otway Forest Park (39 520) generally includesmountain and foothill forests on the northernfall of the Otway Ranges, much of which isadjacent to Great Otway National Park (figure1).These parks encompass a significant portion ofthe Otway Ranges and foothills. Both parkscomprise large blocks of public land, but notall the blocks are contiguous. There are manyprivate land holdings and small ruralcommunities interspersed with, and adjacent tothe parks, and several larger towns nearby,including Colac, Anglesea and Apollo Bay.Within the planning area, Great OtwayNational Park includes:• eight reference areas: Aquila Creek, CalderRiver, Crinoline Creek, Olangolah Creek,Painkalac Creek, Parker River, PorcupineCreek and Stony Creek• the majority of the Aire Heritage Rivercorridor• two Designated Water Supply CatchmentAreas covering five different areas (section8.4)• parts of several Special Water SupplyCatchment Areas that also cover parts ofthe forest park (section 8.4).The Great Ocean Road, Beech Forest Road,Carlisle–Colac Road, Colac–Lavers Hill Road,Deans Marsh– Lorne Road, Forrest–ApolloBay Road, Gellibrand River Road, LaversHill–Cobden Road, Otway Lighthouse Road,Princetown Road and Skenes Creek Road areexcluded from the parks.1.2 Creation of the parksThe Victorian Environmental AssessmentCouncil (VEAC) commenced an investigationrelating to Angahook–Lorne State Park in2002. Since the 1980s, the environmentalcommunity advocated for the cessation oflogging in the Otways (section 2.3). Thepurpose of the investigation was laterexpanded to include the investigation of asingle national park in the Otway Ranges andthe addition of State forest areas to theprotected area network.The Council’s final report (VEAC 2004) wasreleased in November 2004 after extensiveresearch, analysis and community consultation.The majority of the final recommendationswere accepted by the Victorian Government(Government of Victoria 2005); including thecreation of a large new national park, a forestpark and three new reference areas (PorcupineCreek, Aquila Creek and Painkalac Creek).Great Otway National Park was included onSchedule Two to the National Parks Act 1975(Vic.) on 11 December 2005. It includes theformer Otway National Park and Melba GullyState Park, most of Angahook–Lorne StatePark and Carlisle State Park, a number offormer State forest areas, many smallerreserves and other areas of public land. Land atIronbark Basin, Sabine Falls and multiple areasformerly owned and managed by watercorporations were added to the national park in2006.Following amendments to the Crown Land(Reserves) Act 1978 (Vic.) and the Forests Act1958 (Vic.), Otway Forest Park wasproclaimed on 24 October 2006. Otway ForestPark includes former Otway State Forest areas,Karwarren Regional Park and other smallerreserves.1.3 National park and Forest parkGreat Otway National Park and Otway ForestPark complement each other and togetherprovide for natural and cultural valuesconservation, the provision of tourism andrecreation experiences, and access to forestGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 1

Introductionproducts across the Otways. The parks aremanaged under separate legislation and, insome cases, policies, guidelines andprescriptions (sections 2.5 and 2.6).The Great Otway National Park is managedunder the National Parks Act, to preserve andprotect its natural condition for use, enjoymentand education of the public, and for protectionof indigenous flora and fauna, and features ofscenic, archaeological, ecological, geologicalhistoric or other scientific interest. Protectingwater quality and yield is the paramountconsideration in managing Designated WaterSupply Catchment Areas (appendix 1).The Otway Forest Park is managed under theForests Act. The park is managed to: (i)provide opportunities for informal recreationassociated with the enjoyment of naturalsurroundings (ii) protect and conservebiodiversity, natural and cultural features andwater supply catchments; and (iii) supply alimited range of natural resource products(appendix 1).1.4 Plan developmentThis Management Plan for the parks wasprepared by Parks Victoria and the Departmentof Sustainability and Environment (DSE), withsignificant input from agencies and the widercommunity. It takes into account legislation,land use proclamations, policies, reports,research findings and community knowledgeand aspirations that relate to the parks.In particular, the plan builds on thegovernment response to the VEACrecommendations (Government of Victoria2005), and the creation of the parks in 2005and 2006.The plan content has further been informed byan extensive community engagement programunder the guidance of the Otways LandscapeCommunity Council (OLCC), appointed by theMinister for Environment in 2006. The OLCCcomprised seven members and a chairpersonwith good community networks and a stronginterest in the Otways. Public comment wasinvited on three draft plans from 14 March to 2June 2008, the Draft Management Plan, theDraft Recreation and Tourism Access Plan(Parks Victoria & DSE 2008b) and the DraftHeritage Action Plan (Parks Victoria & DSE2008a).Various opportunities were given for commentincluding by post, email, fax, in person at‘open house’ public forums and via an ‘eforum’internet discussion board. A total of493 formal written submissions and 367comments were received from organisations,groups and individuals (appendix 5). Thesewere carefully considered in the preparation ofthis approved plan.The plan is a strategic guide for managers ofthe park. It informs the development of yearlycorporate plans, serves as a framework forsubsequent detailed planning and governsmanagement activities. However, as a publicdocument, this plan is intended to beinformative for a wider, non-specialistaudience.Key changes made to the draft managementplan in preparing this approved managementplan included:• incorporation of the key elements DraftRecreation and Tourism Access Plan andDraft Heritage Action Plan (Parks Victoria& DSE 2008a & 2008b) into a singlelandscape–scale strategic plan to guidemanagement of the parks• retaining these two draft documents asimportant resource material for futuremanagement of the parks• an enhanced focus on Traditional Ownerpartnerships and improving Aboriginalrepresentation and involvement in decisionmaking and management of the parks• emphasis on integration of partnershipswith community groups and agencies withcommon goals relating to the area• improving protection for environmentalvalues by assigning a conservation zone inthe national park, based on currentbiodiversity condition modelling, andspecial protection zone in the forest park,based on the special protection zone in theWest Victoria Regional Forest Agreement• improving protection for ecosystemservices and water quality through theimplementation of closed catchments forDesignated Water Supply Catchments• providing greater emphasis on integratedfire management and protection ofcommunities2 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Introduction• clear criteria for assessment of all newdevelopment proposals in the parks todetermine suitability, priority and timing• further refinement of access to ensure asustainable approach for the variety of usesand more detailed information aboutvisitor sites and facilities, walking andshared tracks and routes, and areasavailable for dog walking and horse riding• generally adopting the less restrictiveoption for dog access areas in the nationalpark and no timing restrictions on beachaccess for horses• restructuring the plan with separatesections added to give clearer direction for• Traditional Owner partnerships andAboriginal involvement in the parks’management• recreational fishing• events and commercial activities• development assessment criteria• and removal of the section oncommercial timber harvesting ascommercial timber harvesting in theForest Park has been completed.• inclusion of tourism initiatives such as thedevelopment of a nature-basedaccommodation ‘eco-lodge’, demountableaccommodation, Indigenous tourism andhistoric heritage tourism as tourismdirections. These are exciting potentialopportunities requiring further assessmentand planning, and exploration ofpartnerships with the private and publicsectors.This plan replaces the following managementplans:• Angahook–Lorne State Park ManagementPlan (Parks Victoria 1999)• Otway National Park Management Plan(NRE 1996a)• Melba Gully State Park Management Plan(NRE 1996b)• Carlisle State Park Management Plan(Parks Victoria 1998)• Forest Management Plan for the OtwayForest Management Area (DCE 1992).Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 3

2 BASIS2.1 Regional contextThe coasts, rivers, mountains, heath lands andforests of Great Otway National Park andOtway Forest Park are some of the manydiverse highlights in this region known as theOtway Ranges. Agricultural land, timberplantations, the Great Ocean Road, coastaltowns and rural towns are also prominent inthe landscape. This landscape, the parks, andplaces in the parks have special value to manypeople, including Aboriginal communities,local residents and visitors.Aboriginal tradition indicates that the parks arepart of Country of the Gadubanud,Wathaurong, Gulidjan and Kirrae Whurrongpeople. Relevant local Aboriginalorganisations include the Traditional Owners(Kirrae Whurrong, Gulidjan and Wathurong).The Framlingham Aboriginal Trust andWathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative are alsoimportant local Aboriginal groups with astrong interest in the parks. Many Aboriginalpeople residing in the region may not beassociated with any of these groups. OtherAboriginal people may reside outside theregion but have an historic or traditional linkwith it.Together, Great Otway National Park andOtway Forest Park provide a complementarysuite of opportunities for enhanced natureconservation, protection of cultural andlifestyle values and outstanding recreation andtourism experiences on public land.Great Otway National Park is a park ofnational significance, and was establishedbased on national criteria for conservation. Thecoordinated management of Great OtwayNational Park and Otway Forest Park furtherenhances the network of parks and provides fora regional, landscape-scale approach tomanaging biodiversity, natural resources andthe provision of ecosystem services.The two parks contain an enormous diversityof life, with ecosystems ranging from oceanbeaches to cool temperate rainforest. Sevennational and Victorian bioregions arerepresented in the parks. Most ecosystems arein good condition and are protected in areaslarge enough to sustain largely naturalecological processes.Several important water catchments are withinthe parks: the majority of the Otway CoastBasin and part of the Barwon Basin. Thesecatchments, part of the CorangamiteCatchment Management Authority Region(section 4.4) contain important water supplycatchments for townships betweenWarrnambool and Geelong (section 8.4).The parks are a keystone for managing crosstenureland management issues in the Otwayssuch as road management, recreation, pestplants and animals, and wildfire. Cross-tenureco-operation and integrated planning withother authorities and private land owners iscrucial to delivering outcomes.The parks are within the Surf Coast,Corangamite and Colac Otway Shires. Thecreation of these parks and the cessation ofsawlog and pulpwood harvesting on publicland in the Otways in 2008 had significanteconomic and social implications for theseshires and the Otways region. There are nowincreased opportunities in plantation forestryand a strengthened future for key industriesassociated with tourism and recreation.Great Otway National Park is an integralelement of Victoria’s most popular regionaltourism destination. The Great Ocean Road, anAustralian National Landscape (section 2.2)and internationally recognised touring route,winds through Great Otway National Park andprovides access to many of the park’sattractions.Other nearby parks include:• Port Campbell National Park• Twelve Apostles and Point Addis MarineNational Parks• The Arches, Marengo Reefs and EagleRock Marine Sanctuaries• Anglesea Heath (Alcoa lease area).2.2 Park significance and valuesGreat Otway National Park and Otway ForestPark make a valuable contribution toVictoria’s parks and reserves system, which4 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Basisaims to protect viable, comprehensive,adequate and representative examples of theState’s natural environments, along withproviding opportunities for visitors to enjoyand appreciate the natural environment andnatural and cultural features.The forest park offers Otway communities theopportunity to continue to enjoy the lifestylebenefits associated with living near large areasof bushland, including sustainable firewoodand minor forest produce collection, and variedrecreation opportunities.Great Otway National Park is assigned theIUCN – World Conservation Union CategoryII of the United Nations List of National Parksand Protected Areas. Category II areas aremanaged mainly for ecosystem conservationand recreation. On a statewide basis thenational park is rated as very high for theprotection of natural values.Otway Forest Park is a new land use categoryfor Victoria and is not assigned an IUCNcategory.The Great Ocean Road National Landscapehas been included in the National LandscapesList which contains the best of Australia’snatural and cultural landscapes.Many areas have been included on the Registerof the National Estate and are now part of theparks, including:• the former Angahook–Lorne State Parkand adjacent areas• Anglesea Heath – Bald Hills Area• Cape Otway Lightstation• the former Melba Gully State Park• the former Otway National Park andadjacent areas• Otway Stonefly Habitat – Maits Rest• Urquhart Bluff area• the headwaters of Lake Elizabeth.Significant existing features and opportunitiesof the parks include the following:Natural• Large areas of intact native vegetation andhabitats of the Otway Ranges, OtwayPlain, Warrnambool Plain bioregions(section 4.5)• Areas of forest in excellent condition,including old growth forest, cool temperaterainforests and wet forests (section 4.5 andappendix 2)• Large portions of the Barwon and OtwayCoast river basins, linking largelyunmodified headwaters to streams andrivers including the Aire, Gellibrand andBarwon rivers, then on to estuaries and thesea (section 4.4)• A large area of essentially unmodifiedcoastline, linking the land to marineecosystems and marine national parks(section 4.4)• An abundance of biodiversity, with manyspecies and communities found nowhereelse in Victoria, some of which are rareand threatened, and including some speciesof national significance such as the SpottailedQuoll, Smoky Mouse and TallAstelia (sections 4.5, 4.6 and appendices 3and 4)• Many sites of geological andgeomorphological significance includingArtillery Rocks, Dinosaur Cove, LionHeadland, Moonlight Head to MilanesiaBeach, Point Sturt and View Point (section4.3)• The majority of the Aire Heritage Rivercorridor (section 4.4).Cultural• A rich cultural landscape linked throughstories, family, tradition, lore, song,spirituality and contemporary meaning tothe Traditional Owners of Country (section5.1)• Many significant Aboriginal places andobjects (section 5.1)• Cape Otway Lightstation, historic placesand relics associated with ship travel andshipwrecks (section 5.2)• Significant historic places includingsawmills, tramways and sites with a longtourism history (section 5.2)• Many sites of social significance to whichpeople feel a strong connection (section5.3).Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 5

BasisRecreation and tourism• A diverse range of lifestyle and recreationopportunities for communities adjacent tothe parks – for local permanent residentsand holiday home owners• Regionally, nationally and internationallysignificant tourist attractions, close toaccess routes and accommodation, such asspectacular coastal scenery along the GreatOcean Road, access to beautiful beaches,clifftop lookouts, picnic areas, historicsites, waterfalls and walking tracks such asthe Great Ocean Walk (section 6.1)• Opportunities for exploration by visitors ofall mobility and fitness levels, oninfrastructure ranging from boardwalksand short loops to longer and morestrenuous walking tracks (sections 6.4 and6.5)• Various opportunities for overnighting inthe parks or in adjoining privateaccommodation – including dispersedcamping, designated secluded orcommunal campsites, high qualitydemountable accommodation/standingcamps, and links to off-parkaccommodation providers in closeproximity (sections 6.1 and 6.6)• Specific provision for particular recreationactivities such as maintaining access forrecreational fishing including to remotebeaches for fishing or surfing, routes forvehicle touring, dedicated mountain biketracks, areas promoted for horse riding, anextensive network of walking tracksincluding walk-in-only camp sites, roughroads with a recreational 4WD trackclassification, trail bike unloading areas,launch sites for hang gliding, andconvenient places for dog walking• Opportunities for controlled educationalexperiences for school groups and guidedor self-guided tours, with interpretive‘nature trails’ and short and medium loopwalks at several key feature sites (sections6.2 and 6.4).Community use• Surface and groundwater catchments forpiped domestic and industrial water supplyfor the communities of the region,including Otway-sourced reticulated waterfor approximately 285 000 people, andindustries including milk and food, timberand paper, fishing and seafood textiles andclothing, automotive parts, fertiliser andmetal production (section 8.4)• Natural flows of rivers and ground waterfor irrigated agriculture (crops, vegetables,fruit growing and viticulture), andsignificant dairying, beef, sheep and woolindustries (section 4.4)• Lifestyle and health benefits associatedwith access to areas of pleasant naturalbushland and spectacular scenery for avariety of healthy activities such aswalking, cycling, horse riding and dogwalking, or just spending time with friendsand family• A range of natural resources forsustainable utilisation, including firewood,minor forest product collection, huntingand beekeeping in the forest park, andfishing in both parks• The basis for continued growth of naturebasedtourism associated with the parksand the region, providing economicopportunities for accommodationproviders, food and services providers, andrecreation, tourism and educationoperators.2.3 Past uses of the parksGadubanud, Wathaurong, Kirrae Whurrongand Gulidjan people have a timeless link withOtways Country. Middens and other sitesalong the coast provide an extensivearchaeological record of historic Aboriginalculture and indicate that many people livedalong the Otway coastline for thousands ofyears. Maintaining knowledge of culture hasbeen challenging for Aboriginal communitiesin Victoria, but many aspects of Gadubanud,Wathaurong, Kirrae Whurrong and Gulidjancultural heritage have been well documentedand continue to this day. Many non-physicalaspects such as stories and spiritualconnections remain important to both historicand contemporary Aboriginal life. WithinGreat Otway National Park and Otway ForestPark this connection is reflected in an ongoingdesire to care for Country.6 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

BasisThe Otways played a part in the early days ofEuropean settlement of Victoria, with sealersoperating along the coast from about 1800,whaling active in the Apollo Bay area from the1820s to 1840s, and Governor La Trobeexploring a route to Cape Otway from the westin 1846.Completed in 1848, the Cape OtwayLighthouse was built in response to numerousshipwrecks and increased shipping in BassStrait. Stone came from a quarry at ParkerRiver and supplies were landed at BlanketBay. A telegraph station was built in 1859which played an important role incommunicating shipping movements. Now inGreat Otway National Park, the Lightstationprecinct contains many important historic sitesand contributes to the spectacular vista of CapeOtway.Coastal and low lying areas were taken up forgrazing by the late 1840s, with several largeruns established. The densely forested Otwayranges, however, were not very suitable foragriculture. From the 1870s the colonialgovernment promoted settlement and releasedlarge tracts of forested country, demonstratinga lack of understanding of the land and itsvalues and capability and leading to manyfailures. Examples of abandoned farms now inthe parks are found in the Carlisle area, in theAire Valley and south of Triplet Falls.Many forest areas in the Otway parks have ahistory of logging activity. From a modest startnear present-day Lorne in the late 1840s,logging and milling of hardwood timberinitially grew in coastal areas and utilised boattransport, such as cutting railway sleepers nearApollo Bay where the local population swelledto about 1000 in 1862. Logging and millinggrew to be the dominant industry in theOtways, with over 200 mills, making it one ofthe State’s most productive forest regions. Thetimber was used to build railways, regionalcities and towns and in goldmining operations,and made major economic and socialcontributions to many local communities.Important mills included Henry’s (south ofForrest), Henry’s No 1 mill on the BarwonRiver, Knotts No 1 and Knotts No 3 mill nearWyelangata. Numerous timber tramwayswinding through the forest fed timber to arailway network. The Beechy Line railwaybuilt from Colac to Beech Forest in 1902serviced about 100 mills and led to theharvesting of large quantities of timber.Birnum Station remains in the parks today andthe line has become a recreational rail trail. Inmore recent times forestry tracks were openedup to access coupes, and many remain,providing an extensive network formanagement and recreational access.Experimental softwood plantations wereestablished in areas including the Aire Valleywith a large work camp set up alongside theAire River. In 1936, Redwoods (Sequoiasempervirens) were planted at the camp site;now about 100 remain and form a cathedrallikesetting next to the river. Timberproduction later declined as a result of reduceddemand in the Depression years and otherfactors.Beginning in the 1980s, an activeenvironmental movement advocated thecessation of logging in the Otways and protestswere held at a range of sites in the forestincluding Cianncio Creek, Sabine Falls, WildDogs Ridge and Rileys Ridge (seewww.oren.org.au). A shift occurred in publicand political opinion towards forestconservation. Great Otway National Park,incorporating some of these sites and OtwaysForest Park were recommended by VEAC andestablished in 2005 and 2006 respectively.Logging on public land in the Otways ceasedin 2008.Major wildfires occurred within the OtwayRanges in 1851, 1886, 1898, 1919, 1926, 1939,1951 and 1983. Following serious loss of lifeand the destruction of many mills in the 1939bushfires, a network of fire observation towerswas constructed including Peters Hill, MtCowley, Crowes, Mt Pordon and Mt Sabine.The Mt Sabine tower is the only original towerremaining in the parks.The Ash Wednesday fire in 1983 started inDean’s Marsh, and burnt over 41 000 ha underextreme conditions. Three lives were lost and729 houses destroyed in coastal townshipsincluding Lorne, Fairhaven and Aireys Inlet.The parks have a long history of tourism.Attractive natural settings became popular inthe late nineteenth century, and increasingnumbers of people visited beaches, waterfallsand forests in accessible parts of the Otways. Aformal track was constructed to Erskine Fallsnear Lorne in 1890. Other popular locationsGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 7

Basisincluded Kalimna Falls, Cora Lyn Cascades,Cumberland Falls and Sheoak Falls. Lorne andApollo Bay became popular tourist localitiesand Colac became a stepping-off point toforest sites such as Triplet Falls, HopetounFalls, Beauchamp Falls, Maits Rest and MelbaGully. Fishing and hunting were also popular.The Great Ocean Road was constructed withthe labour of returned servicemen from theFirst World War. Completion of the GreatOcean Road in 1932 led to a transformation inuse of the Otways. Reliable vehicle access toparts of the coast and hinterland becamepossible, visitor numbers grew steadily and aburgeoning tourism industry developed, withthe road becoming recognised as one of theworld’s most scenic touring routes. Manyspecial places along the Great Ocean Roadbecame popular stopping points. In response toincreasing demand, dedicated visitor facilitiessuch as lookouts, car parks and walking trackshave been developed.2.4 Park visitation and experiencesThe Great Ocean Road region attractsapproximately 4 million day trip visitors and2.4 million domestic overnight visitors peryear, spending approximately 62 milliondollars in the region. Visitors from outside theregion account for 65% of visitors to the area.Of these, 87% are from Victoria and 60% arefrom Melbourne. The number of day trips tothe area is declining, while overnight trips andinternational visitor numbers are increasing(Tourism Victoria 2006).Many towns in the Otways are surrounded bythe parks, which makes the parks veryimportant to permanent and seasonal residents.These residents account for 35% of all visitorsto the parks (Parks Victoria unpublished data).Visitor research for the year 2005/2006 hasestimated that just over one million visitorsvisited the Great Otway National Park. Manyvisited multiple times, representing 2.3 millionsite visits. The Great Ocean Road is the main‘supply’ of visitors with Erskine Falls, MaitsRest, Point Addis, Southside (Bells Beachsouth) and Urquhart Bluff all receiving over100 000 visits per annum. Triplet Falls is themost popular hinterland site with 82 500 visitsper annum (Parks Victoria 2007d).Together, the features and facilities of theGreat Otway National Park and Otway ForestPark provide a complementary suite of publicland opportunities for outstanding recreationand tourism experiences.For the car or motorcycle-based tourist, thetwists and turns of the Great Ocean Road andhinterland routes reveal dramatic coastal andforest views, showcase lush forests, rainforestgullies and heathlands, wildlife viewingopportunities, and vibrant tourist resort townsand rustic scenes of rolling hills and ruralsettlements.For four-wheel-drivers and trail bike riders, anextensive network of roads and tracks providesmany opportunities to get off the bitumen andonto rough, winding and steep sections toexperience freedom, adventure and challenges.Visitor sites provide opportunities for vehiclebasedcamping and socialising within theparks.For bushwalkers the variety of landforms andvegetation, combined with easy access,provides opportunities for enjoyablebushwalking experiences from easier shortwalks at popular natural points of interest, tofull day and overnight walks with increasedchallenges and deeper immersion in the naturalenvironment.For cyclists, the dramatic coastal stretches andforested hills of the hinterland offer a numberof routes for sealed road cycle touring, andmany unsealed roads offer adventurous roughroadcycle touring and mountain biking.Dedicated mountain bike trails (single track)offer technical challenges in a user-friendlyenvironment.The enjoyment of dogs, in companionship,exercising in nature, and interaction with otherdogs and dog owners is a popular and highlyvalued part of the Otways experience for manypeople.For horse riders, the parks offer opportunitiesto experience enjoyable riding throughbushland, forests and beaches. Riders canselect routes ranging from short, easy loops tomore challenging or long distance ridesinvolving camping.The Otway Forest Park offers huntersopportunities to pursue their pastime and enjoythe natural bush environments.The long sandy beaches and exposedheadlands provide world-renowned surf breaks8 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Basisand patrolled swimming beaches, all instunning natural settings with easy access totownships for refreshments.A range of natural waterways and ocean forfishing (including rivers, estuaries, rockplatforms and beaches) allows either anisolated or more social angling experience.Visitors who enjoy recreational boating use arange of natural and clean coastal and inlandwaterways, with basic launching facilities andsupplies available from nearby townships.For hang-gliders and paragliders, strongonshore winds and the tall, vertical cliffsprovide ideal conditions for hang-gliding andparagliding throughout much of the year, withthe spectacular coastal scenery making forthrilling gliding experiences.For some visitors, the most memorable part ofan Otway visit is a helicopter or light planesightseeing flight, often along the coast enroute to viewing the Twelve Apostles in thePort Campbell National Park.For many local community members thecollection of firewood for cooking and heatingis an enjoyable aspect of a rural lifestyle.2.5 Legislation and VEAC outcomesLegislationGreat Otway National ParkGreat Otway National Park was created and ismanaged under the National Parks Act. Theprovisions of section 4 and section 17 of theAct set the objectives for management ofnational parks. The Act also makes specificprovision for the lease of the Cape OtwayLightstation area for appropriate recreation andtourism that is consistent with the conservationof heritage values.The Act defines two Designated Water SupplyCatchment Areas (comprising five differentareas – see section 8.4) in the national park.These are to be jointly managed with therelevant water corporations, with theparamount consideration being the protectionof the areas and their water resources andwater quality. There are two agreements undersection 32I of the National Parks Act withBarwon Region Water Authority and WannonRegion Water Authority in relation to the jointmanagement of these areas in the nationalpark.The National Parks (Park) Regulations 2003(Vic.) apply to Great Otway National Park.The 35 kilometre Aire Heritage River corridor,most of which is within the national park, isalso managed in accordance with the HeritageRivers Act 1992 (Vic.).Eight Reference Areas are included in thenational park and are managed in accordancewith the Reference Areas Act 1978 (Vic.).Reference areas are preserved in their naturalstate for scientific reference.The Parks Victoria Act 1998 (Vic.) enablesParks Victoria to provide management servicesfor parks on behalf of the Secretary to DSE.Parks Victoria must not act in a way that is notenvironmentally sound.Otway Forest ParkOtway Forest Park is reserved under theCrown Land (Reserves) Act and, under section18 of that Act, has been placed under thecontrol and management of the Secretary toDSE for the purposes of its management underthe Forests Act.The forest park is managed under the ForestsAct in accordance with section 18A of thatAct. The Act specifically prohibits the grantingof licences for sawlog or pulpwood productionin the forest park, but allows licences to begranted for the ongoing harvesting of firewoodand minor forest produce. The Act enablesregulations to be made for the care, protection,management and use of the forest park.Regulations will be prepared to assist inimplementing this management plan.Both parksSection 27 of the Catchment and LandProtection Act 1994 (Vic.) provides for thedeclaration of Special (also known asProclaimed or Declared) Water SupplyCatchment Areas with the provision to createspecial area plans. Several declarations havebeen made covering private and public land inthe Otways, and large sections of the parks arewithin Special Water Supply Catchment Areas.The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic.)protects all Aboriginal places, objects andAboriginal human remains (section 5.1).Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 9

BasisThe Heritage Act 1995 (Vic.) provides for theprotection of historic places, objects,shipwrecks and archaeological sites.The Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth) applies tothe management of the parks. The VictorianNative Title Settlement Framework is beingdeveloped as a new approach to settling nativetitle claims and addressing the land aspirationsof Victorian Traditional Owner groups. TheFramework will set the parameters for a ‘nonnativetitle’ agreement whereby the Staterecognises a Traditional Owner groupalongside a package of benefits, in return fortheir agreement to withdraw their native titleclaim(s) and/or not lodge one in the future. Itwill deliver certainty and finality for the Statethrough the expedited resolution of claims, willbuild stronger partnerships betweenGovernment and Traditional Owner groups,facilitate better management of Crown land,and deliver on Government policies.The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988(Vic.) provides for the protection of rare andthreatened species.The Wildlife Act 1975 (Vic.) provides for theprotection of wildlife.The Environment Protection and BiodiversityConservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) applies to theactions that have, will have, or are likely tohave a significant impact on matters ofnational environmental or cultural significance,including listed threatened species andcommunities or listed migratory species in theparks.The Road Management Act 2004 (Vic.) appliesto the management of public roads includingthose in the parks.The Forests Act 1958 (Vic.) applies to bothparks and contains provisions relating to firemanagement.VEAC outcomesIn its Angahook–Otway Investigation FinalReport, VEAC made detailedrecommendations for certain aspects of publicland management in the Otways (VEAC2004). The VEAC recommendations werebroadly accepted by the State Government(Government of Victoria 2005). This Planbuilds upon the government response to theVEAC recommendations.2.6 Policies and guidelinesThe parks are managed in accordance withDSE’s and Parks Victoria’s operationalpolicies, strategies and guidelines, including:• Parks Victoria’s Indigenous PartnershipStrategy and Action Plan (Parks Victoria2005b)• Indigenous Partnerships Framework(DSE 2007d)• Heritage Management Strategy (ParksVictoria 2005a)• Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy (NRE1997)• South West Region — Otway Fire DistrictFire Protection Plan (DSE 2003c)• Fire Operations Plan — Otway FireDistrict 2008–2011 (DSE 2008b) (a newthree year plan is produced annually)• Code of Practice for Fire Management onPublic Land (DSE 2006)• Guidelines and Procedures for EcologicalBurning on Public Land in Victoria (DSE2004c)• Policy for Sustainable Recreation andTourism on Victoria’s Public Land (NRE2002a)• Road Management Plan (DSE 2009b)• Road Operational Guidelines (DSE &Parks Victoria 2009)• Guidelines and Procedures for Managingthe Environmental Impacts of Weeds onPublic Land in Victoria 2007 (DSE 2007d)• Code of Practice for Timber Production(DSE 2007b)• Management Procedures for TimberHarvesting Operations and AssociatedActivities in State Forests 2007 (DSE2007f)• Victorian Coastal Strategy 2008 (VCC2008)• Great Ocean Walk Strategic DirectionsPlan 2009-2014 (Parks Victoria 2009).The parks are also managed in a broadercontext of a number of other regional, state andnational plans, strategies and agreements.10 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

3 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS3.1 VisionThe parks with their magnificent forests,delicate wildflowers, flourishing wildlife,healthy rivers and estuaries, unspoilt beachesand beautiful landscapes are the heart and soulof Otway communities. There is a real sensethat communities value the parks, understandtheir regional, national and global significance,and are working together and with parkmanagers and the Traditional Owners to carefor the parks.Traditional Owners and other Indigenouspeople have a prominent and important role inpark management, which has become a modelfor successful cooperative management. Thecustodial role of past managers is respectedand acknowledged. The parks have become arecognised Aboriginal cultural heritagedestination of which we are all proud.Understanding and respect for Aboriginalcultural values is well established and thestories of the Kirrae Whurrong, Gulidjan,Gadubanud and Wathaurong are being told bylocal Traditional Owners, custodians of thesonglines.The parks are an inspiring example ofsustainable and integrated land use wheremanagement programs have clearly maintainedand improved the state of natural, cultural andsocial values of the Otways while enhancingtourism and recreation experiences, andproviding economic benefits.Many local people contribute to parkmanagement, are actively involved in decisionmakingand on-ground activities, and have aclose association with local park managers.Local communities feel a special pride abouttheir parks and their achievements. Inparticular they are pleased with the results ofcooperative nature-based tourism development,biodiversity, wildfire and catchmentmanagement, and pest plant and feral animalcontrol programs.Great Otway National Park is a corecomponent of the national and state parksystem, permanently protecting and conservingthe full range of ecosystems, biodiversity andcultural heritage of the Otways. Otway ForestPark is valued for conserving complementarynatural and cultural values and for thesustainable use of some natural resources and abroader range of recreation experiences.In a time of global climate change theycontinue to provide essential ecosystemservices such as clean water and air, and are arefuge for many species affected by climatechange.Together with the Great Ocean Road, the parksare a recreation and tourism focus for visitors,local communities and the broader region.People enjoy memorable experiences in thenatural settings offered by the parks. The parksprovide an opportunity to escape everydaypressures, connect to the environment andimprove mental and physical health whilewalking, cycling, horse riding, car driving,four-wheel driving and motorcycle riding,camping, picnicking, fishing or sightseeing.Through experience, visitors continue tounderstand and build respect for the values andsensitivity of the natural and culturalenvironment.The establishment and growth of manytourism, health and lifestyle businesses has hadflow-on effects to Otway hinterlandcommunities and coastal towns, andAboriginal community members throughemployment, business developments,interpretation and involvement in management.While nature-based recreation and tourismopportunities have been substantiallyenhanced, tourism has been managedsustainably to avoid impacts, and tourismoperators are working with park managers toensure that the Otways is managed on aworld’s-best practice basis.Both Aboriginal and the wider communityconnections to special places are betterunderstood and are reflected in managementdecisions and actions. There is a sense in theOtways that we have found a balance withnature and that social and cultural connectionsare growing stronger. The elders look overhealthy country with pride.3.2 Management directionsThe Traditional Owners’ knowledge andinterests in the area and aspirations for Countrywill be reflected in the planning andGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 11

Strategic directionsmanagement of the parks, in accordance withlegislation and policies.Other major management directions for theparks are as follows:Natural values conservation• The parks will be managed in accordancewith relevant national and state legislation,regulation, policy and guidelines toconserve native vegetation and wildlifecommunities and allow natural evolution• Special protection will be provided toenhance long-term survival prospects ofsignificant communities and species andongoing monitoring and research will beencouraged• Pest plants and animals and pathogens willbe managed to minimise impacts onpriority flora, fauna and communities• Fire will be managed in accordance withrelevant legislation, regulation and policyin an integrated manner across thelandscape.Cultural values conservation• Protection of Aboriginal places and objectswill be guided by relevant legislation,regulation, Parks Victoria’s IndigenousPartnership Strategy, and DSE’sIndigenous Partnerships Framework• Traditional Owners and other relevantIndigenous people’s knowledge andinterests in the area and aspirations forCountry will be respected. Culturallyappropriate Indigenous tourismexperiences will be developed inpartnership with Traditional Owners• Historic places and objects will beconserved in accordance relevantlegislation, regulation, policy andguidelines including the Burra Charter(Australia ICOMOS 1999).Social values• Important social values will be understoodand appropriately protected. Managementdecisions will carefully consider socialvalues along with other values.Visitor use and experiences• Planning for the park visitor will seek tounderstand the needs of visitors anddevelop and market off-peak andhinterland experiences• A diverse range of sustainable recreationopportunities reflecting communityaspirations will be provided andmaintained, including visitor facilities,signs and roads• Visitors will be encouraged to develop anenhanced appreciation of natural values inthe parks and expand their awareness ofthe potential for human impact on naturalecosystems• Visitors will be encouraged to adoptminimal-impact techniques and to adhereto industry-developed standardsappropriate to their activity• Park managers will work with relevantroad management authorities to ensure thesafety of road users and to maintain andenhance the scenic amenity of main roads• Social and economic benefits associatedwith sustainable tourism will be optimised.Community awareness and involvement• Opportunities for involvement in themanagement of the parks will be extendedto and integrated with existing communitygroups and networks• Collaborative partnerships will beestablished with relevant agencies toprogress areas of mutual interest whichstrengthen the protection of park values.Resource use• Water catchment areas will be managed toprotect the quality and yield of water forharvesting for human use. In theDesignated Water Supply CatchmentAreas, the protection of the area and themaintenance of water quality andotherwise the protection of the waterresources in the areas are the paramountconsideration• The sustainable harvesting of firewood andminor forest produce will continue inOtway Forest Park and will be managed inaccordance with relevant legislation,regulation, policy and wood utilisationplanning processes.12 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategic directions3.3 Zoning and permitted usesPark management zoning:• provides a geographic framework in whichto manage parks• reflects legislated and designated land usesand management overlays• indicates which management directionshave priority in different parts of the parks• indicates the types and levels of useappropriate throughout the parks• assists in minimising existing and potentialconflicts between uses and activities, orbetween activities and the protection of theparks’ values• provides a basis for assessing thesuitability of future activities anddevelopment proposals.In Great Otway National Park three zonesapply: Reference Area Zone, ConservationZone, and Conservation and Recreation Zone.In Otway Forest Park two zones apply:Multiple Use Zone and Special ProtectionZone.Three additional land use designations formoverlays with important priorities for themanagement of particular areas: HeritageRiver Area, Designated Water SupplyCatchment Area and Special Water SupplyCatchment Area. The overlays are used tohighlight requirements in addition to those ofthe underlying zone.Details of zones and overlay characteristicsand permitted activities are provided in tables1 and 2 and the areas shown in figure 1.Detailed management zoning, area, coupe orburn plans may be utilised in subsidiary planssuch as wood utilisation plans and firemanagement plans (sections 4.7 and 7.1).3.4 Development assessmentcriteriaEngagement with community, stakeholdersand special interest bodies relating to theproposals identified for investigation in theplan, or new proposals, requires a strategicapproach to set priorities.Over the life of the plan all new proposals forinvestigation and/or development within theparks will be assessed by the following criteriato determine the suitability, priority andtiming.Development proposal criteria:• identified as a statewide investmentpriority• identified as a priority in the managementplan• of sufficient priority to progress at thistime• show a demonstrated market demand• provide cost–benefit analysis and a soundbusiness case• show availability of resources forplanning, approvals, construction andongoing maintenance• show that risks to environmental, culturaland social values and public safety can beassessed and managed• meet relevant standards• meet relevant Australian (or other)standards and obligations for nativevegetation management on public land• have reasonable likelihood that relevantapprovals and permits can be obtained.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 13

