State of the Parks 2007 - part two - Parks Victoria

Managing threateningprocesses within parksA wide range of naturally occurring and human-inducedissues can threaten the natural values and conditionof Victoria’s parks.This chapter outlines common issues affecting parks suchas weeds and introduced fauna as well as localised issuesincluding habitat fragmentation, overabundant nativeanimal populations, stock grazing, the Phytophthoracinnamomi plant pathogen, the impacts of park visitorsand authorised uses within parks.The distribution and scale of these issues and theirimpacts are described as well as Parks Victoria’smanagement of them. Results of managementand on-going challenges are highlighted throughout.5

5.1 Widespread threatening processesIntroduced plant and animal species are widespread across both public and private landin Victoria. While some species have little impact, others represent a serious threat to naturaland agricultural values and are so widespread it is impossible to completely eradicate themwith the current available technologies.Victoria’s parks contain a range of introduced plant and animal species. Some threatenthe viability of native species by degrading and displacing native vegetation, preventing theregeneration of habitat, disturbing soil and promoting erosion and, in the case of introducedpredators, preying on vulnerable native animals.To objectively prioritise where control programs are required, Parks Victoria uses a risk-basedapproach to target areas in parks of highest value exposed to the greatest threat fromintroduced species, as well as responding to concerns from park neighbours.5This section provides a snapshot of the distribution of introduced species across Victoria’sparks and highlights species of particular concern. Parks Victoria’s efforts to reduce theirimpact, the effectiveness of that effort and ongoing challenges are outlined.ChapterParks Victoria staff removingthe weed Myrtle-leaf Milkwort(Polygala myrtifolia). 118The feral European rabbit(Oryctolagus cuniculus) is oneof the most widely distributedand abundant mammals inAustralia. They build warrenscausing damage to soilstructure and feed on manynative species. 119121VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

A preliminary weed mapping project conducted by Parks Victoria in 2005 identified numerous large areasof the parks network where weeds were having limited impact, particularly in the less disturbed areas of largerparks away from park boundaries, access roads and facilities.Table 5.1CaLP /The occurrence of weeds identified by Parks Victoria staff as a priority for managementCommon name Scientific name Percentage of Percentage Network-widepresent a priority for rank 1 Status 2parks where of parks where risk analysis WoNS(n = 332 parks) management(n = 332 parks)BlackberryRubus fruticosus spp.57 48 1 C / Wagg.Bridal Creeper Asparagus asparagoides 29 27 10 C / WPatterson’s Curse Echium plantagineum 27 23 17 CAfrican Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum 31 21 9 CHorehound Marrubium vulgare 31 20 18 CSt John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum 22 17 16 C5Ragwort Senecio jacobaea 17 13 12 CRadiata Pine Pinus radiata 18 11 14 –Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare 24 10 13 CChapterSweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum 13 10 8 –Gorse Ulex europaeus 16 9 3 C / WCape Broom Genista monspessulana 14 9 6 CBoneseedChrysanthemoidesmonilifera subsp.monilifera12 8 5 C / WSerrated Tussock Nassella trichotoma 10 8 2 C / WSweet Briar Rosa rubiginosa 19 8 15 CBlue Periwinkle Vinca major 12 8 11 –English Broom Cytisus scoparius 9 6 4 CChilean Needle-grass Nassella neesiana 7 6 7 C / W1Risk analysis is a preliminary, state-wide assessment based on the invasiveness, potential impact on park values and current andpotential distribution of each species (Weiss et al., 2003). Ranks are relative only to the above list. 2 Noxious weeds listed under theCatchment and Land Protection 1994 (Vic) (CaLP Act) are indicated by ‘C’ and Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) are indicatedby ‘W’. Note that Victoria’s noxious weeds list is under review.Infestation of Bridal Creeper(Asparagus asparagoides)in the Plenty GorgeBushland Reserve. 120Parks Victoria staff applyingherbicide at the Bolin BolinBillabong, Yarra ValleyParklands. 121123 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Map 5.1 Introduced species in parks5ChapterParks Victoria staff handpulling weeds in WhipstickGully, Warrandyte State Park. 122Grey Sallow Willow(Salix cinerea) infestinga boulder field, AlpineNational Park. 123MANAGING THREATENING POCESSES WITHIN PARKS124

(B) Effectiveness of weed controlParks Victoria’s objectives for weed management are to:- eradicate new weed infestations with potential to invade and substantially modify native vegetationcommunities;- control the spread of weeds that threaten particular natural values; and- participate in cooperative programs with land owners to control weeds that threaten economicand/or natural values.Parks Victoria staff reported that weeds were one of the major threats to the natural values of parks, particularlyto vegetation communities and threatened flora. As it is not possible to control all weeds at all locations,Parks Victoria focuses its weed management activities on parks with higher natural values threatened by weeds,as well as parks where weeds may impact on the economic values of adjacent land. Effective weed control islimited by factors such as suitable control methods and access.A range of weed control measures were used in parks throughout this reporting period, either individuallyor in combination, including chemical, manual, mechanical and biological control as well as fire. These controlmethods were undertaken by Parks Victoria staff and/or contractors in partnerships with Friends Groups, volunteergroups, Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs), corporate organisations and other government agencies.(i) Number and area of parks treated to control weeds5ChapterWeed control programs occurred in between 300 and 600 Victorian parks each year during this reporting period,with ongoing control programs in approximately 150 parks, including most national and State parks. Between85,000 and 110,000 hectares were treated annually with the exception of 2003/04, when 62,000 hectares weretreated, due to a necessary redirection of resources for the alpine fire suppression and recovery. This includedextensive post-fire weed control programs (see Case Study 4.2).Control programs targeting weeds such as Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus spp. agg.), Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea),English Broom (Cytisus scoparius) and Serrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma) that potentially impact on nearbyagricultural land were undertaken as part of Good Neighbour and other programs. Between 10,000 and 17,000hectares of land along Victorian park boundaries were treated annually.Up to 17,000 hectares of land along park boundarieswere treated each year to control weeds.(ii) Trend in the extent of treated weed infestationsParks Victoria staff reported that infestations of 15 of the 18 most commonly reported priority weeds had stabilisedor reduced in the majority of assessed parks. These included Horehound (Marrubium vulgare), Ragwort (Seneciojacobaea), Gorse (Ulex europaeus), Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), Sweet Briar (Rosa rubiginosa) and ChileanNeedle Grass (Nassella neesiana) which decreased or stabilised in at least 80% of parks where they were amanagement priority and a control program was implemented. African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), Blackberry,Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides), Cape Broom (Genista monspessulana), English Broom, Serrated Tussockand Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum) decreased or stabilised in at least 60% of parks where they werea management priority and treatment occurred. Three of the 18 most commonly reported weeds increased.Blue Periwinkle (Vinca major), Radiata Pine (Pinus radiata) and St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) infestationsincreased in more than 60% of parks where they were a management priority and a control program wasimplemented.125 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

5.1.2 Introduced faunaIndicatorRationale(A) Distribution of introduced terrestrial fauna Some introduced animals pose a significant threat to(B) Effectiveness of pest animal controlbiodiversity in Victoria’s parks. To protect natural values inparks it is important to identify those species that pose thegreatest threat, understand their distribution and determinethe most effective methods to minimise their threat. Theseindicators describe the occurrence and distribution of aselection of introduced animal species, the efforts of ParksVictoria to control them and the effectiveness of this control.Context5ChapterA diverse range of fauna, including mammal, bird, fish and invertebrate species, has been introduced into Victoriaand is now established in natural environments. These include feral populations of domestic animals (eg. cats,goats and dogs) and species that were deliberately or accidentally introduced. Introduced predators such as feralcats and dogs and foxes threaten the survival of a wide range of native fauna, occur in virtually every terrestrialhabitat across southern Australia and have contributed to declines and, in some cases the extinction of nativefauna species. Ground-nesting birds and small to medium-sized mammals (eg. bandicoots and potoroos) areparticularly vulnerable and some reptile species are also susceptible to predation. Other introduced species havea significant impact on native vegetation (eg. rabbits, feral goats and pigs) as they can prevent regeneration, spreadweeds and cause soil damage and erosion. In addition to degrading habitat, they also compete with native faunafor resources like food and shelter. Deer which are protected as game species under the Wildlife Act 1975 (Vic)can also have detrimental impacts on park values and are therefore included in this section.(A) Distribution of introduced terrestrial faunaForty-five species of introduced fauna were reported in parks assessed by Parks Victoria staff.(i) Occurrence of introduced terrestrial faunaWhile not all 45 species were known to have a significant impact on natural values, eight species were consideredto be of major concern (Figure 5.1). The three species most widely reported in assessed parks were foxes (89%),rabbits (75%) and cats (61%). Other introduced fauna included the Black Rat, Brown Hare, House Mouse,Common Blackbird, Common Starling, Brown Trout, Carp, Mosquito Fish, the European Wasp and feral Bee.The extent of introduced species of major concern within parks varied with both species and park. Of the 359parks assessed, it was estimated that in approximately 50% of parks with foxes and dogs and in approximately40% of parks with deer and cats, each species occupied at least half the area of the park. The extent of rabbits,goats, pigs and horses was more variable. These species occupied less than half of the park area for the majorityof parks where they occurred.127 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Figure 5.1The number of parks with pest animals (as reported for 359 parks assessed by Parks Victoria staff).Species indicated are those considered to pose the greatest risk to park values.5(B) Effectiveness of pest animal controlSome infestations of introduced fauna in Victoria’s parks do not require control programs as they have limitedimpact on natural values in some parks. Where they do impact however, it may be impossible to control oreliminate all infestations. Control programs therefore need to be targeted to parks with the highest natural valuesunder the greatest threat. Since 2000, Parks Victoria has developed tools to help identify these areas includingcommissioned studies that identified native fauna species vulnerable to fox predation and their distribution (Robleyand Choquenot, 2002) as well as the susceptibility of vegetation communities to disturbance by rabbits (Long etal., 2003). Management programs were also focussed on rabbit and fox control to minimise impacts on naturaland agricultural values of land adjacent to parks.ChapterMethods used to control pests included trapping, fencing, poisoning, fumigation, shooting and harbourdestruction. A Memorandum of Cooperation with the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (Victoria) to assistin pest species control was also introduced (see chapter 3, Case Study 3.3).MANAGING THREATENING POCESSES WITHIN PARKS128

Parks Victoria rangerinvestigating an areaof uprooted ground andwallows caused by feralpigs in the Mitta area,Alpine National Park. 125(i) Number of parks and area of parks treated to control pest animals5ChapterThe number of parks where pest animal control programs were undertaken varied from a maximum of 232 parksin 2001/02 to a minimum of 136 in 2003/04. The variation was due to changing levels of risk (eg. success of rabbithaemorrhagic disease and other control programs in the Mallee), increased targeting to larger scale programsin higher-value parks as well as the redirection of resources to fire recovery. Between 300,000 and 877,000hectares were treated annually, with a substantial increase after 2001/02 due to the start of a major fox adaptiveexperimental management (AEM) program in six parks (Case Study 5.2) and involvement in new landscape scalecontrol programs such as Southern Ark and Glenelg Ark.The most widely targeted species were rabbits and foxes, while other targeted species included pigs, goats, cats,dogs and the European Wasp. Of 359 parks assessed by Parks Victoria staff, 55% of parks with rabbits, 49%of parks with foxes and goats, 36% with dogs, 33% with pigs and 17% with cats were targeted for managementprograms. Of the seven parks where horses were recorded one had a management program in place. Deer wererecorded in 115 parks and six parks (5% of these) had a program in place to minimise their impacts. These speciesmay not have posed a significant risk to native fauna and flora in parks without a control program.Fifty-five parks, including most of the larger national parks were the focus for ongoing fox and/or rabbit controlin at least four years from 2000/01 to 2004/05. Good Neighbour and Rabbit Buster cooperative programs targetingfoxes and rabbits were undertaken in between 49 and 94 parks annually to protect agricultural values near parkboundaries.Up to 877,000 hectares and 232 parkswere treated annually to control pest animals.A feral pig trapped in theAlpine National Park. 126129 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

5.2 Adaptive experimental management of foxesCase StudyIn 2001, a five-year adaptive experimental management (AEM) project was established using existing strategiesemployed to control the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). The objectives of the project were to test the applicability ofAEM to broad-scale pest management, examine the effectiveness of different spatial and temporal intensitiesof baiting on fox and prey abundance and evaluate the costs and benefits of each control strategy. Poisonbaiting with 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) baits is the most common fox control technique employed byParks Victoria and is the focus of this project.The sites selected for the AEM were the Grampians, Wilsons Promontory, Little Desert, Coopracamba andHattah–Kulkyne National Parks. Fox activity was measured by bait-take and by using sand-plots to detect foxtracks. Monitoring of prey species abundance was performed using various live-trapping survey techniques.By monitoring both foxes and prey, the effectiveness of each control strategy in reducing fox abundanceand protecting and enhancing prey populations can be determined. Keeping records of the time and moneyinvested in each control strategy also enables the relative efficiency of each approach to be evaluated.To date, this project has demonstrated the applicability of an AEM approach to broad-scale pest managementand the initial results have indicated that different temporal intensities of baiting vary in their ability to reducefox activity. Bait-take monitoring data show that annual and pulsed programs are more effective than seasonalprograms. Prey-response data are limited so no conclusions on the outcomes of management for these speciescan yet be drawn.Parks Victoria rangerchecking for fox footprintson a sand-plot. 1275ChapterMANAGING THREATENING POCESSES WITHIN PARKS130

(ii) Trend in the extent of treated pest animal infestationsParks Victoria staff reported that introduced fauna was a major threat to natural values in parks, particularlythreatened fauna. Rabbits and foxes were the main focus for control programs. Where control programs wereundertaken, 71% of 147 parks with a rabbit control program and 50% of 157 parks with a fox program reportedthat populations decreased or stabilised. Staff reported that where populations of pigs and goats occurred, theyincreased in more parks than decreased or stabilised. Two of the more successful goat control programs occurred inthe Grampians and the Murray-Sunset National Parks. The trend in the extent of introduced animals was unknownfor a high proportion of parks, with uncertainty greatest for deer, cats, dogs and foxes. New research andmonitoring programs have begun to provide improved information on the extent of introduced fauna.(iii) Trend in the impact of treated pest animal infestationsA subset of 251 parks were assessed by Parks Victoria staff to determine the trend in the impact of foxes for thisreporting period. Of the 251 parks:- 116 parks (46%) had a control program in at least one year from 2000/01 to 2004/05 and 11% (28 parks)had an ongoing program in at least four of these years;- 58 parks (23%) did not have a control program because foxes were not considered to be impacting on parkvalues; and- 77 parks (31%) did not have a control program and staff reported that foxes impacted negatively on park values.5ChapterOf the 116 parks with a control program, the impact of foxes stabilised or decreased in 56 parks (48%).Where an ongoing control program occurred in at least four years from 2000/01 to 2004/05 (28 parks)management was more effective with the impact of foxes stabilised or decreased in 17 parks (61%).Of the 77 parks with no control program, one park (Croajingolong National Park) was identified as a high priorityfor fox control using a state-wide fox risk assessment tool (Robley and Choquenot, 2002). Croajingolong NationalPark has since been incorporated into the Southern Ark fox control program, a collaborative initiative in EastGippsland involving Parks Victoria, the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), Department of PrimaryIndustries (DPI) and the CSIRO.A subset of 260 parks were also assessed by Parks Victoria staff to determine the trend in the impact of rabbitsfor this reporting period. Of the 260 parks:- 100 parks (39%) had a control program in at least one year from 2000/01 to 2004/05 and 10% (27 parks)had an ongoing program in at least four of these years;- 99 parks (38%) did not have a control program because rabbits were not impacting on park values; and- 61 parks (23%) did not have a control program and staff reported that rabbits impacted negatively on parkvalues.Of the 100 parks with a control program, the impact of rabbits stabilised or decreased in 66 parks (66%).Where an ongoing control program occurred in at least four of the five years during this reporting period (27 parks)management was more effective with the impact of rabbits stabilised or decreased in 21 parks (78%).Of the 61 parks with no control program, seven parks were identified as high priorities for rabbit control usinga state-wide rabbit risk assessment tool (Long et al., 2003).In some parks there was insufficient information available for staff to determine the trend of fox and rabbit impactsfollowing control programs. The level of uncertainty declined where ongoing programs were operating as moreof these parks had monitoring programs.131 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)with an EasternBarred Bandicoot(Perameles gunnii). 128Parks Victoria rangerlaying an oat trail as rabbitbait in Hattah-KulkyneNational Park. 1295ChapterMANAGING THREATENING POCESSES WITHIN PARKS132

5.2 Localised threatening processesA variety of naturally occurring and human-induced processes and activities occurthroughout Victoria’s parks. These include habitat fragmentation, overabundant nativeanimal populations, stock grazing, the Phytophthora cinnamomi plant pathogen and theimpacts of park visitors and authorised uses. While these may be essential activities in manycases, in some parks they may have a localised and detrimental impact on values.This section provides a snapshot of these processes and activities, highlights their knownimpacts in parks and describes Parks Victoria’s efforts to reduce their impact.5ChapterDeath of a Grass Tree fromPhytopthora cinnamomi. 130133VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

5.2.1 Habitat fragmentationIndicatorRationale(A) Fragmentation of parks by roads and tracks Habitat fragmentation has potential to degrade habitat(B) Managing habitat fragmentationand expose some native species to a variety of threats.While roads and tracks in parks can fragment habitatthey may also provide essential management access.These indicators describe the density of the road and tracknetwork, the distribution of the resulting fragments andoutline the approach Parks Victoria has taken to reducingthe impacts of fragmentation.ContextMost parks are fragmented to at least some extent by past land use, including the clearing of native vegetationand the construction of infrastructure such as roads, tracks and power easements. While roads and tracks existto provide access for visitors and for emergency and management purposes, they can also change natural habitatsby altering light regimes, micro-climate and water run-off. Reducing fragmentation can:- reduce barriers affecting the movement of native fauna;- reduce the risk of pest plant and animal invasion;- minimise the spread of pathogens such as Phytophthora cinnamomi;- help control erosion; and- generally protect the habitat of native flora and fauna, including threatened species.While some fragmentation is unavoidable, it is possible in many instances to rehabilitate areas to reducethe impacts of fragmentation, especially where these are a legacy of past management.5Chapter(A) Fragmentation of parks by roads and tracksFragments are created where roads or tracks connect to create isolated areas within parks. The density of roadsand tracks can indicate the extent to which park values are subject to fragmentation processes.(i) Road and track densityA commissioned study (Milne and Gibson, 2002; 2004) of 88 Victorian terrestrial parks reserved under the NationalParks Act 1975 (Vic) revealed:- 23% of parks had less than five metres of track per hectare, 19% had more than 20 metres of track per hectareand six per cent had more than 30 metres of track per hectare.- Parks with the highest track densities tended to be small (less than 4,000 hectares) and included LangwarrinFlora and Fauna Reserve and Churchill, Dandenong Ranges and Terrick Terrick National Parks.(ii) Fragment size and densityParks with a greater number of smaller fragments were generally likely to be more susceptible to the impactsof fragmentation. The size of fragments varied considerably within the 88 terrestrial National Parks Act parksexamined. Most fragments were small, with 84% of fragments covering less than 100 hectares, although theseonly represented three per cent of the area of parks examined. In contrast, fragments greater than 1,000 hectaresaccounted for four per cent of all fragments and represented 83% of the area examined.The largest parks were generally among the least fragmented, with all parks larger than 30,000 hectares havinga fragmentation density less than 0.34 fragments/km 2 (eg. Alpine, Croajingolong, Murray-Sunset and WyperfeldNational Parks). The most fragmented parks were typically smaller, with higher densities of fragmentation also morecommon in urban fringe parks (eg. Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve, Dandenong Ranges and Organ PipesNational Parks and Warrandyte State Park).MANAGING THREATENING POCESSES WITHIN PARKS134

(iii) Threatened vegetation classes affected by fragmentationUnderstanding the distribution of natural values (in the form of ecological vegetation classes – EVCs) and howfragmentation affects them enables those values at greatest risk to be targeted. For example in the Northern InlandSlopes Bioregion, 83% of the Grassy Woodland EVC (endangered in that bioregion) occurred within fragmentscovering less than 100 hectares. In the Goldfields Bioregion, 61% of the Box–Ironbark Forest EVC (depleted in thatbioregion) occurred within fragments covering less than 100 hectares. Where possible, fragmentation should bereduced in areas of threatened EVCs to increase their viability.(B) Managing habitat fragmentationReducing the impacts of fragmentation requires a combination of approaches including track closures as wellas managing threats that are exacerbated by fragmentation, such as weed and pest invasion. Parks Victoriaand its partners have undertaken targeted work to reduce fragmentation in parks.(i) Rationalising roads and tracks in highly fragmented areasWithin the new Box–Ironbark parks, strategies to manage the potential impact of roads, tracks and otherdisturbances were developed through the park management planning process. The road and track network wasassessed relative to the requirements of park users, management and emergency needs and potential impacts onpark values.5ChapterAt Anglesea Heath, Parks Victoria has been rationalising the track network and rehabilitating old gravel extractionsites in partnership with Alcoa (Figure 5.2). Prior to these works beginning, Anglesea Heath had approximately297 kilometres of tracks throughout its 6,731 hectares, which was one of the highest track densities acrossVictoria’s parks network. By 2005, 112 kilometres of tracks and 13 hectares of gravel extraction areas wererehabilitated. When work is completed, the density of tracks in Anglesea Heath will have been reduced from 44to 24 metres per hectare.At Bunyip State Park fragmentation has been reduced through initial track closures, guided by the managementplan, and more recently a review of roads and tracks through a recreation management framework, whichconsidered both the expectations of park users and protection of park values.Figure 5.2Reducing track density at Anglesea Heath: before rationalisation commenced (left) and proposed result (right).135 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

(ii) Revegetation activities undertaken to restore fragmented habitatsTo reconnect and rehabilitate fragmented areas in parks affected by previous land use, Parks Victoria implementedrevegetation programs across over 2,500 hectares in 67 parks during this reporting period. The largest programsincluded: the Urban Biolinks program in Melbourne (Case Study 5.3); various conservation reserves in theWimmera; Hird Swamp in northern Victoria; Jack Smith Lake in West Gippsland; Yellingbo Nature ConservationReserve, State Coal Mine, McLeods and Clydebank Morass in Gippsland; as well as Greater Bendigo National Park,Serendip Sanctuary, the You Yangs, Wonthaggi heathland, Mallee parks, and coastal reserves at San Remoand Seaspray.The largest revegetation effort was conducted in 2001/02, with a decline in subsequent years reflecting greateremphasis on weed and pest animal control programs. Measuring the benefits of revegetation programs is achallenge, with limited data on the long-term survival of revegetation. Parks Victoria will continue revegetationprograms in locations where they offer a viable solution to reduce the impacts of fragmentation on prioritynatural values.Revegetation occurred across 2,500 hectares in 67 parks.5.3 Urban BiolinksCase Study The Urban Biolinks program was established by Parks Victoria in 1999 to connect remnant patches of vegetationto larger core areas of habitat in urban and urban fringe parklands it manages. The program targeted openspace corridors in Melbourne’s north and east.From 2000 to 2004, Parks Victoria staff and teams of volunteers and contractors re-established more than 200hectares of indigenous vegetation with 600,000 plants. The parks benefiting from the work includedWarrandyte State Park, Yarra Valley Parklands, Yarra Bend Park, Plenty Gorge, Lysterfield Park, Dandenong ValleyParklands and Cardinia Creek Parklands. Parks Victoria will be working with researchers in the future to monitorthe effectiveness of the revegetation programs as well as the condition of the corridors as wildlife habitat.Newly planted treesin Plenty Gorge Parklands. 131Revegetation work atLake Elingamite, part of theBorrell-a-kandelop project torehabilitate the internationallysignificant Western DistrictLakes Ramsar site. 1325ChapterMANAGING THREATENING POCESSES WITHIN PARKS136

5.2.2 Overabundant native animal populationsIndicatorRationale(A) Impact of overabundant native animal populations In some circumstances, populations of native animals may(B) Minimising the impact of overabundantnative animal populationsincrease to such an extent they degrade the habitat thatsupports them and management intervention is required.These indicators describe instances where native animalpopulations have reached sufficient numbers to threaten thewelfare of animals as well as the condition of their habitat.The response of Parks Victoria to these challenges is alsooutlined.ContextWildlife populations are dynamic in nature and may vary naturally in distribution and over time. While populationsmay have potential for continuous expansion, a range of environmental factors generally limit this type of growth,such as limited food or habitat, predators and disease. Episodic occurrences of extreme temperatures, drought,wildfire or food shortage may also regulate population growth.5ChapterIn park environments where species are often confined to limited areas bounded by highly modified landscapes,fire is controlled, predator regimes are altered and access to food and water may be increased, populations ofnative species may grow beyond sustainable levels. This can result in habitat degradation and negative impacts onother native species. A particular species may become so abundant that food resources are completely consumed,resulting in mass starvation. This has occurred to a number of koala populations across southern Victoria. This typeof population fluctuation (expansion and crash) may place natural values that are rare or limited in distribution atrisk as well as pose significant animal welfare concerns. To maximise biodiversity conservation and/or reduce risk oflarge-scale population starvation, human intervention may be needed to control overabundant wildlife populations.(A) Impact of overabundant native animal populationsOf 288 terrestrial parks assessed by Parks Victoria staff to determine the impact of overabundant native animalson other park values, overabundant kangaroos and koalas were identified as posing some threat to other naturalvalues in 17% (49 parks). However, the impact was considered high in only 6% (19 parks). Birds, bats or othernative fauna were identified as threatening natural values in 5% (13 parks) with the impact considered highin less than 2% (five parks).(i) Parks where overabundant kangaroo and koala populations were identified as a threat toother natural valuesThe greatest native animal management challenges currently faced by Parks Victoria is maintaining low kangaroograzing pressure in the Mallee parks and managing the koala population at Mount Eccles National Park.An emerging challenge has been to manage sustainable populations of kangaroos in some urban fringe parks,particularly to the north and west of Melbourne in Plenty Gorge Parklands, Woodlands Historic Park and SerendipSanctuary. Overabundant kangaroo populations at Yanakie Isthmus in Wilsons Promontory National Park have alsobeen a significant issue for restoration of the Grassy Woodland communities.137 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

(B) Minimising the impact of overabundant native animal populationsParks Victoria manages overabundant populations to minimise their impact on other natural values and to meetcommunity expectations and legislative obligations relating to animal welfare. Population management is onlyperformed when a particular population is:- threatening the survival of rare or threatened species or communities;- a major contributor to serious environmental damage or long-term degradation of habitat;- a major factor preventing habitat recovery; or- suffering as a result of confinement.The need to undertake control is documented by Parks Victoria and reviewed by an independent technical advisorycommittee. Active population management is performed as a last resort and when other options for riskmanagement are impractical or not feasible. Any action taken must be part of an integrated approach, such asreducing the total grazing pressure from exotic grazers (eg. rabbits) as well as native species. As of 2005,population control was confined to kangaroos and koalas.(i) Activities to achieve sustainable populationsParks Victoria implemented population management projects in seven parks during this reporting period to addressovergrazing. The species managed were koala, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Western Grey Kangaroo and Red Kangaroo.These projects covered between 140,000 and 180,000 hectares annually, with the exception of 2003/04 when theeffects of drought reduced kangaroo population recruitment and population management was not required.To reduce impacts on coastal woodland communities, koala populations were managed at French Island andMount Eccles National Parks (Case Study 5.4), Snake Island (Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park) and RaymondIsland (Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park) using fertility control techniques or by relocating individuals to other areas.At Mount Eccles National Park, reducing large koala populations to sustainable densities to prevent ongoing declinein tree condition was not possible with techniques such as relocation. An innovative fertility control trial wastherefore introduced in 2004 (Case Study 5.4). By mid-2005 1,800 koalas had been treated with contraceptivehormones at Mount Eccles National Park, and at Snake Island 2,000 koalas had been sterilised and 1,000 relocated.A sterilisation and relocation program at Snake Island has been particularly successful to date in substantiallyreducing population growth.5ChapterKangaroo population control was incorporated into managing total grazing pressure in three Mallee parks:Hattah– Kulkyne, Wyperfeld and Murray–Sunset National Parks. In these parks, assessments of vegetation conditionfollowing kangaroo (and rabbit) control have indicated a positive response from vegetation at several sites despitedrought conditions (see chapter 3, Case Study 3.5). Ongoing monitoring of population levels and vegetationresponse is required to ensure the long-term viability of susceptible vegetation communities.A Manna Gum (centre)defoliated by over-browsingby koalas at Mount EcclesNational Park. 133MANAGING THREATENING POCESSES WITHIN PARKS138

5.4 Managing koalas at Mount Eccles National ParkCase StudyMount Eccles National Park and the surrounding woodlands is currently the most significantly affected koalaoverbrowsing site in Victoria. From 1999 to 2001, approximately 4,000 animals were moved to other forestareas in south-west Victoria and approximately 2,000 female koalas were also surgically sterilised.Translocation from Mount Eccles National Park ceased in 2002 after detailed monitoring of relocated animalsindicated high levels of mortality at some release sites, even for non-sterilised animals. Monitoring also indicatedthat while the population did not increase, translocating large numbers was ineffective in reducing thepopulation because the koala births were roughly equivalent to mortality plus translocation.In 2004, Parks Victoria began a large-scale trial of contraceptive implants in the koala population to determineif this technique would provide the solution with lowest risk to animal welfare and ecosystem health. The trialwas undertaken in partnership with DSE and the Gunditjmara Aboriginal community through the Winda MaraAboriginal Corporation.The management-scale trial of contraceptive implants for female koalas aims to target a sufficient numberof females so that natural mortality exceeds koala births, thereby reducing population size over time.Koalas are captured by crews assisted by tree climbers and a small slow-release contraceptive implant is insertedunder the skin by a veterinary surgeon. A detailed monitoring program is underway to assess koala abundance,survivorship and defoliation levels.5ChapterA veterinary surgeonimplanting a female koalawith a slow-releasecontraceptive as part of atrial to manage the koalapopulation at Mount EcclesNational Park. 134139 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

5.2.3 Stock grazingIndicatorRationale(A) Distribution of stock grazing While stock grazing is generally not allowed in national(B) Managing stock grazingparks it is permitted for agricultural purposes in a largenumber of reserves and for ecological reasons in one parkand a number of reserves. These indicators describe thecurrent status of stock grazing across Victoria’s parks andthe approach of Parks Victoria to managing this grazing.ContextThree types of stock grazing occur in parks:- licensed stock grazing primarily as an agricultural activity for the benefit of the licence holders (mostly inreserves);- licensed or contracted stock grazing to meet specific ecological management objectives; and- unlicensed stock grazing, especially in unfenced reserves.Parks Victoria seeks to manage licensed and unlicensed stock grazing in parks to minimise any impacts on naturalvalues. Where grazing is permitted in parks this is usually in accordance with recommendations of the VictorianEnvironmental Assessment Council (VEAC) or its predecessors. In a number of cases a phase-out program isrecommended, particularly in areas reserved under the National Parks Act 1975 (Vic).In some Victorian parks and reserves, maintaining the historical grazing regime at a low level is considerednecessary as an interim measure to preserve important ecosystems such as lowland grassland and bird habitats.Native grasslands are the most depleted vegetation type in Victoria. Only 6% of the Plains Grassland and ChenopodShrubland ecological vegetation class (EVC) group that existed before European settlement now remains, and 18%of this area is protected in parks and reserves. In a few native grasslands, modified historical grazing regimes havebeen used based on scientific advice as one of the few existing techniques for minimising decline.5Chapter(A) Distribution of stock grazing(i) Parks where licensed stock grazing occurred for commercial purposesAs of June 2005, an estimated 500 grazing licences existed across 560 parks and reserves managed by ParksVictoria. Grazing licences existed mostly on conservation reserves. The total area covered by these licencesrepresented a small area of Victoria’s parks. As of June 2005, of those parks managed under the National Parks Actthere were 52 grazing licences operating across 10 parks - Alpine, Burrowa-Pine Mountain and the now GreatOtway National Parks, Mt Lawson, Dergholm and Barmah State Parks, Nooramunga, Discovery Bay and CapeLiptrap Coastal Parks and Lake Albacutya Park. Agricultural grazing in some parks was the result of eitheradministrative errors (such as the failure to cancel licences when the land was included under the National ParksAct) or was considered acceptable where cleared land was being considered in exchange for more appropriatefreehold land for inclusion in a park.It should be noted that the 57 licences to conduct grazing in the Alpine National Park that expired in May 2005were not renewed and the last four licences that expired in June 2006 were also not renewed. The VictorianGovernment’s decision to not renew grazing licences was the result of many years of research that demonstratedthe detrimental impacts of grazing in the park (Case Study 5.5). A further 37 licences within the Greater Bendigo,Heathcote–Graytown and Chiltern–Mount Pilot National Parks, Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park,Kooyoora State Park, Broken Boosey State Park expired in October 2005. Although not part of the reportingtimeframe for this edition of State of the Parks, 28 grazing licences on public land incorporated into the newGreat Otway National Park will not be renewed after 30 September 2009.MANAGING THREATENING POCESSES WITHIN PARKS140

