Protected Area Strategy - PLUS Economic Importance of Parks Special Wildlife Reserves ALSO FEATURED St Helena Island National Park Ranger ...
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Magazine of National Parks Association of Queensland
Protected Area
Strategy
PLUS
Economic Importance of Parks
Special Wildlife Reserves
ALSO FEATURED
St Helena Island National Park
Ranger spotlight Issue 30
Summer 2020
1
Contents
From the President ������������������������ 3
Protected Area Strategy ����������������� 4
St Helena Island National Park ....... 10
Association Experience ................. 12
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Economic Importance of Parks ������� 6 The National Park Experience......... 13
Special Wildlife Reserve .................. 8 Spotlight: Ranger of the Month....... 14
What’s On.................................... 15
Editor Advertising enquiries
Marika Strand. Please email admin@npaq.org.au or phone
(07) 3367 0878.
Susanne Cooper
President, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ)
Contributor guidelines Advertising policy
NPAQ invites contributions to Protected Advertisements are required to align with
articles. Please email admin@npaq.org.au for a relevant NPAQ policies. NPAQ reserves the
Welcome to the Summer edition of unprecedented numbers of visitors One positive interpretation from these
schedule of future editions. right to refuse any advertisement at any time.
Advertisement in Protected does not imply Protected, and my first as President. travelling to national parks - both within trends reinforces the fundamental role
Contributors, please include contact details NPAQ’s endorsement of products or services. Let me introduce myself: I have been close proximity to major urban centres, nature and national parks play in our
and brief personal summary. Articles can be an NPAQ Councillor for the past and those in more remote regional health and sense of well-being, and
submitted via email or hard copy. Digital photos Copyright and disclaimer three years, and an active member settings. ‘restoring our soul’. Interestingly, during
should be minimum 300dpi. of the Advocacy Committee during
NPAQ retains copyright of Protected. Articles A few figures give a more informed the lock down period when visits to
that time. My professional experience
Cover image may be quoted provided that appropriate
acknowledgement occurs in the reproduction has been with natural resources
picture: parks were not permitted, rangers
Pullen Pullen Special Wildlife Reserve. Photo: • In NSW, NPWS reports overnight across Australia and internationally
and use of material. and environmental planning at the
Dell Murphy-Brice. stays at campgrounds across described how this respite from visitors
Articles in Protected do not necessarily reflect
site and regional scale, including
catchments, rivers, wetlands, national the state were up by more than and human disturbance resulted in the
NPAQ’s opinion or position.
and conservation parks and World a third in July compared to the return of wildlife in and around quiet,
Heritage areas. The last decade I was same month last year. empty camp sites. On Fraser Island,
About NPAQ focused on designing sustainability • Among sites near Sydney, visitor rangers noted the absence of dingoes
into infrastructure projects and numbers also recorded a similar around the coastal campgrounds that
Our Purpose organisations. jump. West Head, at the Ku- are usually busy with campers and
The National Parks Association of Queensland Ring-Gai Chase National Park, day visitors. Lack of visitors meant no
(NPAQ) promotes the preservation, expansion, I grew up feeling very connected with
good management and presentation of National nature with a family who were always and Barrenjoey notched up gains food scraps, so the dingoes withdrew
Parks, and supports nature conservation in immersed in the outdoors. This early of almost 60 per cent for the to the more hilly areas they traditionally
Queensland. passion plus my work experience June quarter. occupied.
Council Staff developed a deep commitment for • In Queensland, figures show a In the iconic Yosemite National Park
protecting our natural environment and spike in the number of people
President Susanne Cooper Conservation Principal Laura Hahn USA, deer, bobcats, coyotes and
the unique biodiversity it supports. visiting parks since June.
Hon Secretary Jacqueline Rose’Meyer Operations Manager Marika Strand black bears have congregated around
Hon Treasurer Clare Birnie
I believe that healthy, resilient Camping and vehicle permits
the deserted buildings, along roadways
ecosystems are fundamental to our rose by 40 per cent to 194,818
Asst Hon Secretary Cara-lee Wiese Contact details continued life on the planet - if they across the four months between
and other parts of the park that were
Asst Hon Treasurer Andrew Thompson Office Unit 9/36 Finchley St, Milton QLD previously teeming with the annual four
deteriorate and die then so do we. June and September, compared
Councillors David Ball Post PO Box 1040, Milton QLD 4064 million visitors.
Simon Cavendish This edition features a review of with the same months last year.
Phone (07) 3367 0878
John Dornbusch the new Protected Area Strategy, • The number of individual On this interesting note, I hope
Web www.npaq.org.au
Julie Hainsworth Email admin@npaq.org.au research on the economic importance campers rose 23 per cent from these positive trends continue, and
ABN 60 206 792 095
of national parks, an article about 216,591 in June-September you are able to enjoy some wonderful
Queensland's First Special Wildlife 2019 to 266,547 in June- experiences our national parks offer
reserve, St Helena Island National Park September 2020. over the summer period.