Strategic directionsTABLE 1MANAGEMENT ZONES AND OVERLAYSZONE/OVERLAY AREA/LOCATION VALUES ZONE MANAGEMENT AIMSZONEReference Area2% of Great Otway NationalPark (1708 ha): Stony Creek,Parker River, CrinolineCreek, Olangolah Creek,Painkalac Creek, PorcupineCreek, Aquila Creek andCalder RiverRelatively undisturbedrepresentative landtypes and associatedvegetation.Protect viable samples of one or moreland types that are relatively undisturbedfor comparative study with similar landtypes elsewhere, by keeping all humaninterference to the minimum essential andensuring as far as practicable that the onlylong-term change results from naturalprocesses.ConservationApprox 40% of Great OtwayNational Park (40 000 ha)Important natural andcultural values.To protect sensitive natural and culturalenvironments and to provide for minimalimpact recreation activities and simplevisitor facilities subject to ensuringminimal interference to natural processes.Conservation andRecreationApprox 60% of Great OtwayNational Park (60 000 ha)Important natural andcultural values andscope for compatiblerecreation opportunities.Protect natural environments and culturalfeatures and provide for sustainable,dispersed recreational activities andsmall-scale recreation facilities withoutsignificant impact on natural processes.Special Protection30% of Otway Forest Park(8062 ha)Important natural andcultural values.Protect natural environments and culturalfeatures previously identified as SpecialProtection Zones. Firewood and minorforest produce collection or activitieswhich may impact on these values are notpermitted.Multiple Use70% of Otway Forest Park(31 775 ha)Important natural,cultural and recreationvalues with scope forsustainable minorresource use.Protect natural environments and culturalfeatures, and provide sustainableopportunities for recreation, firewood andminor forest produce collection and otherforest activities.OVERLAYLand UseDesignation –Heritage RiverArea0.8% of Great OtwayNational Park (about 830 ha):Aire Heritage RiverRiver and surroundingarea significant fornature conservation,recreation, scenic orcultural heritage values.Protect significant nature conservation,recreation, scenic or cultural heritageattributes (Heritage Rivers Act).Land UseDesignation –Designated WaterSupply CatchmentArea (DWSCA)16% of Great Otway NationalPark (16 487 ha): ArkinsCreek, and West Gellibrandand Olangolah, PainkalacCreek, St Georges River, andWest Barwon sectionsLarge, relativelyundisturbed catchmentssupplying high-qualitywater for human use.Protect the area, maintain water qualityand otherwise protect the water resourcesby restricting the level and types ofrecreation activities (National Parks Act).Land UseDesignation –Special WaterSupply CatchmentArea (SWSCA)17% of Great Otway NationalPark (17 510 ha) and 60% ofOtway Forest Park (24 207ha): Barwon Downs,Gellibrand River (SouthOtway), Gellibrand River,Upper Barwon, GoslingCreek, Painkalac Creek(Aireys Inlet), Lorne, SkenesCreek, West Barham River(not shown on figure 1)Catchments for watersupply.Protect the quality of land and waterresources and associated plant and animallife (Catchment and Land Protection Act).14 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategic directionsTABLE 2SUMMARY OF PERMITTED ACTIVITIESGREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK OTWAY FOREST PARKACTIVITYCONSERVATION &RECREATION ZONECONSERVATIONZONEREFERENCEAREA ZONEHERITAGE RIVEROVERLAYDWSCA 1OVERLAYSWSCAOVERLAYMULTIPLEUSE ZONESPECIALPROTECTION ZONESWSCAOVERLAYApiculture N N N N N N Y Y YBird watching Y Y N Y N 2 Y Y Y YBushwalking (section 6.5) Y Y N Y N 2 Y Y Y YCamping – car-based, withfacilities (section 6.6)Camping – designated walk-inonly (section 6.6)Y Y N Y N Y Y Y YY Y N Y N Y Y Y YCamping with horses (section 6.9) N N N N N N Y Y Y 3Camping with dogs (section 6.8) Y Y N N N Y 3 Y Y Y 3Camping – dispersed, no facilities(section 6.6)Campfires/Wood-fuelled BBQs indesignated fireplaces (section 6.6)Campfires – no designatedfireplaces (section 6.6)Collection of fallen wood forcampfires (section 6.6)Commercial fishing – eels 4 (section8.7)N N N N N N Y Y Y 3Y Y N Y N Y Y Y YN N N N N N Y Y Y 3N N N N N N Y N YY N N N N Y Y Y YCycling (section 6.7) Y Y N Y N 2 Y Y Y YDogs (section 6.8) Y Y N N N Y Y Y YEducation, guided activities Y Y N Y N 2 Y Y Y YExploration and extraction of earth N N N N N N Y Y Yresources and minerals 5Feeding wildlife N N N N N N N N NFirewood and minor forest produce N N N N N N Y N Ycollection 6Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 15

Strategic directionsGREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK OTWAY FOREST PARKACTIVITYCONSERVATION &RECREATION ZONECONSERVATIONZONEREFERENCEAREA ZONEHERITAGE RIVEROVERLAYDWSCA 1OVERLAYSWSCAOVERLAYMULTIPLEUSE ZONESPECIALPROTECTION ZONESWSCAOVERLAYFishing – recreational 7 (section 6.10) Y Y N Y N Y 3 Y Y Y 3Fossicking and prospecting (section6.12)Y 8 N N N N N Y Y Y 3Fossil collecting N N N N N N N N NFour wheel driving (sections 6.3 and8.4)Y Y N Y N Y 3 Y Y Y 3Fuel stoves – gas/liquid (section 6.6) Y Y N Y N Y Y Y YGeo-caching N N N N N N Y Y YGrazing (section 8.5) N N N N N N Y Y YHang-gliding (section 6.14) Y Y N Y N Y Y Y YHorse riding (section 6.9) Y Y N Y N Y 3 Y Y Y 3Hunting (section 6.11) N N N N N N Y Y YLicensed tours (section 6.1) Y Y N Y N 2 Y Y Y YNature photography, painting Y Y N Y N 2 Y Y Y YOrienteering, rogaining Y Y N Y N Y Y Y YPicnicking Y Y N Y N 2 Y Y Y YRecreational boating, canoeing,kayaking (section 6.13)Y Y N Y N Y 3 Y Y Y 3Scenic drives, sightseeing Y Y N Y N Y 3 Y Y Y 3Trail bike riding (section 6.3) Y Y N Y N Y 3 Y Y Y 3Key: Y Permitted subject to overlay prescriptions and conditions prescribed by legislation, licensed tour permits or elsewhere in the plan as indicated. N Not permitted1 Arkins Creek, Painkalac Creek, St Georges River, West Gellibrand and Olangolah sections of the DWSCAs closed to public access, limited access permitted in the West Barwon section2 Limited access permitted in the West Barwon section of the DWSCAs, may be subject to permits and controls for protection of water supply quality/yield.3 Activity may be subject to controls to protect water quality or yield, and management actions to rectify causes of any demonstrable reduction in water quality/yield4 Existing licenses only, subject to bycatch reduction and phase-out by 2014 (section 8.7)5 Where consistent with recreation and conservation management objectives, and subject to approval of the Minister for Environment6 Low intensity harvesting of selected trees for firewood up to 2004 levels and other forest produce under permit7 Permitted within Barwon Water-managed area (outside DWSCA) from West Barwon Reservoir wall8 Fossicking for gemstones using hand tools at designated beaches at Moonlight Head only16 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

4 STRATEGIES FOR NATURAL VALUES CONSERVATION4.1 Climate change & resilienceplanningAims• Increase park manager and communityunderstanding of climate change, itsconsequences and resilience planning.• Develop and implement managementstrategies to build ecosystem and speciesresilience to climate change.BasisClimate change will be a significant factor inthe survival and evolutionary development ofnatural ecosystems in the Otways. It is likely tohave a significant impact on landscape, waterproduction, vegetation, fauna, pest plants, pestanimals, diseases, pathogens, fire, and theecosystem’s ability to sequester carbon. Thescope and scale of the change is uncertain.Climate trends for the Corangamite regionover the past decade indicate risingtemperatures and decreases in rainfall. Thefuture climate of the region is expected to bewarmer and drier than it is today (DSE 2008a).Natural ecosystems are vulnerable to climatechange. Patterns of temperature andprecipitation are key factors in the distributionand abundance of species.Key threats to Victoria’s biodiversity that arelikely to change in response to climate changeare altered fire regimes, the arrival of newspecies (both native and exotic), changing landuse and altered hydrology (Dunlop & Brown2008).Habitat for some species will expand, contractor shift, resulting in habitat losses for some andhabitat gains for others. Species withinecosystems have an inherent capacity(behavioural, physiological and genetic) tocope with some degree of climate variability.This coping range may be narrow for manyspecies and may be exceeded by short-termchanges in climate extremes or long-termchanges in average climate conditions (Preston& Jones 2006). Recent studies indicate thatnatural ecosystems throughout the world arealready responding to climate change and thatthere are potentially severe impacts onAustralian ecosystems (Preston & Jones 2006).Climate change may also affect the distributionand incidence of diseases and pathogens suchas Phytophthora cinnamomi (section 4.8).Further modeling and experimental studies willhelp to clarify whether the increased climatevariability expected in southern Australia willcause Phytophthora to become an even greaterrisk to natural ecosystem health than it isalready. There may also be interactive effectswhereby drought stressed ecosystems andspecies are more susceptible to some pests andpathogens (AGO 2006).Fire weather during Ash Wednesday in 1983was classified as being experienced once inevery 45 years. However, the number of VeryHigh or Extreme Forest Fire Danger days isprojected to increase by up to 20% by 2020and up to 60% by 2050. There is generalconsensus that severe bushfire events will notonly be more frequent but will also be moreintense, as evidenced in February 2009. Morefrequent and more intense fires maysignificantly alter ecosystems.The amount of carbon emitted to theatmosphere during bushfires is, when averagedover time, balanced by the amount taken up insubsequent forest regrowth, but thisrelationship holds only as long as the fireregime remains unchanged. More frequent ormore intense fire regimes could result in adiscernable decline in forest carbon stocks(AGO 2006).Mean annual run-off projections for southwesternVictoria for the period to 2030 rangefrom a 5 to 10% reduction under the wettestscenario to 40% in the driest scenario (Jones &Durack 2005). Projections to 2070 include agreater than 50% reduction in the driestscenario. These changes are independent ofany variations in run-off caused by naturalclimate variability or to processes such as landusechange. In addition to the impacts ofclimate change on mean annual rainfall andevaporation, other associated factors such asthe potential for changes in fire risk responseto climate change would result in somechanges in catchment water balances.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 17

Strategies for natural values conservationHowever, these factors are not expected tohave as large an impact on catchment waterbalances as would changes in the basic climateparameters (i.e. rainfall and evaporation)(Jones & Durack 2005).Sea level rise, increased storm events andstorm surges will impact on the Victoriancoastline, resulting in damaging wind, wavesand flooding, erosion and damage to coastaland marine ecosystems (DSE 2008a). Toolsare being developed to assess the vulnerabilityof the Otway coastline (see DSE website,www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/ Future Coast).Climate change is likely to exacerbate existingthreats on biodiversity values such as habitatloss and pest species, making their impactssignificantly worse.Parks and reserves will become moreimportant as core areas for ecosystems andhabitats, and are the reservoirs for geneticresources required for the long-term adaptationof the natural environment to drier and warmerconditions. Large parks provide areas of intactvegetation that allow critical opportunities forspecies to migrate within shifting climateenvelopes (Parks Victoria 2008).Management strategies• Adopt adaptive strategies consistent withpolicy and research that assist ecosystemsand species to survive and continueevolutionary development.• In cooperation with relevant agencies andadjacent land managers, and inaccordance with a landscape-scaleprioritised risk based planning, lead onparkor support off-park, sustainableprojects that protect, enhance quality andrestore or connect remnant vegetationacross the landscape (sections 4.5 and8.10).• Work with partners and key stakeholdersto keep communities informed on potentialand actual climate change implications,strategies for management and actions.• Include climate change considerationswhen determining research and adaptivemanagement priorities.4.2 LandscapeAims• Protect, enhance and restore landscapevalues in the parks and minimise impactsof management or visitor activities onlandscape values.• Encourage neighbouring developmentsand activities to have minimal adverseimpact on landscape values.BasisFrom quiet streams to awe-inspiring coastalviews, the Otway landscape is diverse andbreathtakingly beautiful. The natural Otwaylandscape is the keystone of a vibrant tourismindustry and the heart and soul of many Otwaycommunities.In accordance with tradition, Aboriginalperspectives encompass physical and spiritualaspects of landscape. Stories of Country havebeen passed on over countless generations. Theconcentration of archaeological sites along thecoast, coastal rivers and reefs highlights therelationship between Aboriginal communitiesand the landscape (AAV 1998).Visitors can also view Otway landscapes fromlookouts, beaches, roads, four wheel drivetracks and walking tracks, including the GreatOcean Walk. The appeal of many of theseexperiences is the absence of humandevelopment. Intact landscapes contribute to asense of remoteness and are an importantretreat for many visitors.Weaving along a spectacular coastline, throughtall forests and rolling hills, the Great OceanRoad is an internationally recognised scenicdrive. Many of the outstanding landscapefeatures along the road are in the parks.The Great Ocean Road Region — LandscapeAssessment Study (DSE 2004a) was preparedas a component of the Great Ocean RoadRegion — Land Use and Transport Strategy(DSE 2004b). The study identified broadlandscape character types. The majority of theparks are classified as Otway Forests andCoasts. This landscape character type istypified by tall forests and hilly terrainextending to the sea, with cliffs and beaches. Itencompasses four precincts:• Otway Ranges Forest and Coasts18 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for natural values conservation• Cleared Uplands and Hilltops• Dry Coastal Woodland and Heath• Low Coastal Heath.The study makes specific recommendations forthe management of landscape values in theseprecincts, as well as key views including PointAddis, Urquhart Bluff, Castle Cove andJohanna Beach.Landscape values can be impacted upon bysudden natural changes (e.g. fire) orinappropriately sited managementinfrastructure or visitor facilities. ParksVictoria and DSE seek to protect landscapevalues through careful planning andmanagement. Wherever possible, signs areconsolidated and designed to complement localsettings.The Victorian Coastal Council’s Siting andDesign Guidelines for the Victorian Coast(VCC 1998), which aim to protect coastallandscape values, apply to the parks andadjacent land, including landscapes associatedwith the parks.Landscape impacts associated with adjoiningland are managed through the Surf Coast ShirePlanning Scheme (Surf Coast Shire 2000), theCorangamite Planning Scheme (CorangamiteShire 2004) and the Colac Otway PlanningScheme (Colac Otway Shire 2000). Planningschemes set out a framework for assessingproposals for developments that could impacton the landscapes associated with the parks.Local policies and significant landscapeoverlays include particular requirements forsensitive landscapes. There are landscapeoverlays adjacent to the national park atGlenaire, Cape Otway, between Colac andForrest, and along the Great Ocean Roadbetween Lorne and Anglesea.Parks Victoria and DSE work closely withlocal government authorities on strategiclandscape management issues such as coastaldevelopment. Projects that could affectlandscape values are carefully managed toensure that impacts are evaluated andminimised.Management strategies• Work with adjoining land managers, localgovernments, statutory authorities andlandholders and Landcare groups in theassessment of potential impacts of anyproposed new development or use onlandscape and natural and cultural values,and use that assessment to informdecisions.• Apply government policy and guidelines tominimise impacts on landscape values(section 2.6).4.3 Geological andgeomorphological featuresAim• Protect significant and fragile geologicaland geomorphological values.BasisThe Otway region has been isolated manytimes from King Island and Tasmania by theencroachment of the ocean, made possible bythe stretching and sinking of the crust beneathBass Strait during the initial separation ofAustralia from Antarctica. The present-dayencroachment began about 20 000 years agoafter the last glacial maximum, and the lastland bridge between Victoria and Tasmaniawas submerged between 10 000 and 5000years ago (Birch 2003).According to Aboriginal tradition, allgeomorphological features of the landscaperesult from the activities of ancestral spirits.Volcanic activity, the opening of the SouthernOcean, sedimentation and other geologicalprocesses are thought to have contributed tothis unique and complex region. The geologyof the coastal beaches and cliffs areparticularly interesting (Bird 1993).Ecological patterns in the Otways reflect thegeomorphology of the region. Importantlandforms include the Otway Ranges, alluvialvalleys, and coastal landforms such as marinecliffs, steep coasts, rocky coasts, coastalterraces, coastal landslips, coastal dunes,coastal bluffs and river mouths.The Otway Ranges form the most extensivelandform in the parks. The dissected ridges ofthe ranges are a defining part of the landscape,particularly where the ranges extend to the seaat locations such as Moonlight Head and CapeOtway. Streams, waterfalls and landslides arecommon throughout the ranges.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 19

Strategies for natural values conservationThere are 10 sites of international or nationalgeological and geomorphological significancein the national park, and many sites of state,regional or local significance (Buckley 1993;Rosengren 1984). These include:• Artillery Rocks (international significance)— one of the most clearly displayedclusters of volcanic cannonball concretionsin the world• Dinosaur Cove (international significance)— one of the few known dinosaur fossilsites in Australia• Lion Headland (international significance)— unique coastal cliff geology and fossils• Moonlight Head to Milanesia Beach(international significance) — uniquecoastal geology and fossils• Point Sturt (international significance) —an ancient sandstone shore platform• View Point (international significance) —ancient shore platform• Cape Patton (national significance) —Ramsdens Cave, coastal cliffs andimportant coastal geology• Lake Elizabeth (national significance) —relatively new lake formed by a landslide• Parker River to Point Lewis (nationalsignificance) — important dinosaur fossilsite• Point Franklin (national significance) —important dinosaur fossil site.The wide range of soil types in the parksreflects the diversity of soil-forming processes.Soils range from yellow calcareous sands incoastal dunes to brown friable gradational soilsin the higher-rainfall parts of the OtwayRanges (Soil Conservation Authority 1981).Patterns of vegetation are closely associatedwith soil type. Soils are susceptible to erosionafter fire and when vegetation has beentrampled or removed. Corangamite CMA hasundertaken soil mapping and erosionsusceptibility mapping in the Otway region.Natural processes such as erosion may altergeological features over time but are unlikelyto detract from the integrity of geological orgeomorphological features. Inappropriatevisitor or management activity could damagethese sites quickly and irreversibly. Ongoingcollection of geological information, informalmonitoring and the prevention of knownthreatening processes are employed to protectsignificant geological features.Management strategies• Maintain information on sites ofgeological and geomorphologicalsignificance and other significant earthscience values and assess, record andmonitor their condition.• Identify and manage significant sites toprevent degradation, includingunderstanding values at risk, threats tovalues, monitoring protocols and triggersfor intervention and preventative action.• Encourage sustainable research projectsthat will improve knowledge of geologicalvalues and support or improvemanagement.4.4 Rivers, catchments,groundwater and coastsAims• Protect, enhance and restore natural, socialand resource values associated with rivers,catchments, groundwater and coasts.• Improve the condition of high-valuestreams that are not in good condition.BasisRivers and streams in the parks, together withcatchments, lakes, estuaries and groundwaterprovide water critical for life and habitat forbiodiversity, and essential water for ecosystemfunction, within and beyond the parks.The parks also provide water for human use.Much of the planning area is made up ofcatchments that contribute to surface water andgroundwater resources used by communitiesacross the region, including Geelong,Warrnambool, Camperdown, Colac, andcoastal towns along the Great Ocean Roadcoast. Nine Special Water Supply CatchmentAreas (SWSCAs) have been gazetted under theCatchment and Land Protection Act, and fiveareas constituting two Designated WaterSupply Catchment Areas (DWSCAs) are underjoint management agreements under the20 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for natural values conservationNational Parks Act. Management of thesecatchment areas is detailed in section 8.4.Great Otway National Park and Otway ForestPark are a critical component of theCorangamite Catchment ManagementAuthority (CMA) Region. The parks lie withintwo of the four river basins in the region — theBarwon Basin (388 000 ha) and Otway CoastBasin (389 919 ha).The Corangamite Regional CatchmentStrategy (Corangamite CMA 2003) sets out astrategic management framework for theprotection of assets in the catchments,including stream values.The Corangamite River Health Strategy(Corangamite CMA 2004) identifies values,condition and threats to waterways andprovides a framework for improving the healthof waterways in the catchments. In accordancewith this strategy, the Corangamite CMA isleading a range of activities, implemented inpartnership with landholders and otherstakeholders. Recommended actions includemonitoring trends in stream condition,improving stream bank stabilisation andundertaking riparian revegetation.Roads, recreation areas, park managementactivities and resource use can impact on flowregimes, river bank stability, streamsidevegetation, water quality, aquatic ecology andcoastal geomorphology if not appropriatelymanaged.Coastal managementGreat Otway National Park encompasses over100 km of coastline that is internationallyrecognised. The national park's coastal areasare highly accessible due to the route andprofile of the Great Ocean Road as one of theworld's most stunning tourist drives. As aresult, the coast experiences a very highvisitation, particularly in holiday times, andrequires careful management approaches toensure visitation and conservation objectivesare met.Coastal management is recognised asbecoming increasingly complex due togrowing community awareness, expectationsand visitation. The national park does notinclude all coastal areas. Coastal managementrequires integrated and respectful managementapproaches across park boundaries withadjacent public and private land managers.Coastal planning and management is guided bya strategic framework identified through theCoastal Management Act 1995 (Vic.). ThisAct establishes advisory bodies for coastalmanagement including the Victorian CoastalCouncil and the Western Coastal Board, andprovides for the creation of the VictorianCoastal Strategy (VCS) which is theoverarching strategic document for the futureof the coast. The VCS promotes the integrationof terrestrial and marine management, andoutlines a hierarchy of principles that apply toall coastal activities. Regional approaches arepromoted through the Central West RegionalCoastal Action Plan and the Great Ocean RoadRegion Strategy, while local planning schemesplay a critical role in providing for furtherdevelopment of coastal areas for residentialand tourism purposes adjacent to the nationalpark. Parks Victoria and DSE workcollaboratively with the Western CoastalBoard and other authorities to develop relevantcoastal action plans and implement agreedactions for the parks.Marine pollution is a significant threat to thenatural values of beaches and other intertidalareas, aesthetics and public safety. Theresponse to pollution at sea is guided by theNational Plan to Combat Pollution of the Seaby Oil and Other Noxious and HazardousSubstances (AMSA 1998).DSE is a lead agency in response to a range ofmarine incidents including cetacean strandingsand entanglements and as the manager ofaround 70% of Victoria’s coastal areas, ParksVictoria plays a significant support role. Suchresponses often require a diverse range ofskills and resources, involving coordinationbetween multiple agencies and members of thecommunity. For Victorian waters the VictorianMarine Pollution Contingency Plan(VICPLAN) (MSV 2002a) outlines broadresponse arrangements to combat an oil orchemical spill. Under this plan, the nationalpark is within the Port of Portland and PortPhillip Regions with coverage of waters to thewest and east of Cape Otway respectively.Barwon BasinThe Barwon River and the Barwon Basinsupport diverse natural, recreational, social andGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 21

Strategies for natural values conservationeconomic values. The small streams that formthe headwaters of the Barwon River are inGreat Otway National Park and Otway ForestPark, near Forrest. The parks make upapproximately 10% of the Barwon Basin. TheWest Barwon Dam, on the Barwon River WestBranch near Forrest, stores domestic water forGeelong. Streams in the upper catchment aregenerally in good or excellent condition, butthe majority of streams lower in the catchmentare in marginal to poor condition, havereduced flows and are subject to major threats(Corangamite CMA 2004).Otway BasinThe Otway Basin has particularly importantenvironmental values, and approximately 50%of the basin is in the parks. The Otway Basinincludes two rivers with large catchments —Gellibrand River and Aire River.The Gellibrand River catchment encompassesthe western section of the parks, from theriver’s headwaters around Gellibrand to theriver mouth near Princetown. The river mouth,the lower reaches of the estuary and a portionof a nationally significant wetland are in GreatOtway National Park. The Gellibrand River isimportant for recreation, including fishing.Waterways in the catchment are in excellent tomarginal condition (Corangamite CMA 2004).A stream flow management plan has beenprepared for the Gellibrand River to guide theprotection of river values (Corangamite CMA2006).The mouths of the Gellibrand and Aire Riversare intermittently closed by natural sand bars.Parks Victoria works collaboratively with theCorangamite CMA in managing these rivermouths. The mouths are opened in accordancewith permits, protocols and guidelines tominimise environmental impacts (Barton &Sherwood 2004). The South West EstuariesAction Plan provides broad direction for themanagement of the estuaries of the two rivers(Western Coastal Board 2002b). A detailedstudy of the biological characteristics of theseand other estuaries in Western Victoria hashelped to explain the values and complexity ofestuaries in the region (Western Coastal Board2002a). Parks Victoria works collaborativelywith the Western Coastal Board in thedevelopment and implementation of relevantcoastal action plans.The Otway Basin includes many smaller riversthat discharge directly into the sea betweenAnglesea and Moonlight Head, including FordRiver, Elliot River, Geary River, Parker River,Cumberland River, St George River, ErskineRiver, Wye River, Grey River and KennettRiver, as well as many minor streams.Aire Heritage RiverThe Aire River corridor within Great OtwayNational Park, including the river mouth andestuary, is part of a designated heritage riverunder the Heritage Rivers Act. In total, theheritage river area is 35 km long and covers60 ha, most of which is within the nationalpark, where it extends 200 m either side of theriver.The Act provides for the protection andmanagement of significant natureconservation, recreation, scenic or culturalheritage values in the designated area.Significant values of the Aire Heritage Riverinclude:• a larger river that is one of the leastmodified in south-western Victoria• natural values including large stands ofcool temperate rainforest• many significant flora and fauna species• geomorphological sites of significance• a high diversity of native fish speciesincluding six threatened species, and onlyone introduced fish species• popular areas for fishing, boating,picnicking and camping on the river’slower reaches• scenic values between Hopetoun Falls andthe Great Ocean Road and at the riverestuary.The broader Aire River catchment coverssouthern portions of the national park betweenthe river’s headwaters south of Beech Forestand the river mouth at Glenaire Beach. Itincludes Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls andBeauchamp Falls. Waterways in the catchmentare in excellent to good condition(Corangamite CMA 2004).Careful management of the river catchment isessential to protect the river’s heritage values.The construction of dams and other22 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for natural values conservationimpoundments in the Aire Heritage River isnot permitted.All strategies in this plan that apply to theGreat Otway National Park also apply to theAire Heritage River, and heritage river valuesare protected through park and catchmentmanagement. It is considered that the strategiesin this plan adequately address themanagement of the heritage river area in thepark.Ground waterSeveral important groundwater flow systemsexist in the parks, including the regional flowsystem of the Dilwyn and Eastern Viewformations, Wiridjil gravel intermediate flowsystem in the area of the Gellibrand River, andOtway Group – Otway ranges local flowsystem underlying much of the Otway range(Dahlhaus, Heislers & Dyson 2002).Groundwater dependent ecosystems and waterbodies are found in the parks, such as theGellibrand River and estuary, and severalfreshwater meadows, marshes and springs suchas Rainbow Falls near Cape Otway.Groundwater recharge zones are also locatedwithin the parks.Groundwater resources are used to supplywater to many communities and agriculturaland industrial operations in the region. This isachieved by utilisation of privately-ownedbores, or by water corporations supplyingmains water to communities such as Geelongand Timboon (section 8.4).Management strategies• In accordance with appropriatelegislation, regulations and policiesimplement appropriate erosion controlmeasures for management activities tominimise the impact of the activity onwetlands, streams, catchments and thecoast in the parks.• Implement relevant guidelines, protocolsand standards for minimisingsedimentation and contamination ofstreams from roads, tracks and othersources within the parks.• Protect water quality and protect waterresources by managing the DWSCAs asclosed catchments in accordance withwater corporation policy (section 8.4).• Monitor activities within the Aire HeritageRiver overlay and ensure compliance withthe Heritage Rivers Act.• Work with Corangamite CMA to managethe artificial opening of the river mouthsas required.4.5 VegetationAims• Protect, enhance and restore indigenousflora species and communities.• Where possible, allow natural processesthat shape floral biodiversity to continuewith minimal interference.• Increase knowledge of flora species andcommunities, and threatening processes toimprove management effectiveness.BasisGreat Otway National Park and Otway ForestPark protect significant remnants of Victoria’snative vegetation that are an importantcomponent of our biodiversity. The vegetationis a cornerstone of Otway ecosystems andprovides unique settings for many visitorexperiences.Aboriginal people recognise vegetation as anintrinsic element of Country, and have asophisticated knowledge of its values and uses.Many plant species in the area have specifictraditional and contemporary uses (Dawson1881; Pascoe 2003).Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management — AFramework for Action (NRE 2002e) aims toreverse, the long-term decline in the extent andquality of native vegetation, leading to a netgain across the entire landscape. TheCorangamite Native Vegetation Plan 2003–2008 supports this by establishing regionalgoals and actions across the CorangamiteCatchment, which includes the parks(Corangamite CMA 2005).The parks span three Victorian bioregions —the Warrnambool Plain, Otway Ranges andOtway Plain. There are 28 EcologicalVegetation Classes (EVCs) in the national parkincluding 15 EVCs which also occur in theforest park. EVCs are given a conservationstatus that represents their extent and quality ina bioregion (NRE 2002e, appendix 2).Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 23

Strategies for natural values conservationOf the 1388 plant species recorded in theparks, 97 are rare or threatened in the nationalpark, 25 are rare or threatened in the forestpark including 21 which also occur in thenational park (appendix 3). The parks areparticularly important for protecting WrinkledButtons, Anglesea Grevillea, Slender Treefern,Leafy Greenhood and Spiral Sun-orchid.This EVC and flora information is being madepublically available as biodiversity interactivemaps at the DSE website, www.dse.vic.gov.au.Data sources include Parks Victoria’sEnvironmental Information System (EIS)which contributes to DSE’s statewide FloraInformation System (FIS). Modelling andmapping of this biodiversity data were used indeveloping the conservation zone in thenational park (section 3.3).Otway Ranges bioregionThe Otway Ranges extend north-eastwardsfrom Moonlight Head to Forrest and fromthere southwards to the coast. Most of theparks are in the Otway Ranges bioregion. Mostof the bioregion remains uncleared (81%) and97 773 ha (65%) is within the parks.Moist Foothill Forest Complexes are the mostwidespread EVCs in the parks, extendingacross the higher-rainfall inland ranges fromLavers Hill to Lorne. They contain tall standsof Mountain Ash, Messmate and MountainGrey Gum and a diverse understorey of shrubs,ferns and grasses that characterise the Otwaysand the bioregion. Widespread EVCs includeShrubby Wet Forest and Wet Forest,interspersed with Cool Temperate Rainforest.Although not widespread, Riparian ForestComplexes, including Riparian Forest, occurthroughout both parks along valleys andwatercourses. Dry Foothill Forest Complexes,typified by Shrubby Dry Forest, occur in GreatOtway National Park along the coastal rangesbetween Cape Otway and Aireys Inlet and onthe northern slopes of the Otway Ranges,particularly in Otway Forest Park. HeathComplexes occur along the coast.Otway Plain bioregionThe Otway Plain encompasses the plains andfoothills surrounding the Otway Ranges, fromthe Bellarine Peninsula west towards Colacand Princetown and coastal areas betweenCape Otway and Glenaire. Much of thebioregion has been cleared for agriculture orforestry plantations and 38 560 ha (17%) iswithin the parks.Within this bioregion, 24 EVCs occur in GreatOtway National Park including 13 which alsooccur in Otway Forest Park. However, thevegetation consists mostly of HeathyWoodland and Lowland Forest EVCs. HeathyWoodlands and Lowland Forests areparticularly important for biodiversityconservation because they are among the mostdiverse communities in Australia.Warrnambool Plain bioregionThe Warrnambool Plain lies to the east ofWarrnambool, between Princetown and Colac.Most of the bioregion has been cleared foragriculture. Only 5905 ha (5%) is in the parks.EVCs in the bioregion include Lowland Forest,Shrubby Foothill Forest and Herb-rich FoothillForest, and are partially isolated from moreintact parts of the parks by cleared land.Vegetation conservationOver many years various threatening processeshave reduced vegetation extent and qualitywithin the parks. Areas that have been subjectto past timber harvesting are regenerated toapproximate the original forest composition(DSE 2007b). Many parts of the parks abutcleared land and are close to population centresand the Great Ocean Road. Fragmentation as aresult of vegetation clearance, including theconstruction of roads and tracks has increasedthe spread of pest plants and diseases such asPhytophthora dieback in some areas.Large areas of the wet forests and rainforestsare in good condition but are threatened by thespread of pest plants, particularly around areasof disturbance such as roads, tracks and parkboundaries. Riparian vegetation communitiesin large intact areas are in relatively goodcondition, but areas in smaller blocks arealready in poor condition and susceptible tofurther pest plant invasion (section 4.8).Many of the dry forests that occur closer to theGreat Ocean Road, townships and clearedfarmland are in poor condition because ofvisitor pressures (sections 6.3 to 6.11), rabbitsand pest plants and diseases (section 4.8) andaltered fire regimes (section 4.7). Additionally,an extensive interface with agricultural land inthe Warrnambool Plain bioregion means thathabitat fragmentation, pest plants and pest24 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for natural values conservationanimals are prominent threats to vegetation inthe bioregion. Undulating topography and lowOtway Plain vegetation allow greater accessfor recreation. As a result, EVCs in thisbioregion are generally more disturbed andfragmented from the creation of unauthorisedroads and tracks and informal walking trackswhere the quality of many is in decline.Altered fire regimes are a major threat tovegetation conservation in the Otways. Carefulfire management which is integrated acrossland tenures is required to protect life andproperty, and to conserve biodiversity values(section 4.7).The spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi andMyrtle Wilt continue to threaten vegetationvalues (section 4.8). Vegetation requiresprotection from recreational impacts such asoff-track walking (sections 6.4–6.11),especially near the coast where visitation ishigh and vegetation is susceptible (Universityof Ballarat 2002).At several sites in Great Otway National Parkover browsing by growing Koala populationsis threatening isolated coastal manna gumstands (section 4.6).Vegetation surveys have been undertaken atseveral locations in the parks. Benchmarks forvegetation quality have been established toguide specific management objectives for eachEVC. In Great Otway National Park, the Signsof Healthy Parks ecological monitoringprogram includes long-term monitoring of coreEVCs such as Herb-rich Foothill Forest, CoolTemperate Rainforest, Lowland Forest andHeathland and priority threatened plantspecies. The program includes activitymeasures such as area treated e.g. sprayed,burnt or containment efforts for Phytophthora,effectiveness measures such as change inpresence and distribution of pest plants, andoutcome measures such as vegetation structureand condition, presence of key fire responsespecies and presence /abundance of susceptibleplant species.Volunteers also contribute significantly to theconservation of flora species and communitiesthroughout the parks (section 9.3).The harvesting of firewood and minor forestproduce, is permitted in Otway Forest Park.These activities are managed in accordancewith relevant legislation, codes of practice,procedures and prescriptions to minimise anydecline in vegetation condition (sections 7.1and 7.2).Management strategies• Plan and implement management activitiesand developments in accordance withrelevant native vegetation legislation,regulations and policies to maintainvegetation communities, improve thelikelihood of controlling known threatsand minimising the introduction of newthreats.• Continue threatened species monitoringacross tenures in accordance with Actionfor Biodiversity Conservation (ABC)priorities and use results to refinemanagement.• Prioritise and implement vegetationrestoration to reduce fragmentation and toimprove habitat connectivity for priorityvegetation communities.• In the national park, continue toimplement best practice (Signs of HealthyParks) ecological monitoring program anduse the results to refine managementobjectives and actions.• Encourage sustainable research projectsthat will improve knowledge of floravalues and support or improvemanagement.• Encourage volunteers and interest groupsto contribute records to the EIS and FISand support survey and monitoringactivities.4.6 FaunaAims• Protect indigenous fauna and habitats fromthreatening processes where possible.• Where possible, allow natural processesthat shape faunal biodiversity to continuewith minimal interference.• Increase knowledge of fauna andthreatening processes to improvemanagement effectiveness.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 25

