Smokescreen AS I write, the toll from - Colong Foundation for Wilderness
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colong
bulletin
No. 277| December 2019
Smokescreen Smokescreen • 1
Gardens of Stone continues
Ian Brown, 19 Nov 2019 legislation to allow farmers to burn that with Forestry and NPWS they
to receive attention • 2
A
off neighbouring national parks! have undertaken many burns over
s I write, the toll from Thankfully Environment Minister the past few years, and they had an
the tragic NSW bush fires Matt Kean has been standing firm actual wildfire in September. None of it Lithgow’s Gang Gang
already stands at six lives, against these outbursts of stupidity. stopped a November fire burning down
476 houses and 1,650,000 All environment groups, including half the village’s houses and killing two Gallery supports Gardens
hectares. A lightning fire in Wollemi the Colong Foundation and National people. of Stone • 2
National Park has grown to 140,000 Parks Association, support responsible, Two large northern NSW fires
hectares. Key koala populations have science-based, well-planned burning as together destroyed 84 houses. Both
been decimated and ancient rainforests a useful measure and part of broader started on private land, burnt mostly GIVE A DAM: a year in
burnt (at least their edges and at ground strategies to mitigate fire impacts on private land and State Forest, with review • 3
level). Over a dozen wilderness areas communities and ecosystems. This only small areas of national park.
have been significantly impacted. position is unsurprisingly similar to Nevertheless, its true that most
The afterburn and blame game that of the RFS, NPWS, fire researchers flammable bushland is in conservation
Feral horses, fire and
started even quicker than usual, and other experts, who also know that reserves, so it is inevitable that drought – Guy Fawkes
because this time the politics of climate more burning is not a silver bullet, and conservation estate will dominate total
change is the mammoth in the room. that targets are a blunt instrument. area burnt. River National Park,
Conservative heroes from the National Unfortunately a media focus on The line ‘no fuel no fire’ plays well October 2019 • 4
Party are appalled that people dare the burning debate has distracted in the tabloids, but is simplistically akin
mention such an irrelevance and have from other vital issues like town to saying if there was no water then
tried to shut down the discussion. They planning, property management, rapid people wouldn’t drown. Some people
Snowy 2.0 attack on
and their ilk are terrified of debating suppression and arson. Two articles by want to emulate the Western Australian Kosciuszko National
the climate because their only answer different researchers pointed out that strategy of burning large areas every
is denial. 83% or 85% of all fires are caused by year, but WA’s Mediterranean climate Park • 5
Instead, they are attacking national people. and ecosystems are quite different from
parks and trying to blame the ‘greenies’ A couple of long-time RFS members the east coast. Far from being a simple Old growth forests in two
for stopping off-season burning, in from the hard-hit village of Wytaliba solution, more burning is complex and
some kind of conspiracy. Robert have exposed the fallacy of the ‘not fraught with problems.
states • 6
Borsak has even said he’ll introduce enough burning’ argument. They said Professor Ross Bradstock’s research
shows that the costs and benefits of Camping ban part of Light
Fire in Wollemi National Park Photo: Ian Brown planned burning are exponential: you to Light bid for iconic walk
need to burn four times the area to get
twice the benefit. Research also shows status • 6
that the fire-suppressing benefit of burns
only lasts about three years, even less Mining in catchments
in extreme conditions (the Wollemi fire
has already burnt through several areas report finds on-going
of previous planned fire). The weather damage acceptable • 7
windows for effective burning have
always been limited, and are becoming
ever more restricted. Burning close to Monthly General
housing is resource-intensive, complex
and risky. Pushing burn envelopes will Meetings will be held
mean more fires get away and impact in the Nature Conservation
houses. Frequent burning makes more Council of NSW offices, Level
fire-prone vegetation. Some widespread
14, 338 Pitt Street, at 6.00pm
plant communities cannot be easily
burnt: tall forest/wet sclerophyll will on the third Wednesday of the
only burn under severe conditions (and month, December 18, January 15,
catastrophically), and heathlands burn February 19, March 18 and April
intensely. Large-scale burning could be 15 – members and visitors are
Armageddon for natural ecosystems
welcome. The AGM will be held on
continued on p. 3 Wednesday April 29 at 6pm.
2 colong bulletin December 2019 #277
Gardens of Stone continues Lithgow’s Gang Gang Gallery
supports Gardens of Stone
to receive attention by Janine Kitson, Gardens of Stone Alliance
Sharon Howard, Director of Gang Gang Gallery at
Professor Patrick ate so many opportunities for Heritage Area was only listed Lithgow raised the profile of the Gardens of Stone by
McKeever, Secretary of tourism investment. for biological values. He said commissioning artist Rachel Szalay to create the artwork
the UNESCO International The proposed new 39,000 it should also be listed for its ‘Gardens of Stone’ for the Environmental Defender’s
Geoscience and Geoparks hectare state conservation re- geodiversity and geoheritage, Office annual Gala Fundraising Dinner in September.
Programme, visited the serve will combine profession- Aboriginal cultural heritage, ‘Gardens of Stone’ raised $800 thanks to the generous
Gardens of Stone last October al reserve management with and scenic grandeur as recom- bidding of Wolgan Valley resident Andrew Chalk of Chalk
to see its pagodas. He was stunning pagoda landscapes. mended by the World Heritage & Behrendt, Lawyers & Consultants.
accompanied by Angus Reservation is expected to cre- Advisory Committee. Haydn The artwork captures the mystery of a pagoda landscape.