5.5 Stock grazing in the Alpine National ParkCase StudyThe grazing of cattle has been associated with the Victorian high country since the 1830s and will continuein the high country outside the Alpine National Park.The 1940s saw the start of a systematic scientific investigation into the impacts of cattle grazing in alpineand sub-alpine ecosystems. This work, and other research conducted since, clearly demonstrated that cattleaffect alpine and sub-alpine vegetation by altering community composition and structure. Grazing also createsbare ground, spreads pest plants, disturbs soil and causes erosion and may prevent vegetation growth andrecovery. Grazing also poses a threat to several rare and threatened flora, fauna and plant communities.One of the more susceptible communities to the impacts of grazing is bogs. Based on this evidence in 2005,the Victorian Government decided to not renew grazing licences in the Alpine National Park.In Australia, alpine and sub-alpine areas are rare and important landscapes, representing less than 0.1% of thelandmass. The Alpine National Park is Victoria’s largest and one of its most important parks. It protects morethan 66% of Victoria’s alpine and sub-alpine ecological vegetation classes and makes a major contributionto the protection of biodiversity with representatives of 35% of the state’s flora and 34% of its fauna species.Water run-off from the park supplies 19% of Victoria’s total run-off. Approximately 87% of the area that wasavailable for grazing is located within a declared water supply catchment.5An alpine bog that was badlydamaged by cattle tramplingon the Bogong High Plains,Alpine National Park. 135Chapter141 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

(ii) Parks where grazing occurred as a management tool to preserve native grasslandsMore than 99% of the Northern Plains Grassland community has been lost in Victoria. Terrick Terrick National Park(3,770 hectares) protects the largest contiguous area (over 1,200 hectares) of this grassland in the state (ParksVictoria, 2004). At Terrick Terrick National Park, the grassland has been lightly grazed by sheep since the 1880sand provides specific habitat for threatened flora and fauna. Preliminary results from a 10-year monitoring programof grazing exclusion in a small area of grassland in the park has suggested that total grazing exclusion leads tochanges in the structure of the grassland which may affect the habitat for threatened fauna such as the Plainswanderer(Parks Victoria, 2003a).Craigieburn Grassland Nature Conservation Reserve (340 hectares) protects a significant area of Western BasaltPlains Grassland. This community comprises a variety of grasses and herbs and provides habitat for a rangeof threatened flora and fauna. Vegetation monitoring has suggested that excluding grazing stock will affectthe vegetation, with an overall decrease of native species cover within the Plains Grassland vegetation community(Parks Victoria, 2003b).A recent commissioned study (Wong and Morgan, 2005) highlighted that grazing in some lowland nativegrasslands may be detrimental in the long-term and that techniques such as fire should be further assessed as analternative to stock grazing. The impact and benefits of stock grazing in lowland grasslands will be further reviewedthrough a grasslands adaptive management program. It is anticipated that in the long-term, grazing will be phasedout of the above parks once other measures to maintain the grasslands values can be successfully implemented.(B) Managing stock grazingLicensed grazing in parks and reserves was managed through the Crown land licensing system. Licencees weregenerally issued by DSE with Parks Victoria negotiating changes to licence conditions with licensee and relevantstakeholders, and in some cases monitoring the impacts of grazing. Specific on-ground management includedpolicing and review of licence conditions, reviewing stocking rates, maintaining fencing and inspection of andremoving illegal grazing. Rehabilitation works were also performed to protect vulnerable areas from the impactsof grazing. Several projects were initiated through Parks Victoria’s research program to investigate the impactsand rationale of licensed grazing to maintain natural values. Outcomes of this research will help evaluate theongoing need for licensed grazing in some parks for protecting natural values.5ChapterMANAGING THREATENING POCESSES WITHIN PARKS142

5.2.4 Phytophthora cinnamomiIndicatorRationale(A) Distribution of Phytophthora cinnamomi Many native flora species are susceptible to the pathogen(B) Minimising the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi Phytophthora cinnamomi, which has potential to occur overlarge parts of the state. Strict control methods are requiredto minimise its spread. These indicators identify those parkswith Phytophthora cinnamomi and those at high risk.Parks Victoria’s efforts to minimise spread are also outlined.ContextPhytophthora cinnamomi (PC) is a soil-inhabiting water mould that rots the roots of many Australian native speciesand is believed to have been introduced into Australia during European settlement. The disease has since spreadto infect large areas of remnant vegetation in the south-west of Western Australia, south-east Australia and thecoastal areas of New South Wales and southern Queensland.5ChapterIn Victoria, the disease impacts on the structure and composition of vegetation communities by causing diebackof some plant species. The active disease front, with brown and yellow vegetation, is often the most obvious signan area is infected. Once the pathogen is established in a susceptible community there is no known means oferadication. Vegetation dieback caused by PC is listed as a key threatening process at a national and state level.The spread of PC from infected sites into parks, and the use of PC-infected gravel in construction of roads, bridgesand reservoirs are listed as potentially threatening processes. Parks Victoria has a policy in place to minimise thespread of the pathogen in parks.A boot cleaning station in theBrisbane Ranges National Park,designed to stop the spread ofPhytopthora cinnamomi. 136(A) Distribution of Phytophthora cinnamomiA review conducted in 2002 to determine the actual and potential distribution of PC dieback and to develop a riskrating for 85 parks (Map 5.2) identified environmental factors that contribute to the presence of the pathogen aswell as locations infected by PC (University of Ballarat, 2002a). The review found that PC had the potential to occurover a large proportion of Victoria (60%) and in a significant proportion of parks. Arid areas in the north-west ofthe state are generally too dry (< 500mm annual rainfall) and alpine environments (> 800m) are too cold for thepathogen to survive.(i) Parks where Phytophthora cinnamomi was a risk to native vegetationApproximately 40% (by area) of the 85 parks assessed had a climate and elevation within the range required forPC dieback. Of these, 69% (59 parks) had some area classified as high risk and 44% (37 parks) had more thanhalf their area classified as high risk (Map 5.2). Eighteen parks where the disease had not previously been recordedhad considerable areas classified as high risk (more than 50%). A large proportion of the locations of several rareand threatened plant species considered susceptible to PC were in areas classified as high risk. High averagenumbers of susceptible species generally occurred in communities with a heathy understorey.143 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

The pathogen was recorded in 15 national parks, nine State parks and six other parks. Of these, 57% (17 parks)had more than half their area classified as high risk and 37% (11 parks) had a high proportion of susceptiblespecies (≥10% of all species in the park) and high risk vegetation in more than half the park. The 11 parks were:Brisbane Ranges, Dandenong Ranges, Kinglake and Lower Glenelg National Parks; Angahook–Lorne (now part ofthe Great Otway National Park), Bunyip, Carlisle, Dergholm, Langi Ghiran and Lerderderg State Parks; and SteiglitzHistoric Park.Map 5.2 Phytophthora cinnamomi risk within Victoria’s parks5Chapter(B) Minimising the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomiParks Victoria in association with DSE has provided input into the national Threat Abatement Plan for Diebackcaused by the root-rot fungus, Phytophthora cinnamomi (Environment Australia, 2001). In 2002, Parks Victoriacommissioned a report to provide guidelines for its best-practice management (University of Ballarat, 2002b).The report recommended each park be classified as potentially susceptible or not susceptible based on the presenceof susceptible plant communities, that disease risk ratings be applied and protectable areas identified. Hygieneprocedures for operational and maintenance activities were also outlined.(i) Activities to reduce the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomiOf the 37 parks with more than half their area classified at high risk from PC, there were operational guides orhygiene plans in place to minimise its spread in four (Brisbane Ranges and Mornington Peninsula National Parks,Lerderderg State Park and Steiglitz Heritage Park). An additional 14 parks had strategies to manage PC within theirpark management plans. Specific operational guides or hygiene plans will be required in other parks with PCand those identified at high risk from it. Risk classification ratings have also been linked to the location ofsusceptible ecological vegetation classes (EVCs) and rare and threatened flora to guide hygiene requirementsduring operational management and recreation and research activities. Implementing the guides will help containthe disease.MANAGING THREATENING POCESSES WITHIN PARKS144

5.2.5 Impacts of visitor activitiesIndicatorRationale(A) Nature and distribution of visitor impacts Victoria’s parks network attracts millions of visits each year(B) Providing sustainable recreation opportunities and most parks are highly accessible for a wide variety ofrecreational and educational activities. Some recreationalactivities can place pressures on particular natural values.These indicators describe the impact of visitor activities in anumber of parks and the efforts of Parks Victoria to providesustainable experiences for visitors.Context5Parks received nearly 43 million visits in 2004/05 (see chapter 7) and the number of people visiting Victoria’s parkshas grown substantially since 2000. Many park visitor sites, both in urban areas as well as at major tourist sites,have been designed for sustainable visitor use. While there are limited data on the impacts of recreational activitiesin Victorian parks, research from other park agencies has demonstrated that impacts can include trampling of soils,vegetation and intertidal communities, reduced water quality, spread of weeds, changes in vegetation communitiesthrough activities such as firewood and flora collection, changes in wildlife breeding habits through noise anddisturbance, impacts from motor vehicles and noise that reduces park amenity.(A) Nature and distribution of visitor impactsChapterMost visitor activity in Victorian parks is concentrated at serviced areas or along access roads and tracks within theirboundaries and impacts on natural values are relatively low where these sites are appropriately designed. Manyparks in the urban area are well suited to high concentrations of visitors due to their lower natural values anddeveloped facilities. Impacts in parks associated with activities such as walking, picnicking and riding are oftenconfined to the immediate area and can be minimised through good design and site or trail hardening. Of moreconcern are the impacts of some activities on natural values away from hardened sites or trails, and inappropriateand unsustainable behaviour.(i) Parks where visitors impacted on natural valuesOf 288 parks assessed by Parks Victoria staff for impacts on natural values, 23% (65 parks) reported no impactfrom visitor activities. Where impacts were recorded, those impacts were considered to be low in the majority ofcases. Instances of high impact on some environmental values were recorded in 14% (40 parks) of those assessedand the majority of these resulted from inappropriate behaviour and were often localised. Some of the mostcommonly reported activities that affected natural values included off-road driving, riding or walking, resulting inthe disturbance and trampling of vegetation, soil erosion and the creation of new trails that provide access forweeds, pest animals and plant pathogens. Removing vegetation for firewood, poaching and collecting species aswell as illegal hunting also had some impact in some parks, particularly in central Victoria.Activities such as inappropriate rubbish disposal and recreational activities such as climbing, boating and fossickingwere considered to be impacting on natural values in a few parks. Boating was of particular concern in parks alongthe Murray River, causing bank modification and erosion. Impacts of boating were also reported for parks in themarine environment where anchoring and disposal of rubbish at sea can affect marine habitats. In intertidalenvironments of marine protected areas, Parks Victoria staff reported trampling of sensitive communities,disturbance particularly of birds and in some cases the complete removal of species. In a few parks vandalismand off-road driving were reported as impacting on geomorphologic features.145 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

(B) Providing sustainable recreation opportunitiesParks Victoria’s Levels of Service framework (see chapter 7, section 7.3) has provided directions for the level ofacceptable modification of the natural environment for recreational purposes. It defines the level of access andexperiences available to visitors at particular sites, as well as the types of site hardening required to deliver thoseexperiences sustainably. A range of tools and programs have been used to ensure sustainable recreationalopportunities are available to park visitors. These have included:- delineating specific visitor sites and management zones in park management plans;- replacing old infrastructure such as septic toilet systems to improve water quality;- constructing sympathetic structures such as board walks over sensitive vegetation;- using permit systems in some parks to ensure a sustainable number of visitors;- enforcing appropriate use where necessary;- communicating how to reduce visitor impacts using signs within parks, education programs and speakingto recreational groups; and- redirecting visitor use away from highly sensitive areas to more sustainable sites.(i) Activities to monitor the sustainable use of parksIn some parks, monitoring programs have been implemented to measure trends in impacts of visitor activitiesor to measure environmental responses to management initiatives. Of 223 parks where visitor activities wereidentified as impacting on natural values, 12% (26 parks) had some form of systematic monitoring to assess thoseimpacts. Parks with formal monitoring programs included Port Campbell and Grampians National Parks. Of thoseparks where visitors were considered to have a high impact on natural values (less than 40 parks), few hadmonitoring programs. Some of these parks have since been targeted for assessment of impacts.Environmentally sustainable recreational opportunitiesare guided by Parks Victoria’s Levels of Service framework.5ChapterThe board walk on theButton Grass Nature Walk,Bunyip State Park is anexample of methods usedto reduce visitor impacts. 137Providing visitors withmodern toilet facilities on theErrinundra Rainforest Walk inErrinundra National Park. 138MANAGING THREATENING POCESSES WITHIN PARKS146

5.2.6 Utilities, mining and other authorised usesIndicatorRationale(A) Managing authorised uses A variety of authorised uses and infrastructure occurwithin parks including services for power, water andtelecommunications, mining leases and licences, andapiculture (beekeeping). This indicator describes theoccurrence of these activities and the process to ensureimpacts on park values are minimised.ContextWhile parks are set aside primarily for conservation and recreation, it is sometimes not feasible or possible to locatestructures or carry out certain activities outside parks. Examples of authorised uses and activities within parksinclude siting of infrastructure, mineral and petroleum exploration and mining and apiculture. Where possible,the impact on a park is minimised or eliminated by assessing alternative means, location and design. Wherealternative means are unavailable, formal consent is required.5ChapterIn the case of applications for exploration and mining, a rigorous process involving detailed risk assessmentsto determine impacts on park values is required. For parks scheduled under the National Parks Act, approval ofapplications is given by the Minister for Environment following advice from the National Parks Advisory Counciland tabling in both houses of Parliament. For the reporting period of this edition of State of the Parks, applicationsfor exploration and mining on other Crown land were referred to the relevant Minister (i.e. Planning orEnvironment, depending on land tenure) and were administered by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI)under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (Vic). Strict conditions to protect values within allpark types are also applied.Apiculture has had a long history in a number of parks. The industry is responsible for the commercial productionof honey, pollen, beeswax and related products and is a significant component of regional economies. The activityis practised on a range of public land types (eg. State forest, Crown Land Reserves, national and State parks).Apiculture is permitted in parks where authorised by the Victorian Government on the recommendations of theVictorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) although is prohibited in Wilderness Parks and Zones andReference Areas. Sites on land managed under the National Parks Act are generally restricted to areas well awayfrom those normally frequented by the public.(A) Managing authorised uses(i) Consents to develop infrastructure in parksAs of June 2005, there were 92 consents current across 28 parks reserved under the National Parks Actfor the construction and/or operation of infrastructure by public authorities. The most common facility wastelecommunication infrastructure such as towers, repeater stations, service buildings and underground cables(66%). Other common consents were for water, sewage and electricity utilities. The Yarra Ranges, Alpine andMornington Peninsula National Parks and Lerderderg State Park accounted for 40% of the 92 consents. Limiteddata was available for authorised uses in reserves.147 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

(ii) Mining in parksAs of June 2005, six consents for earth resources activities were current for National Parks Act parks. Two relatedto gold - one for an historic gold mining operation at Red Robin Mine in the Alpine National Park and the otherfor gold exploration in the Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park. The remaining consents related to hydrocarbonexploration by directional drilling into the subsurface of the Lower Glenelg National Park, exploration and quarryingat Tyers Park and stone extraction from Basalt Hill Quarry in the Alpine National Park. The latter two however werenot active and further works are unlikely.As of June 2005, there were nine consents in accordance with the Mineral Resources Development Act active onother Crown land, most of which related to gold exploration in reserves. Activity was focussed in Central Victoriain areas such as Inglewood, Maldon, Castlemaine, Tarnagulla and Bendigo. Other gold exploration activity occurredin the alps at Howqua Hills and Walhalla.(iii) Apiary sites in parksAs of June 2005, approximately 560 of approximately 660 apiary sites were occupied across 27 parks reservedunder the National Parks Act. The majority of occupied sites (66%) were located in just six parks: Murray-Sunset,Grampians, Hattah-Kulkyne, Little Desert, Wyperfeld and Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Parks. Limited data wereavailable on apiary sites in reserves.A power easement runningthrough Bunyip State Park. 1395ChapterMANAGING THREATENING POCESSES WITHIN PARKS148

5.3 Achievements, challenges and responsesAchievements in responding to threatening processes- Stabilising or reducing the impact of rabbits in more than three quarters of parks with ongoing controlprograms.- Improving the condition of significant vegetation communities in Mallee parks as a result of integratedkangaroo and rabbit management programs.- Stabilising or reducing the extent of 15 of the 18 most commonly reported weeds, such as Horehound,Ragwort, Gorse, Spear Thistle, and Chilean Needle Grass in the majority of assessed parks witha control program.- Targeting weed and pest animal control programs to higher value parks and those affected by fire.- Implementing large-scale English Broom and Willow programs as well as predator control programs in responseto post-fire weed and pest animal concerns in alpine regions.- A greater understanding of the effectiveness of different fox baiting and weed control techniques throughthe Fox and English Broom Adaptive Experimental Management (AEM) projects.- Implementing large-scale multi-agency predator control programs such as Fox AEM and Southern and GlenelgArks to protect native fauna.5Chapter- Maintaining an extensive program of rabbit, fox and weed control in locations where park and private landshare boundaries.- Implementing new weed and pest animal control partnerships including an agreement with the SportingShooters Association of Australia (Victoria) to control goats in Mallee parks.- A greater understanding of the scale and extent of internal fragmentation across Victoria’s parks, includingthe extent of fragmentation of threatened vegetation communities.- Implementing an innovative large-scale fertility control trial to reduce impacts from koalas at Mount EcclesNational Park and reducing density of overabundant koalas at Snake Island.- The decision to not renew stock grazing licences in several parks including the Alpine National Park to protectsignificant vegetation and habitats, particularly for threatened communities and species.- A greater understanding of the distribution, risk of and strategies to manage the plant pathogenPhytophthora cinnamomi in parks.149VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Challenges and responsesWeeds and introduced animalsChallenge: The impact of weeds and introduced animals is a national problem. Weeds and introduced faunacontinue to pose a threat to the natural values of parks, with weeds particularly affecting vegetation communitiesand threatened flora and introduced animals particularly affecting threatened fauna. Available control techniquesfor weeds are often only effective at a relatively small scale and a key challenge is to improve the effectiveness ofshort-term existing weed control techniques while recognising the need for long-term solutions such as the useof fire and biological control.There have been encouraging results in the effectiveness of rabbit control at several targeted parks and the reducedeffectiveness of the calici virus poses a significant challenge for rabbit control. Reducing the widespread impactsof predators such as foxes and cats is a major challenge. Greater knowledge is required on the extent and impactsof species such as feral cats, goats, pigs, deer and horses to enable a more effective response. Balancing the needto protect the most important biodiversity values of parks with the need to meet Good Neighbour expectationsand obligations will also be a challenge.Response: Parks Victoria will expand its adaptive management and landscape scale pest programs at strategicsites to deliver on-ground control and use the information gained from monitoring to improve the deliveryand effectiveness of weed and pest control programs.Parks with the greatest values at greatest risk from weeds and pest animals will continue to be targetedfor ongoing management programs. Parks Victoria will improve its understanding of the extent, abundanceand impact of emerging weeds and pest species and act quickly to prevent these species becoming widespread.Wherever possible, biodiversity protection and Good Neighbour obligations will be achieved. New methodsof prevention and control will continue to be trialled including partnerships with community organisations,the private sector and participation in education programs.Parks Victoria has developed and is implementing new protocols to more robustly measure the effectivenessof control programs and is investing in research projects to better understand the abundance and impactsof species such as feral cats, pigs and goats as well as deer.5ChapterPark fragmentationChallenge: Reducing the impacts of habitat fragmentation within parks by roads, tracks, power easementsand other disturbances is likely to benefit some natural values; although access for emergency, management andrecreation is required.Response: Through the management planning process and specific recreation planning frameworks, Parks Victoriawill rationalise tracks and other disturbances while maintaining appropriate access for recreation and emergencymanagers.Overabundant native animalsChallenge: Managing overabundant kangaroo and koala populations to reduce impacts on vegetation and toensure animal welfare remains a challenge. Mount Eccles National Park will require an intensive effort to avoidsignificant impacts on the park and the koala population.While kangaroo populations were managed to a more sustainable level in locations such as the Mallee,management of populations in several parks around Melbourne is an emerging issue requiring different strategies.Response: Parks Victoria will continue working with researchers to test effective long-term populationmanagement techniques such as fertility control for koalas and, where necessary, kangaroos. It will also continueimproving the efficiency and effectiveness of other methods such as translocation for koalas and other populationmanagement techniques for kangaroos.MANAGING THREATENING POCESSES WITHIN PARKS150

Stock grazing and grassland managementChallenge: While stock grazing has been applied as an interim management measure to protect biodiversityof some specific lowland grasslands based on scientific advice, there is currently limited knowledge of theeffectiveness of alternative techniques.Response: A grassland adaptive management program will be developed to improve understanding of the impactand/or benefits of stock grazing in some lowland grasslands and will trial alternative management techniques suchas fire to maintain or improve grassland condition.For those parks, particularly those reserved under the National Parks Act, where it has been found that stockgrazing licences for agricultural purposes are current but not consistent with VEAC recommendationsor government decisions, licences will be not be renewed.Phytophthora cinnamomi riskChallenge: Limiting the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi in infected parks and to those at high riskis a challenge.Response: Parks Victoria will continue to develop and implement hygiene plans in infected and high risk parks.Visitor activity impacts5ChapterChallenge: As some parks become increasingly popular, providing sustainable visitor opportunities that minimiseimpacts on natural values will become a more complex task.Response: Parks Victoria will continue to apply its planning tools (eg. Levels of Service and Levels of Protection –see sections 3.2 and 7.3) to identify high value parks or sites at risk from concentrated impacts of visitor activities.There will be a range of responses including site re-design, re-direction to more appropriate sites and education.Parks Victoria has also launched several projects with its research partners to review and implement methods tomonitor changes to park condition arising from visitor activities.151 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

ReferencesEnvironment Australia (2001). Threat Abatement Plan for Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus Phytophthoracinnamomi, Environment Australia, Canberra.Long, K., Robley, A., Cheal, D., White, M., Carter, O., Tolsma, A. and Oates, A. (2003). Prioritisation of RabbitControl within the Parks Victoria Estate: Reducing Risks to Environmental Values, Arthur Rylah Institute forEnvironmental Research, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne. Unpublished report to ParksVictoria.Martin, P. (2003). Killing Us Softly – Australia’s Green Stalkers, A Call to Action on Invasive Plants, and a WayForward, CRC for Australian Weed Management, Glen Osmond.Milne, R. and Gibson, M. (2002). Strategic Assessment of Fragmentation of Parks and Reserves by Roads andTracks, Phase 2 – Level of Fragmentation of Parks and Reserves by Roads and Tracks, report to Parks Victoria,Centre for Environmental Management, University of Ballarat, Mount Helen, Victoria.Milne, R. and Gibson, M. (2004). Strategic Assessment of Fragmentation of Parks and Reserves by Roads andTracks, Phase 3 – Risks and Values, report to Parks Victoria, Centre for Environmental Management, University ofBallarat, Mount Helen, Victoria.National Weed Strategy: http://www.weeds.org.au/nws.htmParks Victoria (2003a). Review of Terrick Terrick National Park Land Use History and Grazing ManagementGuidelines, Part A, Draft report prepared for Parks Victoria by the Johnstone Centre for Research in NaturalResources and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW.Parks Victoria (2003b). Craigieburn Grassland Reserve Land Use History and Grazing Management Guidelines, Draftreport prepared for Parks Victoria by Centre for Environmental Management, University of Ballarat, Ballarat.Parks Victoria (2004). Terrick Terrick National Park Management Plan, Parks Victoria, Melbourne.Robley, A. and Choquenot, D. (2002). Assessing the Alignment of Parks Victoria’s Fox Control Program withPriorities for Reducing Risks to Native Species, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Unpublishedreport to Parks Victoria.5ChapterSinden, J., Jones, R., Hester, S., Odom, D., Kalisch, C., James, R., and Cacho, O. (2004). The Economic Impact ofWeeds in Australia, CRC Technical Series #8, Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weeds Management,Adelaide.University of Ballarat (2002a). Preliminary review of the actual and potential distribution of P. cinnamomi dieback inParks and Reserves across Victoria, report prepared for Parks Victoria by Centre for Environmental Management,University of Ballarat, Ballarat.University of Ballarat (2002b). Assessment of guidelines for best practice management of P. cinnamomi in Parks andReserves across Victoria, report prepared for Parks Victoria by Centre for Environmental Management, University ofBallarat, Ballarat.Virtue, J.G., Bennett, S.J. and Randall, R.P. (2004). Plant introductions in Australia: How Can we resolve ‘Weedy’Conflicts of Interest? In: Proceedings of 14th Australian Weeds Conference (ed. B. Sindel), pp.42– 8, Weed Societyof New South Wales, Sydney.Weiss, J., Iaconis, L. and Hunt, T. (2003). Assessing the Risk Posed by Weeds to Victoria’s Parks and Reserves Estate,unpublished report to Parks Victoria, Keith Turnbull Research Institute.Wong, N. and Morgan, J. (2005). Review of Grassland Management in South-eastern Australia, La Trobe University,Melbourne, report prepared for Parks Victoria by Department of Botany, LaTrobe University.MANAGING THREATENING POCESSES WITHIN PARKS152

Tute’s Cottage, Castlemaine,part of the Castlemaine DiggingsNational Heritage Park. 140A shell midden in the PointNepean National Park. 141

Cultural heritagemanagementVictoria has a rich cultural heritage reflecting along association between people and the naturalenvironment. Archaeological evidence reveals theconnection between Victoria’s Indigenous peopleand their Country stretches back more than 40,000years. This connection for some Traditional Ownersand Indigenous communities, as well as a sharedheritage since European settlement, continues to evolveand is often represented and accessible in parks.Managing cultural heritage in parks starts with respectand understanding for the traditions and significanceof that heritage and where possible, cooperativemanagement activities.This chapter summarises the management of Indigenousand post-European settlement heritage in parks.It presents Parks Victoria’s approach to working withTraditional Owners and Indigenous communities tounderstand, respect and manage their heritage, alongwith an approach to understanding the significanceof post-European settlement heritage. It documentsthe physical evidence of cultural heritage as well as thepartnerships, plans and conservation works that enableVictorians to connect with their heritage in parks.6

6.1 Cultural heritage within parksParks contain a significant collection of cultural heritage places. These are part of acontinually evolving archive, documenting peoples’ relationships with the land. They reflectthe cultural values, aspirations and responses to land of communities through time. This richheritage is a vital and essential record of our history; a reminder of our past and a legitimatepart of our future.All landscapes contain cultural heritage and people assign values, sometimes intuitively,to places within a landscape. For Indigenous people, landforms, minerals, plants andanimals may have totemic associations, represent spiritual beliefs or links to cultural lore.People’s interaction with the environment transforms landscapes into cultural landscapes.Physical cultural heritage in parks includes places of spiritual significance (eg. stone ringsand memorials), artwork sites on rock shelters and caves, burial grounds, cemeteries andmassacre sites, complex buildings and structures, gardens, quarries and mining sites, rockwells, scar trees and forestry sites and surface and sub-surface scatters (eg. middens).Significant numbers of moveable cultural heritage items are also found in parks, includingstone axes and tools, stone hut foundations, milling and mining machinery, furniture,wheat bags and horse blankets. Many of these are associated with major historic buildings.6ChapterThis section broadly describes the physical cultural heritage of some of Victoria’s TraditionalOwners found in parks. A common heritage since European settlement is also describedin terms of historic themes, cultural landscapes and historic places and objects.Steiglitz township, 1867,now part of the SteiglitzHistoric Park. 142Ngamadjidj shelter ‘WhiteSpirits Celebrating’, ochre rockart site, unique to GrampiansNational Park – Gariwerd. 143155VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

6.1.1 Indigenous cultural heritage and parksIndicatorRationale(A) Victoria’s Traditional Owners As the Traditional Owners of Victoria, Indigenous people(B) Physical evidence of Indigenous cultural heritage have a strong desire to care for their traditional lands. TheCountry of many Traditional Owner groups throughoutVictoria is located within parks. These indicators describethese groups as well as places in parks that provide physicalevidence of their long association with Country.ContextCaring for Country is intrinsic to Indigenous identity. Indigenous people have cultural and spiritual obligationsand responsibilities to their Country. Through their interactions, people have memories of events, ceremonies andexperiences that may have changed the natural environment and/or led to the construction of a built environment.Contemporary feelings for the environment include opportunities for living tradition and history and, unlike otherland tenures parks can provide unique opportunities for accessing and caring for Country. When connections havebeen lost, little may be known of that tradition and history. Identifying physical evidence can therefore beimportant in re-establishing that connection as well as understanding the significance of places and how bestto manage them.(A) Victoria’s Traditional OwnersTraditional Owners are Indigenous people whose ancestors owned and cared for particular Country before thearrival of Europeans. Indigenous communities are made up of Indigenous people who live in a particular placeor who have come together for a specific reason.Victoria’s Traditional Owner groups have always had diverse ways of living and knowledge of the environment,language and significant stories about creation. Before Europeans arrived, approximately 33 different Indigenouslanguages were spoken throughout Victoria. Many of these are remembered and spoken in full or in part todayby Traditional Owners.The Traditional Owners of Millewa (the Murray River) travelled the river in bark canoes, living on high earth moundswhile feeding on the abundance of food brought by flood waters. It is understood that Otchout, the mighty Codcarved out the Millewa while fleeing the spears of Totyerguil, the hunter.6ChapterIn Gariwerd (the Grampians) region of the Western District, extensive rock art sites created by the ‘old (Aboriginal)people’ provide evidence of Aboriginal ownership of the area since the last ice age. Further south in the swampsand rivers, Gundidjmara and Kirrae people lived in semi-permanent, dome-shaped huts and harvested eels in longwoven baskets fixed to stone-walled channels.Purra, an Ancestral Kangaroo Spirit, marked the route of Barbarton (Wimmera River) from Stawell north toNgelbakutya (Lake Albacutya) and Gooro (Lake Hindmarsh) during its creation. Wirringer (Wirrengren Plain), in themiddle of the Mallee and Wimmera region, was an important meeting place for Indigenous people throughout thisregion and beyond. Ebenezer Mission, established in 1859 on the banks of the Wimmera River near Antwerp, 20kilometres south of Lake Hindmarsh, became a major regional focus and was deliberately built on an importantplace of traditional ceremony, as well as a known massacre site.Bundjil took the form of the eagle and created the Kulin people - their languages, laws and lands. Later Barwoolan ancestral headman, cut the Birrarung (Yarra River) to free the country of floodwaters. This inundated the plainwhere the Kulin had hunted kangaroo and formed Narm (Port Phillip Bay). There are five distinct Kulin communities- the Woiwurrung/ Wurrundjeri of the Birrarung (Yarra) catchment, Boonerwrung of the bays and south coast,Taungurung of the Konella catchment (Goulburn River), Wathaurung of the western plains and Dja Dja Wrungof the Loddon River area. These Kulin communities share as their defining social moiety (totem) either Bundjil,the eagle, or Waa, the raven (crow) and these play a central role in determining social relationships and alliancesfor trade, initiations, celebrations and resolving differences. There are still reminders in Melbourne and its surroundsof traditional Kulin life: a scar tree stands in Fitzroy Gardens, rock wells and shell middens still exist along the Narmcoast and earth rings in the north-west suburbs most likely hosted important ceremonies.CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT156