Strategies for natural values conservationBasisThe parks provide habitat for a large range offauna typical of south-eastern Australiaincluding rare or threatened species, transientand migratory species. Some iconic speciessuch as the Koala, Eastern Grey Kangaroo andPlatypus are important components of visitorexperiences and make a significantcontribution to tourism. Others such as theSpot-tailed Quoll are rarely seen but theirprotection is critical and symbolic ofsuccessful park management. The parkscontain a rich assemblage of medium-sizedand small ground-dwelling mammals. Thesemammal communities are susceptible to manythreats such as fox and cat predation andhabitat fragmentation and have been lost frommany other parts of Victoria. The parks alsocomplement habitats in adjoining marinenational parks, the coast and private land(section 8.10).Some 372 fauna species have been recorded inthe parks, including 77 rare and threatenedspecies in the national park including 28 whichalso occur in the forest park (appendix 4) (DSE2007b). Within the national park, 18 birdspecies listed under the CAMBA and JAMBAagreement have been recorded including eightwhich also occur in Otway Forest Park(appendix 4). This fauna information is beingmade publicly available as biodiversityinteractive maps at the DSE website,www.dse.vic.gov.au. Data sources includePV’s Environmental Information System (EIS)which contributes to DSE’s statewide Atlas ofVictorian Wildlife (AVW). Modelling andmapping of this biodiversity data were used indeveloping the conservation zone in thenational park.Great Otway National Park is particularlyimportant for the conservation of the SpottailedQuoll, Rufous Bristlebird, HoodedPlover, and White-bellied Sea-Eagle. Otherfauna of conservation importance in the parksinclude:• ground-dwelling mammals such as DuskyAntechinus, Swamp Antechinus, WhitefootedDunnart, Southern BrownBandicoot, Long-nosed Bandicoot, SmokyMouse, New Holland Mouse and LongnosedPotoroo• ground-nesting birds such as Fairy Tern,Caspian Tern and Lewin’s Rail• owls and bats such as the Masked Owl,Barking Owl, Powerful Owl and CommonBent-wing Bat• native fish such as Australian Grayling.Fauna surveys have been conducted in someparts of the parks, but many species such as theSpot-tailed Quoll are elusive and informationabout their habitat requirements is incomplete.Some other species recorded in the parks donot rely on the parks as a primary habitat.Fauna conservationFauna require a specific habitat structure inwhich to survive and flourish. Habitatfragmentation and the decline of vegetationquality are often closely associated with thesurvival prospects of fauna. Vegetationmanagement, in conjunction with otherprograms, is essential for maintaining habitatsand fauna values in the parks (sections 4.5 and4.8).Small mammals require a diverse understoreystructure to provide food and shelter, whileowls are dependent on old-growth forestswhich provide hollows for nesting. Streamconditions such as flow, water quality andriparian vegetation are important to waterbirds, fish and other species such as Platypus.Over many years, various threatening processhave reduced the distribution of many species.Predation by foxes and cats (section 4.8),fragmentation (section 4.5) and altered fireregimes (section 4.7) continue to threatenfauna values.Viewing fauna such as Koalas, Platypus, birdsand kangaroos in their natural habitats is ahighlight for many visitors. While mosttraditional nature-based recreation iscompatible with fauna conservation, someactivities need to be carefully managed toavoid disturbing fauna or their habitats.Some local populations of native fauna haveincreased to the extent that they pose a threatto their habitat and therefore to their long-termlocal survival. For example, some populationsof Koalas have locally increased to the extentthat they pose a threat to some Otway coastalmanna gum woodlands by causing defoliationand tree death. Koalas in the Otways aremanaged in accordance with Victoria’s Koala26 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for natural values conservationManagement Strategy, which aims to ensurethat viable wild populations of the Koalapersist throughout its natural range (DSE2004d).In Great Otway National Park, the Signs ofHealthy Parks ecological monitoring programincludes long-term monitoring of threatenedfaunal assemblages, such as small mammaland bird communities including threatenedspecies. The program includes activitymeasures such as areas treated with fox baits,effectiveness measures such as fox abundanceand outcome measures such as distribution andabundance of species susceptible to foxpredation.Volunteers also contribute significantly to theconservation of fauna and habitat throughoutthe parks (section 9.3).Oil spills and pollution are potential risks toshorebirds and other wildlife (section 4.4).Cetacean (whale and dolphin) strandings onthe national park’s beaches occur from time totime. Parks Victoria is responsible for beachclean up within the national and marinenational parks and are a support agency toDSE for wildlife affected by oil. Parks Victoriaand DSE respond to cetacean incidents inaccordance with the Victorian CetaceanContingency Plan (NRE 1999).Management strategies• Utilise best practice environmentalplanning and risk management to focusand prioritise resources for predatormanagement and habitat restoration(sections 4.7 and 4.8).• Plan and implement management activitiesin accordance with relevant wildlifelegislation, regulations and policies toimprove the likelihood of controllingknown threats and minimising theintroduction of new threats.• Continue threatened species monitoringacross tenures in accordance with Actionfor Biodiversity Conservation (ABC)priorities and use results to refinemanagement.• Encourage volunteers and interest groupsto contribute records to the EIS and AVWand support survey and monitoringactivities.• In the national park, continue toimplement best practice (Signs of HealthyParks) ecological monitoring program anduse the results to refine managementobjectives and actions.• Encourage sustainable research projectsthat will improve knowledge of faunavalues and support or improvemanagement.• Monitor the impact of locally overabundantnative animal populations andinvestigate the efficacy of managing thesewhere they are threatening othersignificant conservation values.4.7 Fire managementAims• Protect human life, property, and publicassets as far as practicable from thedeleterious consequences of wildfire.• Investigate, evaluate and whereappropriate implement fire regimes andstrategies to reduce the potential for thedevelopment of landscape scale fires andalso maintain the environmental integrityof the landscape.• In partnership with other agencies and thecommunity, undertake effective fireprevention, preparedness, response andrecovery activities.BasisFire is an essential component for maintainingthe health and regeneration of a range ofOtway ecosystems. It is an integral componentof Aboriginal culture and an importantmanagement tool (Dawson 1881).There have been a significant number of majorwildfires in the Otways that have causedserious loss of property and life, including the1939 ‘Black Friday’ fires and the 1983 ‘AshWednesday’ fires. Fires in the Otways havegenerally been characterised by relatively largeand damaging fires occurring infrequently,predominately human caused and burning fromprivate lands into the public forests.The National Parks Act requires the Secretaryto DSE to ensure that appropriate measures aretaken to protect national parks from injury byfire. The Forests Act requires the Secretary toGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 27

Strategies for natural values conservationDSE to carry out proper and sufficient workfor the prevention and suppression of fire inState forests and national parks, and on allprotected public land.The Code of Practice for Fire Management onPublic Land (DSE 2006) provides aframework for fire management procedure andpractice on public land in Victoria. The coderequires fire management planning andactivities to protect, as far as practicable,environmental values from the harmful effectsof wildfire and altered fire regimes.Fire management plans and fire operationsplans prepared in accordance with the Code ofPractice for Fire Management on Public Land(DSE 2006) will guide activities throughoutthe parks. Under the new code four firemanagement zones will apply to the parks:• Asset Protection Zone — for the highestlevel of strategic protection to human life,property and highly valued assets.• Strategic Wildfire Moderation Zone —toreduce the speed and intensity of fires,reduce the damage to assets and assist inmaking fire suppression activities safer andmore effective.• Ecological Management Zones —for theuse of prescribed burning for specific landmanagement objectives.• Prescribed Burning Exclusion Zone.Work has commenced on an integrated systemfor fire planning across public and private landwith Integrated Fire Management PlanningCommittees to be established for each localgovernment area. An example of this assetprotection works adjoining coastal townshipson both public and private land recognising theshared risks to communities. It is expected thatthis integrated approach will evolve during thelife of this management plan.Fire management activities encompass landmanagement burning, prevention,preparedness, response and recovery. Firemanagement activities are undertaken by DSEwith support from Parks Victoria, the CountryFire Authority and other organisations.The response to wildfire throughout the parksare guided by the Readiness and ResponsePlan South West Area (DSE 2008c), which isreviewed annually. All fire managementactivities require careful planning andimplementation to avoid impacts on culturalsites, historic heritage sites, water supplies,visitor facilities, visitor enjoyment andbiodiversity values. Roads, signs, waterextraction points and other infrastructure areessential for fire protection. Consistent withgovernment-accepted VEACrecommendations, fire protection in the parksis managed to give emphasis to nearby townsand settlements and critical infrastructureassets.Fire as a management tool maintains orimproves ecosystem health and resilience,based on a particular ecosystem’s requirementsof fire frequency, intensity, scale andpatchiness. In most Ecological VegetationClasses in the parks, prescribed burning is anessential management tool. Since the arrival ofEuropeans, fire regimes have progressivelyaltered.A number of heathy vegetation communities,in particular, have declined in condition partlydue to a reduced fire frequency.Management strategies• Integrate fire planning and preventionworks such as strategic fuelbreaks andasset protection zones across-tenure toprotect landscape scale biodiversity andprotect private assets that abut the parks.• Prepare an integrated fire managementplan to replace the Fire Protection Plan inaccordance with legislation and policy inconjunction with key stakeholders and withcommunity consultation.• Fire management planning for the parkswill be undertaken in accordance withcurrent legislation and policy (currentlythe Code of Practice for Fire Managementon Public Land) in conjunction with keystakeholders and with communityconsultation.• Encourage research projects that willimprove knowledge of fire management,including Aboriginal use of fire, that willsupport or improve management.• Increase the planned burning programbased on ecological and risk managementobjectives.28 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for natural values conservation• Enhance the community’s understandingof the role of fire in the environment andshared responsibility for fire risk andprevention and preparedness for bushfire.4.8 Pest plants, pest animals anddiseasesAims• Eradicate or prevent the establishment ofnew or emerging pest plants, animals anddiseases.• Control and where possible eradicate pestplants, animals and diseases from theparks, giving priority to areas with priorityspecies and communities or areas in goodcondition.• Improve the effectiveness of pest anddisease management by increasing theknowledge of pest species and treatmentmethods through research, record-keepingand monitoring.BasisThere are approximately 370 species of exoticplants in the Otways, many of which are pestplants that are invasive, displacing native plantspecies and altering critical habitats. Pestplants are widespread in the Otways and canalter ecosystem functioning, affect streamdynamics, restrict recreation and spoillandscapes. They are often concentrated inpreviously disturbed areas such as road verges,cleared sites and boundaries with privateproperty. An ecological risk assessmentidentified Blackberry, Boneseed, BridalCreeper and Sweet Pittosporum as priority pestplants in the parks (Raulings 2006), but manyothers are also of concern, such as Ragwortand Sea Spurge.The management of pest plants in the parks areguided by the Guidelines and Procedures forManaging the Environmental Impacts ofWeeds on Public Land in Victoria 2007 (DSE2007d) and the Invasive Plant and AnimalPolicy Framework (DPI in prep). ParksVictoria and DSE in partnership with theCatchment Management Authorities, localcommunities and park neighbours are taking acollaborative and cross-tenure approach to pestmanagement to achieve the sustainableprotection of biodiversity values. Ongoingmonitoring such as the Signs of Healthy Parksprogram (sections 4.5 and 4.6) enables anevaluation of the effectiveness of programsand ongoing refinement.Foxes, cats, rabbits, deer, hares, pigs, BrownTrout, introduced birds, feral Honey Bees andEuropean Wasps have been recorded in theparks. Rabbits are widespread in the parks,particularly near agricultural land. They createconditions suitable for pest plants and altervegetation structure by browsing, which alsoprevents regeneration, and contribute toerosion. The management of rabbits is guidedby the Victorian Pest Management: RabbitManagement Strategy — A Framework forAction (NRE 2002d).Foxes prey on ground-dwelling mammals,birds and reptiles throughout both parks andpose a serious threat because of the highnumber of susceptible native species. Foxescan also spread pest plants such as Blackberry.The management of foxes is guided by theVictorian Pest Management: Fox ManagementStrategy — A Framework for Action (NRE2002c).Anecdotal evidence suggests that feral cats areincreasing in number, and they may be havingserious impacts on fauna. There is potential forferal pig and goat populations to become aconcern. Their management is guided by theVictorian Pest Management: Feral Pig andFeral Goat Management Strategy — AFramework for Action (NRE 2002b).Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soilbornepathogen that attacks the roots ofsusceptible plants, causing dieback and death.It is present at several coastal heathland andwoodland sites in Great Otway National Parkand Otway Forest Park. Once introduced to anarea it can spread quickly, and there are noknown ways to eradicate it. Phytophthora isspread by the movement of water or soil orgravel on vehicles, machinery, animals,bicycles and boots.Myrtle Wilt, a fatal disease affecting thedominant rainforest tree Myrtle Beech iscaused by the fungal pathogen Chalaraaustralis. The disease, which is thought tooccur naturally at low levels, has reachedepidemic levels in the national park. The riskof spread is thought to be increased by soildisturbance (Cameron & Turner 1996).Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 29

Strategies for natural values conservationManagement seeks to avoid all unnecessarysoil disturbances within cool temperaterainforest.The vegetation restoration program alsocontributes to pest control (section 4.5). ParksVictoria and DSE regularly survey the parks toprevent the establishment of new pestinfestations. Volunteers also contributesignificantly to the early identification andcontrol of pest plants throughout the parks(section 9.3).Management strategies• Undertake prioritised pest control usingan integrated and asset-based riskmanagement approach in collaborationwith the community, including CMAs andneighbours. Priority for pest managementwill be given to:new and emerging weedspest plants identified as environmentalthreats.• Undertake targeted fox and rabbit controlprograms in the parks to achievemanagement objectives for priority faunaand flora species.• Implement community education, hygieneprotocols and other measures to minimisethe spread of pest species and pathogens,such as Phytophthora cinnamomi.• Develop and implement a Myrtle Wilthygiene and risk management plan.• Work cooperatively with relevant agenciesand adjacent land managers on thedevelopment and implementation ofintegrated landscape pest managementprograms.• Where available use non-chemicalmethods for control of pest animals orplants within DWSCAs. Follow protocols(when established) under the jointmanagement agreements. In the absence ofprotocols, seek the advice of the watercorporation before chemicals are used.• Monitor and evaluate control programsincluding (Signs of Healthy Parks)ecological monitoring program andencourage sustainable research programsthat will improve knowledge of pest plantand animal species and diseases andeffectiveness of treatments that willsupport or improve operationalmanagement.• Encourage research projects that willimprove knowledge of the impacts of pestplants and animals, and that will supportor improve management.30 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

5 STRATEGIES FOR CULTURAL VALUES CONSERVATION5.1 Aboriginal cultural heritageAims• Recognise and respect the culturalconnections that Traditional Owners andother Aboriginal people have with Countrywithin the parks.• Provide and maintain opportunities forAboriginal cultural connections andpractices within the parks.• Work together with the TraditionalOwners to protect and enhance Aboriginalcultural heritage.Basis‘When I asked their names and where thecountry was they belonged to, they were at thetime seated on the ground on the heights ...when the man, with emotion struck the groundand said, “This is my country, deen deen, thisthis.” (Robinson 1841).Great Otway National Park and Otway ForestPark are an integral part of Kirrae Whurrong,Gulidjan, Gadubanud and WathaurongCountry. Living cultural heritage in theOtways has been sustained and nourished byAboriginal people continuing to maintain,rebuild and advance connections to Country,encompassing spirituality, culture and lifestyleconnections to the environment, landscape andregion.To the east of Painkalac Creek is Wathaurong(‘the people who say wada for no’) Country.The Tjuraaltja clan belongs to the land and seabetween Painkalac Creek and Kuarka Dorla(Anglesea). The Maa:mart clan is thought tobelong to the land and sea east of KuarkaDorla.To the west of the Gellibrand River is theCountry of Kirrae Whurrong, whose namemeans ‘blood lip’ (Dawson 1881). The KirraeWhurrong is thought to have consisted of atleast 21 clans with two language subdialects,sharing many aspects of culture (Clark 1998a).The Ngaragurd gundidj clan is the closestrecorded to the parks (Clark 1998a).To the east of the Gellibrand River isGadubanud Country. Little is known about theGadubanud, which means ‘King Parrotlanguage’ (Dawson 1881). Early squattersthought the Otways were uninhabited, but atleast five clans are recorded from there,including Bangura gundidj, Guringid gundidj,Ngalla gundidj, Ngarowurd gundidj and YanYan Gurt (Clark 1998a). The Gadubanud wereconsidered mainmait (wild) by neighbouringlanguage groups.Gulidjan Country extends from Gellibrand toColac and the lakes wetlands to the north ofthe parks. It encompasses four recorded clans,including the Birregurra (‘place wherekangaroo rests’) from the area aroundBirregurra and the Guraldin balug fromIngleby station on the Barwon River.The post-European contact history of theseAboriginal groups is marked by violence,disease, displacement and institutionalisation.There are many recorded massacres in WesternVictoria, including the murder of sevenGadubanud people at the mouth of the AireRiver (Clark 1995). Following extensiveviolence and the progressive displacement ofclans from hunting grounds that had beenaltered by Europeans, survivors gravitated tolocal pastoral stations, and many eventuallymoved to Buntingdale Wesleyan Mission nearBirregurra and then were moved on toFramlingham Aboriginal Station, Lake Condahand Lake Tyers in Gippsland. As a result manyaspects of culture are now shared betweenlanguage and clan groups throughout theregion.Despite this tragic history, Aboriginal peopleare committed to maintaining their culturalidentity (Critchett 1998; Clark 1998b). LocalAboriginal people and communities, includingTraditional Owners, Framlingham AboriginalTrust, Kirrae Whurrong Native Title Group,Southern Otways Indigenous Group andWathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative advocatethe area’s cultural significance, which theyaspire to maintain and enhance in partnershipwith park managers.Cultural heritage in the parks encompassesarchaeological sites as well as non-physicalaspects such as massacre sites, songlines,family links and stories. Many plants andanimals are also important to IndigenousGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 31

Strategies for cultural values conservationcommunities as they relate to identity,spirituality and social and economic wellbeingand responsibilities. There are over 100archaeological sites registered on the VictorianAboriginal Heritage Register within the parks,including shell middens, burial sites, scar treesand scatter sites, and this is likely to be a smallpercentage of the cultural sites that actuallyexist. Archaeological sites, particularly shellmiddens, are prevalent along the coast.Cultural sites are often located adjacent torivers, streams and the coast, and these naturalsystems are considered an integral part ofCountry. Rivers and streams are a plentifulsource of eels, which in the past were caughtby Aboriginal people using elaborate trapsconstructed from stones and long wovenbaskets (Dawson 1881; Pascoe 2003).All Aboriginal places, objects and humanremains are protected under the Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act1984 (Cwlth) and Aboriginal Heritage Act2006 (Vic.). The discovery of an Aboriginalplace, object or human remains must bereported to the Department of Planning andCommunity Development (Aboriginal AffairsVictoria) who keep the Victorian AboriginalHeritage Register. Cultural HeritageManagement Plans for conservation ofAboriginal places and objects are developedwith the relevant Registered Aboriginal Party(or, if there is no Party, with the Department ofPlanning and Community Development). It isan offence to damage, interfere with orendanger an Aboriginal place, object or humanremains except in accordance with a CulturalHeritage Management Plan.Aboriginal archaeological sites can be easilydamaged by activities such as illegal artefactcollection, off-road vehicle use, theconstruction of fire lines, roads, tracks andvisitor facilities, and erosion associated withthose facilities and activities. Damage is oftengradual and may be exacerbated by the erosionof sensitive coastal sites and natural impacts.The preservation of non-physical aspects ofculture such as caring for Country, visitingspecial places, conducting ceremonies,teaching and resource harvesting dependslargely on providing and maintainingopportunities to undertake cultural practices inthe parks.Park managers respect Aboriginal people’songoing custodianship, knowledge, interests,rights and aspirations for Country, and seek tonurture and revitalise relationships betweenAboriginal people and Country (section 9.2).Parks Victoria has developed an IndigenousPartnerships Strategy and Action Plan (ParksVictoria 2005b), applicable to management ofthe Great Otway National Park, whichidentifies programs (with correspondingstrategies and actions) for developing:• Relations and partnerships with indigenouscommunities• Cross-cultural awareness and learningexchanges• Indigenous employment and training• Managing indigenous cultural heritage andenvironmental values• Tourism information, interpretation andeducation• Indigenous business enterprises• Native title• Internal co-ordination.Parks Victoria will lead the management ofAboriginal Cultural Heritage across bothparks. Parks Victoria has guidelines relating toworking with Indigenous communities andprotecting cultural sites from managementactivities and a process for assessing allpermits to be issued for the national park thatincludes indigenous cultural heritage values.DSE has developed an IndigenousPartnerships Framework (DSE 2007e),applicable to management of the Otway ForestPark which identifies principles, key strategicinitiatives, outcomes and actions for:• Indigenous cultural awareness program• Indigenous community partnerships• Capacity building in indigenouscommunities• Cultural heritage, land and watermanagement• Indigenous employment• Indigenous economic development• Communication32 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for cultural values conservation• Governance, monitoring and evaluation.Indigenous tourism has been identified as akey tourism opportunity (section 6.1).Management strategies• Respect and include Aboriginal people’sknowledge, cultural heritage andaspirations for Country in management ofthe Otway parks, through implementationof relevant strategies and actions of ParksVictoria’s Indigenous PartnershipsStrategy and Action Plan and DSE’sIndigenous Partnerships Framework.• Work in partnership with the relevantRegistered Aboriginal Parties and,Traditional Owners to manage Aboriginalcultural heritage places. In partnership,identify conservation actions, aspirationsfor promotion and interpretation, themesand appropriate sites (section 9.2).• Ensure that relevant permits and consentsare obtained where required, prior toundertaking any works that will impact oncultural sites.• Support staff, consultants, contractors andtour operators to receive cross-culturaltraining and be aware of Indigenouscultural heritage, legislative requirements,threats and management principles.• Allow Aboriginal traditional practices inthe parks in accordance with legislation.• Liaise with Traditional Owners, and asappropriate with other Aboriginal groupsand relevant agencies in relation to theinvestigation into the establishment of oneor more Indigenous cultural andinterpretation centres in the Otways.• Progress joint management / comanagementaspirations in accordancewith the Victorian Native Title SettlementFramework.5.2 Historic heritageAims• Protect, conserve and present places withsignificant historic (non-indigenous)cultural heritage values in accordance withapplicable legislation, strategies andcharters.• Increase visitor and local communityinvolvement, understanding andappreciation of Otway historic heritage,including sustainable provision of access,presentation, interpretation and promotionof selected sites.BasisGreat Otway National Park and Otway ForestPark have outstanding non-indigenous heritagesignificance related particularly to thenumerous sawmilling and tramway sites datingfrom the 1850s, the Cape Otway Lightstationand the Great Ocean Road. A series of siteswith high aesthetic value, particularlypanoramic coastal settings, several waterfallsand sections of Myrtle Beech rainforest, alsohave high cultural heritage significance, longrecognised by visitors to the Otways (ParksVictoria and DSE 2008a).Management of heritage sitesThe Victorian Heritage Register lists four sitesthat are within the parks: Cape OtwayLightstation, Henry’s No.1 Mill and Henry’sTramway Tunnel near Forrest, and Knott’sNo.3 Mill at Wyelangta. A total of 181 placesin the Great Otway National Park and OtwayForest Park are included in Parks Victoria’sdatabase for non-Indigenous heritage places.There are 52 sites of state and regionalsignificance (Parks Victoria and DSE 2008a).These sites are generally the highest priorityfor management.The Cape Otway Lightstation encompasses thelighthouse and a number of associatedbuildings constructed during the 1840s and1850s. The lighthouse and lighthouse keepers’quarters are the oldest intact buildings of theirtype on the Australian mainland and played acrucial role in immigration to Australia. TheCape Otway Telegraph Station linkedTasmania to the mainland via a submarinecable, signalled ships and conveyed shippingnews to Melbourne. A World War II radarstation and generator bunkers are also locatedwithin the precinct. Protection of the heritagefeatures of Cape Otway Lightstation is guidedby the Cape Otway Lightstation ConservationManagement Plan (CLS 1994). Conservationissues are also addressed in the lease for thesite (section 8.3).Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 33

Strategies for cultural values conservationSeveral important sites and artefacts ofshipwreck history are found along the coast,such as anchors from several shipwrecks andthe Cape Otway Cemetery with graves ofshipwreck victims.Since the 1840s the timber industry has been amajor industry in the Otways. Heritage sitesassociated with the timber industry includesawmills, remnants of timber tramways andrailway lines. The timber industry heritage inthe Otways is recognised as outstanding in thestate, and three sites are listed on the VictorianHeritage Register: Henry’s No. 1 Mill, Henry’sTramway Tunnel, and Knott’s No. 3 Mill.Knott’s No. 1 Mill was one of the largest millsoperating and is relatively well preserved.Remnants of numerous other early sawmillsexist, such as the relatively intact Smedleysawmill at Olangolah. The former Colac –Beech Forest – Crowes railway line is now arecreational rail trail linking Colac to BeechForest partly through the forest park. The railtrail is known as the Old Beechy Rail Trail.The parks have a long history of tourism,which expanded further after the completion ofthe Great Ocean Road in the 1930s. Sites witha long history of tourism include Melba Gully,Erskine Falls and Triplet Falls. The GreatOcean Road has a high historical significanceas an engineering accomplishment and as amajor contributor to the development oftourism in south-western Victoria. The roadhelped provide access to the natural andlandscape values of the coast to generations oftourists.Other important cultural heritage sites arenatural areas with a high aesthetic value, suchas Triplet, Erskine, Hopetoun and BeauchampFalls, Aire and Gellibrand Rivers, rainforestsettings e.g. Melba Gully and Maits Rest, andscenic coastal views e.g. Point Addis, UrquhartBluff, Cape Otway and Johanna Beach(Crocker & Associates 1999).Environmental factors such as high rainfall andbushfires in the Otways have led to thedeterioration of much exposed timber andmetal fabric. Preventing this deterioration isnot practicable at most sites. Managementshould focus on limiting manageable threats tosite fabric, such as controlling deteriorationfrom visitor access, discouraging removal ofartefacts, removal of damaging vegetation, andstabilising structures. Minimising safety risksto visitors and staff is also important (section6.16).Protecting significant sites from visitorpressures and management activities is animportant priority for management. Historicsites are protected under the Heritage Actwhich contains prescriptions that apply todisturbance of archaeological sites more than50 years old. Another important strategy isVictoria’s Heritage: strengthening ourcommunities (Heritage Victoria 2006).Heritage sites within the national park aremanaged in accordance with Parks Victoria’sHeritage Management Strategy (Parks Victoria2005a). The Burra Charter (AustraliaICOMOS 1999) provides guiding principles,of which preservation is generally theapproach taken in managing heritage sites inthe Otway parks. Restoration may beappropriate at the Cape Otway Lightstation(Parks Victoria and DSE 2008a).Continued protection of the special featuresidentified in the government response to theVEAC recommendations will occur throughimplementation of relevant policies andprocedures.Access, presentation and interpretationHeritage site presentation and provision ofinterpretation is focussed on accessible sites,with good visitor facilities and on-siteopportunities to present stories which interestvisitors and help to illustrate key historicthemes of ‘using resources – forestry’,‘accessing natural wonders’ and ‘shippingalong the coast’ (section 6.2). Some of themost significant forestry sites are sensitive andinaccessible however, and therefore are notsuitable as visitor destinations. A frameworkfor identifying priority sites for interpretationis provided in Heritage Access, Presentationand Interpretation Framework (Crocker &Associates 2002), and a detailed assessment ofthe main hinterland visitor sites, includingvisitor appeal and cultural values, is providedin Tourism Plan for Public Land in the OtwayHinterland (DSE 2005).Historic heritage tourism has been identified inthis plan as a key tourism opportunity (section6.1).34 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for cultural values conservationManagement strategies• Prepare and implement a monitoringprogram for significant historic placestaking into consideration values, threatsand natural events such as bushfires. Useinformation gathered to informappropriate management actions.Investigate opportunities to involvecommunity groups in implementation ofthe monitoring program and managementactions.• Ensure that relevant permits and consentsare obtained where required, prior toundertaking any works that will impact onheritage places.• Provide interpretation and directionalinformation such as signage, printed andonline information for key heritage sites.Focus on-site interpretation at sites thatare accessible, have on-site opportunitiesfor interesting interpretation, andillustrate key historic themes, includingCape Otway Lightstation, Erskine Falls,Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls, BeauchampFalls, Old Beechy Rail Trail and sites nearthe Great Ocean Road.• Work co-operatively with other landmanagers, visitor information centres,tourism organisations and touristoperators to ensure adequate awareness ofheritage values, issues and management.• Encourage community interest andinvolvement, and continue to work withhistorical societies and interestedcommunity groups in the conservation andinterpretation of historic heritage values ofthe parks.• Consider appropriate research projectsthat will foster community understandingand appreciation and influencemanagement outcomes in relation toOtway heritage, e.g. oral histories.5.3 Social valuesAim• Understand the social values of the parks,and enhance and protect places,landscapes, features and character thatcontribute to social values.BasisLocal communities such as Anglesea, KennettRiver, Lavers Hill, Lorne, Forrest andGellibrand are unusual in that they are situatedin a landscape dominated by parks. TheOtways have special meaning to Otway peopleand to visitors. Park management needs tounderstand the social values of the parks andprotect them where possible.Social values encompass the places andqualities of places that have taken on specialmeaning to people. This includes what isdescribed as place attachment or sense ofplace, and refers to the positive emotionalbonds that develop between individuals andtheir environment. It involves a mixture offeelings about specific physical settings andtypes of settings, and how these settingsprovide meaning and purpose to life (Brown2006).A study of Otway residents and visitors hasshown that both groups exhibit similar patternsof place attachment – indicating that visitorsare also vested interest stakeholders in landmanagement decisions. Place attachment ismost closely associated with peoples’ spiritualvalues for the landscape, and was also shownto be influenced by knowledge of the Otwayregion, length of residence and advocacy forthe environment. Sites shown to haveimportant spiritual and therapeutic values topeople were predominantly along the coast(including promoted visitor sites such asLorne, Apollo Bay, Aire River estuary,Johanna Beach and Wreck Beach, but alsomany that are not) and some popular inlandforest and water feature sites (such as MelbaGully, Triplet Falls and Lake Elizabeth)(Brown 2006).Community consultation undertaken as a partof the Angahook–Otway Investigation (VEAC2004) provided some insight into the socialvalues of the parks. Many residents, coastalcommunities and visitors are concerned thattourism pressures may erode the social valueof their special places and ultimately impact ontheir lifestyle. Many Otway residents wantdevelopment confined to hinterland areas,avoiding expansion at natural destinations.Feedback received from the communityindicates a high level of support for thedifferent management emphases which applyto the protection of social values in the GreatGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 35

Strategies for cultural values conservationOtway National Park and the Otway ForestPark. Community participation in managementhelps managers understand social values(section 9.3). Interpretation and promotingcommunity awareness contributes to visitors’understanding of the social significance ofspecial places (sections 6.2 and 9.1). Socialvalues research and the development of asocial values framework for the parks willprovide important information to help guidethe management of socially significant sites.Management strategy• Encourage research projects that willimprove knowledge of social values andsupport or improve the management andvalue of parks to the community.36 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

6 STRATEGIES FOR VISITORS6.1 Tourism and recreationdirectionsAims• Provide and enhance a sustainable range oftourism and recreation opportunities andproducts within the parks. Contribute tothe region’s tourism and recreationopportunities and profile.• Provide high quality, memorable, authenticand educational experiences for visitorsthat capitalise on the Otways uniqueattributes, to generate an understandingand appreciation of park values, and meetor exceed visitor expectations.• Increase opportunities for participation ofcommercial and community partners in theprovision of tourism and recreationexperiences, particularly the Aboriginalcommunity.• Ensure that tourism and recreationactivities and infrastructure are conductedand managed in a way that respects naturalsettings, conservation requirements, andcultural sensitivities.BasisThe Great Ocean Road Tourism Region, ofwhich the parks are an integral part, is one ofVictoria’s major tourist destinations. Theregion has a 15% market share of visitors toregional Victoria, the second largest share ofall regions (Tourism Victoria 2004). Thetourism industry supports a significant part ofthe region’s economy and accounts for 5.3% oftotal employment (Tourism Victoria 2004).Nature-based activities are strongly associatedwith destinations in the region, making upmore than 60% of activities undertaken byvisitors, compared to 46% for regional Victoriaas a whole (Tourism Victoria 2004). Recentgovernment initiatives have built on this,aiming to enhance nature-based tourismopportunities particularly in the Otwayhinterland.Nature-based tourism is defined as ‘Tourismthat relies on experiences directly related tonatural attractions’ (Tourism Victoria 2008).The parks play an integral two-fold role innature-based tourism in the region as theyprovide:• a base for many nature based tourism,ecoadventure and recreation activities suchas bushwalking, organised tours, wildlifeviewing, cycling and horse riding• the setting or backdrop for many activitiesin the region that draw on the parks’features, such as touring the Great OceanRoad, visiting the Cape OtwayLightstation and holidaying in coastaltowns.Nature based tourism activities are diverse, andhave varying appeal for local, national andinternational visitors. A collaborative approachbetween government and industry targetsmarketing to those more likely to be interestedin nature-based tourism experiences. Theapproach aims to provide enhancedexperiences and increased visitor satisfactionwhile catering to forecasted growth invisitation. It is also predicated on providing themaximum economic returns to Victoria.Parks Victoria and DSE recognise that tourismand recreation are integral to parkmanagement, successful tourism provides localcommunity benefits, increasing localemployment as well as appreciation andsupport for park values and assets.Key overarching policies are:Victoria’s Nature-based Tourism Strategy2008–2012 (Tourism Victoria 2008) aims toprovide a coordinated and strategic approachto policy, planning, development andmarketing in the sector to optimise theeconomic, social and environmental benefits toVictoria. The strategy identifies the GreatOcean Road as one of the key nature-basedtourism development areas in Victoria, andproposes that nature-based tourismaccommodation and activity hub projects bedeveloped for the Otways and Great OceanRoad.The Great Ocean Road Regional TourismDevelopment Plan 2004–2007 (TourismVictoria 2004) provides the strategic directionfor tourism development in the region. Itidentifies that the creation of the Great OtwayGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 37