Want to get involved with NPAQ? (a great day trip during school holidays)
NPAQ welcomes people from all walks of life and offers a variety of ways to be involved: and more.
• Have fun in the bush – come • Step up – become a National • Connect with us – Facebook, An area of interest over the COVID
along on a bush walk or Parks Conservation member Instagram and Twitter
or a National Parks Protector
experience of the past nine months
other activity • Stay in touch – read regular has been the role of national parks
• Get your hands dirty – • Donate – support our work updates on our website
participate in on-ground
in people’s health and sense of
• Volunteer on exciting projects • Share a bush adventure with
conservation efforts well-being, and of dispelling the
• Subscribe to Protected and children – download NPAQ’s
• Join us – become a member Neck of the Woods via email Kids in National Parks guide blues brought on by the constraints
of coronavirus on ‘normal’ life.
SUPPORT NPAQ AND HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE The need to connect with nature
BECOME A MEMBER, DONATE OR VOLUNTEER and the outdoors has resulted in
www.npaq.org.au/get-involved www.facebook.com/NPAQld @nationalparksassocqld www.npaq.org.au
2 Connect and Protect 3
QUEENSLAND’S NEW PROTECTED AREA
STATEGY
Russell Watkinson
Member and Advocacy Committee member, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ)
After much lobbying by the National It sets a mission “to enhance and actions. Implementation of the and recovery of threatened species in The strategy proposes an annual of the ten-year time span which
Parks Association of Queensland and maintain a system of world-class strategy is proposed as a staged national parks, but there is no stated report card to detail progress against would underpin annual budget bids.
others, the Queensland Protected protected areas, guided by First approach. Implementation is to be measure about improving the status meeting the objectives. Again, In line with the strategic priority of
Area Strategy was finally released by Nations’ knowledge and expertise, evaluated systematically in line with of threatened species. without targets this is likely to be a “Connect” and “increasing community
the Government a few days before global best practice and community the nine progress measures and The lack of targets is the biggest rather general exercise, especially as engagement with National Parks” a
caretaker mode came into effect needs, which ensures Queensland’s in accordance with Queensland weakness of the strategy. Under the there does not seem to be a Report Community Reference Group should
prior to the recent State election. The exceptional nature and culture are Government Program Evaluation strategic priority of “Grow” there are Card on the status of much of the be considered to support the Steering
release of the Strategy has been one actively supported to thrive for future Guidelines. This is to be detailed in progress measures of “proportion protected area estate as it exists Committee in implementing the
of the major requests of NPAQ as it generations to experience and enjoy.” an Evaluation Plan - not provided with of Queensland’s land area secured today. How do you report on progress strategy.
will guide the State in moving towards the strategy. Progress will be reported in protected areas” and “extent of without a clear starting point? Next Steps
It is worth keeping this Mission
the agreed upon IUCN target of 17% and published on a “regular” basis. A lands managed as private protected Can the Strategy succeed?
Statement in mind as we review the To date, the Government has
of Queensland land as protected report card will detail progress against areas”. These progress measures are
contents of the strategy. To have any confidence that announced a $60 million “down
area. Currently only some 8.26% the strategy’s objectives annually. not quantified. Would a 1% increase
of Queensland is designated as Six objectives are set in the strategy: the strategy will be successful in payment” over four years with $28m
Assessment in protected areas over ten years achieving the stated mission and allocated for expansion of National
protected area, so there is a long way • Improve conservation of
The strategy does well in setting a be a success? Without accountable progressing Queensland towards Park and other public protected area,
to go. biodiversity
vision, mission, strategic direction, targets, annual budget allocations its stated target of 17% of land as $8m for nature reserves/refuges
But, will the strategy be effective? • Create Regional jobs objectives and actions. It has will drive implementation rather than protected area, an Implementation and $5.2m for revitalising national
Overview a strong emphasis on working Government endorsed targets. Plan will be required driven by an parks. This is a long way from what
• Increase resilience to climate
in partnership with First Nations inter-agency is needed, so further public and
Queensland’s
The Strategy is a comprehensive change
document that says all the right things people. It is supportive of growing Steering innovative funding will be required to
• Support connection to country ecotourism opportunities, particularly Committee to make meaningful progress.
and promises a better future for the
State’s declining biodiversity, setting
for First Nations people through ecotourism trails, and places Protected Area Strategy ensure whole We acknowledge that the Protected
• Secure innovative funding emphasis on finding “innovative of Government
the strategic direction for the next 10
years. It acknowledges that there is an streams funding streams” to support 2020–2030 commitment.
Areas Strategy does set a clear
direction for the next ten years.
urgent need to halt global biodiversity • Deliver social, health, economic Government budgets. This would The With the election over, NPAQ will
Protecting our world-class natural and cultural values
decline. It identifies six reasons why and cultural benefits have more credibility if examples Implementation seek meetings with the minister and
protected areas are important: were given of where this has worked Plan would senior bureaucrats to press for early
Three strategic priorities are successfully elsewhere. It is difficult to
• Climate Change - mitigating complement the action through the development of
established for the strategy, get private investors to fund/co-fund
effects and enhancing resilience Evaluation Plan an Implementation Plan with clear
underpinned by six guiding principles. core Government functions. and should detail targets, timelines, indicative budget
• Threatened Species - refuges to The strategic priorities are:
The obvious omission in the strategy a timetable and and accountabilities driven by a
prevent extinction • Grow - expand the protected is the lack of measurable targets targets for at least Steering Committee and supported
• Ecosystem Services - nutrient areas that can drive the stated actions the ten actions set by a Community Reference Group.
recycling, soil retention, • Care - manage in partnership and support budget bids to ensure under the three The forthcoming budget will be
pollination, water supply, natural with First Nations peoples, that such targets are met. Without strategic priorities. a strong indication of the level of
buffers landholders and other land targets, it will be difficult to hold This would then Government’s commitment. Achieving
• Connection to Country - spiritual managers the Government accountable for show what actions the stated Mission will not be possible
and physical connection, cultural successful implementation of the are proposed over without budget allocations that reflect
• Connect - increase community what period of the value of protected areas to
significance strategy.
engagement with national parks time to achieve Queensland’s economy.
• Health and well-being - physical There is no indication in the strategy
Ten actions are then set for each the targets. Ideally,
and mental health from of time frames for the listed actions.
strategic priority. A total of nine the Implementation
connecting with nature The nine Progress Measures are high
progress measures are identified, Plan should
level and mostly do not seem to be
• Economy - underpinning three for each strategic priority. also show an
related to key actions. For example,
of ecotourism industry and indicative costing
A number of detailed actions one action under the strategic priority Above: Queensland's Protected Area Strategy 2020-2030.
supporting regional economies over each year
are listed for each of the ten main of “Care” is to prioritise protection Banner: Wet schlerophyll, Mt Windsor. Photo: Kerry Trapnell.
4 5
QUEENSLAND’S NATIONAL PARKS:
AN ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT TOURISM RESOURCE
Sally Driml, Richard Brown, and Claudia Moreno Silva
University of Queensland Business School and School of Economics
National parks are important How important are national parks Queensland at all if they could not visit Generated Spending (NPGS) which is and Outback at around $45 per day. Science.
environmental resources, giving in attracting visitors? the national parks. spending by visitors for whom national The Noosa estimate of $7.70 per day For further information, please
protection to the flora, fauna and To understand the influence of How much do national park parks were ‘very important’ to their was very conservative as only day contact Dr Sally Driml, s.driml@
ecosystems that underpin a healthy visitors spend daily? travel decisions4. In 2018, NPAS in trips were included in the model. uq.edu.au or Associate Professor
national parks in relation to visitation,
environment for us all to live in Queensland was $3.71 billion. Of this, For the year 2018, the total Richard Brown, richard.brown@
visitors to national parks were asked As entry to national parks in
and pass on to future generations. NPGS was $2.64 billion. consumer surplus to visitors was uq.edu.au. To read the full report,
how important national parks were Queensland is free and visitors
National parks not only play a vital role to their decision to visit the national What is the contribution of this estimated at $659 million to all visitors visit www.uq.edu.au/economics/
in the environment but also contribute usually provide their own transport
parks and adjacent regions. and accommodation arrangements, spending to the Queensland from all origins, with subsets of $365 abstract/636.pdf or www.des.qld.gov.
social, cultural and economic value to economy? million to all Australian visitors and au
our society. Data collection from visitors to one way to understand the economic
The positive impact of this visitor $238 million to Queensland resident 1
national parks was concentrated in benefits of national parks is to This study includes national parks and
The University of Queensland and spending for the Queensland visitors.
four locations representative of four calculate the spending that visitors conservation parks as defined under the Nature
the Queensland Department of make in the surrounding region, in economy is generation of Gross State National parks conserve the Conservation Act 1992. Current as at July
types of park category:
Environment and Science undertook association with their visits to national Product (GSP) and employment. environment over time so these 2020.
research into the economic value •‘Urban’ (represented by Noosa Contribution to Queensland Total GSP benefits can be enjoyed for many
parks. 2
These visitor numbers are from Tourism and
provided by national parks to the National Park) was $2.74 billion for NPAS and $1.98 years into the future. The discounted
Queensland economy in 2018. This Visitors spend money in the vicinity Events Queensland: https://teq.queensland.
•‘Iconic’3 (represented by Daintree billion for NPGS. Total employment present value over 30 years, for all
research focused on understanding of national parks on accommodation, com/research-and-insights/economics-
National Park and nearby rainforest supported by NPAS was 24,190 visitors, is $16 billion.
the economic value of Queensland’s transport, tours, food and beverage andspecialised-reports/national-state-parks-
national parks) full-time equivalent jobs while NPGS What is the return on investment
national parks as a tourism and etc. in addition to any in-park costs visitation
supported 17,241 full-time equivalent in visitor management in
•‘Remote’ (represented by such as for camping. 3
Refers to high profile national parks where
recreation asset in terms of benefits to jobs in Queensland.
Carnarvon National Park) Queensland’s national parks? visitor numbers are high.
the Queensland economy. The highest spenders are domestic
What’s the additional ‘non-market’ A general or average return on
National parks - a snapshot •‘Outback’ (represented by several overnight visitors, who usually stay in 4
This was defined as visitors who said the
value of national parks to visitors? investment in visitor management
outback national parks). the region surrounding the national national park was their only or main destination,
Queensland is home to 312 parks. International visitors generally As national parks often have no or was estimated by comparing the
As would be expected, responses all those who nominated importance at over
national parks1 and 234 conservation spend a little less per day, while low access prices (no market), the benefits of Gross Value Added5 due
varied across the different park 70% and visitors who would not have travelled
parks1 with national park visitation in daytrip visitors spend 25% to 40% of value of benefit to visitors is always to visitor spending plus consumer
categories. However, in each case, in Queensland if they could not visit the national
Queensland continuing to grow. what overnight visitors spend. above what they have to pay (this surplus against the cost of visitor parks.
many of the visitors said that the non-market benefit is referred to as a management6. Using the NPGS and
How many people visit national importance of visiting the national park How much do all national park 5
Gross Value Added is Gross State Product
parks? ‘consumer surplus’). consumer surplus to Queensland
to their whole trip was 70% or more. visitors spend in Queensland? residents only, the ratio of benefits minus taxes.
In the year ending March 2018, 2.4 Also, a notable number of visitors said The consumer surplus for four types
Two levels of visitor spending of national parks was calculated using to costs was estimated at $6.30 in 6
The average annual spending over the
million domestic (Australian) overnight that they would not have travelled in are reported here. National Park benefits to every $1 in cost7. This previous six years by the Queensland
visitors and 2.6 million daytrip visitors a well-regarded non-market valuation
Associated Spending (NPAS) is technique for Noosa, Rainforest, demonstrates a positive return on Government on national park visitor
visited a national or state park while in spending in a region by all the people investment. management (not including other conservation
Queensland. Carnarvon and Outback national
who visit a national park in that region. parks. Per visitor-day, Rainforest More information management) was $100 million; information
This is up from 1.3 million domestic A subset of that is National Park national parks returned the highest from the Department of Environment and
overnight visitors and 1.1 million This information is from a report Science.
value of $150 per day, with Carnarvon produced by researchers from The
daytrip visitors in 2009. 7
This is a general or average return and does
University of Queensland under a
While data are not available on collaborative agreement with the not necessarily indicate the likely return for a
exactly how many international Department of Environment and particular project.
visitors visit a national park while in
Queensland, for Australia as a whole
45% of international visitors in the
year ending March 2018 visited a
national or state park, and 1.4 million
of these visitors made a stopover in
Queensland2.
6 7
QUEENSLAND’S FIRST
SPECIAL WILDLIFE
RESERVE DECLARED
Rob Murphy
Executive Manager North Australia, Bush Heritage Australia
In 2014 I had the privilege of sitting Nature Refuge Agreement (NRA). This protection that comes with the special and cultural values in perpetuity.
on a rocky “jump-up” (or mesa) at the is a voluntary agreement between wildlife reserve status will ensure This new category of protected area
end of a long and hot day on what is the landholder and the Government. all of Pullen Pullen’s species are is the most progressive conservation
now Pullen Pullen Reserve. Unfortunately a NRA doesn’t always permanently protected from possible reform in Australia in recent times, and
It’s a remote and vast landscape offer the protections required of incompatible land uses such as Bush Heritage Australia is proud to
in the Channel Country of central- these critically important landscapes. mining, timber harvesting and grazing. have been part of its inception. Bush
west Queensland dominated by long They often remain threatened
Pullen Pullen will continue to be Heritage Australia hopes that Pullen
from incompatible land uses and
unburnt spinifex, Mitchell grass downs managed by Bush Heritage Australia Pullen is the first of many Special
threatening activities, such as mining
and stony gibber plains. It’s also who work to conserve this important Wildlife Reserves to be declared,
and timber harvesting.
home to the Night Parrot and other species and landscapes. and hope that NPAQ members will
endangered and vulnerable birds Many landholders and conservation continue to embrace and support this
The declaration of this Special
such as the Plains-wanderer, Painted organisations have advocated for new form of protected area.
Wildlife Reserve is also of immense
Honeyeater, and Grey Falcon plus many years about the importance of
importance to the land’s Traditional Last month, I was once again at
small marsupials such as the Kowari an increased level of protection for
Owners, the Maiawali First Nations Pullen Pullen Reserve and was able
and Dusky hopping-mouse. privately protected areas.
People, who have been working to sit on the same jump-up as I had
To experience the sunset after a There was a collective cheer closely with Bush Heritage Australia 6 years prior. It was here that I was
long day’s work is a special time of when the Queensland Government to identify and protect the reserve’s able to reflect on this journey and
day. Watching the colours of the sky legislated a new class of protected ecologically and culturally important what we have collectively been able
deepen and change in sympathy for area, Special Wildlife Reserves, in values. to achieve. And while I fully recognise
the setting sun, and the landscape March 2019. This is an Australian first that there are still many other threats
As a progressive society we cannot
around you reflecting its glow is awe and something for all Queenslanders facing our important species and
and should not sit back expecting our
inspiring. to be immensely proud of. No longer landscapes, I hope that like me, you
governments to be able to protect
are National Parks the only highest can all celebrate the fact that the
The realisation that this landscape all of our critical landscapes, while
level of protection for our important conservation community have been
was one of the few remaining also juggling the myriad of competing
conservation areas. Special Wildlife successful in eliminating threatening
strongholds for our endangered priorities. This is our collective
Reserves are a new class of protected land uses from another critically
wildlife, allowed me to fully responsibility. Private investment in
area that provides national park level important landscape. Bush Heritage
comprehend just how fragile this conservation on both public and
protections to privately owned land. Australia continues to work toward
landscape is. A landscape where private lands is a key feature in many
Queensland remains the only state in more of our critically important places
just one rogue feral animal could tip countries worldwide. Special Wildlife
Australia to provide this national park achieving Special Wildlife Reserve
the delicate balance in the wrong Reserves now provide philanthropists
level protection for privately owned status.
direction. While feral animals lurking with certainty that their donations
in the shadows are a constant threat, land. can be used on privately managed
there was another more sinister Fast forward to this year and Bush land that is legally protected from
threat in plain sight. It was the very Heritage Australia’s Pullen Pullen threatening processes in perpetuity.
real threat from other authorised land Reserve in western Queensland was Many Governments and
uses, such as mining, that could declared the first ever special wildlife conservation organisations have long
have far greater impacts than any reserve. recognised that privately protected
feral animal, and simply could not be Pullen Pullen was purchased by areas are an integral part of any
ignored. Bush Heritage Australia to protect protected area network. It’s for this
Up until last year, the highest level critical habitat of one of the world’s reason that privately owned lands
of protection within Queensland for most elusive and endangered birds remain a critical part of ensuring the
Above and Banner: Pullen Pullen Special Wildlife Reserve. Photos: Dell Murphy-Brice.
a private conservation area was a - the night parrot. The added level of conservation of Queensland’s natural
8 9
PARK IN F CUS
St Helena Island National Park
John & Lyn Daly
from their book Take a Walk in a National Park Port Macquarie to Brisbane www.takeawalk.com.au
History selected as the site for a quarantine making, candle making, tailoring, book Features proved much too soft for building - check for current details prior to your
First Nations people visited St station, and prison labour was binding and sail making industries. This small tadpole-shaped Island is materials. Harder rock was found visit. Fees are levied for tours.
Helena Island thousands of years used for construction. However, the Queensland’s first tramway system following further excavation. The St Helena Ruins Walk
surrounded by a relic coral reef. Basalt
prior to European habitation. They isolation of the Island lent itself to the was established on the Island. The Rangers have positioned a large
escarpments rise from the south-west The guided walk takes in all the
were attracted to the Island each year establishment of Queensland’s most surviving beach rock walls and beach rock ‘block’ near the site of the
corner and form steep ridges on the major historical sites on the Island, but
during the warmer months, when large notorious penal colony in 1867. The causeway are recognized as notable old quarry for visitors to touch and feel
southern, northern and western sides the route varies, depending upon the
colonies of fruit bats congregated. harsh treatment dished out to inmates engineering feats. how easily it erodes.
of the Island. A thin band of forest and number of groups on the Island at the
During the winter they hunted dugong gained it a reputation as the ‘Hell Hole The original rainforest was cleared Large numbers of native birds
mangroves lining the eastern shore time.
in the surrounding waters. Huge of the South Pacific’. for pastures and crops. Introduced including rainbow bee-eaters,
are all that is left of St Helena’s original
middens of bone and shell, one plants soon began to grow around As you walk from the boat along the
The prison settlement quickly vegetation. honeyeaters, plovers, kingfishers and
being the oldest man-made relic the supervisor’s cottages. The prison jetty, you pass the old jetty ruins, and
became self-sufficient, and was soon quails inhabit the Island, along with
on the Island, are evidence of their Superintendent encouraged visiting The fresh water on St Helena one of the first things you notice is the
heralded as one of the finest examples many migratory waders.
long-term use of the area. St Helena ship’s captains to bring native trees originally fell as rain on the Darling remains of the swimming enclosure.
of self-sufficiency and profitability in Access
was originally described as one of the from their homelands and many of Downs, near Toowoomba. This water The iron posts were designed to
the world. The first buildings were
Green Islands by Matthew Flinders, these were planted around the Island. drains into the Great Artesian Basin, St Helena is located in Moreton Bay, provide protection from sharks. Then,
constructed of bricks and timber
in 1799. It was named St Helena Olive groves produced fruit that won the largest artesian basin in the 8km from the mouth of the Brisbane walk past numerous old water wells to
brought from the mainland. Timber
in 1828, when an Indigenous man prizes for their oil quality in Italy, and world, and flows underground across River, about 7km north-east of Manly. the start of the main ruins. From here,
growing in the Island’s rainforests was your guide will explain history and
named Napoleon was exiled there Ayrshire dairy cattle raised on the Moreton Bay to St Helena. Tourist launches leave from Brisbane
considered unsuitable and was only construction of the remains of various
from Dunwich penal settlement on used to construct fences. It wasn’t Island were common amongst award The ruins on St Helena are and Manly. Private boats can be
North Stradbroke Island, after stealing winners at Brisbane RNA shows. anchored in the area adjacent to the buildings including the administration
long before the colony boasted two reminiscent of those found at Port block, the blacksmith’s shop, the
an axe. Unlike his namesake, he later cell blocks, a hospital, lime kiln, During 1891, Queensland shearers Arthur and on Norfolk Island, yet they causeway.
escaped in a self-made canoe. prison cells, solitary confinement cells,
boathouse, kitchen, Superintendent’s went on strike for better working are easily visited on a day trip from To preserve the fragile ruins, access kitchens, the Superintendent’s garden
During the mid-19th century, cottage, bakehouse and housed conditions. Many of the ringleaders Brisbane. The remaining relics are all to the restricted sections of the Island and the dairy.
the Island was used as a base carpentry, blacksmithing, tinsmithing, were subsequently charged, convicted built of beach rock (cay sandstone) is only permitted with an accredited
for dugong fishing. In 1866 it was boot and shoe making, saddle and gaoled on St Helena Island. Shark The Deputy Superintendent’s House
quarried on the Island by prisoners. tour guide, or National Park Ranger.
feeding was actively encouraged has been restored and converted to
The surface beach rock initially used Rangers conduct some guided tours
to deter prisoners with thoughts a museum, housing many interesting
of escaping by swimming to the relics relating to the prison era. The
mainland. tour then leads back down to the
southern end of the Island to the silos
Changing attitudes to prison reform and the sugar mill, past the prisoners'
lead to the gaol being changed to and warden’s cemetery and the lime
prison farm status in 1921. It remained kiln, before ending at the old quarry
a prison farm until its closure in 1932. and Aboriginal midden.
Ownership was handed to the Lands While waiting for your boat to leave
Department in 1939 and areas were for the mainland enjoy strolling or
subsequently leased to graziers prior lazing around the cleared, grassy flats
to the 75.1ha Island being declared of the unrestricted zone that extends
Queensland’s first Historic Site from the quarry and old tramway up
National Park in 1979. With limited to the southern boundary of the first
funds, park rangers maintain the ruins, grazing paddock.
carry out some restoration work and
do other ongoing maintenance, as well The author has endeavoured to ensure
that the information presented here is as
as conducting guided tours on the accurate as possible. However, they or
Island. School excursions to St Helena Above: Horsedrawn tram on St. Helena Island, 1928. The horsedrawn tram was used to transport NPAQ do not accept responsibility for any
Above: Ruins on St Helena Island National Park. Photo: Patrick Otto. Banner: Butchery and bakery are encouraged to teach children people from the causeway jetty to the prison buildings on the hill. The tram ran on 3'6' gauge loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by
areas at St Helena Island National Park. Photo: merlin9911. about early prison history. tracks.. Photo: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. any person guided by this article.
10 11
NPAQ ASSOCIATION THE NATIONAL PARK
EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE
Personal reflection on why our parks must be valued
Debra Marwedel Clare Birnie
Honorary Life Member, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ) Treasurer, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ)
When asked to write an article management skills, and personal on the Association’s purpose, and to Weekend trips to a local National for significant infrastructure. enthusiastic people I have met thus
about my experiences on Council networks/contacts for the benefit of develop its people, processes, and park such as Lamington National This year my partner and I have far via NPAQ who all have a thirst to
for the National Parks Association the Association. Each were right for the performance of the Association. Park have always been a great way advocate, protect and be involved
welcomed our first baby, a little girl. I
of Queensland (NPAQ), I was not their time - influencing, responding, 2020 was a year of celebration for to get away locally to recharge from also made the decision to significantly with national parks.
expecting the flood of memories that and adapting to changes in the Association, 2020 being its 90th long busy periods at work. Being able
reduce my hours and take an 2020 has been a very different year
this triggered and I’m delighted to Government policy and the hearts and year of advocacy for national parks to be completely disconnect from
extended leave break from my career and everyone has had challenges. I
share some of that with you here. minds of Queensland communities and protected areas in Queensland. emails, take in the fresh air and enjoy
as a registered Liquidator and FCPA believe that whilst 2021 is uncertain in
- the latter being influenced by What has made my time with the the simplicity yet complexity of the
For those who do not know me, I whilst our baby is young and this is many areas we can be confident that
challenges including climate change Association rewarding has been the sights and sounds on a bush walk is
retired at the 2020 Annual General where the opportunity to be involved more than ever people will be seeking
and more recently the COVID-19 Councillors’ energy and shared vision a total recharge of the body, mind and
Meeting after serving ten years with NPAQ evolved. out to visit national parks. This makes
pandemic. for national parks and protected area soul.
on Council, six of those years as 2021 a very exciting time to get
outcomes, and the leadership within Neil Williams (prior Treasurer) got in
Honorary Secretary and member of I am honoured and grateful for the My partner Al and I love to travel
the Association. The challenges being contact with me to see if I would be NPAQ’s profile recognised, get more
the Executive, and one as Assistant opportunity to have worked closely and have been very fortunate to have
the ever-changing environment in interested in the role and we met via members and promote respect when
Honorary Secretary. with them as they reshaped and some amazing experiences both
which the Association operates and Zoom to discuss (such are the times visiting national parks.
evolved the organisation. locally and abroad.
As a Councillor and member of ensuring we respond appropriately. in 2020). Then once meeting some of I’m looking forward to making a
the Executive since 2010, I had Behind the scenes, a couple One of our trips overseas included a the team I have been so excited and
Thank you to the organisation’s contribution and to getting some tips
the privilege of working with three of important shared successes visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park in
members, supporters, donors, staff, motivated to be involved. on national parks to take a toddler in
Presidents - Tony O’Brien (2007- have been improvements in the Croatia where we saw first-hand how
and volunteers for their contribution national parks can be big tourism. I am honoured to be elected as 2021 to. Queensland has so many
2012), Michelle Prior (2012-2017) and Association’s governance and its
to the successes of NPAQ. It is Treasurer and am looking forward to places to explore and I can hardly wait
Graeme Bartrim (2017-2020). response to financial challenges. This most enchanting place, which
by working together that we have learning from the friendly, warm and to get to them.
These three Presidents generously A new and capable leadership team achieved much and will continue to has waters flowing over the limestone
used their individual leadership styles, is in place and will continue to deliver do so. and chalk have, over thousands of
years, deposited travertine barriers,
creating natural dams which in turn
have created a series of beautiful
lakes, caves and waterfalls.
As a consequence of its popularity
and concerns over its UNESCO World
Heritage, the park management last
year decided to limit the number of
visitors to 10,000 per day.
It’s such an important issue that
parks are available now and in the
future in their natural state.
With this is mind I am comforted
knowing that organisations such
as NPAQ assist in promoting the
appropriate management of national
parks and other protected areas,
especially those that are becoming
Banner: Photo: Jonte J. Above: Photo: Joshua Willson. increasingly popular or have proposals Above: Clare and her partner at Mount Coolum. Photo: Supplied.
12 13
RANGER WHAT’S For more information on activities &
events, visit our website:
SPOTLIGHT N
www.npaq.org.au/activities-events
Insights into the diverse backgrounds and day-to-day NPAQ activities NPAQ events
activities of Queensland’s park rangers
Lower Ballanjui Falls Track & Caves 2021 Twilight Celebration NPAQ February Members' Meeting
Cathy Gatley Track, Lamington National Park Date: Sunday 14 February 2021
Date: Wednesday 24 February 2021
Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS) Date: Sunday 17 January 2021 Meet: 3:00pm - further details closer to the
time and by contacting the Leaders. Time: 7:15pm for 7:30pm start
Meet: 8:30am
This function will be held in a similar format Venue: To be confirmed
Cost: $5
Cathy Gatley is Ranger-in-Charge of declared as a park in the early days, Leader: Mary Anne Ryan (0436 393 999 or to previous years - a walk for those inclined
Mon Repos Conservation Park, just and today many people work as maryaryan@bigpond.com) or sit and chat followed by drinks and
nibbles, light dinner and dessert.
Vale
east of Bundaberg. Working with volunteers, dedicating their time to
plants and animals is in her DNA… help turtles and visitors. As this is also Valentine’s Day you could
Birdwatching - Bribie Island treat yourself or a loved one to an evening
Why did you decide to become a Mon Repos is an excellent place Date: Sunday 31 January 2021 out. Cost: $16 NPAQ was saddened by the passing of
ranger? to work because you get to work Meet: 7:30 am at the Bird Hide, Buckleys Leader: Len and Laurelle Lowry (0428 335 member Heatherbell Mellor who joined
My dad was a veterinarian who with an endangered species, doing Hole Conservation Park 572 or onthewallaby@live.com.au) NPAQ in 1992. Heatherbell volunteered
treated lots of native animals, so I hands-on conservation. In addition Cost: $5 with the NPAQ archives for a number of
was fortunate to grow up with koalas, to this we also have the privilege of Leader: Ian Peacock (0416 943 280 or years.
gliders and birds around the house sharing our work with the thousands ianpeacock@hotmail.com) NPAQ was also saddened to learn of the
at various times. And my mum is very of people who visit the park each passing of long-term life member George
interested in native plants. So I think year. It is special to be able to help Glystos who joined NPAQ in 1951.
this is where my interest in working for others connect with nature and make
We send our sincere condolences to
the environment stemmed from. After changes to help turtles survive. Below: West Coast, K'gari (Fraser Island), Great
their friends and families.
Sandy National Park. Photo: Kerry Trapnell.
working at the Queensland Museum (Mon Repos has a state-of-the-art
in the visitor education section, and Turtle Centre dedicated to marine Above: QPWS Ranger Cathy Gatley. Photo:
learning more about environmental turtle research, protection and Justin Bruhn © Pure Underwater Imaging.
management, I decided I wanted to education). Top: Mon Repos Turtle Tour. Photo: Rowan
Bestmann © Tourism and Events Qld.
become a Ranger. What is your most memorable What is the best part about
How long have you worked in moment as a ranger? working in a National Park?
national parks? When I started at Mon Repos in 1996,
Being in natural and beautiful places
I have worked as a Ranger for QPWS our Chief Scientist, Dr Col Limpus,
for ‘our office’ is so fortunate. At Mon
for 27 years. briefed the team about checking
Repos during the turtle season we get
nesting turtles as they come ashore
Which parks have you worked in? to spend a lot of time on the beach at
for ‘notches’ in their carapaces.
I have worked on the Atherton night. So not only are we working with
This was part of a tagging program
Tablelands, based at Crater Lakes the animals, but we also get to see
undertaken in 1975, where hatchlings
National Park at Lake Eacham and star-filled skies, beautiful orange moon
were ‘tagged’ with notches before
working in surrounding parks. I’ve rises above the ocean, meteors and,
they headed out to sea. The study
also worked in the Whitsunday Island more often than you think, get soaked
was designed to find out how old
National Parks and Woongarra Marine in a sudden downpour.
turtles were when they came back to
Park (now known as the Great Sandy shore to nest for the first time. In the I think having the opportunity in my
Marine Park). early 2000s, I remember being behind role to help others make a difference
I am now based at Mon Repos a loggerhead turtle on the beach as is one of the best parts about working
Conservation Park. I’ve also been she came ashore. I could see the in a park. We are generating change
lucky to have worked in the field with scalloped notches on each side of to make our world a better place.
marine turtles on Raine Island and her carapace and was immediately What is your top tip for visitors to
Heron Island national parks and at excited and hopeful. When the turtle your park?
Shoalwater Bay Conservation Park. had settled into nesting and I could
turn on my light more fully, I could see If coming for a Turtle Encounter tour,
What is special about your this was an important turtle. Dr Col bring a crossword or a good book;
current park? was in Brisbane at the time and I rang turtles take their own time.
Mon Repos is all about marine turtles, him from the beach. This turtle was NPAQ thanks Cathy for taking time to
especially the endangered loggerhead the first of the 1975 turtles to return, answer our questions. We appreciate
turtle! It is also a park of the people she was 29 years old and nesting for the work all QPWS rangers undertake in
- the community fought to have it the first time in her life! protecting Queensland’s national parks.
14 15
Celebrating 90 years. 16
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