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The Murray and its wetlands are in good shape after two wet years, but what happens when the next drought comes? Photo: Keith Ward
Murray-Darling draft plan fails to deliver
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n late November, the MurrayDarling Basin Authority (MDBA) released its draft plan for the Basin. Disappointingly, the plan fails on many counts. If implemented, it would leave River Red Gum national parks and Ramsar wetlands at risk of dying for a drink. Unless the plan’s environmental focus is made stronger, with buybacks of significantly higher quantities of water, the Gillard Government and the MDBA will not deliver on their promises to restore our rivers. The draft plan: • Proposes to return just 2750 gigalitres (GL) of water to the environment each year. The best available science says at least 4000GL should be returned to the Basin’s rivers annually. • Fails to meet the requirements of the Commonwealth Water Act to protect and restore our river ecosystems. The CSIRO says only 55% of environmental targets will be met by the current proposal.
submissions@mdba.gov.au, fax (02) 6279 0558, or post to Proposed Basin Plan, MDBA, GPO Box 3001, Canberra City, ACT 2601. For ideas on what to say, see mdbp.vnpa.org.au.
Nick Roberts Riverside Rescue Coordinator
In addition: • The implementation time frame (up to 2019) is too long, creating uncertainty for irrigators, the environment and the community. • Water to be recovered for the Goulburn is inadequate to maintain a healthy river. • The MDBA has ignored its climate change modelling, relying instead on historical climate data. The MDBA is undertaking a formal consultation process on the draft plan until 16 April 2012. Your voice is vital in preventing the government from adopting a bad plan that fails our rivers and parks.
2. Donate to the VNPA Your donation will help us publicise the facts that our rivers and red gum parks need guaranteed water supplies, and that saving the Murray and creating new green jobs will assist farmers and communities, not destroy them. Every donation counts. Visit redgumappeal.vnpa.org.au, phone 9347 5188, or post the coupon on page 7 to the VNPA office.
1. Make a submission You can email a submission to
3. Write to federal environment and water minister Tony Burke The minister needs to hear that you want our rivers and red gum parks to get the amount of water they need to survive. The Federal Government must deliver on its promises to save the Murray. Find contact details for federal minister Tony Burke on page 2.
ALSO IN THIS EDITION • Alpine grazing ‘trial’ rejected..................2 • Great Victorian Fish Count ................. 3 • Anglesea heathlands ......................... 4
• Mammal monitoring project ............. 5 • VNPA 60th anniversary............................7 • Bushwalking updates......................... 8
How you can help
Nationals take on hunting and logging I
n December 2011 Victorian environment minister Ryan Smith lost key responsibilities involving native forest logging and hunting. Peter Walsh, National Party deputy leader and agriculture minister, is taking more control of these areas. Environment groups are concerned that the National Party is now running environmental policy in Victoria. The changes will give Mr Walsh more say in Victoria’s controversial native forest industry, and more influence over hunting policy.
Late in December Mr Walsh launched the largest duck and quail hunting season in a decade, allowing hunters to shoot 10 birds a day for 87 days from 17 March to 11 June. Consultation on controversial changes to the Victorian Timber Code of Practice closed on 1 February. These changes will allow key provisions of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act to be overridden by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. On the back of returned alpine cattle grazing and logging in red gum
parks, this has outraged conservation groups. Combined with its failure to release a conservation policy at the last election, it appears to signal the Baillieu Government’s abandonment of its responsibility for the environment and conservation management.
Take action Contact state environment minister Ryan Smith and agriculture minister Peter Walsh expressing your dismay at their environmental actions – or lack of them!
VNPA rejects new grazing trial
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he VNPA recently sent a response to the Federal Government about the State Government’s proposed investigation into the reintroduction of cattle grazing in the Alpine National Park aimed at reducing the risk of fire. We stated that “the [State Government’s] proposal is deeply flawed, often misleading, and short on crucial information.” The proposal is for a scientific trial that has not yet been designed. The VNPA cannot understand how sites can be selected before the objectives of the trial are clarified, and its design and methodology established. No reason is given for having the majority of proposed grazing sites within the Alpine National Park. Even if a trial was necessary, it could be
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Editor: Michael Howes Design: John Sampson Printing: Tara Press Nature’s Voice is a quarterly newsletter. The deadline for our AprilMay 2012 edition is 26 March. Address: Level 3, 60 Leicester St, Carlton 3053 Tel: 03 9347 5188 Fax: 03 9347 5199 Website: www.vnpa.org.au Email: vnpa@vnpa.org.au ABN: 34 217 717 593 ISSN: 1837-6681 SAVE PAPER! If you would prefer to receive Nature’s Voice by email, please contact us on 9347 5188 or email vnpa@vnpa.org.au c: 60 m: 0 y: 100 k: 27
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Time for this cow to stop pretending it’s there to manage bushfire risk. Photo: Matt Ruchel
conducted in similar sites outside the park. The proposal only looks at threatened species and communities listed under national environmental laws and fails to take into account the all-important broad protection of National Heritage values. But the National Heritage listing sets a far higher level of protection. It calls for the management of natural systems and ecological communities in good or improved condition, whether or not they are threatened. For the full VNPA response visit submissions.vnpa.org.au, where you can also read our submission
in response to the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Draft Code of Practice for Fire Management on Public Land.