Strategies for visitorsNational Park and Otway Forest Park presentsa ‘stand-out opportunity for nature basedtourism’.The Great Ocean Road strategy (DSE 2004b)contains strategies for strengthening protectionof public land and parks, protection ofenvironment and landscapes, and developmentof sustainable tourism in the region.The Tourism Plan for Public Land in theOtway Hinterland (DSE 2005) providesspecific recommendations for developing andpromoting tourism in the hinterland areas.Park managers have regular liaison and workin collaboration with the highly organised localtourism associations: Surf Coast Tourism andOtways Tourism, and the regional bodiesGeelong-Otway Tourism and Shipwreck CoastTourism.A licence is required to provide tourismservices in Great Otway National Park andOtway Forest Park. Parks Victoria and DSEwork closely with licensed tour operators toensure that tours are compatible with parkmanagement objectives. There are 140 (as of2008) licensed tour operators licensed toconduct tours in the parks, including 4WDtouring, sightseeing, educational activities andbushwalking. Licensed tour operators provideenhanced services for visitors who prefer tohave additional interpretation, guidance,instruction, catering or accommodationprovided while visiting the parks. They alsohelp to promote park values and appropriateusage of the parks.Key tourism opportunitiesThe following key tourism opportunities areexciting potential developments for the parks.They are not, however, overnight ventures, andrequire substantial long-term assessment,planning, partnership and commitment fromthe public and private sectors, and arepresented for consideration with theexpectation that they can only proceed subjectto development assessment criteria (section3.4).Indigenous tourismThe Otway parks provide significantopportunities for Indigenous tourism, a highlysought product by international visitors. Parkmanagers are keen to work closely withTraditional Owners and Aboriginal groups toexplore opportunities for Indigenous tourismbusinesses and products that are authentic,respectful and support Aboriginal communitydevelopment and engagement. These couldinclude (among other things): provision ofinterpretive services such as guided shortinterpretive walks or multi-day camping safariswith a focus on indigenous sites, stories, foodand culture; supply of services to visitorswithin the parks such as provision of fuel forcamp cooking and facility maintenance; anddissemination of park information to visitors.Demountable accommodationTo attract people who are seeking a morecomfortable camping experience, the Otwayparks are suited to the provision of a limitednumber of high-end camping options. Purposebuilt demountable accommodation/standingcamps offer immersion in nature, whileproviding a high degree of comfort andsecurity for campers.Nature based accommodation ‘eco-lodge’adjacent to Great Otway National ParkThe development of a nature-basedaccommodation ‘eco-lodge’ adjacent to GreatOtway National Park offering high quality,energy efficient ‘green’ accommodation andassociated services has been identified as anopportunity in Tourism Plan for Public Landin the Otway Hinterland (DSE 2005). It wouldserve as a key marketable product, wouldbetter connect park visitors with the naturalenvironment and meet an identified gap inaccommodation options.Great Ocean Walk enhancementsDestined to be ‘one of the worlds great walks’,the Great Ocean Walk will continue to bedeveloped and enhanced in line with the GreatOcean Walk Strategic Directions Plan 2009-2014 (Parks Victoria 2009) to firmly establishit as a nationally and internationally recognisedicon. Sections of the walk that run along roadsare to be re-routed onto walking tracks toprovide for a high quality walking experience.Cooperative partnerships have been developedwith private sector accommodation andtourism providers for mutually beneficialproduct development, promotion and provisionof services. Opportunities exist to enhance therange of services currently provided on thewalk, such as enhanced interpretiveexperiences including interpretation of38 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitorsAboriginal cultural heritage, quality cateringservices, and easier access to off-parkaccommodation.Long distance horse riding routeAn opportunity exists to investigate theprovision and promotion of a long distancehorse riding route that links existing horseriding ‘hubs’ and provides the opportunity fora multi-day horse riding experience.Partnerships with horse friendly off-parkaccommodation providers could also beexplored.Group campingDemand for large group camping facilities isgrowing particularly along the Great OceanWalk. However, the campgrounds associatedwith the Great Ocean Walk are not designedfor large groups and increases in large groupsof campers will diminish the experiences ofsmall-group independent walkers. Anopportunity exists to investigate the potentialfor development of camping areas for largergroups which link to other features,particularly walking tracks.Vehicle touring routesTourism Plan for Public Land in the OtwayHinterland (DSE 2005) has recommended thedevelopment and promotion of three vehicletouring routes, including a 4WD route, toencourage the dispersal of tourists into thehinterland. This could be supported byappropriate private sector investment intourism infrastructure and provision ofservices.Trail bike riding facilitiesTrail bike riding loading and unloading areaswill be established. Opportunities fordeveloping riding routes on the public roadsystem will be analysed.Mountain biking opportunitiesMountain biking is a growing recreationactivity in the parks, popular for cross-countrystyle riding and suitable for mountain biketouring. Purpose-built, technically challengingmountain bike tracks have been constructednear the town of Forrest. Opportunities existfor the promotion of rough-road routes forcross-country riding and touring, and also fordevelopment of introductory and familyorientedcycling on shared walking/cyclingtracks.Historic heritage tourismThe Otway parks are rich in historic heritage.An opportunity exists to work with tourismbodies and the private sector to explore thepotential for the development of historicheritage tourism and delivery of guidedhistoric heritage tours of significant sites andfeatures, while ensuring that heritage valuesare protected.EventsEvents are popular throughout the Otways asthe diverse natural setting and the proximity ofthe parks to Melbourne and regional citiesattract many activities. Activities range fromarts and music to adventure races, mountainbike racing, surfing and other sports. Previousstudies indicate that events can be useful inattracting people to hinterland and shoulderseason visits, and can contribute to anincreased length of stay, thereby contributingmore to local economies.Wildlife tourismVisitors to the Otway parks regularlyencounter Koalas, swamp wallabies, greykangaroos, Echidnas and birds such as blackcockatoos and falcons. With planning and localknowledge, Platypus, bandicoots and bats arealso able to be observed. There is greatpotential for promotion of wildlife viewingexperiences and increasing the diversity ofwildlife tours to visitors from outside theregion and from overseas, in combination withother Otway attractions.Management strategies• Continue to develop and promotesustainable tourism in the parks and theregion, based on regional and localstrategies and key opportunities. Continueto work with local and regional tourismassociations and contribute to regionaland statewide tourism.• Continue to develop and enhance theGreat Ocean Walk and its partnershipsopportunities.• Work with the tourism and recreationindustry and the private sector inreviewing and designing tourism productGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 39

Strategies for visitorsand experiences, and create an enablingenvironment for the consideration of newtourism or recreation product andopportunities that diversify nature-basedactivities and provide authentic anddiverse experiences, encourage off-peaktourism, and deliver increased yield.• Assist relevant Registered AboriginalParties, Traditional Owners or otherrelevant Aboriginal groups to investigateand develop culturally appropriateIndigenous tourism experiences.• Encourage and support ecologicallysustainable tourism development in thehinterland.• Encourage and support the private sectorand tourism bodies to investigateopportunities for a nature-basedaccommodation ‘Eco lodge’ adjacent tothe national park.• Work with tour operators to assist with theincorporation of park value messages intotours and interpretive information.• In partnership with local government,develop township recreation planssupporting cross-tenure and integratedcommunity recreation.6.2 Information, interpretation andeducationAim• Promote and encourage visitors’ safe andsustainable discovery, enjoyment,understanding and appreciation of theparks natural and cultural values.BasisProviding information, interpretation andeducation can help orientate and informvisitors, foster an understanding andappreciation of special natural and culturalvalues, build the understanding of managementactivities, and help visitors to experience,understand and appreciate the parks in a safeand appropriate manner.Park infrastructure must be functional andmeet relevant standards. It should also besympathetic to the site and complement nearbycolours, shapes and textures. Well-designedinfrastructure such as signs can enhance visitorexperiences by using materials of specialsignificance, using special constructionmethods or integrating particular artisticelements. Community involvement in designalso provides an opportunity to access uniqueskills while building community stewardshipand pride.Promotion and pre-visit informationThe Great Ocean Road is a high-profiletourism destination, and the establishment ofthe Great Otway National Park and OtwayForest Park increases the scope for promotingthe region internationally and within Australiathrough Tourism Victoria and local tourismbodies. Accredited visitor information centresat Geelong, Colac, Torquay, Lorne and ApolloBay and Port Campbell, as the ‘shop front’ forthe attractions of the region, play an importantrole in providing pre-visit information forvisitors. Tourism businesses throughout theGreat Ocean Road and Otway hinterland alsohelp promote the parks.Parks managers support the promotional workof Tourism Victoria, local tourismassociations, accredited visitor informationcentres and local businesses, who help toensure that visitors receive appropriate and upto-dateinformation about the parks. ParksVictoria also provides information through itswebsite (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au), Parknotesand other brochures, information centre hotlineand feature segments on television travel,tourism and wildlife programs. DSE alsoprovides information about recreation andtourism activities in Otway Forest Park on theDSE website (www.dse.vic.gov.au) and inForests Notes and other brochures.OrientationOrientation ensures that visitors can enjoy theparks, access facilities and undertakeappropriate activities. Providing sufficient,effective orientation is a challenge because ofthe size of the parks and the complexity oftheir boundaries.Park managers use information boards, signson access roads and in the parks, rangerpatrols, Parknotes, Forestnotes and maps, inconjunction with a public awareness program,to help orientate visitors (section 9.1). Detailedvisitor orientation information is provided oninformation boards at most of the popularvisitor sites in the parks.40 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitorsPark managers also provide information onroads, tracks and facilities in the parks to thepublishers of various popular maps andguidebooks.InterpretationInterpretation is a critical part of maintainingand enhancing visitor experiences. Informationboards, interpretive trails, tours and activitiesby licensed activity providers, activities led byrangers or volunteers, and interpretive facilitiesare provided to build an understanding of theparks and their special values. An interpretivecentre for showcasing the natural and heritagevalues of the Great Ocean Road Region hasbeen identified as a priority project (TourismVictoria 2004), and with reference toAboriginal cultural interpretation, wasincluded in the VEAC recommendationsaccepted by government (section 5.1).Features in the parks with interpretiveinformation readily available includewaterfalls such as Triplet Falls, rainforestssuch as Melba Gully and Maits Rest,shipwreck sites and the Cape OtwayLightstation, with interpretive themes ofappreciating natural values and shipping alongthe coast. An opportunity exists to link sitesbased on themes of Aboriginal culturalheritage or historic heritage (sections 5.1 and5.2). Integrated and planned interpretivethemes across the parks can create a moreenjoyable, higher quality experience, build abroader understanding of park values, threatsand uses, and promote additional opportunitiesfor visitors, including other attractions in theOtway hinterland.Schools and group educationThe parks provide many opportunities foreducation to schools and other groups.Licensed tour operators also provide a range ofenvironmental, activity-based schoolseducation programs in the parks.The parks provide good access for buses tomany visitor nodes. Interpretive trails andwalking tracks through different ecosystemsand habitats provide a basis for education forall levels. Visitor facilities and walking tracksaround Anglesea and Lorne are very popularwith school groups.There are opportunities for school groups toutilise larger camping areas within, or privatecamp and accommodation facilities outside,the parks. The provision of facilities andcamping areas for school groups is discussedin section 6.6.Management strategies• Strengthen relationships with and supportfor accredited visitor information centres,and ensure that good-quality informationis available to park visitors through theseoutlets.• Provide thematic interpretation withconsistent style and content at key visitorsites and access nodes, including signageon main and supporting touring routes.Encourage the development of consistentor standardised signage across landtenures.• Investigate the establishment of a schoolscamp program in the vicinity of Anglesea.6.3 Motor vehicle accessAims• Provide and maintain a sustainablenetwork of roads for a variety of uses,including general access for recreation,tourism and transit, and access for parkmanagement activities, fire suppressionand authorised resource extraction.• Provide opportunities for people to enjoycar and motorcycle touring, four-wheeldrivingand trail bike riding experienceswithin the parks, where this is sustainableand compatible with the protection of otherpark values.• Minimise impacts of the road network onnatural, cultural and resource values of theparks.• Encourage responsible vehicle use tominimise damage to the road network andthe environment, and minimise conflictbetween park users and with neighbours.BasisGeneral motor vehicle accessAccess to Great Otway National Park andOtway Forest Park is provided by a network ofestablished access and through roads (figure2).Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 41

Strategies for visitorsThe extensive road network in the OtwayRanges has evolved over many years. In thehinterland this has historically been tofacilitate access to land for settlement andagriculture, and access for resource extraction.On the coast, roads have developed to increaseaccess and services to towns that are tourismand holiday destinations, most notably theGreat Ocean Road.DSE together with VicRoads and each localgovernment agency are recognised as roadmanagement authorities under the RoadManagement Act 2004 (Vic.). The term ‘road’as used in this plan has the same definition asin the Land Conservation (Vehicle Control)Regulations 2003 (see glossary).Well-used through roads (section 1.1) androads accessing private land are not included inthe parks. Some roads, such as the GreatOcean Road, are arterial roads managed byVicRoads, and many others are municipalroads managed by local government authorities(Colac Otway Shire, Corangamite Shire orSurf Coast Shire).Many roads are used to provide access torecreation or tourism sites such as lookouts,picnic sites, activity staging areas (car parksnear beaches, trail heads etc.), campgroundsand historic or cultural sites. As such, they areconsidered to be public roads and are managedaccording to the Road Management Plan (DSE2009b), which sets minimum roadmaintenance standards for public roads. It alsocontains a register of public roads, includingthose within the Great Otway National Parkand Otway Forest Park for which DSE is theroad management authority.Other roads are used specifically for parkmanagement purposes (e.g. patrols for safetyand compliance, emergency preparation andresponse, fire management, search and rescue,managing and servicing park facilities, pestcontrol). These roads are operational roads andwhile some may be open to the public, they arenot managed to the same standards as publicroads. Rather, operational roads are managedin line with available resources and operationalneeds.Some roads within the Otway Forest Park areused for the cartage of resources such asfirewood and other minor forest produce. Mostof these roads are also operational roads.Some key roads are maintained to a standardfor wildfire suppression access as part ofDSE’s Fire Protection Plan (DSE 2003c).Roads, whether categorised as public roads oroperational roads, may be:• open for public use — with any means ofconveyance (truck, bus, car, motorcycle,horse, bicycle, walking) permitted under aright of passage given by the RoadManagement Act. Vehicles must beregistered and vehicle drivers licensed.• closed to public use — with signs andbarriers to indicate the closure and preventaccess. Access is permitted to authorisedmanagement vehicles only. Park managersundertake consultation and notificationbefore closing a road for more than oneday. Roads may be closed on a seasonalbasis (referred to as seasonally closedroads) or permanently (referred to innational parks as management vehicle onlyroads). Seasonally closed roads are listedannually at Parks Victoria’s websitewww.parkweb.vic.gov.au. Walkers aregenerally permitted to use seasonallyclosed and management vehicle onlyroads, and in some cases horse riding,cycling or other activities may be allowed.Roads may also be closed temporarily formaintenance, protection of environmentalor cultural values, or in response tohazards or emergency.Under a ‘closed catchment’ policy to maintainwater quality, the Designated Water SupplyCatchment Areas of the national park,including roads within these areas, aregenerally closed to the public (section 8.4).Under the Land Conservation (VehicleControl) Regulations 2003, unauthoriseddriving of motor vehicles (including trailbikes) off road and parking areas in the parksis illegal, including riding on natural areas oron walking or cycling tracks. Due to this andthe requirements of maintaining safe,navigable and environmentally andeconomically sustainable roads, the specialrequirements and demands of morechallenging motorsports such as trail bikeriding on ‘single-track’ (i.e. narrow tracks)cannot be accommodated in the parks.The road network is extensive throughout theOtway parks (figure 2). Roads can lead to42 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitorsenvironmental impacts such as sedimentationof streams, habitat loss and fragmentation,increased spread of pest plants and soil-bornepathogens, and increased access by feral andpest animals. However, roads are important toprovide access for park managers to undertakemanagement activities and for park users toundertake recreational activities.The road network requires rationalisation fromtime to time as roads become superfluous toneeds or cause unmanageable andunacceptable environmental, cultural or safetyrisks. Similarly roads may be realigned orconstructed to provide better access formanagement or other activities.Roads will be discontinued in accordance withapplicable legislation and policy on dueprocess and public notification, and the roadareas will be rehabilitated where necessary.DSE has developed a policy on theconsultation and rehabilitation process forproposed road and track closures specifying asix-week consultation period.Car and motorcycle touringSome roads are used for car and motorcycletouring, sightseeing and car rally events(section 6.15). The Great Ocean Road is aninternationally recognised scenic drive throughGreat Otway National Park, and other roadswithin the parks are also very scenic and formloops for vehicle touring. To complementGreat Ocean Road experiences and draw anddisperse tourists into the Otway hinterland, theestablishment and promotion of inland touringroutes is important (Tourism Victoria 2004).Touring routes have been identified as ‘threekey drives through the hinterland’ (DSE 2005).A main loop, completed with the upgrade ofTurtons Track, connects Skenes Creek, ApolloBay, Glenaire, Lavers Hill and Beech Forest,allowing stops at key attractions such as OtwayFly and Cape Otway Lighthouse. Supportingthis are a two-wheel-drive touring routeconnecting Lorne, Erskine Falls, Forrest andKennett River, partly on unsealed roads, and afour-wheel-drive touring route connectingLavers Hill, Gellibrand River and BeechForest.The development of vehicle touring routes isidentified in this plan as a key tourismopportunity (section 6.1).Four wheel drivingFour-wheel-drive enthusiasts are able to use allopen roads (public and operational roads) inthe parks. Some of these roads providechallenging conditions and access to manyareas, including crossing over the top of theOtway Ranges and the opportunity to travelalong the spine of the range for a considerabledistance. The greatest extent of roads is openin the dry months (November–May). Fourwheel-drivetouring routes in the Otwaysinclude the Aire Valley Experience (25 km),Carlisle Wildflowers Tour (40 km), GoatTrack (25 km), Neck Track (50 km), OceanTrack (15–25 km) and Sayers Circuit (40 km).Parks managers and Four-Wheel-DriveVictoria have signed a memorandum ofcooperation to maintain a positive andconstructive working relationship to preserveand enhance four-wheel-driving in Victoria inan environmentally and economicallysustainable manner. The memorandum sets upthe Four-Wheel-Driving Committee as a forumfor developing recommendations formanagement. At the regional level, the OtwayFour-Wheel-Drive Liaison Committee hasbeen formed with regional club representativesto discuss and make recommendations onregional and local issues. Visitors participatingin four-wheel-drive activities are encouragedto comply with the Four-Wheel-Driving —Adventure Activity Standards (ORC 2005c).Trail bike ridingTrail bike riding is a popular activity atAnglesea, Gherang and Paddys Swamp, andmany other areas throughout the parks. Somelocal riders ride their bikes to the parks, butthose coming from farther away often transporttheir bikes by trailer and unload them atstaging points on the periphery of the parks.As with other motor vehicles, trail bikes withfull registration are permitted on all openpublic and operational roads in the parks.Victorian road legislation applies, andtherefore off-road and single track riding,unlicensed (including under-age) riding, andriding of unregistered trail bikes is illegal.Exhaust noise emissions must not exceed legallimits. Trail bikes with recreation registrationare permitted on open public and operationalroads, subject to some legislated limitations onthe roads that may be used (seeGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 43

Strategies for visitorswww.vicroads.vic.gov.au). Riders must belicensed.In 2006 DSE began a four-year statewide TrailBike Initiative with the objective of providingfor socially and environmentally sustainabletrail bike riding on public land. Under thisinitiative the Otways is an area of particularinterest. Implementation of the initiative in theOtways will result in:• construction of loading / unloading areaswithin Otway Forest Park that containinformation to educate riders onappropriate riding behaviour on publicland• signage of ‘reduced noise’ zones in areasof high disturbance of neighbours andother park users• investigation of designated trail biketouring routes on public roads• rehabilitation of damaged and degradedareas• information, education and compliancecampaigns to help ensure riders are ridinglegally and responsibly.Trail bike riders conducting their activity ingroups are encouraged to comply with theTrail Bike Touring — Adventure ActivityStandards (ORC 2005g).Management strategiesGeneral motor vehicle access• Provide roads for access to tourism andrecreation sites, provision of recreationexperiences, management of infrastructureand natural resources, public safety, andauthorised resource extraction (figure 2).• Develop and make publically available anup-to-date spatial database of roadsinformation for both parks.• Monitor and maintain public roadsaccording to the standards specified in theRoads Management Plan (DSE 2009b).Manage operational roads according tooperational needs and available resources.• Manage roads in accordance with relevantlegislation, regulations and guidelines.Follow applicable policy on process andpublic notification.• Implement seasonal closures of applicableroads from 1 June to 31 October.Car and motorcycle touring• Support the development and promotion oftouring routes as per the ‘three key drivesthrough the hinterland’ strategy (DSE2005). Support the development of routesignage, inclusion in printed information,and appropriate visitor sites to supporttouring (section 6.1).Four-wheel-driving• Continue to foster the relationship withFour Wheel Drive Victoria and affiliatedclubs in accordance with the memorandumof cooperation and through the OtwaysFour-Wheel-Drive Liaison Committee.Work with the Otway Four-Wheel-DriveLiaison Committee on the trackclassification project.• Authorisation to access a limited numberof management vehicle only roads in thenational park may be given to licensedtour operators, and Four-Wheel-DriveVictoria affiliated clubs engaged involunteer park management activities.Allow access at low frequency, subject tocontrols to protect values and assets andto manage risk.Trail bikes• In partnership with Victoria Policeencourage appropriate trail bike ridingbehaviour in appropriate areas, andensure compliance with relevant laws,particularly those relating to licensing,registration, riding off-road and thecreation of illegal tracks.• With the cooperation of formalised trailbike groups like Otway Trailbike Riders(OTR), form a regional advisorycommittee to strengthen liaison on parkand trail bike management issues.• Encourage sustainable trail bike ridingthrough the completion of the actionsidentified in the trail bike initiative,including provision of facilities, educationand compliance.• Consider giving authorisation to access alimited number of management vehicleonly roads in the national park to licensedtour operators, and recognised,44 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitorsincorporated clubs such as AMTRAVictoria or OTR engaged in volunteer parkmanagement activities under an agreementwith park managers. Allow access at lowfrequency, subject to controls to protectenvironmental, cultural and social values,and safety.6.4 Visitor sites and servicesAims• Provide a system of designated visitor sitesand services for sustainable recreation,education and enjoyment of experiences inthe parks, and as nodes for access to parkfeatures and recreation areas.• Minimise conflicts between parks usersand impact on park values from visitorfacilities.BasisVisitor sites in Great Otway National Park andOtway Forest Park are an integral part ofaccess to and provision of experiences in oneof Australia’s most prominent tourism regions.Visitor sites provide for picnicking,socialising, resting and recharging in thebushland and coastal settings of the Otways,particularly for visitors with young children,limited time or limited mobility. Visitor sitesalso act as staging points for access to thespectacular and unique natural features of theOtways.In accordance with legislation, visitor sites willnot be located in Designated Water SupplyCatchment Areas (section 8.4), or withinreference areas.Sites for day visitors include picnic grounds,lookouts, car parks and trail heads. Somevisitor sites in the parks cater for overnightcamping (section 6.6), and the Cape OtwayLightstation precinct has roofedaccommodation and a cafe.Visitor sites are typically within walkingdistance of points of interest, such as beaches,cliffs, points and headlands, lookouts,rainforests, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Theycater for a range of activities includingpicnicking, sightseeing, and resting whiletouring. Visitor sites are also staging points formany activities such as swimming,bushwalking, wildlife and nature viewing,mountain biking, horse riding, trail bike ridingand four-wheel-driving.Facilities and services are designed andmanaged to reflect the needs and expectationsof visitors at each site. However, some sitesare subject to peak usage during holidayperiods that is beyond the designed capacity.Park staff undertake regular patrols of visitorsites to encourage appropriate visitorbehaviour, monitor visitor safety and monitorenvironmental impacts. The maintenance ofinfrastructure such as toilets, fences, bollardsand car park surfaces is important to ensurevisitor satisfaction and minimise impacts onthe environment. Park managers regularlyreview the services and facilities provided ateach site and maintain them to ensure visitorenjoyment and safety.Visitor research (Parks Victoria 2006a) hasindicated priorities for service increases at keyvisitor sites:• Increasing the provision and quality ofamenities (such as facilities for cookingand picnicking, shelter, clean andaccessible toilets, and walking tracks) atkey visitor sites on main touring routes andhigh use locations, namely DistilleryCreek, Lake Elizabeth, Moggs CreekPicnic Area, Sheoak Picnic Area, ShellyBeach Picnic Area, Grey River PicnicArea, Blanket Leaf Picnic Area, MelbaGully, and Beauchamp Falls, to providefor high quality social activities.• Increasing provision and quality ofamenities (such as beach access, carparking, clean toilets, and directionalsignage) at Urquhart Bluff, Point Addis,Southside and Johanna Beach accesspoints, to provide high quality experiencesfor those seeking beach activities.• Increasing provision and quality ofamenities (such as road maintenance, carparking, directional signage and gatewayinformation) at some key visitor sites onmain touring routes and at high uselocations namely Blanket Leaf PicnicArea, Beauchamp Falls, Blanket Bay,Johanna Beach, Parker Hill, Sheoak PicnicArea and Triplet Falls to provide ease ofaccess and high quality nature experiences.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 45

Strategies for visitorsTABLE 3MANAGEMENT OF VISITOR SITES AND SERVICESSITE NAMETYPE(S = ACCESSSUBJECT TOSEASONALCLOSURE)CAMPING(NO.SITES)LEVEL OFSERVICETOILETPICNICTABLEPICNICSHELTERINFORMATIONLOOKOUTCARPARKCAMPFIREOTHERGREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARKAire Crossing Camping Area Camping Y (5) Basic Y Y Y NoAire River (East) Camping Area Camping Y (20) Mid Y Y Y Y No Boat launching,jettyAire River (West) Camping Area Camping Y (50+) Mid Y Y Y Y In designated fireplace/sonlyBoat launchingAire River West Walk-inCamping Area (Great OceanWalk)Camping Y (8) Mid SharedwithaboveY Y SharedwithaboveNoAllenvale Mill Camping Area(walk-in)Camping Y (20) Basic Y Y Y No School groups.Big Hill Camping Area Camping (S) Y (20) Basic Y In designated fireplace/sonlyBlanket Bay Camping Area Camping Y (22) Mid Y Y Y Y In designated fireplace/sonlyBoat launchingBlanket Bay Walk-in CampingArea (Great Ocean Walk)Camping Y (15) Mid SharedwithaboveY Y Y NoCape Otway Walk-in CampingArea (Great Ocean Walk)Cora Lynn Camping Area (walkin)Devils Kitchen Walk-in CampingArea (Great Ocean Walk)Elliot Ridge Walk-in CampingArea (Great Ocean Walk)Camping Y (15) Mid Y Y Y Y NoCamping Y (2) Basic NoCamping Y (8) Mid Y Y Y Y NoCamping Y (15) Mid Y Y Y Y No46 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitorsTable 3 cont.SITE NAMEHammond Road South CampingAreaTYPE(S = ACCESSSUBJECT TOSEASONALCLOSURE)CAMPING(NO.SITES)LEVEL OFSERVICETOILETPICNICTABLECamping Y (20) Basic Y In designated fireplace/sonlyPICNICSHELTERINFORMATIONLOOKOUTCARPARKCAMPFIREOTHERHorse campingpermitted inForest Park onnorth side ofroad.Herberts Camping Area Camping Y (20) Basic NoJamieson Track Camping Area Camping (S) Y (6) Basic Y NoJohanna Beach Camping Area Camping Y (50) Mid Y Y Y Y Y Y NoJohanna Beach Walk-in CampingArea (Great Ocean Walk)Lake Elizabeth Camping Area(walk/cycle)Camping Y (8) Mid Y Y Y Y NoCamping Y (15) Mid Y Y Y Y Y Y In designated fireplace/sonlyParker Hill Camping Area Camping Y (20) Mid Y Y Y Y Y NoRyans Den Walk-in CampingArea (Great Ocean Walk)Camping Y (8) Mid Y Y Y Y NoSharps Track Camping Area Camping Y (4) Basic Y NoWye River Road Camping Area Camping Y (12) Basic NoBlanket Bay Day Visitor Area Day Visit N Mid Y Y Y Y No Boat launchingCarisbrook Falls Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y Y NoCastle Cove Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y Y Y NoCrayfish Bay beach access Day Visit N Basic NoCumberland River beach access Day Visit N Basic NoGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 47

Strategies for visitorsTable 3 cont.SITE NAMETYPE(S = ACCESSSUBJECT TOSEASONALCLOSURE)CAMPING(NO.SITES)LEVEL OFSERVICEDevils Kitchen beach access Day Visit N Basic NoTOILETPICNICTABLEPICNICSHELTERINFORMATIONLOOKOUTCARPARKCAMPFIREOTHERErskine Falls Visitor Area Day Visit N Mid Y Y Y NoGodfrey beach access Day Visit N Basic Y NoGuvvos beach access Day Visit N Basic Y NoHutt Gully beach access Day Visit N Basic Y NoLittle Aire Falls Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y NoMaits Rest Visitor Area Day Visit N Mid Y Y Y NoMarriners Falls Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y Y Y NoMilanesia Beach Access Day Visit N Basic NoO'Donohue Road beach access Day Visit N Basic NoPoint Addis Visitor Area Day Visit N Mid Y Y Y Y NoRivernook beach access Day Visit N Basic Y NoSabine Falls Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y No Horses allowed.Sheoak Falls Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y Y Y NoSouthside Carpark Day Visit N Mid Y Y Y NoSunnymeade beach access Day Visit N Basic NoThe Gable Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y Y No Horses allowed.The Gap beach access Day Visit N Basic Y NoUrquharts Bluff Visitor Area Day Visit N Mid Y Y Y Y No Boat launching.Wreck Beach Visitor Area Day Visit N Basic Y No Horses allowed.48 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitorsTable 3 cont.SITE NAMETYPE(S = ACCESSSUBJECT TOSEASONALCLOSURE)CAMPING(NO.SITES)LEVEL OFSERVICETOILETPICNICTABLEPICNICSHELTERINFORMATIONLOOKOUTCARPARKCAMPFIREOTHERPrincetown and JohannaBeaches**, Kaanglang QuarryHorses allowed.Cape Otway Lighthouse Precinct(roofed accommodation)Lease -CommercialN High Y Y Cafe Y Y Y NoAddis Bay Picnic Area Picnic N Basic Y Y Y NoAire Valley Reserve (Redwoods)Picnic AreaPicnic N Basic Y Y Y Y NoBlanket Leaf Picnic Area Picnic N Mid Y Y Y Y Y *Gas BBQ'sDistillery Creek Picnic Area Picnic N Mid Y Y Y Y Y *Gas BBQ's Bird hideGrey River Picnic Area Picnic N Basic Y Y Y Y NoHopetoun Falls Picnic Area Picnic N Basic Y Y Y Y NoIronbark Basin Picnic Area Picnic N Basic Y Y NoMelba Gully Picnic Area Picnic N Mid Y Y Y Y Y Y *Gas BBQ'sMoggs Creek Picnic Area Picnic N Mid Y Y Y Y *Gas BBQ'sPoint Franklin Picnic Area Picnic N Basic Y Y Y NoShelly Beach Picnic Area Picnic N Mid Y Y Y Y *Gas BBQ'sSheoak Picnic Area Picnic N Mid Y Y Y Y Y Gas BBQ'sTriplet Falls Picnic Area Picnic N Mid Y Y Y Y Y *Gas BBQ'sOTWAY FOREST PARKBeauchamp Falls Camping Area Camping Y (12) Basic Y Y Y Y In designated fireplace/sonlyDandos Camping Area Camping Y (50) Mid Y Y Y Y In designated fireplace/sonlyHorse campingallowed.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 49

Strategies for visitorsTable 3 cont.SITE NAMETYPE(S = ACCESSSUBJECT TOSEASONALCLOSURE)CAMPING(NO.SITES)LEVEL OFSERVICETOILETGoat Track Camping Area Camping (S) Y (6) Basic In designated fireplace/sonlyStevensons Falls Camping Area Camping Y (50) Mid Y Y Y Y Y In designated fireplace/sonlyTanners Road Camping Area Camping Y (10) Basic Y In designated fireplace/sonlyPICNICTABLEPICNICSHELTERINFORMATIONLOOKOUTCARPARKCAMPFIREOTHERHorse campingallowed.Horse campingallowed.Horse campingallowed.Hammond Road North CampingAreaCamping Y Basic Y In designated fireplace/sonlyHorse campingallowed.DISPERSED CAMPING Camping Various V. Basic Y Fires in accordance withState forest regulations thatensure fires do not escapeForrest Mountain Bike Trailhead Day Visit N Basic Y Y NoYaugher Mountain BikeTrailheadPaddy's Swamp Trail BikeVisitor AreaDay Visit N Basic Y NoDay Visit N Mid Y Y Y Y Y NoBirnam Station Picnic Area Picnic N Basic Y Y Wood BBQ(s)Loves Creek Picnic Area Picnic N Basic Y Y Wood BBQ(s)Key:* Fireplaces to be upgraded to Gas BBQs.** LTO horseriding permtted on Station BeachNotes: Bookings are required for use of Great Ocean Walk walk-in camping areasCars, caravans and camping trailers are permitted in most camping areas, subject totroad and site conditions, except walk-in camping areasLOSLevels of service:High – high level of visitor facilities and amenities providedMid – moderate levels of visitor facilities and amenities providedBasic- limited visitor facilities and amenities providedV Basic- offer very basic level of service and basic access only50 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitors• Increase the provision and quality ofactivity-specific amenities (such as forfour-wheel-driving, horse riding, mountainbike riding and trail bike riding) at somevisitor sites, namely Big Hill CampingArea, Birnam Station, Dandos, Goat Track,Hammond Road Camping Area, LakeElizabeth and Stevensons Falls, to providefor high quality track-based activities.• Improving the provision and quality ofamenities (such as car parking, toilets,walking tracks and directional signage) athigh visitation sites where over-use is anissue, namely Erskine Falls, Triplet Falls,Urquhart Bluff, Point Addis and Southsideto maintain visitor satisfaction.• Increased levels of environmentalprotection by fencing, signage and controlof access at sites of high natural andcultural significance, namely MilanesiaBeach, Rotten Point, Dinosaur Cove,Sabine Falls, Aire River (West), AllenvaleMill and Parker Hill.• A broader market may be reached bylinking visitor sites to a particularrecreation activity, providing appropriateservices, and promoting the site andactivity. Suggested sites are BirnamStation, Dandos, Goat Track, HammondRoad, Lake Elizabeth, Stevensons Falls,Tanners Road and Big Hill.The enhancement of visitor facilities in theOtway hinterland, such as improved services atkey sites located on car and motorcycle touringroutes (section 6.3) has been identified as apriority (DSE 2005). Facilities at Triplet Fallshave been upgraded as a part of the OtwayTourism Initiative.Priorities for additional facilities and serviceswill be guided by Level of Service assessment,trends in visitor needs and expectations, visitorsafety considerations, and the enhancement orprovision of a wider variety of opportunitiesfor visitors. This will be balanced by theprotection of natural and cultural values. Siterelocation, redesign or revegetation may benecessary to minimise the visitor site‘footprint’.Management strategies• Develop and maintain visitor sites toprovide services appropriate for intended,sustainable and safe use, with minimalthreat to natural, cultural and socialvalues and minimised potential for conflictbetween user groups (table 3).• Review visitor sites periodically todetermine if the number, location and levelof services provided meet identifiedstrategic directions for recreation andtourism, and the needs of intended users,recreation activity groups and marketsegments. Consider relevant research andrecommend changes. Disused areas will beclosed and revegetated.• Development of any new visitor serviceinfrastructure will be subject to assessmentcriteria (section 3.4).6.5 BushwalkingAims• Provide opportunities for visitors(including disabled and low mobilityvisitors) to enjoy a diverse range ofbushwalking experiences in the parks byaccessing a sustainable network of walkingtracks of various lengths, standards, anddegrees of challenge.• Minimise impacts of the track network andbushwalking activities on park values andon other park users, and minimiseexcessive safety risks. Encourageresponsible bushwalking behaviour.BasisGreat Otway National Park and Otway ForestPark provide an extensive network of walkingtracks with numerous walking opportunitiesranging from short cliff-top, beach, rainforestand waterfall walks to overnight hikes alongone of the most spectacular scenic coastlines inthe world.Longer walks include the Great Ocean Walkwhich is designed as a world class longdistance walking product for Victoria, and hasa high national and international profile.Extending approximately 100 km along thespectacular coastline between Apollo Bay andGlenample Homestead near the TwelveApostles, it provides short or long walkingoptions by allowing walkers to step on and offthe walk at a number of points.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 51