Indigenous people have lived in the mountains of Gippsland and visited the rugged coast of sacred Wammumor Yirruk (Wilsons Promontory) for over 30,000 years. Some made the annual trek to the high plains forceremonies, timed to coincide with the harvest of the Bogong moth.Many of these groups have cultural links with Country that is now reserved in parks.“I am walking on the land. I am living. I am cultural history. I am the first person.I am the descendent of the people from here. My people have been walkingfor thousands of years on this particular bit of land.”Pauline Mullett, Brabuwoolong Woman,Kurnai Traditional Owner from Gippsland (Landon, 2005).Traditional Owners and ParksVictoria staff at Cape ConranCoastal Park. The naturalenvironment is valued byTraditional Owners becauseit embodies their physical,emotional and spiritualattachment to their Country. 144Traditional ownership means to Indigenous peoplethat all of Victoria is significant.6Chapter(B) Physical evidence of Indigenous cultural heritageCultural places can reflect patterns of land use, travel, communication, beliefs, traditions and events.Places of significance to Indigenous people may feature evidence of dwellings such as rock shelters and stone hutfoundations, artworks on rock surfaces, burial sites, scar trees or quarries or surface scatters associated with themanufacture of tools. Many significant places may have no physical form due to a spiritual association such as thelocation of creation or a spirit being.More than 7,800 Indigenous cultural places have been recorded in just over two per cent of the total areaof the parks network. This represents 31% of the total recorded in Victoria, including a large proportion (85%)of the state’s known art sites (Figure 6.1). Knowledge of these places is largely the result of systematic surveyingand consultation with Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities. Parks play a critical role in protecting theseplaces and ensuring Traditional Owners can maintain cultural connections with Country. Many places in parks maynot be well represented, protected or managed on other land tenures, nor may they be acknowledged or accessibleto Traditional Owners.Hattah-Kulkyne National Park has the highest number of recorded places in Victoria’s parks (876 places), followedby the Bumbang Island Heritage Area (663), Alpine National Park (417) and Murray-Sunset National Park (323)(Map 6.1). This partly reflects survey efforts as well as some places being readily apparent (eg. scar trees) orexposed as a result of natural processes such as erosion or fire (eg. middens and burial sites). These parks andothers may feature many more places not yet recorded because surveys have not been undertaken or TraditionalOwners and Indigenous communities do not wish their location to be recorded.More than 7,800 Indigenous places have been recordedin parks managed by Parks Victoria.157 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Map 6.1 Indigenous cultural places in parks6ChapterFigure 6.1Proportion of Indigenous places recorded in parks relative to the state total.CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT158

Examples of significant places include Bolin Bolin and Banyule Billabongs (Woiworrong language) in the Yarra ValleyParklands, where prolific trade, marriages, dances, song and stories occurred annually for thousands of years.The whole of the Kulin Nation journeyed annually to these gatherings. Since the mid-1970s when these areasreturned to public ownership, the Wurundjeri have been able to recommence this cultural gathering. Many otherexamples of significant places and creation stories are recorded while others are maintained and passed on byTraditional Owners and Indigenous communities to the next generation. Many stories are directly connected toparks or landforms within them (eg. Budj Bim in Mount Eccles National Park, Bunjil’s Shelter in the GrampiansNational Park, Lake Albacutya in Lake Albacutya Park and Den of Nargun in Mitchell River National Park).Scar tree, WonnangattaRiver Valley, Alpine NationalPark. Scars such as theseshow where Indigenous peoplehave harvested bark. 1456Ancient River Red Gum,Bolin Bolin Billabong,Yarra Valley Parklands. 146Chapter159 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

6.1.2 Historic places represented in parksIndicatorRationale(A) Historic themes Victoria has a diverse cultural heritage originating from(B) Historic reserves and cultural landscapesthe time of European settlement. These indicators describe(C) Historic placeshistoric themes and landscapes prevalent in parks and(D) Moveable collections of historic objectsassociated places and objects that parks are important forconserving.ContextA common heritage since European settlement has been strongly influenced by an evolving relationship betweenmany cultures (Indigenous, European and Asian) and the natural environment. Historic themes and culturallandscapes are a means of understanding that relationship and provide a context for managing significant placesand objects.(A) Historic themesHistoric themes are a means of linking people to their interaction with the environment, both historically andin the present. They link people, stories and events with the places that help illustrate them, provide a comparativecontext for places with cultural heritage values, help emphasise values and meanings beyond a physical place,and provide a basis for managing particular places, including their significance, interpretation and conservation.Historic themes are used together with other tools such as statutory registers, values as defined in the BurraCharter (Australia ICOMOS, 1999) and studies of specific places to fully understand and appropriately managecultural heritage.Historic themes, applied to places within Victoria’s parks, are consistent with the Australian Heritage Commission’sHistoric Themes Framework (AHC, 2001) which emphasises human activities and responses to the Australianenvironment. Many places have complex histories that can be represented by multiple themes so for simplicityare assigned the dominant theme (Case Study 6.1).Of the diversity of historic places found within Victoria’s parks, 86% are classified within 12 themes (Table 6.1).These themes mostly reflect activities likely to occur on public land such as using resources, moving goods, shippingand accessing nature. They also represent activities which tell the story of Victoria since European settlement, withits pastoral origins, gold mining boom and reliance on shipping for transporting settlers and goods to and fromAustralian ports.6ChapterSeveral factors, including the relative number of places, indicate that parks are particularly important for preservingplaces within six of the 12 themes (Table 6.1). Places within these six themes are generally strongly represented inparks in particular parts of Victoria.Many places within the Accessing nature and appreciating natural wonders theme are found in westernand eastern Victoria. Those relating to Defending coastal Victoria, Settlement of Port Phillip (Case Study 6.1)and Shipping along the coast mostly occur around the bay area. Those associated with Living in remote areas aremostly found in the east of the state, and those associated with Using resources – mining are mostly found incentral Victoria but also in remote areas in the west and east of the state.Cobblers Gully puddler,Castlemaine DiggingsNational Heritage Park. 147CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT160

Table 6.1Common themes represented in parks, the proportion of places within each theme and exampleplaces. *highlights the six themes for which parks are particularly important for representing.Common themesProportion of Examples of placesall places in parksUsing natural resources, mining * 37% Alluvial, deep lead and quartz mining and mineralprocessing sites, including the Castlemaine Diggings.Living in remote areas * 8% High country huts in the Alpine and Baw Baw NationalParks; and huts and hut sites in the Grampians, Wyperfeldand Yarra Ranges National Parks.Using natural resources, forestry 7% Kurth Kiln near Gembrook; Sawmills in the Great OtwayNational Park; and Eucalyptus Distilleries, Greater BendigoNational Park.Shipping along the coast * 7% Shipwrecks such as the Loch Ard; and light stations suchas at Cape Otway.Accessing nature and appreciatingnatural wonders *6% Buchan Caves Reserve; Mount Buffalo Chalet and picnicshelters; and Tower Hill near Warrnambool.Primary production 5% Stuchburys farm, Plenty Gorge; Werribee Park; and DaysMill, Murchison.Supplying services 4% Water supply sites around Melbourne at Maroondah andKinglake Parks.Moving goods and people 3% Track, road, railway lines and bridges such as the railwaytrestle bridge at Cudgewa.Living in rural areas 4% Grant and Steiglitz townships.6ChapterOrganising recreation 3% St Kilda Sports Club; Wattle Park and Yarra BendBoathouse.Settlement of Port Phillip * 1% Coolart Homestead and Woodlands Historic Park.Defending coastal Victoria * 1% Fort Nepean, South Channel Fort and Commando trainingcamp, Wilsons Promontory National Park.Cope Hut in theAlpine National Park. 148161 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

6.1 Applying the cultural theme ‘Settlement of Port Phillip’ for managing cultural placesCase StudyAn important collection of places within parks are associated with early European settlement around Port PhillipBay. Using the theme Settlement of Port Phillip, Parks Victoria connects places within parks that reflect thistheme and relate aspects of Melbourne’s early development, such as the associated environmental change anddisplacement of Indigenous people. This strategic approach enhances the interpretation and promotion ofrelated places, which are often more important collectively. It also creates a deeper understanding of their valuesas well as encouraging partnerships with groups sharing an interest in these places.Places within this theme include landmark places (eg. Point Nepean, Arthur’s Seat and the You Yangs),homestead and pastoral properties (eg. Werribee Park, Woodlands Homestead and Point Cook Homestead),and Aboriginal contact places (eg. Yarra Bend Park, Collins Settlement site, Pontville and the Dandenong PolicePaddocks). Individually and collectively, these places illustrate how settlers established homes and infrastructureand a way of life, and how they interacted with Indigenous people.The theme provides context for visitor interpretative materials to help them better understand the journeyof a society, and how settlers modified the environment.Woodlands Homestead,first built in 1843. 1496(B) Historic reserves and cultural landscapesHistoric parks and reserves include places designated as historic areas, historic reserves or historic and culturalfeatures reserves under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 (Vic) and historic or heritage parks under the NationalParks Act 1975 (Vic). These parks and reserves are cultural landscapes where interaction between humans and theenvironment has created distinctive features and patterns that reveal the nature and development of activities thatoccurred.(i) Number of historic parks and reservesChapterSixty-two per cent (102 of 164) of Victoria’s historic parks and reserves are managed by Parks Victoria. Most ofthose not managed by Parks Victoria contain former government buildings which are best conserved throughuse and are more appropriately managed by local communities.The Maldon battery,Maldon Historic Area.One of many historicreserves protectedin the parks network. 150CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT162

(ii) Cultural landscapes in parksCultural landscapes within parks can be classified according to UNESCO’s world heritage guidelines for culturallandscapes (UNESCO, 2005). These guidelines describe organically evolved, designed and associativelandscapes.The 52 historic parks and the larger (>20 hectares) historic reserves are organically evolved landscapes.They reflect the evolution of the landscape in response to forestry practices, grazing and mid-19th century goldrushes. Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park (Case Study 6.2) and Beechworth and Steiglitz Historic Parksreflect Victoria’s mining-related history. Point Nepean National Park, which contains the former quarantine stationand Port Phillip Bay defences, reflects an era of defending Victoria’s coast. Other park types also protect organicallyevolved landscapes. For example, the Wallace’s Hut / Cope Hut area on the Bogong High Plains in the Alpine NationalPark and regional parks such as Bendigo, Creswick and Hepburn Regional Park commonly have close associationswith rural towns.Within evolved cultural landscapes a need exists to accommodate ongoing activities and natural process that arecompatible with and support conservation efforts of cultural landscape values. It is important to differentiatebetween archaeological places, where intervention should occur to protect heritage values, and those places whichshould be allowed to decay. The use of buildings also needs careful management to ensure they are compatiblewith and do not diminish the significance of a cultural landscape.Designed landscapes, unlike organically evolved landscapes, are the result of planning and modifications to thenatural environment such as planting of exotic species in gardens or parklands for aesthetic reasons. Gardens atWerribee Park and in the Dandenong Ranges are examples of significantly modified landscapes requiring intensivemanagement. Other examples include burial grounds and Chinese market gardens, like those found at VaughanMineral Springs within the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.6Werribee Park Mansionand gardens, an exampleof a designed landscape. 151ChapterAssociative landscapes are scenic locations and places linked with historical events, important people or culturalactivities. Mount Buffalo and the Grampians National Parks are examples of recognised scenic areas. Loch ArdGorge, where the clipper Loch Ard was wrecked in 1878, and the Monster Meeting site at Chewton in theCastlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, where thousands of miners protested in 1851 against the mininglicence fee, are examples of places associated with historic events. Cheviot Beach at Point Nepean, where PrimeMinister Harold Holt drowned, is a reminder of a significant historical event for the nation.A headstone fortwo victims of thewreck of the Loch Ard. 152163 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

6.2 Managing the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage ParkCase StudyThe Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park was an Australian first. It was created in recognition of itsassociation with the Victorian gold rush, a period which helped shape modern Australia. An extraordinarilylayered landscape is formed by the park’s natural attributes, its Box-Ironbark forest, topography and geology,which co-exist with evidence of Indigenous occupation and a unique abundance of historic gold rush andmining relics.Geology has directly controlled and shaped the land. It endowed the earth with gold, the major lure forEuropean settlement. Its geological evolution also contributed to the evolution of the Box-Ironbark forest whichsupplied all the requirements of its original occupiers, the Jaara Jaara people, for tens of thousands of years.The Jaara Jaara people continue to live locally and their connection with their Country remains strong.The cultural layer deposited on the landscape by gold diggers was intense. The forest now largely survives asregrowth and its structure is considerably different (see chapter 3, Case Study 3.2). The shape of the land hasalso changed, with tremendous amounts of soil and stones moved from place to place. The park contains manythousands of individual sites including alluvial pits, reef shafts, battery sites, water races, sluiced ground,hydraulic sluicing holes, ore roasting pits, huts and chimneys, stone fences and tracks, roads and tramways.Parks Victoria prepared a Heritage Action Plan for the park in 2002. Since then, a range of activities have beenundertaken to conserve, protect, understand and build awareness of the park’s diverse heritage values.Conservation works have been conducted at Garfield Waterwheel, Butchers Gully, Wattle Gully Gold Mine andSpring Gully Gold Mine.Conserving the park’s more subtle cultural features has required managing access to sites through developingand marketing a heritage driving trail and walking tracks, such as Eureka Reef Walk and Herons Reef Walk.Exploration of the park’s Indigenous heritage is underway in partnership with Traditional Owners.The remnants of a hutat Englishman’s Reef withinthe Castlemaine DiggingsNational Heritage Park. 1536ChapterCULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT164

(C) Historic placesHistoric places may consist of one or more assets that have evolved since European settlement. They include:community buildings such as schools, court houses, gaols and churches; residential buildings such as huts,homesteads, settlement sites and farms; cemeteries and burial sites; exploration routes; defence structures; minesand batteries; public utilities; recreational areas and gardens; light stations, shipwrecks and piers; roads, tracksand communication systems; and structures associated with using natural resources such as sawmills, fishing andwhaling stations.Some of these places are recognised on national or state-based lists of culturally significant places. The NationalHeritage List, established in 2005 via amendments to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act1999 and Regulations (Cwlth) and administered by the federal Department of Environment and Heritage,recognises places with outstanding heritage value to the nation. The Victorian Heritage Register, establishedby the Heritage Act 1995 and Regulations (Vic) and administered by Heritage Victoria, lists places of Stateheritage significance.6ChapterFigure 6.2Proportion of heritage assets by place type.(i) Number of historic assets recorded in parksMore than 2,800 historic cultural assets are recorded in 374 Victorian parks (Map 6.2). The majority of these occurin terrestrial National Parks Act parks (58%). The Alpine National Park (172 assets), Castlemaine Diggings NationalHeritage Park (162) and Grampians National Park (108) have the highest number of recorded assets. A largeproportion of parks have no recorded historic assets (88%). This may reflect a lack of heritage associated with theisolation and inaccessibility of these parks or may reflect that limited surveys of historic assets have occurred.The more than 2,800 known cultural assets recorded in parks are highly variable, ranging from archaeological ruinsto gardens, large homes and shipwrecks. To appropriately manage these assets, they are classified accordingto their purpose and associated management requirements (Table 6.2).More than 2,800 historic cultural assets are recordedin parks managed by Parks Victoria.Equipment used to help peoplein ship wrecks reach the shore,Port Campbell Rocket Shed,Port Campbell National Park. 154165 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Map 6.2 Historic cultural assets in parksTable 6.2Historic cultural place types and examples of each within parks.Place typeExamplesSubstantial buildings and structures Werribee Mansion, Light Stations, Andersons Mill, Queenscliff Pier and Lifeboat Shed,Woodlands Homestead, Heathcote Powder Magazine, Tower Hill Info Centre, RescueStation State Coal Mine, St Kilda Pier Kiosk, Point Nepean Forts, Eldorado Dredge,Kurth Kiln, Poverty Point Bridge, Lal Lal Blast Furnace and Maude and Yellow Girl Mines.Simple buildings, features and minor Simple buildings such as high country huts, shelters at Mount Buffalo, shelters atstructuresMaldon, Steiglitz blacksmith cottage, cemeteries, cairns, jetties, picnic shelters etc.ShipwrecksShipwrecks such as the Loch Ard and anchors etc.Gardens, plantations and culturally Dandenongs Gardens, Buchan Caves Reserve, Tower Hill, lookouts, arboretum,important natural features orchards and scenic reserves.Ruins and remnantsArchaeological places and relic landscapes particularly associated with miningand homesteads.6ChapterBindaree Hut on theHowqua River in theAlpine National Park. 155CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT166

The anchor from the wreckof the Marie Gabrielle whichsunk in 1869, Twelve ApostlesMarine National Park. 156(ii) Number of listed places in parks as a percentage of the state totalIn 2005, the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park was recognised for its outstanding heritage value to thenation with its listing on the National Heritage List. The Point Nepean National Park has since been added to thelist. These are two of only 13 Victorian locations listed on the National Heritage List.The Victorian Heritage Register contains 286 land-based sites and shipwrecks within parks. A substantial proportionof particular place types listed on Victoria’s Register occur in parks:6Chapter- 8 of 12 light houses (67%);- 90 of 128 gold mining-related places (70%);- 141 of 650 historic shipwrecks believed to be in Victorian waters (22%); and- 15 of 18 high country huts assessed as potentially having State heritage significance (83%).Cape Otway light station,which began service in 1848and operated until 1994. 157167 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

The Alfred Nicholas Gardens,part of the historic BurnhamBeeches Estate, in theDandenong Ranges. 158(D) Moveable collections of historic objectsMany items of movable cultural heritage are found in parks. Original furniture, some still in use, pieces ofdecorative art, contemporary art, historic paintings, drawings and sculptures are found in homesteads and gardens.A diverse range of objects associated with past uses are still in situ in other places, including milling machinery,optical apparatus, clock work mechanisms, motors, weather recording devices, wagons, agricultural machinery,mining and caving equipment.Some of these artefacts are particularly fragile such as the woollen navigational flags at Cape Nelson LighthouseReserve, horse blankets and wheat bags at Day’s Mill and the fragile botanical specimens at Tarra-Bulga NationalPark. Many original documents and photographs are also known to exist at various locations.More than 7,600 records of moveable objects have been catalogued in 16 parks. The majority of these are foundat Werribee Park (3,645) with a significant number at Day’s Mill Historic Reserve (1,351), William Ricketts Sanctuary(1,022) and Kurth Kiln Regional Park (503). The total number of objects is likely to be higher as one record mayrepresent a number of items.6More than 7,600 records of moveable cultural objectsare recorded in just 16 parks.ChapterDinner menu for the MountBuffalo Chalet forChristmas day 1940. 159Historic objects fromAnderson’s Mill, at Smeaton,north of Creswick.The timber casting pattern(left) was used to castthe iron hub of the waterwheel at the mill. 160CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT168

6.2 Effectively managing Indigenous cultural heritageManaging Indigenous cultural heritage involves more than simply managing individualplaces. It requires broad community understanding and support for the value of a place orlandscape beyond the tangible remains of past use. Recognising the connections to Country,cultural obligations and values of contemporary Indigenous people is critical to the survivalof Indigenous culture.Parks Victoria works to ensure parks are places where:Indigenous people’s rights, aspirations and needs are acknowledgedand Indigenous culture is conserved and managed in partnershipwith Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities.The specific objectives Parks Victoria has developed to achieve this outcome are:- enhance recognition and acceptance of Traditional Owners’ rights, obligations andsupport for their aspirations and needs to care for Country associated with parks;- improve knowledge and protection of Indigenous cultural places particularly where theirintegrity is threatened;- increase representation of Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities in planningand decision-making in all aspects of park management;6- greater and more diverse representation of Indigenous people in Parks Victoria’s staff profile;- sound relationships and sustainable partnerships between Parks Victoria and TraditionalOwners and Indigenous communities; andChapter- increase support for Indigenous business enterprise opportunities.Strategies to achieve these objectives are outlined in Parks Victoria’s Indigenous PartnershipStrategy and Action Plan (Parks Victoria, 2005), released in 2005 after consultation withTraditional Owners and Indigenous communities, other government agencies as well asinterstate park and heritage agencies. This Plan supports staff, Traditional Owners andIndigenous communities in working together. It outlines Parks Victoria legislative and policyobligations for managing Indigenous cultural heritage and defines strategies to deliver theabove objectives.This section describes progress towards achieving these objectives and areas whereimprovements can be made. In particular, it focuses on:- building relationships and partnerships by involving Traditional Owners and Indigenouscommunities in decision-making and Indigenous enterprise;- enhancing recognition and awareness of Indigenous cultural heritage by supportingcontemporary cultural activities, staff training and Indigenous people working in parkmanagement; and- improving the knowledge base of cultural heritage in parks to more appropriately manage it.A measure of how effectively Parks Victoria manages cultural heritage will ultimately bedemonstrated through Traditional Owners managing their culture and endorsing ParksVictoria’s management aims and outcomes.169VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

6.2.1 Relationships and partnerships with Traditional Owners and Indigenous communitiesIndicatorRationale(A) Involving Indigenous people in park management Positive relationships with Traditional Owners and(B) Building partnerships and supporting IndigenousenterpriseIndigenous communities are fundamental to achieving ParksVictoria’s objectives for Indigenous cultural heritage. Theseindicators describe how Indigenous people are involvedin park management. Examples of Indigenous enterpriserelated to parks are also provided.ContextRelationships with Indigenous people make Parks Victoria aware of the aspirations they have for their Countryand also builds the organisations knowledge of parks. Cultural awareness training over time will build confidenceand strengthen relationships between Parks Victoria and Indigenous people and communities.(A) Involving Indigenous people in park managementFormal and informal relationships and arrangements are explored by Parks Victoria to involve Indigenous peoplein park management. The Guidelines for Working with Aboriginal Communities and Protection of Cultural Sites(Parks Victoria, 2002) was developed to help staff comply with site protection legislation and the Native Title Act,1993 (Cwlth) as well as generally improve consultation with Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities.The Indigenous Partnership Strategy and Action Plan (Parks Victoria, 2005) was developed to demonstrate ParksVictoria’s commitment and leadership in working with Indigenous people. It is helping break down barriersand identifying opportunities for greater involvement of Traditional Owners and other Indigenous people inmanaging Victoria’s parks. Parks Victoria is committed to developing partnerships based on mutual respect andtrust and to recognising that Indigenous cultural values are intimately bonded to landscape and natural values.The Indigenous Partnership Strategy and Action Plan marks the startof stronger relationships and partnerships between Parks Victoriaand Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities.6Chapter(i) Parks with regular Indigenous input into park managementAppropriately managing cultural heritage requires identifying the cultural values of animals, plants, items andplaces and the requirements, risks and constraints associated with retaining them. Consulting with TraditionalOwners, interest groups and interested communities is vital to this process.Projects where relevant groups were involved in decision-making for cultural heritage management included theWinda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation’s Lake Condah Sustainability Project, the Marine Parks Advisory Group and theBorrell-a-Kandelop Western District Lakes Protection and Rehabilitation Project with the Framlingham AboriginalTrust. Examples of Indigenous participation in works to preserve places in parks are shown in Case Studies 6.3, 6.4,6.5, 6.7 and 6.8.As of 2005, the nature of relationships with Indigenous people and communities varied from formal agreementsand partnerships to little interaction. Of 236 parks assessed by Parks Victoria staff, there was an established andregular process for consulting with Traditional Owners or Indigenous communities in 36% (85 parks). In 24% (57parks) staff reported they were unaware of an Indigenous community with an interest in a park.Common barriers to building lasting relationships have included a lack of understanding and confidence ininitiating discussions, identifying the appropriate person to speak with as well as a limited capacity within someIndigenous communities to become involved in park-related issues. With the release of the Indigenous PartnershipStrategy and Action Plan there are further opportunities to expand the consultation program to other parks.CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT170

6.3 Rehabilitating Indigenous burial groundsCase StudyA unique approach to managing Indigenous cultural values as well as natural values has been demonstratedin the Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray Sunset National Parks.Both parks contain burial grounds which are spiritually significant to Traditional Owners and the Indigenouscommunity. Some dune systems where these burial grounds are located are degraded and without vegetationdue to wind and rain erosion and overgrazing. Degradation of the dune systems can lead to the exposureof burial remains and damage the spiritual values of the area.To ensure the burial grounds are preserved, two management techniques have been developed andimplemented by Traditional Owners, Indigenous communities and Parks Victoria. In the short term, burialremains are stabilised with jute-matting, branches and logs which also trap sand drift and native seeds.In the long term, sand drift is reshaped to reform the dune system and rye-corn is sown to maintain thestabilisation process. Native vegetation eventually replaces the rye-corn and the dune system and burial groundsare rehabilitated.Stabilising Indigenousburial grounds with grassesto prevent erosion. 1616Chapter6.4 Protecting Indigenous oven mounds in Barmah State ParkCase StudyAn archaeological investigation of Barmah State Park and adjoining State Forest by the Yorta Yorta Aboriginalcommunity and Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) revealed 182 cultural heritage sites. Several activities potentiallythreaten these sites, with particular concern for oven mounds being trampled by grazing cattle. Grazing stockcan create depressions in mounds and reduce vegetation cover, making them vulnerable to wind and watererosion and in extreme cases, exposing highly sensitive cultural material.In consultation with the Yorta Yorta people, the construction of fences to limit cattle access was agreed to as anappropriate means to protect cultural sites. Fences were constructed around eight oven mounds by Indigenouspeople in partnership with Parks Victoria and AAV. Subsequent inspections of fenced and unfenced ovenmounds have demonstrated that damage in fenced sites has been significantly reduced.An oven mound in the BarmahState Park. The area has beenfenced in order to keep cattlefrom damaging the mounds. 162171 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

(ii) Park management plans and Indigenous consultationParks Victoria seeks the participation of Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities when developing parkmanagement plans to incorporate their knowledge, traditions, customs, beliefs, rights and aspirations. There were15 park management plans with specific references to cultural values developed during the reporting period. Theseincluded plans for the Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, Port Phillip Heads, and Point Addis Marine National Parks,Point Danger, Eagle Rock and Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuaries, Greater Bendigo and Heathcote-GraytownNational Parks and the Broken-Boosey State Park.Up to 35 Traditional Owner groups, 12 interest groups and 17 interested communities were consulted on culturalheritage planning matters. Notable examples of active consultation focused on the Castlemaine Diggings NationalHeritage Park and Grampians National Park (Gariwerd Parks Advisory Committee).(iii) Perception of Traditional Owners and Indigenous communitiesFeedback from Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities suggests that Parks Victoria is making greaterefforts to establish and maintain contact. Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities see Parks Victoria’sIndigenous Partnership Strategy and Action Plan as the beginning of a stronger relationship with land managersand greater ownership in managing Indigenous cultural values in future.(B) Building partnerships and supporting Indigenous enterpriseParks Victoria worked in partnership with other Victorian Government agencies to promote Indigenous businessopportunities and tourism and develop educational and interpretation materials at a number of locations. ParksVictoria also participated in whole-of-government mediation discussions for Native Title and non-Native Titleoutcomes. As of 2005, there were two formal partnerships in place: the Yorta Yorta Cooperative ManagementAgreement and Brambuk, with several others in process.The Yorta Yorta Cooperative Management Agreement provides the Yorta Yorta people with opportunities to beactively involved in managing their traditional lands and waters through membership of the Yorta Yorta Joint Body.This body has five Yorta Yorta members and three Victorian Government representatives. The Agreement relatesto some 50,000 hectares of Crown Land and waters which include Kow Swamp, Barmah State Park, BarmahState Forest and reserves on the banks of the Murray and Goulburn Rivers. This area includes parks managedby Parks Victoria.At Halls Gap, an agreement was reached between Brambuk and Parks Victoria to integrate two separate existingfacilities – the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre and the Grampians National Park Visitor Centre – to create aunique cultural tourism resource for regional Victoria, Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre. The centrewill be run jointly with five Indigenous communities represented, providing park information, education servicesand allowing an understanding and appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage values of the Grampians/Gariwerd region. As a step towards the vision, a new entry building was constructed (officially opened inSeptember 2006). This was the first stage of a major project to revitalise the precinct.6ChapterBrambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre will helpbuild a greater understanding and appreciation of the naturaland cultural heritage values of the Grampians/Gariwerd region.Brambuk – the NationalPark and Cultural Centre,Grampians National Park– Gariwerd. 163CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT172

Parks Victoria also worked with Indigenous people to improve their participation in business enterprises associatedwith parks. These included the Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Co-operative in their operation of the Visitor Centre atTower Hill Game Reserve in Warrnambool and Budj Bim Tours and Hospitality at Mount Eccles National Park. Inreturn for their volunteer services the Co-operative can promote their products. Budj Bim Tours and Hospitalitywould be based at the Mount Eccles National Park Visitor Centre and provide support and information to parkvisitors as well as facilitate tours within the far south-west of the region.Other examples of how Parks Victoria worked with Indigenous people and communities to help them buildenterprise in parks included:- Developing and presenting six Indigenous Business Enterprise workshops.- Helping establish and becoming a partner in the Wimmera Indigenous Resource Management Partnership todeliver native title outcomes for the Wotjobaluk people. The partnership relates to parts of Little Desert NationalPark, Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park, Lake Albacutya Park, Lake Hindmarsh and reserves along the WimmeraRiver.- Jointly establishing the nationally-accredited Site Survey and Protection Training Program in partnership withAAV. This inaugural program was facilitated at Barmah State Park with Yorta Yorta people.- Leading the establishment of the Fire Rehabilitation Implementation Indigenous Heritage Steering Groupfollowing the 2002/03 alpine fires, which initiated new partnerships with Traditional Owners and otheragencies.- Traditional Owners from the alpine regions gathering at Dinner Plain and establishing the Victorian AlpsTraditional Owners Group to advise on park management issues (Case Study 6.5).6.5 Australian Alps First Peoples Gathering April 1-3 20056ChapterCase StudyIn 2005, the Australian Alps First Peoples Gathering was held at Dinner Plain in the Victorian Alps.Representatives of Traditional Owner groups from the Australian Alps national parks came together to buildrelationships, share information and experiences and discuss their future involvement in park management withstaff from Victorian, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory park agencies. Traditional Ownersdeveloped their ideas around caring for Country and discussed management models for more effectivelyengaging with Parks Victoria staff on managing cultural sites within alpine parks.Representatives of TraditionalOwner groups at the FirstPeoples Gathering at DinnerPlain in the Victorian Alps. 164173 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

6.2.2 Recognition and awareness of Indigenous cultural heritageIndicatorRationale(A) Supporting cultural activities in parks Enhancing recognition and awareness of the rights and(B) Cultural awareness trainingobligations of Traditional Owners to care for Country(C) Indigenous employmentstarts with an understanding of Indigenous culture.These indicators describe how Parks Victoria supportscultural activities in parks and how we work to improveunderstanding of culture through training and by employingIndigenous staff.ContextAnimals, plants, items and places have meaning to people. This meaning is highly localised to different TraditionalOwner groups and influences appropriate management of cultural heritage within parks. Parks Victoria works tobetter understand these meanings and contemporary cultural values and obligations by facilitating culturalawareness training in partnership with Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities. Employing Indigenous staffincreases understanding of culture and the important role that parks play in connecting people with Country. Parksoffer opportunities for Indigenous people to engage in cultural activities to maintain contemporary cultural values –opportunities that may be unavailable on other land tenures.(A) Supporting cultural activities in parksSupport from Parks Victoria for cultural activities enables Traditional Owners to experience their traditional culturalobligations and responsibilities to Country. These activities provide a base for linking cultural heritage to thespiritual world, to Elders and to younger generations. In this way, for example, an Indigenous fireplace representsphysical archaeology and evidence of traditional ownership and through ongoing use also becomes part of livingculture.Engaging in cultural activities on Country in parks remains an aspiration of Indigenous people in Victoria. Anexample of this is the Tanderrum Corroboree held in 2004 at Leanganook in Mount Alexander Regional Park. Thecorroboree was held to celebrate the Tanderrum ceremony which had not been performed since 1854. SeveralTraditional Owner groups participated in this corroboree which culminated in the burning of the Mindi snake.Interested members of the public could attend and learn about the corroboree and its significance.6ChapterTanderrum Corroboreeat Leanganook(Mount Alexander).Traditional Owners fromJaara Jaara Country dancewith Traditional Ownersfrom surrounding Countryin celebrating the Mindi,the rainbow serpent. 165CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT174