Robinson, Co-ordinator of the ate over a hundred jobs and explained that its geodiversity The artist has likened the work to a traditional Chinese
National Geotourism Strategy, boost the town’s tourism econ- values were slow to be recog- ink wash painting, yet the Indigenous message of Yindya-
who believes the area should omy by half in one hit. These nised. ma-rra Nganga-dha Walawalang Malang, “Respect, look
be a key geotourism region for opportunities were brought to Haydn’s remarks are timely after this stony rock place” resonates through her black
NSW, and Destination Pagoda the industry’s attention by Ja- as the World Heritage Commit- and white pastel artwork.
author, Ian Brown. nine Kitson and Wiradjuri El- tee at its last session reviewed Prolific Blue Mountains artist Rachel Szalay also has a
While Geoparks celebrate der Aunty Sharon Riley who a ‘State of Conservation report background in theatre having performed at Belvoir Street
geological heritage and other presented a joint paper at the for the Greater Blue Moun- and Sydney Theatre Company, in addition to film and
types of heritage, they oper- Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tour- tains’, and recommended a television work. Her paintings were recently exhibited
ate on a much larger physical ism Conference in Cairns. full State of Conservation Re- in the Gang Gang Gallery exhibition Industrial Lithgow.
scale than the proposed state Lithgow Environment Group port be considered in 2021. Rachel Szalay’s work can be seen at www.rachelszalay.
conservation area, and in any has also been active, making While this report will focus on com
event Lithgow would never ac- local representations for the Warragamba Dam, it will also
cept being part of a Geopark. Destination Pagoda vision at Just bring more pressure to: protect The Gang Gang Gallery is located at 206 Main Street,
The National Geotourism Transition Hub Workshops at geodiversity, including inter- Lithgow. For more information on exhibitions visit
Strategy is a much better fit, Western Sydney University’s nationally significant pagodas; gggallery.com.au
as Lithgow could combine its Lithgow campus. examine the transfer of mine Sharon Howard of Gang Gang Gallery (on left) and Rachael Szalay with
mining and industrial heritage On a slightly different tack, water out of the area; and per- her artwork of Macleans Pass in the reserve proposal. Photo: Janine
with natural and Aboriginal in a presentation to the Lin- haps seek the addition of other Kitson
cultural heritage, to present a nean Society annual sympo- areas and values to the World
unique tourism story. It is this sium in Springwood, Dr Haydn Heritage Area.
diverse heritage, and unique- Washington flagged that the Throughout the year, com-
ly attractive pagodas, that cre- Greater Blue Mountains World munity support for a big new
Gardens of Stone reserve has
Please renew your support for 2020 been raised through presenta-
The Colong Foundation reminds our readers that tions across Sydney by Dr Ste-
phen Allen in Sutherland, and
membership falls due on January 1st, 2020.
Janine Kitson who presented
The Foundation has this set date for membership renewal Tom Zubrycki’s documentary
as this is the most efficient way to process subscriptions films ‘Gardens of Stone - Living
(still only $30). If you can afford it please also make a tax- Landscape’ and ‘Vern and Joyce
Moffitt, Lithgow unionists and en-
deductible donation – your continuing support enables us
vironmentalists’ to Unions NSW
to expand our conservation efforts. at Sydney Trades Hall. Both and sent hundreds of pagoda not forget the excellent team-
Be assured, every dollar you contribute goes toward films tell the story of union- postcards to NSW Parliamen- work shown by the Gardens of
wilderness protection and conservation. We will expose ists’ and community commit- tarians. Stone Alliance (Blue Moun-
ment to protecting Lithgow’s To celebrate the end of a tains Conservation Society,
the damage caused by coal mines and give a dam about
Gardens of Stone — and con- busy year, Lithgow Environ- Lithgow Environment Group
the flooding of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage nect with Angus Robinson’s ment Group held a bush dance and the Colong Foundation)
Area. With your help we can save wilderness! geotourism ideas. In addition, at State Mine Gully Heritage and others in the continuing
Keith Muir Michael Holt and the Sydney Park as a campaign fundraiser. promotion of the state conser-
Action Group held street stalls While everyone had fun, let’s vation area proposal. ■
Colong Foundation
THE COLONG FOUNDATION FOR WILDERNESS LTD
2/332 Pitt Street Sydney Nsw 2000 (Abn 84 001 112 143)
TELEPHONE: (02) 9261 2400 EMAIL: foundation@colongwilderness.org.au WEBSITE: www.colongwilderness.org.au
PATRON: The Hon. Bob Carr, BA (Hons), Hon. LittD. • DIRECTORS: John Robens (Chair); Ian Tanner (Hon. Secretary);
Alex Allchin (Vice-Chair); Dr. Stephen Allen (Hon. Treasurer); Sierra Classen BA (Hons); Bob Debus AM;
Alan Dixon; Eugene Fernandez, M.Phil., EdD., GAICD., FIMCA; Alix Goodwin; Janine Kitson BA, Dip Ed, M Ed, Dip TEFL, MA, M Ed (Hons);
Robert Pallin; Pat Thompson, L.C.P.; Tim Vollmer; Haydn Washington, B.A., M.Sc., PhD.
DIRECTOR: Keith Muir, O.A.M., B. Nat. Res. Hons. • HON. MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: Alan Dixon
WILD RIVERS CAMPAIGNER: Harry Burkitt • NATURAL AREAS CAMPAIGNER: Wilson Harris, B.A., M.A.