Strategies for visitorsWalkers who book a campsite may camp atpurpose-built walk-in campsites, or stay inroofed accommodation at Cape OtwayLightstation or other accommodation providedoutside the parks. The Great Ocean WalkPartners program with local tourism operatorsand accommodation providers has enabledcross-promotion and the development ofvarious services such as catering and transportto and from entry points and off-parkaccommodation. Development of the walk hasbeen successful at drawing walkers toexperience Great Otway National Park and theregion; 47% of Great Ocean Walk walkers areexperiencing Great Otway National Park forthe first time (Parks Victoria 2007a). Furtherdevelopment of the Great Ocean Walk hasbeen identified in this plan as a key tourismopportunity (section 6.1).The Surf Coast Walk stretches nearly 30 kmfrom Jan Juc along the coast to Moggs Creek,linking towns, popular beaches and points ofinterest.The Old Beechy Rail Trail, which is partly inOtway Forest Park, is a 45 km shared tracklinking Colac and Beech Forest.Other experiences are provided by short walks,such as:• walks through forest to scenic waterfalls atErskine, Hopetoun, Triplet, Beauchamp,Stevenson and Carisbrook Falls• rainforest and tall tree viewing walks atMaits Rest and Melba Gully• scenic forest and lakeside walks at LakeElizabeth• beach and cliff-top walking withspectacular views at many points along theOtway coast• walks to explore the history and heritageof the area, such as lighthouses andshipwreck sites.The parks are occasionally used fororienteering, rogaining and other organisedadventure activities (section 6.15). Geocachingand earthcaching or virtual caching areemerging new activities. Due to potentialimpacts on natural and cultural values,geocaching, which involves the physicalplacement of a cache, is not permitted in thenational park.Issues for management of bushwalking includethe spread of pest plants and soil or waterborne pathogens such as Phytophthoracinnamomi (section 4.8), erosion anddegradation of soft track surfaces andmanagement of human waste. If walkersventure off-track, issues include the tramplingor removal of vegetation, soil degradation andthe creation of unauthorised tracks. Tominimise potential impacts, bushwalking is notpermitted in reference areas or DesignatedWater Supply Catchment Areas, except withinSt Georges River, Painkalac Creek and WestBarwon areas where it may be permitted onsome designated MVO roads and walkingtracks. Off-track walking is not permitted inareas signposted ‘Keep to the Track’ or ‘AreaClosed’.Most designated walking tracks are for walkersonly, but some are shared with horse riders orcyclists, or both. The designated walking tracknetwork provides an abundance of short (lessthan 1 hour) or medium (half-day) walksconcentrated around townships and particularpoints of interest, mainly beaches, coastal viewpoints and waterfalls. Signage including trailmarkers is progressively upgraded and will beimproved by adopting a consistent orstandardised approach (section 6.2).There are opportunities for furtherimprovement of the walking track network.Bushwalking experiences could be enhancedby a more diverse range of walking tracks,including half-day loop walks, more diversefull-day walks, wildlife viewing opportunities,interpretive walks that build on themescurrently not widely promoted or accessible(such as Aboriginal cultural heritage andtimber heritage sites), and walks suitable forpeople with limited mobility (DSE 2005; ParksVictoria 2006a). Walking clubs have expresseda desire for experiences on rough tracks inremote locations with minimal infrastructure,and opportunities for multi-day walks in thehinterland.Parks Victoria and Bushwalking Victoria haveentered into a memorandum of cooperation toadvance communication, cooperation andpartnership on common issues related tobushwalking. Walkers are encouraged tocomply with the Bushwalking AdventureActivity Standards (ORC 2005a).52 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitorsTABLE 4MANAGEMENT OF WALKING AND SHARED TRACKS AND ROUTESTRACK OR ROUTE VISITOR SITE (ASSOCIATED) USE LENGTH RATINGGREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARKMoggs Creek Circuit Walk Moggs Creek Picnic Area W 1.8 km EEumeralla tracks. Eumeralla W, C,MVO8 km E-MDistillery Creek Nature Trail Distillery Creek Picnic Area W, C 1.5 km EBird hide access track Distillery Creek Picnic Area W, C 0.3 km ECurrawong Falls Circuit Walk Distillery Creek Picnic Area W, C 12 km MO’Donohue Tracks O’Donahues W, C,MVOSurf Coast Walk Stage 4 (Anglesea toAireys Inlet)[Anglesea Town, O’Donahues,Urquhart Bluff, Aireys Inlet Town]9 km E-MW 10 km EIronbark Basin Circuit Walk Ironbark Basin Picnic Area W, C 4.5 km loop MSouthside to Point Addis (part of Surf CoastWalk route)Point Addis to Red Rocks (Surf Coast WalkStage 3A)Red Rocks to Anglesea (Surf Coast WalkStage 3B)Swallow Cave – Castle Rock WalkingLoop: Sheoak Picnic Area to SwallowCave, Sheoak Falls and Castle RockLookout, return by Sheoak Track and linkto Sheoak Picnic Area. Also links to GreatOcean Rd and Sheoak Falls car park.Henderson Falls W Track: Sheoak PicnicArea to Henderson Falls, the Canyon andPhantom FallsCumberland Falls W Track and link toGarvey Tk/ Sheoak Tk junction.6 km return to/from Cumberland Falls. 9km loop via to Garvey Tk/ Sheoak Tk,Sheoak Tk via Castle Rock to Falls CarparkPhantom Falls Walk: Blanket Leaf PicnicArea/ Cora Lynn Camping Area toPhantom Falls to Allenvale Mill CampingAreaLemonade Creek Track : Blanket LeafPicnic Area to Erskine FallsErskine River Walk: Erskine Falls toErskine River Caravan ParkIronbark Basin Picnic Area,Southside Picnic AreaPoint Addis Visitor Area, RedRocks / Hurst Road.W, C,MVO5 km MW 2.5 km MRed Rocks, Eumerella W, C 3.5 km MSheoak Picnic Area W 7 km loop MSheoak Picnic Area W 8.6 kmreturn[Cumberland River Reserve] W

Strategies for visitorsTable 4 cont.TRACK OR ROUTE VISITOR SITE (ASSOCIATED) USE LENGTH RATINGCape Otway Lighthouse Road to SandyRidge TrackJunction of Cape Otway LighthouseRoad and Great Ocean RoadW, C 1 km EGadabanud (Katabanut) Circuit Walk Blanket Bay Camping Area W 1.5 km loop MBlanket Bay to Parker Inlet walk (followsroute of Great Ocean Walk)Blanket Bay Camping Area, ParkerHill Camping AreaW4 km onewayParker River Inlet Walk Parker Hill Camping Area W 500 mreturnCape Otway Lightstation Precinct Walk Cape Otway Lightstation Precinct W 1 km loop ERainbow Falls Walk (from Cape OtwayLightstation carpark)Cape Otway to Aire River Walk (followsroute of Great Ocean Walk with detour toRainbow Falls)Great Ocean Walk 2: Elliot Ridge Walk-inCamping Area to Blanket Bay Walk-inCamping AreaGreat Ocean Walk 4: Cape Otway Walk-inCamping Area to Aire River Walk-inCamping AreaGreat Ocean Walk 6: Johanna Beach WalkinCamping Area to Ryans Den Walk-inCamping AreaGreat Ocean Walk 8: Devils Kitchen WalkinCamping Area to Glenample HomesteadAire River to Johanna Beach Walk (followsroute of Great Ocean Walk)Cape Otway Lightstation Precinct(car park)Cape Otway Lightstation Precinct(carpark), Aire River East CampingAreaElliot Ridge Walk-in CampingArea, Blanket Bay Walk-inCamping AreaCape Otway Walk-in CampingArea, Aire River Walk-in CampingAreaJohanna Beach Walk-in CampingArea, Ryans Den Walk-in CampingAreaDevils Kitchen Walk-in CampingArea, [Glenample Homestead]Aire River West Camping Area,Johanna Beach Camping AreaEDW 5 km return EWW,MVO10 km oneway(13 kmvia RainbowFalls)M11.6 km M-DW 9.5 km MW 13.4 km M-DW, R 13.5 km EW12.4 kmone-wayLake Elizabeth Walking Loop Lake Elizabeth Camping Area W 4.8 km EBarlidjaru and Red Carpet Trails Lake Elizabeth Camping Area C 2 – 6 km E-DTrack from Henrys Rd to Carisbrook Creek Henrys Rd W,MVORadio Mast Loop Walk Carlisle section R 12 km loop E-MMount Murray-Boggy Creek HeathlandWalk800mCarlisle section R 2 daysMilanesia Beach Track Milanesia Beach W, H 1.7 km MRivernook Walk (follows route of GreatOcean Walk)Princetown Recreation Reserve W, R 11 km MOcean View Circuit Walk Moggs Creek Picnic Area W 4.5 km MDam Walk: Moggs Creek Picnic Area toPainkalac Dam to Distillery Creek PicnicAreaMoggs Creek Picnic Area andDistillery Creek Picnic AreaW, C 10.4 kmreturnIronbark Gorge Circuit Walk Distillery Creek Picnic Area W 4.5 km M-DTeds Ridge Track [Aireys Inlet town (Gilbert Street)] W 1 km loop ECastle Rock (also called Kelsalls Rock)Track[Santa Monica Camp] W 2 km return MIronbark Basin Nature Walk Ironbark Basin Picnic Area W 1 km MKoori Cultural Walk (route of Surf CoastWalk)Point Addis Visitor Area W 2 km return EM-DEM54 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitorsTable 4 cont.TRACK OR ROUTE VISITOR SITE (ASSOCIATED) USE LENGTH RATINGSheoak Picnic Area Nature Trail (selfguided)Kalimna Falls W Track (Tramline Tk):Sheoak Picnic Area to Lower and UpperKalimna Falls.Sheoak Picnic Area W 1.5 kmreturnSheoak Picnic Area W, R 6 km return M• Optional link to return by Garvey Tk Sheoak Picnic Area W, R 8 km loop MSheoak Falls and Swallow Cave W Track [Sheoak Falls Carpark] W 3 km loop MCora Lynn Cascades Walk from BlanketLeaf Picnic AreaSt George River Walk: Allenvale MillCamping Area to Great Ocean RoadErskine Falls Lookout Walk to first andsecond lookouts, extension to Straw Fallsand Splitter Falls:Blanket Leaf Picnic Area and CoraLynn Camping AreaEW 3 km return MAllenvale Mill Camping Area W 3.4 kmreturnErskine Falls Visitor Area W < 4.7 kmreturn• lookout: 0.3 km return Erskine Falls Visitor Area W 0.3 kmreturn• Second lookout: 0.7 km return Erskine Falls Visitor Area W 0.7 kmreturn• Straw Falls: 1.5 km return Erskine Falls Visitor Area W 1.5 kmreturn• Splitter Falls 4.7 km return Erskine Falls Visitor Area W 4.7 kmreturnBeach access track from Jamieson TrackCamping AreaJamieson Track Camping Area W 0.5 km EMarriners Falls Walk [Marriners Falls Carpark] W Short 3 kmreturnCarisbrook Falls Walk Carisbrook Falls Visitor Area W Short 1.5km returnShelly Beach Circuit Walk Shelly Beach Picnic Area W 2 km loop MElliot River Circuit Walk Shelly Beach Picnic Area W,MVOME-DEMMDE-ME4.2 km loop MRed Hill Track Blanket Bay Road W, C 3 km ETelegraph Circuit Walk Blanket Bay Camping Area W 6 km loop MParker Forest Circuit Walk (includesStringybark Track)Point Franklin and Crayfish Bay Walk(Crayfish Bay Track)Cape Otway Lighthouse Cemetery WalkParker Hill Camping Area W 3 km loop EPoint Franklin Picnic Area W 850 m ECape Otway Lightstation Precinct(car park)W1.6 kmreturnStation Beach Track [Bimbi Caravan Park] W 3.5 kmreturnGreat Ocean Walk 1: Apollo Bay VisitorInformation Centre to Elliot Ridge Walk-inCamping AreaGreat Ocean Walk 3: Blanket Bay Walk-inCamping Area to Cape Otway Walk-inCamping AreaElliot Ridge Walk-in Camping Area W 9.9 km E-DBlanket Bay Walk-in CampingArea, Cape Otway Walk-inCamping AreaW, R 10.5 km E-MEEGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 55

Strategies for visitorsTable 4 cont.TRACK OR ROUTE VISITOR SITE (ASSOCIATED) USE LENGTH RATINGGreat Ocean Walk 5: Aire River Walk-inCamping Area to Johanna Beach Walk-inCamping AreaGreat Ocean Walk 7: Ryans Den Walk-inCamping Area to Devils Kitchen Walk-inCamping AreaAire River Walk-in Camping Area,Johanna Beach Walk-in CampingAreaRyans Den Walk-in Camping Area,Devils Kitchen Walk-in CampingAreaW 13.8 km MW 15.5 km E-DAire River Escarpment Lookout Walk Aire River West Camping Area W 4 km return MTriplet Falls Rainforest Walk Triplet Falls Picnic Area W 2 km return M-DLittle Aire Falls Walk Little Aire Falls W 5 km DSabine Falls Track Sabine Falls Visitor Area W 3.6 kmreturnA Wild Dog Walk [Krambruck North] W 5.5 MMadsens Track Nature Walk Melba Gully Picnic Area W 1.2 km loop MBeauty Spot Walking Track Beauty Spot W 0.9 kmreturnBunker Hill Track Walk Carlisle section R 8.5 km loop E-MWreck Beach Walk Moonlight Head Road W 2 km return DThe Gable Lookout Walk Moonlight Head Road W LongPrincetown to Glenample Homestead Walk(follows route of Great Ocean Walk)OTWAY FOREST PARKPrincetown, Glenample Homestead W 5.5 km onewayBeauchamp Falls Walk Beauchamp Falls Camping Area W 3 km E-DHopetoun Falls to Aire River Hopetoun Falls Picnic Area W 2.4 kmreturnHopetoun Falls Walk Hopetoun Falls Picnic Area W Base offalls: 1.5 kmreturnHopetoun Falls Walk Hopetoun Falls Picnic Area W 500m return E-DRoller Coaster, Third time lucky, Followthe dog TrialsYaugher Super Loop, Grasstrees, MarrinersRun, Foxtail, J2, Yo Yo, Casper Black,Barre Warre, VistaForrest Mountain Bike Trailhead,Lake Elizabeth Camping AreaC Various 2 –6 kmYaugher Mountain Bike Trailhead C Various 1.5– 11.5 kmForrest Loop Forrest Mountain Bike Trailhead W, C 3 km loop EStevensons Falls Walk Stevensons Falls Camping Area W 1.2 kmreturnOld Beechy Rail Trail.Note: Managed by Committee ofManagement[Colac, Barongarook], BirnamStation Picnic Area, [Kawarren,Gellibrand, Beech Forest]W, C Short to 1-day walksDEME-DE-DE-DE-DEE-DKey:Use:W = walkingC = cyclingH = horse ridingMVO = management vehicle only (walking allowed)R = road (walking, cycling, vehicles allowed, may besubject to seasonal closure)Rating:E = easyM = mediumD = difficultVisitor sites or access nodes outside the parks areindicated in [brackets]56 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitorsSeveral community groups share an interestwith park managers in maintaining andenhancing bushwalking experiences in theparks. They have identified and promoted arange of bushwalks, and have developed ideasfor new walks (ORWTA 2007).Walks developed and promoted on existingroutes are generally more desirable thancreation of new routes, as the latter must becarefully considered because of the potentialfor undesirable safety and environmentalimpacts.Management strategies• Provide and maintain a sustainable rangeof bushwalking opportunities on dedicatedwalking-only or shared (walking, horseriding, cycling) tracks, including shortwalks, overnight and multi-day walks ontracks of various difficulties andstandards, and tracks suitable for disabledand low mobility visitors (table 4).• Work with managers of nearby public andprivate land in the cooperativemanagement of a sustainable network ofwalking or shared tracks that cross parkboundaries.• Continue the enhancement anddevelopment of the Great Ocean Walk, toachieve world-class status. Improvementsand strategies will aim to protect naturaland cultural values, improve and extendthe quality of the walking experience,improve visitor management and safety,and increase quality of service.• Work with Great Ocean Walk partners toexplore a range of service enhancementsto the Great Ocean Walk such asinterpretive services, Indigenousinterpretation, merchandise and cateringservices. This may include infrastructureto support enhanced services.• Allow earthcaching and virtual cachingactivities in the parks. Do not allowplacement of geocaches in the nationalpark.• Periodically review the network ofwalking, cycling and horse riding tracks todetermine if the number of tracks,alignments and experiences offered meetthe needs of intended users whileprotecting park values.• Monitor track usage condition and whereconsidered appropriate, discontinue andrevegetate tracks.• Development of any new walking orshared tracks or enhancement of existingtracks, such as the Surf Coast Walk andthe Trans Otway Waterfall Walk will besubject to considerations includingstatewide track investment priorities anddevelopment assessment criteria (section3.4).6.6 CampingAims• Provide a sustainable range ofopportunities for people to enjoy campingexperiences in the parks, and utilisecamping areas as a base for recreationactivities.• Minimise impacts on park values andconflicts between park users fromcamping.BasisCamping areas provide for overnight or longerstays in the park, provide opportunities forenjoyable experiences socialising with familyand friends in a natural setting, and are used asa base for recreational activities.Great Otway National Park and Otway ForestPark provide more than 25 campgrounds, witha limited diversity of experience at each.Camping with few or no facilities is offered atsites such as Goat Track campground and bydispersed camping throughout Otway ForestPark. Camping with basic facilities is availableat many sites including pre-booked walk-insites (table 3). Campgrounds and caravan parksin adjacent towns often provide more highlyserviced camping options.Popular coastal camping areas in the parksinclude Blanket Bay, Parker Hill, JohannaBeach, Allenvale and Aire River. Popularhinterland camping areas include LakeElizabeth, Dandos, Stevensons Falls and BigHill. Camping is particularly popular in thesummer and Easter holidays, and on publicholiday long weekends.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 57

Strategies for visitorsRisk management is a necessity for allcamping areas. Design and management of thecamping areas and associated sites is importantto visitor safety and satisfaction and tominimise impacts on cultural and naturalvalues, and water supply. Campingexperiences could be enhanced by planning orupgrading campgrounds to cater for a broaderrange of visitors, and to strengthen the linkbetween camping and other recreationalactivities (Parks Victoria 2006a). Anopportunity exists for the provision of morehighly serviced camping. The provision of‘demountable’ accommodation and thefacilitation of group camping have beenidentified in this plan as key tourismopportunities (section 6.1).Issues for the management of camping includefire and emergency management, managingwaste, visitors camping outside designatedareas leading to unauthorised and progressivecampground expansion, conflicts betweencampers due to different expectationsincluding excessive noise, accommodatingdemand from school groups and other users,over-collection of firewood, and overutilisationof some camping areas during peakperiods. Campers are encouraged to adhere tothe Bushwalking Adventure Activity Standards(ORC 2005a) and codes of practice in ForestsNotes ‘Camping in a State Forest’ (DSE2003a).Fireplaces and wood barbecues are provided insome camping areas (table 3). The lighting ofcampfires, barbecues and stoves are subject tocontrols for community safety. On days ofTotal Fire Ban, all fires, including campfires,barbecues and stoves are prohibited.Management strategiesIn Great Otway National Park:• Develop a consistent booking and feesystem for all camping areas in the Otwaysparks, based on Parks Victoria’s StatewideCamping Product Strategy (Parks Victoria2007b). Camping fees may apply and willbe relative to the levels of service andinfrastructure provided at eachcampground.• Permit fires only in fireplaces provided atdesignated camping areas (table 3).• In accordance with established marketdemand, investigate the development ofgroup camping (e.g. schools) areas indifferent parts of the parks or with privatecamping accommodation providers, toprovide alternatives to the Great OceanWalk camping areas.• Investigate the feasibility of providingbasic camping areas at Curtis Clearingand Link Track.In Otway Forest Park:• Permit fires only in fireplaces provided atdesignated camping areas, and in otherareas according to State forest regulations(table 3).In both parks:• Ensure camping areas and facilities arelocated, designed and maintained forintended and sustainable use, to provide arange of camping experiences in the parks,and to complement and provide access to arange of recreation activities (table 3).• In accordance with park regulations,ensure adequate control of the use ofcampfires, barbecues and fuel stoves, toprotect the public and the parks fromwildfire. Ensure that park visitors areprovided with adequate general or sitespecific information in regard to the use ofcampfires, barbecues and stoves, andundertake appropriate enforcement.6.7 CyclingAims• Provide opportunities for people to enjoycycling experiences in the parks, includingmountain biking and bicycle touring,where this is sustainable and compatiblewith the protection of other park values.• Minimise conflicts with other park usersand impacts on park values from cyclingactivities.BasisBicycle touring and mountain biking arepopular ways to enjoy the Otway parks.Diverse and spectacular scenery, an abundanceof visitor attractions, and a number of routeson roads or bicycle-permitted tracks can take58 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitorsriders along the coast or through the bush overa variety of challenging terrain types.Mountain biking is becoming increasinglypopular and has become an important part ofthe tourism industry in the Otway hinterlandparticularly around the town of Forrest. ‘Softadventure’ activities such as mountain bikingare under-supplied and under-promotedcompared to market demand, and may be apoint of difference for promoting the Otwayhinterland (DSE 2005). A network ofdedicated tracks for mountain biking use hasbeen developed to the west of the town ofForrest and to the north of Forrest at Yaugher.A longer trail extending from Forrest to WestBarwon Reservoir and Lake Elizabeth has alsobeen established.Many of the unsealed roads in the parksincluding a number of shared tracks withbushwalkers (section 6.5) are used formountain biking. A number of cycle touringroutes and mountain biking loops based onexisting roads have been promoted, mostly incoastal areas such as Anglesea and Lorne.Available publications include the GreatOcean Road Cycling Guide (GOT 2004) andCycling the Surf Coast Shire (Surf Coast Shire2006).A shared track from Colac to Beech Forestknown as the Old Beechy Rail Trail providesmountain biking and walking opportunitiesalong the alignment of the former Beechy Linerailway line which runs partly through theOtway Forest Park.Cyclists are well catered for in the towns onthe coast and in the hinterland in terms ofaccommodation, cafes and other refreshmentoptions, and visitor service sites with toiletsand water. There are also opportunities forcyclists to camp in the parks. Cyclists areencouraged to undertake cycling in a safe andsustainable manner through signage andprovision of appropriate information such asthe Mountain Biking Adventure ActivityStandards (ORC 2005e).Tour operators provide bike hire and guidedcycling activities. Club events andcompetitions are held occasionally in the parks(section 6.15).Parks Victoria and Mountain Biking Australia(MTBA) have entered into a memorandum ofcooperation to advance communication,cooperation and partnership on common issuesrelated to mountain biking. An opportunityexists to develop a similar memorandum ofcooperation between DSE and MTBA.Issues for the management of cycling includethe spread of weeds and soil-borne pathogenssuch as Phytophthora cinnamomi (section 4.8),erosion and degradation of soft track surfacesand management of human waste. If cyclistsride off-track, issues include the trampling orremoval of vegetation, soil degradation and thecreation of unauthorised tracks.The Tourism Plan for Public Land in theOtway Hinterland (DSE 2005) identifiedseveral options for enhancing cyclingopportunities in the parks. These include newmountain bike tracks, touring routes, andenhanced cycling tourism services. Thedevelopment of mountain biking opportunitieshas been identified in this plan as a keytourism opportunity (section 6.1).Management strategies• Permit cycling only on open roads (publicand operational roads outside seasonallyclosed periods, designated shared-usetracks and cycling-only tracks (figure 2and table 4).• Development of any new cycling or sharedtrails or enhancement of existing trails willbe subject to considerations includingstatewide track investment priorities anddevelopment assessment criteria (section3.4).6.8 Companion dogsAims• Provide opportunities for people to enjoyexperiences with dogs in the parks wherethis is sustainable and compatible with theprotection of other park values.• Minimise impacts on park values andconflicts with other park users from dogs.BasisMany residents and visitors to the Otwaysregion enjoy recreation with dogs. This mayinclude having their dogs with them while theygo walking, camping, horse riding, cycling,fishing or picnicking.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 59

Strategies for visitorsTABLE 5DESIGNATED COMPANION DOG AREAS IN GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARKWhere dogs are permitted in the national park they must be on a leash at all times unless in a trial off lead area below.LOCATIONSouthside Carpark, Ironbark Basin Picnic Area, Southside to Point Addissection of Surf Coast Walk (Jarosite Track/ Southside Track, and IronbarkTrack)MVO tracks in the park adjacent to O’Donahues Road and the Gap beachesAddiscott Beach (Southside to Point Addis)Point Addis Visitor Area and Point Addis to Anglesea section of Surf CoastWalk including section of beachUnnamed tracks and MVO roads between Eumeralla Scout Camp, HurstRoad and Great Ocean RoadUrquhart Bluff Visitor Area, Hutt Gully, Guvvos, The Gap and O’DonohueRoad beach access tracksUrquhart Bluff Beach from the eastern-most access track at Urquhart Blufflower carpark (beach access marker 103W) east to O’Donohue Rd beachaccess steps (beach access marker 99W).Western end of Urquhart Bluff beach from the eastern-most access track atUrquhart Bluff lower carpark (beach access marker 103W), aroundUrquhart Bluff to Urquhart Bluff South beach to ‘Mermaid Pools’ rocks.Sunnymede Beach access (at marker 104W)Sunnymede Beach (from beach access marker 104W) north east to‘Mermaid Pools’ rocks.Distillery Creek Picnic Area and Ironbark Gorge Walking TrackFairhaven Ridge TrackMoggs Creek Picnic Area and Ocean View Walking TrackErskine Falls Walking Track (south-east section only, from Erskine Rivercaravan park uphill to first bridge)St George River Walking TrackCleared Asset Protection Zone firebreaks in the national park immediatelyadjacent to private property in Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, LorneLake Elizabeth Camping Area and Lake Elizabeth Walking TrackCape Otway Lightstation car parkJohanna Beach car park, camping area, walking tracks to the beach, andJohanna Beach western section between Johanna River and western bluffMarriners Falls Day Visitor Area and Marriners Falls WalkCONDITIONSPermitted on leadPermitted on leadPermitted on leadPermitted on leadPermitted on leadPermitted on leadPermitted off lead on a trial basis*Permitted on lead between 9 am and 7 pmfrom 1 December to end of February andEaster. Permitted off lead (on a trial basis)at all other times*Permitted on leadPermitted off lead on a trial basis*Permitted on leadPermitted on leadPermitted on leadPermitted on leadPermitted on leadPermitted on leadPermitted on leadPermitted on leadPermitted on leadPermitted on lead* subject to baseline surveys and monitoring of impacts on shorebirds, incl Hooded Plover, seasonal restrictions may applyA number of tourist accommodation providersin the Otway region market themselves and thearea as a dog-friendly holiday destination,providing places for tourists to stay with theirdogs (Bedford 2006).A high proportion of residents along theOtways coast own dogs (S. Wall, pers.comm.). Some towns have a shortage ofsuitable public land available for dog activities.In coastal areas, some beaches have been usedfor this purpose. There is a need for integratedplanning for and management of dog walking60 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitorsactivities particularly at a township andsettlement level. Planning and managementwill require ongoing community consultation,to balance the need for convenient places towalk and exercise dogs in the outdoors withprotection of conservation values.Dog activities in public spaces can conflictwith other uses through noise, frightening orthreatening behaviour, defecation, and (rarely)injury to people or to other dogs.Dog activities can also compromiseconservation values by predation anddisturbance of small mammals and grounddwellingor ground-nesting birds. On beaches,the reproductive success of beach-nesting birdssuch as the Hooded Plover can be threatenedduring the breeding period by predation anddisturbance of eggs or chicks, and bydisturbance of breeding adults (Weston 2003).Assistance dogs for disabled visitors areallowed in the parks where visitor access isallowed, and the strategies below forcompanion dogs do not apply.Management strategiesIn Great Otway National Park:• Support local government and thecommunity in the development of anintegrated, cooperative and sustainableapproach for the provision of dog access.• Provide a balance of off and on-lead areasfor companion dogs in accordance withtable 5, subject to review in the event ofunacceptable risk to park values orvisitors.• Monitor the impacts of dog access onnatural, cultural and social values.Manage dog access to minimise anyimpacts on values, including seasonalbeach access restrictions or the revokingof trial off-lead access (table 5).• Install signage consistent with localgovernment communication planning inpriority areas where dogs are permittedindicating access conditions, including therequirement to clean up and timerestrictions.In Otway Forest Park• Dogs are required by regulation to be onlead and under direct control at all timesat Stevensons Falls Camping Area,Dandos Camping Area, Beauchamp FallsCamping Area, Goat Track Camping Area,Tanners Road Camping Area, BirnamStation Picnic Area, Loves Creek PicnicArea and Paddy’s Swamp Trail BikeVisitor Area.• Dogs are allowed off lead outside theseareas.6.9 Horse ridingAims• Provide opportunities for enjoyable anddiverse nature-based horse ridingexperiences in the parks, including trailriding and camping with horses, where thisis sustainable and compatible with theprotection of other park values.• Minimise impacts on park values andconflicts with other park users from horseriding activities.BasisHorse riding is a popular recreational activityin both parks. Many residents of communitiesin the hinterland, such as Beech Forest,Gellibrand, Carlisle River, Forrest, BarwonDowns, Bambra and Wensleydale (and to alesser extent on the coast, such as Lorne andAnglesea) keep horses for recreation.Residents engage in horse riding in the parksas individuals, as private groups or in clubs,mostly on day trips and less commonlycamping. Horses are either ridden to the parkfrom nearby properties or brought by horsefloat.Areas popular for horse riding include selectedbeaches along the coast and park sections nearAnglesea, Bellbrae, Aireys Inlet, Gherang,Wensleydale, Bambra, Deans Marsh, BarwonDowns, Wonga, Barongarook, Forrest, CapeOtway, Lorne, Moonlight Head, andPrincetown. A designated short cross-countrycourse exists in the forest park at FergusonHill, maintained by the local pony club.Commercial operations such as at Bellbrae,Aireys Inlet, Apollo Bay, Cape Otway andMoonlight Head provide nature-based horseriding experiences, mostly as day trips. Somecommercial operators provide horse-drawncaravan tours.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 61

Strategies for visitorsHorse riding, especially in large groups, mayconflict with other parks users, and visitorsmay be disturbed or frightened by horses orannoyed by the presence of horse manure.Trails and campsites in high-use areas canquickly become degraded, reducing amenity toother users and requiring maintenance. Horseriders are encouraged to adhere to the code ofpractice contained in Horse Trail Riding –Adventure Activity Standards (ORC 2005d).Horses can have a negative impact onconservation values by browsing and tramplingvegetation and causing the degradation anderosion of soils. Horses can also introduce andspread weeds, especially by seeds in fodderand manure, and soil-borne pathogens in soilon hooves (section 4.8).Horses on beaches can pose a risk to beachnestingbirds in the breeding season,particularly Hooded Plovers, by tramplingnests and disturbing chicks and adults. Beachriding will be restricted to certain periods andareas to reduce this risk.Horse riding on declared arterial, municipal, orother roads (and associated road reserves) thatare not included in the parks is generallypermitted subject to the policies of the roadmanager (either VicRoads or the relevant localgovernment authority).Opportunities exist to enhance horse ridingexperiences in the parks, particularly in OtwayForest Park. Previous studies have concludedthat there is a general under-provision ofguided horse riding tours in the Otways andthat this soft adventure activity could beenhanced (DSE 2005).The development of a long-distance horseriding route has been identified in this plan as akey tourism opportunity (section 6.1).Management strategies• Allow horse ridingon formed roads and tracks in theforest park including seasonally closedroads during open periodson open roads and tracks in thenational park including seasonallyclosed roads during open periods, andmanagement vehicle only tracks asindicated in table 6on beaches and in designated areas asindicated in tables 3 and 4on cleared fuel breaks along Kents Rd,Benwerrin – Mt Sabine Rd, GarveyTrack, Kaanglang Rd, Delaneys Rd,and Mt Cowley Track.• In the national park, horse riding is notpermitted on other management vehicleonly roads except under licence or permit.• Permit camping with horses in designatedareas in the forest park including acrossthe road from Hammond Road campingarea (table 3).• Development of any new horse ridingexperiences will be subject to assessmentcriteria (section 3.4).6.10 Recreational fishingAims• Provide high quality opportunities forrecreational fishing in and adjacent to theparks, where this is sustainable andcompatible with the protection of parkvalues.• Maintain recreational fishing access whileprotecting environmental and culturalvalues.• Minimise conflicts with other park usersand impacts on park values from fishing.BasisBeaches and coastal rock platforms in thenational park are popular for surf fishing, andmany different species are caught. Convenientaccess points with car parking and tracks to thebeach or rocks are valued by fisher peoplecarrying fishing gear. Rock platform fishingcan be hazardous under some conditions andbased on studies of visitation to Victorianparks between 2000-2005, has the highestnumber of visitor personal injury incidentsrelative to the number of participants of allactivities undertaken in Victorian parks(Newspoll 2006). Safety advice is contained inthe Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide(published annually by DPI).62 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitorsTABLE 6ROADS OPEN FOR HORSE RIDING IN GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARKROAD NAMEROADCLASSIFICATIONMVOSEASONALCLOSUREAllenvale Road 5B - -Bald Hills Road 5C - -Big Hill Track 5D - YBirds Track 5E - YBlanket Bay Road 5C - -Boggy Creek Track 5E - YBunker Hill Track 5D - YColac Tree Road 5D - -Coopers No. 2 Track 5E - YCricket Pitch Road 5C - -Denham Track 5D - YDunse Track 5E - YElliot Road (Parker Spur Road to Snowy Ridge Track) 5E Y -Fairhaven Ridge Track 5E Y -Five Mile Track 5E - YGarvey Track 5E - YGentle Annie Track 5E - YGodfrey Track 5E - YGrey River Road 5C - -Hayden Road 5E - YJamieson Track 5E - YKennett Road 5D - YKennett-Wye Jeep Track 5E - YLoves Track 5E - YMilanesia Track 5D Y -Moggs Creek Track 5E - YMoonlight Head Road 5C - -Mt Cowley Track 5E - -Mt Mckenzie Road incl western section 5D - -Newcombe Spur Track 5E - YNo 2 Road 5D - -Old Carlisle Track 5D - YParker Spur Road 5D Y -Parkes Lodge Road 5E - -Peppermint Parade 5D - YPipeline Road (East) 5D - -Princetown Beach - Gravel Road 5D Y -Rapier Ridge Track 5D - YGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 63