(B) Cultural awareness trainingA Cross-Cultural Awareness and Learning Exchange Program was first established in 2000 to increaseunderstanding by Parks Victoria staff of traditional and contemporary Indigenous people and their culture,knowledge of State and Commonwealth site protection legislation, appreciation of important cultural heritage sitesand places in parks as well as cultural traditions, beliefs and practices.The program provides opportunities to meet Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities, to gain Indigenousperspectives and learn about the rights, aspirations and concerns of local Indigenous people, particularly thoserelating to parks. The dialogue this created has prompted greater understanding and working partnerships.(i) Proportion of Parks Victoria staff who undertook cross-cultural trainingThe Cross Cultural Awareness and Learning Exchange Program continues to be delivered in partnership by ParksVictoria staff, Traditional Owners or other Indigenous community representatives, and in some cases is facilitated byan external consultant. By mid 2005, over half of Parks Victoria’s employees had attended one or more of theseprograms. A target has been set for all staff to complete at least one program.More than half of Parks Victoria’s workforcehas attended a cross-cultural training program.(ii) Parks Victoria staff response to cross-cultural trainingParks Victoria staff have overwhelmingly reported that cross-cultural training improved their knowledge andunderstanding of the history of Indigenous people in Victoria. The training has also developed staff confidence inimplementing Parks Victoria policy on Indigenous cultural values and complying with State and Commonwealthcultural heritage legislation and the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth). Some staff had opportunities to engage directlywith Indigenous people for the first time which allowed them to confidently build mutual relationships.6Chapter(C) Indigenous employmentParks Victoria’s Indigenous employees provide unique experiences and insights to park management. Knowledge oftheir culture and traditions and different perspectives of managing the natural environment can be gained by otherstaff and the public and applied on-ground. In return, individuals and communities can benefit from working for aconservation agency and the confidence gained from that."Being employed by Parks Victoria has enabledme to be actively involved in the managementof Victoria's protected area network asmy family have done for many thousands of years.This has enabled me to find my place in societyand I am now financially secure and can planmy future. As a result, my self esteemas never been higher."166Barry Coombes,Parks Victoria employee and Wurundjeri man.175 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

(i) Proportion of Parks Victoria staff of Indigenous heritageDuring the reporting period the number of Indigenous staff employed by Parks Victoria increased from 15 to 51,representing approximately 5% of Parks Victoria’s workforce. Indigenous staff have worked in a variety of fieldbased,regional and corporate roles. Indigenous people were also engaged in casual, seasonal and contractpositions as opportunities arose. Parks Victoria has set a short-term target of increasing Indigenous employmentto 7% of its workforce.Parks Victoria Indigenous staffand managers with the thenMinister for the Environment,the Hon John Thwaites MPand the Minister for AboriginalAffairs, the Hon Gavin JenningsMLC at the launch of the Level3 Certificate in Conservationand Land Management. 1676ChapterCULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT176

6.2.3 Managing Indigenous physical cultural heritageIndicator(A) Improving knowledge of Indigenousphysical cultural heritage(B) Factors impacting on the integrityof physical cultural heritage(C) Minimising impacts on physical cultural heritageRationaleAn awareness and appreciation of the significance ofphysical cultural heritage and the factors that impact onthat heritage are essential to appropriately managing it.These indicators describe Parks Victoria’s efforts to improveunderstanding and management of this heritage.ContextThe loss of physical cultural heritage from threatening processes involves not just the physical loss of a placeor value and the information it provides but also the potential severing of the link contemporary Indigenous peoplehave to their ancestry. Parks Victoria gains information and knowledge of Indigenous cultural heritage froma variety of sources, including:- relationships and partnerships with Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities;- improving staff awareness and knowledge through cross-cultural awareness and learning exchange training;- archaeological or typological surveys;- anthropological and historical research; and- partnerships with other Victorian Government agencies.6ChapterAboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) is responsible for registering cultural heritage sites. Subject to Traditional Ownerand Indigenous community approval, information on newly identified sites is registered with AAV for inclusionin a state-wide database. Parks Victoria can then protect and manage these sites in line with Victorian andCommonwealth legislation and policy. Protecting cultural heritage requires surveying, research and staff trainingand wherever possible, involving Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities.(A) Improving knowledge of Indigenous physical cultural heritageParks Victoria commissions surveys in parks to identify the type, location, condition and cultural value of places.This is undertaken as part of strategic planning, as pre-cursors to development or as post-event assessmentsas well as in response to aspirations of Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities to be specifically involvedin preserving Indigenous physical cultural heritage.These surveys inform Parks Victoria’s planning and management activities, particularly site protection andrehabilitation and maintenance works. Subject to Traditional Owner approval, information on newly identifiedIndigenous sites in parks is registered with AAV for inclusion in Victoria’s state-wide database. Sharing thisinformation encourages a broader understanding and appreciation of the association that Indigenous people havewith the Victorian landscape. In some cases, information may not be available to park staff due to its sensitiveor confidential nature. Information is accessible when Parks Victoria reaches agreement with Traditional Ownersand Indigenous communities.As of 2005, just over 50 archaeological surveys in more than 30 parks had occurred in partnership with TraditionalOwners. These surveys highlighted a large number of new and significant Indigenous sites. In particular, surveysin the Alpine National Park following the 2002/03 fires identified 350 major new sites revealing travel and traderoutes as well as gathering, ceremonial and camp sites. This knowledge has significantly contributed to a betterunderstanding of Victoria’s alpine history, which Traditional Owners believed had received little recognition.Archaeological surveys in the Alpine National Park followingthe 2002/03 fires revealed travel and trade routes and gathering,ceremonial and camp sites.177 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Wada-Wurrung Rockwell inYou Yangs Regional Park.Rockwells were often createdby the chipping away of rockaround the edges of naturaldepressions, and were usedto collect drinking water.These rockwells are significantfor the Wada-Wurrungas they are evidence ofTraditional Ownershipof the You Yangs area. 168As of 2005, 2% of the area of Victoria’s parks had been surveyed in detail for Indigenous physical cultural heritage.While more than 7,800 places were recorded, it is certain that many unrecorded Indigenous physical culturalheritage exists in parks. Future surveys are likely as Parks Victoria staff, Traditional Owners and Indigenouscommunities identify areas of interest.Parks Victoria contributed to anthropological research in partnership with Traditional Owners and Indigenouscommunities in other ways. This work documented and described trade and travel routes, ceremonial places, familyhistory, creation stories and folklore and connection to and responsibility to care for Country. It provided a deeperunderstanding of Indigenous culture and complimented co-management and business partnerships, forming animportant base for tourism, education and interpretation programs for park visitors. Example projects improvedunderstanding of cultural values of High Country Traditional Owners, Wotjobaluk Traditional Ownership (CaseStudy 6.6) and the Tanderrum Corroboree.6ChapterCULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT178

6.6 Cultural mapping in the WimmeraCase StudyThe greater significance of the Gariwerd to the Wotjobaluk Traditional Owners was recorded during theWotjobaluk Information, Interpretation and Education Project by documenting and mapping the Tchingal story.The Tchingal story documents the creation of Roses Gap and Victoria Gap. Tchingal the Emu chased War theCrow through the Grampians creating Roses Gap and Victoria Gap as they went.This map and others provide a base for Parks Victoria to help the Wotjobaluk Traditional Owners communicatethe significance of Gariwerd to the general public.6Chapter179 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

(B) Factors impacting on the integrity of physical cultural heritageA range of factors can potentially impact on Indigenous physical cultural values in parks. These can be broadlydescribed as environmental, fire, exotic animals, visitors and management.Because the relationship Indigenous people have with the land is through physical remains and spiritualconnections, many significant sites are particularly vulnerable to natural processes, such as erosion, weathering,flooding, pollution and salinity (Case Study 6.3). The impact varies depending on site types and in some cases maybe considered acceptable by Traditional Owners and other relevant Indigenous communities.Wildfire and associated fire suppression activities can potentially negatively impact on Indigenous cultural values.Wildfire impacts can vary in severity depending on their intensity, with higher temperatures generally having longerlasting and at times irreversible impacts, including the loss of artwork and scar trees. Fire suppression activities,including clearing control lines and follow-up rehabilitation works, can cause surface and sub-surface disturbanceand scattering of artefacts and associated loss of in situ meaning (Case Study 6.7).Exotic burrowing and grazing animals in parks can potentially disturb or destroy many surface and sub-surfacesites. Rabbits, horses, cattle, deer, goats and pigs disperse and destabilise sites by digging, trampling and / orremoving protective vegetation cover (Case Study 6.4).While visitation is often localised and concentrated around specific features or sites that are managed to withstandanticipated levels of use, unsustainable impacts are possible when this activity is beyond the capacity of a site.Impacts from visitors can include erosion, site destabilisation, theft and vandalism.The diverse range of values protected and provided by parks can mean that Indigenous cultural heritage is oneof Parks Victoria’s many competing priorities (see chapter 2, section 2.1). For instance, the urgency of containingwildfires may mean that suppression efforts impact on park values. Additionally, a lack of awareness andknowledge can exacerbate these impacts.6.7 Protecting cultural values while responding to wildfireCase StudyFire management is listed as an activity with potential to damage Indigenous cultural heritage in the VictorianGovernment’s Long Ago, Here Today report (AAV, 2004). Earth-moving machinery can damage or destroymiddens, burial sites and scar trees while fire retardants may affect art sites.Wildfire suppression activities are controlled by a multi-agency Incident Management Team (IMT) in accordancewith Victoria’s Code of Practice for Fire Management on Public Land. This team determines the best possiblemeans to control a fire while considering values that may be at risk from both the wildfire itself and suppressionactivities.6ChapterIn the case of a wildfire originating in the Fulham Streamside Reserve in January 2005, an Indigenous CulturalValues Officer within the IMT worked with relevant communities to understand their concerns for cultural valuespotentially threatened by the fire. On-ground protection works were completed ahead of time to protect artsites and operational staff were made aware of the location of culturally sensitive sites to reduce the risk ofsuppression activities impacting on them.Parks Victoria ranger,Suzy Skurrie, and CulturalHeritage Officer Alan Burnsassessing art sites after theMount Lubra fires in January2006, Grampians NationalPark – Gariwerd. 169CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT180

(C) Minimising impacts on physical cultural heritageParks Victoria developed its Guidelines for Working with Aboriginal Communities and Protection of Cultural sites in2002 to guide staff in protecting Indigenous cultural places. Where possible, staff worked with Traditional Ownersand Indigenous communities to:- develop and implement plans to protect vulnerable sites (Case Study 6.8);- interpret sites and deliver general education programs to foster awareness and understanding of the importanceof Indigenous cultural heritage (Case Study 6.6);- involve Indigenous staff and community members, particularly in fire management to ensure that known placesare protected where possible during fire management (Case Study 6.7); and- improve staff awareness of the presence of Indigenous cultural places through cultural training(see 6.2.2 above).6.8 Preserving Jaara Jaara cultural heritage values at Lake Boort Lake ReserveCase StudyLake Boort Lake Reserve is culturally significant to the Jaara Jaara people. The scarred River Red Gums, mounds,artefact scatters, hearth and timber framed earthen dam are all evidence of Jaara Jaara traditional ownershipand lifestyle. Some River Red Gums feature more than five scars, indicating management of bark resources bythe Jaara Jaara over a number of generations. Similarly, the timber-framed earthen dam suggests the Jaara Jaaramanaged water resources, possibly associated with eel harvesting.6In 1850, Boort Swamp in north-central Victoria was modified to create a lake to supply water for the stock ofearly settlers. More recently, Lake Boort was a source of irrigation. Lake Boort Lake Reserve was created inrecognition of its Indigenous cultural heritage and natural values. In 2003, based on a detailed archaeologicaland cultural survey, the Lake Boort Integrated Management Plan (IMP) was developed to preserve Jaara Jaaracultural heritage values at Lake Boort. Its implementation has led to the establishment of an advisory group, thetreatment of scarred River Red Gums and fire suppression activities to ensure their longevity as well as rabbitcontrolling activities to reduce damage to mounds and artefact scatters.ChapterBambi Lees, IndigenousRanger, with scar tree fromJaara Jaara Country aroundBendigo. Scars such as theseshow where Indigenous peoplehave harvested bark. 176181 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

6ChapterCULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT182

6.3 Effectively managing historic placesVictoria’s cultural heritage continued evolving after European settlement and reflectsinteractions between early settlers and Indigenous people, as well as the use, occupationand modification of the natural environment and historical events.Parks play a significant role in protecting and providing access to Victoria’s heritage,and Parks Victoria manages that heritage to ensure current and future generations haveopportunities to enjoy and understand legacies of previous generations.Parks Victoria’s objectives for managing historic cultural heritage are:- a greater understanding of the types and significance of historic places in parksand ensuring knowledge and information to manage cultural heritage is available;- efficient and effectively managing cultural heritage, including sustainable managementthat maximises external resources through partnerships and appropriate use;- improving protection of significant historic places susceptible to threatening processesas well as internal and external pressures and competition;- enhancing community and visitor appreciation and understanding of cultural heritagethat facilitates connection with and pride in their heritage;6Chapter- maintaining or improving the condition of significant historic places as appropriate for thetypes of places, namely substantial historical building and structures, major archaeologicalcomplexes, simple buildings and features, ruins and remnants and gardens, plantationsand culturally important natural features.Strategies to achieve these objectives are included in Parks Victoria’s Heritage ManagementStrategy (Parks Victoria, 2003). The strategy outlines Parks Victoria’s legislative and policyobligations for managing historic cultural heritage, defines its stewardship role in regards to keyhistoric themes and identifies the strategies to sustainably manage historic places and objects.This section describes progress towards achieving these objectives and highlights areaswhere improvements can be made. In particular:- the knowledge base of historic cultural heritage in parks, including the skills baseto manage that heritage;- the nature and distribution of issues that threaten the integrity of historic places;- Parks Victoria’s approach to minimising the impact of those threatening issues; and- the effectiveness of this management, including assessing and improving the conditionof historic places.Mount Buffalo Chalet,built in 1910, is situatedon the edge of theMount Buffalo Plateau,Mount BuffaloNational Park. 171183VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

6.3.1 Knowledge and significanceIndicatorRationale(A) Improving knowledge of historic cultural heritage Knowing the location of historic places and understanding(B) Adequacy of historic cultural heritageknowledge basetheir significance and maintenance requirements is crucialto managing them appropriately. These indicators describeParks Victoria’s efforts to improve its cultural heritageknowledge and how it assessed the adequacy of thisknowledge to manage diverse historic places in parks.ContextKnowledge of cultural heritage can be learned from local communities, other management agencies, heritagesurveys and historical research. This knowledge, combined with staff training and assessment of culturalsignificance, informs Parks Victoria’s planning and management activities, particularly site protection, rehabilitationand maintenance works. Maintenance and repair work is a significant component of conserving historic assets.It requires a level of skill and knowledge of assets being managed, particularly the significance of the fabricof a place and how best to conserve it.Cultural significance is embodied in the fabric, setting, use, associations, meanings, records and the objects of aplace which will have different values to different people (Australia ICOMOS, 1999). Understanding the significanceof a place ensures it is managed appropriately. Communicating the significance of a place to visitors encouragesa broader understanding and appreciation of Victoria’s shared heritage since European settlement.Cultural significance is the aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual valueof a site, landscape, area or building for past, present or future generations.(A) Improving knowledge of historic cultural heritageMost of Parks Victoria’s information about the location and significance of historic places within parks was obtainedthroughout the 1980s and 1990s as part of Land Conservation Council investigations (now the VictorianEnvironmental Assessment Council) and Regional Forest Agreements assessments. This information forms the basisof Parks Victoria’s inventory of historic places.6ChapterDuring the reporting period, Parks Victoria focussed its efforts on establishing the significance of, and managementobjectives for priority places. Surveys undertaken were part of strategic planning activities, as pre-cursors todevelopment or as post event assessments, such as those following the 2002/03 alpine fires.(i) Survey and research in parksSix typological surveys and two research projects were completed in parks. Surveys focused on historic mine sitesand high country huts in areas affected by the alpine fires. Research projects formed the basis for protecting,providing access to and interpreting the cultural heritage of the Alpine National Park and adjoining reserves.Research also focussed on uncovering more subtle cultural heritage in parks, including the role of Chineseimmigrants on the Mount Alexander goldfields and the attachment of communities in the Heathcote–Rushwortharea to Box-Ironbark forests.(ii) Places with statements of significanceA Statement of Significance is produced for priority heritage places in accordance with the Australia ICOMOS BurraCharter. These statements clearly express why a place contains value and are used to develop more detailed plansaddressing the needs arising from an assessment.Statements have been developed for 44% (124) of substantial buildings and structures, 35% (199) of simplebuildings, features and minor structures, 22% (23) of gardens, plantations and culturally important natural featuresand 17% (284) of ruins and remnants.The significance of an additional 37 historic places or parks was assessed during the development of HeritageAction Plans (see 6.3.2 below).CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT184

(B) Adequacy of historic cultural heritage knowledge base(i) Percentage of parks with sufficient historic heritage informationParks Victoria staff identified historic assets and assessed the sufficiency of available information to inform historicplace management in 163 parks. Of these parks,- 56% (91 parks) had sufficient (although some important gaps remained) baseline information from state-wideor regional surveys. The majority of these parks were terrestrial national parks, marine national parks and marinesanctuaries, open space parklands in and around Melbourne and several important historic reserves. More thanone third of parks with little or no baseline information available were nature conservation reserves, manyof which may not have historic heritage values.- 33% (54 parks) had sufficient (although some important gaps remained) information in Heritage Action Planson the significance of places, risks that might threaten them as well as management strategies to deal withrisks. The majority of these parks were terrestrial national parks, marine national parks and marine sanctuaries,open space parklands in and around Melbourne and several important historic reserves. Nearly half of parkswith little or no planning information available were natural features and nature conservation reservesor State parks.Gun emplacementon South Channel Fort,Port Phillip Bay. The artificialisland was constructedin the 1880s and featuresa system of antiquated gunemplacements and tunnels.It is now a significant refugefor seabirds. 1726Chapter185 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

6.3.2 Planning for historic place managementIndicatorRationale(A) Plans for significant historic places Good management of culturally significant historic placesinvolves identifying specific objectives for a particularplace, along with risks and constraints to achieving thoseobjectives and appropriate management actions. Thedevelopment of a site-specific plan facilitates this approach.This indicator describes Parks Victoria’s progress towardsdeveloping plans for significant historic places in parks.ContextParks Victoria uses a suite of planning documents to guide the conservation of historic places within parks.These include park management plans which recognise heritage values and define broad management strategies(see chapter 3, section 3.2.2). For buildings, complex structures, heritage parks or reserves or groups of places withsignificant heritage values, more detailed analysis and prescriptions to understand and manage them is required.For places of State significance listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, a specific Heritage Action Plan (HAP)is prepared according to the Burra Charter guidelines and using a risk management approach.A range of other plans are used to manage important historic places. These identify aims for places and actionsrequired to achieve them, or detail regular maintenance activities required to protect significant buildingsor complex structures such as light stations or homesteads.These plans are not statutory documents and their formal adoption and implementation depends on the availabilityof adequate resources. Specific actions within plans are prioritised during the development of annual managementprograms (see 6.3.3 below).(A) Plans for significant historic places(i) Number of significant historic places with plansAs of 2005, there were 286 historic places in parks recognised as having State significance and listed on theVictorian Heritage Register. A Heritage Action Plan had been prepared for 79% (226) of these. An additional147 places not on the register have heritage action plans because of their cultural significance, complexityor risks that threaten them.6ChapterThere are 286 historic places in parks of State significance.Forest Creek Gas Plant,Castlemaine Diggings NationalHeritage Park. One of themany mining related sitesmanaged by ParksVictoria that is on the VictorianHeritage Register. 173CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT186

6.3.3 Conserving historic placesIndicatorRationale(A) Factors impacting on historic places Good management of historic places relies on(B) Minimising impacts on historic placesunderstanding their significance, identifying specificobjectives for managing them, recognising factors thatimpact on them and responding to these factors. Theseindicators describe Parks Victoria’s efforts to effectivelymanage historic places in parks.ContextParks Victoria faces the challenge of managing complex and diverse historic places and objects often in remotelocations (see section 6.1 above). Managing them involves maintaining, and where possible improving theircondition, as well as improving community access, understanding and appreciation of them. They are, however,exposed to a range of factors that degrade their heritage value. Addressing these may require ongoing, periodicor infrequent maintenance depending on the nature of a place and an appropriate level of interpretation. Findingcompatible and sustainable uses for places is also important to ensure their long-term conservation.(A) Factors impacting on historic places6ChapterFactors that can impact on historic places are environmental processes, fire, animals, lack of use, park operationsand visitor use. A subset of 163 parks assessed by Parks Victoria staff indicated the most common factors that wereimpacting, or could impact on the integrity of historic places and objects in parks, were environmental factors orinappropriate or over-use by visitors.(i) Parks where environmental factors impacted on historic placesProcesses such as erosion, weathering and flooding pose a threat to most, if not all, historic places. Ongoingseasonal and daily variations in temperature, moisture, wind and solar radiation can lead to the fabric of a placedeteriorating over time, while extreme events can cause catastrophic damage or total destruction. The settingof a place can also influence the condition of an historic place. For example, light stations are affected by highwinds and corrosive sea spray and the roofs of alpine huts can be overloaded by heavy snow falls. Protecting placesfrom the damaging affects of the environment is a basic driver of ongoing maintenance (Case Study 6.9).Parks Victoria staff reported that such impacts occurred, or had potential to occur, to buildings, inoperablestructures, gardens and cultural landscapes and moveable objects in 90 of the assessed parks, but high impacts (i.e.widespread and severe) were limited to places in 19 parks, where erosion and weathering were recorded. Half ofthese parks were remote national or coastal parks.187 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

6.9 Managing environmental impacts on the Gabo Island light stationCase StudyThe Gabo Island light station was constructed in 1862 to help ships navigate off the coast of Cape Howe.Located 500 metres offshore between Mallacoota and Cape Howe, Gabo Island is highly exposed to extremeweather conditions. The light station includes the lighthouse, a keeper’s and assistant keeper’s residences,former telegraph station, privy, stone walls, jetty shed and 15 other buildings and structures.The site is constantly subjected to wind, rain and sun as well as salt, with winds often reaching up to 60 knots.These combine to create an extremely corrosive and degrading environment.A Conservation Plan and Heritage Maintenance Plan developed for the site specify ongoing maintenance worksand items requiring immediate attention. These plans guide activities to conserve the site’s heritage values whileallowing new materials to be used where appropriate. For example, replacing old guttering with stainless steelhas significantly increased its life span without detracting from heritage values. While the 270-long historic drystone walls shelter buildings and staff, the constant wind-driven salt spray and rain has eroded the stone workand mortar in the capping. Sections of walls have been completely rebuilt.Maintenance works to date have successfully conserved buildings and structures. Ongoing maintenance will bevital to conserve the significant cultural heritage of Gabo Island. The continuous presence of visitors and skilledstaff are important components of this process.Privy building and dry stonewall after maintenance. 1746Chapter(ii) Parks where visitors impacted on historic placesHistoric places are important features of parks and attract many visitors. Parks Victoria encourages people to visit,explore, learn about and even use these places. However, in some situations over-use or inappropriate use candegrade the heritage fabric of a place. Erosion or wear caused by foot or vehicle traffic, particularly at sites withmany visitors, deliberate and accidental damage and fossicking, disturbing and removing artefacts are knownto occur in parks.Parks Victoria staff reported that these impacts occurred, or had potential to occur to buildings, inoperablestructures, gardens and cultural landscapes and moveable objects in 99 of the 163 assessed parks, but high impactswere limited to 21 parks mostly due to vandalism and theft. Moveable objects were particularly vulnerable.Vandalism and fossicking was more commonly reported in parks in central Victoria.CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT188

(iii) Parks where wildfire and fire management impacted on historic placesWildfire and associated suppression activities can have both devastating and positive effects on historic places.The history of wildfire in Victoria provides evidence of its devastating effects. Historic places in parks are particularlyvulnerable as they are typically located in well vegetated areas and often in remote locations where controlling fireis difficult. Timber buildings are most vulnerable as demonstrated by the loss of huts in the 2002/03 alpine fires(Case Study 6.10). Archaeological sites and ruined structures are generally less at risk as they are commonlyconstructed with more resilient materials. However, fire may expose these sites to greater damage fromenvironmental processes such as erosion. Some fire suppression activities can likewise be damaging, particularlywhere sites are unrecorded.Parks Victoria staff reported that detrimental impacts occurred, or had potential to occur, to buildings, inoperablestructures, gardens and cultural landscapes and moveable objects in 64 of the 163 assessed parks, but high impactswere limited to 31 parks where wildfire had potential to destroy timber structures. During the reporting period firedamaged or destroyed historic huts in the Alpine National Park, a tennis pavilion at Mount Buffalo National Park,a mining battery at Mount Wills Historic Reserve, Happy Hollow Cottage in Plenty Gorge Parklands and the St KildaPier kiosk.The positive effect of wildfire for gaining an improved understanding of historic places should not be overlooked.In some areas, fire removes vegetation to reveal previously hidden and unrecorded features which help tounderstand past land use and the environmental history of an area. Post-fire surveys of historic sites produce abetter understanding of these places which can help protect them in future.6.10 High country huts6ChapterCase StudyAlpine huts are mostly corrugated iron and/or timber structures and are thus vulnerable to damage or total lossfrom fire. Before the 2002/03 fires, the Alpine National Park contained 112 huts at 100 different locations.The fires destroyed 29 huts, three which were recognised as having State significance. This generatedconsiderable public interest, leading to the formation of the Victorian High Country Huts Association and callsfor rebuilding of lost huts.A heritage survey of the huts conducted in 1996 had documented their cultural significance, although at thetime little was understood of their social value. After the fires, interested community members attended aworkshop to help describe social values of lost huts and to contribute to decisions about their replacement.There was a general acceptance that the historic value was lost when the huts were destroyed although someparticipants felt their social value could be expressed by reconstructing a replica or communicated through thedesigns of replacement huts. Consensus was reached on huts to be replaced, with refuge value, managementuse and social and education value contributing to the decision.McNamara’s Hut at Buckety Plain formed an integral part of an education program provided by the MittagundiEducation Centre and was rebuilt by members of the Victorian High Country Huts Association in April 2004.McNamara’s Hutfollowing the fire (right)and the reconstructedhut (below). 175189 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

(iv) Parks where maintenance and development of historic places impacted on those placesConserving an historic place requires routine maintenance and upkeep that takes into account its heritage fabric.Where major extensions, replacements and developments are required, knowledge of the significance of a placeand how best to maintain its authenticity is also important. Without this knowledge and expertise, inadvertentnegative impacts on the heritage value of a place can be caused.Parks Victoria staff reported that such impacts occurred, or had potential to occur to buildings, inoperablestructures, gardens and cultural landscapes and moveable objects in 61 of the 163 assessed parks, but potentialhigh impacts were limited to 28 parks where additional maintenance may be required to maintain their fabric.Applying a naturalcompound to consolidatethe mud brick remains of ahouse site at Butchers Gully,Castlemaine DiggingsNational Heritage Park. 176(v) Parks where animals impacted on historic places6Burrowing or hard hoofed animals as well as borers and insects can damage the foundations and structuralfeatures of historic places, particularly when they are located in or near vegetation. Parks Victoria staff reportedanimals such as rabbits and wombats undermining buildings, paving and archaeological sites, as well as rats, birdsand possums infesting and damaging roof spaces, and cattle, deer and goats knocking over vulnerable structures.Beetles and termites were also recorded as damaging trees in gardens and cultural landscapes, wooden structuresand historic documents, although this was generally localised.ChapterParks Victoria staff reported these impacts occurred or had potential to occur to buildings, inoperable structures,gardens and cultural landscapes and moveable objects in 20 of the assessed parks, but high impacts were limitedto seven parks.(vi) Parks where lack of use of historic places impacted on those placesVictoria’s parks contain 103 individual heritage buildings that can be used. Continuing the original use of a buildingis generally the preferred means to ensure that activities accommodated are compatible with its conservation.This is not always possible as the original use may now be redundant, unviable or no longer compatible with thereservation status of a park. Leaving heritage buildings unused can place them at risk. Without a daily presence,monitoring their condition may be infrequent leading to unreported maintenance requirements and the redirectionof resources elsewhere. In addition, as the condition of a place deteriorates the perception of its usefulness andvalue may also reduce, which can lead to a lack of respect and vandalism. An unused place can also fail toencourage people to understand its history and significance.Parks Victoria staff reported that such impacts occurred or had the potential to occur to buildings, inoperablestructures and moveable objects in nine of the assessed parks, but high impacts were limited to homesteadsin just three.CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT190

Wattle Park Chalet built in1928, is now leased to aprivate company and is usedas a reception centre. 177(B) Minimising impacts on historic placesConserving historic places and objects requires strategic cataloguing, research, planning and interpretation(see 6.3.1 and 6.3.2 above), along with minor repair works and maintenance, major repair work and restorationand sustainable use when possible.Parks Victoria’s management programs for conserving historic places were guided by:- the level of cultural significance (eg. national, State, regional and local);- physical scale and complexity;- expected function (how a major building functions is different to a ruin or archaeological site);- nature and frequency of maintenance requirements (eg. routine, periodic, minimal or none);- nature of major work requirements (eg. repairs, refurbishment or reconstruction);- condition and level of exposure to threatening processes; and- the key historic theme of a place (see 6.1.2 above).6ChapterThese criteria respond to the diversity of historic places in parks which require different levels, allocationand frequency of resources. Whilst a small minority of places use the bulk of available resources, the majorityrequire relatively small to low resources.Maintaining places and ensuring they were appropriately used were ongoing focus areas during the reportingperiod.(i) Historic places where maintenance and major works were undertakenAn average of 60 historic places annually had maintenance or major repair works undertaken. Major projectstargeted lighthouses, domestic scale buildings such as Steglitz Blacksmith Cottage and substantial structures andstanding ruins such as the Walkerville Lime Kilns. The conservation of Werribee Park remained an ongoing priority.Many other minor works were also conducted on a range of place types (Table 6.3).191 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Table 6.3Examples of maintenance and major works undertaken.Place type Type of on-ground works Range of placeswhere works undertakenSmall buildings,features andminor structuresCleaning, minor painting, drainage repairs, periodicfire protection, control of vermin or animals, roofrefixing/repair/replacement, replastering andpainting, gutter replacement, restumping andrepair or replacement of rotted timber or corrodedHigh country huts in the Alpine National Park;Wattle Park Tram; shelters in Mount BuffaloNational Park; shelters in Maldon Historic Reserve;churches and blacksmith cottage in SteiglitzHistoric Park.sections.Substantialbuildings orstructuresSubstantial structures and standing ruins requiredsimilar works to the above but on a larger scalethan ruins and remnants.Forts in Point Nepean National Park; WalkervilleLime Kilns, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park; EldoradoDredge Historic Reserve; Kurth Kiln nearGembrook; Poverty Point Bridge in Baw BawNational Park; Grand Duke pump arch at Timor;Heatherlie Quarry in the Grampians National Park;Lal Lal Blast Furnace; and Maude and Yellow GirlMine in the Mount Wills Historic Area.Domestic scale buildings required similar worksto the above but on a larger scale than smallbuildings.Dodds Homestead in Brimbank Park; QueenscliffPier and Lifeboat Shed; Woodlands Homesteadin Woodlands Historic Park; Heathcote PowderMagazine in Heathcote Graytown NationalPark; Glenample Homestead in Port CampbellNational Park; Information Centre at Tower HillWarrnambool; Hawkestowe Barn in Plenty GorgeParklands; Rescue Station at the State Coal Mine inWonthaggi; and St Kilda Pier kiosk.Major complexes required minor repairs to walls,floors etc, refixing of loose cladding, cleaning,painting, drainage repairs, regular fire protection,Werribee Park; Light Stations; Andersons Mill atSmeaton; Day’s Mill near Murchison; and CoolartHomestead.removal or control of vegetation likely to disturbbuildings and structures, control of vermin orpest damaging structures or buildings, roofreplacement, restumping, replastering, garden bedrestoration, gutter replacement, replanting and treesurgery.Gardens,plantationsand culturallyimportantnatural featuresGarden bed restoration, replantingand tree surgery.Dandenong Gardens and Buchan Caves Reserve.6ChapterRuins andremnantsProtective fencing, visitor control works, removalor control of vegetation, safety works, vermin oranimal control, repainting, underpinning, replacingrotted or corroding sections and stone-work repairand replacement.Castlemaine Diggings in the National HeritagePark; Howqua Hills Historic Area; Whipstick andDiamond Hill in Bendigo Regional Park; theWalhalla Historic Area; Pontville and ViewbankHomestead; ruins in Yarra Valley Parklands; GowerSchool Ruin in the Maldon Historic Area; OrientalClaims Historic Reserve at Omeo; Wallaby Mine atBeechworth; and Warrandyte State Park.CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT192