HON. PHOTOGRAPHER: Henry Gold, O.A.M. • HON. FIRE OFFICER: Ian Brown, O.A.M., BSc. • HON. BULLETIN DESIGN & TYPESETTING: Jenni Gormley
The Colong Bulletin • Editor: Bruce Diekman
ISSN 1325-3336 (print), 2207-6697 (online) • Printed by SpotPress, Marrickville
3 colong bulletin December 2019 #277
GIVE A DAM: a year in review
wilson harris leafletted morning and night. GIVE A DAM successfully
The amazing coverage the courted the support of minor
2019 was a busy and campaign achieved at this time political parties, giving the
tumultuous year for was largely due to GIVE A campaign the numbers in
environmental campaigns DAM’s hard-working volunteer the NSW Legislative Council.
throughout NSW. No network. The formation of the NSW
campaign felt this more In June, we held a 1000+ Upper House Inquiry into the
acutely than GIVE A DAM. strong protest in Katoomba Proposal to Raise Warragamba
The NSW State election was calling on the Federal Dam (with a majority of no-
followed by a federal Coalition Environment Minister to take dam MPs) was a result of this
victory that blindsided many. heed of the World Heritage effort. During the submission
No one had anticipated the draft decision, before the next process for this inquiry, an
federal election result. Labor committee meeting in July. astounding 1800 submissions
were counting their chickens Following this action, it was were made, many from
weeks before polling day, the first time the Minister environmental and economic
and the environmental Ley acknowledged publicly experts as well as supporters.
movement was preparing the “concerns... [of] the World This year also saw an
to work with a (slightly) Heritage Committee” regarding increased media presence
more accommodating the dam. for GIVE A DAM, with over
federal government. Nothing In July, Harry Burkitt and 30 articles and news pieces
encapsulated the confidence the Hon. Bob Debus represented about the project on Seven,
in a Labor victory more than GIVE A DAM at the 43rd Nine and the ABC, and in The
Sportsbet who paid out $5.2 session of the World Heritage Guardian, Sydney Morning
million two days before Committee. Through their Herald and Daily Telegraph.
election day, to punters who lobbying, an official statement The heightened media profile
had backed the ALP! However, declaring “the raising of the translated into a major boost to
as we know, Scott Morrison dam wall is likely to have an the campaign’s supporter base.
and the Coalition went on to impact on the Outstanding Recently, GIVE A DAM
win the unwinnable election. Universal Value (OUV) of successfully co-ordinated 17
Regardless of political the property” was made. The international NGOs from 6
events, 2019 has still been committee also requested countries to write a submission
a hugely successful year for the Australian Government to the upper house inquiry
GIVE A DAM. The campaign’s submit the proposal and detailing abuses by the
efforts have meant that the environmental assessments environmental consultant
State government and their to the World Heritage Centre undertaking Warragamba
contractors have been under “for review prior to taking any Dam assessments (SMEC
constant pressure, with the final decision regarding the Engineering). The campaign
project and their work under project”. A huge win for the against this firm continues,
intense scrutiny. To date, the On June 9th this year over 1,000 gathered in Katoomba to say ‘Give a Dam’ campaign, it has established with ongoing protests at the
environmental assessments for about flooding World Heritage. a platform for GIVE A DAM offices of SMEC Engineering
the dam wall raising have been to apply more pressure to the occurring on a regular basis*.
delayed by over 15 months, extremely active, hosting over and numerous market stalls, federal government to scrap We are excited for what 2020
blowing out the project’s 25 screenings of ‘GIVE A DAM: were hosted in and around the project. holds. With the help of our
timeline. Flooding the Blue Mountains’, Sydney. During this period our Throughout the year, the dedicated supporters, we are
From January until May which reached an estimated amazing supporters were able campaign has also worked sure it will be just as successful
this year, GIVE A DAM ran 2,700 people. An array of to letterbox drop 10,000 houses to expand and diversify the as 2019. ■
a concerted community community events and forums, in western Sydney, and at train range of groups opposed Contact the GIVE A DAM team at wilson@
campaign that coincided with including candidate debates stations throughout Sydney and to the dam. Following the giveadam.org.au if you would like to take
the two elections. We were at both state and federal level, the Blue Mountains, volunteers State election campaign, part in the next protest.
Smokescreen escaped criticism. Is that the And the sorts of environments ecosystems. This might include Without acceptance of climate
continued from p. 1 whiff of ideological witch- that may have been patchwork- more strategic burning, but change, adaptive policies can’t
burning I can smell? burnt are unlikely to be what’s also needs to focus on faster happen. Climate change is
and wildlife, while providing There have been the usual now left in our national parks. detection and suppression and here now, and while we must
little to no benefit on the calls to graze national parks The rate of climate change has boosting the defendability of take action to stop it (and that
bushland interface where (absurd) and bring back become alarming. Only history communities. includes being vocal on the
burning should be targeted. ‘Aboriginal burning’ (without will tell if the current drought Trouble is, NSW and federal world stage), we also have no
So while we should not actually knowing what it and heat are a statistical blip governments are paralysed, choice but to adapt.
get into this false argument was). While Indigenous or here to stay, but researchers held hostage by conservative This is the fight that was
about more burning, its still knowledge should absolutely are telling us that on current firebrands who will wreak always coming, between
worth noting that NPWS be harnessed, the model track we can expect more of the political havoc if climate reality radically different world views.
carried out 137,000 hectares usually invoked comes from same. We have to take heed, is accepted. Some of the most Those clinging to old notions of
of burns last year, 75% of all northern Australia, where the and we all need to re-assess vocal are from the National human supremacy will squeal
planned burning across NSW. cyclic wet/dry climate and our assumptions, including Party, supposedly representing in ever greater desperation,
Strangely, there has been little grassy savannah woodlands conservationists. Radical new rural interests while displaying until they are mugged by reality
comment about fuel on private are completely different from approaches may be needed to an abiding ignorance of land and consigned to the compost
land, and Forestry NSW has much southern vegetation. protect both communities and management and ecology. of history. Bring it on. ■
4 colong bulletin December 2019 #277
Feral horses, fire and drought – Guy Fawkes
River National Park, October 2019
keith muir horses when it is carried out by The subsequent 2006 Guy
experienced and skilled shooters Fawkes horse management plan
October 2019 was and pilots; the animal can be clearly re-adopted the failed mustering
nineteen years since an aerial seen and is within range; the correct and trapping techniques. Since
cull humanely shot 606 horses firearm, ammunition and shot 2006, the plan’s objectives have
over three days in Guy Fawkes placement is used; and wounded not been achieved – the natural
River National Park. Precursor animals are promptly located and values of Guy Fawkes River
conditions to this cull were killed.’ National Park are not being
drought, extensive bushfires, conserved because horses have
and ineffective brumby October 2000 Guy Fawkes not been removed in sufficient
mustering which resulted in River National Park horse numbers.
the deaths of at least four horses cull In the Guy Fawkes gorge
and the reported suffering of The 100,000 hectare Guy country there are no effective
many others. Fawkes wilderness surrounding means to chase horses across
The Colong Foundation Deep hoof scrapings indicate long suffering. Photo: K. Muir the Guy Fawkes River, and its the rugged wilderness into
believes that the current major tributaries, the Aberfoyle yards, then halter and lead
combination of one of the most ineffective controls outlined in and forced by politicians and Sara Rivers, forms a large them unwillingly behind stock
severe droughts on record, and the 2006 horse management into ineffective horse control gorge network north from Ebor horses up steep ridges to a
the large Bees Nest wildfire, plan. measures that permit ecological village at the western edge of second set of yards. The horses
has precipitated another crisis Many large river flats and harm. the Dorrigo Plateau. may then be trucked long
where many horses are seeking the footslopes leading to them Whatever the reasons Thirty-one threatened plants distances to an abattoir for
remnant feed on unburnt river are effectively bare of grass and or motives for current and two dozen threatened slaughter, or rehomed. Even
flats beside some of the last other ground vegetation, apart management, the suffering animals live in this wilderness, if this process could be done
available water sources. from some remnant native of starving horses and including the koala. for horses within wilderness
The Colong Foundation grass roots that the horses had destruction of this national From 1992 until the cull in areas, and it is impracticable
inspected Guy Fawkes picked at. Weeds, including park through overgrazing must 2000, only 156 horses were to do so, it will continue to
wilderness during its closure toxic lantana, are either heavily stop as soon as possible. New captured and removed from cause a proportion of horses to
due to fire from 22 to 24 October browsed or dead. Any bush England district farmers have the park by local horsemen and be injured and killed, and all
2019, to report on the condition remotely palatable has been destocked their land due to the NPWS staff using mustering horses removed in this manner
of a known horse population eaten to a browse line which a drought. The park’s managers and trapping techniques, and will be very distressed by the
in the area, and the extent of horse could reach while craning have been prevented from several horses were killed and experience. It would also be
damage to the national park its neck. Large areas of sheet equivalent responsible horse injured in the process (English an extremely dangerous task
from horse grazing. soil erosion were observed on management by an emotive 2000). for the people engaged in
the lower Guy Fawkes and Sara and misconstrued policy that It was alleged that local such a remote area muster.
What was observed rivers. Large gully erosion was prevents humane culling landholders had been illegally Horse management based on
We observed 212 emaciated observed on Kittys Creek along through aerial shooting, which running horses in the park and mustering in wilderness is
horses, 28 dead horses and with sheet erosion. is the only effective means of using it as a breeding ground unworkable and ultimately
3 dying horses. Nearly all These impacts are in destocking wilderness. for brumbies (Daily Telegraph, inhumane.
the dead horses had suffered accordance with the November If the NSW Government 1.11.00). Feral horse mustering As predicted by the Colong
lingering deaths, demonstrated 2018 determination by an does not act and the drought efforts failed as hundreds of Foundation, the Guy Fawkes’
by the deep scuff marks made independent scientific panel on continues, their inaction will be horses remained in the park. management plan to trap
by their hooves while the threatened species, that listed responsible for delivering slow, As wildfires and drought had and remove horses has been
animals were prostrate and feral horse populations as a ‘key agonizing deaths to hundreds stripped fragile gorge soil cover, ineffective. Numbers are not
struggling in a flurry of agony. threatening process’ pushing of blameless feral horses in the the horses were starving and so reducing faster than the horses
The three dying horses were native species at risk closer to Guy Fawkes wilderness. We the National Parks and Wildlife can breed – there are now
found in great distress, one too extinction. The state of the must act with compassion and Service planned an immediate perhaps two thousand horses in
exhausted to move, one wedged lower Guy Fawkes valley can humanity, and urgently cull aerial cull. A total of 606 the park. The heavy grazing of
between rocks and the other only be described as ruinous starving horses to put an end to horses were shot that would the national park by feral horses
scuffing the earth. and in need of complete their agony and help save this have otherwise have further has not, however, reduced
The effects of severe drought destocking. national park’s delicate ecology. wrecked the environment and wildfire risk. The Bees Nest
have caused blackberry bushes, Both the Australian suffered cruel and lingering wildfire raged for weeks and
some rainforest shrubs and Effective and humane aerial Veterinarian Association and deaths by starvation. burnt 114,000 hectares. These
large River Oaks to die. The shooting is imperative the RSPCA provide information The cull was vindicated by facts accord with a substantial
Sara River and all Guy Fawkes The result of listing horses on feral horse control Dr English of Sydney University body of peer reviewed science
tributary creeks have dried as ‘local heritage’, while not methods developed by the who found it effective, efficient compiled by the Ecological
up, but Guy Fawkes River still applying effective, humane NSW Department of Primary and humane. Shooting horses Society of Australia into alpine
flowed sluggishly and supported control methods, continues Industries, with support from from helicopter is far less grazing in Victoria, which has
frogs, tortoises and platypuses, to cause great suffering to the Australian Government stressful and dangerous than also not reduced fire risk.
as well as a large population of the emaciated and starving – these are available on the trapping and removal, yet NSW environment
starving horses. feral horse population in Guy PestSmart website. Methods highly critical media attention groups have for twenty
The effects of drought on Fawkes National Park. The NSW include RSPCA protocols that followed this cull triggered years maintained that the
feral horses in the Guy Fawkes National Parks and Wildlife for aerial shooting, which a ban on aerial shooting by government must restore
wilderness is a signal lesson Service has been bullied and PestSmart states ‘can be a then Environment Minister,
on apparently humane but frustrated by the horse lobby, humane method of destroying feral Bob Debus. continued on p. 5
5 colong bulletin December 2019 #277
Snowy 2.0 attack on Kosciuszko National Park
The exploration stage the proposed operational
of the Snowy 2.0 project in performance and economic
Kosciuszko National Park viability of Snowy 2.0.
was approved in February A rational, independent
2019, and since then the main assessment of the Snowy 2.0
proposal for civil and hydro- proposal should see it rejected.
electrical engineering works The consolidated tax profit for
has been released. Snowy Hydro’s generation of
The Snowy 2.0 pump-storage 4,349GWh last financial year
proposal in the top third of was just $210.2 million. Even
Kosciuszko National Park plans if Snowy 2.0 could generate
to connect, by a long tunnel, 350GWh a year, it would only
Talbingo dam on the Tumut represent a small increase in
catchment with Tantangara profit for this modest output.
dam on the Murrumbidgee That Snowy 2.0 is the
River catchment. Initially biggest, most expensive energy
Image: NPA
the proposal was to cost two storage proposal in Australia
billion, but this quickly grew and the fifth biggest in the
to estimates of between $3 world seems to be a key factor
and $4.5 billion, then to a $5.1 in its genesis. The proposal will
billion contract with Snowy four kilometres of water pipes from many points within the park. The biodiversity offset misspend billions of dollars
Hydro. The project’s final cost or tunnels, but not Snowy northern third of the national will be over a quarter of a and much of the political
is likely to be around $8 billion, 2.0. The length of tunnelling park. Smaller animals, such billion dollars, although Snowy capital Australia needs for less
even without its expensive through hard rock makes as the Smoky Mouse, will not Hydro is attempting to reduce damaging projects such as the
connection to multi-billion Snowy 2.0 an exceptionally cross the cleared easements and this cost, undervaluing the expansion of batteries and
dollar powerline upgrades, difficult and damaging pump- barren wastes that the proposal national park and perverting other pump-storage schemes
which Snowy Hydro alleges storage proposal, pushing costs will create. Park visitors too the intent of the offset to back up wind power and
aren’t part of the project, as the and impacts beyond common will be denied access, not just scheme by seeking credits for solar energy.
system will be used by other sense limits. to Lobs Hole, but also at Marica rehabilitation. Thousands of alternative
generators. If approved, it will have and around Tantangara Dam. Yet for all this costly power storage opportuni-
If interest rates remain very major environmental impacts The scheme’s significant linear damage, Snowy 2.0 is not ties exist outside nation-
low for decades, Snowy 2.0 on Kosciuszko National Park, impacts have been brushed an efficient, closed pump- al parks – these have been
might produce a small, much including: a new road through aside, rather than minimised storage system as claimed. identified by an Australian
delayed economic return, eight kilometres of old growth through active consideration Talbingo Dam already serves National University (ANU)
at tremendous cost, with forest on Marica plateau down of alternative engineering a pump-storage function with audit of potential pump hydro-
unavoidable and significant to Lobs Hole; the dispersal options. high water needs within the energy storage sites across
environmental impacts on of pest species including the The EIS reports the proposal existing hydro scheme – the eastern Australia. Other less
Kosciuszko National Park. redfin perch from the Murray will destroy 992 hectares of 1800MW Tumut 3 system, the damaging alternatives could
Snowy 2.0 is a textbook to the Murrumbidgee river threatened species habitat seventh largest such scheme also be developed within
example of a ‘Captain’s call’ systems; six million tonnes (threatened ecological in the world. This competing the Snowy Hydro scheme.
made opportunistically in of hard rock dumped over communities and threatened need and the smaller size of Unfortunately none it seems
March 2017 by former Prime three large areas within the flora and fauna), the largest Talbingo reservoir relative were big enough to capture our
Minister Malcolm Turnbull national park; and a further ever such loss in a national to Tantangara, reduces politicians’ imagination. ■
as his signature project on eight million tonnes dumped
climate change. in water reservoirs.
Snowy-Hydro’s cachet The rock waste proposed to Broad support for Colong policy and motions
cloaks the project in nation- be dumped in large piles at Lobs
building respectability, and so Hole, Tantangara and Marica The following benefit workers, community and management principles
the community is unable to see will produce visual scarring, summarises motions and the environment. of the National Parks and
Snowy 2.0 for the 27-kilometre as will the greater variability and policy introduced by The NSW and Wildlife Act.
trunk ‘white elephant’ that it is. of water levels in Tantangara the Colong Foundation and Commonwealth Governments Pack camping be allowed to
Usually pump-storage Dam, the bulldozing of new passed at this year’s Nature support the ‘Nature Needs continue in Ben Boyd National
schemes are connected by up to roads and transmission line Conservation Council of NSW Half’ vision, where half of all Park and that the Minister for
easements. In addition, (NCC) Annual Conference lands are reserved or dedicated the Environment be reminded
Feral horses groundwater loss along the held on Saturday November by other effective means for of NCC policy opposing new
continued from p. 4 length of the tunnel will 2nd. nature conservation. accommodation infrastructure
change the Eucumbene River As a result, the Nature Carbon sequestration in national parks.
humane and effective aerial headwaters to an ephemeral Conservation Council will plantations only be established An open public inquiry
culling of feral horses in stream, causing significant loss request that: in national parks at into wildlife sanctuaries be
national parks to protect of aquatic life. The NSW Government ecologically suitable densities, instigated and moratorium
natural heritage values. The The linear nature of the support and fund and be comprised of ‘local established on the development
current extreme Guy Fawkes’ proposed works will cause Destination Pagoda, a reserve provenance’ species, as part of of new wildlife sanctuaries in
situation vindicates this significantly greater aesthetic establishment and visitor a restoration program after an national parks.
position and NPWS actions and ecological impacts on management plan for a 39,000 open and transparent planning Protest activities be
in 2000 to aerially cull the the national park than if the hectare world-class tourism process, and plantations supported as a democratic
horses using RSPCA approved proposal was more compact. and conservation reserve on already established meet the means of environment policy
protocols. ■ Infrastructure will be seen Lithgow’s doorstep, that will nature conservation objects reform.6 colong bulletin December 2019 #277
Old growth forests in two states
On November 7th, made redundant. There will its old growth forests. of insects, and therefore more least 14,600 hectares of high-
the Victorian Government be an extra 50,000 hectares The NSW Government is birds and mammals, and value wildlife habitat in public
announced a plan to transition of replacement hardwood remapping old growth using provide more nesting hollows forests on the chopping block,
the state’s timber industry plantations by 2030, enabling a new process which will give and roosting sites, will be on top of 29,000 hectares of old
aiming to phase out native a smooth transition. the timber industry access to targeted. In NSW at least 46 growth forests on private land
forest logging by 2030, and Unsurprisingly, the areas of identified old growth mammals, 81 birds, 31 reptiles that was previously protected
immediately protect 186,000 Federal Agriculture Minister and high conservation value and 16 frogs are dependent on and is now being logged.
hectares of native forest, Bridget McKenzie, Victorian public forests that have tree hollows for shelter and Logging old growth forests
including 90,000 hectares Opposition Leader Michael been off-limits for decades. nests that take over a century requires the revocation of
of old growth, to protect the O’Brien and the CFMMEU This is part of the push to to develop. informal reserves that the
vulnerable greater glider and all condemned the decision, facilitate increased logging The Natural Resources State and Commonwealth
other threatened species. while NSW environment intensity, that has already Commission has been asked Governments agreed were part
Existing agreements will groups called on the NSW seen clearfelling introduced to ‘remap and rezone’ old of the reserve system but not
be extended to 2024 when Government to follow suit. to the North Coast, weakened growth and rainforest to make large enough to become part
timber mills will have to bid Despite Victorian evidence that protections for threatened up a wood supply shortfall. A of a national park, or which
for reduced supplies, with hardwood timber sourced from species, and reduced stream pilot study of 13 areas found provided important corridors
a $120 million assistance well-managed plantations will buffers. Bigger, older trees that remapping could open for plants and animals between
package for businesses to leave enable regional economies to with more flowers and seed, 78% of protected old growth national parks.
the industry and workers to be thrive, NSW is planning to log that attract a greater diversity forest to logging. This puts at The NSW Government still
needs to verify the north coast
timber shortfall. Rob Stokes,
Camping ban part of Light to Light the Planning and Public Spaces
Minister, said the government
would consider “the NRC’s
bid for iconic walk status proposed methods
reassessing old growth forests
after we receive updated wood
for
keith muir park’s overall strategy of maintaining supply modelling from the
‘remoteness’ and the region’s tourism Forestry Corporation of NSW.”
The covering letter branding as a part of the Wilderness Under the new system,
accompanying proposed amendments Coast. Current pack campers, including the maximum size of legal,
to Ben Boyd National Park’s plan of local school children, are to be confined clearfelling patches on the
management, received by the Colong to bookable and rentable camp platforms, NSW north coast has already
Foundation a few months ago, contained or to inferior camp sites at Saltwater Creek leapt from 0.25 hectares to 45
a surprise announcement that ‘pack and Bittangabee Bay. hectares.
camping along the Light to Light The proposed amendments also seek The NSW Government also
Walk will no longer be allowed.’ The realignment of the Light to Light walking has a mistaken belief that
justifications for terminating public track in ways that will damage coastal burning forest biomass is green,
camping seem to be excuses to allow a vegetation communities, including renewable energy – the Federal
new commercial operator access to a allowing wind and salt to get under coastal Government even provides
significant share of the visitor market. shrub and tree canopies, causing dieback. subsidies to companies that
The Colong Foundation urgently wrote The claimed environmental benefits of do this. NSW plans to allow
to Energy and Environment Minister Resort accommodation proposal at Hegartys Bay avoiding heathlands will be cancelled by the production of a million
Matt Kean, requesting that the public be indicated by numbers 1 to 5 will displace the environmental damage and the loss of tonnes per annum of wood
permitted to continue camping along the small existing camp site located at 6 on this figure. generally stable, traditional Aboriginal and pellets from the north-east
Light to Light Walk through the park (and Minister Kean advised that existing campers must historical walking routes, the traditional forests to burn for electricity,
not just beside particular car camper sites go because they are a management problem. tracks having been used for millennia, in Australia or overseas.
as proposed). including the track through heathlands The North East Forest
The Foundation asked Minister Kean near Wollongong, when someone gave it from Green Cape to Bittangabee Bay Alliance considers burning
to set ground rules to prevent commercial back to the people is morally wrong. slated for realignment. This realignment native forests for electricity
operations in national parks from denying The usual justification for exclusive for wow-factor vantage points along the is the most significant threat
free public access to walking tracks or other commercial use is that it will provide coast disrespects heritage and nature. to the future of Australia’s
basic facilities, and to popular destinations better facilities, but in the case of Ben The costly user-pays visitor scheme will forests, and their essential role
such as beaches. As if to underscore this last Boyd National Park this will change the drive existing visitors from this park. The in mitigating climate change.
point, a recent petition calling on the state character of the experience from nature- NSW Government and NPWS seems des- Burning forest biomass for
government to scrap plans to redevelop focused recreation to more visitor-focused perate to join the ‘iconic walks club’, and electricity emits more carbon
Killalea State Park amassed thousands of forms which are inappropriate in national facts or genuine analysis have had little to per unit of energy produced
signatures in just three days (Illawarra Mer- parks, places set aside for nature. do with these walk proposals. As predict- than burning coal. The
cury, 28 October, 2019). The multi-million The proposed camping platforms and ed by the Colong Foundation’s submission associated intensive logging
dollar proposal for 15 luxury cabins, a built accommodation are not justified as in 2010 on what is now the current plan of creates a carbon debt that will
function centre and 53 serviced campsites existing, grassy public campsites are not management, the ‘self-reliant visitor will be take decades or even centuries
is being considered for a surfing beach subject to overuse. Current commercial restricted and displaced by commercial opera- to repay, and regrowth forests
that was gifted to the people of NSW years operators will be disadvantaged, and built tions … Commercial interests will tend to ben- are never allowed to recover
ago. Obviously establishing monopolies accommodation is already provided in the efit from any increase in regulation to the disad- to previous levels. In reality,
over such publicly-owned, iconic park two lighthouse precincts as appropriate, vantage of the self-reliant visitor who will tend forest biomass burning is an
attractions can be profitable, but selling adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. to be displaced from the best camp sites by the
‘the Farm’, a very popular surfing spot Further, the proposals are hostile to the profit making operations.’ ■ continued on p. 77 colong bulletin December 2019 #277
Mining in catchments report finds
on-going damage acceptable
keith muir recorded in these catchments. water supplies for five million will treat over 40ML/day of Sydney by not taking this
Maps and tabulation of people. Springvale mine water. There stance.
An Independent environmental damage are Upland swamps must be are worrying signs that mining In the panel’s defence,
Expert Panel report also absent. The report does recommended for protection, in the Southern Coalfield the Colong Foundation
released on October 31st into not provide an adequate data and just because there is no can cause leaks just as bad as understands that it was
longwall coal mining in base for further regulation. data on the capacity of swamps those in the Western Coalfield. hamstrung by narrow terms
catchment areas supported Its focus was specifically in to store and cleanse drinking Dendrobium mine water flows of reference, not allowing
the continuation of mining, relation to the volume of stored water, they do provide these are now about 7.5ML/day adequate consideration of
despite confirming on-going water, rather than how much functions. Until proved and these respond to rainfall. the full range of ecological
damage to these Special flows down streams. unimportant, swamps must be This interaction establishes a impacts caused by mining in
Areas that supply a third of Protection zones for swamps protected. hydraulic connection between catchments, apart from damage
Sydney’s drinking water. The and streams are not proposed, This plight of swamps in coal mining and the catchment to swamps. Whose fault is this?
Woronora and Metropolitan instead the inquiry reports these catchments illustrates and suggests that mining The blame can only be sheeted
Special Area catchments south on the operation of ‘Risk how mining companies have intensity must be reduced home to the NSW Government
of Sydney were once pristine, Management Zones’ within inverted the precautionary to stop water losses, but the and its relationship with the
with water naturally filtered which the risk of damage principle to enable coal independent report makes no coal mining industry.
through swamps and streams, is currently ‘managed’ for mining to continue in these such recommendation. The onus must to be placed
but they are now increasingly sensitive features such as those pristine areas until there’s It is odd that an industry on the industry to prove
degraded. It seems that the described above. The inquiry overwhelming evidence of now under scrutiny due to mining does not damage
report’s recommendations did find it remarkable that an swamp damage causing a loss of climate change does not the catchment, rather than
will result in few additional EIS for one mine found only one water supply. The independent act to lower the intensity of relying on regulators, scientists
controls to further limit significant landscape feature in expert report does not its operations in Sydney’s and concerned citizens. The
mining damage to these a project area extending over challenge this paradigm where drinking water catchments, precautionary principle has
precious areas. Essentially, 220 square kilometres. None the onus is on the regulator to but chooses to continue to to be applied throughout
the report agrees with the of its other 46 streams classed prove damage. maximise coal yield to benefit catchment protection zones
mining companies that the as 3rd order and above, none of Compensation for its shareholders – a risky to ensure water security from
extent of impacts are not the 226 upland swamps, none environmental impacts on political strategy. The Colong future loss and damage and
significant enough to warrant of the 634 cliffs (including these rare swamps assumes Foundation is disappointed to protect remaining areas of
change – damaging mining Appin Falls) and none of the that there are adequate that the expert panel has failed pristine catchment.