Strategies for visitorsTable 6 cont.ROAD NAMEROADCLASSIFICATIONMVOSEASONALCLOSURERifle Range Track 5E - -Sandy Ridge Track 5D Y -Sharps Track 5D - YSheepyard Track 5D - YSkinner Creek Track 5E - YSnowy Ridge Track 5D Y -The Gable Track 5C Y -Thompson Track 5D - YTucker Orchard Road 5C - -Upper Sheepyard Track 5D - YWreck Beach Track 5C Y -Wye River Road (Curtis Track to Mt Sabine Road) 5D - YWye River Road (GOR to Curtis Track) 5C - YWye Track 5E - YTrack to Yarringa Road 5D Y -Area bounded by Forest, Portreath and Gundrys Roads 5E Y -Key:MVO5B5C5D5EManagement vehicle only trackAll-weather, two laned formed and gravelled or single lane sealed with gravel shoulders.Generally all-weather, single lane two-way unsealed formed road, usually lightly gravelled.Substantially single lane, two-way, generally dry weather formed (natural materials) track/road.Predominantly single lane, two-way earth tracks (unformed) at or near the natural surface level.In coastal areas, the boundary of the GreatOtway National Park is the low water mark,except where the national park adjoins amarine national park, where the boundarybetween them is the high water mark. Thecollection of organisms other than fish (such asworms, crustaceans, echinoderms andmolluscs) from within the national park is notpermitted under Regulation 9 of the NationalPark (Park) Regulations.Larger water bodies within the parks suitablefor recreational fishing are the Aire andGellibrand Rivers and estuaries, theCumberland River and Lake Elizabeth. Riverfish targeted include River Blackfish andBrown Trout. The National Park (Park)Regulations prohibit activities withinDesignated Water Supply Catchment Areas(DWSCA) that present risks to water quality,such as contact with or polluting the water andfishing. Fishing will continue to be permittedwithin the Barwon Water-managed area(outside the DWSCA and national park) fromWest Barwon Reservoir wall.Victorian fishing laws apply in the parks. Referto the latest Victorian Recreational FishingGuide (DPI 2009) for information.Recreational Angling Activity Standards (ORC2005f) and VR Fish’s Recreational FishingCode of Conduct (www.vrfish.com.au) alsoprovide guidelines for minimal impact fishingpractices.In some areas, litter such as bait bags anddiscarded fishing line is a recurring problemrequiring education and encouragement offisher people to take their rubbish home.Parks Victoria and VR Fish, the Victorianrecreational fishers representative organisationcontinue to work together to provide highquality opportunities for recreational fishing in64 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitorsthe Otways parks. This shared positionrecognises the significant social and economicbenefits of Victoria’s unique and valuablerecreational fisheries and is based on principlesincluding consultation, sustainable resourceuse and the mutual importance to both fishersand park managers of healthy fisheries into thefuture.Management strategies• Allow fishing in the parks, subject toexisting legislation and regulationsidentified in the DPI VictorianRecreational Fishing Guide, except in theReference Area Zone and DesignatedWater Supply Catchment Areas (figure 1).• Provide recreational fishing access andopportunities while managing foreshoreareas. Consult with local and peakrecreational fishing representative groupsprior to any access consolidationnecessary to increase sustainability or tomanage risk.6.11 Recreational huntingAims• Provide opportunities for enjoyablerecreational hunting experiences in OtwayForest Park, where compatible with theprotection of other park values and visitorsafety.• Minimise conflicts with other parks usersand impacts on park values fromrecreational hunting.BasisRecreational hunting or the carrying offirearms is not permitted in Great OtwayNational Park.Recreational hunting of pest animals anddeclared game species is permitted in OtwayForest Park. Commonly hunted pest speciesinclude rabbits, foxes, and feral pigs. Declaredgame species, including deer and duck species,are also huntedOther opportunities are available in nearbyareas, such as the Aire River Wildlife Reserve,which is a designated State Game Reserve onthe Aire River floodplain.Recreational hunting of pest species does notrequire a permit, and may be conducted at anytime of year. The hunting of game speciesrequires a game licence issued by DSE, andmay only be conducted during officiallynotified seasons. Hunters are responsible forensuring that they are aware of restrictionsapplicable to hunting in the forest park.Restrictions include never shooting on oracross roads, and never shooting towardspopulated areas, including camping and picnicareas and walking tracks. The VictorianHunting Guide (DSE 2007g) containscomplete information on various forms ofhunting, including legal, ethical and safetyrequirements, and allowed seasons, areas andspecies. The provisions in the guide that applyto state forest apply to Otway Forest Park.Parks Victoria and DSE work with theVictorian Hunting Advisory Committee tofacilitate the involvement of shooting groupsin hunting management and the developmentof programs such as Hunter Awareness. Undermemorandums of cooperation, recreationalhunting groups are also engaged in some parkson a volunteer basis to assist in pest controlprograms and deer management programs.Management strategies• Allow recreational hunting of declaredgame species and pest species in OtwayForest Park subject to relevant legislationand regulations and the Victorian HuntingGuide.• To ensure visitor safety and reducepotential conflicts, prohibit hunting within1 km of all visitor sites and trailheads(table 3) by regulation.6.12 Fossicking and prospectingAim• Provide opportunities for gemstonefossicking at Wreck Beach in Great OtwayNational Park, and fossicking andprospecting in all areas of Otway ForestPark.BasisGemstone fossicking has been a popularpermitted activity at Wreck Beach (MoonlightBeach) in Great Otway National Park for manyyears. Sand movements and erosion andGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 65

Strategies for visitorsdeposition by wave action replenish theresource providing new material for searchingand discovery. Gemstone fossicking in thatlocation is authorised under section 32D of theNational Parks Act, in accordance with thegovernment-accepted VEAC recommendationsfor the park. Prospecting or fossicking in otherareas of the national park is not permitted.Although no significant deposits are known toexist in the forest park, opportunities areavailable for fossicking for gemstones andprospecting for other minerals using nonmechanicalhand tools.Fossicking or prospecting for minerals isregulated under the Mineral Resources(Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (Vic.)and, in the national park, the gazettal noticeunder section 32D of the National Parks Act.Fossickers and prospectors are required toobtain and operate under a miner’s right oroperate under a tourist fossicking authority.They must only use non-mechanical handtools; and they must not disturb vegetation andarchaeological sites or Aboriginal places orobjects. Fossickers and prospectors areencouraged to follow the Prospecting Guide(DPI 2004) including the Prospectors andMiners Association of Victoria and VictorianGem Clubs Association Code of Conduct.Management strategies• In Great Otway National Park allowfossicking for gemstones only at WreckBeach (Moonlight Beach) using nonmechanicalhand tools and subject torelevant legislation and regulations.• In Otway Forest Park allow fossicking forgemstones and prospecting for otherminerals using non-mechanical hand toolsand subject to relevant legislation andregulations.6.13 Boating and water sportsAims• Provide opportunities for enjoyable watersports including boating, swimming andsurfing in and adjacent to the parks, wherethis is sustainable and compatible with theprotection of park values.• Minimise conflicts with other park usersand impacts on park values from boating,swimming and other water sports.BasisThe Otway coastline and rivers have fordecades attracted large numbers of residentsand visitors seeking activities such as fishing,surfing, swimming, beachcombing, scubadiving, snorkelling, kayaking and boating. Allthese activities are popular in areas within theparks, and in the ocean waters immediatelyadjacent to the Great Otway National Park.These activities are highly seasonal, with amajor influx of visitors over summer, the greatmajority from Melbourne.Great Otway National Park provides visitorservices such as toilets, showers, picnicfacilities, camping areas, beach access, and carparking for large numbers of people seekingcoastal recreation (section 6.4).In many coastal areas foreshore access trackshave evolved and multiplied unsustainably.Such tracks may present an increasedenvironmental footprint, ongoing erosionproblems and public safety risks. In these areasthere is a need to review duplicate andunofficial tracks and consolidate access intofewer, well-maintained and signposted tracks.Boating, kayaking and canoeingPersonal watercraft use such as boating,canoeing and kayaking is generally permittedin inland waters in the parks (note that watersupply reservoirs are outside the parks andaccess is restricted by the relevant watercorporation). The lower reaches of the Aireand Gellibrand Rivers are popular for boating.Lake Elizabeth is popular for canoeing andkayaking, while powered craft are notpermitted. On the coast there are boatlaunching opportunities at Urquhart Bluff,Blanket Bay and Aire River West, thoughlaunching is across the beach and suitable forsmaller craft only. There is also a jetty at AireRiver East.Victorian boating laws apply in the parks,including a 5 knot speed limit for all boatsincluding jet skis on inland waters and therequirement for operators of poweredrecreational vessels to have a boat operatorlicence. The Victorian Recreational BoatingSafety Handbook (MSV 2002b) contains66 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitorsimportant information for recreational boating.The Canoeing and Kayaking AdventureActivity Standards (ORC 2005b) provideguidelines for safe, minimal impact practicesfor paddle craft use.Swimming, surfing and other beachactivitiesMost beaches in and adjoining Great OtwayNational Park are not patrolled and can bedangerous for swimming because of rockyreefs, large swells, rips and currents, deepwater and low temperatures. Beach swimmersare encouraged to use beaches seasonallypatrolled by the Surf Lifesaving Association ofAustralia outside the parks at Anglesea,Fairhaven, Lorne, Apollo Bay and PortCampbell.Surfers frequent many places along the coast togain access to surf breaks. When weather andwave conditions are favourable, large numbersof surfers can congregate at a particularlocation. Organised surfing events occurregularly in the national park, particularly atJohanna Beach and Southside Beach.Management strategies• Allow the use of personal watercraft in theparks, subject to existing legislation andregulation. Do not permit:the use of personal watercraft inDesignated Water Supply CatchmentAreasmotorised watercraft with electrical orinternal combustion motors on LakeElizabeth.• Retain existing facilities and access forboat launching at Urquharts Bluff, AireRiver East, Aire River West, and BlanketBay.6.14 Recreational aircraftAims• Permit opportunities for hang-gliding andparagliding activities in the parks, wherethis is sustainable and compatible with theprotection of park values and does notsignificantly impact on the enjoyment ofother park visitors.• Provide appropriate access by poweredaircraft for scenic over-flights of the parks,where this is sustainable and compatiblewith the protection of park values and doesnot significantly impact on the enjoymentof other park visitors.• Minimise conflicts with other park usersand impacts on park values from air sportsand aircraft.BasisNon-powered aircraftThe Otway coast is an important area for hanggliderand paraglider recreation. Launchingpoints along the coastline in the national parkare popular because of the favourablegeography, weather and prevailing winds, andeasy access and nearby services.Hang-glider and paraglider launch sites atJohanna Beach and Spion-kop and paragliderlaunch sites at Southside (Bells Beach) andJarosite, are licensed to the Hang GlidingFederation of Australia (HGFA) for use inaccordance with site management plans. Hanggliderand paraglider pilots using these sitesmust be members of the HGFA and must alsobe flight-certified.Powered aircraftCommercial scenic flights are an importantniche service for tourists who want a quick andspectacular Otway experience. Commercialand private scenic flights occur regularly overparts of the national park from Anglesea toPrincetown, viewing features of the Otwaycoastal and mountain landscapes such aswaterfalls, rainforest, cliffs and rocky shoresen route to the Twelve Apostles. Most flightsoriginate at airfields close to populationcentres. Flights are most frequent duringsummer holiday periods, and are mainly incoastal areas. Takeoff and landing ofrecreational aircraft in the parks are notpermitted.Aircraft noise can have a negative impact onthe recreational values of the parks, and candisturb residents and park visitors. Aircraftnoise can also affect natural values,particularly by disturbing wildlife.Flights in the region are regulated by the CivilAviation Safety Authority (CASA).Park users and adjoining land owners haveidentified a need to rationalise commercialscenic flight paths and restrict flights nearGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 67

Strategies for visitorsnoise-sensitive areas and areas of highconservationor high social value areas.Codes of conduct for aircraft activities, such asEnvironmental Principles and Procedures forMinimising the Impact of Aircraft Noise (ASA2002) and voluntary Fly NeighbourlyAgreements, have been adopted in other areasto reduce disturbance from aircraft.Research has been undertaken to identify areasin the national park where it is a priority toprotect natural and recreational values fromnoise disturbance (Parks Victoria 2006b). Thisstudy recommended the development andadoption of a fly neighbourly agreementcontaining minimum flight heights andhorizontal distances from important areas, anda preferred flight path. As an interim measure,operating procedures have been developed inDraft Flight Paths and Interim SustainableOperating Procedures for Aircraft OverflyingOtways Protected Areas (Parks Victoria2006b) and agreed to by operators with regularflights over the parks.Occasionally, low over-flights and landings areneeded for management purposes such as forfire management and emergency response andremote area access. Landings are alsosometimes needed for special events, filmingor news-gathering, and these activities willrequire a permit from the park manager.Management strategies• Allow the takeoff and landing of nonpoweredcraft in the designated hanggliderand paraglider launch sites atJohanna Beach and Spion-kop andparaglider launch sites at Southside (BellsBeach) and Jarosite, licensed to theHGFA.• Encourage operators of powered aircraftto agree to and comply with the draftoperating procedures in Flight Paths andInterim Sustainable Operating Proceduresfor Aircraft Overflying Otways ProtectedAreas (Parks Victoria 2006b). For anynew overflight proposals request theproponent to prepare a Fly NeighbourlyAgreement for the operation of poweredaircraft over the parks that identifiespermissible flight heights, minimumhorizontal distances from important areas,and preferred flight paths.6.15 Events and commercial activitiesAims• Allow and manage appropriate events andfunctions and minimise impacts on parkvalues.• Provide for appropriate commercialbusinesses to operate within the parks.• Ensure commercial operators are licensedto conduct their business within the parks.BasisEvent and functionsThe Otways parks are popular places forhosting recreational, cultural and social events,including bicycle races, surfing competitions,horse riding club events, concerts and operaperformances. Organisers of commercial orlarge private events and functions are requiredto obtain a permit, generally one month inadvance, or three months in advance for largerevents. The involvement of Traditional Ownersin relevant events can enrich participants’experiences.Current activities that require an event orfunction permit within the parks are:• non-timed motor vehicle events such astours, navigation or observation rallies (inboth parks) and Confederation ofAustralian Motor Sport (CAMS)-approvedtimed racing events in Otway Forest Park• bushwalking events including competitiveorienteering and rogaining in the parks• cycling events including races• dog club activities, competitive dog eventsand dog training• horse riding events including competitionsand groups of over 20 horses• organised surfing events.Commercial activitiesVisitation to and use of the parks is alsosupported by a number of commercial businessoperations. Licensed tour operators providestructured tourism, recreational or educationalactivities. All persons or organisationsundertaking commercial activities in the parksare required to obtain a licence or permit underthe relevant legislation and regulations.68 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for visitorsrecreation categories to be highest risk:cycling/mountain biking, swimming and rockfishing.The Statewide Visitor Risk ManagementStrategy addresses risks that apply to all levelsof service-rated areas managed by ParksVictoria. A key component is the Visitor RiskTreatment Framework which integrates theexpected type of visitor (market segment), thelevel of service offered at the visitor site, andthe identifiable risk to determine visitor riskcontrol measures. A tree risk mitigation systemis implemented at visitor sites.Public information dissemination andeducation of park users, and signage, are themost effective ways to increase awareness ofrisks and promote safety. Adventure ActivityStandards (produced by the OutdoorRecreation Centre specific to particularrecreation activities) contain importantinformation for conducting safe recreation andare recommended for dissemination, as arePark Notes, Forest Notes and othergovernment or peak representative bodysupportedinformation.Emergency preparedness and responseRelevant agencies cooperate and respond toincidents in the parks in accordance with theEmergency Management Act 1986 (Vic.) andthe Emergency Management Manual Victoria(State of Victoria 2008) which contains theState Emergency Response Plan and definesthe role of emergency management agencies inrelation to particular incident types. In thecontext of the Otways parks, DSE has theimportant role of the lead agency for reducingthe incidence and minimising the impact of firein state forest, national parks, and protectedpublic lands, and the control agency withresponsibility for the suppression of all firesthat occur in those areas. Parks Victoria hasresponsibilities for fire prevention,preparedness and suppression in collaborationwith DSE. Following on from this, theresponse of park managers to emergencyincidents is guided by various emergencymanagement plans. The national park iscovered by emergency management plansincluding the Western Otways Ranger inCharge Area Emergency Management Planand Eastern Otways RIC Area EmergencyManagement Plan (unpublished ParksVictoria).In accordance with the EmergencyManagement Act the relevant shires haveprepared municipal emergency managementplans in which an integrated fire responseinvolving multiple agencies is outlined. DSE’srole is the lead agency in fire management onprotected public land and has some supportingroles in other emergencies. The identificationof DSE in this context includes Parks Victoria,Department of Primary Industries and otherorganisations and contractors involved inemergency preparedness and response underthe umbrella of DSE.The SES is the lead agency for the preparationand implementation of the South West RegionFlood Response Plan (SES 2008) with DSE asa support agency.DSE is the lead agency for implementing theReadiness and Response Plan South West Area(DSE 2008c), Otway Fire District FireProtection Plan (DSE 2003c) and FireOperations Plan (DSE 2008b)Management strategy• Increase visitors’ awareness of safetyissues and potential hazards in the parksthrough the use of information signs, ParkNotes, Forests Notes, Parks Victoria andDSE and peak body websites and rangerpatrols.70 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

7 STRATEGIES FOR FOREST RESOURCE USE7.1 Firewood harvestingAims• Allow firewood harvesting for commercialand personal use from the Otway ForestPark in accordance with relevantlegislation, codes of practice, proceduresand prescriptions.• Minimise the impacts of harvestingfirewood on the natural, cultural andrecreational values of the Otway ForestPark.BasisThe forests in the Otway region have been asource of significant economic and socialbenefit to local communities for many years.The Otway forests continue to supportIndigenous communities, who use the seasonaland local abundance of particular plants for usein daily life and for important ceremonies.Firewood is harvested commercially and forpersonal use in Otway Forest Park. Firewoodharvesting is not permitted within Great OtwayNational Park.Otway Forest Park is managed under theForests Act, with the harvesting of minortimber products including firewood controlledby the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004(Vic.) and the Sustainable Forests (TimberHarvesting) Regulations 2006. The collectionof firewood must comply with this legislation,the Code of Practice for Timber Production(DSE 2007b), and Management Proceduresfor timber harvesting operations andassociated activities in Victoria’s State forests(DSE 2007f).A three year (rolling) Wood Utilisation Plan(WUP) for the Otway Forest ManagementArea (DSE 2009a) will be prepared andupdated annually and community input will beinvited. This Wood Utilisation Plan willidentify areas where firewood can be harvestedin the Otway Forest Park for commercial andpersonal use under licence or permit. Suchareas will not include Special Protection Zones(section 3.3) or areas excluded through theWUP planning process. In the areas identifiedin the WUP only specified trees or fallentimber will be taken for firewood. Thenomination of Public Safety Zones or otherstrategies to manage risk to the public mayalso be put in place.The commercial harvesting of firewoodrequires a commercial Forest Produce Licenceand a Timber Harvesting Operators Licence.Harvesting firewood for personal use requiresa separate Forest Produce Licence. Informationabout these licences can be obtained from DSEoffices or at www.dse.vic.gov.au/forests.Management strategies• Prepare an annually updated three-yearWood Utilisation Plan to provide for thesustainable supply of firewood inaccordance with relevant legislation,codes of practice, procedures andprescriptions.• Monitor compliance with permits fordomestic firewood collection andcommercial firewood operations to ensureadherence to legislation, codes,procedures and prescriptions.7.2 Minor forest produce harvestingAim• Allow minor forest produce harvesting inOtway Forest Park in alignment withrelevant legislation, codes of practice,procedures and prescriptions.• Minimise the impacts of minor forestproduce harvesting on the natural, culturaland recreational values of Otway ForestPark.BasisThe State Government accepted the VEACrecommendation that harvesting of selectedtrees and vegetation will continue to beallowed in Otway Forest Park for a range ofminor forest produce such as posts and poles,woodchop blocks, stakes, hobby wood andtimber for specialist uses such as themanufacture of musical instruments. Lowintensityharvesting of material such as seedsfor revegetation and foliage for decorativepurposes is also allowed.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 71

Strategies for forest resource useMinor forest produce may be harvestedcommercially and for personal use from theforest park under licence or permit. Areasavailable for this activity do not includeSpecial Protection Zones (section 3.3) or areasexcluded through planning processes.Commercial harvesting of minor forestproduce is not permitted within the GreatOtway National Park.Management strategies• Allow the harvesting of minor forestproduce in the forest park in accordancelegislation, codes, procedures andprescriptions.• Plan and monitor minor forest produceharvesting to ensure protection of naturaland cultural values. Harvesting will not beallowed in Special Protection Zones andother areas of the forest park that could beadversely affected by such activities.72 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

8 STRATEGIES FOR AUTHORISED AND ADJACENT USES8.1 Public utilities infrastructureAim• Manage authorised public utilitiesinfrastructure within the parks throughformal consents, leases, licences, permitsand agreements in accordance withrelevant legislation, and to minimiseimpacts on park values.BasisThere is extensive network of public utilitiesinfrastructure in the parks, including powerlines, communications cables, communicationstowers, antennae, monitoring stations andpipelines. Public utilities corporations such asTelstra, Powercor, Barwon Water and WannonWater, and other bodies such as the AustralianMaritime Safety Authority and Surf CoastShire utilise land within the parks for access to,and the siting, operation and management of,this infrastructure.New public utilities infrastructure sites maynot be located in or across reference areas, andshould not be located in or across national orstate parks wherever possible. If necessary,consent may be given under section 27 of theNational Parks Act to a public authority (or anagreement may be entered into with anelectricity company under section 27A relatingto pre-existing works) to perform its functionsand powers within a national park. In the forestpark, the Forests Act provides that leases,licences or permits may be issued oragreements made to enable the formalestablishment and operation of utilitiesinfrastructure.Consents under section 27 of the NationalParks Act require the endorsement of theMinister and are only given afterdemonstration of a need with no alternativeoutside the parks, and after cultural andenvironmental site assessments have beenconducted and impacts minimised.Typically, the consent, lease, licence, permit oragreement includes a description of the works,conditions to protect park values, a site planand details of management arrangements andresponsibilities.Installation of most of the public utilitiesinfrastructure pre-dates the current parks, andthere are several instances of infrastructuresites lacking up-to-date consents, leases,licences, permits or agreements, and lackingaccurate spatial information.Management strategies• Undertake an audit of public utilitiesinfrastructure in the parks and determineauthorisation status. Seek authorisationunder appropriate legislation for existingunlicensed public infrastructure in theparks, where this is consistent with policyand protection of park values.• Ensure that park values are adequatelyprotected in consideration andauthorisation of public utilitiesinfrastructure developments and ongoingaccess and maintenance provisions.8.2 Private occupanciesAims• Manage authorised occupancies to allowfor specified uses while minimising theirimpacts on park values.• Resolve unauthorised occupancies byremoval or authorisation.BasisThe government acknowledged that specificprivate occupancies in Otway Forest Parkshould continue (Government of Victoria2005). These occupancies are managed bycommunity groups and include:• Victorian Field and Game Association’sColac shooting ground• Colac–Otway Archers field range• Patonga Scout Camp• Colac Moto-cross Track at Barongarook.Management strategies• Issue or renew licences for existing orproposed occupancies in the parks andmanage occupancies in accordance withpark objectives and relevant policies.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 73

Strategies for authorised and adjacent uses• Review unauthorised occupancies withinthe parks. In determining the future ofthese occupancies, consider social,environmental, cultural and managementimplications and ensure adherence tolegislation and policy.8.3 Cape Otway LightstationAims• Provide for the ongoing commercialoperation of the Cape Otway LightstationTourist and Heritage precinct.• Provide for the ongoing operation ofmarine navigation and weather recordinginstruments.BasisThe Cape Otway Lightstation Tourist andHeritage precinct (the precinct) is within GreatOtway National Park. The governmentaccepted VEAC’s recommendationsconcerning the precinct (Government ofVictoria 2005), including:• continuation of existing accommodationand associated facilities• provision for a long-term commercial leaseunder the National Parks Act.Part of the Cape Otway precinct is leased fortourism purposes. Section 29B of the NationalParks Act provides for the continuation of theexisting leases in the ‘Cape Otway lighthousearea’ (the precinct). It also enables a new leaseto be granted over any part of the precinct forthe purposes of recreation or tourism that isconsistent with the conservation of the area’sheritage values.Two small sites within the precinct are leasedto Australian Maritime Safety Authority forthe operation of marine navigational aids, andone small site is leased to the Bureau ofMeteorology for weather monitoringequipment. At the expiry of these leases, it isanticipated that consents would be grantedunder section 27 of the National Parks Act forthe ongoing occupation of those sites.Management strategies• Continue to manage approved leases inaccordance with lease conditions.• In accordance with an agreed schedule,the Cape Otway Lightstation lessee orParks Victoria will ensure ongoingmaintenance, stabilisation, and (whereappropriate) restoration of structures atCape Otway by implementing the CapeOtway Lightstation ConservationManagement Plan.8.4 Designated and Special WaterSupply Catchment AreasAims• Minimise impacts on water quality andyield in water supply catchment areas fromfire, recreation, extraction andmanagement activities.• Manage Designated Water SupplyCatchments as closed catchments.• Protect the public health of communitiesthat depend on water supply catchments,through minimising threats to water qualityand yield within water supply catchmentareas.BasisThe Otways are a critical source of water formany south-western Victorian communities,from Geelong to Warrnambool. Many waterstorages, diversion facilities and buffer areasare located in the parks. Wannon Water andBarwon Water harvest water from catchmentsin the parks in accordance with the Water Act1989 (Vic.).Wannon Water supplies reticulated water fromOtway surface and groundwater sources to anarea inhabited by 45 000 people(approximately 18 500 residences and 3400other sites), and Barwon Water supplies anarea inhabited by 240 000 people(approximately 119 700 residences and 10 832other sites). The catchments for these watersources are within the Otway parks, and aremanaged under two legislated mechanisms.Designated Water Supply Catchment AreasThe government has adopted VEAC’srecommendations regarding important humanuse water supply catchment areas in Otways,designating two Designated Water SupplyCatchment Areas (DWSCAs) under theNational Parks Act comprising five different74 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for authorised and adjacent usesareas (see below) to protect catchment areasfor major reservoirs and water off-takes.The DWSCAs will be managed as ‘closedcatchments’ consistent with VEACrecommendations along the model used forMelbourne’s water supply areas. A ‘closedcatchment’ is a water catchment supplyinghigh-quality water for human use, which is‘closed’ to protect the water supply from risksassociated with public access. The paramountconsideration in managing these areas is toprotect the areas, maintain water quality andotherwise protect their water resources.The water supply catchments above the ArkinsCreek weir, and the West Gellibrand,Olangolah, Allen and Painkalac Reservoirswill be managed as closed catchments and theWest Barwon catchment will allow limitedpublic access (section 3.3 and table 2). Thereservoirs and weirs are outside the nationalpark and the DWSCAs. In accordance withsection 32L of the National Parks Act, theareas are jointly managed under managementagreements between the Secretary and therelevant water corporation (Barwon Water orWannon Water) including catchmentmanagement plans, works programs and fireprotection plans. Policies for protecting thearea, maintaining water quality, and restrictingpublic access are determined by the watercorporations and through the the NationalParks (Park) Regulations that prohibitactivities within DWSCAs that present risks towater quality, such as contact with or pollutingthe water, and fishing.The two DWSCAs in Great Otway NationalPark: one relating to Barwon Water and theother Wannon Water. The DWSCA jointlymanaged by Parks Victoria (for the Secretary)and Barwon Water comprises the followingfour sections:• Painkalac Creek: this catchment area of3466 ha feeds the Painkalac Reservoirwhich supplies Aireys Inlet with 100% ofits reticulated water.• St Georges River: this catchment area of1478 ha feeds the Allen Reservoir whichsupplies Lorne with 100% of its reticulatedwater.• West Barwon: this catchment area of 4683ha feeds the West Barwon Reservoir which(via the Wurdee Boluc reservoir) suppliesthe Geelong region with the majority of itsreticulated water.• West Gellibrand & Olangolah: thiscatchment area of 2312 ha feeds the WestGellibrand and Olangolah Reservoirswhich supply the Colac region with 100%of its reticulated water.The DWSCA jointly managed by ParksVictoria (for the Secretary) and Wannon Watercomprises:• Arkins Creek: this catchment of 1200 hafeeds diversion weirs on the three branchesof the Arkins Creek. Water is fed into theNorth Otway Pipeline which supplies theregion including Simpson, Cobden,Camperdown, Terang, Mortlake andWarrnambool. Approximately 30% of thereticulated water used by this region comesfrom this DWSCA (the balance is sourcedfrom the Gellibrand River, Newlingrookaquifer and other groundwater sources, seebelow).Under a ‘closed catchment’ approach, publicaccess to Designated Water Supply CatchmentAreas will not be permitted except for limitedaccess to the West Barwon section of theDWSCA where access may be permitted forsome recreational activities (section 3.3 andtable 2) and volunteers conductingmanagement work under a formal arrangementwith park managers. Any impacts of public usewill be monitored and prompt action taken torectify adverse impacts should they occur.Special (or Proclaimed or Declared) WaterSupply Catchment AreasMost of these catchment areas were declaredprior to the creation of the parks, and coverareas of the national park and forest park, otherCrown land and private land. The Catchmentand Land Protection Act aims to ensure thatthe quality of the land and water resources andassociated plant and animal life are maintainedand enhanced, and the declaration of SpecialWater Supply Catchment Areas (SWSCAs) isone of the mechanisms in the Act for achievingthis. The SWSCAs protect catchment areas forwater collection and offtake points onwaterways or from groundwater. Special AreaPlans may be prepared for management of landand water resources within a SWSCA. Onprivate land within a SWSCA, controls in localplanning schemes and recommendations inGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 75

Strategies for authorised and adjacent usesliterature such as Living in a drinking watercatchment area (DHS 2009) guide actions forreducing risk to water values.There are nine SWSCAs in the parks:• Gellibrand River SWSCA: This 49 853 hacatchment of which 27 761 ha are withinthe parks, feeds the Gellibrand River in itsupper reaches including the Barramunga,Olangolah, Asplins, Lardner's, Charley's,Arkins, Ten Mile, Loves and Gum Creeks,and the Carlisle River. Parts of thisSWSCA are overlain by the Arkins CreekDWSCA and West Gellibrand andOlangolah sections of the other DWSCA.Water is sourced by Wannon Water fromthe Gellibrand River close to the CarlisleRiver township and (together with waterextracted from the Newlingrook aquifer)added to the North Otway Pipeline systemsupplying Simpson, Cobden,Camperdown, Terang, Mortlake andWarrnambool.• Gellibrand River (South Otway) SWSCA:This 16 707 ha catchment, of which 11 048ha are within the parks, feeds the lowerreaches of the Gellibrand River includingChapple and Skinner Creeks. Water issourced by Wannon Water from theGellibrand River at Chapple Vale, whichfeeds the South Otway Pipeline to provide80% of the water used by Warrnambool,Allansford and Koroit.• Barwon Downs Wellfield Intake SWSCA:This 7783 ha catchment, of which 2395 haare within the parks, feeds the BarwonDowns Graben aquifer. Water is extractedfrom this aquifer by Barwon Water at theBarwon Downs bore field nearGerangamete, to supplement the watersupply to the Geelong area, via theWurdeeboluc Reservoir.• Barham River SWSCA: This 6359 hacatchment feeds the east and west branchesof the Barham River. A Barwon Waterofftake is located west of Apollo Bay,which supplies 100% of Apollo Bay’sreticulated water.• Skenes Creek SWSCA: This catchment iscurrently not used for water offtake andwill be revoked in the future.• Upper Barwon SWSCA: This 15 547 hacatchment, of which 13 466 ha are withinthe parks, feeds the West and East BarwonRivers, Kings, Callahans, Den andDewings Creeks. The area is partlyoverlain by West Barwon DWSCA, andincludes the catchment area for WestBarwon Reservoir providing one of themain sources of water for the Geelongregion (see above). Additionally, thisSWSCA feeds three offtakes on the EastBarwon River, Callahans and DewingsCreeks; the water contributing to BarwonWater’s supply to the Geelong region.• Pennyroyal, Matthews and Gosling CreeksSWSCA: These catchments, totalling 7190ha, of which 5259 ha are within the parks,feed the Pennyroyal, Matthews & Goslingcreeks. Two offtakes on the Pennyroyaland Matthews creeks contribute to BarwonWater’s supply to the Geelong region.Gosling Creek is not currently used forwater off-take and the boundary of theSWSCA will be amended in the future toexclude the catchment of Gosling Creek.• Lorne SWSCA: This 2754 ha catchment,of which 2435 ha are within the parks,provides Lorne’s reticulated water supply.A portion of the SWSCA (correspondingto the catchment of the St Georges River)is overlain by the St Georges RiverDWSCA section supplying the AllenReservoir (see above). The remainingportion, covering the catchments of theErskine River and Cherry Tree Creek, isnot used for water off-take and will beformally removed from the SWSCA in thefuture.• Painkalac Creek (Aireys Inlet) SWSCA:This 3348 ha catchment feeds thePainkalac Reservoir, enabling BarwonWater to supply reticulated water to AireysInlet. 3343 ha of the SWSCA are withinthe parks, and the SWSCA is almostentirely overlain by the Painkalac Creeksection of the Barwon Water DWSCA.Groundwater extraction and recharge areasAt present there is no groundwater extractionin the parks. Important groundwater extractionsites near the parks for domestic use includeBarwon Downs borefield, Carlisle borefieldand Port Campbell; and for industrial use, the76 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for authorised and adjacent usesAlcoa Anglesea mine and power station. Thereare also many private bores in the regionpredominantly for stock and agriculturalirrigation. In the future water may be extractedfor domestic supply from Newlingrook andGellibrand borefields. The Anglesea borefieldincludes a small area of Great Otway NationalPark near Forest Road.There are important aquifer recharge areaslocated within the parks that supply water tothe bores mentioned above. The GellibrandRiver valley is a recharge zone for the PortCampbell bore (Dilwyn aquifer) and theNewlingrook aquifer, with the groundwaterflow system being interconnected with theriver. The Barwon Downs Wellfield IntakeSWSCA is the recharge zone for the BarwonDowns borefield (Barwon Downs Grabenaquifer). In the eastern part of the parks, anarea from Eastern View to Wensleydale isimportant for recharging the groundwaterresources (Upper and Lower Eastern Viewaquifers) sourced by Alcoa at Anglesea and atAnglesea borefield.Management of water catchments will focuson reduction of risk to water quality and yield.By far, the greatest risk to water supply in theOtways is from wildfire, but erosion andsedimentation, nutrient runoff, andcontamination from hydrocarbons or human oranimal wastes are also risks.Management strategies• In partnership with water corporationsimplement the DWSCA joint managementagreements, including preparation ofcatchment management (including firemanagement) plans, works programs andrisk management plans.• Undertake necessary activities to increaseawareness and compliance with the closedcatchment management arrangements forDWSCAs.• Manage and monitor the limited accessallowed to the West Barwon DWSCA.8.5 GrazingAims• Permit low-intensity grazing in clearedareas of Otway Forest Park where it is preexistingand consistent with conservationand recreation objectives.• Phase out grazing in Great Otway NationalPark.BasisDomestic stock grazing has occurred in manyparts of the parks. At the time of its creationthere were 28 grazing licences applicable toGreat Otway National Park. Grazing is tocease in the park by 30 September 2009.In accordance with government-acceptedVEAC recommendations in relation to grazing(Government of Victoria 2005), low-intensitygrazing may continue in Otway Forest Parkwhere it pre-exists on previously cleared landand is consistent with conservation andrecreation objectives.Management strategies• Monitor and manage grazing in the OtwayForest Park under existing licences and tominimise impacts on other park values.• Terminate existing grazing licences inrelation to the national park andimplement management to restore naturalvalues.8.6 ApicultureAims• Provide for apiculture in Otway ForestPark while minimising impacts on otherpark values.• Do not allow apiculture in Great OtwayNational Park.BasisApiculture is not an extensive activity in theparks.The government-accepted VEACrecommendations for apiculture in the parks,(Government of Victoria 2005) are:• Great Otway National Park — apiculturenot to be permitted• Otway Forest Park — apiculture to bepermitted.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 77