(ii) Historic places sustainably managed through appropriate useWhere feasible, Parks Victoria aims to sustainably manage historic places in parks, particularly buildings, byencouraging community groups or businesses to use them. Places that are used are more likely to be respected,appreciated and maintained to a higher standard. Use encourages people to visit and understand the significanceof historic places. This in turns contributes to the social and economic well-being of a community. Sustainable userequires that no detrimental impact occurs to the heritage values of a place. Parks Victoria follows guidelinescontained in the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter which describe conservation and adaptation of historic places toaccommodate compatible new uses.Partnerships with external users such as leasees, friends and volunteer groups are increasingly important forconserving historic places in parks. For example, community members were actively involved in managing theCastlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, where a partnership was formalised through a Memorandum ofUnderstanding. The Victorian High Country Huts Association played a vital role in the ongoing protection andmaintenance of high country huts.As of 2005, of the 103 useable heritage buildings managed by Parks Victoria, 74 buildings (71%) were used, eitherby volunteer groups, park visitors, businesses or Parks Victoria. There were 33 buildings available for lease,and 17 of these were leased.The historic Ferntree GullyKiosk in the DandenongRanges National Park is usedas an education centre. 1786Chapter(iii) Parks with adequate interpretative material about historic placesA means of protecting an historic place is to increase public awareness and interest in it. Providing informationand interpreting the significance of a place:- gives people opportunities to develop a keener awareness, appreciation, understanding and enjoymentof its features, values and issues;- influences attitudes and behaviours to reduce risks to visitor safety and visitor impacts upon historic values;- generates and reinforces public support for historic places and cultural heritage management in general; and- encourages volunteer activity in conserving historic places.Of 124 parks where Parks Victoria staff identified a need for interpretative material about cultural heritage placesto meet visitor needs:- 42% (52 parks) had adequate to excellent interpretative materials available. Most were terrestrial national parks,marine national parks and marine sanctuaries or open space parkland in and around Melbourne.- 39% (49 parks) had some interpretive material available but more was required to meet visitor needs.Most of these were regional, State and metropolitan parks or conservation reserves.- 19% (23 parks) had no interpretive material available although it was considered important to foster anappreciation and subsequent preservation of historic places. These were mostly conservation reserves or moreremote national or coastal parks.193 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

(iv) Parks where management of historic places mitigated threatsMaintenance works, appropriate use and visitor appreciation contribute to the long-term viability of historic placesin parks. Combined, they reduced the impact of threatening processes on historic places.Of 107 parks that Parks Victoria staff identified as containing historic places that were threatened:- 44% (47 parks) had a management program in place that had stabilised or reduced the impact of threats;- 12% (13 parks) had a management program in place but the impact of a threat was increasing; and- 44% (47 parks) did not have a program in place to manage the impact of threats.Works to manage threats that impacted on historic places or objects were undertaken in an additional 47 parksbut it was unclear whether this work had mitigated their impact.A private tour operatorinterpreting historic sitesin the Castlemaine DiggingsNational Heritage Park. 1796Interpretive signage at Day’sMill, describing the site andexplaining how people mayvisit or become involved in theFriends group. 180ChapterCULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT194

6.3.4 Condition of historic assetsIndicatorRationale(A) Condition rating of historic assets A primary objective of Parks Victoria’s management ofcultural heritage is maintaining or improving the conditionof significant historic places appropriately for the type ofplace. The condition of these places is thus an importantmeasure of the effectiveness of management. This indicatordescribes the condition of historic assets in parks.ContextThe appropriate condition of a historical asset reflects its physical role as well as its scale and complexity.The condition criteria for a large fully functioning building, such as an operating lighthouse, differs significantlyfrom criteria for a standing remnant such as Fort Nepean or an archaeological site such as the Wallaby Mine Batterynear Beechworth. Historic assets are therefore defined according to their expected performance (EP) and given acondition rating of excellent to very poor (Table 6.4).Table 6.4Relationship between condition classes and expected performance category.Condition classFully operatingcomplex buildingsor structures (EP1)Expected performance categoryIntact passiveuse buildings orstructures (EP2)Inoperablestanding buildingsor structures (EP3)Ruins, archaeologicalremnants or sites(EP4)6Excellent - all extant fabricis performing its currentexpected function to highstandards, and is notperceivably deteriorating.Wilson PromontoryHead Light Keeper’shouseQueensclifflifeboat shed;Mount MacedonMemorial Gates.Pipemakers ParkBuilding 1; Lal LalBlast Furnace.Cooks MillarchaeologicalremainsChapterGood - all extant fabricis performing its currentexpected function to anadequate standard, butis exhibiting a low rate ofdeterioration.Mt Buffalo ChaletPipemakers ParkBldg 2; WallacesHut, Werribee ParkMansion.Greens CreekBattery, Pontville;Eldorado dredge.Viewbankarchaeological siteAverage - most extant fabricis performing its currentexpected function to atleast a moderate standard,although it is exposed tohigh potential deteriorationwithout early intervention.Yarra Bend Park golfclubroomsAndersons Mill,WoodlandsHomestead Stables;Kirth Kiln SteiglitzBlacksmith cottage.Walkerville lime kilnNo. 5.Stuchbury’s dairyremnantsPoor - much of the extantfabric is failing to performits expected function andis exhibiting a considerabledegree of instability.Arthurs Seat lookouttowerDay’s Millgatehouse; GaboIsland Jetty Shed.Dart River RoastingFurnaceVery Poor - the majorityof the extant fabric is notperforming its expectedfunction or is at serious risk ofmajor collapse or loss.Lily pad fountain atWattle ParkO’DonahuesMemorial;Chesterfield Farm(bungalow).195 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

(A) Condition rating of historic assetsThe condition of historic assets within parks is assessed as part of Parks Victoria’s ongoing program to assess allpark assets (see chapter 7, 7.3.2). An annual comprehensive assessment is conducted for EP1, 2 and 3 historicassets. Given the physical nature and often remote location of EP4 assets and the minimal nature of theconservation requirements of most, an annual assessment is impractical and unwarranted. Assessments of thelatter are thus typically opportunistic.Wilsons Promontory HeadLight Keeper’s house, anexample of a fully operationalhistoric site in excellentcondition. Wilsons PromontoryNational Park. 181(i) Proportion of assessed historic assets per condition rating classAs of June 2005, not all assets were assigned to an expected performance category. Of those 556 assets classifiedas EP1, 2 and 3, the condition of 40% (224 assets) had been assessed (Table 6.5).Table 6.5Condition rating of assets by expected performance category.Condition classExpected performance categoryEP 1 EP 2 EP 3 EP 4 TotalExcellent 9 (9%) 16 (16%) 1 (5%) - 26Good 60 (59%) 46 (45%) 5 (24%) 4 (22%) 115Average 21 (21 %) 27 (26%) 9 (43%) 8 (44%) 65Poor 7 (7%) 10 (10%) 5 (24%) 5 (28%) 276ChapterVery Poor 4 (4%) 3 (3%) 1 (5%) 1 (6%) 9Number of assets assessed 101 102 21 18 242Total number of assets 152 200 204 1527 2083Note: Numbers in brackets show the proportion of each expected performance categories assessed assets within each condition class.CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT196

6.4 Achievements, challenges and responsesAchievements in managing cultural heritage- Releasing the Indigenous Partnership Strategy and Action Plan to increase involvement of Traditional Ownersand Indigenous communities in park management.- Developing the Guidelines for Working with Aboriginal Communities and Protection of Cultural Sites to aidcompliance with site protection legislation and the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth).- Increasing Indigenous representation in Parks Victoria’s workforce from 15 in 2000 to 51 in 2004/05.- Creating greater opportunities for Indigenous community involvement in park management plans includingplanning the management of Box-Ironbark and marine parks.- Increasing support for Indigenous communities by supporting: a nationally accredited Site Survey and ProtectionTraining Program; the Yorta Yorta Co-operative Management Agreement; establishing the Fire RehabilitationImplementation Indigenous Heritage Steering Group in response to the 2002/03 alpine fires; the Alps TraditionalOwners gathering at Dinner Plain and subsequent formation of the Victorian Alps Traditional Owners Group;the Wotjobaluk Information, Interpretation and Education project; and the Tanderrum Corroboree atLeanganook.- Establishing formal partnerships supporting Indigenous enterprise including at: Mount Eccles National Parkand Tower Hill; establishing Brambuk ‘The National Park and Cultural Centre’ in Halls Gap; establishing theWimmera Indigenous Resource Management Partnership; and delivering six Indigenous Business Enterpriseworkshops.6Chapter- Recognising improvements in partnerships with Indigenous communities through awards such as the WurrekerAwards 2004/2005 – Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc. for employment, training and communityinitiatives, and a Commendation Award in 2004 from the Office of Public Employment for the WimmeraIndigenous Resource Management Partnership.- Improving organisational understanding of the significance, management requirements and condition ofcultural heritage places, assets and objects.- Completing a state-wide Heritage Management Strategy to guide Parks Victoria’s role in managing heritageplaces and assets and to develop strategic heritage themes and priorities for conserving and maintainingheritage places.- Completing heritage plans and strategies for half of major heritage places in parks which highlighted theirsignificance and described conservation works required.- Completing major conservation and restoration works at high priority sites such as the Wilsons PromontoryLight Station, Day’s Mill, Queenscliff Lifeboat Shed, Poverty Point Bridge at Walhalla and Gabo Island LightStation.- Responding to the 2002/03 alpine fires, including completing heritage surveys, assessments, restoring keyassets, community consultation and site interpretation. This included establishing a partnership with theVictorian High Country Huts Association.- Successful National Heritage listing for Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, as well as additionsto the Victorian Heritage Register (eg. Point Nepean National Park).- Effectively using several priority heritage places through commercial lease arrangements to sustain assets (eg.Sky-high Restaurant, Woodlands Homestead and St Kilda Pier kiosk).- Successfully delegating 18 well preserved buildings to more appropriate managers.- Increasing links with the tourism industry to promote the themes of Gold Mining and Living in Remote Areas,including developing interpretation and access at several heritage places.197VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Challenges and responsesAcknowledgement of Traditional OwnersChallenge: Appropriate acknowledgement of Traditional Owners is an important principal in recognising thestrong past and current cultural connections between Indigenous communities and places and landscapes locatedwithin parks. While much has been achieved in acknowledging and recognising Traditional Owners at a local level,greater formal acknowledgement of Traditional Owners across all parks is still required.Response: Consistent with its Indigenous Partnership Strategy and Action Plan, Parks Victoria will adopt a moresystematic approach to acknowledging Traditional Owners. This will include more ‘Welcome to Country’ signs inparks, ‘Welcome to Country’ activities by Elders at all events, acknowledging Traditional Owners and Countryat all events and including information about Indigenous communities and Country on Parks Victoria publicationsand websites.Involving Indigenous people in planning and decision-makingChallenge: Considerable progress was achieved in involving Traditional Owners and Indigenous communitiesin managing parks, particularly in developing park management plans. However, more can be done to involve otherTraditional Owner groups and Indigenous communities in planning and decision-making.Response: A more systematic approach to contacting and regularly consulting with all Traditional Owner groupsas well as Traditional Owner representative advisory groups will be adopted. This may include assessing all visitorsites and other works which may potentially be relevant to Indigenous people for cultural values and ensuringsufficient planning occurs to remediate impacts. Involving Traditional Owners in developing park managementplans and additional Memoranda of Understanding will be broadened.Staff skills in building relationships with Indigenous peopleChallenge: Building strong relationships with Traditional Owner groups and Indigenous communities can taketime. While much was achieved in a relatively short time through innovative programs such as cross-culturaltraining, some Parks Victoria staff still have limited expertise and confidence in working closely with Indigenouspeople and communities.Response: Cross-cultural and specialist training programs involving both staff and Indigenous communities willcontinue. The ability to work with Indigenous people and support partnerships will be considered when recruitingnew staff.6ChapterImplementation of heritage themesChallenge: While activities to conserve and protect historic assets were widely and successfully implementedfor some key heritage themes (eg. Living in remote areas), limited implementation for assets represented in otherthemes occurred, such as the Settlement of Port Phillip and Shipping along the coast themes.Response: Parks Victoria will integrate its state-wide Heritage Management Strategy with the five-year VictorianHeritage Strategy, launched in 2006. The communication of key themes will be incorporated into Parks Victoria’scorporate communications and interpretation programs.Major conservation works to priority historic placesChallenge: Implementing major repair works identified through Heritage Action Plans occurred at targeted sitesbut some major assets still require substantial repairs. There are challenges for managing major buildings, includingthe Mount Buffalo Chalet, Gabo Island Lightstation, the Port of Melbourne Authority site at Williamstown andWerribee Park. Adding the Point Nepean Quarantine Station to the Parks Victoria estate by 2009 will present majornew challenges for managing heritage places.Response: Parks Victoria will target high priority assets for major repairs and where appropriate, new partnershipswill be sought to facilitate urgent repair work and to sustainably manage these assets.CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT198

Conserving historic places through appropriate useChallenge: Conserving and protecting historic places such as major buildings can be supported by making thempublicly accessible and useable. The challenge is maintaining their heritage fabric while providing fully functioningplaces that meet the needs of users, including commercial operators.Response: Parks Victoria will continue to seek opportunities to conserve historic places through their appropriateuse, including with commercial partners.Understanding of Parks Victoria’s heritage management roleChallenge: Parks Victoria manages some of the state’s most significant and accessible historic places, yet its profileand management as a core component of custodianship can be significantly improved.Response: Presenting information about historic places and themes, their significance and management willbe improved through information, interpretation and education programs as well as by strengthening links withpartners such as the tourism industry.Expertise in heritage managementChallenge: Conserving historic places requires expertise in heritage management as well as other parkmanagement skills. While many Parks Victoria staff are experts in natural values management, heritagemanagement requires different skills. A core of staff with heritage management expertise will continue providingstrategic advice.Response: A heritage management training program will be introduced to improve the understanding and skillsof Parks Victoria staff in conserving historic places.6ChapterHistoric ReservesChallenge: While Parks Victoria is not directly accountable, there has been limited implementation of LandConservation Council (LCC) and Environment Conversation Council (ECC) recommendations relating to historicreserves (eg. Walhalla Historic Reserve).Response: Parks Victoria will work closely with other Victorian Government agencies to implement LCC and ECCrecommendations.Heritage data sharingChallenge: While Parks Victoria is responsible for more than 2,800 historic assets, other Victorian Governmentagencies such as Heritage Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment also have heritagemanagement responsibilities. To maximise the effectiveness of management programs, improved sharingof heritage data is required.Response: Parks Victoria will seek to improve communication and sharing of research and managementinformation with other agencies.199 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

ReferencesAboriginal Affairs Victoria (2004). Long Ago there Today Report, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Melbourne.Australia ICOMOS (1999). The Burra Charter: the Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance,Australia ICOMOS, Melbourne.Australian Heritage Commission (2001). Australian Historic Themes, A framework for use in heritage assessmentand management, Australian Government, Canberra.Landon, C. (2005). Jackson’s Track Revisited. History, Remembrance and Reconciliation, Monash University Press.Parks Victoria (2002). Guidelines for Working with Aboriginal Communities and Protection of Cultural Sites, ParksVictoria, Melbourne.Parks Victoria (2003). Heritage Management Strategy, Parks Victoria, Melbourne.Parks Victoria (2005). Indigenous Partnership Strategy and Action Plan, Parks Victoria, Melbourne.UNESCO, (2005). Operational Guidelines for the Implemetation of the World Heritage Convention,United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Paris.Victorian Heritage Council (2003). Managing Our Heritage; a review of heritage place management in Victoria,A Victorian Heritage Council report, Melbourne.Victorian Heritage Strategy (2006). Heritage Victoria, Melbourne.6ChapterCULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT200

Loch Ard Gorge,Port Campbell National Park. 182

Opportunities to experienceand appreciate parksVictoria’s parks offer a wide variety of recreational opportunitiesin a range of settings from highly developed urban parks to remotewilderness areas. As Victoria’s major provider of nature-based tourismexperiences, the parks network contributes significantly toVictoria’s economy.Parks Victoria’s long-term objectives for park recreation, tourismand appreciation are to:- equitably meet the needs and expectations of the communityto access parks;- provide diverse and satisfying visitor experiences that areenvironmentally, culturally and economically sustainable;- provide quality park and waterway facilities that are appropriateto the setting and safe for visitors;- ensure visitor services and management is informed by visitor needs,demands, satisfaction and impacts;- offer a range of customer focused information, interpretationand education experiences; and- support sustainable and prosperous tourism within areas managedby Parks Victoria.Meeting these objectives requires:- a thorough understanding of visitor profiles,expectations and behaviours;- efficient plans and systems to record the condition of park assetsand facilities and to develop maintenance priorities; and- an understanding of the environmental and cultural values that maybe affected and community partnerships to protect these values.This chapter describes opportunities to access parks,visitor patterns and the diversity of recreationalexperiences available across Victoria’s parks, theoutcomes of Parks Victoria’s recreation, tourismand visitor appreciation programs and the conditionof park assets.7

7.1 Access to parks for recreation and appreciationParks contribute greatly to the ‘liveability’ of urban and regional areas. An importantobjective of Parks Victoria is to equitably meet the needs and expectations of the communityto ensure access to a park or an area of open space within a reasonable distance from home.This section outlines accessibility to parks and Parks Victoria’s role in planning forand providing parks.Walking along thebeach in the MorningtonPeninsula National Park. 183Bush camping in theGreat Otway National Park. 184Four-wheel drivingin Bunyip State Park. 1857ChapterBrimbank Park on theMaribyrnong River providesresidents in Melbourne’snorth-west with opportunitiesto walk, cycle, bird watch,canoe and much more. 186Snorkeling at Port PhillipHeads Marine National Park. 187Picnicking in autumn at theBuchan Caves Reserve. 188203VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

7.1.1 Proximity of parks to population centresIndicator(A) Proximity of parks in metropolitan Melbourne andregional centresRationaleAccess to parks, open space and recreational opportunitiesis crucial to the health and well-being of a community.This indicator describes the geographic spread of Victoria’sparks and compares this to population distribution todemonstrate the level of access for visitors.ContextProviding Victorians with equal access to open spaces, recreational activities and opportunities for general parkappreciation is an important objective for Parks Victoria. While all Victorians have access to parks, the options,diversity and ease of access varies depending on an individual’s location. In addition, the changing location anddemographic of Victoria’s population is presenting new challenges. For example, Victoria’s population is ageing,and inner city redevelopment and outward expansion in some urban centres is increasing. Populations are alsorapidly growing in some coastal and regional locations.Parks Victoria has two roles that directly contribute to parks access. The organisation is the state’s major parkmanager. It also has a key responsibility for open space planning within the Melbourne metropolitan area and someother locations on behalf of the Victorian Government (including strategic planning for trail networks).(A) Proximity of parks in metropolitan Melbourne and regional centresIn 2005, all regional populations had access to parks and regional open space, mostly managed by Parks Victoria,within 100 kilometres of their residence. Melbourne metropolitan residents had access within a 15 kilometre radius.Some areas were extremely well serviced and others less well serviced.People living in central and eastern Melbourne had good access to parks and open space. However, people livingin the western, northern and outer south-eastern suburbs could not access parks as readily. These areas have beendefined as ‘growth areas’ in the Victorian Government’s planning strategy Melbourne 2030 (DOI, 2002). Guided byMelbourne’s open space strategy Linking People and Spaces (Parks Victoria, 2002) Parks Victoria has been workingwith the State and local governments and other organisations to investigate, plan and create new parks in thesegrowth areas (Case Study 7.1).Victorians living in regional areas had various degrees of access to parks. Map 7.1 identifies the number of visitorsites in Parks Victoria managed parks that are accessible to regional Victorians. The number of these sitesdiminishes as you move away from metropolitan areas, although regional Victorians also have a range of alternativesettings for recreation available, including State forests.7ChapterIn 2004, 52% of the community reported they had visited a national, State or regional park or conservation reservein the past year, 38% had visited a metropolitan park and 53% had visited bays, waterways and piers aroundMelbourne (Parks Victoria 2004a). The most common barriers that were cited for not visiting Parks Victoriamanaged areas were lack of time, long distances, lack of interest and access to transportation. Regional Victorianswere less likely than metropolitan respondents to cite lack of time but more likely to report distance as a reasonfor not visiting an area managed by Parks Victoria.OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE AND APPRECIATE PARKS204

Map 7.1 Regional residential access to park sitesMetropolitan Melbourne residents have access to apark managed by Parks Victoria within 15 kilometres of their home.7Chapter205 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

7.1 Improving access to open space for metropolitan Melbourne residentsCase StudyParks Victoria’s open space strategy for metropolitan Melbourne, Linking People and Spaces (see chapter 2,2.3.1) highlights that the western, northern and south-eastern suburbs had less recreational open spacescompared to other parts of Melbourne. These three regions are also areas of predicted population growth,increasing the need for open space. These areas are therefore the focus of investigations for establishing newparks. The Linking People and Spaces analysis and strategy is included within Melbourne 2030, the VictorianGovernment’s 30-year blueprint for planning and managing sustainable communities in Melbourne andsurrounding regions.Linking People and Spaces identifies six proposed parks in Werribee, Melton, Craigieburn/Thomastown,Berwick, Cranbourne and Toolernvale. To date, detailed planning for three new parks is underway. Additionalopportunities to create parks will arise from the ongoing metropolitan parkland acquisition program.7ChapterOPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE AND APPRECIATE PARKS206

7.2 Visitor expectations and experiencesEffective park management now and in the future relies on a thorough understandingof visitor preferences, together with an understanding of actual behaviours, patterns of use,impacts and levels of satisfaction.The types of recreational activities available and the locations in which they can beundertaken vary with park type and its management objectives. While Victoria’s parksprovide great diversity, each individual park cannot provide for all uses. Additionally, otherland managers such as local governments and the Department of Sustainability andEnvironment (DSE) provide a range of complementary recreational opportunities.This section describes the profiles and preferences of park visitors, the types of recreationalactivities they participate in and their satisfaction with parks.Victoria’s parks are highly accessible. There are 1,400 visitor sitesand public vehicles can travel on 64% of the 14,000 kilometres of roads in parks.The remainder is used for emergency and park management activities as wellas for walking, cycling, horse riding and skiing.7ChapterCanoeing on theMurray River in theBarmah State Park. 189Dog walking aroundAlbert Park Lake. 190Exploring the marineenvironment inPort Phillip Bay. 191Camping at CathedralRange State Park. 192207VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

7.2.1 Visitors to parks and baysIndicatorRationale(A) Number and origin of park visitors A good understanding of the number and origin of visitors(B) Number and origin of bay, pier and river visitors to parks, bays, rivers and piers is essential for providingappropriate facilities and services. These indicators describethe trends in visitor numbers and the origin and profileof visitors.ContextEstimating numbers and trends in visitors to parks as well as to bays and piers is a challenging but important taskfor managers. To estimate the number of visits to these venues, Parks Victoria completes a Visitor Number Monitor,based on telephone surveys. Results are considered conservative and estimates are used in conjunction withsatisfaction monitoring and other research to plan for infrastructure, services and environmental sustainability.(A) Number and origin of park visitorsIn 2005, there were an estimated 42.7 million visits to parks managed by Parks Victoria. Of these, 28.6 million visitswere made to national, State and wilderness parks (2.7 million to marine national parks and marine sanctuaries)and 14.1 million visits to metropolitan parks.Since Parks Victoria began monitoring visitor numbers to parks through its Visitor Number Monitor in 2001,a 1.5% growth in visitor numbers per year has been recorded (Parks Victoria, 2004a). The number of visitsrebounded after the alpine fires caused a significant fall in 2002/03.Parks with the highest estimated number of visits included Melbourne’s Albert Park and Yarra Bend Parkand the Mornington Peninsula, Port Campbell, Dandenong Ranges and Grampians National Parks.Key characteristics of visitors:- the highest proportion was from Melbourne and was most likely to live in the eastern suburbs, with a largeproportion also living in northern and inner suburban Melbourne;- a significant number also lived in regional Victoria (Millward Brown, 2004);- approximately seven per cent were from interstate and three per cent were overseas visitors, although thenumber of overseas visitors is likely to be an underestimation (Parks Victoria, 2004a);- 46% of visitors were female and 54% were male (Parks Victoria, 2004b);7- approximately 80% of visitors were from an English-speaking background (Millward Brown, 2004) and the mostprominent non-English speaking visitors spoke German and Dutch with Mandarin, Spanish and Indian-speakingvisitors also figuring prominently (Parks Victoria, 2004b);Chapter- over the three years from 2001/02 to 2004/05 a significant increase in interstate visitors was recorded.(B) Number and origin of bay, pier and river visitorsParks Victoria is responsible for managing over 100 piers and jetties, mostly located around Port Phillip Bay. In 2005there were 30.8 million visits to these piers and jetties. A preliminary estimate of the number of on-water visitsto bays and waterways managed by Parks Victoria was 14.7 and 3.9 million visits respectively.Parks attracted almost 43 million visits, with an additional31 million visits to piers and jetties.OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE AND APPRECIATE PARKS208

7.2.2 Understanding visitor expectationsIndicatorRationale(A) Visitor expectations and preferences Understanding the different expectations, preferences and(B) Improving understanding of visitors through research behaviours of park visitors helps with strategic planningby matching park settings, assets and services with visitordemands and highlighting visitor services issues that needattention. These indicators describe the characteristicsand use patterns of park visitors.ContextPark visitors are as diverse as the parks themselves. Visitor characteristics, expectations and patterns of use varyconsiderably. Different park settings appeal to different visitors, who in turn have specific preferences for servicesand facilities. Information collected on park visitors is used to predict future facility and service requirements.Importantly, visitor safety depends on matching the degree of challenge inherent in a park setting with the skillsand abilities of a visitor. Clear communication of recreational and other opportunities and hazards is vital.(A) Visitor expectations and preferencesT o better understand the needs and expectations of park visitors, Parks Victoria undertook a study which classifiedvisitors into seven groups (Figure 7.1) (Market Solutions, 2005). These were:1. Nature Admirers with a preference for scenery and nature and a lesser need for developed facilities.2. Urban Socials with a preference for large social gatherings such as family picnics. This group is strongly urbanbased and has a strong need for quality developed facilities.3. Trail Users with a preference for a variety of tracks and trails for walking, jogging, skiing etc.4. Passive and Other Users with a preference for quiet settings to relax and unwind. Common activities for thisgroup include painting and photography.5. Activity Centric with a preference for specific features with in a park such as snow, surf, water for fishing,yachting and geological features for rock climbing.76. Access Made Easy with a preference for easy driving access for sightseeing.7. Country Vacationers with a preference for staying in parks on weekends or holidays in regional Victoriathrough activities such as camping.ChapterParks provide places forpeople to enjoy a diversearray of activities includingbush walking. 193Learning about Barwon HeadsBluff with a Parks Victoriaranger, Barwon Bluff MarineSanctuary. 194Fishing at Barmah State Parkon the Murray River. 195Cycling throughChiltern-Mount PilotNational Park. 196209 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Figure 7.1Visitor expectations and preferencesAs each of these segments has particular characteristics and expectations for settings and services, Parks Victoriahas recently started using these segments to help design facilities and services to better meet their particular needs.(B) Improving understanding of visitors through researchDuring the reporting period Parks Victoria conducted a range of applied research to better understand the variousmarket demands for specific park activities. Projects were developed by Parks Victoria through collaborativeresearch partnerships with organisations including universities, market research agencies and the nationalSustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre.Examples of visitor research projects completed included:- A Visitor Management Model for Port Campbell National Park to evaluate the impact of changes in themanagement of park infrastructure and increasing visitor rates over a 10 year period at sites within the park.7- A study to benchmark camping ground service quality and to develop a profile of users and their servicepreferences at Cape Conran Coastal Park and the Lake Eildon and Grampians National Parks in conjunctionwith the Department of Environment and Heritage (South Australia). This information was used to drive servicedelivery decision-making at these sites and provide a management benchmark at other campgrounds.Chapter- A follow-up study after the 2002/03 alpine bushfires to investigate changes in community perceptions towardParks Victoria following the fires and identify areas requiring improvement.- Research projects investigating visitor numbers and levels, activities and community awareness of Victoria’s newmarine protected areas. This provided benchmark information to help with the ongoing development of theseparks and sanctuaries and evaluated the effectiveness of current management and communication strategies.Findings from the visitor research program have greatly assisted Parks Victoria’s future planning for key sites.Greater opportunities exist to match visitor expectations with particular park settings and the facilities andinformation provided within them.OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE AND APPRECIATE PARKS210

7.2.3 Visitor experience and satisfactionIndicatorRationale(A) Diversity of recreational opportunities Providing different recreational settings and experiences(B) Level of visitor satisfactionacross Victoria’s parks is essential. These settings range fromdeveloped locations suitable for large numbers of visitors toundeveloped and remote settings which provide solitude.These indicators describe the major types of recreationalopportunities available within parks and visitor satisfactionwith them.ContextVictoria’s parks offer a wide variety of settings and opportunities for community appreciation and recreation.Some activities such as walking can occur in many different settings and a visitor’s experience may vary considerablydepending on which park they visit (i.e. an urban park compared to a remote bushwalking experience).Similarly, individual parks can provide settings for particular activities not available elsewhere.(A) Diversity of recreational opportunitiesFigure 7.2 summarises the most popular recreational activities in Victoria’s parks. While the most popular activityacross all parks was sightseeing (Parks Victoria, 2004b), activities and preferences differed between parks in urbanand regional areas. Within urban parks, attending a special event, socialising with friends and family, and picnickingwere likely to be the most popular activities. In regional areas, preferred activities were more likely to besightseeing, holiday/break away/weekend trips and the appreciation or study of historic or cultural features.7ChapterFigure 7.2Most popular recreational activities occurring in Victoria’s parks.Note: ‘other’ includes skiing, surfing, fishing, cycling, swimming, nature appreciation, camping and horseriding.211 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Some recreational activities depend on particular natural features being available, such as snow, water or rockformations. While these activities comprise approximately 10% of total participation, some parks are particularlyimportant for these activities. Such activities include: overnight hiking, orienteering, rock climbing/abseiling, surfing,diving, cycling/mountain biking, snow skiing, caving, horse riding, fossicking, fly fishing, hang gliding, canoeing/kayaking/rafting, and roller blading. Many larger parks and those with more diverse landscapes and natural featuresprovide greater diversity of opportunities for these types of activities (eg. the Alpine, Wilsons Promontory and GreatOtway National Parks). Some activities such as recreational hunting are permitted in certain parks under specialconditions (eg. seasonal access).In 2005, Parks Victoria staff determined the types of settings visitors could experience in 293 parks. Seventy-twoper cent of parks provided natural drive-in settings, 52% provided natural walk-in settings, 16% provided remotesettings, 13% provided urban or built settings and 11% provided rural settings.An average of 91% of Victorians surveyed during the reporting period rated the adequacy of recreationalopportunities for themselves and their families as Very Good or Good (Market Solutions, 2004).To maintain such a high level of satisfaction, a range of emerging issues will need to be addressed over the nextdecade. These issues include: providing opportunities to older visitors, attracting teenage visitors, increaseddemands for adventurous activities such as mountain biking and camping in urban and peri-urban parks, andproviding appropriate areas for dog walking. A challenge will be increasing the availability of these activitieswhile protecting park values.91% of Victorians surveyed rated recreationalopportunities in parks as very good or good.Visitors can horse ride indesignated areas in 90 parksthroughout regional Victoriaand near Melbourne. 1977ChapterOPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE AND APPRECIATE PARKS212