operations can continue with 632 Aboriginal Heritage Sites swamp substitutes, when in to censure Dendrobium mine’s The State Government
impunity. were deemed to be significant! fact ecological replacements operations. should acknowledge that the
Longwall mining damage The obvious conclusion is that for most damaged swamps Mining must be constrained capacity of our catchments
to Sydney’s water catchments Risk Management Zones are are almost non-existent. to limit damage to drinking to collect, transmit and hold
is very significant however, meaningless, but there are no Swamp offsets and perverse water supplies. A modest pure drinking water, is far
and occurs largely out of sight, recommendations to fix this Risk Management Zones protectionist approach from more important than any coal
behind locked gates where problem. are convenient substitutes this independent inquiry revenue. Mine regulation must
trespassers can be heavily Underground coal mining for effective environmental would have better fitted with prevent surface rocks being
fined. The independent report with its risk management protection zones where mining our climate changing world fractured by lowering mining
does not assist readers by zones offers almost no should be prohibited. This is – the expert panel has failed intensity. ■
providing any graphic images protection for water resources extremist pro-mining policy
of dry stream beds, dead or and important heritage values dressed up as environment Collapsed and bone dry – the loss of waterfalls such as this one is due to
collapsed swamps, or dry inside catchments. The report protection. longwall mining but the independent panel on mining in catchments did not
waterfalls and cliff falls, all of supports continuation of report on rock falls due its narrow terms of reference. Photo: K. Muir
which have been extensively mining despite identifying Water loss comparisons
‘permanent diversion The Independent Expert
of catchment water into Panel for Mining in the
Old growth forests mine workings’; unreliable Catchment was established
continued from p. 6 predictions of mining impacts in February 2018 to provide
on groundwater and surface advice on mining operations
unsustainable substitute for water; contamination of in the Greater Sydney Water
the collapse of native forest drinking water with metals Catchment Special Areas,
woodchip exports. leached from rocks fractured with a focus on risks to water
The contrast between NSW by mining; and significant, resources and cumulative
and Victoria’s forest policy and very likely irreversible, impacts.
could not be more stark. changes to nationally The panel compared water
Victoria has decided to protect threatened upland swamps. losses from mining with those
its native forests and establish The report recommends from the water supply system,
hardwood plantations, while more studies. This is advice any including leaking water mains
NSW is going back to the past, Government wishing to take and evaporation for reservoirs.
converting native forests to no conclusive action desires There was no comparison
virtual plantations through to receive, especially when however, with the giant water
the expansion of clearfelling there is ample information to treatment factory established
and the logging of old growth make precautionary decisions by Veolia in the Western
reserves. ■ to protect essential drinking Coalfield. By 2020 this plantTHE COLONG FOUNDATION
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A BEQUEST ABOUT THE COLONG FOUNDATION
The Colong Foundation, the successor to Myles Dunphy’s National Parks and Primitive
Please remember us Areas Council, is Australia’s longest-serving community advocate for wilderness. Its
Bulletin back page, 12/18
in your Will. proposal for a Wilderness Act was accepted in 1987. To supplement this legislation, our Red
Index, audits NSW wilderness areas, identifies threats and formulates site specific protection
The Law Society of NSW remedies. There are now 2,100,000 ha of protected wilderness in NSW. However, many
recommends the following beautiful and environmentally highly significant wilderness areas are not protected, such as PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FROM THE COLONG FOUNDATION
wording… “I bequeath the the Pilliga and Goonoo on the north west slopes, the Deua Valley on the South Coast and
the Tabletop and Main Range in the Snowy Mountains. CELEBRATING WILDERNESS 60.00 ❏ THE GARDENS OF STONE VISITORS MAP 10.00 ❏
sum of $… to the Colong The Colong Foundation for Wilderness has had a long and successful history. From its Edited by Ian Brown, this spectacularly illustrated book A full colour double sided touring map and guide to the attractions of
Foundation for Wilderness Ltd. foundation in 1968 until 1975 it was the fighting force that prevented limestone mining and with 46 full-page colour wilderness photographs by Rob the Gardens of Stone reserve proposal
Jung, David Neilson, Rob Blakers and Ian Brown is
for its general purposes and the destruction of native forest for pine plantations in the southern Blue Mountains. The essential reading for wilderness supporters (120pp) THE BATTLE FOR THE BUSH 27.50 ❏
Foundation not only played a leading role in realising Myles Dunphy’s plan for a Greater Geoff Mosley’s account of the genesis of the nature
declare that the receipt of the Blue Mountains National Park, it pushed for its World Heritage listing, as well as the WILD PLACES 27.50 ❏ conservation movement and saving of the Blue
treasurer for the time being reservation of a Border Ranges National Park and Kakadu National Park. It has initiated The meticulously researched, beautifully written book Mountains environment (174pp)
successful campaigns for the protection of over a million hectares of wilderness in NSW. on wilderness by Peter Prineas with photographs by
of the Colong Foundation The realisation of Myles Dunply’s vision of a comprehensive system of national parks with Henry Gold (285pp) MYLES DUNPHY (SELECTED WRITINGS) 39.95 ❏
for Wilderness Ltd. shall be protected wilderness areas remains the primary objective of the Colong Foundation. BLUE MOUNTAINS WORLD HERITAGE 50.00 ❏ CLASSIC BUSHWALKING MAPS by Myles Dunphy
complete discharge to my Now, more than ever, the Foundation needs your support. Well financed and powerful rural Alex Colley and Henry Gold’s description of the 67 year campaign (Gangerang and Kowmung Maps) 10.00ea ❏
interests, miners, loggers, resort developers, as well as four wheel drive enthusiasts, horse culminating in World Heritage listing. (136pp)
executors in respect of riders and others, have greatly increased the threats facing Australia’s wild places. LIVING WITH THE DINGO 19.00 ❏
any sum paid to the Only with your help, through continued membership and donations, can the SUSTAINABILITY 20.00 ❏ by Adam O’Neill (107pp)
Colong Foundation for Foundation continue its campaigns for the preservation of the natural environment Alex Colley provides his vision on a sustainable future. (90pp)
and effective nature-based national park management, and by concentrating on WAYFARING IN WOLLEMI 40.00 ❏
Wilderness Ltd.” wilderness, these rare areas can be kept safe from development and misuse.
REPAYING MY DEBT 30.00 ❏ by Andy Macqueen (352pp)
A Conservationist's Tale. Geoff Mosley's memoirYou can also read