Strategies for authorised and adjacent usesApiary licences for three former sites in thenational park expired prior to the creation ofthe parks.In 2009, there were no apiary site licencesissued in the forest park.Management strategy• Permit apiculture in Otway Forest Parksubject to careful assessment ofapplications and issue apiary site licenceswith appropriate license conditions toprotect park values and minimise impactson visitors.8.7 Commercial fishingAim• Provide for existing commercial eelfishing entitlements in Great OtwayNational Park.BasisTwo operators undertake small-scalecommercial eel fishing in the lower reaches ofthe Aire and Gellibrand rivers and LakeElizabeth in Great Otway National Park.Immature Short-finned Eels are harvested andon-sold to supplement stocks in lakes to thenorth of the parks.In its Angahook–Otway Investigation FinalReport, VEAC made specificrecommendations in relation to commercialfishing in Great Otway National Park that weresubsequently varied by government(Government of Victoria 2005). Thegovernment response was that:• new commercial fishing entitlements willnot be permitted• existing commercial fishing entitlements(eel harvesting) will be allowed tocontinue.The fishery is managed in accordance with theFisheries Act 1995 (Vic.) and the Victorian EelFishery Management Plan (NRE 2003). TheDepartment of Primary Industries — FisheriesVictoria manages commercial fisheries,including those sites in Great Otway NationalPark, to ensure a sustainable balance betweenresource use and conservation.Management strategy• Work with relevant agencies to facilitatefishery management, including theminimisation of the impacts of commercialfishing on natural and cultural values.8.8 Earth resourcesAim• Ensure that earth resources activities areconducted in accordance with the relevantlegislation and that park values areadequately protected.BasisParts of the parks, particularly the OtwayForest Park, are subject to mineral explorationlicences and petroleum exploration permits.The parks are completely covered bygeothermal exploration permits. In addition,there are a small number of quarries in theparks, including a sandstone quarry known asthe Bambra Rd Quarry in the Great OtwayNational Park.The Extractive Industries Development Act1995 (Vic.) prohibits the granting of searchpermits for stone in Great Otway NationalPark, and section 40 of the National Parks Actprohibits the granting of work authoritiesunder the Extractive Industries DevelopmentAct in the national park except in relation toBambra Road Quarry.Under the provisions of the Mineral Resources(Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (Vic.)and the National Parks Act, no new mineralexploration and mining licences can be grantedover Great Otway National Park.Operations in national parks under theGreenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Act2008 (Vic.), Geothermal Energy Resources Act2005 (Vic.) and the Petroleum Act 1998 (Vic.)may be permitted subject to section 40 of theNational Parks Act.The Otway Forest Park is restricted Crownland under the Mineral Resources (SustainableDevelopment) Act. Any stone, mineral,petroleum or geothermal exploration andextraction or greenhouse gas storageexploration or operations in the forest parkrequires the consent of the Crown landMinister (Minister for Environment andClimate Change). Earth resources activities78 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for authorised and adjacent useshave the potential to impact on park values andneed to be carefully managed subject toappropriate conditions/safeguards.Note: Commencement of the ResourcesIndustry Legislation Amendment Act 2009(Vic.) will combine the Mineral Resources(Sustainable Development) Act and theExtractives Industries Development Act.Management strategies• Consider and where appropriate allowearth resources activities to be undertakenin the parks in accordance with relevantlegislation and management objectives.• Assess all earth resources proposals (andexisting activities, as appropriate) toensure adequate protection of park valuesvia appropriate conditions and monitorcompliance.• Facilitate grant of a work authority withappropriate conditions in relation toBambra Road Quarry, in accordance withthe National Parks Act and the ExtractiveIndustries Development Act.8.9 Occasional usesAim• Allow authorised occasional uses andminimise their impacts on park values.BasisGreat Otway National Park and Otway ForestPark are used from time to time for otheractivities such as commercial filming, defenceforce training and research.Park managers recognise the significant rolethat the filming and photography industryplays in supporting the social and economicwell-being of the community, promotingopportunities in the parks, and promoting theprotection of natural and cultural values in theparks. All filming and photography conductedas part of a trade or a business is undertakenthrough a permit system. Amateurphotographers or people taking film or videofor personal or hobby interest do not require apermit.Adventure training and field navigationexercises by Australian Defence Force unitsmay be undertaken in the parks, subject to apermit outlining conditions to ensure minimalimpacts on park values.Any research and monitoring in the nationalpark requires a research permit under theNational Parks Act.Management strategies• Permit Defence Force adventure trainingand field navigation exercises in the parksin accordance with each park managementagency’s operational policies and relevantpermit conditions.• Manage commercial filming andphotography in accordance withlegislation and each park managementagencies operational policies.• Monitor authorised activities to ensureconditions of authorisation are met.8.10 Park boundaries and adjacentusesAims• Coordinate management activities withthose of park neighbours where these arecomplementary to the protection of parkvalues.• Work with park neighbours to addressissues of pest plant and animal control.• Provide access through the parks toneighbouring properties for authoriseduses such as timber carting where thataccess does not impact on park values.• Provide reasonable rights of access tofreehold land abutting or surrounded bythe Great Otway National Park andminimise the impacts on park values.BasisGreat Otway National Park and Otway ForestPark extend across a vast area with a largeprivate property interface and several outlyingblocks. The parks form an extensive andcontiguous protected area network, linkingmarine and terrestrial ecosystems.Most of Great Otway National Park and OtwayForest Park adjoins cleared farmland, but theparks also adjoin urban areas, timberplantations and privately owned forest areas.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 79

Strategies for authorised and adjacent usesThe National Parks Act allows the provision ofaccess rights to freeholders in relation to theGreat Otway National Park.Some areas of Crown land along the coast aremanaged on behalf of the Minister byCommittees of Management established underthe Crown Land (Reserves) Act. Thecommittees may be an agency (local council,Parks Victoria or DSE) or a committeeappointed by the Minister.Great Otway National Park also adjoins:• Point Addis Marine National Park nearAnglesea, managed by Parks Victoria• Twelve Apostles Marine National Parknear Princetown, managed by ParksVictoria• State waters below the low water mark notwithin the marine national parks or otherreserves, managed by DSE• Alcoa’s (Anglesea Heath) lease area whichis managed by Alcoa and Parks Victoria inpartnership• coastal reserves between Apollo Bay andKennett River, managed by the Apollo Bay– Kennett River Public ReservesCommittee of Management• coastal reserves at Wye River andSeparation Creek managed by the WyeRiver Foreshore Committee• coastal reserves between Kennett Riverand Anglesea managed by The GreatOcean Road Coast Committee ofManagement• several arterial roads, including the GreatOcean Road, which are managed byVicRoads or local government• land managed by Barwon Water andWannon Water, used for water supply suchas reservoirs, weirs and borefields.Park boundaries are marked at most accesspoints by signs. The extensive interfacebetween the parks and private propertyhighlights the importance of close cooperationbetween park managers and park neighbours inmanagement. Conservation practices on landneighbouring the parks such as Land forWildlife and Landcare are encouraged.The State Planning Policy Framework (DSE2003b), in conjunction with the Surf CoastPlanning Scheme (Surf Coast Shire 2000),Corangamite Planning Scheme (CorangamiteShire 2004) and the Colac Otway PlanningScheme (Colac Otway Shire 2000), provides aframework for development proposalsadjoining the parks.Various main roads, including the Great OceanRoad, pass through the two parks at severallocations but are excluded from them. Theboundaries of eleven road reserves excludedfrom the national park need to be indentifiedconsistent with the government response toVEAC recommendation, R5, that any newroad reserve should, generally, not be widerthan 20 metres. Where a road is not included ina road reserve and it is excluded from the parkby name, the area excluded is defined as perclause 3 of Schedule 5 to the RoadManagement Act 2004 (Vic.).At times, local realignments of the GreatOcean Road through the Great Otway NationalPark may be required outside the defined roador road reserve. Such realignments require theconsent of the Secretary to DSE under section27 of the National Parks Act.Parks Victoria and DSE contribute to thepreparation by the relevant road authority ofroadside management plans, including the planfor the Great Ocean Road. Objectives of theroadside management plans will includemanaging the roads for roads users, safety,scenic quality, tourism value and naturalvalues of adjoining areas.Management strategies• Encourage road management authoritiesto prepare roadside management plans for‘tourist’ roads that traverse the parks.• Work with Surf Coast, Colac Otway andCorangamite Shires to ensurecomplementary management of issues onpark boundaries.• Where necessary, permit conditionalaccess to freehold land via existing roadsor tracks in the Great Otway NationalPark, as allowed by section 30I of theNational Parks Act.80 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

9 STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY AWARENESS ANDINVOLVEMENT9.1 Community awarenessAim• Increase the community’s awareness andunderstanding of the parks’ values andmanagement activities.BasisGreat Otway National Park and Otway ForestPark are spread across a large area and areencompassed and interspersed by communitiesand neighbours. The creation of the parks hasresulted in some major land use andmanagement changes in the Otways. Many ofthese changes have important implications forlocal residents and park users and visitors.Raising the awareness of the parks’ values isan essential step in developing thecommunity’s sense of custodianship for theparks and engagement in their management.The community is more likely to develop thissense of custodianship if its views and valuesare respected and park-related social networksare encouraged and supported. A strongcommunity connection with the parks amongvisitors and the local and wider communitywill assist in broader public education andawareness raising. Management of the parkscan be greatly assisted if park managers workclosely with existing networks includingcommunity groups and agencies to promotepark values and achieve managementobjectives in relation to activities such as firemanagement, pest plant and animal control andthe undertaking of volunteer conservationprograms.Education and interpretation programs (section6.2) play an important role in raising theawareness of the parks in the widercommunity. Parks Victoria aims tocommunicate the benefits of a healthy parkssystem and its contribution to the health ofindividuals and society through the ‘HealthyParks, Healthy People’ program.Parks Victoria, DSE, Barwon Water,Corangamite CMA, Surf Coast Shire, ColacOtway Shire, Corangamite Shire and GeelongOtway Tourism conduct programs to increasepublic awareness of important values, issuesand management approaches in the region.Peak bodies, environmental groups, sportingclubs, Aboriginal communities, Landcaregroups and other community groups also helppromote community awareness.Management strategy• Liaise with communities, groups and withthe three local government Councils toenhance community understanding ofshared management issues and to fosteropportunities for local communities tocontribute to achieving park managementobjectives.9.2 Traditional Owner partnershipsAims• Build collaborative relationships to engageTraditional Owners in the parks’ planningand management.• Improve opportunities for Aboriginalparticipation in the parks’ management.BasisThe involvement of Traditional Owners inpark management is critical for keepingCountry healthy and culture strong. TraditionalOwners have considerable interest in andaspirations for the parks as part of Country.They are an important potential source oftraditional knowledge about the area that hasyet to be documented. A strong workingrelationship with Traditional Owners andRegistered Aboriginal Parties will be essentialto reflecting their perspectives on parkmanagement and reconciliation of theirinterests and aspirations with other members ofthe community.The government-accepted VEACrecommendations (Government of Victoria2005) supported specific recommendations toenhance the involvement of Aboriginalcommunities in the planning and managementof the parks.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 81

Strategies for community awareness and involvementManagement strategies• Consistent with broader Governmentdiscussions and in conjunction withTraditional Owners, the relevantRegistered Aboriginal Parties and otherrelevant Aboriginal groups, develop apreferred model for cooperativemanagement of Great Otway NationalPark and Otway Forest Park.• In conjunction with the relevant RegisteredAboriginal Parties, and TraditionalOwners and other relevant Aboriginalgroups, explore ways to improveAboriginal representation andparticipation in decision making inrelation to management of the parks.• Work with the relevant RegisteredAboriginal Parties, Traditional Ownersand other relevant Aboriginal groupsdeliver the Parks Victoria IndigenousPartnership Strategy and Action Plan andDSE Indigenous Partnership Framework.9.3 Community participationAims• Build a sense of shared ownership andcustodianship for the parks amongcommunity groups and individuals.• Support and encourage people to activelyassist in implementing the plan andmanaging the parks.BasisVictoria’s parks and network of other publicland are vital not only to the protection ofnatural and cultural resources, but alsocontribute significantly to the livelihood,lifestyle and well-being of Victorians.Experience has demonstrated that managementof these areas is most effective where peoplevalue their parks and participate in an activeand informed way. Many people andcommunity groups have a long history ofinvolvement in the areas now included in theparks. Active community participation inmanagement can enrich and strengthen parkmanagement and is pivotal to effective longtermpark planning, use and care.There is a growing community expectation formeaningful input into government decisionmaking.In accordance with this expectation,the Victorian Government’s policy statementGrowing Victoria Together expresses acommitment to open and inclusive partnershipswith the community. A Fairer Victoria sets anagenda for better coordination and integrationof government services at a regional level,among other initiatives to give all Victorians afair go. Research also demonstrates that morerelevant policies, programs and serviceseventuate through deliberation andcollaboration at local regional and state levels.A healthy, viable and sustainable Otway regionis reliant on an investment by Parks Victoriaand DSE in the community, in order thatcommunity support for the parks can bemaximised. Providing opportunities forcommunities to participate in all levels of theplanning, use and care of the parks willmaximise community assistance in developingthe parks for Victorians now and in the future.Volunteers and community groups makevaluable contributions to park managementprojects. They bring diverse and valuableinformation, knowledge, skills and experienceto the parks that may not be otherwise beavailable to the park managers. Volunteers alsobring great enthusiasm and add valuableresources to assist with the care of the parks.Collaborative projects with tertiary institutionsand work experience placements in the parkscan have mutual benefits.The interests of community groups in the parkoften overlap and may not be complementary.There can be considerable mutual benefitswhere such groups work together with ParksVictoria, DSE and the Traditional Owners toachieve common goals. Many managementactivities such as pest plant control, fox controland habitat restoration, require communitysupport and participation outside parkboundaries to be effective. Communityconsultation will be undertaken prior to anysignificant changes to visitor services in theparks.Otways Landscape Community CouncilThe Otways Landscape Community Council(OLCC) was established in 2006 to adviseParks Victoria and DSE on communityengagement for the parks establishment andplanning and to monitor the effectiveness ofthat engagement.82 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Strategies for community awareness and involvementWorking in partnership with Parks Victoriaand DSE, the OLCC established a frameworkfor community engagement for the parks,guided engagement on the draft plans, andestablished the following vision:• People of Victoria are active participantsin the planning and care of the GreatOtway National Park and Otway ForestPark so the management of the parksresponds to both community aspirationsand Government policy.Community participation and engagement isthe lens through which all work in the parksare planned and implemented.Management strategies• Encourage and support park-related socialnetworks with Friends, volunteers,educational institutions, students andcommunity groups that participate in theparks’ management to provide guidanceand support and to ensure that they haveopportunities to appropriately exercisetheir interests and use their knowledge andskills.• Encourage community involvement inmonitoring and recording programs usingstandard methods.• Explore options for communityparticipation in the implementation of thisplan, including appropriate formalstructures.• Celebrate the achievements of Friends,volunteers and other groups in meetingpark management objectives.9.4 Agency partnershipsAims• Enhance park management bycollaborating with other agencies to ensurethey give appropriate consideration to parkvalues in planning and implementingactivities that relate to the parks.• Contribute to cooperative programs andactivities undertaken by other agencieswhere these complement management ofthe parks.BasisAlthough Parks Victoria is responsible for theoverall management of Great Otway NationalPark and DSE manages the Otway Forest Park,other agencies are responsible for planning andmanaging certain activities in the parks. TheVEAC outcomes provide clear direction todeliver integrated management of the parks,and Parks Victoria and DSE work closely todeliver services across both parks.All activities undertaken in the parks by ParksVictoria, DSE and other agencies must accordwith all legislation and government policy and,as far as practicable, be consistent withagencies’ policies and guidelines. To ensurethis, Parks Victoria and DSE work closelywith:• Corangamite CMA, which is responsiblefor ensuring the protection and sustainabledevelopment of land, vegetation and waterresources in the region, including thepreparation of a regional catchmentstrategy to address the impact of land useand management on the catchment(sections 4.2 and 4.4).• Western Coastal Board which provides forthe long-term strategic planning of thewest coast of Victoria, including thepreparation of Coastal Action Plans(section 4.4).• Country Fire Authority (CFA) a mainlyvolunteer-based community service thatresponds to a variety of fire and emergencyincidents.• Barwon Water and Wannon Water whichare responsible for providing retail, urbanand rural water customers with water andwastewater services in South WestVictoria.• Colac Otway Shire, Surf Coast Shire andCorangamite Shire which manage a rangeof local government services, administerplanning schemes and work with localcommunities on a range of issues.• VicRoads, Colac Otway Shire,Corangamite Shire and Surf Coast Shirewhich manage some roads through theparks including the Great Ocean Road.• Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV),Department of Planning and CommunityGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 83

Strategies for community awareness and involvementDevelopment which has responsibility foradministering legislation protectingAboriginal cultural heritage (section 5.1).• Heritage Victoria (DPCD) which is thecentral government agency which providesinformation and advice about places listedon the Victorian Heritage Register andArchaeological Inventory. It supports theHeritage Council through research,recommends additions to the Register andissues permits for alterations to heritageplaces.• Commonwealth Department of theEnvironment and Water, Heritage and theArts which works with the State agencieson the management of regional ecosystemconservation issues.Management strategy• Maintain and enhance partnerships withall relevant agencies to implement the planvision and direction.• Tourism Victoria is the State governmentauthority responsible for developing andmarketing Victoria to Australian andinternational travellers.84 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

10 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION10.1 Delivery and reportingThe actions identified in this plan form thebasis for the annual programming of works.Management actions are planned each year inresponse to available resources andoutstanding actions and priorities may change,often due to emerging issues. Each year,progress towards realisation of the aims andstrategic directions of the plan will bereviewed in order to inform the followingyear’s program.Many aspects of implementation will involvecollaboration with a range of individuals,groups and agencies. The plan also identifiescircumstances for community consultation inthe delivery of projects with strong publicinterest.Implementation of the plan will be consistentwith the commitment of DSE and ParksVictoria to sustainable practices, whichinvolves the delivery of operations, servicesand facilities in an ecologically and sociallyresponsible manner with minimal use ofexpendable resources and minimal generationof waste. The threat of accelerated climatechange on the parks’ ecosystems and wildlife,and on human health and economiesworldwide is of increasing concern. As part ofits ‘Healthy Parks Healthy People’ program,Parks Victoria is changing practices to reducegreenhouse emissions, reducing itsenvironmental footprint, and seeking tobecome carbon neutral. DSE is similarlycommitted to adapting to climate changethrough a range of programs and initiatives.In implementing the plan, management willrespond to monitoring and researchinformation as it emerges. The future conditionof values will be considered in identifyingthreats and developing actions to amelioratethem.DSE and Parks Victoria report annually togovernment on the overall delivery of regionaland divisional programs. This broaderreporting on management performance isavailable in the National Parks Act, and ParksVictoria and DSE annual reports.Future State of the Parks reports, which will beavailable on the Parks Victoria’s website, willalso include information on progress towardsachievement of broad biodiversity goals in theparks.10.2 Plan amendmentDuring the life of the plan, amendments to theplan may only be made by the Secretary toDSE, following an authorised process whichincludes community consultation, asappropriate.Circumstances that might lead to amendmentof the plan include:• the establishment of a cooperativemanagement arrangement either within oroutside Native Title legislation• the results of monitoring or research,management experience or newinformation, such as greater understandingof new threatening processes (e.g. climatechange) which indicate the need for achange in management direction• significant changes in visitation or use• a change in policy that calls into questionplan objectives• new legislation (e.g. legislation that enactssignificant boundary changes).The plan may also be amended if an activity,development or use which does not align withthe provisions of the plan is approved bygovernment (such as native title outcomes).10.3 Evaluation and reviewDuring the life of this plan, Parks Victoria andDSE will regularly audit overall progresstowards achieving the plan vision, directions,and strategies. Progress in implementing theplan is formally assessed 5, 10 and 15 yearsafter release of the plan. These evaluations willhelp in deciding whether amendment orrevision of the plan is required.Methods for evaluating the benefits of the planare likely to be refined over time. ParksVictoria and DSE have introduced a range ofstructured monitoring practices to collectstandardised and scientifically robustinformation. In particular, these will improveunderstanding of the outcomes of managementGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 85

Plan implementationon natural values; and allow improvedreporting and assessment of performance.DSE and Parks Victoria also facilitate research(via partnerships and permits) by externalresearch agencies to enhance the knowledgeand understanding of the values and features ofthe parks and to inform management decisions,particularly in relation to pest and firemanagement. By using sound methods, thismonitoring and research work will strengthenthe basis for comparing managementperformance over time.86 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

REFERENCESAAV 1998, A Predictive Model of AboriginalArchaeological Site Distribution in theOtway Range, Occasional Report No. 49,Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Department ofHuman Services, Melbourne.AGO 2006, Impacts of Climate Change onCarbon Fluxes in Australian Forests,Australian Greenhouse Office, Departmentof the Environment and Heritage, Canberra.AMSA 1998, National Plan to CombatPollution of the Sea by oil and OtherNoxious Substances, Australian MaritimeSafety Authority, Canberra.ASA 2002, Environmental Principles andProcedures for Minimising the Impact ofAircraft Noise (revised), Air ServicesAustralia, Canberra.Australia ICOMOS 1999, The Burra Charter:The Australia ICOMOS Charter for theConservation of Places of CulturalSignificance, ICOMOS Australia,Melbourne (available atwww.icomos.org/australia).Barton, J. & Sherwood, J. 2004, Estuaryopening management in western Victoria:an information analysis, Parks VictoriaTechnical Series No. 15, Parks Victoria,Melbourne.Bedford, W. 2006, Holidaying with Dogs, 9thedition, Life Be In It, Rebound Associates,Pepper Publishing.Birch, W. (ed.) 2003 The Geology of Victoria,3rd edition, Special Publication No. 23,Geological Society of Australia (VictoriaDivision), Melbourne.Bird, E.C.F. 1993, The Coast of Victoria —The Shaping of Scenery, MelbourneUniversity Press, Parkville.Brown, G. 2006, Mapping spatial attributes forconservation and tourism planning, Otwaysregion, Victoria: a survey of residents andvisitor, CRC for Sustainable Tourism PtyLtd.Buckley, R.W. 1993, Sites of Geological andGeomorphological Significance along theVictorian Coast, Geological Survey ofVictoria, Melbourne.Cameron, D.G. and Turner, L.A. 1996, Surveyand monitoring of myrtle wilt within cooltemperate rainforest in Victoria Flora andFauna Technical Report 145 Department ofNatural Resources and Environment,Melbourne.Clark, I.D. 1995, Scars in the Landscape: ARegister of Massacre Sites in WesternVictoria, 1803–1859, Aboriginal StudiesPress for the Australian Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander Studies Report Series.Clark, I.D. 1998a, Place Names and LandTenure — Windows into AboriginalLandscapes, Essays in Victorian AboriginalHistory series, University of Ballarat,Victoria.Clark, I.D. 1998b, ‘That’s My CountryBelonging to Me’. Aboriginal Land Tenureand Dispossession in Nineteenth CenturyWestern Victoria, Heritage Matters,Ballarat.CLS 1994, Cape Otway LighthouseConservation Management Plan CliveLucas, Stapleton & Partners (unpublished).Colac Otway Shire 2000, Colac OtwayPlanning Scheme, Colac Otway Shire,Colac.Corangamite CMA 2003, CorangamiteRegional Catchment Management Strategy2003–2008, Corangamite CatchmentManagement Authority, Colac.Corangamite CMA 2004, Corangamite RiverHealth Strategy, Corangamite CatchmentManagement Authority, Colac.Corangamite CMA 2005, Corangamite NativeVegetation Plan 2003–2008, CorangamiteCatchment Management Authority, Colac.Corangamite CMA 2006, Gellibrand RiverStream Flow Management Plan,Corangamite Catchment ManagementAuthority, ColacCorangamite Shire 2004, Corangamite ShirePlanning Scheme, Corangamite ShireCouncil, Camperdown.Critchett, J.F. 1998, Untold Stories —Memories and Lives of Victorian Koories,Melbourne University Press, Parkville.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 87

ReferencesCrocker, R. and Associates 1999,Identification and Assessment of AestheticValue in the West Forest Region, Victoria,Vols 1 and 2 (unpublished report forEnvironment Australia and NRE)Crocker, R. and Associates 2002, HeritageAccess, Presentation and InterpretationFramework (unpublished report for ParksVictoria)Dahlhaus, P., Heislers, D and Dyson, P. 2002,Groundwater Flow Systems of theCorangamite Catchment ManagementAuthority Region, Corangamite CatchmentManagement Authority, Colac.Dawson, J. 1881, Australian Aborigines — TheLanguages and Customs of Several Tribesof Aborigines in the Western District ofVictoria, Australia Reprinted in 1981 byAustralian Institute of Aboriginal Studies,Canberra.DCE 1992, Forest Management Plan — OtwayForest Management Area, Department ofConservation and Environment, EastMelbourne.DHS 2009, Living in a drinking watercatchment area, Department of HumanServices, Melbourne.DPI 2004, Prospecting Guide, Department ofPrimary Industries, Melbourne.DPI 2009, Victorian Recreational FishingGuide 2009–2010, Department of PrimaryIndustries, Melbourne.DSE 2003a, Forests Notes — Camping in aState Forest, Department of Sustainabilityand Environment, East Melbourne.DSE 2003b, State Planning PolicyFramework, Department of Sustainabilityand Environment, East Melbourne.DSE 2003c, South West Region — Otway FireDistrict Fire Protection Plan, Departmentof Sustainability and Environment, EastMelbourne.DSE 2004a, Great Ocean Road Region —Landscape Assessment Study, Departmentof Sustainability and Environment, EastMelbourne.DSE 2004b, Great Ocean Road Region —Land Use and Transport Strategy,Department of Sustainability andEnvironment, East Melbourne.DSE 2004c, Guidelines and Procedures forEcological Burning on Public Land inVictoria 2004, Department of Sustainabilityand Environment, East Melbourne.DSE 2004d, Koala Management Strategy,Department of Sustainability andEnvironment, East Melbourne.DSE 2005, Tourism Plan for Public Land inthe Otway Hinterland, Department ofSustainability and Environment, EastMelbourne.DSE 2006, Code of Practice for FireManagement on Public Land, Departmentof Sustainability and Environment, EastMelbourne.DSE 2007a, Atlas of Victorian Wildlife(electronic database), Department ofSustainability and Environment, EastMelbourne.DSE 2007b, Code of Practice for TimberProduction Department of Sustainabilityand Environment, East Melbourne.DSE 2007c, Flora Information System(electronic database), Department ofSustainability and Environment, EastMelbourne.DSE 2007d, Guidelines and Procedures forManaging the Environmental Impacts ofWeeds on Public Land in Victoria 2007,Department of Sustainability andEnvironment, East Melbourne.DSE 2007e, Indigenous PartnershipsFramework, Department of Sustainabilityand Environment, East Melbourne.DSE 2007f, Management Procedures fortimber harvesting operations andassociated activities in Victoria’s Stateforests, Department of Sustainability andEnvironment, East Melbourne.DSE 2007g, Victorian Hunting Guide,Department of Sustainability andEnvironment, East Melbourne.DSE 2008a, Climate change in theCorangamite Region, the Victorian climatechange adaptation program, Department ofSustainability and Environment, EastMelbourne.88 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

ReferencesDSE 2008b, Fire Operations Plan — OtwaysFire District 2008–20011, Department ofSustainability and Environment, EastMelbourne.DSE 2008c, Readiness and Response PlanSouth West Area, Department ofSustainability and Environment, EastMelbourne.DSE 2009a, Otway Forest Management AreaWood Utilisation Plan 2009/10–2011/12,Department of Sustainability andEnvironment, East Melbourne.DSE 2009b, Road Management Plan,Department of Sustainability andEnvironment, East Melbourne.DSE & Parks Victoria 2009, Road OperationalGuidelines, Department of Sustainabilityand Environment and Parks Victoria, EastMelbourne.Dunlop, M. and Brown, P.R. 2008,Implications of climate change forAustralia’s National Reserve System: Apreliminary assessment, Report to theDepartment of Climate Change, February2008, Department of Climate Change,Canberra, Australia.GOT 2004, Great Ocean Road Cycling Guide,Geelong Otway Tourism, Geelong.Government of Victoria 2005, VictorianGovernment Response to VictorianEnvironmental Assessment Council’sAngahook–Otway Investigation FinalReport, Government of Victoria,Melbourne.Heritage Victoria 2006, Victoria’s Heritage:Strengthening Our Communities, HeritageVictoria, East Melbourne.Jones, R.N. and Durack, P.J. 2005, Estimatingthe Impacts of Climate Change onVictoria’s Runoff using a HydrologicalSensitivity Model, Department ofSustainability and Environment, EastMelbourne.MSV 2002a Victorian Marine PollutionContingency Plan (VICPLAN), MarineSafety Victoria, Melbourne.MSV 2002b, The Victorian RecreationalBoating Safety Handbook, Marine SafetyVictoria, Melbourne.NRE 1996a, Otway National ParkManagement Plan, Department of NaturalResources and Environment, Melbourne.NRE 1996b, Melba Gully State ParkManagement Plan, Department of NaturalResources and Environment, EastMelbourne.NRE 1997, Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy,Deparrment of Natural Resources andEnvironment, East Melbourne.NRE 1999, The Victorian CetaceanContingency Plan, Department of NaturalResources and Environment, EastMelbourne.NRE 2002a, Policy for Sustainable Recreationand Tourism on Victoria’s Public Land,Department of Natural Resources andEnvironment, East Melbourne.NRE 2002b, Victorian Pest Management:Feral Pig and Feral Goat ManagementStrategy — A Framework for Action,Department of Natural Resources andEnvironment, Melbourne.NRE 2002c, Victorian Pest Management: FoxManagement Strategy — A Framework forAction, Department of Natural Resourcesand Environment, Melbourne.NRE 2002d, Victorian Pest Management:Rabbit Management Strategy — AFramework for Action, Department ofNatural Resources and Environment,Melbourne.NRE 2002e, Victoria’s Native VegetationManagement — A Framework for Action,Department of Natural Resources andEnvironment, Melbourne.NRE 2003, Victorian Eel Fishery ManagementPlan, Department of Natural Resources andEnvironment, Melbourne.NewsPoll 2006, Parks Visitation MonitorCombined Data Activities – 2000-2005.ORC 2005a, Bushwalking Adventure ActivityStandards, Outdoor Recreation Centre,Templestowe.ORC 2005b, Canoeing and KayakingAdventure Activity Standards, OutdoorRecreation Centre, Templestowe.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 89

ReferencesORC 2005c, Four Wheel Driving AdventureActivity Standards, Outdoor RecreationCentre, Templestowe.ORC 2005d, Horse Trail Riding AdventureActivity Standards, Outdoor RecreationCentre, Templestowe.ORC 2005e, Mountain Biking AdventureActivity Standards, Outdoor RecreationCentre, Templestowe.ORC 2005f, Recreational Angling AdventureActivity Standards, Outdoor RecreationCentre, Templestowe.ORC 2005g, Trail Bike Touring AdventureActivity Standards, Outdoor RecreationCentre, Templestowe.ORWTA 2007, The Trans Otways WaterfallWalk, Otway ranges Walking TrackAssociation, (unpublished).Parks Victoria 1998, Carlisle State ParkManagement Plan, Parks Victoria,Melbourne.Parks Victoria 1999, Angahook–Lorne StatePark Management Plan, Parks Victoria,Melbourne.Parks Victoria 2005a, Heritage ManagementStrategy, Parks Victoria, Melbourne.Parks Victoria 2005b, Indigenous PartnershipStrategy and Action Plan, Parks Victoria,Melbourne.Parks Victoria 2006a, Great Otway NationalPark and Otway Forest Park: Interimmanagement guide to visitor services, ParksVictoria, Melbourne (unpublished).Parks Victoria 2006b, Draft Flight Paths andInterim Sustainable Operating Proceduresfor Aircraft Overflying Otway ProtectedAreas, Parks Victoria, Melbourne(unpublished).Parks Victoria 2007a, Great Ocean Walk userinterview results, Parks Victoria,Melbourne (unpublished).Parks Victoria 2007b, Statewide CampingProduct Strategy recommendations, ParksVictoria, Melbourne (unpublished).Parks Victoria 2007c, Statewide Visitor RiskManagement Strategy, Parks Victoria,Melbourne.Parks Victoria 2007d, Great Otway NationalPark Visitor Vehicle Monitoring Project,Parks Victoria, Melbourne (unpublished).Parks Victoria 2008, Submission to theVictorian Government’s Green Paper –Land and Biodiversity at a Time of ClimateChange, Parks Victoria, Melbourne(unpublished).Parks Victoria and DSE 2008a, Great OtwayNational Park and Otway Forest ParkDraft Heritage Action Plan, Parks Victoriaand DSE, Melbourne.Parks Victoria and DSE 2008b, Great OtwayNational Park and Otway Forest ParkDraft Recreation and Tourism Access Plan,Parks Victoria and DSE, Melbourne.Parks Victoria 2009, Great Ocean WalkStrategic Directions Plan 2009-2014, ParksVictoria, Melbourne.Pascoe, B. 2003, Wathaurong — The PeopleWho Said No, Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative,Geelong.Preston, B.L. and Jones, R.N. 2006, Climatechange impacts on Australia and thebenefits of early action to reduce globalgreenhouse gas emissions, Report for theAustralian Business Roundtable on ClimateChange, CSIRO, Canberra (unpublished).Raulings, E. 2006, Environmental RiskAssessment Great Otway National Park andOtway Forest Park, Workshop Summary,Parks Victoria, Melbourne (unpublished).Robinson, G.A. 1841, ‘Report of an expeditionto the Aboriginal Tribes of the WesternInterior during the months of March, April,May, June, and August 1841’, diarymanuscript in National Museum ofVictoria, Carlton.Rosengren, N. 1984, Sites of Geological andGeomorphological Significance in the Shireof Otway, Report to the Ecological SurveyCo-ordinating Committee of the Fisheriesand Wildlife Service, Department ofConservation, Forests and Lands, EastMelbourne.SES 2008, South West Region Flood ResponsePlan, State Emergency Service, Southbank.90 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

ReferencesState of Victoria 2008, EmergencyManagement Manual Victoria, Office ofthe Emergency Services Commissioner,Melbourne.Soil Conservation Authority 1981, A Study ofthe Land in the Catchments of the OtwayRange and Adjacent Plains, SoilConservation Authority, Kew.Surf Coast Shire 2000, Surf Coast ShirePlanning Scheme, Surf Coast Shire,Torquay.Surf Coast Shire 2006, Cycling the Surf CoastShire, Surf Coast Shire, Torquay.Tourism Victoria 2004, Great Ocean RoadRegional Tourism Development Plan 2004–2007, Tourism Victoria, Melbourne.Tourism Victoria 2006, Great Ocean RoadMarket Profile, Year Ending June 2006,Tourism Victoria, Melbourne.Tourism Victoria 2008, Victoria’s NaturebasedTourism Strategy 2008–2012,Tourism Victoria, Melbourne.University of Ballarat 2002, Otway NationalPark – Great Ocean Walk: EnvironmentalValues Assessment, report to Parks Victoriaby Centre for Environmental Management,University of Ballarat, Ballarat(unpublished).VCC 1998, Siting and Design Guidelines forStructures on the Victorian Coast,Victorian Coastal Council, East Melbourne.VCC 2008, Victorian Coastal Strategy 2008,Victorian Coastal Council, Melbourne.VEAC 2004, Angahook–Otway InvestigationFinal Report, Victorian EnvironmentalAssessment Council, Melbourne.Western Coastal Board 2002a, South WesternEstuaries Classification Project, WesternCoastal Board, Warrnambool.Western Coastal Board 2002b, South WestEstuaries Coastal Action Plan, WesternCoastal Board, Warrnambool.Weston M. 2003, Managing the HoodedPlover in Victoria: a review of existinginformation Parks Victoria TechnicalSeries No.4, Parks Victoria, Melbourne.Personal communicationS. Wall, Surf Coast Shire, Torquay.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 91