(B) Level of visitor satisfactionParks Victoria conducts a Visitor Satisfaction Monitor (VSM) every second year to build a demographic profileof park visitors and identify their preferred activities. The monitor identifies levels of visitor satisfaction with facilitiesand services in parks and at piers and also assesses the overall experience had by visitors. This information is usedby Parks Victoria to improve parks for visitors. From 2000/01 to 2004/05, more than 22,000 visitor surveys wereconducted as face-to-face interviews to provide a reliable measure of the quality of visitor experiences.The survey results showed that park visitors had a consistently high level of satisfaction with their visits, withan average satisfaction index of 69 from a total 100 points for this period (Figure 7.3). This fell within the VerySatisfied rating. In 2004/05, of those surveyed 73% were Very Satisfied or Fully Satisfied with their visit and75% said they would strongly recommend the park they visited to others. Visitors to parks generally have highersatisfaction levels than visitors to piers. Over the same period in 2004/05 the pier visitor satisfaction index was 63.A significant increase in visitor satisfaction was recorded for some parks, largely due to improvements to facilities.This occurred at Port Campbell, Wilsons Promontory and Kinglake National Parks, Karkarook Park and the YouYangs Regional Park. Reduced satisfaction was recorded for some parks. These findings have since directedupgrades where visitor sites were identified as a priority under the Levels of Service framework. Similarly for piers,Parks Victoria has responded to declining visitor satisfaction with the Queenscliff pier by scheduling an upgradeto the ageing structure.7ChapterFigure 7.3Levels of visitor satisfaction with facilities and services in parks213 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Mountain-bike riding inLysterfield Lake Park. 198Skiing at Lake Mountainin the Yarra RangesNational Park. 199Bush walking atYarra Bend Park. 200Horse riding in theMornington PeninsulaNational Park 2017ChapterOPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE AND APPRECIATE PARKS214

7.3 Sustainable recreation and tourismVisitor facilities and services are fundamental to people’s ability to explore and enjoytheir natural and cultural heritage. Parks Victoria seeks to equitably meet the needs andexpectations of park visitors whilst ensuring that development and maintenance of facilitiesand infrastructure is achieved with minimal impact on the long-term sustainability of naturaland cultural values.While the objective of some parks such as metropolitan parks is to provide for large visitornumbers, some of Victoria’s major national parks are also among the state’s most populartourism destinations. Careful planning is required to ensure the significant natural andcultural values of these parks are protected. With many visitor sites across parks and finiteresources to manage them, choices must be made about appropriate service levelsand standards.This section outlines the Levels of Service framework that determines the types andstandards of park facilities and services provided, describes the management and conditionof assets and infrastructure and Parks Victoria’s response to important issues such as safety.7ChapterMount Howitt walkingtrack, Alpine National Park.The track is hardened withsynthetic mesh. 202215VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

7.3.1 Planning for equitable access and sustainable useIndicatorRationale(A) Meeting an appropriate level of service With over 1,400 visitor sites located within Victoria’s parks,(B) Planning for sustainable access and management defining and prioritising appropriate levels of service is a(C) Providing access for people living with a disability significant challenge. These indicators describe the toolsused by Parks Victoria to provide sustainable recreationaland tourism experiences as well as outcomes for visitor sites.ContextProviding sustainable high quality facilities and services requires sensitive and strategic planning targeted to visitorneeds. By combining planning tools such as the Levels of Service framework with other data such as visitor profilesand understanding of environmental and cultural values, services that meet visitor needs can be provided at themost appropriate locations with the resources available.(A) Meeting an appropropriate level of serviceParks Victoria developed its Levels of Service framework to provide an objective and clear context for establishingand delivering services and facilities that meet visitor needs. It enables Parks Victoria to prioritise visitor services anddirect resources where they are needed most. A range of service categories have been developed, including:- access (eg. roads, tracks, car parks);- management services (eg. ranger presence, cleaning, litter removal);- information, interpretation and education (eg. signage, information shelters); and- recreational facilities and amenities (eg. toilets, drinking water).Each park is rated and then managed according to four Levels of Service ratings: A1, A2, B and C. Within eachpark there may be a range of visitor sites. Most visitor sites have been rated as one of five service classes fromVery High to Very Basic.Approximately 60% of the 1,400 visitor sites rated were classified in the Very Basic or Basic service class, 35%in the Mid service class and 5% in the High or Very High class (Map 7.2) The proportion of each service class variedbetween parks, with more metropolitan parks rating as having High and Mid services compared to national parks.Two sites were classified as Very High: Tidal River at Wilsons Promontory National Park and Werribee Park.In 2005, Parks Victoria staff reported that for 173 parks where a Level of Service standard applied the prescribedlevel was fully or partially met in 87% of parks. In 13% of parks, staff reported that the prescribed Level of Servicestandard was not being met and was seriously impacting on visitor expectations. This is consistent with othercondition assessments which has highlighted that facilities and infrastructure at a number of parks is ageing (see7.3.2 below).7ChapterOPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE AND APPRECIATE PARKS216

Map 7.2 Levels of Service ratings for visitor sites in parks.(B) Planning for sustainable access and managementTo improve Parks Victoria’s management of park facilities, structures and other built assets, improvements to anexisting Asset Management System have been completed. This now provides a means of tracking the maintenancerequirements and condition of assets across all parks.7To help with long-term planning, visitor service strategies have been prepared for Port Campbell National Park,Box-Ironbark Parks and marine national parks and marine sanctuaries. A Two-wheel-drive Park Access Strategyhas also been completed.Chapter(C) Providing access for people living with a disabilityParks Victoria is committed to providing recreational opportunities in parks for all Victorians. This means ensuringat least one site within highly visited parks is accessible to people with limited mobility, sensory loss, staminalimitations or other disabilities. Facilities range from paths and boardwalks at suitable gradients, disabled toiletfacilities and specially designed picnic tables.In 2005, access for people with disabilities was provided at half of all visitor sites. One-fifth of these allowedunassisted access to main features and facilities and the remainder required assisted access. Visitor sites in parkswithin the Melbourne metropolitan area were better serviced for disabled access than regional areas, with 64%of all sites providing disabled access. In regional Victoria, disabled access was available at 40% of sites.217 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

7.3.2 Managing park infrastructureIndicatorRationale(A) Diversity of park assets Parks Victoria manages a large and diverse group of visitor(B) Maintaining assets and managing riskassets which must be maintained to safe standards to(C) Condition of park assetsminimise risks to visitors and contribute to a safe andsatisfying experience. These indicators describe the rangeof assets managed, priority asset management programsundertaken as well as their condition.ContextWhile facilities available within a park may not be the primary reason many people visit parks, providing highquality, safe facilities and services contribute to a satisfying visit. Park assets include infrastructure for access(i.e. roads), information on visitor amenities and structures such as jetties, marine navigation aids, heritagestructures and utilities (i.e. power, sewerage and underground services). The facilities provided vary greatlyaccording to the park setting and expected level of use.Most parks contain natural settings with natural risks from trees, water and cliffs. Parks Victoria has thechallenge of minimising risk of death and injury to visitors whilst enabling appropriate access that allowsrewarding experiences.(A) Diversity of park assetsIn 2005, Parks Victoria was responsible for a diverse range of assets including:- more than 12,500 built visitor assets at 1,400 visitor sites, including 54 visitor centres, 929 toilet blocks, 436viewing lookouts, 555 information and picnic shelters, 52 playgrounds, nearly 6,000 items of park furnitureand over 590 other structures such as bird hides;- 14,000 kilometres of roads, including approximately 3,000 kilometres of two-wheel-drive roadsand 11,000 kilometres of four-wheel-drive roads;- 3,700 kilometres of walking trails;- 900 vehicle and pedestrian bridges;- more than 1,200 car parks;- 1,400 maritime assets including 960 navigation aids and jetties;7- approximately 300 heritage structures such as huts and gardens;- more than 530 utility services (power, sewerage, underground services); and- more than 550 corporate structures such as park offices, storage facilities and depots.ChapterTwo-wheel-drive roads which provide access to principal visitor sites or allow car-based camping, scenic touringand other activities made up 22% of the network of roads throughout Victoria’s parks (by distance). Four-wheeldriveroads and tracks made up 78% of roads, providing access for a wide variety of recreational activities andallowing access to more remote areas as well as providing essential access for fire and emergency managementand park management.Of the 14,000 kilometres of roads, 95% of two-wheel drive roads and 55% of four-wheel drive roads (by distance)were available for public vehicle access, with the remainder open for emergency and management access.Emergency and management roads also provided access for a range of non-motorised uses such as horse ridingand walking.More than 3,700 kilometres of walking trailsare available throughout Victoria’s parks.OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE AND APPRECIATE PARKS218

The board walk on theLoo Ern track, WilsonsPromontory National Parkis part of 3,700 kilometresof walking trails availablethroughout theparks network. 203The playground at CardiniaReservoir Park, one of52 playgrounds managedby Parks Victoria. 204The toilet block at GunnamattaOcean Beach, one of morethan 900 toilet blocksmanaged by Parks Victoria. 205Flinders Jetty in Western Portis one of 1,400 maritimeassets managed byParks Victoria. 206(B) Maintaining assets and managing risk7Managing risks to park visitors is a high priority for Parks Victoria. An inspection program of the structural conditionof all park assets was completed with assets rated as Excellent to Very Poor (see 7.3.2 (C) below). Specificmanagement strategies developed in response will ensure that assets comply with the Victorian Government’s SafeDrinking Water Act 2003 (Vic) and Road Management Act 2004 (Vic).ChapterMajor works undertaken to ensure access and to improve visitor safety included:- asset replacement programs in the Alpine, Mount Buffalo and Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Parks and otherparks following the 2002/03 alpine fires and the 2005 Wilsons Promontory fires;- upgrading bridges and viewing platforms at parks including the Alpine, Mornington Peninsula, Grampians,Port Campbell (Case Study 7.2), Kinglake, Lake Eildon, Croajingolong and Yarra Ranges National Parks, WarbyRange, Angahook-Lorne and Melba Gully State Parks and Cape Liptrap and Discovery Bay Coastal Parksas well as at metropolitan parks including Point Gellibrand Heritage Park, Westgate Park and Yarra Bend Park;- risk management works at historic mine sites such as Balaclava Mine, Whroo Historic Reserve and El DoradoDredge;- major repairs to dam infrastructure at Lysterfield Park and Mount Buffalo National Park;- repairs from major storm and flood damage at more than 10 parks; and- extensive works to reduce risk from trees particularly after major incidents such as wildfire and floods.Major road upgrades and road maintenance programs were undertaken at over 40 parks including four-wheel-drivetracks, bridge repairs and two-wheel-drive road upgrades. These included the Mornington Peninsula, DandenongRanges, Grampians, Alpine, Baw Baw, Croajingolong, Grampians, Hattah-Kulkyne, Kinglake, Lake Eildon,Little Desert, Mitchell River, Murray-Sunset, Snowy River, Wyperfeld and Yarra Ranges National Parks, Bunyip,Carlisle, Cathedral Range, Kooyoora, Mount Arapiles-Tooan and Mount Buangor State Parks, as well as severalmetropolitan and other parks.219 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

7.2 Twelve Apostles site redevelopmentCase StudyBefore its recent redevelopment, the Twelve Apostles visitor site provided car parking, paths, lookout platformsand minor interpretation at the cliff top within the Port Campbell National Park. This location was quite narrowand sensitive to environmental and visual impacts. Around 600,000 visitors used the site each year, with theiraverage length of stay about 30 minutes. Major capital upgrades were required to cater for increased tourismand to protect environmental values. The absence of toilets had been causing environmental impacts and visitordissatisfaction. The old car park was too small to cope with the Christmas and Easter periods, causing visitorsto park along both sides of the Great Ocean Road which created a serious pedestrian hazard.The redevelopment project involved building a new car park with overflow capacity, as well as installing toiletsand associated waste water treatment infrastructure on leased farmland north of the Great Ocean Road.The new visitor amenity building provides disabled access and drinking water as well as interpretation andshelter. The new facilities are connected to the existing viewing area south of the Great Ocean Road by apedestrian underpass designed with gradients suitable for unassisted wheelchair access.The Twelve ApostlesVisitor Centre providesinterpretive material for thePort Campell National Parkand the Twelve ApostlesMarine National Park as wellas toilets, drinking waterand easy disabled access. 2077ChapterOPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE AND APPRECIATE PARKS220

(C) Condition of park assetsThe quality and condition of park assets strongly affects visitor experiences. Since 2000, Parks Victoria hasdeveloped a condition rating system for assets and roads. Table 7.1 summarises the condition ratings of visitorassets and roads across Victoria’s parks in 2004/05. No formal assessment of the condition of walking trailswas conducted.Table 7.1 Condition ratings in 2004/05Condition RatingVisitor assets(% of rated assets)Two-wheel drive roads(% of rated assets)Four-wheel drive roads(% of rated assets)Excellent 13 2 1Good 43 40 30Average / Fair 25 44 44Poor 12 10 21Very poor 7 4 4The group of assets with the most pressing condition issues were maritime and waterways facilities. Many of theseassets were inherited by Parks Victoria from previous managers in various stages of deterioration, particularly piersand navigational aids. These assets also endure extreme conditions in the bay or along rivers and lakes whichaccelerate deterioration.The ageing asset base of parks is a significant management issue for Parks Victoria. A large number of assets suchas roads, buildings and structures require replacing over the next 10 years. To address this, the VictorianGovernment provided a major injection of capital funding in 2005 to replace deteriorating assets at sites withan expected high level of service. Major capital works are now underway at highest priority sites.56% of visitor assets in parks were in excellent or good condition.7ChapterYeddonba Boardwalk whichincludes a viewing platformfor an Aboriginal Rock ArtSite in Chiltern-Mount PilotNational Park. The board walkwas constructed in 2004 toreplace the original viewingplatform which was destroyedduring the 2003 bushfires. 208221 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

7.3.3 Supporting tourismIndicatorRationale(A) Supporting tourism partnerships Parks bring direct and measurable economic benefits(B) Economic value of tourism in parksto local, regional, state and national economies. Theseindicators describe the role of Parks Victoria in supportingtourism activities in parks and the economic value thisbrings to communities.ContextParks Victoria is the largest nature-based tourism provider in the state. The organisation works in partnership withindustry, government and the community to facilitate appropriate and sustainable tourism on and for public land.Parks, landscapes and infrastructure provide a base for many tourism activities as well as the setting or backdropfor many tourism opportunities that may not physically occur within a park but which draw on its natural features(eg. off-park accommodation).Tourism contributes more than $10.5 billion to Victoria’s economy each year and generates 175,000 jobs, many ofthem in regional communities. Parks Victoria manages many iconic locations central to Victoria’s tourism industry,such as Port Campbell, Grampians and Wilsons Promontory National Parks, the Yarra River and the alpine regions.The organisation contributes significantly to Victoria’s reputation as a great place to live and visit. Tourism Victoriaidentified nature-based tourism as a major marketing asset in its Tourism Industry Strategic Plan 2002–2006.(A) Supporting tourism partnershipsLicensed tour operators promote access to parks, provide information on park values and appropriate uses withinparks and encourage tourism and recreation. As of June 2005, there were 253 tour operators licensed to conducta range of guided activities in areas managed by Parks Victoria and State forests managed by DSE. This included 26operators licensed to conduct tours in marine national parks and marine sanctuaries. These operators offered morethan 3,800 tourism and recreational opportunities, ranging from simple sightseeing tours and guided bush walksto horse riding and more adventurous activities such as rock climbing and kite surfing. Compliance with Victoria’sindustry-endorsed Adventure Activity Standards, which are designed to ensure safety and environmentalsustainability, continued to be a condition of all tour operator permits. Activity Adventure Standards now cover13 licensed activities.Parks Victoria also continued working with commercial passenger boat operators on the Yarra and MaribyrnongRivers to plan for future access and to identify the best alternative locations for commercial berths at Southgateand Princes Wharf while improving integration with Williamtown’s commercial ferries.Tourism operators, which predominantly rely on parks and public land for their activities, can lose revenue whenthese assets are affected by fires or other emergencies which may result in park closures. After the 2002/03 alpinefires and the 2005 Wilsons Promontory fire, licensed tourism operators helped Parks Victoria perform post-fireassessment work (Case Study 7.3).7ChapterImprovements to tourism infrastructure were made at a number of major tourist destinations. These included: newfacilities at the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park (Case Study 7.2); developing the Great Ocean Walkin the Otway Ranges; restoration works at the lightstation and lightkeeper’s residence at Wilsons PromontoryNational Park as well as renewing wastewater services at Tidal River; redeveloping major visitor lookouts in theGrampians National Park; providing new facilities to encourage access to goldfield parks; upgrading the GreatDividing Trail through Lerderderg State Park; and improving Buchan Caves Reserve in East Gippsland. Otherinfrastructure projects included new facilities at Kings Billabong near Mildura, facilitation of a new lease for theSkyhigh Restaurant at Mount Dandenong and major works to repair and renew a number of piers and jettiesincluding the St Kilda pier and kiosk. Upgrades to two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive roads also improved accessfor tour operators.Parks Victoria’s role as a key player in the tourism industry also increased, with greater representation on regionaltourism boards as well as membership of strategic tourism organisations such as the national Sustainable TourismCooperative Research Centre.OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE AND APPRECIATE PARKS222

7.3 Licensed Tour Operator Fire Recovery ProgramCase StudyThe 2002/03 fires in the Alpine National Park and the 2005 fire at Wilsons Promontory National Park requiredthe temporary closure of these parks to ensure visitor safety. Licensed tour operators were contracted by ParksVictoria to help assess damage, which is required for risk mitigation before visitors can return to parks. Usingtheir local knowledge, tour operators recorded important data about tree risk, track condition and asset losswhich was used to conduct repair works before parks reopened.This partnership helped tour operators replace lost income and the knowledge they gained about the firerecovery process saw many subsequently conduct fire recovery tours.7(B) Economic value of tourism in parksChapterTo quantify the economic value of parks, economic and accounting consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers werecommissioned in 2003 to conduct an economic benefits study of three major national parks: Port Campbell,the Grampians and Wilsons Promontory (Parks Victoria, 2003). The analysis focussed on estimating:The Twelve Apostlesat Port Campbell NationalPark, one of Victoria’stourism icons. 209- quantifiable benefits of park tourism;- expenditure on park management and maintenance;- associated employment benefits in tourism and other relevant industry sectors; and- the current value of recreation activities in parks.It found that in 2002/03, Victoria’s parks contributed an estimated $960 million to the state’s economy.Of this total, Port Campbell National Park generated $190.4 million, the Grampians National Park generated$246 million and Wilsons Promontory National Park generated $50.2 million (Parks Victoria, 2003).In 2005 Parks Victoria staff determined that of 293 parks assessed, 228 provided some economic benefits tosurrounding communities. Of these, 68% contributed to local employment either directly within a park or via parkrelatedactivities outside a park (eg. tourism operators). Expenditure associated with park management and by parkvisitors to 60% of parks contributed to local communities.Victoria’s parks contribute $960 million to the state’s economy.223 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

7.3.4 Improving visitor appreciation of parksIndicatorRationale(A) Information available for park visitors Information, Interpretation and Education (II&E) are all(B) Participation in park educationand interpretation programsimportant but different methods of highlighting the natural,cultural and recreational values of Victoria’s parks, baysand waterways. These indicators describe the II&E servicesprovided by Parks Victoria.ContextParks Victoria provides information to motivate people to visit a park, plan their visits in advance and to enhancetheir experience of parks. Park education and interpretation fosters an appreciation of nature and enhances theexperience of visitors. It is also important to ensure visitors help protect important park values.(A) Information available for park visitors(i) MotivateFive major motivational brochures were developed by Parks Victoria:- Guide to Victoria’s Parks, Reserves and Waterways;- Guide to National Parks;- Guide to the Bays;- Great One Day Escapes; and- Melbourne’s Metro Parks.These brochures were distributed through Victoria’s 69 accredited Visitor Information Centres at industryand public events, to media programs and through Parks Victoria’s website (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au).Parks Victoria rangers teachingschool students about themarine environment at RickettsPoint Marine Sanctuary. 2107ChapterOPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE AND APPRECIATE PARKS224

(ii) PlanParks Victoria provided information to help potential visitors plan their visits by:- distributing nearly 150,000 Park Notes and 185,000 Marine Notes at key visitor information centres and fromParks Victoria offices;- providing information through the Parks Victoria website, which receives over 1.3 million visits each year;- providing a 24 hour telephone service via Parks Victoria's Information Centre. In 2004/05, this service helped114,073 callers and responded to approximately 2,800 email enquiries;- producing two boating publications for recreational boaters and anglers; and- building partnerships with publishers and the media.(iii) ExperienceInformation and interpretive activities were provided to enhance the experience of park visitors. These weredelivered through information boards, including orientation and interpretation, interpretative signs, guided tours,licensed tour operator activities and education centres.(B) Participation in park education and interpretation programs(i) Number of individuals, schools and groups participating in an education programParks Victoria offers curriculum-based education programs to primary and secondary schools, which provide handsoneducational activities and programs delivered by Education Officers at three major education centres locatedin the Dandenong Ranges National Park, Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre (in partnership withBrambuk cultural officers) in the Grampians National Park and in Wilsons Promontory National Park. Approximately19,000 school children attended these programs each year from 2000/01 and 2004/05. Several educationpartnerships were also further developed to improve education programs, including with Brambuk, the GouldLeague, Marine Discovery Centre, Dolphin Research Institute, Reef Watch, the Department of Educationand Interpretation Association Australia.7Parks Victoria Indigenousranger with school students atthe Grampians National Park– Gariwerd. 211 Approximately 19,000 school children attend parkChapterand cultural education programs each year.225 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

(ii)Number of individuals participating in an interpretation programRangers and other Parks Victoria staff facilitate interpretative activities and programs for schools and the broadercommunity. Some sites have year-round on-site programs, including the Serendip Wildlife Sanctuary, the WerribeeMansion and Buchan Caves. Whilst these cater for larger tour groups and schools, many other parks also deliverinterpretive and educational programs. In 2004/05, almost 200,000 individuals participated in these programs.In 2005, Parks Victoria staff assessed the provision of interpretative materials about natural values in 187 parks.For 53% of parks, interpretation was determined to be generally adequate or excellent to meet the needs ofvisitors. For 125 parks where an assessment of interpretive materials about post-settlement heritage was made,43% were deemed to have adequate or excellent materials. For 95 parks where an assessment of interpretivematerials about Indigenous cultural values was made, 30% were deemed to have adequate or excellent materials.7ChapterOPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE AND APPRECIATE PARKS226

7.4 Achievements, challenges and responsesAchievements in providing opportunities to experience and appreciate parks- Developing and implementing tools such as the Levels of Service framework and the Asset Management Systemto record and monitor assets, establish service standards and prioritise works in parks.- Greater understanding of the motivation and characteristics of different park visitors to inform future planning.- Completing major visitor service strategies for the Port Campbell National Park, Box-Ironbark parks and marinenational parks and marine sanctuaries as well as a Two-wheel-drive Park Access Strategy.- Responding effectively to the 2002/03 fires, including assessing asset condition, reconstructing parkinfrastructure and services, re-opening parks and providing practical support for affected tour operators.- Responding to the creation of new Box-Ironbark parks and new marine national parks and marine sanctuariesby upgrading key visitor sites and installing boundary markers, risk signage and interpretation signs.- Completing plans to ensure compliance with major new legislative requirements for safe drinking waterand road management.- Implementing a major visitor safety program through comprehensive risk assessment and implementationworks for high risk asset classes, including roads, bridges, elevated structures, dams and playgrounds.- Implementing major capital works programs at key sites such as the reconstruction of the heritage-listedSt Kilda Pier kiosk.- Significantly increasing visitor satisfaction following upgrades of facilities at the Port Campbell, WilsonsPromontory and Kinglake National Parks and metropolitan parks such as Karkarook Park.- Maintaining a consistently high level of community satisfaction with the level of recreation facilities.- Commenced partnerships with the tourism industry and greater recognition of Parks Victoria as a major providerof nature-based tourism services.- Improving programs at education centres at Wilsons Promontory, Grampians and Dandenong RangesNational Parks.- Developing improved educational resources to encourage parks as educational destinations, includingdeveloping new curriculum materials for Box-Ironbark and marine parks and improving Indigenousinterpretation materials.7Chapter- Further developing education partnerships.Challenges and responsesAgeing asset baseChallenge: A large number of visitor facilities and other park assets are ageing and require repair or replacement.Many no longer meet visitor or environmental standards and a significant challenge is replacing services such aswater, sewage and power as well as developing new visitor facilities at priority sites that are consistent with theLevels of Service framework. Some sites may need to be closed.Response: In 2005, Parks Victoria received a significant injection of funding for capital works from the VictorianGovernment. This is being used to replace, renew or decommission ageing park assets at priority sites, includingroads, walking tracks and visitor facilities. Additional planning will be completed to develop long-term assetreplacement programs. Maintenance of fire and emergency access remains a high priority.227VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Development of facilities and services at new parksChallenge: With several new metropolitan parks planned for urban growth areas of Melbourne and in regionallocations, such as the recently proclaimed Great Otway National Park and Devil Bend, some communities have highexpectations for improved facilities and services.Response: A large planning and preparation program for new parks is underway. The Levels of Service framework,combined with further research on expected visitor profiles, is being applied to these new parks to determine theappropriate services and facilities required.Implications of changing demographicsChallenge: The demographics and preferences of park visitors in Melbourne and regional Victoria is changingand Parks Victoria needs to adapt and plan ahead to meet these changing needs. Issues include an ageingpopulation, a greater proportion of the population being obese, changing recreational demands from childrenand catering more for visitors from other cultures and non-English speaking backgrounds.Response: Parks Victoria will develop a comprehensive Recreation Strategy in 2007 to address current and futurerecreational needs of park visitors.Understanding park visitorsChallenge: Services and facilities provided at parks must better match the needs of different visitors to improvetheir experiences, reduce conflict between users and ensure natural and cultural values are protected.Response: Building on a 2005 market segmentation study completed by Parks Victoria, additional researchwill be conducted to better understand the expectations, preferences and behaviours of existing and potentialpark visitors.Management of visitor riskChallenge: Risk to visitors from natural features such as trees and from undertaking aquatic activities in parksare increasing concerns for park managers. Parks Victoria has a responsibility to ensure the safety of park visitors,but it recognises that different park settings and activities pose various levels of risk to visitors. Achieving anappropriate balance between providing safe experiences while accepting some level of risk is attached to somesettings and activities (eg. rock climbing and remote bushwalking) continues to be a major challenge.Response: Parks Victoria will develop a Visitor Risk Profile in 2007 to investigate how to best manage visitor risk.Tourism supportChallenge: An ongoing challenge for Parks Victoria is working in partnership with the tourism industry to meetthe needs of tourism operators and to ensure industry investors have increased certainty.7ChapterResponse: Parks Victoria will continue working closely with the tourism industry to build effective partnerships.ReferencesDOI (2002). Melbourne 2030, Department of Infrastructure, Melbourne.Market Solutions (2004). Community Perception Monitor, Market Solutions, Melbourne.Millward Brown (2004). Visitor Satisfaction Monitor, Millward Brown, Melbourne.Market Solutions (2005). Market Segmentation, Market Solutions, Melbourne.Parks Victoria (2002), Linking People and Spaces – a strategy for Melbourne’s open space network, Parks Victoria,Melbourne.Parks Victoria (2003). The value of parks - the economic value of three of Victoria’s national parks:Port Campbell, Grampians, Wilsons Promontory, Parks Victoria, Melbourne.Parks Victoria (2004a). Visitor Number Monitor 2003-04, Newspoll, Melbourne.Parks Victoria (2004b). Visitor Satisfaction Monitor 2001-2004 Data, Parks Victoria, Melbourne.OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE AND APPRECIATE PARKS228

A Marine Care eventat Ricketts Point. MarineCare-Ricketts Point Inc. is aFriends group that helpscare for the Ricketts PointMarine Sanctuary. 212

Communityinvolvement in parksInvolving communities in the management ofVictoria’s parks promotes greater understandingof park values and management issues and helpsgenerate community spirit, responsibility and belonging.It also helps extend and enhance park managementprograms and builds Parks Victoria’s knowledgeof community expectations. Involving Indigenouscommunities in park management helps retain strongcultural links to Country.Parks Victoria aims to:- seek, enable and support diverse communityparticipation in the planning, use and care of parks;- demonstrate a genuine commitment to the principlesof community engagement; and- contribute to the social well-being and healthof the community.This chapter outlines the types and value of communityinvolvement in park management, including the role ofvolunteers, outcomes from formal partnerships, the typesof consultation that Parks Victoria undertakes and thesocial benefits gained.8

8.1 Community participation and partnershipsIndicatorRationale(A) Social and health benefits of parks Community participation and partnerships are important(B) Volunteeringcomponents of park management in Victoria. Participation(C) Community contributions to decision-making may be formal (eg. volunteering or contributing to park(D) Formal partnerships in parksmanagement plans) although many important relationshipsbetween Parks Victoria staff and the community areinformal. These indicators describe Parks Victoria’s rolein contributing health and social benefits, the types offormal partnerships that lead to inclusive management, thediversity of groups involved in parks and the relationshipsbetween Parks Victoria and these groups.ContextParks Victoria's responsibilities include ensuring that parks contribute to the lifestyles of all Victorians. The longtermprotection of parks relies on building community connections, networks and partnerships to ensure a senseof community ownership and appreciation of parks. There is strong community interest in park managementand community involvement is an important way to improve decision-making and to inform different groupswith varying expectations of how parks should be managed.Parks are increasingly recognised for their contribution to communities, including providing direct and indirectsocial and health benefits. Victoria’s parks contribute significantly to the social fabric of communities. In particular,volunteer participation helps build community capacities and improve park management.(A) Social and health benefits of parksParks contribute to communities by protecting natural and cultural values, providing safe and accessible openspaces, offering volunteer and interest-group activities, providing opportunities for diverse recreational activitiesand contributing to local economies and regional employment. A recent example of the social benefits parksprovide is the development of Indigenous communities through their improved connections with parks(Case Study 8.1).8ChapterWhile the economic and environmental value of parks can be quantified, parks also contribute to physical andmental health by protecting biodiversity and ecosystem services such as water and clean air, as well as supportingrecreational, tourism and employment opportunities. Health and psychological research has shown that individualswho are active and feel connected to others and to their community are healthier in body, mind and spirit (Bowen,2004). A 2002 review of research by Deakin University highlighted the numerous benefits of open space andnature for community health (Deakin University, 2002).In 2000, Parks Victoria introduced its program Healthy Parks, Healthy People to recognise the connection betweena healthy environment and community health. The concept highlighted that actively participating in a well-caredforpark environment can improve the health and fitness of individuals and communities. The program establisheda number of partnerships with the health sector, strengthening the link between parks and a healthy society. TheDeakin University review revealed a wide range of opportunities for park management agencies to significantlycontribute to community health.The Healthy Parks, Healthy People message now features on all brochures, printed information and promotionalprograms produced by Parks Victoria. Its success has seen it subsequently adopted by park agencies in otherAustralian states and territories. Practical ways to promote health and activity in parks developed by Parks Victoriahave included developing major events such as The World’s Greatest Pram Stroll (Case Study 8.2) and involvementin major annual exhibitions and events.231 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Further research is required to quantify the social and health benefits of parks, such as their potential role inreducing obesity and improving mental health. As more data becomes available, trends in the social and healthbenefits of parks will be reported in future editions of State of the Parks.Parks Victoria plays a major role in hosting community and other events in its parks and waterways. These rangefrom some of Melbourne’s most popular sporting and cultural events such as the Formula One Grand Prix at AlbertPark and Moomba on the Yarra River to a wide range of other events in regional Victoria such as surfing contests,skiing races, triathlons, jazz festivals and community cultural celebrations. Such events require thorough planningand extensive consultation with event managers.Recognising the strong links between parks and social benefits, Parks Victoria was involved in establishing thePeople and Parks Foundation to encourage community involvement in parks. Example projects managed by thefoundation have included the Sea Search community monitoring program, the Feel Blue Touch Green initiative tosupport mental health and the Green Connections program to encourage landscape scale revegetation projects.8.1 Social benefits of parks for Indigenous communitiesCase StudyAcknowledging the cultural values of parks to Traditional Owners and other Indigenous people fosters spiritualand physical well-being and contributes to overall health. One example of how Parks Victoria acknowledged thecultural values of Indigenous people is through a partnership with Wotjobaluk People (Traditional Owners in theWimmera). Collaborating with the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Department ofJustice, an information, interpretation and education project focusing on helping the Wotjobaluk people achievetheir goal of cultural recognition. The (‘sharing the past, keeping our culture alive and working for our future’)catchphrase developed throughout the project illustrates the importance of improving acknowledgement ofWotjobaluk people in the broader community.Parks Victoria ranger withvolunteers at the NationalTree Planting day atPoint Cook Coastal Park. 2138International volunteersremoving weedsat Cheetham Wetlands. 214ChapterCOMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN PARKS232

8.2 World’s Greatest Pram StrollCase StudyParks Victoria launched the Worlds Greatest Pram Stroll in 2002 to provide social opportunities for new parents.It encourages parents to take a healthy stroll with their babies, meet other parents and exchange ideas andexperiences. It reinforces the notion that parks are great places to meet and get healthy.This annual event held on the first Sunday of October at Melbourne’s Albert Park Lake is strongly promoted andnow attracts over 1,000 participants and considerable media coverage. Similar events are held on the same dayin other local parks (not managed by Parks Victoria) in Bendigo, Geelong, Ballarat, Mildura and Dandenong.Many supporters make these events possible, including: the Sunday Herald Sun; Playgroup Victoria; theAustralian Breastfeeding Association; Womensport and Recreation Victoria; Southern Health; Save the Children;the cities of Melbourne, Darebin, Greater Bendigo, Greater Geelong and Greater Dandenong; FreemasonsHospital; and maternal and child health centres.The pram strollat Albert Park lake. 215(B) VolunteeringVolunteer participation directly benefits parks in numerous ways. It contributes to the protection and conservationof natural and cultural environments as well as visitor enjoyment and visitor experience. It helps inform parkmanagers of community expectations, encourages people to value and support parks and generates a greatersense of community spirit, responsibility and belonging. Community participation in park management also helpsbuild community capacities through improved relationships, skills development, networks and resource sharing.Effective volunteer programs benefit both park managers and volunteers. Volunteers cite numerous benefits gainedthrough their volunteering activities, including meeting friends, learning new skills, contributing to society andgaining a different perspective on life. Support for volunteer programs requires a commitment to invest time indeveloping effective relationships, providing supervision and program development services, building skills andcapacities of volunteers and supporting volunteer associations to plan and manage succession within a group.8ChapterVolunteering in parks does more than help protect the environment. It can improve an individual’s physical andmental health and build social connectedness and trust (Senior and Townsend, 2005). Encouraging volunteering forspecific groups such as people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,young people and older Victorians can aid social integration, provide opportunities for self-development and buildsocial networks and companionship.Volunteers undertakinga vegetation survey atAngahook-Lorne State Park(now part of the Great OtwayNational Park). 216233 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

(i) Volunteer activities in parksVolunteers are among Parks Victoria’s most important partners. In 2005, approximately 110 Friends groups andmore than 170 other organisations and groups were involved in park volunteer programs (ranging fromrecreational, social and service-based clubs to corporate businesses). Parks Victoria also supported numerouscommunity-based programs for people receiving social security benefits or entitlements, completing communityservice-based orders or required to volunteer as part of their employment.Volunteers helped with a diverse range of activities, including:- weed management and mapping and revegetation activities, including collecting seeds, propagating plantsand planting;- rehabilitating alpine mossbeds;- nursery work and general garden maintenance;- flora and fauna monitoring, including threatened species monitoring, Waterwatch and Frog Watch;- marine monitoring through the Sea Search program;- general park and track maintenance, including litter collection;- archival research and heritage work, including restoring and maintaining heritage sites;- providing visitor centre, gift shop and administration services;- providing interpretive and guide services; and- organising and running community-based and charity events.Approximately 50% of volunteer work focussed on environmental protection with many of the remaining activitiescontributing to the provision of visitor services and protecting and interpreting cultural values.Friends of Kings BillabongWildlife Reserve maintainingtracks within the reserve. 217Volunteers planting trees. 2188ChapterCOMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN PARKS234

(ii) Number of reported volunteer hoursVolunteers are increasingly active in park management. During the reporting period the number of hours volunteerscontributed to parks per year increased from 130,000 to 150,000 hours. Parks with the largest volunteer programsincluded the Dandenong Ranges National Park (eg. weed control and the base for international volunteers),Werribee Park (eg. garden maintenance), Warrandyte State Park (eg. plant propagation), Mallee parks (eg.malleefowl monitoring), Braeside Park (eg. revegetation and threatened flora protection), parks in south-westVictoria (eg. maintaining the Great South-West Walk), and the Alpine National Park (eg. mossbed rehabilitation).The number of hours volunteers contributed to parks was boosted by the development and growth of severalspecific volunteer programs, including the Camp Hosts (Case Study 8.3) and International Volunteers program.The latter increased from one volunteer in 2000 to 17 by 2004/05 and involved volunteers from Germany, Spain,France, Columbia, Holland, United Kingdom, United States and China. Formal programs through organisationssuch as Conservation Volunteers Australia also increased. Volunteers involved on an individual basis and notthrough a club or volunteer organisation contributed over 10,000 hours to parks in 2004/05.In 2004/05 volunteers contributed more than 150,000 hoursof their time, half of which focussed on environmental works.(iii) Supporting volunteersVolunteer projects in parks were primarily supported through Parks Victoria’s Volunteer Group Grants Program,which funded between 20 and 140 individual programs each year. Funded projects focused on diverse activities,from track maintenance to monitoring programs, controlling weeds, planting indigenous revegetation,rehabilitating waterways and maintaining heritage gardens and buildings.(iv) Satisfaction with volunteer programsAs of 2005, Parks Victoria did not formally monitor the satisfaction of park volunteers (with the exception of theCamp Host Program, where qualitative surveys have shown relatively high satisfaction). However, Parks Victoriastaff regularly meet with groups and attend Friends Network Forums. Opportunities exist to improve evaluationof volunteer satisfaction.8.3 Camp Host Volunteer ProgramCase StudyParks Victoria established its Camp Host Program in 2000. It places volunteers in campgrounds during peakholiday periods to provide orientation, park information and other services and to act as a contact pointbetween visitors and parks staff. The program operates three times a year, with up to 50 volunteers placedacross 17 parks, mostly national parks, including the Grampians, Little Desert, and Kinglake National Parks.8A volunteer camp host helpingcampers at Wingham Inlet,Croajingolong National Park. 219Chapter235 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

(C) Community contributions to decision-makingWays that communities and individuals can contribute to decision-making in park management include helping todevelop park management plans, consulting on specific issues or serving on advisory committees. Thesecontributions not only assist Parks Victoria in its understanding and consideration of park management options,but also provide opportunities for interested community members to share and receive information to shapeopinions and values.(i) Consultation and relationship with stakeholdersIn 2005, Parks Victoria staff reported that the groups and individuals they most frequently consulted with on parkmanagement matters were other Victorian Government organisations, local and regional conservation groups,recreational user groups, local governments, catchment management groups, Indigenous communities and peopleliving on or close to park boundaries (park neighbours). The issues most commonly discussed related to protectingpark values, park access, fire management, Indigenous community involvement, cultural values management,awareness and education, management planning, weeds and visitor facilities. Other less common issues includedexotic animals, law enforcement and information about park resourcing.In 2005, Parks Victoria staff reported the level of community consultation undertaken in 291 parks. Of these parks,95% had some consultative program in place. Consultation ranged from focussing on issues of particular publicinterest in 58% to regular established processes covering all aspects of park management in 14%.Parks Victoria staff reported that the highest levels of agreement occurred with catchment management groupsand local governments regarding protecting park values, and with other Victorian Government organisations onfire management. High levels of agreement were recorded with most stakeholders, although some disagreementwas evident about certain issues. The most diverse opinions related to fire management, park values and weedsand exotic animals (from park neighbours), and access to parks (from private businesses and long-term ortraditional users).Parks Victoria seeks community opinions and ideas via:- media activities in newspapers and on radio;- fliers in local shops;- inviting input into discussion papers from specific stakeholders, agencies and park neighbours;- public forums and park open days;- inviting input into park management plans; and- meeting with key stakeholder groups such as Traditional Owners and local Indigenous communities.Parks Victoria surveyed key stakeholders who were consulted during the development of park management plansto assess their satisfaction with the consultation process. Responses included requests for notification of whenmanagement plans were being developed, earlier consultation before draft plans were published and more face-tofaceconsultation. Some stakeholders nominated a perceived lack of response to their input as an issue. Inresponse, several changes to consultation processes were made, including increasing the number of communityinformation sessions, providing more information on Parks Victoria’s website and providing summaries of thedifferences between draft and final management plans.To improve engagement with rural communities, the Rural Forums program was established. These forums enableregional communities to meet with senior park managers on issues of concern and mutual interest.Surveys of park visitors have revealed only a small proportion of visitors are from a non-English speakingbackground, which fails to reflect Victoria’s multicultural make-up. In response, Parks Victoria has worked toincrease the accessibility of consultation and involvement of people from culturally and linguistically diversebackgrounds in parks (Case Study 8.4). The success of this program will be evaluated over the next few years bydetermining the extent of increased participation and will be reported on in future editions of State of the Parks.8ChapterCOMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN PARKS236

8.4 Engaging more with multicultural communitiesCase StudyVisitor Satisfaction Surveys have indicated that while a quarter of Melburnians are from non-English speakingbackgrounds (2001 Census), only 10% of these visit urban parks. Anecdotal information also suggeststhat Friends Groups predominately comprise people from English speaking backgrounds and the majorityof individuals responding to park planning issues are also from an English speaking background.Research commissioned by Parks Victoria suggested that people from culturally and linguistically diversebackgrounds placed less emphasis on park appreciation and participation in park recreational activities.It recommended activities to reduce barriers, including building partnerships with key cultural organisations,introducing different cultural communities to park activities and increasing staff awareness of multiculturalissues.In 2004/05, Parks Victoria launched initiatives to help increase the diversity of input into parks management,including providing staff with training from the Australian Multicultural Foundation to help them engageand retain volunteers from non-English speaking backgrounds. These initiatives have assisted cross-culturalknowledge and understanding between Parks Victoria staff, agencies and communities. More work willbe done to encourage cultural diversity in parks.Visitors dancing as part ofHarmony Week celebrations atPoint Cook Coastal Park. 220(ii) Consultation and involvement with the Indigenous communities8ChapterSince 2000, the level of consultation and involvement with Indigenous communities has increased at specific sitesas a result of greater recruitment of Indigenous employees, the introduction of staff cross-cultural training and thedevelopment of Parks Victoria’s Indigenous Partnership Strategy and Action Plan (see chapter 6, section 6.2).While Parks Victoria staff reported that 76% of 236 assessed parks had some form of consultation with Indigenouscommunities, the extent and scope of consultation and involvement varied greatly and consultation was oftenabout specific issues. Depending on the capacity of Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities, opportunitiesexist to expand consultation programs and to build stronger relationships and partnerships with them.(D) Formal partnerships in parks(i) Formal partnershipsTo boost engagement with groups interested in parks, Parks Victoria developed a program of Memorandaof Understanding/Cooperation with recreational user groups, Indigenous organisations (Case Study 8.5)and other organisations. These allow all signatories to demonstrate commitment to maintaining ongoing workingrelationships based on communicating, sharing information and cooperating on issues of mutual interest.While disagreement may occur on some issues, the Memoranda provide a strong foundation for developingshared programs and priorities.237 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Since 2000, Parks Victoria has developed formal Memoranda of Cooperation with stakeholder groups including:- Four Wheel Drive Victoria;- Sporting Shooters Association Australia (Victoria) (see chapter 3, Case Study 3.3);- Mountain Bike Australia;- Trust For Nature; and- Australian Deer Association.These partnerships have prompted the sharing of resources, skills and knowledge to support park management.For example, the Four Wheel Drive Victoria has provided Parks Victoria with specialist knowledge on track grading,temporary closure or creation. Specialised marksmen from the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (Victoria)have contributed thousands of hours to help control feral goats in parks, and a partnership with the AustralianDeer Association has included joint monitoring of deer populations in alpine regions. Evolving partnerships withother user groups such as VicWalk have seen new joint projects begin to benefit members and parks alike.A long standing Memorandum of Understanding between Parks Victoria, park agencies in New South Walesand the Australian Capital Territory and the former Department of Environment and Water Resources was signedto protect the natural and cultural heritage and promote the appreciation of parks in the Australian Alps.A number of successful workshops and publications have evolved from the memorandum including the sharingof information on alpine ecology, impacts of and recovery from wildfire, pest species management, promotingthe alps, management of historic huts and Indigenous cultural heritage. The latter included the Australian Alps FirstPeople’s gathering in April 2005 on Dinner Plain where more than 60 Traditional Owners and language Groupswere represented (see chapter 6, Case Study 6.5).8.5 Brambuk – the National Park and Cultural CentreCase StudyParks Victoria staff worked with the Brambuk Living Cultural Centre to integrate it with the Grampians NationalPark Visitor Centre at Halls Gap and create Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre. The new centreprovides a diverse range of park information and education services and promotes greater understanding andappreciation of the natural and cultural heritage values of the Grampians/Gariwerd region.Brambuk- the NationalPark and Cultural Centre,Grampians National Park- Gariwerd. 2218ChapterMelton Four Wheel DriveClub volunteers maintaininga track in the AlpineNational Park. 222COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN PARKS238

8.2 Achievements, challenges and responsesAchievements in community involvement in parks- Developing several new Memoranda of Cooperation with user groups and other organisations.- Improving community involvement in the development of park management plans.- Expanding the Healthy Parks Healthy People program.- Providing more opportunities for people to get involved in park decisions after the 2002/03 alpine firesand 2005 Wilsons Promontory fire.- Developing improved partnerships with user groups including with Four Wheel Drive Victoria regardingroad management and cross-agency programs such as the Australian Alps partnership.- Greater volunteer participation and diversity of volunteer programs in parks through programs suchas Camp Host and the International Volunteer program.- Improving partnerships with a number of Indigenous communities.- Involvement in the People and Parks Foundation.Challenges and responsesChallenge: While research increasingly demonstrates the links between contact with nature and health and wellbeing,quantifying the direct contribution that parks make to these requires specific research. The Healthy ParksHealthy People campaign successfully promoted links between parks and good health but opportunities exist tointroduce new on-ground projects to boost this initiative.Response: Parks Victoria will support research to quantify the contribution parks make to physical and mentalhealth and social well-being of individuals and communities. Results and outcomes will be provided in futureeditions of State of the Parks.Challenge: Volunteer programs require mutual commitment and flexibility. Membership of some volunteerorganisations such as Friends groups has been gradually declining as membership ages. This requires Parks Victoriaand Friends groups to diversify volunteer activities to respond to issues such as ageing, as well as support Friendsgroups in attracting new members. Additionally, opportunities exist to further recognise and develop new volunteeropportunities such as park monitoring with organisations such as Conservation Volunteers Australia andEarthwatch.Response: Parks Victoria will improve its matching and targeting of volunteers to priority tasks and expandcommunity-based monitoring programs to involve volunteers in collecting information that helps with managingand monitoring park values.8Chapter239VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

ReferencesBowen, P. (2004). Investing in Canada, Department of Canadian Heritage.Deakin University (2002). Healthy Parks Healthy People, The Health Benefits of Contact with Nature in a ParkContext, A Review of Current Literature, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Social and Mental HealthPriority Area. Volume Two, Occasional Paper Series, report to Parks Victoria and the International Park StrategicPartners Group, Deakin University, Melbourne.Senior, J. and Townsend, M. (2005). Healthy Parks, Healthy People and other social capital initiatives of ParksVictoria, Australia, The Urban Imperative, Urban Outreach Strategies for Protected Area Agencies, proceedingsof a workshop at the 5th IUCN World Parks Congress, pp. 111-120, InterEnvironment California Institute of PublicAffairs, United States.8ChapterCOMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN PARKS240

The Twelve Apostles MarineNational Park, one of Victoria’stourism icons.

Outcomes of managementThis chapter summarises progress on achievingpark management objectives for natural, culturaland recreational and tourism values and communityinvolvement. The following ratings are used toassess progress:- No progress on meeting objectivesSome progress on meeting objectivesModerate progress in meeting objectivesSignificant progress in meeting objectivesThese ratings were assigned by Parks Victoria staffwith expertise in each of the areas of natural values,cultural values, recreation, tourism and appreciationand community involvement. The assessment wasinformed by detailed analysis presented in previouschapters which highlight key achievements andchallenges for each objective.9

Table 9.1Natural values managementObjectiveMaintain and restore communities and populations of indigenous speciesat appropriate levels over timeMaintain or improve the status and survival prospects of threatenedspecies and communitiesManage threatening processes within parks to achieve definedconservation objectivesAchieve shared goals for natural values management across the landscapein partnership with other land and water managers and the communityProvide efficient and effective management of natural valuesProgress in meeting objectivesParks networkTargeted parks- Planning and decision support tools were further developed and applied to objectively guide priority settingacross the parks network. These tools included the Environmental Management Framework, state-wide riskassessments for pests and pathogens, a Conservation Reserves Management Strategy and commencementof the Levels of Protection framework.- Management plans were developed or were in place for all new marine national parks and marine sanctuariesand Box-Ironbark parks. The process included considerable public consultation and resulted in a much greaterunderstanding of the values and issues associated with these new parks. Management strategies for Ramsarlistedsites were also completed.- A more rigorous approach to assessing the effectiveness of on-ground management was developed.Standardised monitoring protocols were developed for parks staff to more accurately determine the changesin abundance of introduced fauna in response to control programs as well as to more accurately monitor weedsand overabundant kangaroos and koalas.- A large number of staff participated in threatened species recovery programs, but the majority of on-groundpark management programs focused on reducing the impacts of threatening processes (eg. predators) on thehabitats of indigenous species. There were some successes such as the captive bred release program forHelmeted Honeyeaters at Bunyip State Park and recovery of some orchid populations. There was considerableuncertainty across the parks network about trends in populations of many threatened species and a numberof populations appeared to be in decline.- Changes to the extent and impact of threatening processes varied across parks:• Weeds have had a limited impact on large areas of the parks network, particularly those areas away fromroads and boundaries.• Weeds and introduced animals continued to have a detrimental impact on a wide range of significanthabitats, flora and fauna in parks. Some invasive species such as garden escapees were recorded in parksfor the first time and risk assessments highlighted significant potential for a number of existing and newlyemerging species to spread into new areas.9Chapter• In a number of parks where ongoing pest control programs were operating, the impacts of priority weedsand pest animals such as rabbits and foxes were being stabilised or reduced. In several parks there is morework required to determine the extent of and impact that pest animals were having on park values.• Partnerships with other land and water managers through programs such as Southern Ark and Glenelg Arkfox control programs were established to manage parks in the broader landscape and maximise the benefitsof joint on-ground programs.243VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

• Projects combining the best available weed and pest animal control methods and an adaptive experimentalmanagement approach commenced to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of controlling English Broomand foxes.• Threats to the condition of Mallee national parks from over-abundant kangaroo populations were reducedas a result of intensive and integrated population management programs.• Native vegetation in some parks, particularly Mount Eccles National Park, continued to be threatenedby overabundant koala populations. An innovative trial involving fertility control of koalas commenced.At other sites such as Snake Island there is evidence that growth in koala populations has been reduced.• The threat to significant vegetation by grazing stock was reduced with the decision to not renew grazinglicences in the Alpine National Park. Threats from the impacts of stock grazing were also reduced fromseveral reserves in the Wimmera and some Box-Ironbark parks. The response of native vegetation to reducedgrazing pressure will be monitored and reported in future editions of State of the Parks.• The 2002/03 alpine fires in north-east Victoria and Gippsland were, at the time, the largest since 1939.It will take some more years before the long-term ecological effects are evident.• There was a substantial increase in the effort and resources allocated to fire management. This includedprescribed burning to reduce fuel loads and planning for and implementing ecologically sustainable fire regimes.• A combination of drought conditions and an increasing demand for water state-wide affected adequateenvironmental water flows within parks. While environmental flow stress and inappropriate water regimeswere generally low in eastern Victoria they were much higher in parks in western and northern parts of thestate. There was greater recognition of the importance of water for ecological purposes and thecommencement of environmental flow initiatives for the Murray and Snowy Rivers. Nearly half of the rivers inVictorian national parks were in good or excellent condition with one-fifth in poor or very poor condition.• Connectivity between, and fragmentation within parks varied with most national parks well connectedto native vegetation. Many smaller parks and reserves remained isolated, particularly in central and westernregions of the state and those close to the metropolitan area. Revegetation along waterways took placeto expand wildlife corridors in peri-urban areas although landscape-scale revegetation projects are required toensure the long-term ecological viability of isolated parks and reserves.• With population growth occurring in some urban corridors and coastal areas, the impact of this growthon the natural values of parks in these areas was unclear. Future research will quantify these impacts anddirect a management response.• Visitor activity had localised impacts on some park values but more work is required to determine the leveland extent of those impacts.- Many partnerships were formed with other land and water managers, research institutes and interestedcommunity members to improve the management of natural values in parks. These ranged from the ResearchPartners Program and Box-Ironbark ecological thinning research to on-ground deer and goat control.- The establishment of a representative system of marine national parks and marine sanctuaries in 2002 wasa major milestone for park management in Victoria. Considerable progress was made in understanding marinehabitats using innovative scientific partnerships and through developing management plans. The influence ofactivities in surrounding catchments on these parks was recognised as an ongoing issue for management.9ChapterOUTCOMES OF MANAGEMENT244

Table 9.2Cultural heritage management – Indigenous relationships and partnershipsObjectiveProgress in meeting objectivesParks network Targeted parksEnhance recognition and awareness of Traditional Owners rights,obligations and support for their aspirations and needs to care for Countryassociated with parksImprove knowledge and protection of Indigenous cultural placesparticularly where their integrity is threatenedIncrease representation of Traditional Owners and Indigenous communitiesin planning and decision-making in all aspects of park managementGreater and more diverse representation of Indigenous people in ParksnaVictoria’s staff profileSound relationships and sustainable partnerships between Parks Victoriaand Traditional Owners and Indigenous communitiesIncrease support for Indigenous business enterprise opportunitiesna (not applicable) – assessing progress towards this objective is not appropriate at this scale.- The release of the Indigenous Partnership Strategy and Action Plan and Guidelines for Working withAboriginal Communities and Protection of Cultural Sites were important milestones for Parks Victoria.Recognition and acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities and their connectionto parks were major themes.- The participation of more than half of Parks Victoria’s employees in cross-cultural training and a significantincrease in the number of Indigenous employees were strong evidence of progress made in awareness andacknowledgement of Indigenous communities and concerns.- Important partnerships were established or improved with Traditional Owners at several locations throughprograms such as Welcome to Country, the signing of formal cooperative agreements, acknowledgingTraditional Owners, Elders and Ancestors at events and meetings and seeking their participation in surveys,fire rehabilitation programs, interpretation and education projects, site works and on advisory councils andcommittees. These actions were a response to an increased recognition of the importance of working togetherin the management of parks.- Indigenous enterprises were supported at several locations. These included Brambuk in the Grampians NationalPark and the koala management program at Mount Eccles National Park–Budj Bim.- While regular consultation with and acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities tookplace at selected sites there are further opportunities to implement a more systematic approach across the state.9Chapter245 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Table 9.3Cultural heritage management – Historic placesObjectiveGreater understanding of the types and significance of historicplaces in parks and the availability of knowledge and informationto manage cultural heritageEfficient and effective management of cultural heritage, includingsustainable management which maximises external resourcesthrough partnerships and appropriate useImprove protection of significant historic places which aresusceptible to threatening processes as well as internal and externalpressures and competitionEnhance community and visitor appreciation and understanding ofcultural heritage to facilitate connection with and pride in theirheritageMaintain or improve the condition of historic places as appropriatefor the type of place- Substantial buildings and structures- Simple buildings, features and minor structures- Gardens, plantations and culturally important natural featuresProgress in meeting objectivesParks networkTargeted parks- Ruins and remnants - -- The Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park received National Heritage Listing.- Good progress was made in improving Parks Victoria’s knowledge base of and planning for priority historicplaces and assets. A state-wide Heritage Management Strategy provided clear directions for heritage themesand priorities and a number of important strategies and plans for major heritage places were developed. Majorheritage buildings such as Werribee Park and lighthouses were the highest priority for management programs.- Of the two-thirds of operating historic buildings or structures that had condition assessments, the majority werefound to be in good condition. Several heritage assets required substantial conservation works and maintenanceof these continues to be an issue. The condition of only a small proportion of inoperable standing structuresand ruins was assessed.- Maintenance and repairs of several heritage buildings were completed through commercial lease arrangementsat some locations and some buildings were transferred to more suitable managers.- Successful partnerships were achieved with the tourism industry at targeted sites such as historic gold miningareas, but limited progress was made in raising the profile of heritage places across the wider parks networkor their management as a core component of Parks Victoria’s custodianship role.- The lack of heritage management expertise at key locations across the state limited the ability of Parks Victoriato effectively meet some heritage objectives.9ChapterOUTCOMES OF MANAGEMENT246

Table 9.4Recreation, tourism and appreciationObjectiveEquitably meet the needs and expectations of the community to accessparksProvide diverse and satisfying visitor experiences that are environmentally,culturally and economically sustainableProvide quality park and waterway facilities that are appropriate to thesetting and safe for visitorsVisitor services and management is informed by visitor needs, demand,satisfaction and impactsOffer a range of customer focused information, interpretation andeducation experiencesSupport sustainable and prosperous tourism within Parks Victoriamanaged areasna (not applicable) – assessing progress towards this objective is not appropriate at this scale.Progress in meeting objectivesParks network Targeted parksna- Planning tools were developed to record assets in parks, and to establish service standards and prioritise works.These tools, including the Levels of Service framework and an Asset Management System, were used inconjunction with visitor research to improve management of park infrastructure. Planning for new parkswas also a major focus.- Ageing visitor facilities and other park infrastructure were improved or replaced at high priority sites.This included developing facilities and services at new parks (eg. Box-Ironbark parks and marine national parksand marine sanctuaries) and replacing environmentally unsustainable facilities (eg. old septic systems). Followingthe 2002/03 alpine fires, visitor assets were rebuilt and support provided to tour operators.- More than half of assessed visitor assets were in good or excellent condition. Nearly one-fifth were in pooror very poor condition and needed to be repaired or replaced. The large number of ageing assets in parks wasrecognised as a major issue. The Victorian Government provided a major increase in capital funding in 2006to address this issue at priority sites.- Visitor safety was an ongoing priority with the risk to visitors from ageing structures reduced as a resultof upgrading facilities. Emerging areas requiring further attention include risks to visitors from falling treesand in settings in which water-based recreation occurs.- Planning for and complying with major new legislative requirements for safe drinking water and roadmanagement commenced.- Community satisfaction with the level of recreation facilities in parks remained consistently high.- Information, interpretation and education services were provided at targeted parks and new school curriculummaterials on Box-Ironbark and marine parks and Indigenous interpretation, improved educational resourcesand further developed partnerships with education providers.9- Partnerships with the tourism industry commenced with Parks Victoria being recognised as a major providerof nature-based tourism services.Chapter247 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Table 9.5Community involvement in parksObjectiveSupport diverse participation in the planning, use and care of parksFoster social and health benefits of parks to the communityProgress in meeting objectivesParks networkTargeted parks- Community involvement in park management improved with the development of formal partnerships includingMemoranda of Understanding / Cooperation with groups such as the Four Wheel Drive Victoria, SportingShooters Association of Australia (Victoria) and the Australian Deer Association. Other partnerships includedthe Four Wheel Drive Advisory committee on road management and the Australian Alps partnership.- Encouraging people to visit, enjoy and appreciate parks and to improve their health was bolstered by theHealthy Parks Healthy People program and associated events and the formation of The People and ParksFoundation. Healthy Parks Healthy People has since been adopted by other Australian park managementagencies and The People and Parks Foundation has delivered projects enabling people to access, enjoy andcontribute to parks.- Volunteer participation in parks continued to be an important focus. The number of hours contributed byvolunteers increased overall throughout the reporting period as did opportunities to volunteer. The Camp Hostand International Volunteer programs in particular boosted volunteer hours. Other opportunities to involvevolunteers in park management such as monitoring park values to assess the effectiveness of on-groundprograms are yet to be explored.9ChapterOUTCOMES OF MANAGEMENT248

GlossaryAdaptive experimental management: incorporates research principles into management by consideringdifferent management actions as experimental treatments.Area-to-boundary ratio: area of park (kilometres 2 ) divided by its perimeter (kilometres).Biodiversity: the natural diversity of all life; the sum of all native species of flora and fauna, the genetic variationwithin them, their habitats and the ecosystems of which they are an integral part.Bioregion (biogeographic region): an area that reflects patterns of ecological characteristics in the terrestrial(or marine environment), based on landscape level patterns in climate, geomorphology, geology, soils and vegetation.Bioregional conservation status: the extent to which an ecological vegetation class remains in its naturalcondition in relation to its pre-1750 distribution, degradation, rarity and current threats.Burra Charter: the Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance developed by the Australianchapter of International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), recognised nationally as the standardfor best practice in cultural heritage management.Catchment: an area of land that drains to a watercourse or estuary.Condition (of natural values): the degree to which natural values have been modified and are susceptibleto threatening processes, relative to a defined baseline state.Connectivity: the degree to which parks and reserves remain connected to adjacent areas through corridorsor proximity to other native remnant vegetation.Conservation Reserves: all or some of the more than 2,800 Conservation Reserves listed under the Crown Land(Reserves) Act 1978 (Vic).Country: a region or landscape identified by Traditional Owners as the Country of their ancestors.Diversity: a measure of the physical or biological complexity of a system. For example, species diversity is the totalnumber of species.Ecological processes: those processes that occur between organisms, and within and between communities,including interactions with the non-living environment that result in existing ecosystems and bring about changesin ecosystems over time.Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC): the basic mapping unit used for biodiversity and conservation assessmentat a variety of scales in Victoria. Vegetation is classified using a combination of floristics, life-forms, ecological andphysical characteristics.Ecosystem: a dynamic complex of interacting organisms and their associated non-living environment.Ecosystem services: conditions and processes through which natural ecosystems, and their constituent species,sustain and fulfil human life.Edge effects: changes in the environmental conditions of a patch of habitat that result from an edge or boundaryin the environment.Endemic: restricted to a specific area.Environmental Management Framework: a risk-based approach implemented by Parks Victoria to prioritise,deliver and evaluate the management of natural values.Environmental flows: the water regimes needed to sustain the ecological values of aquatic ecosystems at a lowlevel of risk.Environmental weed: exotic flora from overseas or Australian native flora growing beyond their natural rangethat have, or have the potential to have, a detrimental effect on natural values.Fire control line: a natural or constructed barrier, or treated fire edge, used in fire suppression and prescribedburning to limit the spread of fire.Fire regime: the season, intensity and frequency of fire in a given area over a period of time.Fragmentation of habitat: the separation of vegetation in parks into distinct fragments by roads, tracks,waterways and other defined disturbance factors.Future Direction Plan: a strategic framework for future management of a metropolitan park.249 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Habitat: the locality where a plant or animal may generally be found and where the essentials of its survival andreproduction are present. Habitat is typically defined by geographic boundary, biotic community, or various physicalcharacteristics.Heritage: a place, activity, cultural way of life, structure or group of structures that has aesthetic, historic, scientificor social value for past, present or future generations.Heritage River: rivers designated under the Heritage Rivers Act 1992 (Vic), managed primarily to protect theirsignificant nature conservation, recreation, scenic or cultural heritage values.Historic sites: areas associated with a person, event or historical theme, or containing a building, place, featureor landscape of cultural significance.ICOMOS: International Council on Monuments and Sites.Inappropriate fire regime: fires occurring at intervals, intensities, seasons and scales that lie outside theecological or physiological tolerances of the resident biota. Such tolerances are set by each species’ life historycharacteristics.Indigenous: native to a place or area, originating in and characteristic of a particular region or country.Indigenous cultural heritage: all aspects of contemporary and traditional culture, and places and objects ofsignificance to Indigenous people in accordance with tradition.Indigenous people: people who are descendants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.Indigenous Communities: Indigenous people living in a particular area who share cultural values and activities.IUCN: The World Conservation Union (formerly known as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature).Lease: grants the lessee a right of exclusive occupancy of the land leased for a specific term. It creates a legalinterest in the land in favour of the lessee.Licence: grants the licensee a right to enter upon the land and use it for a specific purpose and gives no rightof exclusive occupancy and no legal interest in the land created by the grant of a licence. A licence is usually subjectto the rights of other persons to use the land.Levels of Protection framework: a strategic tool to assess the contribution a park (or area of a park) makesto biodiversity conservation in a landscape context. It assists with establishing objectives for the managementof natural values as well as guiding priorities for management action.Levels of Service framework: a strategic tool for visitor services and asset management that guides decisionmakingto best provide appropriate recreational infrastructure in a consistent manner.Listed communities: vegetation communities identified as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act1988 (Vic).Listed species: species identified as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic); species ofcritically endangered, endangered or vulnerable status under the Environment Protection and BiodiversityConservation (EPBC) Act 1999 (Cwlth); fauna species recognised as threatened (critically endangered, endangeredand vulnerable) or near threatened or data deficient on the ‘Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna inVictoria – 2003’; and flora species recognised as threatened (endangered and vulnerable) or rare or poorly knownon the ‘Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria – 2005’.Management Plan: approved strategic plan, developed with public input that directs future managementof a park. A statutory requirement for all scheduled parks under the (National Parks Act 1975) (Vic) and for allState game reserves and wildlife reserves under the Wildlife Act 1975 (Vic).Marine Protected Areas: all parks in the marine environment reserved under the National Parks Act 1975 (Vic).Memorandum of Understanding or Cooperation: an approved written agreement of a non-contractual,non-legally binding nature between Parks Victoria and one or more parties.Metropolitan Park: an urban park listed under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 (Vic), managedby Parks Victoria, primarily for recreation and open space, but which is also important for maintaining biodiversityin urban areas.Monitoring: the process of systematic observation of one or more elements of the environment over time.GLOSSARY250

National Park: a park reserved under Schedule 2 of the National Parks Act 1975 (Vic).National Park Act Area – Terrestrial: all or some of the terrestrial parks of Schedules 2, 2A, 2B, 3 and 4 of theNational Parks Act 1975 (Vic).National Park Act Area – Marine: all or some of the marine parks of Schedules 4, 7 and 8 of the National ParksAct 1975 (Vic).Nationally threatened species: species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity (EPBC) Act 1999(Cwlth) as threatened within Australia.Natural values: all components of the natural environment including organisms, geomorphic features, soil, waterand air, as well as the ecological processes that sustain them.Nature-based tourism: tourism that provides a range of experiences that rely on attractions directly related to thenatural environment.Open Space Parkland: all or some of the Metropolitan, Reservoir and Other Parks listed under the Crown Land(Reserves) Act 1978 (Vic).Parks: a collective term for terrestrial and marine parks and reserves.Parks network: the network of all parks and reserves managed by Parks Victoria.Pests: exotic organisms (plants, animals or pathogens) that, if introduced outside their natural or previousdistribution, cause significant changes to habitats, food chains, ecosystems or human health by feeding onor competing with native species.Permit: the form of a licence, usually granted for a short period of time for a limited purpose.Prescribed burning: the controlled application of fire under specified environmental conditions to apredetermined area and at the time, intensity and rate of spread required to attain planned resource managementobjectives.Protected Area: an area especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biodiversity, and of naturaland associated cultural resources and managed through legal or other effective means as defined by the IUCN.Ramsar site: a wetland of international significance listed under the Convention on Wetlands (also known as theRamsar Convention) and protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act1999 (Cwlth).Reference Area: an area proclaimed under the Reference Areas Act 1978 (Vic), of particular ecological andscientific interest which can serve as a reference for comparative assessment of impacts by land uses elsewhere.Regional Park: a park listed under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 (Vic).Remnant vegetation: Indigenous vegetation within a park that has not been cleared, modified or revegetated.Remote and Natural Area: an area established under Schedule 6 of the National Parks Act 1975 (Vic), managedto protect the area’s remote and natural attributes.Reserve: an area of public land established mostly under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 (Vic) for a rangeof conservation purposes.Scar tree: a tree with scars or notches made by Indigenous people removing the bark for the manufactureof utensils, shields, canoes or shelters, or creating hand and toe holds to aid climbing trees (for lookouts, huntingarboreal animals and cutting bark higher up trees).Stakeholders: those people and organisations who may affect or be affected by, a decision or activity.State Park: a park reserved under Schedule 2B of the National Parks Act 1975 (Vic).Threatened: refers to the status of an organism or species that is in danger of becoming extinct. See listedcommunities and listed species.Threatening processes: processes such as habitat disturbance, degradation, or predation that threatenthe survival, abundance or evolutionary development of a species, population or ecological community.251 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Tradition: the body of knowledge, belief and custom that is passed from one generation to another.Traditional Owners: people who have responsibility for caring and speaking for a particular Country becausethey are the descendants of the Traditional Owners for that Country prior to European settlement.Values: natural and cultural assets and recreational opportunities and economic and social benefits that havebeen given worth or are considered to be desirable.WCPA: World Commission on Protected Areas.Weeds: exotic flora from overseas or Australian native flora growing beyond their natural range that have, or havethe potential to have, a detrimental effect on economic, social or natural values.Wetland: an area of low-lying land submerged or inundated periodically by fresh or saline water.Wilderness Park: a park reserved under Schedule 2A of the National Parks Act 1975 (Vic).Wilderness Zone: an area within a park, established under Schedule 5 of the National Parks Act 1975 (Vic),and managed as a Wilderness Park.Wildfire: an unplanned fire. A generic term which includes grass fires, forest fires and scrub fires.GLOSSARY252

Images, photographs and credits*(*Unless otherwise stated, photographs are from the Parks Victoria collection)Image Position Park Photo credit PageOppositeWeedy Sea Dragon (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) Bill Boyle 0inside front coverChapter 1 Native Fuchsia (Correa reflexa) Matt Hoskins 14Chapter 2 Lady Bird Jeremy Tscharke 24Chapter 3 Vermillion Seastar (Pentagonaster dubeni) Mary Malloy 40Chapter 4 Small Crowea (Crowea exaltata) Marie Keatley 88Chapter 5 Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) 120Chapter 6 Day’s Mill Gatehouse 154Chapter 7 Hikers in the Alpine National Park 202Chapter 8 A volunteer tree planting at Lake Elingamite 230Chapter 9 Spotted Tree Frog (Litoria spenceri) Peter Robertson 242Photograph No. Park Photo credit PageChapter 1 1 Great Otway National Park 132 Great Otway National Park 153 Native Fuchsia (Correa reflexa) Matt Hoskins 20Chapter 2 4 Wilsons Promontory National Park 235 Bronzewing Flora and Fauna Reserve Mark Antos 256 Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) 257 Rockwell, You Yangs Regional Park 258 Great Otway National Park 259 Steiglitz Historic Park 2510 Tarra-Bulga National Park 2511 Weedy Seadragons (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) Mary Malloy 2612 Great Sun-orchid (Thelymitra aristata) Anthony Nimbs 2613 Alpine National Park Mark Antos 2614 Alpine National Park 2715 Mitta Mitta River 2716 Hepburn Regional Park 2717 Alpine National Park 2818 Brimbank Park 2819 Wilsons Promontory National Park Carmel McPhee 2820 Abseiling 2821 Great Otway National Park 2822 A volunteer planting grasses 2923 Cycling and picnicking in Box-Ironbark forest 2924 Croajingolong National Park 2925 Point Cook Coastal Park Department of Sustainability and Environment 2926 Lower Glenelg National Park 3027 Grampians National Park 3028 Port Campbell National Park 3029 Metropolitan Town Commission, 1929 3130 Wilsons Promontory National Park Andrea White 3231 Howqua Hills Historic Reserve 3232 Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary 3433 Box-Ironbark forest 3434 Butterfly Perch (Caesioperca lepidoptera) Mary Malloy 3535 Western Blue Devilfish (Paraplesiops meleagris) Bill Boyle 3536 Australian Fur Seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) Mary Malloy 3537 Hermit Crab (Trizopagurus stigimanus) Bill Boyle 3538 Point Nepean National Park 3639 Snowy River National Park Glen Jameson 3740 Aerial firefighting 3841 On-ground firefighting 38253 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

No. Park Photo credit PageChapter 3 42 Grampians National Park 3943 Errinundra National Park Ken Stepnell 4144 Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius) 4145 Hattah-Kulkyne National Park 4146 Mount Eccles National Park Andrea White 4247 Barmah State Park Ken Stepnell 4348 Terrick Terrick National Park Ken Stepnell 4549 Lind National Park Ken Stepnell 4750 Murray-Sunset National Park Mark Antos 4751 Gippsland Lakes Tamara Boyd 4952 Hattah-Kulkyne National Park Shane Southon 4953 Leather Kelp (Ecklonia radiata) Bill Boyle 5054 Alpine bog community 5155 Veined Helmet-orchid (Coysanthes dimenicus) Anthony Nimbs 5156 Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa) 5257 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus) Ken Stepnell 5258 Otway Black Snail (Victaphanta compacta) 5259 Jewel Anemone (Corynactis australis) Bill Boyle 5460 Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve Bruce Quin 5561 Charming Spider-orchid (Caladenia amoena) Jeremy Tscharke 5662 Helmeted Honeyeater (Lichenostomus melanops cassidix) Bruce Quin 5763 Organ Pipes National Park 5764 Buchan Caves Reserve James Lauritz 6065 Organ Pipes National Park 6066 Alpine National Park Andrea White 6267 Box-Ironbark forest 6568 Twelve Apostles Marine National Park The CRC for Coastal Zone, Estuary and66Waterway Management69 Sporting Shooters Association goat control in the70Mallee parks70 Alpine National Park Brooke Ryan 7071 Arthurs Seat National Park 7272 Punchbowl Coastal Reserve Carmel McPhee 7373 Wyperfeld National Park 7474 Hattah-Kulkyne National Park 7575 Alpine National Park Andrea White 7676 Box-Ironbark forest Alison Pouliot 7677 Craigiebum Grasslands Nature Conservation Reserve 7678 Hattah-Kulkyne National Park 7879 Werribee Gorge State Park Ken Stepnell 7880 Western Port 7881 Gippsland Lakes 7982 Seagrass (Zostera Muelleri) Mary Malloy 8083 Yarra Ranges National Park 8184 Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) 82Chapter 4 85 Tower Hill Reserve 8786 You Yangs Regional Park 8987 Gippsland Lakes 8988 Hateley’s Lake Wildlife Reserve 9189 European Fan Worm (Sabella spallanzanii) 9390 Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary Anthony Boxshall 9491 Neptune’s necklace (Homosira banksii) Bill Boyle 9492 Big Desert Wilderness Park 9593 On-ground firefighting Department of Sustainability and Environment 9594 Eucalypt regeneration 9695 Grass tree (Xanthorea australis) Mark Antos 9796 Mount Buffalo National Park Department of Sustainability and Environment 9897 Firefighters building a control line Department of Sustainability and Environment 9898 Alpine National Park 10099 Alpine National Park 100100 Mountain Pygmy Possum Glen Johnson 100101 Fern regeneration 101102 Little Desert National Park 102103 Derrimut Grassland Nature Conservation Reserve 103IMAGES, PHOTOGRAPHS AND CREDITS254

No. Park Photo credit Page104 Little Desert National Park 103105 Hattah-Kulkyne National Park 105106 Murray-Sunset National Park 105107 Plenty Gorge Parklands 108108 Point Cook Coastal Park 108109 Alpine National Park Frith Jarrad 110110 Hattah-Kulkyne National Park Kylie McLennan 111111 Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale pencillata) 111112 Grampians Pincushion-lily (Borya mirabilis) 111113 Spotted Tree Frog (Litoria spenceri) Peter Robertson 113114 Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) 113115 Leadbeater’s possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) 114116 Charming Spider-orchid (Caladenia amoena) 114Chapter 5 117 Spraying weeds at Yarra Valley Parklands Alan Noy 119118 Myrtle-leaf Milkwort (Polygala myrtifolia) 121119 European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) 121120 Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) 123121 Spraying weeds at Yarra Valley Parklands 123122 Hand pulling weeds at Warrandyte State Park 124123 Grey Sallow Willow (Salix cinerea) Dean Heinz 124124 English Broom (Cytisus scoparius) 126125 Uprooted ground caused by feral pig 129126 Pig Trap 129127 Parks Victoria ranger monitoring a sand-plot 130128 Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) 132129 Hattah-Kulkyne National Park 132130 Grass tree (Xanthorea australis) 133131 Plenty Gorge Parklands 136132 Lake Elingamite Lake Reserve 136133 Mount Eccles National Park 138134 A koala at Mount Eccles National Park 139135 Alpine National Park 141136 Brisbane Ranges National Park 143137 Bunyip State Park 146138 Errinundra National Park 146139 Bunyip State Park 148Chapter 6 140 Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park 153141 Point Nepean National Park 153142 Steiglitz Historic Park 155143 Grampians National Park - Gariwerd 155144 Cape Conran Coastal Park 157145 Alpine National Park 159146 Yarra Valley Parklands 159147 Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park 160148 Alpine National Park 161149 Woodlands Homestead 162150 Maldon Historic Area 162151 Werribee Park Mansion 163152 Loch Ard headstone 163153 Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park 164154 Port Campbell National Park 165155 Alpine National Park 166156 Twelve Apostles Marine National Park 167157 Cape Otway light station 167158 Alfred Nicholas Gardens, Dandenong Ranges National Park 168159 Dinner menu for Mount Buffalo Chalet 168160 Historic objects from Anderson’s Mill 168161 Murray-Sunset National Park 171162 Barmah State Park 171163 Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre 172164 First Peoples Gathering, Dinner Plain 173165 Tanderrum Corroboree at Leanganook (Mount Alexander) 174166 Barry Coombes, Twelve Apostles 175167 Ministerial launch 176255 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

No. Park Photo credit Page168 Wada-Wurrung Rockwell, You Yangs Regional Park 178169 Grampians National Park - Gariwerd 180170 Bambi Lees with scar tree, Jaara Jaara Country 181171 Mount Buffalo Chalet 183172 South Channel Fort, Port Phillip Bay 185173 Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park 186174 Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve 188175 Alpine National Park 189176 Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park 190177 Wattle Park Chalet 191178 Dandenong Ranges National Park 193179 Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park 194180 Day’s Mill 194181 Wilsons Promontory National Park 196Chapter 7 182 Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell National Park 201183 Mornington Peninsula National Park 203184 Great Otway National Park 203185 Bunyip State Park 203186 Brimbank Park 203187 Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park 203188 Buchan Caves Reserve 203189 Barmah State Park 207190 Albert Park Lake 207191 Port Phillip Bay 207192 Cathedral Range State Park 207193 Bush walking 209194 Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary 209195 Barmah State Park 209196 Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park 209197 Horse riding 212198 Lysterfield Lake Park 214199 Yarra Ranges National Park 214200 Yarra Bend Park 214201 Mornington Peninsula National Park 214202 Alpine National Park 215203 Wilsons Promontory National Park 219204 Cardinia Reservoir Park 219205 Gunnamatta Ocean Beach, Mornington Peninsula219National Park206 Western Port 219207 Twelve Apostles Marine National Park 220208 Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park 221209 Port Campbell National Park 223210 Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary 224211 Grampians National Park - Gariwerd 225Chapter 8 212 Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary 229213 Point Cook Coastal Park 232214 Cheetham Wetlands, Point Cook Coastal Park 232215 Albert Park Lake 233216 Great Otway National Park 233217 Kings Billabong Wildlife Reserve 234218 Tree planting 234219 Croajingolong National Park 235220 Point Cook Coastal Park 237221 Grampians National Park - Gariwerd 238222 Track maintenance, Alpine National Park 238IMAGES, PHOTOGRAPHS AND CREDITS256

AppendixThe following parks and reserves are those for which information was captured using the State of the Parks 2005staff questionnaire. Parks and reserves are those as of March 2005.National Parks (Schedule 2)1 Alfred National Park2 Alpine National Park3 Baw Baw National Park4 Brisbane Ranges National Park5 Burrowa - Pine Mountain National Park6 Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park7 Churchill National Park8 Coopracambra National Park9 Croajingolong National Park10 Dandenong Ranges National Park11 Errinundra National Park12 French Island National Park13 Grampians National Park14 Greater Bendigo National Park15 Hattah - Kulkyne National Park16 Heathcote-Graytown National Park17 Kinglake National Park18 Lake Eildon National Park19 Lind National Park20 Little Desert National Park21 Lower Glenelg National Park22 Mitchell River National Park23 Mornington Peninsula National Park24 Morwell National Park25 Mount Buffalo National Park26 Mount Eccles National Park27 Mount Richmond National Park28 Murray - Sunset National Park29 Organ Pipes National Park30 Otway National Park31 Port Campbell National Park32 Snowy River National Park33 St Arnaud Range National Park34 Tarra-Bulga National Park35 Terrick Terrick National Park36 The Lakes National Park37 Wilsons Promontory National Park38 Wyperfeld National Park39 Yarra Ranges National ParkWilderness Parks (Schedule 2A)40 Avon Wilderness Park41 Big Desert Wilderness Park42 Wabba Wilderness ParkState Parks (Schedule 2B)43 Angahook - Lorne State Park44 Arthurs Seat State Park45 Barmah State Park46 Black Range State Park47 Broken-Boosey State Park48 Bunyip State Park49 Cape Nelson State Park50 Carlisle State Park51 Cathedral Range State Park52 Dergholm State Park53 Enfield State Park54 Holey Plains State Park55 Kooyoora State Park56 Langi Ghiran State Park57 Leaghur State Park58 Lerderderg State Park59 Melba Gully State Park60 Moondarra State Park61 Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park62 Mount Buangor State Park63 Mount Granya State Park64 Mount Lawson State Park65 Mount Napier State Park66 Mount Samaria State Park67 Mount Worth State Park68 Paddys Ranges State Park69 Reef Hills State Park70 Warby Range State Park71 Warrandyte State Park72 Werribee Gorge State ParkOther Terrestrial Parks & Reserves (Schedule 3 & 4)73 Bay of Islands Coastal Park74 Beechworth Historic Park75 Cape Conran Coastal Park76 Cape Liptrap Coastal Park77 Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park78 Deep Lead N.C.R. (No. 1)79 Discovery Bay Coastal Park80 Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park81 Lake Albacutya Park82 Langwarrin Flora & Fauna Reserve83 Lysterfield Park84 Murray - Kulkyne Park85 Steiglitz Historic Park86 Tyers Park87 Woodlands Historic ParkOther Marine Parks & Reserves (Schedule 4)88 Bunurong Marine Park89 Corner Inlet Marine & Coastal Park90 Nooramunga Marine & Coastal Park91 Shallow Inlet Marine & Coastal Park92 Wilsons Promontory Marine Park93 Wilsons Promontory Marine ReserveMarine National Parks & Marine Sanctuaries(Schedule 7 & 8)94 Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary95 Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary96 Bunurong Marine National Park97 Cape Howe Marine National Park98 Churchill Island Marine National Park99 Corner Inlet Marine National Park100 Discovery Bay Marine National Park101 Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary102 French Island Marine National Park103 Jawbone Marine Sanctuary104 Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary105 Merri Marine Sanctuary106 Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary107 Ninety Mile Beach Marine National Park108 Point Addis Marine National Park109 Point Cooke Marine Sanctuary110 Point Danger Marine Sanctuary111 Point Hicks Marine National Park112 Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park113 Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary114 The Arches Marine Sanctuary115 Twelve Apostles Marine National Park116 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park117 Yaringa Marine National Park257 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

Conservation Reserve118 Aire River W.R119 Anglesea F.R.120 Anglesea Heath121 Apsley B.R.122 Avon - Mt Hedrick N.F.S.R.123 Baluk Willam N.C.R.124 Bannockburn B.R.125 Barrabool F.F.R.126 Bats Ridge W.R127 Bemm River S.R128 Big Reedy Lagoon W.R129 Black Range S.R.130 Black Swamp (Black Dog Creek) W.R131 Blond Bay G.L.R.132 Blond Bay W.R.133 Boonderoo N.C.R.134 Brady Swamp W.R135 Broadwater I91 B.R.136 Brodribb River F.F.R137 Bronzewing B.R.138 Bronzewing F.F.R139 Bryan Swamp W.R140 Buchan Caves Reserve141 Bunyip B.R.142 Buxton Silver Gum N.C.R143 Cann River B.R.144 Carpendeit F.F.R.145 Cassilis H.A.146 Clydebank Morass W.R.147 Coolart H.A148 Cooriemungle Creek F.R149 Craigieburn Grassland N.C.R.150 Cullens Lake W.R.151 Dalyenong N.C.R.152 Darlot Swamp W.M.C.A153 Derrimut Grassland N.C.R.154 Doctors Swamp W.R155 Dowd Morass W.R.156 Dowdle Swamp W.R157 Dumbopperty Swamp & Lake Bringalbart L.R.158 Dundas Range S.R.159 Ewing Morass W.R160 Gemmill Swamp W.R161 Glenelg River (8) SS.R.162 Glenelg River, Fulham SS.R.163 Glenorchy I5 B.R.164 Glenrowan I70 B.R165 Gobarup N.C.R.166 Goulburn River, McCoys Bridge SS.R.167 Goulburn River, Yambuna Bridge SS.R.168 Grant H.A.169 Gunner’s Tank B.R.170 Hateleys Lake W.R171 Heard Lake W.R172 Heart Morass W.R173 Hird Swamp W.R.174 Holden F.R.175 Hotspur B.R.176 Howqua Hills H.A177 Hughes Creek Hill B.R.178 Illawarra I59 B.R.179 Inglewood N.C.R.180 Inverleigh F.R181 Jack Smith Lake W.R182 Jacka Lake & lakes to north W.R183 Jawbone F.F.R.184 Jilpanger N.C.R.185 Johnson Swamp W.R186 Jones Bay G.L.R187 Jones Bay W.R188 Kaladbro W.R189 Kanawinka F.R190 Kangerong N.C.R191 Kerr Swamp W.R192 Kings Billabong W.R.193 Koorangie (The Marshes & Avoca Floodway) W.R194 Kooraweera Lakes W.R195 Lake Beeac W.R196 Lake Bolac H.P.197 Lake Bolac L.R.198 Lake Bookar W.R199 Lake Boort L.R200 Lake Bullen Merri L.R.201 Lake Carchap W.R202 Lake Clarke W.R203 Lake Colac L.R.204 Lake Coleman W.R205 Lake Colongulac L.R.206 Lake Condah W.R207 Lake Connewarre W.R208 Lake Coradgill L.R.209 Lake Corringle W.R210 Lake Cundare W.R211 Lake Curlip W.R.212 Lake Elingamite L.R.213 Lake Gnarpurt L.R.214 Lake Heywood W.R.215 Lake Hindmarsh L.R.216 Lake Jollicum W.R217 Lake Kanagulk W.R.218 Lake Karnak W.R.219 Lake Lalbert W.R220 Lake Linlithgow & Bullrush Swamp L.R.221 Lake Moodemere L.R.222 Lake Muirhead W.R223 Lake Natimuk and Natimuk Creek L.R.224 Lake Omeo L.R.225 Lake Oundell W.R226 Lake Purrumbete W.R227 Lake Ratzcastle L.R.228 Lake Terangpom W.R229 Lake Thurrumbong W.R.230 Lake Tim Dunn L.R.231 Lake Tutchewop W.R.232 Lake Tyrrell W.R.233 Lake Weeranganuk L.R.234 Lake Weering L.R.235 Lake Werowrap L.R.236 Lake Wongan W.R237 Lakes Entrance - Lake Tyers Coastal Reserve238 Landsborough N.C.R.239 Laverton Grasslands F.R.240 Lignum Swamp W.R.241 Limeburners Lagoon (Hovells Creek) F.F.R242 Little Bog Creek F.F.R.243 Locksley B.R244 Long Forest F.F.R.245 Longerenong B.R246 Lough Calvert L.R.247 Macfarlane Lookout N.F.S.R.248 Macleod Morass W.R.249 Maldon H.A.250 Mallacoota B.R.APPENDIX258

251 Mallacoota Coastal Reserve252 Marble Gully - Mount Tambo N.C.R.253 Marlo Coastal Reserve254 Meereek F.R255 Milangil Lake W.R256 Mitta Mitta B.R257 Moliagul H.A.258 Moormurng F.F.R.259 Morass Creek F.F.R260 Mortimers Paddock B.R.261 Mortlake Common F.R262 Mount Beckworth S.R.263 Mount Bolangum N.C.R.264 Mount Delegate S.R265 Mount Doboobetic B.R.266 Mount Elizabeth N.C.R.267 Mount Erip F.R.268 Mount Gibbo N.F.S.R.269 Mount Jeffcott F.F.R.270 Mount Korong N.C.R.271 Mount McKenzie/Crinoline Creek F.F.R.272 Mount Mitta Mitta F.R.273 Mount Murphy H.A.274 Mount Piper N.C.R275 Mount William Swamp (The Big Swamp) W.R276 Mount Wills H.A277 Mount Wombat-Garden Range F.F.R.278 Mullungdung F.F.R279 Murrindal F.R.280 Narrawong F.R.281 Nerrin Nerrin Swamp W.R282 North Western Port N.C.R.283 North, Centre and other Lakes W.R284 Nunniong Plain N.F.S.R.285 Ocean Grove E.A.286 Olangolah F.F.R.287 Picnic Lakes L.R.288 Plum Gully F.R.289 Pot Brook W.R290 Princetown N.C.R.291 Princetown W.R292 Providence Ponds F.F.R.293 Reedy Lake, Nagambie W.R294 Reedy Swamp W.R.295 Reef Island and Bass River Mouth N.C.R296 River Murray Reserve297 Rowan Swamp W.R.298 Sale Common W.R299 Sassafras Creek N.C.R300 Serendip Wetlands Education Facility301 Seven Creeks W.R302 St Mary’s Lake L.R303 Stokes River (3) SS.R.304 Stradbroke F.F.R305 Swan Bay - Edwards Point W.R306 Tabilk Lagoon W.R307 Tang Tang Swamp W.R308 The Spit W.R.309 Tomahawk Creek B.R.310 Tooloy F.R311 Tooloy-Lake Mundi W.R.312 Tower Hill W.R313 Tragowel Swamp W.R314 Tyrendarra F.R315 Victoria Falls H.A316 Waanyarra N.C.R.317 Warramate Hills N.C.R.318 Wathe F.F.R319 Western Wooroonook L.R.320 White Lake, Douglas W.R321 Whroo H.A.322 Wilkin F.F.R323 William Hunter F.R324 Williamstown Workshop, Piers & Stony Creek Backwash325 Wiridjil B.R.326 Wonthaggi Heathlands N.C.R327 Wood Point F.R328 Woodnaggerak B.R.329 Woolshed Swamp, Boort W.R.330 Wooroonook Lakes (Middle & East) W.R.331 Wurdi Youyang B.R.332 Wychitella F.F.R.333 Yambuk F.F.R.334 Yellingbo N.C.R.Regional Parks335 Ararat Hills R.P.336 Baranduda R.P337 Bendigo R.P.338 Cobram R.P339 Colquhoun R.P340 Crawford River R.P341 Creswick R.P.342 Crossover R.P343 Echuca R.P344 Green Lake R.P345 Hepburn R.P346 Jarvis Creek Plateau R.P347 Kawarren R.P348 Kurth Kiln R.P349 Lower Ovens R.P350 Macedon R.P351 Maryborough R.P.352 Mirboo North R.P353 Mount Alexander R.P.354 Mount Mitta Mitta R.P355 Mount Raymond R.P356 St Arnaud R.P.357 Tocumwal R.P358 Yarrawonga R.P359 You Yangs R.P.Metropolitan Parks360 Albert Park361 Albert Reserve362 Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens363 Cardinia Creek Parklands364 Cardinia Reservoir Parks365 Cooper St Grassland/Merri Creek Land366 Dandenong Police Paddocks Reserve367 Dandenong Valley Parklands368 George Tindale Memorial Gardens369 Greenvale Reservoir Park370 Herring Island371 Lower Yarra River land372 Maribyrnong Valley Parklands373 Maribyrnong Valley Parklands (COM)374 Maroondah Reservoir Park375 National Rhododendron Garden376 Paterson River377 Pipemakers Park378 Pirianda Gardens379 Plenty Gorge Bushland Reserve380 Plenty Gorge Parklands381 Plenty Gorge Parklands (COM)382 Point Cook/Cheetham Wetlands259 VICTORIA’S STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

382 Point Cook/Cheetham Wetlands383 Point Gellibrand Heritage Park384 RJ Hamer Arboretum385 Sandbelt Parklands386 Silvan Reservoir Park387 Sugarloaf Reservoir Parks388 Tarago Reservoir Park389 Thomson Reservoir Parks390 Toorourrong Reservoir Park391 Upper Yarra Reservoir Park392 Wattle Park393 Werribee Park394 Westgate Park395 William Ricketts Sanctuary396 Yan Yean Reservoir Park397 Yarra Bend Park398 Yarra Valley Parklands399 Yarra Valley Parklands (COM)Lighthouse Reserves400 Cape Nelson Lighthouse Reserve401 Cape Otway Lighthouse Reserve402 Cape Schank Lighthouse Reserve403 Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve404 Point Hicks Lighthouse ReservePark types abbreviationsB.R.C.P.C.R.E.A.F.F.R.F.R.G.L.R.H.A.H.P.L.R.M.C.P.M.P.N.C.R.N.F.S.R.N.P.R.P.S.P.S.R.S.s.R.Bushland ReserveCoastal ParkCoastal ReserveEductation AreaFlora and Fauna ReserveFlora ReserveGippsland Lake ReserveHistoric AreaHistoric ParkLake ReserveMarine Coastal ParkMarine ParkNature Conservation ReserveNatural Features Scenic ReserveNational ParkRegional ParkState ParkScenic ReserveStreamside ReserveW.M.C.A. Wildlife Management Co-operative AreaW.P.W.R.Wilderness ParkWildlife Reserve

Map of parks and reserves