STOP PRESS! The VNPA applauds federal minister Tony Burke’s 31 January decision that the Victorian Government’s cattle grazing proposal is unacceptable under national environmental law and will not proceed. Email Tony.Burke.MP@aph.gov.au, phone (02) 6277 7640 or write to Tony Burke MP, Parliament House, Canberra, ACT 2600, to commend this welcome decision.
Myrtle Rust disease found in Victoria Parks, nurseries and forests could be threatened by the fungal disease Myrtle Rust, recently found in Victoria and which can infect all members of the Myrtaceae family. By reducing foliage health the disease could affect forest biodiversity
and harm regeneration after bushfires. Please notify the Department of Primary Industries immediately if you suspect a plant is infected with Myrtle Rust. For more information see the DPI website dpi.vic.gov.au. Victorian National Parks Association
A striking Leatherjacket spotted during the Great Victorian Fish Count.
Photo: Phil Watson
Victorian Fish Count rises to the challenge
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he VNPA’s Reef Watch program held the seventh annual Great Victorian Fish Count in December. A record number of dive operators and clubs participated, as well as school groups and friends’ groups members of marine national parks. Reef Watch aims to gather information on 25 species of temperate reef fish at a variety of habitats along the Victorian coast. In December, 23 sites from Cape Conran to Portland were monitored. In our latest count divers were given an extra challenge – to Find the Blue Groper – and at four sites they were successful! Friends of Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary reported a single Eastern Blue Groper near the SS Auckland shipwreck. Western Blue Gropers were reported for the fourth time at Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary, and at two sites in the south-west. Daktari Divers discovered a large population at Port Fairy, and three more individuals at Portland. Exciting reports of the rare Harlequin Fish (Othos dentex) came from South Beach and the Merri Marine Sanctuary at Warrnambool – we are awaiting confirmation with photos. Once again early indications are that the Blue-throat Wrasse has kept its position as the most widely distributed fish.
www.vnpa.org.au
We’ve been exploring a new world!
Plenty of Reef Watch events to get hooked on There will be a snorkel trip to Popes Eye in Port Phillip Bay on Saturday 25 February, and a dive in the Bay on Saturday 10 March. For details see the BWAG program or events.vnpa.org.au, and to book contact Simon Branigan on 9341 6508 or simonb@vnpa.org.au. Reef Watch is taking part in this year’s Two Bays program, run by Pelican Expeditions, which promotes knowledge sharing among the
A big thank you to the dive operators, Parks Victoria rangers, Coastcare and school group facilitators involved, as well as all participants. Without your support and enthusiasm the event could not take place. Reef Watch would also like to thank the Francisko design company for their
agencies that manage Port Phillip and Westernport, and connects local communities to their marine parks. For information contact Simon at VNPA. We’ve compiled a survey to evaluate the 2011 Fish Count, and would greatly appreciate your input (if you haven’t already) whether you participated this year or previously. Visit the VNPA website’s survey page to take part – survey.vnpa.org.au.
generous in kind support in designing the Fish Count T-shirt – “the best so far” said one dive operator. Thanks also to the R. E. Ross Trust and the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, as well as Roger Fenwick, for supporting the Fish Count. – Wendy Roberts, Reef Watch coordinator Nature’s Voice | No 11 | February 2012 – 3
Golden Sun Moth. Photo: itsawildlife.com.au
Urban sprawl threatens wildlife R
ight now, pockets of habitat critical to the survival of Melbourne’s native wildlife are under increasing pressure from property developers. For the past two years the Victorian and federal governments have been planning for new urban growth corridors in Melbourne’s north, west and south-east. It’s now crunch time. The Federal Government must soon sign off on plans to protect several nationally threatened species in these areas, and the State Government is expected to sign off on growth corridor plans. We expect thousands of hectares of habitat to be destroyed for urban development, but some critical habitat areas must be set aside to allow native species to survive. The VNPA and groups such as the Friends of Merri Creek have put in a detailed submission on this. Politicians are coming under pressure to reduce areas set aside for conservation. Some developers want this land for more houses and profits, not for nature. Yet many of the proposed conservation areas will not just be homes for native plants and animals;
HOW YOU CAN HELP Write to federal environment minister Tony Burke and Victorian planning minister Matthew Guy. Email Tony.Burke.MP@aph.gov.au, phone (02) 6277 7640, or write to Tony Burke MP, House of Representatives, Parliament House, Canberra, ACT 2600. Email matthew.guy@parliament.vic. gov.au, phone (03) 9938 5990, or write
they will also offer recreation space for people, and protect creeks for water quality and flood control. We must get this planning right for both people and nature. It’s expected that the State Government, via the Growth Areas Authority, will consider submissions before producing plans for signoff from
to Hon Matthew Guy, Level 7, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.
More information F ind out why our grasslands matter by visiting grasslands.vnpa.org.au. Download our submission from submissions.vnpa.org.au.
the Federal Government in the next few months. Without strong conditions from the Commonwealth that ensure a clear commitment from Victoria to implement the proposed conservation plans, the liveability of Melbourne, and the future of its wildlife, could well be at risk.
Anglesea heathlands handed over to Alcoa T he State Government failed to justify its November decision to renew a 50-year lease that gives control of Anglesea’s nationally significant heathlands to mining giant Alcoa. “The Anglesea heathlands are one of the most biologically diverse areas in the state,” VNPA Executive Director Matt Ruchel said. “They should be protected in our national park system. But the Baillieu Government has delivered 6480ha of the heathlands to Alcoa – which will
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Striated Fieldwren.
Photo: Geoff Gates
be allowed to expand its coal mining operations by 60% in the lease area. “What’s worse is that this area will be exempt from native vegetation
protection regulations.” The VNPA and the Geelong Environment Council want the area added to the adjacent Great Otway National Park. “These valuable heathlands must not be sacrificed or locked up for the future expansion of a dirty brown coal mine,” said Joan Lindros from the GEC. “The State Government and Alcoa should secure their future by making them a unique part of the major tourist destination that is the Great Ocean Road.” Victorian National Parks Association
NatureWatch launches new monitoring project his year the VNPA’s NatureWatch program is joining Wombat Forestcare, Friends of Bunyip State Park, the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (ARI) and Parks Victoria to develop and run a new project. Volunteers and ARI staff will establish monitoring projects in Wombat State Forest and Bunyip State Park, then use motion-sensing cameras to gather information on the impact of fire on small native mammals. Data collected by volunteers will be very important in building our knowledge of this subject. The cameras are set up in selected locations and baits placed in their field of view to attract animals, which are then photographed. Cameras can be left at a site for extended periods. NatureWatch volunteers who took part in fire and fauna monitoring with Deakin University and Parks Victoria in Grampians National Park in 2009 and 2010 worked with these cameras as a survey tool. It’s much easier than trapping, which requires twice daily checking of many traps, and it does not stress the animals. The project will run in Wombat State Forest from March to June, and begin in Bunyip State Park later in the year. If you’d like to take part in camera monitoring in Wombat State Forest, come to Trentham (95km from Melbourne) on Saturday 10 March, 10am-1pm, when ARI scientists will
Photo: courtesy Wombat Forestcare
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VNPA NatureWatch volunteer Kim sets up a motion-sensing remote camera in the Grampians, and inset, a young wombat caught by motion-sensing camera.
NatureWatch reports online Check out the recently-released NatureWatch reports Frogs in the Grass (on Growling Grass Frogs) and Moths in the Sun (Golden Sun Moths). Both reports are on our website under ‘Reports’ in the Publications section. For details see reports.vnpa.org.au
train volunteers in using motionsensing cameras. Wombat Forestcare people will also share the results of their mammal research, including habitat preferences of the vulnerable Greater Glider. Following this training, you can attend subsequent weekends in Wombat State Forest, moving cameras to selected sites, setting them up and
doing basic vegetation assessments. To book your place please email caitling@vnpa.org.au or phone 9341 6510 (Thursdays and Fridays). Full details will be sent on registration. Look for details of training and monitoring in Bunyip State Park in the near future! – Caitlin Griffith, NatureWatch coordinator
Gropers: gentle giants of our seas Blue gropers are large, slow-growing, friendly fish that reach a metre or so in length and can live for 70 years. Reef-dwellers, their numbers were much reduced by fishing in the 1980s, but now appear to be recovering. New regulations now prohibit the taking of Eastern and Western blue gropers in Victorian waters by any fishing method. This will protect them until April 2012, when the www.vnpa.org.au
Department of Primary Industries decides whether the species needs further protection. Our February appeal letter, which you’ll receive soon, focuses on the groper story and our campaign to protect more of Victoria’s unique marine areas in national parks, including our active involvement in the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council’s marine study.
Eastern Blue Groper.
Photo: William Boyle
Nature’s Voice | No 11 | February 2012 – 5
Key VEAC recommendation ignored
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he VNPA was very disappointed at the Baillieu Government’s November decision to reject the major recommendation in the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) report into remnant native vegetation in Victoria. This recommendation was to initiate new studies into public land use in Victoria’s biodiversity ‘hotspots’ in South Gippsland, Central Victoria and the Wimmera. Another 19 recommendations were only given ‘in principle’ support,
and no new initiatives or policies were announced. “This decision will ring alarm bells for Victorians who care about our natural environment,” VNPA Executive Director Matt Ruchel said. “Recommendations to manage rivers better, protect fragile remnant vegetation and investigate important biodiversity hotspots have fallen on deaf ears. “The Baillieu Government response is all spin and no substance. The government has given no
indication that any new initiatives will come from this report, and rejected its biggest single recommendation. “Before the 2010 election, the Coalition made a point of committing to retain VEAC,” Matt said. “But having received its first VEAC report, the Baillieu Government has missed the opportunity to give the community a clear indication of its conservation policy approach. “This government is obviously shirking its environmental responsibilities.”
he VNPA was delighted to learn on 2 December that state planning minister Matthew Guy had ruled against a proposed high-density residential development adjoining Serendip Sanctuary at Lara. He said the proposed development was “inconsistent with the overwhelming community interest”. The $70 million subdivision, which had been approved by the Geelong Council, would have seen 380 housing sites established on 38ha of rural land. Local people feared that the
Photo: flickr.com/photos/cumulus_humilis/
Serendip saved from developers T
Cape Barren Geese and ibis at Serendip Sanctuary.
development, with accompanying traffic and domestic animals, would compromise the Sanctuary, a refuge and breeding site for rare waterbirds and other fauna and an important educational facility.
The Mallee in Flower reprinted This excellent guide to Mallee flora, produced by naturalist the late Ian McCann and first published by the VNPA in 1989, has been out of print for a number of years. VNPA members and other Mallee plant enthusiasts will be happy to learn that the book has now been reprinted (with updated plant names and revised preface) by the Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association Inc. of South Australia. As a special offer, the VNPA is making the book available to members for $22.00 per copy including postage and packaging. (Non-members will be asked to pay 6 – Nature’s Voice | No 11 | February 2012
the normal $5.00 postage charge.) Please contact the VNPA office for this special offer. With a striking photo of the Scarlet Mint-bush (Prostanthera aspalathoides) on the cover, this ‘pictorial introduction’ to the plants of north-western Victoria, eastern SA and south-western NSW will greatly enhance people’s appreciation of our unique mallee environment and vegetation.
The VNPA commends Minister Guy on his decision, and also congratulates the Township of Lara Care Group and other community members who campaigned for eight years against the proposed development.
VEAC Yellingbo investigation Express your views on biodiversity and public land around Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve in the Yarra Valley. Yellingbo is well known as a home for the endangered Helmeted Honeyeater and now VEAC wants to know which aspects of the area’s natural environment people value, and which places are most suitable for improving habitat links. You can make a submission online (veac.vic.gov.au) or by post: VEAC, PO Box 500, East Melbourne, 3002. The deadline is 20 February 2012. Victorian National Parks Association
VNPA welcomes new staff in 60th anniversary year W
e welcome Ann Strunks, Lara Hookham and Sophie Bickford, and farewell Emily Clough, who is going on parental leave. Our new Communications and Marketing Manager Ann Strunks said joining the organisation in time to celebrate our 60th anniversary augurs well for her. “I’ve arrived in time to celebrate an incredible milestone – our 60th anniversary of protecting and cherishing Victoria’s natural environment. What a landmark achievement!” said Ann. “We’ll be celebrating this in a number of ways, one being the roll-out of our new brand.” Our current brand – developed over thirty years ago – is undergoing a facelift. It’s served us well, but our 60th anniversary is the perfect time to stride into the next 60 years with a fresh, modern identity. Our name, however, remains the same. “I’ll talk more about this initiative as it progresses. In the meantime, I hope to meet as many members – and remember as many names – as I can,” Ann said. This year we are putting extra emphasis on attracting new members and supporters. To get us there we are pleased to welcome Lara Hookham, our new fundraiser.
Ann Strunks is the VNPA’s new Communications and Marketing Manager, and Lara Hookham (below), is our new fundraiser.
Lara brings with her extensive experience in fundraising. She has worked for the Leukaemia Foundation, Care Australia and the Lost Dogs Home and has garnered a number of awards. We’ll keep members abreast of all initiatives, including the rebranding, as they progress. The Victoria Naturally Alliance has appointed project officer Sophie Bickford to the new Central Victorian Biolink project, aiming to promote large-scale landscape connectivity. Sophie, who has 20 years’ experience in environmental and biodiversity science, is living in Kyneton on a former small farm. She will be gathering information and scientific
knowledge, and consulting with local groups, to further the project. She will be based at the Hub in Castlemaine 2½ days a week for the next five months, and can be contacted on sophie@centralvicbiolinks.org.au.
✓ Yes! I want to support the VNPA with a tax deductible gift. I would like to make a regular financial contribution to provide VNPA with secure funding for critically important conservation work. I’d like to give: $50 per month $20 per month $............. a month Regular financial contributions are managed by credit card or direct debit only, with debit made on the 28th of each month. You will receive a tax receipt at the end of each financial year, and can stop or change your donations at any time. One-off Donation - I’d like to give a one-off tax-deductible donation of $................ PAYMENT METHOD
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Bank/Branch (BSB#) ........................... Account number ................................................................ Account holder(s) name ........................................................ Signature ..........................................Nature’s Donations $2 |are tax-deductible. www.vnpa.org.au Voice |over No 11 February 2012 – 7 2/12 Please post or fax with payment to VNPA, Level 3, 60 Leicester St, Carlton 3053 OR you phone us on 03 9347 5188, fax 03 9347 5199.
Photo: Charles Street
OUT AND ABOUT Bushwalking and Activities Bushwalking Highlights and updates 11 Feb (Sat) Sorrento and surrounds Explore the front and back beaches and cliff tops, with a swim thrown in! Grade: easy/medium, 14km. For details phone the VNPA office on 9347 5188 or email vnpa@vnpa.org.au.
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15 Feb (Wed) Get active for nature Join us for drinks and nibbles, meet fellow members, VNPA staff and walk leaders – 6.30pm at 60 Leicester St, Carlton. Doors open 6.15pm. RSVP: 9347 5188/ vnpa@vnpa.org.au.
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19 Feb (Sun) New members’ walk, Yarra Bend Park Celebrate joining VNPA with an introductory walk! We explore bush tracks in search of birds and bats, then enjoy a picnic lunch. Grade: easy, 8km. More information: 9347 5188 or email vnpa@vnpa.org.au.
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22 Feb (Wed) Under 35 social night Come along and meet some new or familiar faces. For more info email Adrianna if you’re not already on the U35 e-group list. RSVP by phoning 9347 5188, email vnpa@vnpa.org.au.
Researcher Bonnie gives VNPA willow busters their instructions.
‘Help the Alps’ is on again! The VNPA ‘Help the Alps’ 2012 volunteer weekend is on from Friday 2 to Monday 5 March inclusive. We will mainly be removing Grey Sallow Willows, and there will be a fair amount of walking. Meals and shared room accommodation at Howmans Gap are provided by Parks Victoria. Volunteers are asked to drive up on the Friday for an early Saturday start, returning home Monday afternoon. To attend, please email amyd@vnpa.org.au as soon as possible, putting ‘Help the Alps’ in the email subject line. Or phone 9347 5188. Confirmation of your place, and more details, will be sent to you later in February.
Program changes 18 Feb (Sat) Port Phillip Bay snorkel Snorkel at Popes Eye, Port Phillip Bay. See page 3 for details. Activity changed to Sat 25 Feb.
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18 Feb (Sat) Dandenongs Circuit
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14 Mar (Wed) Social night – speaker to be announced Check monthly email for details or call from mid-February. Contact: 9347 5188/ vnpa@vnpa.org.au.
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10 Mar (Sat) Dive in Port Phillip Bay See page 3 for details.
If undelivered – return to
BWAG Program page 21. This walk has been changed to Sunday 26 February.
forest and abundant ferns. Drouin farmers’ market en route.
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Saturday 17 March
Our 500th coach excursion! Travel to Wilsons Promontory in the steps of the very first VNPA excursion (June 1954). See how the park is faring after the 2011 storm.
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Saturday 21 April
Excursions Saturday 18 February
Coach trip to Cape Schanck and Flinders with walks there, Arthurs Seat and Seawinds.
Coach trip to Tarra-Bulga National Park, with South Gippsland’s original
Bookings & enquiries: 9347 5188, email vnpa@vnpa.org.au.
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Victorian National Parks Association Level 3, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton 3053
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