GLOSSARYAboriginal cultural heritage – Aboriginal places,objects and Aboriginal human remains.Aboriginal communities – Aboriginal people whoshare cultural values and activities relating to theparks.Aboriginal people – people who are descendantsof Aboriginal Australians or Torres Strait Islanders.Aquifer – an underground geological structurecapable of being saturated with, and transmittinggroundwater.Biodiversity – the natural diversity of all life: thesum of all our native species of flora and fauna, thegenetic variation within them, their habitats and theecosystems of which they are an integral part.Bioregion – an area with unique underlyingenvironmental and ecological features.Catchment – the area of land from which rainfallflows into a waterway or aquifer.Closed catchment policy – a policy to protectwater catchments from risks associated with publicaccess. Public access is generally not permitted(access is permitted on certain walking tracks androads and for some authorised activities).Committee of Management – a committeeappointed under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act1978 to manage reserved Crown land on behalf ofthe Minister. For coastal land, committees are eitheran agency (e.g. the local municipality, ParksVictoria or the Department of Sustainability andEnvironment) or a committee appointed through anexpression of interest process.Conservation zone – in the national park ismanaged for the protection of sensitive and highvalue natural environments and minimal impactrecreation (see table 1).Country – A region or landscape to which peoplehave special connections, the land occupied byancestors, land of custodianship, including all ofnature, culture and spirituality relating to that area.Crown land – land belonging to the State.Customs – observances and practices of people(including land management and resource use) inaccordance with tradition.Declared Water Supply Catchment see SpecialWater Supply CatchmentDesignated Water Supply Catchment Area– acatchment area managed for the protection of watersupply for human use under a joint managementagreement as enabled by the National Parks Act1975.Ecological values – the importance of naturalassets in maintaining natural ecosystems andecological processes, of which it is a part.Ecologically sustainable development (ESD) –development that improves the total quality of lifeboth now and in the future, in a way that maintainsthe ecological processes on which life depends.Ecologically sustainable use – the use of a speciesor ecosystem at a level that enables it to recovernaturally.Ecosystem – a dynamic complex of interactingorganisms and their associated non-livingenvironment.Freehold land – land held in private ownership.Geomorphology – the scientific study of landformsand geological formations and the processes thatshape them.Groundwater – water located beneath the groundsurface in soil or rock formations.Heritage – a place, activity, cultural way of life,structure or group of structures that has aesthetic,historic, scientific or social value for the past,present or future generations.Infrastructure – physical structures that facilitatethe human use of an area (e.g. roads, paths, toiletblocks).Levels of Service Framework – a strategicframework for visitor services and assetmanagement that is used to support resourceallocation decision-making to best provideappropriate recreational infrastructure in aconsistent manner.Matters of national environmental significance –defined by the Environment Protection andBiodiversity Conservation Act to include WorldHeritage properties, Ramsar wetlands, nationallythreatened species and communities, migratoryspecies protected under international agreements,the Commonwealth marine environment, andnuclear actions.Monitoring – the process of systematic observationof one or more elements of the environment overtime.Multiple use zone – in the forest park is managedfor the protection of natural environments andcultural features, sustainable recreation, andfirewood and minor forest produce collection andother forest activities (see table 1).92 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

GlossaryNature-based tourism – tourism that provides arange of experiences that rely on attractions directlyrelated to the natural environment.Pest — exotic organism (plant, animal or pathogen)that, if introduced outside its natural or previousdistribution, causes significant changes to habitats,food chains, ecosystems or human health byfeeding on or competing with native species. Canrefer to either terrestrial or marine species.Preservation – defined in the Burra Charter asmaintaining the fabric of the place in its existingcondition and retarding deterioration.Proclaimed Water Supply Catchment see SpecialWater Supply Catchment AreaProspecting – the search for minerals (includinggemstones) under a Miner’s Right or TouristFossicking Authority.Reconstruction - defined in the Burra Charter asreturning the existing fabric of a place to a knownearlier state, by reassembling components orremoving accretions, without the introduction ofnew materials.Registered Aboriginal Party – a body registeredunder part 10 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act by theAboriginal Heritage Council.Reticulated water – water delivered to consumersthrough a pipe network.Road – for the purposes of this plan has the samedefinition as in the Land Conservation (VehicleControl) Regulations 2003 and means a road opento the public formed for the passage of motorvehicles having 4 or more wheels. This includeswhat is commonly known as a ‘vehicular track’,‘four-wheel-drive track’ and rough roads that usethe name ‘track’ e.g. Noonday Track.Sediment – insoluble material suspended in water,consisting mainly of particles derived from rock,soil and organic material.Special (also called Declared or Proclaimed)Water Supply Catchment Area – a catchmentarea managed for the protection of water supply forhuman use declared under the Catchment andLands Protection Act 1994.Special protection zone – in the forest park ismanaged for the protection of natural environmentsand cultural features (see table 1).Stakeholders – those people and organisations whomay affect, be affected by, or perceive themselvesto be affected by, a decision or activity.Stormwater – runoff from land during andfollowing rain. Stormwater removes accumulatedmaterial including litter, soil, nutrients, pathogens,chemicals, pesticides, oils and grease.Threatening process – a source of potential harmor a situation with a potential to cause loss.Track – for the purposes of this plan the term‘track’ is used where a route is not a road (i.e. hasnot been formed to allow the passage of motorvehicles having 4 or more wheels), such as awalking track, horse riding track or cycling track.Tradition – the body of knowledge, belief andcustoms that is passed from generation togeneration.Traditional Owner – person with traditional orfamilial links, an Aboriginal person with particularknowledge about traditions, observances, customsor beliefs associated with the area, and the personhas responsibility under Aboriginal tradition forsignificant Aboriginal places located in, orsignificant Aboriginal objects originating from, thearea; or is a member of a family or clan group thatis recognised as having responsibility underAboriginal tradition for significant aboriginalplaces located in or significant Aboriginal objectsoriginating from, the area.Values – natural and cultural assets (e.g. historicartefacts, features, landscapes, flora and faunaspecies, flora communities) that have been givenworth or are considered to be desirable.Waterway – an area in which water regularly flowssuch as a river, creek, stream, reservoir, lake ormarsh.AcronymsAAV – Aboriginal Affairs VictoriaANZECC – former Australian and New ZealandEnvironment and Conservation CouncilCMA – Catchment Management AuthorityDPI – Department of Primary IndustriesDSE – Department of Sustainability andEnvironmentDWSCA – Designated Water Supply CatchmentAreaECC – former Environment Conservation CouncilEPA – Environment Protection Authority(Victoria)HV – Heritage VictoriaNRE – former Department of Natural Resourcesand EnvironmentPV – Parks VictoriaSWSCA – Special (also called Declared orProclaimed) Water Supply Catchment AreaVEAC – Victorian Environmental AssessmentCouncilGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 93

AppendicesAPPENDIX 1MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVESNational Park management objectivesManagement objectives for national and stateparks included on Schedule Two of theNational Parks Act are listed below.For an up-to-date copy of the National ParksAct 1975 (Vic.), refer to Victorian Acts on theVictorian Parliament website:www.parliament.vic.gov.au/legislation&bills.4. Objects of the ActThe objects of this Act are —(a) to make provision, in respect of nationalparks, State parks, marine national parksand marine sanctuaries —(i) for the preservation and protection of thenatural environment includingwilderness areas and remote and naturalareas in those parks;(ii) for the protection and preservation ofindigenous flora and fauna and offeatures of scenic or archaeological,ecological, geological, historic or otherscientific interest in those parks; and(iii) for the study of ecology, geology,botany, zoology and other sciencesrelating to the conservation of thenatural environment in those parks; and(iv) for the responsible management of theland in those parks;17. National parks and State parks(2) The Secretary shall, subject to this Act —(a) ensure that each national park and Statepark is controlled and managed, inaccordance with the objects of this Act, in amanner that will —(i) preserve and protect the park in itsnatural condition for the use, enjoymentand education of the public;(ii) preserve and protect indigenous floraand fauna in the park;(iii) exterminate or control exotic fauna inthe park;(iv) eradicate or control exotic flora in thepark; and(v) preserve and protect wilderness areas inthe park and features in the park ofscenic, archaeological, ecological,geological, historic or other scientificinterest;(aa) have regard to all classes of managementactions that may be implemented for thepurposes of maintaining and improving theecological function of the park;(b) ensure that appropriate and sufficientmeasures are taken to protect each nationalpark and State park from injury by fire;(ba) ensure that appropriate and sufficientmeasures are taken –(i) to protect designated water supplycatchment areas; and(ii) to maintain water quality of andotherwise protect the water resources inthose areas; and(iii) to restrict human activity in those areasfor the purposes of sub-paragraphs (i)and (ii);(c) promote and encourage the use andenjoyment of national parks and State parksby the public and the understanding andrecognition of the purpose and significanceof national parks and State parks; and(d) prepare a plan of management in respect ofeach national park and State parkForest Park management objectivesObjectives for managing the Otway ForestPark are provided by the Government responseto VEAC’s Angahook–Lorne InvestigationFinal Report (Government of Victoria 2005).That Otway Forest Park(a) be used to:(i) provide opportunities for informalrecreation associated with the enjoymentof natural surroundings;(ii) protect and conserve biodiversity,natural and cultural features and watersupply catchments; and(iii) supply a limited range of naturalresource products;94 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

Appendices(b) be managed sustainably to provide for, inparticular, the following activities:(i) horseriding, trail-bike riding and fourwheel driving on formed vehiculartracks and roads;(ii) camping at designated sites anddispersed camping, including overnightcamps for horse riders;(iii) hunting of deer, with an emphasis oncontrolling animal numbers;(iv) low-intensity grazing of domestic stockwhere pre-existing and consistent withrecreation and conservation managementobjectives;(v) apiculture;(vi) low-intensity harvesting of selectedtrees for firewood up to current levels,posts and poles, woodchop blocks,stakes, hobby wood or specialtyapplications and the low intensityharvesting of other vegetative material(such as seeds for revegetation andfoliage for decorative products), wheresuch harvesting is demonstrablysustainable; and(vii) exploration and extraction of earthresources and minerals where consistentwith recreation and conservationmanagement objectives, and subject tothe approval of the Minister for theEnvironment;(c) be regulated to exclude the followingactivities:(i) timber harvesting for sawlog andpulpwood production, other than forharvesting in accordance with approvedWood Utilisation Plans to meet existingtimber licence obligations up to 2008;(d) be managed in a manner that givesparticular emphasis to:(i) strategies to reduce the risk of soilerosion from vehicular use, especiallyon steep forest vehicular tracks;(ii) providing for the safety of riders anddrivers, especially on narrow, undulatingvehicular tracks—including thedevelopment of a track classificationsystem;(iii) providing for the quality and yield ofthe domestic water supply catchments;(iv) fire protection in water supplycatchments and in the vicinity of ruralsettlements;(v) pest plant and animal control, especiallyon public land margins;(vi) revegetation of previously harvestedareas where the restoration of a naturalmix of overstorey and understoreyspecies has been unsuccessful;(vii) maintaining opportunities forenvironmental education and research inmountain ash forest and foothill forestat, respectively, Barramunga andBambra; and(viii) protecting the special features listed inthe schedule below;(e) be permanently protected as a forest parkunder the Forests Act 1958 with explicitlegislative recognition given to the threemanagement objectives for forest parkslisted in (a) above.The VEAC final report (VEAC 2004) detailsspecial features in the Forest Park includingrecreation sites, landscapes, nativeconservation and historical sites grouped bygeographic region.Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 95

AppendicesAPPENDIX 2ECOLOGICAL VEGETATION CLASSESECOLOGICAL VEGETATION CLASSCONSERVATIONSTATUSGREAT OTWAYNATIONAL PARK(HA)OTWAY FORESTPARK (HA)Wet Heathland E / D / LC 1183 348Wet Sands Thicket R 906 264Estuarine Wetland E 30Swamp Scrub E 6Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland E / V 715Lowland Forest V / D 9682 9907Herb-rich Foothill Forest V / D 1100 1014Coastal Headland Scrub V / D 1306Damp Heath Scrub E 82Riparian Scrub/Swampy Riparian WoodlandComplexV / D / LC1796 887Coastal Tussock Grassland V 155Shrubby Wet Forest LC 16883 8914Riparian Forest V / LC 1222 887Coastal Dune Scrub/Coastal Dune GrasslandMosaicV / D867Heathy Woodland V / LC 10899 3162Scoria Cone Woodland E 1Herb-rich Foothill Forest/Shrubby Foothill ForestComplexV / D1432 1910Sedgy Riparian Woodland V / D 436 431Shrubby Foothill Forest D / LC 16830 5292Wet Forest LC 28172 4737Cool Temperate Rainforest V 6403 624Sand Heathland R 142Shrubby Dry Forest LC 1255 12Swampy Riparian Woodland E 436 5Grassy Woodland E 14Grassy Dry Forest D 177Clay Heathland V 1Coastal Headland Scrub/Coastal Tussock GrasslandMosaicV103Source: DSE (2007a)Key:E endangered D depletedV vulnerable LC least concernR rare96 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

AppendicesAPPENDIX 3RARE OR THREATENED FLORACOMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CONSERVATION STATUS PARKFFG STATE AUST GONP OFPDwarf Silver Wattle Acacia nano-dealbata r √ √Ground SpleenwortAsplenium appendiculatum subsp.appendiculatum r √ √Tall Astelia Astelia australiana L, A v V √Small Shade-nettle Australina pusilla subsp. pusilla r √Coast Fescue Austrofestuca littoralis r √Dwarf Boronia Boronia nana var. pubescens r √Wiry Bossiaea Bossiaea cordigera r √Pale Grass-lily Caesia parviflora var. minor k √Southern Spider-orchid Caladenia australis k √Green-comb Spider-orchid Caladenia dilatata s.s. k √Summer Spider-orchid Caladenia flavovirens r √Angahook Pink-fingers Caladenia maritima N e √Cryptic Pink-fingers Caladenia mentiens k √Wine-lipped Spider-orchid Caladenia oenochila v √Large White Spider-orchid Caladenia venusta r √Slender Pink-fingers Caladenia vulgaris r √Short Water-starwort Callitriche brachycarpa L v √Slender Beard-orchid Calochilus gracillimus k √Brown’s Mitre-moss Calyptrochaeta brownii r √Otway Mitre-moss Calyptrochaeta otwayensis r √Swamp Swan-neck Moss Campylopus acuminatus var. kirkii k √ √Swan-neck Moss Campylopus chilensis k √Coast Correa Correa backhouseana var. backhouseana v √Fringed Midge-orchid Corunastylis ciliata k √Swamp Pelican-orchid Corybas fordhamii r √Spotted Gum Corymbia maculata v √Gipsy × Finger Fern hybridsCtenopteris heterophylla × Grammitisbillardieri r √Skirted Tree-fern Cyathea × marcescens v √ √Slender Tree-fern Cyathea cunninghamii L v √ √Dalton Mitre-moss Daltonia splachnoides k √Slender Tick-trefoil Desmodium varians k √Swamp Flax-lily Dianella callicarpa r √Crisped Mitre-moss Distichophyllum crispulum r √Madeira Moss Echinodium hispidum r √continued…Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 97

AppendicesAppendix 3 continuedCOMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CONSERVATION STATUS PARKFFG STATE AUST GONP OFPWest Coast Peppermint Eucalyptus aff. willisii (south-western Vic) r √ √Brooker’s Gum Eucalyptus brookeriana r √ √Southern Blue-gum Eucalyptus globulus subsp. globulus r √ √Bog Gum Eucalyptus kitsoniana r √West-coast Swamp-gum Eucalyptus ovata var. grandiflora r √Otway Grey-gum Eucalyptus litoralis v √Yarra Gum Eucalyptus yarraensis r √ √Feather Moss Eurhynchium asperipes k √Rosy Baeckea Euryomyrtus ramosissima subsp. prostrata r √ √Coast Ballart Exocarpos syrticola r √Compact Bedstraw Galium compactum r √Snow-berry Gaultheria hispida L e √Bluebeard Wax-lip HybridOrchid × Glossadenia tutelata r √Silky Golden-tip Goodia lotifolia var. pubescens r √Beech Finger-fern Grammitis magellanica subsp. nothofageti v √ √Anglesea Grevillea Grevillea infecunda v V √ √Long Clubmoss Huperzia varia v √Yellow Star Hypoxis vaginata var. brevistigmata k √Tufted Club-sedge Isolepis wakefieldiana r √Ruddy Blown-grass Lachnagrostis scabra r √Bristly Shield-fern Lastreopsis hispida r √ √Wrinkled Buttons Leiocarpa gatesii L v V √ √Hoary Rapier-sedge Lepidosperma canescens r √Showy Lobelia Lobelia beaugleholei r √Austral Trefoil Lotus australis k √Bog Clubmoss Lycopodiella serpentina r √Giant Honey-myrtle* Melaleuca armillaris subsp. armillaris r √Hairy Shepherd’s Purse Microlepidium pilosulum e √Currant-wood Monotoca glauca r √ √Satinwood Nematolepis squamea r √Satinwood Nematolepis squamea subsp. squamea r √ √Pouncewort Nephelolejeunea hamata r √Velvet Daisy-bush Olearia pannosa subsp. cardiophylla L v √Netted Daisy-bush Olearia speciosa k √ √Starry Daisy-bush Olearia stellulata k √ √Rayless Daisy-bush Olearia tubuliflora r √Snowdrop Wood-sorrel Oxalis magellanica r √Fluffy-fruit Wood-sorrel Oxalis thompsoniae k √continued…98 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

AppendicesAppendix 3 continuedCOMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CONSERVATION STATUS PARKFFG STATE AUST GONP OFPNunniong Everlasting Ozothamnus rogersianus r √Coast Stork’s-bill Pelargonium littorale k √Dwarf Sickle-fern Pellaea nana r √Green Leek-orchid Prasophyllum lindleyanum v √Silurian Leek-orchid Prasophyllum pyriforme s.s. e √Dense Leek-orchid Prasophyllum spicatum e V √Leafy Greenhood Pterostylis cucullata L v V √Coast Bush-pea Pultenaea canaliculata r √Otway Bush-pea Pultenaea prolifera r √ √Umbrella Thyme-moss Pyrrhobryum bifarium v √Ferny Small-flower Buttercup Ranunculus pumilio var. politus k √Coast Fireweed Senecio × orarius r √Swamp Fireweed Senecio psilocarpus v V √Coast Stackhousia Stackhousia spathulata k √Tasman Fan-fern Sticherus tener s.s. r √ √Arc Moss Tetraphidopsis pusilla v √Merran’s Sun-orchid Thelymitra × merraniae L e √Blotched Sun-orchid Thelymitra benthamiana v √Spiral Sun-orchid Thelymitra matthewsii L v V √Pallid Sun-orchid Thelymitra pallidifolia e √Paper Flower Thomasia petalocalyx r √Forest Weft-moss Thuidium laeviusculum s.s. v √Slender Fork-fern Tmesipteris elongata v √ √Crisp Moss Tortella knightii k √Trachyloma Trachyloma planifolium r √Earth Moss Trematodon mackayii k √Yacca Xanthorrhoea semiplana subsp. semiplana r √Parsley Xanthosia Xanthosia leiophylla r √Southern Xanthosia Xanthosia tasmanica r √Coast Twin-leaf Zygophyllum billardierei r √Source DSE 2007cKey:* problem species in the OtwaysFFG — status under the Victorian Flora and FaunaGuarantee ActN nominated for listing, awaiting recommendationL listedA Action statement approvedState — status in Victoriae endangeredv vulnerabler rared depletedk poorly knownAust — status under the Commonwealth EnvironmentProtection and Biodiversity Conservation ActE endangeredV vulnerableGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 99

AppendicesAPPENDIX 4RARE OR THREATENED FAUNACOMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CONSERVATION STATUS PARKMammalsFFG STATE AUST TREATIES GONP OFPSwamp Antechinus Antechinus minimus L nt √ √Spot-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus L, A en VU √ √Swamp Skink Egernia coventryi L vu √Southern BrownBandicoot Isoodon obesulus obesulus L nt EN √ √Broad-toothed Rat Mastacomys fuscus nt √ √Common Bent-wing Bat Miniopterus schreibersii L √ √Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus L en VU √ √Smoky Mouse Pseudomys fumeus L en EN √New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae L, A en √Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus L vu VU √White-footed Dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus L vu √BirdsGrey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae L vu √ √Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos vu C/J √Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis vu √Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus C/J √ √Great Egret Ardea alba L vu C/J √ √Cattle Egret Ardea ibis C/J √Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia L cr √ √Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres C/J √Hardhead Aythya australis vu √Musk Duck Biziura lobata vu √Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus L en √Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius L en √Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata C/J √ √Sanderling Calidris alba nt C/J √Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis C/J √Cape Barren Goose Cereopsis novaehollandiae nt √Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus nt √Black-eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculans nt √Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum nt √Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis nt √Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora nt √continued…100 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

AppendicesAppendix 4 continuedCOMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CONSERVATION STATUS PARKFFG STATE AUST TREATIES GONP OFPRufous Bristlebird Dasyornis broadbenti L, A nt √ √Shy Albatross Diomedea cauta L vu VU √Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans L en VU J √ √Little Egret Egretta garzetta L en √Black Falcon Falco subniger vu √Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii nt C/J √ √Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus fuliginosus nt √ √White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster L vu C √White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus C/J √ √Chestnut-rumpedHeathwren Hylacola pyrrhopygia L vu √Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus L en √Pacific Gull Larus pacificus nt √Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor L en EN √Southern Giant-Petrel Macronectes giganteus L vu EN √Barking Owl Ninox connivens L, A en √Powerful Owl Ninox strenua L, A vu √ √Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus nt √Fairy Prion Pachyptila turtur vu VU √White-faced Storm-Petrel Pelagodroma marina nt √Common Diving-Petrel Pelecanoides urinatrix nt √Ground Parrot Pezoporus wallicus L en √Black-faced Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscescens nt √Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius nt √ √Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia vu √Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus nt C √Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva nt C/J √Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola nt C/J √Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla L vu √Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris J √ √Lewin’s Rail Rallus pectoralis L vu √ √Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata L vu √Arctic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus J √Caspian Tern Sterna caspia L nt C/J √Fairy Tern Sterna nereis L en √Yellow-nosed AlbatrossThalassarchechlororhynchos L vu √Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris en √ √Hooded Plover Thinornis rubricollis L, A vu √continued…Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 101

AppendicesAppendix 4 continuedCOMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CONSERVATION STATUS PARKFFG STATE AUST TREATIES GONP OFPMasked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae L en √ √FishAustralian Grayling Prototroctes maraena L vu VU √Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica L en EN √Mountain Galaxias Galaxias olidus L √AmphibiansGrowling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis L en VU √Southern ToadletPseudophrynesemimarmorata vu √ √InvertebratesOtway Stonefly Eusthenia nothofagi D, A √ √Glenelg FreshwaterMussel Hyridella glenelgensis L r/r √Otway Black Snail Victaphanta compacta L vu √ √Source DSE 2007aKey:FFG — status under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee ActL listedD De-listed after original listingA Action statement approvedState — status in Victoriacr critically endangereden endangeredvu vulnerablent near threatenedr/r rare or restricteddd data deficientAust — status under Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation ActEN endangeredVU vulnerableInternational TreatiesC Listed under the China–Australia Migratory Bird AgreementJ Listed under the Japan–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement102 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

AppendicesAPPENDIX 5SUBMISSIONS ON THE DRAFT PLANPublic submissions on the draft Otways plans (the Draft Management Plan, the Draft Recreation and Tourism Access Planand the Draft Heritage Action Plan) were invited from 14 March to 2 June 2008. Submissions received on the draft plansincluded 493 written submissions, and 367 comments via ‘Open House’ public forums and an ‘eForum’ online discussionboard. Twenty-five submissions from individuals were marked as confidential.ORGANISATIONSAdventure Guides AustraliaAireys Inlet and District Association Inc.Aireys Inlet Tourism and Traders Inc.Alcoa of Australia LtdAngairAnglesea Baptist CampingApollo Bay Landcare GroupAssociation of Geelong and District Angling ClubsAustralian Greens Victoria - Otway BranchBarwon WaterBeech Forest Progress AssociationBellarine 4x4 Club Inc.Bird Observation and Conservation AustraliaBirds Australia - Victoria Conservation CommitteeBlazing SaddlesBushwalking VictoriaBusiness & Tourism AngleseaC/o Great Ocean Road Coast CommitteeCape Otway LightstationCape Otway Preservation SocietyChelsea Lodge HostelColac Anglers Club Inc.Colac Otway ShireCorangamite CMADeerstalkers Club, SSAVDidyabringyarodalong Angling ClubEco-LogicForrest & District Historical SocietyForrest Horse Riding Club Inc.Four Wheel Drive VictoriaGeelong 4WD ClubFramlingham Aboriginal TrustFriends of Moggs CreekFriends of Otway National ParkGeelong Bushwalking ClubGeelong Environment CouncilGeelong Otway Tourism IncGramayre Fresian Horse StudGreat Ocean Road Adventure ToursGreat Ocean Road Adventure ToursGreat Ocean Road Coast CommitteeHarrington Memorial ParkKeep On TrackKuuyang Marr Aboriginal CorpLorne Business and Tourism AssociationNational Parks Advisory CouncilOtway 4WD ClubOtway Conservation Council Inc.Otway Off-Road Motorcycle ToursOtway Ranges Environment NetworkOtway Ranges Walking Track AssociationOtway Scenic Circle Association Inc.Otway Trail Horse Riders AssociationOtway Trail Riders IncOtways Tourism IncPainkalac Pastoral CompanySoudan Holdings Pty. Ltd.Southern Otways Landcare NetworkSporting Shooters AssociationSurf Coast Offroad RidersSurf Coast ShireSurf Coast Tourism BoardSurf Coast Walk Working GroupThe Forrest Tiger RailtrailThe Friends of Eastern OtwaysTorquay & Surf Coast Dog Action Group Inc.VicRoadsVictorian Apiarists Association Inc.Victorian Field and Game Association. Colac Branch Inc.Victorian Gem Clubs AssociationVictorian National Parks AssociationVR FishWannon WaterWathaurung Aboriginal CorporationWestern Coastal BoardWurdale Landcare GroupWye River & Separation Creek Progress Assoc.Wye River Residents Action GroupGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 103

AppendicesAppendix 5 continuedINDIVIDUALSJoe Addams Sue Dods Joel Hotker Marcus Neagle Roger SmithShaun Altmann Andrew Dods Stephen Hotker Luke John Neesham Sherryl SmithNicholas Amore Pam Dodsworth Lyn Hughes Luke Neivandt Judy SpaffordF.E. Anderson Troy Dorron Paul Hulett Cameron Newbold Dale SpargoIan Anderson Craig Dostine Ralph Hundhammer Gary Newton Helen SpeirsMatthew AppleyardHelen Douglas &David UpfillJason Hutchinson Ben Nielsen Chris StarnsGordon Argent Matthew Dowel Roki Infantino Bruce Nixon Thomas StarnsPeter Arnold Martyn Downs Paul Jacklin Mick Nocera Cain SteenholdtTamara Atkinson Jacqui Doyle Wendy James Frances Normoyle Mark SteenholdtStephen Bairnes Luke Drayton David Jenkins Bryce Norton Matthew StewartCarol Baker Brett Drayton Wallis Jenkyn Les Noseda Vicki StewartSusan Ball Pat Dressel Ron Jenner Murray Nugent Ian StoneNigel Bate Nathan Drew Sandra & RichardJenningsMatt NuspanJeff SullivanStuart Bates Belinda Duddy Erik Johnson Caroline Nutbean Murray TaintonRachel Beckwith Ben Dumesny B. Johnstone Margaret O’Borne Freda TarrJohn Beecroft Bruce & Susan Dupe Darren Jones Gary Owen Tania & GrahamTeagueJames Beeny A Edwards Joshua Justin Scott Owen Stephen TheodoreAaron Bell Brad Edwards Daniel Kearney Kurt Pamvouscoslov Ian ThomsonRob Bellam Scott Ellis Nicholas Keats Anthony Parisotto Steve TowersChristina & JackieBennettDavid Emmerson Andrew Kerr Gavin Parker Anthony TraumanisShane Benning Rosemary Faris Garry Kerr Craig Parsons Rowan TrefzTerry Berryman Kelvin Fenemor David Kesey Darren Patten Andrew TriggKen Best Ross Fenner Anthony Kiernan S Patterson Chris TsaptsalisGlenn Bethune David Ferchie Alexander King Donna Pearce Neil TuckerAlastair Bird Paul Feria Chris Krausz Rod Pearce Peter TurnbullJ. Black Peter Fillmore M. Lanyon Lee Pearsall Travis TurnbullJonathan Black Mathew Fish Karen Lappas Craig Perrett Greg TurnerScott Blackney Amy Fishar Phillip Lawson A.M. Pescott John TurnerStuart Boag Tim Fisher Barbara & DennisLeavesleyJames BowdenLloyd & BarbaraFletcherDonald PhillipsStuart TurnerB. Leen Ivor Phillips Jake TurnourAdrian Brideson Stephen Floate Kristen Lees Tama Piahana Michal TurnourAndrew Broomfield Frank Flynn Alistair Lindeman Steve Pickard Daniel TutePhilip Brown Max Folly Carole Lindeman Graeme & LorrainePleasanceJim TuttFrances Bruce Paul Ford Damien Lucas Drew Puddy Matthew Van GalewJane Buckingham Edward Fortey Norman Lussetti Robert Puiatti Michael Van LithDarryl Bull Rick Francis Matthew Ly Charlie Rawlings W.J. Van Megchelen104 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

AppendicesAppendix 5 continuedJolyne Burgess Sally Freeman Margaret MacDonald Josh Readhead Corey VanderleFred Butterworth Martin Furst Sam Malignaggi Paul Rebbechi Jason VarsamisAndrew Caddell Tony Fusti Gerard Malthouse Burke Renouf Steve VenusJosh Caddy Andrew Gannon Dave Mansfield Bev Richards Michelle VernieuxAnthony Cahill James Gannon Roydon Mapleson Noel Richards Eddie Von MogerJan Calaby, CarolLiebscher & PaulTurnerMatthew Gannon Cyril Marriner Lachlan Richardson Phil WadeLen Campbell Gerry Gauci Andrew Marriner Shane & DianeRiordonBevan WalkerGlen Campbell Tim Gawith M.W. Marriner B. Ritches Trevor WalkerDerrick Capers Roslyn Gibson John Marriner Dave Robbins Adam WalkerPeter Cassin Richard Gilbert Tim Marriott Chris Roberts Heather WalkerJack Cassin Brianna Giles Jeffrey Marsh Wayne Roberts Glenn WallaceMitchell Cassin Brenton Gilligan Stuart Martin Max Robertson Jason WallisHelen Chambers &Julian FlackRegina Gleeson Bruce Mattingley Adam Rodgers David WanlessMurray Champion David Glover Maile Mayne Kurt Rogers Sharon WarbyMark Chapman Chris Gordyn Stuart McCallum Stephen Romanin Kent WarlandDaryl Chappell Jack Gould Don McClouhan Jarrod Runciman David & CaroleWebleyGlenn Charterim Glenn Graham Damian McCormack Scott Runciman Bruce WebsterMichael Ciangurd Helen & Tony Grant Tony McGuire Mellita Salmon Jim WelshMatthew Clark Lorraine Green Johnathan McKean Alan Salter Evan WestAlan Clarke Trent Griffith Sue McKenzie Rebecca Saunders Adrian WestmanPaul Cleeland Derrick Grist Brian McKenzie Ray Saunders Leeanne WestmanDaniel Clutterbuck Nicole Grist Pat McKenzie Peter Savic Luke WestwoodJoanne Clutterbuck John Groos G.K. McKenzie James Sawyer Jill WhiteheadDarren Coad Chris Guppy Angus McKenzie Helen Schofield Kerry WifferShane Colbert Tim Guthrie Stephen McMahon Chris Scorcie David WilkinsonChristopher Collins Geoff Guy Brett McMurrick Greg Seear Peter WilliamsMichelle Collins Doug Hallifax P. Miller Brett Senior James WilsonMichael Connor Clive Halls Peter Milnes Melinda Shaw Rodney WilsonStephen Cooper Phil Hancock Emma Mitchell Jan & Laurie Shaw Michael WilsonJohn Courtney Janine Haniver Catherine Moffat Mick Shearer Brett WiltshireNicholas CoxwellKerrNick Harper Michael Moloney Gretta Shearer Tim WoodGreg Currie Joshua Hawkins Charlie Mondon Kayleigh Shearer Toby WoodShane Dalziel Angela & Tony Heard Jarrod Morey Peter Shearer Mark WoodhouseIan Dans Adam Hearsum Stephen Morris Gary Sheather Rob WorlandJohn Davis Barry Hewitt Brett Morris Glenda Shomaly StefanWosciechowskiBen De Bono John Hickleton Brett Morrison Glenn Shore Danny WoulfeAdam Dean Daniel Hickleton Jason Munari Stephen Simpkin Chris WrightGreat Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan 105

AppendicesAppendix 5 continuedMaurie Deans Kate Holmes Helen Murphy Mick Sinclair Nick WrightDarryl Dear Darren Hope Andrew Murray Robert Sinclair &Sally ClearyNeil Dendle John Hose Chris Murray Paul SmithCameron Dixon Neil Hotchin Liam Myers Sarah SmithRay Wright106 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

DeansRoadortlakeInverleighHIGHWAYBarwonRiverFyansfordGEELONGBELLARINEC156GREATC163CurdiesInletPeterboroughTerangC158C156C167C162PortPort CampbellTimboonCampbellRoadCobdenThe ArchesMarineSanctuaryCobdenC164C164TimboonPort CampbellNational ParkGREATTwelveApostlesMarineNational ParkC164C163PrincetownCamperdownCobdenC166RoadC149CobdenB100C156GellibrandWreck BeachThe GableColacSimpsonLavers HillRiverA1PRINCESCrinoline CreekReference AreaOCEANCape VolneyGellibrandC163MelbaGullyLake CorangamiteHIGHWAYC161RoadJohannaRoadOtwayForestParkLaversCarlisleLavers HillROADCastleCoveC155ColacGellibrandGreatOtwayNationalParkHillAireCrossingAireArkinsCreekDWSCAColacRoadBeechRiverGreatOtwayNationalParkMaitsRestC155GellibrandBeechForestCOLACOldBeechyRail TrailPorcupineCreekReferenceAreaForestRiverC159RdCalder RiverReference AreaStonyCreekReferenceAreaAire River(East & West)C157ParkerRiverReferenceBlanket BayAreaParkerBeeacForrestRoadC154OlangolahCreekOlangolahReferenceCreekAreaReferenceAreaTurtonsWestGellibrand &OlangolahDWSCAColacRoadForrestMarengol MarengoReefs MarineSanctuaryShelly BeachBarwonForrestRiverWest BarwonReservoirC119Apollo BayB100A1BirregurraC119LakeElizabethMt SabineBirregurra RoadSkenes CreekDelaneysGREATC152Acquila CreekReference AreaBenwerrinWestBarwonDWSCAPRINCESErskineC151Cape PattonErskineFallsSt GeorgesDWSCAOCEANHillBASS STRAITGreyRiverCapeOtwayForestParkRoadRoadDeansMarshMarshBenwerrinOtwayDeans MarshRoadFallsWye RiverKennett RiverWinchelseaRdLorneRoadWinchelseaC151PainkalacCreekDWSCAGreatOtwayNationalParkRoadLakeWurdibolucPainkalac CreekReference AreaROADLorneOtwayForestParkLakeModewarreRoadAngleseaHeathAireys InletlEagle RockMarineSanctuaryHIGHWAYAngleseaC135PointRoadknightA1B100Point AddisMarineNationalParkC134TorquaylPointDangerMarineSanctuaryPoint AddisHighwaySealed roadOther major roadOther Parks & ReservesWater bodySURFCOASTHIGHWAYZONESGREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARKConservationConservation & RecreationReference AreaOTWAY FOREST PARKSpecial ProtectionMultiple UseOVERLAYSAire Heritage RiverSOUTHERNOCEANCape OtwayCape OtwayLightstationPoint FranklinDesignated Water SupplyCatchment Area (DWSCA)Figure 1 LOCATION & ZONINGGREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK& OTWAY FOREST PARKãN0 5 10KILOMETRESCartography by Spatial Vision 2009M/8466

Appendices109 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan

110 Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan